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 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: salbenjamin@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 Paul Edwards
CREDENTIALS FOR THE CONVENTION - by Linda Jacobson
THIS TRULY PUT A BILLION IN PERSPECTIVE!!! - Submitted by Jack Varnon
MEMORIAL DAY - by Sharon K. Youngs
PROJECT INSIGHT - by Sally Benjamin
THANK YOU, VETERANS - Submitted by Sharon K. Youngs
DECIDING ON A CAREER - by William Benjamin
"A FRIEND MOVES ON - A LIFE COMMITTED TO FAITH, FORTITUDE AND FRIENDS" - GAYLE M. KRAUSE-EDWARDS:
MARCH 30th, 1952-APRIL 16th, 2005 - by James Kracht
REMEMBERING PAUL TANNER BEHN: SEPTEMBER 8th, 1932-MARCH 19th, 2005 - by Calvert Durden
WELCOME FIRST TIMERS TO CONVENTION 2005!! - by Patti Land
REMEMBERING PAULA BAILEY - by Elizabeth Bowden and others
TECH TIPS - by John Richards for the FCB Technology Committee
CHAPTER NEWS AROUND THE STATE - Clay Council of the Blind, Mid-Florida Council of the Blind, Tallahassee
Council of the Blind
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 Paul Edwards
FIGHTING IS OUR ONLY HOPE
The last several months have seen efforts at the state and Federal levels to sell people with disabilities a series of sophistries dressed
up as truth. It is really important that we understand the modus operandi that is used and force our legislators to ask hard questions
before accepting the spin that the Administrations at both levels pass off as reality. In order to better understand what is happening, a
couple of examples might help.
During the last session of the state legislature, a law was passed that created a new agency called the Agency for Persons with
Disabilities. Initially only services for people with developmental disabilities were provided through this new outfit but, as time went on, we
started to hear whispers of how uneconomical it was to provide services to folks with disabilities through a whole range of agencies.
Surely, the little voices of reason said, it would be better to create a super-agency that would have the size to allow it to have political clout
in a state government where people with disabilities did not have a real voice. And then, of course, there would be economies of scale
where purchases could be made through a single entity and redundant upper-level management can be eliminated so that more funds
can be spent on services and support for people with disabilities.
These are arguments that appeal to legislators who want to get as much bang out of each dollar as they can and who want to be seen by
their constituents as fiscally responsible and fiscally concerned. At the same time, they want people with disabilities to perceive them as
friends who care for them and want to do what is best.
Super-agencies lead to the loss of specialized services. The FCB knows that; the NFB knows that; the Blinded Veterans Association
knows that. It was up to us to be sure that the state knew we were aware that their apparent act of well-intentioned fiscal responsibility
was nothing more than a way to reduce spending on a population that costs too much.
FCB wrote a letter to the Governor asking what his intentions were and he responded that, of course, the state wouldn't dream of doing
anything to services without consultation with people with disabilities. Suddenly, then, it was announced that there would be a public
hearing in Orlando to acquire input from the disability community on whether services to all people with disabilities should be delivered
through the APD. I am very proud of just how many blindness organizations and individuals turned up at that meeting and made it
abundantly clear that we would not stand for such a change.
All organizations of and for the blind in the state spoke with one voice and, since that overwhelming demonstration of opposition, very little
has been heard of the proposal. It is worth noting that folks representing clients of the new agency were just as opposed to adding new
responsibilities to the new agency. Essentially, they said, until you can provide good services to the folks you have, don't think about
adding more people.
If anything, things are even scarier at the Federal level. Services to people with disabilities are being threatened in a whole host of ways.
I could write whole articles on each of the threats but, for now, let me just give you a sense of what is going on with several different
issues.
The current administration has made it a priority to "privatize" Social Security. At the center of their proposal is the notion that, with careful
planning, little people can turn their social security contributions into a gold mine by judiciously investing it in the stock market. Putting
future benefits at risk by allowing current contributions to be removed from the pot and invested privately is nothing less than an attempt to
destroy the capacity of SSA to meet its obligation to have sufficient funds to provide the indispensable support to people with disabilities
provided through SSI and SSDI.
The figures the Administration is using are different from those provided by Congressional investigators and from those offered by the
General Accounting Office. Who do you think we should believe? By appealing to the greed of the middle class, the Bush Administration
hopes to secure votes at the next election and does not care one whit about what happens to the very people for whom the social security
system was designed.
And then there is the bait-and-switch tactics that are being applied to a whole host of disability programs. In 2004, the Administration
published a press release extolling the virtues of the reauthorized Tech Act. They indicated how important this legislation was to increase
the independence and functionality of individuals with disabilities. They were patting themselves so hard on the back that it is a wonder
they did not break both wrists and a couple of ribs. If the program was so good, why was it zero-funded in their current budget?
The same thing applied to the reauthorization of IDEA, the Federal law that supports the education of youngsters with disabilities. Again,
the Administration announced that it was proposing a law that would significantly increase support for IDEA through the Federal
government. After the bill had passed and the smoke had cleared, huge cuts were made in the much less visible budget process. Take
the credit and take the money too! What a concept!
Finally, I want to talk a little about the current state of the reauthorization of the Rehab Act. During the House debate, the Administration
introduced the idea that several programs should be combined into a kind of super funding approach that would give state Governors the
power to decide which of the combined programs would get how many dollars. The Administration calls this new proposal WIA Plus.
The disability community rose up and objected to this approach and the House did not pass it. The Administration is sending folks all
over the country to try to persuade states and the disability community that their proposal makes sense. It does not and we must make
absolutely certain that the Senate rejects their proposal as well.
While the new WIA (workforce investment Act) actually allocates more money in total, half the staff of the Rehabilitation Services
Administration, the agency that supervises VR services and services to blind people, are cut from the budget and the Commissioner of
RSA is demoted from an appointed post to one that becomes part of the Civil Service. That means that he or she will not have access to
the top in the Department of Education where the program is housed.
So, essentially, we who are disabled must be vigilant. Lies and withdrawal of funds and work behind the scenes to do things that we will
not notice are all approaches that are being taken both at the State and Federal levels. I do not recall a time when there was a greater
threat to the ongoing improvement to services for people with disabilities. Unless we continue to monitor what is happening and then act
quickly and decisively, our programs will be gutted!
Don't go to sleep and stay tuned for calls to get involved immediately and decisively. The future for people with disabilities is at risk. We
cannot allow these sophistries to succeed!
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CREDENTIALS FOR THE CONVENTION - by Linda Jacobson
It is very important that all chapters establish their credentials for voting purposes at the convention. This involves speaking with me,
Linda Jacobson, the Membership Secretary, to agree on the number of votes your chapter is entitled to on the floor of the convention. This
can be done either immediately before or after the pre-convention Board meeting. I will be available so please make an effort to contact
me. If you are there to be heard, it would be too bad if you couldn't vote because we had not made contact.
Another issue involving a chapter's credentials and their ability to vote at the convention is that each chapter is in good standing. This
means that the chapter assessment has been paid as well as the membership dues. The assessment is $50.00 or 20 percent of all
chapter sponsored fund raisers, whichever is the greater. This is covered in the FCB By-Laws.
So, please don't delay in getting your chapter assessments into Patti Davis, our FCB Treasurer, or myself, Linda Jacobson, FCB
Membership secretary.
CONVENTION TRANSPORTATION
For those who are coming to this year's convention by air, the hotel offers a complementary transfer service. The service is available
from 5 AM - Midnight. There is a courtesy phone located in the baggage claim area or you can call the hotel directly when you get to the
airport at (954) 920-3500 and ask for Guest Services. Remember, the location is the Ft. Lauderdale Airport Sheraton as there are several
Sheratons with shuttle service.
If you are coming by Greyhound, when you get to the bus station, go outside and take a cab to 1825 Griffin Road. They need to take I-95
North to Griffin Road. It is about a 15 minute ride from the bus.
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THIS TRULY PUT A BILLION IN PERSPECTIVE!!! - Submitted by Jack Varnon
The next time you hear a politician use the word "billion" casually; think about whether you want the politician spending your tax money. A
billion is a difficult number to comprehend, but one advertising agency did a good job of putting that figure into perspective in one of its
releases.
A billion seconds ago it was 1959.
A billion minutes ago Jesus was alive.
A billion hours ago our ancestors were living in the Stone Age.
A billion days ago no one walked on two feet on earth.
A billion dollars ago was only 8 hours and 20 minutes, at the rate Our government spends it.
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MEMORIAL DAY - by Sharon K. Youngs
One hundred and thirty eight years ago, in the village of Waterloo, New York, tribute was paid to the dead of the Civil War. The people of
that small village decorated each grave with wreaths, crosses and flowers. The municipal flags were lowered to half-staff. Our flag has
undergone some changes since then. But it is the same symbol of this great land. This was the humble beginning of the day we now
know as Memorial Day.
General John Logan issued General Order 11 two years later and officially established Memorial Day. It was known as Decoration Day
then. Just after World War I, the holiday was changed to honor all those who died in any war, not only the Civil War. In the late 40's, the
name was changed to Memorial Day.
But most Americans nowadays have forgotten the meaning and traditions of Memorial Day. To help Americans re-educate and remind
Americans of the true meaning of Memorial Day, the National Moment of Remembrance was instituted. This resolution set aside 1
minute at 3 PM for all Americans to pause and remember all of the people who have fought and died for this wonderful country.
On this day, forever consecrated to our heroic dead, we want to express our sincere reverence. Wherever the body of a serviceman lies,
there the ground is hallowed. We need to express our tribute to their devotion to duty, to their courage and their patriotism. By their
services on land, on sea and in the air, they have made us ever grateful that our flag may still fly over a land of free people.
So, please take one minute out of whatever you are doing at 3 PM on May 30th to pay silent tribute to all veterans.
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PROJECT INSIGHT - by Sally Benjamin
They say that good things come to those who wait. Well, in this case that is very true. We have been waiting a long time, but it was worth
the wait.
Some of you may know, but for those of you who may not, Project Insight has new brochures. They have been sent to all the volunteers.
The next order of business is to get them to all the chapters. Then, to all the 900-plus doctors around the state.
Now, some of you may be wondering if there will be any at the convention. The answer is yes. I know you will be proud to hand them out
in your community.
Now, I'll tell you a little about how Project Insight is doing. The call volume has increased a little. Right now, most of the increase is from
the convention mailing. However, I am starting to get calls that I know are a direct result of the volunteers passing them out in their own
communities.
If you want to be a volunteer, please contact me. We need to have volunteers in every city. My goal this year is to have at least one man
and one woman in every place we have a chapter.
If you get information on any new services that you think someone might need, please call and pass that information along to me. It can
be anything from a support group or someone who fixes equipment. I don't know what every city and county offers so I count on others to
keep me informed.
Last, but far from least, I would like to publicly thank all of my volunteers. You do an amazing amount of work and play a very important
part in keeping Project Insight going. Without you, we could never reach out to as many people as we do.
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THANK YOU, VETERANS - Submitted by Sharon K. Youngs
Thank you, Lord for our veterans
From all across this land
Yes, Lord the American veteran
Who always took a stand.
The veteran who fought
To make this county be
The one land in the world
Where all men could be free
And, Lord bless the veteran
Who fought on Flander's Field
The vet who drew a line
And then refused to yield
Lord, thank you for the veterans
Of the "greatest generation"
They, who fought on many fronts
To preserve the greatest nation
Lord, thank you for the veterans
Whose names are on the wall
Those who in the jungle
Watched their buddies fall
Lord, make us ever grateful
For the many parts they played
But most of all we thank THEM, Lord
For the sacrifices that they made
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DECIDING ON A CAREER - by William Benjamin
Thanks to those who gave me lots of encouragement on the article in the last issue of the White Cane Bulletin. I had no idea that it would
have the response that it did, still I am glad for it. In return, I have written down some more thoughts on success, particularly where it all
begins. With your permission, let me address the very beginning for someone wanting to be successful.
As with any project, the place to start is at the beginning. These words may seem trite, but they hold hidden truths. Most people truly do
not know where to begin when they decide to be successful. Oftentimes they look outside of themselves and they think, the way to
succeed is to go in search of money. If you want to be truly successful, you have to be happy and comfortable with yourself and what you
are doing, money alone is not going to do it for you.
The place to begin is to look within. You need to ask yourself what it is that you like to do and do that. You need to know the most
important thing is that you like what you are going to be doing, so that you do not get discouraged and abandon your goal of success.
One of my favorite analogies that I use for my business classes is as follows: Do whatever you like, if you like playing with toys, go to
work for a toy company. If you like dressing up, go to work for a fashion outfit. There is money to be made in any field of endeavor in the
world. If you do what you enjoy, work hard at it and do it well, the money will follow. If you do not do good work, or if you have a poor
product, then you will be fighting an uphill battle for the rest of your life.
I can't think of anything sadder than someone who works all their life so they can retire and do what they like; then just before the time for
the person to retire, they die and never get to live the life they dreamed of. There is a good lesson about this in the story Death of a
Salesman. The story is about a man who works all his life to get enough ahead to do what he wants to do, and then he dies before he
gets a chance to do it. Willy Loman, the character in the story, ignores his family and resents his job until he runs off the road and kills
himself dreaming about how it might have been.
If you know what you want to do, that is wonderful. If you do not know, then get off by yourself and do some soul searching. Think about
what it is that you like to do. You might also think about having some serious talks with people that you trust to give you good feedback.
This is called choosing a mentor. I am going to be talking a lot about having a mentor in this material, because I think it is so very
important. All of us need someone we can look up to and learn from, so choose a person that you think a lot of and learn from them.
Lately, I have learned that what you will like doing in life is what you have always liked doing. What did you like doing as a child? Dennis
Wately goes into this in his book, "Timing Is Everything." His study followed 50 people for some 28 years. It tracked people from the age
of 7 to 50 years old.
It found that strikingly what people did when they were young for fun directly related to what they wound up doing for a vocation. Those
who liked building with boards found their way into building or assembling things. Those who liked playing with domestic things found
employment in that area. You should take a long look at what it is you really like to do and go for it.
If you cannot truly decide what you might want to do, try taking a vocational interest test. This is an exam that is designed to identify your
strong points and interests. There is no passing or failing this test. It merely exposes the areas where you do better than others. It can
give you ideas and suggestions that you have never thought of.
A Vocational Interest Test is available from most career counselors. It is often offered at your local college or university. It can also be
found through your State Department of Rehabilitation. Seek out someone in your area who offers this test if you really don't know what it
is that you want to do, then try taking it. Remember, this is something you are going to be doing every working day for years to come, so it
is important that you have a good attitude toward what you are going to be doing.
My brother Walter went to the Air Force when he was 18 years old. The first thing they did was to give him a vocational interest test. They
decided he showed a high level of interest in the field of electronics. Walt never envisioned himself as liking electronics; still, he worked in
the field for 20 years and retired from the Pentagon loving his work. He truly loved his vocation and you might learn about a hidden
interest if you seek out a way to take this test.
In IVIE, Independent Visually Impaired Enterprisers, an affiliate of ACB, we have dealt with this question. Each of us have had to give
consideration to what we want to be doing for the rest of our lives. All FCB members are welcome to visit our group at the national
convention in Las Vegas for support and encouragement and you might pick up some ideas on how to be successful.
Remember, there is no quota for successful people. There is always room for one more and there will always be room for you. In fact,
each time a person becomes successful, it creates a ripple effect that creates opportunities for others to be successful.
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"A FRIEND MOVES ON - A LIFE COMMITTED TO FAITH, FORTITUDE AND FRIENDS" - GAYLE M.
KRAUSE-EDWARDS: MARCH 30th, 1952-APRIL 16th, 2005 - by James Kracht
Born in Toledo, Ohio in 1952, as the middle child with an older and younger brother, Gayle was the only daughter of progressive thinking,
demanding, encouraging, and loving parents who were committed to giving Gayle the love, independence and determination she
regularly demonstrated in meeting and beating life's challenges. Gayle was educated in the mainstreamed program in Ohio public
schools where she excelled in many things including music, and Latin studies. After attending Albion College, where she majored in
Psychology and English, she obtained her Master's Degree in Rehabilitation Teaching from the University of Western Michigan.
She worked throughout her adult life in a variety of jobs in the "helping" profession. She began her professional career as a case
manager for the VA Blind Rehab Center in California. She worked for many years for the Toledo Society for the Blind, first as a rehab
teacher but for most of the time as an administrator. She also worked on a state grant to coordinate the delivery of mental health service
throughout the state of Ohio.
After meeting her husband, Paul Edwards at an ACB convention in Las Vegas in 1985, she came to South Florida. She worked first as a
children's counselor for the Division of Blind Services. And then Gayle worked for the Miami-Dade County Office of ADA Coordination
where she was eventually recognized for her unending accomplishments in protecting and promoting the rights of individuals with
disabilities by being rewarded with a promotion to Assistant Director.
In her spare time, she also worked for the Miami Herald and, as many of you know, was a prized sales force for Mary Kay Cosmetics. In
fact, characteristic of Gayle's style and passion for her Mary Kay work, just two days before her death, even though Gayle was critically ill in
her hospital bed, the author of this tribute was called into service to deliver three Mary Kay orders.
"Faith", "fortitude," "friends." These are three short and simple words. Yet, when Council members and other friends reflect on the life of
Gayle Krause-Edwards and define our relationships and experiences with her, these words tell so very much.
It was "faith" that encircled Gayle's commitment to life and her tireless efforts to improve the world around her. It was "faith" that helped
her to better build the environment in which she lived -- striving to make it safer, friendlier and yes, "accessible". And it was "faith" that she
used to help, nurture, train and educate the people around her about the needs, expectations, legal requirements and opportunities so
that the world, the environment, and life could be better for people with disabilities.
"Fortitude" - is a huge word for such a small, bubbly dynamo as she was. She tackled life without sight, first in performing her job as an
ADA coordinator with Miami-Dade County, second in pursuing her special interests that include supporting library services for people
who are blind or visually-impaired, working on and participating in convention programs for FCB and ACB, and giving hundreds of hours
each year to so many interests and causes, such as the ACB scholarship program for young high school and college students; and third,
in her maintaining unending relationships with a countless number of ADA trainees, disability advocates, colleagues, and friends.
I remember a time the beginning of the campaign to secure the rights of voters who are blind or visually-impaired to cast a secret ballot.
We picked Gayle up at her home that day. She was in a wheelchair with her leg fully extended, the results of a nasty injury sustained in an
accident in the snow the month before while she was in Washington, D.C., working for the American Council of the Blind. She needed to
travel with us to Fort Lauderdale and support this new fight, and work with and encourage us as we began this new challenge,
notwithstanding the personal sacrifice and huge effort it took for her to come along at that particular time.
Likewise, as I think about her determination, resolve and fortitude, I remember traveling to her home which had just been flooded for the
third or fourth time, and, despite her pain and frustration -- Gayle truly loved her home -- she kept it and us together and directed us with
stern resolve as we moved out furniture and packed up boxes.
"Friends" played a huge role in Gayle's life. This is well illustrated by just being at the Krause-Edwards home the past week or so, or at
the hospital over the past several weeks, listening to the phone ring and ring, peeking at the unending stream of E-mails that pour in with
support, encouragement and love, or being at her memorial service in North Miami on April 20th, 2005, where there was a chapel packed
with close to 200 loving and caring family members, co-workers, admirers, and friends.
Her life was defined in so many ways by her "friends" her feelings for them, and her efforts to help, encourage, support and be there for
us when we had our own needs. We have been so blessed. We are so lucky. Thank you, Gayle.
My wife and I arrived at Gayle's bedside close to 6 PM on Friday, April 15th. The next 8 hours were some of the longest hardest and most
difficult hours of my life. But be assured, they were filled with beauty, peace, and unending, true love. For that entire time, Gayle's
husband, Paul Edwards, sat at her bedside, stoically and strongly providing to Gayle an unending testimony and tribute to her.
In memory of and with thanks to Gayle, may each of us remember her, by focusing not as much on the good-bye that we must say, but
more on the life we are living and the hope that each and everyone of us, when our times come -- like Gayle's has -- will have done
enough, said enough, and meant enough to others to have an 8-hour testimony of our accomplishments in life to spread before our
God, whomever he/she might be.
Gayle took her last breath at 2:05 AM Saturday morning, April 16th. It was peaceful and calm. She has moved on to a better place.
We said our good-byes gathered together the things that had been brought to the hospital to make her stay comfortable and to remind
her of the world of love she built around her, and walked downstairs to leave the hospital.
At about 3:30 AM, as we waited in front of the entrance for a car to come over from the garage to load her things into, not ten feet from us,
"directly from heaven, I swear," a bird, a beautiful bird, sang the most beautiful, uplifting, comforting, and reassuring serenade that anyone
has ever heard. Thank you, Gayle, I really needed that song, and may I remember you Gayle, each and every time that I take a minute to
listen to the beautiful song of the bird.
May each of you, never forget that you were and are loved, and may each of you live every day to the fullest, building that testimony of life
and, please, remember to listen for the song of the bird, which just may be a song sent your way directly by Gayle.
And, finally, taken from underneath a photograph of Gayle's Dad which is hanging in her home:
"Do not weep for me
I lived the life I chose
I loved, I laughed and I cried
I would have lived longer
If I had to choose
But the choice was not mine.
So miss me
But do not cry for me
Remember that life
Never ends and that I shall live
Forever in your hearts."
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REMEMBERING PAUL TANNER BEHN: SEPTEMBER 8th, 1932-MARCH 19th, 2005 - by Calvert Durden
Paul T. Behn was my first-grade teacher. I started getting to know him when he became my teacher at the Florida School for the Deaf and
Blind (FSDB). I began my school career at seven years old, and knew Paul a few months more than 42 years.
He was a man who was blessed with many special gifts. Paul utilized his skills to improve the lives of all of his students and friends over
a long teaching career at FSDB. He was a true servant of God and was constantly involved in Christian ministry.
Paul entered FSDB as a student at the age of nine. This young student excelled and successfully graduated from high school on time.
While in high school he participated in chorus, the drill team, and in the drama and literary clubs. He achieved an AA degree from
Edward-Waters College and was an active member of the alumni association. He went on and obtained his BS degree from Florida A
& M University (FAMU). Soon after completing college he began his thirty two year teaching career at Florida School for the Deaf
& Blind, (FSDB).
Paul was affiliated with many organizations and consumer groups associated with the visually-impaired. He was a member of the
Florida Council of the Blind for many years and received the second annual Dolly Gamble Award for outstanding achievement as a
teacher of visually-impaired children. Paul was a member of the Florida Christian Fellowship of the Blind (FCFB). He loved singing,
praying and teaching. Most of all, he loved his Lord, and this was evident in his thoughts, words, and deeds.
He was a long time member of Mt. Tabor Missionary Baptist Church, now known as New Life Fellowship Church. At the time of his
passing, he was a member of Greater New Hope Missionary Baptist Church. Paul was a member of Kappa Delta Phi honor society
fraternity. The Light Bearer Award was presented to him in 1999 for outstanding work at the Louis Dinah Center for Jacksonville,
Florida.
Paul leaves behind one daughter, Linda E. Behn-Williams, her husband Roderick, one grandson Paul Tanner Williams, and a sister
Gloria Behn-Grant. I am certain that we will all miss this kind and gentle friend. May God Bless his family and friends.
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WELCOME FIRST TIMERS TO CONVENTION 2005!! - by Patti Land
Once again, our annual Florida Council of the Blind Convention is right around the corner! Those of us who have attended previous
conventions are eagerly anticipating meeting again this year, renewing old acquaintances, seeing old friends. But let's not forget making
new ones!
We old-timers remember when we were brand new to all this, didn't know exactly what to do, didn't know a soul! Well, the Board of
Directors decided to do something to welcome first-time attendees: to make things a little easier, and hopefully encourage you all to
return on a regular basis. Therefore, we are offering our "First-Timers Workshop" again this year.
Paul Edwards and Patti Land will be hosting a meeting, Friday afternoon, May 13th. First-timers, along with a representative from their
chapter, should plan to attend. At that time, we will discuss what goes on at a convention, what is expected of attendees in terms of
voting, acting as a delegate, etc., and answer any questions you may have.
Each chapter is invited to bring up to two new members who have never attended a state convention previously. FCB will offer these
individuals one hundred dollars to help defray expenses, with the stipulation that the local chapter is to match that amount; in other
words, a total of two hundred dollars will be available for each individual. Chapter representatives should have a check, payable to FCB,
ready at this meeting to cover their portion, i.e., one hundred or two hundred dollars, depending upon how many new members they are
sponsoring. Expense vouchers will also be available at this meeting, as will assistance in completing these if needed.
We look forward to seeing everyone in Fort Lauderdale! Please feel free to submit any questions you may have to Patti Land by E-Mail
at pattianne1@cfl.rr.com or phone (407) 521-9047.
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REMEMBERING PAULA BAILEY - by Elizabeth Bowden and others
Paula Bailey, the Tallahassee woman who became deaf and blind after an attack of meningitis six years ago, died Saturday night from
injuries sustained in a car wreck a week ago. Her husband, Doug, and their 10-year-old daughter, Elizabeth, were at her side when she
died at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, said Bailey's pastor, the Rev. Brant Copeland of First Presbyterian Church.
"Paula showed remarkable courage and innovation in dealing with her disabilities," Copeland said. "She made a wonderful, full life."
On January 31st, 1999, Bailey - then a media consultant and graphics editor - caught what she thought was flu, suffering a fever,
headache and earache. She called her doctor's office and an employee there told her to stay home and follow up the next day.
But what she had was meningitis, an inflammation of the membrane covering the brain, causing her to slip into a coma that night, lasting
nearly a month. While comatose, she also suffered strokes and cardiac arrest. On regaining consciousness, she could not hear or
see.
Steve Sandler, a friend who became her personal assistant, worked with her four days a week for the last five years, he said, helping her
regain mobility.
Her blindness and deafness had not been her only challenges - she badly burned herself about three years ago after spilling boiling
water, Sandler said. "But she bounced back from that, too," he said. "So many people would tell her she was an inspiration to them. She
said she was tired of being an inspiration, but I said, 'Too bad, you are.'"
In the last year, Bailey also had gotten back her old personality, Sandler said.
"Her sense of humor returned," she said. "She spent more time thinking of other people...baking for people. She spent more time doing
nice things for other people than anybody I've ever known."
Jeanine Kane, Bailey's Braille teacher, had been working with her since Bailey lost her sight. "She was a testament to the fact that a
person can live fully with disabilities," Kane said. "She would misplace things and be able to laugh about it, and about other challenges
she faced."
Many of Paula's friends attended her memorial service. The count was said to have been four hundred fifty. As the minister said about
her, "she was a friend magnet. She attracted people from all walks of life."
Paula's warm smile, humorous spirit, and generosity will be missed. Whenever a particular group of Paula's girl friends get together, as
they do each month, we'll remember with a smile her raspberry truffles, and how she wouldn't take any home. Her bright infectious smile
was something to hear each time she greeted us and the interest she took in all our lives was why she was so loved. Her generous and
giving spirit will live on in all of us who knew her.
Our thoughts are with Doug, her husband, and Elizabeth, her daughter, who are very special people too, and who, with Paula, made an
excellent example of what love, cooperation, faith and dedication could do for a family.
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TECH TIPS - by John Richards for the FCB Technology Committee
Have you ever browsed the net and found a web page you like? You liked it so much you wish to send it to someone in your address
book. You can do this, by using the "send item" located on the file menu of Internet Explorer.
Access the file menu by holding down the alt key and pressing the letter "F" on your keyboard. Use the "down arrow" key or the "up arrow"
key and scroll to the "send" item in the file menu.
Window Eyes users: The screen reader will say: "send E pull down." Press "enter" at that point to access the items in the menu. JAWS
users: the screen reader will say: "send sub menu E." Press "enter" at that point to access the items in the menu. You then have three
selections:
1. Send by e-mail: press "enter" on this selection and your default E-mail client will pop up and prompt you for an address. Provide the
desired address and send the message on its way along with the web page you are currently viewing.
2. Link by e-mail: press "enter" on this selection and your default E-mail client will pop up and prompt you for an address. Provide the
desired address and send the message on its way along with the link to the web page you are currently viewing.
3. Shortcut to desktop: press enter "enter" on this selection and send a shortcut from the web page you are currently viewing to your
desktop.
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CHAPTER NEWS AROUND THE STATE - Clay Council of the Blind, Mid-Florida Council of the Blind, Tallahassee
Council of the Blind
Clay Council of the Blind - by Fran Bingen
This year's ides of March was a fascinating day for nine members of the Clay Council of the Blind. The group traveled 90 miles south to
visit the Daytona Talking Book Library. Our library is the largest of its kind in the world. That is, it has more Talking and Braille books,
serves more individuals, and occupies over 2 acres of space.
Doug Hall, who has been a long time friend of the Clay Council, personally conducted our tour. Doug and Paul Edwards, current Florida
Council President, attended Clay Council's organizational meeting in 1982. During our tour, Doug and his seeing-eye dog demonstrated
the spacesaving shelving, and its safety features.
After a nice lunch, we toured the Manderfield Training Lab. This place has all kinds of electronic gadgets that help people with low, or no
vision. They had portable and larger devices that magnify objects. Some of these gadgets can present objects in their actual colors, or
change the presentation to colors that offer better contrast to the user.
They also had computers that talk and others with refreshable Braille displays. There were some computers that could do both talk and
present text on refreshable Braille displays. Actually, there was more equipment on display than our group had time to view.
With the equipment that we did not get to view, and new equipment coming out, we could always have a reason to re-visit this fascinating
Lab.
Mid-Florida Council of the Blind - by Jay Bader
MFCB continues to remain active in the greater Orlando area. With MV Transportation, the provider hired by Lynx, hiring a new General
Manger recently for their Orlando facility, many MFCB Members participated on April 1st in a tour given by the new GM, Mark Elias, as well
as a discussion on the situation regarding Orlando area paratransit and what can be done to improve it. The dialogue at times reflected
the frustration felt that MV has not been providing adequate service; however, in the end, it was agreed that with continued dialogue and
feedback by disability organizations such as ours, the level of paratransit service will improve and everyone involved will notice the
difference.
Another issue that is gaining more of a focus with MFCB Membership is accessible voting. With a deadline of July 1st, 2005, approaching
for Florida counties to comply with the Help America Vote Act (HAVA), MFCB President Rachel Bader has been in contact with the
Supervisors of Elections in Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties. All supervisors have informed us by phone and E-mail that they will
be meeting with their respective County Commissioners no later than the end of May to secure funds for the appropriate accessible
voting machines (Orange County's Supervisor of Elections, especially, has requested that MFCB have representation in the county's ADA
Advisory Board) and assured us they will be in compliance with HAVA.
There is more work to be done. MFCB is prepared to move forward to improve and maintain all services available to the visually-impaired
community in the greater Orlando area.
Tallahassee Council of the Blind - by Sally Benjamin
Some of you may recall our local chapter was going to march in the Springtime Tallahassee parade. So on April 2nd, we marched.
Members of the local NFB chapter, staff from Florida Institute of Rehabilitation Education, and the Division of Blind Services joined us in
this effort.
Most of us arrived there around 8:30 on a bright beautiful Saturday morning. We had to wait in line until 10:30. So during that time we
talked and just enjoyed the day and each others company. When we started walking the crowd was thin but as we got further down the
route there were people everywhere. We threw candy to the kids and got lots of cheers. I think it was a very successful time.
Along with that, at our last meeting, we had two people from the NFB chapter visit our meeting. We are trying to work hard to do things
together. I believe that by doing this, the whole blind population will be united and can accomplish more together.
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RECIPE CORNER
If you have a favorite recipe, please send it to us. We are always excited to get new ones. And if they are a creation you made in your own
kitchen, that is even better!
Creamy Potato Salad
Source: Better Homes and Gardens
Prep: 20 min.
Chill: 4 hours
Cook: 20 min.
Ingredients:
1 hard-cooked egg, chopped
Lettuce leaves (optional)
4 medium potatoes* (1-1/4 pounds total)
1 cup sliced celery
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
2 tablespoons dill or sweet pickle relish
½ cup light mayonnaise dressing or salad dressing
½ cup light dairy sour cream
2 tablespoons skim milk
2 teaspoons prepared mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
Directions:
1. Scrub potatoes. In a large covered saucepan cook potatoes in boiling water for 20 to 25 minutes or just until tender. Drain well; cool
slightly.
2. Peel and cube potatoes. Transfer to a large bowl. Stir in celery, onion,and pickle relish.
3. In a small mixing bowl stir together the mayonnaise dressing or salad dressing, sour cream, milk, mustard, salt, and celery seed. Pour
over potatoes. Toss lightly to coat potatoes. Carefully fold in chopped egg.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 or up to 24 hours. If desired, serve in a lettuce-lined bowl. Makes 8 servings.
*Note: Waxy potatoes, such as long whites and round reds, have a moist, smooth texture and will hold their shape after cooking. Tiny new
potatoes are usually just young round reds and will also work well in salads.
Nutritional facts per serving
calories: 155, total fat: 7g, saturated fat: 2g, cholesterol: 29mg, sodium: 357mg, carbohydrate: 20g, fiber: 1g, protein: 4g
Barbecued Chicken
Source: Better Homes and Gardens
Prep: 30 min.
Grill: 35 min.
Ingredients:
1 medium onion, finely chopped (1/2 cup)
1 tablespoon cooking oil
1 cup catsup
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup vinegar
2 to 3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 dashes bottled hot pepper sauce
1 2-1/2- to 3- pound broiler-fryer chicken, quartered
Directions:
1. For sauce, in a saucepan cook onion in hot oil until onion is tender. Stir in catsup, water, vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce,
and bottled hot pepper sauce. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, about 15 minutes or to desired consistency.
2. Meanwhile, break wing, hip, and drumstick joints so chicken pieces lie flat. Twist wing tips under back. Grill chicken, skin side down, on
an uncovered grill directly over medium coals for 20 minutes. Turn chicken; grill for 15 to 20 minutes more or until chicken is tender and
no longer pink. (Or, place chicken on the unheated rack of a broiler pan. Broil 5 to 6 inches from the heat for 28 to 32 minutes, turning
once.)
3. Brush with sauce during the last 10 minutes of grilling or broiling. Heat remaining sauce until bubbly; pass with chicken. Makes 4 to 6
servings.
Make-ahead tip: Prepare sauce up to 48 hours ahead. Cover and chill.
Nutritional facts per serving
calories: 407, total fat: 19g, saturated fat: 5g, cholesterol: 98mg, sodium: 996mg, carbohydrate: 29g, protein: 32g
Grilled Corn on the Cob
Source: Better Homes and Gardens
Prep: 10 min.
Grill: 25 min.
Ingredients:
6 fresh ears of corn
2 tablespoons margarine or butter
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon snipped fresh thyme or 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed
Directions:
1. Peel husks back, but do not remove. Using a stiff brush or your fingers, remove silk from corn. Pull husks back up around corn. In a
large saucepan or container, cover corn (husks on) with cold water. Soak for at least 1 hour. Drain, shaking corn to remove excess water.
Cover corn as much as possible with husks. If necessary, tie the tips of the husks together with wet kitchen string.
2. Grill corn (with husks) on an uncovered grill directly over medium-hot coals about 25 minutes or until tender, turning several times.
Carefully remove the husks and strings.
3. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan combine margarine or butter, lemon juice, and thyme. Heat on the grill or stovetop until margarine is
melted. Brush mixture over the corn before serving. Makes 6 side-dish servings.
Nutritional facts per serving
calories: 93, total fat: 4g, saturated fat: 1g, cholesterol: 0mg, sodium: 47mg, carbohydrate: 14g, fiber: 2g, protein: 2g, vitamin A: 6%, vitamin
C: 7%, calcium: 0%, iron: 2%, starch: 1diabetic exchange, fat: .5 diabetic exchange
Midwest Baked Beans
Source: Better Homes and Gardens
Prep: 5 min.
Bake: 1 hour
Ingredients:
2 16-ounce cans pork and beans in tomato sauce
3/4 cup barbecue sauce
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 medium tart apples, peeled, cored, and chopped (about 2 cups)
1 medium onion, chopped (1/2 cup)
3 slices bacon, crisp-cooked, drained and crumbled
Directions:
1. In a 1-1/2-quart casserole combine the pork and beans, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, apple and onion.
2. Bake the bean mixture in the casserole, uncovered, in a 350 degree F. oven for 60 to 70 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and to
desired consistency, stirring once or twice. Top with crumbled bacon. Makes 6 to 8 servings.
Nutritional facts per serving
calories: 274, total fat: 4g, saturated fat: 1g, cholesterol: 13mg, sodium: 974mg, carbohydrate: 55g, fiber: 9g, protein: 10g, vitamin A: 6%,
vitamin C: 16%, calcium: 8%, iron: 37%
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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 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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