THE WHITE CANE BULLETIN
FLORIDA COUNCIL OF THE BLIND, INC.
July - August 2009
FCB OFFICERS, 2008 - 2010
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:
Sally Benjamin
1531 Dempsey Mayo Road
Tallahassee, FL 32308
(850) 877-1512
E-mail: floridacouncil@comcast.snet
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. If you don’t have a way to write an article, you can call Sharon Youngs at the number
above and she will be glad to write it for you.
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 Sally Benjamin
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE - by Debbie Grubb
FCB ANNOUNCES SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS - by Barbara Grill
KERRI SALTER WINS FCCLV SCHOLARSHIP - by Barbara Grill
FLORIDA COUNCIL OF THE BLIND AWARD WINNERS FOR 2009 - by Debbie Drylie for the Awards Committee
OUR SPECIAL GET AWAY - by Sally Benjamin
V I S I O N - by Marilyn Wright
IT TAKES A JOURNEY - by Kyle Coon
WIG - by Carl Jarvis
TECH TIPS - by John Richards for the FCB Technology Committee
POETRY CORNER - Submitted by Shelley Justice
CHAPTER NEWS - Mid-Florida Council of the Blind
HEALTHY LIVING - by Pat Lipovsky
HANDY TELEPHONE NUMBER REFERENCES
ARE YOU MOVING? - by Sally Benjamin
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
1-800-267-4448 or E-mail floridacouncil@comcast.net.
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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE - by Debbie Grubb
Hello FCB,
For the past several months, FCB has been going full steam ahead planning our own State Convention and performing Host
Committee assignments for the Convention of the American Council of the Blind that will be held in Orlando during the
July 4th week. From comments I have heard from many of you, the FCB 56th Annual Convention was one of our best ever.
Many thanks to Sila Miller, Convention Committee Chair and Convention Registrar, and her wonderful committee consisting
of Sally Benjamin, our gal Friday on the Committee; Linda Jacobson, Exhibits Coordinator; Jim Kracht, Entertainment
Coordinator; Rosanna Lippen, Hotel Coordinator; and Doug and Nancy Hall, who ably represented the Halifax Host Chapter
on the Convention Committee. A special thank you goes out to Kathleen Trutschel from the Halifax Chapter for bringing
wonderful volunteers from a local Lion's Club to the event who were everywhere assisting as needed. I had the honor of
putting the Convention program together and I was delighted at its reception. Everyone on the FCB Convention Committee
works tirelessly to bring you an event that will match your anticipation from year to year.
Highlights of our 56th Annual Convention included a first time barbecue at the Orientation and Adjustment Center. Past
FCB President Carl McCoy hosted our Annual Legislative Seminar, at which two members of the Florida Legislature, Senator
Evelyn Lynn and Representative Kurt Kelly, Chair of the Vision Caucus, spoke. Mary Ellen Ottman, Chair of the FCB
Employment Committee, hosted a productive employment seminar. Throughout the Convention, the FCB Technology Committee,
chaired by John Richards, provided one on one tutoring for attendees interested in learning a particular computer skill.
Our Annual Awards Banquet hosted by Sharon Youngs, with assistance from the Awards Committee Chair Debbie Drylie, and
the Chair of the Education and Leadership Committee, Barbara Grill, created a wonderful evening. Many deserving leaders
in FCB and deserving recipients of FCB scholarships were recognized for their contributions to our organization and for
their meritorious studies. As President of the Florida Council of the Blind, it was my privilege to give two FCB leaders
my President's Award: Barbara Grill for her commitment to excellence as Chair of the Education and Leadership Committee,
and Sheila Young, for her phenomenal efforts on behalf of the FCB Host Committee for the ACB Convention.
Fantastic presentations on Social Security and the ADA were given by our national guest presenter, Michael Byington. Our
Town Hall Meeting with DBS Director Joyce Hildreth and members of her staff, hosted by Immediate Past President Paul
Edwards and First Vice President Robert Miller was lively, interesting and productive as questions about DBS's programs
and services were addressed and Director Joyce Hildreth restated her commitment to providing quality services to all
clients of the Division of Blind Services.
The Annual FCB banquet was packed with interesting anecdotes about ACB shared by Michael Byington, and liberally
sprinkled with his delightful parody songs. The evening ended with a wonderful concert by a Florida troubadour, Bob
Patterson, and the drawing of the FCB Raffle, which is the organizations' yearly fundraising gift to its affiliates. On
Sunday morning, the FCB Board pledged its meaningful support for the lawsuit against the State of Florida for its
refusal to make its software accessible to employees with disabilities.
The FCB Host Committee for the ACB Convention, consisting of co-chairs Sally Benjamin and Debbie Drylie; Jay Bader;
Bill Freeman; Linda Jacobson; Shelley Justice; Patti Land; Sila Miller; Larry Turnbull; Sheila Young; and me,
continues to meet every challenging assignment with grace and competence. William and Sally Benjamin represent FCB on
the ACB Auction Committee. Many thanks to Sally for filling in for me on that committee. I also serve on the Convention
Program Committee and have completed all of my assignments as of this writing.
I will not be at the ACB Convention this year due to the illness of my husband, Frela. This will be the first ACB
Convention that I will have missed since 1992. In my absence, Robert Miller, FCB's First Vice President, will ably
fulfill my responsibilities. He will represent FCB on the ACB Nominating Committee, will lead our Thursday afternoon
caucus, and will serve as the FCB delegate on the Convention floor. Shelley Justice will serve as our alternate
delegate. Shelley and Dan Spoone's dad will be the door prize presenters this year. FCB will be ably represented in
Orlando by many of you and I know that our affiliate will shine in its role as host to the 2009 Convention of the
American Council of the Blind.
As I begin the last year of my Presidency of this vital organization, I am once more reminded of what an honor you
have bestowed upon me. I promise that we will continue to work tirelessly to realize our organization's mission and
goals. Because of my husband's serious illness, I will be calling on the Executive Committee and other leaders in the
organization more than ever. You can rest assured that the Florida Council of the Blind will continue its journey to
excellence that has been its hallmark since its inception 56 years ago.
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FCB ANNOUNCES SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS - by Barbara Grill
On Friday June 5th, at the Plaza Oceanfront Club located in Daytona Beach, four deserving students were given
scholarships. The awards were presented during the Annual Awards Ceremony.
Danny E. Miner of Titusville was presented with the Bobbie H. Probst Scholarship. The $750.00 award is given to a
student attending school part-time or enrolled in a professional or technical training program.
After graduating from Brevard Community College, he plans to obtain a Bachelors degree in Business Administration.
Danny loves to help others and has received two Community Service Learning Awards at BCC for volunteering in the
Learning Lab on campus. He has 100 volunteer hours serving at the YMCA and American Cancer Society. He served as
Vice President of the SOLO Club (Students Overcoming Life Obstacles). Danny is both vision and hearing impaired.
This does not interfere with his love of sports. He is a bowling team captain and enjoys skiing and hiking.
The $1,500.00 Timothy Turpin Career Enhancement Award was presented to Tara Prakash Tripathi of Orlando. Tara
attends West Central Florida University where he anticipates earning a Ph D in Texts and Technology in English
in 2010. He is fluent in reading and writing English, Hindi, Urdu, Sanskrit and Basic Spanish. Among numerous
volunteer activities, he assisted in creating Digitally Accessible (DAISY) books for the print disabled. His
long-term interest lies in the concept known as "universal design" which eliminates structural and technological
barriers to persons with disabilities. Tara is married and has one child.
The $2,000.00 Terry Blessing Scholarship is awarded to a graduating high school student. James Jesse Robison, of
Ft. Lauderdale who attends St. Thomas Aquinas High School is the 2009 winner. After graduation, he plans to major
in Chiropractic studies at Virginia Tech University. James has logged hundreds of volunteer hours. He completed
his final Boy Scout service project - building Adirondack furniture for the benefit of patrons enjoying the
Broward Lighthouse "scent" garden. He is an Eagle Scout, a talented musician and has won several belts in the
martial arts.
The prestigious 2009, $2,000.00, Gayle M. Krause-Edwards Scholarship (awarded to a college student) was presented
to Jermesa L. Lee of Jasper, FL. Jermesa attends Bethune Cookman in Daytona Beach, majoring in Psychology. Her
long-term goal is to obtain a PhD in Psychology and open a clinic to counsel children. She has volunteered
numerous hours on campus and special projects.
"My desire to help others comes from growing up in a family that loves to give and help even when sometime we did
not have the extra." Read more about Jermesa in her own words in the following article.
Comments and inquiries may be sent to Barbara Grill at
grillbh@comcast.net.
The 2009 winner of the $2,000 Gayle M. Krause-Edwards Scholarship is Jermesa L. Lee, of Jasper. The scholarship is
awarded to a student who has demonstrated academic and leadership excellence. Jermesa, who maintains a 3.86 grade
point average, attends Bethune Cookman University majoring in psychology. She is on the President's List and a
member of the Inspirational Gospel Choir, which travels to different places and ministers to others. She is
associated with a community service based organization called the National Council of Negro Women. Her
extracurricular activities include helping others, trying new, adventurous and interesting things, learning how to
play the guitar and being with family and friends. Jermesa writes:
My short-term goals are to finish school to obtain my bachelors degree and then go on to graduate school to obtain
my masters. My long-term goals are to get a minor degree in business and also finish school with a PhD in
psychology. My ultimate goal is to open a center where anyone can come and receive advisory help on any issue if
they would like. A part of the center will be dedicated just for children. I want to provide a place for children
who seek help and need a voice to speak for them to better their situations. In my heart I believe that children
deserve the world. And seeing them being abused and neglected has motivated me to do something about it and give
these children the good that they really deserve.
I have never had a paying job, but I have work experience through volunteering. I have been a teacher assistant on
many occasions. I tutor in math and reading to any student who may need the help. I have organized or helped
organize events for under privileged children and those with disabilities. I have worked in offices doing both
filing and computer work. Preparing for banquets and then helping to clean afterwards are also some of my work
experiences. I have also babysat on a couple of occasions. I volunteer to do these things not for my benefit; that
is why I do not have a problem that no one pays me for these things. I volunteer because I know that everyone needs
a helping hand at sometime. My desire to help others comes from growing up in a family that loves to give and help
even when sometime we did not have the extra.
I have always been taught to stand up for what I believe in and doing this has brought me very far in my life. I
believe in intellect so therefore I apply myself and put in the extra effort when it comes to learning. This
therefore has resulted in me achieving academic excellence and remaining on the honor rolls and Dean's list. I
have a strong belief in speaking up for those persons that maybe sometimes are undermined and not heard. This is
why I have run and held positions from president to treasurer on elected boards, so that the "small" people may
have a voice. I believe in making a difference. This is why I decided to stay at a school that does not have the
best disability services on campus and aspire to make some changes. My goal is to enlighten the students and
faculty on the different technologies and accommodations that may help a student with a disability to be
successful in the classroom. I want to smooth the road out for whoever may come after me. I never look for praise
but it was very nice of the student government to recognize me as one of the distinguished ladies on the Bethune
Cookman campus.
"I can do all things through Jesus Christ which strengthens me" is my living motto. With His blessings, this
statement has certainly proven to be true.
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KERRI SALTER WINS FCCLV SCHOLARSHIP - by Barbara Grill
Kerri Salter resides in the big little city of Loxahatchee, Florida. She is the 2009 Florida Council of
Citizens with Low Vision scholarship winner. Below, in her own words, is an interesting bio of your average
all American girl. Please email comments to Barbara Grill, President FCCLV at grillbh@comcast.net. She
writes.
Kerri Salter is your average teenager; she has great friends, family, and likes school. The only thing that is
anywhere from average is the fact that she is legally blind. She has been dealing with this disadvantage all
her life and has learned to overcome many challenges that she has faced.
At 18 years old, Kerri has experienced events in her life that others her age can’t say they have, She had to
hear the news that she can't drive because of her vision, while her friends are off getting their driving
permits and licenses.
Kerri is a very determined young adult, as she gets ready for college in the fall. "I am ready to face the
world and show that I can succeed with a disability."
With her passion for writing, Kerri was accepted into Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida. She just
graduated from Seminole Ridge Community High School on May 20th and already knows what she wants to do with
her life. For years it has been her dream to become a journalist and one day become famous for her articles.
Her overall goal is to work in New York. After 4 years of working on her high school's newspaper staff she
has the confidence to go for her dream.
Kerri's hope of being a journalist has inspired her friends to realize just because you have a disability
doesn't mean you can't succeed at life. Live for your dreams, live for the future, and live for you.
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FLORIDA COUNCIL OF THE BLIND AWARD WINNERS FOR 2009 - by Debbie Drylie for the Awards
Committee
The Awards and Scholarship Dinner was held at the 2009 Florida Council of the Blind (FCB) Convention at the
Plaza Ocean Club Hotel in Daytona Beach. It was a wonderful evening of honoring dedicated members of FCB
with awards and deserving students with scholarships.
The 2009 FCB award winners are as follows:
The R. Henry P. Johnson Award was presented to Paul Kaminsky. The Dolly Gamble Award was presented to
Rosanna Lippen. The William Alfred (W. A.) Ouzts Award was presented to William (Bill) Probst. The William
(Bill) Ferrell (Just Bill) Humanitarian Award was presented to Sharon K. Youngs. The Cooke Chapter
President's Award went to Barbara Grill. Debbie Grubb gave two President's Special Awards, one to Barbara
Grill and the other to Sheila Young. This year's Mobility Award was presented to Joany Orozco.
Chapter Awards were presented to the following people by the various Chapters.
Pinellas - Professor Michael McGann
Mid-Florida - William (Bill) Freeman
Sarasota - Ruth Book
GDUF - Kathleen Trutschel
Clay - Maureen Kaminsky and Dan Harkins
Halifax - Gwendolyn Rollins and Irene Hewett
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OUR SPECIAL GET AWAY - by Sally Benjamin
Do you ever wish you had a secret place to spend time? A place where you could go to get away from the phone,
computer and all the other things that keep us connected. A place to read a book and be alone. A place where
no one can bother you or come up with something to be done. Well, we do have one and I would not trade it for
anything.
When William and I moved back to Tallahassee after living in Washington state for a while we rented a house
that had a tree house. After my parents died, we moved into their house. We have a nice yard and plenty of
trees. So, I said to William, "I’d like to have a tree house." Well, for those of you who don't know,
William will do whatever it takes to make me happy.
The next thing I knew he had mentioned it to my sister and she said she had some pieces of wood 2 by 12 that
were twelve feet long. So, the next thing I knew is that we were over in her garage getting wood with the
golf cart, and then he bought more wood. It took him a few months to complete it, but it was worth it. He cut
out the wood around the tree and made a ladder to get up to it. He would work at night and my niece who lived
next door said, "How can he work at night?" They kept forgetting he didn't need the light to work. We would
often take a Pepsi up there and sit to enjoy the nature. It also has railings around it with slats so no one
can fall out. It even has a trap door that you close when you're up there and no one can fall through the
hole. It is nestled between three oak trees, about twelve feet up in the air. The size is about 12 by 12
square, but it is not perfectly square because, it conforms to the trees.
The first year it was built, we had a family reunion at our house. There were around 60 or 70 people here and
everyone loved it. The kids ate up there and from then on when they come to our house that is where some of
them like to eat.
Last Thanksgiving, I found some of our good china and silver up there where the kids had left it after eating.
Now I know to check after they leave. At Christmastime we put lights around it and love to go up there to
sit.
We have a glass table and chairs that we use and often we have lunch up there. William calls it our love nest,
and gets a lot of comments about it. So, if you have a desire, never turn down a special place to get away
from it all.
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V I S I O N - by Marilyn Wright
I am visually impaired, visually impaired, visually impaired.
I hear this in my head over and over.
It is what I tell people.
I can hear, touch, smell, but I cannot see.
My world is light and darkness.
Various shapes moving and still in muted colors.
My brain tells me this is a chair, a dish, my cat, I have to trust it.
Sometimes when I have my eyes closed I forget.
When I open them, for a split second, there is a shock and I remember.
It is like living in a fog or underwater.
I tell people that I am okay, that I am doing fine.
But, at times, deep down inside, I am very angry.
I would like to shout or hit someone or something.
I want to see the ocean, flowers, my cat.
But, I can hear the ocean, smell the flowers,
scratch my cat behind her ear and feel her soft fur.
In the end I live each day.
What else can anyone do.
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IT TAKES A JOURNEY - by Kyle Coon
Whether it is standing 100 feet up on a rock climb, or standing at the Sun Gate leading into the ancient sacred
city of Machu Picchu, or standing on the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro, they all hold special places in my heart for
a number of different reasons. Not just because I reached the top of each one.
I was diagnosed with bilateral sporadic retinoblastoma (cancer of the eye caused by a genetic mutation in both
eyes) at the age of ten months. Undergoing radiation therapy, chemotherapy, cryotherapy, thermotherapy, and
three or four different clinical medical experimental trials took such a heavy toll on my sight by the time I
was six that my family made the decision to remove my eyes. I lost my left eye when I was five and my right
eye when I was six. To this day October 9 is an important day in my life because it is the day that I went
totally blind.
I was a smart kid and we thought that I had prepared myself enough to go blind. We knew it was going to happen.
So why did I go into such a state of depression? I was young and I had played basketball and hockey for all the
time that I could see. Now I couldn't. I would sit in my room and cry. I felt sorry for myself. I was angry
at the world, my parents, the doctors, my sisters, my friends, and everyone else I ever came in contact with.
I was a sorry selfish son of a gun. But I was lucky at the same time. I just didn't realize it.
A man named Ed Weihenmayer came to speak to my Dad’s Rotary Club and he arranged for me to meet his son Erik
Weihenmayer. Erik was blind also and Erik was an athlete. He was a rock climber, skydiver, downhill skier,
and tandem cyclist. I was intrigued. How could a blind guy do all of that? It was impossible! Wasn't
it?
I met Erik in late November of 1998, a little more than a month after I'd lost my sight. The two of us just
sat down and talked. Well, Erik did most of the talking, but I listened. Erik told me about how he went
blind and how he'd gone through depression. He told about the day a bus driver had gotten sick of Erik
complaining about being blind and kicked him off the bus. The bus driver then threw a basketball at Erik's
head hitting him. Right then Erik accepted that he was blind, and that he may need help from others, but
most of all he needed to help himself and be his own advocate.
My talk with Erik felt similar to getting slammed upside the head with a basketball. I realized that I could
do anything I wanted to do, if I could just put my mind to it. Erik advised me to try rock climbing. You
didn't have to see to climb. Just feel around on the wall and use your hands and feet to get you up the wall.
It was a challenge physically, and mentally, a kind of three-dimensional connect the dots game. I went into
that meeting with Erik a scared, angry, blind kid, and came out a changed person. Little more than a year
later I was on the wall and climbing.
A family friend took me to the local climbing gym and the two of us quickly developed a system to get me up
the wall. Dave would call out where each hold was by naming the position on a clock. Then I would take
either my right or left hand, or foot, and put it where he said to. In this fashion I worked my way steadily
up the wall. People always assume that since I'm blind I can't be scared of heights. I thought this too
until I got up to the top of my first climb.
My knees were trembling and I couldn't get my mind off that huge gap of empty air beneath me. Getting up was
no problem, but how was I going to get down? When I tried rappelling, my legs grew heavy and my body slammed
into the wall, knocking all the breath out of me. Eventually I managed to get down the wall just by walking
my feet down the vertical wall. I was very happy to be back on solid ground. But climbing had opened up a
door for me. I might have been scared on the way up and down. But I knew that I could get over the fear. I
wasn't as afraid of blindness anymore, so what was so different about getting over the fear of heights? Then
I adopted a philosophy that has served me well to this day. "If I can’t see it, then it's not there."
I started going to the climbing gym every week. Starting once a week, then twice, then three times. Soon I
was at the climbing gym every day and getting better with each successive visit. I took private climbing
lessons and then joined the Junior Climbing Competition Association, which was a part of the United States
Climbing Competition Association. I started competing in rock climbing competitions across the state of
Florida and placed as high as second in a competition. At the end of my first competitive climbing season I
was ranked third in my respective age division in the state and ranked in the top 100 nationally in my
division. I was invited to go to the national climbing competition, but I declined the offer deciding
instead to go on a month long camping and climbing trip with my family.
We camped and climbed all over the southeast. Tennessee, North Carolina and Georgia. I flashed extremely
difficult climbs and got a taste of what climbing was like. It was fun. It was my life. I wanted to do
nothing else for the rest of my life.
However, school took over and my climbing slipped several notches below what I was use to. Then when I was
in seventh grade, I received some information about a hiking trip through the Andes Mountains of Peru, from
Ed Weihenmayer. Eric and a group called Global Explorers were putting together this trip. Ed thought that
I was a good candidate for the trip and advised me to apply. So I did and was accepted. This trip would
be a major turning point in my life.
I had been out of competitive rock climbing for about a year but was still an avid reader of mountaineering
books. I had met with Erik Weihenmayer several times since our first meeting, and had even been invited to
surprise Erik on the Oprah Winfrey Show in 2003, after Erik had become the first blind man to successfully
climb the Seven Summits (tallest peak on each continent including Mt Everest).
I was probably a cocky, arrogant teenager who thought he was better than everyone else, so I fully expected
to have the trip to Peru revolve around me. I played up the, "I’m a team player" card just like any other
cocky kid would. It worked. I was accepted into the program with Global Explorers. I trained hard,
running, bicycling, and lifting weights, all throughout my eighth grade year. Then came the time to go on a
retreat to Colorado to meet all the people that would be going on this trip to Peru. I was excited, and
nervous at the same time. I had spent some time with other blind students my age, but I had always been
more outgoing than they were. I always felt that my parents had pushed me more than the others parents had.
Were the kids I was about to meet the same way? How did they use their canes, talk to people, etc? I
didn't know, but I was about to find out.
Justin Grant, was the first visually impaired student that I met on the retreat. The two of us seemed to
hit it off right away. We both had very dry sarcastic senses of humor and had both grown up in the south
where football was king and we lived and died by the scores on Saturdays and Sundays. Then I met Terry
Garrett, an avid totally blind hiker, climber and cyclist like myself. The two of us also seemed to hit
it off nicely. Kyle Bradly was an accomplished wrestler and advised me to try out wrestling once I got to
high school. I was still a little cocky and couldn't help but brag a little about the things I'd done.
Hiking in the southeast, rock climbing, and downhill skiing. But slowly I started to change. We all
started to get along so well and I found friends - no, not friends. I'd found a second family.
The entire weekend retreat was devoted to team building. Erik Weihenmayer, Eric Alexander, and Ben
Witherell all told us that having an effective team was more important than reaching a summit. I didn't
believe them at first, but as the weekend went on, I started believing. I was annoyed that some people
were slower than others on the trail, but I realized that they were stronger, where I was weaker, and
that I was stronger where they were weaker. I slowly started to realize what being a team was really
all about.
In the summer of 2006, we finally went to Peru. I wasn't just excited about going to Peru and getting
to hike into Machu Picchu though. I was eager to see my friends again. I wanted to hike alongside them
and swap stories, and enjoy the experiences we had together. We hiked for five or six days along the
Ankascocha Trail traveling from Cuzco to Machu Picchu. When I stepped over the threshold of the Sun
Gate into Machu Picchu, I felt that I'd come a long way from when I'd been a brash and cocky rock
climber. My teammate, Brad Jaffke, described the scene to me. He took my hand and pointed my finger
in different directions telling me what I was pointing at and what he was seeing. Brad describing
what he was seeing was more fulfilling to me than having made it to Machu Picchu myself. I was more
proud that every person in the group had reached Machu Picchu, than I was proud of myself for doing it.
But I wasn't satisfied. I wanted more.
Please look for the next installment of this exciting story in the next issue of the WHITE CANE BULLETIN.
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WIG - by Carl Jarvis
Cracking my leg against a bench, I sat down. Why did I let them stick me in the North Tower? All around me the
clanging, whirring, screaming noise of the gaming machines set up a sound barrier that my ears could not
penetrate. No volunteers here in the middle of the casino. I was wondering how loud I'd have to yell to get
anyone's attention when I felt something flutter next to me. I dropped my hand to the bench and touched
something furry.
Huh, I thought, it's a wig. Some poor bald guy took off his hairpiece to let his head cool down, and forgot to
put it back on. Well, no big deal. I'd turn it into lost and found, once I got myself found. For no particular
reason, I lifted the wig to my own head and tried it on. To my surprise it fit like a glove. This was a real
class piece of work. The hair smoothed out and felt as natural as if it were my own. Checking my watch, I
realized that if I didn't get some assistance soon I'd miss the general session. I didn't travel all the way to
Las Vegas to miss out on anything.
Standing up, I reached for the wig. As my hand touched it, a clear small voice spoke inside my ear. "Don't
touch me, man." I froze, turning my head around as if I could see someone standing next to me. The voice came
again, as clear as a tiny bell on a cold December day. "I can help you, man. Let me show you."
Moments before I had been alone and ignored. Now, I felt as if every eye in the casino had turned on me. I
muttered through closed lips, "Where are you?" "On top your head, man." "Who are you?" "I'm here to help you.
Turn left and I'll get you to your meeting."
Unable to think of a reason not to do as it said, I turned left and began to swing my cane. "Just a bit more
left," the wig said. "Now take a sharp right for about 15 feet." I don’t know how it did it, but we worked
our way through the casino and down the hallway to the general session without a single hitch. "Stop!" the
wig said, "People blocking the doorway...okay, straight ahead now. You want to sit in the Washington
section?"
"How did you know that?" I asked in surprise. "You ain't seen nothin', man." "Nice hair cut," someone to my
right commented. It was Glen. "Thanks," I said, thinking that it must be my color or he'd have said
something.
The president gaveled the session to order, and my mind whirled off in all directions, like a million
pinwheels. My God, I thought, I don't even know if I can get this thing off my head. My heart began to
pound and I broke out in a sweat. I slid my hand up the side of my head and pushed the wig up. It came away
easily. There was a dry, raspy, creaky sound in my ear. It was laughing. "Man, you're tickling me."
At break we went for coffee. I moved in and out of traffic with ease. Wig, as I was now calling it, gave
such quick, concise directions that it was almost as if I could see. And Wig began reading off all of the
nametags as we passed people, and I called to them by name. We picked up my coffee at Jitters and stopped
at a wonderful little chocolate shop where I bought a half a pound of peanut butter fudge...okay, so it
was a whole pound.
By lunchtime, I had begun to see the possibilities opening before me. Wig was incredible. We zipped into
Kaydy's for lunch and I didn't need to struggle with the Braille menu. Wig simply read the selections
over my shoulder, so to speak.
By midweek, Wig and I had such a close relationship that I began going out without my cane. Tuesday evening,
I sat in my first poker game ever. Wig suggested, "Hold your cards up close to your face as if you can't
see them very well." Perched high atop my head, Wig could get a fix on every player's hand. "You should have
seen the looks on their faces." Wig chortled. "They figured they'd clean you out in short order." He laughed
about that all night long. I pocketed $700. Wednesday, I picked up another $800.
As we were walking back to my room Wig said, "It's early, man. You wanna meet some fine Chicks?" "Now why
would a Wig care about women?" I asked. "Hey man, I just like to watch the action." "The only action you'll
see tonight is me, snoring." "And you do one mighty fine job of that, man."
Thursday, following the candidate's forum, I decided to duck into Kaydy's for a quick dinner before heading
over to the Washington hospitality suite. The restaurant was crowded, as usual. Wig said, "Step left." I
did, and I felt myself slam into another body. With a crash, dishes fell to the floor, food flopping onto
the table in front of me. "Man!" Wig exclaimed. "I'm sorry, man I've never done that before."
Later that night, I could hear Wig over on the table in my room. He was chortling. "What's funny?" I asked.
"I shouldn't be laughing, man, but you should have seen the look on that waitress' face. I swear she
thought she could catch all them dishes and keep them from hitting the floor." "We have to work hard to be
more careful," I said. And I began laying out my plan to Wig. "Saturday, there is a high stakes poker
tournament. I figure we could win as much as $50 or $60 thousand." "Sounds fun," Wig replied. "You know,"
I went on, "I'll bet that you and I could learn to ride a bike. Maybe we could get good enough that I
could drive again." "Piece of cake, man," Wig said. "We could travel all over the country, playing poker
for a living. I bet I could turn a couple hundred thousand a year." "All of that and then some," Wig yawned.
"And think of all the Babes you'll have." "No chicks. No babes. I figure on taking my wife." "Jeez!" Wig
whined.
After Friday's general session and elections were over, I decided to cut across by the pool. As we came
through the door, Wig said, "Hey man, it's hot out here. Let's run for it." That sounded good to me. We
were working as if we were one single entity. "There's some folks coming toward us," Wig said. "Cut just a
bit to the left...okay, now run for it." I broke into a fine trot, felt my foot hit something, and flew out
into space. I crashed into the pool doing a magnificent belly flop. An angry lifeguard, thinking I was
drunk, fished me out. "What kind of a crazy fool are you? I saw you turn and run head long for the
pool."
I was so humiliated and embarrassed that I just put my head down and tried to remember which way the door
was. Wig began giving directions, and I sloshed my way to my room. Once inside I pulled Wig, dripping wet,
from my head and slammed him to the table. "Oomph!" Wig grunted. "Take it easy, man." "Me take it easy?" I
was livid. "Just what are you up to? You did that deliberately. Why? I want an answer." Instead, Wig began
to cackle in that dry crackly, raspy laugh of his. "God, man! You should have seen your face. You didn't
know up from down." He wailed and cackled. "And that stupid lifeguard. If his face got any redder, it
would have popped."
I was busy peeling off my wet clothes. Then I realized that I'd been carrying my bag with my Braille 'N'
Speak. It was ruined! I was so angry that I couldn't speak. I tell you, if I'd had any matches, I'd have
tossed Wig in the bathtub and set him on fire.
After I was dressed for the banquet, I turned to Wig. "You've broken the trust, Wig." I paced back and
forth. "I just don't know what we're going to do. When I come back from the dinner, perhaps we can figure
out where to go from here."
I probably shouldn't have gone to dinner. I didn't hear a thing that went on. And on my way back to my
room, I still hadn't a clue as to what to do with Wig.
In my room I hung up my jacket and removed my tie. Walking to the table, I said, "Okay Wig, let's talk
about what went on." No answer. "Wig!" I raised my voice. "We need to talk." I reached out and put my
hand down in the middle of a puddle of water. No Wig. "Wig!" I called in a loud voice. "Don't get cute
with me. Where are you?" Silence. After covering every inch of the room, even taking my suitcase apart,
I gave up and called housekeeping. I explained that I had a very valuable wig, and somehow it had
become misplaced. They were very prompt and very thorough. But it was quite apparent that Wig had
slipped away. I told housekeeping that I recalled that there had been some friends over, and probably
one of them picked it up.
Saturday morning, I packed and headed for the airport and the trip back to Seattle, and the even
longer trip to the Olympic Peninsula. I had lots of time to reflect on the events of the past week.
Why had I just accepted Wig's statement that he was here to help me? I'd never thought that he might
have an agenda of his own. Why, Wig wasn't my helper at all. He was setting me up for his own fun.
What a fool I was to have accepted Wig at face value.
As soon as I arrived home, I went through all of my bags again. Nothing. Now, in full panic, I'm here
at my computer. Please, someone. Listen to me. Wig is out there. If you have him, or know where he is,
do not let him out of your sight. Wig is evil. Who knows where his perverted curiosity will take him,
and whoever is with him. We must find him. We must stop him before someone is seriously hurt...or
worse. Please contact me at: carjar82@gmail.com
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TECH TIPS - by John Richards for the FCB Technology Committee
Portions of this article, taken from the GW Micro Web Page
The GW Micro - Book Sense
The Book Sense from GW Micro is a portable digital audio book player and an alternative to Humanware's
Victor Reader Stream. Weighing only four ounces (115g), this portable device fits easily anywhere.
Book Sense and Book Sense XT are the two models available. Both play audio files, DAISY content, and
have an FM tuner. Additional features include a Secured-Digital (SD) memory card slot, and built-in
recorder. A variety of audio formats, such as MP3, MP4, OGG, WAV, WAX, MPC, and WMA are supported.
The Book Sense offers an SD memory card with 1 GB of storage. The Book Sense XT sports internal 4GB
storage memory and Bluetooth capability.
The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), BookShare, Audible, and
Recordings for the Blind and Dyslexic (R F B & D) all provide Digital talking books that can be
downloaded to your computer and transferred via the USB port to the Book Sense XT or to a SD memory
card.
Book reader mode supports quite a few file formats. These include txt, rtf, doc, docx, html, xml,
and brf.
For pricing and availability, contact the GW Micro dealer in your area.
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 tcConference. tcConference 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 tcConference software.
Select "Run" and tcConference will be installed to your system. When tcConference 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, 2008 - 2010" section of this publication.
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POETRY CORNER - Submitted by Shelley Justice
I Am The Flag
by Lawrence M. Jones
I am a composite being of all the people of America.
I am the union if you are united.
I am one and indivisible if you are undivided.
I am as strong as the weakest link.
I am an emblem of your country.
I am a symbol of the shadow of the real.
I am a sign pointing to past achievements.
I am a promise of greater things for the future.
I am what you make me.
I am purity if you are pure.
I am bravery if you are brave.
I am loyalty if you are loyal.
I am honor if you are honorable.
I am goodness if you are good.
I am hope if you are hopeful.
I am truth if you are true.
I am the Constitution.
I am law and order.
I am tolerance or intolerance as you force me to be.
I am liberty as you understand liberty.
I am as a pillar of fire by night,
but you must provide the fuel.
I march at the head of the column,
but you must carry me on.
I stand for greater and more glorious
achievement than can be found in recorded
history, but you must be my inspiration.
I AM THE FLAG.
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CHAPTER NEWS - Mid-Florida Council of the Blind
Mid-Florida Council of the Blind - by Jay Bader
As many of you read this newsletter, MFCB will be heavily involved with the ACB National Convention at the Rosen
Centre Hotel being held from July 3rd through 11th. We have made as many preparations as possible to warmly
greet everyone in ACB who comes to Orlando. It should be one of the best conventions ever for ACB Members from
around the world.
At our May General Meeting, after much discussion, MFCB Members approved revisions to the MFCB By-Laws. However,
at the FCB Convention in Daytona Beach, these revisions did not receive final approval from the FCB Constitution
and By-Laws Committee. So as of this Chapter News, we are awaiting word as to what further work needs to be done
so they can be re-submitted for approval.
MFCB would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to the Halifax Chapter for all their dedication in helping
to make this year's FCB Convention a tremendous success. We feel confident that the issues experienced with the
Plaza Ocean Club will be taken care of long before we return there in 2011.
During this year's FCB Convention, MFCB had a table in the Exhibit Hall where keychain flashlights were
available. Many thanks to Bill Freeman, MFCB Treasurer Dan Spoone and Leslie Spoone for their help in manning
the table and selling all those keychains. And there's still more available, so if you have not purchased one
yet, or would like more, they will also be at the ACB National Convention.
On Saturday, June 13th, the MFCB Annual June Awards Luncheon took place at Mimi's Café in Altamonte Springs,
where Members and Guests enjoyed great food and even better company. As it was announced that at the FCB
Convention, the MFCB Chapter Award was given to Bill Freeman. Bill has represented the chapter in many ways,
from serving 4 years as MFCB 2nd Vice-President, to being chairperson of the MFCB Transportation Committee. He
also currently represents the chapter as a liaison to Lighthouse Central Florida, talking with students about
the American Council of the Blind. He is someone who not only sets an example locally, but also on a state
level, from his work with FCCLV to coordinating the FCB Raffle the last 2 years. Congratulations to Bill!
Also at the June Awards Luncheon, the Community Service Award was announced. The person who received it was
definitely surprised. Joyce Hull, who was the guest of MFCB 1st Vice President Sheila Young, was honored for
her longtime service as a Braille Transcriptionist as well as her efforts with the Braille Authority of North
America (BANA). She has also been a Member of MFCB and will be returning to being a part of our chapter for
2010. Joyce is another person we can all be proud of.
A student was awarded the now-renamed Lamb-Rotter Memorial Scholarship. This was awarded to Oscar Guzman, who
is continuing studies in the Orlando area. We hope to hear more from Oscar as he furthers his education.
Lois Huddle, who chairs the much-appreciated MFCB Sunshine Committee, won a Voicemate organizer at that event.
Sheila, as well as MFCB President Shelley Justice, reminded Members to do all they can to assist with the ACB
National Convention, especially during the preparation of Registration Bags just before the beginning of the
convention.
With the Summer comes a time for MFCB Membrs to re-energize for a busy Fall, especially when it comes to
Membership commitments. Also, the summer is the time our Annual MFCB Membership Drive begins. It will begin
when the ACB National Convention ends and will continue into autumn.
Just so Members can prepare, the Annual MFCB Membership Drive is done in cooperation with the Bureau of
Braille and Talking Book Library Services in Daytona Beach. Those mailers will be sent with the hope that
there are those who receive it who will be interested in becoming Members of MFCB. Renewals will be accepted
as well, beginning in September, with the annual dues remaining at $12.00.
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 MFCB Members, 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.
There will be more on the Annual MFCB Membership Drive, as well as the renewal process in the next Chapter
News. Until then, we hope many of you will be either attending the ACB National Convention at the Rosen
Centre Hotel, or listening on ACB Radio. And enjoy the summer!
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HEALTHY LIVING - by Pat Lipovsky
Baby Tiramisù
If you're a fan of the classic Italian dessert Tiramisu, try this quick, lower-calorie variation the next
time you need a dessert in a hurry. Both types of ladyfingers -- spongy and crunchy -- work well.
Servings: 6 servings
Total Time: 45 minutes
Ease of Health: Low Calorie, Low Carb, Low Sat Fat, Low Cholesterol, Low Sodium, Heart Healthy, and Healthy
Weight
INGREDIENTS:
1/2 cup nonfat ricotta cheese (4 ounces)
2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
12 ladyfingers (about 1 3/4 ounces)
4 tablespoons brewed espresso or strong coffee, divided
2 tablespoons bittersweet chocolate chips, melted (see Tip)
DIRECTIONS:
1. Combine ricotta, sugar, vanilla and cinnamon in a medium bowl.
2. Place 6 ladyfingers in a 9-by-5-inch (or similar size) loaf pan. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons espresso (or
coffee). Spread the ricotta mixture over the ladyfingers. Place another layer of ladyfingers over the
ricotta and drizzle with the remaining 2 tablespoons espresso (or coffee). Drizzle with melted chocolate.
Refrigerate until the chocolate is set, about 30 minutes.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:
Calories - 107
Carbohydrates - 18
Fat - 2
Saturated Fat - 1
Monounsaturated Fat - 0
Protein - 3
Cholesterol - 3
Dietary Fiber - 0
Potassium - 29
Sodium - 125
Tip: To melt chocolate: Microwave on Medium for 1 minute. Stir, continue microwaving on Medium in 20-second
intervals until melted, stirring after each interval. Or place in the top of a double boiler over hot, but
not boiling, water. Stir until melted.
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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): 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: 1-800-982-2891 from anywhere
Social Security: 1-800-772-1213
24-hour voice and touch tone accessible
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