THE WHITE CANE BULLETIN
FLORIDA COUNCIL OF THE BLIND, INC.
March - April 2005
FCB OFFICERS, 2004 - 2006
President:
Paul Edwards
20330 N. E. 20th Ct.
Miami, FL 33179
(305) 692-9206
E-mail: edwpaul@comcast.net
First Vice President:
Debbie Grubb
4215 17th Ave. W.
Bradenton, FL 34205-1418
(941) 749-6178
E-mail: debbiecg@verizon.net
Second Vice President:
James R. Warth, Jr.
1859 N. Washington Ave.
Clearwater, FL 33755
(727) 461-7067
E-mail: james.warth@verizon.net
Treasurer:
Patti Davis 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:
Robert Miller
2201 Limerick Dr.
Tallahassee, FL 32309
(850) 906-9821
E-mail: easytalk@earthlink.net
Editors of White Cane Bulletin:
Elizabeth Bowden
1919 Leone Dr.
Tallahassee, FL 32308
(850) 574-6252
E-mail: esbowden@nettally.com
Sharon Youngs
237 Maple Ave.
Palm Harbor, FL 34684
(727) 937-8631
E-mail: sky11@tampabay.rr.com
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
EDITOR'S NOTES - by Elizabeth Bowden
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE - by Paul Edwards
FUNNY, BUT IT'S NOT ALWAYS FUNNY - by Jack Varnon
CONVENTION OF THE FLORIDA COUNCIL OF THE BLIND - by Rosanna Lippen
SUCCESS - by William Benjamin
SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY- by Sila Miller
THINKING OF BOBBIE AND BILL - by Gail Thompson
EMPLOYMENT MENTORING PROGRAM - by Mike Drylie
TECH TIPS: THE APPLICATIONS KEY - by Elizabeth Bowden for the FCB Technology Committee
CHAPTER NEWS - Pinellas Council of the Blind, Mid-Florida Council of the Blind, Tallahassee Council of the
Blind
RECIPE CORNER - by Sally Benjamin
HANDY TELEPHONE NUMBERS
EDITOR'S NOTES - by Elizabeth Bowden
This version of the White Cane Bulletin is being printed in a large print font produced by the American Printing House for the Blind. We
thought we’d try it to see what other members thought about the change. Any comments about the change are accepted, and can be
made in several ways. Send an E-mail to Sharon Youngs or me, or if you’d rather call and talk to someone, call Sally Benjamin at
1-800-267-4448. We always welcome feedback, and would be happy to hear from you.
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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE - by Paul Edwards
AN UPDATE AND A TRIBUTE
Two issues ago, the White Cane Bulletin published two letters I wrote. As I write this message, there is little good news about either
situation to which they referred.
The first, if you recall, concerned what the intentions of the Florida Bush Administration were with regard to where and how they would
deliver services to people who are blind. I received a reply from Governor Bush's office which assured me that all the rumors that were
floating around about creating a super agency were exaggerated and that nothing would or could be done without legislation and a
chance for the public to be heard. Well there is a public hearing scheduled for February 23rd in Orlando. It appears to be the only one
scheduled so there is clearly not much effort to seek widespread input from the community whose views they profess to value.
Equally little result has come from our efforts to get the Florida Attorney General's office involved in helping to stop agencies of state
government from breaking the law by releasing web pages of software that is intended for use by the public which is not accessible to
people who are blind. At our Board Meeting in November, it was decided that we had no choice but to file an ADA complaint. As I told
some of the Executive Committee a few days ago, I have dragged my feet hoping that the state, through the office of the A.G., would do the
right thing. It now appears that this will not happen so we will have no choice but to go forward as I was instructed to do by the Board of
Directors.
Many of you in Florida will know Jim Olsen, who has been a fixture at virtually every ACB Convention since I have been a part of ACB. Jim
passed away on Sunday, February 13th, in Minneapolis. While I did not attend Jim's funeral, I did attend a memorial service held for him
during ACB'S Presidents' Mid-Year Meetings in Washington, D.C.
I was given an opportunity during that service to say a few words about Jim Olsen and found it very difficult to do justice to this truly
remarkable man. He lived for ACB and devoted much of his life to the organization. He has worked for ACB since 1978 and has never, to
my knowledge, worked as little as a forty-hour week. He was a tireless advocate for the little people and for ACB. He was a kind and
gentle man and, in all the years I have known him in spite of lots of provocation, I have never heard Jim say an unkind word about anyone.
That in itself is pretty remarkable.
I know that the members of FCB will join me in extending our love to Jim's wife and two daughters and the rest of their extended family.
ACB will never replace Jim Olsen. He was one of a kind!
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FUNNY, BUT IT'S NOT ALWAYS FUNNY - by Jack Varnon
IN THE NEWS...
Anxious to 'include' as many minorities, religions and disabilities as possible, the human resources department of the University of
Alberta has put up a Braille poster outside its main office. The poster has been placed inside a display case with a glass front. (This is
brought to you by the same geniuses that put Braille instructions on the drive-up window at the bank.)
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CONVENTION OF THE FLORIDA COUNCIL OF THE BLIND - by Rosanna Lippen
What Is Convention of the Florida Council of the Blind?
Is Your Reservation Made for the 52nd Annual Convention of the Florida Council of the Blind???
Get ready! It is that time of year! Convention time! As the program is being prepared, please make your accommodation reservations at
the Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Airport Hotel, located at 1825 Griffin Road, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33004. Reservations can be made through
central reservations at 1-800-325-3535 or the direct number to the hotel is (954) 920-3500.
There is a cruise being planned for those interested in participating on Thursday, May 12th, 2005. Breakout sessions and banquets on
Friday and Saturday, May 13th and 14th, and our Annual Business Meeting will close the event on Sunday morning, May 15th, 2005.
Exhibits will be open on Friday and Saturday as usual.
Remember, the cutoff date is April 12th, 2005, at a rate of $69.00 per night. Do not forget to mention you are part of our group. See you
there!
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SUCCESS - by William Benjamin
In the grand scheme of things: How is success defined and how many ways are there to achieve it? I pose this question because it is the
one thing sought after more than any other thing in the world. Mothers want to raise their children successfully. Fathers want to
successfully provide for their families and both want their children to be successful. I will go so far as to say, you probably would like to be
successful, too.
Most people equate success with money and nothing could be farther from the truth. There are lots of people that have lots of money but
have such poor control over their lives that they are miserable. Money is important, but there has to be a balance to life.
Success is not only for the lucky and the gifted. Success may be achieved by anyone who takes the time, puts out the effort and remains
committed to the outcome.
This article discusses various elements of success. There are many ways to be successful and there are many levels as well.
Nevertheless, there are some commonalities between successful people that can be identified.
To begin with, successful people have a positive attitude. They maintain the attitude that they are going to be successful and not let
anyone or anything stand in their way. Therefore, if a person wants to be successful, they are going to have to develop a good attitude.
Another thing it takes to be successful is to have a set of goals. Not dreams, but a succession of small goals that are achievable leading
up to an ultimate goal. These goals must be organized, clear and very achievable.
Next it takes a plan. You can call it a life plan or a business plan. It is all the same. You need to have a plan for your success and you
need to learn to work the plan. Certainly another thing you will develop is an image. Every store you walk into and every successful
person you meet has an image. Remember this, if you have a bad image, no one will want to do business with you.
For those of you that want to be successful, ACB has an organization called Independent Visual Impaired Entrpaneurs - IVIE. This group
discusses the various aspects of success and serves as a support group to educate and support one another. I highly recommend that
if you are working in your own business or just want to be successful in general, contact any one in the group and you might be pleasantly
surprised with the results.
In closing let me quote the words of the philosopher Gurta: “The most important word in this or any other language is Attitude.”
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SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY- by Sila Miller
Back in November, our Talley gang and a few others gathered in Orlando for the FCB Board Meeting. As always, the meeting was great,
taking care of business and getting to visit with old and dear friends. However, the trip back to Talley is truly the “stuff memories are made
of” and I’d like to take a minute and share some of those memories with you.
Sunday morning, we got to the Orlando bus station safe and sound – yours truly, 1 weak but functioning eye, Robert, Harley, Mycell and
her brand new guide dog, Ibbie, Nancy and her guide dog, Maggie, Liz, John and Govner, all dragging suit cases and dogs and each
other. Just as a side note, all of the above except for the dogs and me are blind as bats.
Well, we find a seat and are reassured the big, burly gentleman will be back in time to assist us to the boarding gate. Meanwhile,
someone tried to plunder in Mycell's bag, Liz needed change as the drink machine dollar changer didn't work and Robert and I were
dying to go to the loo.
Anyhoo, we soon hear the boarding call for gate number 7. Who the hell knows where the boarding gates are, much less 7.
Nonetheless, I go leading the pack to what I hope is gate 7. Nope, gotta cut in front of someone to cross over to 7.
All the while, my dear husband, Robert, is muttering, not so quietly about how hard it is to find “good help” and John, that redneck from
Marion County, is hollering about how folks who want to live in America need to learn to speak English! Mycell has become separated
from our group and is 5 miles behind, somewhat panicked, yelling, “Si, Si, where are you? Talk to me.” Gov is laughing but pretty laid
back.
And then, all hell breaks loose...A lady starts screaming, "He's crowding my body." The man, a Mexican-speaking individual, is hollering
back "I don't care, I don't care," not really understanding exactly what the lady is talking about, I thought. Then the security guard comes in,
in time to hear the Spanish man say something about a “white bitch.” The security guard immediately yells, "One more violation and I'll
violate you!" I thought violation is what he was supposed to be protecting her from?
So then, I drag my suitcase and Liz out of the way to make room for the "violator." Finally, when I realize he's not gonna do anything to the
offender, I forge ahead and make a run for the bus.
The bus? Well now, the damn bus is overcrowded. Not an extra seat. Some lady comes in yelling about how she's not gonna wait to get
to Talley until 10:00. I'm trying to sort out ticket/receipts and help everyone get settled.
We finally get underway. “Rolling on the river” and all. Then it’s time to stop for a meal break at KFC. Bad goes to worse when the bus
just stalls. Anyhoo, when we return from getting chicken, cole slaw leaking, not enough napkins or sporks and all that, the driver, God love
him, has the “good old Dog” going again.
We head west, content with our soggy food, sticky fingers and full stomachs. Looking forward to home, hearth and our own bed and
pillow! Well, about 89 miles from good old Talley that poor, old Dog slows down and finally just stops. The poor, frustrated driver goes to
the back of the bus where the engine is and tries to start the bus again. Nothing doing - she's gone down for the count – “a real
goner.”
We make jokes about the outboard Ebbenrude, Robert asks if I'm all ready for my Greyhound trip to Ft. Lauderdale to see my sister and
Liz has a laughing fit. Folks on that bus got a good look at our 4-legged friends and us. I must set the record straight right here and now:
those furry babies acted much more calm than we did.
Finally, 2 an’ a half hours later, after much getting on and off the bus, frustration and lots of fussing, another bus comes rolling to our
rescue. Miraculously, none of our luggage was lost or stolen and we all arrived safe and sound, if a little frazzled!
I pondered whether or not to submit this article as some parts might be offensive, but after much consideration, I didn’t see how I could
pass up sharing the laughter and memories! Wonder if I should submit this to the newspaper? Maybe to Greyhound for a refund or
possibly chalk it up to a lesson learned and take a flight next time?
I hope by now you’re rolling. It’s all true, I swear, and it should be worth a good chuckle.
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THINKING OF BOBBIE AND BILL - by Gail Thompson
I would like to echo the tribute Elizabeth Bowden wrote in the last WCB. As of this writing, Bobbie is, once again, on the mend. This has
been an uphill battle but, hopefully, things are looking up for her. Bill’s devotion to Bobbie is amazing. He has been by her side
throughout this and every other setback.
I just ask all members to keep both of them in your prayers. I’m sure they’d enjoy hearing from you. I know you all wish them well.
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EMPLOYMENT MENTORING PROGRAM - by Mike Drylie
The Florida Council of the Blind has started a mentoring program to assist individuals with visual impairment in Florida in their search for
employment. The mentoring program matches those looking for employment with visually impaired employed individuals to provide
encouragement and support, and possible resume assistance.
The program is looking for both mentors and those desiring to be mentored. Both may sign up for the program by contacting Project
Insight by E-mail, projectinsight@fcb.org, or telephone at 1-800-267-4448.
Both Mentors and those seeking assistance should provide current career field, previous employment experience, email address or
telephone number, and city of residence.
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TECH TIPS: THE APPLICATIONS KEY - by Elizabeth Bowden for the FCB Technology Committee
The Forgotten Key
Everyone is probably familiar with most of the keys located on the bottom of their computer keyboard. Beginning on the left side, there is
the Control key, the Left Windows, or “start menu” key, and the Alt key. The space bar follows and then there are the Alt key, and Right
Windows keys.
How about that fellow in between the right windows and Control keys? This key is sometimes called the Applications key and can
perform a number of actions depending on where you are when it is pressed. Usually it brings up a menu similar to the Files menu under
Explorer. The key can also be used to access actions while in the process of opening a file.
Try it out, and see what new actions you can perform.
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CHAPTER NEWS - Pinellas Council of the Blind, Mid-Florida Council of the Blind, Tallahassee Council of the
Blind
Pinellas Council of the Blind, Clearwater Chapter - by Barbara Pusey
Recently, the Pinellas Council of the Blind held their election of officers. Elected were:
President - Morry LaTour
Vice President - Debbie Potocki
Recording Secretary - Barbara Pusey
Treasurer - Sharon Youngs
Membership Secretary - Janice Refill
Last month, the chapter was invited to the local blindness rehabilitation center, The Watson Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired.
Melba Kert, Vice President in charge of Programs, talked about various current programs and asked for our input for new services they
could provide. It was a very positive exchange for all.
To show their gratitude for our help with this project, The Watson Center provided a pizza lunch. After our luncheon, our regular meeting
followed.
Look for more chapter news in the future.
Mid-Florida Council of the Blind - by Jay Bader
Mid-Florida Council of the Blind has been very active in recent weeks. First, here is what was reported in the March 2005 MID-FLORIDA
VOICE:
On Thursday, January 27th, at Lynx Central Station in downtown Orlando, the Lynx Board of Directors held its monthly meeting and one
that would impact all users of Lynx services. It was time for the Lynx Board to decide on increasing fares for its fixed-route bus service as
well as Access Lynx service under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. Many members of Mid-Florida Council of the
Blind as well as those from the National Federation of the Blind-Greater Orlando Chapter and paratransit advocate Cheryl Stone attended
to speak at the appropriate time concerning the proposed fare increase for those who use Access Lynx under ADA and the Board
members listened carefully to those comments.
With neither Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer nor Orange County Mayor Richard Crotty able to attend, it was a Lynx Board of 3 members to make
the decisions. Here is what was noted about that decision on the Lynx website at
http://www.golynx.com:
"Lynx Board of Directors passed a proposed fare adjustment at its monthly (January) meeting, but settled for 50 percent of the proposed
increase for paratransit riders.
"The Board approved an increase from $2.00 to $2.50 for Access Lynx ADA fare riders inside the 3/4 mile radius and from $2.00 to $3.50
for Access Lynx ADA fare riders outside the 3/4 mile radius. Those fares will remain in place for one year while other sources of funding
are investigated.
(Editor's Note: The original proposed fare increase for Access Lynx ADA fare riders was from $2.00 to $3.00 for inside 3/4 of a mile and
from $2.00 to $5.00 outside 3/4 of a mile.)
"The Board also approved an increase from $1.25 to $1.50 for fixed-route passengers. The increases will begin March 20th, 2005. The
decision drew a round of applause from an estimated 100 people attending the meeting the second-floor boardroom at Lynx Central
Station.
"It's an unusual event when a fare increase gets applause," Lynx Chairman of the Board Atlee Mercer said. "But it happened because the
people that were using the service understood what our needs were and all they asked for was some reasonable consideration and they
got it."
"That was a very good compromise reached today," Lynx Executive Director Linda Watson said. "Lynx was successful in getting the
message out that we need the fare increase to recover more of the cost of the service, but the Board showed our riders some
compassion in withholding a full increase for a year."
MFCB appreciates the Lynx Board of Directors understanding the situation that many who are disabled face in paying paratransit fares.
However, as was noted above, Lynx does have needs and those have to be dealt with. So in moving forward with Access Lynx services,
everyone who uses paratransit should be aware that working together with Lynx and not against Lynx will only better the ride for all that
use it.
And on February 19th, Mid-Florida Council of the Blind held an activity at the Orlando Science Center. Even though half of the planned
group could not attend due to paratransit issues, those who were able to participate toured the various exhibits, from an overview on
airplanes and an interactive look inside the human body to hands-on experiences with animals, demonstrations on natural weather
phenomenon and a presentation of dog obedience.
“A fun time was had by all”. The staff at Orlando Science Center treated the members of MFCB very well. MFCB looks forward to going
back to the Orlando Science Center in the future, hopefully with a full group to enjoy the experience.
Tallahassee Council of the Blind - by Sally Benjamin
Every year, Tallahassee has an event called Springtime Tallahassee. It is a week long event where there are many things to do. At the
finish, there is a parade at the end of the week. Our chapter decided to walk in the parade instead of having a booth, since we would not
be allowed to sell anything, and we thought that parade participation would give us more exposure to the sighted public.
We are joining with the local NFB chapter, Division of Blind Services, and the rehabilitation agency, Florida Institute For Rehabilitation
Education, and are sure to have a good time. Magnifying America, a vendor serving the Tallahassee area, donated money for T-shirts.
They will have a person walking with a cane and a person walking with a dog. And on the other side Springtime Tallahassee.
We will have candy to throw along the way and the community will see that we do things just like everyone else. So check with your
community, there may be something you can participate in.
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RECIPE CORNER - by Sally Benjamin
Wild Rice And Mushroom Stuffing
Makes 3 cups
1 cup wild rice
4 tablespoons butter
2 cups mushrooms, chopped
1 small onion, finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
Salt to taste
Cook the rice according to the package directions. Melt the butter in a saucepan, add the mushrooms and onion, and cook over low heat
until soft. Stir in the cooked rice, pepper, nutmeg, and salt. Serve with Cornish game hen, goose, turkey, or chicken.
Stuffed Bacon Burgers
2 1/2 lb lean ground beef
1 tomato cut into 6 slices
6 thin slices onion
6 slices cheese (Swiss, Cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite)
6 slices bacon
Make 12 patties, each about 5 inches across and 1/2 inch thick. Sandwich a tomato slice, an onion slice, and a cheese slice between 2
patties and carefully seal the edges. Wrap a slice of bacon around the outside edge of each burger and secure with a toothpick. Grill by
direct heat method for charcoal, by indirect heat method using high heat for gas (have one side on high and use the other side of grill to
bbq) for 5 to 6 minutes per side or longer if meat is still pink. Makes 6 servings.
(Stuffing Variations: Sliced green olives, sautéed sliced mushrooms, sliced avocado, sliced marinated artichoke hearts; egg salad or
chopped pickles.)
Pork Chops with Mushroom Sauce
8 to 10 small, thick pork chops
2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon sage
1 can (12-ounce) cream of mushroom soup
1 tablespoon dried onion flakes
Trim the excess fat from the pork chops and use it to grease a large skillet. Over high heat, brown each pork chop lightly on both sides.
Salt and pepper each as it finishes and place it in the crockpot. Add the sage. Pour the soup (undiluted) and the onion flakes into the still
hot skillet. Scrape the pan juices and pour them into the crockpot. Cover and cook on Low for 8 to 10 hours. Serves 6 to 8.
Hash Brown Casserole
1 package of hash browns (the frozen type; shredded of course, and please thaw them out as it creates best results)
1 pint sour cream
2 cans cream of chicken soup
3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 stick butter, cut in half
3 cups crushed cornflakes
In a greased 9 by 13 cake pan, place thawed hash browns, mix in both cans of soup. Stir well. Mix in sour cream. Stir well. Add half of
the stick of butter cut in small pieces. Mix well. Add shredded cheddar cheese. And mix well. Over top, sprinkle crushed cornflakes. Melt
other half stick of butter and drizzle melted butter over top. In a preheated oven set to 350 degrees, place pan and bake casserole for
around 1 hour and 15 minutes.
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HANDY TELEPHONE NUMBER REFERENCES
Project Insight: 1-800-267-4448 Free Resource Counselor for the Blind (Florida Council of the Blind Free Service)
Bureau of Braille and Talking Book Library Services: 1-800-226-6075
Division of Blind Services (Tallahassee State Headquarters): 1-800-342-1828 For Services and Client Advocacy
American Council of The Blind: 1-800-424-8666
(available only 3:00 to 5:30 PM EST Monday-Friday)
ACB 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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