FCB OFFICERS, 2006 - 2008
President:
Debbie Grubb
4215 17th Ave. W
Bradenton, FL 34205
(941) 749-6178
E-mail: debbiecg@verizon.net
First Vice President:
Robert Miller
2201 Limerick Dr.
Tallahassee, FL 32309
(850) 906-9821
E-mail: easytalk@earthlink.net
Second Vice President:
John S. Richards, Jr.
939 NE 18th St.
Ocala, FL 34470
(352) 629-4530
E-mail: jsrj@embarqmail.com
Treasurer:
Patti Land
6933 Alpert Dr.
Orlando, FL 32810
(407) 521-9047
E-mail: pattianne1@cfl.rr.com
Membership Secretary:
Linda Jacobson
2915 Circle Ridge Dr.
Orange Park, FL 32065
(904) 272-8405
E-mail: jacobsli@bellsouth.net
Recording Secretary:
Sharon Youngs
237 Maple Ave.
Palm Harbor, FL 34684
(727) 937-8631
E-mail: sky11@tampabay.rr.com
Immediate Past President:
Paul Edwards
20330 NE 20th Ct.
Miami, FL 33179
(305) 692-9206
E-mail: edwpaul@bellsouth.net
Editor of White Cane Bulletin:
Sharon Youngs
237 Maple Ave.
Palm Harbor, FL 34684
(727) 937-8631
E-mail: sky11@tampabay.rr.com
Articles for the White Cane Bulletin must be submitted to Sally Benjamin no later than the 20th of the month before it is published.
Sally's E-mail is: floridacouncil@comcast.net.
If you do not have access to a computer and E-mail, please find someone in your chapter to help send it. We would like to hear
from anyone who wants to contribute to our newsletter.
Articles published in The White Cane Bulletin are in compliance with Public Law No. 104197, Copyright Law Amendment of 1996.
This law allows authorized entities to distribute copies of previously published non-dramatic literary works in specialized formats,
including Braille, audio or digital text that are exclusively for use by Blind people or those with disabilities. Any further distributing of such
articles in another than a specialized format is an infringement of copyright.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ARE YOU MOVING? - by Linda Jacobson
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE - by Debbie Grubb
2008 FCB AND FCCLV SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE - by Barbara Grill
MARIE HOOVER - Submitted by Sila Miller
B AND B PROBST - A TEAM YESTERDAY, TODAY AND FOREVER - by Sila Miller
POETRY CORNER - by Shelley Justice
TECH TIPS - by John Richards for the FCB Technology Committee
CHAPTER NEWS - Mid-Florida Council of the Blind, Southwest Council of the Blind and Tallahassee Council of the
Blind
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT - by Mark Benson (Submitted by Sally Benjamin)
RECIPE CORNER
CHAPTER LIASONS
HANDY TELEPHONE NUMBER REFERENCES
ARE YOU MOVING? - by Linda Jacobson
If you are moving, please notify me of your new address so you will continue to receive your White Cane Bulletin. Also, if you know of
anyone interested in joining FCB and would like to receive the White Cane Bulletin and the Braille Forum, please contact me at (904)
272-8405 or E-mail jacobsli@bellsouth.net.
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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE - by Debbie Grubb
Greetings FCB,
As I write to you, It's almost Christmas Eve. When I think of all the things I have to celebrate during this season of pungent evergreen
smells, music that creates a beautiful dream of what Christmas should be and the joy of health and happiness with my family, I count as
very special Christmas blessings every person who gives selflessly to FCB, officers and members who go the extra mile to bring
success and accomplishment to our wonderful organization during this hectic time of advocacy for and with Florida's citizens who are
blind and visually impaired. FCB would not be the entity that it is without each and every one of you.
During the first weekend in November, we held our 2007 Annual Board meeting. FCB was delighted to add Guide Dog Users of Florida
to our family of affiliates. Committees met and planned their work for the next year and shared the outcome of their decision making
processes with the Board. The Access Committee pledged to continue to take the lead in the work with the coalition we have built
including NFBF, the Florida Independent Living Council and others that will enter the circle of this coalition to advocate for an intermodel
system of transportation in our state. The Employment Committee will once again host an excellent workshop during our 2008
Convention. The scholarship program is moving forward in an inclusive manner that will assist deserving students in their quest for a
meaningful education and, will hopefully lead them into active roles within the Florida Council of the Blind. Three Resolutions were
passed at this meeting of the FCB Board. The first Resolution outlines the necessity of continuing the practice of housing the Division of
Blind Services as an independent agency within the Department of Education. The second resolution defines pedestrian safety urging
support for the legislation to be brought forward during the 2008 Legislative Session in the form of SB 154 and HB 89. The third
resolution outlines FCB's policy on accessible voting, that is, that people with disabilities must vote on the same voting systems used by
the general public. Debbie and Mike Drylie and I will once again represent FCB during the ACB Legislative Seminar to be held in early
February. Due to the sudden illness of Cheryl Edwards, Paul Edwards, our Immediate Past President was unable to attend the Board
Meeting. Paul had graciously agreed to present our Sunday morning program. In his absence, Doug Hall, Jesus Garcia, Robert Miller,
Mary Ellen Ottman and I presented a panel discussion on various aspects of the future of transportation that will effect the lives of people
with disabilities in the State of Florida. The program offering was so well received that the decision has been made to present it during
the FCB 2008 Convention.
Paul Edwards and I were invited to join the Board of the Florida Voters Coalition. During the first meeting of this new Board, commitment
was once again made to continue to advocate for the rights of people with disabilities to vote on the same voting systems as the general
public. Paul and I are heartened, as all of you should be, that this coalition cares so deeply about our right to cast a secret, independent
and verifiable ballot, in a manner that will not give us the sad distinction of being separate but equal that flies in the face of the very
founding principles of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
I attended the Fall meeting of the VSA Arts of Florida Board. I am always encouraged to learn of the ongoing efforts of this organization to
make the world of the arts truly accessible to all people with disabilities, including children.
The Florida Association of Agencies Serving the Blind, FAASB, met in early November. I was delighted to represent FCB at this meeting.
Dwight Sayer and Gloria Mills represented the National Federation of the Blind of Florida, attending via teleconference. The following
issues for which we sought FAASB support were presented: status of DBS as an independent agency housed within the Department of
Education, requesting that FAASB join with FCB, NFBF, BVA Florida Regional group and Florida Families of Children With Visual
Impairment to draft a white paper to be circulated throughout the state outlining the necessity of keeping DBS as a separate agency;
intermodel system of transportation; accessible voting; access to textbooks for college students mirroring the access mandated for
school-aged children; stronger penalties for drivers who violate Florida's White Cane Law; and support for the Pedestrian Right-of-Way
Bills SB 154 and HB 89. I drafted the document that recorded the content of this meeting and presented it to the FAASB President for
dissemination to the organization’s members. An FAASB member was immediately appointed to join the Transportation Coalition. On
November 19th, all the consumer groups mentioned in regard to the drafting of the White Paper concerning the continuing independence
of the Division of Blind Services met. We were delighted to have Craig Kiser, who successfully directed the Division of Blind Services for
six years, join us. Lee Nasehi, FAASB President, brought to us several excellent papers that had been drafted defending the necessity
for the independence of agencies providing services to individuals who are blind and visually impaired. FCB Immediate Past President,
Paul Edwards, drafted the coalition document based on these and other excellent papers on this subject that had been signed off on by
both ACB and NFB. The coalition met a few days later to mark up this draft. Very few changes were made and this excellent White Paper
has been sent to the governor and will be sent to the Commissioner of Education and elsewhere should necessity require it. All of us can
be justifiably proud of our own Paul Edwards for his excellent work on this most important White Paper.
As I stated in my last President's Message, the Governor's Commission on Disabilities planned to hold its initial meeting in Tallahassee,
Robert and Sila Miller, John Richards and Carl McCoy represented us ably. At that meeting, comments were made that caused us
concern about the remaining independent status of the Division of Blind Services -- hence, the White Paper's creation discussed above.
In early December, the Governor's Commission on Disabilities held its second meeting in Orlando. Robert Miller, FCB's First Vice
President and I represented FCB throughout the entire meeting.
David and Treasurer Patti Land and Shelley Justice, President of the Mid-Florida Chapter, represented FCB during the public comment
session of the meetings. During this session, I spoke about accessible voting, the intermodel transportation coalition, pedestrian safety
issues, and support for SB 154 and HB 89, the Pedestrian Right of Way Legislation. I was asked by the commissioners to provide
language in writing regarding accessible voting for people with disabilities which I have done. Robert Miller spoke with zeal about the
necessity for true access to hardware and software for state workers, urging the Commission to actively advocate that the
recommendations of the working group mandated to study this issue be adopted. I submitted our DBS White Paper to the Acting
Executive Director of the Governor's Commission on Disabilities and she circulated it to all the commissioners. Lee Nasehi spoke
eloquently to this issue. We didn't feel compelled to ask every speaker to address the DBS matter as the Chair of the Commission
publicly stated that it was not his intent that the Commission advocate for a super agency of which DBS would be a part. He explained
that his comments had been misunderstood and apologized for their lack of clarity. The Commission's committees meet via
teleconference. FCB endeavors to have representatives at each of these meetings. The Commissioners were open and receptive to
what was presented to them both during the formal presentations and during the public comments session. The outcome of their work is
to present a report to the Governor at the end of their year's service. FCB will continue to monitor the work of this commission via
participation in committee meetings and by sending leaders to their meetings across the state.
The new year brings many challenges. I have every confidence that FCB will rise to each of them because of the superb men and
women who work so tirelessly to advocate for and with Florida's citizens who are blind and visually impaired.
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2008 FCB AND FCCLV SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE - by Barbara Grill
Florida Council of the Blind is offering four scholarships again this year. The awards are for $2,000, $1,500 and $750. The Florida
Council of Citizens with Low Vision will award one $750 scholarship.
FCB scholarships will be awarded to students demonstrating academic and leadership accomplishments. Eligible blind students must
be residents of the State and enrolled in high school or a postsecondary or vocational training program. A cumulative grade point
average of 3.0 is required. Part-time students who are working full-time may also apply for the $750 award.
Applicants must be legally blind. Applications may be printed from the FCB website (www.fcb.org). All
supporting documents including a sealed official transcript from the most recent year of school attended must be submitted.
The Florida Council of Citizens with Low Vision scholarship will be awarded to an outstanding student who is enrolled in academic,
professional or technical training beyond the high school level. The $750.00 award will be given for either academic excellence or to an
eligible applicant who is enrolled in a course of study, which will increase advancement potential in his/her chosen field. This scholarship
may be awarded to a full or part-time student.
Applicant must be legally blind. That is, the applicant must have vision in the better eye of no more than 20/200 with corrective lenses or
vision greater than 20/200 in the better eye but with a restricted field of vision of no more than 30 degrees.
Scholarship winners will be announced during the 2008 Convention Award Ceremony in May.
All applications and/or supporting documents must be postmarked no later than March 31st, 2008, and mailed to Barbara H. Grill
2030 Preymore Street, Osprey, FL 34229. If you have any questions, please call (941) 966-7056 or e-mail
grillbh@comcast.net. For more information, go to
www.fcb.org and click on Scholarship link.
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MARIE HOOVER - Submitted by Sila Miller
Marie Hoover, 89, a food service coordinator for Blind Services, State of Florida, died Friday, November 9th, 2007. Service will be at 2 PM
EST Monday, November 12th, at Abbey-Riposta Funeral Home ((850)-562-1518), with burial at Tallahassee Memory Gardens. Visitation
will be from Noon to 2 PM Monday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Big Bend Hospice, 1723
Mahan Center Blvd, Tallahassee, FL 32308. She was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church.
Marie came to Tallahassee in 1943 on a temporary assignment. She was sent to help out at the old Capital snack bar. The rest is
history.
She operated the snack bar for 25 years and was up to the challenge when they opened the first cafeteria in the Larsen Building, where
she stayed for another 22 years. Through 11 governors, she served her customers well. Blind since age 4, she graduated from the
Florida School for the Blind in 1939. Selected Disabled Professional Business Woman of the year, she never thought herself as
disabled.
Thanks to the Bureau of Blind services she has had a stellar career. She had enjoyed her retirement while playing her violin and piano.
She had been an inspiration to so many. Through 47 years of serving her customers, Marie never forgot a voice. She is survived by 11
nieces and nephews.
Published in the Tallahassee Democrat on 11/11/2007.
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B AND B PROBST - A TEAM YESTERDAY, TODAY AND FOREVER - by Sila Miller
Bill and Bobbie Probst, tenants in the same apartment complex in Jacksonville, met in the early 80s and the rest is history. He from
Hauppauge, New York, and she from Knoxville, Tennessee, formed a real-estate team and a sweet and nurturing union that is still strong
and thriving today.
Bobbie Ramona Hurley was born in Knoxville, Tennessee to Mae and Dewey on July 7th. Her family moved to St. Augustine Florida in
1952. Bobbie had 4 brothers and 3 sisters. "On 7/7/07 I became 77," Bobbie says in her sharp-witted way. "I'm as old as the hills," she
jokes.
Bill Fred Probst relocated to Florida in the early 80s for the milder climate. Bill suffers from rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease
that causes chronic inflammation of the joints. He was born on February 16th, 1928, to William and Gertrude. He has 1 sister who now
lives in Port St. Lucie, Florida.
Prior to Bill and Bobbie marrying in 1984, Bill, whose degree is in psychology, was a Professor of Business at The University of New York
- Farmingdale. He also owned an insurance-real estate agency and managed a few as well over the years. Bobbie was the Assistant
Director of Continuing Education at Florida Community College of Jacksonville. Bobbie's degree is in English and before taking her job
with the college, she worked as a newspaper reporter for The Florida Times Union.
Bobbie lost all her vision to diabetes at a young age and was told to prepare to live life as a totally blind person. In preparation for doing
just that, Bobbie went to the Rehabilitation Center in Daytona, where she met Carl McCoy, who was an instructor there at the time. "That
was 50 something years ago and when I met Carl again through FCB, I immediately realized I knew him," Bobbie says. Despite what
Doctors had told Bobbie, she regained the majority of her vision back in 1 eye and was able to drive until 1992.
Bobbie has Diabetic Retinopathy, which is the most common diabetes-related problem. It causes changes in the retina, creating blind
spots or patches of vision loss. Retinopathy is abnormalities in the light-sensitive nerve tissue that lines the back of the eye and transmits
visual images to the brain. At least in part because of higher than normal blood sugar levels, over a number of years, small blood vessels
in the eye weaken and begin to leak fluid, which can cause swelling and eventually blurring of vision. Diabetic retinopathy, the leading
cause of blindness, cannot be cured, but if detected early enough it can be managed. The best preventive plan is to get regular dilated
eye examinations conducted by an ophthalmologist with specialized equipment and training, while keeping blood sugar, hypertension
and cholesterol under tight control.
In 1993, the Talking Book Library sent out a notice about starting a chapter in Jacksonville. Doug and Nancy Hall came and spoke about
FCB. Bill and Bobbie Probst, along with June Kinnard, Gail Thompson, Gail Stamps, Eugene Richards and Pat Lipovsky were some of
the founding members of the JCB chapter. Bobbie was elected to be their first President and currently serves as their Second Vice
President and Membership Secretary. Bill served for many years as JCB's Treasurer and has fulfilled many other duties over the years.
"I'm still their chief coffee maker though," Bill laughingly says.
"Back when I was President of JCB, I took on the U.S. Navy and won," Bobbie proudly recalls. "They had a closing ceremony for the USS
Saratoga, an aircraft carrier, and wouldn't allow Cheryl Spencer's guide dog onboard. After a legal battle, they had another party for the
officers and invited us all, complete with Cheryl and her dog guide." "Yeah, they even had the commander calling here," Bill says.
Bill and Bobbie served from 1995 through 2005 as editors of The White Cane Bulletin. Bill recalls Bobbie working on a couple of issues
from her hospital room at Brooks Rehab where she received a plaque for: Unselfish Contributions to Persons with Disabilities in
November 2004. Bobbie recants Carl McCoy attending the JCB Dinner/Dance Ball in 2006 and surprising her with the presentation of an
appreciation award from FCB for her and Bill's editorship of the WCB. "Necessity is the mother of invention," Bobbie quipped when I
expressed my admiration for her and Bill's service. "He who can do it will do it," she said in her offhanded, nonchalant manner. Carl
McCoy said, "Bobbie and Bill really did a fine job producing the White Cane Bulletin. They stepped right up after Chic passed away when
FCB truly needed them. They really got us connected with some important politicians in Jacksonville and are outstanding advocates for
people who are blind."
Bobbie served as FCB's First Vice President for 2 terms when she had the first of 4 strokes in 1998. She and Bill traveled to Washington,
D.C., where they represented FCB at the Legislative Seminar for 6 consecutive years. She served on the Public Relations Committee and
as a Project Insight peer counselor as well as filling in as the Project Insight Coordinator on the phone for almost a year. The Probst's
history of service and advocacy is long and varied. Bobbie was awarded with both the R. Henry P. Johnson Award in 1999 and The Cooke
Chapter Presidents Award in 2000. Bill received the Dolly Gamble Award in 1998 and in 1999 a Meritorious Service award from the JCB
Chapter. "We've done some of everything from looking into problems to representing FCB," Bobbie says.
Bobbie says “One of the things I am proud of doing is coming to Tallahassee to testify before the Governor's Task Force to help get
talking voting machines. We met with Katherine Harris, who at the time was Secretary of State. Charlie Crist was also at that meeting.
After the meeting, Ms. Harris came around the desk and gave me a hug," Bobbie recalls.
Bill still drives. "I don't have any real problems," he says. Bobbie jokingly says, "I got them all, but Bill is such a wonderful caregiver and I
sure got lucky." Bobbie has suffered 4 strokes, a broken hip and pelvis, had half of her colon removed, was hospitalized 3 times for
pneumonia and heart failure and says "life is good and God is gracious." Bill says "she's like the proverbial bunny; she just keeps on
ticking and laughing." Bobbie says, "if I knew how to give up, I would. But I don't know how to give up."
Bobbie says "there is so much available for people who are blind. It's up to you - just like it would be if you were sighted. I think
determination is a big factor. I don't travel on my own but people like Barbara Brown, they do everything on their own. I was so encouraged
when my vision got really bad to find out about all that is available. Now I have a talking computer, a talking clock and a color identifier for
my clothes."
"When I first came here 26 years ago, one of the first people I met was June Kinard at the court house," Bill recalls. "She ran the cafeteria
in the court house for approximately 38 years and never missed a day's work. June was something to behold. People like that really
encouraged me. I was really impressed by June the more we got to know her," he says.
Bobbie and Bill are looking forward to next year's convention to be held in Jacksonville and seeing lots of old friends. Meanwhile, I am
reinvigorated from having delved into their story and humbled by what I have learned. Wow, what a testimony to love, faith and service. And
what a sweet love union that sustains them today, despite failing health. Thank you, Bill and Bobbie, for talking so candidly with me and
providing a rich piece of FCB advocacy history to us all. You are cornerstones of FCB and your service shall not be forgotten.
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POETRY CORNER - by Shelley Justice
Our poem for this issue was written and submitted to me by a friend, who I believe is dear to most, if not all of us. To me, the fact that she
was willing to share this with us says that she thinks of FCB as part of her extended family.
In Sila's words, "This was written about my 21-year-old nephew who committed suicide in June 2005. It is not pretty or polite and I am
sorry for that. However, if it helps just one person to see both sides of this coin it'll be worth any reluctance or embarrassment I felt about
submitting it. Thank you for taking your time to read it."
Sila, I thank you for your willingness to share your heart-felt feelings and your pain with those of us who love you. Now, here is Sila's
poem to her Nephew.
Travis Wade Scheetz, vivid blue eyes and a beautiful smile,
One hell of a worker and only hear for a very short wile.
Why did you feel the need to go, and end your young life that way?
Couldn't you have tried to hold on and get through just one more day?
Now you'll never have a chance to be a proud papa and hold your first born child,
Attend their high-school graduation or tell your two-year-old "no" when they're running wild.
Be a caretaker to your parents in their elder years,
Seems there's nothing left but unanswered questions and tears.
Sadly, it ended long before it had really begun,
With much blood and gore and that damned gun.
God, how I miss you and wish you were here.
I'm so very sad and would just love to hold you near.
At other times, I'm angry and would like to yell at you and tell you how I feel,
Do you know the hurt you have caused, and will we ever heal?
I went with your mom to visit your grave today,
I really didn't know just what to say.
There's a beagle, Dr. Pepper, flowers and headstone watching over you there,
All I could do was blink back my tears and try to conquer the despair.
It was strange to walk away and not be taking you home.
I know you won't be coming back and that just feels so very wrong.
I sometimes don't even know how I feel,
Should I blame you or Britany for this bitter pill?
Your mom worries about you and cries when it rains,
She's afraid you're wet and might be in pain.
But, we both know where you are and that you're happy at last.
No more guilt or recriminations or bad memories from your past.
I love you my darling and wish I'd have told you more when you were here,
Now all I have is memories and pictures, which I hold so dear.
Rest in peace my beautiful energetic nephew,
Know that I love you and will never forget you.
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TECH TIPS - by John Richards for the FCB Technology Committee
Browsing a simple web page
Throughout the years, the internet has become more complex in regard to its offerings to those who choose to web surf in cyber space.
Simple web pages are being updated and becoming more complex to navigate. The Florida Council of the Blind offers a simple web
page that provides accessible content and ease of navigation.
Launch your browser and navigate to: http://www.fcb.org. This web page contains a logo at the top and
23 links. There are two headings, 2 at level 1. There is 1 form. The address of the current page is
http://fcb.org.
The above information is a statement of the elements on the FCB web page. Use your mouse to scroll or if you are using a screen
reader, use your down arrow key to navigate through the page. Below the title bar, the address bar and the menu bar there is a link
appearing at the top, followed by the FCB logo. If you use a screen reader, it should read to you that there is a link at the top of the page,
followed by a logo and a description of both the link and the logo.
As you scroll or arrow down the page, you will pass over fourteen links before you reach a heading. Links contain embedded web
addresses. When clicked on, they will navigate the user to another page on that same web site or to somewhere else on the World Wide
Web. You may also use your tab key to navigate through links and use the enter key to activate a specific link. The two leading screen
readers, "Jaws and Window-Eyes," provide you with specific keystrokes enabling you to bring up all of your links in a list for easy
navigation.
The following heading contains important information about FCB and a link to the American Council of the Blind (ACB). The following
seven links are accompanied by a description along with the name of the link. The Google link is a graphic logo and is accompanied by a
description.
There is also an edit field for the Google search engine, a search button and two radio buttons. Both radio buttons cannot be checked at
the same time, one has to be checked while the other is unchecked. The radio button designated to search the FCB website is checked.
By checking either of these radio buttons, you can either select to search the FCB web page or search all of the internet.
The Technology Committee urges everyone to use the FCB chat rooms that are linked to:
http://www.fcb.org.
Click on the "Voice Chat for FCB" link. When the page loads, you can either click on the "Florida Council of the Blind General Chat Room"
link or the "Florida Council of the Blind Board & Committee Chat Room" link. When the page loads, First time users should click the
"download here button" to install the plugin called Talkcom. Talkcom is a little piece of software that lets you talk with others, anywhere in
the world. When you click the "Download Here" button you will be prompted to download or run the Talkcom software. Select "Run" and
Talkcom will be installed to your system. When Talkcom has been installed, click on the "Finish" button to complete the installation
process. At that point, you should return to the web page you were at before you performed the software installation. Now, click
on the link that says "Click here to enter in the room." A page will load with two edit fields, prompting you for a username and password.
Type your name in the first edit field and leave the second edit field blank. Press "Enter" and you should be launched in to the room. You
should hear a sound when you enter the room. If others are present, you may hear them talking. Press your Control key to talk and
release it to listen. If you are unable to perform any of the above tasks, feel free to contact a member of the Technology committee for
assistance. If you know when you have a meeting scheduled in either of the rooms, ask for assistance a day or two in advance so
someone can assist you in a timely manner. Please feel free to contact me if you are having difficulty with either of the chat rooms. My
contact information is located in the "FCB OFFICERS, 2006 - 2008" section of this publication.
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CHAPTER NEWS - Mid-Florida Council of the Blind, Southwest Council of the Blind and
Tallahassee Council of the Blind
Mid-Florida Council of the Blind - by Jay Bader
The Election of Officers to serve in 2008 was held at our general meeting held in November. Here are the results of the Election of
Officers:
President - Shelley Justice (by acclimation for a 2nd term);
1st Vice President - Patti Land (who won a runoff over Sheila Young);
2nd Vice President - Bill Freeman (by acclimation for a 4th and final term);
Secretary - Larry Turnbull (by acclimation);
Treasurer - Dan Spoone (by acclimation);
Membership Secretary - Jay Bader (by acclimation)
In December, MFCB had its Annual Holiday Luncheon. This year we dined at Logan's Roadhouse in south Orlando. Members and
Guests enjoyed great food and company, and there were even a few Door Prizes of Christmas gift bags awarded. But every year, MFCB
takes pride in collecting for a Love Offering to a charitable organization or needy disabled family. This year it was noted that, the Bijani
family in Volusia County have had some misfortune in recent months. MFCB collected $200.00 for the Bijanis to use in helping with
expenses from hospital stays and time lost from work. This worthwhile enterprise showed us the true meaning of the Holiday
Season.
Recently, MFCB was proud to have heard from representatives of Orange County Department of Transportation that the first official
Accessible Pedestrian Signal (APS) has been installed. It is located at the intersection of Dean Road and University Boulevard in east
Orlando. Members of MFCB are looking forward to taking a close look at the installation and will give feedback on the results shortly.
In the meantime, MFCB hopes all readers of the White Cane Bulletin have a safe and Happy New Year!
Southwest Council of the Blind - by Larry Newman
The Southwest chapter is finishing its first year with 18 active members and an eventful first year. During our first year in existence, we
raised over $1300 for our chapter and gained significant public exposure by co-sponsoring a White Cane Day walkathon with 9 other
agencies supporting the visually impaired in southwest Florida. We had 155 walkers, several corporate sponsors and managed to
provide t-shirts, goodie bags and a lunch at Carraba's to all walkers.
Our major focus for the year was public transportation, and we had the head of the bus system for the county (LEETRAN) speak at a
monthly meeting. We are currently sending a letter and drafting a petition, as some promised follow-up actions have not occurred. We do
expect an inter-county bus linkage between Lee and Collier counties starting in January.
We were more successful with our Board of County Commissioners. We attended two meetings and had several members speak in
opposition to a proposal to cut two fixed bus routes. The commissioners agreed that it would be a poor choice to save a few dollars and
leave many citizens, including the visually impaired, with no bus service. They voted to retain the routes. We have a member assigned to
monitor agendas for all future county commission meetings. We will attend any meeting that involves public transportation.
We are continuing our efforts to expand the ADA corridor and improve pedestrian crossings. Those items will carry over to next year. We
are scheduling a representative from the Department of Transportation to attend a meeting early in the year. We are also actively pursuing
membership on transportation boards and advisory committees for the county.
Finally, we were able to send a delegate to the Board Meeting in Orlando. It was a very worthwhile expense, and we will incorporate much
of what we learned in to our 2008 agenda.
Tallahassee Council of the Blind - by Sila Miller
On December 8th, an unseasonably warm day, upwards of 60 people gathered at Tony and Maryann Laird's beautiful country lair. There
was tons of food, loads of laughter, door prizes, a hay ride and down and Dirty Santa. The popular gifts of the day were gift certificates
from Sonny’s and Publix, and boy did they make the rounds! We didn’t need hot cocoa to warm up after the hay ride, what with the mild weather and warm spirit of togetherness everyone felt. Boy can them folks through a party!
TCB collected $120.00 to help an underprivileged family served by Division of Blind Services. Since I'm their "very responsible" Treasurer,
I was put in charge of the dough. Thinking I'd get by the DBS office early the next week, I held on to the cash. After some transportation
issues and the usual hurry-burry of this time of year, I found myself at the "eleventh hour," with that cash still in my possession. That
stressed me out! And, to top it all off, my cell phone went on the fritz. Wanda Stokley, TCB's Secretary and Ms. Organization herself,
coordinated with Calvin Smith, the Children's DBS Counselor, to come by my office and get the Jack. I met Calvin in the lobby of my
building. Sheepishly, I handed him the cash and told him I felt like we were conducting a drug deal. He laughed and asked if Wanda had
told me about the particular family they'd decided to help. I absently replied, "a little bit." He said the family had originally applied to the
Christmas Connection for assistance as the father had recently lost his job. Unfortunately, Christmas Connection turned them away and
they had reached out to DBS for assistance just this week. Talk about a Christmas miracle and being at the right place at the right time!
Sure am glad I didn't get by the DBS office after all!
Needless to say, the TCB chapter is thriving and remains a close-knit, hard-working chapter. We are excited about the upcoming Vision
Caucus and hope many of you can join us at the Capital.
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JOB ANNOUNCEMENT - by Mark Benson (Submitted by Sally Benjamin)
Looking For Work?
If you are legally blind and looking for work, or know someone who is, consider Envision. Envision is a not-for-profit agency based in
Wichita, Kansas. Envision has jobs in Kansas as well as at our military base stores in nine states. Job opportunities include
administration, retail, and manufacturing. At Envision you will earn competitive pay, enjoy a generous benefits plan, and can be provided
relocation assistance.
Envision is a not-for-profit company dedicated to assisting persons who are legally or totally blind, with living a more independent
lifestyle. Envision has GREAT benefits and upward mobility potential. It is a growing company that is always looking for qualified
Visually-Impaired and Blind workers that are looking to be a part of a TEAM.
For more information check them out online at www.envisionus.com or contact Mark Benson
at Toll Free: 1-888-425-7072 or by e-mail at mark.benson@envisionus.com.
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RECIPE CORNER
Beef-Stuffed Peppers
INGREDIENTS:
1 pound ground beef
4 medium green, red or yellow bell peppers
3/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup uncooked regular white rice
3 tablespoons ketchup
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Sauce:
1 (14 1/2-ounce) can Italian-style stewed tomatoes, undrained
1 tablespoon ketchup
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
DIRECTIONS:
1. Heat oven to 350°F. Cut tops off bell peppers; remove seeds.
2. Combine ground beef, onion, rice, 3 tablespoons ketchup, salt, 1/2 teaspoon oregano and pepper in large bowl, mixing lightly but
thoroughly. Spoon into peppers; stand peppers in 8 x 8-inch baking dish.
3. Combine sauce ingredients; pour over peppers. Cover dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in 350°F oven 1 1/2 hours to medium
(160°F) doneness, until beef is not pink in center and juices show no pink color. Makes 4 servings.
Rigatoni Vegetable Salad
INGREDIENTS:
8 ounces dried rigatoni, penne, or mostaccioli (3 cups)
2 cups small cauliflower florets
2 cups small broccoli florets
4 ounces fontina, provolone or mozzarella cheese, cubed
1/2 cup pitted ripe or kalamata olives, halved
1/2 cup thinly sliced carrots
1 8-ounce bottle Caesar vinaigrette or Italian salad dressing (1 cup)
2 tablespoons snipped fresh basil or Italian (flat-leaf) parsley
DIRECTIONS:
1. Cook pasta according to package directions; drain. Rinse with cold water; drain again. Transfer to a very large serving bowl.
2. Stir in cauliflower, broccoli, cheese, olives and carrots. Pour dressing over pasta mixture. Toss lightly to coat.
3. Cover and chill for 2 to 24 hours. Stir in basil or parsley before serving. Makes 8 to 10 side-dish servings.
Marbled Chocolate Brownies
INGREDIENTS:
1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Baking Cocoa
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
1 cup NESTLÉ TOLL HOUSE Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 tablespoons margarine
3 large egg whites
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 tablespoon nonfat milk
DIRECTIONS:
1. Combine flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt in small bowl. Heat 1 1/4 cups sugar, morsels, applesauce and margarine in large,
heavy-duty saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly just until morsels are melted. Remove from heat. Stir in egg whites.
2. Add cocoa mixture and vanilla extract; stir well. Spread into greased 13 x 9-inch baking pan. Stir together cream cheese, 1 tablespoon
sugar and milk in small bowl. Drop by rounded teaspoon over batter; swirl over surface of batter with back of spoon.
3. Bake in preheated 325°F oven for 22 to 28 minutes or just until set. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Makes 30 brownies.
Don't worry 'bout the calories - all that smiling you'll be doing will surely burn them away!
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CHAPTER LIASONS
Alachua: Patti Land
Brevard: Paul Edwards
Clay: Patti Land
Greater Miami: Linda Jacobson
Halifax: Paul Edwards
Inter-County: Debbie Grubb
Jacksonville: John Richards
Miami Metro: John Richards
Mid-Florida: Robert Miller
Palm Beach: Linda Jacobson
Pensacola: John Richards
Pinellas: Robert Miller
PSLCB: Sharon Youngs
Sarasota: Linda Jacobson
Tallahassee: Sharon Youngs
Tampa: Debbie Grubb
Venice: Paul Edwards
The following Special Interest chapters only meet during Convention:
CCTB (Coalition for the Concerns of the Totally Blind): Patti Land
FCBS (Florida Coalition of Blind Students): Jesus Garcia
FCCLV (Florida Council of Citizens with Low Vision): Robert Miller
RSVF (Randolph Shepherd Vendors of Florida): Paul Edwards
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HANDY TELEPHONE NUMBER REFERENCES
Project Insight: 1-800-267-4448
Bureau of Braille and Talking Book Library Services: 1-800-226-6075
Division of Blind Services (Tallahassee State Headquarters): 1-800-342-1828
American Council of The Blind: 1-800-424-8666
(available only 3:00 to 5:30 PM EST Monday-Friday)
ACB's Legislative Hotline: 1-800-424-8666
(Evenings 8:00 PM - 12:00 Midnight EST
Weekends 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM only)
A T & T Disability Services: 1-800-872-3883
Press 00 and speak with your long distance carrier
BellSouth Disability Services: 780-2273 from anywhere
Social Security: 1-800-772-1213
24-hour voice and touch tone accessible
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