TABLE OF CONTENTS

Editor's Line

President's Report

From The MCB Treasurer

Education and Welfare Report

Public Relations Report

From the Convention Coordinator

ACB Board Report

MCB Convention Report

Ribbon Cutting Opens New Era for MCB

News From Alphapointe

First Steps for the Blind by Cathy Pyper

Audio Description Fitting for Funeral by Deborah Kendrick

NLS Unveils New Talking Book Player

Mayor's Summit On People With Disabilities by Beverly Armstrong

Welfare Hotline Calls Go to India

Treat the Blind Like Human Beings

A Reader's View On Botox

Stop, Look and--Listen?

Affiliate Affairs

From The Lower Left-Hand Drawer

Thanksgiving Forecast

365 by Jack Buck

Back to the Chronicle Archives

Editor's Line

First, I'm sorry that some of you received your September Chronicles so late. Many of the Braille and tape copies actually arrived in October, and that's not the way I like it. As I mentioned at the convention, putting the Chronicle on one tape has had the benefit of a considerable cost saving. The down side is that we no longer work with a local producer and it takes a little longer to get the tapes produced and sent to you. I will try to get the master tape out as early as I can and hope we can do better. The Braille seemed to take a little longer than usual this time as well. In fact, I had it sent without proofreading it first, so I hope you didn't find any problems.

More of you are asking to receive the Chronicle via e-mail. That is a new option. The advantages are that you receive your Chronicle before anyone else and it doesn't cost the Council anything. It does not come as an attachment. Instead, it is pasted into a message. I have a list now so I don't have to send them individually, so if you want to be added to the e-mail list, just let me know.

Just a few weeks ago, I was diagnosed with diabetes. It seems to be very mild and my doctor hopes I can control it with diet and weight loss. But I'm learning first hand what many of you have experienced, counting my carbs, sticking my finger and learning to eat less and stay away from the sweet stuff that I've been a little too fond of. But so far, it hasn't been that bad, although it's probably going to hurt big time during the Holidays.

Among the items in this issue: reports on the MCB convention and the Building open house, news about Alphapointe and First Steps for the Blind and a look at the talking book player of the future. Have a great Holiday season and, as always, keep in touch.

President's Message

by Chip Hailey

Dear MCB members and friends,

An inexhaustible good nature is one of the most precious gifts of heaven, spreading itself like oil over the troubled sea of thought, and keeping the mind smooth and equable in the roughest weather.

Washington Irving

Newly blind individuals often go through many emotions in adjusting to their blindness. Some find it more difficult to adjust to their blindness than others, while others never seem to make that adjustment at all. Some individuals often experience anger or grief at the time of their blindness while others often will go through a denial period. For me, adjusting to my blindness began at an early age. Here is how I had lost the sight in my right eye but was never able to make the adjustment until years later.

When I was 12 years old and in the sixth grade, I was diagnosed as having a cataract on my right eye, which I thought was quite a burden for any 12 year old boy to have to bear. My eye doctor was planning on removing the cataract immediately following the school term. But unfortunately I got hit in the eye with a baseball which caused the eye to hemorrhage. I then had to have the eye surgically removed. I now have a prosthesis in my right eye.

The accident happened in the spring of 1964 while I was playing baseball in a vacant lot across the street from where I used to live. That was where all of the neighbor kids used to gather to play. It was just about dusk and I was playing first base. We had taken the baseball and wrapped it with black electrical tape because the ball was so worn that the cover was starting to come off. We were too poor in those days to be able to afford a new baseball.

After the batter hit the ball, the fielder fielded it and threw it over to me. But I did not see it coming, and sure enough, it had struck me in the eye. I recall the many days following how I was in a great deal of pain. I was in so much pain that I continually cried out to God to take away the pain. But it seemed as though no relief would come. I had even gotten physically sick because I was in so much pain. Eventually, I had to have the eye removed. Fortunately, after I had gotten my prosthesis, no one could even recognize that I only had one eye. However, I remember the first time that my best friend saw me clean my eye that he thought it was quite amazing. So amazing in fact that he had taken my plastic eye from me and had taken it out to show to everyone. I was terribly embarrassed. Other kids would make fun of me as well. They used to call me names such as one eye Joe. It made me feel as though I was less of a person. Oh, how their words had hurt, and oh, how denigrated I had felt. But more importantly, I could not understand why God had allowed this to happen to me. Still, I never really blamed Him. I remember I had gone to bed late one night, turned myself to the wall, and wept, and wept, and wept.

Now ladies and gentlemen, time and space here will not permit me to go into how I had eventually adjusted to my blindness or how I had lost the sight in my left eye. I will have to leave that for the next time. But I would like for you to know that whatever emotions you may be experiencing as a newly blind individual, there is hope. But you will just simply have to stay tuned to find out. I am terribly sorry to have to leave you hanging like this but I am quite certain that our Chronicle editor would place another bag of cold ice on top of my bald head should I take up more space than what is permitted.

Meanwhile, Linda and I would like to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.

May God bless you all and may you experience His love, joy, and peace throughout this holiday season.

Warmest regards,

Chip Hailey

MCB president

From The MCB Treasurer

It has been a year now since I have been your MCB Treasurer and I hope that your confidence has not been wasted on me. I hope that Linda and I have been able to please you in every facet of the Treasurer's job. Those that have had it know that it's no little job. You do get criticized from time to time for various reasons but you know the strong will survive and I'm sure we will, too. We try to get the vouchers paid just as soon as we can. If you only knew how much time is spent in the office by Linda, you would understand that things just don't happen overnight. When you get a whole envelope full of vouchers, she may sit in the office from two to four hours many nights during the week to be able to pay the bills and do the bookkeeping that's necessary. We try to get to them as soon as they come in and not wait for two or three weeks to go by. However, if you have vouchers that need to be paid, please get those in by December first because Linda will be leaving on December second and won't be back until the 18th. So during that period of time it will be difficult to get checks written. Linda is going back to visit her children and grandchildren in Seattle for the holidays. We do our best and I hope that satisfies everyone, but I realize that's not possible. But please be considerate of anyone that serves in this capacity. It does take a lot of time. At the writing of this, we are beginning to receive vouchers from the MCB convention in Sikeston and as soon as they get here, we'll do our best to get them right back in the mail to you. Thanks for being understanding.

Education and Welfare Report

by Dennis Miller

I want to begin this report by thanking all those who attended the

Education and Welfare Committee meeting during the MCB convention. I

thought it was an excellent turnout and I appreciate the input the committee

gave me.

Legislative Day is tentatively scheduled for February 19 in Jefferson City.

We will meet on the afternoon of February 18, and then we will spend

February 19 at the Capitol. There will be information sent to the education

and welfare representative of your affiliate as soon as all of the

arrangements have been finalized.

By the time you read this, I will have sent a memo to your affiliate

president asking them to send the name, address and phone number of your

affiliate's education and welfare committee representative to the office. I

want to make sure the information on Legislative Day and other pertinent

information goes to the right person.

At this writing, it is too early to tell what will happen legislatively in

2003. However, all indications point to it being another difficult year

budget wise.

I want to spend a little time talking about the legislative update I have

created for MCB on Tell Me. As I mentioned in the September Chronicle, you

can access this by calling toll free: 1-800-555-8355, or: 1-800-555-TELL.

Once you are connected to Tell me, you punch in: 1-037-100. You will then

be asked to wait a moment and then you will hear the information contained

in the update. The updates can be no longer than ninety seconds, so they

are going to have to be brief and I may have to give out information quickly

so it may be necessary for you to call more than once if you missed

something the first time. It is a toll free call so please call as often as

you need to.

Once things get going legislatively in early January, the information will be updated at least once a week, probably more than that during peak times

when things are moving rapidly. However, I can assure you that information will be updated every Monday morning.

As always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call or e-mail me.

I want to end this report by wishing everyone a glorious holiday season and a Happy New Year.

Dennis Miller

Public Relations Report

by Leroy Welch

At this time when you read this, you have feasted on turkey, pumpkin pie, dressing, mashed potatoes, gravy and good ole sweet potatoes and maybe even Christmas has passed. It's time once again to send me the request for the number of calendars your club needs. Remember, I have to have these in by the middle of February. Please send me a letter giving the number of calendars for your club and where to send them. Please include the name, address and phone number.

At the January Board meeting, I will be starting a contest or fund raiser. You will have the chance to vote for the most loving couple, the sweetest man and sweetest woman, and the grumpiest man and grumpiest woman. So start thinking of people for these honors. Please submit names to us for each category and they will be broken down to two in each group. We will start the contest at the Board meeting. Send them to us as soon as possible. We will have containers for them. It will be one cent per vote. The contest will go till convention in Kansas City. Money goes to MCB. The winners will be awarded their prize at the banquet. See you at the Board meeting.

Sincerely, Leroy Welch, PR Chairman

CONVENTION COORDINATORS REPORT

What a wonderful 2002 MCB Convention. A big thank you goes out to Marie, all the Delta Area and SEMO people who made it all work so very well. As most of you will know by now we had two very fine bids for our convention in 2003. All the folks from Sedalia worked very hard and made an excellent presentation. The group from Kansas City tempted the convention with a $59.00 a night room rate at the Adams Mark (a first class hotel with everything in one building,) Kansas City barbecue and the best jazz in the world. The convention voted to go to KC in 03, so it is "Kansas City here we come." Gregg Hollins has put together an outstanding group of people to plan and support the efforts of President Hailey, the MCB Board and the MCB Office in St. Louis to make this the best convention ever. As soon as all the That's are crossed and the I's are dotted we will get you

the phone numbers to call to make your reservations, but in the meantime,

start saving your pennies and planning your trip to KC for 03.

Several affiliates are beginning to think about hosting the MCB

convention in 2004, 2005 or 2006. Yes, it is true we are thinking ahead

even three years beyond 2003. We believe we will be able to stay in

hotels that are ADA compatible and large enough for all our activities

for a reasonable price if we plan ahead. So contact me at 816-741-2348 or

8605 NW 85th Terrace, Kansas City, MO 64153 or Every-mail jer4kc@juno.com if

your group is thinking about being a local host. Remember your affiliate

is never too large or too small to host an MCB convention. Just let me

know of your interest and I will do my best to help.

Jerry Annunzio

Convention Coordinator

Missouri Council of the Blind

Report From the ACB Board

By Jerry Annunzio

We will call this first part "out of lemons we make lemonade" or strange

things happen when you let your guard down. At the September ACB Board meeting in Minneapolis, we learned that the ACB

history had a bit of a setback. Just one day after "that other group's"

convention was over, Charles Thomas, our publisher at the time, informed

us that they were no longer willing to honor our contract with them and

therefore would not publish our history.

There had been many delays and publication dates missed for various

reasons, but we had been understanding and patient. This move on their

part seemed too obvious to ignore. As soon as initial feelings of shock

and disbelief wore off, we started to calculate the damage. Currently our

legal people will handle that negative aspect of this saga and we will

see what comes of that lemon.

Out of the lemon comes lemonade. How sweet it is when someone tries to do

you wrong and it is turned into a positive. I am very pleased to say that

we have a new publisher that is better, faster and costs less. Since

those who wish us ill have alerted us, we will not reveal all we know at

this time. But we can say thanks for the lemonade.

Let's call this next segment "there's got to be a pony in there

somewhere." The board spent a great deal of time discussing income and

expense items. The board as a whole thought the first place to cut was

our own expense reimbursement to the national convention. We went on to find many other areas where cuts could be made. At this time there were

no staff cuts and none of the services to members were cut.

The pony in all of this is that we are a leaner, more efficient operation.

The office has developed a new priority management plan. The thrift

stores have a new "thrift" plan of operation and we are developing new

income sources.

The board members are working all year to monitor these many new

programs, giving their own time to help develop these new ideas and

helping to generate money to support these efforts. I chair the Major

Donor Campaign which is just one of those new efforts to help support

ACB'S programs. Working on the behalf of all my friends in MCB and ACB is

fun when you think of it as making lemonade and looking for ponies.

As an ACB board member, I never forget that I am there to represent your

best interests, so please let me know if I may better represent your

views. My every-mail is jer4kcjuno.com my phone is 816-741-2348, and my

address is 8605 NW 85 Terrace, Kansas City, MO 64153. Thanks to all of

you, you have a direct voice on the ACB board.

MCB Convention Report

Sikeston, Missouri was the scene of the 2002 Convention of the Missouri Council of the Blind, a convention hosted quite capably by two affiliates, the Delta Area Blind and the Poplar Bluff Affiliate. In this article, I would like to point out some of the highlights of this year's gathering, the awards, the election, some amendments to the bylaws and a heart-warming tribute to our veterans.

The convention opened on Friday afternoon with some very fitting ceremonies, highlighted by a a stirring rendition of "America The Beautiful" by June Lenk. The opening session featured a number of speakers, beginning with Allan Beatty, a member of the Board of Directors of ACB. He challenged us all to get involved in our communities, particularly with efforts to improve services to the blind. We also heard about the TAP I program operated by the Missouri Assistive Technology Project and about the expanded services being offered by Alphapointe of Kansas City. Kelly Anthony from Paraquad stressed the importance of voting and talked about federal legislation to make the voting process more accessible to disabled voters including blind voters. We also heard from several people with RSB speaking about their programs and services.

On Saturday morning we heard reports from many of our hardworking committees, including Education and Welfare, scholarship, membership, summer camp, building, health benefits, public relations, youth services and special services.

Also on Saturday, the convention passed a number of amendments to our new Bylaws. The convention approved a change in the way proposed amendments to the bylaws and resolutions will be circulated, adopting the idea that they be sent to all members in their preferred reading format rather than just to the Affiliate Presidents. The convention also agreed that the members sent to the resolutions committee by the affiliates could be sighted or blind. Members appointed to the Budget and Finance Committee by the President also may be sighted or blind. The Building Committee was established as a standing committee in the Bylaws. A sentence was added to Article Iv allowing members-at-large to be able to apply for ACB convention grants if they had been accepted as members at large by February first. The convention a adopted a provision that committee guidelines could be amended at Conventions as well as by the Board. Finally, a sentence was added requiring the Finance committee to draw up an annual strategic financial plan for the investment of MCB'S assets.

I think for many of us, the highlight of the convention was a presentation on Saturday afternoon. It was unlike anything we have ever had before. Paul Guzman, the President of the Poplar Bluff Affiliate, introduced Bob Smith, a member of the Board of the Blinded Veterans Association, who asked all of the veterans to come forward. Each of them introduced themselves and spoke with evident pride about their time of service. Each was given a commemorative American eagle from the Spirit of Freedom Collection and cowboy hats donated by the American Legion. Wayne Dawes was chosen to receive an official American flag from the VFW. The veterans who participated in the ceremony were Bill Burris, Paul Guzman, Theodore Jeffers, Ed Bowen, Larry Parker, Harold Poiry, Harry Hickman, Joe Binder, Marshall Eggert, Wayne Dawes, John Connor, Ed Sibley, Richard Kolasch, Bill Godwin, Marvin Shelton, and Ronald Zirkle. It gave us all a great feeling to hear these men speak about their service to our country and to honor them with a standing ovation. What a wonderful presentation.

Also on Saturday, we heard from Richard Smith, Director of Wolfner Library, who told us about Wolfner's new automated system, scheduled to be installed during the first week of November. The new system will allow the staff to provide even better service to the library's readers.

Before we talk about the banquet awards, let's give you the results of the Sunday morning elections. Chip Hailey was elected to a second term as President without opposition. Our new First Vice President is Bev Armstrong, who also ran unopposed. Jack Lenk was elected to a second term as Second Vice President. Bill Benson and Hank Pearce ran for Secretary and the winner was Bill Benson.

There were two bids for the 2003 convention, one from Sedalia and the other from Kansas City. The convention adopted the bid from Kansas City. The convention, hosted by the Allied workers, will be held at the Adam's Mark Hotel.

Now to the banquet. Our Master of Ceremonies, Jerry Annunzio, kept things running smoothly and on time. As usual, the highlight of the evening came with the presentation of our awards. Bill Benson gave the Nathaniel Johnson Award saying:

I'm very honored to be able to present the Nathaniel Johnson Award. I was one of the lucky people that new Nate and had the opportunity to appreciate and enjoy him, which if you knew him, you did enjoy him. Our award winner tonight was born in the midst of some of the hardest times this country has known. Born in 1933, child of a sharecropper, and that's tough, but that didn't hold her back at all. I don't know how many of you remember 1954. I remember it very well. I was in school with our award winner and I remember her having the lead part in a musical about Stephen Foster called I Dream of Jeannie, and she was Jeannie. She graduated that same year. She went back home after graduation for about three weeks and decided she needed more action for sure and she went to Kansas City, got a job, went to work, met her husband and lived there until 1967. Then they moved back home to raise their family. She was one of the charter members of the Delta Area Club and when the club fell on some hard times not too long ago, she was one of the driving forces that held this little club together and it's probably due in large part to her that the Delta Area Blind are going today. I'm proud I know her and I'm proud of all she's done and all that she's going to do. It's a pleasure to present the Nathaniel Johnson 2002 Award to Marie Travelsted Thompson.

The Missouri Council of the Blind Nathaniel Johnson Award presented to Marie Thompson, October 12, 2002, in appreciation of your compassion and eagerness to lend support to others on behalf of our organization throughout many years of dedicated service, Missouri Council of the Blind offers this heartfelt acknowledgement. MCB thanks you.

Marie: This is just almost too much. It's just overwhelming. I just want to thank all of you. I love everybody and the MCB is one of my children. I believe in progress and I hope to keep on helping people. That's what I'm all about and that's what our organization's all about, helping people. Each one helps one, my little slogan. Thanks.

Next came the Ellis M. Forshee Award, Presented by Bev Armstrong:

The Ellis M. Forshee Award may be awarded to either a sighted or blind person. This year the person chosen is blind and in fact one of our own. A graduate of Truman State University in 1992 with degrees in broadcast communications and political science, he went to work immediately trying to get an office for students with disabilities established on the Truman State campus. That was accomplished and is still in existence today. The need for an independent living center was a concern. Numerous trips to Jefferson City resulted in the first Independent Living Center in the Kirksville area being established. This person was its first employee and later became Executive Director. Wolfner Library was something he cared about. He chaired the Wolfner Advisory Council as well as serving as a Board member on the Friends of Wolfner Board. This individual served two terms on the Governor's Council on Disability. One issue which he testified on before the State Legislature was the need for blind Missourians to have phone bills and utility bills in accessible formats. That has become law and we are now enjoying having these bills in Braille and large print. It should be no surprise with an interest in political science that this individual has been actively involved in legislative issues regarding blind children and older adult blind. He served as a part of the 401 Task Force regarding the needs of blind children, particularly in rural areas. In 1994, he represented both ACB and MCB in Washington, testifying before Congress and advocating for health care reform. This person is currently serving on the MCB Board as Director, a member of the Personnel Committee, and Chairman of the Education and Welfare Committee. Many of us enjoy the fruits of his good work as moderator of the MCB listserv. It gives me great pleasure to present this distinguished award to our own Dennis Miller.

Dennis: I'm speechless beyond words at this point. I'm not sure that I'm worthy of this award but it appears to be a nice plaque and I'm sure it will look good on my wall. I want to thank the Awards Committee. I now understand why Chip woke me up from a sound nap to get a biography out of me. I don't feel that I've done anything to deserve this award because in many cases, when I'm advocating for you, I'm advocating for myself as well. I feel, I think it's very obvious from this weekend that I'm very passionate about the need for advocating on the legislative level, on the state level. I was the first ever blind person to graduate from the Kirksville school system and that is why I focus so much of my energy on blind children. In 1991, when I joined this organization, I really wasn't sure that there were other blind people out there like me and I found out there are 800 and some odd in this organization. There are people in this organization who have been in this organization a long time who deserve this award a lot more than I do and I just want to thank the Awards Committee and the Missouri Council of the Blind for this award. Thank you.

Missouri Council of the Blind Ellis M. Forshee Award, presented to Dennis Miller October 12, 2002. With much appreciation we extend to you this acknowledgement for the positive impact that your many years of leadership and organized effort have had on the social, economic and educational concerns of persons with disabilities. Missouri's blind community thanks you.

And then Chip Hailey presented the President's Award to a most deserving person:

Ladies and Gentlemen, the President's award is a very prestigious award and being able to present this award is a very honorable and pleasurable thing to do. This year's recipient is an individual who I admire and respect greatly. Most of you are very familiar with a lot of the things that this particular individual does to assist those of us who are blind. This individual is always extending a helping hand. In fact, it's like she's an octopus, she has more than one hand, because whenever you see this particular individual, not only is she assisting one person who is visually impaired, it seems as though she's assisting two, three or four all at the same time. She's that type of individual. She's a very caring individual, always wanting to help and assist in such ways as assisting with going shopping, picking up medication and prescriptions whenever the blind individual is unable to do that. We've seen this individual assist a lot of our blind at summer camp, assisting them to get from the cabin to the lodge or any type of assistance. I can't tell you just the myriad of ways in which she has been able to assist. And so it is my distinct pleasure and honor to present the 2002 President's Award to Nancy Hodson.

Missouri Council of the Blind President's Award presented to Nancy Hodson, October 12, 2002 for your willingness to provide many unselfish hours of dedicated service to members of the Missouri Council of the Blind, we gratefully thank you.

Nancy: I gratefully thank you for the opportunity to help. Thank you.

Paul Guzman and Marie thompson presented Chip with a crocheted wall hanging for the MCB Building. It is a white crocheted wall plaque on a black background reading: "Welcome to the MCB'S New Building."

Finally, Paul Mathews was given a plaque to take back to the Library containing the text of a resolution adopted by the Convention, expressing our appreciation to the Library staff. The resolution reads:

Whereas visually impaired Missourians often have difficulty making use of both public and private libraries in their area;

and whereas libraries offer such a wide variety of educational,

informational and recreational material contributing to the enrichment of life;

; IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that the Missouri Council of the Blind, assembled in convention in Sikeston, MO on this twelfth day of October,

2002, speaking on behalf of all visually impaired Missourians,

unanimously and with one voice convey sincere thanks and appreciation to the entire staff of Wolfner Library for the dedicated service given in

order to help visually impaired Missourians have equal access to the

same library services as their sighted peers, thus enabling us to live

life more fully.

Following the banquet, there was musical entertainment provided by MCB members. What a talented band of musicians we have in our group. Jack Lenk, Bob Jaco, Cecilia Lee, Norm Yale, George Battiste, the Faithful Servants Choir, Steeve Schnelle, Kathey Wheeler--the list just goes on and on. Someday I wish we could get all of these people together in a recording studio to produce an MCB music COULD as a fund raiser.

And so another MCB convention has passed. One of the neat things for me was getting the chance to meet some new people for the first time including George Battiste, Norm Yale and Gregg Hollins from Allied Workers. Of course, it's always great to see old friends, too from outside the St. Louis area. And so, it's on to KC in 2003.

Ribbon Cutting Opens New Era for MCB

Friday, September 27 was indeed a historic day for the Missouri Council of the Blind, marking as it did, the official opening of our new Headquarters at 5453 Chippewa in South St. Louis. Many members and friends of MCB gathered in front of the building on a beautiful fall day for the dedication and open house. It began at around 3:00 when President Chip Hailey, MCB Treasurer Bill Burris, building committee chairman Celita White and committee member Donna Weidlich cut the ribbon, officially opening the front entrance to the building. In his opening remarks Chip said this was a special occasion in the history of the Council. Chip went on to say: "We hope that as you tour the building that you don't think of our building in abstract terms. This is the home of the Missouri Council of the Blind. This is where our heart is. This is where the home is of all our members. This is an extension of who we are as the Missouri Council of the Blind. For many years, we wanted to have a facility that we could be very proud of, where we could provide services and programs that would meet all of the needs of all of our members and I think this will be a building where we can do that, serve many of our members and family and friends and do it with much pride. I hope that you will be as proud of this facility as we are and that you will feel the warmth and the heart that have been put into this by the Building Committee." Following those remarks, the ribbon was cut and the doors were open for tours, refreshments and door prizes.

More than sixty people attended the open house. We received beautiful plants from Walter Knoll Florist, The St. Louis Society for the Blind and from Alphapointe. In addition to members from the St. Louis area, there were members from Joplin, West Plains and Kansas City. Richard Smith from Wolfner Library was on hand, as well as representatives from Paraquad, the St. Louis Society, the St. Louis Service Club, Alphapointe and RSB. Judy Redlick interviewed members for Channel 24 and John Weidlich did interviews that were played over Radio Information Service.

I think most of you know by now that the MCB Building was once a doctor's office. When we purchased the building, it contained several examining rooms, all of which were removed to make space for a large conference room, a small conference room and offices. As you read in the last issue, the labor for all of that extensive remodeling was donated by local craft unions. Chip estimated that this saved the Council around $25,000. To show our appreciation to the laborers who donated their time to remodel our facility, a plaque will hang in the building which reads as follows:

"For contributing their time and workmanship in renovating the Missouri Council of the Blind Building, The Missouri Council of the Blind would like to give special recognition to the following: The Greater St. Louis Labor Council; Carpet, Linoleum, Hardwood and Tile Layers Local 1310; IBEW Local 1, Painters Apprentice Program, District Council 2, Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 562, St. Louis Chapter NECA and the St. Louis Electrical Connection. September 27, 2002."

At the close of the festivities, there was a drawing for four attendance prizes. The much-coveted MC Bear, a teddy bear constructed to resemble, well, our own MCB Teddy Bear, Bill Burris, was won by Beverly Armstrong. The train, made by UWB member Ned Cox, was won by Beverly Kaskadden. Patti Ashby won a talking clock and Rena Holmes won a copy of the Jack Buck commemorative CD. Celita and the rest of the Building committee worked hard to make the dedication and open house a success and it certainly was. I think everyone who was there agreed that MCB has a building that we can be proud of for years to come.

News From Alphapointe

Alphapointe Association for the Blind is on the move! Alphapointe, operating at 1844 Broadway since 1939, will soon relocate to 7501 Prospect, once the home of Fairyland Park. Our new facility will be known as Alphapointe Life Skills Campus and will encompass nearly all of Alphapointe's ever-expanding services and projects.

As a manufacturer, Alphapointe produces writing instruments and plastic bottles, primarily for the federal government. Alphapointe also contracts with government entities to provide clerical and switchboard operator support, staffing those positions with people who are blind and visually impaired. These activities not only provide much-needed jobs, but also help support a wide variety of services.

Alphapointe's rehabilitation program, The Center for Blindness and Low Vision, provides vocational evaluation and training for blind and visually impaired adults seeking employment in the community. A summer work program for teens and a college prep program are part of the Center's offerings. Rehabilitation is also provided in our Work Adjustment Center, where youth and adults with multiple disabilities find jobs. Senior Adult Services connects seniors losing vision to the resources they need to maintain their independence in their homes and neighborhoods. Our new facility will also house a retail store, a health and wellness center, and audio and braille transcription facilities.

Alphapointe's employees are understandably excited about our move. We all look forward eagerly to the opportunity to do more for blind and visually impaired citizens in our community.

New Address: 7501 Prospect, Kansas City MO 64132. Phone (816) 421-5848

First Steps for the Blind

by Cathy Pyper

First Steps for the Blind was born out of my frustration and that of other visually impaired people I met while in rehab at the Center for Blindness and Low Vision. As we got to know each other and heard the stories of each person's sight loss, we found one common thread. The common thread was not our loss of sight, but our inability to find somewhere to go for comprehensive information about life in the blind world. You could call this agency and they knew a little and call another one and get another little bit of information. No one had really comprehensive resources to offer.

My own personal experience with vision loss was frightening. I didn't know anything about it; I didn't know where to turn for help. I had never heard of Rehabilitation Services for the Blind or that I was eligible for SSDI or anything else. The only thing that came to my mind was the NFB. It was the only organization I had ever heard of. So I called them. There response was nothing. I called many times and my phone calls were never returned, not once. Eventually I stumbled my way through the system. While doing this I just kept thinking, it should not be this hard to find out where to go and what to do.

So after letting the idea simmer while I rebuilt my life, I started to collect information. The concept of First Steps for the Blind finally became a reality this past summer. We sent mass mailings to ophthalmologists, telling them of our organization and how it could benefit their patients who have or may suffer vision loss. We were fortunate to have a reporter from one of the local papers take a personal interest in our organization and wrote a wonderful article about us. Her father became our first client. Press kits have gone out this week to the Kansas city area television news departments.

We have a very comprehensive list of information and resources dealing with nearly every aspect of visual impairment, not medical information of course but the everyday things. We can provide our clients with all of the forms and applications that will help them get through this transitional period. We have adaptive equipment catalogues from several different sources in different formats, brochures from the major organizations and literature covering many topics. Our visually impaired and sighted volunteers have all combined their knowledge so we can address the issues that need to be handled right away in every aspect of life, including money handling, DVS movies, household tips, cooking and many other areas.

Yes, I know that RSB is supposed to be doing most of these things. In Kansas City, the RSB office is short handed and the budget is low. Help is slow in coming and not much equipment is provided. The elderly seem to drop through the cracks and we are here to help them. Elderly or not, we can move in and do these things much quicker than RSB. We offer support group meetings and have in our volunteer staff, a former RSB rehab teacher, a teacher of children with special needs, an adaptive computer software specialist and myself, who handles the office and is usually the first to have contact with the clients. We have some sighted volunteers who help out as well.

We have long-term goals such as being able to provide equipment when necessary for the people who have slipped through the system and a scholarship for visually impaired students. We have so far been unable to find an attorney we can afford to file our not for profit business papers but we are still trying. We will do some major fundraising once we have that done and will expand our services. I've really only touched the surface of what we offer in resources. If anyone would like further information please feel free to contact us.

Cathy Pyper

First Steps for the Blind

5018 ation. Park Lane,

Kansas city, MO 64118

816 455-5219

Every-mail: firststepsorganizationhotmail.com

The Cincinnati Inquirer

Sunday, August 25, 2002

Audio description fitting for funeral

by Deborah Kendrick

From The Editor: I imagine that most of us have enjoyed the benefits of audio description on movies and television programs. But audio description at a funeral? Isn't that a little much? Well, read this article by Cincinnati Inquirer columnist Deborah Kendrick and then decide for yourself.

"That's morbid," my daughter said when I told her I was going to a funeral in Columbus that would be audio-described for the visually impaired.

Actually, I wasn't quite sure how I felt about it myself; but I was very sure how I felt about the person being mourned, and the spouse who had lost her.

Joann Fais Fischer loved theater and movies and was constantly promoting the work of Accessible Arts, the nonprofit organization she helped form.

Through Accessible Arts, Columbus is perhaps the only city in the country that offers live audio description for both classic and first-run films. It was fitting, then, that Joann's funeral, where many blind and visually impaired friends were in attendance, would also be the first service of its kind to be audio-described.

Nothing about Joann's 64 years was particularly easy, but her constant smile and positive outlook were the refrains heard from many on the day she was buried. As a Type I (juvenile) diabetic, she had been giving herself insulin shots for more than 50 years, and had accepted with grace the losses wrought by that disease. Receiving the 50-year Survivor Medallion for insulin-dependent diabetics from Eli Lilly a few years ago might have been deemed gloomy by some, but to Joann it was evidence of what determination and faith can accomplish.

Her diminished eyesight, triggered by diabetic retinopathy, led her to many of the people and projects she valued most at the end of her life. It led her to the American Council of the Blind, an organization where she held office, worked hard, and made many friends. It led her to the love of her life, Dr. Elmer Fischer, who became legendary among Cincinnatians with disabilities in the mid-1970s when he founded Radio Reading Services of Greater Cincinnati.

Ten years after establishing RRS here, he moved to Columbus to take a job with Ohio Educational Telecommunications Network, coordinating all such services throughout Ohio. The couple met in Columbus and began what Dr. Fischer called "the most difficult and best 12 years of my life."

Who knows how two people in their 50s fall so wildly in love? Part of the attraction, certainly, was their shared tendency to turn adversity to advantage, and learn from their own difficulties how to benefit others.

When the couple married in June 1993, they arranged for the wedding to be audio-described.

The circle was completed in more ways than one last week with the audio description.

Joann Fais Fischer was just an ordinary woman whose extraordinary optimism and integrity made a lasting impression on others with disabilities near her.

As seasoned describer Nancy Van Voorhis spoke directly to my ear--and that of 20 other listeners scattered throughout the crowded sanctuary--I was grateful to be on the receiving end of this final tribute to Joann's commitment to audio description.

As the describer named for me the gorgeous arrays of flowers, told me who was coming down the aisle, and even read the words to the closing hymn so I could sing, I knew for sure that there was nothing morbid in this unusual occasion for description.

Grief and the loss of loved ones are every bit as much a part of life as weddings and comic entertainment.

Accessing them fully is part of equalizing all of life's experiences for everyone.

NLS Unveils New Talking Book Player

Associated Press

BREAKING NEWS

Washington--It will be a talking book that even looks like a book,

although most of its users will never see it.

Instead of a cassette tape, it will have no moving parts but will read a

volume digitally from a card smaller than a credit card. The dull silvery

cover folds on a hinge to the size of a normal book from a library shelf.

When open, it looks like a book with just two thick pages, divided by a

hinge. A series of differently shaped buttons along the edges will enable

the blind reader to turn pages forward and backward, skip quickly, insert

bookmarks, search for a remembered passage.

The wooden model will be reproduced in plastic. The principles of the

hardware are known, but it will take three to four years to adapt them so

that the new digital readers are no more expensive than the tape readers in

today's talking books.

The section of the Library of Congress that circulates talking books for

the blind exhibited on Monday the winning model among 146 entries from 28

design schools. It came from Lachezar Tsvetanov, a 23-year-old student of

industrial design from Sofia, Bulgaria, studying at the University of

Bridgeport, Conn. He won a $5,000 (U.S.) first prize.

"We wanted something that would look good in a living room or a dining

room," said Frank Kurt Cylke, director of the National Library Service for

the Blind and Physically Handicapped.

The library serves almost 730,000 readers of books and magazines with

cassette tapes that are read to them by about 500,000 bulky plastic players.

They look like oversized telephone answering machines. The catalogue holds

more than 350,000 books and magazines in 22 million copies. This system will

become obsolete as machines and tapes wear out and parts become hard to find.

An improved sound system in the new digital readers will benefit older

users who cannot read braille, the system of raised dots that enables the

blind to read by touch, library officials said.

Over three years, the library will convert about 30,000 titles, mostly

standard works and best sellers, to the new technology at a cost of about

$75 million. The software already exists and is being used to start the

adaptations.

After electronic details of the new system are worked out, bids will be

sought for the manufacture of 50,000 players. The goal is to put the first

of them into the hands of users by 2008 and to add 50,000 a year over the

following 10 years until the cassette players are replaced.

The dooks, as the library calls them, will not be on sale but will be

distributed free to those who need them, as the current tape players are.

Mayor's Summit on People with Disabilities

by Beverly Armstrong

Francis Slay, Mayor of the city of St. Louis, directed the Department of

Human Services to do a study on people with disabilities. This nine-months

study was completed, and the Mayor's Summit on People with Disabilities was

held at Forest Park Community College on October 25. Approximately

seventy-five people were in attendance. Those attendees included people

with disabilities, family members, friends, and professionals working for

organizations serving the disabled.

Washington and St. Louis Universities were engaged to conduct the needs

assessment study. Two hundred and thirty-four individuals were either

surveyed by mail or interviewed in person.

The assessment revealed the following areas of concern: lack of

accessible housing and accessibility to public places, lack of community

awareness and resources, and lack of affordable, reliable and accessible

transportation.

Another issue which seemed to cross all of these areas is the lack of a

community database containing information about all of the above.

The Summit began with Dr. Suzy Stark, Ph.D., Washington University School of

Occupational Therapy, presenting an overview of the study. Twenty-two

percent of the city's population are people with disabilities. Twenty-seven

percent of those live below the poverty level. Most live with a family

member. Most were not gainfully employed. Most had some kind of health

insurance. The report found that there was practically no participation in community

activities.

Following the presentation by Dr. Stark, attendees were asked to break up

into four smaller working groups who would identify problems as well as

offer some possible solutions in one of the major areas of concern--housing,

accessibility, community awareness or transportation.

I had been asked by our President to represent MCB at this Summit. I chose

the break out group on transportation since transportation is a primary

concern for people who are blind.

Our group had about fifteen people in it which then broke out into three

smaller groups, making discussion more manageable.

Some of the problems identified with transportation were: Bi-State not

having routes into areas where people need to go; lack of information about

bus routes; discourteous and poorly trained drivers; inaccessible public

transportation; Call-A-Ride Paratransit not being reliable and not user

friendly; and parking spaces designated for disabled parking

being used by nondisabled or blocked with snow.

Some suggestions for possible solutions were: establish a transportation

task force that would develop a training program which would be presented to non-profit organizations serving the particular disabled population as well

as act as an overseer of transportation issues; ask Bi-State to install a

device at bus stops whereby an individual could call in to inquire about a

bus route and destination; ask the state to be more scrutinizing about

applicants deemed eligible for handicapped parking tags; and investigate

the possibility of tax incentive grants for taxi cab companies so that the

cab companies might better be able to have more accessible vehicles in their

fleet and the service be made more affordable.

We were told we would receive a summary of our morning's work and were asked

if we would like to work on our issue in greater depth in the future.

A point made by a gentleman who is employed by the East-West Gateway

Coordinating Council was: "The disabled population needs to come with one

voice making their requests." I believe this has some real merit; however,

then all disabilities need to be represented at the table and included

equally in the outcome.

Wednesday, October 16, 2002

Missouri welfare hot line calls go to India

The Associated Press

Missourians who call a toll-free number with questions about their food

stamps or welfare benefits are receiving help from customer service

representatives in India.

Yes, the country of India--about 8,000 miles away from Missouri on the

opposite side of the world.

The contractor that handles Missouri's electronic benefit cards switched

its call center earlier this year from the United States to India.

But by that time, it was too late to request a Missouri-based call center

as part of a new five-year contract that begins in February 2003, Janel

Luck, deputy director of the state Division of Family Services, said

Tuesday.

So the phones will continue to ring in India.

"To me, it's a conflicting message. We try to keep businesses from

leaving Missouri, and then when have the opportunity, we contract with

somebody in India," said state Rep. Charlie Shields, R-St. Joseph, who

has written to the Department of Social Services complaining about the

situation.

Shields wants the department to review the use of the India call center

and, ultimately, to use a Missouri-based call center.

The state could have asked for cost estimates on in-state and

out-of-state customer call centers in its request for proposals that was

written about a year ago, Luck said. But at the time, the India call

center had not become an issue, she said.

Subsequently, the state awarded the contract--valued at around $6

million annually--to Scottsdale, Ariz.-based eFunds Corp., the same

company that switched the call center to India earlier this year as a

subcontractor. The contract is for five years, with the option of

extending it to seven years.

Now, "as long as they provide the service we're paying them for and

they're providing it in a fashion that's acceptable, we can't really say

where it should be located," Luck said.

A spokeswoman for Gov. Bob Holden said he was unaware that the calls of

Missouri welfare recipients were being routed to India. But spokeswoman

Mary Still said she did not now if the governor was concerned about that.

besides the letter from Shields, the Social Services Department has

received only a few complaints about the India call center, none of which

came from welfare recipients, Luck said.

When The Associated Press called the toll-free number Tuesday, customer

service representatives spoke English that was fairly easy to understand.

A manager confirmed the office was located in India, but declined to provide the specific city, saying it was against company policy.

On its Internet site, eFunds says it has four offices in India--two in

Chennai and one each in Gurgaon and Mumbai. The company also has offices

in Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States.

University Wire

Thursday, October 10, 2002

Treat the blind like human beings

By Heidi Ward

Murfreesboro, Tenn.

I've been witness to too many acts of total human disregard and lack of respect for another human being--acts of ignorance that make me want to stoop to the level of inquiring, "What's wrong with you?"

A blind friend of mine, Jeremy, and I were leaving the library one day. We walked through the doors and the book alarm went off, so we turned around and headed to the front desk. The guy working only looked at me as he spoke. OK, that I can handle. That, at least, makes sense. Blind people don't know if you're making eye contact or not. No big deal. However, then he says to me, "Did he have something in his backpack that would make the alarm go off?"

I was dumbfounded. I couldn't fathom why he couldn't just ask Jeremy, or why he thought I would even know what was in Jeremy's backpack. Jeremy, however, has no doubt dealt with this kind of treatment before and remarked, "No, he hasn't checked any books out," stressing the notion that he couldn't answer for himself.

Mr. Clueless behind the desk didn't even catch on. He continued to look and speak to me, as though, somehow Jeremy's blindness had also rendered him deaf and dumb or perhaps just incapable of understanding English.

These are the acts that confuse me. A person who cannot see, simply cannot see. He or she can still hear and do just about everything anyone else can. Jeremy has a better sense of direction than I do, for goodness sake. But, we "normal" people often treat them as though they are incapable, or worse yet, stupid.

I guess it all comes back to that old adage about walking in another man's shoes. It's hard to imagine what it must be like to be blind or deaf or in a wheelchair if you aren't. However, it is not hard to imagine what it would be like to be treated like a child. It's never right to talk to an adult like they're a child, no matter what they seem unable to do. Certainly don't heap imaginary disabilities on them.

Yes, accommodations must be made for people with disabilities. Actually, MTSU is well known for its accessibility. It's one of the most accessible campuses in Tennessee. We have tons of wheelchair ramps and widened doorways. We even have crosswalk signs that chirp to let blind people know that they are flashing. It's too bad that we can't convert people's minds as easily as we can create a cement ramp or add a voice program to a computer.

We found the alarm-triggering book in my backpack. It was actually from the public library and hadn't been de-activated there (guess they use the same anti-theft system as our library). Jeremy just smiled politely and repacked his own backpack.

After we left, I asked Jeremy why he hadn't gotten angry. He said that he was just used to getting one of three standard treatments. He said when you're disabled, people either treat you like you're a pet, a plant or glass. They're either condescending, act like you're not there or try to protect you. Wouldn't it be nice if we could just treat everyone like human beings?

We're all flawed. Some flaws are apparent by red tipped canes or wheelchairs, and some aren't apparent until we open our mouths.

A Reader's View On Botox by Alice Gipson

To the Editor:

Recent news reports about the FDA approval of Botox injections for cosmetic

purposes have caught my attention. It's time that we demand more

accountability from the FDA. Botox injections were approved for medical

purposes only a few years ago and suddenly it's acceptable to use this toxin

for fashionable purposes which probably pay quite well.

I suffer from blepharospasm, Meige syndrome. Because of this condition I

have lost my eyesight, have muscle spasms that won't let me raise my head,

have difficulty speaking, and have significant pain every day. Every three

months I receive approximately fifty injections of Botox in my eyes, face,

and neck. These injections are done only by a neurologist or

neuro-opthamologist. Botox is a lethal toxin which must be injected

directly into the muscle or death could occur. So, who is going to be

approved to give these cosmetic injections?

Before Botox was approved as treatment of blepharospasm, I suffered a great

deal. The Mayo Clinic in Minnesota referred me to two brilliant neurologists

in Columbia, Missouri, Dr. Linworth Johnson and Dr. Irving Asher. Thanks to

these doctors, I was able to begin the injections as soon as FDA approval

was granted. Without them I would be completely helpless so I have no

choice but to continue receiving these painful treatments at a phenomenal

cost.

Awareness and education to the public is my mission for this letter. It

worries me when medications as potentially dangerous as Botox are given

approval for something as trivial as fashion.

Sincerely,

Alice Gipson

Route 1 Box 22E

Edina MO 63537

Stop, Look and--Listen?

How does a blind person know when it's safe to cross a street? Of course, we listen to the traffic sounds to tell us when we can safely cross the street. But what if there is no traffic noise? What if some of the cars are silent? That's the issue raised by Kathy Seven Williams in an article in the Fall 2002 issue of Dialogue Magazine. In the article, called "The Silent Killers," Kathy writes about the new hybrid cars, being manufactured and sold by Toyota and Honda, which contain both a gas engine and a small battery-powered electric motor. When these cars are stopped at intersections or traveling at slow speeds, they are operated by the electric motor which is completely silent. Kathy was warned of this danger by a driver of one of these cars, who told her that a blind man had walked in front of his car while he was driving out of a parking lot because the blind pedestrian didn't know he was there. The gasoline engine, with its traditional noise, doesn't start running until the car is well out in traffic. Kathy backs up this claim by quoting reviews of the cars that she obtained from several web sites.

Kathy concludes: "I'm not trying to panic everyone into staying behind closed doors. I am trying to share the message I was given by a thoughtful Prius driver. A new mobility issue exists. Cars have been getting quieter and quieter over past decades. Now they are silent. We will have to find ways to detect their motion, their presence, and the dangers they present to those of us who cannot see these silent killers approaching. With the need for better fuel economy, less pollution and increased transportation opportunities, this is a growing threat--not a passing fad."

I recently read a prediction from an automotive consultant who stated his belief that it will be at least ten years before hybrid cars become mainstream in the US market. So what do we do until then? Kathy believes we need to make our voices heard in this growing silence. She says we should talk about this in our meetings, write to our representatives and be aware of this new mobility concern. What do you think? Maybe these drivers should be required to have those loud, annoying radios that we've all learned to hate!

Affiliate Affairs

Where we find out what's going on in your part of MCB

Action Council

Hello, Missouri Chronicle,

Just a few lines to let you know what the Action Council of the Blind has been up to you this year. In addition to selling candy at the beginning of the year, we also had a candy sale in June. In September, we had a garage sale for which members donated items to sell. Our President, Steeve Schnelle, enjoyed networking at the State Convention in Sikeston. Russel Ewell also attended the convention, as he is a member of the Board for MCB. We also recruited a new member, Tori Rider. We are looking forward to our Holiday dinner in December and a possible dance next year.

Tim Metze, Secretary, Action Council of the Blind

AWB'S TRAIL BEATERS

Our new slate of officers, voted in at our June business meeting, include mostly long-time members of the blind political establishment. Kathey Wheeler served as Parliamentarian for the national convention of the ACB, held in Houston this summer. The newest recruit to our elite band of trail beaters is Renee Deggs, one of the eight new members who joined us through this year. We are stronger for the experience, talents and viewpoints brought to us by our new members.

The new slate of officers is as follows.

President, Gregg Hollins;

Vice President, David Plumlee;

Treasurer, Kathey Wheeler; Recording Secretary, Norman Yale;

Corresponding Secretary, Connie Bush; Health Benefits, Georgia DeVries;

Special Services, Odell Hollins.

Our President announced the following positions: Transportation Liaison, Shirley Brokaw; Fund Raising, Renee Deggs;

Entertainment, George Battiste;

Parliamentarian, Kathey Wheeler.

So we continue to strive--through setting positive examples, through political action--to make this a better place for the blind, for the non-blind. Justifying our existence, we beat our trails through the jungle with our white canes. Perhaps things could be better--for the world, for disabled people in this country. But it's a new election year for us; we expect continued growth, and the signs portend open country and fresh water ahead.

Blind of Central Mo

Saturday October 26, 2002

Hello to everyone from Sedalia.

This is Galen and Trudy again, and I decided to put my two cents into this article.

I have been listening to many of you and you have told me that

you like my contribution to these reports. I have decided to let

you all know that as of the 25th of this month we have been

married for four months. We are doing just fine.

It wasn't that long ago when we received an e-mail from a lady

who has a program on several stations that said in part, "You

sound very sweet. I wish you both the very best."

Her name is Delilah and she has a program on KPLA in Jeff City. She also is carried in St. Louis on KEZK, 102.5. The

frequency of KPLA, for you that don't know it is 101.5 on the Fm dial.

She has a program from seven pm to midnight.

Trudy listens without fail to that program. I can think of a lot

worse things to listen to.

I really think that Trudy does a real great job on this article.

I just thought I would give you my two cents for this time.

And now for Trudy's part of this article.

It's too bad the convention Sedalia didn't win,

Maybe we can try for it in 2004 again.

We have another new member in our club. Her name is Mary Lou

Thompson, and she is sighted. Congratulations Mary Lou, and

welcome to our club.

We have lost two members in our club. Herbert Spencer Cox, blind,

and Katheryn Carrie Ellis, blind have passed away. They didn't

always get to the meetings, but we are always sorry to see our

members pass away.

Gerry Smith and Willis Arnold were married on Thursday

afternoon, October 10th at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Congratulations Gerry and Willis. The members of the Blind of

Central Mo. hope you have many happy years together.

We will have our Christmas party on Thursday, December 12th at

7:00 p.m. We will have it at the Golden Coral, and we will have

a gift exchange afterward. I'm sure it will be a good time of

food, fun, and fellowship.

When you read this the holiday season will be here,

We hope for you all this has been a very good year.

Until next time, keep your smile and a song in your heart. If

you can't be good, be good at it.

Trudy Blood

Blind of Central Mo

Recording Secretary

Delta Area Blind

Hello from the Delta Area Blind,

First of all, let me say a big thank you to the Executive Board for choosing me to receive the Nathaniel Johnson Award. I was totally blown away. I will cherish it always. Thanks, people. I will also cherish the beautiful plaque from Glenda Wasson.

A big thank you to the Southeast United Blind Club for all of their hard work helping the Delta Area Blind with the convention. Good job, people. Last but not least, I would like to thank my Delta Area blind and sighted members for all of their hard work and support. It takes everyone working together to make things work. I know this sounds like a big thank you letter, but these are things from my heart that I would like to put in the Chronicle.

Ethel, you and your group did an outstanding job both for the talent show and for our church services. Thanks to all of you. You really should think about doing a tape. Cecilia, thank you for stepping in at the last minute to be our talent show Emcee. Thanks for bringing your Keyboard. Thank you, Marti, for bringing your key board.

Jerry, you did a super job being our banquet Emcee. Congratulations to our new MCB officers. Chip Hailey, President; Beverly Armstrong, First Vice President, Jack Lenk, Second Vice President and Bill Benson, Secretary.

Happy Holidays to everyone.

Marie Thompson, Delta Area Blind

Greetings from Joplin. Hope everyone

is enjoying the fall weather.

August was a quiet month for us all.

The Joplin Service Club held their elections

this month. WE now have new officers for the service club.

Our newly elected officers are:

Mildred Long, President; Shirley Ritter, Vice President;

Nancy Harwell, Secretary; Steve Jureno, Treasurer;

Wilma Furgeson, Public Relations.

Our new Public Relation Officer

Wilma Furgeson has left us with

a move to Kansas. Therefore the service

club reelected Cynthia Rowan

to replace Wilma as the Public Relations Officer.

During September we had our usual

support group and St. Paul's Untied Methodist Church Of Joplin

provided us with a wonderful meal and

entertainment for our Thursday night

dinner.

We also had Lisa Wilson come and

sing for us which included a variety of

gospel and country music which was very

exhilarating for us all.

And for October we had support group

and Villa Heights Christian Church

provided us with a wonderful meal

and entertainment for our Thursday

night dinner.

Also on October 19th a group of us

went to Grove, Oklahoma to see the

Kountry Kuzins Jamboree Reunion Show. They sang country and gospel music, and National Champion Cloggers

Jason Davis and Holly Knox

also performed. What a fun day of entertainment for us all.

And on a sad note, one of our members, Fred Dunn passed away. Our hearts and

prayers go out to the Dunn family.

Many happy birthday wishes go out to those who had birthdays in August, September

and October.

Submitted by Cynthia Rowan

Report From Lake Stockton

Our August birthday was a blast!! We had in attendance of 100 people. The patriotic theme was so nice. Our Chaplain, Dewey Amlin, even wore an Uncle Sam hat. County Line, Southwest Missouri Friendship, Joplin Service Club, and Springfield Service Club helped us celebrate. All enjoyed good food and the auction was great fun.

We are happy to welcome two new members to our affiliate. They are Delta Cox and Charlotte Bentley. It is with great sadness that we report the death of Nadine Price. She will be missed.

On October 5, we set up a booth at the Community Connection Affair and sold nuts. I guess we can be called the nut people. Our October meeting was a Halloween theme and Teresa and Robert Evans made it special with chocolate mice made from maraschino cherries and spiders made from small oreo cookies and pipe cleaners. We played bingo and had to say Boo when we had a bingo.

There were sixteen that attended the MCB convention. It was my first time and I really appreciated the learning experience. The meetings were all very organized and well planned. The Saturday night banquet was so nice and I enjoyed the talent show so much.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Lake Stockton.

Submitted by Pauline Eggert, Secretary

Missouri Guide Dog Users Report

Hello from the Missouri Guide Dog Users,

We need guide dog users or anyone who is interested in supporting us to join our guide dog users affiliate.

If any of the affiliates would be interested in having me come to talk with you about Guide dogs and how helpful they are for us, please write or call Marie Thompson at (573) 379-5007. My address is 932 Highway 162 East, Portageville, MO 63873.

The new guide dog users officers are: Marie Thompson, President; Ethel Lee, Secretary and Linda Hailey, Treasurer. Dues are $2.00 per person.

Happy Holidays.

Marie Thompson, Missouri Guide Dog Users President

Hello from the Progressive Council of the Blind,

We have been busy since I last wrote. We had a great turnout at our annual

picnic. Fun was had by all.

We had five of our members at state convention this year.

Our fundraiser is going great. And we wish to thank all of you who bought

nuts from us.

We have welcomed two new members, and we have many more to come.

Four of our members attended the Candidates forum in Kansas city, which was

one of the most attended forums in the state.

We hope you all have a happy holiday season.

Susan Pearce

Corresponding Secretary

Queen City Council of the Blind:

Happy Holiday season from Queen City,

Since our last report, several of our members attended the July camp and one attended the ACB convention. In August we had our election. The results were:: Jo Belle Burk, President; Rosario Mazzella, Vice President; Mary Jane Koch, Secretary and Vicky Maples, Treasurer. Several plaques were presented to the people who got Queen City Council started.

In September, we had a very special guest speaker, Elaine Sautell, who provided a wonderful program for us. Elaine is a member of one of the 28 Task Forces in the country that respond to emergency situations, where rescue or recovery of victims is required. She has a search and rescue dog named Ditto. She explained in detail the procedures that are followed for locating victims, one being the rumble that results from the collapse of a building. The Task Forces are part of FEMA and must be dispatched under the authority of the State Government. Elaine participated both in the bombing in Oklahoma City and in the World Trade Center search and rescue. We enjoyed the presentation very much, especially Ditto, who reacted to clapping and alert signals by rapid and very vocal barking.

We want to congratulate the new officers elected at the convention.

We want to congratulate our Nancy Hodson for winning the President's award. We are so proud of you, Nancy.

We want to wish all of you a very Happy Holiday season.

Submitted by Marilyn Tuso River Cities Report

Leaves are cracking under our feet as we walk through the beautiful river city of Cape Girardeau, as we think of our friends in MCB and as we send this happy greeting.

We have been really busy here in Cape but we are really enjoying this beautiful fall weather, even though we know it means old man winter is just around the corner. In September we had a candy sale and, despite unusually warm weather, we fared really well.

RCWB had fourteen members attend this year's convention in Sikeston. We all had a wonderful time, especially during Saturday night's talent show. The talent of MCB members is amazing to say the least. RCWB would like to congratulate Marie Thompson, Dennis Miller, and Nancy Hodson for the awards they received. They are each very deserving of the honors they received at Saturday night's banquet. RCWB would also like to thank both the Poplar Bluff and Sikeston affiliates for such a wonderful convention.

We are now looking forward to all of the upcoming holidays. On Halloween we are taking treats to the lady we told you all about adopting in the last issue. We are told it really makes her day when we do things for her. In November, we are going to have our annual Thanksgiving dinner. We really look forward to this every year; there is so much good food and we have a great time talking to all of our friends who come. For the Christmas holiday, we are planning quite a few projects that we will tell you more about in the next issue of the Chronicle.

Our President, Charles Werner, had heart bypass surgery in September and he is doing really well. Vice President Sharon Davis has been filling in for Charles and has done an excellent job. We are wishing Charles a very speedy recovery.

We are sad to report the passing of one of our members. Bill Howard passed away on October 6th. He was Mary Howard's husband. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Howards.

Until next time, have a very Merry Christmas and an extremely Happy New Year.

Brandi Emmons, Elaine Shirrell and Dee Niswonger

South Central Missouri Ozark Association of the Blind

This past June we elected new officers for the South Central Ozark Association. The new President is Jean McLaughlin; Bill Burris is the Vice President; Linda Burris is the Secretary-Treasurer. It hasn't been a very eventful year thus far; however, I'm sure things will be picking up around the Holidays. On October 25th, about thirteen of us made a trip to Jefferson City to tour the Library for the blind. Some of our people have already made a tour of Wolfner, but many have not and so we are taking those that have not made the trip before to see just how the Library operates.

We normally make a trip to Springfield just prior to Thanksgiving to have a fellowship meal with the members of the Springfield Service Club. However, this year it is on the 15th of November and, unless things change, we will not be able to make the trip because Linda has to do the driving and we will be in Jefferson City on Thursday and Friday for a Wolfner Advisory Council meeting. We will miss it because we always have such wonderful time and great food.

With Christmas not that far away, we're already making our plans for our Christmas party which will be on the second Monday of December at our regular meeting place, which is the Walnut Grove Apartments, where several of our members live. President Chip Hailey and Linda have been invited to attend, but that depends on his schedule as he has many invitations from affiliates. We always have a big spread of food and we invite any of you within driving distance of West Plain to be there to help us celebrate the Holidays.

The affairs of the affiliate seem to be in order. Everyone is enjoying life to its fullest. Linda and I and all of the members of the South Central Ozark Association want to wish all of you a Happy Holiday season and a Happy and Blessed New Year. It is our prayer that all of you will enjoy good health and a long life to continue to serve the Missouri Council of the Blind. Merry Christmas and Happy Year from the South Central Association of the Blind.

Submitted by Bill Burris

SOUTHEAST MISSOURI UNITED BLIND Club

Greetings and happy holidays from the "boot heel"

A new slate of officers were elected in October. The new officers are: Paul Guzman, President; Jerry Holt, Vice president; Edna Kenser, Treasurer;

Christy Orchard, Secretary.

Our group worked hard to make the MCB state convention in Sikeston a success.

Ella Mae McHatton made all the table decorations and Doris Carpenter headed the

registration table with the help of Mary Miller, Eleanor Bryant, Ella Mae McHatton and Bob Smith.

Handling door prizes were Doris Carpenter, Mary Miller, Eleanor Byrant, Wanda

Smith, Beulah Zieglar, and Carla Fields. Lots of preparations were made by Edna

Kenser, Mona Fields, Eunice Ezell, Delavina Ferren, and Bill Kenser.

Our group volunteers at the VA hospital Food pantry.

Christmas is our coming event where we exchange gifts and make it a fun game.

We are meeting at the VFW Post 6477 on the second Tuesday of the month at 6 pm.

We will strive to increase our membership. We have a good working club.

Submitted by Paul Guzman.

UWB Update

Hello from the United Workers,

On Saturday, September 21, UWB celebrated its 90th anniversary with a dinner at Lumbardo's restaurant. About seventy people were in attendance, including MCB President Chip Hailey and First Lady Linda. We were also joined by Missouri State Senator Harry Kennedy, who presented us with a proclamation congratulating UWB on its 90th birthday. Florence Sikorski brought back memories by mentioning the names of many past presidents. Our main speaker was KMOX Radio host Mcgraw Millhaven, who entertained us with stories about his broadcast career. Mcgraw hosts an interview and phone call-in show every morning on KMOX. On his show the following Monday, he had some very nice things to say about being part of our anniversary and was particularly complimentary toward Lucille Fierce, who was the Chairman of the committee that planned the anniversary celebration. He also speculated about how difficult it must have been for blind people to organize and accomplish the things they did ninety years ago. Imagine--no e-mail?

We will have our Christmas party on December 13th as part of our regular meeting. We have asked members to bring money to donate to the MSB students Giving Tree for Christmas.

Congratulations to Jack Lenk who was elected to another term as Second Vice President of MCB at the convention in Sikeston. We had around thirty members at the convention.

That does it for this time except to wish all of you a Holiday season filled with blessings of every kind.

John Weidlich

From The Lower Left-Hand Drawer

Our drawer isn't quite as full as usual this time, but I think we do have some interesting things for you, including a cruise, a source for computer games, some useful web sites and a look back at 1960 MCB Convention rates that might surprise you. Neither I nor MCB endorses any of these items; I pass them along for your information in the hope that they may be helpful to you. So let's start cleaning out the drawer.

All right, what do you say? Let's just get away from it all and go on a cruise. MCB member and travel agent Sue Slater is planning to do just that and is inviting you to come along. Here is the news release that I received from Sue about next year's cruise:

EXCITING NEW CRUISE FOR The VISUALLY IMPAIRED

Sue Slater and Damar Travel and Cruise are sponsoring another great cruise for the visually impaired. We are traveling on the Carnival Victory, the sister ship of the Triumph, which has the same layout. We are going to the exciting and beautiful ports of Boston, Portland Maine, Halifax, and Sydney Nova Scotia. They are steeped in much history and tradition and offer much for the visually impaired with described tours of museums and descriptive trolley tours of landmarks in the area. I have been to all these ports several times and they are some of my favorite places to visit. The ship leaves the Port of New York City on September 13 and returns to New York on September 20. Prices for the cruise for double occupancy start at $796 for an inside room and go up to $1,196 for an outside room with a balcony. These prices include all port charges and government taxes. Airfare, transfers and cruise insurance are extra. A deposit of fifty dollars will hold cabin space. The second payment is due in April and the final payment is due the end of June. To book a cabin, call Sue Slater at 314 726-6893 or e mail her at

cruiseaway2001@yahoo4com

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_+_www.zform.com4

So maybe you'd like to take advantage of all this wonderful information on the Internet but you don't have a computer or you don't really want to learn how to use one. A company called Iationetationow allows members to get information from the Internet without a computer. For a monthly fee, you can call a toll-free number and talk with a professional web surfer, who will get information for you from the Internet. You can also use the service to send and receive e-mail, shop online and conduct business online, like making airline reservations. The fee structure is a little complicated, so if you want to know more about Iationetationow, you can call (323) 930-3017. You can get a free trial by visiting the web site www.inetnow.com4

Last time I mentioned the free courses available from the Hadley School for the Blind in Winnetka, Illinois. One of their new courses is "Internet Basics," an on-line course which explains the history and operation of the Web and gives basic information on e-mail, mailing lists and newsgroups. Tips on using web browsers are included. To sign up, call the Student Services Department at (800) 526-9909.

Now I'll give you several Web sites you might want to check out. Many of you are familiar with ACB Radio, the Internet radio station operated by the American Council of the Blind. Here's another internet radio station you might want to check out. It's WFBC: Christian bilingual radio, offering Gospel music and teaching ministries in English and Spanish. Access WFBC at their Web site

www.freeportbiblecenter.org4 The station is located in Freeport, NY and can be reached by phone at (516) 546-0126.

Another interesting web site to check out might be the Disability History Museum Library,

www.disabilitymuseum.org which contains disability-related information from 1775-1990.

Piano and guitar lessons for the blind are available at

www.musicvi.com4

Spiritual inspiration or pastoral counseling is available at

www.godtouches.org4 You will also find poems, prayers and Bible passages that may be helpful to you. You can send e-mail to

johngodtouches.org4

Gimp On the Go (I love that name), is a new web site containing travel information for people with disabilities. There are links to other travel sites as well as tips on traveling with a guide dog, traveling with oxygen, wheelchair accessibility and much more. Visit

www.gimponthego.org4

J-Squared Access Solutions sells a variety of computer and electronic products at discount prices, including screen readers, speech synthesizers, computer games, talking clocks and talking caller IDS. Call (800) 443-9500 or visit

www.jsquared.com4

My wife Donna loves google and I imagine many of you use it, too. Google is a tool that helps you to find information on the Internet if you don't know where to look for it. You visit the Google web site, type in the subject about which you want information and Google will direct you to other sites on the Internet that have information on that topic. Well, now you can use Google by e-mail. Send e-mail to

googlecapeclear.org and type your topic or question in the subject line of your message. Search results come back to you by e-mail.

You probably know by now that many network television shows are now being broadcast with audio description, but you may not know which ones. Cathy Anne Murtha has created an e-mail list giving daily notices of audio described network Tv programs. To get the daily announcements, send a blank e-mail to

addailyblinkmart.com or visit

www.accesstechnologyinstitute.com4

In the last column, I mentioned that National Braille Press had put together the Super CD, a CD-ROM containing text files of well over 600 books, including The Bible, the complete works of Shakespeare, reference books and many classic novels for adults and children. It was so popular that NBP is now selling the Super CD Ii, British and World Literature, containing a wealth of great literary works in Ascii text format, from The Iliad and the Odyssey to classic 19th century novels by Dickens, Tolstoy and others, over one thousand books in all. And this huge library is available for $39. In addition, you can get the crime, mystery, detective and horror CD, containing 148 classic novels for $19. Order from National Braille Press, 88 St. Stephen Street, Boston, MA 02115. Phone: (800 548-7323.

You can order exotic and ethnic spices, herbs, hot sauces, chili peppers, massage oils, teas and more from Auntie Arwen's Spices. The company will put Braille labels on your purchases upon request. The only contact information I have for this is the Web address

www.auntiearwenspices.com4

Still don't have that computer? The Texas Center for the Visually Impaired makes reconditioned computers available to blind people. For $100 you get a computer, a monitor, a keyboard, a tape tutorial and a demo version of Window Eyes. For more information contact the Center at 11330 Quail Run, Dallas, Tx 75238 or call (214) 340-6328.

Ok, let's leave the computer and move on to other items. Creative Adaptations for Learning sells 5 by 7 inch plastic note cards with a picture of the American Flag. The address is 38 Beverly Road, Great Neck, NY 11201. The phone number is (516) 466-9143.

General Electric offers Braille overlays and recorded manuals for some models of their washers and dryers. Contact your local dealer or call (800) 726-2000.

Remember the Language Master Talking Dictionary made by Franklin Electronics? I still have one and use it frequently. In the new Anne Morris Enterprises catalog, I found the Basic Language Master Speaking Dictionary, with 120,000 words and definitions for $169, considerably cheaper than the original dictionary but without some of the neat features like the games, grammar topics and thesaurus information found in the original model. This might be good though, for someone who just wants a basic, no-frills talking dictionary. The phone number for Anne Morris Enterprises is (800) 454-3175, The address is 551 Hosner Mountain Road, Stormville, NY 12582-5329.

How many of you longtime Braille users learned to write Braille on one of those old peg boards, putting pins in holes on the board to form letters? I thought that was a thing of the past, but now I have read about something called the Braille Master Talking Braille Peg Board. When you press the Braille dots on the board, the corresponding Braille symbol is spoken. It costs $295 and it comes with a 400 word dictionary. It can be ordered from Kevin Knutson, (661) 631-1033 or Harol Halikainen (805) 541-0200.

Preparing for College and Beyond: Information for Students with Visual Impairments is available in Braille or large print from the Braille Institute Press, 741 N. Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles, Ca 90029, for $29.95. You can also order it by calling (323) 906-3104.

A company called Book Mountain sells a line of large print greeting cards for various occasions. Write Bold view Large Print Products, 8851 Comanche Road, Niwot, CO 80503.

Independent Living Aids has a new catalog of products that promote active independent lifestyles, including CCTVS and talking products. To order call (800) 537-1228 or visit

www.independentliving.com4

Jett Enterprises also has a new catalog of products for the blind. The address is Jett Enterprises, 3140 Cambridge Court, Palm Springs, CA 92664; (800) 275-5553.

Ergo is a new closed circuit tv made by Rehan Electronics. It has a magnification range from 1.7-71X, a reading table that can be moved in four directions and an adjustable monitor stand. It comes in color or black and white and there are rolling stand or tabletop models. The color monitor is $2,995, the black and white model costs $2,295. The US distributor for Ergo is Access Ingenuity, 3935 Montgomery Drive, Santa Rosa, CA 95405. Phone: (877) 579-4380.

Jumbo font scrabble tiles have larger and bolder letters than the regular tiles but still fit the standard deluxe scrabble board. They are white or yellow with black letters. Call (718) 847-1322. Go ahead and order them, but you still won't beat Jack Lenk.

The Catholic Guild for the Blind will record print material on tape, including textbooks, instructional manuals, newspaper and magazine articles and novels. The charge is $1.75 per cassette. For more information, contact Eddie Williams, at (312) 236-8569 or send e-mail to

eddieguildfortheblind.org4

California Canes sells a new slim-line folding cane for $45. They have a new address which is 16263 Walnut Street, Hesperia, CA 92345, and a new phone number which is (866) 332-4883. Blind-novel-tees sells t-shirts with slogans such as "brain works, eyes don't" "Have cane, will travel," and "lack of sight does not mean lack of vision." There is also a Holiday shirt that says "It's beginning to smell a lot like Christmas." Sizes range from medium to 2X and they sell for $16.95. The address for Blind-novel-tees is PO Box 460, New Tazewell, TONIGHT 37824, Phone: (423) 626-2075.

The Alachua County Council of the Blind has designed a t-shirt to promote white cane awareness. The front of the shirt shows a white cane slanting across a highway framed by a road sign and reads: "Support White Cane Safety--it's the law." The back says: "Close your eyes, now cross the street." The shirts come in white or black cotton with reverse color printing in all sizes for $10. Order by writing PO Box 5094, Gainesville, FL 32627 or call (800) 380-2566.

The William A. Thomas Braille Book Store, a division of Braille International, has about 1,400 Braille books for sale. For a catalog in Braille or print, write Braille International, 3290 Southeast Slater Street, Stuart, Fl 34997 or call (800) 336-3142. You can also check out titles at their web site

www.brailleintl.org4

You can get the King James Version of the Bible in Braille free from the Braille Bible Foundation. The address is Braille Bible Foundation, PO Box 948307, Maitland, FL 32794-8307, Phone: (407) 834-3628.

Blindskills, Inc., has just released a book called Connie's Kitchen, a collection of recipes and tips compiled by Connie Weadon, who wrote the recipe column for Dialogue Magazine for more than a decade. It is available in Braille, large print or on computer disc for $20. You can order by calling (800) 860-4224 or you can write Blindskills, at Box 5181, Salem, OR 97304-5181.

Kerry Smith, a blind lady in St. Louis is operating a business she calls K. S. Braille Transcription Service. She will braille restaurant menus, church bulletins and other material for a fee. You can call her at (314) 644-7733.

Visually Unique sells large print daily appointment calendars for $37.50. Each day is divided into half hour segments and the pages can be put into a three-ring binder, which is not included. The company also sells a monthly calendar for $7.50 and a large print check register for $7.50. Contact Visually Unique at PO Box 816074, Dallas, TX 75381-6074, or call (972) 416-5568.

The American Printing House for the Blind has a 2003 calendar in Braille and large print that features pictures of some of the winning entries from the Arts Competition that APH sponsors each year. I don't have a price on this but you can order by calling (800) 223-1839.

Last time I told you about Book Share, the Web Site containing new books that you can download into a computer. Bookshare has now entered into partnership with the Braille Institute of America to make those books available in Braille, for fees ranging from eight to 36 cents per page. For information, contact the Benetech Initiative, 480 California Avenue, Suite 201, Palo Alto, CA 94306.

Nowadays, when you go to state or national conventions, you're accustomed to paying anywhere from $40-$60 for a hotel room and around $15 to $20 for the banquet, probably more than that for national conventions. Just to show you how much times have changed, according to the August, 1960 issue of the Missouri Chronicle, our organization, known then as the Missouri Federation of the Blind, was having its convention at the Connor Hotel in Joplin. Room rates were $4-$6 for singles, $5-$7.50 for a double room and $10 for a room for four people. Registration was one dollar and the banquet was a whopping two dollars. Did they get prime rib for that? Of course, given the wage structure and the scarcity of jobs for blind people in 1960, I wonder how members felt about those prices. Did they seem high? What would a comparable convention have cost in St. Louis or Kansas City? Will we ever see prices like that again? I think we know the answer to that one.

On that note, we close the drawer again until next time. Keep in touch.

Thanksgiving Forecast

Unfortunately, Thanksgiving will be long past before you read this, but I thought it was clever and I wanted to share it with you. It was posted to the MCB list by Linda Coccovizzo.

Turkeys will thaw in the morning, then warm in the oven to an afternoon high near 190 degrees Fahrenheit. The kitchen will turn hot and humid, and if you bother the cook, be ready for a severe squall or cold shoulder.

During the late afternoon and evening, the cold front of a knife will

slice through the turkey, causing an accumulation of one to two inches

on plates.

Mashed potatoes will drift across one side while cranberry sauce creates

slippery spots on the other. Please pass the gravy. A weight watch and

indigestion warning have been issued for the entire area, with increased

stuffiness around the beltway. During the evening, the turkey will diminish

and taper off to leftovers, dropping to a low of 34 degrees in the refrigerator.

Looking ahead to Friday and Saturday, high pressure to eat sandwiches will

be established. Flurries of leftovers can be expected both days with a 20-50 percent chance of scattered soup late in the day. We expect a warming

trend where soup develops.

By early next week, eating pressure will be low as the only wish left will

be the bone.

365

by Jack Buck

From The Editor: As we all know, for St. Louis Cardinals fans, it was once again close, but not quite and for Royals fans it was well, maybe next year, but probably not. If you are in baseball withdrawal, maybe this Jack Buck poem will help.

When someone asks you your favorite sport

And you answer Baseball in a blink

There are certain qualities you must possess

And you're more attached than you think.

In the frozen grip of winter

I'm sure you'll agree with me

Not a day goes by without someone

Talking baseball to some degree.

The calendar flips on New Year's Day

The Super Bowl comes and it goes

Get the other sport out of the way

The green grass and the fever grows.

It's time to pack a bag and take a trip

To Arizona or the Sunshine state

Perhaps you can't go, but there's the radio

So you listen you root you wait.

They start the campaign, pomp and pageantry reign

You claim the pennant on Opening Day

From April till fall

You follow the bouncing white ball

Your team is set to go all the way.

They fall short of the series

You have a case of the wearies

And need a break from the game

But when Christmas bells jingle

You feel that old tingle

And you're ready for more of the same.

It will be hot dogs for dinner

Six months of heaven, a winner

Yes Baseball has always been it.

You would amaze all your friends

If they know to what ends

You'd go for a little old hit.

The best times you've had

Have been with your Mom and Dad

And a bat and a ball and a glove.

For the first time you played

Till the last time you prayed

It's been a simple matter of love.

Jack Buck

MISSOURI COUNCIL OF the BLIND 5453 Chippewa, St. Louis, MO 63109 Phone: (314) 832-7172 Toll-free (800) 342-5632, Fax: (314) 832-7796 e-mail: moblindmindspring.com

Administrative Assistant: Patti Ashby

OFFICERS, DIRECTORS AND COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS

President: Chip Hailey: 2940 West 17th Street; Joplin, MO 64801 (417) 781-6728 toll-free (800) 644-9667 e-mail: chailey4ipa.net

First Vice President: Beverly Armstrong: 2149 Gray Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63117 (314) 781-1866

Second Vice President: Jack Lenk: 6347 Mardel, St. Louis, MO 63109 (314) 351-2814

Secretary: Bill Benson: 612 Francis Place, St. Louis, MO 63105 (314) 863-6353

Treasurer: Bill Burris: 1202 Chateau Drive, West Plains, MO 65775 (417) 256-3954 e-mail: burriswpcs.net

Director: Don Shockley: 3337 Macklind, St. Louis, MO 63139 (314) 352-4233 e-mail: dshockley1mindspring.com

Director: John Weidlich, 5736 Bancroft, St. Louis, MO 63109 (314) 752-3031 e-mail: weidlichswbell.net

Director: Dennis Miller, 1103 N. Luther, Kirksville MO 63501 (660) 627-4857 e-mail: dennisemillersbcglobal.net4

CHAIRPERSONS

Adaptive Technology Grants: Clint Campbell: 408 E. 64th Terrace Kansas City MO 64131 (816) 363-5773 clintecmindspring.com

Budget And Finance: Bill Burris: 1202 Chateau Drive, West Plains, MO 65775 (417) 256-3954 e-mail: burriswpcs.net4

Building: Celita White: 857 Liggett Avenue, St. Louis, MO by fcabc (314) 822-2925.

Chronicle Editor: John Weidlich, 5736 Bancroft, St. Louis, MO 63109 (314) 752-3031 e-mail: weidlichswbell.net4

Convention Coordinator: Jerry Annunzio, 8605 NW 85th Terrace, Kansas City, MO 64153 (816) 741-2348

Education And Welfare: Dennis Miller, 1103 N. Luther, Kirksville MO 63501 (660) 627-4857 e-mail: dennisemillersbcglobal.net44

Health Benefits: Rosario Mazzella, 3234 S. Dayton, Springfield, MO 65807 (417) 883-3484

Membership: Melvin Smith, 9918 Holly, Kansas City, Mo 64114. (816) 942-0489. Public Relations: Leroy Welch, RR 2, Box 284, Butler, MO 64730 (660) 679-5429

Resolutions: Bill Benson, 612 Francis Place, St. Louis, MO 63105 (314) 863-6353

Scholarship: Phyllis Lovett: 3925 south Jefferson, Number 45, Springfield, MO 65807 (417) 883-7408

Special Services: Phyllis Zirkle: 11695 SW Rogers Road, Stewartsville, MO 64490 (816) 364-4447 e-mail: phylaronwebtv.net

Summer Camp: Beverly Shockley, 3337 Macklind, St. Louis MO 63139 (314) 352-4233 e-mail: dshockley1mindspring.com

Youth Services: Linda Gerken, 201 Hopkins Street, Hughesville, MO 65334 (660) 826-1690

AFFILIATE PRESIDENTS

Action Council of the Blind: Steven Schnelle, 1465 Vesper, Florissant MO 63031 (314) 838-5868

Agape Council of the Blind: Elizabeth Moore, 310 South Grand, Apartment 209, St. Louis, MO 63109 Phone: (314) 533-3740.

Allied Workers for the Blind: Gregg Hollins, 7512 East 52nd Street, Kansas City, MO 64129 (816) 333-1474

Blind of Central Missouri: Geraldine (Gerry) Arnold, 1007 S. Vermont Sedalia, MO 65301, (660) 826-5483.

County Line Council of the Blind: Allan Anthony, 801 ation Lyne, Raymore, MO 64083 (816) 331-7929

Delta Area Blind: Marie Thompson, 932 Highway 162, Portageville, MO 63873 Phone: 573 379-5007

Innervision, Inc.: Daryel Banks, 9532 Weyburn Drive, St. Louis MO 63136 (314) 869-7091

Joplin Service Club of the Blind: Mildred Long, 324 North Tom, Apartment 410, Joplin, MO 64870. Phone: (417) 673-1950.

Lake Stockton Area Council of the Blind: Eujean Dody, 2251 West College, Bolivar, MO 65613 (417) 777-7225

Northeast Missouri Council of the Blind: Dennis Miller, 1103 N. Luther, Kirksville, MO 63501 (660) 627-4857 e-mail: dennisemillersbcglobal.net4

Ozark Association of the Blind: Melvin Brown, 1707 Old St. Mary's Road, Perryville, MO 63775 (573) 547-2729

Pony Express Association of the Blind, Phyllis Zirkle, 11695 SW Rogers Road, Stewartsville, MO 64490 (816) 364-4447 e-mail: phylaron`webtv.net

Progressive Council of the Blind: Hank Pearce: 4914 Smart Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64124, (816) 231-4914, e-mail: peertechmciworld.net

Queen City Council of the Blind: Jobelle Burk: 613 South Main, Springfield, MO 65806 (417) 869-6251

RITE for the Blind: Verneiah Abbott: 7332 Hampshire Drive, Apartment 1, St. Louis Mo 63109, (314) 353-1279.

River City Workers of the Blind: Charles (Don) Werner, 802 Penny, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701 (573) 334-7422

St. Charles Council of the Blind: Lynne Smith, 388 Staghorn, Wright City, MO 63390 (636) 745-8253

St. Louis Council of the Blind, Tommy Reece, 607 North Grand, Number 204 St. Louis MO 63103. (314) 534-4825.

South Central Missouri Ozark Association of the Blind: Jean Mclaughlin, RRBLEC Box 679B Cabool, MO 65689 (417) 948-2480

Southeast Missouri United Blind Club: Paul Guzman, 1629 Spring Street, Apartment 15, Poplar Bluff, MO 63901 (573) 785-5924

Southwest Missouri Friendship Council of the Blind: Edward Forcum, 2907 South Park Street, Joplin MO 64804. (417) 623-1292.

Springfield Service Club of the Blind: Phyllis Lovett, 3925 South Jefferson, Number 45, Springfield MO 65807 (417) 883-7408

Tower Club of the Blind: Marie Kelley, 2628 Hope, Maplewood, MO 63143 (314) 646-8272

United Workers for the Blind: John Weidlich, 5736 Bancroft, St. Louis, MO 63109 (314) 752-3031

SPECIAL INTEREST AFFILIATES

Adaptive Technology (AT): Bob Jaco: 10215 Midland boulevard 63114 Phone 428-4606

e-mail: jjaco31@earthlink.net

Braille Revival League of Missouri: Marti Watson: 822 West Scott, Springfield, MO 65802 (417) 865-0410

Library Users of Missouri: Leo Giger, 827 North Nettleton Avenue, Springfield, MO 65802 (417) 866-5778

Missouri Guide Dog Users: Marie Thompson, 932 Highway 162 East, Portageville, MO 63873 (573) 379-5007

Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of Missouri: Jack Lenk, 6347 Mardel, St. Louis, MO 63109 (314) 351-2814

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