* The below online The White Cane Bulletin includes a Table of Contents with live links leading to the start of each article. You may choose those links or read down the whole publication. You may also choose to download the following formats:
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The White Cane Bulletin May - June 2025
Articles for the White Cane Bulletin must be submitted to Sally Benjamin no later than the 15th of the month before it is published. Sally’s email is: editor@fcb.org.
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 Sally and she 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
P.O. Box 214235
Daytona Beach, FL 32121.
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 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: editor@fcb.org
***
Table of Contents
FCB 72nd Annual Convention
Florida Happenings! by Greg Lindberg
2025 Florida Council of the Blind Auction
Audio-Described Events
Committee Update
The Light Chronicles:
Paving Your Future
Book Corner
Jottings from Jacksonville
Tech Tips - by John Richards; for the Technology Committee
Recipe Corner
Chapter News
Greater Orlando Council of the Blind May-June 2025
Poetry Corner Submitted by Shelley Sawyer
FCB OFFICERS, 2024 – 2026
2024-2026 Chapter & Special Affiliate Officer Liaisons
Handy Telephone Number References
***
FCB 72nd Annual Convention
by Kati Lear
Wow, our FCB convention is literally right around the corner. By now you should have your hotel rooms reserved and registration will close at 11:59 on May 8. Thanks to all who submitted program descriptions and to those who are presenting. Thanks to my convention committee for all of their hard work and assistance. Heartfelt thanks goes to Mikey, Leslie, Dan, Wanda, Sally, Mark, Cachet, Cassandra and Sheila. We couldn’t have done it without you. Stay tuned everybody for a fun and informative convention with lots of memories to last for a life time.
***
Florida Happenings!
by Greg Lindberg
From the northern line of Florida to the shores of its southern beauty, extending as far west as the panhandle to its eastern borders, there is lots to do in the Sunshine State. Looking for more ways to connect with other members? Just need a quick getaway to relax and recharge? Here is a roundup from the Activities Committee of what's happening within the Florida Council of the Blind and communities near you.
Fishing Trips for the Blind
Wisdom 4 the Blind is thrilled to announce two incredible deep-sea fishing trips happening this May 2025! Whether you're looking for a full-day escape or a quick dose of ocean excitement, we've got you covered. These events offer not only the thrill of fishing but also the chance to connect with community and create unforgettable memories.
Trip 1: Clearwater, FL
When: May 2, 2025
Where: Aboard the Double Eagle III
Location: Clearwater Beach Marina, 25 Causeway Blvd, Clearwater Beach, FL 33767
Trip Length: 7am to 6pm Full-Day Adventure
Join us for an exhilarating day on the open waters. Reeling in the catch of a lifetime while surrounded by sun and sea? Yes, please! Need accommodations? No worries—our team can help you book a room at the conveniently located Holiday Inn.
Trip 2: Fort Lauderdale, FL
When: May 8, 2025
Where: Aboard The Flamingo
Location: Fort Lauderdale Beach, FL
Trip Length: 1pm to 5pm Half-Day Experience
Perfect for those who want a quick getaway with all the fun of deep-sea fishing! Soak up the coastal vibes, cast your line, and enjoy a laid-back day with a great group.
Ticket Price (Per Trip): $50.00 Refundable upon attendance.
Reserve Your Spot Today – Space is Limited!
Phone: Call 954-Wisdom4 (Option 2 for Events)
Email: Send your full name, phone number, and desired trip date to reservations@w4tb.org
For additional questions or accommodation help, reach out to our event coordinator: carine.gleeson@w4tb.org
2025 Florida Council of the Blind Auction
Where: Zoom and ACB media
When: Monday, May 12, starting at 7:00 p.m. ET
There will be jewelry, food, technology, and lots of wonderful goodies. Happy bidding!
Audio-Described Events
Visit the following page for a list of upcoming audio-described shows in Orlando and Deland:
https://weareadi.org/events/
Committee Update
The Activities Committee looks forward to seeing you at the 2025 FCB Convention in Jacksonville! We have several events planned for you and hope you have some fun with us this year!
** It is the responsibility of each individual member to secure event costs, travel, transportation, accommodations, and meal expenses that may be involved and incurred in order to participate in any of the advertised and supported events listed.
** Any event specifically coordinated by the FCB Activities Committee will require a deposit or full payment to secure your ticket to the event.
***
The Light Chronicles:
Florida Finds by Cachet Wells
There is nothing better than a good old road trip and of course the journey to Jacksonville is one to be remembered. Exploration, discover and a planned Itinerary help to create a beautiful picture as you experience your travels in your own pace.
Knowing that the excitement is building for a wonderful time once you arrive, but grab you bags and some great snacks as we make this an interesting ride.
So crank up the radio, maybe put on your best ear buds and log into your favorite playlist as we start cruising to convention with some classic tunes to get us grooving over the highway, railway or airway.
Song List:
• Life Is a Highway
• Sweet Home Alabama
• I Drove All Night
• Fast Car
• Hit the Road Jack
• Little Red Corvette
• On the Road Again
• You should be dancing
• Ain't no mountain high enough
• Mustang
• Freeway
• Fun fun fun
• I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For
• Love Shack
• I'll be there
• Staying Alive
Florida Find It is the name of the game, capture some views and the sounds of the scenery along your way. Then arrive safely at Southbank for a long weekend stay. Cozy up in your room, tally up your total points and submit your name and total to me for a prize that will only go once.
Find as many of these as you can on your route and be a good sport because honestly that is what it's about.
Yes, it's a road trip Scavenger Hunt in its most accessible way. We know you'll be relaxing as you go and also listening more than looking for all of these that come your way. So capture as many of these as you can.
1. Windmill
2. Siren
3. Hotel/Hotel Sign
4. Railroad track
5. School bus
6. McDonalds
7. Person taking Selfie
8. Motorcycle
9. Parking Lot
10. Construction
11. Train
12. Waffle House
13. Birds
14. Dog
15. Someone sleeping
16. Music playing
17. Park
18. Fire Truck
19. Cracker Barrel
20. Travel over a Creek/River/Pond
21. Red Light
22. Semi-Truck
23. Tall Building
24. Coffee Shop
25. Stop sign
26. Bumpy road
27. Someone laughing
28. Ambulance
29. Rest area
30. Exit sign
31. Church
32. Field/Farm
33. Buccee's
34. Vending Machine
35. Bulldozer
36. Crane
37. Cat
38. Tractor trailer
39. Food next exit sign
40. Watched Movie / TV Show
41. Door opening/ closing
42. Palm trees
43. Water Fountain
44. Someone playing video games
45. Checkout Counter/ Drive Thru Window
46. Gas Station
47. Thunder/Lightning
48. Farm animals
49. Bridge
50. Baby Crying
51. Boat
52. Helicopter
53. Foghorn
54. Luggage
55. Bus
56. Cashier
57. Outlet Mall
58. Wind Chime
59. Airplane
60. Flowers
61. Person on cell phone
62. Gusty Wind
63. Person at bus stop
64. Food Billboard/sign
65. Rustling Leaves
Happy Hunting!
***
Paving Your Future
by Doug Powell, President
Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss (AAVL)
As I write this in March, things are changing daily. We have every reason to be concerned about many of these changes, and I urge you to contact your governmental representatives to express how the changes might effect you and others in your communities.
Having said that, looked at from a slightly different perspective, things haven't changed a whole lot. Most people still don't have the faintest idea of what it takes to navigate life as a blind or low vision individual successfully. Many governmental and nongovernmental agencies overlook the kinds of accessibility features that would make interactions with people who are blind or low vision meaningful. Most of the oversights are through ignorance, but some are through cheapness. So, when looked at from this angle, our jobs haven't changed a bit. We need to continue to educate, demonstrate, and collaborate on efforts to make our communities as friendly to people who are blind or have low vision as possible.
My assertions above apply to all age groups, but since I'm the president of AAVL, and since this is Older Americans Month, I'm going to speak to what we have been doing since last year at this time, and what we are planning to do this coming year.
Up to Now
This last year has been a busy and frustrating one for me. The Older Americans Act (OAA) went through both a rule making and a reauthorization process. We worked hard with our friends at Aging and Vision Loss National Coalition (AVLNC) and VisionServe Alliance (VSA) to advocate for inclusion of "blind and low vision" as a targeted disability group to heighten people's awareness of our needs. We used some excellent data from the Big Data Project, sponsored by the AVLNC to expose our health and social needs. And all the way through, we tried to emphasize that we were not only advocating for us, but also for the vast majority of people who are aging, losing vision, and don't know what programs and services are available for them to use to maintain as independent and fulfilling lives in their communities outside institutions as possible. That Congressional session ended without official reauthorization and without new language that would bring more attention to the specific needs of the people we represent, but I have to believe that we made a good case, and more people are aware of the kinds of things people with low or no vision need than before we started.
Another promising governmental initiative came from the Administration on Community Living (ACL). They gathered an Interagency Coordinating Council (ICC) to develop a Strategic Framework for a National Plan on Aging. Originally, this ICC had over ten agencies represented, but none that represented people who are blind or low vision. They requested comments on the Framework document and AAVL submitted comments. Fortunately, a week before the comments were due, ACL invited the head of the Independent Living for Older People Who are Blind (OIB) from the RSA to join the ICC, so, rather than having to focus on including the perspective of older people who are losing or have no vision, we could focus on areas of accessibility that should be included that would help the OIB representative on the ICC broaden the perspective of the other agencies involved. I was excited that, for once, we would be at the table while the Framework was being formulated. This initiative faltered at the end of last year, and has not yet been revived this year.
Over the last year, we have become more knowledgeable about nongovernmental organizations who were serving older Americans who might be able to improve their service delivery with some expert help from us, both approaching older people who are blind or low vision appropriately, and empowering staff and volunteers to refer folks to appropriate agencies for rehabilitation. So far, we have met with leaders at the National Council on Aging (NCOA), and the AARP Foundation. We'll keep you informed of progress at the national level with these and other organizations.
Moving Forward
Looking at the writing on the wall from the first weeks of the new Administration and Congress, we will continue to advocate at the federal level and hope for the best . But, for a while, we have been saying that even if our wildest dreams came true legislatively, we would still have much work to do. The money appropriated at the federal level for the programs and services older people who are blind or low vision need are sent to the states, matched in some proportion with state funds, and funneled into local agencies who decide what programs and services need funding in their communities. This process is happening now, and without our insistence and guidance, won't help the people who are blind or low vision who need them. So, we are asking AAVL and ACB members to help us broaden our advocacy on these issues in your communities.
Under our vice president and chair of our advocacy committee, Anisio Correia, and board member Larry Johnson, we have developed a program to support you in improving relationships with local Area Agencies on aging (AAA). It involves inviting AAA staff to chapter meetings to inform your membership of the services that are currently available, and for that person to be introduced to people who are blind and low vision who are living their lives as independently as they can. Our people would also suggest meetings with AAA staff and volunteers to offer suggestions on accessibility and meaningful referrals to those who are not yet being served. And most importantly, our members would offer to serve on the AAA Advisory body to foster an ongoing dialog about accessible program and service planning and delivery. I met with the head of Virginia's Department of Aging Resources, and he told me that there were positions open on every advisory council in the Commonwealth. I suspect that the same is true in most states.
In talking about this AAVL initiative, I have been focusing on AAAs. But there are several different agencies in communities under different management structures that may be more important to you in your community; agencies such as Senior Centers, Independent Living Centers, and Aging and Disability Resource Centers to name a few.
If you are interested in improving services in your community and would like to take advantage of the support offered by this initiative, please contact your fellow Floridian, Anisio, immediately to be included at vp@aavl-blind-seniors.org.
If you want more information about AAVL, you can start with our website at www.aavl-blind-seniors.org or contact me directly at president@aavl-blind-seniors.org or call 571-438-7750.
Happy Older Americans Month!
***
Book Corner
Submitted by: Sheila Young
May-June Book Review
Legacy of lies: a legal thriller
Author: Robert Bailey
Legal fiction, suspense fiction
DB125584
Reading time: 10 hours 14 minutes
“Small-town lawyer Bocephus Haynes comes home late one night to find District Attorney General Helen Lewis waiting for him. Her ex-husband has just been killed. She's about to be arrested for his murder. And she wants Bo to represent her. There's a lot working against them. Just before his death, Helen's ex-husband threatened to reveal a dark secret from her past. Bo has been in a tailspin since his wife's death. What's more, his whole life has been defined by a crime committed against his family, and he continues to face prejudice as the only African American litigator in Pulaski, Tennessee. Bo's back is against the wall, and Helen resigns herself to a dismal fate - but a stunning discovery throws everything into chaos. There's a chance for justice, but to achieve it, the cost might be too much for Bo to bear." -- Provided by publisher. Strong language and some violence.
***
Jottings from Jacksonville
by Paul Edwards
More About Aging
In my last article I wrote that seniors had the lowest poverty percentage of any age group. The more I thought about this, the more I needed to understand it better. First, I wanted to explore how that made sense given what we know about people who are blind at any age. We know they are very likely to be at the very bottom rung of the income ladder however young or old they are. That means that it's necessary for us to look at why there appears to be this huge disparity between folks who are blind and other older adults.
If we go back to the time before there was Social Security those who advocated that there should be pensions paid either by the government or by the private sector thought that only men qualified. After all they were the bread winners. Women stay at home and look after the house during this period and the pension paid to the husband would certainly help. People with disabilities were not in the picture at all. They were to be looked after by the family and should be as inconspicuous as possible. Black people and other racial minorities were not in the picture either. (It's interesting that just after 1900 an organization of black people led by a former slave who was currently described as a "washerwoman" formed an organization asking that old and infirm former slaves should get a pension because they were just left to fend for themselves by their former masters. They got legislation introduced into Congress but it went nowhere. The leader went to jail for a year accused of stealing funds.) Many of the same people who were advocating for pensions through the huge white-only organizations were members of the Klu Klux Klan and this period featured people who were blind being sterilized lest inferior babies be born.
So, clearly, by the time that the Social Security system was created under the New Deal, it saw itself helping families who were white by offering pensions to the men who the industrial machine had disadvantaged. Many of the inequities that were built into the social security system have been corrected. Black people certainly qualify now. Because black people work for lower wages they earn less social security. This is because the approach adopted by the system made how much you earned while working determine how much social security you got!
Before social security happened older Americans were seen as aged. They were old and would soon die but, with the advent of pensions, they became "seniors". If you think about that word, "seniors", it sort of implies that as seniors they deserve to be respected and even, perhaps, pandered to by the society. A senior is in the last year of high school or college. An executive has surely made it if he is described as a "senior official". Quite soon after social security was introduced other elements began arriving. Senior centers where "seniors" could gather. Nursing homes where older people were sent when they could no longer function on their own. Social security created a group of people who suddenly had an identity of their own as a group who existed after retirement.
It is important that we understand that, just as there is now SSI (Supplemental Security Income) and SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) for people with disabilities. Social Security began as two separate programs for two different groups of people. SSDI is an extension to people with disabilities of the part of social security that paid people when older based on how much they earned while working. Those who had a much tougher time were those who received OAA (Old Age Assistance). This was very much based on the principles that govern SSI today. Everybody who is above a certain age and qualifies should get some income. What eventually came to be recognized was that you may not be doing old people any favors if you give them enough money to live well if they can't afford to pay to stay well!
In other parts of the world a different approach began to be the norm. These countries provided pensions but they also provided some form of universal health care for people of all ages. Eventually the United States would create both the Medicare and the Medicaid programs. They would never have been approved had "seniors" not become an amazingly effective advocacy group.
Social security begat retirement both as a goal and as a way of life. Beginning mostly after 1960 age-restricted communities developed in the sun belt and later all over the country. The Federal government was creating HUD (housing and Urban Development" senior housing as well. Studies suggested that this "segregation" was a good thing. Older folks did well with others like themselves! They felt more capable away from their children! While everybody talks about the consumer society built around young people in the 1960s the huge machine that created the retirement boom is just as important. The Villages here in Florida came somewhat late into the system. It did not open till 1982. By then, though, every Florida community had senior living facilities in an astonishing variety of flavors.
Another change that occurred after the second world war was the huge increase in people who owned their own homes. In 1940 only a quarter of the older population lived in their own homes. By 1980 over half did!
While the Older Americans Act was passed earlier the current structure of delivering services to older people did not start till Area Agencies on Aging began to operate in 1973. Meals on Wheels started in 1954 in Philadelphia. The first senior center where older folks could congregate every day was started in Detroit in 1953. There were two groups that, for the most part, were exempted from much of the organized betterment of social centers and leisure living. These were people who were disabled and people who, as they got older, became disabled. Nursing homes which is where many of these folks ended up emerged at about the same time as senior centers did and, like senior centers, nursing homes mushroomed during the 1960s and 1970s. From 1960 to 1970 nursing home residents doubled from 388,000 to 795,000. By 1980 5 percent of people over 65 were in nursing homes and one out of every ten people over 75 were institutionalized.
There were certainly efforts made to create alternatives to nursing homes. The most common model involved trying to fund small facilities run by caring individuals which could be afforded by using social security and funds from the family. They were somewhat successful but Medicare was responsible for the huge growth of nursing homes. In 1954 a Federal law allowed for the construction of nursing homes. However there were rules. The most important one said that nursing homes had to be "attached" to hospitals. The other major issue was that Medicare did not fund nursing homes. Medicare explicitly indicates they do not fund long-term care. If it's required it must be funded by Medicaid at the state level. Things have perhaps gotten better with more regulation by the state but nursing homes have a reputation of being places where care is minimal, stimulation is virtually nonexistent and where fraud has often happened. Because these homes are funded by Medicaid folks must give up virtually all they own to qualify and often have little to leave to their children. The saddest thing is that we know that people who are blind, for instance, with training and some supports like home health aides can live quite effectively at home. We know as well that the cost of providing in home services is far lower than the cost of institutionalizing folks.
There are two other issues that need our consideration and, at least in my opinion, one of them comes very close to home both for the ACB and for people who are blind. In a sense, in fact, both the issues are in a sense the same because they both avoid facing reality squarely where the problems of older people are.
Soon after the end of the second world war Ethel Andrus, a lady in California started an organization called the National Retired Teachers Association. She was moved to create the organization when she noticed a teacher near her living in a chicken coop. That organization eventually morphed into the AARP which initially was called the American Association of Retired Persons. It was formed in 1958 and, within a couple of years, its membership exceeded a million Americans. It currently publishes two magazines which both have the largest circulation of any periodical in the country. The organization is now known as AARP which doesn't appear any longer to be an acronym for anything. I find it difficult to evaluate this organization. It has well over 30 million members and its 2018 consolidated financial statements indicated it had annual revenue that year of over one billion six hundred million dollars. It has been by far the largest lobbying group for older Americans for decades, has offices in all fifty states and most territories of the United States. It has certainly been effective as a lobbyist and is currently a 501 c 4 organization with a volunteer Board. Certainly at the beginning the organization gained much of its financial power because it was the only source for health insurance for people over 65. It clearly represents the largest organization speaking for older folks and, given its size and net worth, may perceive itself as the only voice that ought to be heard. My issue with the organization is that as time has gone on AARP has more and more championed a position that suggests that older people should not be required to retire. Old folks, says AARP, are just as capable of work as anyone and, if they are forced to retire, it's blatant discrimination. Put another way older Americans are just plain ordinary people who are just as competent and capable as younger people are. By taking this stance they turn their backs on the real issues confronting those over 65. They sell travel and insurance and tax preparation and a whole host of other products to their members who they portray as having no characteristics that differentiates them from others. The absence of long term care, the number of older Americans who are becoming disabled, the continued collaboration with private companies all point to an organization that is unwilling to jeopardize its position by grappling with some of the real and frightening conditions that operate for seniors. Their size and power makes their opinion matter. "We are people first and older second." Does that sound familiar? Does the whole people first approach lessen our ability to communicate that blind people are different and have specific and very real problems. Blind people who are over 65 have very specific issues that may well not be attended to as long as the largest lobbyist organization claims old folks are people first.
The second issue relates to the media. Almost certainly the "golden girls" is the most popular tv series about older people. What message does it send? There are dating incidents, exercise classes, illness and some whining. There is no clear call that things are not well for older Americans in that series. I would argue that other shows have taken the same approach so that the message we are being sent is that people who are old are cute and just like us!
Until AARP and the media are prepared to recognize that getting old isn't fun for lots of people, the rest of our society will continue to perceive that older folks are doing fine.
We have to work to change funding and to include blindness as a major disability that area agencies on aging need to serve more appropriately. We have to work to somehow dispel the notion that there are no changes as we age! We have to continue to push to get the real problems faced by many older Americans worked on and validated! We are few! The media and AARP are powerful opponents. Nevertheless every single person in the world will eventually be old! Somehow we must paint a picture for them that shows how scary old age could be!
Author's Note
This and the previous article were begun when I read a review in the January 2025 Atlantic of two new books on aging. Quite surprisingly, given how new they are, both were available on Bookshare.
Golden Years, James Chappel, Basic books, 2024
The Longevity Imperative, Andrew Scott, Basic Books, 2024.
I also spent quite a lot of time exploring Wikipedia.
***
Tech Tips - by John Richards; for the Technology Committee
Most Common USB Cables Used By Consumers
The electronic devices we use in our everyday lives have to be charged periodically. In addition, we will initiate data transfer from one device to another. These are just two major functions in using USB cables. Although diversified platforms use proprietary connectors with their devices in order to perform the same tasks, the listings below are widely used.
Listed below are several types of USB cables, there common uses and version supported.
A-Type: used in Flash drives, keyboards and mice. Versions supported: 2.0, 3.0 (3.1), 3.1 Gen 2.
Micro-B: used in Android phone chargers, video game consoles. Version supported: 2.0
C-Type: used in New laptops and phones, devices with combined data and power delivery. Version supported: 2.0, 3.0 (3.1), 3.1 Gen 2, 4. The C-Type connector is also present on the iPhone 16.
When using any of these cables, keep in mind to follow some common sense safety precautions. The best safety precaution to follow is to disconnect any cable when it is not in use. If you tend to leave your USB sockets plugged in when not in use, a minimal amount of power is active, no more than 0.5 watts. However, make sure the connector on the other end does not touch anything wet or metal objects.
***
Recipe Corner
Submitted by: Sheila Young
Four Bean Salad
15 ounces green beans, drained
15 ounces yellow wax beans, drained
15 ounces red kidney beans, rinsed & drained
15 ounces garbanzo beans, rinsed & drained
1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup onion, chopped
1 cup celery, bias-cut
1 cup sugar
1 cup vinegar
Drain and combine beans, bell pepper, onion and celery.
Boil vinegar and sugar until sugar is dissolved, pour over vegetables while hot and refrigerate to marinate for several hours. Leftovers keep well. (Makes 9-10 cups).
[There is no oil in this recipe.: cool: Don't be alarmed when you read 1 cup sugar, because the sugar is only in the marinade, you are not serving or drinking it! I use the same recipe for 3-bean salad or 4-bean salad, depending on what is in the pantry.
***
Chapter News
Greater Orlando Council of the Blind May-June 2025
by Sheila Young
The chapter’s trivia night was once again a smashing success! There were many members and friends in attendance. Everyone received a free drink, and the VFW women’s auxiliary once again graciously provided food. The silent auction provided plenty of items to bid on. Thanks go to Leslie Spoone for collecting the auction items and prizes. Thanks also to everyone who participated in making this an evening to remember.
The first place went to Loving Spoonful, second place was won by Friend’s Gang, and Forever Young, Martinis took third place.
In May the chapter will participate in the annual state convention. This year it is being held in Jacksonville from May 15th to the 18th.
June is once again time for the chapter’s annual awards and scholarship luncheon. It will be held either on the first or second Saturday.
In addition, for those with computer access, GOCB is on Facebook. You can find us on Facebook by typing “GOCB” .
We hope to see many of you in Jacksonville!
***
Poetry Corner
Submitted by Shelley Sawyer
Greetings, Dear Reader:
Wow! It’s been a tough year in many ways for most of us I think. The below words express part of my thoughts about life, and have helped me pull myself up out of the quicksand I was falling in. If you need these words, I hope they are of help to you.
JOURNEY ON
By Ty Herndon
Sometimes the mountains tower high above you,
Sometimes the currents just too fast to swim,
Life can carry you all kinds of places,
Journey On.
Sometimes in the moment of your weakness,
When you're on the edge of giving in,
You hold your heart before it falls to pieces,
Journey On.
Anybody's ship can take on water,
You gotta make the choice to sink or swim,
Just grab a piece of rubble from the wreckage,
Journey On.
Too many times your heart will leave you stranded,
You bear the scars of where you've been,
Don't be afraid to ask for new direction,
And Journey On.
Journey On - hold your head above the water,
Journey On - you can weather out this storm.
Journey On - there's a better day a coming,
Oh, a better world than you have ever known.
Journey On - someone's waiting by the river,
Waiting there to take you by the hand.
So make the most of all that you've been given,
Journey On.
Journey On.
***
FCB OFFICERS, 2024 – 2026
President, Mikey Wiseman
Miami, president@fcb.org (305) 331-4870
1st Vice-President, Cassandra Jessie
Tallahassee, vp1@fcb.org (850) 567-4288
2nd Vice President, Shelley Sawyer
Tallahassee, vp2@fcb.org (407) 403-2099
Treasurer, Mark Lear
P.O. Box 214235
Daytona Beach, FL 32121
treasurer@fcb.org (386) 788-0463
Membership Secretary, and White Cane Bulletin Editor, Sally Benjamin
Tallahassee, (850) 980-0205
Membership Email: membership@fcb.org
White Cane Bulletin Email: editor@fcb.org
Recording Secretary, Elizabeth Bowden
Tallahassee, recordingsec@fcb.org (850) 345-0822
Immediate Past President, Sheila Young
Orlando, sheilayoung125@att.net (407) 425-9200
FCB Administrative Assistant, Kati Lear
(800) 267-4448 (386) 763-3836 floridacouncil@comcast.net
***
2024-2026 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.
CALM (Chapter At Large Members): Mikey Wiseman
president@fcb.org
(305) 331-4870
Greater Orlando Council of the Blind: Mark Lear
treasurer@fcb.org
(386) 788-0463
Halifax Council of the Blind: Sheila Young
sheilayoung125@att.net
(407) 425-9200
Jacksonville Council of the Blind: Cassandra Jessie
vp1@fcb.org
(850) 567-4288
Manatee County Council of the Blind: Sally Benjamin
membership@fcb.org
(850) 980-0205
Miami Metro Council of the Blind: Mikey Wiseman
president@fcb.org
(305) 331-4870
Northwest Florida Chapter of the Florida Council of the Blind: Elizabeth Bowden
recordingsec@fcb.org
(850) 345-0822
Palm Beach Council of the Blind: Cassandra Jesse
vp1@fcb.org
(850) 567-4288
Pinellas Council of the Blind: Sheila Young
sheilayoung125@att.net
(407) 425-9200
Sarasota Council of the Blind: Shelley Sawyer
vp2@fcb.org
(407) 403-2099
Southwest Florida Council of the Blind: Elizabeth Bowden
recordingsec@fcb.org
(850) 345-0822
Tallahassee Council of the Blind: Sheila Young
sheilayoung125@att.net
(407) 425-9200
Tampa Council of the Blind: Cassandra Jessie
vp1@fcb.org
(850) 567-4288
Braille Revival League of Florida: Shelley Sawyer
vp2@fcb.org
(407) 403-2099
Coalition for the Concerns of the Totally Blind: Elizabeth Bowden
recordingsec@fcb.org
(850) 567-4288
Florida Council of Citizens with Low Vision: Cassandra Jessie
vp1@fcb.org
(850) 567-4288
Guide Dog Users of Florida: Shelley Sawyer
vp2@fcb.org
(407) 403-2099
***
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 Mon - Fri 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 accessibility)