THE WHITE CANE BULLETIN Florida Council of The Blind, Inc. September – October 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 FCB November 2018 Board Meeting by Kati Lear…………………………………………………………..5 Low Vision Expo in Pinellas County by Greg Lindberg……………………………………………………..5 2019 Awards Reminder by Shelley Sawyer………………………………………………………………….6 Friends of Library Access, Inc. by Patricia Lipovsky………………………………………………………...7 Top Dog in Charleston by Kathleen Trutschel……………………………………………………………….8 Amazon Smile Reminder by Greg Lindberg………………………………………………………………….9 GOCB Update by Martha James………………………………………………….....................................10 News from the SSCCB by Tom Hanson……………………………………………………………..……..10 Mumbles from Miami by Paul Edwards……………………………………………………………………..11 A Beepin’ Good Time in Wisconsin by Greg Lindberg…………………………………………………….14 Poetry Corner by Shelley Sawyer……………………………………………………………………………15 FCB Officers, 2018 – 2020……………………………………………………………………………………16 2018-2020 FCB Chapter and Special Affiliate Officer Liaisons…………………………………………………………………………………………………………17 Handy Telephone Number References…………………………………………………...........................19 *** President’s Message September-October 2018 By Sheila Young Dear members, Since my first president’s message, things have been pretty busy with FCB. The first line of business was to get all our committee chairs, members, officer liaisons for chapters, special affiliates, and committees organized and aligned; we now have them set for the next two years. Next, I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to attend the ACB National Conference and Convention in St. Louis, along with 30 of our members from FCB. I want to personally thank all of them for attending the conference on behalf of our membership. During those meetings at the ACB convention, many new technology, legislative, and access issues were discussed - even a talking washer and dryer were presented and demonstrated. I sat in awe of all that was shared, and the professionalism that is demonstrated by so many individuals, most of whom are visually impaired or blind, is impressive. It just goes to show that we can do anything if we pursue in our efforts. In addition, we are so fortunate to have three of our outstanding FCB members serving on our national board - Dan Spoone as 1st Vice President, James Kracht as a new member of the Board of Directors, and Paul Edwards as a member of the Board of Publications. Congratulations to Jim for being elected, and to Paul for being re-elected for another term. After returning from the national convention, it was requested that I participate in testing the accessible currency that the Bureau of Engraving and Printing is working on. I had an opportunity to speak with one of the gentlemen in charge and discussed our frustration with how long this has taken. I did get an idea of where they are coming from in their thought processes and wanted to share that with you. He noted they are taking into consideration all blind individuals, no matter what their issues, and that is why they offered the bill reader as an alternative to identifying money with tactile markings. He said older adults with diabetic neuropathy may have a difficult time feeling the money, so they want everyone to have access. I expressed appreciation for that, but stated that we are still way overdue for accessible currency, and he voiced his agreement with this. After feeling the money with the markings, I must say that they have a long way to go, but I do believe it is coming in the near future. Most recently, I was invited to attend the Florida Agencies Serving the Blind meeting. I had an opportunity to represent FCB and present our resolution that was passed concerning the accessible voting machines being available to all voters, as well as our concern for our senior citizen population in Florida. The group seemed to be very supportive of our resolution, so I believe they will assist us in our efforts to make this resolution successful. It never ceases to amaze me at the work that our Resolution Committee puts forth to produce amazing resolutions that can make a difference in our lives. Once again, Paul Edwards and his committee deserve appreciation for the time they take, the research they perform, and the thought processes they put in place to draft and develop our resolutions. On the legislative front, our immediate past president, Jim Kracht, continues to speak with election officials regarding accessible absentee voting. I feel sure he will keep us apprised as to the progress of this effort. He is certainly one of our many treasures in this organization! In addition, we are also continuing to support the welcome voting kiosk for accessible signing in at the polls. Our organization also continues to stress the importance of effective Federal legislation regarding the deployment of self-driving cars. I know it is in our near future, and we will continue supporting this effort. I will be participating in the Festival of Families in Orlando sponsored by the Florida Instructional Materials Center. This will be an opportunity to talk with families and young adults to inform them about FCB, what we do, and who we are. The next FCB board meeting will be held from November 2nd to 4th, 2018 in Orlando. I hope most of you will try to attend, as this is where our committees get the opportunity to have a face-to-face meeting and continue the work that is so necessary for our organization to continue its success. Thank you to each and every one of you for your continued advocacy on behalf of all visually impaired and blind individuals who are benefiting from the work we do each day. And thank you for the opportunity to serve you and this organization in these efforts. Please remember that I am only an e-mail or a phone call away. Sincerely, Sheila Young FCB President *** FCB November 2018 Board Meeting by Kati Lear The dates for the FCB Board meeting are Friday, November 2 through noon on Sunday, November 4, 2018. We will meet at the Avanti Palms Resort and Conference Center. The address is 6515 International Drive Orlando, FL 32819 Call (866) 994-3157 to make reservations Room rates are $84.99 per night plus tax. They will give us coupons for free breakfast at the café. The rooms have coffee makers, refrigerators, and microwaves. This information is also available on the main page of our website. If you have any questions, please call (800) 267-4448. *** Low Vision Expo in Pinellas County By Greg Lindberg In conjunction with the Lighthouse of Pinellas, the Pinellas Council of the Blind is proud to announce the 2018 Low Vision Expo and White Cane Safety Day. This special event kicks off at 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 13, 2018 at Evans Hall at Chapel on the Hill, located at 12601 Park Boulevard North, Seminole, FL 33776. Trish Springer, a Seminole city councilmember, and Jack Humburg of the Boley Center will be on hand to greet attendees and read the proclamation for White Cane Safety Day. We will then commence with the White Cane Safety Day walk in recognition of the federal White Cane Law. The expo will include about 40 vendors exhibiting a wide array of products, services, and resources for blind and visually impaired residents of Pinellas County and anyone interested in coming in from other areas. Exhibits will be showcasing a variety of assistive technology devices, information on talking books, resources on paratransit services, information on what’s involved in getting a guide dog, accessible voting systems, and so much more. The event will run until 2 p.m. It is free and open to the public. For more information, call the Lighthouse of Pinellas at 727-544-4433, or visit http://www.lhpfl.org/low-vision-expo. Other sponsors include Disability Relations Group, Care Ride Transportation, and the Pinellas Talking Book Library. *** 2019 Awards Reminder By Shelley Sawyer Dear FCB members and friends, This is just a quick note to get us all started thinking about awards for next year. I realize that some of you will be saying “It’s a bit early for that”. It really isn’t, you know. Time flies, and it will be next year before we turn around. With that in mind, I just wanted to plant the first seed and get the wheels turning. Start thinking about our organization and the folks who spend their time, energy, and love to keep it going and make things happen. There will be longer articles and further explanations about awards, award criteria, nominations, and more in upcoming issues. The FCB awards and the criteria for nominating are on the FCB webpage. Just please start thinking about people you know in FCB and the things they do. I will be back in the next issue to remind you again, so be prepared. Sincerely, Shelley Sawyer, FCB Awards Committee Chair *** Friends of Library Access, Inc. Supporting the Braille and Talking Book Library By Patricia Lipovsky The mission of the Friends of Library Access is to assist in providing materials that the Braille and Talking Book Library in Daytona Beach, FL may not be able to purchase on their own. We also provide benefits to the staff, as well as the many volunteers, hosting an annual appreciation luncheon for all they do for the patrons and the braille and Talking Book Library. Looking for New members and Talent The Friends is managed by a Board of 12 trustees who are elected for 3-year terms by the membership. Each November, four seats are open for election. Board meetings are open to anyone interested and are held quarterly on the second Saturday of February, May, August, and November, with the November meeting being held in person, or via conference call. Anyone interested in participating may attend any meeting by telephone conference call or in person at the November meeting. We hope you will consider joining us as a member in our effort to support the Braille and Talking Book Library. Dues are just $10 per year, which are due in November. Applications may be submitted in email, print, or Braille and mailed to the Friends’ at P.O. Box 10716 Daytona Beach, FL 32120-0716, or emailed to tbfriends@earthlink.net. You may also contact Patricia Lipovsky, the chair of the Membership & Outreach Committee, at plipovsky@cfl.rr.com or (386) 212.6627. If you are interested in running for an open board position, please submit your name and a brief letter stating your experience, expertise, and goals as it pertains to the Friends. Please Note: Anyone interested in serving on the Friends board must be a member of the Friends for at least one year and attend at least one meeting before submitting their name. *** Top Dog in Charleston By Kathleen Trutschel The following information was submitted by Kathleen Trutschel: Top Dog – Charleston January 18-20, 2019 Dixie Land Guide Dog Users, in association with Guide Dog Users of Florida and Georgia Guide Dog Users, invite you to share a weekend filled with fantastic fun; fabulous food; flabbergasting furries, and much, much more! Although most of our programs are geared toward those with little or no vision, our week-end long event is open to everyone! If you are blind or sighted; if you know someone who is blind or losing his/her sight; if you are a puppy raiser; if you are interested in assisting the blind, or just love dogs, YOU are invited! Our guests will learn about all types of service dogs and how they work. We’ll learn who first introduced the concept of guide dogs to our nation and how the idea was initiated. We’ll listen with heartfelt appreciation and enormous pride as some of our brave military men and women share how they lost their sight on the battlefields while fighting for our country. We’ll feel overwhelming pride as we hear how they transitioned from being able-bodied, fully sighted soldiers one moment to wounded, blinded warriors the next. We’ll experience their hard-fought journeys back to becoming respected, competent, working members of their communities with the support of their loved ones and the assistance of a professionally trained dog guide. Our theme for this, our 10th “Top Dog” is “Thank You” and is directed towards our God; our country and the brave men and women who serve in it; to our veterinarians who keep our guides healthy; to our puppy raisers for the love, care, and nurturing they’ve offered; to all those other dogs that serve us in many different ways; and to the wonderful trainers and representatives of the various guide dog schools that continue to give us all a unique, new-found freedom of safe, independent mobility and travel. Dixie Land’s very own Laurel Jean will get our party started Friday night with lots of music, laughter, and recognition of our generous sponsors and our special guests. We’ll begin our Saturday morning with “The Blessing”, in which each future and working guide dog and its handler will receive a personal, individual Christian blessing. A special tribute will be offered to those guides that have been retired from active duty, and an extremely moving audible candle light service will be offered to our 2 and 4 legged friends that have crossed “Rainbow Bridge.” Dr. Nicole Constantine, a local veterinarian, will give us tips on how to better care for our pups. We’ll hear puppy raisers from various guide dog schools share amusing and/or heart wrenching anecdotes of their personal experiences while raising future guide dogs. We’ll listen to Toni Eames, co-founder of International Association of Assistant Dog Partners and a fellow guide dog user, along with some of her associates as they teach us about their specially trained service dogs and how they work. We’ll have representatives from this country’s major guide dog schools to update us on how their facilities are growing and how they teach their students to deal with such traffic obstacles as islands and roundabouts. We’ll even hear from those rovering reporters over at the Whimsical Guide Dog Radio, Colleen Curleytail and Fred Floppears, along with some of the characters they interview. Registration is only $80 per person and will be open August 15, 2018. Registration includes your own personal draw-string backpack, stuffed with lots of goodies for you and your guide; an all-you-can-eat dinner Friday and Saturday night; boxed lunches both days; admission into all our programs, unlimited visits to our Hospitality Suite; shopping with our many specialized vendors in our Mini Mall; information from all attending guide dog schools; unbelievable resources regarding blindness-related products and goods, and much, much more! As an added bonus, we are especially pleased to offer a limited number of our guests an opportunity to enjoy a guided tour of our nearby Patriot’s Point Maritime and Naval Museum, where you can get a hands-on tour of one of this country’s now retired World War II aircraft carriers, the USS Yorktown. Feel the excitement our courageous sailors felt as they engaged in battle with our foes in the Pacific. Climb into the cockpit of one of the planes that actually was assigned to its deck. Listen to the reenactment of the gunfire as our enemies attacked. Walk the same flight deck where many of our brave military men exhibited uncanny patriotism and extreme bravery. Visit the naval destroyer USS Laffey, also docked there. If you are really agile and up for a challenge, climb on board the adjacent submarine, USS Clavamore. …………. There is also a replica of a village that may have been found in Viet Nam, complete with jeeps, tanks, and other heavy artillery. This 3 hour long visit will prove to be a lifetime of memories and is only $35 per person, including transportation from our hotel and back. Unfortunately, the tickets for this very special guided tour are limited and will be available to a maximum of 40 people. If you are a history buff or if you’d just like an opportunity to visit an aircraft carrier; a destroyer; and/or a submarine, make your plans to arrive at the hotel eitherThursday or before 12noon on Friday. It’s a little too early to take your Top Dog registration, but it isn’t too early to make your room reservations. In fact, we highly recommend you do that right away. There are only so many rooms, and we want to see YOU there! For more information, visit www.dixielandguidedogs.org or call (843) 571-0737. We love hearing from you! Hotel information: Comfort Inn & Suites-West Ashley 280 Savannah Highway Charleston, SC 29407 *** Amazon Smile Reminder By Greg Lindberg These days, you’re probably in the minority if you don’t at least occasionally buy something on Amazon.com. But did you know that you can choose to have 5 percent of your purchase donated to the Florida Council of the Blind every time you click “Place Order” on an Amazon purchase? To do this, simply go to smile.amazon.com in your web browser. You will then have the option to select a charity or nonprofit of your choice to which 5 percent of your purchase will be donated. For FCB, select Florida Council of the Blind from the list prior to checkout. This process is part of the Amazon Smile program. If you use Google Chrome as your web browser, you can download a plugin for this browser that will take you directly to the Amazon Smile page. The link to install this plugin is: https://couponfollow.com/smilematic *** GOCB Update By Martha James It was good to see so many new people, along with several regulars, at the annual cookout and pool party on August 4, at the home of Gary Sinclair. Thanks once again, Gary, for opening your lovely home to us. We will be getting back to work in September. Our meeting is planned for September 8, and we hope to have a demonstration of AIRA. A jewelry party is planned for September 15th. Another dine and donate is planned for Wednesday, October 24 at Tijuana Flats. Once again, we will be entertained by Asli Goncer. At this time, no exact time and date has been set for the White cane and Guide Dog Safety Day walk, but our chapter will be finalizing plans for this important event. 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. *** News from the SSCCB By Tom Hanson The South Sarasota County Council of the Blind (SSCCB) has been busy getting ready for our newest project. First, however, we had a surprise visit from Ellen Hillstrom, our immediate past president from before we changed our name from the Venice Chapter to the South Sarasota County Council. Ellen, who now resides near Seattle, came to Florida to visit her brother. Unfortunately for Ellen but fortunately for us, her brother ended up moving to a new house in the middle of her visit, so Sue and I had the pleasure of hosting Ellen for two days. We were able to have several chapter members over to talk about old times, hear about vision services in her new area, and enjoy a delectable dessert buffet prepared by Sue. Now back to the “new project.” SSCCB has established a program to provide interest-free loans for the purchase of adaptive equipment for the blind and visually impaired. The Equipment Loan Fund, or ELF for short, is funded by a $10,000 donation from the SSCCB and a $5,000 grant from the Gulf Coast Community Foundation. It is designed as a revolving loan fund, with repayments going back into the fund so it can be self-sustaining and continue to provide future loans to even more applicants with vision loss. Initially, preference will be given to persons living in south Sarasota County. Depending on the number of applicants and the loan amounts, SSCCB will consider expanding the area. Statistics show that half of Floridians with visual impairment are over the age of 70. As we all know, the cost of adaptive equipment is not covered by Medicare, and there is little or no funding through state services or DVR because this older population is not considered to be looking for employment. We also know that the need for help in accomplishing acts of daily living doesn’t end when you reach a certain age. Since each individual knows what would make life easier for him or her personally as a blind or visually impaired person, the applicant requests an ELF loan for a particular piece of adaptive equipment or technology and explains how this will help them restore or maintain independence. If approved, the item will be purchased by the ELF and delivered to the applicant, and a repayment plan will be agreed to by the user. This allows the person with vision loss to use the product right away, while repaying the loan interest-free over a period of months or even years. All requests will remain confidential. For more information on the ELF program or to request an application, contact the ELF Coordinator at 941-426-2499 or ssccb.information@gmail.com. All of us at the SSCCB are looking forward to the new challenges of the ELF program and the beginning of a new season of chapter meetings and activities. Tom Hanson President, SSCCB *** Mumbles From Miami Meetings: Some Whys and Wherefores of the Agenda By Paul Edwards Every single set of bylaws for every single chapter of FCB contains language that says we will use Robert's Rules of Order Revised to decide if we are running our meetings properly. Many of our leaders decide they have to become familiar with the subject, so they order a book. It's huge; it's complicated; and a lot of it doesn't seem to apply to us. However, I hope to show in this article that the Agenda element of Robert's Rules can really help make things easier and better. I also hope that I can manage to show why and can keep you awake while doing it! First, I want to talk about what an agenda is. A lot of this article is written to help the person who is chairing the meeting or the Board. I think it's a good idea to hold a Board meeting a few days before the chapter meeting is scheduled so that the Board can agree on the agenda ahead of time. The President or whoever runs the meeting is responsible for putting it together and getting it adopted! Essentially, an agenda is a list of the things you plan to do during a meeting. If your Board or the President has one ready at the start of a meeting, it can really help because everybody then knows what you expect to cover that day. Part of every agenda is standard. The first thing you do is to adopt the agenda ,and that's usually what should come right after you go around and say who's there and have a prayer, if you choose to have one. The cool thing about adopting an agenda is that you now have a roadmap for where you want to go that day, but you also have a plan for where you don't plan to go. You see, once you adopt an agenda, only the items that are on it can be discussed. So, in the middle of the meeting when little Joe starts wanting to talk about public transit and it's not on the agenda, you can, as President, indicate that you know how important it is, but it's not on the agenda for today. You can offer to put it on the agenda for the next meeting or to discuss it under "new business" if there's time; but it's not a part of today's meeting. So, let's start with a typical agenda at its simplest. We will then explain what each element is and how you deal with it! Here's a simple standard agenda which virtually every chapter should and can start off using: Roll call Call to order Adoption of Agenda Minutes Treasurer’s Report Unfinished Business New Business Adjourn So, under “call to order” are the introduction and prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance if you want to do these things. Under each of the headings, you can have a list of things. This agenda is easy to adopt because it is almost like a template. So, the first item involves the adoption of the agenda. Robert's Rules says there is a right way to handle this and every other decision you make during the meeting. In order to adopt the agenda, you need a motion. A motion is made by any member (not the chair). Essentially, that member says, "I move the adoption of the agenda." That member is making a formal proposal that the group members agree to do this. Before the group can discuss the matter, though, another member needs to say "I second the motion." This means I agree. It may seem silly and overly formal that two people have to agree to do anything, but the idea that underlies it is simple. One person can't be allowed to dominate a meeting. So, before you can even discuss the issue, a second person has to agree that what is being proposed is a good idea. Once you have a "motion" and a "second" to adopt the agenda, it's time for discussion. You can't just go straight to the vote. You have to give people a chance to talk about it. Often, there will be no discussion, and you can then go directly to a vote, but sometimes a member might ask that a topic be added or removed from the agenda or that the order that is proposed for discussing stuff be changed. If that happens, the suggestion should be treated like a motion, and you should ask, "is there a second?" Another member has to be prepared to say he or she agrees before it can even be discussed. If the agenda is changed, write yourself a note indicating what has been added. You can usually decide when to discuss the item that's added, unless its place on the agenda is a part of the motion. It's usually a good idea to let the group know where you plan to put the item on the agenda. The last step in adopting the agenda is to take the vote. So, you might say, "all those in favor of adopting the agenda (either as presented or as amended), say aye!" Then ask for any votes against the adoption of the agenda by saying "any opposed, say no!" and then declare the agenda adopted. The Minutes remind everybody of what happened at the last meeting. The Treasurer's Report tells you how much money your chapter has and what money you've spent and brought in since the last meeting. We could spend a lot more time on Minutes, - and maybe we will in a future article – but, for now, we are up to the area between the Treasurer's Report and "unfinished business". You should choose to have more items before "unfinished business" comes along. For instance, if you have a speaker for that day, you might want to do that right after the Treasurer's Report. If you have particular subjects you want to discuss, even if it's a new one, you can put it on the agenda by itself before "unfinished and new". Remember, because the whole group has voted to accept your agenda, they have agreed not only what to discuss but the order in which to discuss things! To make it simple, though, let's talk about "unfinished business". Essentially, "unfinished business" is something you've talked about before. The key to this category is that you have discussed the item in the past. It isn't a brand new topic. If it is a brand new topic, it would come under "new business". The template we provided earlier is all you absolutely need as an agenda, but I recommend that you put specific items before the unfinished and new categories if you know you want to discuss them! So, when you get to "unfinished business", you are usually using this category to give members a chance to raise an issue that is not specifically on the agenda that you have discussed before. Maybe a member isn't clear about something you agreed to do last meeting and wants more information. Maybe you agreed to do something a while back, but somebody wants to know what's been done. The "new business" category gives members a chance to talk about new things. Suppose somebody wants to propose that the chapter do something you haven't done before, "new business" is where that proposal would be discussed. Usually, by the time you get to "new business", you are running out of time. A good way to handle a new proposal is to say that the Board will discuss it, and it will go on the agenda for the next meeting. Sometimes that isn't possible because what is proposed is to happen before the next meeting. Then you need to be sure that you do this bit of business the same way you handled the adoption of the agenda. You make sure there's a motion, a second, and discussion, and then you vote. Okay, you can wake up now! I hope this discussion of the agenda helps you see how valuable it is and how important doing things in an orderly way is. You will be surprised how much of a difference getting your chapter on the "agenda" track can make! *** A Beepin’ Good Time in Wisconsin By Greg Lindberg For the second straight year, I had the opportunity to attend the National Beep Baseball Association’s World Series tournament. This year, the competitive games were held in beautiful Eau Claire, Wisconsin, a town in the northwest part of the state. It was sure nice to enjoy some 50s in the morning and 70s by the afternoon for a week instead of our daily 90-degree days with high humidity in the Florida summer. Last year, I played for the Daytona Bats and was only able to stay for a handful of the games. This year, I represented the Athens Timberwolves, a Georgia-based club that was first created in the mid-1990s by a gentleman named Roger Keeney. Roger is quite the legend within beep baseball, having played in its first World Series back in 1976. He suited up for what he said would be the last time in Eau Claire. Our team was one of 22 clubs to compete this year, which included teams from Canada (the Toronto Blind Jays) and a Taiwan team (the Lightning). We played in seven games and faced some tough competition, winning just one game out of the seven in which we played. The victory was a walk-off win against the Rochester (New York) Pioneers, 6-5, in the bottom of the sixth inning. Remember that beep baseball games are only six innings unlike the standard nine. Overall, I had three hits in the series and should have made at least one or two put-outs in the field. A few balls hit my way either flew right past me or were pretty far in front of me, and I admittedly misplayed a few of them. Still, I know I improved from my performance last year, and I have learned a number of new techniques and approaches to be more successful. Some include stretching before each game, not focusing as much on the sound of the ball when batting and instead focusing on the timing after each pitch is tossed, and not being afraid to get on the ground when playing in the field. I must give a shout-out to our pitcher, Ben Hefner, who is a graduate student at the University of Georgia majoring in ocean engineering. This was Ben’s first World Series, and he did a tremendous job pitching to our hitters. Remember that in beep baseball, your pitcher throws to your own teammates. I should also mention that it was nice getting to play ball with Kathleen Trutschel, a member of the Halifax Council in Daytona Beach. I learned a lot from her, along with another teammate, Casey Bahn, and several others who had more experience than myself. Ultimately, it was the Indy Thunder out of Indianapolis who took home the title, their third consecutive World Series crown. I have never been more motivated and excited to play this amazing game than I’ve felt since competing this year. And, as many of you know, I would still love to start my own beep baseball team in the future. I cannot express how incredibly rewarding it is to play a sport as a visually impaired individual. If you’d like to learn more about this sport, check out www.nbba.org, or feel free to give me a call at 727-543-9807. *** Poetry Corner By Shelley Sawyer Greetings dear readers, Like several of you, I am a graduate from and an alumnus of the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind, (FSDB). This I can say with pride and much love. Some of the dearest friends in my life were made there. I also truly believe that as a blind person, the education I received there was second to none. The followinnng is the FSDB Alma Mater. I wish to extend a very special Thank You to Sila Miller. At our last alumni reunion, there was discussion about the Alma Mater. Sila and several others took the time and energy to research the song, including all of its verses. I must confess that I never even knew our Alma Mater had three verses. We usually only sang the first verse. This I dedicate to my school and to all of the dear friends I made there. Many of you are still a most precious part of my life. FSDB Alma Mater Words written by Shelley Lashle On our dear nation's border Set firm beside the sea, Here stands our Alma Mater. Proud school we honor thee. Thy light to those in darkness, Thy voice for silent tongue, Shall live throughout the ages While all thy praise be sung. Thy beauty far excelling in Spanish moss and palm, Thy azure skies and blossoms Will ever be our psalm. In hallowed halls we'll linger to spend each golden year. Sweet Florida we'll cherish Thy school in mem'ries dear. Press onward, e'er victor'ous. Let not thy foes deny Thy cause in God's free country as countless years roll by. We'll raise thy standards higher. Thy name shall never fail. We hail thee, Alma Mater, Hail, Florida, all hail. *** 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 *** 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) 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