THE WHITE CANE BULLETIN



Florida Council of The Blind, Inc.
November - December, 2001

FCB OFFICERS, 2000 - 2002
President:
Robert Miller
4128 Kreisch Way
Tallahassee, FL 32310
(850) 942-9821
E-mail:
EasyTalk@concentric.net

First Vice President:
Jesus Garcia
5955 W. 16th Lane
Hialeah, FL. 33012
(305) 471-0441 EXT (444)
E-mail:
JesusGar@BellSouth.net

Second Vice President:
Patti Davis
528 Orange Drive Unit 11
Altamonte Springs, FL 32701
(407) 767-8616
E-mail:
PattiAnne@cfl.rr.com

Treasurer:
James R. Warth, Jr.
1548 Corydon Avenue
Spring Hill, FL 34609
(352) 686-9300
E-mail:
FCBCFO@tampabay.rr.com

Membership Secretary:
Nancy Folsom
6500 Montrose Trail
Tallahassee, FL 32308
1-800-267-4448 (Note New Number)
E-mail:
InSight@nettally.com

Recording Secretary:
Sharon Youngs
237 Maple Avenue
Palm Harbor, FL 34684
(727) 937-8631
E-mail:
sky11@tampabay.rr.com

Editors of White Cane Bulletin
Bill and Bobbie Probst
11721 Dunes Way Dr.
N. Jacksonville, FL 32225-1888
(904) 641-0709
FAX (904) 998-9012
E-Mail:
Wantom@aol.com
and
BobbieHP@aol.com

Articles published in The White Cane Bulletin are in compliance with Public Law No.104197, Copyright Law Amendment of 1996.
This law allows authorized entities to distribute copies of previously published non-dramatic literary works in specialized formats, including Braille, audio or digital text that are exclusively for use by Blind people or those with disabilities.
Any further distributing of such articles in another than a specialized format is an infringement of copyright.



PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
By Robert Miller

As many of you have probably heard, there will be a special session of the legislature on October 22. The reason for this special session is due to a deficit in Florida's budget. I'm sure that the events on September 11 and resulting fear from them have had a major effect on the tourist economy of our state, although I'm sure this is not all of the problem. In light of this, we should be very concerned about services delivered to the visually impaired community and our advocacy efforts. I spoke to Craig Kiser on Friday, October 19. Prematurely, the purposed budget cut that will effect DBS is 1 million dollars and a reduction of employees by 25 percent over a 5 year period. This would be detrimental to services currently provided by The Division of Blind Services and I would encourage our members to speak out against this budget cut. As I obtain additional information and contacts I will send it out to all of our members on the FCB email list. I would also like to encourage all members on the email list to share this information with their chapters so that we can be effective in advocating against this measure. October 29 will be the last meeting of the task force on accessible voting. After this meeting we will be working on our draft bill to present to the legislature in January. I feel that the state of Florida will pass legislation that we can all be proud of. I have also asked John Richards, Chairman of the Technology Committee and Board Representative for the Inter County Chapter to accompany the Supervisor of Elections of Sumpter County to the October County Commission meeting. At this meeting the Commissioners were going to decide which voting system they would approve. The choice was between optical scanners or ES&S's accessible touch screen system. The final vote was 3 to 2 in favor of ES&S. John also informed me that Marion County approved the same system and it appears that Citrus and Lake Counties will follow suit. Hopefully this will set a standard for other counties in Florida. It is important for our members to contact their Supervisors of Election and offer their assistance to speak at County Commission Meetings as you can see due to John's efforts. Some of you may have read an article in the Tallahassee Democrat in which I was interviewed regarding legislation that went into effect July 1 2001, that placed assistive technology under Home Medical Equipment which is licensed under the Agency for Health Care Administration. The four categories of assistive technology were, talking computer modules, optical scanners, talking software and braille printers. The license requirements were $250,000.00 per incident of commercial/professional liability insurance, post a $50,000.00 surety bond with AHCH, FBI background investigation, fingerprinting and maintain medical records on all "patients" for 5 years after the last contact. These requirements were to be met by October 1. Basically, this legislation would put 90 percent of the vendors that deal in adaptive technology out of business since they are small business people like myself. After receiving the certified licensure application I began to check into the specifics of this legislation and found that it would also be selectively enforced since it would not be imposed on commercial businesses such as Compuserve, Circuit City and other computer stores. The main problem that we have now is that the law is on the books and was in the enforcement stage. This law has no benefit to you as a consumer since it did not provide that Medicaid or Medicare would cover the cost of this "home medical equipment." After some digging, I found that Terry Ward, the director of Florida Alliance for Assistive Technology,(FAAST) was the major supporter of this bill. The sponsors were Senators Steve Geller and Victor Crist. With the help of Kurt Ponchak and Craig Kiser, both of the sponsors of the bill were contacted and made aware of the damaging effect Senate Bill 287 would have on state agencies and individual consumers of assistive technology. I also contacted Steve Howells, of The Advocacy Center and filed a complaint under the ADA and Section 508 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act mainly stating that licensure materials were not provided in accessible format. Currently it appears that the sponsors are willing to have the assistive technology language removed from the law during the January session of the Legislature. Although none of the assistive technology vendors have received any thing in writing from AHCA it appears that the agency will use the complaint I filed with The Advocacy Center as a reason not to enforce this law. We will certainly be watching the legislative session in January for action on this matter.

I look forward to working with all the Board Representatives later this month in St. Petersburg. Until next time, take care and be safe.

*** I'll tell you what our house is like: We have three priests living with us who want to get married. The church sent them over to change their minds. ***

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DO YOU BELIEVE?

"Dear Editor:
If you see it in The Sun, it's so. Please, I am eight years old. Some of my friends say there is no Santa Clause. Papa says, "You will tell me the truth, is there a Santa Clause? - Virginia O'Hanlon."

"Dear Virginia:
Your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Clause. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! How dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Clause. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable its existence. We should have no enjoyment except in sense and sight. The external light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.

Not believe in Santa Clause !! You might as well not believe in fairies. Nobody see Santa Clause, but that is no sign that neither children nor men can see. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world."

These excerpts from Francis P. Church's timeless editorial which first appeared in the New York Sun in 1887 offer us all something in which to believe. We think they are still true today.

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IN MEMORY
(1) Mrs. Beulah Moore McCoy
November 12, 1899 - September 22, 2001

Our sincere condolences go to fromer FCB president Carl and Jeannie McCoy on the loss of his mother, Beulah Moore McCoy, who passed away on September 22.

Beulah McCoy would have become 102 years old on November 12. She lived for more than a century in Tallahassee, spanning the entire 20th century and a bit of the 19th and the 21st Remarkably, she was born in the same house in which she passed away. Her seven children were also born in that house.

Mrs. McCoy is survived by five of her children, 15 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren. She leaves a legacy of many, many friends and family who will miss her. to Florida Council of The Blind Anyone wishing to make a donation to FCB in her memory, instead of sending flowers, as requested by the family, should send the contribution c/o President Robert Miller, 4128 Kreisch Way, Tallahassee, FL 32310.

(2) Ernest Spann
December 5, 1912 - October 17, 2001

We are saddened to announce the passing of Mr. Ernest Spann, our eldest and very devoted member of ACCB, on Wednesday, October 17, 2001.

Mr. Spann served in the Marine Corp. in World War II, and then worked for the Navy Ship Yards in Pennsylvania for many years receiving many awards and commendation during his service.

Lenora McGowan, who is our Vice President, met Mr. Spann in the early '90's and they have been constant companions since that time. He has been active in many community service activities including an active member in Gainesville Lion's Club, ACCB, FCB, and has recently received his 5- year pin as a volunteer for the 4H Club of Alachua county. He was a cancer survivor since 1993.

Mr. Spann has been very active in ACCB attending all functions held by ACCB, including conventions and other special meetings and recreational activities. He has always been there with a ready smile and willing to lend a hand whenever needed or necessary. He has been a very sweet and gentle spirit to us all and will be greatly missed by every member of ACCB. Alachua Council of the Blind.
-- Carol Massey

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ALACHUA COUNCIL CELEBRATES WHITE CANE SAFETY DAY By Jack Varnon.

In 1930, George Bonham, president of Peoria, Illinois, Lions Club conceived the concept of the White Cane with a red tip to enable automobile drivers to recognize a blind person trying to cross the street. Ultimately, a ordinance was passed by the city of Peoria requiring drivers to stop and assist the blind individual to cross the street safely. Over the next 35 years, this ordinance shaped virtually all the White Cane laws adopted by the 48 states in continental USA. A definition of the White Cane law in Florida can be found on page 39 of the current Florida Drivers Manual. Yet in spite of this law, there are numerous incidents where blind people are getting injured by drivers ignorance of the law. In fact, only one driver in 3 gets a simple question about the White Cane law in the academic test portion of the Driver's License test. This writer feels that all drivers should be required to quote from memory the basic White Cane law -"to stop for all persons with a guide dog or white cane with a red tip and assist that person to cross the street safely", otherwise they don't pass the academic portion of the test.

In June of 2000, the Alachua County chapter of the Florida Council of the Blind, approached the Boy Scouts of America, Alachua troop #88, to support a project to raise public awareness of the spirit and intent of the White Cane law. An Eagle scout candidate, Adam Bukarie, took on this project. The scouts gathered information about blindness, learned about the White Cane law and how to assist blind individuals. After being taught the correct technique for guiding the blind, the young men using blindfolds, practiced on each other. Scout Adam Bukarie laid out a excellent route for a demonstration parade walk. It started in the Alachua City Hall parking lot, going north on SR 235 to the intersection of US 441. Then turned west going parallel to US441 for a ¼ mile, then turned south for about 300 feet to the Scouts hut.

The Alachua Lions Club participated in this effort by providing financial support and transportation for the blind individuals who wanted to be involved in the walk. As the crowd gathered together at the City hall parking area, Sighted people were blindfolded and were provided with guides. The Alachua police officers were on hand to insure a safe crossing at the dangerous and busy intersection of SR 235 and US 441. As the estimated 56 marchers walked up the side of US 441, it was noted that the drivers were reading the hand carried signs - "I stop for guide dogs and white canes with red tip". On arriving at the Troop #88 Scout hut, the blindfolded individuals participated in a "daily skills" activity as pouring water in a container, putting a small Band-Aid on their thumb with the pad on the thumb nail, count money, write their name (using a signature guide), write a check, and spread crème cheese on a bagel. For many it was a real eye opener.

The success of this walk laid the foundation for this year's walk, held on October 6 , for a substantial larger participation by all groups - Alachua Lions Club members, Boy Scouts of America troop #88, Alachua City Hall officials, Blind Services Agency counselors and the community at large including many of the totally blind. The October 6 demonstration walkways given plenty of coverage by the local news media . The involvement of other organizations in this project seems to have more public awareness, never mind the long term impression that has been made on the young men of troop #88.

On October 13, 2001, A.C.C.B. conducted a similar demonstration walk in Gainesville with the help of sponsors, University of Florida students and faculty members. We are convinced that the most effective way to bring about a willing compliance to the spirit and intent of the White Cane law is to involve other community organization to participate in our crusade to have white cane safety.

I think FCB should set a goal to have all speed limit signs in the State of Florida to include the words, "White Cane law strictly enforced".

*** I think the romance has gone out of our marriage. My wife just sent me a 25th anniversary card. It was addressed to "Occupant .***

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THANKS TO FCB CONTRIBUTORS

The following have contributed to FCB in honor of Mrs. Beulah McCoy. Thank you for your support.



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ITEMS FOR SALE

One Type-and-Speak and one Braille-and-Speak 640 for sale. Both have the flash RAM and the extended battery.

For more information and prices, call Jesus Garcia at (305) 471-0441 EXT 444 during the day.

**** If at first you don't succeed, you're running about average. ***

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A FRUSTRATING SITUATION
By Elizabeth Bowden

Did you ever wonder what it would be like to say something like "I can't believe this is happening to me," and really mean it? I did, until September 24, when my employer, the State of Florida, Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Program, implemented software that I can't access. At the time of this writing, nothing about the situation has changed. The software is still in use, and I continue to be unable to perform about ninety percent of the tasks that up until then I took for granted.I won't go in to all the details here, because of space restrictions. I'll just share some of the thoughts and feelings I have, and some of the lessons I have learned along the way.

When everyone was given the new program to use, I was under the impression that I would be given mine a little later, since developers had been working on the problem for over a year, and I trusted people who told me that the problems would be solved. One week later, I was told that I wouldn't be able to use the program, and that developers had given up on JAWS as a means of accessing the software package, and would develop their own. My faith in them having been destroyed, I began writing letters. I wrote to the Governor, which resulted in the filing of an EEOC complaint, which has been useless. My Bureau Chief said that they are working on the problem, and those accommodations have been made for me has told the investigator. This is true on the surface. I get to call someone who is already overworked, who will input my requests in to the new system. I guess they think that is acceptable because they don't have to undergo loss of dignity and other emotional things this causes.

To date, I have filed an ADA complaint, and inquired at the Division of Blind Services for assistance. Division of Blind services could not offer me any services because I had already filed the ADA complaint, but wished me luck, and told me to contact them if the situation changes. I understand that the ADA complaint is a rather lengthy process to complete, and so I don't look for much support in that area for quite a while.

Everyone at FCB whom I have approached has been very supportive, and I know that in the end, I'll be granted the independence and freedom at work that everyone else takes for granted.I'll close by saying that I never thought I could learn so much in so short a period of time. I am saddened by some of the things that have come out of this, I know that my ability to trust and respect others connected with my job will never be the same. I also am aware daily of all my limitations, and hope I will be able to keep a positive attitude about those by not thinking less of myself because of them. I am also learning what it means to be a member of FCB.Thanks to all who have assisted me and helped strengthen my determination to win this fight. I find it ironic that the Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Program gave me permission to attend FCB functions as work time to allow me to increase my advocacy skills to teach our consumers how to advocate for themselves and never settle for second best because they are disabled. I'll bet they never thought I'd be using the teaching against them some day. Another thing that is forgotten by all those who are making decisions right now is that everyone is an accident away from being disabled. I wonder how they would react under these conditions. Lastly, I want to thank Debbie Langford, from the BSCIP. She has been designated my data entry person, and has gladly taken that on even though her office is short a position. I think others should use her as an example of how rehabilitation professional should behave. I will also be eternally thankful that I had the good sense to be a part of FCB. I don't think I would have come this far without the organization, it's beliefs and various persons who have continued to be an encouragement and an inspiration to me.

*** I just got back from the doctor. I swear, there are so many things wrong with me I don't know whether I was made in Heaven or Detroit. ****

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FCCLV UPDATE
By Rosanna M. Lippen, FCCLV President

Florida Council of Citizens with Low Vision ran into a very interesting obstacle this year regarding our membership database. For general knowledge, FCCLV formats its'_ membership information using a computer program entitled ACCESS. This is also the program our parent organization, FCB, uses for our membership throughout the state. Florida is very much ahead in the computer world, and for that we are proud. However, when our membership information was sent to the Council of Citizens with Low Vision International (CCLVI) they were not able to read it. Hours were spent trying to help and educate the membership coordinator for CCLVI, to no avail. A print copy was sent, which they claim was never received. An urgent need to correct this was stated at our annual convention. Sila Miller, First Vice President of FCCLV and FCB's First Lady, worked with the President of CCLVI, Ken Stewart, and this matter is being examined and guidelines being put into place so confusion of this nature will not happen again. CCLVI has all our membership information and dues in their hands again, this time in hard copy large print. To date, CCLVI has done nothing with our information. This matter will continue to be investigated and resolved so our Florida members can receive copies of Vision Access, the CCLVI publication. Florida Low Vision members should be proud of our unity, strength and ability to move forward with or without CCLVI.

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NEW ON THE MARKET
Contributed by Rosanna M. Lippen

1. USE YOUR OWN PEN AND PAPER TO WRITE WORD DOCUMENTS
Sometimes you need to simply write something down using the traditional pen and paper. This could happen in a meeting, during an interview, a lecture, or in the library at school. Wouldn't it be convenient if your notes could then be directly converted to a Word document on your computer?

SoftWriting TM is the only software product that requires only a scanner to convert your handwritten notes to text file or an MS-Word document.

SoftWriting was tested by ICR experts and was found to have the most advanced handwriting recognition technology for non-connected free handwriting. You can write your notes with an ordinary pen or pencil on any of paper. Your handwriting should be non-connected, which means that the characters should not touch each other. This method might slow down your writing, but is overshadowed by SoftWriting's benefits: no retyping, use of abbreviations, and the ability to merge your diagrams and sketches into the final document. SoftWriting works for non-connected handwriting in English, German, Spanish, Portuguese and Dutch.

Try out SoftWriting now! Download and test your handwriting for FREE at:
http://www.charactell.com

2. TALKING PRINTER
The typical computer printer has a front panel with visual displays that indicate their status. Messages like "Out of Paper", "Out of Ink" and "Paper Jam" appear on its display. The user is expected to read these messages and take appropriate corrective action. A blind user is unable to read these messages and is therefore unable to remedy the reported problem. The only solution until now was to seek sighted assistance.

Now, there is an Inkjet printer that verbally announces all displayed messages via the computer's sound card and speakers. This innovative printer can print in black and white or in color. This truly accessible NOTABLE QUOTES

"The glory of friendship is not the outstretched hand, nor the kindly smile, nor the joy of companionship; it is the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when he discovers that someone else believes in him and is willing to trust him with his friendship" - Ralph Waldo Emerson

"To get profit without risk, experience without danger, and reward without work is as impossible as it is to live without being born." - A. P. Gouthey

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GOODIES FROM MEMBERS' KITCHENS

Sausage Bread, By Sila Miller



Preheat oven to 350 deg. Brown sausage, onion and pepper. Take French bread and hollow out the inside, keeping the crumbs. Mix egg, bread crumbs, milk and sausage mix. Pour into hollowed bread shell, wrap in foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven open and put cheese inside and return to oven for 10 minutes or until cheese is melted. *When cooking more. If I am making more than one loaf, I use 1 lb. hot sausage and 1 lb. mild sausage. This is a great holiday treat.

Pumpkin Pie Crunch, Reprinted from ILAB GAB



Preheat oven to 350 deg. Grease bottom of 13x9x2 baking pan. Combine pumpkin, milk, sugar, spices eggs, and salt in a large bowl. Pour into pan. Sprinkle cake mix evenly over pumpkin mixture. Top with pecans and drizzle with melted butter. Bake for 50 - 55 min. or until golden brown. Serve until golden brown. Serve with whipped topping. This cake serves 16 - 20 and is easier to cut when it is cold. Refrigerate leftovers (if there are any!!).

*** Congress is so strange. A man get up to speak and says nothing. Nobody listens...and then everybody disagrees. ***

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CHAPTER NEWS Tallahassee Chapter, Delores Wussler, President
Tallahassee Has Big Bargain Day!
On September 15, 41 people gathered at the home of Delores and Lew Wussler to bid and outbid on some of the best bargains around. Ribs and grilled chicken were made more delicious with many homemade dishes, bread and desserts, fortifying our strength for the auction. The weatherman sent us a perfect day thus enabling us to add $755 to our treasury. It is true that a couple of purchases turned out to be downright donations to the cause. Other items will quietly and mysteriously show up at the auction next year as the wheels are already turning in that direction. Roll on in and join us next September!

Metro Chapter, Janyce Sippio-Stapp
On Sunday, June 24, 2001, the Metro Chapter held a very noteworthy event: IT WAS "Recognition Day" for members, pioneers, graduates Steve Smith and Cuore-e V. Siooio and new high school student Esther Kendrick. Students were recognized for their educational achievements and to continue and achieve greater heights and to continue to give back to the community just as the FCB Metro Chapter does.
Former presidents Moses McKnight, Ruth Mathis, Evelyn Bales and Irene Sagis received awards. Mrs. Blue, a founding member, was recognized and congratulated once again for the work that she and her late husband, Mr. Thomas Blue, had done over the years and their dedication and involvement to The Florida Council as well as to the American Council. Dora Bellamy, fondly known as "Polly," was honored for her years of loyal service to the chapter in catering/hospitality. Mrs. Elanor Userof the Miami chapter in the early 70's. Unfortunately -- or perhaps fortunately -- she was unable to attend because she was celebrating at her wedding reception as a newlywed. However, she relayed the story of how she and her children solicited help in the Miami community in the organization in establishing the very first chapter in that particular area of Miami.

Our hard working 2000-2001 members were presented with certificates of appreciation. The food was great and the fellowship with old and new members was rewarding Our thanks to everyone who took part in this fantastic event. In 1997 "recognition Day" was started by Corrine Kendrick, Metro chapter president, and it has become a very successful event.

Jacksonville Council, Barbara Brown, President
On Saturday, October 13, Jacksonville Council of the Blind (JCB) held its first fishing tournament. We owe it all to one of our members, Mr. William "Billy" Ward, his love of fishing and the fact that he really wanted someone to partner with him to enter some of our local fishing tournaments. According to him, he has always wanted to put on a fishing tournament. He found a willing partner in JCB, not in entering other tournaments but in hosting our own. Thank you, Billy. It was a lot of work, but so much fun. We wish to thank all those who gave financial support, food, door prizes and volunteer help. A special thanks goes to those who attended the fishing tournament.

The day began at 7:00 AM with fishing poles, rods and reels and boats entering the water. All with one single thought in mind "to catch the biggest fish and win the top prize." Not all JCB members wanted to fish so some remained under the canopy where we discussed two topics of concern: our November meeting and the upcoming election. The primary topic for the meeting will be audible signals and traffic crosswalks. Several knowledgeable speakers and presenters will be present. To get the fishermen on their way, doughnuts and coffee were served. All in attendance confirmed the obvious - the had a ball! The breeze off the St. John's River was very relaxing along with the scent of fish frying. In the open air, everyone had a good appetite. It was indeed a day to remember. Many have asked that we do it again next year, and we are considering that possibility. Funny, I don't know why . Not one of JCB members caught a fish! Oh well, it was all for fun and we made some money. Rut we took our time as some blind people are inclined to do, and enjoyed a long leisurely lunch. The feast consisted of hot freshly fried fish, hush-puppies, rotisserie chicken, barbecue chicken and all the trimmings such as baked beans, potato salad, cole slaw, rolls and an assortment of soft drinks was available. The day ended with cash prizes being presented to some of our fishing experts and a drawing for door prizes. There were a total of three cash prizes awarded as follows: $200 for the largest fish which weighed in at 4 lb. 8 oz., $100 for the next biggest at 3 lb. 11 oz., $50 for the most weight up to five fish total. The winning catch totaled 14 lb. 3 oz. There were a total of 15 door prizes consisting of: one trolling boat motor, a half-day deep sea fishing trip, three lucky winners received pairs of tickets for the Sterling casino cruise ship, two winners received pairs of tickets for the Emerald Sea cruise, two rod-and-reels along with an assortment of tackle, one pair of Silver Springs concert tickets, a $50 Publix gift certificate, one pair of tickets to Marineland, one bait bucket, a certificate for a local game store and a 4-day 3-night stay in Helena, GA at the Comfort Inn.

Again, JCB would like to thank Mr. Billy Ward for his outstanding contribution to a day of fun that will be long remembered. HAPPY AND HEALTHY THANKSGIVING TO ALL!

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FCB CHAPTER LIAISONS



HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR 2002!!!
-END-

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