THE BRAILLE FORUM Volume XLIV Winter 2006 No. 4 Published by the American Council of the Blind THE AMERICAN COUNCIL OF THE BLIND STRIVES TO INCREASE THE INDEPENDENCE, SECURITY, EQUALITY OF OPPORTUNITY, AND TO IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR ALL BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED PEOPLE. Christopher Gray, President Melanie Brunson, Executive Director Sharon Lovering, Editor National Office: 1155 15th St. NW Suite 1004 Washington, DC 20005 (202) 467-5081 Fax: (202) 467-5085 Web site: http://www.acb.org THE BRAILLE FORUM is available in braille, large print, half-speed four- track cassette tape, computer disk and via e-mail. Subscription requests, address changes, and items intended for publication should be sent to Sharon Lovering at the address above, or via e-mail to slovering@acb.org. Submission deadlines are the first of the month. The American Council of the Blind is a membership organization made up of more than 70 state and special-interest affiliates. To join, visit the ACB web site and complete an application form, or contact the national office at the number listed above. Those much-needed contributions, which are tax-deductible, can be sent to Mike Godino at the above mailing address. If you wish to remember a relative or friend, the national office can make printed cards available for this purpose. To remember the American Council of the Blind in your Last Will and Testament, you may include a special paragraph for that purpose. If your wishes are complex, contact the ACB national office. To make a contribution to ACB via the Combined Federal Campaign, use this number: 2802. For the latest in legislative and governmental news, call the "Washington Connection" toll-free at (800) 424-8666, 5 p.m. to midnight Eastern time, or visit the Washington Connection online at http://www.acb.org. Copyright 2005 American Council of the Blind TABLE OF CONTENTS President's Message: Season's Greetings, by Christopher Gray Notes on a New Year, by Melanie Brunson Membership Focus, compiled by Ardis Bazyn Legislative Seminar: A Learning Opportunity, by Day Al-Mohamed ACB Scholarships Available to Blind Students Who Do You Admire?, by Nola McKinney John Di Francesco: A Fond Remembrance, by Daveed Mandell The MMS "Two-For-One" Program Benefits ACB and Its Affiliates, by Ronald E. Milliman 2006 Convention Preview: Jacksonville, by Berl Colley Affiliate News Hurricane Katrina Check-In Who Is Eligible for Extra Help to Pay for Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs? Fall Board Meeting Summary, by DeAnna Quietwater Noriega Iris Network Apartment Buildings and Consumer Choice, by Carson Wood Letters to the Editor Here and There, by Sue Lichtenfels High Tech Swap Shop FORUM SUBSCRIPTION NOTES You can now get "The Braille Forum" by podcast! To subscribe, go to "The Braille Forum" page on www.acb.org. If you do not yet have a podcast client, you can download Ipodder from the Braille Forum page. If you have moved, or are about to move, contact Sharon Lovering at the ACB national office (1-800-424-8666), give her your information, and she'll take care of the updating for you. Similarly, if you wish to change or cancel your subscription, contact her. Please remember that the deadline for submissions for the February issue is January 6. ***** PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE: SEASON'S GREETINGS by Christopher Gray As I sit down to write this message, Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa are just around the corner. Two weeks ago, Marvelena and I made and put a plum pudding aside in preparation for holiday feasting. Marvelena has hung decorations everywhere and we have hit the holiday season with full force. Last weekend, we prepared and canned jars of pepper jelly for holiday gift- giving and more feasting throughout the winter. In addition to preparations at home, this is a time of year when local organizations hold holiday parties for fun and fellowship, adding the dimension of friendship, good will and camaraderie to the season. We have enjoyed several such events at the local chapter level and are planning to attend a couple more before the season is over. Despite hurried lives and busy schedules, this is one time of year we take one another less for granted. What happens to those around us seems more important and poignant than at other times of year. During this past week, the ACB advocacy services committee has been dealing with an issue that would be significant at any time, but it seems to have particular import during this season. It concerns one of our members whose child must have very serious heart surgery this week in Baltimore, Md., less than 12 days before Christmas. It is virtually impossible to imagine the emotion within a family that such an event causes. When, as in this case, discrimination against a blind parent is interjected as well, a difficult situation is made even worse. This is the unfortunate situation in which this family finds itself just days before what should be a season of good will and tranquility. In addition to the emotional strain such an event inevitably creates, there are often severe financial ramifications for families facing major health crises. For this reason, organizations have been formed to assist families in such circumstances. One of these is well-known to us and has centers all over the United States known as Ronald McDonald Houses. Their purpose is to assist in providing affordable short-term housing for parents or other close family members of children who are in the hospital facing serious, life-threatening situations. The service these houses provide is a tangible and wonderful example of the American spirit of helping one another in times of need. What we in the American Council of the Blind have been learning in the past week is that such good will and assistance, while available to many, is not available to a parent of a child when that parent uses a guide dog. Unbelievable as this is, it is the situation faced this week by the mother of this child and borne by the entire family. Despite our best efforts, it is a situation that ACB has been unable to resolve in the time available. Rather than the $15 per day this family might have spent if permitted to stay at the Ronald McDonald House, they will be required to pay full hotel prices in order to be near and provide support to their child. It is little short of amazing that such a situation should be occurring within a service organization despite the decades of work and accomplishment of the American Council of the Blind. It is a sad reminder of how much work remains to be done to protect our right to independence and self-sufficiency. As hard as we are working, there is still so much more we must do. Rest assured, my friends, it is work which we will continue doing with constant and renewed resolve. It is work we must continue as long as blind people are treated in ways that others are not, for reasons that are discriminatory to their very core, for reasons that are based not in rationality, but in groundless fears and suspicions about the disability itself. Writing about such issues and about the future work we must do was not what I had in mind originally for this article. I had thought to write of our successes and triumphs during 2005. Nevertheless, this situation is so troubling and so wrong, I could not simply put it aside and submit an article of pure optimism with such an event in progress. It is, however, equally true that we have had many successes during 2005. It is because of such successes that we can have confidence that the situation with this family can, in time, be resolved in a positive manner that may help them, and will certainly help other similar families in the future. Our record speaks for itself and we will continue speaking out until the issues surrounding this and similar situations can be resolved. At this same time last year, ACB and its California affiliate were able to keep a family united despite Child Protective Services' attempt to take a newborn child away from his parents, only because they were blind. This case and the positive media attention it generated has brought forward a whole series of other cases in which blind parents have faced potential discrimination as they try to raise their children as well as to blind people who work with children. ACB continues its work to assist in such situations. We should all be proud of the work done by ACB and its affiliates in providing assistance to those affected by the many hurricanes that devastated parts of Florida, Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana. Our affiliates and the national organization have provided badly needed advocacy assistance, information and referral services, and financial aid. The Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America and the Alabama Council of the Blind have led the way in providing financial clearinghouses for those in need and have jointly distributed over $60,000 to individuals and families in serious need, with more to come. In the past year, ACB has witnessed a renewal of its legislative and governmental affairs program through the tireless efforts of our staff and of so many of you who have been in touch with your Congressional delegations. We have secured meetings which could lead to a new and sound basis for rehabilitation programs. We have not seen the demise of the Social Security safeguards, carefully built into the base laws and so carefully designed and advocated for by the founders of our movement. We have worked in partnership with our many friends within the blindness community such as the American Foundation for the Blind and National Industries for the Blind. Early this month, the American Council of the Blind, along with individual complainants, completed a settlement with Wal-Mart stores in which Wal-Mart has agreed to discontinue the use of inaccessible point-of-sale machines. These machines required individuals to divulge their personal identification numbers to Wal-Mart personnel due to inaccessible touch screens. This paves the way for ACB to approach other users of such inaccessible technology such as Safeway, Albertsons, and other grocers. This is a great victory for the entire blind community as well as for others who have found the use of such machines difficult or impossible due to physical impairments. ACB has continued to play an active and vital role in assisting blind people throughout the world as well. We have provided support for braille publications in Sri Lanka. In partnership with the American Printing House for the Blind, we have provided braille slates, styluses and paper to school children in Ethiopia. These children will cherish the gift of literacy throughout their lives. We can and should be proud of these successes and of many others that have and will continue to be shared with you in the pages of "The Braille Forum." We know from these things that it is the American Council of the Blind that represents blind people at the grassroots level both here and abroad. In closing, please accept Marvelena's and my best wishes for a safe, happy and healthy holiday season. We wish you a happy and prosperous 2006. ***** NOTES ON A NEW YEAR by Melanie Brunson I begin this month's article with a bit of good news! We have a new addition to the ranks of the ACB staff in Minneapolis. Our lengthy search for a new controller for that office came to an end with the hiring of Donald Gardner in October. Don comes to us with over 25 years of experience working for non-profit organizations. His expertise has been evident from his first day on the job. He hit the ground running and hasn't stopped yet. Those of you who attend the mid-year meetings in Jacksonville should have a chance to meet him, and he has said that he is looking forward to meeting many of you, as well as learning more about ACB's activities and mission. I think you will be pleased with our find. By the time you read this, we will have sent another year into the history books and begun a brand-new one. I want to thank each of you for helping to shape the year that was. Your time, your talents, your energy, your suggestions and words of encouragement, and your willingness to share your financial resources with others have been noted and are very much appreciated. As we approach the new year, it is tempting to speculate about the nature of what lies ahead. We can anticipate some of the challenges we are likely to face. Some are already familiar to us. We may wonder how many surprises are in store for us as well, since each year seems to hold a few. For my part, I don't intend to worry about such things, because I am convinced that regardless of the strength of the challenge, or the nature of the surprise, ACB is full of people who can rise to the occasion and draw upon resources that are sufficient to overcome it. We have seen this happen time and time again. That being the case, we are bound to have another great year. Therefore, to each and every one of you, I hope that 2006 will be your best year yet, and I look forward to the things we will accomplish together. ***** MEMBERSHIP FOCUS Compiled by Ardis Bazyn Our fall membership focus call was again a success. Sue Ammeter had all callers introduce themselves and then asked for all ideas for membership development and retention. Over 30 callers participated in the animated discussion. When asked about the ways chapters publicized their monthly chapter meetings, most used phone trees, e-mail lists, and the state affiliate's web site to give the chapter meeting places, time and dates for meetings, and program or particular activities. Lists of chapters on the affiliate web site helped to draw new participants. Some used radio reading services, radio announcements, and newspapers to publicize their meetings. State libraries are usually willing to send out information about your events to everyone on their user mailing list. Some networking in community disability groups and senior centers also brought new members. Using opportunities to entertain and educate seniors at retirement centers and senior centers made some interested in joining chapters. Involvement in the mayor's committee for disabilities or county disability departments also may bring more visibility for the chapter. Visibility and publicity seemed to be keys in finding new members. Giving accessibility awards to restaurants and stores that made extra effort to be accessible gave local groups more publicity. Some chapters focused on blindness-related access while others worked with other disability groups to focus on total access for all people with disabilities. One chapter developed an accessibility rating system for restaurants and stores. Some chapters develop newsletters with timely information to share with members. Most chapters also distribute rosters of members so they could more easily get in touch with one another. Members could choose which personal contact information they wished to share with others. Birth dates were also distributed by some. Some find these are incentives for members to pay dues early. Chapters use various methods of finding accessible meeting facilities. Church fellowship halls, libraries, restaurants, and hotel meeting rooms are all choices. Most found it important to locate places with ramps instead of stairs and to purchase microphones or assistive listening devices for those with hearing difficulties. Transportation seemed to be the factor which caused the most problems with regular attendance by members. Some chapters contact service clubs, such as Lions, Rotary, or Kiwanis, to find willing drivers. Some found they could get a grant for transportation costs easier than drivers. Other chapters made sure the meeting facilities were close to bus stops for those without a ride. Encouraging those as young as 16 to attend meetings was also a way to boost membership. During state conventions, some chapters host separate hospitality rooms for young people, with non-alcoholic drinks. Also, some break-out activities especially for students could help draw them in. Having your convention taped for archiving on your web site or streaming sessions on the Internet during the actual event might draw members. Many felt that inviting family members, friends, and members from service clubs or churches where members attend was another avenue for building membership. Some may be interested in blindness-related issues and ways to help other members. Volunteering for specific events makes some sighted participants feel needed. Inviting young families with kids and planning programs of interest for people of all ages is necessary. Some smaller communities may be able to have members participate on local talk shows or interviews. Some chapters have purchased time on the radio for interviews or sound prints. It may cost $150 per week but you may be able to find sponsors to cover the cost. Some studios charge $40 an hour. You could produce your own video for local TV shows or make tapes for local radio shows. You can also tape a live broadcast and use it over and over for public events. You could also use ACB radio spots and modify them for local use. Sometimes members don't renew on time. You should try to send renewal letters and include an addressed envelope for an easy response. Creating an incentive for early dues payments is helpful. For example, all members paying by the 15th of January might be entered into a drawing. We appreciated all participants' ideas and hope to have many more on the next membership focus call. Note: The membership committee will hold its next call on January 23 at 9 p.m. Eastern time. Everyone is invited to attend this call, since the exchange of ideas is what makes them so great. To join the call, dial (866) 633-8638. The ID code will be 12306. The topic for this quarter is "what would you like to see programatically on the agenda at the national convention." See you then! ***** LEGISLATIVE SEMINAR: A LEARNING OPPORTUNITY by Day Al-Mohamed In spite of the many successes that ACB has enjoyed legislatively over the years, we cannot escape the importance of legislative seminar as an integral part of a successful advocacy program. One can never stress enough the importance of legislative advocacy. Only a block from the "expensive" K Street lobbying firms, I can tell you that corporate America has a full understanding of advocacy and they make quite sure that their voices are heard by the people who can swing policy in their direction. Now more than ever ACB members and affiliates are being asked to do more with less in the field of legislative advocacy. We are working to promote change at the "systems" level, not just federally, but in each individual state to improve social services and secure social change. I strongly encourage members to participate in legislative seminar, as it offers: 1) a learning opportunity on Congressional issues; 2) an opportunity for personal contact with your representatives in Washington, D.C.; and 3) the opportunity to gain experiences that will assist with local legislative advocacy. With that, it is my great pleasure to announce the dates for this year's legislative seminar: It will take place February 5-7, 2006 at the Doubletree Hotel (formerly the Washington Terrace). Events will begin the afternoon of Feb. 5 and will wrap up on Tuesday, Feb. 7 with visits to legislators on Capitol Hill. We highly recommend that you make appointments with your legislators and that you make your Senate appointments for Tuesday morning and House appointments afterward. That way, you don't have to cross over Capitol Hill more than once. The hotel address is 1550 Rhode Island Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20005. Please contact the hotel directly, 1-866-984-6835, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Eastern or via fax at (202) 521-7164. Once an individual reservation has been made, any changes should be made directly with the group reservations department. A credit card number or one night's advance deposit will be required to secure a room. Cancellations must be received 24 hours prior to arrival or one night's room and tax will be assessed. The room rate is $149 per night plus tax. We are tentatively setting our schedule and imperatives for the upcoming year. At this point in time, we will probably be addressing: vocational rehabilitation, Social Security, the Randolph-Sheppard Act, and emergency preparedness (which includes on-screen information). We also intend to include in-depth educational issues such as: legislative grassroots networking and funding for local pedestrian access via the New Freedom Initiative. It is our goal to confirm our speakers and events in the next few weeks. I'm looking forward to seeing you here! ***** ACB SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE TO BLIND STUDENTS The American Council of the Blind will present more than two dozen scholarships and awards to outstanding blind students in 2006. All legally blind, full-time students admitted to academic and vocational training programs at the post-secondary level for the 2006-07 school year are encouraged to apply for one of these scholarships. Part-time students who are working full-time are also invited to apply for the John Hebner Memorial Scholarship. Applicants must be legally blind in both eyes. A cumulative grade point average of 3.3 is generally required, but extenuating circumstances may be considered for certain scholarships. Applications may be completed online, but supporting documentation must be submitted in hard copy print, postmarked by March 1, 2006, and sent to: Terry Pacheco, American Council of the Blind Scholarship Program, 1155 15th St. NW, Suite 1004, Washington, DC 20005. Please note: We will determine which scholarships you qualify for based on the information you provide on your application. It is not necessary for you to submit more than one application. If you have additional questions or wish to request a hard copy of the application package, please call (202) 467-5081 ext. 20. The scholarship committee will interview leading candidates by telephone in April. The winners will be notified by May 31, 2006. Scholarships will be presented at the 45th annual national convention of the American Council of the Blind to be held July 8-15, 2006, in Jacksonville, Fla. Scholarship winners are expected to be present at the convention if they have reached their 18th birthday. Generally, ACB will cover all reasonable costs connected with convention attendance. Former leaders in and near the ACB community who have been memorialized by generous benefactors include Delbert Aman, Dr. S. Bradley Burson, William G. Corey, Dr. Mae Davidow, Nicholas S. DiCaprio, Eunice Fiorito, John Hebner, Grant M. Mack, Alma Murphey, Floyd Qualls, and Arnold Sadler. Special thanks should also be extended to those who remembered Duane Buckley and James Olsen in such fitting manners. The Ross N. and Patricia Pangere Foundation scholarships are also given as a way of giving back to the community. ACB also administers scholarship programs for its affiliates in Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, and Oregon. We wish to thank Kurzweil Foundation for its anticipated continued annual gift of the Kurzweil 1000 software to our winners. Note: Potential candidates will be considered for other scholarships not yet verified, if available. If you are a student, or even just thinking about your academic future, be sure to visit www.blindstudents.org to learn more about the National Alliance of Blind Students, the nation's leading organization of students with visual impairments for over 30 years. ***** WHO DO YOU ADMIRE? by Nola McKinney When I was in high school, I remember greatly admiring an English teacher I had. She always dressed in smart-looking outfits, and always seemed to have time to talk to you and advise. I can remember her encouraging my dreams of becoming a social worker. When I was refused entry into a certain college because of my eye condition, she helped me to think of that disappointment as a blessing in disguise. Now, just think back a moment. Isn't there someone in your life whom you greatly admire? Or is there someone in your affiliate or state board who stands out in your memory for all the great things he or she does? It is those people, those outstanding people, in your life that I ask you to consider for an ACB award. There are quite a few awards available for you to consider. Read each one over carefully and then think of which award truly fits that particular person. Perhaps just reading them over will bring that special person to mind. The Robert S. Bray Award is given to a person who has made a contribution for improving library technology or communication devices. It could also be given for expanding access for blind people, or making opportunities within the mainstream media. The George Card Award is given to an individual who has dedicated his or her life to work with and for blind people, making a real difference and improving quality of life, for providing leadership and being a positive role model. The Durward K. McDaniel Ambassador Award is one of our most popular awards. It is given in recognition of a blind person who may or may not be a member of a blindness organization but who has spent his or her life integrating with the community. The James R. Olsen Distinguished Service Award is periodically given to individuals who have made important contributions which have advanced opportunities for the blind community. This award can be given to an individual or an organization. The Affiliate Growth Award is based on the greatest increase in membership, as determined by the 2005-2006 membership reports. The Affiliate Outreach Award is based on a recommendation by an affiliate president, which recognizes a local chapter for a new outreach program. This program must have a measurable outcome. The awards committee is anxiously awaiting your letters of nomination. Please give us many, many names to consider for the 2006 awards, which will be presented at the convention in Jacksonville, Fla. Send your nominations to the awards committee, care of the ACB national office, 1155 15th St. NW, Suite 1004, Washington, DC 20005. The deadline is May 1. ***** JOHN DI FRANCESCO: A FOND REMEMBRANCE by Daveed Mandell The San Francisco Bay Area's blind community has lost one of its most talented, dedicated and witty members, with the death in late September of John di Francesco. He was 86 years old. John was a brilliant, gifted and highly respected musician, baritone opera singer, teacher and braille music expert. Born in Lawrence, Mass., in 1919, John lost his sight from spinal meningitis at the age of 2. His first language was Italian, but he learned English at 7 when he began attending Perkins School for the Blind. After finishing high school, John earned a scholarship to the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, where he studied voice, piano and organ, and graduated summa cum laude in 1944. Following his years at the conservatory, John was mentored by renowned opera star Ezio Pinza, who was so impressed with John's voice that he paid for John to study with fellow singer and voice coach Enrico Rosati in New York. There, John had a weekly radio program, on which he sang operatic selections, Italian folk songs and light classical numbers. In 1947, John married Muriel Cook, whom he met during his studies. In 1949, he appeared as Pinza's protege on a CBS television special. John made his Town Hall debut in 1950 after being chosen as a winner by the Music Education League in its Concerto and Vocal Competition. John moved to Oakland in 1957, and became music director and instructor at the California School for the Blind in Berkeley. He taught music and English, and led the school's Glee Club for 22 years. John spent many hours of his own time reading plays and teaching drama and various musical instruments. He expected the best from all of his students, and inspired them to work up to their capacity. In his last years at the school, John led an unsuccessful fight against the eventual move of the school to Fremont in the late 1970s. John worked tirelessly to bring together the California Council of the Blind and the American Council of the Blind of California (ACBC). That group had been known until the 1970s as the Associated Blind of California, but changed its name to ACBC. John retired in 1980, but he didn't stop teaching. He participated in a wide variety of musical events, ranging from fully staged operas to concerts of Lieder, Oratorio and regular productions of Handel's "Messiah." John founded the Vista College Chamber Chorale in 1979. He served as Protestant Choir director at the Alameda Naval Air Station, and conducted choirs at several Bay Area churches. In the late 1990s, due to severe hearing loss, John was forced to stop teaching. However, he remained active with organizations of the blind, especially the California Council of the Blind's (CCB) Bay View Chapter, of which he was a founding member in 1959. During the 1980s, John was actively involved in the unification effort of the CCB with the Associated Blind of California (ABC) and ACB. He was also instrumental in working with the City of Oakland to install audible pedestrian signals. John worked with several other blind Oakland residents on a project to produce tactile maps of that city, but it was never completed. For many years, John vigorously campaigned for increased braille literacy as an active member of the Braille Revival League (BRL). A recognized expert on braille music, he served for several decades as a proofreader for the Library of Congress. John's wife Muriel died in 1996. He is survived by his sons Paul, Tom and Michael. John was a kind and caring human being, with a quick and sharp wit. He was also a persistent advocate on behalf of blind people. John had a profoundly warm, deep, authoritative and impressive professional singing and speaking voice. A rapid and fluent braille reader, he read aloud beautifully. John coached many singers and actors throughout the Bay Area. His breath control, diction and expression in both singing and speaking were always meticulous. John was a magnificent singer, actor, choral conductor and teacher. We will always remember him fondly. May John rest in peace. ***** THE MMS "TWO-FOR-ONE" PROGRAM BENEFITS ACB AND ITS AFFILIATES by Ronald E. Milliman, Chair, MMS Program Committee Would you like to be able to help your state affiliate or an affiliate of your choice, and at the same time assist the ACB at the national level? Well, now you can by participating in the greatly improved, "Two-for-One," Monthly Monetary Support (MMS) Program. In its most recent meeting, held October 1 and 2, 2005, in Louisville, Ky., the ACB board unanimously approved a major change in the MMS Program that should meet with widespread acceptance by all of us who are members of the ACB and by all of our non-member supporters. But before I go into the changes, I want to describe the MMS Program for those who may not know what it is. The Monthly Monetary Support Program is a way for each of us to support our organization financially with whatever amount we can afford on a monthly basis. An amount we designate and completely control is automatically deducted from our bank, credit card or debit card account each month by ACB and is used to fund the many critical needs of our organization. We control the amount that we give and from which account it is taken. It begins when we indicate we want it to start and ends when we let ACB headquarters know we want it to end. In the past, all amounts given to the ACB by participating in this funding program went entirely to support ACB national activities. However, as of the most recent ACB board meeting, there has been a very significant change in the MMS Program, greatly improving it and making it even more attractive for each of us to participate. Now, when you take part in the program, the funds are deducted from the account you designate on a monthly basis, as before, but with the change implemented by the ACB board, you can designate all of the funds to the national organization or designate an amount up to 50 percent of the net amount of your deduction to be given to an affiliate of your choice. You can help two levels of our organization with one monthly deduction, thus, two-for-one! The affiliate you choose can be any of the state affiliates or any other ACB affiliate you wish. At the national level, we need funds to support our many programs that help all of us. For example, each issue of "The Braille Forum" requires several thousand dollars to create, publish in the many alternate formats and distribute to our members and others who share common interests in blindness issues. Funds are needed to pay the salaries of our national staff that are so totally dedicated to our efforts and do such a yeoman's job with everything they do. Funds are needed to pay rents on the space for our offices and the related utility bills. Our staff is busy every minute of the working day fighting for our rights, for new programs that will be in our best interest, fighting to maintain existing laws and programs that benefit blind people, to expand the use of audible traffic signals, to increase the use of audio description for TV and movies, to at least maintain or increase our SSI and SSDI benefits, fighting to increase our employment opportunities, and for many, many other issues and programs. Without the diligence and never-ending efforts of the ACB staff, we would all be much worse off. The ACB staff is our voice on Capitol Hill, and we need to support them by helping to fund their efforts. There are no limits as to how small or large of a contribution you can make. Some members can afford more or less than others, and we certainly realize and respect that. All we are asking is that you help fund your affiliate and our national programs with whatever monthly amount you can afford. You can call the ACB financial office at 1-800- 866-3242 and have a form sent to you, or alternatively, you can access the forms on our ACB web site at: http://www.acb.org/mms.html. To kick this new, two-for-one MMS Program off, I will challenge each of you by pledging $1 per month for each new MMS Program enrollee that enrolls from now through the end of this year up to $100 per month. In other words, if 74 of you enroll between now and December 31, I will have $74 deducted from my own bank account each month, starting in January. In any event, I will personally enroll in the MMS program for a minimum of $25 per month!! Again, it makes no difference if you enroll for $5 per month or $50 per month. We value everyone's contributions equally! ***** 2006 CONVENTION PREVIEW: JACKSONVILLE by Berl Colley Jacksonville, Fla., will be a fun place to have ACB's 2006 convention. The city is the largest in land mass in the United States. It covers over 800 square miles, which makes it a little bit bigger than Houston, Texas. There are 841,000 people living there. Water is in abundance in Jacksonville, with the Atlantic Ocean bordering the city to the east and the St. John's River running through the center of town. The convention hotel, the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville-Riverfront, overlooks this river, and ships and yachts dock right out front. The city is home base for several large insurance companies, an Anheuser-Busch brewery, the Maxwell House coffee company, Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceuticals and the Jacksonville Jaguars, a National Football League team. The Jacksonville Suns baseball team is a double-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers. There's also music by the river, lots of local eateries in all price ranges, and some great dinner theaters. There are several colleges and universities, interesting museums, deep-sea fishing, local gambling boats, historical tours and much, much more. Best of all, the citizens of Jacksonville will show you what good old Southern hospitality is all about. Does this sound like a place for some great ACB tours? Yes, Virginia, it is! Our ACB convention tour package for 2006 is one of the most interesting and diverse that I have had the pleasure to put together. I will elaborate in future "Braille Forum" articles, but for right now, here is a quick look at the tours currently planned for the first weekend, July 7, 8 and 9, 2006. 1. We will have a wonderful historical tour to St. Augustine, the oldest organized community in the United States. It was founded in 1565 and existed under several different flags. Learn about the history of the area from a knowledgeable local tour guide. Anecdotal information from the Native American, Spanish, English and U.S.-governed times will be provided. The old fort, the lighthouse, the old schoolhouse and the wishing ponds are some of the places that we hope to visit. This tour will close with some time on St. George Street, a two-block-long promenade, where you will be able to browse in refurbished shops and stores representing the history of the area. 2. We will visit one of the highest-rated minor league baseball stadiums in America to watch the Jacksonville Suns play. Again this year we will be right behind home plate, so that ACB baseball fans can experience the sights and sounds of the game. 3. If we learned anything in Las Vegas, it was that we have one or two ACB members who like to gamble. OK, a lot more than just one or two. It is for these folks, their friends and those who feel that it is their duty to monitor the gambling activities of others that we are scheduling a casino cruise. Yes! Grab your loose change, the family trust and a spare plastic bag and enjoy this five-hour, on-the-water casino experience. Hopefully, upon your return, you will have filled your bag with money that you can spend in the exhibit hall. 4. There will be a special trip for those who like to fish while trolling and who don't mind being in a small boat on the high seas. Each boat will take six fishermen and you will be on the ocean for four hours. 5. Of course, we will have our Saturday and Sunday morning city tours of Jacksonville. A knowledgeable docent from the area will board our bus and fill this three-hour tour with historical information, point out special sites and tell some interesting stories about the city's best-known citizens. There it is, a snapshot of ACB tours on the first weekend of next year's convention. And there's more to come, so watch future issues of "The Braille Forum" for more details. Plan NOW to be in Jacksonville. The first tours happen on July 7, and convention week will be packed with workshops, exhibits, information, tours, and fun! The hotel is easy to get around, the food in the hotel and in the restaurants along the river is wonderful, the convention will be educational, and the tours will be great! Convention week will close on July 15 and send you home with lots of great memories. Room rates are $79 per night plus tax (single, double, triple, and quad). Make reservations by calling 1-800-233-1234 or (904) 588-1234. ***** AFFILIATE NEWS Dixieland Guide Dog Users Holding Workshops Dixieland Guide Dog Users cordially invites you to attend the opening ceremony for our Southern Regional Top Dog Workshops on Friday, January 27, 2006 at the Howard Johnson Riverfront (250 Spring Street, Charleston, S.C.). The celebration begins at 5 p.m. with a reception and the opportunity to meet our invited guests. Plan to attend our moving ceremony, "The Blessing of the Guides," presented by Tim Barrett. Tim, a youth minister from Lafayette, Ga., lost both eyes and his left leg to cancer and he uses a specially trained guide, Penn, for his many travels. He definitely "talks the talk and walks the walk." At 7:30 p.m. Dixieland Guide Dog Users and Charleston Retinal Consultants will present "An Evening with Laurel Jean." Blind since birth, Laurel Jean is a recording artist, creative song writer, experienced lyricist, composer and talented musician and vocalist, as well as a devoted Christian. She honors the Lord by spreading his word through music. Please make your plans to attend. We'd love to see you there! Registration costs $50 per person, and includes all meals on Saturday and a continental breakfast on Sunday. Hotel reservations must be made through the Howard Johnson Riverfront, (843) 722-4000; the rate for this conference is $45 per night plus tax. If you have other questions, call Audrey Gunter at (843) 571-0737. North Carolina State Convention A Success! From identity theft, diabetes education, senior citizens' rights and community activism to library resources for the blind, transportation, radio reading services and effective lobbying, members of the North Carolina Council of the Blind sampled a broad spectrum of informative presentations from a variety of speakers at NCCB's annual state convention in Burlington, Sept. 23-25. ACB immediate past president Paul Edwards was the convention's special guest and keynote speaker. Elected as state officers for the 2005-2007 term were: president, Ron Eller; first vice president, Terry Lewis; second vice president, Lucy Isley; secretary, Allena Eller; and treasurer, Allen Casey. Chosen as at-large board members were Bill Hooper and Rosie Bethea. Is BITS Just For Rocket Scientists? by Rob Hubbard Blind Information Technology Specialists (BITS) invites you to become a member. Our membership includes those using computer technology to enhance their lives, from highly qualified hardware and software developers and specialists to those using a PC simply as a tool to enhance their competency in both work and leisure. As a member of BITS, you are also a member of the national organization, the American Council of the Blind. So what does this mean? It means that whether you are a programmer or a person who just checks e-mail and browses the Internet, you can be a member of BITS! BITS should be and is for everyone. Did you know we have a few members who don't even have a computer but just like to keep up with what is going on in computer-related technology? A while back an article was posted in "The Braille Forum" which said that BITS should not just be for rocket scientists. Well, as our newly elected president, I can tell you it is not! We want any person who has an interest in computing or has an interest in accessibility that involves all types of computer technology to join our organization! We are trying to make sure we represent the whole computing community. Over the years, with the advent of talking cell phones, note takers and the like, it isn't just desktop computers or laptop computers we must have access to. Most of this hardware is designed around computers or a computer chip. So that is why we need professionals to help us figure out all of this complicated gadgetry! After all, who do you call when you have a problem? A pro. So, if you don't really care how it works, you just need your device or software to produce the results you need, or you are a programmer or technically oriented, then you are reading the right article at the right time! This is why I believe the way I do. BITS is for everyone! We will always have the pros around and we will always have the people who don't care about all of the technical stuff. Our goal is equal accessibility for visually impaired people to all facets of computer technology. BITS has an e-mail list, a weekly chat room on Saturdays, a quarterly newsletter called Bytes From BITS, an outstanding technical program at the ACB national convention, and awards the Kellie Cannon scholarship to a worthy student each year. To learn more, see www.acb.org/bits. Dues are $20 for full voting members and $10 for students on a fiscal year of July 1 to June 30. If you are interested in joining our fine organization, you can go to our web page and sign up online and even pay through Paypal. Otherwise, send us your check made out to BITS, along with your full name, address, phone numbers, membership level, and e-mail address. For more membership information, contact our treasurer, Robert Rogers, 1121 Morado Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45238, (513) 921-3186, e-mail rrrogers@nuvox.net. Please contact me at any time with your questions or comments. Phone: (903) 566-0955; e-mail hbb95@aol.com. Safe Travel for Working Teams: Enforce the Law! On behalf of all guide dog handlers who have been the victims of vicious dog attacks and repeated incidents of dog interference, GDUI is proud to present "Safe Travel for Working Teams -- Enforce The Law!" This long-awaited resource presents real-life situations, relevant information about working teams, appropriate response protocol for responding officers and suggested improvements to local regulations that can be implemented to assist responding officers when handling calls involving a working assistance dog team. This informative educational tool for law enforcement agencies and individuals is available in VHS and CD formats by contacting GDUI at 1-888-858-1008 or visiting www.gdui.org. Heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed the time, talent and financial resources to make this much-needed production possible. YAP Program Succeeding The YAP (Youth Awareness Program) began last year at the GCB state convention in Bainbridge, Ga., as an experience to educate both sighted and blind youth about blindness and the opportunities they can enjoy through ACB. And the second year has been as huge a success as the first! Students from all over Georgia participated in many activities of the convention and a speech contest at our state convention in Marietta, Ga. This year's topic was education. The visually impaired students were asked to discuss their education and in their speech answer the question, "What, if anything, has your visual impairment not allowed you to accomplish?" The sighted students were asked to observe the way visually impaired students were taught in their schools and compare their education to the education of visually impaired students. Three students returned from last year (senior Yappers) to help "coach" the new students. The attending members were pleased and proud as we listened to all of the speeches. It was obvious to all that the students had worked hard and they felt a sense of accomplishment. There was a wonderful building of relationships between the members and the Yappers, and encouragement to us that these Yappers are getting involved early in GCB to be our leaders of tomorrow. For more information about this exciting new program, please contact Marsha Farrow at marshafarrow@alltel.net, or YAP Committee Chair Linda Cox at lindabcox@hotmail.com. Cane or Guide Dog Discussion Tapes Available The 2005 convention of the Georgia Council of the Blind featured a panel discussion on use of the white cane versus a guide dog. While many of us have decided which travel method works best for us, there may be times when we want to rethink that decision. Others of us are new to being blind or visually impaired and haven't fully explored the options. Whatever your situation, you'll find this an informative and provocative discussion that brings up the advantages and drawbacks of guide dogs and white canes in a friendly yet sometimes competitive fashion. The presenters were: Lukas Franck, field instructor for the Seeing Eye, Morristown, N.J.; Al Kaufman, mobility instructor for the Center for the Visually Impaired, Atlanta; Anil Lewis from the Client Assistance Project, Atlanta; and Melanie Brunson, executive director of the American Council of the Blind, Washington, D.C. Two-track, regular speed cassette copies are available for $3 from Georgia Guide Dog Users. Make checks payable to GGDU and send your orders in any format to GGDU at 212 Oxford Drive, Savannah, GA 31405-5427. For further information, send e-mail to marjschneider@bellsouth.net. Reagan Lynch Appointed to Youth Advisory Committee Reagan Lynch, a senior political science major at Sul Ross State University and active ACBT member, has been appointed to serve on the Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) of the National Council on Disability (NCD). Reagan is one of seven people selected from a field of over 120 applicants. The appointment is for two years. The YAC provides advice to NCD on various issues. NCD seeks input directly from young people through the YAC to assure that agency activities and policy recommendations respond to the needs of youth with disabilities. Sweet Nothings: Diabetics in Action by Patricia Wolf First, before I start anything else, please let me correct the BIG error I made in the previous "Sweet Nothings" article! I guess I belong to too many Yahoo groups and put in the incorrect address for subscribing to the ACB Diabetics In Action list. The correct address is: acb-diabetics-subscribe@acb.org. I apologize for any frustration you had for failing to be able to subscribe. We look forward to many new subscribers! The holidays are probably the most difficult time of the year for diabetics. Many of us just forget the diabetes during this time of food and drink; this makes us feel guilty and our doctors upset! Here are a few recipes that may ease the carbohydrate torture. Cranberry Salad 1 package diet cherry gelatin 1 cup hot water 1 cup pineapple juice drained from crushed pineapple (use pineapple that is packed in natural juices) 1 cup sugar substitute 1 cup ground raw cranberries 1 cup drained crushed pineapple 1 cup finely chopped celery 1/2 cup nut meats Mix hot water with gelatin; stir thoroughly. Add pineapple juice. While gelatin cools, pour sugar substitute over ground cranberries. When gelatin begins to thicken, add cranberry-sugar mixture, crushed pineapple, celery, and nut meats. Place in mold and chill until firm. Sugar-Free Cranberry Sauce 1 cup Splenda 1 cup water 1 package (12 oz.) cranberries Mix Splenda and water together. Stir until Splenda dissolves. Bring to a boil. Add cranberries, return to boil. Turn down heat and boil berries gently for 10 minutes. Cool completely at room temperature. Then refrigerate. Makes 2 1/4 cups. Low-Carb Cookies 1 stick of butter or margarine 2 oz. cream cheese 2 eggs ¬ cup milk « teaspoon vanilla or any other extract 1 package sugar-free pudding mix (any flavor) 1 cup soy protein powder (any flavor) Let butter and cream cheese soften. Stir in beaten eggs. Add pudding mix, soy protein powder and mix all other ingredients with additional milk. Roll into half-inch balls and gently flatten. Put on lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes. Sprinkle with a little Splenda while still warm. Note: I used vanilla pudding mix, vanilla soy protein powder and peppermint extract. Protein powder is available in such markets as Whole Foods Markets. Pumpkin Angel Food Roll 1 package (16 oz.) angel food mix (the kind you only add water to) 1 cup whole pumpkin 1/4 cup Splenda 1 egg 1 teaspoon cinnamon, divided ¬ teaspoon ginger 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg ¬ teaspoon salt 1 cup low-fat Cool Whip Ground pecans, if desired Make angel food cake as directed on package. Mix together in bowl pumpkin, egg, Splenda and spice mix. Fold in 2 cups of angel food cake mix into pumpkin mixture using whisk. Pour onto a bar pan or jelly roll pan on which an 18-inch length of parchment paper has been placed. Smooth out with a spatula. Then spoon the rest of the cake batter on top, smoothing out with spatula. Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes or until top springs back when touched. Place another pastry paper on a cookie rack. Sprinkle cake with ¬ cup powdered sugar, place rack with parchment paper on cake and carefully flip over. Remove the original parchment paper from cooked cake and carefully roll cake from narrow end, removing parchment paper as you roll. Let cool for half an hour, then cover with whipped topping and pecans if desired. Roll up again. Cut with serrated knife. Serves 12. All of these recipes are reduced in carbohydrates and calories from the original, but are not calorie-free. Have a wonderful holiday! ***** HURRICANE KATRINA CHECK-IN Shortly after Hurricane Katrina made landfall and the first reports were hitting the news, ACB members, chapters and affiliates were working to find news of blind and visually impaired individuals in the Gulf Coast region. To facilitate this, the national office set up a Katrina check-in phone line. If you have evacuated to another area because of the hurricanes, please call in at 1-800-424-8666, extension 12. We have calculated that there are 640 ACB members in the affected region. To date, we have accounted for 252, or 39.2 percent. Fortunately, so far we have received notice of only one confirmed Katrina-related casualty from our membership. We ask that you please call and let us know that you are OK, and how or where to contact you should you need any assistance. We would also like to remind our members that there is a national Katrina Relief Fund available. Once again, I would like the express the concerns and sorrows of everyone here at the national office for those affected and also to express our pride at the perseverance and dedication of the individuals, chapters and affiliates who are working so hard to help. ***** WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR EXTRA HELP TO PAY FOR MEDICARE PRESCRIPTION DRUG PLAN COSTS? Article Courtesy of the Social Security Administration Did you know that in January 2006 a new program will provide the first prescription drug coverage ever offered under Medicare? And did you also know that, if you are a Medicare beneficiary with limited income and limited resources, you may be able to get extra help paying for prescription drug costs? Here's a quick primer of basic information about the new Medicare prescription drug program and the extra help that could be available to you. What will the new Medicare prescription drug program provide? The new Medicare prescription drug plans will help beneficiaries pay for their prescription medicines. The savings will vary, depending upon which plan a beneficiary chooses. In general, for 2006, beneficiaries will pay a monthly premium of about $37 and a yearly deductible of $250. The Medicare plan will help pay for prescription drug purchases (up to a limit of $2,250). But if a beneficiary's total out-of-pocket expenses for drugs reaches $3,600, then Medicare pays 95 percent of the costs for the rest of the year. What will the extra help pay for? For those who qualify, the extra help will reduce or eliminate the monthly premiums, annual deductibles and prescription co-payments under the new prescription drug program. The extra help can save qualified beneficiaries an average of $2,100 per year. Who is eligible for the extra help? People should apply for the extra help if they meet both of the following income and resource limits: -- Have an annual income of $14,355 or less for an individual; or have $19,245 or less as a married couple living together. Annual income can be higher if they support other family members who live with them; have earnings from work; or live in Alaska or Hawaii; and -- Have resources worth $10,000 or less for an individual, or $20,000 or less for a married couple living together. These resource limits can be slightly higher (an additional $1,500 per person) if some of the money will be used for burial expenses. Resources include bank accounts, stocks, bonds, and other things that they own. The value of an applicant's primary residence and any automobiles are not included. (Some beneficiaries will automatically qualify for the extra financial help. Anyone who has both Medicare and Medicaid, or Medicare and Supplemental Security Income, or anyone whose state pays his or her Medicare premiums, will not have to complete an eligibility application.) How can I apply for the extra help? Just complete an application and return it to Social Security. If you did not receive an application for the extra help in the mail, but think you may be eligible, you can complete an application for the extra help online at www.socialsecurity.gov. ***** FALL BOARD MEETING SUMMARY by DeAnna Quietwater Noriega The American Council of the Blind board of directors held its fall meeting in Louisville, Ky. at the Galt House Hotel. All board members were present except M.J. Schmitt, who participated from her hospital bed by speaker phone. The agenda contained 26 items. The board worked hard to keep discussion relevant and move as expeditiously as possible through the diverse issues needing consideration. President Chris Gray mentioned in his report that the months between July and December are particularly lean months for ACB to generate a positive cash flow. He has been working with the committee developing enhancements to the MMS program and taking a greater role working with the American Council of the Blind Enterprises and Services (ACBES) corporation as well. Committee assignments for the 2005-2006 year were almost complete. Gray reported that he has found a chairperson for the finance advisory committee, William Hawkins. Although the board voted some years ago to form such a committee, he felt that he had found a person of the right caliber to give the expertise necessary to advise ACB in its investment decisions. Gray reported that Leonard DuBoff had agreed to serve as ACB's trademark attorney at no cost. ACB would need to pay filing fees for copyrights and trademarks but DuBoff would not charge legal fees. Charlie Hodge made a generous offer to pay filing fees for several ACB names such as "The Braille Forum." M.J. Schmitt had also made the offer to cover filing fees so that no unbudgeted funds needed to be spent to begin protection of ACB copyrights and trademarks. Mitch Pomerantz questioned whether work has been done to put into operation the recommendations to enhance web site accessibility made last year by Laura Oftedahl. Gray replied that steps have been taken but that the work was progressing slowly because a single person was having to make the necessary modifications to improve the web site. Michael Garrett, chair of the ACBES, presented his report. Garrett stated that he felt the ACBES was in a time of transition and that there would be a shortfall from the projected $450,000 for this year. Operating cost containment has helped, but best to worst case projections are for a $90,000 to $190,000 drop in the money ACB can expect to receive. After his report was accepted, the board meeting adjourned to open a corporate meeting of ACBES. The board had a lot of questions for Garrett concerning the whys and wherefores of such a drastic drop in the expected revenues. He felt it was imperative to have a chief financial officer in place for ACB as soon as possible. Besides cost-cutting measures such as letting some staff go, prices on some things have been raised to competitive market levels. Price elasticity needed to be instituted to compensate for increasing fuel costs. The visual aesthetics of the stores have been improved. The board has also looked into the issue of opening stores in better locations and closing unprofitable ventures. Paul Edwards praised Garrett's hard work and stated that the ACBES board had been meeting by conference call weekly for the past two months and was better informed than any previous board on the workings of the corporation. Patrick Sheehan wanted to know what factors contributed to creating this shortfall and asked for a list of the steps being taken to minimize the negative downturn in revenue. Garrett listed increases in lease costs, gasoline prices for the trucks, the need for repairs for the aging fleet of trucks, and the drop in sales due to bad weather. The closing of one location that is not proving profitable and opening in a better location was up for discussion. This must be done with care, as closing costs might be higher than remaining open until an existing lease runs out. An increase in bulk sales is one means of increasing profits that the corporation has taken. Some donations from the thrift stores have gone to aid victims of Hurricane Katrina. Brian Charlson asked for a breakdown of the status of the various thrift stores. Garrett replied that there are nine stores open at this time. Five of them are operating at a profit, three are not, and one is swinging back and forth. He stated that personnel and operating costs have been cut. The aging nature of our fleet of trucks and an unexpected expense to repair air conditioning in one store that should have been covered by the landlord but was not have meant higher expenses. Only 12 of the 14 trucks are rolling, with the other two nearly parted out to keep the others in repair. Oral Miller spoke to the fact that the thrift stores have been declining in their ability to generate revenue for several years and that it was all the more important to have a chief financial officer in the Minneapolis office as soon as possible. Gray moved that the membership of ACBES direct the board of ACB to create a comprehensive set of goals and objectives by which the executive director of ACBES is to be measured. One of the primary goals should be profitability of ACBES. The motion passed unanimously. After some discussion as to which positions on the ACBES board were up for election, Carla Ruschival was elected unanimously. The second position was filled when Mike Godino defeated Paul Edwards, 11 votes to five. Those voting for Godino were Beatty, Bradley, Edwards, Godino, Gray, Keith, Miller, Ruschival, Schmitt, Seliger, and Trott. The votes for Edwards were cast by Charlson, Pomerantz, Sheehan, Soule and Towers. Charlson moved that the ACBES corporate membership require written quarterly reports from the ACBES board of directors. This motion passed. Bob Seliger reported on a situation which has arisen regarding the thrift store formerly owned by ACBES in Des Moines. The store has been advertising that profits go to the blind but has no apparent ties to any blindness-related organization. Edwards gave some background on the sale of the inventory in the store to the landlord who stated that his daughter intended to open a thrift store. Miller suggested that question be taken up with the attorney general of Iowa. The ACBES meeting was adjourned and the ACB board meeting resumed. The first order of business was to review the bids from Denver, Colo. and Louisville, Ky. for the 2008 national convention and possible return to either location at a later date for a two-year contract. Carla Ruschival stated that the two hotels were comparable in accommodations. The Galt House Hotel in Louisville offered sleeping rooms for $85 and suites for $105 for 2008. The bid from the Adam's Mark in Denver was $89 for single or double with an increase for quad occupancy. The Galt House would hold the price for the second year of the contract. The board directed Ruschival to pursue a contract with the Galt House for 2008 and 2012. Denver would be a second choice and she should pursue a bid from them for 2010 or 2011. The board went into executive session to deal with personnel matters during a working lunch. Edwards moved that the board authorize a committee with representatives from the ACBES and ACB boards to conduct interviews and if qualified hire one of the two individuals under consideration for the interim comptroller position at a salary not to exceed the amount paid to our previous CFO, Jim Olsen. Edwards also moved that Melanie Brunson be authorized to negotiate with the Veris Staffing Agency to arrive at mutually acceptable arrangements for benefits and other fees for this position, not exceeding the current percentage allocated to ACB staff. Both motions passed. Godino gave his treasurer's report. By June 2005, there was a deficit of $53,475.55. Brunson reported some additional revenues that were not included in the figures available to Godino. She stated that the lawsuit filed by ACB against the Social Security Administration will involve three plaintiffs. Brunson reported that Terry Pacheco, Brenda Dillon and Mike Smitherman have worked up a list of possible corporate sponsors. She said that the position of editor of "The Braille Forum" has been filled by Sharon Lovering. There was a setback in relieving some of the pressure on the ACB office staff when the person hired to assist with some clerical duties was injured in an automobile accident and will not be able to work. She also stated that some funds have come in to assist with aiding Hurricane Katrina victims and some requests for that aid have also arrived. Ed Bradley brought forward from the MMS Enhancement Committee a change in the operation of the MMS program. In the future, donors could have their charitable deduction divided 50-50 between the ACB and an affiliate of their choice, either state or special-interest. The idea was discussed and passed as a motion. Other recommendations for the committee included having the president convene a conference call of affiliate presidents to promote the MMS program. Also that the program be advertised in "The Braille Forum," on listservs, ACB Radio, and any affiliate newsletters willing to publish an article. Another idea discussed by the MMS Enhancement Committee was that of having a reception for MMS participants. No action was taken on this idea. The next order of business was the selection of the executive committee. Edwards, Pomerantz, Bradley and Trott were selected to serve. Rochelle Hart was elected to serve on the board of publications. David Trott presented the resource development committee report. "The Braille Forum" raffle held during the convention netted $5,600. John Oliveira was given permission to organize a bowling tournament to benefit ACB. Twenty four-member teams would participate. Each team would be charged a $50 fee, which could be paid by an affiliate sponsor. Team members would also be asked to raise $100 in pledges. Trott asked that Charlson be retained as a liaison on the resource development committee from the budget committee. Miller stated that two recommendations were to be presented on the Maxi-Aids issue. The majority report from the committee recommended that ACB take no action. The minority report wished for a ban on Maxi-Aids' participation in exhibiting at convention. Pomerantz moved that Maxi-Aids be banned from exhibiting at ACB conventions for three years. The motion carried on an eight-to-six split with one member absent. The majority votes were cast by Charlson, Edwards, Keith, Miller, Pomerantz, Seliger, Sheehan, and Soule. In opposition were Beatty, Bradley, Godino, Ruschival, Towers, and Trott. The primary issue being debated seemed to be whether ACB should police the business practices of potential exhibitors. Billie Jean Keith presented a report from the Rehabilitation Services Administration Issues Committee, consisting of Pomerantz, Seliger, Brunson, Pam Shaw and herself. The committee produced three documents: a background, a policy statement, and an action plan. Edwards moved that the committee be commended for the work accomplished and that a report be given at midyear if there is further action taken. The motion carried. The next day, Trott and Soule had to leave before all business was completed. Charlson gave the budget committee report. He moved that all new hires be frozen exempting the chief financial officer and the hiring of the acting editor of "The Braille Forum" as editor. The motion carried. The second recommendation was that there not be a November issue of "The Braille Forum." That motion carried with two dissenting votes. Charlson also moved that no further solicitation mailings be sent out with the exception of a single mailing to a list of previous donors. He moved that for this single time, the cap of $50,000 be lifted to $100,000 with the remainder to go into the board-designated reserve. He recommended that the board commit itself to contact at least three affiliates to ask for their support in meeting ACB's financial goals for 2005 and report those contacts to the treasurer. He moved that the exhibit fees at convention be raised to $800. He moved that the convention committee put together a system of room fees for third-party activities at the ACB convention to be implemented this year. Charlson expressed concern over where the funds to purchase software to upgrade the record-keeping at the Minneapolis office were coming from. He moved that board members who serve on the convention committee receive reimbursement only for expenses they would incur for serving on that committee above those they would incur as a board member. The report was accepted and recommendations passed. Brunson asked that requests for items from the national office be made in a timely manner so as to cut FedEx expense for overnighting. Towers moved, and it passed, that if affiliates or officers requested materials with insufficient time for them to be sent free matter, that they be billed for the express mailing fee. Ruschival stated that the Jacksonville hotel charges for room cancellation after April 15. Gray reported from the direct mailing committee. Three mailings have been sent thus far, with an average donation of $25. The report was accepted. The budget committee (composed of Charlson, Godino and Ruschival) was re-elected unanimously. Gray reported on the updating of the Minneapolis office software from an old DOS system to a more modern program. Brunson distributed a draft paper on sponsorships. The report was accepted as well as the idea of seeking sponsorships. Charlson moved the concept be fleshed out by the committee and brought back for final approval within 30 days. Ron Milliman accepted chairmanship of a committee to work on promoting the MMS program. The board decided to hold the presidents' meeting in conjunction with the midyear meeting. The meeting adjourned. ***** IRIS NETWORK APARTMENT BUILDINGS AND CONSUMER CHOICE by Carson Wood The Maine Institute for the Blind, known today as the Iris Network, was born in 1905 as a result of the efforts of the Maine Fraternal Association for the Blind, known today as ACB of Maine, ACB national's oldest affiliate. Presently, the Iris Network stands tall on its own merits, providing services to all of Maine's blind and visually impaired people. The network has recently began the construction of apartments built specifically for people with visual impairments. Contrasting colors that mark the beginning of staircases, good lighting, braille as well as large- print markings, plus other innovations that can make life a little easier for those with visual impairments, have been incorporated into the project. The National Federation of the Blind firmly believes in consumer choice. Consumer choice has been the buzzword when dealing with vocational rehabilitation services. The NFB wants rehab to include NFB centers as alternatives to local vendors for services. I agree that everything in life is a choice. I also believe that all the cards should be laid out on the table when a blind or visually impaired person is seeking a path to a better life. This being said, I question NFB, specifically Dr. Marc Maurer, if he and the NFB really do believe in consumer choice. If Maurer truly believes in consumer choice, I question his opposition to the Iris Network's apartment project he so negatively spoke against at NFB's national convention. I understand the need for blind and visually impaired people to educate the sighted world to the fact that blind and visually impaired people can function in the world and are equal members of society. I don't believe we need to live in chosen discomfort to prove that point when we can make adaptations that make life easier and more pleasant in our private dwellings. If Maurer believes we do need to live in chosen discomfort to prove a point, then perhaps older Americans and people in wheelchairs should choose housing with stairs so everyone can see that they can overcome such barriers. I am fortunate enough to own my own home. But there are many people who are not as fortunate. I love my home because I have lighting, furniture arrangements, and everything else set up just the way I want it. I do not choose to live in discomfort to prove a point to anyone. The Iris Network Apartment Project is a new and exciting idea that fills a need. When completed, there will be consumer choice in housing for blind and visually impaired people in Portland, Maine. ***** LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The contents of this column reflect the letters we had received by the time we went to press, December 12, 2005. Letters are limited to 300 words or less. All submissions must include the author's name and location. Opinions expressed are those of the authors. Unreadable publications in doctors' offices and eye clinics On one of my periodic visits to Duke Eye Center, I observed a number of publications (primarily news magazines) in the Glaucoma Service waiting room. Ironically, only the good Samaritans who provided us transportation to the eye center could read the print materials available. There were no publications directed specifically to the patients. It occurred to me: Why not have the large print edition of "The Braille Forum" available? My suggestion is this: Place copies of "The Braille Forum" in major eye centers in the various states. I have utilized not only Duke but in past years the glaucoma services at Indiana University Medical Center and University of Virginia Hospitals. This would be a service to and a source of information for the patients and, secondarily, a means of raising the profile of ACB in the visual treatment community. Should this endeavor entail additional and possibly burdensome costs, ask the respective state councils to underwrite the effort. I can tell you that the North Carolina Council will gladly participate. The state councils could select the recipient centers and perhaps even establish contacts there for receipt and distribution. This is one of those late-night brainstorms, but I hope you will consider it. By the way, we had a great convention in Las Vegas. Let's do it again! -- Allen Casey, Graham, N.C. Regarding the September Issue Greetings Sharon, I was delighted to find my name and amateur collection of VoiceOver resources mentioned in the current issue of "The Braille Forum," September 2005. I was even more delighted with how fair and balanced I found Paul Edwards' article, "A New Era for Technology." People interested in learning more about the integrated screen reader component of Apple Macintosh OS X would be much better served by being directed to http://www.macvisionaries.com where they will find a robust user community. Please mention this invaluable resource in your next issue. -- Bruce Bailey, Frederick, Md. The Apple computer was the first one I learned to use, in the mid- 1980s. Then along came the Macintosh and PowerBooks, etc. I stayed with them until finally, in 1999 or 2000, I became a reluctant Windows user. When I heard about what Apple was doing with the new Tiger operating system, I was ecstatic and optimistic. I later read Paul Edwards' article in "The Braille Forum" (September 2005), and was interested in the things he said concerning the possible effect this will have on technology. I purchased my Mac in November of 2004, using the Panther operating system; on April 29, I bought the Tiger CD, and the local Mac store installed it. The first thing the installer showed me was how to activate VoiceOver. Once I got home and followed his instructions, I was up and running. In my opinion, there is a bright future ahead for VoiceOver and for those of us who are devoted Apple/Mac fans. Apple is now getting into the cell phone market, and is incorporating its iTunes software into it. Unfortunately, the iPods, which are popular in the sighted world, aren't yet fully accessible, but I believe that we can influence Apple to incorporate VoiceOver technology into the next generation Apple cell phones. It is my hope that Apple will do more than include VoiceOver in their next generation computers; if they are serious players in the cell phone industry, I would like to see them expand their commitment. If they really want to capture the BVI market share, we dedicated Mac users need to get ourselves heard. Thank you, Paul, for your comments and observations. They are food for thought. -- Richie Gardenhire, Anchorage, Alaska Lois Wencil's basic advice about folding paper money is good. Most people I know, however, use a less elaborate folding system for the most- used bills. The point, of course, is to devise a system you can remember and use consistently. I rarely handle currency larger than a $20 bill, so the higher denominations aren't a problem to begin with. Those I did use in the past were folded in very special ways, or put into brailled envelopes until they could be exchanged or deposited. In my experience, most blind people usually leave one-dollar bills flat; fives are folded in half crosswise; tens, lengthwise; twenties in quarters; and anything beyond that is handled in the way one decides. Thank you for another interesting, inspiring issue. -- Phyllis Lackershire, Richland Center, Wis. In reply to a previous letter to the editor This will serve as a follow-up to Dawn Maxey's letter to the editor regarding our experience with Steve and Patty Yarman in Mexico. She said you did not do your homework, but it is Dawn who needed to do more homework. For the information of your readers, the Sheraton Buganvilias was totally out of line in the action they took. Prior to our trip to Puerto Vallarta, I had confirmed twice with the manager at the resort that we were traveling with our guide dogs. This was done by telephone and followed up by e-mail. We were assured there would be no problem. At the time we were forced to leave, the manager lied to us about the local restrictions regarding guide dogs in that we later learned there are no restrictions. Theresa Duncan of Guide Dogs for the Blind has taken her dog there a number of times. If they had told us up front that we could not bring our dogs, we would not have gone. While it is true that Roosevelt (Patty's dog) did go out of the room and did relieve on the property, he did not cause any problems (did not go in the pool) and Patty did pick up after him. We were treated very shabbily. It was only because we were afraid they would take our dogs that we knuckled under to their demands and left the resort. We would hope that all members of ACB boycott Sheraton Hotels. They have refused to do anything about the situation and will not even respond to our letters. -- Lynn Boulter, Salt Lake City, Utah ***** HERE AND THERE by Sue Lichtenfels The announcement of products and services in this column is not an endorsement by the American Council of the Blind, its staff, or elected officials. Products and services are listed free of charge for the benefit of our readers. "The Braille Forum" cannot be held responsible for the reliability of products and services mentioned. To submit items for this column, send a message to info@acb.org, or call ACB at 1-800-424-8666 and leave a message in mailbox 26. Please remember that postal regulations prohibit us from including advertisements, and that we need information two months ahead of actual publication dates. INTERNATIONAL BLIND CURLING EVENT The Canadian Council of the Blind is hosting an international blind curling event during its White Cane Week, Feb. 5-11, 2006. International Blind Curling Bonspiel will be held in Ottawa, Ontario, and is limited to 16 teams (10 from Canada, 6 international). Entry fees are $3,000 Canadian per team, and include airfare, all meals, prizes, souvenirs, two hockey games, hotel accommodations, transportation from and to the airport, a city tour, a tour and meal at the Canadian War Museum, a reception, opening ceremony, VIP reception area at the curling club, a picture and autograph session with Eddie "The Wrench" Werenich (former Canadian and world curling champion), and an awards banquet. For more information, or registration forms, call the Canadian Council of the Blind, 1-877-304-0968, or e-mail ccb@national.net. EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES In July, a presidentially appointed Council released a report that includes eight recommendations for coordination-based solutions that will better integrate people with disabilities into the nation's disaster and emergency preparedness, response and recovery efforts. The report announced the launch of the "Disability and Emergency Preparedness Resource Center," a web site resource for both people with disabilities and emergency preparedness planners. The Council's report and the disability resource center can be found at www.DHS.gov/DisabilityPreparedness. Additional disability-related emergency guidelines are available through the Department of Labor at www.DOL.gov/odep/ and the Department of Transportation at www.dotcr.ost.dot.gov/asp/emergencyprep. RFB&D INVESTS IN THE FUTURE Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic (RFB&D) and CAST, developer of technology-based education resources, have signed a three-year partnership agreement to advance learning technologies that provide students with disabilities greater access to high-quality educational content and to ensure that these tools get into the hands of the students who need them. HOLIDAY GIFT IDEA AND FUNDRAISER TOO Carmela's Gourmet, owned by blind entrepreneur Carmela Cantisani, is offering a special holiday fund-raiser for ACB. Purchase her six gourmet salad dressings at the special wholesale price of $25 or a $25 gift certificate and she will donate $5 to the ACB. These award-winning dressings are made with all natural ingredients, no sugar, low sodium and are cholesterol-free. Current flavors include: vinaigrette authentique, balsamic vinaigrette, low-fat Proven‡ale vinaigrette, low-fat California Caesar, low- fat roasted garlic fantasy, and low-fat Mediterranean mystique vinaigrette. To order the dressings or the gift certificate, please send your check to Carmela's Gourmet, 415 English Avenue, Monterey, CA 93940, or call (831) 373-6291. Be sure to mention ACB when you order. DISABILITY FILM FESTIVAL SUPERFEST is the primary international festival for films that portray disability culture and experience in all its rich diversity. They seek works about disability produced since January 1996, especially those created by disabled filmmakers. A half-inch VHS-NTSC preview format or DVD is required, along with a completed entry form, signed release, and entry fee. For forms or more details, visit www.culturedisabilitytalent.org or call (510) 845-5576. The submission deadline is Jan. 31, 2006. ALL ABOARD! Cruise the Eastern Caribbean with the creators of "Cooking Without Looking" as they tape the pilot of a new show, "Here and There," which discusses travel for people with disabilities. The Holland America MS Zuiderdam will sail Feb. 25-March 4, 2006. Prices start at $912 per person with proceeds benefitting the World Vision Fund. Reserve cabins at (772) 336-8747. For more information, call Renee at the WVF, 1-888-290-7005. CROSS-COUNTRY SKI OPPORTUNITIES Sierra Regional Ski for Light is now accepting applications for its 2006 ski season. The schedule includes: Three one-day trips and the 14th annual three-day event held at the Tahoe/Donner Cross Country Ski Resort in Truckee, California. Skiers of all levels are welcome. For more information, go to www.srsfl.org. Contact Betsy Rowell at (916) 362-5557 or montbets@pacbell.net. NATIONAL BRAILLE PRESS OFFERS A SWEET DEAL Now you can purchase two chapters of Baking Illustrated for only $14 when purchased together. Chapter 1 includes 49 recipes for breads, biscuits, muffins and scones (reg $10) and Chapter 6 contains 19 recipes for crisps, cobblers, and other fruit desserts (reg $6). NBP also offers the Diabetic Desserts Cookbook for $6. Read the list of recipes at www.nbp.org. Send orders to NBP, 88 St. Stephen Street, Boston, MA 02115 or call 1- 800-548-7323. MEGIVERNS AUTOGRAPH 'PEOPLE OF VISION' Autographed copies of "People of Vision" are now available for $25 each. Let Jim and Marjorie Megivern know how many books, what you want written inside, and where to send them when you e-mail: Jimmeg2@aol.com; phone (828) 883-4280, or write: 309 College View Court, Brevard, NC 28712. BROKEN EYES "Broken Eyes" is a collection of short stories written by Mack W. Riley, a longtime ACB member and former president of the ACB of California. Each copy costs $14.95, plus $3 shipping and handling. For more information, or to order, contact Lea Seelig Riley at PO Box 1414, Beverly Hills, CA 90213; e-mail mlsr7777@sbcglobal.net, or visit www.mackriley.com. ADOPTION MEANS LOVE "Adoption Means Love: Triumph of the Heart" by Michelle Madrid-Branch, is a powerful compilation of stories from people across the country and around the world that have been personally touched by the miracle of adoption. Among those contributing stories are: Art Buchwald, Ridley Pearson, and Dr. Nancy Snyderman. Contact Imal Wagner by e-mail at authors@comcast.net. HADLEY APPOINTS NEW PRESIDENT The Hadley School for the Blind has named Charles E. Young as its new president. Young was administrator of the Oregon Commission for the Blind from 1979 to 2000. For the past five years, he has worked as a consultant specializing in employment and leadership programs for people with disabilities. TEXT ENLARGEMENT & SPEECH IN ONE Magnify OutLoud provides both text enlargement and screen reading capability all in one. The system is designed for individuals on limited budgets and/or with limited computer skills. The 20 pre-programmed keyboard buttons give the user immediate access to e-mail, documents, calculator, calendar, Internet, and more. For additional information on this $295 system, visit www.colligo.us; call 1-888-647-3404; or e-mail larryt@colligo.us. COLOR MOUSE NOW AVAILABLE Bierley has recently announced the availability of its newest hand-held magnifier. The Color Mouse USB connects to any USB 2.0 port to magnify traditional printed materials as well as packets, boxes, and cans. The Color Mouse USB glides over print just as a computer mouse. It displays images in full color in its own window for easier use. For more information about pricing and product features, visit Bierley at www.Bierley.com, or call (408) 224-8188. NEW ACCESSIBLE MEDIA TOOL eClipseWriter is a new software tool that turns any electronic text document into a DAISY digital audio talking book in a matter of minutes. The package includes a production tool to make digital talking books, a playback tool to read and study them, and a high quality synthetic voice engine to read them aloud. eClipseWriter retails for $299. Visit www.irti.net/intro/index.html or call 1-800-322-4784. ***** HIGH TECH SWAP SHOP FOR SALE: Handy Tech Mod 80 braille display. Not used much. Asking $3,000. Contact Louis Herrera at (818) 894-3722 or via e-mail, lherrera@gte.net. FOR SALE: Telesensory Aladdin Pro 75 video magnifier model AL74 with 14-inch monitor. Purchased October 2001 and used 14 months. Asking $1,300 including shipping. Call Joan Strachan at (804) 739-2542. FOR SALE: Optelec Spectrum color CCTV with 20" high-contrast CRT monitor; utilizes "tilting screen" mechanism for maximum comfort and visibility. Features a smooth riding table, large enough to accommodate a book or magazine. Magnification up to 60X. New, hardly used, with original boxes and manual. Asking $1,900 or best offer. Shipping included. Telesensory Chroma SVGA which features a smooth riding table, large enough to accommodate a book or a magazine. Monitor not included, but can easily connect to any computer monitor. Includes manual and cables. Shipping included. Asking $500 or best offer. Call Saleh at (408) 263-5015 or e- mail salehbhai2000@yahoo.com. FOR SALE: PAC Mate model QX400 with all cables and manuals. Like new; no longer needed. Also includes 128-meg memory card and another memory card. Asking $1,500 including shipping. Braille 'n Speak 2000 with quick reference manual and disk drive. Both have soft vinyl cases that close with Velcro closures. Asking $800 including shipping. Contact Carolyn Johnson at (727) 549-8830 or via e-mail, cjohns27@verizon.net. FOR SALE: One Maestro HP4150 PDA. Includes HP Bluetooth external keyboard, card reader, and 512-meg storage card. Asking $700. If interested, please contact Rodney Neely by phone, (703) 319-0881, or by e- mail, blindlion@verizon.net. FOR SALE: Braille Blazerfor $1,000. Price negotiable. Contact Barb Mattson, 519 E. Main St. #8, Spartanburg, SC 29302. Phone (864) 585-7323; e- mail ka4uiv@juno.com. FOR SALE: Braillex 2-D braille display. Works with JAWS, Window-Eyes and other screen readers. In good condition. Has power cable and data cable; no software needed. Asking $1,299 plus shipping. Braille Telephone mobile phone organizer, best for deaf-blind person. Can send SMS. In excellent condition. Asking $2,525. Bookworm. Can hold up to 28 braille volumes. Has only eight-character braille display. Comes with manuals, software, cable and charger. Asking $999 plus shipping. Alva 380 80-cell braille display, in excellent condition. Works with all major screen readers. Comes with manual, software, cables and charger. Asking $2,500 plus shipping. Alva 320 20-cell braille display. Needs new battery, otherwise in excellent condition. Asking $300 plus shipping. Elba notetaker. Excellent condition. $2,500 or best offer. Contact Isaac Obie, 755 Tremont St., Apt. #205, Boston, MA 02118; phone (617) 247-0026, or e- mail iobie@panix.com. FOR SALE: Screenless laptop computer with first version of Laptalk. Includes Pentium 3 processor, 512 MB of ram, 20-gig hard drive, one floppy drive, one CD read-only drive, external keypad, external power cord, and custom carrying case. Speech software could be included. Asking $300. Laptop computer with Pentium 4 processor, 512 MB of RAM, 3 USB ports, external monitor port, 60-gig hard drive, external keypad, and notetaker carrying case. No monitor. Asking $700. If interested, please contact Rodney Neely at (703) 319-0881 or via e-mail, blindlion@verizon.net. FOR SALE: Alva braille display. It has 42 cells and is in good condition. Asking $2,000 or best offer. E-mail Josh Kennedy at jkenn337@kutztown.edu or call (610) 894-5655 or (610) 858-5204 if interested. FOR SALE: Canon 6016 photocopier with ink cartridges, paper, and user's manuals. Asking $500. Call Mrs. Robinson at (303) 936-6699 (work) or (303) 934-8601 (home). FOR SALE: Voice Note BT. Includes carrying case and charger. It has the older motherboard, but it can be upgraded by Humanware. Battery is in good condition. Asking $500. Contact Bruce Coonce at (512) 396-4382 or by e-mail at dc06@txstate.edu. FOR SALE: Braille writer with Dymo tape holder and carrying case. Asking $550 including shipping. Talking calculator, $300. Contact Rosemir at (925) 798-3395. FOR SALE: Full Elvis Presley record collection, $110. Six-year-old talking PC, includes everything. $250 (negotiable). Contact Amber at (206) 312-7264. FOR SALE: Juliet interpoint braille embosser. Serviced and updated in 2001, only run about two hours since then. Asking $1,800. Contact LeRoy Saunders at (405) 947-8892 or leroy103@cox.net. FOR SALE: Vintage Scrabble games for $69 each. Perkins Braillers starting at $215. Braille Christmas cards for $1.75 each or 10 for $15. Braille cookbooks and an RCA TV/radio for $30. Write to Lela Behee at 1915 S. Milam Street, Amarillo, TX 79109, phone (806) 220-2802 or e-mail kc5mpu@sbcglobal.net. FOR SALE: Braille Lite Millennium 40 braille notetaker with carrying case, power adaptor-charger, computer interface cable, Windisk 3.5, software and manuals. Unit has new battery and latest firmware (version 4.5). Unit is in excellent physical, cosmetic and working condition. Asking $2,000 plus $25 shipping, handling and insurance. Payments accepted are Paypal, money orders or cashier's checks. Contact Don for more info or to arrange payments at donaldjjr@cox.net or 288 Corrydale Drive, Pensacola, FL 32506; phone (850) 457-8131. ACB OFFICERS PRESIDENT CHRISTOPHER GRAY 94 RAMONA AVE. SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103 FIRST VICE PRESIDENT M.J. SCHMITT 119 SHELL EDGE DR ROCHESTER, NY 14623 SECOND VICE PRESIDENT MITCH POMERANTZ 1115 CORDOVA STREET #402 PASADENA, CA 91106 SECRETARY DONNA SELIGER 3912 SE 5TH ST DES MOINES, IA 50315 TREASURER MIKE GODINO 104 TILROSE AVE MALVERNE, NY 11565-2024 IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT PAUL EDWARDS 20330 NE 20TH CT. MIAMI, FL 33179 ACB BOARD OF DIRECTORS Alan Beatty, Fort Collins, CO Ed Bradley, Houston, TX Brian Charlson, Watertown, MA Billie Jean Keith, Arlington, VA Oral Miller, Washington, DC Carla Ruschival, Louisville, KY Patrick Sheehan, Silver Spring, MD Naomi Soule, St. Louis, MO Cynthia Towers, Seattle, WA David Trott, Talladega, AL BOARD OF PUBLICATIONS Mike Duke, Chairman, Jackson, MS Cindy Burgett, Bremerton, WA Rochelle Hart, Sioux Falls, SD Charles Hodge, Arlington, VA DeAnna Noriega, Colorado Springs, CO Ex Officios: Ralph Sanders, Las Vegas, NV Janelle Edwards, Manhattan, KS