FCB OFFICERS, 2006 - 2008
President:
Debbie Grubb
4215 17th Ave. W
Bradenton, FL 34205
(941) 749-6178
E-mail: debbiecg@verizon.net
First Vice President:
Robert Miller
2201 Limerick Dr.
Tallahassee, FL 32309
(850) 906-9821
E-mail: easytalk@earthlink.net
Second Vice President:
John S. Richards, Jr.
939 NE 18th St.
Ocala, FL 34470
(352) 629-4530
E-mail: jsrj@embarqmail.com
Treasurer:
Patti Land
6933 Alpert Dr.
Orlando, FL 32810
(407) 521-9047
E-mail: pattianne1@cfl.rr.com
Membership Secretary:
Linda Jacobson
2915 Circle Ridge Dr.
Orange Park, FL 32065
(904) 272-8405
E-mail: jacobsli@bellsouth.net
Recording Secretary:
Sharon Youngs
237 Maple Ave.
Palm Harbor, FL 34684
(727) 937-8631
E-mail: sky11@tampabay.rr.com
Immediate Past President:
Paul Edwards
20330 NE 20th Ct.
Miami, FL 33179
(305) 692-9206
E-mail: edwpaul@bellsouth.net
Editor of White Cane Bulletin:
Sharon Youngs
237 Maple Ave.
Palm Harbor, FL 34684
(727) 937-8631
E-mail: sky11@tampabay.rr.com
Articles for the White Cane Bulletin must be submitted to Sally Benjamin no later than the 20th of the month before it is published.
Sally's E-mail is: floridacouncil@comcast.net.
If you do not have access to a computer and E-mail, please find someone in your chapter to help send it. We would like to hear
from anyone who wants to contribute to our newsletter.
Articles published in The White Cane Bulletin are in compliance with Public Law No. 104197, Copyright Law Amendment of 1996.
This law allows authorized entities to distribute copies of previously published non-dramatic literary works in specialized formats,
including Braille, audio or digital text that are exclusively for use by Blind people or those with disabilities. Any further distributing of such
articles in another than a specialized format is an infringement of copyright.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ARE YOU MOVING? - by Linda Jacobson
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE - by Debbie Grubb
HOW SMART IS YOUR RIGHT FOOT? - by Sila Miller
NOVEMBER MEANS BOARD MEETING TIME - by Rosanna Lippen
AN ARTICLE FROM THE MIAMI HERALD - by Dan McCrea (Submitted by Debbie Grubb)
TRAVEL WEBSITE - by Ardis Bazyn
AN UPDATE ON SALLY, WILLIAM AND TEMO - by Sila Miller
AWARDS 2008 - by John Richards
SPOTLIGHT ON A MEMBER: LEE STALLWORTH - by Sila Miller
TECH TIPS - by John Richards for the FCB Technology Committee
RECIPE CORNER
CHAPTER LIASONS
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.
Table of Contents
Back to WCB Main Page
FCB Home Page
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE - by Debbie Grubb
Since last I wrote to you, the American Council of the Blind held its 46th Annual Convention. There were approximately 25 FCB Members
in attendance. Robert Miller served admirably as our delegate, conducting mathematical maneuvers on his Braille Sense to make sure
that our delegate votes were properly apportioned. Shelley Justice was our alternate delegate. One of the program highlights of the
Convention had a Florida flavor. Mr. John Vaughn from Fort Myers, who serves as Chair of the National Council on Disability, updated
convention attendees on the ongoing work of the Council. Mitch Pomerantz from Los Angeles, California, was elected as ACB
President.
Several FCB leaders have seats on ACB's committees. Paul Edwards, FCB's Immediate Past President, was appointed by President
Pomerantz to chair the Board of Publications. Paul also serves on the Public Relations Committee and the Rehabilitation Task Force.
Robert Miller, FCB Past President, and Jesus Garcia, Chair of the FCB Resolutions Committee, are members of the ACB Transportation
Committee. Jay Bader, FCB Webmaster, serves on the Constitution and By-Laws Committee. The McDaniel Fund has the able service
of FCB Past President, Carl McCoy. Sally Benjamin, Project Insight Coordinator, was appointed to the ACB Membership Committee.
William Benjamin, Chair of the FCB Fundraising Committee, serves on the Monetary Monthly Support Committee. I serve on the ACB
Environmental Access Committee.
On July 28th, I attended the meeting of the VSA Arts of Florida Board of Directors. VSA Arts of Florida gives artists with disabilities unique
opportunities to showcase their art. If you know an artist with a disability who is interested in learning more about this unique opportunity,
please ask them to contact me. VSA Arts of Florida also has a granting opportunity to provide training and equipment for audio
describers in live theater. It is my hope to have an article about this service in the next edition of "The White Cane Bulletin."
A few weeks ago, I wrote a letter to Acting Commissioner of Education Jeanine Blomberg concerning the process to be used to appoint
the next Director of the Division of Blind Services. In this letter, I requested that representatives of the Florida Council of the Blind (FCB),
The National Federation of the Blind of Florida (NFBF), The Florida Association of Agencies Serving the Blind (FAASB), Blinded Veterans
of America Florida Regional Group (BVAFRG), and Parents of Children with Vision Impairment be appointed to a Search Committee
whose mandate would be to review applications, interview candidates and recommend appropriate candidates for the DBS directorship
to the Commissioner of Education. I also drafted correspondence on this subject to the offices of Governor Crist and Lieutenant
Governor Kottkamp. Carl McCoy, Past Director of DBS, explained to me that this was the process used before the appointment of Craig
Kiser. As of this writing, I have received no correspondence on this important issue. We in FCB will continue to strive toward the end of a
fair and inclusive and consumer driven appointment process.
As you know from previous President's Messages and reports, FCB has endeavored to interest first Governor Bush and now Governor
Crist in creating a Task Force of stakeholders to study the implementation of a seamless statewide system of transportation. Despite
correspondence from Immediate Past President Paul Edwards, and me, we have received no commitment from the Governor's Office to
help us grapple with a problem that plagues Florida's citizens who do not drive due to poverty, age, disease, choice or disability. The
FCB Access Committee, ably chaired by Doug Hall, met to discuss how FCB should proceed to bring this significant issue to the
attention of policy makers. Together we determined that we must strive to build a coalition whose mandate will be to define the
seamless statewide system of transportation and bring recommendations to the Governor's Office. As a result of that meeting,
representatives of the Florida Council of the Blind, the National Federation of the Blind of Florida and the Florida Independent Living
Council met. We will meet again in October with more stakeholders to continue the discussion of a statewide intermodal system of
transportation and steps that we can take to make it a reality in Florida.
In June of this year, FCB Members received information that the appointments process was open to staff the Governor's Disability
Commission. Both Robert Miller and I applied for seats on this commission in an attempt to have a forum in which to bring forward
issues of concern to Florida's citizens who are blind and visually impaired. Neither of us was appointed to the Commission. We were
told that terms on the Commission will last for one year and we were asked to allow the Governor's Appointments Office to keep our files
on record for future appointments. It will be interesting to see who will be representing us on the Governor's Disability Commission. If
we are represented by only one token blind person as was the case with the Governor's ADA Working Group, that will indeed be
unacceptable. As of this writing, there is no representative from the Division of Blind Services on this Commission. It appears to be time
to begin advocating for a separate commission to represent all of Florida's citizens who are blind and visually impaired. It is becoming
more and more obvious that this is the only way to guarantee that our issues will not be lost or ignored in an umbrella disability
commission in which we will not truly be represented if this Commission on Disability is just another name for an ADAWG type of
organization.
I invited representatives from the Florida Council of the Blind, the National Federation of the Blind of Florida, Blinded Veterans of America
Florida Regional Group and Parents of Children with Visual Impairment to meet with representatives of the Division of Blind Services and
the Florida Association of Agencies Serving the Blind. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss disturbing language in a draft of
FAASB Meeting Minutes that had been circulated far and wide. We met via teleconference on Wednesday, August 22nd. During this
two-hour teleconference, statements were made by Lee Nasehi, President of FAASB and Steve Ritacco, Acting Director of DBS. Most of
the questions that we wanted FAASB to speak to as a result of a reading of the draft minutes were addressed because I had shared with
Lee many of our concerns. President Nasehi made it clear that all of us benefit from a strong and well funded DBS. That is why so much
effort is made by FAASB to lobby for funds for the Division of Blind Services. Jesus Garcia, FCB Resolutions Chair and Chair of the State
Rehabilitation Council, explained that he had done a complete turnaround after hearing what the FAASB and DBS representatives had to
say. Paul Edwards, FCB Immediate Past President, suggested that we form an organization consisting of the consumer groups and the
service providers to partner on legislative issues and other policy matters. At the conclusion of the call, I pledged that FCB supports the
organization or committee idea put forward by Paul Edwards. We expressed our desire to work collaboratively within that group to assist
with the setting of policy and legislative initiatives that will improve programs and services for Florida's citizens who are blind and visually
impaired. Kathy Davis, NFBF President, said that NFBF is willing to work with us on issues on which there is agreement. The outcome
of the call was positive. Lee Nasehi stated that FAASB desires to have a partnership with the consumer groups. I am taking her at her
word and we will move forward to see that that happens. More news about the ongoing work of this partnership will come to you via my
next President’s Message and my President's Report at our November Board Meeting.
As many of you know, our wonderful Project Insight Coordinator, Sally Benjamin, is recuperating at home from a stroke. All of us send
our arrow prayers, love and best wishes to our wonderful friend. Sally will once again take on her job responsibilities when she is able to
do so. In the meantime, Debbie Drylie, Co-Chair of FCB's Project Insight Committee, is taking all calls to the Project Insight Line. Sila
Miller is working with Editor Sharon Youngs on preparing this issue of the "White Cane Bulletin" to come to you. She is also assisting
me with clerical details that arise from time to time. I am blessed as President of FCB to have wonderful volunteers that enable our
organization to conduct its work between membership meetings.
I look forward to seeing many of you at our annual Board Meeting to be held in Orlando during the first weekend in November. Although
we are encountering some closed doors as we seek to advocate for and with you, we promise not to give up. Together we will strive to
guarantee all of Florida's citizens who are blind and visually impaired the tools that we need to live an independent and fulfilling life.
Table of Contents
Back to WCB Main Page
FCB Home Page
HOW SMART IS YOUR RIGHT FOOT? - by Sila Miller
This is so funny that it will boggle your mind. And, you will keep trying it at least 50 more times to see if you can outsmart your foot. But
you can't!!!
1. While sitting at your desk, lift your right foot off the floor and make clockwise circles with it.
2. Now, while doing this, draw the number "6" in the air with your right hand. Your foot will change direction!!! I told you so... and, there is nothing you can do about it.
Table of Contents
Back to WCB Main Page
FCB Home Page
NOVEMBER MEANS BOARD MEETING TIME - by Rosanna Lippen
It is time to start planning for our Annual Board Meeting for 2007. This will be our final year at the beautiful Sheraton Safari Hotel and
Suites located in Lake Buena Vista with free shuttle service to Disney Theme Parks. The dates for this year's Mid-Year Board Meeting will
be Friday, November 2nd, through Sunday, November 4th. The hotel address is 12205 Apopka-Vineland Road, Orlando, FL 32836. The
hotel's rate for rooms is $86.00 per night, with the cutoff date for reservations of Wednesday, October 3rd, 2007. To make reservations,
call 1-800-423-3297, and remember to state that you are a member of the Florida Council of the Blind Group Board Meeting. Meeting
agendas will be available shortly.
If you have never taken the time and advantage to mix FCB business with a bit of Disney magic, this hotel gives you that opportunity. See
the hotel's 79-foot Python, spectacular pool area plus hundreds of restaurants in all price ranges within walking distance make this a
fun-filled opportunity. The group rate is good three days before and after our Meeting.
I look forward to seeing everyone in November. E-mail me directly with any questions or issues you may have pertaining to this Meeting
at rmlippen@bellsouth.net.
Table of Contents
Back to WCB Main Page
FCB Home Page
AN ARTICLE FROM THE MIAMI HERALD - by Dan McCrea (Submitted by Debbie Grubb)
On Friday, August 3rd, California decertified much of its voting equipment - the same kind Florida uses. All three Florida voting system
vendors, Elections Systems and Software (E S & S), Diebold, and Sequoia, had systems decertified in the most comprehensive
review of its kind. Systems failed multiple hardware, software, security and accessibility reviews.
Also on Friday, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) delivered its status report to a Congressional Task Force investigating what
went wrong in the November 2006 Congressional District 13 race. That race, decided by just 369 votes, reported a massive 18,000
undervotes in Sarasota County. Why so many undervotes remains unexplained. An undervote is when the voter makes no selection in a
race. Unsatisfied by Florida's investigation, the GAO said it needs time to look deeper.
On July 31st, Secretary of State, Kurt Browning, suspended the certification process of two Diebold voting systems, giving them until
August 17th to address security flaws revealed by tests conducted by a team of experts commissioned by Browning. But the action came
two years after being discovered by tests in Leon County that, at the time, raised only scorn from the state and Diebold. It was vindication
for maligned Leon County Supervisor of Elections, Ion Sancho. Browning said he'd also take steps to stiffen security procedures
statewide.
So where does that leave Florida heading into 2008?
Governor Crist, Secretary Browning, and the Florida legislature have made great fanfare about their "paper trail" reform, HB 537, signed
into law in May. That legislation gets rid of disgraced "direct recording electronic" (DRE) voting machines, also referred to as
"touchscreens," for most Floridians by next year's fall elections. It was a good start. In that legislation however, Florida repealed one
essential state oversight audit while passing another that's practically useless. Uniquely and ridiculously, it requires a post-election
audit reported after certification of the election. Instead of ensuring that races are decided correctly, it guarantees that close races will
likely go straight to court. The legislation also failed to revise the state's recount laws, gutted by legislation in 2005.
Worse, Florida is leaving millions of voters with disabilities to use flawed DREs and the state and counties open to constitutional
challenge. The legislation allowed an alternative called "ballot marking devices" (BMDs) but appropriated no funds to purchase them.
Governor Crist pledged at the bill signing in Palm Beach that Florida has a duty to provide equal access to voters with disabilities and
that he'd ensure it gets done. So far his pledge is empty.
Cash-strapped counties, ultimately responsible for selecting voting equipment, are inclined to focus on the additional cost of buying
BMDs - but without state funds to help. This stacks the deck against doing right by voters with disabilities and keeping the Governor's
pledge.
Meanwhile, the state controls federal money intended to pay for the equipment. Secretary Browning confirms that his department
squirreled away a sizable chunk of federal "HAVA" cash in order to fund other department operations through 2017. While perhaps
technically compliant with federal rules, it holds funds the counties need for upgrades now.
Florida officials continue to deliver conflicting messages to voters but actions speak louder than words. For years, they've said DREs
were safe and worth the millions we've paid for them. Now DREs are banned for most but officials say they're still fine for a few.
While Florida is banning and scrapping DREs, it is busy lining up a fresh round of business - worth some $50 million - with the same
vendors who sold us the last lot of electronic junk, yet officials say they are not too cozy with vendors.
Where's Florida? Unfortunately we're much as we have been - in bed with vendors, years late or still failing to provide essential election
safeguards, disenfranchising millions of voters, and courting fresh rounds of legal expense and international embarrassment.
Florida can change.
Governor Crist, Secretary Browning, and counties must act now to provide equal access for voters with disabilities. They must work with
the legislature to free stashed federal funds to pay for it. Secretary Browning must make good promises to stiffen election safeguards
statewide. Governor Crist - our former Attorney General - must stop once and for all Florida's unholy love-fest with vendors. Voters
deserve a turn.
Finally, the legislature must pass meaningful audit provisions and restore recount laws as a priority in the 2008 session.
California has shown the way. Florida can build on its own good start but must act now.
Dan McCrea, Co-Founder
Florida Voters Coalition
South Miami
***"If you don't think everyday is a good day, just try missing one." Robert Cavet***
Table of Contents
Back to WCB Main Page
FCB Home Page
TRAVEL WEBSITE - by Ardis Bazyn
The Florida Council of the Blind has partnered with GT Trends to provide a travel website which will benefit FCB. It will help to raise
necessary funds to advocate for blind and visually-impaired Members and their Friends. When you book travel at
www.fcb.gttrends.com, FCB will receive 50 percent of GT Trend's commission from all travel
products purchased.
You can register for free to purchase and receive updates and special promotions. When you register, you will be given an opportunity to
receive a two-night stay in your choice of cities. You would only have to pay sales tax and a $10 booking fee. Please use the following
travel site link: www.fcb.gttrends.com.
Anyone can use this travel site. It has more airlines than any other travel site and regularly offers specials on cruises and other
packages. You can urge friends and supporters to register on this site for free. When you travel anyway, it's a way to donate that does not
cost you and supporters anything extra. If someone does not have Internet access or is unfamiliar with navigating websites, urge them to
call a friend to assist. You can either search for trips from particular carriers or check out all the possibilities.
If you have tried to use the website already and have questions, please contact Ardis Bazyn at (818) 238-9321 or by E-mail at
abazyn@bazyncommunications.com.
***"Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're right."***
Table of Contents
Back to WCB Main Page
FCB Home Page
AN UPDATE ON SALLY, WILLIAM AND TEMO - by Sila Miller
As many of you may know by now, Sally Benjamin, (Miss Project Insight) suffered a mild stroke on the evening of July 21st. She has
undergone speech, physical and occupational rehabilitation and is thankfully back home now. In true caring fashion, FCB purchased a
talking microwave for the Benjamins since we discovered their microwave was not marked and did not talk. We were afraid William
would dry up and blow away without Sally's good cooking. We also figured while Sally was recovering William could learn to use it so he
could be chief cook for a while.
The day we delivered TEMO (Talking Electronic Microwave Oven), it was raining cats and dogs. Robert brought it in and sat that huge,
wet box right on William's lap. After opening it and determining what it actually was, we sat it up and Blind Willie was good to go! His first
attempt at oatmeal wasn't a huge success but he makes a mean bag of popcorn!
Telling Sally about it was a bit of a challenge since we couldn’t really take it to the rehab facility. On the box was a talking device that gave
a bit of a demonstration and TEMO asking you to take her home. I had the privilege of taking this to Sally and had a bit of fun asking her
what it was and telling her I'd found it on the floor. She said, "I'm not real sure just what that thing is but I believe it's the back off of
something." I kept asking questions and eventually directed her to a little yellow button on it. She pushed the button, listened, and I wish
you could have seen the look on her face! Below is Sally and William's "Thank You" note to FCB.
August 7th, 2007
Dear FCB,
Thank you so much for the talking microwave. It was truly a surprise. I look forward to being able to use it when I get home. William was
really excited that you just have to push one button to cook popcorn.
Many thanks!
Sally
***"Every day may not be good, but there's something good in every day."***
Table of Contents
Back to WCB Main Page
FCB Home Page
AWARDS 2008 - by John Richards
The Florida Council of the Blind (FCB) Awards Committee is now accepting nominations for potential FCB 2008 award recipients. The
plaques are purchased by FCB with the exception of the Chapter Award. Each chapter may purchase a plaque for their award recipient
at a cost of $32.00. Awards will be presented to their respective recipients at the awards ceremony to be held at the 2008 FCB Annual
Convention. Please nominate that special individual who has advocated above and beyond for blind Floridians on the state or local
level.
Below are the guidelines in regard to nominations and criteria.
Each nomination (with the exception of the Chapter Award) must contain the following:
- name of the award
- name of nominee (spelled as you want it to appear on the plaque)
- name of group/person(s) making the nomination
- reasons why the nominee meets the criteria for the award
All nominations for awards to be presented at the Annual Convention must be received by the Awards Committee Chairperson, John
Richards, no later than January 31st, 2008. Subsequently, all nominations will be collected and organized in order for the Awards
Committee to deliberate and select the recipients. We request that all letters, nominations and other materials be either E-mailed,
taped, typed or brailled (no handwriting please) for easy processing. Please E-mail to
jsrj@embarqmail.com or send them to my home address located in the "current FCB
officers" section of this publication.
R. HENRY P. JOHNSON AWARD
R. Henry P. Johnson 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. The R. Henry P. Johnson Award will be presented to a legally blind person who has,
through their work and through service to their 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 person who is
visually impaired.
DOLLY GAMBLE AWARD
Dolly Gamble, 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. 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. 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 all would wish
to emulate.
WILLIAM (BILL) FERRELL ("JUST BILL") HUMANITARIAN AWARD
Bill was involved in visual impairment issues for much of his life. He was a Project Insight peer advisor since that program's inception.
He worked endlessly both locally, in Brevard County, and at the state level, serving as a member of several vital FCB committees and
representing his chapter on the FCB Board of Directors for many years. The recipient of this award may be blind or sighted but must have
gone to great lengths to better the quality of life of people, be they sighted or not. The recipient should have demonstrated a sincere
concern for his/her fellow humans, just as Bill always did. A good candidate for this award would be one who has worked in the field of
rehabilitation, i.e. mobility instructors, teachers, or rehab counselors, for example. Membership in Florida Council of the Blind is not a
prerequisite for this award. Anyone who, over they years, has contributed their time and caring for others, especially people who are blind
or visually impaired, may be a candidate for this award. Recipients of this award will be selected based upon their demonstration of
humanitarian qualities, which emphasize efforts to improve the quality of life for others, having communicated, educated, facilitated and
updated to ensure equality, independence and dignity for others.
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, 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.
LEGISLATIVE AWARD
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. Legislative recipient must be a
Florida elected official exhibiting outstanding legislative activities on behalf of people who are blind.
CHAPTER AWARD
Each chapter or special affiliate is encouraged to 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.
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 consists of a plaque and a $50 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 cash award. 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 extra-curricular 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 have been solicited from the head of the mobility
department. The award consists of a plaque to be presented to the student at graduation. FCB will pay the student's expenses and a
$50 cash award if the student chooses to attend FCB's Annual Convention.
Thanks in advance for your time and consideration. We look forward to receiving and reviewing your nominations!
Table of Contents
Back to WCB Main Page
FCB Home Page
SPOTLIGHT ON A MEMBER: LEE STALLWORTH - by Sila Miller
Levert Stallworth (Lee) was born on March 16th, 1937, to Bill and Fannie Stallworth. He grew up in Monroeville, Alabama, near
Montgomery, with 3 brothers. His father was a block setter for a saw mill, measuring boards to be cut. The family moved to Pensacola
in 1959.
After serving a short, 6 month stint in the military Lee was medically discharged because of his eye condition which was later diagnosed
as Glaucoma, a group of eye diseases that gradually steal sight without warning. In the early stages of the disease, there may be no
symptoms. Experts estimate that half of the people affected by glaucoma may not even know they have it. Vision loss is caused by
damage to the optic nerve. This nerve acts like an electric cable with over a million wires. It is responsible for carrying images from the
eye to the brain. There is no cure for glaucoma -- yet. However, medication or surgery can slow or prevent further vision loss. The
appropriate treatment depends upon the type of glaucoma among other factors. Early detection is vital to stopping the progress of the
disease. It was once thought that high pressure within the eye, also known as intraocular pressure (IOP) was the main cause of this
optic nerve damage. Although IOP is clearly a risk factor, it is now known that other factors are also involved as people with "normal"
levels of pressure can experience vision loss from glaucoma. This is all the more reason that routine visits to your ophthalmologist are
so important.
After being discharged from the military, Lee relocated to Pensacola to care for his parents. He took a job with a meat packing company
doing everything from slaughtering to butchering to putting it on the table. He worked there for about 3 years. It was along about this time
when he met and married his wife of 44 years, Mrs. Mamie Louise Stallworth. The young couple were soon proud parents of a daughter,
Leretha Renee. Mamie had a sister who was blind so was no stranger to folks with visual problems.
Lee then went to work for State Whiskey Stores performing a variety of duties from ordering to stocking shelves. After that, it was on to
work for the naval base in Pensacola as a cook until 1970, when he started his own business, Stallworth TV, repairing closed-circuit
televisions (CCTVs). He operated the business until 1995 when his involvement with the local FCB chapter in Pensacola overseeing
their Bingo project began to take the majority of his time and energy.
In the late 80s, with his vision getting progressively worse, Lee enrolled in The Skills Center at Pensacola Junior College (PJC). It was
at PJC where he met Homer Holeman with Christian Record Services who first introduced him to FCB in 1989. "Freddie Whitlock was
president of the Pensacola chapter of FCB at that time. We only had about 13 members. We now have 53 members and provide
transportation for all those people to our chapter meetings and for emergency situations in Escambia, Okaloosa and Santa Rosa
Counties," Lee proudly says.
The Pensacola Chapter first began their Bingo venture in 1991 and only operated 2 nights a week. "A man by the name of Larry Macino
came to talk to us about getting into the project. He presented a proposal and said it was a no risk opportunity and that our chapter would
receive the majority of the profits," Lee recalls. "Bingo has been a very successful fundraiser for the Pensacola chapter and it keeps me
busy operating 6 nights a week now," Lee says.
Lee served as the 2nd Vice President for FCB on the state level from 1990 to 1994 under the leadership of Terry Blessing. He has
served three two-year terms as President for the Pensacola chapter and has been their Treasurer for the past 10 years. His involvement
doesn't stop there, though. He assisted Diane Bowers at the national level with the ACB Exhibit Hall for many years, manning the desk,
helping attendees find booths and preparing informational materials.
When asked to share some of his memories and thoughts about Lee, Carl McCoy, former Director of Division of Blind Services and a
Past President of FCB, says, 'Lee has always worked hard to involve a good number of the members from Pensacola in our
Conventions. He has been instrumental in the growth and monetary success of the Pensacola Chapter and has really taken a
leadership role in keeping it together and helping people in that area."
Lee and Mamie now live just outside of Pensacola and have about 200 chickens. They sell fresh eggs for $1.00 a dozen. He keeps busy
with Bingo, occasionally repairing CCTVs and is a contributor to FCB and those less financially fortunate than himself. "My doctor keeps
telling me to slow down," Lee says, "but who's gonna do it when I'm gone?" he asks.
When asked what words of wisdom he had for young, blind people, Lee said, "Stop going into the closet and pushing yourself away from
the world. Try to find out all you can about whatever agencies and modern technology aids will assist you to have a better quality of life.
Make yourself available for every opportunity that is presented to you. Do your part to help make a better quality of life for all blind people.
Be independent and don’t depend on sighted people for help."
Lee, these are wise words indeed and your contributions of time, money, wisdom and kindness shall not be forgotten. You are another
shining example of what makes FCB what it is and I want to publicly thank you for taking time to share your story with me and the
Members of FCB!
***"The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook." William James***
Table of Contents
Back to WCB Main Page
FCB Home Page
TECH TIPS - by John Richards for the FCB Technology Committee
What is a Dialog Box?
How does the computer user navigate through it?
As the name implies, a dialog box serves to initiate a dialog with the user. A Dialog Box is a window that pops up on the screen with
options the user can select. After the selections have been made, the user can typically click "OK" to enter the changes or "Cancel" to
discard the selections. It is customary for menu options that include an ellipsis at the end, such as "Preferences..." or "Save As...", to
open a dialog box when selected.
For example, if a user selects "Internet Options..." from the Options menu in Internet Explorer, a dialog box will pop up allowing the user
to choose the default home page, change the security settings, empty the browser cache, and modify several other settings. Once the
selections have been made, the user can click "OK" to use the new settings, or "Cancel" to discard the changes. Some Windows
programs also have an "Apply" option that activates the selections without closing the dialog box.
When a user selects "Open..." from the File menu, an "Open dialog box" appears, allowing the user to browse the hard drive and other
disks for files to open. When "Save As..." is chosen from the File menu, a "Close dialog box" pops up, allowing the user to type the name
of the file and choose where to save it. While dialog boxes may not seem too exciting, they provide an intuitive way to communicate with
the computer and are an essential part of today's computer interfaces.
Dialog Box Shortcut Keys
Cancel the current task - Escape
Check a checkbox - Spacebar
Push a button - Spacebar
Activate a command - Alt + underlined letter
Activate a selected button - Spacebar
Move backward through options - Shift + Tab
Move forward through property sheets - Control + Tab
Move backward through property sheets - Control + Shift + Tab
Move forward through options - Tab
Open a folder one level up if a folder is selected in the Save As or Open dialog box - Backspace
Open the "Save As" Dialog Box - F4
Refresh the Save As or Open dialog box - F5
The Technology Committee urges everyone to use the FCB chat rooms that are linked to the "fcb.org" web page. 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 Talkcom. Talkcom 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 Talkcom software. Select "Run" and Talkcom will
be installed to your system. When Talkcom 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,
2006 - 2008" section of this publication.
***The only disability in life is a bad attitude. -- Scott Hamilton***
Table of Contents
Back to WCB Main Page
FCB Home Page
RECIPE CORNER
Slow Cooker Italian Herb Chicken
INGREDIENTS:
2 ½ lbs chicken parts
1 package (8 oz.) fresh mushrooms, halved or sliced
1 package McCormick Seasoning
2 cans (14 1/2 oz. each) stewed tomatoes, undrained
1 can (6 oz.) tomato paste
DIRECTIONS:
Place chicken and mushrooms in slow cooker. Mix seasoning, tomatoes and tomato paste until blended. Pour over chicken and
mushrooms. Cover. Cook 8 hours on LOW or 4 hours on HIGH. Remove chicken and vegetables to serving platter. Stir sauce before
serving.
**IMPORTANT: For best results, do not remove cover during cooking.**
Easy Chicken Stir-Fry
INGREDIENTS:
3 cups cut-up stir-fry vegetables (green peppers, mushrooms, broccoli, carrots)
1 Tbsp. oil
1 pkg. (6 oz.) Oscar Mayer Grilled Chicken Breast Strips
1/4 cup stir-fry sauce
3 cups hot cooked Minute White rice
DIRECTIONS:
Cook and stir vegetables in hot oil in medium skillet on medium-high heat 5 minutes or until crisp-tender. Add chicken breast strips and
sauce; cover. Cook 2 minutes or until heated through, stirring occasionally. Serve spooned over rice.
Total prep and cooking time: 17 minutes. Makes 3 servings
Honey Chicken Cashew Stir-Fry
Prepare using same directions as above, using 1 pkg. (6 oz.) Oscar Mayer Honey Roasted Chicken Breast Cuts, substituting snow
peas for the broccoli and adding ½ cup Planters Cashews with the chicken breast cuts.
Yummy Chocolate Cobbler
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup Bisquick
1/2 cup Sugar
2 Tbsp. Cocoa
1/2 cup Milk
3 Tbsp. Vegetable Oil
1 cup packed Brown Sugar
1/4 cup Cocoa
1 3/4 cup hot Water
DIRECTIONS:
Combine first five ingredients above. Pour into greased 8 inch square baking pan. Combine 1 cup packed brown sugar and 1/4 cup
cocoa. Sprinkle over batter. Pour 1 3/4 cups hot water over top (do not stir). Bake at 350 for 40-45 minutes or until top of cake springs
back when lightly touched. Serve warm with ice cream if desired. Yield: 6 to 8 servings.
***“Treat others as you would like them to treat you, but, you can not do for others what they are unwilling to do for themselves.” - Lisa
Knutson***
Table of Contents
Back to WCB Main Page
FCB Home Page
CHAPTER LIASONS
Alachua: Patti Land
Brevard: Paul Edwards
Clay: Patti Land
Greater Miami: Linda Jacobson
Halifax: Paul Edwards
Inter-County: Debbie Grubb
Jacksonville: John Richards
Miami Metro: John Richards
Mid-Florida: Robert Miller
Palm Beach: Linda Jacobson
Pensacola: John Richards
Pinellas: Robert Miller
PSLCB: Sharon Youngs
Sarasota: Linda Jacobson
Tallahassee: Sharon Youngs
Tampa: Debbie Grubb
Venice: Paul Edwards
The following Special Interest chapters only meet during Convention:
CCTB (Coalition for the Concerns of the Totally Blind): Patti Land
FCBS (Florida Coalition of Blind Students): Jesus Garcia
FCCLV (Florida Council of Citizens with Low Vision): Robert Miller
RSVF (Randolph Shepherd Vendors of Florida): Paul Edwards
Table of Contents
Back to WCB Main Page
FCB Home Page
HANDY TELEPHONE NUMBER REFERENCES
Project Insight: 1-800-267-4448
Bureau of Braille and Talking Book Library Services: 1-800-226-6075
Division of Blind Services (Tallahassee State Headquarters): 1-800-342-1828
American Council of The Blind: 1-800-424-8666
(available only 3:00 to 5:30 PM EST Monday-Friday)
ACB's Legislative Hotline: 1-800-424-8666
(Evenings 8:00 PM - 12:00 Midnight EST
Weekends 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM only)
A T & T Disability Services: 1-800-872-3883
Press 00 and speak with your long distance carrier
BellSouth Disability Services: 780-2273 from anywhere
Social Security: 1-800-772-1213
24-hour voice and touch tone accessible
Table of Contents
Back to WCB Main Page
FCB Home Page