Annual Beeping Egg Hunt for visually impaired children

By Michelle Crow-Dolby

sensory activities, plus verbal descriptions and "Touch Tours" of Gari Melcher's studio art gallery and home, which allowed visitors to explore various features of Belmont with their hands.. For more information or to RSVP, contact Education and Communications Manager Michelle Crow-Dolby, 540-6541851.

Since 2011, the Education Department has invited visually impaired or blind children and their families to participate in a Beeping Egg Hunt. This annual event is reminiscent of the Easter parties Corinne Melchers , with her husband's encouragement, would host for local children each year at Belmont, complete with Punch and Judy shows, egg rolls, fanciful invitations, and plenty of favors.

Our specially designed plastic eggs, which were made and donated by the International Association of Bomb Technicians and Investigators volunteers, emit a chirping beeping sound that allows visually impaired children to retrieve them using their hearing. Sighted siblings are encouraged to participate by wearing a blindfold. The event also includes a petting zoo, a "Touch a Tractor" station,

Gari Melchers Home and Studio is a 28-acre estate and former residence of the artist Gari Melchers and his wife Corinne. The property, which is operated by the University of Mary Washington, is both a Virginia Historic Landmark and a National Historic Landmark. Located at admission charge. The museum also serves as the official Stafford County Visitor Center . For directions and other information, call (540) 654-1015 or visit the museum website at www.GariMelchers.org.

Michelle Crow-Dolby is the Education and Communications Manager at Gari Melchers Home & Studio

Annual Beeping Egg Hunt

Sunday, April 2 from 2-44pm Gari Melcher Home & Studio (Belmont) 224 Washington St