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December, 2006
TABLE OF CONTENTS
The President's Report
MCB History
401 Blind Task Force Report
Education and Welfare Committee
MCB 2006 CONVENTION COVERAGE
DONNA GIGER SAYS THANK YOU
IN MEMORY OF AUBREY WELLE
BIBLES FOR THE BLIND
TALKING MICROWAVE THE EDITORIAL EYE
Affiliate Affairs
THE MCB RHYMOCEROS
From The Lower Left-Hand Drawer
Back to the Chronicle
Archives
by Kathey Wheeler
As it does every year, our convention has come and gone. We had Ray
Kornman, from Seeing Eye talk about Seeing Eye and visit with our members.
He said that he enjoyed the convention and hopes to be invited back. By the
way, the Guide Dog Users of Missouri decided to be responsible for the guide
dog relief area at future conventions. Both Eldon Cox, convention
coordinator, and I are most grateful to the guide dog users for this
decision since a thimble would be half empty when filled with what we know
about arranging a useful guide dog relief area.
We had several informative speakers concerned with technology: Rosalie
Backer covered the requirements for applications for funding help through
The Assistive Technology Program in Missouri. Jim Halliday, from Humanware,
suggested that Braille and technology go together like love and marriage.
Nolan Crabb, now producing tutorials, on all sorts of technology, including
the operation of laptops without the mouse, introduced the Bookport. Dr.
Richard Smith, from Wolfner, talked about the Wolfner reading programs and
the digital books which will be coming in a year or two. Narrator, Kerry
Dukin, from APH, read possibly more to us than we ever wanted to hear about
the bed bug. Finally, Brian Charlson, our guest from ACB, brought tears of
laughter with antidotes about a group of blind people from ACB attending a
barbecue.
As the banquet speaker, June Ray Wood,, a published author of childrens'
books, brought sympathetic tears with a review of her book based on her
brother's life, a sufferer from Down's Syndrome.
A motto I have for anyone given a presentation is this: be prepared, be
brief, and be seated." I am pleased to say that the MCB Committee chairs
worked very hard to do just that this year. I am very proud of them.
This year was the election for the President, First Vice-President, Second
Vice-President, and Secretary. By the vote of the assembly, Kathey Wheeler
is:
President; Phyllis Lovett is First Vice-President; James Hollins is Second
Vice-President; and Trudy Blood is Secretary. I consider it a pleasure to
be working with these people.
The committee chairs, appointed by the President and approved by the Board,
at the post convention Board meeting, are as follows: Adaptive Technology,
Franklin Johnson; Budget and Finance, Celita White; Building, Tom Armstrong;
Chronicle, Bill Benson; Convention Coordinator, Eldon Cox; Emergency
Preparedness, Marian Harrison; Health Benefits, Donna Giger; Listserve,
Denny Huff; Membership, Bunny Maginnis; Pension Progress Report, Bev
Armstrong;
Resource and Development, Phyllis Lovett; Scholarship, Dr. Jarrell Holt;
Special Services, Cindy Reynolds; Summer Camp, Bev Shockley; Transportation,
Janelle Edwards; Youth Services, Linda Gerken; I shall appoint Sabrina
Fowler as Resolutions chair at the December Board meeting, and hope the
Board approves her.
The MCB representatives on special Missouri boards and Councils are as
follows: 401 Task Force, Patti Schonlau; Independent Living, Barbara
Dewberry; State Rehabilitation Council, Kathey Wheeler; and Wolfner Library
Advisory Board, Judith Hawley.
I always enjoy making my affiliate visits. At the end of October, I made
one to St. Louis. On October 28th, Tower had a banquet honoring Carl Mack,
Ray Campbell, Bill Jackson, and Marie Kelley who have all been members of
Tower for a long, long time. President Jesuita Tabor invited me to present
plaques to the honorees and a birthday cake to Marie who was celebrating her
birthday, on the twenty-eighth. It was a pleasure awarding the plaques and
eating the chicken at Romine's restaurant.
Now for the announcements concerning the next few months: Please, if you
have not already done so, notify the office or the committee chair of your
affiliate's representative on the Health Education, and Welfare Committee,
the Transportation Committee, and the Seniors' Service Committee. If you
would like to contact those committee chairs directly, they are Mary
Pendleton, Education and Welfare; Janelle Edwards, Transportation; and
Shirley Ritter, Seniors' Services. We shall try to have phone numbers and
e-mail addresses in this Chronicle.
In the President's report, I talked about the universality of products. I
hope that the MCB can do something substantial in this area during these
next two years.
I am certain that each of us wanting to use a device which has a print
display that we can't read, would like for it to talk enough that we can use
it independently, and successfully. I have been told that the cost to the
original manufacturing process of the necessary technology would be
somewhere around one dollar. I am told, too, that in order to persuade
manufacturers to adapt a product for our small market, we must figure out a
way to make the adaptation attractive to the entire market. So let's get to
it. Let's contact the manufacturers and tell them what we want and need.
In addition, let's give them a reason for wanting to make the changes we
suggest.
This year, 2006, is the MCB's fiftieth anniversary. At the banquet, I gave
a brief history of our first fifty years. I gave particular emphasis to the
early years since few of us remember those days. I thought perhaps some of
you would like to have it in writing so I'm including it here at the
conclusion of my report.
This is a blessed season of the year which is celebrated in many different
ways, "infinite diversities in infinite combinations". I hope you all enjoy
it. Be good and stay well!
Merry Christmas.
"Opportunities always look bigger going than coming."
The stoplight on the corner buzzes when it's safe to cross the street. I was
crossing with an intellectually challenged coworker of
mine when she asked if I knew what the buzzer was for. I explained that it
signals blind people when the light is red. Appalled, she responded, "What
on earth are blind people doing driving?!" She was a probation officer in
Wichita, KS
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by Mary Pendleton
Our organization had its birth in Joplin in the spring of 1956. Six
organizations met to choose a name, elect officers and adopt a constitution.
They were: the Allied Workers in Kansas City, the Joplin Service Club, the
Pony Express Association in St. Joseph, Real Independence Through Employment
(RITE) in St. Louis, the Springfield Service Club, and the United Workers
for the Blind in St. Louis. Laura Welle became our first president. She
was succeeded by Alma Murphey in 1958, (It was at this 1958 convention,
incidentally, that the Ellis M. Forshee Award was presented for the first
time, and, under her leadership, the Missouri Chronicle was first published
in 1960.) Arthur Stewart in 1962, (And under his regime we saw the first
president's luncheon in 1963, and, also that same year, the first protestant
church service held at the hotel.) Victor Johnson in 1966, (Under whose term
the education and welfare committee had its beginning, prompted, perhaps, by
the State first beginning to transfer money out of the Blind Pension Fund
for other purposes.) Alma Murphey was re-elected at the 1970 convention
hosted by UWB in St. Louis, (This was, by the way, the largest convention up
to that time, and saw the first presentation of a distinguished service
award which we now know as the Nathaniel Johnson Award.) (Some old-timers
used to lovingly refer to Alma as "Mother Alma", and no wonder, so many
things were born and accomplished under her leadership. In 1973 we saw the
beginning of our summer camp program which is flourishing still today.) Fred
Lilley in 1974, (Under Fred's term several new affiliates were added, and we
saw the introduction of the voting machines that were invented by our
recently deceased member, Aubrey Welle, and which we use to this day.)
Darrell Lauer in 1978, (Darrell's term of office saw the beginning of the
health benefits committee in 1979, the creation of an executive director's
position, and the establishing of an MCB office in December of 1980at 2683 Big Bend Blvd.
In St. Louis; prior to that time, the office had been housed in the home of
Alma and Jack Murphey.) Carl Mack in 1982, (at which time the MCB saw its
first Special Interest Affiliate, the Braille Revival League of Missouri)
Shirley Brokaw in 1986, (whose term brought us another special interest
affiliate, the Library Users of Missouri, Edna Freeman in 1990, Ken Emmons
in 1994, Edna Freeman again in 1998, (Because of health reasons she was able
to serve only one term, but during her term a new affiliate, Invision, was
brought into the fold.) Chip Hailey in 2,000, and our current president,
Kathey Wheeler.
By way of closing, I would like to quote from the final sentence of Mother
Alma's History of the First Twenty-five Years of our organization,
"By continuing to adhere to the time tested principles of dedication,
generosity, mutual respect, and hard work there is no limit to the
accomplishments that can be achieved by the Missouri Council of the Blind."
At our convention in Jacksonville I attended our Legislative meeting and
the theme was Pain. We were encouraged to be a good pain to our legislators.
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Submitted by: Patti Schonlau
When House Bill401 was signed into law in 1999, we saw the biggest
legislative change to occur in regard to blind and visually impaired
children in a generation. It created, within the Department of Elementary
and Secondary Education (DESE), a task force dedicated to studying and
improving the educational and vocational achievements of blind and visually
impaired students throughout the state. This task force, commonly known as
the Blind Task Force (BTF), advises DESE on issues pertaining to the
education of blind and visually impaired children.
The BTF is made up of representatives of consumer organizations, parents,
teachers, public school special education administrators, school building
principals, Rehabilitation Services for the Blind (RSB), the Missouri School
for the Blind (MSB), employers, and others interested in quality services
for blind and visually impaired students.
The BTF first held a seminar for parents and teachers of blind children in
2001. This seminar was titled "Expectations," as it seemed obvious that one
of the basic questions parents and classroom teachers have to face is what
can they expect of and for a blind child. This seminar was well attended,
as was the one that followed in 2002; however, neither prepared the BTF for
the response to the 2005 seminar announcement. Over 200 parents,
paraprofessionals, classroom teachers, teachers of the visually impaired and
administrators attended last year's conference. The 2006 Summit was even
larger with 245 in attendance. In spring of 2007, the BTF plans to host
another Blind Children's Summit in an attempt to continue supporting blind
and visually impaired students throughout the state of Missouri.
At the MCB State Convention in October, I gave a short purpose and history
of the BTF and presented a new program offered at Missouri School for the
Blind. It's a new program called KEYS (standing for Keys to Empower Your
Success)designed for mainstreamed students. "Missouri School for the Blind
(MSB) is pleased to offer short-term services to students who are blind and
visually impaired who are attending local school districts. KEYS is an
individually designed short-course program created to address the
vision-specific needs of students through direct one-on-one or small group
instruction in the nationally recognized Expanded Core Curriculum. Students
with visual impairments, ages 5 through 21, may request 3 to 18 weeks of
specialized instruction per school year from the Missouri School for the
Blind.
www.msb.k12.mo.us
KEYS students will attend MSB for a short-course and be able to develop
their Expanded Core Curriculum Skills as well as explore personal interests
in: Athletics/PE/Adaptive PE
Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and/or Daily Living Skills Instruction
(DLS) Practical Arts: Including shop, computer skills, Family and Consumer
Sciences, (home ec.) fine arts (vocal and instrumental music), Visual Arts
and Performing Arts, plus orientation and mobility (O&M)."
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Gearing Up for 2007
We will soon be making decisions on our positions on legislative issues on
the state level.
I want to ask all of you to encourage your legislative representatives for
your affiliates. They have worked so diligently with me in the past year.
I could not have done this job without all of you in MCB. When you hear of
an issue or a web site that will help any of us to understand a law, please
contact me or your affiliate rep. Legislative issues affect every aspect of
our organization whether it be with Medicaid or transportation .
Our state legislative days are February 20 and 21st and the following
weekend it will be national Legislative Days. Some of the issues on the
state level on which we will be working will be: Securing two more Blind
Skills Specialists, and perhaps2also motivate the Department of Motor
Vehicles to include a question about cane users and guide dog handlers on
the Driver's License Exam. One of the predominant issues on the national
level continues to be Descriptive Video.
If you have any questions, concerns or comments please call the MCB office
and they will contact me.
Mary Lee Pendleton
Education and Welfare Chairperson
A Sunday school teacher asked her class,
"What was Jesus' mother's name?"
One child answered, "Mary."
The teacher then asked, "Who knows what Jesus' father's name was?"
A little kid said, "Verge."
Confused, the teacher asked, "Where did you get that?"
The kid said, "Well, you know, they are always talking about Verge n'
Mary."
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The MCB held its fiftieth annual convention on October 20th, 21st, and 22nd
at the Capitol Plaza hotel in Jefferson City. There were 183 members
registered. The host affiliate was the Blind of Central Missouri.
The Friday afternoon session included a wonderfully compiled and delivered
MCB board report in which secretary, John Weidlich, reviewed the actions and
accomplishments of the board over the past year.
Rosalie Backer spoke about Missouri's Telecommunication Access Program (TAP)
which provides screen reading computer software free of charge to blind and
visually impaired Missourians. She said that Missouri is the only state to
offer this program, and she urged all visually impaired Missourians to take
advantage of it. Her phone number is: (800) 647-8557 or (816) 350-5282.
Mike Kornman from the Seeing Eye guidedog school spoke to the convention.
He said there are 13 different guidedog schools in the United States, and
that anyone considering getting a dog should investigate all of them before
making a decision. While there are many similarities, there are some
definite differences in philosophy. He invited anyone with questions to
call Seeing Eye at any time at their toll-free number, (800) 539-4425.
Next came a cordial address from Mike Merrick from the State Rehabilitation
Services for the Blind.
On Saturday morning Jim Halliday, one of the co-founders of Humanware,
delivered an inspiring address on the importance of using speech technology
in conjunction with Braille or large print. It was believed at one time
that speech would replace the need for Braille, however, he said this is
definitely not the case at all.
Due to a matter of technicality, the convention voted not to consider the
submitted amendments this year.
In the President's address, Kathey Wheeler, stated in her report that the
existing contract with the Henderson Management Company to manage the MCB
Thrift Stores has been renewed for another five years. She thanked David
and Debbie Plumlee for their services in taping the convention. She was
enthusiastic about the creation of two new MCB committees: Senior Services
and the Transportation Committee. She concluded her report by stressing the
need for continued work to get more everyday products, such as stoves and
washing machines, manufactured with speech to make them more usable by the
visually impaired.
Executive Director, Beverly Armstrong, gave a very interesting report
concerning the activities of the MCB office over the past year. She
commended our new office secretary, Sandi Mackley, for her excellent job of
learning various facets of the MCB since joining us in July.
On Saturday afternoon Nolan Crabb spoke to the convention about the Book
Port, an innovative device manufactured and sold by the American Printing
House for the Blind which is primarily for the purpose of listening to
digitally recorded books and other material.
Tom Armstrong, MCB building manager, reported that the building is realizing
more and more uses for various functions.
Denny Huff reported on the up-date of the MCB web site,
www.missouricounciloftheblind.org. He said that it presently contains a
good deal of information with more additions on the horizon. The Missouri
Listserve, Missouril@acb.org, has 104 subscribers as of now.
Phyllis Lovett, who heads up resource and development, reported that word
about the MCB has been circulated to attorneys throughout Missouri advising
them of our appreciation of charitable contributions that any of their
clients may wish to make. She said, also, that pre-addressed envelopes have
been placed in a few funeral homes to facilitate those wishing to make
memorial contributions to the MCB. She hopes this program may be
implemented on a wider scale throughout the state.
Richard Smith, director of the Wolfner Library, addressed the convention
earlier in the day, and the MCB representative on the Wolfner Advisory
Board, Judith Hauley, gave a follow-up report. She said that the new
digital players will be distributed over the next five years to gradually
phase out the cassette machines.
The membership voted to hold the 2007 convention in Joplin at the Holiday
Inn On the weekend of October fifth, and it will be hosted by the Joplin
Service Club.
The Saturday afternoon session was concluded with an address by American
Printing House talking book narrator, Kerry Cundiff. She presented an
interesting make-believe tour of APH.
At the banquet, Saturday evening, the Nathaniel Johnson award for this year
was presented to Celita White. Mary Pendleton presented our most
prestigious award, the 2006 Ellis M. Forshee award, to Representative Rachel
Storch. The Darrell Lauer Leadership Award was presented by Don Shockley,
and given to Chip Hailey. Wanda Lentz was the recipient of this year's
President's Award. Congratulations to all the awardees!
The Sunday session was opened with an invocation delivered by Leroy Welch,
and an excellent rendition of It Is No Secret by Ken and Reba Carter.
Linda Burris was presented with a glass bank in memory of her husband, Bill
Burris. The bank has the MCB logo on it, and is a souvenir of the MCB's
fiftieth anniversary. Bill held several offices in the MCB, among which was
treasurer for two terms. Linda said that one of Bill's dreams was to see a
handicapped accessible residential building built in his home town of West
Plains. She said she was so happy that Bill was able to see the completion
and opening of this building.
Maryan Harrison spoke to the convention on the importance of emergency
preparedness.
Celita White reviewed the treasurer's report, and presented the coming
year's budget which the board had approved.
One of the main aspects of the Sunday morning session is the election of
officers. Kathey Wheeler was unopposed, and will serve another two years as
president. The following officers will also serve for the next two years:
First vice-president, Phyllis Lovett; second vice-president, James Hollins;
and secretary, Trudy Blood.
Many thanks to the Blind of Central Missouri for hosting another smooth and
successful annual convention of the Missouri Council of the Blind.
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I would like to thank all of the people who volunteered to help at our state
convention in Jefferson City. Because of them I was able to get mike
runners, voting box handlers, traffic control during voting and door
monitors. I would like all of you to join me in thanking them for helping
to make this convention go so smoothly. Rather than listing a long roll
call of names, you all know who you are,. Some volunteered in more than one
capacity, making my job much easier.
We have to always remember that we are an organization of the blind with
volunteers for the blind, and nowhere is this more evident than at one of
our state conventions.
Thank you all very much!
Which Yuletide candles will burn longer, the red ones or the green ones?
Well, actually candles burn shorter!
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A Man of Many Well-used Years
By Zada Albee
Aubrey Welle, born March 17, 1915, lived until September 21, 2006. He was a
free-spirit, a true renaissance man, whose talents and skills and drive touched the lives
of blind people both in and beyond the circle of his acquaintance.
Aubrey's first job was that of broom maker at "the shop" or what is better
known as The Lighthouse for the Blind. By the time he had been there for 26
years he had reached the position of Shop Superintendent, and felt that the
next logical move should be a promotion to Plant Manager. However, this was
not to be. He met all the qualifications required except one: He was
legally blind.
So Aubrey started his own small factory called Welpac, which he ran for
several years.
After accumulating some manufacturing experience he applied for and obtained
the position of plant manager at Gerber Manufacturing Company. He remained
in that position until he was forced to retire because of life-threatening
health problems. That was 1978, but it was certainly not the end of an
active life.
His wife, Laura, needed full-time health care which Aubrey was able to
provide for her until her death in 1993.
He had a workshop in his basement where he designed and manufactured Braille
bingo boards and the voting machines still being used by organizations of
the blind.
Aubrey was a ham radio operator for many years. He made and assembled much
of his own equipment. He felt that his world was greatly expanded by his
ability to talk to people all over the United States and beyond.
Both Aubrey and Laura were influential in the purchase, preparation and
furnishing of the UWB apartment building in Maplewood. He never lost
interest in its care and maintenance. Just this past July he hosted a
barbecue for all the residents, and he donated tables and chairs to the
building.
Those who knew Aubrey knew that his real love was music. He was a natural
musician, eager to learn whatever he could from others. He kept up with the
newest innovations, purchasing a state-of-the-art electronic keyboard. He
loved to perform, but he also loved to listen.
He was a "people person". Nothing pleased him more than hosting a backyard
barbecue, and finishing off the evening with a few games of poker or pool.
He was loyal to his friends, generous and genial, and we who knew him will
miss him very much. Aubrey Welle's life was well spent!
What do you call people who are afraid of Santa Claus?
Claustrophobic
THE FOUR STAGES OF LIFE:
1. You believe in Santa Claus.
2. You don't believe in Santa Claus.
3. You are Santa Claus.
4. You look like Santa Claus.
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The BibleCourier is an electronic pocket Bible designed especially for a
person who is blind or visually impaired. It doesn't weigh much (only 4
ounces) and it's about the size of a small print New Testament (4 and a half
by 2 and a half by 1 inches). So, BibleCourier is very portable and small
enough to easily fit in a shirt pocket or a purse. It is powered by 2 double
A alkaline (AA) batteries which will run BibleCourier for about 40 hours of
continuous reading.
The BibleCourier memory contains the full text of the sixty six books of the
Old and New Testaments plus a users guide in a digital format (the users
guide is also provided on a cassette tape). In addition to the full text of
the Bible LBEA is also able to include as study aids with most of the Bible
versions (not available with NIV, NJB or NRSV) a Bible Glossary, Bible Book
Summaries, or Luther's Small Catechism. Ask if these extra items are
available with your preferred Bible version. Note that the Contemporary
English Version (CEV) may also be combined with the Apocrypha books (Tobit,
Judith, Ecclesiasticus, Wisdom, Baruch, additions to Esther, additions to
Daniel, First and Second Macabees) included with the books of the Old
Testament. A page is available to help you Compare Bible Versions.
BibleCourier has twelve buttons on its face which are arranged like a
telephone keypad with a raised dot above the five key. These keys allow the
user to swiftly navigate through the books, chapters and verses of the
talking digital Bible. Each key also has built in help for its functions
when depressed until two beeps are heard. The Bible text is not a recording.
BibleCourier uses the DoubleTalk speech synthesizer computer chip (from RC
Systems) to generate its synthetic voice to read the textof The Bible. There
are five voices to pick from and the speed, volume and pitch of the selected
voice may be adjusted to your preference. You listen through a set of stereo
earbuds which are provided with the Bible or you may use an external
amplified speaker (not included) for small group or personal listening.
BibleCourier has many other features including the ability to read by
sentence and set unlimited book marks within the text, the ability to read
individual words and have unclear words spelled, and the capability to power
search (i.e. jump forward or back many units) among the books, chapters, and
verses of the Bible. A footnote feature can be enabled which will allow any
related notes to be read in a higher pitch at the ap
propriate place in the text (however, not all Bible versions will contain
footnotes). There is even a sleep timer which can be set to stop the reading
after a specified time to conserve battery power.
What you get when you order a BibleCourier, The Talking BibleCourier unit
manufactured by Springer Design Inc.: One set of Double A (AA) Alkaline
batteries installed, A set of earbud style stereo headphones, The King James
Version or a modern translation of the Bible text installed, A Quick Start
Cassette instructional Tape, and A 90 day warranty against defects in
material and workmanship.
How to order a BibleCourier: The BibleCourier and similar talking Bibles
have been sold at the retail price of $200.00 or more plus shipping charges.
However, the LBEA ministry now offers BibleCourier at a special subsidized
price of $75.00 within the USA to blind and sight-impaired persons who
request these Bibles directly from us. Upon receipt of your order, LBEA will
send you postage paid by U.S Priority Mail the BibleCourier in your choice
of one Bible version from the following list: The King James Version (KJV),
The Revised Standard Version (RSV), The New King James Version (NKJV), The
New International Version (NIV), The New Revised Standard Version (NRSV),
The New Jerusalem Bible (NJB), The Good News Bible (GNB), The New American
Standard Version (NAS), The Contemporary English Version (CEV), and The
English Standard Version (ESV). All orders must be made by mail and checks
or money orders made payable to and sent to: Lutheran Braille Evangelism
Association (LBEA) 1740 Eugene Street; White Bear Lake, MN 55110-3312 Phone:
651-426-0469; E-mail: lbea@QWest.net Orders from overseas please make full
cost reimbursement of $120 for BibleCourier orders. Also please include a
telephone number and/or e-mail contact with your order so that we may
contact you if we have any questions.
Solar Bible-King James Version
This amazing Solar BibleT is small enough to fit in your pocket and be
carried anywhere! This compact audio device holds the entire New Testament.
It is entirely solar powered and contains an internal solar rechargeable
battery that allows it to play in complete darkness for up to 14 hours at a
time! You can scroll through the New Testament using the easy-to-use button
control panel by book, chapter and 15-second increments.. Listen without
disturbing others around you by using the built in headphones jack. Or, up
to 150 people can listen using the battery powered speakers. Now those
unable to read can have immediate access to all of the New Testament
Scriptures at their fingertips, with no need for electricity. Add Battery
Powered Speakers (SOLSPK) and Ear Bud Headphones (SOLHDP) to listen in
groups, or quietly by yourself! phone for solar bible for twenty dollars
,these sell for one hundred dollars so call them at (1-800) 532-4253. Solar
Powered (also recharges from exposure to electric light)
Headphone jack, Built-in speaker, Power and pause button, Volume control, 9V
DC jack; Scroll by book, chapter, and 15-second increments; Built-in swivel
leg for stand-alone support; and Built-in hanger hook. We warmly welcome
your contact at any time. We would be delighted to speak with you and answer
any questions you may have. Our office hours are Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m.-
5:00 p.m. EST. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
by Phone: 941.748.4100; By Fax: 941.748.2625;
by Email: AudioBibles@auroraministries.org; by mail:
Audio Bibles for the Blind P.O. Box 1061 Bradenton, Florida 34206
If you would like us to contact you, you may either email us or complete our Contact Form and we will reply promptly. Thank you!
Touring Our Facility
Please know that you have a standing invitation to come and see us. We love
hosting guests and you are always welcome. If you plan to be in our area,
please let us know so we can arrange a ministry tour for you - we'll guide
you through every phase of our Audio Bible ministry ... from our recording
studio (where we record the Bible in various languages) to our production
and volunteer areas to our warehousing and shipping areas. Touring can take
any amount of time you wish--most tend to take between one to two hours
(depending entirely on your schedule). Call us to let us know if you'll be in the area and would like a tour. Our actual physical address is 12705 State Route 64 East, Bradenton, Florida 34212. We are located approximately one hour from the Tampa International Airport and less than an hour from the Sarasota-Bradenton Airport.
Braille bibles and a book of 365 children's bible stories are offered free
of charge by Braille Bibles International: Post Office Box 378, Liberty, MO
64069-0378 Telephone: (800) 52-BIBLE or (800) 522-4253 Fax: (877)822-4253
Email: info@BrailleBibles.org
John Weidlich says: "In the June, 2006 Chronicle in the lower Left-Hand
Drawer column I listed several sources for Bibles in Braille, Cassette and
Large Print. There are various versions and as far as i know, all are free.
Here they are:
Braille Bible Foundation: 800 766-9080, American Bible Society: 212
408-1200, Bible for the Blind International: 812 466-4899, Hosanna
Ministries: 800 545-6552, Lutheran Braille Workers: 13471 California St. PO
BOX 5000 Yucaipa CA, 92399
E-mail: lbw@lbwinc.org Phone: (909) 795-8977
Address: 13471 California
Mine came from the Lutheran Braille Workers in Yucaipa, California. It is in
39 volumes, but they are soft cover and pretty easy to carry. It is the New
International Version."
Braille Bibles International provides the audio Bible in the King James
Version. All formats are narrated by Paul Mims and are sent to legally blind
individuals for a $20 fee. To order, please complete this application and
send it along with a copy of your Certification that you are legally blind
and your payment. Please choose one of the following:
O Bible on 48 cassette tapes, a Bible on 61 audio CDs, Q Pocket Bible in
digital format (solar powered) Do you want the instructions in: Ql
Braille, large print?
Name
Street
City State Zip
Phone Date of Birth
I am legally blind and am enclosing certification and payment.
Applicant's Signature- ^ Date
Social Worker information is required on all applications being sent in by
an agency.
Rehab Teacher or Social Worker Name (Please Print)
Phone
Braille Bibles International,
PO Box 948307;
Maitland, FL 32794-8307
Phone
(800) 522-4253 .
fax (877) 822-4253
Back to Index
The following information came from a couple list-serves, Blindlikeme.com
and Missouri list-serve:
"We found one at Best Buy that talks, and it is great. It is a Hamilton
Beach TEMO, model #87106. It was only $94, which is a lot less than a talking one we thought we were going to end up getting From Maxi Aids, until
we found this one. But so far we're loving it. Its apparently a brand new
model. I just found its features online, and here's what they are:
Easy-to-use instructive talking programmable feature. Interchangeable voice
language feature (English/Spanish).
10 power levels. Eight instant settings for common foods. Five express cook
one-touch settings. Five memory setting buttons.
Blue electronic digital display with clock (LED). Turntable. Time cook. Time
and weight defrost. Remind signal. Kitchen timer. It's 900watts, too, so
quite powerful. We're actually still getting used to that aspect of it
since our last one wasn't nearly that powerful. It has a little knob that you turn to set the cook times, with a little notch you feel each time you turn it so you can easily tell how far to turn it. You push a button on the knob and it'll ask
you to set the minutes, then when you set the minutes you push the button
again and it'll ask you to set the seconds. After you do that you push The
button again and it starts. It is really easy to use. We are going to go out and buy a second one just to store in case they stop manufacturing them.
i don't know what model or color i have. the raised buttons are 5 down the
left side from 1 minute to 5 minutes. across the bottom are 2 raised
buttons. one is stop/clear and the other one is voice high or low or off.
there is a knob in the middle which turns and each click says what it is
preset to. examples are popcorn, pizza, fresh and frozen vegetables, beverages, dinner etc. below this knob are 3 raised buttons. defrost by
weight and time, 5 memory settings, and the last one is set clock and set
kitchen timer. all the buttons up to this point talk and are raised. I'll
have to have someone see if there are any other buttons which are there but
unraised or inaccessible. i never thought of that since i never found a
touch pad. I'll also check the manual to see if any of the features are
inaccessible. I'm not experienced with it enough to answer that yet."
Donna Weidlich did some further research, and here's what she found:
"I went to the Hamilton Beach website and found this information. They have
two models, but here is the information for one of them:
Hamilton Beach Microwave, 87106
0.9 cu.ft. 900W Oven Cavity.
Easy-to-use Instructive Talking Feature. Interchangeable Voice Language
Feature (English/Spanish).
10 Power Levels. Eight Preset Functions for Common Foods.
Five Express Cook One-Touch Settings.
Five Memory Setting Buttons.
Digital Display with Clock.
Turntable, Time Cook, Time and Weight Defrost, Remind Signal, Kitchen Timer.
Specifications Model 87106
Power Source, 120V, 60Hz
Power Consumption, 1450 W
Maximum Output, 900 W
Oven Capacity, 0.9 Cu.ft.
Turntable Diameter, 12.4 inches
External Dimensions, 20.1 x 17 x 11.2 inches
Net Weight, 30.5 lbs."
Here's something further as determined by Mary Pendleton:
"One of the first questions I asked my husband after he read over the new
manual for my talking microwave was what to do if the grandchildren were
fascinated with it which they usually are with any of my talking equipment.
The manufacturers thought of this. You simply hold down the stop/clear
button for three seconds and the voice says child lock on. To turn it off
hold it down for a count of three seconds again."
Mary also forwarded the following from another e-mail list:
"I scanned the owner's manual for the Temo Hamilton Beach Talking microwave.
I'll email it to anyone who emails me.--Marty Mathews; 1420 Centre Ave.,
Apt. 311; Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Phone: (412) 745-0311. (Cell) (412)
973-4088." And here's yet one more source for the manual: "I'm having it
put on tape for me. After i get my tapes from the reader, I'll do my best
to investigate having it copied to tape. I would send a copy free matter
to anyone wanting a copy. My e-mail address is: spiro@netaxs.com."
The ACB Director of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs, Day Al-Mohamed,
posted the following regarding that talking microwave:
"All too often, we as advocates, get caught up in fighting for rights and
access and legislative issues. We forget that it is just as important, if not more so, to give positive reinforcement. As such, we should let
Hamilton Beach know that this product is particularly useful to us as blind
people because it talks, that we appreciate it and hope this is only the
beginning. As advocates, this positive feedback is perhaps one of our most
powerful, yet often least used tools when working with commercial retailers
and industry. Seeing us as viable customers offers them incentive in
creating products useful to people who are blind and visually impaired. As
with all other advocacy initiatives, let us make sure our voice is heard.
Below is the contact information for Hamilton Beach:"
Customer Service Telephone: 1-800-851-8900
Email uses a webform at:
http://www.hamiltonbeach.com/contactus/hbfeedbk.html
Address for Written Correspondence: Hamilton Beach; 234 Spring Road;
Washington, NC 27889
Back to Index
By Bill Benson
If you can ever create the opportunity to visit a class of either grade
school or high school kids to talk to them about blindness and how you
handle it, don't pass it up! The kids will love it, and you'll enjoy it and
remember it fondly forever. Alicia Starner, a member of the Blind of
Central Missouri, expressed a desire to talk to her children's class rooms.
Yvonne Schnitzler and Ida Scotti from the Ozark Association of the Blind
have been talking to kids in school class rooms for some time now. I'd like
you to see something Yvonne posted as a reply to Alicia:
"The kids love the talking scale, clocks, watches where the rooster crows, etc. We let each child have a turn on standing on it to hear their weight. We get the children's names ahead of time and Braille their name on a card to give to each child along with the
Braille alphabet cards and explain how they can figure out their names. Ida demonstrates how the Braille writer works. We take slates and stylus and
pass them around so that each child can experience what it is like to form letters. They also love to look at books. We take Braille magazines and
children's books with Braille and print to pass around so that the children
can feel the Braille and see how a blind parent reads to their children. I
don't remember if you mentioned color coded tags, measuring tape, cane, etc.
Ida shows them how she can tell what her folded money is. They are
fascinated by the articles. We allow a lot of time for questions and
answers. You will really be surprised at the intelligent questions these
children ask. Ida explains about guide dogs and how they are trained and
explains why they should never interfere when a dog is working and how they
can tell. She also works in somewhere in her talk that they should accept
blind people or someone with a disability by putting themselves in their
place and treating them as they would like to be treated. Tell short funny
stories about your dog and that will definitely keep their attention.
Speaking with children will bring you great satisfaction and you may never
realize the good you are doing. Ida and I go every year and she speaks to
five high school freshman classes in one day. This one year the teacher
called and told Ida this true story. One of the boy's in the class father
had committed suicide three months earlier. The boy was very troubled and
withdrawn and would not participate in class after that until the day Ida
was there. He raised his hand three times to ask her questions. She provided
the breakthrough that he needed to open up. The teachers have the classes
write Ida thank you notes and you would not believe how many of these young
teens made statements that their thoughts about life had changed for the
better after having met Ida. All their problems seem not to be so hard to
overcome after seeing her and hearing her positive attitude about life.
We also take literature to hand out or leave with the teacher for any of the
students who may have aunts, uncles, or grandparents who have vision
problems. If you need more ideas, let us know."
Bev Armstrong says the office has plenty of the Braille alphabet cards and
would be glad to supply you with some. Make a New Year's resolution to try
to do this. You won't regret it, I promise!
Back to Index
Over, Around and Across Missouri
Let's Find Out What's Happening Where
ALLIED WORKERS FOR THE BLIND
Allied Workers has several things to report this time. Melvin Smith was
injured in a traffic accident in August, and he has battled back problems
and an infection since that time. I understand that he has been back and
forth between home and the hospital a few times over the last few weeks.
Earl DeVries suffered a heart attack on Thursday night at the convention,
and he was taken to St. Mary's Hospital near the hotel for treatment. He is
now home, and Kathey Wheeler told me tonight that she and Daniel stopped by
Earl and Georgia's home very recently. Earl sat up to greet them. Our
prayers are with him as he walks the road of recovery.
About twenty-five of our members attended the convention in Jefferson City,
and several of them won door prizes during the sessions. AWB provided a
total of $150 in prizes.
We plan to donate some hats and mittens to the Children's Center for the
Visually Impaired soon. We are also planning a bowling party for November.
AWB voted to allocate some money to help one or more families in the
community during the Thanksgiving and Christmas season; and at the
suggestion of some of our board members, I asked our members to be thinking
of ideas on how to put that money to good use to help some people in our
community.
My wife and I have been busy making copies of the convention recordings and
sending them out to the people who are supposed to receive them. It is
quite a job to first make a good recording of the meetings, then copy the
tapes in the formats needed and get them labeled for the recipients.
We wish all of you joyous and blessed Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays,
and we wish you a prosperous new year.
David Plumlee, President
Blind of Central Mo
Hello to everyone from Sedalia,
The MCB convention that the Blind of Central Mo. hosted was a big success,
and We wish the Joplin Service Club of the Blind the very best next year. I
would like to congratulate the officers that got elected. I will make a
speech here since I didn't get to make a speech at the convention. I would
like to thank all of the people who voted for me as your new MCB secretary.
I will do the job to the very best of my ability. I know I will have some
challenges to meet along the way, but I will take one day at a time, and
take these challenges graciously, and take them on willingly, and, with a
smile. I want to make you all proud, and do all I can to help the Mcb
because I am proud to be a member as well as recording secretary of the
Blind of Central Mo., and I am proud to be a member of the Mcb. I'm sure
the ones that didn't make it will also have a great part in the Mcb. Thank
you all very much.
We have 3 new members in our club. They are Kevin Alderson,
sighted; Richard Howard, blind; and Robert Starner, sighted.
Congratulations, Kevin, Richard, and Robert, and welcome to our club. Kevin drove 8 of us to the convention in Jeff City and we want to thank him and WILS (which is
Warrensburg Independent Living Solutions) for volunteering their services to
us.
We will have our Christmas party Friday December 1 2006 at 6:30 p.m. The
Country Bumpkin will cater our meal. We will have it in a larger room where
we meet. The ones that want to will bring a gift for the gift exchange. The
ones who wish to will donate money to the church fund, or people can do
both. I'm sure it will be a big success.
Some of our members will ring bells for the Salvation Army. They will ring
bells on Saturday December 2, and on Saturday December 23. It is a good way
to help the Salvation Army keep their different programs going.
Until next time, keep your smile, and a song in your heart, and if you can't
be good, be good at it.
I am closing in this way for a reason:
I hope everyone has a joyous Holiday season.
Trudy Blood
Recording Secretary
Blind of Central Missouri
JOPLIN SERVICE CLUB OF The BLIND
As the newly elected Public Relations person I was told that I needed to
write an article for the Chronicle. I've never done anything like this
before so please bear with me.
Our Joplin Club held elections of officers on Tuesday September 12th. The results were as follows: Shirley Ritter,
President; Sandy Goettel, Vice-President; Shirley Lamb, Secretary; Virgil
McCoy, Treasurer; and myself, Wilma Ferguson, Public Relations.
On September 28th our monthly dinner was prepared and served by St. Paul's
United Methodist Church. Following the wonderful meal we were entertained
by a fine gospel Trio accompanied by a pianist & guitarist. Then after that
there was a beautiful Bell Choir. The meal and music were greatly enjoyed
and appreciated.
At our October 10th business meeting we took into our Club, George and May
Markham as new members. We Welcome them!!!
On Wednesday October 11th several were taken to Memorial Hall here in Joplin
for the United States Air Force Jazz Band, " Shades of Blue". It was great
and everyone enjoyed it.
Then it was time for the MCB Convention, and on Thurs., Oct. 19th, Virgil
McCoy took our Pres., Shirley Ritter, and our Representative, Jim Smith, on
up to Jefferson City. Then on Friday the 20th our "Faithful", Ted Jeffers brought the rest of us. It was very interesting and we learned
a lot of helpful things. The banquet on Saturday was very nice. I met a
lot of nice people and hope to see you ALL next year here in Joplin.
Naomi Miller, one of our members who fell and broke a hip at camp in July,
is still in the nursing home, but is improving, and we are praying that she
soon will be back with us again. Robert Harwell has improved from his
stroke and is now able to come to our Tuesday meetings. Valva York, who was
our Public Relations person before me, has been very ill and unable to come
for awhile, we pray that soon she will return.
Until the next time I'm wishing you all the best that Life has to offer!!
Wilma Ferguson
Lake Stockton Area
Happy Fall Y'All; or maybe we should say Brace Yourself, Winter Weather is
Almost Here!
Lake Stockton celebrated its 20th year as an MCB affiliate on Saturday,
August 6. We welcomed over 90 people to our annual dinner and auction.
Phyllis Lovett's brother, Roy Vaughn, won the 50/50 and went home $124 richer.
Officer elections were held during the August meeting. The officers are:
Eleanor Moser, president; Harry Hickman, vice-president; Linda Dawes,
secretary; and Dorothy Benes, treasurer. Our board members are Christina
Deason, Eujean Dody, and Helen Gillham. Marshall Eggert is our MCB board
representative.
A few members came in costumes for the October meeting and received prizes
for their efforts. On Saturday, October 7, members attended a benefit dinner and cakewalk in El Dorado Springs hosted by the Fraternal Order of
Eagles. They are always so very gracious and presented our affiliate with a generous check from the proceeds of this event.
Another great convention was held this year and was attended by nine of our
members. They carried several cases of nuts, dried fruits, and candies into
the craft room. We thank everyone who helped to lighten the load for the
return home by supporting our fundraiser. Hats off to the host affiliate,
the MCB office staff, the MCB officers, and all the workers for their time,
effort, and hard work in making the 2006 convention possible.
We appreciate all of you.
November 23 is the date for Thanksgiving. It is a time to count our
blessings and be thankful, especially for family and friends. Although,
Lake Stockton has lost a dear friend and member, we are thankful for the
blessing of knowing Ed Sibley. Ed passed away on October 16 and his kind
and helping way will be missed.
Count your blessings and be thankful, And may this holiday season find you
by those you love,
Linda Dawes, Secretary
Missouri GUIDE Dog Users Report
We held our annual breakfast meeting at the Capital Plaza in Jefferson City
on Friday, October 20, during the MCB convention. We elected the following
officers: Mary Pendleton, President; Marie Thompson, Vice-President; Judith
Hawley, Secretary; and Linda Hailey, treasurer.
We were pleased to have as guests, Kathy Wheeler, MCB President, and Beverly
Armstrong, Executive director. We also had our MCB secretary, Sandi Mackley.
Ray Korman from the Seeing Eye was a guest who also shared briefly about
guide dog handling.
Pet Smart and other sources donated door prizes.
June and Jack Link did such a fine job with our bingo fundraiser that they
have agreed to help with others in the future.
We shared some exciting ideas to help Missouri Guide Dog Users have a truly
great year.
Persons interested in joining or with questions call the MCB office and they
will get in touch with me.
Wishing you and yours a blessed Christmas.
Mary Pendleton
President
Progressive Council
Greetings to all from Progressive Council:
Another State Convention has come and gone, and a great time was had by
many. It was especially exciting for me, because it was the first time in
the seven years since I have been a part of the MCB that I ever won a door
prize. In fact, this year I won four.
Our club is really busy with our biggest fun-raiser of the year, our annual
nut sale. It is going very well. I think this will be the best ever!!
Progressive would like to thank all of those who supported us in this effort
by purchasing nuts from us. This Year we are expecting a grant from Wal-mart
for $1000, that they give to organizations who fund-raise at their stores.
Our Christmas Party is scheduled for December 9th at 4:00 PM at Anthony's
Restaurant. I know we will all have good food and fellowship as always.
Also our Christmas committee is working on selecting gifts for a visually
impaired child for Christmas.
Well, so long until next time.
Barbara Dewberry
The Queen City Council
We are pleased to announce that we have 2 new members; they are Ruth
Campbell and Laley Cataldo.
Four of our members enjoyed the week end camp session in September. It's
always good to meet up with friends that we only see once a year.
Nine of our members attended the Convention in October.
Back in August, Amber Attaway came to speak to us about her trip to LA,
California to represent Missouri in the Braille challenge. She really had a
interesting and wonderful time and she wants to try out for this challenge
again next year.
Queen City is working with the Rainbow network to provide supplies for a
school for the blind in Nicaragua. We would really appreciate any assistance
from the other affiliates in the Missouri Council to help us with this
project.
In August, we had our election of officers. Our new President is Linda
Coccovizzo; Louise Lathrop is our new vice-president; Marilyn Tuso,
recording secretary; Nancy Hodson, corresponding secretary; Vicki Maples,
Treasurer; and Merle Chaffin as our Board Representative.
Merle is having shoulder surgery and we would appreciate all of your
prayers.
At our November meeting our chapter had a Thanksgiving dinner.
We want to wish All of you a very Happy Holiday season.
Respectfully submitted,
Marilyn Tuso, Secretary
Springfield Service Club
Our club has a new member, my husband Jon Gormley. He is an ACB Life member.
A few of our members attended summer camp. I understand that they enjoyed
the experience.
Seven of our members attended the MCB convention. We found numerous
opportunities for education in the general sessions, special interest affiliate meetings, and at the exhibits. We voted for the candidates of our
choice accessibly and secretly. This has not always been the case for me in
ACB. Congratulations MCB! Of course, we had fun at the convention, too. We
reconnected with old friends and made new ones, also.
On Saturday, November 18, we had our annual Thanksgiving dinner at a local
restaurant. As we have done for several years, we invited the members of
the West Plains club to be our guests.
Our annual Christmas party is scheduled for December 12. A $5.00 gift exchange is to occur again this year.
May your holiday season be both joyous and safe.
Janelle Edwards, Secretary
The Southwest Missouri Friendship Council
Greetings to all,
I am happy to say that things are looking better for some of our members who
have been having health concerns. Although Harold Griffoth is still
experiencing some discomfort from his heart surgery, he is back at our
meetings and social events. He and Lois went to Convention, and they plan a
train trip to Baltimore Maryland in November. Lois has quit smoking, and
we're all so proud of her. Elvena Smith is feeling quite a bit stronger,
and she and Tom have been able to be back with us again. Of course, Tom is
our social chairman, and is always working hard serving the Club
refreshments, or making one of his scrumptious meals for us. Joy Shirk is
still having health problems, and so is Mary Redifer. Margaret Forcum had a
ruptured tendon in her leg, and had to have surgery, but she has recovered
quite well.
Ron and Cathie Brauner, and Harold and Alice Poiry went to the MCB adult
camp in September. They all thoroughly enjoyed it.
At our Awards Banquet in September, Ed Forcum received the Award for being
the most outstanding member in our Club, and Doctor Michael Joseph, one of
our local doctors received the Award for being the most helpful to our club
in the past year.
Our new officers were elected in October. They are: Ed Forcum, President;
Cindy Smart, First Vice; Rita Galbraith, Second Vice; Margaret Forcum,
Secretary; Ron Brauner, Treasurer; and Cathie Brauner, PR. They took over
as officers at the November meeting.
Ed and Margaret Forcum, Franklin Johnson, Chip and Linda Hailey, Harold and
Alice Poiry, and Harold and Lois Griffoth all attended the
convention. Besides enjoying themselves, they all reported they gained a
lot of useful information.
Cathie Brauner will be writing the reports for the next Chronicles. I have
very much enjoyed sharing our Club's events with all of you.
Have a very Merry Christmas and a healthy, happy New Year. Bye for now.
Cindy Smart
The Tower Club of the Blind
Greetings from the Tower Club
Our appreciation dinner was a success. We had over seventy people to attend.
It was held at Romines restaurant at 9053 Riverview Blvd. on October 28th. 5p.m. until 8 p.m.
A special tribute was given to our honorees: Mrs.Marie Kelley, Mr.Ray
Campbell,Mr.William Jackson and Mr.Carl Mack. The food was delicious, the
service was excellent and the room was perfect. We had special guests:
President of the MCB, Mrs. Kathey Wheeler, Executive Director, Mrs. Beverly
Armstrong and the President of the Service Club, Mrs. Kathleen Demsky.
The Tower Club wishes to express our gratitude to everyone, and we wish you
a wonderful Holiday season and new year.
Jesuita Tabor
President
United Workers for the Blind
Greetings from UWB,
First, we want to thank all of you who purchased our raffle tickets at
the Convention for the Hamilton Beach Talking Microwave Oven. It was a very
popular item. We sold $337 in tickets. The winner was Linda Burris, who, I understand, gave it to Chip Hailey. The money will go to our outreach
Committee for some future activities.
We had election of officers in June. Jack Lenk was elected to another
term as President. Our First Vice President is Bob Jaco and Anna Schell is Second Vice President. Cathy McCracken is Secretary and Celita White is
Treasurer.
We have a new member, Justin Wallen, who is Robyn Wallen's son. He is a
good kid, regardless of what his mother says about him.
Finally, I want to acknowledge the passing of a former UWB member who many of you knew and whose influence is still being felt in MCB. I'm talking
about Aubrey Welle, who died recently. Aubrey was a hard worker for the
blind for many years, at the Lighthouse for the Blind, in UWB and in MCB.
He served us our Treasurer for many years and as Manager of our Apartment
Building in Maplewood. He also had a company called Welle Made Products,
where he made the voting machines that we still use at conventions. So
whenever you vote at an Mcb Convention, think of Aubrey Welle and all that
he did for the blind of Missouri.
Have a blessed and wonderful Holiday season, filled with lots of joy and
friendship.
John Weidlich
I think it was a couple years ago when Jerry Annunzio posted the following
Christmas Greeting For An Elf:
When thou bakest holiday goodies, thou shalt treat thyself to some of the
goodly ones. and not just to the slightly burnt ones that ye would be too embarrassed to giveth unto others.
Yea, though ye walk through the mall on December 24th, ye shall not buy any
singing fish, nor any pull-my-finger gags, no matter how desperate thou art to find something for thy brother-in-law.
When thy child's school doth gear up for another fund-raising sale of
holiday wrapping paper, think ye of the 37 unused rolls hiding in thine closet--and buy another five rolls as thou always doest.
When I writest the holiday newsletter and proclaim that I have been asked to
sing with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, refrain from recalling my memorable turn massacring "Like a Virgin" at the high school talent show.
Nor will ye tie onto thy animals reindeer antlers or bells that doth jingle.
Thine husband, however, is fair game.
Thou shalt not wear holiday-theme sweaters. Verily, no Santas, Rudolphs,
snowmen, nor elves. Especially elves.
When thou deckest the halls, I say unto you, the tinsel must be placed one
strand at a time. Except when thine husband turns his back, then ye may throw it on in clumps and no shame shall be upon thee.
Thou shalt gain weight over the holidays. It is the way of all flesh. Get
thee over it.
"Christmas Greeting For An Elf" by:
Beth Levine
Freelance Writer
www.bethlevine.net
Back to Index
I thought the old fellow might have disappeared, but it seems as if he has
materialized again with a rhyme he thinks may be particularly appealing to
the ladies:
He didn't like the casserole
And he didn't like my cake.
He said my biscuits were too hard...
Not like his mother used to make.
I didn't perk the coffee right
He didn't like the stew,
I didn't mend his socks
The way his mother used to do.
I pondered for an answer
I was looking for a clue.
Then I turned around and smacked him...
Like his Mother used to do.
Back to Index
It sure is nice to be visiting with you again. Being in this chair once
more feels like coming home. I want to thank John Weidlich for the superb
job he did keeping not only this column but the whole Chronicle functioning
at such a high level for the past 8 years--4 times a year for 8 years he
truly was "Johnny on the spot". Thank you, John, very, very much; the MCB
is fortunate in deed to have you as a member. And John is still right there
helping. The first 3 items in the drawer are contributions from John.
Before we can pull it open, however, some things never change: We must
remind you that any mention of a product or service in no way constitutes a
solicitation or endorsement. They are presented solely for their interest
value. Okay, let's see what all is in there:
For those of you who are computer users, www.sightlosssolutions.org gives
help for people who have lost or are losing vision. Information on
resources, high tech items, reference lists, and a just for fun category.
www.livingblind.com is an online community of blind and visually impaired
people sharing ideas to create a friendly informative site where people can
learn and grow together. Information and how to tips and knowledge about
living with blindness. It welcomes people in every walk of life, employed or
retired, cane user or dog handler, usable vision or none at all.
Sugar Please is an automatic sugar dispenser. Push a button and you get half
a teaspoon of sugar, which is about a half a packet of sugar.
Two pushes is about one sugar cube. It can also dispense powdered cream. It
holds a quarter pound of sugar. I only have a web site for this:
www.wrapables.com
Helping Hands for the Blind has a cook book of the month club. Buy three
cook books from the catalogue and get another one for free. You can also
get a free cook book by getting a friend to join. There are 85 books in the
catalogue. The phone number is 877 422-0300. Address Helping Hands for the
Blind, 20734C Devonshire Street, Chatsworth, CA 91311.
Emergency preparedness: The following item is lifted from the ACB
list-serve:
"I would think that for us blind people it is especially essential to have
some of the food and water packages this place sells since in an emergency
situation, it may be even more difficult for us to get supplies to sustain
us until help arrives or we can get out to get something ourselves. The web
site is full of excellent products and product packages at, seemingly, very
reasonable prices. The website URL is: http://beprepared.com/default.asp
Dr. Ronald E. Milliman, Professor of Marketing, Western Kentucky University
and **President, South Central Kentucky Council of the Blind (SCKCB)
*Chair, Monthly Monetary Support Program of the ACB"
Another Emergency Tip: Yvonne Schnitzler posted the following to our
Missouri List-serve.
"the ICE idea", is catching on and it is a very simple, yet important method of contact for you or a loved one in case of an emergency. As cell phones are carried by the majority of
the population, all you need to do is program the number of a contact person
or persons and store the name as "ICE (in case of emergency)". The idea was
thought up by a paramedic who found that when they went to the scenes of
accidents, there were always mobile phones with patients, but they didn't
know which numbers to call. He therefore thought that it would be a good
idea if there was a nationally recognized name to file "next of kin" under.
The (ICE)" campaign idea is that you store the word "ICE " in your mobile
phone address book, and with it enter the number of the person you would
want to be contacted "In Case of Emergency ". In an emergency situation,
Emergency Services personnel and hospital staff would then be able to quickly
contact your next of kin, by simply dialing the number programmed under
"ICE". It really could save your life, or put a loved one's mind at rest.
For more than one contact name simply enter ICE1, ICE2, ICE3 etc.
Free international phone calls:
This comes to us by way of our own Denny Huff: If you want to make a call
to a different country..Here is a way to do it for FREE!!!!!!!
If you have free long distance in the USA on your home phone or have free
nights and weekends from your cell phone here is all you do: call
712-858-8883 then follow the prompts. there is no time limit on the free
calls. Check it out at
http://www.futurephone.com/index.html
Seeworld: Most of us know about a few of the familiar places to purchase
equipment and items for the visually impaired, but here's one I hadn't heard
about before which supposedly has quite a selection and variety at very
reasonable prices, so if you're looking for a particular item you might want
to try Seeworld: Phone, (800) 346-2115 or (502) 429-4460; Fax:
502-429-7110;
TTY: 502-429-7105;
or on line at:
see.ky.gov
Novel Sensations: This one has to get in just under the wire; I hope we
make it.
Novel Sensations has just released a supplement catalog to our world of
products catalog. This is a much smaller document and consists of handmade
Christmas decorations and gifts. Items include: ornaments, candles, napkin
rings, jewelry, magnets, and much more. Please type Christmas catalog in
the subject. Send email to novelsensations@charter.net and request a copy. The catalog is over 400 pages in a Word document, so guess this only applies to computer users.
Debate list: This, too, is only for those with computers, but there are a
few out there who might love it. There are hundreds of e-mail lists on
almost any subject. Someone has created one now for those who enjoy a good
debate. Send a blank email to debate-lovers-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Identity theft: Bev Armstrong posted the following warning on our Missouri
List-serve: "It is spreading fast so be prepared should you get this call.
Most of us take those summonses for jury duty seriously, but enough people
skip out on their civic duty, that a new and ominous kind of scam has
surfaced. Fall for it and your identity could be stolen, reports CBS. In
this con, someone calls pretending to be a court official who threateningly
says a warrant has been issued for your arrest because you didn't show up
for jury duty. The caller claims to be a jury coordinator. If you protest
that you never received a summons for jury duty, the scammer asks you for
your Social Security number and date of birth so he or she can verify the
information and cancel the arrest warrant. Sometimes they even ask for
credit card numbers. Give out any of this information and bingo! Your
identity just got stolen. The scam has been reported so far in 11 states.
This (scam) is particularly insidious because they use intimidation over the phone to try
to bully people into giving information by pretending they're with the court
system. Already checked on Snopes.com .. Yes, it's real.
Faulty information: Snopes.com is a web site where you can check the
validity of information being circulated around. For instance, you may have
heard that if you cough very hard at regular intervals when you think you
are having a heart attack, you could possibly save your life. Well,
according to our own Chip Hailey, this has been checked out on Snopes.com
and found to be untrue. The key word here is "possibly". It would only
help in certain types of heart attacks; in other types it could kill you!
You would be much safer and get more benefit by chewing up 2 or 3 asperins.
Congratulations: And speaking of Chip, I understand that he recently
received an award from the Joplin Independent Living Center for 20 years of
service. Well, thanks for the heart attack info, Chip, and congratulations
from all of us on receiving your award!
Prodigy Talking Glucometer: The new Prodigy glucometer has received a lot
of positive reviews. I believe it's available from a number of sources, and
I don't think the price varies much. Here, however, is what one vendor,
Speak To Me, had to say about it: "If you are diabetic and visually
impaired, check out our ground breaking Talking Glucometer with all the
supplies at a reasonable price. It comes with an instructional audio CD. A
talking glucometer that features a large LCD screen that is easy to use. Its
female voice guides you through its easy operation. Since it requires a
small amount of blood, it's virtually pain free. Results are spoken in just
6 seconds. Includes everything you need to start testing! Glucose meter,
control solution, Prodigy strips, sterile lancets, lancing device (with
clear cap) and carrying case. Unit will store up to 450 results in memory
and you can download these to your computer to help you track changes in
your blood glucose level over time. Other features include: sleep mode with
auto shutoff after 3 minutes without action, FDA approved, complete
instructions, one year warranty with card, instructional CD and 2 AAA
batteries included. Unit measures 3 7/8" high x 1 3/4" long x 1" wide.
Prodigy Talking Glucometer Special Bundle
If you buy 5 Boxes of 50 strips, which you will need anyway, we
will give you the machine, FREE."
Magnets from the National Braille Press:
Some of the most original gift ideas show up at the checkout counters of
book and gift stores, like these refrigerator magnets with memorable quotes.
We selected four different magnets and simply placed transparent braille
over the print quotes, so all can read. Each artful magnet is a 3.5" square
that can be used to decorate any refrigerator door or hold up a photo or
note. Pick from any of these four sayings-or order one of each! Perfect as a
last-minute gift. The quotes on the four magnets are:
- "Do one thing every day that scares you."
-Eleanor Roosevelt
- "What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to
what lies within us."
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
- "We do not remember days... we remember moments."-Cesare Pavese
- "The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even
touched. They must be felt with the heart."-Helen Keller
Print/braille decorative magnets: $4.95 each or order any of these magnets,
start here:
http://www.nbp.org/ic/nbp/MAG-CESARE.html
To order any items, send payment to:
NBP, 88 St. Stephen Street, Boston, MA 02115-4302
Or call and charge it: toll-free (800) 548-7323 or (617) 266-6160 ext20.
More things from NBP: I think maybe I have known one blind magician in my
life. If this idea interests you, the National Braille Press offers a "Bag
of Tricks" for $15. You get a print-Braille book of instructions plus the
items needed to perform 6 magic tricks. They say it is good for kids or
adults who would like to try their hand at performing magic tricks. Around
our house we seem to have no problem making things disappear; the problem is
in getting them to re-appear.
The other item is somewhat more high end, but quite novel it seems from the
description. You can choose a personalized Braille pendant for someone very
special. You can have either a 16 or 18 inch chain, and you can have
anything you like inscribed in Braille with up to a 7 cell limit. Both the
pendant and the chains are stirling silver so that probably accounts for
them being priced at $55.00 plus shipping and handling. If you would like
to inquire about either the pendant or the magic tricks, give NBP a call at
(800) 548-7323 or (617) 266-6160 ext. 20.
You may also want to inquire about a 1 volume Braille book of very handy
tips for various kinds of problems we encounter in every-day life. It's
priced at $10.95, and, if you're a Braille reader, would likely be a handy
thing to have. It, too, is available from the National Braille Press, (800)
548-7323 or (617) 266-6160 ext. 20.
There are not many places you can find tactile t-shirts, and these are done with hand-applied round metal nailheads or
sparkly crystals for the ladies. They are heat-set, so there are no prongs
on the inside of the shirt. Fun to wear, pretty cool fashion statements!
Orders for holiday delivery are being taken, and shipments are made all over
the world. The accessible website is www.brailletshirts.com.Here is a
little more info from their web site: "What does that say on your shirt?
Can I touch it?" Purchase the gift of quality hand crafted Braille T-shirts
and clothing with a secret Braille message of your choosing on the front.
Our tactile messages are hand crafted using genuine Swarovski crystals or
metallic studs as Braille dots. We send to anywhere in the world and can
also add messages to jackets, sweat shirts or other suggested items. A gift
that's a Talking point. An original gift idea for the person who has
everything. Everyone is fascinated by Braille and wants to know what it
feels like and what it says. Quirky, different, tactile and a little bit
sensual. A great gift for birthdays, Christmas or for a blind person in your
life. You can select a specially designed custom shirt by contacting us.
If you have a blind friend or loved-one who is a Braille user, send them a
direct message by clothing! As well as standard grade two contracted
braille (we do this by default) we can also make grade one braille garments
ideal for people who are just beginning to use Braille for reading, this
includes younger children with a visual impairment too. We know our stuff
... feel free to ask any questions,
Contact us at: Woodside Country Store; 361 Southwest Drive #110;
Jonesboro, AR 72401 phone, (870) 931-0935; e-mail: info@brailletshirts.com"
On that note, let me wish all of you a "feel good" Christmas. I hope the
winter is kind to you, and I'll look forward to seeing you in the spring.
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