TABLE OF CONTENTS

THE PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

FROM YOUR ACTING EDITOR

401 BLIND TASK FORCE COMMITTEE REPORT

TECHNOLOGY GRANT UPDATE

MCB ANNUAL 2007 CONVENTION

LEGISLATIVE NEWS

PRESIDENTS' MEETING REPORT

APRIL 2007 CHRONICLE REPORT FROM PUBLIC RELATIONS

WOLFNER ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETING

CANDIDATE'S CORNER

BANK UPGRADES TECHNOLOGY FOR CUSTOMER WHO IS BLIND

TAKING A GUIDE DOG TO AUSTRALIA

THE COURTESY RULES OF BLINDNESS

REMEMBERING LUCILLE FIERCE

ATI INTRODUCES COMPUTER RECYCLING PROGRAM

BLIND OF CENTRAL MO

JOPLIN SERVICE CLUB OF THE BLIND

NEWS FROM LAKE STOCKTON

MISSOURI GUIDE DOG USERS

OZARK ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND

PROGRESSIVE COUNCIL OF THE BLIND

RIVER CITY WORKERS OF THE BLIND

SOUTHWEST MISSOURI FRIENDSHIP COUNCIL OF THE BLIND

SPRINGFIELD SERVICE CLUB

UWB UPDATE

From The Lower Left-Hand Drawer

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THE PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Hello from your new MCB President, Phyllis Lovett: Our former President, Kathey Wheeler, resigned the first week of April because of health reasons. Kathey left me a big legacy to live up to but she has taught me so much. I will try to live up to her standards. The MCB board accepted her resignation with regret and best wishes at the April 14 board meeting. As the elected First Vice-President, I automatically became the President according to our by-laws. This is a big job and I ask for your help and your cooperation.

I had been serving as the Acting President since November. With the board's approval, I appointed Linda Gerken of the Sedalia area as the First Vice-President and Marie Thompson of the Sikeston area to fill Linda's position as a director. Both will serve until the election at the October convention. I know they will do a great job.

We have been very busy negotiating some problems with our thrift stores' management company.

One of the best actions I think the board took recently was to empower the Special Services committee to offer help to the people who had unusual expenses because of the two ice storms. MCB spent about $7300 to offer our help to members and other legally blind people of Missouri. I feel this action will have positive long-range effects.

I was appointed to serve on the State Rehabilitation Advisory Council. It is a 16-member board. MCB's only representative since the death of Bill Burris was Beverly Kaskadden. We have been pushing for more representation on the Council as almost all of the other members are from the NFB. We meet every three months at different locations throughout the state. In February, we met in Joplin. A meeting was scheduled on May 3 and 4 in Jefferson City. They hold a public forum on Thursday night. I urge you to attend if you can. You will find it interesting and it will certainly give you a new view of Rehabilitation Services.

I now have the President's toll free line installed in my house. Please feel free to call if I can help you in any way. The number is 1-877-252-0074. I am planning to go to the ACB convention in Minneapolis the first week of July. It seems as if my suitcase is now a permanent décor item in my bedroom. It's time to pack again for the meeting in Jeff City. Have a fun and safe summer.

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FROM YOUR ACTING EDITOR

Hello:
Sometimes it seems like the only consistency in life is change. Here we go again.

Due to illness, Bill Benson was not able to edit this issue of the Chronicle. At this time, mid-May, his condition has improved for which we are thankful.

Unfortunately, any articles that MCB members sent to Bill by email, but not to me, were not available for me to include in this issue. We regret the absence of any such articles.

Bill or I may prepare the next Chronicle issue or we may do it together. To avoid the possible loss of your submissions please plan to send them to me. If appropriate, I will forward material to Bill. When I receive a submission, I will always contact you to confirm receipt of the article if I have an email address or telephone number available for you.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

It is the responsibility of the Chronicle Editor, or Acting Editor, to maintain accurate lists of MCB Officers, Directors, Committee Chairs, and Affiliate Presidents along with their contact information. If you occupy one of those positions and your contact information changes, or you are elected or appointed to one of those positions, please contact the Editor or Acting Editor as appropriate -- at this time me.

For those of you who may not know me please allow me to introduce myself -- so to speak. I have been a member of ACB since 1996. Until the beginning of 2006, I lived in Kansas. During that time, it was my privilege to hold various officer and board positions in both state and special interest affiliates. For a couple of years I also proofread the newsletter for the state affiliate and produced braille copies. Currently I am an Ex Officio member of the ACB Board of Publications, and here in Missouri I belong to the Springfield Service Club of the Blind, where I serve as Secretary. I am honored by the trust our MCB President and Board of Directors have placed in me with my Chronicle appointment.

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401 BLIND TASK FORCE COMMITTEE REPORT

Legislative: It was reported that there is a need to get involved with the Missouri Senate and the House of Representatives for a better understanding of upcoming issues related to House Bill 718 and Senate Bill 16 and Bill 566. $165,000 general revenue has been proposed for FY08 for Blind Skills Specialists.

2007 Children's Vision Summit Update: The Children's Vision Summit was held on April 9 and 10 at the Capitol Plaza Hotel and Convention Center, Jefferson City, MO.

268 people participated in the 2007 Children's Vision Summit, "Transition Pathways to Success." The format was the same as last year with 15 breakout sessions. Among the subjects covered were IEP issues, braille, low vision issues, pre-school transitions, guide dogs, college transition issues, financial record keeping for VI students, sports for VI students, and low-tech devices. The opening keynote speaker was Mr. Nolan Crabb. The conference closed with three transition panel speakers: banking investment background, DFS, and a DeVry college student.

There was special programming at the Children's Vision Summit for academic college-bound high school students titled "Preparing Blind and Visually Impaired Students for Post-Secondary Education Transition." Volunteers directed roundtable discussions regarding dating, classroom behavior, Greek life, life in the dorms, and campus activities.

In addition, the students' special programming offered presenters in the field of Post-Secondary Education. This engaging event included speakers in the field of education, one-to-one discussions with current college students, art and craft activities, games and trivia, visiting with a Greek fraternity, door prizes, and more.

Eligibility Criteria for VI under the New State Plan: The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Division of Special Education, has received numerous comments to the state plan's proposed 2007 visual impairment/blindness changes to the state regulations implementing Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Comments may also be made during rulemaking. For more information, go to web address: http://dese.mo.gov/divspeced/PublicHearing05/index.html

The Outreach Committee made a motion and it was unanimously accepted that the Task Force support and propose the new language of visual impairment in the proposed state plan.

Criteria for Initial Determination of Eligibility: A child displays a visual impairment when:
A. Visual impairment or a progressive vision loss, not primarily perceptual in nature or a deteriorating eye condition which will result in loss of visual efficiency (e.g. glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa, or macular degeneration) or a visual loss caused by a disturbance of the posterior visual pathway and/or cortex has been diagnosed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist;

B. Visual acuity has been determined to be:

1. for visual impairment of 20/70 to 20/200 in the better eye with best correction by glasses;
2. for blindness of 20/200 or less in the better eye after best correction by glasses or a visual field measuring 20 degrees or less; and/or,
3. functional loss of vision as documented by a functional vision/learning media assessment, and,
4. visual impairment/functional vision loss adversely affects the child's educational performance.

Outreach Committee: The Committee met for a conference call on March 1, 2007. The minutes from the conference call are posted on the web at: http://www.dese.mo.gov/divspeced/Blind/summary3_01_07outreachcc.pdf

The Task Force will review the numbers that were compiled by MSB for the summer program. RSB and AER will also be involved in the program. Governors Council: Applications are now being accepted for the July 22-24, 2007 Youth Leadership Forum. More information may be found online at: http://www.gcd.oa.mo.gov/2007ylf.shtml

On March 1, 2007, Ms. Linda Baker, a longtime member of the St. Louis Governor's Council, was named the new executive director.

Current Workshops/Activities in State: St. Louis Society for the Blind and Visually Impaired and the Lighthouse for the Blind are offering a new program, STARS (Special Technology and Adaptive Resources for Students). The program is held on the first and third Saturday of the month. It gives students and parents an opportunity to learn a wide variety of hands-on information about adaptive technology.

The St. Louis Lighthouse for the Blind is sponsoring Project STEP (Summer Technology and Employment Program). The program will be held June 11-29, 2007 at St. Louis Society for the Blind. The focus of the program is "intensive lessons in adaptive technology and living skills." The application deadline was May 1, 2007. For more information, contact Kevin Hollinger by email at kjhollinger@sbcglobal.net, or by phone at (636) 578-0124.

More information on both the STARS and the STEP program may be found on the web at: http://www.slsbvi.org/about/chldservs.html#stars

MSB held a Braille Challenge (an academic contest for braille readers) on February 15, 2007. There were 75 participants from Missouri and Kansas involved in the competition.

Next BTF Committee Meeting: The next meeting was scheduled to be conducted on May 16, 2007.

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TECHNOLOGY GRANT UPDATE

At the April MCB Board meeting, the Adaptive Grant Fund was given an additional $5,000 to assist in purchasing more equipment for the remainder of the year.

Over the past couple of weeks, I have spoken with several of you who were thinking about purchasing small ticket items. Now would be a good time to do that while we still have the money.

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MCB ANNUAL 2007 CONVENTION

This year's convention will be held at the Holiday Inn Joplin, which is located at 3615 Rangeline Road.

You can begin making reservations by calling (417) 782-1000. Be sure to mention that you are with the Missouri Council to get the $69.00 rate plus tax for double occupancy. An additional $10.00 is being charged for each person over two in each room.

The deadline for room reservations is September 1. The dates for convention are October 4-7. The board meeting will be held on the fourth.

Pre-registration begins August 1 and ends September 1. To pre-register forms must have a postmark no later than September 1 and be accompanied by all applicable fees. Pre-registration costs $5.00 and onsite registration is $10.00.

The banquet meal, which costs $23.00, consists of a breast of chicken with a Boursin cheese sauce, salad, smoked Cheddar and bacon mashed potatoes, country style green beans, rolls, coffee or tea, and dessert (lemon chiffon cake).

The hospitality meal on Friday evening consists of four chicken strips, a side of coleslaw, fresh fruit, a large cookie, and coffee or iced tea for $2.00.

If anyone needs a special diet, please contact me, Eldon Cox, by phone at (816) 363-5733 or by e-mail at eldoncox@kc.rr.com.

If interpreter services are needed, please contact me, or the MCB office, by September 1.

I have requested the bottled water be removed from the sleeping rooms; however if a room is missed and the seal is broken individuals will be charged at the rate of $3.50 per bottle.

Donna Giger is looking for assistance with the following: mike runners, timekeepers, door monitors, help with voting, etc. Both blind and sighted volunteers will be appreciated. Contact Donna if you would like to help by calling (417) 866-5778.

Phyllis Lovett is also requesting sighted help in the craft room. She can be contacted at (417) 883-7408.

See you in Joplin!

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LEGISLATIVE NEWS

We had a great time at our Legislative Days at Jefferson City in spite of my emergency surgery.

People from the Governor's Council came to help and our legislative reps from each affiliate took up the cause and did extra work for those of us who could not attend.

I went to the capitol on Tuesday morning to speak at the hearing on bill 222, which would sweep funds from Wolfner, etc at the end of the fiscal year, into the General Revenue fund.

At this time, nothing has been done on that since February 19, the day of the hearing. We have two more weeks of session so let's hope it does not come up again this year.

SB 16, which would require a comprehensive vision exam for children entering kindergarten and first grade, passed.

We are still working on SB 8, which would provide a tax credit for home modification for disabled persons. At this time, the Senate has approved funding for two more Blind Skills Specialists, and we are hoping before the end of this session they agree to more.

I was very impressed also, with how well the legislative reps did who went to Washington D.C.

Thanks to Jesuita Tabor who took charge, scheduled appointments with our senators and representatives, and kept the trip organized for our team.

My doctor would not allow me to travel so soon after the surgery so our Missouri Council of the Blind legislative reps did an outstanding job in their lobby work.

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PRESIDENTS' MEETING REPORT

On February 23, I attended the annual Board of Publications Midyear Meeting, as I am an Ex Officio member.

February 24th and 25th it was my honor to serve as the Missouri Council of the Blind Presidential Representative for the Presidents' Meeting at the same location.

Subsequently the Braille Forum featured some of the information from the Presidents' Meeting. It is my intention to summarize other information that might be of interest to you.

2007 ACB National Convention Report (Carla Rushival, Convention Site Coordinator):
There are many expenses related to the ACB convention that many of us may never have considered such as printing materials in various formats, mailing, phones for various locations, Internet, the convention newspaper (even with the ads and sponsorships), and the guide dog relief area (even with donations).

Wireless mike purchases will reduce costs for special interest affiliates, as the charge will be less when these mikes are used. They will also reduce costs for ACB over time. The convention program is usually on line the second week of June.

Carla will allocate suites in both convention hotels in Minneapolis. The priorities used are special interest affiliates, exhibitors, other companies that want a training room, and individuals.

This year a skywalk connects the two convention hotels, which are across the street from each other. The skywalk continues past the Millennium, but something will mark it so people will know when they arrive. Both hotels have activities scheduled in them.

ACB National Office Update (Melanie Brunson, Executive Director): Melanie was asked about NewsNotes. A year ago, she had pledged to start them again, and this has not happened. She now plans to start with a monthly update. She said she feels bad about not doing it. NewsNotes was available by phone in the past and could be again. Acb-Announce should also be utilized.

MMS (Ron Milliman): Until the drawing after the ACB convention, each new MMS program participant is automatically eligible to win a Talking Hamilton Beach Microwave. As long as supplies last, each new donor receives a radio. You may split your contribution to the Monthly Monetary Support Program between ACB and a state or special interest affiliate but ACB must receive at least 50 percent.

Rehabilitation Task Force (several presenters): The ACB Board of Directors created the task force to write a paper expressing ACB's views regarding rehabilitation and training. The paper is available by contacting the ACB National Office or on line at http://www.acb.org/resources/whitepaper-rehabtraining.html

Fundraising (J. Delice Brown, Director, Marketing & Communications, Human Service Charities of America): Some problems, which occur at fundraising events, are unforeseen, but you can control other factors -- like the time of year. One little scandal can do great harm to even the best organization's image. The staff and members need to understand and agree on the mission and goals of the organization. Good speakers can promote the organization but boring ones will kill any chance of benefiting from the presentation. Try to make donors feel like we are all on the same team working for a common goal.

The Leadership Challenge (Pam Shaw): We have a climate now where uncertain employment and a "what's in it for me" attitude are pervasive. People expect quick communication. They want something to happen at meetings like an interesting program. New members should be encouraged to express their ideas as they may be good ones and this process will help them feel included. Saying "please" and "thank you" helps make people feel appreciated.

Disability Legislation (Judy Jackson): She discussed how difficult it could be for a blind parent to obtain accessible materials to assist a sighted child with schoolwork. This information should be provided if it is needed. Section 504 is what she has used to obtain materials, but it was mentioned in discussion that Title II of the ADA could apply too.

I found the Presidents' meeting to be very informative. Thank you MCB.

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APRIL 2007 CHRONICLE REPORT FROM PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR

The past few months have been full of activities as your Public Relations Director.

The 2008 large print calendar order has been submitted. Thank you to everyone who made sure I had all the information for placing the order. I have heard from some individuals concerning where the calendars are distributed to help low vision Missouri residents. I had a call from the MCB office regarding a large print calendar request, and when I inquired about the name and contact, I discovered it was from a lady I have known for years from my own church. Her eyesight is failing, but she does not dwell on it. I was tickled to know MCB could help a friend of mine.

Youth Services and Public Relations worked together at the Children's Vision Summit in Jefferson City. The MCB sponsorship was greatly appreciated and recognized. It is wonderful to experience parents and agencies working together in the behalf of children. We made new contacts, and sent out information concerning MCB.

MCB was one of 50 exhibitors who participated at the Power Up conference in Jefferson City. Again, we made several new contacts, and renewed relations with others. Thank you to those who helped with the booth: Chip and Linda Hailey, Denny Huff, Franklin Johnson, Mary Pendleton, and Tony Moore. MCB donated a tote bag and insulated coffee mug as an attendance prize. Plans are still underway to produce a promotional DVD for MCB. I am collecting pictures and video segments of any activities depicting Missouri Council.

I would love to hear from the affiliates how they are each advertising and promoting their affiliate. Tell me what activities your affiliate is planning and what, if anything, I can do to help. I encourage everyone to be a cheerleader for MCB -- rah rah!

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WOLFNER ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETING

A tour of the Wolfner Library was given by Director Richard Smith for new members and any other of the board members wishing to take the tour. This is always a delight as we get to meet and talk with the staff as well as learning the workings of the library.

Our State Librarian Margaret M. Conroy gave her report. She explained that no new funds or cuts were expected for Wolfner. One million dollars is in a fund to be divided between all the state libraries. It is hoped some of those funds will come to Wolfner Library.

When the Digital Library comes to Wolfner, she stated, it is hoped that many archive materials will be digitized. It is hoped legislative funds will be given to digitize historical materials. Missouri Heritage hopes to build a website and to make it as accessible as possible for those with screen readers. However, there will be visual items on this website such as postcards and photos.

Director Richard Smith gave us an overview of some of the library's new services. The advisory council members' names will now be put on the Wolfner website, as well as the minutes of each council meeting. Library services can now be given to those who cannot read regular print, or hold a book, and are temporarily in a hospital.

He stated that Wolfner is under the Library of Congress with a circulation of over half a million books a year. Eleven thousand persons receive services from Wolfner, half of them being over 70 years of age. Wolfner has six reader advisors. One serves the institutions, and one serves the youth in our schools.

There are over 100 magazines available on cassettes. Newsline, a service for hearing many Missouri and national newspapers read over the telephone, is also available through Wolfner.

The Descriptive Video program has been limited to one per person. This has now changed and one person can request and receive one to three videos with DVS each time.

In March, a consultant from the Library of Congress is coming to Wolfner for three days to look over our facilities and our policies. This occurs every two years.

Wolfner averages about 1,200 new readers a year. The number of readers has increased over the years due to its outreach and there is a good retention policy. When a new patron signs up for services, someone talks to him or her in person.

Anyone wishing to make suggestions for a reading list can send suggestions to Director Richard Smith or to the NLS program and they will be reviewed by the National Library Council.

Wolfner is working on a summer reading program for 2007. Those interested in it will not be disappointed.

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CANDIDATE'S CORNER

In the June and September issues of our magazine, we print letters from candidates for offices in MCB.

This year, we will be holding elections for Treasurer, Public Relations Chair, and three Directors as we do in all odd-numbered years.

We will also be electing a First Vice President for a one-year term this year. If you are planning to run for any of those positions, you may send a letter to me for inclusion in the September issue.

Letters are not edited. We have letters to print this time from Leroy Welch and Celita White respectively, ordered by date of receipt.

Dear MCB Members,
As it is time to get the letter in the Chronicle for those running for office, I thought I would send this for publication.

I am planning on running for Public Relations Chairman at the Missouri Council of the Blind Convention. This office is very important to me as it helps to advertise the Missouri Council.

My heart is truly in helping Missouri Council. I love this office and will do all I can to promote our council.

I have been Public Relations Chairman, Membership Chairman and Director on the Board. Please give me your support for this important office. If I don't get the Public Relations Chairman I will run for Director on the Board for another two years.

Thank you for taking time to read this letter. Yours truly,
Leroy Welch

A Word From the Treasurer
Someone said there was a rumor that I would not be running for Treasurer in October.

Well, it isn't a rumor it's true.

Work and home life has become more demanding and stressful than it once was and it is getting increasingly harder to find the time I need to take care of MCB business.

If I were a homebody, or a retired person, time would not be an issued as it is now.

I have enjoyed being your treasurer, and have met and worked with some wonderful people within the organization and will greatly miss that association.

Celita White
MCB Treasurer

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BANK UPGRADES TECHNOLOGY FOR CUSTOMER WHO IS BLIND

Bank Upgrades Technology for Customer Who Is Blind

When Lisa Laughery, a customer service representative at First Community Bank in Sedalia, called customer Linda Gerken, she was simply making a routine call to see if Mrs. Gerken was interested in online banking. The events that followed, however, were anything but routine.

Mrs. Gerken, of rural Sedalia, explained to Mrs. Laughery that she would like to receive e-mailed statements, but couldn't bank online with First Community Bank because its web site was not speech accessible. Mrs. Gerken is legally blind and uses special software that reads her the content of websites she accesses.

"This was the first time a speech-accessible website had ever been mentioned," Mrs. Laughery said. "I guess I could have just ignored it and gone on to the next call, but I didn't. I felt like this was something First Community Bank would want to do."

Mrs. Laughery called the bank's Information Technology Department, who immediately began working to make the bank website text reader software compatible.

"It's kind of like putting Braille labels on the drawers in the kitchen," said Darrin Moorer, Supervisor of First Community Bank's Information Technology Department "But we're doing it with your checkbook."

After the revised web site was launched, Mrs. Laughery called Mrs. Gerken again and helped her set up her account for online banking. "I probably spend several hours a day on my computer, so I really like this," said Gerken, who is Youth Services Chairperson for the Missouri Council for the Blind. "I'm looking forward to becoming more comfortable with this wonderful technology."

First Community Bank has 17 locations in west-central Missouri and eastern Kansas. The banks have assets of $520 million. More information is available on its website at www.fcbankonline.com.

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TAKING A GUIDE DOG TO AUSTRALIA

In August of 2003, my husband Harold and I left for a year in Australia to do work there for our church. It had taken us six months and $500.00 to meet all the requirements for taking a guide dog to Australia. It was not an easy task.

Our last stop before leaving the states was a visit to the U.S. Vet's office in Los Angeles, and of course, it was a 20-minute ride from the airport. When all papers were in order for my guide Madera, we went back to the airport in Los Angeles.

On arriving at the Sydney airport and departing from our plane, we were met by an Australian government vet. He took us to a private room, and examined Madera's papers as well as Madera herself. We received approval. Then, he took us through customs, as he did not want the dog food I had with me to set off the drug-sniffing dogs. We then took a shuttle bus to the domestic part of the airport. Soon we were seated on a small aircraft and on our 45-minute flight northwest to the smaller town of Tamworth in the state of New South Wales.

I soon contacted the Dog Guide School of New South Wales. They sent out their top instructor Doug Richie. We then began our training to learn everything for the "other side of the road." It was fascinating to learn their methods and Madera caught on quickly. Doug Richie was so amazed at Madera's training that he would stand in the street as we worked by him on the footpath (sidewalk to us) and he would comment, "Look at that dog! Look how it keeps to its task!" That always amazed me as she was simply doing what she was trained to do. Later, the New South Wales Guide Dog School even took videos of us working.

Madera was an oddity in Australia. She is a small Golden retriever being about 21 inches high. Their Goldens are usually shorthaired and light colored.

Madera was given the same status as an Australian guide dog. I had an ID card for her and special tags for her collar. We received free Heartguard each month as did all other guide dog owners in New South Wales.

Australia is one of the countries with the worst rating for heartworm disease, so I was very careful to keep Madera out of certain parts of the country and to give her monthly heartworm medicine.

One thing we just loved about Australia was that in all cities across the country most of their street crossings had the same push button beeping crossing lights.

The people there were most cordial to us. We had only one incident in a Chinese restaurant. When I educated the owner to the law, he was most compliant. The laws regarding guide dogs in Australia are almost the same as ours in the United States.

Australian guide dog handlers were always interested in seeing Madera's harness from The Seeing Eye. Their harness was not as sturdy. However, I loved their way of clipping the strap that goes under the dog's stomach, rather than the buckle we use.

German shepherds are not used as guide dogs in Australia. The public views them as a police dog and as something to be feared. Their main guide dog breed is the Lab.

Would I go again and take my guide dog to Australia? The answer would be a resounding "Yes."

There will be more to come on my Australian adventures.

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THE COURTESY RULES OF BLINDNESS

(Editor's Note: I have read a number of slightly different versions of these rules. None of them has shown an original author. Nevertheless, a copy of them could occasionally be appropriate to give that certain someone.)

When we meet don't be ill at ease. It will help both of us if you remember these simple points of courtesy:

1. I'm an ordinary person, just blind. You don't need to raise your voice or address me as if I were a child. Don't ask my spouse what I want -- ask me.
2. I may use a long white cane or a guide dog to walk independently, or I may ask to take your arm. Let me decide, and please don't grab my arm; let me take yours. I'll keep a half-step behind to anticipate curbs and steps.
3. I want to know who's in the room with me. Speak when you enter. Introduce me to the others, and tell me if there's a cat or dog.
4. The door to a room or cabinet or to a car left partially open is a hazard to me.
5. At dinner, I will not have trouble with ordinary table skills.
6. Don't avoid words like "see." I use them too. I'm always glad to see you.
7. I don't want pity, but don't talk about the "wonderful compensations" of blindness. My sense of smell, touch, or hearing did not improve when I became blind. I rely on them more and therefore may get more information through those senses than you do -- that's all.
8. If I'm your houseguest, show me the bathroom, closet, dresser, window, and the light switch too. I like to know whether the lights are on.
9. I'll discuss blindness with you if you're curious, but it's an old story to me. I have as many other interests as you do.
10. Don't think of me as just a blind person. I'm just a person who happens to be blind.

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REMEMBERING LUCILLE FIERCE

The Missouri Council of the Blind, the United Workers for the Blind and all blind Missourians lost a great friend and leader with the passing of Lucille Fierce on February 11.

In both MCB and UWB Lucille worked tirelessly on behalf of blind Missourians who received Blind Pension. She was always ready to help anyone with a question or a problem regarding benefits and was well known by many of the legislators.

It is always difficult to summarize the achievements and accomplishments of a person who touched so many lives. Lucille's daughter Patty wrote this tribute for her mother that was read at her funeral service.

"Lucy was born January 12, 1922 to Joseph and Mary Gaffney who came to this country from Ireland. She was one of seven children and at the age of seven had an accident which caused her to lose her sight.

Her parents realized the importance of a good education as well as her need to be independent so they sent her to the Missouri School for the Blind. I think she must have been an exceptional student because she went on to college and graduated from Washington University George Warren Brown School of Social Work. After college, Lucy went to work for the Bureau for the blind where she taught Braille and a wide variety of independent living skills.

Lucy married my Dad (Bob) November 21st, 1946 and I was born on my mom's birthday January 12, 1953. She was a devoted wife, a wonderful mother, loving grandma and great grandma (Gee-Gee). She loved Fred like the son she never had. We had many good times together and enjoyed vacationing in Myrtle Beach. Lucy and Fred would get up early every morning, go for a walk along the beach and solve the world's problems.

She joined the United Workers for the Blind where she served as President and Chairman of the Education and Welfare Committee. She made many trips to Jefferson City to speak to legislators on behalf of blind people. After she retired she continued to serve the community. She was on the Governor's Committee for Employment of People with Disabilities, The Missouri Statewide Independent Living Council, The Assistive Technology Project, Missouri Council of the Blind and board of Paraquad.

It broke her heart when my dad died on February 1st 1988 but she continued to be strong and stayed involved. Lucy took care of her sister Helen and her brother Joe in the last years of their lives.

Lucy loved being a grandma and spending time with Scott. They had a very special relationship. Although she was great grandma for only a short time, I think Scott Michail will always remember his Gee-Gee.

She was an amazing woman who will be missed deeply and remembered always."

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ATI INTRODUCES COMPUTER RECYCLING PROGRAM

Adaptive Technology Inc. is sponsoring an equipment-recycling program. We take donations of computer equipment, refurbish it, and then make it available to blind and visually impaired residents of Missouri. There will be no charge to the recipient for this equipment. All that we ask is that the recipient fills out an application and submits it to the ATI placement committee.

The equipment will be placed on a first come first serve basis. If you have any questions, you may call 636-262-1383. To complete an online application, please visit: http://moblind.org/formsanda.shtml

ATI will also be selling raffle tickets for a new desk top PC. The computer is a Dell desk top with monitor, keyboard and mouse. A screen reader or screen magnification of choice will be installed if so desired. The tickets will be $10.00 each and will be available on July 1, 2007 and the drawing will be held at the 2007 MCB convention in Joplin MO.

ATI is a special interest affiliate of the Missouri Council of the Blind.
Denny Huff - President
Steve Schnelle - Vice President
Beverly Kaskadden - Secretary
Franklin Johnson - Treasurer

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BLIND OF CENTRAL MO

Hello to everyone from Sedalia: April showers bring May flowers. June will bring us very merry tunes. I mentioned in the last Chronicle that a bowling party was being planned. We had it on March 3 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. We had a variety of different pizzas from Mazzio's pizza, bread sticks, cinnamon sticks (with little cups of chocolate and vanilla frosting to dip them in), and assorted soda to drink. We had several people that helped. It was a great time of food, fun, and fellowship.

Several people in our club have had surgery or have been ill. Gerry Arnold has had cataract and foot surgery, and she is doing well after both of them. Lucy Filler has had leg and hip surgery, and she is doing well. Robbie Barnier's dad is very ill, and they don't know how much longer he will be with us. Our prayers go out to all of these people, and we hope they recover really soon.

We had 10 people from our affiliate who attended the Blind Pension lawsuit. Bev Armstrong, Linda Gerken, and Nancy Lynn all did a great job in testifying. Some of our members stayed overnight since the judge decided to continue the case the next day.

Some of our members will be going to summer camp the week in June, the week in July, and the weekend in September. We always look forward to summer camp. It is a way to get away from it all, and the staff members are always so nice and go out of their way to accommodate everyone. The camp committee also does a great job of getting people with whom they want to be.

Our club is having a 50 50 raffle for a fundraiser. The tickets are $1.00 each or six tickets for $5.00. The drawing will be at our picnic in July. We will have our outreach picnic on Thursday July 12 at 6:30 p.m. It will be at Liberty Park.

We will have hamburgers, hotdogs, a delightful assortment of other foods, and assorted sodas to drink. We will have the Sunrise Optimist Club run the little train for us again this year for those that want to ride it.

I would like to congratulate Phyllis Lovett, Linda Gerken, and Marie Thompson.

Until next time keep your smile and a song in your heart, and if you can't be good, be good at it.

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JOPLIN SERVICE CLUB OF THE BLIND

This has sure been a hectic quarter for me. I hope the next one is better. We only had two lunches in January due to the bad weather and the New Year's Day holiday. We even missed having our monthly evening dinner. Our building received quite a lot of damage from the ice. We hope that all of you came out okay, and we can be thankful it's over.

On February 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th we had our Tuesday luncheons, and on the 27th we had 2 guests come to visit that we hope will eventually become members. They are Ann Leggett and Pam Lanham. Also on the 27th, we celebrated all of the birthdays for the month with cake and ice cream. On February 22, a Sunday School Class from Christ's Community United Methodist Church hosted our monthly dinner, and Bruce Phillips provided the entertainment by singing. A great time was had by all!

The Preceptor Lambada Chapter, of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, hosted our March Dinner on the 15th. It was a St. Patrick's Day theme. Mitch Horner played the piano and we played a fun game of Name that Tune. Jim Smith did really well for the younger generation, and a friend and I did pretty well for our older generation. It is amazing how you can remember things from years ago and you can't remember yesterday. We can't have everything, but we need to be thankful for the blessings we do have!

On Tuesday April 17, after our regular noon luncheon, Carl Powers and Randy Custer, with Rehab Services for the Blind out of Springfield, gave a presentation to our Club about the Services that they provide. We really appreciate them taking the time to come and share with our group! Our April monthly dinner was hosted by the Delta Gamma Sorority, and piano entertainment was provided.

I apologize for the article this time as I have had some health issues and had to have surgery and have missed a few meetings.

Oh, I almost forgot about the Annual Spaghetti Red Feed that the Association held on April 5. It went very well. Many of the Service Club members volunteer to help at the fundraisers.

Well, I am looking forward to the Fall Convention here in Joplin, MO. Hope to see you all there and become better acquainted.

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NEWS FROM LAKE STOCKTON

Our hostesses are doing a great job decorating the tables for the meetings each month. In March, Rosa Rittberger and Beverly Wheeler decorated the tables with items in reds and greens for February and March.

Our February meeting had been cancelled due to inclement weather. Ellen Bell was responsible for the spring-like decorations in April with vases of bright-colored silk flowers on the tables. She even decorated the buffet table with nests of artificial grass filled with marshmallow chickens and chocolate eggs.

Pauline Eggert and Christina Deason placed cute little Maypoles surrounded with candies on the tables in celebration of May. As our meetings ended, these wonderful table decorations were given away as door prizes to several lucky recipients.

During the March meeting, we welcomed three new members -- Aline Torbett, and Nancy and Garland Brich. Two weeks later on March 15, we received the sad news that Nancy had passed away. Her death was very sudden and a shock to all.

Eujean Dody attended the April board meeting in Joplin. Eujean and her driver, Linda Dawes, enjoyed their trip and found the meeting to be very interesting and informative. Congratulations to Leroy Welch for receiving a Lifetime Membership in ACB.

Several members of MCB including Kathey Wheeler and Bill Benson are having health problems. Our own affiliate president, Eleanor Moser, has made two trips to the hospital recently, but now has gained enough strength to return to her own home. Our continued thoughts and prayers are with those who are ill.

Lake Stockton members were looking forward to attending the White Cane Walk in May. They are also looking forward to Summer Camp in June and July. Of course, members are busy preparing for the annual birthday dinner and auction coming up in August.

We hope to see many of you in the upcoming months.

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MISSOURI GUIDE DOG USERS

The Missouri Guide Dog Users will raffle off four adorable stuffed dogs in harness at the October Convention.

We have one black Lab, one yellow Lab, one Golden retriever, and one German shepherd.

The guide dog relief area will be right off the meeting room at the hotel. The space provided is level with plenty of grass and very safe. It is fenced in on three sides. We need to be considerate and pick up after our dogs because there is a lovely gazebo and picnic tables where people can gather.

There is also a trashcan out there to put our bags into after we clean up. Please let me know by September 1 if you can attend our meeting and breakfast. You can call me at 816-298-7492 or email me at marypendleton@kc.rr.com.

We look forward to seeing all of you at convention. Take care of those darling dogs.

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OZARK ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND

Hi from Ozark Association of the Blind,
OAB members and prospective new members Bill and Betty Davis enjoyed a country dinner with all the trimmings followed by a business meeting held at the Hotel Ste. Genevieve. OAB continues to work diligently to recruit new members and supplies information to many in need.

Ida Scotti and Yvonne Schnitzler spoke to three preschool classes, ages three, four, and five. After the teacher introduced us, she mentioned there was something different about Ida and asked if anyone knew what it was.

After pondering the question, in each class a student answered, "I know, I know, she's old!" Ida asked them if they knew what it meant to be blind. One child eagerly responded, "It means you walk around with your eyes shut." The children were fascinated with Ida's gadgets and asked many questions.

Ida held them entranced by reading to them from Winnie the Pooh after which she passed the book around allowing them to feel the Braille.

Ida, you do a great job relating to the children.

She also shared information with a church group last week.

Consider offering to speak to organizations. It is a fulfilling experience and a giant step in educating and promoting the causes of the blind. We find it especially rewarding conversing with high school students who attain more insightful perspectives in dealing with their own problems.

Ozark Association of the Blind is celebrating 50 years as an organization.

We are extending an invitation to everyone who would like to help us commemorate the occasion by joining us at Cobblestone for the September weekend.

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PROGRESSIVE COUNCIL OF THE BLIND

Hello everyone:
Finally, spring has arrived and I hope everyone is enjoying this beautiful weather.

Our club held the drawing for the three Honey-Baked Ham store certificates at our March meeting. We also had a retired fireman as a guest speaker, who spoke about fire safety and emergency preparedness.

We also are currently working on revising our constitution and by-laws. Progressive has had several guests visiting our club for the past few months and some of them will become members in July when our new year begins.

We are looking forward to the ACB Convention where we will have 12 members attending.

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RIVER CITY WORKERS OF THE BLIND

Greetings from RCWB:
Our hearts have been saddened by the loss of two of our members.

Mary Ellen Emmons went to her eternal rest on January 28, 2007. She was the daughter of Gene and Mildred Emmons, one of eleven children. She was a Charter Member of RCWB. Four of the children have or had RP. Joyce Godwin, sister and Ken Emmons, brother deceased, and Debby Jolly Fisher Sister living in Florida.

She was of the Baptist Faith, an avid taper, and reader of Wolfner Library. She belonged to T.O.P.S. #MO259 from 1980 until the time of her death.

She is survived by son David, his wife Annett, and two granddaughters, Kasha and Brittany. She leaves two sisters, Dee Niswonger, Charter Member, and Debby Fisher, three brothers, Stanley, Donnie, and Mick Emmons, and a host of nieces and nephews.

James Probst had been a member of RCWB for about fifteen years. He exchanged this earthly home for his heavenly one in March 2007.

James had been in bad health and was unable to attend meetings for some time. He leaves behind a church family and his siblings, who loved him dearly, to mourn his passing. We extend our sympathy to these families.

Summer will be here by the time this issue is received and picnic time will be in full swing. RCWB is scheduled to host its annual picnic June 9 at Cape County Park South Shelter #21 starting at 11:00 am. Stay as long as you like. Presidents, hope you received your invitation in your mailbox in time for your May meeting.

Good Friday, the date of our affiliate Easter candy sales, April 6, was a cold and windy day, but the bank let us move inside the entrance way and set up our candy table. We want to say a "Great Big Thanks" to our customers and to the bank employees for supporting us.

We have members looking forward to summer camp again this year. We ask a blessing for a wonderful camp, for all who attend, and for the administration.

Do you want to receive a blessing? Do you want to be a blessing? Our Nursing Home Committee reports that our members who are in the nursing home enjoy our visits so much. They love catching up on what is happening in our affiliate. To be blessed and be a blessing, spend a little time with confined members.

RCWB is looking forward to a great summer and having lots of fellowship and fun at our meetings. Rejoice after our early spring freeze, the flowers, grass and trees are recovering and bringing life again. The birds are building nests and singing their happy songs.

May your summer be filled with lots of joy and many blessings. God bless our wonderful country, and the troops who protect it.

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SOUTHWEST MISSOURI FRIENDSHIP COUNCIL OF THE BLIND

Hope all of you survived the ice and snow. We had ice, snow or both on the ground since January 12 and far into the month of February. I know most of us are looking forward to spring.

February: During our Business Meeting, we discussed various ways to raise funds for our group as well as field trip possibilities. Concerns regarding the Blind Pension were also discussed. We talked about the MCB Board Meeting that will be held in Joplin this year. We met at Acambaro's Mexican Restaurant in Webb City for our social get-together on the 20th. The good company and meal were enjoyed by all.

March: Our Finance Meeting was held March 1 and our Business Meeting was held March 6. On March 20, our covered-dish dinner with demos of the Sara (Scanning and Reading Appliance) and Jordy, Amigo, and Nemo Portable CCTV's by NanoPac of Blue Springs was a great success. The delicious dishes were enjoyed by all, especially by Linda and Darrell Halliford (NanoPac Representatives). Everyone enjoyed the demonstrations of the equipment and had an enjoyable evening.

April: We met on the second for our monthly business meeting. We also discussed needed van repairs and talked about doing a fund-raiser for our group during the month of May. We met on Tuesday, April 17 at the Wok and Roll in Joplin for our social event. We enjoyed an evening of good conversation and tasty food.

I will leave all of you with the following thought from Madison Stephenson: "Soar high, soar far in painted skies of promise all the way to the wide-open spaces of your dreams.."

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SPRINGFIELD SERVICE CLUB

February 12 was the date of our yearly visit to the West Plains Club. Their hospitality was wonderful in every way. This was a great chance to visit with old friends and make new ones. Members of the West Plains Club also come to our Thanksgiving dinner each year.

Our 11th annual White Cane Walk occurred on May 12 from 11 to 1:30. At this time, we have raised over six hundred dollars for the Missouri Lions Eye Research Foundation in Columbia.

This year our special guests were Rehabilitation District Supervisor Randy Custer and his wife, Springfield City Manager Bob Cumley and his wife, and Greene County Sheriff Jack Merritt.

We enjoyed sharing the walk, having lunch, and chatting with friends from Lake Stockton Area Council of the Blind, South Central Missouri Ozark Association of the Blind, Southwest Missouri Friendship Council of the Blind, and Joplin Service Club of the Blind.

Members of the Alpha Lions Club served our picnic lunch. We want to thank all of these people for their interest and participation in our event.

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UWB UPDATE

Greetings from the United Workers for the Blind of Missouri:
These have been sad times for us as we have lost five current or former UWB members since the start of the New Year: Lucille Fierce; Jim Lee, who taught for many years at the Missouri School for the Blind; Meta Hunsicker; Betty Keller; and Luella Wampler. All of them were long time members of our affiliate and contributed much to it. They will all be missed by their many friends.

On a brighter note, we have also gained four new members: Louise Flynn, Judy August, and Raymond and Donna Bishop.

Judy recently came to Missouri from Florida, where she worked for the IRS. I think she may also have worked as a medical transcriber or taken training in that field.

Ray and Donna Bishop moved here a couple of years ago from Nevada. Ray also worked for the IRS and he was an administrative assistant for the Nevada Department of Mental Health. He hopes to find work here in Missouri. They have three teenage sons.

Louise Flynn is a close friend of Linda Kinkelar, one of our members. It is good to have all of these new members coming into UWB, especially after the losses we have sustained recently.

Ina Taylor is moving to Desloge, Missouri to be closer to family. We wish her well and hope she keeps in touch.

We will have elections in June, so I will tell you who our new officers are in September. Have a great summer.

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FROM THE LOWER LEFT-HAND DRAWER

Before we open the drawer, we must remind you that any mention of a product or service does not constitute a solicitation or endorsement by MCB, its staff, or elected officials.

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Finally, I wish each of you a success filled summer -- for yourselves, your affiliates, and MCB.

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