When our Worshipful Master asked me to write an article for the Trestleboard, I decided, rather than write about Masonry, I would write about my experience these past three month.  Most of you know I've been taking classes at the Visually Impaired
Center at the Veteran's Hospital in Palo Alto.   I thought you might be interested to hear a little about the Center.
  Any Veteran, diagnosed as legally blind, may be accepted into this program.  It's a 24/7 commitment and one lives on campus during the training.  The instruction is one on one and lasts six weeks.  Each teacher works with the student until both are satisfied they have achieved the results they were striving for.  During my stay, I had my own bedroom and shared a bath with the person in the room next to me.
  The training consisted of Mobility, Living Skills, Wood Shop - and an additional six more weeks of computer training.  In Mobility, I was taught how  to use a cane that you sweep in front of you as you walk, so that you can avoid obstacles.  We were
taught how to walk on sidewalks, in stores and on rough grounds.  In Living Skills, I was given various items to make life situations easier to manage.  Some of these consisted of a talking watch, clock, calculator, an electric razor and numerous
other items.  In Wood Shop, I was taught how to use a table saw, planer, sander, drill press, etc.  All equipment was fitted with safety devices.
  The optical department made numerous checks on my eyes and fitted me with glasses and other optical items that enable me to watch TV, read street signs and etc.
   Our evenings were spent watching television, playing bingo, having barbecues, music programs, playing pool and swimming.  We had weekend excursions, such as deep sea fishing in San Francisco, a trip to the Monterey Aquarium, the
rodeo in Salinas and golfing.  The time really passed quickly.
   This is just a brief summary of what is available.  If you are a veteran and ever develop macular degeneration, or any other eye disease that disables you, this program would be well worth the time spent.  There are presently seven centers in the United States.  In Palo Alto, they only accept 32 students at a time, so there is often a six month waiting period.
   However, with all these good things I experienced, it was wonderful to be back home and I expect to be participating, once again, in all our Masonry events.

Jim Dillaman, P.M. (1920 - 2010)
Librarian and Historian