
VABVI is happy to report that this year's Intensive Residential Life Experience (IRLE) summer camp program was a big hit among the students, and that they made real progress toward mastering the skills that will allow them to achieve and maintain independence. This year's theme was "Becoming and Staying Physically Active." Camp was held at Camp Hochelaga in South Hero, and students swam in the lake, played "beep baseball," and even went horseback riding, in addition to participating in many other activities. All of these activities were selected by our Teachers of the Visually Impaired (TVIs) because they help increase confidence, provide our students with the opportunity to practice problem-solving skills and daily living techniques, and, just as importantly, allow them to enjoy their summer with peers who face challenges that are similar to their own. More information about this year's session will be available in VABVI's Annual Report, which will be mailed out in the Fall. To learn more about the IRLE program, please contact Stephanie Bissonette, Supervisor of Children's Services, at sbissonette@vabvi.org, or by phone at (800) 639-5861 extension 225.
VABVI is pleased to announce that this summer's Annual Dinner and Silent Auction was a huge success. Held at the Burlington Country Club, the Annual Dinner was well attended and generously sponsored, while the Silent Auction claimed a record number of items donated by local businesses. Attendees enjoyed a presentation and slideshow from our Supervisor of Children's Services, Stephanie Bissonnette. VABVI would like all of the businesses and individuals who donated to the Silent Auction to know how much we appreciate their generosity. Special thanks also goes to our table sponsors:
Silver Level: Blue Cross / Blue Shield, Robert and Polly McEwing, TD Bank, Vermont Mutual Insurance Group, and William and Carole Hauke.
Bronze Level: Ai Squared, Concept 2, Fleischer Jacobs Group, GW Plastics, MacLean, Meehan & Rice, MBF Bioscience, Northfield Savings Bank, Revision Eyewear, and Symquest Group.

