Vision Impaired of Marin Summer 2026 Newsletter

Spring Highlights

Vision Impaired of Marin enjoyed a vibrant spring filled with opportunities for connection, creativity, learning, and fun. Our monthly Zoom Support Groups provided a welcoming space for members to share experiences, exchange resources, and support one another. The Talking Book Club continued to bring book lovers together for lively discussions and friendship.

Members enjoyed a luncheon at Café Arrivederci, an afternoon at the movies featuring You, Me and Tuscany, and an Outdoor Sensory Experience at Creekside Park. Our Sponge Art classes at the Marin Society of Artists encouraged creativity, while a stroll through the Marin Art and Garden Center with Marin Villages offered a beautiful opportunity to enjoy the rose garden.

The season culminated in our 3rd Annual Bocce Ball Tournament and Picnic in the Rose Garden, bringing together players, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters for a memorable day of friendship and community.

We are grateful to our program partners and volunteers, including Marin Society of Artists, Marin Center for Independent Living, San Rafael Commons, Eli Botvinick, John Costa, Microsoft, Marin County Lions Clubs, Rotary Club, Marin Bocce Federation, and Christie Gill. Their generosity and dedication help make VIM's programs possible.

VIM's Summer 2026 calendar offered a variety of opportunities for members to connect, learn, create, and enjoy new experiences. Activities included our ongoing Art Class, Talking Book Club, Zoom Support Group, and community luncheon.

Members also enjoyed a Happy Hour gathering, Ice Cream Social, bus trip to Stinson Beach, afternoon at the movies, Torn-Paper Art classes, guided visit to Angel Island, miniature golf, and participation in the Marin Senior Fair.

These activities provide meaningful opportunities for friendship, fellowship, and engagement throughout Marin County.

Vision Impaired of Marin's 3rd Annual Bocce Ball Tournament Fundraiser was our most successful tournament yet! Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, teams, raffle donors, volunteers, and supporters, we raised more than $15,000—an 85% increase over last year.

More than 80 bocce players participated, joined by an additional 30 VIM members, guests, and volunteers for a day of friendly competition, friendship, and community support.

This year's tournament featured the 2nd Annual Director's Cup and Lions Cup, with perpetual trophies awarded to the winning teams. We were excited to welcome Rotary Club participants and introduce a new Open Play Perpetual Cup.

Our sincere thanks to Marin Bocce Federation, Marin County Lions Clubs, Rotary Club, our sponsors, volunteers, and everyone who contributed to this outstanding event.

Learn More About Our Bocce Tournament Sponsors

By: Suzie Tremolada 

When I was considering signing up for Guide Dogs for the Blind's five-day Orientation and Mobility Immersion Program, I wasn't convinced I needed it. I've lived with vision loss for many years and thought, "How much more is there to learn?" The staff assured me there was a great deal I would gain from the experience, and boy, were they right. 

My main goal was simple: I wanted to feel more comfortable and confident crossing intersections, especially when I couldn't clearly see traffic lights. The training opened my eyes to skills I had never fully considered. 

We learned how to analyze the shape of an intersection, listen to the flow and direction of traffic, identify potential hazards, assess traffic volume, and make safer crossing decisions. The instruction was practical, thorough, and incredibly empowering. The trainer was excellent, and each day increased my confidence and independence. 

Explore if you qualify for orientation and mobility training. Do you find yourself feeling uncertain at intersections, hesitant in unfamiliar areas or even in your own neighborhood, less confident than you'd like to be when walking?  I encourage you not to hesitate. Like me, you may discover there is much more to learn than you expected—and that the increased safety, confidence, and independence are well worth it.

For more information contact us 415-459-5066 or info@bvim.org

or Guide Dogs for the Blind at 800-295-4050.

Vision Impaired of Marin has partnered with Marin Villages to help older adults experiencing vision impairment remain independent and connected. 

Marin Villages provides valuable assistance with transportation to medical appointments, errands, shopping, reading, technology, walks, event attendance, and other everyday needs.

Members also benefit from social and educational opportunities. 

Marin Villages offers a sliding-scale membership fee and welcomes volunteers who can share their skills and support older adults in the community.

To learn more about membership or volunteering, contact Marin Villages at 415-457-4633 or info@marinvillages.org.

Visit Marin Villages

Do you know someone who could benefit from Vision Impaired of Marin's programs and resources? We welcome new members, volunteers, businesses, and community organizations interested in supporting our mission.

Businesses and organizations can help by sponsoring a luncheon, supporting a bocce team, or contributing to our programs and services.

Contact us at 415-459-5066 or info@bvim.org to learn more.

Vision Impaired of Marin has sustained its mission for more than 50 years through the generosity of its supporters. Founded in 1974, VIM has benefited from charitable bequests that help ensure our programs continue serving adults experiencing vision impairment throughout Marin County.

Founding Board Member Dorothy J. Chin left a generous bequest of $161,000, establishing the Dorothy J. Chin Fellowship Legacy.

You can become part of this lasting legacy by including Vision Impaired of Marin in your will or trust through a specific dollar amount, a percentage of your estate, or a designated asset. You may also designate VIM as a beneficiary of an account or asset or make a memorial donation in honor of a loved one.

Vision Impaired of Marin receives no government funding and relies on the generosity of individuals, local businesses, and community organizations to sustain our programs and services.

Every donation helps enrich the lives of adults experiencing vision impairment by providing opportunities for support, fellowship, information, and meaningful connection.

Your generosity makes a difference.

Make a Donation to Vision Impaired of Marin

Thank you to our members, volunteers, donors, sponsors, and community partners for helping Vision Impaired of Marin continue its mission. Together, we are building a welcoming community where adults experiencing vision impairment can connect, thrive, and enjoy meaningful experiences.

Vision Impaired of Marin

369B Third Street #183
San Rafael, CA 94901

415-459-5066 | info@bvim.org

Visit bvim.org