THE WHITE CANE BULLETIN
FLORIDA COUNCIL OF THE BLIND, INC.
November - December 2008
FCB OFFICERS, 2008 - 2010
President:
Debbie Grubb
4215 17th Ave. W
Bradenton, FL 34205
(941) 749-6178
E-mail: debbiecg@verizon.net
First Vice President:
Robert Miller
2201 Limerick Dr.
Tallahassee, FL 32309
(850) 906-9821
E-mail: easytalk@earthlink.net
Second Vice President:
John S. Richards, Jr.
939 NE 18th St.
Ocala, FL 34470
(352) 629-4530
E-mail: jsrj@embarqmail.com
Treasurer:
Patti Land
6933 Alpert Dr.
Orlando, FL 32810
(407) 521-9047
E-mail: pattianne1@cfl.rr.com
Membership Secretary:
Sally Benjamin
1531 Dempsey Mayo Road
Tallahassee, FL 32308
(850) 877-1512
E-mail: floridacouncil@comcast.snet
Recording Secretary:
Sharon Youngs
237 Maple Ave.
Palm Harbor, FL 34684
(727) 937-8631
E-mail: sky11@tampabay.rr.com
Immediate Past President:
Paul Edwards
20330 NE 20th Ct.
Miami, FL 33179
(305) 692-9206
E-mail: edwpaul@bellsouth.net
Editor of White Cane Bulletin:
Sharon Youngs
237 Maple Ave.
Palm Harbor, FL 34684
(727) 937-8631
E-mail: sky11@tampabay.rr.com
Articles for the White Cane Bulletin must be submitted to Sally Benjamin no later than the 20th of the month before it is published.
Sally's E-mail is: floridacouncil@comcast.net.
If you do not have access to a computer and E-mail, please find someone in your chapter to help send it. We would like to hear from
anyone who wants to contribute to our newsletter. If you don’t have a way to write an article, you can call Sharon Youngs at the number
above and she will be glad to write it for you.
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 Sally Benjamin
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE - by Debbie Grubb
2009 FCB AND FCCLV SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE - by Barbara Grill
IDA LEE BRADLEY, PARAGON EXTRADORDINAIRE - by Sila Miller
2009 FCB RAFFLE TICKETS - by Bill Freeman
LOUIS BRAILLE - Submitted by Sila Miller
NATIONAL CONVENTION REQUEST - by Sila Miller
EXHIBITS 2009 - by Sally Benjamin
POETRY CORNER - by Shelley Justice
LOREAN DARBY-HENRY: MEMBER, ADVOCATE AND LEADER - by Sila Miller
TECH TIPS - by John Richards for the FCB Technology Committee
CHAPTER NEWS - Mid-Florida Council of the Blind
RECIPE CORNER
FCB TRADING POST
HANDY TELEPHONE NUMBER REFERENCES
ARE YOU MOVING? - by Sally Benjamin
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
1-800-267-4448 or E-mail floridacouncil@comcast.net.
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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE - by Debbie Grubb
Greetings FCB,
In just a few short weeks, the FCB Board will meet in St. Petersburg. I always look forward to these meetings because I love to
hear our wonderful committees report to the Board on how we best can resolve the issues that face us as an organization of
people who are blind and visually impaired. It is an honor to witness the Board at work representing you as it sets policy for
FCB between Conventions. Many thanks to Rosanna Lippen, who serves as FCB's Hotel Coordinator, for bringing us to the St.
Petersburg Hilton.
As you know, the next ACB Convention will take place from July 4th through July 11th in Orlando. The FCB Host Committee, ably
co-chaired by Sally Benjamin and Debbie Drylie, to the delight of the ACB Convention Committee Chair, Carla Ruschival, is ahead
of schedule in carrying out the many responsibilities of the ACB Convention Host Committee. Many thanks to Jay Bader, Bill
Freeman, Linda Jacobson, Shelley Justice, Sila Miller, Patti Land, Larry Turnbull and Sheila Youngs for volunteering to serve on
this most important committee. As your President, it is my privilege to serve with them and to witness their commitment to
making FCB one of the best Host Chapters of an ACB Convention. I can assure you that they are carrying on the fine tradition of
our Jacksonville and Clay Chapters from three years ago when they were the Host Committee for an ACB Convention. From November
13th through 15th, Sally and I will be in Orlando with our Host Committee as it meets with the ACB Convention Committee to plan
the 2009 Convention.
FCB is also committed to presenting for your enjoyment and edification a fine State Convention. Sila Miller, Chair of the FCB
Convention Committee, has already called her Committee together to make plans for our 2009 event in Daytona Beach. Once again
serving on the FCB Convention Committee with Sila are Sally Benjamin, Committee Assistant; Jim Kracht, Entertainment Coordinator;
Rosanna Lippen, Hotel Coordinator; and me who serves as the Program Coordinator. Representing the Host Chapter on the Convention
Committee are Doug and Nancy Hall. Our wonderful Secretary, Sharon Youngs, has ably served on the committee for many years as
Exhibits Coordinator. Due to the illness of her husband, she has had to step aside from this responsibility. All of us on the
Convention Committee will miss working with Sharon; but we are delighted that she is still active in her Chapter and carries out
excellently her duties as FCB's Secretary and Editor of the "White Cane Bulletin." Sila will appoint an Exhibits coordinator
within the next few weeks and will report on the work of the Convention Committee at the Board Meeting and also in future issues
of this publication.
In January, FCB will once again participate with the other consumer groups in the annual Vision Summit presented to the Florida
Legislature. FCB invited the Presidents of the consumer groups to meet via teleconference in order to discuss our presentation
for the 2009 Vision Summit. Participation in this event brings the consumer groups an excellent opportunity to publicize our
work and the issues that face all of us. Our participation in the Vision Summit for the past two years has not brought forth
the response from the Florida Legislature that we hoped for. Hence, all the consumer groups want to take another look at our
presentation for the upcoming event.
I want to take this opportunity to thank Jesus Garcia for so excellently representing FCB on the Florida Rehab Council. He was
elected as the Council's chair for two years in a row and ably represented the Council on the committee that recommended the
three final candidates for the position of Director of the Division of Blind Services. Unfortunately for us, Jesus' term of
service has expired. Fortunately for us, we have another expert in the wings ready to step forward to represent FCB on the
Rehab Council. I asked Paul Edwards, who has much expertise in the field of rehabilitation, if he would represent FCB on the
Rehab Council and he graciously consented. I have been told that the Governor's appointment of Paul is simply a formality
since he is our representative of choice.
Soon after Joyce Hildreth became the Director of DBS, I had a fruitful talk with her about some of the issues on which FCB
seeks resolution. Soon after that conversation, Ms. Hildreth initiated quarterly meetings with all of the consumer groups.
Shortly thereafter, I received a call from the DBS Webmaster seeking membership on FCB-L because Joyce Hildreth pointed out
to her that FCB/ACB views and policies are not adequately represented on the DBS Website. My admiration for the fairness and
inclusive spirit of Joyce Hildreth continues to grow.
I look forward to seeing many of you in St. Petersburg. As always, during this meeting, we will be diligent to carry out the
business of the Florida Council of the Blind.
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2009 FCB AND FCCLV SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE - by Barbara Grill
The Florida Council of the Blind is offering four scholarships again this year. The awards are two for $2,000, one each for
$1,500 and $750. The Florida Council of Citizens with Low Vision will award one $500 scholarship.
FCB scholarships will be awarded to students demonstrating academic and leadership accomplishments. Eligible blind students
must be residents of the State and enrolled in high school or a postsecondary or vocational training program. A minimum
cumulative grade point average of 3.0 is required. Part-time students who are working full-time may also apply for the $750
award.
Applicants must be legally blind. Applications may be printed from the FCB website,
www.fcb.org. All supporting documents, including a sealed official transcript from the most
recent year of school attended, must be submitted. A Certification of Vision Status form must be signed and mailed directly
by an ophthalmologist, rehabilitation counselor or other qualified entity. Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited
college or university or be accepted for enrollment.
The Florida Council of Citizens with Low Vision scholarship will be awarded to an outstanding student who is enrolled in
academic, professional or technical training beyond the high school level. The $500 award will be given for either academic
excellence or to an eligible applicant who is enrolled in a course of study, which will increase advancement potential in
his/her chosen field. This scholarship may be awarded to a full or part-time student.
Applicant must be legally blind. That is, the applicant must have vision in the better eye of no more than 20/200 with
corrective lenses or vision greater than 20/200 in the better eye but with a restricted field of vision of no more than
30 degrees.
Scholarship winners will be announced during the 2009 FCB Convention Award Ceremony to be held in Daytona Beach, in June.
All applications and/or supporting documents must be postmarked no later than March 31, 2009 and mailed to:
Barbara H. Grill
2030 Preymore Street
Osprey, FL 34229
If you have any questions, please call (941) 966-7056 or e-mail grillbh@comcast.net.
For more information, go to www.fcb.org and click on the Scholarship link.
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IDA LEE BRADLEY, PARAGON EXTRADORDINAIRE - by Sila Miller
I found myself talking to this sweet, ancient lady on a Saturday afternoon in mid-September. I was in the midst of gathering
some information for the FCB web page, and thought she might just be the person to enlighten me. She talked of her life, and
what a rich and long life it has been for her.
Mrs. Ida Lee Bennett Hicks Smith Bradley was born in January 1913. She has survived three husbands, an epidemic of influenza,
the loss of her sight and many friends and family members. She is 95 and a half, she proudly states, and loves talking to
folks. "Slow down, don't talk so fast," she said when we first began our conversation and, what a lovely conversation it was!
I'm sorry to say, I didn't take nearly enough notes, nor did I record our talk but, I hope I might share just a little of it
with you, with her permission, of course.
I asked Miss Ida what she liked to do and she said she used to love to read. "Listening to them books on tape is nice but it
just isn't the same as reading it for yourself. I was diagnosed with glaucoma in 1967 and started losing my sight in 1960 or
so," she explains. "Now I have folks read my mail to me and I pay them a little bit for helping me with it." When I began to
commiserate with her over this loss, she was quick to redirect what could have become a belly aching session for a lesser
person and said, "laughter is a good tranquilizer with no side effects." I said, "I bet you're a good cook." She said "Well,
I don't cook any more, I been cooking since I was five when there was an epidemic of influenza and I had to take care of my
mother and younger brother. And, don't you know, I was never struck down" She wonderingly says.
Our conversation meandered along a cross-country trip she'd taken from Florida to Canada with a family whom she'd worked for
in the 60s and down paths of loss of husbands and loved ones. Again, she showed that spark and sense of humor when she
laughingly said, "My husband didn't do much for me when he was living but he's sure taking good care of me when he's dead
with his Social Security. And, you can put that down," she defiantly stated.
"I first heard about FCB from a blind man at the Lighthouse and I joined the Miami-Metro chapter in September, 1985. We used
to have that dining room full of people," she recalls. Her memories then fondly moved to late greats like Mr. Thomas Blue
and his wife, Louise.
As we were closing our conversation and readying to hang up, She said, "I want to leave you with something the Holy Spirit
gave to me. "Singing is the coming of angels, Prayer is the key to the kingdom but Faith unlocks the door."
It's quite clear that her faith not only has unlocked that door but has allowed her to overcome much adversity and lead by
a shining example. Oh, but that I could be only half such a person and example to others. Thank you, Miss Ida for this
unexpected, spur-of-the-moment gift. I shall treasure it always!
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2009 FCB RAFFLE TICKETS - by Bill Freeman
I wanted to give notice to all Chapter Representatives that are planning to attend the Mid-Year Board Meeting in St.
Petersburg. Raffle tickets will be available for distribution at that meeting time (500 per bundle). Remember, this is
a great fundraiser for your chapter as 65 percent of ticket sales stay in your chapter. The drawing, of course, will be
held June 6th at the 2009 FCB State Convention in Daytona Beach.
Bill Freeman
Billfreeman34@embarqmail.com
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LOUIS BRAILLE - Submitted by Sila Miller
Did you know?
A French artillery officer invented "night writing" - it was a form of reading by touching raised dots on a page so
soldiers could understand written orders without lighting a lantern and risk getting shot. A 13-year-old blind
teenager heard about it and pleaded with the officer to make this concept available to the blind. The officer refused,
but the teen persevered and simplified the process himself.
You may have heard of the boy - Louis Braille. Never underestimate what a blind teenager can do.
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NATIONAL CONVENTION REQUEST - by Sila Miller
Dear Fellow FCB Friends and Supporters:
As many of you know, Florida will be the proud host of the 2009 National Convention. This esteemed gathering will be in
Orlando from July 3rd through the 11th, 2009, at the Rosen Plaza Hotel. The ACB Convention Committee has honored me by
asking me to serve on the local host committee for planning and coordinating this upcoming shindig.
As we would when welcoming honored guests into our homes, we want to go above and beyond towards making our fellow
ACBers feel special and welcome. One way in which we can do this is to have lots and lots of goodies, door prizes and
Florida memorabilia for them to win and take back home with them. Another way is that old, unbeatable human contact.
There will be plenty of opportunities for both outreach and giving.
To this end, I am requesting your help. Weather you want to donate personally or from your chapter, we would be grateful
for any donations. Some suggestions are: money, gift certificates, small Florida souvenirs and the like. Additionally,
we will be hosting a "Welcome to Florida Party," which will be held on Saturday, July 4th. This is an awesome
opportunity. It's where we get to meet and greet, see/hear and be seen/heard by our national brothers and sisters.
When thinking about what I wanted to write to you, I thought of a quote that I read for the first time a few years ago.
Winston Churchill said, "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." So, come on FCB, let's
pack that welcome reception, show 'em some "real Florida sunshine," give freely and make this a convention ACB will
never forget!
Thank you in advance for considering my request and helping in whatever capacity you are able. Please contact me at
either phone, (850) 894-9203, or by e-mail at silam@earthlink.net regarding
any questions or where donations may be sent.
With sincerest appreciation!
Sila Miller
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EXHIBITS 2009 - by Sally Benjamin
We are revving up for our state convention next year and want to bring some new and exciting things to our exhibit hall.
Is there a special someone who you know who is talented with crafts or who has something unique to sell? If so, this is
their special invitation to attend and exhibit at our 2009 FCB Convention. In the past, we have had chapters sell some
pretty interesting things, and you still have time to get them together.
This year, we are offering a special opportunity to our affiliates and chapters in hopes of increasing participation and
expanding our exhibit hall. Your chapter may purchase a table in the exhibit hall for just $15.00. This will give you
ample time to present and sell your goods. The exhibit hall will be open all day both Friday and Saturday.
If your interested, please contact Sally Benjamin on the Project Insight line (800-267-4448) or e-mail her at
floridacouncil@comcast.net.
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POETRY CORNER - by Shelley Justice
I do realize that it is that special Holiday time of the year, and that a holiday-type poem would be most appropriate
here. However, I couldn’t seem to find a poem that incorporated all of the holidays, and it didn’t seem fair to
include one or the other and not all. I also took note of the fact that we are living in such stressful times for so
many reasons. Keeping all of that in mind, this poem seemed very appropriate for these days. Once again, many thanks
to Sila Miller for finding this lovely poem and sending it to me.
Call to Forgiveness
by Clay Harrison
Teach us to forgive, Dear Lord,
Those who do us wrong.
Help us set aside the hurt
And some how move along.
Help us control our anger
When people are unkind,
And help us turn the other cheek
When troubles cloud our mind.
Forgive us, Lord, when we offend
And need forgiveness too,
And give us now a second chance
To right the wrongs we do.
Lord, you forgave them from the cross
And we can do no less,
For a heart that's filled with anger
Can not find happiness.
Forgiveness is a bridge we build
That magnifies the Lord
When we work for brotherhood
And strive for one accord.
Help us live from day to day
More willing to forgive.
Lord, help us strive for peace on earth
Each day that we shall live.
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LOREAN DARBY-HENRY: MEMBER, ADVOCATE AND LEADER - by Sila Miller
The daughter of Clisby and Classie Darby, Lorean Darby-Henry was born on June 3rd, 1949, in Edgefield, South Carolina. She
had three brothers and three sisters. Her father worked in the timber industry as a plainer of the wood while her mother
kept house and tended to the family.
Lorean first came to Florida in 1964 to stay with her older sister and to find better employment opportunities. She took a
job at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, where she worked for the next 36 years. It was there, where she met her husband
of nearly 25 years, David Henry. Lorean worked as a Patient Unit Assistant, ordering supplies and in `nursing. She also
served as a Steward in the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (ASFCME) Union at the local Union
#1363 for eighteen years, five of which were also served as a member of their Executive Board.
"In January, we'll celebrate 25 years," Lorean proudly states. David worked at Jackson Memorial Hospital, where he was a
Material Specialist. David and Lorean have a blended family that consists of four children and seven grandchildren.
Lorean began to lose her vision in late 2002. She is diabetic and was taking Avandia to help manage her blood sugar
levels. Unfortunately, one of the serious side affects of this medication is an increase in heart problems and in July
2002, Lorean suffered a heart attack. During this time, her doctor also prescribed medication to help control her blood
pressure and one of its annoying side affects is a persistent cough. It was during a severe coughing spell, that her
retinas detached and her significant vision loss occurred.
"I stayed home for about a year after I lost my eye sight. I always took care of the bills and things and I was getting
tired of telling my family how to do it. So, I told my doctor, Sulayman E. Jallow M.D., that I needed something to read
with and write my bills out. I'd been going to Baskin Palmer Eye Institute for my eye care and my doctor sent me to The
Nova University to get a light. I was at the drug store one day and a lady saw my light and said her father had one like
it that he got from the Lighthouse for the Blind. I've always known about the Miami Lighthouse, but right then I said to
myself, I need to find out more about this place. So, I called and then I went and took the tour. I was able to start
attending classes in about a week, because they were getting ready to start a new class."
From the Miami Lighthouse, Lorean was referred to Division of Blind Services for additional assistance. It was at the
Lighthouse where Lorean met Corine Kendrick, who first told her about Florida Council of the Blind. Having been involved
with the Union and understanding the power of organizing and advocating, Lorean was excited about getting involved in an
organization of people who are blind. After attending a FCB meeting, Lorean joined and the rest is history. "I think I
got to attend one meeting before Ms. Kendrick passed,” Lorean laments. “I’m so glad that she got me involved and I'm
really enjoying being part of FCB. I’m still learning but I’m so glad that this organization is here for us.”
Lorean recalls three mentors who had a huge influence in her life, Ruth Parker, Martha Nelson and Dorothy Terry-Collier,
co-workers at the hospital. "Ms. Nelson showed me the importance of caring more for other people. I'd get my work done
real fast and I'd be wondering now, where in the world is she. I'd go and look for her and she'd be taking extra time
with the patients and giving them TLC. We had a lot of indigent patients and she’d do their nails and hair and go
clothes shopping for them. She had such a caring spirit and I started doing special things too," Lorean explains. "When
I was young, I was kind of headstrong and didn't like to listen. Ms. Parker had a calming influence and taught me a lot
about taking direction. Dorothy, my oldest and best friend, continues to remind me of my peace-making gifts and I'm
still trying to make and keep the peace today."
Lorean worked with a lady who had low vision at the hospital for about five years. "I learned a lot by watching her,"
Lorean says. "You learn to work with your instincts. People think that they have to see everything when they work but
once you've done things over and over for so long, you learn how to function." Lorean is thankful for her Closed
Circuit TV (CCTV) as it helps her read, and write and makes colors very vivid.
Lorean loves to dance and travel. She serves as President of her local FCB chapter, Miami-Metro, and as their
representative to the FCB Board. When asked for any words of wisdom that she wanted to share, Lorean said, "I'd tell
them that there are lots of things that you can do. Don't give up. You can be retrained to live in a sighted world.
I've noticed that most people who have just lost their sight, they hold their head down. I used to do that too. I
tell them, hold your head up, this is not the end of the world, it's just the beginning of a new life."
Well, Ms. Darby-Henry, what a life you have and what an example of not giving up you are. Thank you for sharing your
story with me. And thank you for being a leader within our FCB family!
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TECH TIPS - by John Richards for the FCB Technology Committee
Tips on Sending an E-mail Attachment
According to the Nielsen/NetRatings, in the year 2000, the population of the United States was 281,421,906. Of those,
124,000,000 or 44.1 percent were internet users. As of October 2008, the total US population numbered 303,824,646 and
of that number 220,141,969 or 72.5 percent are Internet users. Sending and receiving e-mail is one of the most
commonly performed tasks of Internet users in the United States.
Not only is e-mail usage popular, so is sending attachments along with those e-mail messages. An attachment is a file
or files that accompany the e-mail message. Although some files are text or audio files, many are picture files. If
you wish to send an attachment along with an e-mail message, it can be done by performing a few easy keystrokes or
mouse clicks.
Either use "My Computer" or "Windows Explorer" to navigate to the folder on your hard drive or drive source where the
file you wish to send resides. Use your up or down arrow keys to navigate to the desired file. Mouse clickers,
scroll down to the desired file. Activate the file menu by holding down the "alt" key in conjunction with the letter
"f" and use the up or down arrow keys to navigate to the "send to" selection. Mouse clickers should double click on
the file drop down menu at the top of the screen, below the title bar and look for the "send to" selection. Use the
"enter" key or the "right arrow" key to open the sub menu of selections available in the "send to" sub menu. Mouse
clickers should double-click the left mouse button to activate the "send to" sub menu.
Use the up or down arrow keys or scroll with your mouse and locate the "mail recipient" selection. Press "enter" and
your default e-mail client will load. At this point, you should be in the "to" field of your e-mail client. Type the
e-mail address of the recipient in this field. Use the "tab" key and tab over several spaces and you should hear your
screen reader announce the "subject" field, along with the name of the attached file. Tab again and you will be in a
list view showing the file you just attached. Tab again to enter the message field and you will find something similar
to the following text already written in that field.
"Your message is ready to be sent with the following file or link attachments: FCB Convention Program 2007.txt"
You may type a message to the recipient of the e-mail in this field, then send the e-mail along with the attachment.
If you attach a file with an "exe" extension, it most likely will be scrubbed as if it were a potential virus. Change
the extension before sending the file. Remember to tell the recipient to change the extension back before trying to
execute. If you receive an attachment from an unknown source or the attachment looks suspicious, delete the message.
It could be a virus, although, if you have an up to date virus checker that monitors and cleans incoming e-mail, your
virus checker should alert you.
The holiday season is rapidly approaching. In the market for a laptop? You can check out the top 10 all-purpose
laptops reviewed by PC World Magazine at:
http://www.pcworld.com/article/123678/top_10_allpurpose_laptops.html.
The Technology Committee urges everyone to use the FCB chat rooms that are linked to:
http://www.fcb.org.
Click on the "Voice Chat for FCB" link. When the page loads, you can either click on the "Florida Council of the Blind General Chat Room"
link or the "Florida Council of the Blind Board & Committee Chat Room" link. When the page loads, First time users should click the
"download here button" to install the plugin called tcConference. tcConference is a little piece of software that lets you talk with others,
anywhere in the world. When you click the "Download Here" button you will be prompted to download or run the tcConference software.
Select "Run" and tcConference will be installed to your system. When tcConference has been installed, click on the "Finish" button to
complete the installation process. At that point, you should return to the web page you were at before you performed the software
installation. Now, click on the link that says "Click here to enter in the room." A page will load with two edit fields, prompting you for a
username and password. Type your name in the first edit field and leave the second edit field blank. Press "Enter" and you should be
launched in to the room. You should hear a sound when you enter the room. If others are present, you may hear them talking. Press your
Control key to talk and release it to listen. If you are unable to perform any of the above tasks, feel free to contact a Member of the
Technology Committee for assistance.
If you know when you have a meeting scheduled in either of the rooms, ask for assistance a day or two in advance so someone can assist
you in a timely manner. Please feel free to contact me if you are having difficulty with either of the chat rooms. My contact information is
located in the "FCB OFFICERS, 2008 - 2010" section of this publication.
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CHAPTER NEWS - Mid-Florida Council of the Blind
Mid-Florida Council of the Blind - by Jay Bader
MFCB remains busy in Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties as we wind down 2008. On October 17th and in honor of National White
Cane Day, our chapter joined with the National Federation of the Blind-Greater Orlando Chapter (NFB-GOC) in their "Meet the Blind"
activity at Orlando City Hall. Members of both chapters met with some Orlando City Commissioners to educate them on issues
important to the blind and visually impaired in the Orlando area. Talk ranged from transportation to awareness of the White Cane
Law. Those that attended felt it was an event that may be a start of more frequent contact with public officials based in the
greater Orlando area.
As this Chapter News is submitted, the MFCB Annual Membership Drive is in its homestretch, with the deadline for New Memberships
and Renewals being November 15th. We were pleasantly surprised by the number of new Members from Kissimmee in Osceola County. We
especially welcomed them by having a breakfast/lunch get-together on October 18th at a new Perkins location in a part of Kissimmee
known as "The Loop." It was a fun time with great food and talk. There may be some more of these events in Kissimmee over the
next year.
MFCB is also proud to announce a Raffle that could be the best in many years. In late September, an anonymous person donated a new
Dell Laptop computer to the chapter. It is a Dell Inspiron 1525 with a Pentium Dual-Core processor, 160 GB Hard Drive, 3 GB of
memory and running Windows Vista Home Premium. Tickets are $1.00 each and the drawing of the winner to take place at the MFCB
Annual Holiday Luncheon on Saturday, December 13th. The donor has also told MFCB that if the winner were blind or visually-impaired,
access software to use with this computer would also be paid for as well. Those interested should contact Fundraising Committee
Chairperson Leslie Spoone at (407) 678-4163 for more information or to buy Raffle tickets.
And in September, the MFCB Nominating Committee was formed to recommend a slate of officers for our Annual November Elections. The
committee has submitted the following:
President - Shelley Justice
1st Vice President - Leslie Spoone
2nd Vice President - Paul Hutsko
Recording Secretary - Larry Turnbull
Treasurer - Dan Spoone
Membership Secretary - Jay Bader
The results of those Elections, as well as the Mid-Florida Council of the Blind Computer Raffle is expected to be in the next
issue of the White Cane Bulletin. Until then, Happy Holidays!
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RECIPE CORNER
Chicken Mac and Cheese
INGREDIENTS:
1 pound skinless, boneless, chicken breast halves
1 to 2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning, crushed
Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
8 ounces dried mostaccioli, ziti, or penne pasta
1 medium onion, chopped (1/2 cup)
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons tomato paste
3 cups milk
8 ounces smoked cheddar, Gruyere, or Swiss cheese, shredded (2 cups)
2 cups soft sourdough or French bread crumbs
2 ounces finely shredded Parmesan or Romano cheese (1/2 cup)
3 tablespoons butter, melted
DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a large skillet cook chicken, Italian or desired
seasoning blend, salt, and pepper in hot oil over medium heat until chicken is no longer pink. Remove chicken from skillet;
set aside.
2. In a large pot or kettle cook pasta according to package directions until just tender. Drain; return pasta to pot.
3. Meanwhile, in the same skillet in which chicken was cooked, cook onion and garlic in 3 tablespoons melted butter over
medium heat until tender. Stir in flour until well combined. Stir in tomato paste. Add milk. Cook and stir until mixture is
thickened and bubbly; reduce heat. Add the shredded cheese. Stir until cheese is almost melted. Remove from heat. Season to
taste with salt and pepper. Add sauce and chicken to cooked pasta in pot; stir to coat. Pour mixture into a 2-quart square
or rectangular baking dish.
4. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a small bowl, stir together breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and 3 tablespoons melted
butter. Sprinkle crumb mixture over pasta mixture. Bake, uncovered, for 20 to 25 minutes or until crumb mixture is golden
and edges are bubbly. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Makes 6 servings.
Garlic Dip
Prep and Cook Time: 5 minutes
INGREDIENTS:
2 cups cooked or canned garbanzo beans
1 TBS fresh lemon juice
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth
3 TBS extra virgin olive oilSea salt and pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS:
Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
Serve with carrot sticks, celery sticks or any raw vegetable of your choice.
Serves 8
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FCB TRADING POST
For Sale:
Lexmark X9350 all-in-one USB, network and wireless printer, copier, fax, scanner. Excellent condition. Includes all software
and cables plus two brand-new unopened black and color cartridges along with USB and network cables. Asking $100.00 plus
$25.00 shipping, handling and insurance.
Crank-up AM/FM radio, flashlight, and alarm and cell charger. Uses no batteries. Brand-new never used or opened. Asking $15.00
plus $10.00 shipping, handling and insurance.
Kingston 4-gig Traveler USB Flash Drive. Never used, never opened, brand-new. Asking $30.00 plus $5.00 shipping, handling and
insurance.
Epson Perfection 1660 USB 48-bit flatbed color scanner with power adapter, USB cable and all software. Excellent condition.
Asking $25.00 plus $25.00 shipping, handling and insurance.
A-Data 80X 2GB High Speed Secure digital (SD) Card. Brand-new never used or opened. Asking $20.00 plus $5.00 shipping,
handling and insurance.
Contact Don Risavy Jr. via e-mail, drisavyjr@cox.net, or phone (850) 208-1923.
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HANDY TELEPHONE NUMBER REFERENCES
Project Insight: 1-800-267-4448
Bureau of Braille and Talking Book Library Services: 1-800-226-6075
Division of Blind Services (Tallahassee State Headquarters): 1-800-342-1828
American Council of The Blind: 1-800-424-8666
(available only 3:00 to 5:30 PM EST Monday-Friday)
ACB's Legislative Hotline: 1-800-424-8666
(Evenings 8:00 PM - 12:00 Midnight EST
Weekends 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM only)
A T & T Disability Services: 1-800-872-3883
Press 00 and speak with your long distance carrier
BellSouth Disability Services: 1-800-982-2891 from anywhere
Social Security: 1-800-772-1213
24-hour voice and touch tone accessible
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