Low Vision Support Group Seeks to Empower Members

By Michael Bromka

Debbie and Richard Pinching of LVSG (Low Vision Support Group) ask everyone to spread the word about the monthly group meeting for anyone fretting about dimming eyesight.

Including Ann Halford, Damacio Fuentes, and Michael Bromka, LVSG enjoys a bimonthly field trip. They recently visited the Carlsbad Municipal Museum’s exhibition of artwork by Roderick Mead.

City Historian Jameson Lucas served as a docent, well-versed in the famous artist’s oils, watercolors, drawings, and prints.

“My family owns a Roderick Mead print, and I just bought one online last year. It’s my aim to collect more.”

Debbie thanked Jameson for his engaging narration.

“We really loved your words for people who can’t see. I’m one of them,” Damacio agreed.

“I enjoyed it. I got a ‘word picture’ of that diving bird.” From back before his blindness, Damacio recalls birds in flight. But regarding birds that dive for fish, “this was the first I’ve ever heard.”

LVSG’s goal is empowerment and discovery for anyone local challenged by dimming vision. They meet every other month at Church Street Church of the Nazarene, 2401 W. Church St., usually on the last Thursday of the month, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

In intervening months, LVSG enjoys a field trip. Recent trips have included The Artist Gallery, United Way, MainStreet, the Cavern Theatre, the library’s Holocaust exhibition, and the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens.

Richard can see fine to drive. Everyone else catches a ride, either with friends or Transit.

Scheduling exceptions arise during the holidays. In November, LVSG will meet on Thursday, the 13th. Their pre-Christmas potluck lunch will be on Thursday, December 11.

In January, they’ll meet on the last Thursday, the 29th. They always meet from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., but field trips tend to run longer.

If any reader of the Carlsbad Local knows someone fretting over diminishing eyesight, they should pass along the name and number of LVSG’s president, Debbie Pinching: 575 706-8863. It’s voicemail because she screens out spam. Real folks? She calls back!

Left: viewing art of Roderick Mead, two trios plus soltero—Museum regulars Jameson Lucas, Dean Richardson, and Dalton Emig; LVSG’s Ann Halford, Debbie and Richard

Pinching; Damacio Fuentes.

Below: Ann Halford with her favorite wood engraving by Roderick Mead, “Watering Hole on the Range,” 1946. (Submitted Photos)