Information

Social Hall Available for Rent

Entrace to Dining Hall

The Philomatheon Society has a lovely Hall that you can rent for your special event:  birthday, wedding or baby shower, anniversary, graduation, family gathering such as Christmas.   Also available for business meetings. 

There is an industrial kitchen available with convection oven, steam table, gas range, Bunn coffee maker.

Seating capacity is 113 people.  Five hour rental fee is $200.00.  Use of kitchen (gas appliances) $30.00.  Additional hours charged at $30.00 per hour.  Security/cleaning deposit $80.00.  ($20.00 surcharge for Holidays)

Stop in and check out this lovely space for your next gathering.  Office Hours are: Monday to Friday, 9am to 2pm.    Or call 330-453-9157 for availability.

Payment can be made on this site through PayPal.  Please Note:  there is a 3% (three percent) service fee for PayPal.  Please contact office at prior to making a PayPal payment. Thank you.

(prices effective 7/1/2020, but are subject to change, without notice)

Dining Hall Kitchen Window

Board of Directors

As per the Constitution of the Philomatheon Society of the Blind, the elective officers of the Corporation shall be a Board of Directors consisting of President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, combined office of Assistant Secretary & Assistant Treasurer, and four Directors.

The President, Vice President, Secretary, and a majority of the Board must be legally blind.

  • Denise Dessecker - President
  • Scott Mead - Vice-President
  • Jeri Lee Weatherholt - Secretary
  • Shirley Zelina - Treasurer
  • Judy Oddi - Assistant Secretary/Treasurer
  • Francis Brown
  • Mary Jean Gross
  • Mary Pool
  • Aziz Sulton

The Philomatheon Society of the Blind
2701 West Tuscarawas Street
Canton, Ohio 44708

330-453-9157

MONDAY thru FRIDAY  9 am to 2 pm

 

Fax:  330-453-9157 (during business hours only)

 

email:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

Now Accepting:  PayPal

 

 

 

  • Classes - Braille and Technology
  • Scholarships
  • Talking Book Program thru the Library of Congress
  • Visual Aids
  • Help Links

Photo:  CCTV "Closed Circuit Television.  A desktop magnification system.  If you live in Stark County, we may be able to loan you one of these machines at no charge.  Contact the office 330-453-9157, to get information about CCTV's and set up a time to stop in and see if this machine will help you. 

Closed Curcuit TV

 

 

IF YOU MEET A BLIND PERSON

Questions And Answers

Blind man with white cane

Blindness can happen to anyone through accident or illness, but most blind persons are able to lead useful and independent lives. When you meet a Blind Person, don't be ill at ease. It will help if you remember these simple rules of courtesy as suggested by the blind, themselves.

  • I am a normal person who happens to be blind.  Treat me as you do any acquaintence.
  • Speak to me in normal tones.  Don't as my companion, "Does he or she take cream in his coffee?"  Ask me directly.
  • I can walk more easily with you than with a dog or a cane.  Don't pull my arm, but let me take yours.
  • A person with a white cane has the legal right-of-way crossing a street.  When driving a car, always stop for a person with a white cane.
  • When I enter a bus don't leave me standing at the door, but offer to guide me to a seat.
  • When in a restaurant with me, please read the menu to me.
  • When handing money to me, separate the bills into denominations and identify them for me.
  • When entering the same room or area where I am, please identify yourself and others with you. 
  • When introducing me to another person, please indicate his location.
  • An open door of a room or a car is a hazard for me.  So are toys on the floor.
  • Whenever you meet a blind person with a guide dog, be sure to explain to any children nearby that the dog is a working dog and should not be distracted by petting.
  • When dining, I will tell you how I am accustomed to having things arranged, and I may need help to cut my meat.  Please tell me where my napkin and  glass is and locaiton of food on my plate.
  • I will discuss blindness with you if you're curious, but I have as many other instrests as you.  Radio broadcasts, braille materials, talking books, and yes, even TV keep me generally well informed, but I depend upon otehr people for further information.

"How to Approach A Guide Dog Team"

A TEAM consists of a guide dog and its owner.

When a guide dog is in harness, it is at "WORK" and is responsible for guiding its owner and should not be distracted.

Here are some hints on what to do (and NOT do) when you come across a guide dog team.

Always greet the owner first.  Whatever side the guide dog is on, approach from the other side. Do not make eye contact with the guide dog.

Do not approach or call out to a team while it is in the middle of a task.

Do not pet a guide dog without asking the owner's permission. The dog should not be petted in harness.  Do not get your feelings hurt if the owner says 'NO'.

Do not call out or whistle at a guide dog.  The owner's safety is dependent on the guide dog maintaining focus.

Do not allow your pet to come near a guide dog team.  Always keep your pet on a leash.  And please let me know if there is another animal in the area.

Do not feel or offer the guide dog food or treats.  Guide dogs are fed on a schedule that is strictly maintained.  Because they often visit restaurants and grocery stores, they are trained to ignore food.

Please do not be afraid to ask questions, it is how we learn.  Be kind and courteous and let's enjoy each other's company.