Vol. 29, No. 8
OCTOBER 2004
THE MID-FLORIDA VOICE
A publication of Mid-Florida Council of the Blind
TABLE OF CONTENTS
MESSAGE FROM MFCB PRESIDENT RACHEL BADER
NEXT GENERAL MEETING
SEPTEMBER GENERAL MEETING REVIEW
ORANGE COUNTY TALKING BOOKS PROGRAM CONTINUES
WHITE CANE DAY NOT TOO FAR AWAY
FCB BOARD MEETING AGAIN IN MFCB COUNTRY
FCB HAS A DISCUSSION LIST!
MFCB ON THE WORLD WIDE WEB
PLAN AHEAD FOR MFCB ANNUAL HOLIDAY LUNCHEON
ABBA BOWLING SEASON HAS BEGUN
MEMBERSHIP - from Jay Bader
BIRTHDAY PEOPLE
MESSAGE FROM MFCB PRESIDENT RACHEL BADER
Dear Members and Friends of MFCB,
I hope all of you are doing well and have made it through all of the recent hurricanes with no or minimal damage.
With October, specifically October 15th, comes the observance of White Cane Safety Day here in Florida and across the country. This is a
day we set aside to raise the awareness and recognize the issues we as blind pedestrians face as we travel through our day-to-day lives.
I'm happy to let you know that in a collaborative effort along with other blindness consumer organizations and agencies serving the blind,
MFCB will be participating in activities surrounding this event.
We're in the planning stages now and will have more information to share at the October General Meeting. I would encourage all of you
who can to participate in some way with these activities or to help raise the awareness of White Cane Safety in your own areas. The more
we are able to get out there and alert the public to important issues, such as this, potentially we make things better for ourselves and
other individuals.
Looking forward to seeing many of you in October.
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NEXT GENERAL MEETING
The next Meeting of MFCB will be at Booth Towers, 633 Lake Dot Circle, Orlando, FL, 32801, on Saturday, October 2nd, 2004, from 1:00
PM to 3:00 PM. The phone number at Booth Towers is (407) 843-5533. It is highly recommended that if anyone uses paratransit, please
plan your rides accordingly.
President Rachel Bader will call a Board Meeting at 12:30 PM.
As of this issue going to press, it is not known whether or not there will be a guest speaker for this General Meeting.
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SEPTEMBER GENERAL MEETING REVIEW
22 members were present at the MFCB General Meeting on September 11th at Booth Towers in downtown Orlando (this meeting was
rescheduled from the original September 4th date due to the threat from Hurricane Frances). After a moment of silence to honor 9-11,
everyone who attended talked about what they did during the summer.
Then, after the Secretary's reports for May and June were read and approved, committees were given the opportunity to give reports.
Three committees reported:
By-Laws: Jay Bader, chair of the By-Laws Committee, reported that even though the MFCB By-Laws were approved in principle at the FCB
Convention this past June in Tampa, not all the specific By-Laws Revisions were approved. The following proposed changes were
formally read to the membership in attendance:
ARTICLE II, Purpose
In section B, the word "community" would be changed to "communities."
Revision passed at the May General Meeting:
B. To promote better understanding between the blind and sighted community.
Proposed Re-Revision:
B. To promote better understanding between the blind and sighted communities.
ARTICLE VIII, Quorum
In section A, "The majority of members present at any MFCB monthly meeting" would be changed to "1/4 of the registered MFCB
membership" and add "at any monthly meeting" after the word "Quorum."
Revision passed at the May General Meeting:
A. The majority of members present at any MFCB monthly meeting shall constitute a Quorum.
Proposed Re-Revision:
A. 1/4 of the registered MFCB membership shall constitute a Quorum at any monthly Meeting.
ARTICLE IX, Amendments
The entire article would be changed to the following:
"The MFCB By-Laws are to be amended in the following manner:
1. Any proposed revisions must be first formally read at a monthly Meeting.
2. Those revisions must then be printed in the following MFCB Newsletter.
3. The same revisions would then be re-read, discussed and voted on at the next monthly Meeting.
4. Revisions must be approved by a majority vote of the Quorum at any monthly Meeting."
Revision passed at the May General Meeting:
The MFCB By-Laws may be amended by a majority vote of the Quorum at any General Meeting.
Proposed Re-Revision:
The MFCB By-Laws are to be amended in the following manner:
1. Any proposed revisions must be first formally read at a monthly Meeting.
2. Those revisions must then be printed in the following MFCB Newsletter.
3. The same revisions would then be re-read, discussed and voted on at the next monthly Meeting.
4. Revisions must be approved by a majority vote of the Quorum at any monthly Meeting.
These changes would be re-read, discussed and voted on at the October General Meeting.
Membership/Telephone: Jay Bader, Co-Chair of the Membership/Telephone Committee, reminded everyone that dues are now being
accepted for 2005. (More information about this is noted later in this issue.) And with the meeting date changes due to the threat of
Hurricane Frances, many phone calls have been placed to members to keep them informed of what is happening. Special thanks to
Co-Chair Elizabeth Bouyer for all her help.
Transportation: Chuck Graham, Chair of the Transportation Committee, reported the results of the TD Commission's meeting in Miami on
August 27th concerning Medicaid funding. A cutback of $2,100,000 was approved, which was 16 percent less than what was originally
proposed. The proposal made by Lynx, Jacksonville Transit Authority (JTA) and Miami-Dade was not approved.
Also, Chuck noted that if anyone has any questions or concerns regarding any paratransit issue, whether it be ADA or TD Paratransit or
Medicaid Transportation, contact Dwight Sayer, President of NFB-Greater Orlando Chapter and advocate with MV Transportation, at (321)
948-1466, or Chuck himself at (407) 239-6875.
Chuck added that new buildings are being built for both Lynx and MV Transportation. The new terminal for Lynx, located at Garland and
Amelia, should be completed by November; the new building for MV will be opening in early October. In addition, the Paratransit
Certification process is changing, with no eye doctor needed to verify a person's degree of blindness. Either a verification from a qualified
CITE employee or DBS counselor can be accepted.
Transportation Committee member Nicole Hugues reported on problems Lynx and MV Transportation have experienced due to the
hurricanes. Rachel suggested that everyone use some common sense as conditions warrant.
Rachel told the membership that the Orange County Library System (OCLS) has retained its Subregional Library with a dedicated staff
person. (More on this later in this issue.) She challenged all members in attendance to use it or we could lose the service as early as the
middle of next year. Rachel added that MFCB may have a group go to the Main Library in downtown Orlando to use Talking Books and
other services available to the disabled.
Chuck Graham motioned that MFCB hold a future meeting at the Main Library, which was approved, as OCLS has invited all blindness
organizations, including MFCB, to come to the Main Library. Nicole Hugues said that OCLS wants to know who is interested in receiving
their regular newsletter in an alternative format. Any members who are interested can contact Nicole on her cell phone at (321) 663-2007.
She added that it would help if members sign up for a Library card, which is available free of charge.
Rachel stressed again that MFCB members go to the Main Library in downtown Orlando and check out the services available and be a
part of the Library environment. Chuck suggested that if we do have an MFCB meeting at the Main Library, we extend the time to 12 NOON
to 3:00 PM so we can get the opportunity for these services. This meeting could take place as early as the November General Meeting.
MFCB 1st Vice President Betty Sparrow chaired the formation of the Nominating Committee, which is the committee responsible for
recommending MFCB officers for the following term year. The membership in attendance selected and approved the following members
to this committee:
Arline Graham
Dave Hillebrandt
Larry Turnbull
These members should contact Betty at (407) 290-2248 to follow up on the process for recommendations.
With White Cane Day on October 15th, Rachel said that we can collaborate with NFB-Orlando and CITE for an event. A suggestion given
to Rachel from Joyce Hildreth at CITE was that a short walk could be made in downtown Orlando with as many people participating as
possible. Members in attendance agreed with this idea.
A special committee was formed at the General Meeting for this event. Patti Land will chair the committee with Nicole Hugues and Rachel
volunteering to join as well. MFCB has copies of the Florida White Cane Law (which is also contained in an article later in this issue) and
the Pedestrian Safety Handbook that can be given out. Chuck Graham suggested that maybe Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer can be contacted
to make a proclamation to designate the day we choose to hold the event as "White Cane Awareness Day" in Orlando.
Rachel made note that all blindness organizations, especially MFCB and NFB-Orlando, should continue to work together on issues. She
is encouraged by what has been accomplished through collaboration thus far, especially in regards to Talking Books.
Before the meeting was adjourned, it was decided to plan ahead for the Annual Holiday Luncheon in December. When the discussion
began to decide whether to have it at Booth Towers or a restaurant, it was unanimously approved that MFCB would have this luncheon at a
restaurant. So after a brief time for suggested places, the membership approved to have the Annual Holiday Luncheon at Logan's
Roadhouse on Sand Lake Road in southwest Orlando (more information on this later in this issue). 2nd Vice President Jackie Gideons
added that at Logan's, gratuity is not included, so members need to make a note of that.
Special thanks to Bo and Shelley Justice for providing refreshments as the Spoone family could not attend the September General
Meeting.
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ORANGE COUNTY TALKING BOOKS PROGRAM CONTINUES
On Thursday, August 12th, the Orange County Library System (OCLS) held its monthly Board of Trustees Meeting, this one being at the
Main Library in downtown Orlando. At the meeting, the Board would make a final decision as to whether or not OCLS would maintain its
status as a Subregional Talking Book Library. Going into this meeting, many who attended that are members of MFCB and NFB-Greater
Orlando Chapter were hoping for another chance to speak in favor of maintaining the Subregional Talking Book Library in Orlando. All of
us who attended from these organizations did speak, and the result was a surprise to all of us.
After we all spoke, and OCLS Assistant to the Director Debbie Moss presented Options to the Board on what could be done to maintain
the Subregional Talking Book Library, the Board discussed the Options. Going against the OCLS Staff recommendation, which was for
the current Main Library Staff to share responsibility for Talking Books, the Board of Trustees voted unanimously to reinstate a dedicated
person who would be salaried and have benefits, which was dropped after Linda Atwell retired due to medical reasons at the end of last
year. The one issue that was stressed by the Board to those Talking Book users in attendance was that we show the Board that we are
going to the Library and using the resources they have for the print-disabled, especially the Talking Books that are in supply. In addition,
the Board of Trustees was impressed by our combined efforts regarding this situation and is looking forward to continued dialogue from
all of us in growing and improving all services OCLS offers to the print-disabled.
Thanks to those members of MFCB and NFB-Orlando who made all this effort worthwhile. We have truly seen advocacy work and work
effectively. OCLS has informed both organizations that they will have information forwarded for each organization's newsletters so look for
that in future issues of THE MID-FLORIDA VOICE.
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WHITE CANE DAY NOT TOO FAR AWAY
October 15th is a day very important to the blindness community. It is White Cane Awareness Day, a day to educate people about the
laws that protect the blind and visually-impaired when it comes to walking and crossing the streets. Former Florida Council of the Blind
(FCB) President Carl McCoy wrote the following article, giving us much to consider as we plan our activities for that day. It is reprinted with
permission from the September-October 2004 edition of the White Cane Bulletin:
WHITE CANE LAW PROTECTS BLIND PEDESTRIANS
(October 15th Florida White Cane Day)
Violation of the White Cane Safety Law as a Punishable Offense
by Carl F. McCoy (Past President of FCB)
There is little doubt that the American intersection is becoming more and more hazardous to blind pedestrians. In one recent week alone,
there were five incidents of persons struck by motor vehicles resulting in one being killed and the other four being seriously injured. With
ever-increasing traffic volume everywhere, hearing about a person who is blind becoming a traffic victim somewhere in the U.S. is almost
a daily occurrence.
As a countermeasure, many states have adopted legislation designed to protect this vulnerable group who must cross busy streets to
conduct their daily activities. Florida Statute 413.07 is named "Traffic Regulations To Assist Blind Persons" and states:
1. It is unlawful for any person, unless totally or partially blind, or otherwise incapacitated, while on any public street or highway, to carry in
a raised or extended position a cane or walking stick which is white in color or white tipped with red.
2. Whenever a pedestrian is crossing or attempting to cross a public street or highway, guided by a dog guide or carrying in a raised or
extended position a cane or walking stick which is white in color or white tipped with red, the driver of every vehicle approaching the
intersection or place where such pedestrian is attempting to cross shall bring his vehicle to a full stop before arriving at such intersection
or place of crossing and before proceeding shall take such precautions as may be necessary to avoid injuring such pedestrian.
3. Nothing contained in this section shall be construed to deprive any totally or partially blind or otherwise incapacitated person not
carrying such a cane or walking stick, or not being guided by a dog, of the rights and privileges conferred by law upon pedestrians
crossing streets or highways; nor shall the failure of such totally or partially blind or otherwise incapacitated person to carry a cane or
walking stick, or to be guided by a guide dog upon the streets, highways, or sidewalks of this state, be held to constitute, or be evidence
of, contributory negligence.
4 Any person who violates any provision of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in
section 775.082, section 775.083, and section 775.084.
Since there seems to be little public awareness that violating the legal rights of blind pedestrians is a punishable offense, we urge that
every driver in Florida, both residents and visitors, at least learn and observe this law. If it would enhance their sensitivity to mentally place
themselves in the role of the unsighted, they might imagine being blindfolded and told to "Now, cross the street." Would a careless or
reckless driver have a clearer insight into the plight of the blind and observe safety?
October 15th is traditionally designated as National White Cane Safety Day. Governor Jeb Bush has signed a proclamation to this effect
for the state of Florida and declares:
"Whereas, everyday, Floridians who are blind and visually-impaired demonstrate personal courage and determining as they pursue an
active life, and;
Whereas, the White Cane Law and other state laws ensure the right to travel independently using a white cane or guide dog wherever a
person who is blind or visually impaired chooses to go, and;
Whereas, the public awareness and perception of the White Cane Law is the key to implementation and understanding of this State
Statute and its objectives, and;
Whereas, The Florida Council of The Blind endeavors throughout the year to heighten public awareness of the White Cane Law by way of
special activities held throughout the state on October 15th;
Now, therefore, Jeb Bush, Governor of the state of Florida, does hereby extend greetings and best wishes to all observing White Cane
Safety Day, October 15th"
Signed and sealed by Governor Jeb Bush on September 17, 1999, in Tallahassee, Florida.
We, the members of the Florida Council of the Blind, challenge Florida's drivers to observe the rights of blind pedestrians, and indeed all
pedestrians, to take into account the lives of these courageous pedestrians and respect those who carry a white cane or are lead by a
guide dog.
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FCB BOARD MEETING AGAIN IN MFCB COUNTRY
The Annual Florida Council of the Blind Board Meeting will be held at the Sheraton Safari Hotel, 12205 Apopka Vineland Road, Orlando,
FL 32836. The hotel's phone number is (407) 239-0444. It will be taking place during the weekend of Friday, November 12th, through
Sunday, November 14th, 2004, the weekend after the November MFCB General Meeting.
This is the third consecutive year that FCB has held the Board Meeting at this hotel. For those of you who have never attended an FCB
Board Meeting, this is your chance to see what happens as all members throughout the state are invited to attend. We hope as many
members as possible can attend the various Committee Meetings as well as the General Business Meeting on Saturday, the 13th.
Since MFCB is again the host FCB Chapter for the Board Meeting, it would be great to have as much of the membership as possible
attend that Saturday. If you are interested in attending any Committee Meetings or the Special Leadership Seminar on Sunday, November
14th, please contact Rachel Bader at (407) 658-2479 or e-mail mfcbinfo@bellsouth.net
for more information.
We hope to see many of you at the Annual FCB Board Meeting at the Sheraton Safari in Orlando! More on this in the next issue of THE
MID-FLORIDA VOICE.
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FCB NOW HAS A DISCUSSION LIST!
Florida Council of the Blind (FCB) is proud to have its members throughout the state participate in its E-mail Discussion List. 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 everyone 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.”
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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 web site,
http://www.fcb.org, there is information available on the Internet about MFCB as well as current and
some past issues of the MFCB Newsletter, both in the previous name of MUMBLES and the newer name of THE MID-FLORIDA VOICE.
This is only the beginning as another option has been made available for people to find out what is going on with our
organization.
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 will better what we
have on the Web.
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PLAN AHEAD FOR MFCB ANNUAL HOLIDAY LUNCHEON
To round out the calendar year, MFCB enjoys spreading good cheer. What better a way to do so than getting together to eat good food.
The MFCB Annual Holiday Luncheon will take place at Logan's Roadhouse in South Orlando on Saturday, December 4th, 2004, from
11:30 AM to 1:30 PM. The location of this Logan's Roadhouse is 3060 West Sand Lake Road, Orlando, Florida 32819.
If you need more information, you can contact Logan's Roadhouse at (407) 351-4599. Here's a little more information about what food
you will find there, taken from their website, http://www.logansroadhouse.com:
"While Logan's Roadhouse is all about fun, we take the quality of our food very seriously. Which is why our wide variety of menu items
includes everything from the finest U.S.D.A. choice, aged steaks, hand-cut on premise, to the freshest chicken breasts around to flame
grilled salmon and catch-of-the-day to homemade yeast rolls that'll make you feel all warm inside. Our salads are equally fresh and
flavorful."
Please take note of the date and plan your rides accordingly; also, note that gratuity is not included in the total for food, even for large
parties. This is the second time we're holding a luncheon at this location and want as many members as possible to be able to join us
for a lot of fun. More on the MFCB Annual Holiday Luncheon in the next issue of THE MID-FLORIDA VOICE.
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ABBA BOWLING SEASON HAS BEGUN
The Orlando area chapter of the American Blind Bowlers Association (ABBA) has begun another season of bowling in Central Florida.
The action takes place from 4 PM to 6 PM at Carter Family Bowling, 715 S Dillard St. Winter Garden, FL 34787.
If you are interested in participating, or if you would like to join the Orlando chapter of ABBA, contact Chuck Graham at (407) 239-6875.
For those who can, get some strikes on the lanes!
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MEMBERSHIP - from Jay Bader
Notes from Jay: The annual MFCB Membership Drive, in cooperation with the Bureau of Braille and Talking Book Library Services in
Daytona Beach, is under way. Those mailers have been sent with the hope that there are those who receive it interested in becoming
members of MFCB.
There will be those who get this mailing that are already members but please keep in mind that if you are a Talking Book subscriber in
Orange, Osceola or Seminole County, this will arrive. So if you know someone who you think may be interested in becoming a Member
of MFCB, or if they would like to donate to our organization, pass it along. Just as they do on the state level, donations are always gladly
accepted.
Dues are currently being accepted for new members as well as renewals. For those who have already paid, thank you for taking care of
your organization. Please note that the dues for 2005 are increasing to $12.00, as approved in the revised MFCB By-Laws. If you attend a
General Meeting, this is payable by cash, check or money order; otherwise, please send your dues by check or money order to the
following address:
MFCB Membership Secretary
5611 Pecos St.
Orlando, FL 32807
Make your check or money order payable to MFCB.
And a reminder that I am accepting any submissions to THE MID-FLORIDA VOICE. All submissions must arrive by regular mail or
e-mail to me by the 15th of the month as issues are prepared shortly after that. I will make sure you are credited with the submission. If
you have any further questions, please call me at (407) 658-2479 or e-mail at
mfcbinfo@bellsouth.net.
Looking forward to seeing many of you at the October General Meeting!
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BIRTHDAY PEOPLE
OCTOBER
3 - Bo Justice
3 - Joyce Nelson
5 - Zeena Hogsbro
5 - Jack Jordan
17 - Dave Hillebrandt
18 - Bill Freeman
18 - Tommie McGowin
22 - Marie Mayers
30 - Alice Wolf
31 - Joyce Hull
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