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
REMINDERS
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE - by Paul Edwards
PINELLAS CHAPTER ISSUES A CHALLENGE - by Sharon Youngs
FCB AWARDS CRITERIA - by Sharon Youngs
$10 NOTE GETS A NEW LOOK (PR NEWSWIRE, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28TH, 2005) - Submitted by Rosanna Lippen
VETERANS - YESTERDAY, TODAY AND TOMORROW - by Sharon Youngs
THE FEAR OF SUCCESS - by William Benjamin
TECH TIPS - by John Richards for the FCB Technology Committee
CHAPTER NEWS - Clay Council of the Blind, Halifax Council of the Blind, Mid-Florida Council of the Blind, Tallahassee
Council of the Blind
HAPPY AUTUMN - Submitted by Sila Miller
LIGHTS OUT GIVE DINERS A FEEL FOR BLINDNESS (from the DEMOCRAT Newspaper) - Submitted by Sally Benjamin
THE TRAIN OF LIFE - Submitted by Shelley Justice
HALLOWEEN COSTUMES - Submitted by Sila Miller
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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REMINDER
The dates of the Board Meeting are Friday, November 18th, to Sunday, November 20th, 2005.
The dates of the Convention are: Thursday, May 11th, to Sunday May 14th, 2006. Further Convention Information will follow in future White
Cane Bulletin's.
See you at the Board Meeting!
Happy Thanksgiving
Merry Christmas
Happy Hanukah
Happy New Year
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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE - by Paul Edwards
THE FIRST OF TWO TARGETS
It seems that in my recent messages I have done nothing but express concern over threats to programs on which people that are
blind-depend. I am afraid that this message and the next one are no exception; and that the two programs I am going to discuss are, in
some ways, in more danger than all the others I have previously discussed. This is partially because they are difficult programs for
legislators to understand.
It is also because, for a variety of reasons, there are components of both programs that are hard for people that are blind to defend. This is
one of the toughest positions for us as blind people to be placed in, I think. It is even harder for organizations of the blind to know how to
deal with these disconnects. Should we, as an organization of blind people, take a position that is at odds with what people who participate
in these programs and our members may want?
These are also programs that are unquestionably benefiting many people. On the other hand, there are elements that it is clear are not well
understood either by the general public or by most blind people and, in a couple of instances, there are parts of both programs that can only
be described as difficult to justify.
The first of these programs is the Randolph-Sheppard Vending Program. As many of you may know, this program was championed, and in
large part, created under the leadership of Senator Jennings Randolph in the late 1930's. It was designed to create employment
opportunities for people who are blind in federal buildings by giving such folks a monopoly on vending stands that were to be opened in
these buildings.
For the first three decades of the program's operation, there was little doubt that it was doing an immense amount of good. Well over a
thousand locations were opened in federal buildings and many blind people, who would otherwise not have been able to find jobs, gained
reasonable income for much hard work. Most of the first stands were "dry" stands. That is, they sold such things as cigarettes and candy
and newspapers but were not, at least in the beginning, operations that cooked and served food.
As time went on, the nature of the facilities that became available under the Randolph-Sheppard program changed. Today, there are snack
bars, cafeterias, vending machine routes and even mess halls on military bases. This proliferation of options has made vending a very
attractive job for many capable blind people in our country.
The original idea of the vending program was to provide jobs for people who were unable or unlikely to get jobs on their own. Not to put too
fine a point on it, the vending program is a subsidized form of employment in that federal and state dollars pay for the fixtures in facilities, for
the original inventory of such places, and, in some cases, for the ongoing maintenance of the equipment that is used there.
Before vendors start yelling, I know some of what vendors earn is put into a kitty at the state level that covers some of these costs. This is
called "Set-aside" and there are huge differences among states over just how much is taken out and what that payment buys. In some
states, much of the accounting and tax work is done at the state level and paid for with set-aside. In other states, and Florida is now one of
these, vendors get very little back for their set-aside. Vendors in Florida must do their own taxes, set their own system of accounting, and, in
many ways, and function as if they were operating a small business on their own.
In fact, many vendors like to think of a vending facility as a small business and of themselves as entrepreneurs. For the reason cited above,
this is not accurate. Also, most facilities do not pay rent that is another form of subsidy.
I do not have really current figures for the state of Florida in front of me. As I am writing this, I have no power following a visit from Hurricane
Wilma that I survived quite well, thank you for asking. However, I think it is safe to say that the average income per year for vendors in Florida
exceeds $30,000. This is a very good living.
Several years ago, Florida changed the way it ran vending by requiring that a vendor had to complete a college certificate program before he
or she could qualify for a license. While those rules have changed somewhat, the state also, at that time, went from being one of those
states that did a lot for their vendors to where they are now. Today, the state requires every vendor to operate his or her business virtually
independently.
The net result in Florida was the closing of almost half of the locations and having some of the most experienced and least educated
vendors forced out of the business because they simply could not function effectively in the new environment. More than that, the state
began to look at vending facilities as an absolute matter of profit and loss. If a facility appeared to be in danger of losing money, it was
closed. This meant that most of those facilities that were simply, "dry" or nearly "dry stands" were closed.
This also meant that many of the vendors who were less capable found themselves unable to bid for and hold on to stands that simply
were beyond their ability to run. Many of these employees had run vending facilities for over twenty years had wonderful records with
attendance and customer service. The state would say they had simply been overtaken by the economics of running a successful stand.
I would say, and so would others, that economics is not the primary issue. The issue is: are you providing blind people with gainful
employment of which they can be proud and which, sometimes in conjunction with SSI, allowed them to support a family. I do not mean to
single out Florida. Many other states have done the same things Florida has. What I do mean to do, however, is to suggest that, if
Congress looks hard at the vending program as they are beginning to do, they will have questions for those who administer the programs
that will be hard to answer.
Why are all the little people being forced out of vending while only those who have the skills to operate their own small business continue in
the program? How can some people earning $100,000 still collect SSI? How come blind people on military bases who contract to operate
mess halls often hire a management company and do very little work while collecting hundreds of thousands of dollars a year?
Please understand I do not and will never oppose the vending program. I truly believe it has offered good jobs to blind people ever since it
began to operate in the late 1930's. I also believe that there are many people in the vending program who work very hard to earn enough to
feed their families.
My issue is that, at the federal and state levels, there is this huge ambivalence about the program. One group of advocates, like me, say the
program is a subsidized initiative aimed at creating opportunities for blind people without the skills to find unsubsidized employment.
Others say it is a program that must keep pace with the times and must offer a good return to vendors. Without that return, blind people
simply won't choose vending as a career. After all, they say, vendors work ten or eleven hours a day and deserve a decent income for their
labor. I do not think it is any accident that the program is moving in this direction, either.
Under current legislation, whatever entity delivers services to blind people in the state is called the "State Licensing Agency" or SLA. At least
to a degree, and it varies from state to state, this government agency shares power with a group required in each state called the Vending or
Vendors Committee. This group, chosen from among the state's active, employed vendors, works with the SLA to make decisions about
how the program should run.
Both the state and current vendors have a vested interest in increasing profits from all stands and in weeding out those facilities that are not
doing well. I am not at all sure this is the way to be certain that the long range needs of the vending program, as it was originally conceived,
are being met. After all, decisions are being made by people whose self-interest get in the way of their ability to recognize that vending is for
people of all abilities, not just the very capable.
In a recent article in the USA TODAY newspaper, the first questions were raised about the efficacy of the vending program. Does it serve too
few people to justify the amount spent on it? Is the program serving those who really need it or another group all together? Is it right for the
government to subsidize employment for someone who is making over a hundred thousand dollars a year for the rest of that person's
working life? What makes blind people special and gives them the right to be the only disability group that can benefit from the vending
program?
I do not know how these questions will be answered. I am saddened by the fact that the group most responsible for raising these issues
before Congress is the National Industries for the Severely Handicapped (NISH). They particularly believe that they ought to be able to bid
for the military base contracts and also want the chance to place more people with other disabilities into the vending program. Many of
those they would likely place would need to be supported by non-disabled "coaches". This is pure sour grapes!
In my next message, I will talk about the other program. The "Javitts Wagner O'Day Act" originally created this program. This law is often
called JWOD and is pronounced "Jay-WAD." It too has recently become controversial and, perhaps most amazing of all, the Rehabilitation
Services Administration (RSA) that runs the federal vocational rehabilitation program is as much responsible as anybody for making this
program a focus and an issue.
The questions we must raise about the JWOD program are different from those we have raised in this message. However, USA TODAY
also questions whether this program ought to exist. Stay tuned to find out why and to see if they are right!
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PINELLAS CHAPTER ISSUES A CHALLENGE - by Sharon Youngs
The Executive Committee of FCB, in a chat room meeting on September 7th, voted to set aside $7,500 from the treasury to assist the
survivors of Hurricane Katrina. Our President, Paul Edwards, is to contact the presidents of the Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama
affiliates of ACB. Those presidents are to submit names and addresses of members that need help. Upon receiving these names, a
check will be issued directly to that member.
Now for the challenge! When the members of the Pinellas Chapter heard about this, they voted to add $500 to this fund. The members of
the Pinellas Chapter urge every other chapter of FCB to give just as generously to this fund. If each chapter donates to this fund, many more
blind people may be helped.
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FCB AWARDS CRITERIA - by Sharon Youngs
R. HENRY P. JOHNSON AWARD
The person that this award was named after trained as a lawyer. He had very little formal training when it was necessary for him to adjust to
substantial visual impairment. Nevertheless, he remained active in his community and constantly sought to extend the boundaries of
activities that he and other blind persons could become involved in.
CRITERIA
The R. Henry P. Johnson Award will be presented to a legally blind person who has, through his work and through service to his community,
demonstrated the kind of pioneering spirit and exemplary adjustment that Mr. Johnson demonstrated. Individuals who are likely to be
considered for this award must succeed far beyond the average visually impaired person.
DOLLY GAMBLE AWARD
This award was named for a lady who, by her actions and example, was able to establish a climate in which the Miami Lighthouse could be
started. Throughout her adult life, Ms. Gamble worked tirelessly to promote the betterment of blind people in her community, state, and the
nation.
CRITERIA
The recipient of the Dolly Gamble Award must have demonstrated a commitment to and success with the extension of services for the blind
and visually impaired people of this state. The recipient may be blind or sighted, but should, in general, represent a high level of expertise
and commitment to serving blind individuals.
W. A. OUZTS AWARD
William Alfred Ouzts, known as W. A., was a member of FCB from 1971 until the time of his death in 1992. He held state office for 20 of those
years, including 12 as treasurer and 4 years as president. For many years, he had the White Cane Bulletin printed, prepared and mailed.
Whatever his official status, W. A. was always quietly working and networking with other members behind the scenes. Officer, consultant,
advisor, supporter, worker, whatever his role, W. A. never sought recognition for what he did.
CRITERIA
While no one could replace W. A., a recipient of this award would display many of the superb qualities exhibited by W. A., including
dedication to FCB, responsibility and effectiveness. The individual must have taken a leadership role in numerous FCB projects and actively
participated in the organization for a minimum of 10 years. This award would only be given to an outstanding FCB member, an individual we
would all wish to emulate.
LEGISLATIVE
The purpose of this award is to honor a Florida elected official who through his/her statewide and/or federal legislative efforts must have
made a significant and positive impact on the welfare of blind and visually impaired people in Florida.
COOK CHAPTER PRESIDENT'S AWARD
Each chapter may nominate a chapter president from the previous year to receive this award.
The following accomplishments will be considered when selecting a recipient for this award: regularity of meetings, effective programs,
increases in membership, cooperation in local and state projects, and participation in community organizations. Overall leadership skills,
including innovation and cooperation with neighboring chapters, as well as the state organization, will be considered when assessing the
performance of a nominee.
OUTSTANDING HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR AWARD
This award is intended to honor a legally blind high school senior in Florida, who in academics, school and community, has performed
better than all his/her peers. The award may consist of a plaque and a fifty-dollar ($50.00) cash award. At the time of graduation the student
will be presented the plaque. Should the student choose to attend FCB's Annual Convention, FCB will offer to pay the student's expenses
and a $50.00 cash award.
CRITERIA
The name and address of the school, as well as the names of the principal and teachers must accompany the narrative nomination.
Evidence of superior scores on the SAT, ACT, College Boards or an equivalent instrument shall be presented with the nomination. The
narrative should include details of the student's involvement in extracurricular activities, student government and community service.
Supporting letters from teachers, employers, etc. would be helpful.
MOBILITY AWARD
This award is intended to honor a high school senior at the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind who has demonstrated the most
improvement in orientation and mobility while at the school. Two nominations will be solicited from the head of the mobility department. The
FCB Awards Committee will make the final selection. The award consists of a plaque to be presented to the student at graduation. FCB
shall pay the student's expenses and a $50.00 cash award if the student chooses to attend FCB's Annual Convention.
CRITERIA
This award is intended to honor the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind senior who has made the most improvement and succeeded in
overcoming greater than usual barriers to effective mobility. The mobility department should consider such factors as multiple impairments,
perseverance and attitude as well as excellence of orientation and mobility skills.
CHAPTER AWARD
Each chapter or special affiliate may submit the name of a member they wish to honor. The criteria for the selection is up to the
chapter/affiliate. All that is required by FCB's Awards Committee is the name of the recipient, as you wish it printed, and the name of the
chapter/affiliate submitting the name.
Chapter Awards are printed on paper certificates, unless the chapter wishes to purchase a plaque. Information regarding the current price
of plaques, as well as the deadline for ordering plaques, will be sent to chapters by February.
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$10 NOTE GETS A NEW LOOK - Submitted by Rosanna Lippen
Third Note in Series Set for Introduction in Early 2006
"Different colors are being used for different denominations, which will help everyone -- particularly those who are visually impaired -- to tell
denominations apart."
The Latest Addition to The New Color of Money is Safer, Smarter and More Secure
NEW YORK, Sept. 28 (PR Newswire) -- The U.S. government today unveiled a new, more secure design for the $10 note that will enter
circulation in early 2006. Highlighted by images of the Statue of Liberty's torch and the words "We the People" from the U.S. Constitution, the
new $10 note incorporates easy-to-use security features for people to check their money and subtle background colors in shades of
orange, yellow and red. Echoing the symbol of freedom on the face of the redesigned $10 note, the Statue of Liberty provided a fitting
backdrop for the news conference on Ellis Island. Officials from the U.S. Treasury, the Federal Reserve and the U.S. Secret Service
emphasized the government's commitment to staying ahead of increasingly tech-savvy counterfeiters.
"We expect to update currency every seven to ten years, so that we may continue to stay ahead of counterfeiters," said Treasury Secretary
John W. Snow. "The enhanced security features built into this new $10 note design -- and into the $20 and $50 note designs that preceded
it in the new series -- will help maintain global confidence in our currency going forward."
Snow was joined at the unveiling of the new $10 note by U.S. Treasurer Anna Escobedo Cabral; Roger W. Ferguson Jr., vice chairman of
the Federal Reserve Board of Governors; Tom Ferguson, director of the Treasury's Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP); and W. Ralph
Basham, director of the United States Secret Service, the law enforcement agency responsible for combating counterfeiting.
The $10 note is the third denomination in the new design series, and the $100 note is slated for redesign next. Newly designed $20 and
$50 notes are already in circulation. Government officials said that, to take advantage of improvements in currency security and stay ahead
of ever-changing counterfeiting techniques, the government will redesign U.S. currency every seven to ten years.
Federal Reserve Vice Chairman Ferguson emphasized that, when the new $10 note is issued early next year, "you can use both the newly
designed $10 note and all other designs in everyday transactions." Every U.S. currency note issued since 1861 is still redeemable today at
full face value. "The Federal Reserve has never recalled any of the previously released U.S. currency," Ferguson said.
The new $10 note, like the $20 and $50 notes introduced in 2003 and 2004, respectively, incorporates state-of-the-art security features to
combat counterfeiting, including three that are easy to use by cash handlers and consumers alike:
Color-shifting Ink: Tilt your ten to check that the numeral "10" in the lower right-hand corner on the face of the note changes color from
copper to green.
Watermark: Hold the note up to the light to see if a faint image of Treasury Secretary, Alexander Hamilton appears to the right of his large
portrait. It should be visible from both sides of the note. On the redesigned $10 note, it is easier than ever to locate the watermark – a blank
oval has been incorporated into the design to highlight the watermark's location.
Security Thread: Hold the note up to the light and make sure there's a small strip that repeats "USA TEN" in tiny print. It should run vertically
to the right of the portrait.
"Advancements in technology pose evolving threats to our currency," said BEP Director Ferguson. "Like the $20 and $50 notes introduced
over the past two years, this new $10 design is safer -- because it is easier for cash handlers and consumers to check, smarter -- to stay
ahead of counterfeiters, and more secure -- to protect the integrity of U.S. currency."
Each denomination in the series features a symbol of Americana. An image of the Statue of Liberty's torch is printed in red in the
background to the left of Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton's portrait, and a smaller, metallic red torch appears just to Hamilton's right.
The opening words of the U.S. Constitution -- "We the People" -- are also printed in red in the background to the right of Hamilton's portrait.
Small, yellow "10s" are scattered on the face and back of the note.
While consumers should not use color to check the authenticity of their currency, color does add complexity to the note, making
counterfeiting more difficult. Different colors are being used for different denominations, which will help everyone -- particularly those who
are visually impaired -- to tell denominations apart.
Months before the new $10 note design was unveiled, the U.S. government began to pave the way for its smooth introduction into the
economy. Outreach to manufacturers of cash-handling equipment, such as ATMs and self check-out machines used in retail stores, began
as early as last February, when initial test notes were provided to help them prepare their equipment to accept the new notes. In early
August, final $10 test note designs were provided, giving equipment manufacturers several months to adjust their machines to accept the
new notes by the time they are issued early next year.
With today's unveiling of the $10 note's new look, the U.S. government's public education program kicks into high gear. An array of free
educational materials, posters, handy "take one" cards, training videos and CD-ROMs are available to businesses, financial institutions,
trade and professional associations, citizen groups and individuals to prepare cash handlers and consumers to recognize the new design
and protect against counterfeits.
Materials are available to order or download online at
http://www.moneyfactory.gov/newmoney.
Since the BEP began taking orders in May 2003, more than 62 million pieces of training materials have been ordered by businesses and
other organizations to help them train their cash-handling employees about the notes' enhanced security features.
U.S. Treasurer Cabral said that as much as two-thirds of U.S. currency is held overseas, "so our educational program stretches around the
world." Educational materials are available in 24 languages. "Because the U.S. $10 note is particularly popular in Latin America, that region
is receiving special focus in the government's public education efforts," she said.
"Our goal is the smooth introduction of this new $10 design, and having a cash-handling public that is knowledgeable and well prepared is
essential to that. While the chances of receiving a counterfeit are extremely slim, that rare person or business that receives a counterfeit
suffers a real financial loss," said U.S. Secret Service Director Basham. "We want cash handlers and consumers to recognize the new
design and know how to use its security features if they ever question the authenticity of a note they've received."
The government estimates that fewer than 1 in 10,000 $10 notes is a counterfeit. Yet, an increasing proportion of counterfeit notes are
digitally produced. Since 1995, digitally produced counterfeit notes have increased from less than 1 percent of all counterfeits detected in
the United States to about 54 percent in 2004.
Counterfeiting has been kept at low levels through a combination of improvements in security features, aggressive law enforcement and
education efforts to inform the public about how to check their currency.
In the past decade, digital equipment has become more available to the general public, and thus the amount of digitally produced
counterfeits has risen. To stay ahead of counterfeiters as advances in technology make digital counterfeiting of currency easier and
cheaper, the government expects to redesign the currency about every seven to ten years. At this time, the government has no plans to
redesign the $5 note. The $1 and $2 notes will not be redesigned.
SOURCE: Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Web Site: http://www.moneyfactory.gov/newmoney
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VETERANS - YESTERDAY, TODAY AND TOMORROW - by Sharon Youngs
We are here to honor the vets of yesterday
And remember the ones who were lost along the way
I, II, Korea and ‘Nam
And vets who also served in calm
We are also here to honor the veterans of today
We think about the hardships they bear along the way
In Afghanistan and unfriendly sands
And other hostile far off lands
And yet again the vets must come
Because all men seek freedom
So, now we realize in sorrow
That there will still be vets tomorrow
Yesterday, tomorrow and today
We honor our veterans in every way
Yes, we want to thank them all
Each one of them who answered the call
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THE FEAR OF SUCCESS - by William Benjamin
“The only thing we have to fear, is fear itself.” - Franklin Delano Roosevelt. It always amazes me how the most simple and familiar truism is
so correct. In this article, I am going to share a couple of stories that speak to the very nature of this problem
I did not learn Braille in my grade school years, so my reading skills were very lacking. I did learn Braille later, but it left me with a deep scar
that I carried for many years. When I did go to college the first time, I had to drop out because I could not keep up. All of this gave me a
feeling that I just wasn’t as good as everybody else.
After I went to the Piano Hospital and established my own business, I felt on a par with others that made their way in the world. I forced
myself to use Braille. I went back to school for ten years and my grades went from D’s and F’s to A’s and B’s. The key difference was that I
had no fear of failing. I knew that if I just applied myself and stuck to it, I could do as well as anyone else.
The main reason I failed in college on my first try, was that I was frightened that I might be placed into a position where someone would find
out that my skills were not that good. What if I became a teacher and couldn’t spell? Even though I didn’t realize it at the time, I was
frightened of becoming too successful!
Each of us knows ourselves better than anyone else. We know our own shortcomings and we know how to hide them. We also make it a
point to keep our guard up and not let it get the better of us.
On the other hand, what about those people who plunge forward without any fear at all. There are those of us that achieve a position by
sheer bullying ourselves into a position. It is a fine line and, I dare say, everyone is on one side of that line or the other.
This article is supposed to bring up subjects worth considering. Where do you stand on this issue? How can you bolster or temper
yourself to be more palatable? If you have no problem in the world, then you don’t need this article, but if you are like the vast majority, then
let’s continue.
I have a good friend that has gone to school many years to be a counselor. She has taken school slowly and attended classes a few days
a week and, all and all, has done pretty well. Now she is getting ready to graduate and she is wondering if she can be responsible to a
five-day-a-week demand. This is not unusual, it happens to many college graduates. It is as frightful as leaving high school and going on
to college and having fear of the unknown.
There is a great story told by Earl Nightingale about a person that took a five-gallon bottle. The person put a little sand in it and a pumpkin
seed and watered it. The seed grew and the pumpkin took on the shape of the five-gallon bottle and could grow no more. All of us have a
vision of how much we can grow and we, knowingly or unknowingly, grow that much and no more.
My challenge to you is for you to examine your fears. Take time to think about what limitations you have put on yourself. This is easy to do
because we all have fears. Keeping in mind that you indeed do have fears, the next thing to do is to identify them and deal with them.
As always, I recommend that if you want to discuss subjects like this you could join IVIE (Independent Visually Impaired Enterprisers) an
affiliate of ACB. The members of IVIE are all working toward the same goal of bettering ourselves and taking down the limitations that have
been put on us by ourselves and by others. If you would like to learn more, contact Ardis Bazyn or any member of IVIE and share your
knowledge with the rest of us.
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TECH TIPS - by John Richards for the FCB Technology Committee
Portions of this article were taken from the Microsoft Knowledge Base and portions were written by Ian Lloyd. Ian works as a senior web
designer at Nationwide Building Society. Applicable keystrokes in portions of this article were substituted for mouse clicks by John
Richards.
Microsoft Narrator
Microsoft Narrator is a synthesized text-to-speech utility for users who have low vision. When you are using Narrator, keystrokes that you
type are read aloud.
Narrator is a light-duty screen reader utility packaged with Microsoft Windows 2000 and Windows XP. Narrator reads dialog boxes and
window controls in a number of the more basic applications for Windows. While Microsoft recommends that the visually impaired purchase
a full-function screen reader for general computer use, Narrator is a significant piece of software for a number of reasons.
Narrator is included with every copy of Windows 2000 and Windows XP, providing a measure of access to Windows without the need to
install additional software as long as the computer in use includes a sound card and speakers or headphones. This represents the first
time that a Microsoft operating system was released with some degree of accessibility for the blind built in, permitting a blind person to
walk up to any Windows XP or 2000 computer and make some use of it immediately. Narrator can assist a blind person in installing a
full-function screen reader, assisting the user until his/her screen reader of choice is up and running. Narrator can provide speech when a
full-function screen reader might be unable to do so such as during the process of updating video drivers.
Want to hear your computer talk? Select Start, Programs, Accessories, Accessibility, Narrator. Or press the Windows key plus the letter "U" to
open the Utility Manager. Microsoft Narrator starts automatically.
Once you've read through the intro screen (or let the Narrator do it), tab to the OK button and press enter. Then, you'll see a dialog box of
Narrator options. Assuming you want to leave Narrator running, select the desired options, then minimize its dialog box. If you've opened
the Utility Manager, feel free to close it. To turn Narrator off, tab to the Exit button and press enter.
Narrator is based on Microsoft's SAM speech engine, and can give you an indication of how a website sounds in some of the more simple
screen readers. Here are some of the reasons you might like to try Narrator:
You can tab through links and Narrator will read links quite successfully.
Narrator will read the title attribute of a text link in preference over the actual link text, e.g.
Site Map
Narrator reads "Link: View the site map for the site" not "Link: Site Map" but if there is nothing in the title, it will NOT use the link text as a
fallback - Narrator will simply say "Link", much like an image with no alt attribute.
Narrator will announce titles used in form inputs also. This can be a particularly useful tool, but …
What Narrator really can really offer you is the opportunity of pointing out title attributes that have NOT been filled in or have been copied and
pasted with incorrect title attributes.
Narrator also gives you the option of moving the cursor around on screen while you tab through links - this is a particularly useful tool for
checking that the tab order is as you would expect it to be.
Here are the limitations (just some of them) that you should be aware of:
You cannot get Narrator to read other sections of a page - i.e, body copy. It is strictly limited to links, form controls and inputs and window
titles.
It is not something that people with serious visual impairments would use - it is a very simple helper tool for people with low vision and little
more - and, as such, should not be used as a benchmark.
In short, Narrator is useful as a quick checker for links and forms that does not require installing any additional third party software.
The FCB Technology Committee will host a Tech Talk session in the FCB general chat room on Monday, November 7th. at 8:00 P.M. Please
take advantage of this free tech support session. Have you paid for tech support lately? If so, then you’re aware of the cost.
The following link will take you to the sign in screen:
http://www.fcb.org/FCBGenRSigIn.htm.
At that point, type your name in to the edit field and press the enter key. Give the chat program time to load to your system. After the chat
client has loaded, press the ctrl key to talk and release to listen. If people are already talking, you will hear them when you enter the
room.
I will be glad to help anyone if you are having difficulty getting into the chat room. You can e-mail me at:
jsrj@allvantage.com.
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CHAPTER NEWS - Clay Council of the Blind, Halifax Council of the Blind, Mid-Florida Council of the Blind, Tallahassee
Council of the Blind
Clay Council of the Blind - by Mike Taylor
The Clay Council of the Blind resumed regular monthly meetings in September, after a summer recess. Sheryl Hartzog, Director of Clay
Transit was the guest speaker at our September meeting.
The 2005 Membership drive found some new members, but not all that we had hoped. Officers that have now served for four years have
reached the end of their terms, and we will elect Officers to serve for the next two years at our November meeting.
Clay Council is assisting Jacksonville in getting ready for the ACB Convention for July of 2006. We recently met with Carla Ruschival, ACB's
Convention Organizer, to learn what the Host Committee needs to have ready for a successful Convention. We also traveled with Berl
Colley to St. Augustine and Cape Canaveral to scout possible tour venues.
The Orange Park Lions Club has once again very generously offered their meeting hall for our Christmas Luncheon. We had our Christmas
party at the Lions Club last year and were very happy with both the food and the facility. We are looking forward to this year's party when we
will install our newly elected Officers.
Halifax Council of the Blind - by Doug Hall
WHITE CANE DAY
This year's White Cane Awareness event, held on October 15th, was the seventh such activity held in the greater Daytona Beach area in as
many years. It was a successful joint effort of the Halifax Council of the Blind, the Greater Daytona Beach Chapter of the National Federation
of the Blind, Southeastern Guide Dogs' puppy-raisers, students of the Orientation and Adjustment Center, and others.
55 participants gathered in Ormond Beach to repeatedly cross at all four corners of a busy intersection, to make drivers, public officials and
the general public more aware of the Law that should protect visually and mobility impaired pedestrians. Several cities approved
proclamations, calling on citizens to be aware of and abide by the White Cane Law. Officials of two such cities, Daytona Beach and
Ormond Beach, presented their proclamations to the assembled participants. Thanks to the cooperation of a busy nearby Food Lion
supermarket, the groups were able to hand out copies of the law and brochures to shoppers who stopped by.
Prior to the event, two television stations, numerous radio stations and at least two newspapers provided some excellent publicity and, on
the day of the event, the Daytona Beach News Journal wrote an article and took pictures that appeared in the paper the next day...
Day Publicizes Rights of Blind Pedestrians - by Chase Jordan, Staff Writer (Submitted by Doug Hall)
ORMOND BEACH -- Walking across the intersection of East Granada Boulevard and Halifax Drive on a busy Saturday can be difficult for
anyone.
But the traffic did not stop more than 55 visually impaired pedestrians and supporters from crossing one of the most-used intersections in
the city to commemorate White Cane Safety Day. They crossed the street with canes and guide dogs to increase public awareness of the
White Cane Law, which requires motorists to yield to pedestrians using such aids. For the organized crossing, the pedestrians also were
assisted by Ormond Beach Police.
The Greater Daytona Beach Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of Florida and the Halifax Council of the Blind organized the
march.
"Motorists should understand that people with white canes and dogs have the right-of-way," said Kathy Davis, president of the National
Federation chapter.
Participant Scott Larson of Daytona Beach says he believes some motorists don't care about the safety of pedestrians. Larson used his
cane to participate in the walk.
"Some do and some don't," Larson said. "Drivers are in such a hurry they don't stop and look around or don't care about who is in the
street."
President Lyndon Johnson proclaimed Oct. 15th as White Cane Safety Day in 1964. The White Cane Law went into effect in 1947 to protect
blind pedestrians crossing or attempting to cross a public street or highway. The law defines a blind pedestrian as someone guided by a
dog or carrying a white cane (or white cane tipped in red) in a raised or extended position. Before proceeding, the driver must take
precautions to avoid injuring the pedestrian. Many participants wore copies of the law hanging from strings around their necks.
Nancy Burgess-Hall, a member of the Halifax Council of the Blind, believes that many people, including law enforcement officers, are
unaware of the law.
"There are judges and police officers who think that blind people should not be on the street," Burgess-Hall said.
David Buhl, a certified orientation and mobility specialist for the Conklin Center for the Blind in Daytona Beach, was one of the many
coordinators who helped participants cross the intersection.
"The blind public has a much harder time crossing the street," he said. "Try crossing the street with your eyes closed."
Buhl suggested that motorists slow down and take their time. "Five minutes here or there is not going to break or make your day," Buhl
said.
After the demonstration, members of both sponsoring organizations distributed information about the White Cane Law and other blindness
resources. In Florida, failure to give a blind person the right of way is a moving violation, which may result in a fine of $90 and three points
added to a driver's license.
Mid-Florida Council of the Blind - by Patti Land
WHITE CANE DAY
On Friday, October 14th, Mid-Florida Council of the Blind turned out in force to promote National White Cane Safety Day/Week. As you know,
October 15th is officially National White Cane Safety Day; however, we encountered some logistical difficulties with that date, and figured
there would be more motorists and pedestrians about on a weekday, so decided to go for Friday, the 14th. This event was a joint effort by
MFCB, NFB of Florida-Orlando, Blinded Veterans of Florida, the local (District 06) office of the Florida Division of Blind Services, and
Lighthouse Central Florida.
Actually, there were two events! At 7:30 AM, approximately 30 people (not counting law enforcement) gathered in front of the Center for
Independent Living in Winter Park, which is the location of the only audible crossing signal in the Orlando area. Groups and individuals,
carrying signs featuring the logos of all five participating organizations, crossed and recrossed the intersection, and handed out copies of
the White Cane Law with little white candy canes attached. It was a misty, drizzly morning, and many motorists had their windows rolled up;
however, generally folks were responsive. Law enforcement, including Winter Park, Orange County, and Florida State Highway Patrol, were
quite in evidence, and very supportive.
In fact, while our walk was in progress, a car hit the rear of another vehicle which had stopped to allow a young lady in a wheelchair to cross
at the flashing light! Now if this doesn't profoundly speak to the fact that motorists need to be made aware of disabled travelers, I don't know
what does! It was a treat watching police issue that individual a citation, then the wrecker come and take away his car! No one was injured
in this accident; however, I bet a few people observing, and watching the coverage later on local television stations, will remember this the
next time they see anyone, disabled or not, attempting to cross a busy street!
We then all relocated to Orlando City Hall, many of us utilizing the fixed route bus system, and others employing paratransit. A few additional
folks who were not able to make the early morning event joined us at City Hall, where Orlando City Commissioner Patty Sheehan read
proclamations regarding White Cane Safety and Low Vision Awareness from the city of Orlando, Orange County, and Governor Bush. Mayor
Buddy Dyer of Orlando was supposed to be present, and had even committed to cross the intersection at South Orange Avenue and East
South Street blindfolded. However, he was called away at the last minute and did not participate. (Second thoughts, maybe?) By this time
the rain had cleared, and several local dignitaries, as well as local media coverage, showed up.
Around 1:00 PM, when the temperature was increasing and our feet were tired, several of us again boarded a fixed route bus and had a
wonderful lunch together at a local restaurant, Houlihan's. I think everyone had a good time; however, as we all know, this is much more
serious than a social event. It is most encouraging, and inspiring, to see these five groups working together for such an important
cause.
We at MFCB thank all of you for your participation, and assistance in planning and pulling off these two events.
Tallahassee Council of the Blind - by Mycell Armington
TANDEM ABILITY RIDE TALLAHASSEE 2005
Do you like the idea of having a little adventure? How about doing something you've never done before, or better yet, doing something you
thought only sighted people could do? Or how about accomplishing something you thought you would never be able to do again? Well, the
Tallahassee Council of the Blind did all of those things listed above and we did it having lots of fun and in fine style.
On October 8th, 2005, we of TCB and several friends took a tandem bicycle ride from New Port Camp Grounds in New Port, Florida, down to
the rustic and scenic St. Mark’s Lighthouse and then back to the camp grounds - a total distance of 22 miles. The weather was great and
the camaraderie was superb. Several of us were experienced cyclists while others had never ridden before, but all had the courage to ride
and stoke until they accomplished the goal that had been set.
One rider had been told that he could never ride a bicycle again because of a major injury to his knee. He was extremely concerned but still
faced the challenge. He conquered the specter of the past that told him he would never ride again and yet, he did!! All 22 miles!
All these champions came out to the first annual “Rally in Tally, Tandem Ability Ride Tallahassee 2005”. The local television and radio
stations advertised the rally in advance and a newspaper reporter actually came out and experienced what it's like to cycle with no sight. He
then interviewed several riders (NOTE: that article is listed below).
Several people discussed the rally in the local community but nothing seemed to get rolling, pardon the pun. We seemed to all be
interested but until just the right connection was established and a rapport built with Higher Ground Bicycle Company, the project was just
discussion. It was excellent organizational skills, marvelous teamwork, tenacity and the courage to get the wheels turning for fantastic
participation of sighted captains and visually impaired stokers to bring the awareness and ability into focus and fulfillment.
Everyone has ability, but we are all different. Every participant achieved his or her own level of success. Everyone had a fantastic time and
was rewarded with a delicious luncheon, water bottles and t-shirts.
Next year, we hope to invite some more of you to join us and take the ride of your lives! When one person accomplishes a goal, we cheer
them on; when many accomplish a dream, it shows teamwork and dedication to the cause. We of TCB hope to encourage all we reach and
touch, to accomplish with ability, the dreams they have within. Remember, it's only a dream as long as you keep it inside. Share the dream
with friends and see your dream realized. It takes your ability, to realize your dreams.
Area Cyclists, Visually Impaired Team Up - by Jennifer Jefferson, DEMOCRAT STAFF WRITER (Submitted by Sally Benjamin)
NEWPORT - Can you imagine getting on your bicycle and taking a 22-mile ride through Wakulla County with your eyes closed?
Most people wouldn't dare.
But what if you had a partner to lead the way?
The Tallahassee Council of the Blind was up to the task.
Capital City Cyclists and bicycle shops Higher Ground and Sunshine Cycles lent their bikes and their talents to take 24 visually-impaired
people on a tandem bicycle ride Saturday morning from Newport Park to the St. Marks Lighthouse and back.
This is the Council's first time cycling as a group, but many members had tandem cycled before.
"It emphasizes that we can do just about anything anyone else can," said Mycell Armington, Second Vice President of the Council.
Armington, along with Higher Ground manager Roger Hawkes, coordinated the event.
Adam Gaffney, who was born with partial vision, brought his own bike. He doesn't ride alone, but he is able to easily follow someone
else.
"I am always looking for partners to ride with," Gaffney said.
Kimberly Morris, who attended the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind with Gaffney, rode with him.
"I trust him," Morris said. "He's rode with me before and hadn't killed me yet."
The non-visually-impaired cyclist steered the bicycle, while the visually-impaired person peddled in the back. The cyclist on the front of the
bike is called the captain and the cyclist on the back is called the stoker. The captain tells the stoker when to slow down, speed up, break
and shift their weight for a turn.
To be a stoker, all you need is a sense of balance and a willingness to work together. "It takes disabled and able-bodied individuals
together to make this work," Armington said.
"It is a very good test of relationships," Capital City Cyclists member Gary Robertson said. "It takes communication from the captain and the
stoker."
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HAPPY AUTUMN - Submitted by Sila Miller
Being a Christian is like being a pumpkin. God lifts you up, takes you in, and washes all the dirt off of you. He opens you up, touches you
deep inside and scoops out all the yucky stuff -- including the seeds of doubt, hate, greed, etc. Then He carves you a new smiling face and
puts His light inside you to shine for all the world to see.
This was passed on to me from another pumpkin. Now, it is your turn to pass it to a pumpkin. I liked this enough to send it to all the
pumpkins in my patch.
Happy Fall!
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LIGHTS OUT GIVE DINERS A FEEL FOR BLINDNESS - Submitted by Sally Benjamin
by TaMaryn Waters
DEMOCRAT STAFF WRITER
"Dining in the Dark" was like being blindfolded at an elegant banquet.
Once led to an assigned table by a blind volunteer guide, each person had to slowly feel the chair in front of them and adjust to an evening
deprived of lights.
The event, which was Sunday evening at Florida State University, was in honor of Paula Bailey, a woman who lost her sight because of
meningitis and later died from injuries sustained in a car accident.
Each table was set with all the essentials, such as salad, dinner forks and knives, a roll plate and iced water and tea glasses. However, the
spring salad garnished with walnuts, tomato wedges and cucumbers was more like a culinary mystery with each forkful.
As some sighted guests giggled at how awkward it was to find their way around their table settings, salads and entrees, others lacking the
ability to see were used to the darkness. Sighted guests were getting a peek into the lives of blind people.
One of the main goals for the event was to help residents understand what its like to be blind, according to Barbara Ross, director of FIRE,
the Florida Institute of Rehabilitation Education of People Who Are Visually Impaired or Blind. It offers free services to visually-impaired
residents to help them gain independence. Staffers teach clients techniques on daily living, how to use computers and home and personal
management.
"I think it will be a bit of an adventure and challenge," said Ross, referring to what sighted guests initially experience. "They'll get to say,
'Wow! This is what my family member or friend goes through on a daily basis.' "
Dinner guests weren't the only ones making moves in the dark.
The wait staff had to serve each course without tripping over chairs and knocking over glasses. To help alleviate fumbles and injuries, night
goggles were loaned to each server. Ten goggles, costing up to $1,000 a pair, were donated by Rigel Optics, the Leon County's Sheriff's
Department, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Tallahassee Police Department.
Thomas Martucci, a server, had to adjust to the neon-green images provided by his pair of goggles. "You would think you could see much
clearer, but you can't," Martucci said while scanning the table in front of him and examining his hands on a table. "But it does help you
understand what it's really like for some of the people coming."
Carole Bullock, a sighted guest, said she came to the event because her 83-year-old father has been legally blind for 18 months due to
macular degeneration, a eye disease that affects central vision.
Bullock said one of her sisters started noticing her father putting large portions of food in his mouth and choking. They discovered he
couldn't see the food on his plate well. Bullock wanted to get a sense of what he was going through.
Denyece Roberts, a blind table guide, was diagnosed with glaucoma at birth but didn't lose complete sight until the age of 16.
At the end of the dinner, Roberts hopes sighted guests will appreciate blind people's ability to live independently despite the inability to
see.
Dexter "Chip" Orange, another blind table guide, lost total sight due to an unknown genetic disease when he was 12. Although he has many
memories from his sighted past, he misses looking at maps the most.
"Take a street map and try to describe how Blair Stone and Paul Russell (roads) meet. You'll see how you'll wish you had a map in front of
you," Orange said, laughing at how difficult the task would be.
In addition to the dining experience, the Paula Bailey Award was given to a blind resident to recognize dedication, fortitude and exemplary
strides toward helping blind people. The award was given to Orange because of his volunteer work with FIRE, educational achievements in
computer programming and other accomplishments.
Allison Orange, Chip's wife of 25 years, admits she was nervous about eating in the dark because she's "a very visual person."
"For (Chip), he's always living in a sighted world. We're the ones who are all disoriented," Allison said as she nervously waited in the lobby to
be seated.
As the lights were gradually turned on to help guests adjust, Ross said he hopes sighted guests will understand being blind doesn't have to
be a tragedy.
"I hope they will realize, 'Wow, this is a challenge, but I'm dealing with it,' " Ross said. "It's something you can actually live with.”
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THE TRAIN OF LIFE - Submitted by Shelley Justice
Some folks ride the train of life
Looking out the rear,
Watching miles of life roll by,
And marking every year.
They sit in sad remembrance,
Of wasted days gone by,
And curse their life for what it was,
And hang their head and cry.
But I don't concern myself with that,
I took a different vent,
I look forward to what life holds,
And not what was spent.
So strap me to the engine,
As securely as I can be,
I want to be out in the front,
To see what I can see.
I want to feel the winds of change,
Blowing in my face,
I want to see what life unfolds,
As I move from place to place.
I want to see what's coming up,
Not looking at the past,
Life's too short for yesterdays,
It moves along too fast.
So if the ride gets bumpy,
While you are looking back,
Go up front, and you may find,
Your life has jumped the track.
It's all right to remember,
That's part of history,
But up front's where it's happening,
There's so much mystery.
The enjoyment of living,
Is not where we have been,
It's looking ever forward,
To another year and ten.
It's searching all the byways,
Never should you refrain,
For if you want to live your life,
You've gotta drive the train.
All Aboard Everybody...
Author Unknown
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HALLOWEEN COSTUMES - Submitted by Sila Miller
A bald man with a wooden leg gets invited to a Halloween party. He doesn't know what costume to wear to hide his head and his leg so he
writes to a costume company to explain his problem. A few days later he received a parcel with the following note:
Dear Sir,
Please find enclosed a pirate's outfit. The spotted handkerchief will cover your bald head and, with your wooden leg, you will be just right as
a pirate.
Yours truly,
Acme Costume Co.
The man thinks this is terrible because they have just emphasized his wooden leg and so he writes a letter of complaint. A week goes by
and he receives another parcel and a note, which says:
Dear Sir,
Please find enclosed a monk's habit. The long robe will cover your wooden leg and, with your bald head, you will really look the part.
Yours truly,
Acme Costume Co.
Now the man is really upset since they have gone from emphasizing his wooden leg to emphasizing his bald head, so again he writes the
company another nasty letter of complaint. The next week he gets a small parcel and a note, which reads:
Dear Sir,
Please find the enclosed bottle of molasses. Pour the molasses over your bald head, stick your wooden leg up your butt and go as a
caramel apple.
Yours truly,
Acme Costume Co.
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RECIPE CORNER
From Sally Benjamin: I wanted to have some fun easy recipes for the holidays. Hope you enjoy these. Also, thanks to all who submitted
recipes from their kitchens.
Paula Bailey was an active member of our (Tallahassee) chapter until her untimely death earlier this year following a car accident. Paula
became deaf and blind after being stricken with meningitis in 1999. She was truly an inspiration to those of us who were fortunate enough
to have known her and I wanted to share a couple of her favorite recipes. Our local rehabilitation center, FIRE, hosted a benefit in her
honor, “Dining in the Dark” (NOTE: there is an article about this dinner earlier in this issue).
Paula's Raspberry Truffles - Submitted by Sila Miller
1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 (oz.) squares unsweetened chocolate
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2-2/3 cup seedless Raspberry preserves
4 oz. Neuchatel cheese, softened
2 teaspoons Raspberry Extract
Directions:
Melt chocolate. Combine all ingredients in a food processor. Blend till smooth. Add preserves or extract to taste. Chill 2 hours. Shape into
balls and roll in cocoa, ground almonds, or coconut. Makes about 3 1/2 dozen.
Paula's Spinach Balls - Submitted by Sila Miller
1 (10-oz) pkg. Frozen chopped spinach
1 1/2 c. Italian bread crumbs
1 pound soft tofu
3 eggs
1/3 cup butter
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
Directions:
Cook spinach and squeeze dry. Melt butter and beat in eggs. Mix in remaining ingredients and blend well. Shape into balls and place on
greased cookie sheet. Bake at 325 degrees for 25-30 minutes. Makes about 7 dozen.
Bourbon Balls - Submitted by Ron Milliman
1/4 cup confectioner's sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa
1 1/4 cups vanilla wafers, crushed fine
1 cup finely chopped pecans
1/3 cup Kentucky Bourbon
1 1/2 tablespoons white corn syrup
Directions:
Blend all ingredients. Refrigerate til able to form. Make tiny balls. Roll in powdered sugar and refrigerate. Then enjoy!
These are pretty easy to make and very easy to eat! When you roll them, be careful you don't eat toooooooooo many!
Spicy Crackers
2 sleeves of saltine crackers
1 cup of oil (half canola/half olive)
1 package Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix
2 tablespoons red pepper flakes
Directions:
Combine ingredients and store in sealed container (zip-loc bag or other) for 24 hours.
Almond Brittle - Submitted by John Richards
1 cup (250 ml) water
2 cups (500 ml) sugar
1 cup (250 ml) corn syrup (golden syrup)
2 cups unblanched sliced almonds
1 tsp (5 ml) salt
2 tbs (30 ml) butter
1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
1/4 tsp (1 ml) baking soda
Directions:
Bring the water to a boil in a large, heavy saucepan over moderate heat. Stir in the sugar and corn syrup until dissolved. Cook to the
hard-ball stage (250 F, 121 C) and add the almonds and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, to the hard-crack stage (300 F, 150 C).
Remove from the heat and stir in the butter, vanilla, and baking soda. Pour the mixture onto a well buttered slab or baking sheet and spread
it out with a spatula, making it as thin as possible while it is still, hot. Cool to room temperature and break into pieces. Store in an airtight
container. Makes about 2 pounds (1 Kg).
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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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