* Below is the online White Cane Bulletin which 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 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
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, Sheila Young, at 2304 Amherst Ave., Orlando, FL 32804, or treasurer@fcb.org.
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: editor@fcb.org
Table of Contents
Fall: A Season for Slowing Down by Sally Benjamin
Activities Committee Update by Greg Lindberg
Independent Visually Impaired Entrepreneurs Online Business Expo
Book Corner submitted by Sheila Young
Life in St. Louis by Julien Clement
My ACB Convention Experience by Alicia Eidson
A Memorable Week in the Gateway City by Greg Lindberg
In the Spotlight by Alicia Eidson: Meet Miss Sheila Young
Jottings From Jacksonville by Paul Edwards
The Time Ring by Anne Mauro
The Light Chronicles: A Servant’s Heart by Cachet Wells
Recipe Corner submitted by Sheila Young
Tech Tips by John Richards: for the Technology Committee
Poetry Corner submitted by Shelley Sawyer
FCB Officers, 2026 – 2028
2026-2028 CHAPTER & SPECIAL AFFILIATE OFFICER LIAISONS
Handy Telephone Number References
Fall: A Season for Slowing Down by Sally Benjamin
Every fall, I look forward to that first crisp morning when I step outside and catch the smell of smoke drifting through the cool air. For me, it feels like the season is inviting me to slow down, take a deep breath, and enjoy the cozy feeling that only fall seems to bring.
Fall always seems to arrive just when I need it most, bringing cooler weather, warm fires, soft sweaters, and mugs of hot cider. Before long, I start noticing the familiar smell of fallen leaves and pumpkins in the air, and it takes me back to so many happy moments. As the nights grow longer and the days grow shorter, I find myself looking forward to the little traditions that make the season special, like Halloween parties, time with family, and quiet evenings by the fire.
Some of my favorite childhood memories are from fall days spent playing outside in the cool air, laughing as I jumped into piles of leaves, and not wanting the day to end. When I finally came inside, I loved warming up with hot chocolate, sitting close to the fire, and drifting off to sleep in my warm bed.
Halloween has always been one of my favorite parts of fall because it brings parties, candy, music, and, best of all, costumes. I still enjoy thinking about what I might dress up as, maybe a pumpkin one year, a ghost another, or even a witch. I’m not sure what I’ll be this year, but the fun is already in imagining it.
***
Activities Committee Update by Greg Lindberg
With so many great things happening around the Sunshine State, we don’t want you to miss out on any of them. No matter if it's to celebrate a special cause, gather to honor White Cane Day, or a fundraising event, we want to help provide an avenue to advertise to a wider audience of members to increase engagement in your planned events.
The Florida Council of the Blind Activities Committee invites you to share your upcoming Chapter and Special Interest Affiliate events with us that are being held throughout the month. This allows members to review and plan ahead to attend other local area events. We want to help you by supporting and promoting your efforts to raise awareness about what you're doing and maximize participation.
For each event, please provide the following:
- A detailed summary of the event (who, what, when, where, and cost)
- Contact information for the event (contact person’s name, phone number and/or email address)
The deadline to submit this information is the 5th of each month by sending everything to Activities@fcb.org to have it included in the FCB Activities Committee communications channels. Thank you, and we look forward to helping support your activities!
Upcoming Activities for Fall 2026
Join the Activities Committee for two virtual events this fall. Our first event will be a Game Night featuring the FCB board reps vs. the ACB board of directors. This will take place on Saturday, October 24 from 3 to 5 PM Eastern. You don’t want to miss out on the fun!
Also, we’re already planning our Holiday Extravaganza for December! We will be in touch with the date and time for this event, so stay tuned.
***
Independent Visually Impaired Entrepreneurs Online Business Expo
November 14, 2026
IVIE is offering a great opportunity to blind or visually impaired business owners/entrepreneurs. When you join in our Online Business Expo shopping experience, you can tell the audience about your business, describe your products and services, pass on contact information, and allow participants to ask questions. For IVIE members, the fee for presenting for fifteen minutes is $10, for a half hour is $20, or for an hour is $30. Not an IVIE member? Then, the fee for presenting is an additional $15 -- $25 for fifteen minutes, $35 for a half hour session, or $45 for an hour session. Nonmembers have the option of having $15 of the payment used to pay IVIE dues for 2027.
All those participating in the call, whether presenting or not, will use the same Zoom information to connect. The date and time is November 14, 2026, from 11:30 am to 6 pm Eastern.
The deadline for purchasing a time slot to give a presentation is October 31, 2026. To purchase a time slot or ask questions, send an email to
info@ivie-acb.org with your request to exhibit. You will be sent an online business expo registration form which will include a link for payment and additional information. If you wish to attend the IVIE Online Business Expo and listen to this unique shopping experience, there is no cost. However, if you are not on the IVIE email list or the ACB-conversation email list or leadership list, please send an email to register so we can send you the Zoom call details. Send the request to info@ivie-acb.org.
***
Book Corner submitted by Sheila Young
Jenny Cooper has a secret
DB131189
Reading time 10 hours
Narrated by Carol Monda
Mystery & Detective, Psychological fiction, suspense fiction
Author: Joy Fielding
"Reeling from her husband's death and best friend's dementia diagnosis, seventy-six-year-old Linda Davidson feels lost and alone. Her beloved daughter Kleo and son-in-law Mick have moved into her house to keep her company, but the constant bickering quickly turns their presence into yet another worry on Linda's long list. Eager to escape the tension at home, Linda goes to visit her friend at Legacy Place, a memory care facility for the elderly, where she meets Jenny Cooper, a ninety-two-year-old dementia patient who makes a shocking confession: she kills people. Linda dismisses the so-called secret as the confusion of an ailing mind, but Jenny seems strangely lucid during their visits as she recounts stories of her many victims -- mostly men who hurt her. Then a fellow patient at Legacy Place dies. Everyone else sees it as the natural death of an sick old man, but Linda can't help but wonder: is there any chance Jenny's telling the truth?" -- Provided by publisher. Unrated. Commercial audiobook.
***
Life in St. Louis by Julien Clement
Life in St. Louis
I started off beside the Arch,
Though not quite ready for a march.
I didn’t land or touch the sky,
I watched the long road passing by.
A fifteen-to-eighteen-hour drive,
Relieved and glad to just arrive.
My stomach wasn’t sour or flat,
Just hungry for a place to chat.
My son was there to bring me through,
Though left me on my own a few.
I craved a milkshake, rich and sweet,
An ice cream cone became my treat.
Arriving on a Sunday night,
To get ready for Monday’s light.
Prepared for general session space,
Unaware of all I’d face.
I made it right on time that day,
Ahead of schedule, on my way.
Met new folks as the hours flew,
Hoping everyone was true.
Some were sweet, and some were kind,
Some kept to what was on their mind.
And others stayed within their space—
No bother in this busy place.
St. Louis, would I visit twice?
Perhaps, though I am on the fence.
The food was simple, plain, and light,
Not quite enough to make it right.
I wish I were an inspector sent
To check the hotels where we spent
Our time—for working in one too,
I see what others miss from view.
I won’t get deep in what they lack,
Or bore you with a tic-for-tac.
Just sharing how the trip went by,
Before I pack and say goodbye.
Next stop is Jacksonville ahead,
No flight for me—I’ll drive instead!
***
My ACB Convention Experience by Alicia Eidson
I want to begin by saying thank you to the Florida State Affiliate for giving me the opportunity to attend the American Council of the Blind (ACB) National Convention. This experience meant so much to me, and I came home with a heart full of gratitude, new friendships, new knowledge, and an even stronger desire to advocate for accessibility and inclusion.
The convention gave me the opportunity to learn so much more about ACB and the incredible work being done throughout the organization. One of the most exciting parts was finally meeting people I had only known through Zoom meetings, community calls, or online conversations. There is something very special about putting a face, a handshake, and a hug with a name you have heard so many times before!
And believe me, there were lots of handshakes and hugs!
One of the highlights for me was bringing a new friend with me and introducing her to our National President, Deb Cook Lewis. I was so excited to give her a little taste of what ACB is all about. Being able to share this experience with someone who was just beginning to learn about ACB made it even more meaningful for me.
Discovering St. Louis
Since I had never been to St. Louis before, I was excited to explore the city. I got to see quite a bit of St. Louis during my visit, and it was fun experiencing a new place while also being surrounded by so many wonderful people from ACB.
Of course, the convention exhibit hall was another adventure. There were so many booths to explore and so much to learn. I discovered technology, services, organizations, and resources that I had either never heard of or had never had the opportunity to experience firsthand.
One of my favorite discoveries was the Lumen app. I learned that it works with my email and allows me to interact with it by simply talking to it. It can answer emails, help create emails, and quickly find important messages. I now have it on my phone, and I absolutely love it! It is one of those technologies that makes you wonder how you ever lived without it.
I also had a great experience using the NaviLens app around the hotel. Trying out new technology in a real-world environment helped me understand just how valuable these tools can be in helping blind and visually impaired people navigate and access information more independently.
Baseball, Audio Description and Feeling Like I Was Seeing
One of the most amazing experiences of the entire convention was attending the baseball game and experiencing Caidence audio description while watching the St. Louis Cardinals take on the Chicago Cubs.
What an experience!
I didn't just hear someone tell me that a batter was up or that someone had hit the ball. The audio description made me feel like I was actually experiencing the entire game.
I heard descriptions of the plays, the action around the stadium, the kiss cam, and even the sweaty guys with their shirts off! It was funny, detailed, and incredibly immersive.
For someone who is blind, that kind of description can make a huge difference. I never felt like I was sitting on the sidelines simply listening to a baseball game. I felt like I was there.
It was almost as if someone had opened a window and allowed me to see the game through their words.
Now I am hoping there will be many more opportunities for me to attend sporting events with quality audio description. I want to experience more games and discover what it feels like to be included in the excitement that sighted people often take for granted.
Connecting Through the ACBDA Mixer
Another special part of the convention was attending the mixer hosted by the American Council of Blind Diabetics in Action (ACBDA).
It was wonderful meeting some of the members in person after hearing about them and their work. I enjoyed listening to their stories and discovering how many of their experiences were things I could relate to.
There is something powerful about being in a room with people who understand parts of your journey without you having to explain every detail.
Those connections are one of the things that make ACB so special.
The People Behind the Convention
One experience that really opened my eyes was getting an up-close look at what happens behind the scenes with the ACB audiovisual team under the leadership of Rick Morin.
Wow!
These people work their butts off!
From before the convention even begins, they are moving from room to room, setting things up, taking things down, solving problems, fixing equipment, and responding to issues. And they do it over and over again, all day and well into the night.
They are like the Energizer Bunnies of ACB!
We may walk into a room and see everything working perfectly, but we don't always think about the people who made that happen. Watching the audiovisual teamwork gave me a whole new appreciation for the amount of effort, skill, patience, and dedication that goes into making a convention like this successful.
So, Rick and the entire audiovisual team, thank you for everything you do!
Taking What I Learned Home
Perhaps one of the most important parts of attending the convention was realizing that what I learn at ACB doesn't stay at the convention.
I brought it home with me.
One of the first things I did after returning home was contact my local representative, Cory Mills, and set up an appointment to discuss issues that are extremely important to blind and visually impaired Americans.
I talked about web accessibility and the need for accessible medical devices. I was able to show devices that people are given when using an insulin pump and demonstrate how inaccessible they can be for someone who is blind.
This isn't simply about technology.
It is about independence, safety, dignity, and equal access.
My hope is that my representative will consider becoming a cosponsor of these important legislative efforts and help turn these initiatives into meaningful, mandated legislation.
And now, some of the information and advocacy work I brought home from the convention is making its way to Washington, D.C., for further review.
That is what advocacy is about.
You learn.
You speak.
You demonstrate.
You build relationships.
And then you keep moving forward.
ACB Is Empowering Me
I am also excited about another opportunity coming up in October, when I will travel to Richmond, Virginia, to teach a workshop about disability inclusion.
When I look back at where I was and where I am now, I realize how much ACB, the Florida Council of the Blind (FCB), and the Greater Orlando Council of the Blind (GOCB) have helped me grow.
These organizations have given me confidence.
They have given me knowledge.
They have given me relationships.
Most importantly, they have given me tools to advocate more intensively for myself and for others.
The more I learn, the more I realize how much work still needs to be done. But I also realize that I don't have to do it alone.
There are people all across this country who are working toward the same goal: a world where blindness and disability do not determine what someone can or cannot accomplish.
Thank You, Florida!
So, to the Florida State Affiliate, I simply want to say:
Thank you.
Thank you for believing in me.
Thank you for helping me get to the ACB convention.
Thank you for supporting my growth as an advocate.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to meet people, discover technology, experience accessibility, learn about legislation, explore a new city, and become even more passionate about the work we do.
I returned home with more than memories.
I returned home with new friendships, new skills, new ideas, new confidence, and a renewed commitment to advocacy.
The ACB convention reminded me that when we come together, we can learn from one another, encourage one another, and create change.
I am incredibly grateful that Florida gave me the opportunity to be part of it.
And I can't wait to see where this journey takes me next!
Respectfully,
Alicia Eidson
***
A Memorable Week in the Gateway City by Greg Lindberg
If a “convention high” is a thing, I was on one once again at this year’s ACB Conference and Convention in St. Louis.
The opening general session on Saturday night truly got the energy going. I always enjoy hearing executive director Scott Thornhill speak because of his knowledge, enthusiasm, and sense of humor. I thought it was neat how he had people clap based on the number of national conventions they’ve attended. It was remarkable to still hear applause for those who had been to 35, 40, and even 45 conventions.
In terms of breakout sessions, the one on social confidence with Zelda Gebhard and Florida’s own Ricardo Salazar provided some good tips on how to effectively navigate situations with food arranged on a buffet and unfamiliar environments. I also enjoyed the interviewing session which covered how to talk about yourself with confidence, even if you don’t have much professional experience, as well as some strategies on disclosing one’s visual impairment. I learned early on in my career that it’s important to disclose this sooner than later in the process, especially if you have a significant impairment. In addition, the JAWS session on the latest updates and future of screen readers using agentic AI was interesting as they touched on how this technology can perform tasks.
During one of the general sessions, I was honored to be part of the Sports and Blindness panel with several other adaptive athletes to help raise awareness about different adaptive sports and opportunities for people of all physical abilities. I tried to underscore the point that, regardless of one’s visual impairment, age, or other challenges, there is an activity for everyone to get some type of physical exercise. Speaking of sports, I got to play some blind hockey – on carpet rather than ice in this case – with a few members of the U.S. national blind hockey team at the hotel. Plus, I was very grateful to attend the St. Louis Cardinals vs. Cincinnati Reds game with live audio description and the Cadence tactile tablet. I truly believe this will be what the future looks like for blind sports fans. I was just lucky enough to experience this in 2026.
Other highlights of the general sessions included Claire Stanley’s advocacy presentation. I do think this could’ve been a longer part of the general sessions because of how many changes have occurred at the federal level that are impacting people with disabilities. It was also interesting to hear from Microsoft about how much BITS and ACB members in general have provided meaningful feedback to them on their products over the years. To me, this is one example of the value ACB can provide to major companies like Microsoft. I also learned about Mt. Vernon Consulting’s ACB Forward project to help bring the organization into the future. As a longtime member of ACB Next Generation, I hope that NextGen leaders will be able to play a role in helping to navigate our organization in a positive direction down the road.
I also got to go on a tour of the Jefferson Barricks Telephone Museum. We got to touch several old phones, and I thought the tour guides provided great insight into the history of telephone communication. I’m certainly too young to understand party lines, but I feel like you could compare them to a modern-day Zoom meeting.
I didn’t get to spend quite as much time browsing the exhibit hall as I had hoped. I of course went straight to the OneCourt booth to check out their new at-home device for blind sports fans. I’ve got my preorder in and am anxious to get my hands on the device but will have to wait until they ship in December. The ALEYE device, made by HapWare, was another intriguing one. It’s a Bluetooth wristband that provides vibrations based on someone’s facial expressions or gestures if the person is in front of you.
I remember when I attended my first convention in 2016, someone told me that those who go to convention are the “cream of the crop” in the blind and low vision community. I always think about that at every convention, and it never ceases to amaze me how intelligent, well-spoken, energetic, and passionate the ACB staff, board of directors, and members in general truly are. I’m grateful to the Florida Council of the Blind for giving me the opportunity to rub elbows with these folks this year.
***
In the Spotlight by Alicia Eidson: Meet Miss Sheila Young
This edition of In the Spotlight features someone many of us know and admire—Miss Sheila Young. If you don't know Miss Sheila yet, let me introduce you to her on a more personal level. And if you do know her, I think you'll discover a few surprises along the way!
Before we begin Sheila's story, let's recognize someone who played an important role in her early life. Sheila's father, Ed Aeberli, proudly served in the United States Navy and retired after 23 years as a Lieutenant Commander. Thank you for your service, Ed, and for your dedication to our country.
Growing Up in a Military Family
Like many military families, Sheila's childhood included several moves. She was born in Maryland before her family relocated to New Jersey, where her younger sister, Patty, was born. Soon afterward, they moved to Virginia Beach. Sheila was only two and a half years old, and Patty was just six months old.
Life took an unexpected turn when Sheila's mother contracted polio while they were living in military housing in Virginia Beach. She spent nine months in the hospital. During that difficult time, Sheila lived with one aunt while Patty stayed with another. When their mother finally returned home, she was paralyzed from the waist up.
Fortunately, Sheila's father was able to take a leave of absence from the Navy for a couple of months to help the family adjust to this life-changing event. Although he was stationed in New Jersey, the family eventually returned to Virginia, where Sheila attended both elementary and high school.
School brought its own challenges. During those years, students generally needed to complete algebra and geometry to qualify for college. Because of her low vision, Sheila struggled to see the chalkboard and was unable to take those classes.
With her wonderful sense of humor, she laughed as she recalled those days, saying, "Yes, back then we had chalkboards!" Instead of heading off to college, Sheila entered the workforce and began building a life of her own.
Discovering Her Strength in the Workplace
Sheila's first job was as a bookkeeper. While in high school, she had taken several business classes and especially enjoyed business math. She was a dedicated employee, but as time passed, it became increasingly apparent that her vision was slowing her down.
Technology that many of us take for granted today simply didn't exist. There were no computers, screen readers, or magnification software to make the work easier. Although her employer complimented the quality of her work, he ultimately told her she was simply too slow, and she was laid off.
That disappointment led to a new opportunity at a photo processing company called Color Craft. Working in the darkroom turned out to be a perfect fit.
Sheila smiled as she remembered those days. She excelled at operating the various film-processing machines and quickly became one of the fastest workers there.
This was during 1972 and 1973, when cameras still relied on rolls of film.
With another laugh she said, "We actually had cameras and film back then!"
Searching for Answers
Although Sheila had always experienced vision problems, no one fully understood what was causing them. As a child, she struggled to read books and couldn't clearly see the chalkboard at school.
Initially, military ophthalmologists diagnosed her with macular degeneration around 1968. It wasn't until she was in her twenties, after undergoing extensive testing at the University of Tennessee, that doctors correctly diagnosed her with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP).
Considering how little was known about RP during the 1960s, it's understandable why she was originally misdiagnosed.
Looking back, many of the signs had been there all along. Sheila remembers her father becoming frustrated because she always sat so close to the television. Of course, no one realized she was compensating for her diminishing vision.
Her childhood also brought significant family changes. Her father left when she was eight years old, and her parents divorced the following year.
Accepting the Reality of Vision Loss
Despite her diagnosis, Sheila still had usable vision throughout much of her younger life. When teachers encouraged her to learn Braille during high school, she wasn't interested.
She confidently told them, "I don't need to learn Braille; I'm not blind."
Her teachers also wanted her to attend a school for the blind, but Sheila simply couldn't accept that blindness was becoming part of her story. At sixteen years old during the late 1960s, she refused to let anyone place the "blind" label on her. She could still ride her bike, get around independently, and live what felt like a normal teenage life.
For many years, she continued doing just that.
Everything changed in 2000.
At 46 years old, Sheila realized she could no longer travel independently the way she always had. Accepting that reality was heartbreaking. She shared that she fell into a severe depression and became withdrawn from those around her.
Her ex-husband encouraged her to seek help through the Commission of the Visually Handicapped. Sheila reached out, and a counselor visited her home to discuss the challenges she was facing.
After listening carefully to her story, the counselor recommended that she attend the Richmond Rehab Center for the Blind.
At first, Sheila wanted absolutely nothing to do with the idea.
She simply wasn't ready.
She wasn't ready to wrap her head around what blindness would mean for her future, even though deep inside she knew she needed help.
Sometimes, acceptance doesn't happen all at once. Sometimes it begins with one difficult conversation—and the courage to take the first step.
Once Sheila realized she could no longer read her canned goods without her husband telling her what they were, something shifted inside of her. She knew she had to make a change. She had to find a way to become more independent. That realization was the beginning of a new chapter in her life.
Sheila described the rehabilitation center as a place filled with opportunity. The facility had several buildings. One building housed the classrooms, lounge, and administrative offices. Another was the cafeteria, and several others were dedicated to the dormitories. After arriving, Sheila had to walk from her dorm room to another meeting area where she met with her counselor and received her schedule. Her days would include Braille, Independent Living Skills, Orientation and Mobility (O&M) training, computer skills, and many other classes designed to help her regain independence.
Sheila remembers the facility with excitement in her voice. “Really cool stuff. It was an awesome facility,” she said.
But independence did not happen overnight. The first time Sheila attempted to go alone to the lounge, she successfully made it there but almost fell down a set of stairs because she could not see them. That moment was a wake-up call.
An Orientation and Mobility instructor approached her and handed her a cane.
Sheila looked at it with confusion and asked, “What am I supposed to do with that?”
The instructor explained that he had not yet been able to begin her formal training, but he wanted her to have the cane for safety. “I want you to have it,” he told her.
Sheila admitted she was unsure. She told him she did not know how to use it. But eventually, she found herself alone with that cane and decided to try.
She stood up, placed the cane out in front of her, and started walking.
Because Sheila still had some light perception and limited vision, she was able to locate the door and successfully navigate her way back. But then the cane found the stairs.
That moment changed everything.
Sheila burst into tears.
“Oh, my God, I can do this.”
Those words marked the beginning of an entirely new outlook on life. Sheila describes that experience as one of the most important moments of her journey.
“It was literally the best thing that happened,” she said.
Those three months at the rehabilitation center gave Sheila confidence she had never experienced before. For the first time, she was surrounded by other people who understood exactly what she was going through.
“I had never before then been with other blind people,” Sheila explained. Being part of group meetings with others experiencing the same struggles made a tremendous difference. Together, they talked about the adjustments, the changes, the acceptance, and the grieving process that comes with vision loss.
“It was those three months of rehab that literally gave me a whole new outlook,” Sheila shared.
During that time, Sheila learned how to use a computer for the first time in her life.
“I was 46 years old! I’d never used a computer in my life.”
That experience completely changed her perspective. She realized that blindness did not mean her life was over. It meant she needed new tools, new skills, and a new way of approaching the world.
Through those group meetings, Sheila discovered something incredibly important: she was not alone.
While Sheila was still attending school earlier in life, her mother played a tremendous role in helping her succeed. Since technology was not available to assist her at that time, her mother would read her lessons to her and help her keep up with her studies.
(Author’s note: Sheila, are you telling us there were no Meta Glasses back then?)
Family has always been a significant part of Sheila’s story. She married for the first time at nineteen, although that marriage lasted only one year. In 1978, Sheila married again, and that marriage lasted 27 years. Together, they had two sons.
Her oldest son, Joe, is now 48 and lives in Mississippi. He is the proud father of Sheila’s granddaughter, who will turn 23 this August. She is a graduate of the University of Alabama.
Her second son, Chris, is the vice president of a company specializing in corporate electrical work. He will turn 46 this September. Chris is the father of Sheila’s two younger grandchildren, Ali, who recently turned six, and Jacob, who is ten.
As Sheila talked about her children and grandchildren, she reflected on how quickly time has passed.
“It feels like it has gone by way too fast,” she said.
After learning independence and rebuilding her confidence, Sheila’s journey led her to advocacy. When asked how she became involved with the American Council of the Blind, Sheila had a lot to share.
Her first exposure to organized blindness advocacy came while she was at the rehabilitation center. The center happened to have an affiliation with the National Federation of the Blind (NFB), and Sheila attended some of their meetings.
Her response was simple.
“I wasn’t impressed.”
Later, when Sheila moved to Mississippi, she discovered the Mississippi Council of the Blind. She visited a local chapter and immediately enjoyed the experience. She attended her first state convention there and became more involved. After attending a couple of conventions, Sheila was elected to their board in April of 2004.
That same year brought many life changes. In September of 2004, her former husband Dale left, creating an incredibly difficult season in her life.
“Everything went to hell in a hand basket,” Sheila said.
By November of that year, Sheila had moved to Florida. She resigned from the Mississippi Council because she was now living in a new state and began working with a counselor through the Florida Division of Blind Services.
That counselor introduced Sheila to Rachel Schroder, who worked with the Division of Blind Services and was also the president of what was then known as the Mid Florida Council of the Blind. Rachel invited Sheila to the chapter’s Christmas luncheon, where Sheila met several members and began to see the possibilities of becoming involved.
In January of 2005, Sheila attended her first chapter meeting.
Before long, she became active with the group, participating in activities and building relationships. Eventually, she became Vice President under Shelley Sawyer. When Shelley completed her term, Sheila was elected President.
One of Sheila’s first contributions as a member was helping bring about a name change. She noticed that when people searched for a local Orlando chapter, they could not find it because the city’s name was not included in the title. She helped lead the effort to change the name, and around 2010, the organization officially became the Greater Orlando Council of the Blind.
Over the years, Sheila has served in many leadership roles, including multiple terms as president and treasurer.
Her first Florida Council of the Blind state convention was held in Fort Lauderdale in 2005. Little did she know at that time how much this organization would become a part of her life, her purpose, and her passion.
Here is the continuation of Sheila’s story, polished to match the tone and style of the previous sections while keeping her passion and personality front and center:
Sheila’s journey with advocacy continued to grow, and soon opportunities began opening doors she never imagined.
That same year, the Florida Division of Blind Services contacted Sheila to ask if she would be interested in attending an American Council of the Blind (ACB) National Convention in Las Vegas. DBS was sponsoring individuals to attend, and Sheila’s response came quickly and enthusiastically.
“Shoot yeah!” she exclaimed.
It was an opportunity to experience something much bigger than herself and to see firsthand the power of a national organization advocating for people who are blind and visually impaired.
Her second national convention came in 2016 in Minneapolis. That year was especially meaningful because it marked the beginning of the JP Morgan Chase Leadership Fellows Program. Sheila applied for the program and received the honor of becoming a fellow.
Her leadership journey continued to expand. Most recently, Sheila was elected as the Florida Council of the Blind (FCB) Treasurer. She admits that the position has been both a challenge and a tremendous learning experience.
“It’s been a learning curve,” Sheila shared.
But true to Sheila’s personality, she does not shy away from challenges. She works a little each day, organizing, learning, and growing into the role.
And apparently, Sheila was not finished adding responsibilities to her plate!
She also ran for a position on the American Council of the Blind National Board of Directors and won.
“Slow down, girl!” one might say.
Throughout the years, Sheila has served on numerous committees at both the state and national levels, continuing to find ways to make a difference.
Her heart, however, has always remained deeply connected to the Greater Orlando Council of the Blind (GOCB).
Sheila’s vision for GOCB is simple but powerful: she wants it to be a thriving community filled with members who want to work together, accomplish goals, and create meaningful change.
When Dan and Leslie Spoone approached Sheila about the idea of starting Trivia Night 11 years ago, she immediately embraced the idea. She knew it could be more than just a fundraiser. It could be a way to bring people together, build friendships, and create memories.
And she was right.
Today, Trivia Night has become one of GOCB’s most successful fundraisers and one of the most anticipated gatherings of the year.
For Sheila, community is about connection.
She wants members to have opportunities to gather, get to know one another, and experience life together. Whether it is annual holiday parties, summer grills, musical theater outings, lunches and dinners, singalongs, movie nights, open mic nights, or countless other activities, Sheila believes these moments matter.
She never wants GOCB to become stagnant.
She wants the organization to be visible — not only as a place where people have fun together but as a place where the public can learn and better understand the experiences, abilities, and contributions of people who are blind and visually impaired.
Sheila believes advocacy begins with knowing each other’s strengths and finding each person’s unique place within the community.
She wants members to advocate for one another, support one another, and work together to create meaningful improvements in accessibility.
One thing is clear about Sheila: she thinks outside the box.
And that creative thinking has helped GOCB continue to grow.
As a newer member of the American Council of the Blind National Board, Sheila hopes to see membership continue to increase. She would especially like to find ways to encourage more members to participate in elections, become informed voters, and take time to understand the candidates and the issues affecting the organization.
Sheila believes involvement is essential.
“I realize that legislation is not everyone’s forte. I realize that politics isn’t everyone’s forte,” Sheila explained. “But there are things in this world that are happening today that can affect us if we don’t stand up and do something about it.”
She continued, “That worries me because I am of the older generation where some of these things can affect me, and the younger generation needs to realize that if it could happen to us, it’s going to be their future.”
Her concern comes from a place of compassion and responsibility. Sheila believes that as blind individuals, we must remain aware of issues that impact our independence and our ability to participate fully in society.
She recognizes the incredible work being done by the ACB advocacy team and believes they are making a significant difference. What concerns her is that more people do not always recognize the importance of that work.
Sheila explained that if someone values what ACB can accomplish, then they need to become involved with the people making decisions.
Advocacy requires a voice.
One tool Sheila believes is especially important is the use of “Speak4 ” campaigns, where members can communicate directly with legislators about issues impacting the blind and visually impaired community.
Sheila believes these voices matter.
“It lets the legislators know we are out here,” she explained. “It helps them understand what is important to our community.”
For Sheila, advocacy is not just about policies or legislation. It is about protecting independence, creating opportunities, and ensuring that future generations have the same — or even greater possibilities than those who came before them.
After everything Sheila has experienced, from losing her vision to finding independence, from learning to use a cane to becoming a leader on the local, state, and national levels, one thing remains constant:
She believes people can overcome challenges when they have support, purpose, and a community willing to stand beside them.
Sheila Young: A Life of Independence, Advocacy, and Purpose
Today, Sheila is a very busy woman. Between family, friendships, leadership responsibilities, and her passion for advocacy, her calendar stays full.
She serves as the President of the Greater Orlando Council of the Blind (GOCB), the Treasurer for the Florida Council of the Blind (FCB), and since July, she has also served on the American Council of the Blind National Board of Directors.
With all those responsibilities, Sheila spends a great deal of time on her computer — probably more time than she would personally prefer!
But technology has become one of the many tools that has given Sheila independence.
She uses paratransit to get around, has her groceries delivered, and laughingly admits that grocery delivery has actually saved her money.
“Because I don’t walk through the store and see all the buy one, get one deals!” she joked.
She shops on Amazon and uses her bar code device to identify products and get accurate cooking directions. Her Alexa device has also become a valuable part of her daily routine. She uses it for reminders, looking up recipes, setting timers, alarms, and many other everyday tasks.
Sheila is grateful for the technology that allows her to continue doing things independently.
She cleans her own home, does her own laundry, and cooks her own meals. When she runs into a computer issue she cannot solve, her sister is there to help. Her sister also helps by giving her rides to some doctor appointments when needed.
Sheila still uses Braille and is able to label items around her home. She also uses her Meta Glasses every single day.
Her glasses have become one of her favorite tools.
Through them, she can receive assistance with reading her mail, identifying objects, and navigating everyday situations. Sheila shared that she gets her mail and reads it — although about 90% of the time, she ends up throwing it away because it is junk mail!
One of her favorite features is being able to identify colors.
Sheila explained that she can use her glasses to find out what color dress she is wearing so she can decide what color necklace to wear with it.
“So girly!” we both laughed.
She also occasionally uses Be My Eyes on her cell phone, another resource that connects blind and visually impaired individuals with sighted volunteers who can provide visual assistance when needed.
But beyond leadership and technology, Sheila is still Sheila — someone who loves good food, laughter, books, games, and adventure.
Her favorite color is blue.
When asked about her favorite foods, Sheila did
not hesitate.
“I love Chinese food. I love a good steak. I love good ribs,” she said, emphasizing the word “good.” “I don’t like pizza. I love good pineapple and good watermelon. I love good wings. I am a wing snob!”
When asked what kind of wings were her favorite, she answered immediately.
“Buffalo Hot!”
And honestly, that response was not surprising at all!
Sheila is also an avid reader. She says she almost always has a book she is currently reading. She listens to books while she cooks, does laundry, cleans, and works around the house.
She laughed as she explained that sometimes she can get a little annoyed when someone interrupts her reading time.
“I’m thinking, ‘How long are they going to be here?’”
We both shared a good laugh over that because anyone who loves a good book understands exactly what she means.
When she is not reading, Sheila enjoys playing games through RS Games on her computer. Some of her favorites include Uno, Yahtzee, Farkle, and lately, Go Fish.
Another passion of Sheila’s is travel.
During her marriage, she and her husband owned a motor home and enjoyed exploring new places. They traveled along the North Carolina coastline, camped in the mountains of Georgia, and even took the motor home from Mississippi all the way to Key West.
They also traveled by motorcycle from Mississippi to New Orleans for a weekend getaway.
Sheila has wonderful memories of traveling to Spain while other military wives were stationed there with their husbands. She enjoyed the food, the culture, and the opportunity to relax and experience something new.
She has also enjoyed several cruises and discovered that cruising is one of her favorite ways to travel.
She loves that everything she needs is right there on the ship.
“You don’t have to do anything if you don’t want to,” she explained.
So far, Sheila has visited the Bahamas through cruising, but she hopes to explore Jamaica and other Caribbean islands in the future.
When asked about her bucket list, Sheila immediately named several places she hopes to visit.
Hawaii.
Switzerland.
Germany.
Switzerland holds special meaning because that is where her family roots trace back to. She also said she would gladly visit France or England if the opportunity came along.
But perhaps one of the most meaningful parts of Sheila’s story is the advice she gives to someone who is beginning their own journey with blindness.
When asked how she would encourage someone experiencing vision loss, Sheila said the first thing she would do is listen.
“I would ask them how they are feeling and why they think they are feeling that way.”
She understands that blindness is not just a physical change. It is an emotional journey filled with uncertainty, fear, adjustments, and grief.
She would encourage individuals to contact the Division of Blind Services and Lighthouse programs for support. She would encourage them to begin using Talking Books because, as she explains, “you don’t need your eyes to read.”
Most importantly, Sheila would allow them the space to grieve.
She understands that people need time to cry, express their frustrations, and process what they are experiencing.
“We need to go through that grieving that comes along with losing your vision,” she explained.
But Sheila would not leave them there.
She would continue walking beside them, offering encouragement, resources, and support for as long as they needed it.
She would remind them to keep moving forward, to keep trying, and to share their progress along the way.
Because Sheila knows something many people do not realize at first:
There is life after blindness.
Those five words have become Sheila’s personal motto.
“There is life after blindness.”
And Sheila Young is living proof.
Thank you, Sheila for sharing your story with us!
If you would like to be interviewed or know of someone who should be please let Alicia know at prof.alicia.eidson@gmail.com
***
Jottings From Jacksonville by Paul Edwards
A Generation Of Lost Dreams
In 2002 the second President Bush had barely gotten his feet wet in the White House. The United States was still reeling from the attacks of September 11 2001 and it was hard to find much to rejoice over. And yet for many who went to the polls for mid-term elections there was huge cause for celebration! For the first time people who were blind could vote privately and independently. Every single county in Florida had shiny new voting machines that let us, for the first time, vote privately and independently and, whatever naysayers suggested, reliably.
I know I was eager to go to my polling place and, for the first time, not have to ask a relative or two poll workers to help me cast my vote. I didn't have to wonder if they would, in fact, vote the way I wanted rather than the way they thought was better. It was a huge victory for us! We had, barely more than a decade ago, passed the Americans with Disabilities Act which clearly provided us with civil rights that everyone else had possessed since 1964. The first accessible traffic signals were being installed; we had tactile warnings at many intersections; state and local governments were beginning to have offices that would concentrate on making sure that our rights were protected!
Debbie Grubb and I were busy working on manuals for early voting machines so our folks would know how to use them. Many in Florida were working with election officials to make sure machines got purchased and that poll workers got trained. It was pretty exciting but it didn't last long!
The only time in recent history where the disability vote went Republican was in 2004! By 2005 or 2006 it was becoming clear that the honeymoon was over! Everybody remembers the "hanging chads" from Palm Beach County in the 2000 election! The new machines were a way to make sure those didn't happen again! However there began to be a suspicion that machines by themselves couldn't be trusted. In 2007 most of the shiny new machines that were adopted with such fanfare were declared illegal for everybody in the state except us disabled folks. We were allowed to continue to use machines that were declared unfit for the rest of Florida's voters. There had never been a huge cohort of disappointed voters but the numbers were growing. After the 2007 decision their numbers plummeted! We you waste your time voting on a machine that was said to be unreliable and unsafe?
Year after year the Council appealed to the legislature and to state officials for some kind of equity. Time and again we were told that there simply was not money or the will to make changes that would have given us back real independence! Many of us continued to vote. We chose to believe that the machines were okay but many of us simply gave up and either let someone else cast our votes or just didn't bother.
Outfits like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) recognized our problem but were much more interested in getting votes for released and reformed felons. There simply wasn't the will to fight the battle and I think that many people just decided it wasn't worth the effort it took to get to the polling place and cast a vote you weren't sure would count!
Eventually as old machines wore out and funds became available from HAVE (Help America Vote Act), a Federal program, new machines were purchased that made sure that a paper ballot could be produced by every machine that was in use. Once more some semblance of equity seemed to be emerging
just before 2020. Then came the pandemic!
Was it safe to go to polling places? Were the machines disease carriers? Were elections rigged anyway?
The new machines told a story we should have expected. Many weren't used at all. They were available in every polling place but folks just weren't availing themselves of the option to vote privately and independently! And then came an issue that was the hardest for me to get my head around.
With the pandemic mail ballots became all the rage! Some within the Florida Council of the Blind said we had an obligation to fight to make those ballots accessible.
I was truly conflicted. People who are blind certainly ought to be able to vote privately and independently via mail ballots. Everybody else could! I was scared that county officials and state folks would balk at replacing expensive machines if mail ballots were made accessible.
FCB led a suit demanding accessible mail ballots and won a sort of a victory! A few counties were selected where accessible mail ballots would be tried! Most of the counties chosen were at best lukewarm. Volusia County where the Halifax Council of the Blind operated worked hard to make the experiment a success but, even there, the numbers were low. In other counties there was virtually no voting!
It was clear that the law was on our side so, whether counties liked it or not, the accessible mail ballot, for what it is worth, lives on. The difficulty with what we have is that it only goes part way. Here's how it works! If you say you want an accessible mail ballot, you are sent a code which then opens a ballot that you can use to cast your vote. Once you have done that you then need to print your ballot, place it in an envelope and then sign and date the envelope and then return it either by mail or by inserting it into ballot boxes located throughout the county.
In several other states the computer program that is used to generate the ballot can also be used to send your ballot back to your county electronically. Obviously this is far preferable to the situation we have here in Florida. Given the current state of our legislature there is very little likelihood that electronic returns will be approved.
So where do we stand and what should we do? Accessible voting machines exist at every voting place. We need to use them and demand that people know how to set them up and how to help us use them. We need to demonstrate that we know how to use machines. Our local chapters should have counties bring machines so we can get comfortable with them. Machines have screens but you can have them turned off or turn them off yourself! Be sure to ask how to do this when counties come to your chapter meetings. If you have help at home that you trust you can, of course, vote by mail. Make the effort to use the accessible approach. It takes a little effort but we need to have numbers who are using it before we can demand electronic return with any chance of success! Here is the bottom line!
Democracy is precious! If we don't exercise our right to vote can we complain at all about the kind of government we have at the local, state or Federal level? Right now people who are blind are considered a tiny and insignificant minority because almost none of us vote publicly and demonstrably. We can change that! Chapters could go to vote together at an early voting site! Chapters could invite journalists to see how folks vote. Call the paper and let them see just how inadequate the accessible mail ballot we now have is.
Even if you use help from someone you trust, vote! We have a secret ballot system that works at ACB! However imperfect what we have in Florida is, we must use it, value it and fight to make it better!
***
The Time Ring by Anne Mauro
Jill, a blind time traveler, got a time ring from an alien. She meets the alien when his spaceship crashes into the pool of her Palm Beach Florida home. Jill was listening to a talking book, and her brother David was in the garage working on his Harley. They both heard the spaceship flying low over the house, then heard a loud noise as the spaceship crashed into their pool. They both ran outside and saw the spaceship sinking in their pool. They call out before they jump in and ask,” is anyone alive in there?” A voice from inside the spaceship said, “help my spaceship is sinking.” They hear a splashing sound because the spaceship is filled with water. They jumped in and swam to the deep end of the pool where the spaceship was slowly sinking. The alien yelled, “I can’t swim.” Jill says, “Oh no, he’s drowning.” David yells to Jill, “we need to get the hatch open.” They pull the hatch open and get the alien out with the pool scooper. As everyone gets out of the water and standing there dripping wet, the alien says, “sorry about your body of water!” Jill says, “This is called a pool and don’t worry about the damage, the homeowner’s insurance will cover it.”
Jill introduces herself and her brother David. David sees a ring on the alien’s finger, and says, “that it is a weird ring, what kind of ring is it?” The alien says, “it is a time ring; I use it for time travel.” Jill asks, “I am blind, can I feel the ring?” The alien hands her the ring. “Oh, how does it work?” she asked. In amazement, Jill quietly says, “can I time travel too?” He turns the ring on. The knob on the right-hand side displays, “Time Ring activated.” Oh, I’m blind so can you change the settings to voice. The alien says yes and then tells her that he can make the time ring easier for her by setting it to voice activation. He went into settings to make it a voice activated time ring. I will also need your information for the Time ring’s profile. She gives him all her information and when they are done the alien gives her the following direction, “One last thing, “don’t let it get into evil hands.”
The first time Jill time traveled was with the alien. Jill asked to go to Washington, DC to see the signing Declaration of Independence in 1776. Before the alien said goodbye, he reminds her, the #2 rule of time travel: never change the past. The alien said, “we will take away the time ring if you screw up”. Then she started to go on her own. She traveled to different time periods. She traveled to 79A.D. to the city of Pompeii. Before the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. She tried to warn the people about the volcano. But there's no word for volcano in Roman times. So, Jill got out of Pompeii. Then Jill went to the first battle of the Revolutionary War in 1775. Jill went to the first battle which was The Battle of Bunker Hill. She was in the middle of all the fighting, and she didn't want to be killed. The British were bayonetting the American soldiers. “I better get out of here before I'm next.” So, Jill left very fast.
Jill tried to prevent the assassination of President Lincoln at Forbes Theater, but she almost got killed by John Wilkes Booth. She warned James Garfield and William McKinley that they were going to assassinate him anyway. Then Jill went to Dallas on November 22, 1963, she tried to warn John F. Kennedy about his assassination. While Jill was running away from J. F. K.'s assassin she lost the time ring. But Jill continued running. She could hear the rifle shots Lee Harvey Oswald was shooting at her. A bullet hit her shoulder, and she fell to the ground. Jill called the alien who lived on Mars on her iPhone! I lost my time ring and Lee Harvey Oswalard shot me! Get me out of here! She knew that she couldn’t go to the hospital because she is a time traveler and they wouldn’t believe her. The alien lived on Mars, so Jill called him on her iPhone. “I've lost my time ring! Get me out of here! “Said Jill. The alien came with another time ring and him and Jill both left 1963.
At the same time, Lee Harvey Oswald sees the alien and Jill leaving 1963 and he takes a couple of shots before they get away. Lee finds the ring and he looks at it and doesn’t know what it is. When he plays with the knobs on the side the display says that he is not authorized to use this time ring but it does show Jill’s personal information, and he is thinking he can go back to 2026 and finish the job of killing her. Because the ring is set up for Jill he tries again and can Time Travel. He loves this ability and wants one for himself. His reason for going back in time, is to kill people.
He goes to Jill’s time and walks around to find her because he has all the information from the TIME RING. He calls her on the phone and threatens to kill her. The alien knows what is going on because he is tracking Jill. The alien calls her and tells her that this guy Oswald found your time ring, know where you are and wants to kill you. The aliens check out the cameras on the Spaceship to see what is happening on earth and inside buildings etc. etc. They discover that there is going to be an earthquake on the New Madrid vault line and it is going to change the whole USA undenounced to Jill. He calls Jill at work and tells her that she and her family need to come back to the Spaceship. As Jill is preparing to leave work at the Talking Book Library, gather her family and returns to the Spaceship to save everyone. Meanwhile, Oswald meets some guy Joe with a “I HEART TRUMP” license plate on his car. He is curious of what this iPhone is and asks Joe to explain how it works. Then he robs and kills Joe, steals his blue Toyoda with the I Heart Trump License plate and buys some guns, twist ties and duct tape to take care of Jill.
Jill is outside her house when Oswald shows up, and she doesn’t recognize that it’s Lee Harvey Oswald. He has a gun and tells her to get into the car. He knows that killing her in the Everglades National Park will be easy and so they start driving there. Jill and Lee Oswalard are driving to Everglades National Park. When Jill's phone rang, Jill did not want to answer the phone. She did not want to make Lee angry. So, she listens to the text from the alien with her earbuds. “Jill, where are you?” The spaceship's cameras picked up someone outside your house! “She texted him, “I've been kidnapped by Lee Oswald and he's taking me to Everglades National Park.” “You better not call the cops or you're going to get it.” yelled Lee. Jill knew she could not call the police because she was a former time traveler and they would not believe her.
When David came home, he noticed that Jill wasn't in the house. He called the alien. “Hey Dude, where's Jill she's not here!” said David. “She's been kidnapped by Lee Oswald.” said the alien. “Maybe we should call my motorcycle friends.” said David. David and his motorcycle club friends were the only ones that knew his sister was a time traveler! “Oswald is thinking about taking Jill to Everglades National Park!” said the alien. David called all the motorcycle club members and said,” we’re going to bring back my sister, all club members come armed!” said David. A few minutes later about twenty Harleys pulled up.
Lee looked out the car window and saw two police cars and twenty motorcycles chasing him through the streets of Palm Beach. When Lee gets away, he and Jill arrive at Everglades National Park, he tells her to get out and start walking around. They went into the Cypress zone because it was a secluded area. Then twenty motorcycles pulled up with their guns ready! “Jill, use your white cane, run and keep your head down.” yelled David. Jill ran toward the sound of the motorcycles. Oswald started firing at the motorcycles. Jill was still running when she tripped over a tree root. Lee continued to shoot at the bikers. “You are outnumbered and outgunned so give up Oswald.” said David. “No way.” said Lee. Lee pointed his gun at Jill. Then all twenty bikers opened fire killing Oswald. The alien is shouting for everyone to get on the spaceship because they are running out of time. Then Jill, her extended family and motorcycle gang with their bikes got on the spaceship. It takes off and then they see all the destruction occurring from the earthquakes from space.
The End
***
The Light Chronicles: A Servant’s Heart by Cachet Wells
The ability to conceptualize what it really means to serve goes beyond false words and temporary actions. The art of genuinely serving others with respect, integrity and accountability to every person must lead the way.
Accountability in its highest form to stand in truth and for the justice of all. Boundless of friendships and unspoken rules that apply to only a few. A responsible measure that holds one to a standard that can not be bought for a price or for its silence. It's a culture in which people can trust those who are leading the charge.
An awakening awareness that all of the puzzle pieces are shaped, designed, pictured and configured differently, but with the knowledge that they all work cohesively together to create something beautiful. Working together, with sincerity, to build and develop a community focused on continued growth and commitment is the greatest assignment of a leader with a servant's heart.
Having foresight that is open to actively listen, engage with honestly, learn the lessons only empathy can teach, be open to self-persuasion of solutions that yield positive results and don’t underestimate the power of healthy healing habits that can transform you as a leader to impact those you serve and the way in which you effectively serve. The impact of kindness and empathy is priceless and only requires your time and energy to offer to someone. Learning is half the battle, Listening is your greatest asset, but living as the example of leadership to which you desire others to emulate is the highest level of gratitude for your influence of servitude.
Leaders:
1. Earn respect, not deters.
2. Celebrate all contributions even those that are diverse.
3. Be the example you look for in others.
4. Lead with respect and dignity.
5. Fairness is not about friendship.
6. Resolve conflict with integrity and fairness without bias of person or position.
7. Create culture where everyone feels they belong.
8. Value perspectives and feedback with intent to make meaningful actions.
9. Allow your words and actions to match.
10. The message you teach doesn't always come from your words.
A servant's heart is representing as a leader others would want to emulate.
***
Recipe Corner submitted by Sheila Young
Witch's Brew
2 and ½ cups lime cordial
2 and ½ cups lemon cordial
2 and ½ cups blackcurrant cordial
2 and ½ cups apple juice
1 orange, peeled and separated into segments
Mix together everything but the oranges.
Pour into cups.
Place a thin orange segment on the top of each drink.
***
Tech Tips by John Richards: for the Technology Committee
Two JBL Party Speakers to Consider
The JBL PartyBox 110 and its successor, the JBL PartyBox Club 120, are both mid-sized portable party speakers built to deliver powerful bass, light shows, and karaoke capabilities.
Although both deliver 160W RMS power output, the PartyBox Club 120 introduces several practical hardware and connectivity upgrades over the older PartyBox 110. Both units will run and charge using AC power. The PartyBox 110 has a battery that is built in and not removable; the PartyBox Club 120 has a removable battery, if necessary, can be replaced. In addition, the battery in the PartyBox Club 120 can be removed and the unit will operate on AC power alone.
Both operate up to 12 hours on a single charge. However, the PartyBox Club 120 run time can be made Extendable with extra batteries.
Each unit has 160W RMS output with dual 5.25" woofers and dual 2.25" tweeters.
Both have an input panel on the back with Dedicated mic and guitar inputs with gain knobs. The PartyBox Club 120 has an additional mic input. You can read the specs for both units for additional info regarding the input panels of both units.
The PartyBox Club 120 has a dedicated control for turning on and off, AI Sound Boost, for cleaner output at max volume.
If you are considering one of these speakers, I think you will be satisfied with either choice.
***
Poetry Corner submitted by Shelley Sawyer
Greetings, Dear Reader. We are returning to the classics for this issue. I really wanted to submit The Raven, but I talked myself out of it. Someday, though, I will give in to my darker side, and that poem will find its way to the WCB. The Legend of Troy will always be one of my favorite stories. With every novel I read about it, there is a part of me hoping that the story will end differently, and that glorious golden city will be left standing. I’d love to go back in time to see what really happened? What was Helen really like? Was she totally narcissistic, as some say? Was she kidnapped against her will, or was she just a woman in love who got caught in a political struggle among men? Of course, we will never know, but the speculation keeps my imagination busy. Here is Edgar Allan Poe’s tribute to Helen.
TO HELEN
by Edgar Allan Poe
Helen, thy beauty is to me
Like those Nicéan barks of yore,
That gently, o'er a perfumed sea,
The weary, way-worn wanderer bore
To his own native shore.
On desperate seas long wont to roam,
Thy hyacinth hair, thy classic face,
Thy Naiad airs have brought me home
To the glory that was Greece,
And the grandeur that was Rome.
Lo! in yon brilliant window-niche
How statue-like I see thee stand,
The agate lamp within thy hand!
Ah, Psyche, from the regions which
Are Holy-Land!
***
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, Sheila Young
Orlando, treasurer@fcb.org (407) 425-9200
Membership Secretary, Chantale Napier
Cape Coral, (810) 288-4116
Membership Email: membership@fcb.org
White Cane Bulletin Editor, Sally Benjamin
Tallahassee, (850) 980-0205
White Cane Bulletin Email: editor@fcb.org
Recording Secretary, Elizabeth Bowden
Tallahassee, recordingsec@fcb.org (850) 345-0822
FCB Administrative Assistant, Kati Lear
(800) 267-4448 (386) 763-3836 floridacouncil@comcast.net
***
2026-2028 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 of Any Location Members): Mikey Wiseman
president@fcb.org(link sends e-mail)
(305) 331-4870
Greater Orlando Council of the Blind: Shelley Sawyer
2ndvp@fcb.org
(407) 403-2099
Halifax Council of the Blind: Sheila Young
treasurer@fcb.org
(407) 425-9200
Jacksonville Council of the Blind: Cassandra Jessie
vp1@fcb.org(link sends e-mail)
(850) 567-4288
Manatee County Council of the Blind: Chantale Napier
membership@fcb.org(link sends e-mail)
(810) 280-4116
Miami Metro Council of the Blind: Mikey Wiseman
president@fcb.org(link sends e-mail)
(305) 331-4870
Northwest Florida Chapter of the Florida Council of the Blind: Elizabeth Bowden
recordingsec@fcb.org(link sends e-mail)
(850) 345-0822
Palm Beach Council of the Blind: Cassandra Jesse
vp1@fcb.org(link sends e-mail)
(850) 567-4288
Pinellas Council of the Blind: Sheila Young
treasurer@fcb.org
(407) 425-9200
Sarasota Council of the Blind: Chantale Napier
membership@fcb.org
(810) 288-4116
Southwest Florida Council of the Blind: Elizabeth Bowden
recordingsec@fcb.org(link sends e-mail)
(850) 345-0822
Tallahassee Council of the Blind: Sheila Young
treasurer@fcb.org
(407) 425-9200
Braille Revival League of Florida: Shelley Sawyer
vp2@fcb.org(link sends e-mail)
(407) 403-2099
Coalition for the Concerns of the Totally Blind: Elizabeth Bowden
recordingsec@fcb.org(link sends e-mail)
(850) 567-4288
Florida Council of Citizens with Low Vision: Mikey Wiseman
president@fcb.org
(305) 331-4870
Guide Dog Users of Florida: Chantale Napier
membership@fcb.org
(810) 280-4116
***
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)