THE WHITE CANE BULLETIN Florida Council of The Blind, Inc. July – August 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, Mark Lear, at 708 Kristina Court, Port Orange, FL 32127. 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 Sheila Young……………………………………………………4 2018 FCB Award Winners by Jason Goldfield……………………………………….........5 2018 Chapter & Special Affiliate Award Winners by Jason Goldfield………..................5 2018 FCB Scholarship Recipients by Sheila Young………………………………………6 2018 FCB Raffle Winners by Linda Jacobson……………………………………………..6 GDUF Fundraiser Winners by Kathleen Trutschel…………………………………………7 A Look Back at the 2018 FCB Convention by Greg Lindberg……………………………8 Getting Ahead of the Curve by Doug Towne……………………………………………….9 GOCB Update by Martha James…………………………………………………..............10 Mumbles from Miami by Paul Edwards……………………………………………………11 Sarasota Council Updates by Karen Christie………………………………………..........13 Q&A: Gabriel Lopez-Kafati by Greg Lindberg…………………………………………….13 A Letter of Thanks by Henry Laster…………………………………………………..........19 How the Visually Impaired Can Prepare for a Hurricane by Greg Lindberg…………..20 19th Annual Blind Bowling Tournament by John Harden………………………………...21 Poetry Corner by Shelley Sawyer…………………………………………………………..23 FCB Officers, 2018 – 2020…………………………………………………………………..24 Chapter and Special Affiliate Officer Liaisons…………………………………………….25 Handy Telephone Number References…………………………………………………....27 *** President’s Message July-August 2018 By Sheila Young Dear FCB members, I would like to take a moment to introduce and share a little about myself for those of you who may not know me. After moving to Orlando, I became a member of FCB in January of 2005. I am a full-time employee with the Orange County Public School System in a Para-Professional position working with blind, visually impaired, and multi-disabled children. I have held many positions in our local chapter, as well as participated in different capacities on many state committees. I currently serve as president of the Greater Orlando Council of the Blind (GOCB) and have just turned over the chairmanship of the state Education & Leadership Committee to another very capable member after chairing that committee for several years. I am humbled to have been elected as your new president and honored to believe you have confidence in my abilities to carry out this huge undertaking. I can promise I will make every effort to utilize each of our members, considering their abilities, willingness, and strengths, for without our members, we have no effective organization. I value our organization and take this opportunity very seriously, and I will do my best to fulfill the responsibilities of this important office. I am excited about working with our new officers, and each and every one of you, as we strive to make life better for all blind and visually impaired persons in Florida. We are fortunate to have such dedicated members who will continue advocating for all of us. The last few weeks have been very busy, getting ready to go to St. Louis, representing FCB, answering e-mails and phone calls, and trying to wrap my head around all that is involved in being your president. I have started working on organizing committees and hope to have all of that work accomplished within the next month. Please remember that I am just an e-mail or phone call away and am here for all of you. I truly want to hear from you. I am looking forward to the next two years, serving in this role and supporting you and our association as your president. Sincerely, Sheila Young, FCB President *** 2018 FCB Award Winners By Jason Goldfield At this year’s state convention, the FCB Awards Committee was pleased and proud to recognize several valuable FCB members and community advocates. The Awards Committee members for this year were Jason Goldfield, Shelley Sawyer, and Cassandra Jessie. The committee would like to thank those people who took the time to nominate these well-qualified individuals. The 2018 award recipients certainly embody the spirit of the Florida Council of the Blind. Thirteen Chapter and Special Interest Affiliate awards (submitted by appreciative affiliates), four state awards (all named in honor of former leaders and advocates for the independence of blind and visually impaired persons), as well as three special Presidential Awards were presented. In addition, a special presentation was given by Debbie Grubb for the legislative award. The Dolly Gamble Award was received by Kati Lear. The R. Henry P. Johnson Award was presented to Sally Benjamin. The Cook Chapter award was given to Paul Kurtz, and The Just Bill Award was received by Linda Jacobson The legislative award was presented to Ileana Ros-Lehtinen President James Kracht presented his special President’s Awards to Dan Spoone, Doug Hall, and Kati Lear for all their hard work and dedication. The new chair, Shelley Sawyer, along with Cassandra Jessie and the newest committee member, Gabriel Lopez-Kafati, will now accept award nominations for the 2019 state convention. Those much-appreciated individuals will be honored at the 2019 convention. Remember, the deadline to nominate people who deserve recognition will be announced by the committee. If you know of and appreciate someone who has provided outstanding service to people who are blind, please nominate him or her so we can all share in the recognition of that person at our next FCB awards banquet. *** 2018 Chapter & Special Affiliate Award Winners By Jason Goldfield The following are the 2018 award winners for local chapters and special affiliates within FCB: CCTB: Patricia Lipovsky Clay: Dan Harkins FCCLV: Bill Freeman GDUF: Doug Hall GOCB: James Harlow, Sheila Young Halifax: Ruth Rosow Jacksonville: Henry Laster Palm Beach: Kathy Hilton-Lizza, Regina Brown Pinellas: James Warman, Hal Knight Tallahassee: Jack Kellog   *** 2018 FCB Scholarship Recipients By Sheila Young, Education & Leadership chair On behalf of the Education and Leadership committee, and FCB, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate this year’s recipients of our scholarships, which were awarded at this years’ state convention. The Gayle M. Krause-Edwards Scholarship was presented to Joseph Chica, Miami, Florida. The Teresa Blessing Scholarship was given to Hailey Skoglund, Spring Hill, Florida. The Timothy Turpin scholarship was presented to Leonardo Pena, Orlando, Florida. We were delighted that all three of the recipients were able to attend the Awards and Scholarship banquet, and we had an opportunity to listen to one of them beautifully play her violin. Again, congratulations to our winners this year! We hope that you will become an active part of our organization! *** 2018 FCB Raffle Winners By Linda Jacobson The following are the winners of the 2018 FCB raffle prize amounts: 1ST Prize: $1,000 Winner: Kim Trelly Orange Park, Fl. 2ND Prize; $100 Winner: Paul Lewis Ft. Myers, Fl. 3RD Prize: $100 Winner: Jamie S. White Tallahassee, Fl. 4TH Prize; $100 Sandra Franckowiak Cream ridge, NJ 5TH Prize; $100 Winner: Crystal Hay Plymouth, Mass. 6TH Prize; $100 Winner: Kathleen Warth Clearwater, Fl. *** GDUF Fundraiser Winners By Kathleen Trutschel GDUF is following up with an article on our fundraiser. Congratulations to the winners: The Father’s Day basket was won by Erv Jankowski from Etowah, North Carolina and the Romance Basket was won by Geri Gillis from Shakopee, Minnesota.  This would not have been a successful fundraiser if it weren’t for all of your help and support! To those who support our GDUF fundraiser, I can't begin to tell you, and words just cannot say the true appreciation this Thank-you brings your way. Thank you again! See you in 2019!  Have a safe and wonderful year.! *** A Look Back at the 2018 FCB Convention By Greg Lindberg It’s hard to believe that members of the Florida Council of the Blind convened for the 65th consecutive year for the group’s annual state convention this May. The 2018 FCB convention in Jacksonville was my third straight convention. That means I have about 60 more of these gatherings in the Sunshine State to attend before I come close to the resume of the legendary Carl McCoy. With the awards dinner, I always enjoy seeing who gets recognized for the blood, sweat, and tears each award recipient has put into FCB. I particularly am fascinated by the young people who receive scholarships for what they’ve done in school and in the community. While most blind and visually impaired individuals tend to be on the older – or should I say more mature – side of the aisle, it’s neat to see how youngsters have overcome the many challenges of growing up with low vision or blindness. We must also realize that these could be the future leaders of FCB and ACB. I thoroughly enjoyed the Aira workshop, which was hosted by a vendor named Kevin Phela. Kevin was generous enough to give almost two hours of his time to our group to answer a wide range of questions and discuss the many benefits of this exciting technology. If you aren’t familiar with Aira, it’s basically like having a live guide with you to navigate streets, read menus at restaurants or food labels in a store, or help you with nearly any visual task. You can either use your smartphone with a Wi-Fi signal, or you can get a pair of smart glasses and a hotspot from the company. There is no charge for the equipment or software – only a monthly fee for the service of using one of their visual “agents” who can see whatever you’re looking at in real time. Also, the CCTB self-defense workshop turned out to be quite informative, even though members of the Jacksonville Police Department were unable to attend as originally planned. David (whose last name I didn’t catch), a visually impaired gentleman with a guide dog, spoke about active shooter situations and how a blind person should protect themselves in such challenging scenarios. He actually recommended that guide dog handlers lay on top of their dogs to protect them and keep them from getting too anxious. He stressed how visually impaired individuals should be fully aware that they are “soft targets” to criminals and those with bad intentions. Carrying pepper spray or mace, for instance, is an option to ward off an attacker. The opening session at which Cassandra Jessy and ACB Ohio leader Katie Frederick spoke brought up some of the many important challenges faced by ACB and FCB today. I liked the discussion about how imperative it is to balance the “business” of an organization with actually having some fun through social activities. I also found what Katie said about hosting some adaptive sporting events throughout the year to get more younger members involved would be a fantastic idea for FCB. As a big beep baseball fan, I’d love to see a recreational event like this at our convention and even others around the state during the year. Cassandra made a solid point about giving younger members a “job” within a local chapter, such as creating and maintaining a Facebook page. While I admit I find certain discussions about legislative affairs somewhat lackluster, I must say the legislative panel put on an inspiring program. I particularly enjoyed hearing from the vivacious Debbie Grubb and the driven Gabriel Lopez-Kafati, both of whom spoke about their own advocacy efforts and what FCB members can do to make a difference in our society. The audience seemed to respond well, and I felt like everyone walked away feeling empowered. This was my first time observing a live FCB election process in which several new officers were sworn in. I thought it was interesting how Shelley Sawyer and Cassandra Jessy – two candidates for Second Vice President and the only office with multiple candidates – had fellow members speak on their behalf. I congratulate all of the new officers and look forward to seeing their fresh ideas brought to the table. Of course, I am incredibly appreciative of Jim Kracht and the outgoing executive team for their support to me over the past two years. Before I close, I must give some big shout-outs to Charlie Holzschuh and Genie Harrelson. Charlie is a member of our Pinellas chapter, and Genie is a family member of our president, Eugene Batke. Both of these amazing individuals were a tremendous help to our members and others at the convention and on our trips to and from Jacksonville. We could not have done what we did without their wonderful assistance. On the whole, I thought this convention offered plenty of variety and hope for a bright future for this great organization. I am looking forward to visiting some new venues in Orlando in the coming years, and I can’t wait for the convention to be near my old – and current – stomping grounds in Tampa in a few years. *** Getting Ahead of the Curve  By Doug Towne The Florida Council of the Blind (FCB) on 05-20-2018 unanimously passed a resolution calling for the Florida Secretary of State to require that electronic Poll Books be accessible to the blind and visually impaired. Immediate past President and Chairman of the Resolutions Committee, Paul Edwards, explained that in the past, the FCB had raised accessibility concerns about voting machines and vote-by-mail systems after the fact of their design and purchase. This time, we are getting ahead of the curve on electronic poll books.  The Florida Council of the Blind has now joined with the California Council of the Blind and the Michigan National Federation of the Blind in calling on their states to assure accessibility in the latest wave of new election technologies to begin entering the polling place. These resolutions are being forwarded to the respective national conventions in a request for national action.  Electronic poll books are coming, and they must be accessible to people with disabilities. They bring security, transparency, and the direct involvement of the voter in the verification of their eligibility to participate in the election process.  Engaging the voter at this level of participation assures them that their information is correct and provides a clearer understanding of the process, including the issues that require a person to cast a provisional Ballot. This releases the poll worker from the difficult – and sometimes frustrating – task of telling a voter why they must vote provisionally or not at all.  Providing accessible poll books can present the voter who is blind or visually impaired with the same information often posted in the polling place to inform voters of changes made in the election after the ballot was printed. Often, poll workers do not have the time to inform voters with these disabilities of the posted information.   Americans with disabilities want to participate in the entire election process. Why is it that Secretaries of State, Election Directors, and local-level election officials often appear surprised and even annoyed when we ask for accessibility to be required in the development of new technologies like electronic poll books? In effect, they are saying that they are providing accessible voting machines and polling places so people with disabilities should be satisfied. Let the word go forth from this time and place that we will not be satisfied until accessibility throughout society is a matter of course and not a source of frustration and annoyance. Accessibility must extend to all parts of community life and, most especially, elections where the fate of our lives is determined.  The population of Americans with disabilities is growing, and we take our responsibility as citizens seriously. Accessible elections at all levels of technology and locations are necessary for our participation to be confirmed as respected. As a person with a disability myself, I am growing frustrated at the fact that twenty-eight years after the Americans With Disabilities Act came into being, accessibility is still often an afterthought.  Americans with disabilities can in fact be the largest voting block across the nation. Could it be that this is the reason accessibility in the election process is given little thought, if any? Could it be that this effort to keep us from voting independently and privately is the most insidious institutional hate crime of all?  Just like with many other industries, the election world is being made more inclusive by technology. Perhaps I should say that it can be if the obstructionists would get out of the way of democracy. The more technology we have supporting our election process, the more inclusive and free it will be. Elections can be both secure and inclusive at the same time.  Many would argue that the more transparent and inclusive of everyone – including Americans with disabilities – our elections are, the more secure they will be. Only the smallest of minds with the self-centered points of view seek to limit the number of Americans who can vote freely, independently, and privately. They seek to guard the process as if it belongs to them alone.  Accessible electronic poll books, just like accessible vote-by-mail systems, provide all voters with a view into the process and the ability to vote at a time and place of their choosing, free from hardship and influence. Is that what narrow incumbent gatekeepers are afraid of? If we make it too transparent and too easy, then many Americans will exercise their most basic and important right as a citizen? The right to vote.  Douglas George Towne Chairman, Disability Relations Group *** GOCB Update By Martha James The annual FCB state convention was held from May 17 to May 20 in Jacksonville.  Our own Sheila Young was elected president of FCB.  Congratulations to her and to all those who have been elected to an office.  We look forward to a lot of good things to come.  The convention will be held in Orlando next year. On June 2, the chapter’s annual award and scholarship luncheon was held at Olive Garden.  There were two scholarships awarded this year because there was not one last year.  One of the scholarships went to Amanda Lannan, who is studying for her Ph.D., and the other one went to Leonardo Pena.  There were also two chapter awards that were given.  One went to Sheila Young, and the other went to James Harlow. The community service award was given to Susie Cool. GOCB will hold its next business meeting in September. However, we will get together over the summer socially. We have a pool party planned for August 4 at the home of Gary Sinclair. Thanks once again, Gary, for opening your lovely home to us. In addition, for those with computer access, GOCB is on Facebook. You can find us on Facebook by typing in “GOCB” in the search box. *** Mumbles from Miami Who Are We Missing? By Paul Edwards One of the truths that we do not pay much attention to is the fact that FCB is getting smaller! There was a time when we had more than 1,500 members. I do not know exactly how many members we have now, but I would be prepared to bet that it is significantly less than a thousand. We have a membership committee that is working on this issue, but I think we can do more at the local level, which is really where the rubber meets the road! Let me acknowledge that what is happening to FCB is happening to virtually every membership organization that's around. Lions clubs are folding and getting smaller. Professional organizations are shrinking, and our parent organization, ACB, is losing members, too! There are lots of reasons that are suggested to explain this phenomenon. People work harder and have less free time. People are more involved with the Internet and don't feel the need to be a part of membership organizations that require them to attend meetings. Many blind people are poor and can't afford to get to meetings. many blind people don't see our organization as relevant to them. Nationally, if statistics are right, only ten percent of people with visual impairments are members of consumer organizations. That means that ninety percent of those who are blind in this country remain isolated and uninvolved! As technology becomes more and more advanced, many people who lose their vision are finding tech solutions to their adjustment to blindness. For many older people who are losing their vision, any mention of joining an organization of blind people causes them to run the other way as fast as they can. The last thing they are prepared to admit is that they are blind. "I just don't see as well as I used to!" they say. Young people coming out of high school have been persuaded by their parents that they are better off with sighted friends rather than associating with "those people." College and work follow, and many younger blind people are much more plugged into the Internet than they are to organizations. So, do we just say that's the way it is and go on watching our organizations shrink? I don't think so! The truth is that most blind people know we exist, but they have no idea what we do and who we are! They don't know about our meetings, and they don't know that what we are doing is making things better for every one of them! We have to find ways to tell them. Part of the problem is that many of our chapters are doing their thing but aren't getting as involved in our communities as we should. Are we on local transportation committees? Do we serve on our city or county disability committee? Do we hold regular meetings with the District Administrator of DBS or the local head of the Lighthouse in our area? Do we have anything to do with the school system where young blind people are being educated? When we go to other local events for blind people like bowling leagues or other meetings, are we encouraging people to come to our meetings? The truth is that we have a lot to offer other blind people in our communities! Tell them what FCB is working on! Tell them about what your local chapter is working on! Let them know what changes you are working to make, and encourage them to help even if they aren't members yet! I would like to see each chapter set up a time where they can meet with each graduating class from each local agency serving blind folks. I would like to see every chapter doing what our Broward chapter is doing. They are sponsoring bowling for young kids during the Lighthouse Summer Program and will then meet with the kids to talk about FCB! We need members, but other blind people need us more! That is the way we need to see recruitment. We need to be proud of what we do and tell other blind people about it! Hold an open house once a year, and ask the local DBS office to help you advertise it and use the Talking Book Library at the local or state level to help you publicize it. Find out where groups of blind people are meeting whether through churches or through peer support groups, and go and talk with them. There is a lot each chapter can do! Other blind people need what we can offer, even if they don't know it! Think about what FCB means for you. It is a place where you can feel fully appreciated. It's an organization that's working to make things better, not just for our members, but for blind people everywhere in Florida. They need us and we need them! Let's find ways to show that ninety percent what they're missing! *** Sarasota Council Updates By Karen Christie Our Sarasota Council’s May meeting was held on the twelfth at Denny’s. There were no guest speakers at this meeting, as the main focus were the presentations of awards to the two Council scholarship winners for the year. After the readings of the Treasurer’s report and the minutes from the previous meeting, the scholarship winners said a few words after they were introduced to our group. Since this was our last business meeting before summer break, we basically just talked and enjoyed getting to mingle until it was time for the buses to arrive. We celebrated with some cupcakes and cookies after lunch, knowing that we’d have our first summer meet and eat in June. I did attend the first meet and eat, which was held on Saturday, June ninth at Der Dutchman, a local Amish restaurant. A good number of Council members were present. It was wonderful getting to socialize with everyone, but since this wasn’t a business meeting, there was no agenda, and there were no official topics to be discussed. If anything comes up at future luncheons, I will be happy to report it to all the WCB readers. Otherwise, on behalf of everyone in our Council, we hope you have a nice summer and will talk to you again after we meet starting in September. *** Q&A: Gabriel Lopez-Kafati By Greg Lindberg I’d like to thank Gabriel Lopez Kafati, one of FCB’s strongest and most hardworking advocates, for taking some time to answer the following questions about his unique life experiences and accomplishments: Q: Being from Honduras, when did you come to the U.S., and what brought you to this country? A: I was born and raised in Honduras. Growing up, Miami was like a second home for me. I would spend my summer vacations here with my parents and extended family. It was at the end of the year 2004 when I noticed that my vision loss was progressing at a more accelerated rate. I felt I had to do something to keep up and remain functional. Given that resources are so limited in my home country, I inquired about different possibilities elsewhere. This inquiry brought me to the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind, where I began my rehab training in January of 2005; there, I took courses in assistive technology, orientation and mobility, and independent living skills. After completing my rehab training, I was presented with an opportunity that would allow me to permanently stay in Miami. This was the best news I could have received since I did not feel that my newly-learned blindness skills would be easily transferable to an environment like the one in Honduras. Therefore, I stayed in Miami where I managed the local office for a coffee company based out of Honduras. Unfortunately, this was a temporary project, and I had to go back to Honduras after a couple of years. After this, I kept fighting to make my way back to the U.S. As a blind gay individual, this country offered me the freedom and protection I aspired to attain. Living in the U.S. also meant a wealth of personal and professional opportunities for me. In short, I felt that this country had all the conditions I needed to thrive. Q: What is your visual impairment? Is it something you've had since birth? Has your vision changed in your lifetime? A: The condition affecting my eye sight is Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP). This is a hereditary retinal degeneration that progresses with time. While I was born with RP, the first manifestation of the condition was not fully noticeable until I was 9 years old. At the beginning, I suffered some night blindness, near-sightedness, and some issues adjusting to light changes. My RP progressed in a very atypical way. I had long plateaus of stability followed by diminishment in my visual acuity. I started noticing a sever photophobia and started losing the ability to see details. This would be followed by another plateau of stability. This pattern remained until I reached my mid-20s. After age 25, I noticed a more accelerated and aggressive progression of the condition, hindering my abilities to read print, use a computer, and even navigate independently. After age 30 is when my vision really went downhill. My vision changed from one month to the other to the point that I could not even keep track of what I was able to see the previous month. During this accelerated vision loss, I realized that, even though I still had vision, my eyes were not providing any usable information. This remains to this day. Q: I know you have a guide dog, Posh. What kind of dog is she? How did you name her? Which school is she from? How long have you had her, and what has she meant to you in your independence? A: As I exposed myself to a greater number of blind and visually impaired individuals from different parts of the U.S., I noticed how guide dog users moved around so quickly and independently. So, I said to myself: “This is what I want!” However, I kept a log of pros and cons regarding the notion of having a guide dog. One day, I decided that I did not care for that list anymore. I felt I was ready, and I felt in my heart that I wanted a guide dog. After applying to different guide dog schools, I decided to work with Guiding Eyes for the Blind in New York. They made me feel supported along the process, and I felt comfortable with my interactions with them. It was on July 3, 2013 that I got matched with the most beautiful female yellow lab by the name of Posh. I immediately fell in love with her, and I couldn’t believe how even her name was so appropriate as she is such a diva. I noticed how she was the perfect match for me. She is so smart, perceptive, sweet, and sensitive. In a matter of no time, we were able to read each other as if we had been together for years. Well, I should probably say that she learned to read me much sooner than when I learned to read her. Having Posh in my life is an experience that I cannot fully convey in words. She gives me confidence, and she helps me navigate the most complicated routes with ease and promptitude. Posh loves to target places and objects, so when she knows what I’m looking for, she speeds up, takes me to the target, and looks up at me as she frantically wags her tail. I am always impressed by how she is able to gage if a space is enough for both of us to fit – and how she consults with me when she is in doubt if we will be able to make it through a narrow spot. Whether indoors or outdoors, walking with Posh gives me so much confidence. I just love the speed we gain and the way in which we just swift past by any obstacle. Besides the guiding part of having a guide dog, I am equally happy with the companionship Posh provides. She can perceive when I’m sad or not feeling well, and she immediately starts licking my face and standing on her hind legs, as if wanting to hug me. Every time she does that, she makes me laugh to the point that I forget why I was sad or depressed, at least for a couple of minutes. There’s nothing like cuddling with Posh on a cold night or when tears well in my eyes. Q: How did you get involved in FCB and your local Miami Beach chapter? What roles have you held in your chapter and at the state level? A: I have always been highly passionate about non-profit involvement, and I am a big believer in giving back to the community. At the beginning, I joined the Florida Council of the Blind to mingle and network with people who I knew had already walked the path I was just starting. I wanted to learn everything from FCB’s leaders that I could, and I aspired to get to the point where I was fully adapted to my vision loss and ready to work for newcomers. I quickly worked my way up within the Miami Beach Chapter. In 2011, I became our chapter’s vice president and Board Representative with FCB. This gave me more exposure locally and statewide. Locally, I engaged in organizing and executing events to promote awareness toward blindness and other disabilities. At the state level, I participated in FCB’s Executive Board Meetings and State Conventions. In 2013, as I was working toward my MBA, I was awarded the Teresa Blessing Scholarship by the Florida Council of the Blind. Currently, I am serving my second term as president of the Miami Beach Council of the Blind through which I manage the public relations of the Chapter, and I conduct all business with our parent organization. Along the course of my involvement with FCB, I have been a part of the Access, Constitution and Bylaws, Employment, and Education and Leadership committees. Since 2015, I have proudly represented FCB at our Legislative Seminar in Washington, D.C., where we visit Capitol Hill to advocate for the blind population of the United States. Currently, I Chair the Education and Leadership Committee, and I also sit on the Awards Committee. Q: I know you've mentioned being involved in Blind LGBT Pride International through ACB. What is that special affiliate like, and what has your experience been like in BPI? Do you or have you held any officer positions in this affiliate? A: Before I discovered the existence of Blind LGBT Pride International (BPI), I was convinced that I was the only blind gay guy in the world. Then, of course, reason conquered in my mind, and I knew that was statistically impossible. “But where were these other folks?” That was the question in my mind. So, I decided to do a Google search, and I typed in “blind gay,” and bingo! I have to admit that toward the beginning, I was a behind-the-scenes member of BPI. At that point, I was not fully out of the closet and still under the shadow of an unhealthy relationship with my partner of 12 years. As I freed myself from that situation, and came to terms with my own identity, I started embracing who I was. It took me awhile, but I became the out and proud gay man that I am today. BPI played such an important role in my process of coming out and feeling happy with myself. I was beyond ecstatic to learn that I was not alone! I felt at home with other folks who had suffered my same struggles and who had felt my same feelings – folks who, like myself, were blind and gay. Most importantly, I was mesmerized to see them so complete and happy with their lives. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: “”Finding BPI was a life-changing experience for me!” While BPI is a home for us blind and visually impaired persons who are also part of the LGBT community, one of the things that I love most about the organization is its spirit of inclusion. Everyone is welcome in BPI. Whether blind or sighted, gay or straight, this is an organization with a special spot for everyone. I love the fact that BPI offers that space where we can all mingle and forget about our differences. The spirit of BPI is marked by an open mind. We don’t judge. In BPI, there are no taboos, and we try to get rid of pre-conceived ideas as much as possible. When I attended my first ACB National Convention in Louisville in 2012, I immediately jumped into the water with BPI. I got elected as Treasurer of the Board of Directors, and I became fully engaged. I worked on several committees- Fundraising, Budget and Finance, and Planning. After a couple of years, I became vice president for BPI. I worked on managing the internal and external communications of the organization. I did Public Relations, managing web site, newsletter, and social media. I also maintained relations with ACB, other affiliates, and other LGBT organizations on behalf of BPI. This is my third year as Chair of the Planning Committee where I had managed the planning and execution of BPI’s Annual Conference and Convention under the umbrella of ACB’s National Convention. Currently, I am still vice president, but have just submitted my Letter of Interest to run for the seat of president for the period 2018-2020. Q: What kind of work have you done in your career? A: I graduated from High School in Honduras and immediately enrolled in Law School. After I graduated as a Corporate Lawyer, I worked with an international law firm in Honduras. I represented local and multi-national companies in tax copyright law. I also did international trade contracts and compliance during my time as an attorney in Honduras. At the end of 2005, I started managing the Miami-based operation of a coffee roaster from Honduras. Once I completed this project, I went back to Honduras, where I managed the International Sales Division of that same coffee company. As I decided to pursue my MBA, that same company granted me a license to do so. I came back to Miami, where I completed my degree at the Andreas School of Business at Barry University. Once graduated, I kept working with the same company as an independent consultant. Afterwards, I worked as the International Insurance Developer for Baptist Health International. I cleared insurance plans for patients who came from abroad for medical examination and/or treatment at Baptist Hospital in South Florida. I coordinated their medical appointments. I made sure they had lodging and transportation arrangements, and I kept a database of all international insurance brokers in the Caribbean and Latin America. I also assisted in generating reports for a reengineering process that Baptist was undergoing at the time. After that, I became involved in politics. I worked as an Education Outreach Consultant for Democracy Live, a company that offers accessible solutions for voting information and equipment. I maintained communication with Election Officials of different Florida counties. I offered webinars and training for them to test the accessible solutions we offered, and I arranged meetings to discuss accessibility of voting equipment. I also worked as a Fellow with the Democratic Party of Florida. I did phone banking, voter registration, and canvassing for the Hillary Clinton Campaign in 2016. Currently, I work as Adaptive Technology Specialist with the ACCESS department of Miami Dade College. I am also in the process of completing my certification to become a Life Coach. In my position at Miami Dade College, I manage all of the assistive technology for students with disabilities. I conduct technology screenings to assess the needs of each student in terms of special accommodations. I also determine their level of proficiency in the use of different assistive technology solutions, and I recommend additional training when necessary. I collaborate with Student Advisors in meeting with students to discuss their academic path and their roadmap at the College. I am in charge of maintaining the inventory of assistive technology and other ADA equipment. I analyze the needs of students, and recommend equipment to be purchased by the College. I also participate in the process of searching for and applying for Grants that provide funds for the provision of services for students with disabilities in the higher education field. Q: What are your hobbies? A: When it comes to hobbies, I guess you could say I am very eclectic. There is a wide range of activities I enjoy. However, a couple of them are at the top of my list. Traveling: I enjoy visiting new places, meeting new people, trying new foods, and living new experiences. I enjoy every part of traveling – from packing to the airports to nice hotels. My favorite part of traveling, though, is flying. I love to get on an airplane. I love the sounds, the smells, and the sensation of being up in the air for hours. I am convinced that if I would not have been visually impaired, I would have been a commercial airline pilot. Wining and dining: I simply love a good glass of wine and a nice meal. Full disclosure: when I say “glass,” I really mean “bottle.” Of course, the experience of a nice wine must be paired up with good company. So, I enjoy wining with a cool group of old and new friends. When it comes to food, I simply enjoy eating. For me, a meal is so much more than a mere source of nourishment. I enjoy a good meal with the good company of family and friends. I can go from a burger to foie gras, as long as it is done in a nice environment and with enjoyable company. Yoga and working out: I love to keep active. I feel the need to exercise, and I go for the full experience. While I enjoy my workout at the gym, my favorite physical activity is yoga. I feel I get so much from my yoga practice. I love the synchronicity between my breath, my movements, and my thoughts. I love that yoga gives me a full body, mind, and soul workout. I love how I can translate my yoga practice to my daily living, and how through my yogi learnings, I can improve my life and the lives of others. Music: whatever I’m doing and wherever I go, I feel there is always a tune that goes with my mood. While I am very open to all genres, my favorite is Classical. I love the Opera and visit the Opera House whenever possible. I even travel just to attend a performance of an Opera that is close to my heart. My favorite composer is W. A. Mozart, and I feel how, through his music, he speaks to my heart. Even though Classical music remains my favorite, I easily switch to more contemporary beats. From Latin to rock, from pop to electronic, from R&B to jazz, from rap to new age, I am sure to be in the mood for each genre at some point in any given week. *** A Letter of Thanks By Henry Laster To my friends with the Jacksonville Chapter, I am writing this letter to the WCB to show my gratitude to you guys. This letter is going out to each of you. You guys have done an outstanding job with welcoming me into your gaggle. You have extended a hand of friendship when I needed it most. At first, I really didn’t want to deal with anyone, thinking that there was no one else like me. I finally got in touch with the Division of Blind Services in Jacksonville, and then they in turned referred me to VERC (formerly known as I-Lab). I really didn’t know what to expect at that point. I went through the computer classes, job readiness, and Orientation & Mobility and passed each course. I really had no support group at the time, so I still felt left out of the loop. One day, I was browsing the Wide Wide Web of sorts, and I came across the website for the Florida Council of the Blind. At the time, Sally Benjamin was the person who answered the Project Insight phone calls and e-mails. I asked her if they had a Jacksonville chapter, and she said “yes,” so I asked for more information regarding the Florida Council of the Blind and also the Jacksonville Chapter. She gave me some great insight as to both of the organizations. She also provided me with Barbara Brown’s number. I then asked her if Jacksonville might be willing to help me pay for my 1st year of dues. She actually told me that Barbara, whose phone number she gave me, said that she might be more than willing to pay for it. So I then in turn called Barbara. On the 1st phone call, I didn’t leave a message as I was afraid and didn’t know what to expect. Barbara returned my empty message call ,and I let the call go to my voicemail as I was still chickening out as I didn’t know what to expect. Barbara was so sweet on her voicemail that she left for me. She said, “Yes, my name is Barbara, and someone called me from this number but didn’t leave a message, so I don’t know who I am returning the phone call for. So, whomever it was, please call me back.” After I heard the message, I immediately called her back, and she answered. We spent about 2 hours on the phone that night, and she told me that the meeting was coming up that Monday as we had talked on a Thursday. She gave me the location. I asked her about membership dues, and she told me if I made it to the meeting, she would be honored to pay for my 1st year’s dues. I felt blessed that I thought I had made a friend. I had all weekend until Sunday to book my trip on JTA Connexion to get to the meeting location. So, right at 4:59 p.m., I called Connexion and booked my trip to get to the meeting. I was the 1st one at the meeting, and then Barbara came in. I was still chicken to introduce myself to her. Then the meeting started, and if I’m not mistaken, it was Toni who said that there was a guest., I was prompted to introduce myself, and I finally got the gumption to do it. I did it and was glad that I did. I have been accepted in this group through thick and thin. I have now been a faithful member of the Jacksonville chapter for 4 years. I have loved every bit of being a member and will continue to be a member no matter what. With loving regards, Henry W. Laster *** How the Visually Impaired Can Prepare for a Hurricane By Greg Lindberg (Editor’s note: Some content in this article was originally published on www.brailleworks.com on 08/18/2015.) Hurricane season is underway once again in the Sunshine State. Most of us are aware of the commonly suggested tips and tricks on how to keep yourself, your family, and your residence safe should a major storm come your way. However, you may not be aware of some simple strategies you can use to make this experience a little less stressful if you have a visual impairment. Consider these 8 tips: 1. Create a plan. Having a strategy should always come first. Figure out evacuation routes/family plans, emergency contact information, as well as who and what is going with you. You should do all this well in advance of the storm. 2. Have copies of your most important documentation. Keep them safe in watertight containers or in ziploc bags. Putting Braille labels on items for your own sake can help keep you organized if you need to find something in a hurry on your own. Some examples to include are medical prescriptions and records, social security cards, birth certificates, passports, military IDs, mortgage documents, and even proof of your current address. Just remember to keep these copies safe and secure at all times, including when it’s not Hurricane season. 3. Have a network of neighbors, friends, and family that can alert you to emergencies and evacuation orders when you’re not aware. Having someone give you a warning call can give you precious extra time to get out and stay safe. This network should also know how to contact you after you evacuate due to a hurricane. 4. Keep a hurricane safety kit on hand. This should include items that can help yourself and your family survive for three days. Items may include nonperishable food, water, a first aid kit, and batteries. If you have a guide dog, be sure to have enough supplies on hand for this animal as well. 5. Have an extra white cane with you. If your residence or the place you’re staying loses power or sustains damage or flooding, it may be difficult to find the white cane or other devices you normally use for mobility. In general, you can never have too many canes. 6. Set aside some cash in case you can’t use a credit or debit card. Consider labeling or arranging this money as well so you can easily identify it. 7. For your cell phone, consider purchasing a portable charger. This device can be charged ahead of time, and then you can connect your phone to it and charge it when the power is out. 8. Have a portable AM/FM radio with batteries on hand. In this age of smartphones, mobile devices, and smart speakers, it’s easy to forget about a good old-fashioned radio, which can provide valuable information on a storm when the power and Internet are out. *** 19th Annual Blind Bowling Tournament By John Harden The Daytona Beach Blind Bowlers would like to invite you to participate in the 19th Sunshine Invitational Blind Bowling Tournament (SIBB), which is to be held in Daytona Beach, Florida. It will be held over the Labor Day Weekend from Friday, August 31st thru Sunday, September 2nd. We have invited bowlers within the United States who are members of the American Blind Bowlers Association (ABBA). However, to participate in the tournament, you do not have to be a member of any association, and sighted family members and friends are welcome to bowl. SIBB is designed to promote the blind bowling program by introducing new bowlers to its many benefits while providing seasoned bowlers with competition that is challenging and fun. The fun begins Friday night at 7 p.m. with a "meet and greet" hospitality get together. The registration desk will be located there as well, and you will be able to pick up your schedule at this time. This will be an opportunity for you to make new bowling friends and reunite with old ones! As always, there will be plenty of cheer, plenty of food, and lots of good company. Don’t miss out on all the southern hospitality. Saturday morning will be the team event, followed in the afternoon by a Nine-Pin No Tap Tournament that will be a fundraiser for the Halifax Council of the Blind, a chapter of the Florida Council of the Blind. On Saturday evening, the hospitality room will be open with a taco bar and plenty of good cheer. On Sunday morning/afternoon, there will be two squads of singles/doubles if necessary. Please let us know if you have a time preference – morning, or afternoon. On Sunday evening, we will open the hospitality room at 7 p.m. Throughout the weekend in the hospitality room, we will display several assorted gift cards for restaurants, stores, and Uber. You will be able to buy raffle tickets for any cards that you like, and we will pick the winners on Sunday evening. All proceeds from this raffle will help cover hospitality room expenses. We will also have t-shirts available for sale for $20 each. Reservations can be made at the Lexington Inn & Suites at 2323 S. Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach Shores, Florida 32118. The Lexington Inn is on the beach, and a complimentary buffet breakfast is served daily. Rates are $84 per night plus 12.5% sales tax. For reservations, call 386-255-0476. Reservations must be made by August 5, 2018. Be sure to let them know you are with the Sunshine Blind Bowlers Tournament in order to get the special rate. All rooms are furnished with a microwave, fridge, and a balcony. Bowling events will be: Team, Doubles, Singles, All, with a registration fee ($58) Nine-Pin No Tap Fund Raiser ($20 each) For further information about the tournament, you can contact John Harden at (386)846-1325, or you can send an e-mail to sandymcdan01@yahoo.com. *** Poetry Corner By Shelley Sawyer Don’t you just love a good story? I have a particular fondness for this one because the animal in the story comes out on top, beating the humans hands down. Here’s to the one that got away! Ode to Big Blue By Gordon Lightfoot The oceans of the world were the home of Big Blue, He was the greatest monster that the world ever knew; And the place that he loved best was the waters to the west, Around the blue Pacific he did roam. Big Blue moved alone for a mighty blue was he, And the battles of the whales were an awesome sight to see; And he took them one by one and he drove them all away, In the mating of the day he was the king. Big Blue had fifty wives and he sired forty sons, Though most of them fell victim to the cruel harpoon guns; Ah but he was too much wise to get caught by the gunners' eyes, And so he lived at sea a hundred years. His mouth was as large as a tunnel so they say, His hide was thick as leather and his eyes quick and small; And his back was all scarred by the times he got away, And he knew the smell of whalers did Big Blue. Big Blue passed away to his natural decay, Beside the Arctic Circle as he travelled up that way; And there never was a man who was born with a gunner's hand, Who ever took a pan to Big Blue. Now the gray whale has run and the sperm is almost done, The finbacks and the Greenland rights have all passed and gone; They've been taken by the men for the money they could spend, And the killing never ends, it just goes on. *** FCB OFFICERS, 2018 – 2020 President, Sheila Young 2304 Amherst Ave., Orlando, FL 32804 sheilayoung125@att.net (407) 425-9200 1st Vice-President, Mikey Wiseman 591 E. 15th St., Hialeah, FL 33010 wisemanmikey@gmail.com (305) 331-4870 2nd Vice President, Cassandra Jessie 408 White St., Daytona Beach, FL 32114 cassandrajessie@gmail.com (850) 980-0177 Treasurer, Mark Lear 708 Kristina Court, Port Orange, FL 32127 learm52@icloud.com (386) 788-0463 Membership Secretary, Sally Benjamin 1531 Dempsey Mayo Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308 salbenjamin@comcast.net (850) 877-1512 Recording Secretary, Mary Tyson 291 Eddie Ave., Holly Hill, FL 32117 mtyson541@bellsouth.net (386) 212-9496 Immediate Past President, James Kracht 9901 SW 138th Street, Miami, FL 33176 jkk48@bellsouth.net (305) 251-6983 or (407) 378-3477 Editor of White Cane Bulletin, Greg Lindberg 3145 Meadow View Ln., Palm Harbor, FL  34683 glindberg@gmail.com (727) 543-9807 FCB Administrative Assistant, Kati Lear (800) 267-4448 (386) 763-3836     floridacouncil@comcast.net *** FCB CHAPTER & 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 Council of the Blind: James kracht jkk48@bellsouth.net (305) 251-6983 Clay Council of the Blind: Mark Lear learm52@icloud.com (386) 788-0463 Greater Miami Council of the Blind: Sheila Young sheilayoung125@att.net (407) 425-9200 Greater Orlando Council of the Blind: mark Lear learm52@icloud.com (386) 788-0463 Halifax Council of the Blind: Sheila Young sheilayoung125@att.net (407) 425-9200 Jacksonville Council of the Blind: Cassandra Jessie cassandrajessie@gmail.com (850) 980-0177 Manatee County Council of the Blind: Sally Benjamin salbenjamin@comcast.net (850) 877-1512 Miami Beach Council of the Blind: Sheila Young sheilayoung125@att.net (407) 425-9200 Miami Metro Council of the Blind: James kracht jkk48@bellsouth.net (305) 251-6983 Northwest Florida Chapter of the Florida Council of the Blind: Mikey Wiseman wisemanmikey@gmail.com (305) 331-4870 Palm Beach Council of the Blind: Sally Benjamin salbenjamin@comcast.net (850) 877-1512 Pinellas Council of the Blind: Sheila Young sheilayoung125@att.net (407) 425-9200 Sarasota Council of the Blind: Mary Tyson mtyson541@bellsouth.net (386) 212-9496 South Sarasota County Council of the Blind: Mikey Wiseman wisemanmikey@gmail.com (305) 331-4870 Southwest Florida Council of the Blind: mary Tyson mtyson541@bellsouth.net (386) 212-9496 Tallahassee Council of the Blind: Cassandra Jessie cassandrajessie@gmail.com (850) 980-0177 Tampa Council of the Blind: Sally Benjamin salbenjamin@comcast.net (850) 877-1512 Braille Revival League of Florida: Mikey Wiseman wisemanmikey@gmail.com (305) 331-4870 Coalition for the Concerns of the Totally Blind: Mark Lear learm52@icloud.com (386) 788-0463 Florida Council of Citizens with Low Vision: Cassandra Jessie cassandrajessie@gmail.com (850) 980-0177 Guide Dog Users of Florida: Mary Tyson mtyson541@bellsouth.net (386) 212-9496 Randolph Shepherd Vendors of Florida: James kracht jkk48@bellsouth.net (305) 251-6983 *** 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 21 27