THE WHITE CANE BULLETIN
FLORIDA COUNCIL OF THE BLIND, INC.
March - April 2008
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
FCB CONVENTION 2008
HAVE A TICKET TO RIDE - by Sila Miller
CONVENTION TRANSPORTATION - Submitted by Sally Benjamin
CLINTON MOORE - by Don Moore
WINSON KNUTSEN - Submitted by Mike Taylor
WINSON KNUTSEN - by Sila Miller
SPOTLIGHT ON A LOYAL MEMBER AND SUPPORTER, CALVERT DURDEN - by Sila Miller
FEEL THE RHYTHM - DITCH THE STRESS - by Scott Greenblatt
MONEY TIPS - by Chip Orange
POETRY CORNER - Submitted 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
BUMPER STICKERS FOR SALE - by Sharon Youngs
RECIPE CORNER
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
As I write to you, February is rapidly drawing to a close. This means that May 15-18 will soon be upon us, bringing our 55th Annual
Convention to be held in Jacksonville. In this issue of "WCB" you will find a letter from Sila Miller, able Chair of the FCB Convention
Committee. In it, there is information about all aspects of our 2008 Convention. You will also receive this letter from the Bureau of Braille
and Talking Book Library Services in March. It is my privilege once again to serve as Program Chair for the FCB Convention. I sincerely
hope that you will find the program to be interesting and educational. Besides our own Annual FCB Raffle, we will be selling tickets from
two raffles for the American Council of the Blind. Funds from the Derwood K. McDaniel raffle bring first timers to the ACB Convention in
July. Tickets for this raffle cost $1 per ticket or $5 for a book of six tickets. The prizes are $300, $150,and $75. The second raffle that we
are making available for purchase will fund "The Braille Forum." Each ticket costs $50. A Chapter may want to purchase one of these
tickets or groups of individuals may want to do so as the benefit to ACB and the prizes to winners are significant. The prizes are $5,000,
$1,000, and $500. I know that each of you are busily selling tickets for the FCB Raffle which is FCB's Annual fundraising gift to its
Chapters.
On January 8th, I had the privilege of representing the Florida Council of the Blind at the second annual Vision Summit sponsored by the
Florida Legislative Caucus, currently chaired by Rep. Loranne Ausley, the mother of a young child who is visually impaired. Our good
friend and founder of the Vision Caucus, Rep. Dennis Baxley, was also present. Both the Speaker of the house and the new
Commissioner of Education, Dr. Eric Smith, spoke at the event along with many experts in the field of blindness. The consumer groups
gave brief presentations on issues that require immediate legislative action either via legislation or via contact with the Governor or
other appropriate officials in the State of Florida. Paul Cominsky, President of Blinded Veterans of America, Florida Regional Group,
spoke about how technology and educational trends have changed in the past 30 years. Kathy Davis, President of the National
Federation of the Blind of Florida spoke about the issues surrounding transportation and access for state workers to software and
hardware used by the State of Florida. Sue Townsend, President of Florida Families of Children with Visual Impairment, spoke about
the need of kindergarten through grade 12 students’ need for technology and the difficulties that they face in the classroom. I,
representing the Florida Council of the Blind, spoke about pedestrian access to Florida’s streets and highways, the poor enforcement
of Florida’s White Cane Law and accessible voting that allows Florida's citizens with disabilities to vote in the same manner as the
general public using an affordable and readily achievable access option rather than as a separate and unequal class using touch
screen equipment deemed by the Governor and the Legislature to be unfit for use by citizens of the State of Florida. We cast our
proverbial bread upon the waters. Here's hoping that members of the Florida legislature who took the time to attend at least part of the
Legislative Summit will respond favorably to what they saw and heard. I plan to meet with Rep. Ausley soon to begin the process of
building the same kind of rewarding relationship with her that we had with Rep. Baxley when he served in the Florida Legislature. Many
thanks to Sally and William Benjamin, Nancy Folsom, Carl McCoy, Robert and Sila Miller and John Richards for attending the Vision
Summit with me. Special thanks to Robert and Sila for opening their lovely home to John and me.
On February 8, I traveled to Washington, DC to represent FCB at the Annual ACB Presidents' meeting and Legislative Seminar. During
the Presidents' meeting, we learned much about how to create the most effective press releases, received valuable information about
becoming a 501C3 entity, learned how ACB committees are impacting our lives through their excellent work, discussed the role of the
Board of Publications and its relationship with ACB, learned how to promote the work of the ACB Rehabilitation Task Force, discussed
the recruitment of younger members to affiliates, discussed fund raising strategies for affiliates, participated in a dynamic town hall
meeting with ACB officers, and discussed effective communications within affiliates -- a panel on which I participated. This Presidents'
Meeting was one of the most productive I’ve attended since our own Paul Edwards was the President of the American Council of the
Blind. I have been very impressed with President Mitch Pomerantz's commitment to include leadership from all of ACB's affiliates in
ACB's committee structure and in other aspects of the organization's work.
Mike and Debbie Drylie joined me for the Legislative Seminar. The issues that we brought to Capitol Hill were access to business
websites and their access enforcement under Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Twenty-First Century Communications
and Video Accessibility Act discussion draft, legislation giving the Federal Communications Commission the authority to mandate
video description of TV and Internet programming and also to insure the accessibility of all equipment that carries that programming,
a resolution prepared by the ACB Environmental Access Committee on which I serve outlining pedestrian safety issues.
Regarding hybrid and other quiet vehicles. We also invited legislative assistants to attend a meeting during which issues of crucial
importance to the Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America represented by the Blind Entrepreneurial Alliance were to be discussed.
The Drylies and I began our trek on Capitol Hill at 8:30 in the morning and it ended at 4:30 PM. We didn't take time for lunch in our zeal
to see as many members of the Florida delegation as possible. Mike and Debbie represent FCB well. You should be very proud of
their commitment to the Hill visits that we have made together over the past three years.
It is indeed an honor to serve as your President and to have the wonderful privilege of representing FCB in our state and throughout
the country. Remember that at this year's business meeting at our Annual Convention, you will have the opportunity to vote for the
officers that will lead the Florida Council of the Blind for the next two years. Please do join us at our 55th Annual Convention in
Jacksonville and renew old friendships and make new ones and participate in all the wonderful opportunities to learn, to have a good
time and to have your voice heard that our fine Convention affords.
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FCB CONVENTION 2008
Greetings from the Florida Council of the Blind (FCB):
The Florida Council of the Blind (FCB) will hold its 55th Annual Convention from Thursday evening, May 15th, through Sunday 12
NOON, May 18th, 2008, in Jacksonville, Florida at the Holiday Inn Jacksonville Airport located at 14670 Duval Road. The room rates are
$85.00 per night. Reserve your room by calling (904) 741-4404 or toll free 1-800-465-4329. Remember to mention that you are with the
Florida Council of the Blind to insure you receive the convention rate. The deadline for making hotel reservations for this year's FCB
Convention is April 10th so I encourage you to reserve your room now.
Begin your convention experience on Thursday evening at a barbeque/fund raiser "done Mandarin style" and hosted by one of FCB's
loyal supporters. Come kick back and chow down on some good grub and have fun while enjoying spirits and music. The 2008
FCB Convention holds several exciting and informative program options for attendees. As always, one of the highlights will be our
Exhibit Hall which will be open both Friday and Saturday.
On Friday morning, Guide Dog Users of Florida will hold its annual meeting. Becky Barnes, Director of Student Services at Guiding
Eyes for the Blind will speak to attendees about recognizing and coping with signs of stress in our guide dogs. She will also speak to
us about nationwide programs and services available to guide dog users.
On Friday afternoon, there will be two workshops attendees can choose from. Those interested in the state and national legislative
agenda will enjoy participating in the annual Legislative Seminar hosted by Carl McCoy, FCB Past President and Chair of the Public
Education Committee.
While those searching for employment opportunities won’t want to miss the Employment Committee, chaired by Mary Ellen Ottman's
workshop on current employment trends in job searches and interview techniques as well as other important musts for those seeking
meaningful employment.
On Friday evening, participate in our Awards and Scholarship Banquet where FCB leaders are recognized for their contributions to their
local FCB Chapters and to the State organization and deserving students are presented with scholarships.
Begin the day on Saturday morning by learning from experts in the field of transportation how you can work with FCB to improve
transportation in your community and in our state.
Next, there will be several workshop/seminar options available which are sure to capture the interest of everyone. Library users excited
by the world of digital books that will be made available to us via the Bureau of Braille and Talking Book Library Services will hear
firsthand from Dr. Jane Karp, Library Program Administrator, about this important and innovative reading option. Nancy Folsom and
Joyce Thornton, FCB members and Mary Kay consultants will answer your makeup and fashion questions. For those interested in
improving their advocacy skills, Eric Bridges, Director of Governmental and Advocacy Affairs for the American Council of the Blind,
(ACB) will share his years of experience with you. Back by popular demand, is our introduction to new products available, where you
shop presented by Rita Princivalli, Director of Graduate and Student Services for Southeastern Guide Dogs. Each attendee will leave
with a product demonstrated at this exciting workshop. FCB's Technology Committee will present a two-hour workshop in which you will
learn the fundamentals of web browsing, e-mail, Windows navigation and more.
Later that afternoon, following our annual town hall meeting with DBS, learn about your attitude quotient from Sister Elizabeth Fiorite,
Special Services Counselor at Independent Living for Adult Blind in Jacksonville, by attending the FCCLV Low Vision affiliate's program.
That evening, Eric Bridges will speak to us about ACB's impact on the lives of this country's citizens who are blind and visually impaired
at our annual banquet. At the conclusion of the banquet, FCB will once again give to its members the gift of music. To end the evening,
we will hold our Annual Raffle drawing for money and other exciting prizes.
On Sunday morning, FCB Members will have the opportunity to participate in the organization's Annual Business Meeting, during which
the officers that will lead us for the next two years will be elected.
The Administrative Office of the Florida Council of the Blind will soon be mailing out the Convention Announcement and registration
packet to all our Members. However, we would like to extend a warm welcome to everyone who would like to join us for what promises to
be an informative and fun-filled time! If you'd like to receive registration material and attend our convention, please contact Sally
Benjamin, toll-free at 1-800-267-4448 or by e-mail at floridacouncil@comcast.net. Please
also feel free to visit our website at www.fcb.org to learn more about us. We'd be honored to share our
Convention experience with you!
Sincerely,
Sila Miller
Convention Chairwoman
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HAVE A TICKET TO RIDE - by Sila Miller
So, do you "have a ticket to ride"?
As many of you already know, FCB chartered a bus last year that brought 40-odd people to Convention. This project went so well that
we're doing it again. It's filling up fast so if you want to hitch a ride call Sally Benjamin at 1-800-267-4448 to reserve your spot.
This is a golden opportunity that we're proud to offer to our Members. it is sure to save you time, money, stress and promises to be a
success again. Cab fair from the Jacksonville bus station to the hotel is approximately $35.00, and that's one-way. Couple the savings
with the benefit of traveling with your fellow FCB Members and you've got the picture.
So, don't delay, make your plans and call for your "ticket to ride" by April 1st.
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CONVENTION TRANSPORTATION - Submitted by Sally Benjamin
Barbara Brown is trying to arrange transportation for those coming to the state convention. Anyone attending the State Convention
arriving by bus or train must send their PLACE, DATE, and TIME of arrival. Also include departure information. E-mail to:
brownbl@bellsouth.net or call (904) 996-0633 and leave a message if no one
answers.
According to City Cab, (904) 452-2222, the fare from the Bus Station to the airport would be $35.00.
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CLINTON MOORE - by Don Moore
Clinton Moore
Clinton H. Moore, 83, passed away on February 1st, 2008, at Tidewell Hospice in Port Charlotte, FL. He was born in Jamaica, New York,
and attended Stuyvesant High School. During World War II, Clinton served in the European Theater of Operations, earning a Battle Star.
He was later honorably discharged from the Army Reserve as a Staff Sergeant. Clinton served as a Boy Scout leader. He also served on
school boards in New York City and Rensselaer County. Clinton attended courses at the New York City Police Academy and served as
an Auxiliary Police Officer in N.Y.C. and later as a Police Officer in the Village of Nassau, Rensselaer County, New York. Clinton was
employed for 40 years by the New York Telephone Company in New York City and Albany, New York. He was a member of the Masonic
fraternity for over 55 years, serving as the Master of Greenbush-Schodack Union Lodge No. 87 in East Greenbush, NY. Clinton moved to
Port Charlotte in 1988, with his wife Ruth. He served on the board and as chairman of the Visually Impaired Persons of Charlotte County
for many years. Clinton was also a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Punta Gorda Masonic Lodge #115 and the Scottish and
York Rites of Masonry, and was a Shriner. He was also a Past Patron in the Order of the Eastern Star, a life member and Past Chaplain
of V.F.W. Post 5690, a member of American Legion Post 110, Elks Lodge 2763, the Florida Council of the Blind, the Sons of Norway and
the German American Club.
Clinton is survived by Ruth, his beloved wife of over 60 years, sons Donald (Susan) and Kenneth (Barbara) of Port Charlotte, three
grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either The Florida Council of the Blind Scholarship Fund, 6933 Alpert Dr.,
Orlando, FL 32810 or The Shriners Hospitals for Children at 2900 Rocky Point Dr. Tampa, FL 33607. Masonic and Veteran services will
be performed at the Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home, 5200 Indian Springs Road, Punta Gorda at 11:00 on Friday, February 15th. A
memorial service will be conducted at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 2565 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte at 11:00 on Saturday, February
16th. Interment will be at the Sarasota VA National Veterans Cemetery.
Don recently shared the following with our FCB e-mail group.
My dad knew more about the inside of talking book machines than most people. For years as a Telephone Pioneer, he repaired
hundreds of them and made sure that the boy scout troop at the New York Institute for the Blind was involved with the troop my brother
and I belonged to at home. All of us grew.
His favorite story was of my sighted troop going to scout camp for two weeks in 1959. This was obviously before the ADA. We went
through the line for a medical check and they didn't want to let me stay at camp. Our Senior Patrol leader, a kid of 14 years old, said
without being prompted that if that was the case, all of our troop wanted to be sent home with a full cash refund. I stayed and was not limited in my participation.
When my father and mother first dated, he didn't realize that she was visually impaired, but when he did, he turned it into a positive and
wanted to find ways to make life better for and with us.
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WINSON KNUTSEN - Submitted by Mike Taylor
The Clay Chapter, with regrets, announces the loss of one of our founding Members, Winson L. Knutsen, 89, of Green Cove Springs,
FL, passed away January 22nd, 2008. Winson was born August 15th, 1918 in Alachua County, FL and was of the Baptist faith. He served
in The United States Army during World War II. He retired from a Civil Service career of thirty three years.
Winson and wife Gene, started the Clay Chapter in 1982. Doug Hall and Paul Edwards came to the Green Cove Springs Library and
helped a small group get organized. The Charter members included Barbara Brown and Mike Taylor. However, it took Gene and
Winson's determined efforts to get the group up and going.
In 1982, the Brevard Chapter and the Clay Chapter were simultaneously accepted into the FCB. Bill and Dorothy Farrel were a big part of
organizing and sustaining activities in the Brevard Chapter. Similarly, Jean and Winson Knutsen performed the many tasks required to
get our Chapter started and to keep it active. No one could have found members that gave more effort to seeing about the well being of
the Chapter's Members and promoted the concerns of the visually impaired.
Winson served as secretary for eighteen years for the Clay Council of the Blind and was on the Awards Committee for the Florida
Council of the Blind. He was also a member of, and long termed treasurer for The Clay County Historical Society. Winson enjoyed
watching football and golf. Winson was preceded in death by his parents and by one son, Winson L. Knutsen, Jr. He is survived by his
beloved wife of 57 years, Donnagene Knutsen; one son, Floyd Knutsen; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Those wishing
to make a donation in Winson Knutsen's name, to the Hickory Grove Building Fund (904) 284-3311. Please sign the family's online
guestbook and view the memory video at www.broadusraines.com.
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WINSON KNUTSEN - by Sila Miller
These are some of the fond memories which folks recently shared of Winson on our FCB List.
Who was Winson Knutsen and how was he connected to FCB? I knew him for many years, he and his family contributed in many ways to
FCB. He was the sighted husband of Gene Knutsen, who was president of The Clay County Chapter and in fact, brought the Clay County
chapter into FCB. They and their son Floyd were regulars at every board meeting and they brought others as well. Clay County chapter
has, for years been the top or one of the top sellers of Raffle tickets, and in so many other ways, a major contributor to the organizations.
Oh yes, Winson was in charge of getting the awards together for the convention. In many ways he was a great supporter of his family and
the FCB. So indeed, he will be missed and already has been missed. So thanks, Winson, for all you did, you set a high standard for the
rest of us. My sympathy to Gene and Floyd. - Carl McCoy
I was directly involved in the formation of the Clay County chapter, along with Doug Hall. I can tell you that, without the work of the
Knutsens, that chapter would not have been nearly so successful. Jean and Floyd, please know that many of us are thinking of you.
Winson was the salt of the earth. I never heard him say a bad thing about anyone and he was always willing to do his bit. He is already
sorely missed! - Paul Edwards
Those of us who have been in the organization since we were the young members, remember Winson and his family. DonnaGene
started the Clay County Chapter back around 1980 and was President for something like 16 years. Winson was the power and helper
behind DonnaGene. In fact, Winson received the W.A. Ouzts Award, which is a prestigeous award in FCB. For many years, Winson
obtained the various award plaques for FCB, and along with his wife, Donnagene and son, Floyd, helped out in many ways. I believe that
he served as Treasurer of his chapter as well. As Carl already indicated, the Clay Council has been one of the big sellers of the FCB
Raffle tickets and many of them were sold by the Knutsens. - Doug Hall
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SPOTLIGHT ON A LOYAL MEMBER AND SUPPORTER, CALVERT DURDEN - by Sila Miller
Calvert Alphonso Durden was born on August 27th, 1955, to Charlotte Staten and Jesse Durden. He grew up in Caryville, a very small
town in the western panhandle of Florida. There were ten children in all and Charlotte worked hard to support her family cleaning in hotels
and doing farm labor. Calvert, her 2nd eldest child, was born with an eye condition known as Microphthalmia, an abnormally small eye, a
congenital malformation (birth defect) of the globe.
Microphthalmia may involve one or both eyes. It may occur in isolation with no associated malformations or it may be part of a multiple
congenital malformation syndrome, such as an x-linked genetic condition, where females are likely carriers and male offspring are
possible recipients.
When Calvert was 7, he went to St. Augustine to attend the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind (FSDB). Both his great Uncle, Donnie
Davis, and cousin, Johnny Devon Finklea had also attended the school. In 1965, when Calvert was in the 6th grade, the school began
desegregating the black and white students and he and Robert Miller were 2 of the first trial students to be placed together. Needless to
say, the trial placement was a success and their relationship has lasted well beyond their school days.
After graduation from FSB in 1974, it was off to college preparatory classes and then onto Chipola Junior College in Marianna -- where,
incidentally my older brother, Frank attended classes with Calvert. Following graduation from Chipola, he attended Florida State University
where he earned his Bachelors' Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling. In September 1977, Calvert went to work as an intern with the
Division of Blind Services (DBS) office in Jacksonville. In April of the next year, he was hired at the Tallahassee District office by Mary
Sowash as a rehabilitation teacher where he worked for 16-plus years. In 1983, Calvert was the proud recipient of the Robert F. Gravel
Award, given to outstanding counselors. Calvert received this award for work he had done organizing adult education classes. "In those
days, personnel seemed to be more interested in finding ways to assist blind people and make life better for them than what I have
experienced as a client," Calvert says. In December 1994, Calvert resigned from his position with DBS when the stresses of the job began
to overwhelm him.
In 1999, Calvert's Godmother, Lucinda Knight, introduced him to his current wife, LaTasha, and they were married in August 2002. In
March of the following year he became a proud father to his daughter, Nyiesha, when their adoption proceedings were finalized.
Calvert first became involved in FCB in the early 70s when he was in college and attempted to organize a student chapter. The group
never really had a lot of success, as a majority of the students graduated and left the Tallahassee area. Having caught the "blind bug" for
advocacy and wanting to help, Calvert became a Member of the Tallahassee Chapter of the FCB in the mid 70s. It was shortly after this
that the TCB chapter hosted a State Convention. Calvert recalls some of the early members in TCB as Al Drake, Marie Hoover, Al Williams,
Vera McClain, Van Fulgham and Tom Fillyaw. Calvert is proud to have stuck with TCB through dwindling membership, lean times and to
have been a part of hosting State Conventions in the 70s, 80s, 90s and last year. He has served in every office for his home chapter and
remains a viable Member today.
Calvert has chaired such state committees as Convention and Archives and served on the Employment committee. In 1998, at a
Convention in West Palm Beach, Calvert was the recipient of the prestigious William Alfred (W.A.) Ouzts award accompanied by a lifetime
membership to the American Council of the Blind. This award was presented to him for outstanding and long-term service to FCB. He
has served on the local Transportation Disadvantaged Commission for a number of years and as a member of the Board of Directors for
Florida Institute of Rehabilitation and Education (FIRE). Many of his years of service to FIRE were as President and Vice President of the
Board.
When asked who had brought about a major difference in the advocacy arena, Calvert said, "Carl McCoy stands out the most. At first, I was
getting the impression from a lot of folks that he was a real rough character and really hard on people. But, as our relationship evolved
over the years, I didn't know where that was coming from. Looking at how he and Don Cameron would work together over those years, for
the good of blind folks within our community, there was a lot more togetherness, a love and caring for each other. Now, especially with the
Randolph Shepard program, it's a dog-eat-dog situation and that wasn't the case back then. That would be my goal, to work on bringing
that atmosphere of togetherness back to this generation of the FCB. Through FCB, we can do a lot more for everybody else, even those
who are not Members, all blind people in general."
Some examples of the love and caring Calvert was talking about were made more clear later during our interview, when he recounted his
long-time friend and mentor, Paul Behn. "He gave me encouragement along the way, both in FCB and in life matters. My family didn't have
very much money and when things fell short, Thomas Brown, a teacher at FSDB, made sure I had things I needed. He would take me over
to Jacksonville shopping. Tuck Tinsley, another instructor at FSDB, was the one who helped to get my math skills straightened out. He
took me under his wing and gave me a lot of encouragement."
When asked about any advice he might offer to people who are blind, Calvert said, "from dealing with my experience as a rehabilitation
teacher and counselor, I would say, never ask for something you don't need, just because you see that someone else may have attained
it. Be goal oriented. If it's worthy and you need it, you might be denied initially, but you stand a good chance of going back in and
requesting it again. Make sure that the things you desire will benefit you. A client whom I worked with who has been successful and stood
out in my mind over the years is Marcus Roberts, a jazz musician. I was able to work with Marcus early on and I remember that. He never
asked for stuff just because he knew another client had it. He was goal-oriented. As a counselor, I was able to work with people much
easier when they were goal-oriented. You are able to represent them a lot better when you have confidence in the person that you're
representing," Calvert explained.
Another area that is close to Calvert's heart is Florida Christian Fellowship of the Blind, a non-denominational organization that seeks to
enhance the spiritual growth of people who are blind and encourage a closer relationship with Jesus Christ. Calvert has been involved in
the fellowship for many years and has served at the state level as both President and Vice President. He helped to establish the local
chapter here in Tallahassee. The fellowship has an annual convention in Lake Yale and the local affiliate meets monthly at The Florida
Baptist Association for a meal and program.
Calvert has had to learn to cope with not only blindness, but a significant hearing loss as well. He benefits from the use of bilateral
hearing aids and tries not to let this added obstacle slow him down. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, fishing, keeping up with current
events and spending time with his family. He is proud that several members of his family, including Charlotte, his mother are Members of
FCB.
Calvert is yet another example of what makes FCB the vibrant and diverse organization that it is. He has been a friend to me and to FCB
as well. Thank you, Calvert, for keeping our local chapter together, being an advocate for the "underdog" and a kind and gentle man. Thank
you.
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FEEL THE RHYTHM - DITCH THE STRESS - by Scott Greenblatt
On February 2nd and 9th, The Association for Creating Community Equality for Seminole Students, (ACCESS) group organized a
Drumming Circle at Lake Ella. It's been a great deal of fun to be out there in the open air, under the gazebo, allowing my hands to tap out
the stress I've built up during the past week.
I'd forgotten how much fun it is to join in on such a free-flow style jam session. So far the circle has been quite small, just Cassandra
Jessie, Emmanuel Pereira, Sila Miller, and myself, but we're hoping that more of you will take the time to visit with us during the 2.5 -
3-hour time slot we're out there.
Emmanuel is the most studied among us in terms of music and he occasionally gives us tips to help us each play together in a more
unified way. We share instruments among us so that each of us gets the opportunity to try out how to make another instrument sing. There
are always additional instruments lying around for newcomers to use to join in with us whenever they arrive.
Our would-be performances, which are anything but actual organized performances, have become a popular attraction to people walking
around the lake; we're always being approached by passers by who stop and listen to our music as well as joining in from time to time.
The interactions with all of the passers-by give us the chance to take a break and pass on our instruments for them to try out, if they like, or
just a chance to help inspire others who might feel the rhythm in their soul but who are hesitant to let it flow out their hands.
Right now, it's the intention of the group to be out there each weekend to try to start up a dependable stress relieving diversion on Saturday
afternoons, weather permitting. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to come around whether or not you have an instrument to play,
want to play, or just sit around with us and enjoy the music and fresh air.
Come join us and have some stress-free fun with our funky rhythm and help us bring the magic to life. - Scott
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MONEY TIPS - by Chip Orange
With it being generally accepted that the unemployment rate among blind people is approximately 65 percent, and my own belief that the
remaining 35 percent are significantly under-employed, then it follows that blind people are likely to be at a financial disadvantage when
compared to the sighted population. The aim of this article, therefore, is to help blind people better their financial situation through
opportunities that they may be unaware of, and through better personal financial Management.
Below are several points of financial interest that pertain to people who are legally blind:
* Florida Property tax exemption
In July of 2007, Florida changed its definition of "disabled", as far as property taxation purposes, to include those who are blind. This
means if you're legally blind, make less than approximately $24,000 (household income), and complete the appropriate forms with the aid
of two doctors, you can be Totally exempt from paying any property taxes on a property that you've declared as your "homestead".
* Flexible spending accounts
A flexible spending arrangement (FSA), or Flexible Spending Account, as they are commonly called, is one of a number of tax-advantaged
financial accounts that can be set up through a cafeteria plan of an employer. An FSA allows an employee to set aside a portion of his or
her earnings to pay for qualified expenses as established in the cafeteria plan, most commonly for medical expenses but often for
dependent care or other expenses. Money deducted from an employee's pay into an FSA is not subject to payroll taxes, resulting in a
substantial payroll tax savings.
In addition to the more obvious items such as medical and dental expenses, a medical expense plan also allows for expenses due to a
disability. These can include the care and feeding of a guide dog, and any special aids or equipment to help someone specifically with a
disability.
Some examples would include scanning and OCR equipment, book players, note takers, etc. These items can be very expensive, so
having them exempted from payroll taxes of approximately 25 percent (or more) could result in significant savings.
When submitting a claim, you'll need to submit documentation describing how the item is used, specifically by someone with a disability,
such as blindness.
Before you can begin to submit a claim, you'll need to estimate the amount of all your expenses (including any special big-ticket
purchases) that you expect to incur, and setup your FSA ahead of time with your employer, setting aside this amount. This is usually done
several months before the calendar year being covered.
* SSDI and retirement
Many blind people may not realize that their retirement can be made quite a bit more comfortable because of their eligibility for SSDI.
Thanks to Don Moore, a long-time SSA employee, who explained to me: "Social Security disability, in general, only considers earned
income, that derived directly from work. Pensions, with some exceptions are not considered, nor is interest or other forms of non-work
income." Note here the emphasis on income, and not on any retirement savings. This means that you likely can add a significant amount
of SSDI to your retirement income.
* Employment with the federal government
Blind people seeking employment with the federal government can apply for positions for which they do not meet the minimum required
qualifications; if the person can perform the duties of the position for a year, they can become a permanent federal employee (see
http://www.opm.gov/disability).
The above tips are specific to the blind. There are certainly many more designed to help those of low income; you can call 2-1-1 to ask for
assistance in finding such programs in your area.
What about personal money management tips? I mean, those ideas designed to help keep more of your money in your pocket through
your own spending and investing choices?
Well, it's probably these ideas that will ultimately have the largest impact on your financial life, but it's hard to know what to include, and
what to assume "everyone knows"?
First, begin with don't borrow money. This means, if you owe money, try to work on paying it off. You could be paying 30 percent on credit
card interest (which can be changed on you at any time), plus an entire collection of fees and penalties, for the privilege of borrowing this
money. Find ways in your life to cut your expenses, and pay these debts off before doing anything else (don't invest, don't save for
retirement, don't go out to dinner, just pay them off).
Here is where many people start to say they've got no money left with which to pay them off. And here's where I say the work begins. You've
got to look at every dollar that leaves your hand, and see if you have to have that item to live. One good place to question is entertainment
expenses: cable TV, Internet, satellite radio, shopping trips, trips to the movies.
Most people could change their entertainment lives by using the library and other free alternatives more, and paid services a lot less. They
could use the Internet at the library, or at a friend’s house, or even with a laptop and stopping somewhere that offers free wifi.
The question is, will people start to look for ways to change their financial lives? One article I read recently proposed the idea that everyone
has something that will motivate people to do so. For the author, it was his baby sleeping in a crib, while he faced mounting debt and
possible eviction. Find your reason for doing better financially, then start looking; don't be afraid to ask others what they do to save
money.
Also, recognize that being sad or upset can cause you to spend money that you shouldn't. This is detailed in an article at
http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/02/12/misery-is-not-miserly-breaking-the-connection-between-spending-and-sadness.
Next, after your high interest debt is paid off, look at your mortgage. Paying it off early is an investment guaranteed to return to you
something around 7 per cent. Adding a relatively small amount, around $100 a month, is likely to allow you to pay it off in half the
scheduled time. That's right, you could turn a 30-year mortgage into a 15-year one by adding about $100 a month (your mortgage holder
should be able to help you figure out the exact amount, or, just add what you can afford).
After your mortgage debt, look at your savings and investing. Probably your best bet is to consider maximizing your contributions to a
retirement plan at work, especially so if it's one where the employer matches your contributions. In my opinion, when you're asked what to
invest these retirement plan dollars in, choose only very conservative, very safe, options. A 4 percent return from fixed-rate savings is a
whole lot better than a 10 percent loss from the market. Playing with the stock market is not a place where I think you should try to better
your financial picture. That being said, if you feel that you really want to be part of the market, you should only consider what are called
"index" funds, which invest in the market as a whole, and not a subset of individual stocks. Even using index funds though, it's possible to
lose money.
Don't have a retirement plan to invest in? Go out and create your own. You can just buy CDs, or put your money in a money-market
account. You can get a bit more creative and buy I bonds from the U.S. treasury, which are guaranteed to return a rate higher than that of
inflation. You can open an IRA or a "Roth IRA" using any of these investments if you can take the chance of "locking up" your money for
many years.
I skipped over the question: "when you have low-interest debt, is it better to pay it off or to invest?" While I simply came out for the "pay it off"
viewpoint, here's an article, which discusses the pros and cons a little more:
http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/09/26/the-constant-tug-should-i-invest-or-should-i-pay-off-debt.
Don't invest in real estate or anything else where you could possibly lose your savings. Don't save with life insurance options that can
confuse the issue terribly when you try and mix saving with insurance. This is usually called "universal life" or "whole life" and you should
avoid it, choose "term life" insurance instead, and do your saving separately. Term life is easy to buy, easy to price, and relatively cheap
when compared to these other types of insurance. Don't buy insurance that you don't need. If someone isn't financially dependant upon
you and your income to keep that person safe and well cared-for, don't turn the occasion of your death into a financial windfall for them just
to try and show them that you love them. Tell them instead and save your money.
The last sentence of the previous paragraph is ultimately it: "Save your money." Always concentrate on where each dollar is going, and
what you could do to keep it in your pocket instead. Turn it into a game or a hobby if you need to, but find some way of constantly trying to
do better than you did the previous month.
That leads me into the last idea for this article: calculating your "net worth". Your net worth is how you can tell if you're making progress or
not. It's the number you arrive at when you total up all the money you have, plus the value of all the items you own, minus the amount of
any debt you have. There are good arguments why this number is a much better reflection of your financial health than your yearly
income.
What should your net worth be? Well, simply, better than it was last month. The better it is, the better you will live, and the better you'll be
able to cope with any crisis that arises.
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POETRY CORNER - Submitted by Shelley Justice
This one was a bit of a challenge. I tried to find a St. Patrick's Day poem, but I didn't have much luck in that direction. So, I decided on a
favorite of mine. It's an old Celtic blessing. As far as I can tell, it dates back so far that nobody really knows who actually wrote it. Here it is,
and may it bring blessings to you all.
A Celtic Blessing of Light
“May the blessing of light be on you, light without and light within.
May the blessed sunlight shine upon you and warm your heart till it glows, Like a great peat fire, so that the stranger may come
and warm himself at it, as well as the friend.
And may the light shine out of the eyes of you,
like a candle set in the windows of a house,
Bidding the wanderer to come in out of the storm.
And may the blessing of the rain be on you - the soft sweet rain.
May it fall upon your spirit so that all the little flowers may spring up, And shed their sweetness on the air.
And may the blessing of the great rains be on you,
that they beat upon your spirit and wash it fair and clean,
and leave there many a shining pool, and sometimes a star.
And may the blessing of the earth be on you - the great round earth; May you ever have a kindly greeting for people you pass as you are
going along the roads.
And now may the Lord bless you, and bless you kindly.”
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TECH TIPS - by John Richards for the FCB Technology Committee
How to Perform a Simple Web Search
In the past, college students or anyone else who wished to research a chosen topic had to go to their college and/or community libraries.
In most cases, this proved to be difficult for those who are blind or visually impaired. They had to hire someone to do the research or
persuade a friend. After a few hours spent researching, the hired researcher or the friend would suddenly remember a prior obligation they
had forgotten or simply decide not to continue the project. Now, access to the Internet provides the blind or visually impaired a means by
which they are able to perform their own research.
There is an edit field for the Google search engine on The Florida Council of the Blind (FCB) web page. In addition, the page contains 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 default. By checking either of these radio buttons, you
can either select to search the FCB web page or search the Internet. Launch your browser and wait for you're home page to load. Hold
down the control key and press the letter "o" to bring up the "open" dialog box. Type: "fcb.org". Some may have to type "www." at the
beginning of that address. Now, press the "enter" key and the FCB page should load. If you do not wish to go through the steps to launch
your browser, arrow down to the following link: and press "enter". http://www.fcb.org
When the FCB web page loads, use you're down arrow key or hot keys specific to your screen reader to navigate to the Google edit field
located near the bottom of the page. When on the edit field, arrow down several times and press the spacebar to check the second radio
button. The descriptions of radio buttons are located beneath each button. The description under the second button should read, “Search
All of the Web". At this point up arrow to the edit field. WindowEyes users will hear "edit box" when you reach the edit field. JAWS users will
hear "edit" when you reach the edit field. At that point press the enter key to place your cursor in to the edit box. WindowEyes users will hear
"M S A A off" and JAWS users will hear "forms mode on". Those using screen magnification, scroll down the page with the mouse until
you reach the second radio button just below the Google search button and click the left mouse button to check it. Move the mouse pointer
up to the edit box. At that point, the mouse pointer will change to a writing cursor. You are now ready to type a search query in to the edit
field.
At this point, type the words, "presidential candidates" (without the quotes) and tab to the "search button" and press the "enter key". Wait fo
the page to load. Screen magnification users may scroll down through the page with the mouse. Those using a screen reader, use your
screen reader specific hot keys to navigate the screen or use your down arrow key to slowly navigate through the page. When you hear or
read something similar to the following: "Results 1 - 10 of about 2,850,000 for presidential candidates" then you have reached the
beginning of the results of your search query. Several of the links as you scroll down the page will be sponsored links. Navigate your way
down through the links and press the "enter key" when you hear a link that interests you. At that point you will load the page of your choice
to browse. You may browse this page in the same way you navigated through the previous page. When you wish to navigate back to your
results page, use "alt+left arrow" or click on the "back button". You may then continue to navigate down through the page to search for
more links and descriptions.
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 plug-in 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 user name 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
Mid-Florida Council of the Blind - by Jay Bader
MFCB has begun 2008 with plenty on the agenda. First, two more Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) have been installed. One of these
signals is near Winter Park on University Boulevard and Goldenrod Road. The other signal is near downtown Orlando on Magnolia Avenue
and Marks Street. While MFCB applauds the Orange County and City of Orlando Departments of Transportation for their efforts to this
point, there needs to be some fine-tuning of the installation process. Unfortunately, 2 devices on one side of a wide 4-sided concrete pole
were improperly installed. Adjustment of the volume so APS can be continuously heard through the crossing of an intersection needs to
be addressed. Even the timing of the pedestrian signals themselves needs some tweaking. As you can tell, plenty of work lies ahead.
MFCB is proud to be part of the group of blindness organizations that is working with Central Florida Advocates for Accessible Public
Rights-of-Way (CFA), that will continue to bring these changes to the people in Mid-Florida. We will work for further APS installations.
More guidelines will be set, met and exceeded to make any disabled person feel a little bit safer in crossing the busy intersections in the
Greater Orlando area.
Another issue MFCB is involved with is accessible voting. Governor Crist has mandated changes that eliminate touch-screen systems.
But the Supervisors of Elections in Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties have made it clear that since that mandate for accessible
voting equipment does not take effect until the year 2012, there will be no changes going into the general elections of 2008. MFCB
understands the Supervisors' positions. Because FCB has urged its chapters to make clear that only the AutoMark is the certified
equipment for use with optical-scan systems statewide, we plan to continue to maintain our friendly working relationships with county
Supervisors of Elections during this transition period.
Finally, MFCB has been busy with fundraising. On February 2nd, the evening after our General Meeting, MFCB Members participated in an
annual Bowl-A-Thon in Winter Garden. This benefited the Carter Family Blind Bowling League; a group that was formed about 5 years ago
and is comprised of visually-impaired bowlers. Through the efforts of our chapter, as well as the National Federation of the Blind-Greater
Orlando Chapter (NFB-GOC) and other local groups, Chuck Graham, President of the League, made this statement:
"On behalf of the Blind Bowlers League, I would like to once again, take this opportunity to thank all that came out to participate in our
Bowl-A-Thon to benefit the Blind Bowling League. Because of all of the efforts put forth, we were able to raise $2,400 to put towards our trip
to our national convention in St. Louis. It is because of this yearly support that we are able to do so, and I thank you.
Sincerely,
Chuck Graham
President
Carter Family Blind Bowling League"
MFCB looks forward to its continued participation in fundraisers that benefit organizations involving and helping the visually impaired. We
plan to participate in the upcoming Southeastern Guide Dogs Walk-A-Thon and the Lighthouse Central Florida's Sight & Sole Walk
during the month of March. More on MFCB activities will continue in the next White Cane Bulletin.
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BUMPER STICKERS FOR SALE - by Sharon Youngs
The Pinellas Council of the Blind has created a very eye catching Bumper Sticker and has them for sale. The sticker is the standard size.
The wording is "I brake for guide dogs and white canes! U should too." The wording is red on a white background. The cost of each sticker
is only $1.00 each. You can purchase these bumper stickers by e-mailing Debbie Downey at –
debdowney@tampabay.rr.com. The Members of the chapter will also have them for
sale at the Convention in May. You say you don't have a car? This is a good reason to go out and buy one!
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RECIPE CORNER
Chili Chicken Pasta Topper
INGREDIENTS:
1 tbsp. vegetable oil
1 lb. boneless chicken breasts, cubed
1 can (10 3/4 oz.) Campbell's Condensed Cream of Chicken with Herbs Soup
1/2 cup milk
2 tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
4 cups hot cooked corkscrew-shaped pasta
DIRECTIONS:
HEAT oil in skillet. Add chicken and cook until browned, stirring often. ADD soup, milk, cheese, chili powder and garlic powder and heat
through. Serve over pasta. Serves 4.
Chicken & Rice Casserole
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup Milk
1 cup Minute Rice
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can cream of celery soup
1 pkg. dry onion soup
cut up chicken or parts (may also use boneless, skinless pieces)
DIRECTIONS:
1. Put rice in bottom of lightly greased casserole dish.
2. Dilute 2 cans of soup with milk in saucepan and heat.
3. Pour over rice.
4. Put chicken over rice and sprinkle with dry onion soup.
5. Cover and bake at 350 degrees approximately 1 hour, or until chicken is done.
Peaches & Cream Pie
INGREDIENTS:
4 - 6 fresh peaches
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 small carton whipping cream
1 - 9 inch unbaked pie crust
DIRECTIONS:
Peel and slice peaches and place in mixing bowl. Sprinkle sugar, flour and cinnamon over the peaches and mix until coated. Pour peach
mixture into unbaked pie crust and pour in enough cream to cover the fruit. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 - 40 minutes. Just in case it
bubbles over, I put a cookie sheet under the pie while baking. Enjoy!
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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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