Blind Center of Jersey Cape Celebrates 13 Years

AVALON – The Blind Center of the Jersey Cape held its annual luncheon for 25 guests on Oct. 15 at the First United Methodist Church. Celebrating its 13th year, the non-profit organization continues to offer the visually impaired in Cape May County a place to socialize and adapt to their blindness.
Founded on Oct. 16, 2000 by Avalon resident Millicent A. Saraduke, the Blind Center of the Jersey Cape conducts meetings at the church twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Meetings begin at 10:00 a.m. and typically conclude at 1:30 p.m. Lunch and a variety of activities are provided. There is no fee to join and transportation is offered by Cape May County Fare Free Service for seniors and disabled. The group currently has about 10 active members and four sighted volunteers, and while the majority of the members are senior citizens, anyone over the age of 18 is welcome to join.
Saraduke, the center’s president emeritus, lost her sight in 1982. Wanting to help others who were dealing with the newfound challenges of blindness, she traveled to the Midwest and California to research other centers for the blind. Applying the knowledge she gained from these other outlets, Saraduke started the center for those afflicted in Cape May County. The organization’s motto is “do not curse the Darkness but Light a Candle.”
President Phil Harrison said the center offers different activities and programs to its members, including exercise demonstrations, music, arts and crafts, lectures, Bingo, computer classes and field trips. “In May we went to Cape May and did the Trolley Ride,” said Harrison. “Even though we’re visually impaired we can still learn about the history of the area and enjoy the experience.” Other excursions have included a picnic at the Cape May Point Lighthouse and a visit to the Avalon Boardwalk.
Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi, a friend of Saraduke’s, was the anniversary event’s guest speaker. According to Harrison, Pagliughi has spoken to the group on past occasions and continues to be a strong supporter of the Center.
For more information about the Blind Center of the Jersey Cape visit www.blindcenterjerseycape.org or contact Phil Harrison at (609) 545-8575.