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DALLAS TWP. — After having their event postponed due to the weather last Sunday, the Association for the Blind’s InSight Kids Club were able to have their Sweetheart’s Skating Party this Sunday and got back to doing what they do best: helping blind and visually impaired kids have fun.

The Association for the Blind’s Valentine’s Day-themed event was held at Rollaway Skating Rink, and featured decorations for the holiday, snacks and, of course, skating.

According to Sara Peperno, president and CEO of the Association for the Blind, the InSight Kids Club is all about helping visually impaired kids to experience more of the world.

“We want to give kids experiences they wouldn’t have otherwise,” Peperno said. “Like rollerskating.”

Peperno said that the InSight Kids Club originally started as a summer day camp and eventually grew into a club that offered monthly programs for blind and visually impaired kids. According to Peperno, the goal of those programs is two-fold.

“It’s about socialization; we want the kids to feel like they have a support group,” Peperno said. “It’s also about education. We want them to learn about the world, but also have fun while they’re doing it.”

The Sweetheart’s Skating Party was held in conjunction with Community Services for Sight, based out of Hazleton. That group’s president, Lori Lescante, added that, in many ways, events like these are about empowerment.

“We want the kids to feel like they can do anything,” Lescante said. “We tell them, ‘Yes, you can do it.’”

One mother-daughter pair, Jeannine Penzone, 43, and Kayla McDonough, 16, made the trek to Dallas all the way from Carbondale in northern Lackawanna County to take part in the event.

“I think it’s great that they keep the kids doing what other kids would be doing,” Penzone said.

“And it’s also good to know that you can go to an event and have it be safe,” chimed in McDonough, who is visually impaired. “There was an event where we were riding horses, and I was scared to death at first, but I knew I was safe.”

Penzone said that it was important that she and Kayla drove the approximately 40 miles from Carbondale so they could take part in the event. And while the Carlsson family, who live in nearby Trucksville, did not have as far to drive, they still believed it was important to come.

“It’s great how these events get people with visual impairments to try everything,” said John Carlsson, 42.

His daughter, Madison, 13, said that the event was “good,” and that she was excited about spending the day with her mom and dad.

The InSight Kids Club will continue to hold events such as this one, with two more already planned for the upcoming months.

On Saturday, April 1, the InSight Kids Club will hold its first egg hunt, and on Saturday, May 6, the club will hold a family brunch and family support group.

According to a news release, the Association for the Blind offers family support groups and activities to provide everything from emotional support to networking opportunities.

According to Peperno, the InSight Kids Club is open to more people, both new members and new volunteers.

“We’re always looking for more people,” she said.

Raina Long, 16, of Hunlock Creek, resists the urge to hold on as she skates along.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_TTL022017skating_2.jpg.optimal.jpgRaina Long, 16, of Hunlock Creek, resists the urge to hold on as she skates along. Bill Tarutis | For Times Leader

Kayla McDonough, 16, left, navigates the skating floor with the help of her mom, Jeannine Penzone, both of Carbondale.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_TTL022017skating_3.jpg.optimal.jpgKayla McDonough, 16, left, navigates the skating floor with the help of her mom, Jeannine Penzone, both of Carbondale. Bill Tarutis | For Times Leader

Jacon Carlsson, 8, left, skates with his sisters, Madison, 13, and Charlotte, 3, and their mom, Alison, all of Trucksville, during the Greater Wilkes-Barre Association for the Blind’s Sweethearts Roller Skating Party on Sunday at Rollaway in Dallas Township.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_TTL022017skating_1.jpg.optimal.jpgJacon Carlsson, 8, left, skates with his sisters, Madison, 13, and Charlotte, 3, and their mom, Alison, all of Trucksville, during the Greater Wilkes-Barre Association for the Blind’s Sweethearts Roller Skating Party on Sunday at Rollaway in Dallas Township. Bill Tarutis | For Times Leader

By Patrick Kernan

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Reach Patrick Kernan at 570-991-6119.