Vol. 32, No. 4
APRIL 2007

THE MID-FLORIDA VOICE
A publication of Mid-Florida Council of the Blind


TABLE OF CONTENTS
MESSAGE FROM MFCB PRESIDENT SHELLEY JUSTICE
NEXT MFCB GENERAL MEETING
MFCB MARCH GENERAL MEETING REVIEW
LIGHTHOUSE CENTRAL FLORIDA'S SIGHT & SOLE WALK FAST APPROACHING
FLORIDA RESTAURANT ASKS GUIDE DOG USER TO LEAVE
THEATER DOWNTOWN, ONE OF ORLANDO'S BEST KEPT SECRETS
FCB TECH TALK
FCB E-MAIL DISCUSSION LIST AND VOICE CHAT ROOMS
MFCB ON THE WORLD WIDE WEB
SPECIAL PROGRAMS AT OCLS
BOWL-A-THON AND SOUTHEASTERN GUIDE DOGS' WALK-A-THON RESULTS
MEMBERSHIP - from Jay Bader
BIRTHDAY PEOPLE


MESSAGE FROM MFCB PRESIDENT SHELLEY JUSTICE

Greetings, MFCB Members and Friends,

Time flies by so quickly; and once again, it is time to focus on the Annual FCB State Convention. As you probably know, this year’s Convention will be held in Tallahassee from May 17th-21st.

Having just over 60 Members, our Chapter is entitled to 7 delegates and 2 alternates, plus 1 or 2 First Timers, if we have any to send. Most of our Chapter Officers will be attending as delegates; but there are still a few slots available.

However, one need not be a voting delegate to attend and to thoroughly enjoy the Convention. There is a little something there for everyone. There is time to meet, greet and spend time with old and new friends. There are educational, interesting and informative workshops on a variety of topics. There is the Exhibit Hall, where one can get hands-on experience with some of the latest technology. Then, there is the Sunday morning Meeting, where, of course, the business of the organization is carried out.

If your dues were paid by last November 15th, and if you attend regular Meetings, you are eligible to be a voting delegate at State Convention. Give it serious thought, and if you are interested, let your voice be heard at the April General Meeting when the selection of delegates will take place. I hope to see all of you there.


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NEXT MFCB GENERAL MEETING

The next General Meeting of MFCB will be at William Booth Tower, 633 Lake Dot Circle, Orlando, FL, 32801, on Saturday, April 7th, 2007, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. The phone number at William Booth Tower is (407) 843-5533. It is highly recommended that if anyone uses paratransit, please plan your rides accordingly.

For the April General Meeting, 1st Vice President Jack Jordan will moderate an open forum where people can ask general legal questions. Jack practices Family Law; however, similar to what was done last April, he invites all who attend to ask questions regarding law in general.


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MFCB MARCH GENERAL MEETING REVIEW

Plenty of Members and Guests, enough to consider a quorum was established, attended the MFCB March General Meeting held on Saturday, March 3rd, at William Booth Tower in downtown Orlando. After the Pledge of Allegiance, President Shelley Justice asked those in attendance to introduce themselves.

Then after the Secretary's Report for the February General Meeting was read and approved, with one correction of the beginning time of the Bowl-A-Thon at 6:00 PM instead of 6:30 PM, and Treasurer's Report was read and approved, Shelley opened the floor for Committees to report. For the Membership/Telephone Committee, it was announced that MFCB Phone Rosters have been printed and recorded. For the Fundraising Committee, Leslie Spoone announced that a raffle would be held during the Meeting with 3 prizes, at $1.00 per ticket:

1st Prize - 3 Orlando Magic Tickets for Monday, March 5th
2nd prize - Telephone and Answering Machine
3rd Prize - 2 Orlando Magic Tickets for Monday, March 5th

Old Business focused on continuing plans for MFCB at the upcoming Annual FCB Convention, which will take place in Tallahassee from May 17th through 20th. It was decided that MFCB would not hold a fundraiser at Convention this year. The deadline for registration is April 17th, 2007.

Shelley pointed out that the staff at the hotel will not be assigned for personal errands. Also, MFCB will have 7 delegates and one alternate for this year's FCB Convention, all which will be chosen at the April General Meeting. And the voucher approved at the February General Meeting applies no matter whether you are a delegate or not.

For New Business, it was announced that the Sight & Sole Walk would take place on Saturday, March 31st, at Cranes Roost Park in Altamonte Springs (More information about this Walk is noted shortly after this section of this issue of THE MID-FLORIDA VOICE.). Sheila Young made a motion for Mid-Florida Council of the Blind to buy a brick from Lighthouse Central Florida. The motion was seconded and approved.

After the Business part of the Meeting adjourned, the following Door Prizes were awarded:

Flashlight - Matt Roberts
Picnic Basket - Patti Land
Bread Basket and Popcorn - Jim Lamb
Ketchup and Mustard Squeeze Bottles - Bill Freeman, who also found that there was five dollars in the ketchup bottle
2 Cheese Spreaders - Betty Sparrow

Here were the results of the Raffle:
Bill Freeman won 3 Magic Tickets for Monday, March 5th.
Bob Huntsman won the Telephone with Answering Machine.
Rachel Bader won 2 Magic Tickets for Monday, March 5th.

Congratulations to all Door Prize and Raffle Ticket winners!

Before the Business part of the March General Meeting, 1st Vice President Jack Jordan introduced the Guest Speaker: Mary Catherine Schwable, one of the newer Members of MFCB, who is a Nurse and diabetes educator. Her presentation was called "Diabetes: Prevention and Treatment" and was well-received by those in attendance.


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LIGHTHOUSE CENTRAL FLORIDA'S SIGHT & SOLE WALK FAST APPROACHING

As was mentioned in the March 2007 issue of THE MID-FLORIDA VOICE, the Sight & Sole Walk takes place on Saturday, March 31st, at Cranes Roost Park in Altamonte Springs. Registration for the walk opens at 8:00 AM, with the walk itself starting at 9:00 AM. An awards ceremony is scheduled to begin at 9:30 AM.

Since 1976, Lighthouse Central Florida (formerly the Center for Independence, Technology & Education - CITE) has served adults and children with low vision and blindness by providing professional rehabilitation and training programs in Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Lake and Sumter counties. LCF is the sole non-profit provider of comprehensive vision rehabilitation services in the Central Florida area. For many of those years, MFCB has worked with LCF on many projects and participated in many activities it has planned, and one of them is the Sight & Sole Walk, an annual fundraiser which benefits LCF.

The entry fee for the 2007 Sight & Sole Walk is $25.00 and is non-refundable. As this issue goes to press, the time is running out fast to pre-register for the event, so if you would like to participate, and for additional information, please contact LCF at (407) 898-2483.

MFCB looks forward to having its Members be a part of the Sight & Sole Walk and have it be a successful fundraiser for Lighthouse Central Florida.


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FLORIDA RESTAURANT ASKS GUIDE DOG USER TO LEAVE

There are certain situations that we would have thought would not continue to occur in 2007. One of them would be discrimination against guide dog users in restaurants.

Here is an article from the Tallahassee-area newspaper, the Tallahassee Democrat, which was posted on the Florida Council of the Blind (FCB) Listserv. It provides a clear account of what happened to a particular guide dog user in that area of the state.

Tallahassee Democrat, FL, USA
Thursday, March 15th, 2007

Local restaurant tries to kick out blind man

By TaMaryn Waters, STAFF WRITER

Canton tries to ban seeing-eye dog

Michael Elliott and his wife, Felicia, went to the Canton Chinese Restaurant for lunch Wednesday afternoon and ended up being served a request to leave.

Elliott, Bureau Chief of Client Services for the Florida Division of Blind Services, is visually impaired and uses a seeing-eye dog to guide him in public. He said the couple was first seated in the back of the restaurant and they were soon asked to leave, stating dogs were not allowed.

"I was really offended," said 45-year-old Elliott. He said the couple eats there often, but this was the first time he brought his guide dog.

"My main thing is to educate people about people with disabilities and service animals," Elliott said of his job with the state.

He said he tried to explain that the dog was a service animal and permitted by law in public places, including restaurants. Elliott said one of the employees told his wife "to leave...we don't want your business."

A Tallahassee police officer was called to the restaurant, located at 2624 W. Tennessee St., at 12:48 PM. At that point, the couple was still in the restaurant and had begun eating from the buffet selection.

Lt. Dewey Riou, watch commander on duty Wednesday, said Officer Johnny Walker responded to the scene and informed the owner that the animal was permitted in the restaurant under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act.

Riou said the business was not cited or fined since its owner was cooperative.

Elliott felt the business allowed the couple to eat there since it was buffet-style service. He didn't feel like they would have been served otherwise.

Xue Jay, a cashier at Canton, translated for co-owner Chang Lin, who doesn't speak English, regarding the incident.

"He said this was a misunderstanding of the law," Jay said.

Here's what the law says:

Florida Statue 413.08 entitles all Florida residents with hearing impairments, visual impairments and physical disabilities to full and equal accommodations, facilities and privileges in public conveyances and accommodations. Federal law: The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, which took effect July 26th, 1992, prohibits private employers, state and local governments, employment agencies and labor unions from discriminating against qualified individuals with disabilities in job application procedures, hiring, firing, advancement, compensation, job training, and other terms, conditions and privileges of employment. An individual with a disability is a person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; has a record of such an impairment; or is regarded as having such an impairment.

Sources: The Florida Council on Developmental Disabilities and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Contact reporter TaMaryn Waters at (850) 599-2162 or tlwaters@Tallahassee.com.

MFCB encourages those, especially guide dog users, to be aware of the law and these situations and hope that should one occur, that it is handled appropriately to the benefit of that user.


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THEATER DOWNTOWN, ONE OF ORLANDO'S BEST KEPT SECRETS

MFCB Member Sheila Young wanted Members to be aware of a place that provides great entertainment at a cost less expensive than one would expect: in a live-performance theater in Orlando. Here she tells about it in her own words:

I have found one of Orlando's best hidden secrets, the Theater Downtown located at Princeton and Orange Avenue. I am sure if you have been here for awhile, you are familiar with this live theater, but as a fairly new resident, I have had the pleasure of recently attending two plays at this theater.

It is an all volunteer-run play house that has been here for 18 years, and very reasonably priced. It is $18 for us youngsters, and for those that are 55 and over admission is only $15. There are only 120 seats, so it is a small and personable theater. There is a lobby where you can purchase drinks prior to the show, and then an intermission to stretch your legs about halfway through (and, of course, to purchase another drink).

The show that is being shown is "Sylvia", a play about man's best friend, "the dog." This story is about a man who finds a dog in the park in New York City, lives in an apartment, and has a wife that doesn't want a dog, having a very funny and serious tone at the same time. The next play is "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof," beginning in April.

I would highly recommend for everyone to go at least once and form their own opinion, but I really feel it is well worth the price, and is about the same cost as going to a movie. I know that you can contact the theater and be put on a mailing list, as well as an e-mail list.

For more information about the Theater Downtown, it is located at 2113 N Orange Ave., Orlando, FL 32804. The phone number at the theater is (407) 841-0083.


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FCB TECH TALK

Florida Council of the Blind (FCB) invites all Members throughout the state of Florida to participate in Tech Talk, a monthly get-together for anyone who needs help with their computer and respective applications. John Richards, FCB 2nd Vice President and Chair of the FCB Technology Committee, who organized this voice chat, says, "Please take advantage of this free tech support session. Have you paid for tech support lately? If so, then you're aware of the cost."

Tech Talk takes place on the first Monday night of every month at 8 PM. To be a part of Tech Talk, grab a headset and microphone and head to the FCB General Chat Room at the following link: http://www.fcb.org/FCBGenRSigIn.htm. From there, just sign in and hit the Enter key on your keyboard.

There are some Members of MFCB that are part of the FCB Technology Committee and they may even be able to help you. So if you need help with your computer, join in on Tech Talk. And keep the change in your pocket.


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FCB E-MAIL DISCUSSION LIST AND VOICE CHAT ROOMS

Florida Council of the Blind (FCB) is proud to have its members throughout the state participate in a couple of ways on the Internet. The FCB E-mail Discussion List is a way for members, locally and statewide, to express themselves freely on a variety of issues. These can range from those on a local level to issues on a state or even national platform.

MFCB encourages all Members with E-mail and Internet access to sign up and participate in the various discussions as well as maybe even starting a few. To sign up for the FCB E-mail Discussion List, and for more information about the List, go to the FCB website at http://www.fcb.org and go to the link for "FCB E-mail Discussion List Information and Instructions."

And FCB has 2 voice chat rooms for members of the organization. One of these is for General chat, the other is for the FCB Board and its respective committees to meet. Everyone is invited to sit in on these chats, especially to participate with those in the General chat room.

For more information about these FCB chat rooms, especially if you want to know how you can join in on the chats, click on the link "Voice Chat for FCB" at http://www.fcb.org.


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MFCB ON THE WORLD WIDE WEB

Mid-Florida Council of the Blind has a presence on the World Wide Web. Through the Florida Council of the Blind website, http://www.fcb.org, there is information available on the Internet about MFCB, especially the MFCB By-Laws, as well as current and past issues of the MFCB Newsletter, both in the previous name of MUMBLES and the newer name of THE MID-FLORIDA VOICE. MFCB is proud to have people find out what is going on with our organization in this global manner.

To specifically get to the MFCB section of the FCB website, go to http://www.fcb.org/mfcb.htm. Feedback is strongly encouraged as to the accessibility and content of the website, so if you have any questions or suggestions, E-mail webmaster@fcb.org. With your suggestions, changes can be made that better what we have on the Web.


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SPECIAL PROGRAMS AT OCLS

The Orange County Library System (OCLS) will have many interesting events during the month of April.

On Thursday, April 19th, at 7:30 PM, "Lower Your Energy Costs: Tips and Products that Work" will take place at the North Orange Branch Library, 1211 E. Semoran Blvd., Apopka, FL 32703. Representatives from Progress Energy will share ways to keep your energy costs low while the temperature soars!

On Thursday, April 26th, from 10:30 AM to 12 NOON, "Senior Crime Prevention Seminar: Home Safety" will take place at the Edgewater Branch Library, 5049 Edgewater Dr., Orlando, FL 32810. Orange County Sheriff Office experts will teach you how to keep safe in your home. Be sure and stop by the Orange County Sheriff Office Help Desk following the program to sign up for a free emergency cell phone!

And "Making a Good Impression: Advice for the New (and Not So New) Job Seeker" will take place at the following OCLS Libraries in April:

Tuesday, April 24th, at 6:30 PM
Washington Park Branch Library
5151 Raleigh St., Suite A, Orlando, FL 32811

Saturday, April 28th, from 2:00 PM to 3:15 PM
West Oaks Branch Library
1821 E. Silver Star Rd., Ocoee, FL 34761

Jamie Yasko-Mangum, owner of “Successful Style and Image,” will demonstrate how to create and maintain a professional, polished appearance. There will be a drawing for a free copy of Yasko-Mangum’s new book, "Look, Speak and Behave for Women: Expert Advice on Image, Etiquette and Effective Communication for the Professional."

For more information about these events, contact OCLS at (407) 835-7323.


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BOWL-A-THON AND SOUTHEASTERN GUIDE DOGS' WALK-A-THON RESULTS

The Bowl-A-Thon held March 3rd for the Carter Family Blind Bowlers League in Winter Garden was a tremendous success. All who participated and attended had a great time, despite the loss to the NFB-Greater Orlando Chapter bowlers, but there is always next year!

Chuck Graham, President of the league, wants to extend his deepest appreciation to Shelley Justice, as well as to the Members of MFCB for coming out and supporting this fundraiser on March 3rd. Thanks to all of the efforts put forth, close to $3,000.00 was raised for the Blind Bowlers League. Once again, thank you for all of the support you gave the league.

And a weekend earlier, Southeastern Guide Dogs held its Annual Walk-A-Thon in Palmetto, FL, near Bradenton on February 24th. As of March 8th, the Walk-A-Thon raised over $245,300.00.

One of the highlights of the weekend took place the night before at the Annual Awards Presentation, which honored SEGD employees, puppy raisers and graduates. MFCB Immediate Past President Rachel Bader was taken by surprise as she was presented with the 2006 Graduate of the Year Award for all her efforts in promoting the school during her regular work in dealing with access technology for the visually impaired. (Congratulations Rachel!)

MFCB is proud to have been part of these fundraisers and look forward to continuing to participate in many more, especially in Central Florida.


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MEMBERSHIP - from Jay Bader

Notes from Jay: The MFCB Telephone Roster will be available at the April General Meeting in Large Print and Braille. E-mail and Cassette versions can be made available by request.

I also always accept submissions to THE MID-FLORIDA VOICE. All submissions for the May 2007 issue must arrive by regular mail or e-mail to me by the 15th of April as it will be prepared shortly after that. You will be properly credited with the submission.

If you have any further questions, please call me at (407) 658-2479 or e-mail mfcbinfo@bellsouth.net. Looking forward to seeing many of you at the MFCB General Meeting in April!


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BIRTHDAY PEOPLE

APRIL

2 - David Land
13 - Bill Spoone
15 - Mary Catherine Schwable
15 - Joyce Hildreth
19 - Rachel Bader
29 - Ann Valentini



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