THE WHITE CANE BULLETIN Florida Council of The Blind, Inc. January - February 2018 Articles for the White Cane Bulletin must be submitted to Greg Lindberg no later than the 15th of the month before it is published. Greg’s email is: glindberg@gmail.com If you do not have access to a computer and email please find someone in your chapter to help you. We want to hear from anyone who wants to contribute to our newsletter, so if you cannot find a way to submit your article, call Greg and he will be glad to assist 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. Those much-needed contributions, which are Tax-deductible, can be sent to the Florida Council of the Blind treasurer, Linda Jacobson, at 2915 Circle Ridge Drive, Orange Park, FL 32065. To remember the Florida Council of the Blind in your Last Will and Testament, you may include a special paragraph for that purpose in your Will or Trust. If your wishes are complex, please contact the FCB at 800-267-4448. The FCB is a 501(c)(3) organization. For other ways to support the Florida Council of the Blind, visit our Fundraising page found at www.fcb.org. ARE YOU MOVING? – 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 who would like to receive the White Cane Bulletin and the Braille Forum please contact me at: (850) 877-1512 or E-mail: salbenjamin@comcast.net TABLE OF CONTENTS President’s Message by James Kracht …………………………………………………..3 ACB Hurricane Disaster Relief Fund by James Kracht……………………………………8 Important Notice: FCB Annual Blind Fishing Tournament by Mike Ulrich……………….8 FCB “Sunday School” Questions by Greg Lindberg……………………………………….10 2018 FCB Awards Info Letter by Jason Goldfield………………………..........................10 2018 FCB Scholarship Announcement by Sheila Young…………………………...........11 Election Year 2018 Reminder by Shelley Sawyer………………………………………….13 FCB Officer Position Open by Sally Benjamin……………………………………………...15 FCB Officer Candidate by Cassandra Jessie………………………………………………16 GOCB Update by Martha James…………………………………………………………….17 Shopportunity at SWFCB by William Grignon………………………………………………18 Sarasota Council Update by Karen Christie………………………………………………..18 Let’s Get Committed by Charles Holzschuh………………………………………………..20 Venice Has Lost Another Pillar by Tom Hanson…………………………………………...21 Greetings from the Sunshine State by Paul Lewis…………………………………………22 A New Radio Show for Blind Youth by Greg Lindberg…………………………………….24 Victor Reader Trek FAQs by Lesa Kretschmer…………………………………………….27 Poetry Corner by Shelley Sawyer……………………………………………………………31 FCB Officers, 2016 – 2018……………………………………………………………………32 Chapter and Special Affiliate Officer Liaisons………………………………………………33 Handy Telephone Number References……………………………………………………..35 *** President’s Message January – February 2018 By James Kracht It is hard to believe that 2017 is almost over and the holiday season is again upon us. Another year of FCB history has rolled by, and we are about to kick off 2018. I think that the year was a good year for FCB. On the advocacy front, we have continued being heard on issues related to accessible prescription labeling, voting, cable television, audio description, service animals, Florida's Division of Blind Services, the Cogswell Macy Act, the Low Vision Aid Medicare Demonstration project, and so many other issues that affect and impact the daily lives of Floridians who are blind or have low vision. Thank you, FCB members, for all that you have done and continue to do to make FCB even better and stronger. I was moved and impressed by the positive words of our ACB Executive Director set forth below. They represent a wonderful 2017 progress report for our parent organization. We should all be grateful and thankful for the ongoing progress and accomplishments being made through the tireless efforts, energy, and work of the American Council of the Blind. Thus, I felt that it is a fitting way to end the year by quoting the message in its entirety below. It is a long read but well worth it. Thank you and happy holidays from Pat and me. "Looking Back, Looking Ahead By Eric Bridges What a year we've had! The year 2017 brought many triumphs and challenges. In January, ACB commended the U.S. Access Board for releasing revised guidelines encompassing Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The guidelines require the federal government to further assure electronic communications are accessible for both internal and external purposes for individuals with disabilities, and allow for government to lead by example toward breaking down electronic access barriers. It's been almost two decades since the Access Board refreshed its guidelines on electronic communications, and the need for further revisions has been years in the making. The role the Internet and mobile communications play in our lives today wasn't even conceivable the last time we had a major refresh of the 508 regulations, and we're glad that government will now be able to lead by example on making electronic communications accessible for all. The Access Board also more clearly defined the scope of Section 508 regulations in light of the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act, covered under the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and created greater harmony with standards set by the European Commission and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). In late January 2017, the ACB board, staff and several state and affiliate leaders met in the Washington, D.C. area to develop a new plan for the organization. ACB's new Strategic Action Plan will guide the organization in the future across five critical focus areas, including: advocacy, policy, and legislation; affiliates and membership; convention and meetings; development; and marketing and communications. The five focus areas were identified by the board of directors as having the highest potential impact for our organization moving forward. Each focus area has a set of goals, associated action steps, timeframes, and accountable leaders to help drive change and ensure completion of the objectives. The plan also identifies any resource requirements such as people needed to work on the task, funding to get the job done, or outside resources needed, measures of success, and an evaluation process for each goal to ensure that the organization is moving in the right direction to get the job of the ACB Strategic Action Plan completed. In developing and executing the ACB Strategic Action Plan, we hope to achieve some ambitious goals. The top ten goals are: 1. Use our advocacy, policy, and legislative efforts to "actualize the backbone of our organization." 2. Ensure our advocacy efforts are improving our ability to function in a society "where we all win in the future." 3. Carve out key focus areas that will allow ACB "to find a prominent place in revolutionizing the way the world works." 4. Support and strengthen affiliates and their membership through a variety of actions designed to increase affiliate health and effectiveness, and increase membership engagement. 5. Develop a stronger network and sense of community for ACB members through ACB conventions and meetings, including for those who attend virtually. 6. Use the ACB Convention to broaden membership and participation, especially among younger and more senior populations. 7. Utilize continuing education credits at the convention to benefit our members, attract high visibility guest speakers and increase ACB's brand recognition. 8. Increase awareness of, and help shape attitudes towards major issues for blind individuals within the sighted community. 9. Reach out and engage the broader community of blind individuals who are not currently affiliated with ACB or a similar organization. 10. Standardize and professionalize ACB's communication channels to ensure key messages reach their intended audiences in the most effective way possible. A few weeks later, ACB members and staff attended a reception at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in celebration of a new audio-described tour of two key museum areas, the Hall of Witness and the Hall of Remembrance. Thanks to ongoing generous support from the Aid Association for the Blind of the District of Columbia, ACB's Audio Description Project received full funding for the development of this tour. Following the reception and a short presentation on the new audio guide by museum staff, visitors launched the new tour. In April, Reps. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), and Steve Cohen (D-TN) reintroduced the Medicare Demonstration of Coverage of Low-Vision Devices Act of 2017 (H.R. 2050). This legislation would establish a national demonstration/research project tasked with identifying the impact to Medicare and Medicare recipients who are prescribed low-vision devices over a certain threshold cost. Through this demonstration, eligible participants could be prescribed assistive low-vision devices through a licensed eye care physician. These are the types of devices that might be too costly for someone on Social Security, but the kind of things that could have dramatic improvements in their daily life, like being able to read their mail, keep track of their medications, or fill out important forms with personal information. More good news! In July, the Federal Communications Commission adopted new rules increasing the number of hours of audio-described programming available on top-rated broadcast and cable networks. ACB played an active role in the passage of the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 (CVAA), which paved the way for video-described programming. The new FCC rules, effective July 1, 2018, require audio-described programming be available from 6 a.m. to midnight, maintaining the 50 hours of prime time and children's programming and adding 37.5 hours of additional audio-described content. The networks that must currently comply with this rule are ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, Disney Channel, History, TBS, TNT, and USA. ACB sees this as a step forward for equal access. We'll continue to seek out new pathways forward for further expansion of audio description wherever possible. In August, Reps. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Anna Eshoo (D-CA) introduced H.R. 3457, which calls for the Controller General of the United States to investigate the government's systemic failure to provide materials in accessible formats for recipients of Medicare and Medicaid. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is required under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to provide materials in an accessible format for recipients who are blind and visually impaired. According to the National Institutes of Health, roughly 24 million Americans experience some significant degree of vision loss even after the use of corrective lenses like glasses or contacts. However, it has been difficult to track the number of blind and visually impaired individuals covered under CMS programs, making it difficult to track CMS' effectiveness in meeting the requirements of Section 504. A few weeks later, researchers at the University of Hawaii worked with Google, ACB, and the National Park Service to audio describe print brochures at 15 park sites throughout the state of California. This phase of the UniDescription project focused on description of the brochures available in California's national parks, including Yosemite. The funding was shared between UH and ACB, with the National Park Service adding significant in-kind support at each of the involved sites. Shortly after that, ACB's Audio Description Project, along with the Mid-Tennessee Council of the Blind, the Tennessee School for the Blind and the Tennessee Performing Arts Center, offered a rare opportunity for blind people worldwide to experience the total eclipse of the sun. How? Through the use of audio description. Prior to the eclipse, Dr. Joel Snyder hosted "A Total Eclipse — Audio Described!" on ACB Radio. Snyder, the director of ACB's Audio Description Project, presented an hour of songs, interviews and special guests — with the main event described live from the Tennessee School for the Blind between 1:15 and 1:45 p.m. Nashville-based audio describer Julia Cawthon described the eclipse as it happened and provided a vivid "translation" of the visual event into words. This summer saw many natural disasters: hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, and the wildfires out west. Many people in the ACB family emailed and called our offices, asking what they could do to help. So ACB developed a relief fund to assist members in the affected areas. Financial contributions to the ACB Disaster Relief Fund may be made at http://donate.acb.org/relief. If you prefer to pay by check, send to: American Council of the Blind, 6300 Shingle Creek Parkway, Suite 195, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430. Be sure to write in the memo field on your check that your gift is for disaster relief. Gift cards can also be sent to the above address. If you would prefer to donate via phone, call 1-800-866-3242. In October, the national office staff and a number of ACB members in the D.C. area heard oral arguments at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit in American Council of the Blind v. Mnuchin, also known as the currency case. In 2016, the government moved back the target date for the next currency redesign involving the $10 note from 2020 to 2026. ACB then sought an order from the district court requiring that the $10 bill be made accessible by 2020, and all the remaining denominations be made accessible by 2026. While this order was under consideration, the Treasury secretary advised the court that he has already complied with his legal obligation to make currency accessible by furnishing external currency readers to people with visual impairments. While the secretary indicated that he still intended to proceed with adding a tactile feature in the next major redesign, he was doing so as a matter of policy, as opposed to fulfilling a legal requirement. The district court denied ACB's motion in January 2017, and ACB appealed. We asked the appeals court to do two things: 1) to order that the $10 bill be made accessible by 2020 and all the remaining denominations be made accessible by 2026, and 2) we are asking that the court issue a ruling that external currency readers do not provide meaningful access to currency. We expect a ruling shortly. To hear ACB's arguments, visit http://acb.org/currency-case-audio. More recently, a coalition of blind and visually impaired individuals and advocacy groups has filed a nationwide class action against Hulu to end the video streaming company's ongoing exclusion of blind and visually impaired Americans. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, challenges Hulu's violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The company fails to provide audio description for any streaming videos. In addition, Hulu's website and applications are not accessible to blind and visually impaired individuals who use screen readers to navigate the Internet. Over the course of the past year, ACB has also been engaged with key partners and stakeholders in the airline and automotive industries. ACB participated in a working group to develop accessible in-flight entertainment and communication systems for commercial aircraft, presenting consensus guidelines to the Department of Transportation in November. ACB has also worked closely with auto manufacturers, tech companies, and disability advocates toward the implementation of autonomous vehicles, assuring that Americans who are blind will have access to such vehicles, and that safety on our streets for pedestrians remains a top priority. While great progress has been made on many of these issues, they are not fully resolved. We may need your assistance and advocacy on some of these issues." *** ACB Hurricane Disaster Relief Fund By James Kracht In response to donations from several very generous ACB chapters and members, ACB has created a hurricane disaster relief fund. Anyone with uninsured property loss or damage – or other unreimbursed hurricane-related expenses – should submit a claim to me as President of FCB at 305-724-3720 or by email at jkk48@bellsouth.net. As appropriate, claims will be forwarded to the national office of ACB for review and evaluation. Available funds are limited, but if you have uninsured needs from damages sustained in Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, or Maria, please let me hear from you ASAP. Thank you. *** Important Notice: FCB Annual Blind Fishing Tournament By Mike Ulrich It is with a deep regret and an even deeper sadness that I must inform you all that the 2018 FCB Annual Blind Fishing Tournament has been cancelled. Well, let’s just call it undeterminably on hold anyway. As some of you might know; this little old fishing tournament for the blind has been a big passion of mine ever since I came up with the idea back in 2011 in order to get blind people out on our beautiful waters to go out and just fish. In the process, it offered a chance to perhaps learn a thing or two about this fine art, and if not, just enjoy a day on the relaxing water. You know; the whole “teach a man to fish” thing, and it’s been very successful at that. It’s been my baby from the get-go. It always brings me to tears every time the boats come in on tournament day. I swear I can actually hear the huge smiles on their faces! Every year, I vow to make the next year’s tournament bigger and better. I’ve succeeded at that. Although, every year, there was a cost I paid. But I 100% felt it was worth it, hands down! Now to today. Again, as some of you know, I’ve had to go back on dialysis about a year and a half ago. I informed all attending the recent FCB Mid-Year Board Meeting that there would indeed be a 2018 FCB Annual Blind Fishing Tournament. I had lined up several very committed people to help me with the 2018 tournament. But the sad fact is that after further review, my health is my number-one priority. There’s just no way I can commit one iota and involve myself so deeply in order to make sure the 2018 tournament is as well organized as in year’s past. Folks, there’s just no way I can do it. I won’t bore you with the medical details I’m going through, but it is simply wearing me down. There’s just not enough gas in the tank to do what it takes. So, all I can say is there won’t be a 2018 Annual Blind Fishing Tournament. But if all goes well and I can actually get myself on the Tampa General Hospital Kidney Transplant list, and then actually get the surgery and have a fairly quick recovery; then I’m hoping to put on the tournament in 2019. Well, that’s my story, and I’m sticking to it. LOL! It’ll sure be different from now until about April, with no need to go all over Lee County to do this and that for the Tournament. Plus, I won’t have anything to complain about! LOL! Before I sign off; I want to seriously thank, and I mean big-time THANK, all of the blind anglers, sighted mates, and volunteer Captains who fished in the tournament over the past 6 years! Also, I thank the many, many people who helped me put it on throughout the years. Without those folks who worked with me, this thing just wouldn’t have happened. Best Fishes and Happy Holidays! *** FCB “Sunday School” Questions By Greg Lindberg The following is a list of some questions that were presented by Sheila Young during the Sunday morning “Sunday School” activity at this year’s FCB midyear board meeting in Jacksonville. Please consider these questions as an FCB member, and you may choose to use them as discussion points at one of your chapter’s meetings: 1. Describe a significant way that the White Cane Bulletin benefits you and your chapter and its members. Is there anything you can do to improve the WCB? 2. In your opinion, what changes should be made in FCB to make it a better organization? 3. Is the leadership in FCB providing you the tools and training you need, or are there ways we can improve on that? 4. What would you like to see us do at the 2018 FCB convention that we are not currently doing? 5. What do you think we can do as an organization – and you as a chapter – to attract more members? 6. How will you help FCB? What will you offer FCB? How will you help FCB become better? *** 2018 FCB Awards Info Letter By Jason Goldfield Dear FCB members and friends, This year, the FCB Awards Committee is desirous of honoring all members who deserve recognition for their devotion to improving the lives of the blind and visually impaired community. Our committee is dedicated to keeping submissions confidential, and the recipients will be announced at our state convention, which will be held in Jacksonville in May of 2018. Please take a look at our awards listed on the fcb.org web site, and consider a submission honoring those who take time out of their day, whether it is a member, organization, or a person in the community who blesses your life with their service to us. The committee accepts all submissions, and the absolute deadline for entries is March 15, 2018. If you wish to submit a letter for an award, please e-mail it to Jgoldfield73@comcast.net. If you have any questions regarding our awards or system, please feel free to contact one of our committee members. Thank you for taking time to honor the people who assist in making life better for us! Jason Goldfield Awards Chairperson Contact Information Jason Goldfield Jgoldfield73@comcast.net 561-337-7781 Shelley Sawyer Seabelle031@gmail.com 850-765-9111 Cassandra Jessie cassandrajessie@gmail.com 386-675-6175 *** 2018 FCB Scholarship Announcement By Sheila Young; Chairperson of Education & Leadership Committee The Florida Council of the Blind (FCB) Scholarship Program consists of awards totaling $4,000.00. These scholarships are offered to exemplary students who are enrolled in academic education, professional, or technical training beyond the high school level. The scholarship opportunities are: * Gayle M. Krause-Edwards Scholarship: $1,500.00– Available to an eligible applicant who is enrolled full-time, and has completed one semester of college in a course of study which will increase advancement potential in his/her chosen field * Teresa Blessing Scholarship: $1,000.00– Offered to an outstanding full-time college student * Timothy Turpin Scholarship: $1,000.00– Offered to a high school student graduating and exhibiting academic and leadership excellence planning to attend college full-time * Bobbie Probst Scholarship: $500.00– Awarded to an eligible applicant who is enrolled part-time in a college or university, or a student enrolled in a technical institute. Applicants must have at least a 3.0 grade-point average (GPA) with the exception of the Gayle M. Krause-Edwards Scholarship. The prestigious Gayle M. Krause-Edwards scholarship requires a 3.2 GPA and completion of one semester in a college or university. This scholarship is awarded to a student exhibiting outstanding academic and leadership achievements. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL SCHOLARSHIPS: 1. Applicant must be legally blind. Specifically, the applicant must have vision in the better eye of no more than 20/200 with corrective lenses OR may have vision greater than 20/200 in the better eye, but with a restricted field of vision of no more than 20 degrees. 2. Applicant must be a current resident of the State of Florida. However, the college or university doesn't have to be in Florida. 3. Applicant must have a high school diploma or a high school equivalency diploma. (High school students who are graduating this term may also apply.) 4. Applicant must be enrolled in an accredited college, university, or technical institute or be accepted for enrollment. A letter of acceptance is required. 5. Applicant must be seeking a college degree or certificate. 6. Applicants who are full-time must carry at least 12 credit hours per semester/quarter to be eligible for the full-time scholarships. Those who are part-time must carry a minimum of 6 credit hours per semester/quarter to be eligible for the $500.00 scholarship. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS WHICH MUST ACCOMPANY THIS APPLICATION INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: 1. An explanatory or descriptive statement regarding vocational objectives and outlook for employment in a chosen field. Please include any awards or scholarships received or that are pending. Part-time students must include an explanation for part-time status (e.g., employed student, family responsibilities, etc.). 2. Two letters of recommendation. 3. Sealed official transcript from school currently or most recently attended. 4. Letter of acceptance from accredited college or university. 5. Certification of visual status (detailed physician’s eye report) MUST be mailed by certifying entity. Certification of visual status and transcript(s) MUST be postmarked no later than March 31st, 2018. Please forward Certification of visual status and transcript(s) to: Florida Council of the Blind c/o Sheila Young 2304 Amherst Ave. Orlando, FL 32804 Please e-mail application packet, all recommendation letters, and supporting documents electronically to: Sheilayoung125@att.net (no handwritten applications will be considered) All applications and documents must be received no later than March 31st, 2018. The Education and Leadership Committee will review all applications and select the four winners. Recipients will be notified prior to the annual state convention, and the winners will be announced during the Awards Ceremony on May 18, 2018, in Jacksonville, FL. All scholarship winners will be invited to attend the annual convention and will be given hotel accommodations for one night for two persons and two tickets to the Awards banquet. Additional banquet tickets may be purchased by the scholarship recipients. The Florida Council of the Blind will pay transportation costs by train or bus for the scholarship recipient and one guest. Mileage by automobile to the convention will be reimbursed on the following basis: $0.445 per mile. For more information about our Scholarship program, you may contact Sheila Young at sheilayoung125@att.net or by phone at 407-425-9200. *** Election Year 2018 Reminder By Shelley Sawyer FCB Members and Friends: As I am sure most if not all of us are aware, 2018 will be election year for FCB. In May at our annual convention, we will be electing a new Executive Board, as we do every two years. This is a very crucial time for our organization, and this year perhaps more than ever in recent years. At our midyear board meeting, I got the idea that I should take on the task of placing election-awareness articles in the first two WCB issues for 2018. To that end, I have placed the principal duties of each FCB officer in this article. I obtained this information from the FCB Policy Manual, which I found on the FCB web site. You will find them all below. I urge you all to please read them carefully and think about them, especially if you are planning to run for an FCB office, or are planning to nominate someone for an office. My plan and hope is to place another shorter article in the March-April issue just as a reminder of how serious our election of officers is. I need a bit more information from our current officers before I take on the writing of that one. In the meantime, start thinking about the election of our officers and who you think might be the best candidate for each role. President -- The principal duties of this office are listed below. 1. Ensure that the Constitution and By-Laws of FCB are complied with. 2. Conduct the business meetings in an efficient and orderly manner. 3. Call meetings to order at the appointed time. 4. Announce the business of the assembly (agenda). 5. State and put to vote, all questions which legitimately come before the assembly in the form of motions and to announce the results. 6. Protect the assembly from obviously frivolous or dilatory motions by refusing to recognize them 7. Enforce the rules relating to debate. 8. Expedite business while protecting the rights of members. 9. Decide all questions of order, unless, when in doubt to submit the question to the assembly for decision. 10. Respond to inquiries of members relating to parliamentary procedures. 11. To authenticate by signature when necessary all acts, orders and proceedings of the assembly. First Vice-President -- The principal duties of this office are as follows: 1. In the absence of the President, the First Vice-President shall preside in his/her stead. 2. In the event of the resignation, incapacity, or death of the President, the First Vice-President shall automatically become President for the unexpired term. 3. At the discretion of the President, the First Vice-President shall coordinate programs. Second Vice-President -- The principal duties of this office are as follows: 1. In the event of the resignation, incapacity, or death of the First Vice-President, the Second Vice-President shall automatically become First Vice-President for the unexpired term. If such occurs a new Second Vice-President shall be appointed for the unexpired term. 2. At the discretion of the President, the Second Vice-President shall serve on the Finance Committee. Secretary -- The duties and responsibilities of this office are as follows: 1. Maintain a record of all the proceedings of the organization (minutes). 2. Keep all committee reports on file. 3. Maintain records in which By-Laws, special rules of order, standing rolls, and minutes are entered with any amendments to these documents properly recorded and have current records on hand at every meeting. 4. Conduct the general correspondence of the organization. 5. Send a copy of the Board minutes to every Board member within sixty (60) days after the meeting 6. In the absence of the President and Vice-Presidents, call the meeting to order and preside. Membership Secretary -- The duties and responsibilities of this office are as follows: 1. Keep the organization's official membership roster and call the roll when required. 2. Collect all chapter membership assessments and furnish, within proper time frame, to the FCB Treasurer. 3. Ensure that chapter delegates to the state convention have proper credentials. 4. Maintain the official membership roster and furnish in proper time frame to the American Council of the Blind. Treasurer -- The duties and responsibilities of this office are as follows: 1. Entrust with custody of the organization's funds. 2. Submit all required forms to the state and federal government as required by regulations. 3. Supply the required forms to the chapters for similar submission. 4. Comply with the By-Laws and have the financial reports audited each fiscal year. The fiscal year for FCB is July 1st and the audit should be completed no later than September 30th of any year. *** FCB Officer Position Open By Sally Benjamin Have you always wanted to get involved at the FCB State level? Well, now is your chance. I will not be running for FCB Membership Secretary this next time around. I will be more than happy to train someone for the position. You must have computer knowledge and preferably are skilled at using Microsoft Excel. If you are interested, please step up to the plate and take on the task. It is a great way to get to know many of our wonderful members all over the state. To learn more about what’s required for this role, please contact me at salbenjamin@comcast.net. *** FCB Officer Candidate: Cassandra Jessie By Cassandra Jessie VITA of Cassandra Jessie 315 Wilder Boulevard Apartment #202 Daytona Beach, FL 32114 cassandrajessie@gmail.com 850-980-0177 My name is Cassandra Jessie, and I currently serve as the President of the Halifax  Council of the Blind in Daytona Beach.  I am interested in serving in the office of  Second Vice President in the Florida Council of the Blind.   I received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and a  Minor in “Independent Living” from Florida State University in 2009. Additionally,  I received an Associate of Arts Degree from St. John’s River Community  College in St. Augustine, Florida in 2004.   I am currently employed with the State of Florida’s Division of Blind Services where I hold the title of Senior Rehabilitation Specialist.  In this position, I teach Home Management skills to blind and visually impaired adults in the Independent Living Skills Program at the Rehabilitation Center for the Blind-in Daytona Beach.  I have worked with persons with disabilities for almost 30 years in various capacities, including Camp Counselor for the Florida Lions Camp and Senior Residential Instructor at the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind.  I have also worked as an Administrative Assistant for the Division of Blind Services, Teacher Aid for Leon County Schools, and as a Training Instructor for the Leon County Association for the Retarded (ARC).   I am active in the community and have held several offices in the Halifax Council of the Blind, including 1st and 2nd Vice President, Bylaws Committee, Fundraising Committee, and the White Cane Committee.  I hold the position of Membership Chair for the State of Florida’s Florida Council of the Blind. I am a member of the Daytona Area Lions Club, where I hold the office of Service Chair and Lion Tamer.   My past involvement in the community includes serving as 1st and 2nd Vice President of the Tallahassee Council of the Blind, and I served three years as president of ACCESS; an organization for disabled students at Florida State University.  The role of ACCESS is to ensure accessibility for disabled students on the FSU campus.  I am involved in my local church, and am a member of the church choir.  My interests include recreational reading, horseback riding, listening to music, spending time with children, and advocating for the disabled.   It would be a pleasure to serve the people of this state in order to help bring about political, educational, social, and economic changes and raise the awareness of accessibility issues.   *** GOCB Update January-February 2018 By Martha James The members of the GOCB wish all of you a very Happy New Year as we start 2018. In November, we held our elections for the coming year. The new officers are as follows: President: Sheila Young First Vice President: Martha James Second Vice President: Craig Marquis Recording Secretary: Mattie Hickson Treasurer: Pam Sogge Membership Secretary: Leslie Spoone Good luck to all of our officers! Thanks so much to all who have joined our organization and those who continue to support our efforts. Our chapter is looking forward to a wonderful new year with lots of activities to keep everyone involved. To wrap up the year, our chapter held its Christmas luncheon on December 2 at the home of Gary Sinclair. This year, we broke from tradition and had the party catered by Too Jays. The chapter would like to extend our appreciation to them for making it a festive occasion. Thanks to all our members and friends who joined us at this event. There is plenty of work ahead for our chapter in the coming year as we prepare for the annual trivia night held on April 21. We invite anyone interested in participating to join us for a fun night. In addition, for those with computer access, GOCB is on Facebook. You can find us on Facebook by typing “GOCB” in the search box. GOCB invites all readers of this newsletter to “like” us on this social network. *** Shoppertunity: SWFCB Living the Good Life with a Local Lions Club By William H. Grignon On December 9, the Southwest Florida Council of the Blind held its third annual Shoppertunity. What is Shoppertunity? It is a collaboration between SWFCB and the Cape Coral Lions Club (CCLC), wherein Lions act as Sighted Elves for SWFCB members. This year, we shopped at Miromar Outlet Stores. Each Lion paired off with an SWFCB member who got the opportunity to have a personal shopper to assist them with navigating around stores and finding items on their shopping lists. Afterwards, we all met at Ford's Garage for food, fun, and fellowship. Shoppertunity is just one of several activities SWFCB does with CCLC. For three years now, SWFCB has held an annual Baseball Night at our local minor league park, where SWFCB members have marched during pre-game activities, tossed out the first pitch, and sung the National Anthem, and CCLC members have acted as sighted guides and have even provided impromptu play-by-play commentary. CCLC has also participated in an SWFCB Spaghetti Dinner, where SWFCB members sand and did comic routines as part of the entertainment. And, on January 13, 2018, Lions will participate in SWFCB's Living the Good Life with Vision Loss expo Your chapter might like to develop a relationship with your local Lions Club and hold events like Shoppertunity. It's a great opportunity for your members to do some shopping on their own time and terms, and it's a great opportunity for your local Lions Club to perform a service activity and to get to hang out with some really cool people with vision loss *** Sarasota Council Update By Karen Christie Yes, it’s surprising to believe that the last time I wrote this column was back in April. Our Council was supposed to have a meeting back in September, but as you all could imagine, Hurricane Irma threw a wrench into that plan. I’d like to start out by saying that I hope everyone made it through the storm, and on behalf of our Council, we extend our thoughts and prayers to those who are less fortunate as a result of Irma. This was one powerful storm, and though there was lots of damage in Sarasota, it could’ve been much worse. Our Council’s October meeting was held on Saturday the fourteenth at Denny’s restaurant. With the arrangements made by Carl and Sylvia Fields and Elliot Benowitz, they were able to talk with the manager so we could have our meetings there once again. The meeting room there is much bigger, thus not causing such a cramped atmosphere. To my knowledge, this was the first year we didn’t participate in White Cane Safety Day events since we had no prior meetings to discuss how we would commemorate the day. There was no guest speaker, and since we hadn’t seen each other since the meet-and-eats, we just talked and visited once the reading of the last set of minutes and the May treasurer’s report were approved. Unfortunately, it was brought to our attention that one of our members, Doris James, passed away in July. In my opinion, Doris was a faithful member who could best be described as an angel. She was almost 91 years old, but you never would have known that because she was so sprightly and cheerful. If I needed to call her with a question or two, she was more than happy to answer them. If some of our members couldn’t see the menu items at our meetings, she would read them the choices. We will miss her bringing the 50/50 tickets, and I have heard from people who attended support group meetings at the Lighthouse that she was known for often providing sweet treats like cookies for them to enjoy. She even made a batch for the last meeting she attended not long before she had her stroke. Doris, may you rest in peace knowing that we all miss you, but we will always remember how loving and caring you were, and most importantly, you were a wonderful friend to everyone. Our council’s November meeting was held on the eleventh at Denny’s. Following the readings of both the minutes from October and the Treasurer’s report from last month, we were busy with officer nominations. The officers are as follows- President: Randy Reed Vice President: Tony Presley Second Vice President: Melissa Weis Membership Secretary: Donna Peoples Treasurer: Jaime Natalie Recording Secretary: Ginny Rempelakis We congratulate our new officers and will be looking forward to working with you during upcoming meetings. At this meeting, we were given flyers for our group’s Christmas party, which was held December ninth at the Lakehouse West. This is an assisted living facility where member Ruth Book resides, and each year she sees to it that she can reserve a room so that our Council can enjoy a delicious meal – and good fellowship – before we have our first meeting in the new year. After this, Merritt, one of our members, informed us that there is a transportation service called ITM, which is particularly accommodating to the disabled. She suggested that maybe someone from this service could speak at one of our meetings, especially since some of our members have had problems with the transportation service they currently use. Randy noted that he thinks we already have speakers for our January and February meetings, but we could see if someone from there could come talk at our March meeting. Once we finished that discussion, the meeting was adjourned since drivers started to arrive to pick up members. ** Let’s Get Committed By Charles Holzschuh Hi, everybody. It’s Charlie H. here hoping everyone had a joyous holiday season and wishing you a Happy New Year! Well, it’s that time of year again, when we need to think about recruitment/retention. Or should it be retention/recruitment? And let’s not forget about the tithing sermon at the church house. The Pinellas Council just had our annual Christmas party and, once again, we had fun, fellowship, and shared a great meal together. This chapter is 30-plus years old and still has the four original founding members who are still active participants. Our membership includes ex-military personnel, law enforcement, teachers, counselors, secretaries, business owners, moms and dads, grandparents, governmental advocates, radio personalities, our own White Cane Bulletin editor (a university staff member), caregivers, students, volunteers, and too many more to mention here. As you can see, everyone is welcome. I truly feel this motivated group inspires each other and is personally rewarding for me to be part of. We meet once a month and have different guest speakers who enlighten us about new technology products, governmental rules and regulations, community/social events, consumer affairs, and of course the most up-to-date visual advancements. Oh yes, we still go bowling just like we did 30 years ago. We have our annual picnic in the park with great music and really good food, which is a favorite, but the annual auction is a fun and hilarious time. But the annual technology expo and White Cane Safety Day Walk bring the community and us together so they can see firsthand what we can do and how we can use the abilities the good Lord has given us to become independent and productive members of our community. I like getting to our meetings early so I can greet our members and guests as they arrive. By the way, we now have about 70 members, and when I see Care Ride pick up and drop off people using white canes, wheelchairs, walkers, crutches and friends for helping friends, I am so inspired to do whatever I can to help. If you know anyone who resides in Pinellas County whom our chapter can be a blessing to, please have them contact our president, Eugene Batke, at 727-420-9128 or our esteemed treasurer, Sharon Youngs, at 727-937-8631. We welcome everyone and always enjoy getting new members. *** Venice Has Lost Another Pillar By Tom Hanson A tireless advocate for the rights of the visually impaired residents of her beloved home of Venice, Florida and a longtime member of the Venice Chapter of FCB passed away in November 2017. Lillian Patricia Reilly, nee Thompson, was born in New York City on March 17, 1923 and passed away on November 6, 2017 in Venice. She was the 4th child of five siblings and spent her childhood in Staten Island, NY, but lived much of her teen years in Florida and graduated from Gulfport High School in 1941. She married Thomas Reilly and raised two sons. Returning to New York, she was a proud member of the New York City Police Department from 1951 to 1971, during a time when there were few women in law enforcement. One of her achievements that filled her with a lifetime source of pride was when, in 1953, she and 3 other NYC policewomen founded the NYPD Emerald Society, an organization of Irish-Americans within the police department. To this day, the organization continues to help foster Irish heritage and tradition in the NYPD and also promotes and preserves the accomplishments that the Irish have made in law enforcement. Lillian earned a bachelor’s degree from Hofstra University during her later years on the police force. After retiring, she earned a master’s degree and later became a professor at Bergen Community College in New Jersey. She shared homes in Pennsylvania and New Jersey with the love of her life, Tommy Landers, a fellow NYPD police officer who passed away in 1983. In the 1980s, Lillian moved to Florida, first to Clearwater and then ultimately to Venice where her sister, Molly, had settled and instantly fell in love with the Island of Venice. Despite suffering from macular degeneration, which rendered her legally blind for the last 25+ years of her life, she proved to be a woman with limitless energy and a local force in the community, particularly focused on helping all visually impaired residents of the Venice area. She was a prominent member of the Venice Chapter for the Florida Council of the Blind and proud member of the Venice Lions, many times serving as the Lion in the Annual Christmas and St. Patrick’s Day parades. Always proud of her shared birthday with St. Patrick and her Irish Heritage, she loved to dance at the festive St. Patrick’s Day parties and the Wearing of green! Throughout her life, Lillian loved to travel the world, often with her sister, Molly, and shared many learning experiences with the Roads Scholars, previously known as Elder Hostel. In her younger days, she even had a second home in the Aiguilles on Spain’s Mediterranean coast. She visited Europe often and spoke of Florence, Italy and Paris, France as her favorite cities in the world. One of Lillian’s greatest joys was to garden. For many years, she took special care of hundreds of plants at her home in Venice. She loved to show off her lovely colorful yard to every friend and all of her loved ones. Lillian was an active member of the Venice chapter (now the South Sarasota County Council of the Blind).  She was the chapter liaison to the Venice Lions, a prime mover in 1997 to start a White Cane Safety Day celebration, served as the chapter’s board representative to FCB and, until the last two years, was our official greeter at meetings. She always had a positive word, handshake, and a hug for you. As Lillian’s hearing declined, she would take the information, such as minutes, home to read to keep up with everything. Lillian proved to be a constant citizen participant at all Venice City Council meetings and was a relentless advocate for promoting traffic safety improvements to help those with vision loss. Through her efforts, the major intersections on Tamiami Trail in Venice now have audible chirping signals to help the visually handicapped cross safely. Although this project took several years to complete, without Lillian to continually lobby for action and pressure the city to complete the installation, it might not have been finished at all. Lillian’s energy, enthusiasm, and expertise will be missed by all, especially the newly renamed South Sarasota County Council of the Blind. Lillian, rest in peace, and keep your “eye” on us! *** Greetings from the Sun Shine State By Paul Lewis Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared in an issue of Vision Access, which is published by the Council for Citizens with Low Vision (CCLVI). Hello to all the members of CCLVI, who may be reading this article. This is the first article that I have written for Vision Access, and I am sure it will not be my last. Initially, I was asked to write the article by our President, and since she is my president x 2, I was happy to write it. I hope you find it interesting, informative, and enjoyable. If this was being written a few months ago, instead of greetings from the sunshine state, it could've been titled greetings from the disaster state. This past hurricane season was one of the worst experienced by Florida, but of course we are not the only geographic region that's suffered through this past hurricane season. This leads me to a question; do the local and state governments, not only in Florida but in all the states, offer sufficient training for their volunteers to aid the visually impaired and blind residents who may decide to go to either a special-needs or non-special-needs shelter for protection during the storms? Of course this concern should also apply to people with other disabilities or who have multi disabilities. This occurred to me after I received an article from the FCB's Project Insight, by way of the WCB, that offered inside and guidance to healthcare professionals in working with the blind and visually impaired. During Irma, many people who went to shelters found themselves there for an extended period of time. Those of us with vision loss, as well with people with other disabilities, will certainly face greater challenges, especially when in an unknown environment. Even better, would be for the emergency response departments to seek out people who are visually impaired to act as volunteers during times of emergencies. If Irma and some of the other horrendous storms that we suffered through this past year are the beginning of a trend, these are some thoughts to consider. Many communities, if not all; have recovered from the storms, and in Florida, we are in the midst of the time a year we like to call of the season where our populations increase threefold or more. At this point, I would like to relate to you an adventure that I had in early November. During the first weekend of November, I had the pleasure of attending the FCB board meeting with Leslie. It involves one of our transportation providers, Amtrak. While the incident could've become very negative, it turned out to be very positive. The board meeting was in Jacksonville, and on Monday morning, myself and four others were traveling back to our homes via the train. We were all sitting in the area where we were asked to sit, and we were told it was not necessary to check in at the ticket window even though one of our group had done so. The conductor from the train had come down to talk with us, got our destinations and let us know that someone would be coming back to pick us up and take us to board the train. So, we were sitting and talking, waiting for someone to come get us. Then we heard a whistle and the train pulling out with us still in the waiting area. An Amtrak employee did show up before the train left with a cart asking if anybody needed assistance to board the train, but we did not feel that applied to us since Amtrak has a great track record in assisting those with vision loss boarding the train. The question that arose was when and how would we be getting home. The assistant station manager and the safety manager both came to talk to us, and told us they were talking to their supervisors as to what could be done. The first option they came up with was to put us up in a hotel for the night and we would take the train the following morning. None of us liked that alternative as we all really wanted to get back home. To Amtrak's credit, they came up with another plan, even though the first option would've been the most expedient and easiest to do. So, here's what happened, Amtrak found drivers to take us to our home destinations, and in fact they took us from the station to our front doors. They also gave each of us $25. So, to Amtrak's credit, they accepted the responsibility for us missing the train and then made it right. What could've been an awful and terrible experience was completely turned around. KUDOS TO AMTRACK!!!! We all got home safely even though a little bit later than we had originally anticipated. *** A New Radio Show for Blind Youth Once a month, a 10-year-old girl named Nina hoists a hot microphone in front of her to host a radio broadcast heard nationwide – and even potentially internationally. This picture, in and of itself, is rare But what if you also knew that the show serves as a bridge between sighted and visually impaired youngsters? Blind and Beyond Radio Show for Kids hit the airwaves on Sunday, Aug. 27, 2017. Broadcasting on the fourth Sunday of each month, the live show runs from 6 to 7 p.m. Eastern on 1680 WOKB-AM in the Orlando area. It can also be streamed online at www.blindandbeyondradioshow.org or via the TuneIn Radio mobile app. Plus, podcasts of each program are available on the website. The idea to launch the show came from Michael and Lynne Golder, who have hosted the Blind and Beyond Radio Show since April 2016 and previously the Blind Matters Radio Show. “Lynne and I had been saying that kids really don’t participate in the ‘adult’ show,” says Michael Golder. “So, we wanted to get blind and visually impaired kids involved in their own show and have no adults participating in it on the air. We thought it would be pretty different having young people host it.” Nina, who is sighted, shares the studio with Leo, her 19-year-old blind co-host. “The reason we chose Nina is so she can talk about being a sighted kid and be a bridge between sighted and blind kids. Leo then has the perspective of a blind young man.” Golder says the show is primarily geared toward youngsters ages 8 to 18, but of course, anyone is welcome to listen and enjoy it. Students from blind schools have called in, including the Georgia Academy for the Blind and the Alabama School for the Blind. The show also plays a “name that tune” style of trivia where listeners can call in and identify a song to win a prize. Nina, who is in fifth grade, says she had no idea she’d ever be hosting a radio show. “My mom knows Michael and Lynne,” she explains. “One day when we were at their house, they said they thought I seemed really nice and smart and wondered if I would be interested in getting involved in a new show for blind kids. I said I would do it if they would take me to a few shows so I could get the feel of things.” In her words, being a radio host has been a lot of fun. “I really enjoy it. My co-host, Leo, is so much fun when we’re together. We crack jokes before, during and after the show. I was nervous the first time I did it, and they said to just be yourself. For the second show, a lot of my family was listening, so I felt more confident, and it just flew by so quickly.” She adds that it’s been a true learning experience. “I didn’t really know anyone who is blind before doing this show. I understand more than I ever have about blindness. I have learned so much from Leo, Michael and others I’ve met and talked with.” She has a positive message for visually impaired kids and adults alike. “I would tell them to keep trying,” she encourages. “There are things you can do. You just have to focus on the good things in your life.” Leo, whose parents are from the Dominican Republic, is a high school senior and has been doing dual enrollment at a local college since his junior year. It happened to be a current Florida Council of the Blind member who helped get Leo the co-host role he now proudly has. “It was Ms. Sheila Young who, along with Michael and Lynne, were all looking for a person to be the co-host with Nina. Ms. Young taught me JAWS in fifth grade. I really appreciated her back then and also helping me get this spot on the show. She’s one of those inspirational people.”” Leo had a little experience in radio, having been a guest on Christian station Rejoice AM in Central Florida. But it has still been an adjustment getting into the world of broadcasting. Fortunately, his experience doing Poetry Slam at school has given him more confidence. “A teacher taught me how to project my voice more and get me to be more comfortable with public speaking,” he says. “Radio is all about projecting your voice into the microphone and controlling your nerves. It’s all in practice. We have to find ways to fill in the dead air. But I’ve learned that you don’t have to say everything on the air perfectly. It’s not the end of the world.” Working with the Golders has helped him tremendously, he adds. “Lynne has been a big confidence booster for me. Michael has been a great mentor in helping me stay positive.” It was hydrocephalus that took his eyesight at a young age. “I have a shunt in my head that is basically a brain pump designed to filter out fluid and regulate where it goes. This shunt malfunctioned when I was 10. The fluid went into my optic nerves and caused them to deteriorate.” Upon finishing college, he has a unique career path in mind that he feels would suit him well. “I’d like to become a music therapist,” he says. “This would be a therapist who uses music to help patients gain a sense of social stability. They might play music for the patient, encourage the patient to play music, or just have them listen to music. This can help them improve mentally, socially and emotionally.” He played piano for three years and is looking to take vocal lessons at some point soon. He’s also interested in music production. In his spare time, he enjoys walking around parks, listening to music, making tunes on his electronic keyboard and writing poetry. Leo has a positive perspective on the loss of his vision. “I look at it as a blessing in disguise,” he explains. “If I hadn’t become blind, I wouldn’t be the person I am today.” *** VictorReader Trek FAQs By Lesa Kretschmer Q:  What is the VictorReader Trek? A:  The VictorReader Trek combines the world renowned simple book reading and media playback experience of the VictorReader Stream with the navigation guidance technology found in the Trekker Breeze. With the press of the online button, you can switch from book reading or media playback mode to Orientation mode.  In this mode, you can: - Press the “Where am I” button (familiar key 5) to identify which direction you are going, the next intersection, the configuration of that intersection, how far you are from that intersection, and your nearest address. - Drop voice tagged landmarks for familiar locations you want to return to.  Marking one’s house, for example, would ensure you could always get back to that location. - Enter an address using the simple telephone keypad to receive pedestrian or vehicle turn-by-turn instructions. - Search what’s around you and receive turn-by-turn instructions to walk or drive to specific restaurants, stores, hotels, etc. - And much more. Q:  Is the hardware the exact same as the VictorReader Stream? A:  No, the Trek contains several significant upgrades to the Stream hardware: - State-of-the-art GPS module - Significantly improved processor speed over that of either the Stream or original Trekker Breeze - Bluetooth functionality - Vibration motor for tactile notification of instructions - FM radio module (Active in version 1.1)   - Single headphone / microphone jack for support of headsets with control keys on them - Tactile identification found on the 2, 4, 6, 8 and 5 keys for quick identification with one hand while outside - Slightly thicker profile to accommodate GPS antenna   Q:  Is there internal memory on the Trek? A:  Yes, 32 GB of internal storage is available.  This is also where your maps are located.  Books and media can also be stored on an external SD card if you have one available.   Q:  Where is the FM radio function located? A:  This function will be located in the online bookshelves.  A software update will be necessary shortly after the Trek ships. We anticipate this will be available in version 1.1   Q:  Can I connect my Trek to Bluetooth headphones or speakers? A: Yes, Trek is compatible with most Bluetooth speakers and headsets.  HumanWare always recommends using headsets or speakers which do not obstruct the ears while traveling.   Press the online button to navigate to the online bookshelves and press the 7 key to enter the settings menu.  Press 7 again and you will find where to enable Bluetooth.  Once enabled, scan for and connect to your desired speaker or headset.  The audio will then be rerouted through that device.   In addition to being able to play audio through Bluetooth audio devices, your VictorReader Trek is also compatible with iBeacon technology and, where available, this will be supported by a future indoor navigation software update.   Q:  When I plug in standard headphones, I cannot record a note.  Why is this? A:  The Trek is optimized to record from headsets with inline microphones.  When a headphone which does not contain such an inline mic is connected, the system defaults to using the jack for audio and not recording.  The headphones which ship with the Trek contain an inline microphone.    Q:  I have heard about this Galileo Orientation network that is coming to market in the coming years.  It is supposed to improve location services drastically. Will the Trek be compatible with this new technology? A:  HumanWare designed the Trek with the future of orientation in mind.  In addition to making the device compatible with indoor navigation technology, it is also ready for the Galileo orientation network when it comes on line.  A software update will be required. Q:  Is the Trek compatible with the Glonass (Global Navigation Satellite System)? A:  Yes.   Q: I have used other GPS technology including the Trekker Breeze.  On many of these devices, I had to choose my desired state or region’s map individually when I was traveling in specific areas.  Is this the case with the Trek? A:  No, The VictorReader Trek supports entire country and large region maps.  For example, if you live in the United States, your Trek will come preloaded with the entire North American map.  Q:  When I am using the Trek outside, and standing still, my position appears to be moving even though I am not.  Why is this? A:  Accurate GPS positioning depends on movement.  While you may be still, the satellites and earth are not.  To get the best accuracy, it is recommended to move at a constant pace.    Q:  I am traveling to Europe soon.  Do you have maps for many countries? A:  The Trek uses maps from TomTom and many countries will be available.  At launch, the Trek will be available in North America first.  As localizations and map content are approved, you will be able to purchase additional maps when available. Q:  How will maps be put on my Trek when I can purchase additional countries? A:  In the past, separate programs such as the Trekker Map Manager had to be used to install and remove maps.  Because the Trek has WIFI, users will be able to download maps, and eventual map updates directly to the device, with no interaction with a computer necessary.  Users will be able to manually copy a map to an external SD card if needed. Q:  How will I receive software updates? A:  The Trek supports automatic notification of wireless updates that can be downloaded directly to the device.  This is the same process as the VictorReader Stream. Q:  What comes in the box? A:  When you purchase your Trek, you receive: - VictorReader Trek device - USB cable - Power adaptor - Small USB cable for support of thumb drives or cartridges - Headphones - Weather-resistant carrying case - Getting started sheet      Q:  is the speaker volume the same on the Trek as the Stream? A:  The Trek contains optional outdoor volume levels available only in orientation mode for use in louder environments outdoors while traveling.   There are 5 additional outdoor volume levels available. Q:  I used to use the Trekker Breeze and have several landmarks that I don’t want to lose.  Can I use these with my new Trek? A: Using your existing Breeze with the SD card inserted in it, connect it to your PC using the Breeze USB cable and turn it on.  Open the Trekker Map Manager application and select the landmarks or routes tab.  Where it says “PC landmarks or routes location”, choose the Browse button and choose your desktop. Now select the backup button and your landmarks and / or routes will be placed on your desktop.  Note you will find two items, a .CSV file and a WAV folder.  Copy both of these to your Trek SD card. - Insert that SD card into your Trek and turn it on. Press the online button until you arrive in Orientation mode - Press the 7 key to enter the Trek settings menu and press the 6 key until you find “Import and Export:  Press confirm. - Press the 6 key until you find Landmarks or Routes, which ever you need and press confirm. - Press 6 until you find Import and press confirm.  Trek will say “X landmarks / routes imported: Q:  How do I record a landmark using the Trek? A: Switch to Orientation mode using the online button.  Travel to the location where you want to drop the landmark and either press the bookmark (diamond) shaped button, or press the record button on the side of the device.  Speak into the Trek to identify where you are, and within a few seconds the landmark will be recorded. Q:  How do I enter an address on the Trek? A:  While in orientation mode, press and hold the Go To button to select a landmark as your destination.  Press the left arrow to go to enter an address.  Now use the telephone keypad to enter the city, street and civic number.  Remember that you can tap the sleep button to learn what characters each button on the keypad represents. Q:  What if I plan on only using the Trek for orientation information and will rarely use it to read books or listen to podcasts?  Can I always just use it as a navigation assistant? A:  The Trek intelligently remembers the last mode you were in when the device is powered off so if you use it for GPS navigation only, it will always default to this when you turn it back on. Q:  I used to listen to Audible books on my VictorReader Stream.  Is the Trek compatible with Audible? A:  We can confirm that the Trek will work with Audible but not at first release. Audible needs to make some changes to their library to make the Trek compatible and. As soon as that is completed, we will incorporate it into the Trek. We anticipate this to be in version 1.1. Q:  I am a member of several book library, sources such as NLS in the US, along with Bookshare.  Is the Trek compatible with these services? A:  The Trek is compatible with all sources of books that the previous VictorReader Stream has been compatible with for years, with Audible pending.  See above FAQ for this explanation. Q:  Why does my Trek say that it has around 16 GB of storage available in its internal storage when I have not put anything on the device yet? A:  For users in North America, which has the largest map size of all the regions, between the maps, the operating system, the reserved storage for updates, and the Victor software itself, the usable space for user storage is 16 GB.  This internal storage can be used for landmarks, books, routes, podcasts, etc. Q:  How long does Trek take to acquire a satellite fix? A:  Trek will normally acquire a satellite fix very quickly, usually within 5 to 30 seconds. It may take longer than this the first time you switch the device on and also if the Trek has been switched off for more than 3 days. GPS data is stored on the device for 3 days, so after this time, the device has to download the satellite information again. If your device has been switched off for 3 days or more we would recommend you leave it switched on by a window sill before venturing outside so that it can gather the GPS data first. To learn more about this product, contact: Lesa Berg Kretschmer Florida Vision Technology 954-648-7757 lesa@floridareading.com *** Poetry Corner By Shelley Sawyer Greetings, Dear Readers, Well, a new year has come around again. This always seems to be a time when we try to put aside past failures, grievances and fears, and we try to think about new beginnings, take on new challenges and plan projects, etc. I am a person with a very strong faith in God, my creator. The following poem is a hymn which reminds us at this new year of whose world this really is. This is, of course, my belief system; and while I certainly make no apology for it, I recognize that everyone has his/her own beliefs and I do respect them. This is My Father’s World Copyright status is: Public Domain This is my Father’s world, And to my list’ning ears All nature sings, and round me rings The music of the spheres. This is my Father’s world: I rest me in the thought Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas— His hand the wonders wrought. This is my Father’s world: The birds their carols raise, The morning light, the lily white, Declare their Maker’s praise. This is my Father’s world: He shines in all that’s fair; In the rustling grass I hear Him pass, He speaks to me everywhere. This is my Father’s world: Oh, let me ne’er forget That though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet. This is my Father’s world, The battle is not done: Jesus who died shall be satisfied, And earth and Heav’n be one. *** FCB OFFICERS, 2016 – 2018 President, James Kracht 9901 SW 138th Street, Miami, FL 33176 jkk48@bellsouth.net (305) 251-6983 or 407-378-3477 1st Vice-President, Dan Spoone 3924 Lake Mirage Blvd., Orlando, FL 32817 danspoone@cfl.rr.com (407) 678-0075 2nd Vice President, Doug Hall 1405 Edgewater Road, Daytona Beach, FL 32114-5859 dhall318@cfl.rr.com (386) 255-0377 Treasurer, Linda Jacobson 2915 Circle Ridge Dr., Orange Park, FL 32065 lfjacobson@gmail.com (904) 272-8405 Membership Secretary, Sally Benjamin 1531 Dempsey Mayo Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308 salbenjamin@comcast.net 850-877-1512 Recording Secretary, Debbie Drylie 1544 Walnut Creek Dr., Fleming Island, FL 32003 debbiedrylie@gmail.com (904) 228-7102 Immediate Past President, Paul Edwards 20330 N.E. 20th Ct., Miami, FL 33179 edwards.paul955@gmail.com (305) 692-9206 Editor of White Cane Bulletin, Greg Lindberg 3145 Meadow View Ln., Palm Harbor, FL  34683 glindberg@gmail.com (727) 543-9807 *** Chapter and Special Affiliate Officer Liaisons "Please contact your officer liaison if we can be of assistance or if you need anything from the Executive Committee." Broward- Paul Edwards edwards.paul955@gmail.com (305) 692-9206 Clay- Dan Spoone danspoone@cfl.rr.com (407) 678-0075 Greater Miami- Debbie Drylie debbiedrylie@gmail.com (904) 228-7102 Greater Orlando- Doug Hall dhall318@cfl.rr.com (386) 255-0377 Halifax- Linda Jacobson lfjacobson@gmail.com (904) 272-8405 Jacksonville- Linda Jacobson lfjacobson@gmail.com (904) 272-8405 Manatee- Dan Spoone danspoone@cfl.rr.com (407) 678-0075 Miami Beach- Paul Edwards edwards.paul955@gmail.com (305) 692-9206 Miami Metro- Paul Edwards edwards.paul@gmail.com (305) 692-9206 Palm Beach- Jim Kracht jkk48@bellsouth.net (305) 251-6983 or 407-378-3477 Pensacola- Sally Benjamin salbenjamin@comcast.net 850-877-1512 Pinellas- Doug Hall dhall318@cfl.rr.com (386) 255-0377 Sarasota- Dan Spoone danspoone@cfl.rr.com (407) 678-0075 Southwest- Sally Benjamin salbenjamin@comcast.net 850-877-1512 Tallahassee- Debbie Drylie debbiedrylie@gmail.com (904) 228-7102 Tampa- Sally Benjamin salbenjamin@comcast.net 850-877-1512 Venice- Dan Spoone danspoone@cfl.rr.com (407) 678-0075 BRLF- Dan Spoone danspoone@cfl.rr.com (407) 678-0075 CCTB- Debbie Drylie debbiedrylie@gmail.com (904) 228-7102 FCCLV- Doug Hall dhall318@cfl.rr.com (386) 255-0377 GDUF- Linda Jacobson lfjacobson@gmail.com (904) 272-8405 RSVF- Jim Kracht jkk48@bellsouth.net (305) 251-6983 or 407-378-3477 *** Handy Telephone Number References Project Insight: (800) 267-4448 Bureau of Braille & Talking Book Library: (800) 226-6075 Division of Blind Services, State Office: (800) 342-1828 American Council of The Blind: (800) 424-8666 (Available 3:00 to 5:30 P.M. EST Monday-Friday only) ACB Legislative Hotline: (800) 424-8666 (Available evenings 8:00 P.M. to 12:00 Midnight EST and weekends 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. only) AT&T Disability Services: (800)872-3883 Press 00 and speak with your long distance carrier, or Florida only: (800)982-2891 BellSouth Disability Services: (800)982-2891 (From anywhere) Social Security: (800) 772-1213 (24-hour voice and touch tone accessible - THE END- FLORIDA COUNCIL OF THE BLIND 1531 Dempsey Mayo Road Tallahassee, FL 32308 1 22