THE WHITE CANE BULLETIN Florida Council of The Blind, Inc. May – June 2019 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) 980-0205 or E-mail: salbenjamin@comcast.net TABLE OF CONTENTS President’s Message by Sheila Young … 3 GOCB Update by Martha James … 4 Tallahassee Council Update by Sila Miller … 4 Mumbles from Miami by Paul Edwards … 5 Educating New Drivers on the White Cane Law by Sherry Molengraft … 6 Climbing the Hill to Empowerment by Greg Lindberg … 7 Transportation Day in Tallahassee by Sherry Molengraft … 9 Tech Corner by John Richards … 10 The Top 5 Benefits of Learning to Read Braille by Jasmyn Polite … 10 Big Diamond or a Cruise? (Pt. 2) by Sila Miller … 12 A Unique Memory by Charles Kercher …14 Poetry Corner by Shelley Sawyer … 14 This and That by Greg Lindberg … 15 FCB Officers, 2018 – 2020 … 16 2018-2020 FCB Chapter and Special Affiliate Officer Liaisons … 17 Handy Telephone Number References … 19 *** President’s Message May-June 2019 By Sheila Young? Dear FCB members, As I write this, it is hard for me to believe that our state convention is right around the corner, and it will be the culmination of my first year as president of this great organization. I can certainly say that it has been a busy year, with most of your executive committee being new officers and working to learn the expectations of our membership. I can assure you that we have all done our best to fulfill the positions that the members have entrusted us with. It has been wonderful to have your feedback, to hear if we were doing things correctly, or if there was opportunity to make a change in our approach. We can only learn through each other, and we truly value your input. Your convention committee has been very busy planning this year’s convention, and we hope that it will be one of the best ones yet! FCB is excited to say we will have access to AIRA service throughout the convention. Thank you, AIRA, for allowing us to use your service during this year’s conference. Our trip to Washington was an educational and invigorating one. We were delighted to have 13 members of FCB attend the legislative seminar, and I think we all felt we made an impression on our Florida legislators. I am looking forward to attending the American Council of the Blind national convention in Rochester New York in July of this year. Please join me in wishing Dan Spoone the best of luck as he runs for the office of ACB president, and we will be there to support him in his endeavor. Members of FCB are still working with Charter for all of the customers who are in need of the accessible set-top cable boxes, and we will keep you informed as that moves forward. We are also staying on top of the legislators regarding accessible voting as we know how important that is for all of you. I look forward to seeing all of you in Orlando. It is our membership that brings life and enjoyment to the annual conference. Please remember that I am only a call or email away, and without all of you, the FCB would not be successful. Sincerely, Sheila Young, FCB president *** GOCB Update By Martha James Thanks to everyone who participated in the Site and Soul Walk-fest to raise money for Lighthouse Central Florida. We were able to raise $1,135 to support their efforts. On March 27th, the chapter participated in another Dine and Donate at Tijuana Flats, despite the cold weather.  The GOCB will again host a fun night of trivia on April 27.     Everyone will receive a free drink, and the VFW women’s auxiliary once again is graciously providing food. The silent auction will feature at least 40 items to bid on. Thanks go out to Leslie Spoone for collecting the auction items and prizes. Thanks also to everyone who plans to participate in making this an evening to remember. The annual FCB state convention will be held from May 16 to May 19.   This year, it is being held in Orlando.  On June 1, the chapter’s annual Awards and Scholarship luncheon will be held at Red Lobster. 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. *** Tallahassee Council Update By Sila Miller Of late, the Tallahassee Council of the Blind has been active and busy. From a spirited birthday celebration at a local Italian restaurant to hosting a forum for Marty Klein, author, humanitarian and fellow blind advocate to update us on his ongoing work with Why Can’t We Serve – the “movie turned-movement.” Did you know? Twenty-two veterans take their own lives every day. If you’re not outraged, you’re not paying attention! The Americans with Disabilities Act requires all major businesses and corporations to hire people with disabilities. This applies to most government agencies as well, with one glaring exception—the U.S. military, which is not required to comply with the ADA. Author, disability activist, and blind Air Force veteran Marty Klein has completed production of a feature-length documentary film called “Why Can’t We Serve.” The goal is to help reduce the number of veteran suicides taking place in our country every day, as well as raise the standard of living for all people with disabilities. The documentary is a little less than one hour and is painful, educational, uplifting, and inspiring. To learn more about this initiative, visit the website at www.whycantweserve.com. As many other affiliates have, TCB has struggled with some banking issues. We are pleased to report success. We registered with sunbiz.org and, in cooperation with FCB’s leaders, developed a document outlining steps for others to navigate this frustrating paperwork maze. For information about or access to this document, contact FCB treasurer Mark Lear. In early January, four TCB members, including TCB president Nancy Folsom, went to the state capital and spoke to the Senate Ethics committee. Nancy read a letter from FCB president Sheila Young and immediate past president Jim Kracht. The letter urged passage of SB268 – Voting Methods. Among other things, the bill authorizes voting to be conducted using an accessible voter interface device that produces a voter-verifiable paper output. Several members testified about how important voting independently is to them and expressed concern that all votes be verifiable. On our horizon are a bowling date and fundraiser at a local Tijuana Flats Mexican restaurant. Stay tuned for more news from the advocates in TCB! *** Mumbles From Miami Not Enough Time By Paul Edwards A few years ago, I wrote a series of articles for The Braille Forum that talked about how I spent my technology time. I talked about several technologies that I was significantly involved with, including satellite radio and Internet radio. At the heart of these articles was the fact that there is simply not enough time to do all the technological things I enjoyed. Obviously, in addition to Internet radio and satellite radio, there are books. I try to read at least three or four books a week and also spend time reading newspapers using NFB's Newsline. I usually read newspapers on my Victor Reader Stream rather than using the phone, but both are available. I subscribe to 30 or more newspapers and usually like to read several versions of the few stories each day that really interest me. About two years ago, another whole panoply of options became a part of my day, and it is this new interest I want to talk to you about in this article. The new time taker is podcasts. The word "podcast" is a portmanteau word. It takes "pod" from iPod and "cast" from broadcast. The word was invented in 2004 by Ben Hammersley, a journalist for The Guardian newspaper in the UK. Sources not wishing to tie this new arrival to Apple have used the terms "netcast" and have claimed that "pod" is for "portable on demand.” Regardless of what it is called, the "podcast" has become an immensely popular approach to sharing information. It is also a medium that is particularly suited to people who are blind because most podcasts are audio files that are for listening only. There are those who would suggest that podcasts have fundamentally altered broadcasting. I am one of those. Many, if not most, programs now being broadcast are being made available as podcasts. The primary reason this has happened has to do with the fact that podcasts are automated. 60 Minutes, 20/20, and nightly television news programs are among many that can be automatically sent to your computer, smartphone, or Victor Reader Stream. To get a particular podcast, you subscribe to it. Once you have done that, your device checks to see when a new "episode" comes out and automatically downloads it so you can listen whenever you wish. Some podcasts come out five times per week. Some come out once a week and some are produced irregularly, so it is really cool to not have to check. When a new episode is released, you get it! There are tens of thousands of podcasts out there on every imaginable subject. Many are produced by ordinary folks because all you need is a computer and a microphone and you are in theory ready to go. However, the norm is far better. Many podcasts are professionally produced, and most are well edited and highly listenable. Most podcasts are free, though some are supported by advertising. I am subscribed to 30 or so podcasts. Half of them are blindness technology-specific, and half of them are related to news or books or science fiction. Novels have been released as podcasts. Dramas are available. Actually, there is no way you can listen 24 hours a day to put the slightest dent in the range of podcasts that I would love! Now, there are podcasts with video which are known as "vodcasts," and sometimes podcasts have associated PDF or epub files. Essentially, this means that sometimes written documentation associated with a particular podcast is available. Most people who access podcasts use mobile devices to receive them. This means that they can listen to podcasts while travelling without using data. It's difficult to know how to talk about the apps used to subscribe to podcasts on mobile devices because there are so many. These apps are known as "podcatchers," and I have two programs on my iPhone. One of the advantages of listening to podcasts which some podcatchers offer is the ability to vary the speed. I listen to many podcasts at twice to three times their normal speed, allowing me to get through a lot more podcasts than I could at a normal speed. I would say I use my "Stream" for 95 percent of the podcasts I regularly access, and I know that many of our readers have "Streams." So, I thought it might make sense to write a second article that goes through some of the processes that you can use on the stream to subscribe to podcasts and listen to them. I must say that I have become addicted to podcasts, and they are taking up more and more of my day. Maybe this article and the next one will make addicts of some of you. I think I will do a third article which talks about some of the podcasts I listen to and why I like them. so, stay tuned to the White Cane Bulletin for two more podcast articles! *** Educating New Drivers on the White Cane Law By Sherry Molengraft Pedestrian safety is very important for those who do a lot of walking, especially for those with little or no vision. So, we at the Jacksonville Council of the Blind have been going to a local high school to talk to the driver’s ed graduates about the white cane law. One of our members, Cachet Wells, set up meetings so that every nine weeks, we attend the two classes when the students receive their driver’s ed graduation certificates and talk to them about the white cane law and the need to be aware of pedestrians while they are driving. Many people do not know that there is such a thing as the white cane law, even though it has been around for many years. So, we felt if we start with beginning drivers and explain to them about the need to be on the lookout for people with white canes, and the fact that there is a fine involved, they may be more likely to pay attention to people walking. We feel it will not only help those with a white cane or a guide dog, but all pedestrians. It's not that most people want to run over anyone. It’s just that they are not paying attention to pedestrians. If they know there is a fine, and they are paying attention to people with canes, then they will probably pay attention to everyone who is walking and crossing the street. As many of you may know, Florida has the worst record for pedestrian safety of all the states. Of the top 10 worst cities with pedestrian deaths over a 10-year period, seven of those cities are in Florida. Jacksonville had the fourth-highest amount of pedestrian deaths over that 10-year period. We have also found that these driver’s ed students are very interested in what we have to say. We also speak about blindness issues in general and answer some questions the students have. We usually have three people attend from JCB to speak to the students. As it has turned out so far, there was one low vision individual, one who is totally blind, and another blind person with hearing aids. That gives the students a variety of insights. Last month, one of our members, Heather Taber, let the students walk around with her white cane and told the students to close their eyes and try to find their way around the classroom just to give them a little idea of what it's like to walk around without vision. The fully-sighted instructor surprised me by explaining to the students to pay attention to the warmth on their side to know they were walking by the window and also to listen to the street noise so they knew they were near the front door and to notice other audio clues. It pleased me that he even thought about that. We always hand out flyers and even the white cane bookmarks so that the students can take them home and show friends and family members what they have learned. After one session while waiting for my bus, I had a good time talking to five of the students who were waiting for their rides as well. We talked and joked about blindness and deafness issues but also just talked about other things like a first job and things that happen in school – in other words just having a nice time talking about everyday issues. I think doing this helps to let young people know that even though we have vision difficulties, we still are ordinary people with ordinary issues an ordinary life experiences. After all, these young people will soon be the leaders in our area, maybe even policymakers, or just people we will have to interact with on a daily basis. There are always opportunities to be at various places to speak to groups of people about the issues we face every day. One only needs to get out and look for those opportunities. *** Climbing the Hill to Empowerment By Greg Lindberg In February, I received an opportunity to attend the American Council of the Blind Legislative Session in Washington, D.C. As someone who doesn’t consider myself to be an extremely boisterous advocate for the blind community and someone who prefers to lead by example, I wondered if such a journey that involved a trip to Capitol Hill was right for me. I also feared a potential snowstorm – or at least a small dose of ice and snow – weather that this Florida boy isn’t used to. However, after making the trek, I am so glad I did. First off, I hate to toot my own self-driving car horn, but I must mention that I was grateful to be one of 10 ACB members to receive the first-ever JP Morgan/Chase Leadership Scholarship as a member of the Next Generation committee. This group comprises ACB members under age 40. Our group first convened by conference call this past September. So, needless to say, this has all been a bit of a whirlwind. Nicholas McNeill, a member of our Halifax Council in Daytona Beach, was a fellow recipient of the scholarship as well. Prior to making our way on the Hill to advocate, I got to participate in several events. Our Next Generation group had a meeting on Saturday, Feb. 23 at the Crown Plaza Hotel where we stayed. We also had a fun happy hour event that evening. Since I was mainstreamed in school, for the first time in my life, I can actually say I was surrounded by several younger visually impaired people in my generation. They came from all over the U.S. – Kentucky, Massachusetts, New York, California, Colorado, Wisconsin, and Washington State. I had some great conversations with several of these Next Generation members and learned so much about guide dogs, technology, and outdoor activities. That Sunday, I attended most of the presidents’ meeting and found myself interacting with some of the “top (guide) dogs” within ACB. We discussed fundraising and membership efforts for the organization. For dinner, our Next Generation group went out on the town to My Thai, a nice Thai restaurant in Alexandria. This was another great opportunity to socialize with my generation. Monday brought the legislative session. Several speakers made presentations on a wide range of subjects, including the need for accessible technology for diabetics, autonomous vehicles, cable TV, and more. I was quite impressed with the number of topics covered and the well-informed individuals who delivered such valuable information to those in the room. I was fascinated by a gentleman who said he was the first totally blind person to obtain an insulin pump in the early ‘90s, but now he no longer uses one since most are designed with inaccessible touch-screen technology today. Our big day was Tuesday, the day on which most members at the conference made their way into D.C. to meet with representatives and their staff. Our main goal was to educate these decision-makers on several issues important to us as blind and visually impaired citizens. Our Florida delegation was broken up into three groups. I had the pleasure of joining Paul Edwards, Mikey Wiseman, and Kathy Salemi on the Hill. We visited about seven different offices within the Longworth Building, all of which were House of Representatives members. Ted Yoho of the Gainesville area was the only representative who actually showed his face. The others had staff members either sit down with us in their conference rooms or even meet with us in the hallway of the building. Overall, I must say I felt very empowered being on the Hill, proudly walking with my white cane, and speaking about critical imperatives that mean so much to the blind community. Some of the staff members who greeted us were quite young and perhaps not very familiar with the issues we brought up. However, I’d say about half of them showed either a little interest or were quite engaged in the conversation and asked follow-up questions at the end. I must also give a shout-out to my friend, Ben, who tagged along for the ride. He guided me through the hotel, and we squeezed in some time to check out some sights and sounds around D.C. We went to the Newseum, a newspaper history museum that I’ve always wanted to check out. We also saw the White House, Washington Monument, and a few other major locations in our nation’s capital. This was a very unexpected adventure since I wasn’t made aware of the scholarship and opportunity until about five weeks before our plane would take off. So, it was certainly a pleasant surprise, and I’m incredibly grateful to ACB, our Next Generation committee, and to JP Morgan/Chase for providing the funding and a platform to make meaningful connections with so many special people. I certainly hope to attend future legislative conferences and more national conventions as well. *** Transportation Day in Tallahassee By Sherry Molengraft. I wanted to share my experience in Tallahassee for the Transportation Disadvantage Day on March 20 with a few other fellow members of the Jacksonville Council of the Blind. Our day started early – about 4 a.m. One of the ladies who needs a helper to bathe and dress had her PCA come at 2 a.m. so she could be ready. There were eight of us who took the paratransit bus, and two left the day before on Greyhound. We had a variety of individuals with varying abilities among us – two in wheelchairs, some with low vision, a couple of us who are totally blind, and someone with a guide dog. We went to the offices of several state representatives and one state senator. Our main priority was to talk about the necessity to keep funding for paratransit services for those who fall under the category of transportation disadvantaged. We mentioned how important it is to have transportation available for work opportunities, to go to school or other training classes, to go shopping, and to have an active social life. We talk to an aide for one of the representatives Who was not available. The aide said that it was very important that we, as the users of the system, were there to express our need for funding. He said sometimes funding may be cut or decreased, but when we show up to talk about why we need the funding, it causes them to reconsider and make sure we have the money necessary to keep the transportation going. As you may know, there are many groups with worthy causes asking for funding from the representatives. So, if people are not there to express why they need funding for their particular cause, they may get lost in the noise of other's asking for funding. It is very important to keep the needs of transportation disadvantage in the minds of those who decide where funding goes. The representative who was not able to meet with us later saw us sitting in the hall waiting for our next meeting, and he made it a point to come over and shake our hands and say “hello.” Several of the representatives always want to get their pictures taken with us. Since our group goes annually, some of the representatives remember us each year. One of the representatives came to our Jacksonville Council of the Blind White Cane Ball last year and said she had a very good time. She even asked me to make sure to invite her to our White Cane Ball this year again. One of the representatives even left her office and asked us to wait while she went to go get the chairperson for the funding committee so he could hear what we had to say to make sure he understood why we needed the funding. We also had the chance to express our desire that the funding stay in transportation and not be put toward general funding, which can be used for other needs. Everyone we talk to took notes, and a few even underlined sections in the paperwork we gave them. That showed that they were interested and listening to what we had to say. We got home around 8 p.m. or later. Even though it was a long day, I felt it was worth it and was a very productive day and time well spent. *** Tech corner By John Richards Does Smarter Mean Lazier?? Lights and appliances in our homes today are a far cry from those present in the homes of our grandparents and great-grandparents of a century gone by. Kerosene lamps and wood-burning stoves have long since given way to electric lights and modern ranges. However, not until the 21st century did we have devices from smart lights to ranges and microwaves that respond to voice commands. We can even talk to the devices that entertain us, cook our food, and secure our homes. What makes all of this modern technology possible? Is it computers? Software? The Internet? Basic electricity? All of the above are correct. However, the ever-changing advances in producing smaller and more powerful microchips, which allow them to store vast quantities of data, enable the smart devices we have learned to rely on as we muddle through our everyday lives to become smaller and more versatile in performing the mundane tasks we used to initiate manually. One does not have to go and physically secure the front door. Instead, just say it and your smart lock will do it for you. Why get off the couch or bed and adjust the volume of the device you are listening to or dim or brighten the lights? just merely give the command, and your smart gadget responds. Are our smart gadgets just that or a new, 21st-century narcotic? Can you put down your smartphone for an entire day and not pick it up? Are they ruling us, or are we controlling them? As for me, I will be glad to see an automated personal assistant that will be able to guide me around when needed and take care of all of my needs as I grow old, thus allowing me to live in my own home until I cease to live no longer. *** The Top 5 Benefits of Learning to Read Braille By Jasmyn Polite Imagine being in the dark on a stormy night. Everything is out and there’s nothing else to do but sit in the dark. All of a sudden, you pick up a book to read. However, you know that you can’t see the book because it’s dark. But it’s different because this book has a special quality. You open the book and realize that there are “dotz” in it! These “dotz” are known as Braille! You’re happy because you don’t have to use your eyes to read, and you won’t be bored! Instead, you’re using your hands to read to compensate for vision. Now you are satisfied that you have something to do until the power comes back on from the storm! There are so many benefits of learning Braille that you might not know – and I’m going to share five from my experience. Why Learn Braille? You might ask yourself, “Why should I learn Braille?” Or, “Is Braille for me?” These questions are a great start for making the decision to learn braille. There may be many reasons why you would like to learn Braille. One might be your losing your sight from a progressive eye condition such as glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa, or macular degeneration. You might also want to learn because you want to be able to communicate with other blind or visually impaired people. There are so many explanations for wanting to learn this code! 1. The ability to read in the dark When you are in a bad storm, or people are sleeping and you can’t turn on the light to read a print book, you can take out your Braille book and read without any lights! You don’t have to worry about disturbing anyone, or being bored during a blackout. In fact, the dark actually helps you concentrate better on reading that material you’re interested in. It actually makes reading more fun when you’re able to discover things without eyesight! It’s kind of like going on a new adventure. When I read or write Braille, I always use a pair of sleep shades. 2. Prepare for possible vision loss We don’t know what can happen to our sight in the future, so we must do everything we can to prepare for a possible vision loss. Progressive eye conditions such as glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy can cause you to lose your sight. When you have Braille, however, you don’t have to worry about not being able to do things because of vision loss. If you do lose your sight from an eye condition or accident, you can still do the things you want … with your fingers! Since I have glaucoma, a progressive eye condition, I’m dedicating my time to learn Braille in case I lose my sight. 3. Becoming literate When you read and write Braille, you never have to depend on sight to help you live your life after vision loss. According to Braille Works, American Printing House for the Blind conducts polls in each state to get data on children between the ages of four and 21. Out of the estimated 60,400 students that are attending public schools or public-run programs, only 8.5% read Braille. Those who didn’t read Braille had a harder time getting a job. How would you feel if you didn’t know how to read a book or newspaper and you had to always rely on someone else to do these tasks for you? What would be your feelings? I know if I couldn’t read my favorite book, I would be lost! This is why Braille is so vital to the blind and visually impaired. It’s like our heartbeat! I know that I will always be literate no matter what happens to my eyes! 4. Communicating with the blind effectively Think about it. If you are proficient in Braille, then you’ll be able to communicate with a friend or family member that is blind or visually impaired. You will be able to write letters, read books, and more with Braille once you master it! I remember as soon as I learned Braille, I was able to write to my friends who are blind, and I would get feedback from my friends. It makes you feel good when you’re able to communicate! 5. Developing more confidence in yourself As I started learning Braille, I noticed that my confidence was growing, and I had a more positive attitude on things I can do without sight. Braille is one of the best things I ever learned in my whole life, and I’m so grateful that Louis Braille invented this awesome code 200 years ago for the blind and visually impaired to function in this world! I strongly encourage all blind and visually impaired people to learn Braille and keep it in their every day lives. Once you learn this writing code, you will be able to function better in the sighted world. Braille is the key to literacy! Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on January 30, 2019 on the Blind New World website. *** Big Diamond or a Cruise (Pt. 2) By: Sila Miller My Belize memories are of drinking local beer on a deck overlooking the water and prowling around the touristy shops. Needing a bathroom break, we left the guys at the door of a public Men’s room. This outraged two local ladies who, upon seeing the guys brailling around with their canes, emphatically demanded we go in and help. Laughing, we tried to assure the ladies those guys had been blind a minute and would be fine. Skeptically one sing-songed. “I don’t think so.” We howled anew! I would be remis if I didn’t take a bit of real-estate to mention all the neat, helpful people invaluable toward making our trip so enjoyable. There was Alfirst, cute as a button and no bigger than a minute who unashamedly flirted with and flattered my hubby at every turn. We thought we had her hooked up with Ma-dee, our awesome stateroom steward, but he told us he already had a date. As it turned out, his date was with Suzy, his pillow. Dang it! Then there was the soft-spoken and beautiful Ki-Wi, our primary server in the dining room. That is one hard-working woman. I’d see her peddling tourist toys—water bottles, day packs, etc. early in the morning, way up on the Lido deck, a load heavier than her strapped on her shoulders. Chrisann, the barista in the little fu-fu coffee shop was another of my favorites with a ready smile and heavy hand with the whipped cream! Yep, she whipped every calorie outta that drink! And who could forget Frankie, our ever-enthusiastic cruise director. He’d end his ship-wide announcements with a high-pitched “Boop!” You’d hear fellow cruisers echoing that “Boop” everywhere—but when Robert began doing it, that really tickled me! The accents enthralled me from the start—everything from Russia to the Philippines, Argentina to Africa. As the anticipation of our cruise built, we'd often ask each other, "What's the first thing you're gonna do when you get on that ship?" Most often, Robert's answer was, “Get some of that soft-serve ice cream.” Pretty soon after boarding, we happened upon Swirls, home of the 24-hour Soft-Serve Ice Cream Bar! We grabbed a cone of that creamy addiction. Immediately hooked, Robert’s only complaint was the small size of the cones. The next time I treated myself to one of those fu-fu coffees, I repurposed that cup, filled er up with soft-serve and stuck in a spoon. Putting it into his unsuspecting hand, I queried, “Will that git er done?” I was rewarded with an enthusiastic “Awe, cool!” One afternoon caught us with a little free time, and we went ship exploring. As the old saying goes, “It’s better to ask forgiveness than permission.” If there were “Staff Only” signs, I couldn’t see them and began trying unlocked doors. We soon found ourselves “off the grid, traveling downward where it became hotter and closer and louder. Robert had expressed interest in the screws (ship propellers) and excited, he went forth with purpose. All too soon, he encountered that locked door and no other avenues except a chickening-out wife and back the way we’d come. Sorry, Honey! Since then, I’ve learned a few facts I found interesting and in hopes you might too – here goes. The Titanic passenger vessel featured two propellers, each with three blades measuring 23-and-a-half-feet and weighing 38 tons each. The propellers were made of bronze metal. Each of these propellers was powered by a separate engine, creating a total power of 30,000 hp. Another honorable mention was the Bismarck battleship, sporting three propellers, each 4.7 meters in size and made of manganese bronze alloy. These huge propellers could move at speeds of 270 revolutions per minute. The two absolute largest “screws” featured on the website, 8 Biggest Ship Propellers in the World weighed in at 131 and 101.5 tons, respectively, and their heights compare to that of a three-story building. WOW! Roatan, Honduras, also referred to as Mahogany Bay, is a small island, just four miles wide and 40 miles long. It holds sweet memories of laughter a plenty, dancing in the sand, the very best guacamole I’ve ever put into my mouth, and Kayaking with my friend, Mitzi. This beautiful rugged Caribbean outpost has very narrow, steep, bumpy roads, delightful people who drive way too fast, and iguana hunters and eaters! Our guide gave us instruction about which ones are juicy and tender and which ones to avoid (the red ones), lest they find you tender and juicy! She asked who among us would try eating iguana. The horrified look on Robert’s face was priceless. Of course, you know I raised my hand high! We visited a sturdy, comfortable beach house, and while sipping and chillin’, a sweet, old island dog from out of nowhere singled me out, just coming to rest under my dangling hand! Thinking he must be hungry, I tried to share my lunch, but it was lovin’ he was after. He made his rounds and returned to me, content to lie quietly beside my chair. Our last stop was Grand Cayman, the largest of the three islands that make up the Cayman Islands and home to the “Dancing Constable”, who we came to know as Fabian O’Connell. He took us literally by the hand and personally escorted us through our visit to beautiful little George Town. Dedicated to a fault, when Fabian was called away to attend to his “real job”—a fender-bender causing a traffic jam-- he left us in the care of a jewelry store security guard, charging him with escorting us to the rum cake shop and back to the ship. My last sight of this hunk was him dancing in the middle of the street in the rain while directing traffic and waiving farewell. It was in the Cayman Islands where I enjoyed my first taste of ceviche, a South American dish of marinated raw fish or seafood, typically served as an appetizer. YUM! In fact, I’m happy to report that I ate seafood every day except one while on vacay! The Cayman Islands are also home to the fun, over-the-top, never-taking-itself-too-seriously Big Black Dick Dark Caribbean Rum! According to the website, Big Black Dick, born of royal African parentage, captured by French slavers who reject his true name and decide to call him Richard Le Noir, meaning ‘Black Richard’, gets tossed overboard by the slavers near an uncharted Caribbean island, where he miraculously swims ashore, only to be captured into slavery, working in the cane fields. After years of labor, he learns the secret of turning sugar cane into the Caribbean’s finest rum. Being such an honest, hard-working guy, he is granted his freedom in the early 1700s. He immediately becomes a dashing pirate, waring incredible purple velvet, carrying four pistols, and becomes known as Big Black Dick, the Pirate. Unlike other pirates, he lives a long, hearty pirate life, and retires to a fine life making his famous Pirate Rum, Secret Seasonings, and Hot Sauce. Though likely a fable, what a backdrop for an edgy, yet brilliant marketing campaign! A cruise is a superb vacation choice for folks with visual challenges. You visit many places, let someone else do the driving, don’t have to pack and unpack, and there’s something for everyone to eat and do within walking distance. Most importantly, you can get help with the “seeing” aspects of life. It is evident much advocacy work has been done already as most cruise lines’ information is accessible. The language can sometimes pose a challenge, but with a bit of patience, can be worked out. Would I go again? We’re already planning and saving for it! Editor’s Note: This is Part 2 of this article. Part 1 was published in the March-April 2019 issue of the WCB. *** A Unique Memory By Charles Kercher I was, I think, eight years old. I was with my father on a trout stream in Wyoming.  He had left me at a spot on the stream that was a little wider, to play.  The water was about a foot-and-a-half deep and very cold. I made my way to the far side and dropped down into a hole, over my head.  The water was very clear and I could see large tufts of grass growing from the sides, but when I pulled on them they pulled out. Then I looked up through the clear water.  I saw the form of my father.  It seemed as if he were flying.  His arms came into the water and saved me. My memory of him above me is brilliant to this day. Editor’s Note: The above short story was written by Charles Kercher, an 87-year-old student at the Lighthouse of Manasota. He had to write this story in Braille for a class he is taking with his instructor, Maddy Spencer. He and his wife, Liz, are members of the Manatee County Council of the Blind. *** Poetry Corner By Shelley Sawyer The Flower that Shattered The Stone Written and performed by John Denver The earth is our mother, just turning around, with her trees in the forest and roots underground. Our father above us, whose sigh is the wind, paints us a rainbow without any end. Sparrows find freedom beholding the sun, in the infinite beauty, we're all joined in one. I reach out before me and look to the sky, did I hear someone whisper, did something pass by? As the river runs freely, the mountain does rise. Let me touch with my fingers, and see with my eyes. In the hearts of the children, a pure love still grows. Like a bright star in heaven that lights our way home, like the flower that shattered the stone. *** This and That By Greg Lindberg “This and That” is a regular feature that consists of various tips, tricks, recipes, and a potpourri of other items of interest. If you come across anything like this or have an original idea you’d like to share, feel free to send it to me for consideration in this section. Street Smarts Money Saving Tips - How to Save Money on Spring Cooling Costs As spring approaches, almost everyone is excited at the prospects of warm weather and days spent outdoors. For homeowners, however, spring can also bring a little bit of dread because of increased cooling costs. Here are a few ways homeowners can keep their home cool during the spring without breaking the bank. Take advantage of overnight temperatures. While daytime temperatures in the spring are fairly warm, the temperature at night is still pretty cool. If you want to keep your cooling costs low, crack your windows to take advantage of these low nightly temperatures. Leaving your windows open means you'll only need to use your air conditioner during the day, which could lower your cooling costs significantly. (This one might not apply to us quite as much in Florida!) Keep your air filter clean. Maintaining the efficiency of your cooling system is another way you can lower your energy costs. For instance, clogged air filters can make your air conditioner work harder, which may cause your monthly energy bills to increase. Once a month, you should check your air filter to see if it's clogged and needs to be changed. Keeping your air filter clean will promote free airflow and optimal air-conditioner performance. Pay attention to how you cook. Many homeowners don't realize that cooking can add a tremendous amount of heat to the interior of the home, causing the air conditioner to work overtime to keep the house cool. Fortunately, there are ways to address this problem. First, using kitchen exhaust fans can remove the excess hot air from the house and reduce strain on your cooling system. Second, you can enjoy the spring weather, keep your house cool, and lower energy costs by cooking outside on the grill as much as possible. Give your AC a break. Limiting how much you use your air conditioner is the best way to keep your energy bills low. For instance, instead of turning on your air conditioner whenever it gets hot, use a ceiling fan or portable fan to cool off. Finding alternative solutions to cool your home means keeping money in your pocket. Facts & Figures Interesting Facts About Spring Facts and Figures Almost everyone is familiar with the phrase "spring cleaning." The first known use of this phrase occurred in 1857. During the spring, the number of daylight hours begins to increase. The reason is that the earth's axis is tilted towards the sun instead of away from it as in the winter. The warmth of spring brings with it volatile weather. Not only does hurricane season begin at the end of spring, the infamous Tornado Alley also experiences its most active period of the year. Irises, dandelions, daffodils, and lilies are some of the first flowers to bloom in the spring. Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared in the Homes & Money newsletter. *** 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 1009 Concord Road, Apt. 106, Tallahassee, FL 32308 salbenjamin@comcast.net (850) 980-0205 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 *** 2018-2020 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) 980-0205 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) 980-0205 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) 980-0205 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 1009 Concord Road, Apt. 106 Tallahassee, FL 32308 21 1