THE BLIND CALIFORNIAN
Quarterly Magazine of the CALIFORNIA COUNCIL OF THE BLIND
Winter, 2006, Volume 50, No. 1
Published in Braille, Cassette, Diskette, online, and Large Print
Jeff Thom, President
7414 Mooncrest Way
Sacramento, CA 95831
916-995-3967 cell
jsthom@comcast.net
Executive Office:
1510 J. Street
Suite 125
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 441-2100
Toll-Free in CA: (800) 221-6359
Fax (916) 441-2188
ccotb@ccbnet.org
www.ccbnet.org
Los Angeles Area Office:
Mitch Pomerantz
1115 Cordova Street
Pasadena, CA 91106
626-844-4388
mpomerantz@mailbox.lacity.org
Sacramento Area Office:
Dan Kysor
225 15th St.
West Sacramento, CA 95691
916-371-1514
Fax 916-371-7630
dan@ccbnet.org
Please send all address changes to the Executive Office in Hayward.
Guest Editor: Mike Keithley
191 East El Camino Real #150
Mountain View, CA 94040
650-694-7771
mkeithley@pobox.com
Call the CALIFORNIA CONNECTION at 800-221-6359 for an update on
legislation and CCB events Monday through Friday after 4 p.m. and all day
on weekends. You may listen to either English or Spanish versions.
Nonmembers are requested and members are invited to pay a yearly
subscription fee of $10 toward the printing of THE BLIND CALIFORNIAN.
If you or a friend would like to remember the California Council of
the Blind in your will, you can do so by employing the following language:
"I give, devise, and bequeath unto the California Council of the
Blind, a nonprofit charitable organization in California, the sum of $::::
(or ::::) to be used for its worthy purposes on behalf of blind persons."
If your wishes are more complex, you may have your attorney
communicate with the Hayward office for other suggested forms. Thank you.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
From the Editor by Mike Keithley
President's Page by Jeff Thom
The 2005 Fall CCB Convention by Evelyn Drewry
Summary of Convention Resolutions- Fall 2005 by Winifred Downing
Summary of Pre Convention Minutes October 13 2005 by Ardis Bazyn
Fall 2005 Membership Committee report by Ardis Bazyn and Rhonda King
A Special Invitation by Cathie Skivers
Fund-Raising Activities Planned by Peter Pardini
The MMS "Two-For-One" Program by Dr. Ronald E. Milliman"
Popular Books at the Spring 2005 Convention by Doug Martin
John Di Franchesco: A Fond Remberance by Daveed Mandell
White Cane Safety Cane in Gilroy by Dawn Wilcox
The Recruitment and Retention of Committed Volunteers: Part One by Toni and Ed Eames
Report from the Good Neighbor Fund Committee by Charles Dorris
Music for Seniors: My Experience by Keith Black
Blind Chefs on TV
From the Capitol by Dan Kysor
Social Security Facts: Dangers of Privatization
On the Lighter Side by Evelyn Drewry
New WID Executive Director
Bulletin Board by Keith Black
CCB Officers
CCB Board of Directors
Publications Committee
In accepting material for THE BLIND CALIFORNIAN, priority will be
given to articles concerning the activities and policies of the California
Council of the Blind and to the experiences and concerns of blind persons.
Recommended length is under three pages; if space constraints make it
necessary to divide an article, every effort will be made to discuss the
matter with the author before publication.
FROM THE EDITOR
by Mike Keithley, Guest Editor
Here we are starting a new year. I hope you had a wonderful holiday
season and that 2006 will be a great year in your life.
I am the Guest Editor for this edition of the Blind Californian. As
you probably know, a search for a new Editor began in the summer of 2005
with announcements in the BC and on the California Connection. This
edition is my proving ground. I hope you enjoy the magazine as much as I
did putting it together.
I'd like to thank Bernice Kandarian, chair of the Publications
Committee; Jeff Thom, CCB President; and Winifred Downing, the BC's long-
time Editor, for giving me this opportunity as Guest Editor.
The editor-search continues. If you are interested, contact Bernice,
Jeff or Winifred using the contact information in the "CCB Officers"
section of this magazine. Some requirements: possess grammar and
punctuation skills, work with a proof-reader, negotiate with contributors,
enforce a deadline policy, communicate with magazine producers, enjoy
writing and rewriting, and answer to the CCB President and Publications
Committee. Being comfortable with a computer and using the appropriate
technology to ensure accuracy in punctuation, capitalization, and spelling
is essential.
The following corrections refer to the Fall, 2005, issue of the BC:
In the Fall CCB Convention Report, Paul Edwards is incorrectly
identified as Vice President of CCB. Paul is immediate-past-President of
ACB.
In some versions of the BC, the telephone number for Brian Hall ("CCB
Officers" column) is incorrect. The correct number is 714-894-3497.
We apologize for these errors.
The deadline for contributions to the spring issue of the BC is March
1.
PRESIDENT'S PAGE
by Jeff Thom
When I was growing up, I wanted to be a sportswriter attending some
game or other to write about it. I suppose I've grown out of this dream
though there aren't many things I'd rather do than participate in, or
watch, sports.
A good sportswriter seems able to obtain grist for his writing-mill;
but I, on the other hand, constantly seek new ideas for this column. So,
let me know if you have topics I should write about during the next year. I
might even give you credit, but don't bank on it.
By the time you read this, you will likely have celebrated another
holiday season: Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, not to mention New Year's;
and I hope the season was safe and happy for you.
It doesn't take a rocket scientist to deduce that the start of a new
year lends itself perfectly to examination of areas where CCB needs to do
more than it is currently doing. Before going further, however, let me say
that, when I am asking members to help in certain areas, this is not a
criticism of work being done but merely a recognition that we can't achieve
our goals without sufficient member participation. I'll spare you my
constant harangue about membership recruitment and retention since I
mention this in just about every convention-address and discussed it in
this column as well. Just remember that membership work is primarily a one-
on-one effort, and we must all play our parts.
An internal matter I'd like to mention is the need for greater
participation on our Constitution and Bylaws Committee. Roger Petersen, as
committee chair, and one or two other brave souls, have tried to keep the
committee's fine work going; but we need more help from committed
individuals. It is this committee that addresses the documents under which
our organization is structured. A constitution shouldn't be changed at the
drop of a hat, but we must be able to implement change when the need
arises.
At conventions, meetings of this committee have been held at 8 a.m.
on Friday; and we intend to move them to a time where there are fewer
conflicts. We will even try a conference call or two.
The important potential of this committee to the long-term structure
of our organization cannot be underestimated. If we had a Constitution and
Bylaws committee of sufficient size, we could examine chapter and affiliate
constitutions to assist current chapters and new entities being formed. So,
if you have good English skills and a desire to work in this area, please
let me know.
Let's now discuss the work involved in CCB's mission, advocacy for
improvements in the lives of blind and visually impaired Californians.
Committees provide the mechanism where much of CCB's day-to-day work is
planned as well as some convention work. I won't discuss all these
committees; but suffice it to say that every one needs an infusion of
committed, hard-working individuals. Instead, I'd like to highlight two
committees working in areas that require our utmost time and energy,
Education and Seniors with Vision Loss.
In a prior column, I wrote extensively on the need for action on the
education front. With the supply of teachers for the visually impaired
shrinking yearly, along with the number of program-slots providing degrees
for perspective teachers, solutions to problems regarding the education of
blind and visually impaired elementary and secondary students are becoming
more difficult.
We have a number of hardworking members, including outgoing Education
Committee Chair Jill O'Connell, who have worked for years on education
issues. Congratulations to Jill for her work and to incoming chair Joanie
Patche for her willingness to take on the job. I urge any of you having
expertise in this area to consider joining this committee.
There is so much a committed, hardworking Education Committee could
accomplish: determining an agenda CCB should pursue; networking with other
stake-holders, such as parents and professionals; advising the California
Department of Education; working with Dan Kysor on legislation we actually
sponsor; and of, course, keeping the membership informed as to what's going
on with respect to education issues through conventions and other means.
Perhaps this is an overwhelming agenda; but we absolutely must do it; the
stakes are too high, namely, the future of education for blind and visually
impaired children in California.
As we accomplish our goals, I can envision a time when, with
sufficient resources, subcommittees of committees such as this one will be
developed. What we're looking for now is a willingness to commit time and
energy to work on the Education Committee. Just talking about the issues
facing us isn't enough. If you think you fill the bill, let me know.
Finally, let's talk about the population comprising the majority of
blind or visually impaired Californians, seniors, those 60 years of age and
older. Essentially, their story is just like that of education. Services
for these people only scratch the surface of a deeper need. Our brochure,
"Failing Sight and the Family Plight," aimed at family members of seniors,
is an important tool to point them in the right direction; but there is so
much more to be done. In our committee "Seniors with Vision Loss," Bonnie
Rennie, committee chair, and her colleagues are well aware of the extent of
the work CCB could be doing; but again, they need additional committee
members willing to put in some real elbow grease.
I could have picked other CCB committees whose efforts are just as
important to CCB as those mentioned here. We all know how much work remains
to be done; in fact, we will never accomplish all that we'd like to do. As
2006 begins, however, this realization shouldn't stop us from re-dedicating
ourselves to try to achieve the vision of CCB and make life better for all
blind or visually impaired Californians.
THE 2005 FALL CCB CONVENTION
by Evelyn Drewry
The convention was held October 13 through 16 at the Long Beach
Marriott hotel, and what a busy and productive weekend it was! Hotel
accommodations were, for the most part, quite suitable for the occasion.
Members of the Greater Long Beach Chapter did a fine job hosting this
event, and I am sure their hard work was appreciated by all. In the
morning, the Starbucks located near the lobby seemed to be enjoyed by many
members on their way to meetings and other activities.
Things got underway Thursday morning at 8:30 with a leadership
training seminar. At 1 p.m. the Rehabilitation Services Committee presented
a program focusing on various topics relating to DOR, and, at the same
time, the Technology Committee presented many interesting topics. There
were various committee meetings held after the afternoon's presentations,
and the Board of Directors had their meeting, summarized elswhere in this
magazine, at 7.
On Friday morning we were kept busy with an array of activities such
as early morning committee meetings, special interest affiliate meetings,
and the exhibit hall. Special interest affiliates having meetings and
programs were: Blind Students of California, Braille Revival League,
Library Users of California, Association of Multi-Cultural Concerns,
California Council of Citizens with Low Vision, and the Committee on Access
and Transportation. For lunch, we went either to one of the scheduled
luncheons or took advantage of the hotel's accommodations.
The first general session of the convention was called to order at
1:30 by president Jeff Thom, and we had a number of presenters. Kicking
off the afternoon was Vice Mayor Jackie Kell welcoming us to Long Beach.
Dr. Lionel Gatley, former president and founding member of the Long Beach
Historical Society, followed with an interesting and informative
presentation on the history of the city of Long Beach. Eric Brun-Sanglard,
a blind home interior designer, was our next presenter. Keep an eye out
for his upcoming program on A&E called Designing Blind; and if you would
like to visit him on the web, go to www.theblinddesigner.com.
Governmental affairs director Dan Kysor was next with his report.
Many areas were covered, and, in general, it seems that blind people in
California haven't fared too badly during 2005 considering some of the
things we were up against. Yet vigilance and hard work on our part are
needed. Bruce Benefiel spoke on how advances in the medical field have
made a difference to him: he has a surgically implanted device called a
Vagal Nerve Stimulator which acts much like a neurological pacemaker. We
then had a panel presentation titled, "navigating the accessible cellular
telephone maze." The panel, chaired by Roger Petersen, consisted of
representatives from T-Mobile, Sprint-Nextel, and Cingular.
After the general session, there were more committee meetings, and
the President's Dinner was at 5:30.
The second general session took place Friday evening. President Jeff
Thom began by inviting chapter members to say a few words about those who
have recently passed away: Ralph Mayes, Greater Long Beach chapter; John Di
Francesco, Bay View chapter; Jerard Rossi, San Gabriel Valley chapter and
lifetime CCB member; Loretta Treas and Bob Thomason, Capital chapter; Jerry
Fields, San Francisco chapter; and Patty Evans, former GDUC member. A
moment of silence for those mentioned and for the victims of Hurricane
Katrina followed.
Frank Welte reported on the Credentials Committee, and Jeff gave his
presidential report. CCB has accomplished a great deal this year, but
there is still much work to be done.
Day Al-Mohamed, the new ACB Governmental Affairs Director, described
some of the issues at the national level such as voter accessibility,
transportation, and potential funding cuts to Medicaid and SSI. Not
surprisingly, many issues exist at both state and national levels so it is
very important to have good workers on our behalf at each level who
communicate with each other. Day also outlined ACB's involvement in
emergency preparedness, and the steps which were taken to help visually
impaired victims of Hurricane Katrina.
Les Stocker, Executive Director of the Braille Institute, outlined
services they provide and hopes for the future. Ardis Bazyn chaired a panel
presentation on the Business Enterprise Program (BEP). Panel members
described what BEP is, recent legislation and related issues and how to get
into the program. Ardis then discussed problems and solutions in the
Randolph-Shephard program.
Elections were held. Eugene Lozano was elected Second Vice President
and Rhonda King as Secretary. Al Biegler, Jerry Arakawa, Richard Rueda and
Jane Kardis were re-elected to the Board, and Ann Kysor was elected Board
member. Ardis Bazyn was elected to complete Rhonda King's one-year term.
Saturday morning found us once again rushing off to more meetings,
presentations and visits to the exhibit hall to find more ways to part with
our cash. Some of the meetings and programs that morning were Guide Dog
Users, Seniors with Vision Loss, California School for the Blind Alumni and
the Randolph-Shephard Vendors of California.
The third general session was held Saturday afternoon, and the first
speaker was Eileen Harper, Executive Director of the Center of Health Care
Rights, a nonprofit health care advocacy organization providing free
education, counseling and legal assistance to Medicare beneficiaries and
their families in Los Angeles county. Barbara Inatsugu, Past President of
the League of Women Voters of California, summarized the propositions on
the November ballot. Her presentation was followed by Don Thompson from
the Hawaii affiliate, who updated us on some of the things going on in the
Association of the Blind.
Mazen Basrawi from Disability Rights Advocates then presented
information regarding access cases of persons who are blind or vision
impaired. The final presentation of the afternoon, given by Director DR
Catherine Campisi and Jim Armstrong, manager of Blind Field Services, was
an update on what is going on at the Department of Rehabilitation.
The Saturday evening banquet was well attended and enjoyed by all.
One of its highlights was the presentation of scholarships to a number of
very deserving students: Amelia Diaz, Christea Garcia, Christopher Hermans,
Ahn Tuan Nuyen, Rosa Skans, Dominic Donegan, Brendan Hardy, Lana Lee, Ms.
Solia Najera, Elizabeth V. Phillips, Beth Hiseler, Jeremy Johansen,
Michelle Mason, Mr. Sabahudin Tricic, and Kurt T. Weston.
Sunday morning was there before we knew it! The final general session
consisted of the reading and approval of the minutes of the Spring
convention's business meeting, reports from the Constitution and Bylaws
Committee, acting on several resolutions and the CCB Treasurer's Report. A
summary of resolutions can be found elsewhere in this magazine. The
convention adjourned at noon, and we all headed home after a busy and
enjoyable weekend.
The Spring convention will be held at the Arden West Hilton Hotel in
Sacramento April 6 through 9, 2006. I feel confident that it will be
another well-attended and productive weekend, and I am looking forward to
seeing everyone there.
SUMMARY OF CONVENTION RESOLUTIONS, FALL, 2005
by Winifred Downing
The deliberations of the Resolutions Committee were difficult because
of the unanticipated absences of several key members for reasons of illness
and family emergencies. In the absence of the chair and vice chair, Ken
Metz acted as chair, assisted by Winifred Downing; Eugene Lozano, Jr; and
Rhonda King. President Jeff Thom was a great help in completing the
committee's work.
Resolution B-1-05 congratulates and salutes the Washington Council of
the Blind on its 70th anniversary. A copy of the resolution was to be
presented to the organization at its state convention in Pasco, Washington,
October 27-29, 2005.
Resolution B-2-05 directs the president of the California Council of
the Blind to write a letter concerning the article "Memory: Line of Sight,"
published in the September 25, 2005, issue of the New York Times. The
letter is to ask that an apology be published concerning the insulting and
damaging nature of the article; and that letter is to be sent to the editor
of the New York Times; the publishing company, Knight Ritter; Ms.
Gabrielle Hamilton, the author of the article; and any other individual
deemed appropriate. The Times is also requested to publish a series of
articles concerning the employability of blind persons; and Ms. Hamilton is
invited to attend the Spring, 2006, convention of the California Council of
the Blind to be held in Sacramento, California.
Resolutions B-3-05 and B-4-05 express the appreciation of the
California Council of the Blind to the Long Beach Airport Marriott Hotel
and to the volunteers from various organizations for the outstanding
assistance they provided during the fall convention.
Resolution B-5-05 states that the California Council of the Blind
strongly opposes "any legislative efforts to undermine or diminish the
enforcement rights of blind, visually impaired, or otherwise disabled
person against violators of disability access laws."
Resolution B-6-05 states that the California Council of the Blind
will "seek legislation establishing a permanent evacuation preparedness and
information committee, under the auspices of the State Fire Marshall,
charged to identify and address the needs of persons with disabilities,
including the blind and visually impaired, relative to safe and effective
evacuation from public and private facilities." The legislation will also
"require the committee to be responsible to continually recommend updates
of appropriate provisions of Titles 19 and 24 of the California Code of
Regulations, as well as other relevant California statutes and regulations
regarding emergency evacuation access for persons with disabilities,
including the blind and visually impaired, from public and private
facilities." Other aspects of the legislation will deal with appropriate
training and with research to develop new technologies and information and
to share this information with the Office of Emergency Services for
inclusion in the State Emergency Management System.
Resolution B-7-05 calls upon the California Council of the Blind and
its affiliate, Blind Students of California, to contact officials of the
Educational Testing Service to insist on the use of the standards set forth
in Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 in designing the Internet-
based version of the Graduate Record Exam presently being considered.
Should the needs of blind and visually impaired students be ignored, "all
legal remedies will be considered and pursued including working with other
disability rights organizations." "A copy of this resolution will be sent
to the ACB President and Board of Directors to take immediate action, and
to the National Alliance of Blind Students."
Resolution B-8-05 urges that HR2872, requiring the production of a
limited edition of Louis Braille dollar coins with the profits realized
used to encourage braille literacy, be amended so that profits received
from the sale of the Louis Braille Dollar Coins are distributed through a
grant or other competitive mechanism administered by an appropriate federal
agency. As presently written, the bill assigns all profits exclusively to
the National Federation of the Blind. A copy of the resolution will be
sent to Congressman Ney, the appropriate Congressional committees, and the
American Council of the Blind. "If the amendment is not adopted, this
organization has no alternative but to oppose the legislation."
Resolution B-9-05 calls on the California Council of the Blind to
seek a grant to train advocates to assist parents in the Individualized
Education Plan (IEP) process. Special Education Local Planning Areas
(SELPAs), school districts, parents, and teachers will be informed of this
resource. There are many reasons why parents are often unable to monitor
the IEP process including lack of knowledge of their rights and what is
available for their child's education.
SUMMARY OF PRECONVENTION MINUTES, OCTOBER 13, 2005
by Ardis Bazyn
Jeff Thom called the meeting to order and role call was taken; Mitch
Pomerantz, Al Biegler and Gabe Griffith were absent. The agenda was read.
Minutes for the September 13 meeting were read and approved with an
addition that the Constitution and Bylaws Committee check on member status.
A motion passed to read sets of minutes the board received but did
not formally approve. The April 21 minutes were approved with an amendment
that subsequent minutes list how members voted in a roll-call vote. The
May 4 minutes were approved as read.
Peter Pardini's Treasurer's Report was approved as read. Total
revenues less expenses were negative $48,876.75. Peter said the preliminary
audit report for 2003 was ready, and he gave a brief Fund-raising Committee
report which was approved.
Dan Kysor reported that the Website Committee is working to improve
the attractiveness of CCB's website to donors. Bernice Kandarian presented
a Publications Committee report which included details on the search for an
editor for the Blind Californian.
Gene Lozano gave the Convention Committee's report and, since there
were no recommendations, a motion carried that CCB charge the following
amounts for those pre-registering for the spring convention: Each luncheon,
$15; President's Dinner, $25; banquet, $30.
Bids to host the fall convention were presented from the Crowne Plaza
(October 25-29) and Four Points Sheraton Hotel (October 24-28). Both hotels
are in Los Angeles. The Sheraton offered a two-year bid which included a
clause allowing CCB to back out if services are not adequate. The motion
passed, as a recommendation from the Convention Committee, to accept the
Sheraton bid. Ken Metz explained, and the Board agreed by consensus, that a
GDUC representative should check convention-bid sites.
Jeff asked the Board to vote on how many representatives CCB should
send to the ACB legislative seminar in 2006; and a motion to send 4,
amended to 6, representatives failed on a roll-call vote of 6 (no: Ken,
Jerry, Ardis, Richard, Louis, and Gene) to 5 (yes: Cathie, Rhonda, Barbara,
Jane, and Peter). A motion then passed, on a roll-call vote of 8-3, to send
8 representatives to the ACB legislative seminar (yes: Ken, Ardis, Jerry,
Gene, Louis, Richard, Barbara, and Jane; no: Rhonda, Cathie, and Peter).
Cathie Skivers reported on the Newell Perry and Ellen Murphy funds,
with respective balances of $154,160 and $284,284.30. Motions passed
accepting these reports. Cathie noted an increase of homeless blind people
seeking assistance and that recent donations to these funds were $1500.
Richard Rueda mentioned the CTEVH conference in Anaheim and suggested
CCB have a table there. This suggestion passed.
An announcement was made asking members to relay experiences of being
cheated with paper currency. Public comments followed and one was the
consideration of other areas in southern California for future conventions.
A motion carried to adjourn the meeting,and the Board went into
executive session to discuss sensitive financial matters.
FALL 2005 MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE REPORT
by Ardis Bazyn and Rhonda King
The CCB Membership Committee held an open forum at the Fall
Convention where members from different chapters and affiliates were
present. Many topics were discussed, and participants were encouraged to
talk about their concerns and share incentives for membership.
As Chapter attendance relies heavily on access to transportation, it
seemed to be the main concern of most of those present, and several options
were discussed. Besides using fixed routes and/or paratransit services,
membership organizations such as the Lions, Elks and Kiwanis could be
approached for assistance. This issue is especially important in rural
areas where public transportation is scarce. It was also noted that
chapters might apply for grants to supplement transportation costs. Kiwanis
and Rotary Clubs, for instance, offer grants for specific projects or
programs.
CCB, its chapters and affiliates wouldn't exist without members, so
recruitment and retention is important. Although we are primarily an
organization of blind and visually impaired individuals, we also welcome
sighted persons. In fact, it can be very beneficial to have more sighted
people involved in chapters. As they become aware of our needs and
abilities, this knowledge can lead to increased recruitment of prospective
members.
Other recruitment methods depend on the types of programs your
chapter features at its meetings. For example, start including more senior
participation. Seventy-five percent of our visually impaired population is
over the age of 55, and these individuals need to communicate with younger
people. They might discover they have much more in common than otherwise
believed. Holding periodic evening meetings might attract new members.
Probably the most important factor in membership retention is
membership recognition. What does your chapter do to recognize its
members? What about a "Member Appreciation Day" or a "Member of the Year"
award?
Encourage your chapter to do things as a group. One suggestion was
to have a "Make a Difference Day" which could be something members can do
individually or as a group. Pick a day to just go out and do something
that makes a difference, either in the life of an individual or the local
community. In fact, CCB offers an award each Spring to a chapter that has
done something significant as a group, an activity that has made a major
difference in a person's life or the local community.
This is called the Chapter of the Year award. If your chapter has
done something as a group that you would like us to know about, please
write a letter outlining what your chapter did as a group effort in 2005
and mail it to the CCB office. Be sure to bring it to the attention of the
CCB Membership Committee. Letters must be received in the office no later
than February 15, 2006.
Remember, your members are your organization, and recognizing this
recognizes them. So, until we meet again in the spring, continue sharing
your organization with others and keep those creative juices flowing.
A SPECIAL INVITATION
by Catherine Skivers
CCB is a large and dynamic organization with many outstanding members
and a network of friends and collaborators, people and organizations making
life better for the citizens of California who are blind or visually
impaired.
I'm sure you know someone you feel is deserving of recognition, and
the Awards Committee cordially invites you to nominate a candidate for one
of our awards. To help you determine which award is appropriate for your
nominee, the names and purposes of each are listed below.
The Hall of Fame Award is given to those who have made significant
contributions and sustained effort to advance the goals of CCB. As many as
five persons per year may be nominated.
The Community Service Award is presented annually to a blind or
visually impaired individual who, through his/her association and activity,
has demonstrated integration into and interaction with the life of the
community.
The distinguished Service Award is given periodically to an
outstanding blind or visually impaired person who has contributed
significantly to the betterment of blind people in general. The recipient
of this award need not be a member of CCB.
The Legislator of the Year Award is bestowed periodically on a state
or federal legislator who has introduced and successfully directed
enactment of legislation in behalf of persons who are blind or visually
impaired.
The Humanitarian Award is granted to an individual or organization
that has assisted blind people in general or CCB and its affiliates in
particular to an extraordinary degree. The recipient may be blind or
sighted.
The Merit Award (formerly the Certificate of Merit) is given to any
individual who provides outstanding volunteer service to CCB, its chapters
or affiliates.
The Chapter of the Year Award is presented by the Membership
Committee to the CCB chapter that conducts a group effort to make a
significant difference in the life of an individual and/or the community.
The Publications Awards are granted by vote of the Publications
Committee to the person who has prepared the best article of the year
appearing in the "Blind Californian" or in newspapers or periodicals. There
are two categories, an article related to an issue of importance and an
article concerning lifestyle.
Awards Committee members are: Roger Petersen, Gussie Morgan, Bernice
Kandarian, Joe Smith, Chris Gray and Don Queen. I have the privilege to
chair this committee. We realize that all of us are very busy, but there
are many who go the extra mile serving CCB and other organizations
concerned with blind and visually impaired persons. Please take the time to
nominate your candidate for one of our awards and mail it to The Awards
Committee, 578 B Street, Hayward, CA 94541-5004. Please have your
nominations in the office by February 15, 2006. We are looking forward to
hearing from you.
FUND-RAISING ACTIVITIES PLANNED
by Peter A. Pardini, Chair, Fund-raising Committee
As you may know, the CCB Spring Convention will be held April 6-9 at
the Arden West Hilton Hotel in Sacramento. As part of this convention, we
will be holding a drawing for our second annual CCB scholarship fund
raffle.
There are four cash prizes: The first prize will be $1,000; second
prize, $500; third prize, $300; fourth prize, $200. All proceeds will
benefit the CCB scholarship fund. Tickets are $10 each. Only 1,000 tickets
will be printed so there is a great chance to win. In fact, you have a
chance to win up to $1,500 because the second, third and fourth prizes-
winning tickets will also be eligible to win the $1,000 first prize. The
drawing will be held at the banquet on Saturday, April 8, and the winners
need not be present to win. Help the CCB increase its scholarship fund
which provides financial assistant to deserving blind and visually impaired
students. Tickets are available from your chapter president or the CCB
Office.
Once again, due to the success and fun of our silent auction at the
fall convention, we will be conducting another, bigger and better silent
auction during the spring convention in Sacramento. Auction items will be
on display and bids taken on Friday and Saturday. If you would like to
donate an item for the auction having a retail value of at least $50,
please contact the CCB office at 800-221-6359. We hope to have 10 to 15
items for the auction. In the convention announcement and on the
California Connection prior to the Spring convention, we will publish a
list of items to be auctioned so you have an idea what items you would like
to bid on.
If you have any questions regarding sweepstakes or the silent
auction, please contact me at 866-570-5335 or by email at
peterpar@pacbell.net.
Thank you for supporting the California Council of the Blind.
THE MMS "TWO-FOR-ONE" PROGRAM
by Dr. Ronald E. Milliman, Chair, MMS Program Committee, ACB
[from the December, 2005, SVCB In Touch newsletter]
Would you like to be able to help your state affiliate or an
affiliate of your choice, and at the same time, assist the ACB at the
national level too? Well, now you can by participating in the greatly
improved, "Two-for-One," Monthly Monetary Support (MMS) Program.
At its most recent meeting, held October 7, 8, and 9 in Louisville,
Kentucky, the ACB board unanimously approved a major change in the MMS
Program that should meet with widespread acceptance by all of us who are
members of the ACB and by all of our non-member supporters. Before I go
into the changes, I want to describe very briefly the MMS Program for those
who may not know what it is.
The MMS or Monthly Monetary Support Program is a way for each of us
to financially support our organization to whatever amount we can afford on
a regular, monthly basis. An amount we designate and completely control is
automatically deducted from our bank, credit card or debit card account
each month by the ACB and is used to fund the many critical needs of our
organization. We completely control the amount that we give and from which
account it is taken. It begins when we indicate we want it to start and
ends when we let ACB headquarters know we want it to end. In the past, all
amounts given to the ACB by participating in this funding program went
entirely to support ACB national activities. However, the recent very
significant change in the MMS Program greatly improves it and makes it even
more attractive for each of us to participate.
Now, when you take part in the MMS Program, the funds are deducted
from the bank or credit card account you designate, on a regular, monthly
basis, as before, but with the change implemented by the ACB Board, you can
designate to have all of the funds go to the national organization or you
can, alternatively, designate an amount up to 50% of the net amount of your
deduction to be given to an affiliate of your choice. This change allows
you the choice of helping both the national organization and an affiliate
at the same time: a two-for-one! The affiliate you choose can be any of
the state affiliates or any other ACB affiliate you wish.
At the national level, we need funds to support our many programs
that help all of us. As an example, each issue of the Braille Forum
requires several thousands of dollars to create, publish in many
alternative formats and distribute to our members and other persons who
share common interests in blindness issues. Funds are needed to pay the
salaries of our national staff that are so totally dedicated to our efforts
and do such a yeoman's job with everything they do. Funds are needed to
pay rent on the space for our offices and the related utility bills. Our
staff is busy every minute of their working days fighting for our rights;
for new programs that will be in our best interest; to maintain existing
laws and programs that benefit blind people; to expand the use of audible
traffic signals; to increase the use of descriptive audio for TV and
movies; to at least maintain or increase our SSI and SSDI benefits; to
increase our employment opportunities; and for many, many other issues and
programs, far too many to list here. Without the diligence and never-
ending efforts of the ACB staff, we would all be much worse off. The ACB
staff is our voice on Capital Hill, and we need to support them by helping
to fund their efforts.
There are no limits as to how small or large a contribution you can
make. Some members can afford more or less than others, and we certainly
realize and respect that. All we are asking is that you help fund your
affiliate and our national programs with whatever monthly amount you can
afford.
As an added incentive, every active participant in the MMS program
will receive a quarterly update with particular focus on ACB, what MMS is
allowing us to do, and on ACB goals and directions for the upcoming
quarter. Second, all participants who contribute $25/month or more will
receive a monthly audio compact disk. On the disk will be interview
programs done on ACB Radio featuring the ACB President, Executive Director,
and the President of the World Blind Union. These interviews are being
scheduled on a rotating basis. In addition, the CD will carry other ACB
Radio material as time and space permit. You are going to love these new
additions and I want to encourage you to begin participating in MMS right
away to take advantage of these new sources of information.
Additionally, anyone who joins the program by December 15, 2005 will
receive a complimentary ACB pin and luggage tag. Also, MMS participants
will be recognized during each national convention.
You can call the ACB financial office at 1-800-866-3242 and have a
form sent to you, or alternatively, go to www.acb.org and click on the
"Make a Donation" link. You will find an MMS application that can be
completed electronically for your convenience.
If this is not convenient enough, you can write to me, and I will
send you the forms by return e-mail. Send a post requesting the forms to
rmilliman@sckcb.org.
To kick this new, two-for-one MMS Program off, I, personally, will
challenge each of you by pledging $1 per month for each new MMS Program
enrollee that enrolls from now through the end of this year up to $100 per
month. In other words, if 74 of you enroll between now and December 31, I
will have $74 deducted from my own bank account each month, starting in
January. In any event, I will personally enroll in our new two-for-one,
MMS Program for a minimum of $25 per month!! Again, it makes no difference
if you enroll for $5 per month or $50 per month. We equally value
everyone's contribution, no matter how small or how large!
POPULAR BOOKS AT THE 2005 SPRING CONVENTION
by Doug Martin
The following books and authors were recommended at the Library Users
Luncheon at the Spring 2005 CCB Convention.
Roberts, Jillian: In the Dead of Summer: an Amanda Pepper mystery, RC
4527.
LeShan, Lawrence: The Medium, the Mystic, and the Physicist, RFB&D
Ac0834.
Cook, Robin: Toxin, RC 46224 and Bookshare.
Simon, Neil: Last of the Red Hot Lovers, BR 04470, RC 16683.
Simon, Neil: Chapter Two, BR 02402, RC 14273 and RFB&D DJ 0938.
Walsh, Marcie: The Killing Club, RC 59953.
Gray, John: Mars and Venus in the Bedroom, BR 10089, RC 40459 and
Bookshare.
Buffett, Jimmy: A Salty Piece of Land, RC 59523.
James, P. D.: Murder Room, BR 15105, RC 57164.
Macomber, Debbie: 16 Lighthouse Road, RC 55515. (The entire series
was recommended.)
Megivern, James J.: People of Vision: A History of the ACB, BR 14800,
RC 56115.
Jennings, Peter: In Search of America, RC 54926.
White, Stephen: Best Revenge, RC 55671 and Bookshare.
O'Neill, Eugene: The Iceman Cometh, BRA 00577, BRJ 01109, RC 12758,
RFB&D CG 0585.
O'Neill, Eugene: Long Day's Journey Into Night, BR 09137, RC 19192,
RFB&D CD 0638.
Garrels, Anne: Naked in Baghdad, BR 15170 and Bookshare.
Ellroy, James: The Black Dahlia, RC 27689 and Bookshare.
Rosten, Leo: Leo Rosten's Giant Book of Laughter, BR 06387, RC 23375.
Brown, Dan: The Da Vinci Code, BR 15406, RC 55735 RFB&D GX 0215 and
Bookshare.
Hosseini, Kaaled: The Kite Runner, BR 15785, RC 57457, RFB&D GY 0113.
LaHaye, Tim: Left Behind, BR 13919, RC 47462, RFB&D GC 0231 and
Bookshare. (The entire series was recommended, some books co-authored by
Jerry B. Jenkins.)
Potok, Chaim: 70 records in NLS Catalog including: "Chosen", "The
Promise", "Davita's Harp", and "Book of Lights."
McBain, Ed: The Frumious Bandersnatch, BR 15292, RC 57809.
Cornwell, Patricia: The Last Precinct, BR 12803, RC 50875 and
Bookshare.
Rule, Ann: The Stranger Beside Me, RC 29031, FD 29031.
Shreve, Anita: The Last Time They Met, RC 52100, RFB&D GN 0283 and
Bookshare.
Ivins, Molly: Who Let the Dogs In, RC 59290.
Angelou, Maya: Gather Together In My Name, BRA 16708, RC 08719, RC
56481. (Includes "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.")
The following authors were recommended in general: Louis L'Amour,
Danielle Steele, Robin Cook, John Grisham, George Pelecanos, John Jakes,
Patricia Cornwell, Maeve Binchy, James Mitchner, Andrew Greeley, and Ann
Perry.
Many thanks CALUA, and to Doug Martin for taking the names and
looking up the ordering numbers.
JOHN DI FRANCESCO: A FOND REMEMBRANCE
by Daveed Mandell
The San Francisco Bay Area's blind community has lost one of its most
talented, dedicated and witty members, with the death in late September of
John Di Francesco. He was 86 years old. He was a brilliant, gifted and
highly respected musician, baritone opera singer, teacher and braille music
expert.
Born in Lawrence, Mass., in 1919, John lost his sight from spinal
meningitis at the age of 2. His first language was Italian, but he learned
English at 7 when he began attending Perkins School for the Blind.
After finishing high school, John earned a scholarship to the New
England Conservatory of Music in Boston, where he studied voice, piano and
organ, and graduated summa cum laude in 1944.
Following his years at the Conservatory, John was mentored by
renowned opera star Ezio Pinza, who was so impressed with John's voice that
he paid for him to study with fellow-singer and voice coach Enrico Rosati
in New York. There, John had a weekly radio program on which he sang
operatic selections, Italian folk songs and light classical numbers.
In 1947, he married Muriel Cook, whom he met during his studies. In
1949, he appeared as Pinza's protege on a CBS television special. He made
his Town Hall debut in 1950 after being chosen as a winner by the Music
Education League in its Concerto and Vocal Competition.
John moved to Oakland in 1957 and became music director and
instructor at the California School for the Blind in Berkeley. He taught
music and English and led the school's Glee Club for 22 years. He spent
many hours of his own time reading plays and teaching drama and various
musical instruments. He expected the best from all his students and
inspired them to work up to their capacity. In his last years at the
school, he led an unsuccessful fight against the eventual move of the
school to Fremont in the late 1970s.
John retired in 1980, but he didn't stop teaching. He participated in
a wide variety of musical events, ranging from fully staged operas to
concerts of Lieder, Oratorio and regular productions of Handel's "Messiah."
He founded the Vista College Chamber Chorale in 1979. He served as
Protestant Choir director at the Alameda Naval Air Station and conducted
choirs at several Bay Area churches.
In the late 1990s, because of severe hearing loss, John was forced to
stop teaching. However, he remained active with organizations of the blind,
especially the California Council of the Blind's Bay View Chapter, of which
he was a founding member in 1959. During the 1980s, he was actively
involved in the unification effort of the CCB with the American Council of
the Blind of California (ACBC). He was also instrumental in working with
the City of Oakland to install audible pedestrian signals. He worked with
several other blind Oakland residents on a project to produce tactile maps
of that city, but this project was never completed.
For many years, John vigorously campaigned for increased braille
literacy as an active member of the Braille Revival League. A recognized
expert on braille music, he served for several decades as a proofreader for
the Library of Congress.
John's wife Muriel died in 1996. He is survived by his sons Paul, Tom
and Michael.
John was a kind and caring human being with a quick and sharp wit.
He was a persistent advocate on behalf of blind people. he had a
profoundly warm, deep, authoritative and impressive professional singing
and speaking voice. A rapid and fluent braille reader, he read aloud
beautifully. He coached many singers and actors throughout the Bay Area.
His breath control, diction and expression in both singing and speaking
were always meticulous. He was a magnificent singer, actor, choral
conductor and teacher. We will always remember him fondly. May he rest in
peace.
WHITE CANE SAFETY DAY IN GILROY
by Dawn Wilcox
Walter Schinke, Naomi Grubb, and I met at a brand new Wal-Mart,
bringing with us handouts on White Cane Safety Day History (some in
braille, thanks to Mike Keithley), flyers about SVCB, and information from
The Health Library at Vista Center (formerly PCBVI). Walter had arranged
for the site and another Lion member helped set up a table and large sign.
The three of us were properly dressed in our white cane shirts. Walter went
to man another site after giving us a bucket for collecting donations and a
bunch of tiny white canes attached to pull-off labels.
Naomi and I propped up our "real-live" canes, set up our table,
complete with flowers from Naomi's garden, and got to work. We soon
discovered whole families headed for Wal-Mart have one thing on their
minds: get into shopping mode, ignore tables, and walk fast. So we started
trying to intercept them, putting a white cane (the miniature kind) on
their chest as we moved with them, teaching "on the hoof." We soon found
that we had a low vision challenge in that most of the labels were stuck to
each other and many canes were loose::the whole unit being white. So we
added cane assembly to our routine.
We gave children CCB braille alphabet cards. We gave a lot of useful
information to one couple concerned about their low vision father. We sold
two white cane T-shirts and collected some money in the bucket. One lady on
her way back out of the store stopped to show us a picture of her sister
and her dog guide. We rescued the vase of flowers and flyers several times
as the wind blew.
We ran out of tiny canes and the history sheets by 2 p.m. when
Outreach came to fetch me and Naomi was last glimpsed going into Wal-Mart
to actually shop. The final accounting showed total donations of $120, to
be split between the Lions and SVCB.
THE RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION OF COMMITTED VOLUNTEERS, PART ONE
by Toni and Ed Eames
This is part one of a two-part series. In this part, we will
describe how we recruit volunteers. In part two, we'll discuss volunteer-
retention.
Abstract: Before leaving New York City and moving to Fresno, our need
for reading services was met by a local agency and we had the best mass
transit system in the country. In Fresno, we had to develop an alternative
approach since no agency provided reading services, and public
transportation was totally inadequate.
Using local newspapers, religious and senior citizen newsletters, an
initial group of volunteers was recruited. A screening process for
selecting readers was developed. Once recruited, the issue of retention
and commitment, described in part two, remained paramount; and a variety of
reciprocal techniques and methods were developed to keep volunteers
committed to the relationship. Specific techniques for recruiting and
retaining drivers will be discussed in a subsequent article.
Although our discussion is based on the particular techniques we have
developed to recruit and retain volunteers, you can readily adapt them to
your needs and circumstances. End of abstract.
Moments before the alarm on our Sharp talking calculator went off, we
could hear the chug, chug, chug of Joe's Mercedes Benz diesel parking in
front of our townhouse. As the familiar calculator voice signaled 10 a.m.,
the doorbell rang, as it had done almost every Thursday morning for the
last five years, heralding the Joe's arrival. This retired executive
formerly worked for the telephone company and took his commitment to read
for us as seriously as he did his former job.
Volunteers Needed: After relocating to Fresno in 1987 from New York
City, we needed to recruit a corps of volunteers to provide reading and
transportation services. In New York, reading was taken care of by the
Lighthouse on 59th street in Manhattan. Volunteers were recruited by the
agency and read in two-hour blocks in rooms set up for that purpose.
Transportation to and from the Lighthouse's work and recreational areas was
no problem except for the time involved. Shortly after moving to Fresno,
we began actively soliciting volunteer help for reading and transportation.
What has amazed us during the last 18 years is the loyalty of those who
work with us and the degree to which they perceive their role in our lives
as the equivalent of a salaried position.
Recruitment: Initially, we turned to established organizations as a
source of help. An agency in existence for more than a decade was the
Friendship Center for the Blind, created to provide services for blind and
visually impaired "Fresnans." Unfortunately, one of the services not seen
as part of its mission was help in recruiting volunteers. Turning to
organizations like the Retired Teachers Association, the Volunteer Bureau,
etc., we were disappointed when re-directed to the Friendship Center.
Clearly, we were on our own in this venture.
Our first foray into volunteer recruitment was placing a paid
advertisement in the Fresno Bee, the daily newspaper. After the ad had run
for three days, two volunteers contacted us. One came for a single session
and never showed up again. The other became a long-term reader and friend.
Both Alicia and her husband Andy read for us during their education at
Fresno State University until their move to Salem, Oregon. We have
remained in close contact with them and exchange visits at least once a
year.
Recognizing that the city-wide newspaper was not the best avenue of
recruitment, we shifted our outreach efforts to neighborhood and
specialized newsletters and church and synagogue bulletins. From the up-
scale Villager newsletter, going to residents of Fig Garden Village, we
recruited Joe as well as several others. Club 55 plus was a group of
seniors organized by St. Agnes Medical Center to provide activities for
those over 55 and to recruit volunteers as hospital greeters and aides.
Not only did we join this organization, we also advertised in its
newsletter. Finally, bulletins and newsletters of religious congregations
were utilized and became the best source of volunteers.
The Advertisement: In all print sources we placed the same basic ad:
"Blind couple seeks volunteer readers. Please call 224-0544."
Stages of Recruitment: Our initial screening was by telephone. When
receiving a call, we asked about experience reading out loud, personal
preferences in reading material, something of the caller's work history,
and availability to read for two hours on a weekly basis. We explained
that Toni has lots of dog and cat magazines, Ed has professional
anthropology journals, and we both read a great deal of disability
literature.
We also informed the caller that we had dogs and cats in residence,
so if he/she was afraid or allergic to indoor animals, things would not
work out. To our amazement, Jean, a retired nurse, wanted to participate,
but requested we keep our dogs on leash during the reading session because,
having been bitten in the past, she was afraid of them. For two years,
Jean read for us at our home until her husband changed jobs, and they left
the Fresno area.
Applicants were screened on the quality of voice and their attitude
toward blindness. If they seemed paternalistic or amazed that we were
living on our own, we indicated there was an overwhelming response to our
ad, and we would call them back when needed.
For those who seemed good potential candidates, we scheduled an in-
home audition. For this session, each of us selected examples of the
material we would be listening to on a regular basis. One reader had a
problem finding our town house, called in desperation, rescheduled her
appointment, and followed her husband to our house to make sure she showed
up for the re-scheduled time. Hortense, who was born in Indonesia of Dutch
parents and who spoke six languages, read for us until the onset of
dementia. She loved reading anthropology to Ed.
For those applicants failing the audition, the same approach was used
as in screening telephone inquiries: there had been an overwhelming
response, and we would keep them in a reserve pool of potential readers.
For those we felt would be good recruits to our reading cadre, a two-
hour weekly appointment was set up. Since Fresno is a sprawling suburban-
style city, parking near our home is not a problem; and big city traffic
congestion is virtually non-existent. A volunteer can reach our home from
any part of the city in less than 20 minutes.
As equal opportunity volunteer recruiters, we met with a challenging
situation that demonstrated the need to be flexible. We received a call
from another retired nurse who said she loved reading aloud, but she had
lost much of her hearing. Norma, a widow, had been married to a petroleum
engineer and lived all over the world, including the Middle East, South
America and England.
As Norma continued reading for us during an eight year stint, her
hearing diminished to virtual deafness, forcing us to communicate with her
through the telephone relay system and e-mail. Since communication became
impossible during a reading session, we could not ask her to repeat or skip
sections. Therefore, we had her do straight reading of books, rather than
mail or magazine articles.
When Toni had breast cancer surgery seven years ago, Norma, re-
employing her nursing skills, volunteered to come by twice a day to measure
the fluid in the drains, part of the post-surgical procedure. At the age
of 86, Norma left Fresno to move into an assisted-living community in
Oregon near her son. We still communicate by e-mail.
Mary Jo, a neighbor living around the corner, cleaned house for a
blind friend. On hearing we were looking for readers, she recommended her
mother Betty, an avid reader. This was a perfect fit! Several years after
starting this relationship, Betty went to visit family in Idaho and
suggested her grandson Paul, then 12, would be a great substitute.
Extremely skeptical, we invited Paul over for a trial run. This
child prodigy was amazing! He could handle any print material we threw at
him! When Betty returned from her visit, Paul continued taking the short
walk to our house whenever needed. In many ways he became a "niche
reader." Whenever we purchased a new electronic device like an answering
machine or cell phone, it was Paul who checked out the instructions and
taught us how to use the new technology. Paul was our youngest reader and
his grandmother Betty was among our oldest. Most of our current readers
are retired, female and in their 70s and 80s.
Of the 25 hours of weekly reading we currently enjoy, Lanie accounts
for two-thirds. Like everyone else, she began reading in weekly two hour
sessions. A former community theater performer, reading for herself and
reading aloud were her passions. With a great deal of free time on her
hands, she offered to read on a daily basis; and two-hour reading stints
extended to three hours, and beyond!
Mail and Bills: An issue those of us depending on readers have,
whether volunteer or paid, is privacy concerning the payment of bills and
the reading of personal mail. We are fairly open individuals and don't
feel threatened by others knowing something of our personal and financial
circumstances; we don't, however, go over mail with every reader, and will
only pay bills with a select few. As Toni has frequently said, "Not all
sighted folks are equal!."
When the bills arrive, we set them aside until a reader comes in who
we believe can decipher the bill correctly, and make out a check or fill in
our credit card number. All checks sent out are brailled and signed by
Toni, so they can be reconciled with our bank statements.
Over the years, mail has become less of a problem as we have entered
the age of e-mail. Much of our private correspondence is now done online;
and most of our post office delivered mail consists of ads, bills and
magazines!
In part two of this series, we will explain our retention approaches
for volunteers.
REPORT FROM THE GOOD NEIGHBOR FUND COMMITTEE
by Charles Dorris
(Note: The summer 2005 issue of the BC detailed the plan of the San
Francisco Chapter to raise money to assist a blind individual with a
particular need. The article below completes the story.)
The San Francisco chapter of the CCB is pleased to announce that the
winner of its 2005 Good Neighbor Fund Award of $1,000 is Austin Sanchez.
Austin is a freshman at George Washington High School in San
Francisco who began losing his vision about three years ago due to a rare
eye disease. He will use the prize money to purchase software, enabling him
to read material on his computer screen and thus use his computer to a
greater degree, for such things as online research and word processing.
Austin is an excellent student whose favorite subject is algebra, and he
plans to attend college.
The Good Neighbor Fund Award helps blind and visually-impaired people
in the Bay Area secure a better education or job, or improve their general
welfare, and thus promotes the mission of the CCB.
MUSIC FOR SENIORS: MY EXPERIENCE
by Keith Black
Interacting with people having similar interests is an important
aspect of life for most of us, including those who are blind or visually
impaired. This is true of all age groups, no less with seniors than any
other segment of society. Though vision loss makes participation in common-
interest activities more difficult, music is one area where interaction
with others can be relatively easy and rewarding.
Many people take part in either vocal or instrumental music during
their school and college years; but in adulthood and middle age, most of
those who continue in music are trying to earn some money through it.
Among seniors, however, performing with a musical group can be a
combination of participation, challenge, and nostalgia; the atmosphere is
usually non-judgmental; and the audience is genuinely appreciative.
My experience in this area began about ten years ago, after I
retired, when I heard about a band entertaining at our local senior center
every Wednesday morning. A musician friend suggested I might enjoy being
part of the group since they played many songs I had known all my life.
So, I arrived one day with a harmonica and was encouraged to join in
whenever I could.
That was an inauspicious beginning because the harmonica wasn't
strong enough to make any difference in the band, but it was a pleasure
just to be a part of the group. A few weeks later, I borrowed a trombone,
an instrument I had not played since my high school years, and got much
more involved. It was pretty bad at first, but no one complained, and the
challenge to improve drove me to practice at home so as to make a better
contribution to the band. Soon I bought my own trombone and gradually
became a more effective member of the group.
Although most of the sighted musicians read sheet music, I play
entirely by ear, doing the old songs I remember and occasionally learning
some others as well. Instead of written arrangements, we use "lead sheets"
which show the melody and chord names. However, some players can improvise
harmony which helps to enhance the overall effect.
This kind of volunteer activity gives us seniors a sense of
meaningful participation and a challenge for self-improvement in an
undemanding environment. We tolerate each other's mistakes as to notes or
meter, and sometimes even imperfect intonation, all in the interest of
being part of the group effort. The leader/director is generally non-
critical and is willing to count off a measure aloud to start each song, at
least partly for my benefit.
An ongoing problem is transportation which I deal with by using the
bus, paratransit, a regular taxi, or a ride with a friend. These methods
work fine since I can easily carry my instrument, but it would be a
different matter if I needed to play the drums!
We usually have 15 to 20 or more listeners, and there's no doubt they
like hearing the old songs done with enthusiasm; but honestly, it's
difficult to be sure who enjoys the performance more, the audience or the
musicians. A band typically has ten or twelve members; and a core group
plays in larger bands visiting several senior centers in the Long
Beach/Orange County area.
What do the seniors get out of this? They get to hear old, familiar
songs; request favorites from an index sheet; and, if they like, sing on
the microphone with the band. It is presented like a performance with full
audience participation, not like a sing-along. In most centers, the music
can be just one of several activities going on in the building, but it
attracts a fairly consistent group of listeners.
I have met only three other visually impaired players or singers at
five different centers; but I'm sure there are others in this metropolitan
area who, if they knew they were welcomed, might like to participate. Band
members and leaders have always been cordial: encouraging me to play solos,
when I wanted to, or harmony if I felt more comfortable with that. Anyone
who can remember lyrics is encouraged to sing with the band.
So, you see, senior centers are not just for political discussion
groups or advocacy, they offer settings for pleasant participation and a
chance to contribute to the pleasure of others. Being part of a musical
group fosters integration into the sighted community, in a non-threatening
way, that no other activity can match. You don't have to be a performing
genius or even possess exceptional talent to fit in. If you're in the
retirement age group, check out the musical possibilities at your local
senior center and give them a try.
BLIND CHEFS ON TV
from the Sun-Sentinel
Ken Lexer can cook pasta primavera like a pro. Every Tuesday he
feeds 200 people at a local soup kitchen; and they know they're going to
get something special on his shift, like the time he made mini-pizza using
donated bread. Not having the freshest ingredients doesn't stop Lexer, and
neither does the fact that he is legally blind.
Lexer, 54, of Boynton Beach, recently was a guest chef on the new
show "Cooking Without Looking." The show teaches cooking skills and kitchen
safety for blind people and those with impaired vision. Show producers put
together an audio-rich program with captioned descriptions. It also helps
that visually impaired hosts describe the action, producers said.
Each show features a visually impaired or blind audience, three hosts
with different stages of vision loss and a guest host who shares a favorite
recipe.
Lexer served up some Oriental stir-fry. "It smells so good," said
Allen Preston, 56, of West Palm Beach. Preston, a former high school shop
teacher and show host, lost his vision during childhood. His service dog,
John T, a black Labrador, sits close by.
"I'm putting in some fresh garlic," Lexer says, as he maneuvers a
silver spatula in a wok. The aroma of garlic and tangy ginger lingers.
After suffering a stroke eight years ago and being diagnosed with
diabetic retinopathy, Lexer became blind. He slowly regained limited
vision but needs a powerful magnifying glass to see.
"I thought, 'what am I going to do?'," Lexer said. "I would just sit
in a chair, try to watch TV or take a walk. That's it."
Instead, he found some hope in cooking. Over the years, he enrolled
in a number of cooking classes and learned how to cook.
"The only time I go in the kitchen now is to clean up," said his
wife, Marciene. "When he lost his sight, he thought his life was over; but
cooking has given him focus."
During his "Cooking Without Looking" episode, Lexer shared tips with
the audience, such as how to adjust stove temperature safely and using pre-
cut vegetables and meats in recipes. Other guest hosts demonstrated how
they use different container sizes and shapes to identify specific
ingredients, such as paprika and basil. Everything starts with an extremely
organized kitchen, some said.
The show's producer, Ren'ee Rentmeester, president of the Vision
World Foundation, an organization that provides services to the visually
impaired, came up with the concept for the program after scouring the
Internet and discovering that cooking was a popular topic among blind
people. A veteran TV producer, Rentmeester said the show combines two of
her interests, TV and helping people.
"Cooking Without Looking" began airing in February, and is taped at
WXEL's Boynton Beach studio. The show includes segments that discuss
common eye diseases and interviews with health professionals. The show has
also explored topics such as AIDS and vision loss, and children's
blindness. Show host Annette Watkins, 46, of Sunrise, who lost her vision
to macular degeneration, conducts these interviews.
Earlier this year, Rentmeester found a sponsor, John Palmer, owner of
Magnifying America, a store for the visually impaired in Coral Springs. He
underwrote the first season of "Cooking Without Looking," which consists of
13 episodes. WXEL is offering the show nationally to 350 PBS stations,
Rentmeester said.
"The show is a good tool to educate the public about blind people,
what we can do and who we are," said Celia Chacon, 54, of Plantation, a
show host who lost her eyesight 13 years ago. A former caterer, Chacon had
to teach herself to cook again, relying chiefly on her sense of smell and
touch. Now she makes a mean cheesecake and apple pie pizza!
Producers say they hope "Cooking Without Looking" will attract not
only people with vision loss, but also their families. For the show's
target audience, the benefits could be more than just a tasty meal. "The
best thing we can do is encourage people who have lost their eyesight to
maintain their independence," show host Preston said. "Cooking is one of
those things that keeps you independent."
FROM THE CAPITOL: REFLECTIONS OF THE NEW YEAR
by Dan Kysor, Director, CCB Governmental Affairs
Now that the holidays are over and we return to the work of advancing
CCB's agenda, we find that California still faces a deficit of over six
billion dollars; that the state is not in a position to implement the
accessibility features of the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) because the
printer-based Verifiable Paper Ballot Receipt system does not have an
independent speech-verification system; and that new Medi-Cal/Medicare
regulations go into effect. In addition, we can expect no cost of living
adjustments for the state's supplement of SSI until April, and that this
situation will continue in 2007. According to the Legislative Analyst's
Office, revenues are up and analysts do not believe cuts to senior and
disability programs are necessary, but we'll see!
As we begin 2006, it is important to note that this is the second
year of a two-year bill cycle, and that we have a big statewide election in
November. The second year of a bill-cycle means that new bills have only
this legislative term to pass, as opposed to the 2007-08 cycle where we
have two years to pass them. In the November election, we have an
opportunity to elect the entire California Assembly; half of the State
Senate; and all constitutional Officers, including the Governor. In
addition, the entire United States House of Representatives and one-third
of the Senate are to be elected.
As many CCB Chapters have new officers, it is important to make sure
that one or two individuals remain informed on local, state and national
issues and that the Governmental Affairs Director's office knows who they
are.
We should expect continued threats to the Randolph Sheppard Vending
program in California, Title 24 of the state's ADA-accessible building
codes and the many programs we have worked so hard to establish.
At this writing, SB 1114, introduced by the Senate Human Services
Committee, remains before the Legislature. This bill requires that at
least 20% of boards of directors of agencies serving the blind, and which
receive Department of Rehabilitation funds, be comprised of blind or
visually impaired individuals. Other bills will be announced.
CCB and the Department of Social Services continue working together
on services to the Blind Child Protective Services and IHSS. Director
Dennis Boyle has retired. We look forward to working with his replacement,
Cliff Allenby, formally Director of the Department of Developmental
Services.
Finally, keep involved in local, state and national issues and remind
blind people you know here in California that they can get the latest news
and information from the California Connection, weekdays after 4 p.m. and
all day weekends and holidays, at 800-221-6359.
SOCIAL SECURITY FACTS: DANGERS OF PRIVATIZATION
distributed by Ardis Bazyn
[This and other Fact Sheets can be found at www.n-c-d.org.]
Some people promote private accounts within Social Security as a way
to ensure more money for workers when they retire. While there are serious
problems with privatizing Social Security even for retirees, the stakes are
much higher for people with disabilities and their families.
For 70 years, Social Security has provided predictable income for
millions of Americans when they most need help. Hurricane Katrina
dramatically shows the value of receiving guaranteed benefits when people
unexpectedly become disabled, die tragically or retire earlier than
expected.
Most workers contribute to Social Security through their payroll
taxes. The program insures the vast majority of American families for the
time when they face retirement, disability or death. Social Security
provides predictable monthly income for a wide range of eligible
individuals and families.
People with disabilities and their families who receive guaranteed
monthly Social Security benefits include: disabled workers and their
dependents; retirees with disabilities; disabled dependents of retirees;
disabled survivors, disabled adult children and disabled widows and
widowers. (Disabled adult children are individuals whose disability began
prior to age 22 and who receive benefits based on the earnings record of
retired, disabled or deceased parents.)
Private accounts allow individuals to set aside money for retirement.
Workers who establish private accounts would rely on stocks and bonds to
generate savings. When they retire, they would get reduced Social Security
benefits based on how much money they put into a private account. Under
this approach, people lose future guaranteed fixed benefits and may, in
fact, get fewer benefits because it is impossible to predict profits from
stock market investments. This risk is particularly great for people with
disabilities who generally are unable to have a full work life in which to
save for private accounts. Both they and their families would be hurt.
Additionally, since these accounts are not designed to address the
intergenerational needs of families, there would be no protection for the
disabled adult children of workers who retire, die or become disabled.
Similar risks would exist for children whose parents die or become disabled
and for retirees and their spouses.
In 2001, the Government Accountability Office studied several plans
to change Social Security. It concluded that, compared to the current
program, people with disabilities would get much lower benefits under plans
that would use payroll taxes to create individual private accounts. There
is no guarantee that people with private accounts will do better than
people who get fixed monthly Social Security benefits, and they could do
much worse.
Advocates for private accounts suggest different ways to fund them.
One would use the current surplus in the Social Security Trust Fund. A
second way would allow workers to divert some of their payroll taxes to
self-fund their private accounts. Regardless of how they are funded, the
result is the same: private accounts would reduce funds to pay future
guaranteed monthly Social Security benefits.
There is common confusion between "privatizing" Social Security
through private accounts and efforts to "privatize" other governmental
functions.
Many non-profit agencies now receive federal, state or local funds to
provide important social and human services. For example, some disability
groups provide vocational training or mental health services for people
with disabilities. Under these arrangements, non-governmental agencies
contract to provide public services.
In some situations, these approaches are very successful. However,
privatizing Social Security is a totally different idea. Proposals to
create private accounts in Social Security will not produce the same
result. Instead, they will replace guaranteed, predictable monthly benefits
with a risky investment system, especially dangerous for people with
disabilities and their families.
It is possible to support privatizing some social services while
opposing the privatization of Social Security. There are important
distinctions between these two approaches.
When social services are privatized, there is the possibility that
non-public agencies can provide services as good or better than the
government. If the non-public agency does a bad job, the state can
terminate the contract because the government is still accountable.
However, under plans to privatize Social Security, there is no
governmental accountability. Instead, privatizing Social Security will gut
the current system of predictable monthly benefits for people with
disabilities and others.
Remember that privatizing a government service may provide the same
or similar benefits and government remains ultimately accountable. In
contrast, privatizing Social Security will never replicate guaranteed cash
benefits. Instead, private accounts shift all the risks onto individuals.
Proponents of private accounts, including the President, admit that
they do nothing to restore the financial stability of Social Security to
meet future needs of eligible individuals. Creating private accounts will
actually pose an even greater threat to Social Security's stability.
Although there is concern about the program's long-term funding,
Congress could improve and strengthen the financial future of Social
Security without major changes. The disability community urges Congress to
request a beneficiary impact statement on every major component of any
serious proposal. In a program that affects millions of individuals of all
ages, it is essential for policymakers to look beyond the budgetary changes
to understand the actual impact on people's daily lives.
ON THE LIGHTER SIDE
by Evelyn Drewry
Hello again! It's time for another true and funny story for the
Lighter Side, and I trust it will put a smile on your face.
Several years ago, shortly after we moved to Ramona, a coworker and I
decided to meet for a day of shopping at North County Fair, a huge indoor
shopping mall just South of Escondido. On arrival, we discussed shopping
strategies. Since we both knit, an important stop was the yarn shop on the
third level. We eventually found ourselves near the shop and began checking
each store as we walked by.
My friend was a few steps ahead of me as we entered what turned out
to be the yarn shop. She happened to touch a purse, announced that they
sold purses and proceeded to investigate the one she had found. She noted
its material, size, and the front clasp. The purse moved a bit but she
attributed this to someone looking at things on the same rack. She decided
to look at its interior. She moved her hand to open the purse and got the
shock of her life: the purse was hanging on the arm of a shopper!
My poor friend turned a thousand shades of red and didn't know
whether to laugh or cry. She did a little of both. In the meantime, I was
laughing so hard I was almost laid out on the floor! It was absolutely
hilarious! The purse's owner was wonderful! She grabbed my friend's hand
and said, "Well, do ya wanna buy it?" Needless to say, this is something
neither of us will forget! we still find ourselves chuckling over it after
all these years.
Before I leave, let me invite you to share your adventures. I have a
number of amusing stories to share but my collection is not endless. Please
feel free to contact me at mixed.up@cox.net.
Until next time, stay safe and always try to look on the lighter
side!
NEW WID EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
submitted by Ardis Bazyn
Kathleen Martinez has been appointed Executive Director of the World
Institute on Disabilities (WID) after the resignation of Mark Breimhorst in
July.
"We are very proud that Kathy Martinez will be the organization's
Executive Director and confident that this well known disability rights and
policy specialist will lead us in exciting new directions," announced Dr.
Stanley Yarnell, WID's Chairman of the Board.
Martinez stated, "I am truly honored to be selected to direct this
organization of innovators and mavericks who, since WID's beginnings, have
been unafraid to create and test new ways to reduce the obstacles facing
people with disabilities."
Blind since birth, Martinez, 47, is an internationally recognized
disability rights leader specializing in employment, asset building,
independent living, international development and diversity and gender
issues. Since 2000 she has supervised WID's technical assistance,
international, employment, poverty reduction and training projects.
This spring, she led development activities with disabled women in
Ethiopia for the International Labour Organization, and has collaborated on
projects in Brazil, China, Indonesia, Honduras, Hungary, Korea, Namibia,
New Zealand, Norway, Mexico, Russia, South Africa and Spain.
In 2004-2005 she gave testimony and presentations to the US Congress,
the UN Committee on a disability rights convention, business leadership
groups, diversity officers at Fortune 500 companies, a National
Organization on Women's conference, disabled students, asset development
specialists and independent living leaders.
In addition, she is one of 15 Presidentially appointed members of the
National Council on Disability, an independent federal agency, and has just
been appointed one of eight public members on the State Department's
Committee on Disability and Foreign Policy.
Based in Oakland, WID is an influential public policy and research
center, founded in 1982 by international disability rights and independent
living leaders. Its web site is http://www.wid.org.
BULLETIN BOARD
led by Keith Black
Each section of "Bulletin Board" will be terminated by a line of
asterisks. After the first item from a magazine is listed, subsequent
items will be marked with a single asterisk at the beginning of the
paragraph.
From Dialogue Magazine, Sept.-Oct. 2005: Labels for Literacy is a
program designed to place more braille on mainstream products in order to
increase the usage and understanding of braille. The program will also
bring equality of access to brand and product information for blind and
visually impaired consumers. The Labels for Literacy program accomplishes
this by producing sheets of self-stick labels that identify common brands
and products in large print and braille. These labels are distributed to
blind and visually impaired consumers nationwide at no cost. Request free
labels and obtain more information by visiting www.labelsforliteracy.com or
by calling 866-325-2235.
* Be part of something big! Researchers at Brigham and Women's
Hospital and Harvard Medical School hope to survey 12,000 blind and
visually impaired women in order to identify risk factors associated with
certain health disorders, such as breast cancer and sleep problems. The
results of the survey will help both blind and sighted women make more
informed lifestyle choices. A summary of the results will be sent to all
participants annually. The survey is open to all women age 18 or over who
are legally blind.
You can register for and complete the survey in the convenience of
your own home, using the rigorously tested Section 508-compliant web-site
at www.bvihealthsurvey.bwh.harvard.edu. The web-site also includes a
tutorial on completing forms, written by expert screen reader users. The
survey may also be completed in braille, by audio tape, in large print or
over the phone. If you would like more information or if you have
questions, contact Erin at 888-828-4294 or E-mail:
bvihealthsurvey@rics.bwh.harvard.edu.
**** **** **** ****
From Matilda Ziegler Magazine, September 2005: Word and Logic
Puzzles. A new E-mail list has been started for people interested in
swapping information about accessible word and logic puzzles. Send a blank
E-mail to blind-puzzlers-subscribe@smartgroups.com to subscribe. For more
information, contact Katherine Schneider at schneiks@uwec.edu.
* Piano School. The Emil Fries Piano Hospital and Training Center in
Vancouver, WA, recently renamed itself, "The School of Piano Technology for
the Blind," and trains blind and visually impaired young people to become
skilled piano technicians. Its two-year program provides each student with
individual instruction. The school's graduates, from 39 states and 10
foreign countries, have gone on to good careers in the piano service
industry. Emil Fries, a blind piano tuner and teacher, founded the school
in 1949 to enable blind young people to lead independent and productive
lives. For information contact Len Leger, Executive Director, 360-693-
1511, or lenleger@pianotuningschool.org.
**** **** **** ****
From Matilda Ziegler Magazine, October 2005: Audio Game. A new
audible version of the famous board game Monopoly has been launched by the
accessible games site Kitchen's Inc. Players can compete against the
computer or invite up to five others to play. Visit www.kitchensinc.net.
**** **** **** ****
From Matilda Ziegler Magazine, November 2005: Safety Resources.
Safety and Security Source offers such products as pepper spray, door and
fire alarms, talking caller ID's, motion detectors, fire extinguishers and
talking wrist blood-pressure monitors. Call Tracey Hawkins, 866-365-4542,
visit www.safetyandsecuritysource.com or send e-mail to
safetyandsecurity@kc.rr.com.
* Brailler Services. Chuck Whitehead charges $45 plus postage
insurance to clean, lubricate and repair a Perkins Brailler. If parts are
needed, he sells them at his cost. He ships by Free Matter for the Blind,
unless the client wants another shipper. Call 951-242-3750; write to 12388
Marmont Place, Moreno Valley, CA 92557.
**** **** **** ****
Cross Country Skiing in the Sierra: Do you enjoy cross country skiing
or snow-shoeing? Have you always wanted to learn? Sierra Regional Ski for
Light (SRSFL) is now accepting applications for its 2006 ski season.
The schedule includes: three one-day trips, open to children and
adults; and the 14th annual three-day event, adults only.
Skiing will be at the Tahoe/Donner Cross Country Ski Resort in
Truckee, CA. Each skier is matched with a trained guide; and skiers at all
levels, from beginning to advanced, are welcomed.
For more information, including the complete ski schedule, go to
www.srsfl.org. You may also contact Betsy Rowell, ski coordinator, 916-362-
5557 or montbets@pacbell.net.
SRSFL looks forward to seeing you on the snow!
**** **** **** ****
Online Dictionaries: An accessible, no-frills interface to several
online dictionaries, plus a thesaurus, is at www.dict.org.
**** **** **** ****
New Book: "Broken Eyes" by the late Mack Riley, a compendium of his
writings, is available in regular print at www.mackriley.com/order1.htm for
$14.95 plus $3 shipping. You may also email cubis@comcast.net for
information.
**** **** **** ****
New NCADB Website: The Northern California Association of the Deaf
Blind has launched its web-site at www.ncadb.org. NCADB has been an
important part of the dead-blind community since 1963.
**** **** **** ****
From Gabe Griffith: I have heard of a new directory assistance
service that is totally free and works for any city and state. The service
covers all residential, government, and business listings. In addition,
they will connect you for free to the number. The catch is you have to
listen to an advertisement before requesting the number. This is possibly
better than paying $1.25! You will not have to fill out directory
assistance exempt forms. The phone number for this free assistance is 800-
373-3411 or 800-FREE-411.
**** **** **** ****
Free Resource Directory: The BIRD (Blind Interest Resource Directory)
was updated and is now available by e-mail at dewilcox@pacbell.net or
thl@pcbvi.org. A large print copy or one on floppy disc can be obtained by
contacting The Health Library at Vista (formerly Peninsula) Center for the
Blind and Visually Impaired, 650-858-0202, ext. 132. From 408 area: 800-
660-2009. From 831: 800-639-6081. 2470 El Camino Real, Suite 107, Palo
Alto, CA 94306; or go to www.pcbvi.org/services. The Health Library has a
"menu" of available items including two e-mail lists: Diabetes Research
List::weekly; Research Briefs::Macular Degeneration::monthly. As always our
services continue to be free to the Blind/VIP community, families, friends
and health care professionals. Library Staff: Dawn Wilcox, Coordinator;
Roger Petersen and Jeanie Ackerman.
CCB OFFICERS
(Editor's note: We are indebted to Bernice Kandarian who updates and
corrects the list of CCB officers and board members, including the number
of the term each is presently serving, the year elected to that term and
the year next up for election. Terms actually begin on January 1 following
election. We shall publish the list this way at least in issues just
preceding and following elections and routinely if members wish. The
presence of an asterisk means that the individual served a partial term
before the first full term.)
President, Jeff Thom (04-06, 2nd term)
7414 Mooncrest Way
Sacramento, CA 95831-916
916-995-3967 C
jsthom@comcast.net
1st Vice President, Mitch Pomerantz (04-06, 2nd term)
1115 Cordova Street, #402
Pasadena, CA 91106-3036
626 844-4388 H
213 847-9124 W
MPomerantz@mailbox.lacity.org
2nd Vice President, Eugene Lozano, Jr. (05-07, 1st term)
4537 Sycamore Avenue
Sacramento, CA 95841-4509
916 485-8307 H
916 278-6988 W
lozanoe@csus.edu
Secretary, Rhonda King (05-07, 1st term)
4541 Cyclamen Way
Sacramento, CA 95841
916 349-9960 H
imjoking@earthlink.net
Treasurer, Peter Pardini (*04-06, 3rd term)
267 Cardinal Road
Mill Valley, CA 94941-3618
415 381-9211 H
peterpar@pacbell.net
Immediate Past President, Catherine Skivers (2002-??)
836 Resota Street
Hayward, CA 94545-2120
510 357-1986 H
ccotb@ccbnet.org
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jerry Arakawa (05-07, 2nd term)
11180 Orville St.
Culver City, CA 90230
310 398-7004 h
jarakawa@comcast.net
Ardis Bazyn (*05-06, partial term)
500 South 3rd Street, # H
Burbank, CA 91502-1476
818 238-9321
abazyn@charter.net
Al Biegler (05-07, 4th term)
819 Colusa Street
Chico, CA 95928-4116
530 893-8840 H
aljobiegler@juno.com
Gabe Griffith (04-06, 1st term)
200 Bicentennial Circle, # 229
Sacramento, CA 95826
916 383-4741
gabe@griffith.net
Jane Kardas (*05-07, 4th term)
810 Maple Avenue
Ukiah, CA 95482-3723
707 468-5510 H/Fax
janecalvert35@yahoo.com
Ann Kysor (05-07, 1st term)
225 - 15th Street
West Sacramento, CA 95691-3023
916 372-9869
ann@kysor.net
Louis Preston (04-06, 1st term)
17129 Antonio Avenue
Cerritos, CA 90703-1006
562 404-7935
lpreston@csulb.edu
Barbara Rhodes (04-06, 3rd term)
6396 Tamalpais Avenue
San Jose, CA 95120
408 268-2110 H
brhodes@pacbell.net
Richard Rueda (05-07, 3rd term)
1501 Decoto Road, #169
Union City, CA 94587-3548
510 324-0418 H
richardrueda@sbcglobal.net
BLICATIONS COMMITTEE
Bernice Kandarian, Chair
2211 Latham Street #120
Mountain View, CA 94040
650 969-3155
bernice@tsoft.net
Winifred Downing, Editor
1587 38th Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94122
415 564-5798
wmdowning@mindspring.com
Cecile Betts
552 Avenida Carmel Unit A
Laguna Woods, CA 92637-3467
949 586-2957
cecebetts@fea.net
Julie Cantrell
3079 West Cheryllyn Lane
Anaheim, CA 92804-3168
714 952-1453
jcandassoc@adelphia.net
Evelyn Drewry
mixed.up@cox.net
Brian Hall
5722 Abraham Avenue
Westminster, CA 92683-2858
714 894-3497
brianlhall@earthlink.net
Daveed Mandell
1921 Francisco Street #7A
Berkeley, CA 94709-2105
510 665-9260
daveedm@sbcglobal.net
Louis Preston
17129 Antonio Avenue
Cerritos, CA 90703-1006
562 404-7935
lpreston@csulb.edu
Bonnie Rennie
1719 West Olive Avenue
Fullerton, CA 92833-3840
714 870-9135
eal727200@aol.com
Richard Rueda, CCB-L and BC Email Edition
1501 Decoto Road, #169
Union City, CA 94587-3548
510 324-0418
richardrueda@sbcglobal.net
Catherine Schmitt Whitaker
604 Camaritas Drive
Diamond Bar, CA 91765-1911
909 861-2931
clschmitt@csupomona.edu
Dan Kysor, Webmaster
225 - 15th Street
West Sacramento, CA 95691-3023
916 372-9869
dan@kysor.net
Please send all address changes to the Executive Office in Hayward.
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