It's Annual Dues Time

2012 dues to the Yosemite Gateway Council of the Blind are due now!

Why join?
Your $10 membership keeps you informed and supports issues affecting the blind/visually impaired community. Your membership to the local chapter, Yosemite Gateway, also extends to the state affiliate, California Council of the Blind (CCB), and the national organization, American Council of the Blind (ACB).

Locally, we have and continue to address issues of access and safety. If you have noticed more check-outs with tactile keypads, that is one result of structured negotiations between CCB and businesses. Nationally, issues being worked on include: pedestrian safety in regards to “silent cars” and accessible money & telecommunications.

Click here to print Membership Application

If you are renewing, we do not need an application form.

Please come!
The next meeting of the Yosemite Gateway Council of the Blind will be on Thurs, Jan 19th at 1:00pm at COVE (1240 D Street, Merced).

Dr K Randall Grossman, MD
“Latest Eye Research”

Thursday, February 9, 2012
11:30am – 1:00pm

Carrow’s Restaurant
720 Motel Drive, Merced

RSVP: 722-8118 or cove4u@gmail.com

Activity Schedule

Tuesdays
Activity Day - Games & Crafts

Wednesdays
Out of Sight Gardening Club

Thursdays
Cooking & Daily Living Skills
Tips for Daily Living with a Visual Impairment

Contact COVE for more information
722-8118 or cove4u@gmail.com

¿Buscando algo que hacer?
Vengan a divertirse en COVE.

Las actividades son adaptadas para las que
se refieren con ceguera o baja visión.

Martes
Día de Actividades
Artesanía, Juegos, y más...

Miércoles
Club de Jardinería “Out of Sight”

Jueves
Cocinando y Habilidades de la Vida Diaria
Consejos para la vida diaria con discapacidad visual.

Información:
209-722-8118 o cove4u@gmail.com
COVE 1240 D Street, Merced

Help COVE’s Garden Grow

Come join the gardening program at COVE.

Wednesdays at 10:00am
Beginning Wednesday, July 13th

Contact COVE for more information
722-8118 or cove4u@gmail.com

Crafts & Games

Activity Day at COVE

Every Tuesday
Beginning Tues., July 12th

Contact COVE for more information
722-8118 or cove4u@gmail.com

COVE is 3 years old and grown into a center that can serve those in our area dealing with blindness and low vision. We are connecting people to the services available, training in daily living skills and assistive technology, and supporting each other with groups of varied interest. Our store carries specialized items. We are here to serve you, the blind and visually impaired community. If you have ideas on how we can serve you better, we welcome your suggestions.

We are updating our mailing lists and surveying your needs. Please complete the attached form and return it to COVE. If we do not hear from you soon, you can expect a courtesy call from our staff.

DOWNLOAD UPDATE FORM

Sincerely,
Margaret Buchmann-Garcia, Director

RICV (MERCED)-RESOURCES for INDEPENDENCE CENTRAL VALLEY

Do you have a disability and need support? Come join us at the “RICV-Merced Peer Support” group!

RICV Peer Groups revolve around open discussions and activities that include the following topics and more!

• Disability Issues
• Life Issues
• Learn Computer Skills
• Learn about Assistive Technology
• Independent Living Skills
• Disability Rights Awareness, etc…

When: Wednesday April 13th, 2011 at 1:30-3PM
A Speaker from The C.O.V.E. (Center Of Vision Enhancement) representing the Resource Center for Blindness and Low Vision
Where: Merced County Library Rm. #205 3rd Floor
2100 “O” Street Merced, Ca 95340

For further information or questions, please call
RICV-Merced-(209)-383-1683
Independent Living Specialist-Lynn Downum

Merced Bus Route Changes

This month there were bus route changes in Merced. Routes 1 and 2 no longer stop at the 13th & D Street Stop near COVE.

Routes 4, 5, and 9 will continue to stop at the 13th & D Street Stop.

Major Changes to Dial-A-Ride Service for Atwater/Winton Residents

Starting March 14, 2011, only those with an ADA Para-Transit ID will be able to use the Dial-A-Ride Service in Atwater and Winton. If you qualify and do not have this ID, please contact TheBus to apply for one or COVE and we can help you complete the form.

A taxi scrip program is starting for seniors who reside in Atwater/Winton. It will also be available to para-transit riders.

Information regarding this program has been sent out to registered riders of TheBus. If you need this information in an alternative format (large print or Braille), please contact COVE. You can also call 209-726-2729 for information.

Accessible Prescriptions?

ACB is working on accessible prescription issues with the country's large pharmacy retailers. We are interested in talking with individuals who currently get their prescriptions either in a local store or by mail order from one of the following pharmacies:
CVS Walgreens
Rite-Aid Wal-Mart
Target

Please contact us by email at: LF@LFLegal.com or info@gdblegal.com
or call toll free at 1-800-822-5000.

Please let us know your name, phone number, location, and which pharmacy you use.

Signed up for P G & E’s CARE Discount?
Call COVE to sign–up.
We can also submit renewals.