News from VIDPI
Once again, VIDPI had a fantastic program at the ACB national convention. Seminars on technology took place on Sunday and Monday. On Tuesday, Janina Sajka from the Washington office of the American Foundation for the Blind spoke at the luncheon.
VIDPI held its annual business meeting on Tuesday, July 3, 2001 at 2 p.m. At that time, the constitution and the bylaws were amended. Most significant was an amendment to the constitution to admit, to full membership, sighted persons who are interested in furthering the goals and objectives of VIDPI. Previously, this was not permitted. Members felt that this change was long overdue.
At the annual business meeting, a new slate of officers was elected, some new and some old. They are as follows: Robert Rogers as president, Frank Welte as vice president, Earlene Hughes as secretary, Linda Byers as treasurer, Mary Abramson as membership secretary, and Ray Campbell as board member.
VIDPI is looking forward to a good year concluding with a good program in Houston in 2002.
Long Island RR Gets Detectable Warnings
by Lori Scharff
Well, it was nice to return from the ACB convention and find out my local Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) station will be receiving tactile warning strips.
Our Long Island chapter of ACB has been battling the LIRR for two years. The LIRR has stated that it does not need to install tactile warning strips until it rebuilds (i.e., pours new concrete). The railroad has complied with the regulations stating that “key stations” need to have warning strips.
As the railroad’s capital improvement project progressed, new stairs were put in. Consequently, the Long Island chapter investigated the fact that the path to a key area was altered by the new stairways. On July 9, we were informed that the Baldwin station will be receiving tactile warning strips in October. ACB Long Island has also received the support of the Permanent Citizens Advisory Council. We have written a letter to the Long Island Rail Road, Metro North and the New York City Transit Authority to urge all three properties to install warning strips as part of capital improvement projects. After all, they are receiving federal funding for these projects. All of this just goes to illustrate that we need to keep an eye out for capital improvement projects.
NOVA Chapter Raises $10,000 for ACB Scholarship Program
by Billie Jean Keith
Thanks to the generosity of ACB members attending the convention in Des Moines, the NOVA Chapter of the Old Dominion state affiliate raised more than $10,000 for the ACB national scholarship program. Individuals, local chapters and affiliate groups purchased the $100 tickets. The winners were announced during the reception prior to the ACB banquet. Prizes included $200 won by the ACB of Maryland, $300 won by Yvonne Schnitzler, $500 won by co-ticket holders M.J. Schmitt and Jean Mann. The first prize of $10,000 went to Karen Eisenstadt of New York. Congratulations, Karen! Every dollar beyond the prize money went to the ACB scholarship program. Our sincere thanks to all participants, and to several energetic ladies from Northern Virginia and the ACB of Maryland. The committee included Barbara Hayes, Laurinda Lacey, Patricia Beattie, Julie Carroll, Billie Jean Keith, Terry Pacheco and Susan Crawford. The committee is delighted that its efforts were successful, and hopes to try another project next year. Watch for it!