Vol. 32, No. 10
DECEMBER 2007

THE MID-FLORIDA VOICE
A publication of Mid-Florida Council of the Blind


TABLE OF CONTENTS
MESSAGE FROM MFCB PRESIDENT SHELLEY JUSTICE
NEXT MFCB MEETING - ANNUAL HOLIDAY LUNCHEON
MFCB NOVEMBER GENERAL MEETING REVIEW
TRANSFORMATION
AN UPDATE ON ACCESSIBLE CURRENCY SITUATION
FCB E-MAIL DISCUSSION LIST AND VOICE CHAT ROOMS
MFCB ON THE WORLD WIDE WEB
READ THIS TO ME
SEARS FOR CHRISTMAS
MEMBERSHIP - from Jay Bader
BIRTHDAY PEOPLE


MESSAGE FROM MFCB PRESIDENT SHELLEY JUSTICE

Season’s Greetings, MFCB Members and Friends,

My message to you in this issue deals primarily with our Newsletter. This will be my final President’s Message before the MID-FLORIDA VOICE goes to a bi-monthly newsletter. After January 2008, there will not be another issue of the VOICE until March 2008. This was agreed on by both the MFCB Executive Board and the General Membership earlier this year. We believe this will be a better arrangement.

However, we always welcome input from our Members. If you have reason to believe the bi-monthly issues of the MID-FLORIDA VOICE are not satisfactory, or if you read anything in the Voice that causes you to have questions or concerns of any kind, please feel free to address your concerns to me, or to any of your MFCB Officers. Remember that this is your Newsletter, and it is our wish to make it interesting and informative reading for all Members.

I thank the Chapter Members for their work and participation during the past year. I especially thank the Chapter Members for expressing their confidence in me by reelecting me to another term as Chapter President. The coming year will be a busy one, so get ready.

In the meantime, I hope to see each and every one of you at our Annual Holiday Luncheon, to be held on December 1st at Logan’s on Sand Lake Road. Please come; bring a friend; bring family members. Come with a hardy appetite and a spirit of good cheer.

I wish to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I’m looking forward to working with you all in the coming year.


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NEXT MFCB MEETING - ANNUAL HOLIDAY LUNCHEON

The next Meeting of MFCB will be the Annual Holiday Luncheon, which this year will be held on Saturday, December 1st, 2007, at Logan's Roadhouse, 3060 West Sand Lake Road, Orlando, FL 32819, from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM.  The phone number at this Logan's location is (407) 351-4599.  It is highly recommended that if anyone uses paratransit, please plan your rides accordingly.

Logan's is known for great mesquite-grilled steaks, ice-cold longnecks, mouthwatering, made-from-scratch yeast rolls, and bottomless buckets of in-shell peanuts.  The high-quality, moderately-priced menu features over 30 entrees, including aged steaks, hand-cut fresh on premises, mesquite-grilled chicken, fresh-ground steak burgers, baby-back ribs, seafood, and specialty salads made from only the freshest ingredients.  Gratuity will be included in the total for food.

The Annual Holiday Luncheon is the opportunity for MFCB to celebrate the holidays with its Members and Guests, as well as collect for a Love Offering to a worthwhile cause.  A fun time is always had by all who attend, so Members, if you have any last-minute questions after the Membership/Telephone Committee contacts you concerning attendance to the Annual Holiday Luncheon, especially about the great food at Logan's, contact Activities Chairperson Patti Land at (407) 521-9047.



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MFCB NOVEMBER GENERAL MEETING REVIEW

29 Members and Guests attended the MFCB November General Meeting, held on November 10th at William Booth Tower in downtown Orlando.  After the Pledge of Allegiance, MFCB President Shelley Justice had those in attendance introduce themselves.

Then after the Secretary's and Treasurer’s Reports were read and approved (with a motion made and approved that the September General Meeting Minutes would have one correction from what was read), Shelley thanked those who helped with the local White Cane Safety Event, held October 15th in south Orlando, as well as to MFCB for helping offset costs in attending the 2007 FCB Mid-Year Board Meeting at the Sheraton Safari in Lake Buena Vista.  Paul Hutsko asked if there were visual restrictions for the Offices of President and the Vice Presidents.  Shelley said that those offices must be held by those who are blind or have Low Vision, as is noted in the MFCB By-Laws.

  The Annual Election of MFCB Officers then took place.  Here are the results of that Election:

President - Shelley Justice (by acclimation for her 2nd term)
1st Vice President - Patti Land (who won over Sheila Young in a runoff)
2nd Vice President - Bill Freeman (by acclimation for his 4th and final term)
Recording Secretary - Larry Turnbull (by acclimation)
Treasurer - Dan Spoone (by acclimation)
Membership Secretary - Jay Bader (by acclimation)

Congratulations to those elected as MFCB Officers for 2008.

Shelley thanked those Members in attendance for re-electing her to another term.  She then talked about pursuing a goal for MFCB in the coming year:  bringing in New Members and increasing participation from existing Members.  She added that these are key in maintaining and growing MFCB as an organization.

Shelley then talked about her dual membership with MFCB and the National Federation of the Blind-Greater Orlando Chapter (NFB-GOC).  She said she had no problem with dual membership with the organizations in general, and her heart is with our national organization, the American Council of the Blind (ACB).  However, due to concerns with how her time is devoted to her job as well as to the organization, Shelley announced that she will not renew her NFB membership for 2008.  She feels that is what is best for our chapter.

Shelley then opened the floor for committees to report.  For the Activities Committee, newly-elected 1st Vice President and Activities Chairperson Patti Land told about how the Committee tried for over a week to secure a place for the Annual Holiday Luncheon.  Due to many locations having problems with Saturday reservations, this year's MFCB Annual Holiday Luncheon returns to Logan's Roadhouse, 3060 West Sand Lake Road in south Orlando.  It will take place the first Saturday in December, which is December 1st.  Gratuity will be included in the checks, but there is no Love Offering planned as of yet.  So Patti recommended Members contact her as soon as possible with suggestions for this year's Love Offering.

Patti added that the phone number at Logan's is (407) 351-4599.  And it is highly recommended that if anyone uses paratransit to plan rides accordingly.  Arline Graham asked if a later time could have been considered for this Luncheon.  Patti responded that there would be many complications with paratransit if the Luncheon would have been scheduled for any later in the day.

For the Fundraising Committee, Leslie Spoone announced that the November fundraiser would consist of a raffle, with the 1st Prize being 2 tickets to the Orlando Magic-Miami Heat game on November 24th, 2nd Prize of a $10.00 gift card to Family Dollar and 3rd Prize being a can of whole cashews.

For the Membership/Telephone Committee, Membership Secretary Jay Bader reported that the Annual Membership Drive is almost over. He thanked all who joined MFCB this year as well as those who renewed their memberships.  Leslie then told that Eddie Lee has not been receiving his Newsletters for some time, and has told her about it.  Jay said he was never told about that and will contact Eddie to see that the matter is taken care of.

Also, Jay thanked everyone who has wished Rachel well in her new endeavor in Illinois, as she left a few days before this Meeting.  He added that Rachel will be greatly missed by MFCB but has renewed her membership to at least stay in touch with what is happening locally while she resides in the Midwest.

For the Transportation Committee, Shelley announced, on behalf of Nicole Hugues who was again unable to attend due to prior commitments, there will be a Public Hearing regarding the proposed rate increases for Lynx and Access Lynx.  Chuck Graham, a Guest at the Meeting, added that this will especially be included in the Lynx Board Meeting on December 6th.  However, for those who cannot attend, Chuck recommended Members call (407) 254-6150 to express concerns.  As it stands, effective January 6th, 2008, the following rates will apply:

Fixed Route: $1.75 (free for those who are blind)
Paratransit under ADA within 3/4 mile of a bus stop: $3.50
Paratransit under ADA beyond 3/4 mile of a bus stop: $6.00

Shelley added that there was a panel discussion that took place during this year's FCB Mid-Year Board Meeting that would prove to be quite timely, given the current transportation situation.  She said especially that MFCB Members need to try and make the fixed-route bus system more useful for the blind and visually impaired in our area.  Those efforts need to be made consistently as we head into the next year.

Shelley then talked with those in attendance about what was discussed during the MFCB Executive Board Meeting held the Thursday night before this General Meeting.  She began by telling Members the ACB National Convention will be coming to Orlando in 2009.  There is much to be done, so MFCB needs to be prepared and start planning as early as the next General Meeting as to who can commit to helping out on the Host Committee that will be formed soon.

She continued by talking about the 2008 FCB Annual Convention, which will take place May 15th-18th in Jacksonville.  Shelley discovered that travel can be made by train, as Amtrak has daily rates from Orlando to Jacksonville, with those rates as low as $18.00 for persons with disabilities.  However, the train would not arrive in time for those interested in the Thursday activity of Convention.  In addition, there are only 2 trains that leave before 12 NOON.

Shelley also said that FCB is considering at least 1 bus to take Members statewide to Jacksonville.  The state affiliate needs to know how many MFCB Members would use it.  If enough Members are interested, there could be 2 buses FCB will use to get people to next year's Convention.  Members need to take note that the bus fare could be around $70.00.

She continued with matters that were discussed during the Executive Board Meeting by focusing on the frame MFCB would consider for purchase for the Certificates of Appreciation presented to those companies who helped with this year's White Cane Safety Day.  Shelley reported that the MFCB Executive Board approved these as long as the cost did not exceed $75.00 total.  The discussion ranged from David Land asking if money from the White Cane Fund could be used to purchase the frames, which Shelley responded that the Fund would help in planning next year's Event, to Treasurer Dan Spoone saying that MFCB should be able to pay up to $120.00 for these frames.

Shelley mentioned that it was brought to her attention the Old Time Pottery location on West Colonial Drive could be the best place for purchasing the Certificate Frames.  She was concerned that if she was to be reimbursed, Shelley said that she could not afford more than paying $75.00 for these Frames.  Dan then said he would go to buy them.  Sheila Young made a motion for payment of the Certificate Frames, which was approved.  Shelley said she will contact Dwight Sayer of NFB-GOC and Blinded Veterans to find out what needs to be done and when payment would be made.  Leslie added that she will put them together.

Shelley then reminded Members about the change in publication of THE MID-FLORIDA VOICE.  The MFCB Newsletter will go to a bi-monthly (every other month) schedule as of January 2008.  Talk then turned to who beyond MFCB Members would receive the e-mail version of the Newsletter, given the recent situation regarding reaction about dual membership of those nominated for President and the Vice Presidents.  The Executive Board decided to continue with no changes made; however, Sheila made clear that the Newsletter should not be replied to by anyone.  Shelley added that if anyone has concerns to contact any MFCB Executive Board Member.  2nd Vice President Bill Freeman only said that this was very embarrassing to MFCB, with Shelley responding that it was time to move on from this point.

And Shelley said that it was not too early at all to sell FCB Raffle Tickets, as she brought plenty to the General Meeting.  Leslie requested 300 of them, which were gladly given to her before the end of the Meeting.

Sheila then mentioned that the brother of a friend to MFCB, Mana Bijani, was in a recent car accident.  When her mother heard of what happened, she suffered a heart attack.  As of the day of the General Meeting, both were in Halifax Medical Center in Daytona Beach. Sheila requested all in attendance keep that family in their thoughts and prayers.

With no other Business to bring up, the Business part of the General Meeting adjourned, and the November Fundraiser was drawn, which raised a total of $59.00:

Heat-Magic Tickets for November 24th and Parking Pass - Sheila Young
$10.00 Family Dollar Gift Card - Scott Larson
Can of Cashews - Gay Elliott

The following Door Prizes were awarded, all of which were in different colored Horror Bags:

Gray Bag (included Flashlight, Military Set and Bobcats-Magic Tickets with Parking Pass for November 23rd) - Jay Bader
Blue Bag (included Pencil with Eraser and Bag of Paper Shreds) - Sarah Brown
White Bag (included Superman Billfold, Candle and Flashlight) - Craig Marquis
Black Bag (included 5-piece Manicure Set, Elvis Glasses and Mini Bubble Gun Set - Betty Sparrow
 
Congratulations to all Door Prize Winners!

With no Guest Speaker for the November General Meeting, Members and Guests enjoyed the pizza and drinks served.


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TRANSFORMATION

The American Council of the Blind (ACB) is the national organization that MFCB represents in the Orlando area.  Many Members do not follow what is happening on a national level, some of which affects us greatly on a local level.  In the following, there are names mentioned that may not be familiar to many but are influential in ACB.

The following is reprinted with permission from the November 2007 issue of the ACB Newsletter, The Braille Forum:

FROM YOUR PERSPECTIVE: TRANSFORMATION
by Rick Morin

(Braille Forum Editor's Note: "From Your Perspective" is a column that appears occasionally.  Its contents vary from technology to religion, from internal goings-on to items of concern in the blindness field in general.  The opinions expressed are those of the authors, not those of the American Council of the Blind, its staff or elected officials.  "The Braille Forum" cannot be held responsible for the opinions expressed herein.)

I am 53 and relatively new to ACB. I've been working with my state affiliate (the Bay State Council of the Blind) closely over the last 18 months and am very thankful for the mentorship and coaching I've received. I've learned a lot about the history and tradition of ACB, but find myself questioning why certain things are done the way they are.

I'm a 30-year veteran of the corporate world and have held many mainstream positions and continue my successful career that is not related to my disability.

One of the most overused catch-words in business these days is "transformation."  Businesses need to be responsive to changing times and conditions. The path to transforming any organization is never a straight line and is never achieved in a single step. It is relatively easy to define the "future state," but the journey from current to future state is extremely difficult; many executives fail because they are unable to lead their organizations through change to stay responsive to current market conditions.

Ken Stewart, the wise man that he is, told me early on in my ACB life that change is accomplished in increments, or as he says, being an "incrementalist."  I philosophically agree with this but often find myself arguing that we settle and accept baby steps when we could move things further faster if we are a bit more aggressive and tap into the energy of fresh blood from diverse backgrounds.

I submit that we should be more willing to take educated risks. It is easy to over-think things in long, protracted debates that have a tendency to alienate many. Let's decide things expeditiously, recognizing that a lot of things happen between conventions, take decisive action, and when we occasionally err, fix the problem. Those who take risks are right the vast majority of the time and advance things faster. Those who are risk-averse tend to focus on process to arrive at the elusive perfect solution and decision-making can be slowed down to a crawl.

One of the greatest contributions leaders make to the success of many organizations, be it profit or non-profit, staffed with volunteers or otherwise, is to embrace diversity in its truest sense. When diversity is valued, things will change over time.

Diversity means that not everyone is like-minded. Leaders need to embrace diversity and promote it in their actions. Change requires an environment receptive to change and as much as we say we are a grass roots organization, the leaders have much more impact on the prevailing environment within ACB than we may want to admit.

Being receptive to change does not mean that you change everything. It is a cultural and attitudinal attribute. Dynamic organizations tend to grow. Those perceived as set in their ways and dismissive to considering change tend not to attract new members or grow by attracting more like-minded people. There is a great danger in discouraging people from questioning the status quo, even when one is convinced that certain things are sacred and will never change. Highly motivated and driven people react very negatively to things that are unilaterally decided or perceived as such, and to the notion that certain things "just can't/won't change."

Leaders cannot mandate change, but they can stifle change and drive certain people away. It is the unwillingness to change that causes groups of people to be expelled from other organizations.

It is important that we understand how ACB has arrived at this point. Ray Campbell's insistence that we read "People of Vision" is extremely good advice and I encourage all folks to read it.

There has been much dialogue about ACB's election process.  I personally do not understand why the standing and delegate votes are combined. The delegate vote, if done consistently and not allowing members in multiple affiliates to cast multiple votes, should represent the will of all of ACB's membership, including those who cannot attend the convention. The standing vote could easily subvert the delegate vote.

I suggest that we evaluate tallying the standing vote and delegate vote separately. If the outcome of each is different, the election should be declared a stalemate and another means used to derive the final outcome.  I'm not sure what that mechanism would be but I am sure we could find one if we agree to the concept.

I recommend we study the election results over the last 20 years, separating the standing vote and delegate vote. This would give us some interesting facts to consider when evaluating whether change is needed in the election process. I suspect that this may already have been looked at. If so, please pass the findings on to everyone who is interested in seeing them.

I recognize that there are many factors that must be considered before changing something as vital as our election process. The reason the issue is being debated at all is that there are constituencies within ACB who feel disenfranchised. We owe it to those who are disenfranchised to study how they can be brought into the mainstream, recognizing that there are multiple reasons for such disenfranchisement that may require different means to reach these people.

I submit that disenfranchisement is the "core" issue. How do we not lose sight of the core issue?   I salute the young members of ACB who are asking a ton of questions and encourage you to do more. These folks have a clarity of vision that comes with being young. Let's do all we can to embrace these new folks and let them force us all to look at things from perspectives that perhaps we had not considered before or in a while. The idealism of youth does not mean "know-it-all" any more than does wisdom derived from a lifetime of experiences.

We all need to get out of our comfort zones.  I know it's risky to do so, but nothing ventured, nothing gained.

I challenge everyone in ACB to mentor someone and help them be successful in ACB and life. My simple definition of mentorship is taking an active interest in someone else and assisting them to be successful. One plus one equals three. The mentor and mentee both have much to gain and can learn much from each other. For those entering the organization, go out and actively seek a mentor.

The fact that I am free to express these opinions and believe that others will listen to them is what makes me proud to be a member of ACB.


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AN UPDATE ON ACCESSIBLE CURRENCY SITUATION

As many of you know, the American Council of the Blind (ACB) has been patiently awaiting to have the appeal filed by the U.S. Department of Treasury heard regarding the decision made back in late November 2006 by Judge James Robertson, in the Federal District Court for the District of Columbia.  This judgment was in favor of ACB in finding the U.S. Department of Treasury in violation of Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act for failing to provide accessible print currency in a format usable by blind and visually- impaired Americans.  On November 19th, 2007, ACB Executive Director Melanie Brunson posted a message to the Listserv of the American Council of the Blind updating ACB Members on the situation.  It is reprinted with permission, as it was forwarded to the FCB Listserv:

This morning a three-judge panel from the United States Court of Appeals, District of Columbia Circuit, heard oral arguments in ACB's suit against the United States Treasury Department.  Presentations were made by lawyers for both the Treasury Department and ACB in defense of the positions they had previously taken in their written briefs.  The judges peppered the lawyers with questions throughout the proceeding.  A brief statement was also made by an attorney representing the National Federation of the Blind, who asserted that blind people already have access to United States Currency and that the government has begun to take steps to make it more distinguishable by people with low vision.  Therefore, access is not a problem, and besides, this issue is not that important to their membership.

As usual, Jeff Lovitky, arguing ACB's case, did an admirable job in setting forth our position that people who are blind do not currently have meaningful access to U.S. currency, that the decision of the District Court was appropriate, and that we need a court order that will result in the Treasury Department having to come up with a plan for addressing the accessibility issues surrounding paper currency.

At this point, we are engaged in another waiting game.  Mr. Lovitky estimated that it could take as long as six months to get the decision from the Circuit Court.  We will advise you as soon as we hear anything further on the subject.

MFCB remains confident that in the end, our national organization will have the ruling made a year ago upheld, and we will begin to move forward in a long-overdue redesign of the U.S. paper currency.  More on this in future issues of THE MID-FLORIDA VOICE.


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FCB E-MAIL DISCUSSION LIST AND VOICE CHAT ROOMS

Florida Council of the Blind (FCB) is proud to have its members throughout the state participate in a couple of ways on the Internet. The FCB E-mail Discussion List is a way for members, locally and statewide, to express themselves freely on a variety of issues. These can range from those on a local level to issues on a state or even national platform.

MFCB encourages all Members with E-mail and Internet access to sign up and participate in the various discussions as well as maybe even starting a few. To sign up for the FCB E-mail Discussion List, and for more information about the List, go to the FCB website at http://www.fcb.org and go to the link for "FCB E-mail Discussion List Information and Instructions."

And FCB has 2 improved voice chat rooms for members of the organization. One of these is for General chat, the other is for the FCB Board and its respective committees to meet. Everyone is invited to sit in on these chats, especially to participate with those in the General chat room.

For more information about these FCB chat rooms, especially if you want to know how you can join in on the chats, click on the link "Voice Chat for FCB" at http://www.fcb.org.


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MFCB ON THE WORLD WIDE WEB

Mid-Florida Council of the Blind has a presence on the World Wide Web. Through the Florida Council of the Blind website, http://www.fcb.org, there is information available on the Internet about MFCB, especially the MFCB By-Laws, as well as current and past issues of the MFCB Newsletter, both in the previous name of MUMBLES and the newer name of THE MID-FLORIDA VOICE. MFCB is proud to have people find out what is going on with our organization in this global manner.

To specifically get to the MFCB section of the FCB website, go to http://www.fcb.org/mfcb.htm. Feedback is strongly encouraged as to the accessibility and content of the website, so if you have any questions or suggestions, E-mail webmaster@fcb.org. With your suggestions, changes can be made that better what we have on the Web.


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READ THIS TO ME

MFCB Members Paulette Gordon and Sheila Young wanted Members to be aware of a new reading service for the visually impaired.  It is called ReadThisToMe.  Paulette has actually used the service successfully, and Sheila thought it would be valuable for the Membership to consider this new option.

ReadThisToMe.org - A free reading service for the blind community

ReadThisToMe is a free reading service for the blind, powered by volunteers and Internet collaboration.  ReadThisToMe allows blind and low-vision people to have printed documents read to them over the phone. All the blind person needs is a phone line and a fax machine (no computer is required). Here's how it works:

1. The blind person (the client) faxes the document to be read to the ReadThisToMe toll-free fax number: 1-877-333-8848. The first page of the fax needs to be a cover page that includes the client's first name and callback (voice) phone number. The document itself can be just about anything: a handwritten letter, a bill, a can of food, a multi-page magazine article -- just about anything that can be faxed.

2. One of ReadThisToMe's volunteer readers will call the client back and read the document.

3. That's it!

The service is available throughout the U.S. and Canada and is absolutely free (though donations are gladly accepted).  Because the reading is done by people, this service can handle documents that electronic reading hardware and software cannot, such as handwritten documents, with complex graphics, etc. The cost of entry is just a phone line and a cheap fax machine (A flatbed fax machine is slightly more expensive but can be more versatile, allowing clients to fax pages from books, food containers, and other thicker items.)

ReadThisToMe needs more volunteer readers: all volunteers need are a few minutes a day and willingness to make a long-distance phone call. The service is created and maintained by Savetz Publishing.

For more information about ReadThisToMe, call 1-877-333-8847 or visit their website at http://readthistome.org.


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SEARS FOR CHRISTMAS

Sears, one of the oldest department-store chains in the United States, is well under way in anticipation of a busy Holiday Shopping Season.  However, what many do not know is the chain's continued support of the military, especially when any of its employees are called up for active duty.  MFCB Member Sheila Young shares this message with readers of THE MID-FLORIDA VOICE:

Sears - Christmas shopping has already started

I know I needed this reminder since Sears isn't always my first choice.  Amazing when you think of how long the war has lasted and they haven't withdrawn from their commitment. Could we each buy at least one thing at Sears this year?

How does Sears treat its employees who are called up for military duty? By law, they are required to hold their jobs open and available, but nothing more. Usually, people take a big pay cut and lose benefits as a result of being called up.

Sears is voluntarily paying the difference in salaries and maintaining all benefits, including medical insurance and bonus programs, for all called up reservist employees for up to two years.

I submit that Sears is an exemplary corporate citizen and should be recognized for its contribution. I suggest we all shop at Sears, and be sure to find a manager to tell them why we are there so the company gets the positive reinforcement it well deserves.

Pass it on.

I decided to check this before I sent it forward. So I sent the following e-mail to the Sears Customer Service Department:

"I received this e-mail and I would like to know if it is true. If it is, the Internet may have just become one very good source of advertisement for your company. I know I would go out of my way to buy products from Sears instead of another store for a like item, even if it's cheaper at that store."

This is their answer to my e-mail:

"Dear Customer:

"Thank you for contacting Sears. The information is factual. We appreciate your positive feedback.

"Sears regards service to our country as one of greatest sacrifices our young men and women can make. We are happy to do our part to lessen the burden they bear at this time.

Bill Thorn
Sears Customer Care
webcenter@sears.com
1-800-349-4358"


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MEMBERSHIP - from Jay Bader

Many thanks to those who became Members of MFCB or renewed their Memberships.  It is greatly appreciated.  There were still a few Members who were trying to get their Memberships renewed at deadline, so even though we have at least 55 Members for 2008, the final number will be noted in the next issue of THE MID-FLORIDA VOICE.

Welcome to the following New Members of MFCB (out of the respect of those who wish not to have their information made public, only their names are listed):

Dick Sawyer
John Langston

We are very proud to have them as part of our organization, and appreciate their decision to join the local Orlando area chapter of the American Council of the Blind.

For those who have the cassette issue, there is a definite change.  As of the October 2007 issue, I am no longer reading THE MID-FLORIDA VOICE due to my other commitments.  However, what you are hearing is a RealSpeak voice.  This took some time to find the best suitable one, so please contact me with your comments on the new reader of the MFCB Newsletter.

Also, for those who decided not to renew their MFCB Membership, this is the final issue you will receive.  We are sorry that you decided not to renew but are hopeful that you will keep in touch with our organization and come back to us in the future.

And I always accept submissions to THE MID-FLORIDA VOICE.  All submissions for the January-February 2008 issue must arrive by regular mail or e-mail to me by the 15th of December as it will be prepared shortly after that.  You will be properly credited with the submission.

If you have any further questions, please call me at (407) 658-2479 or e-mail mfcbinfo@bellsouth.net. Looking forward to seeing many of you at the MFCB Annual Holiday Luncheon in December, and Happy Holidays!


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BIRTHDAY PEOPLE

DECEMBER

8  -   Sanford Sussell
9  -   John Wimberly
13  -   Leslie Spoone
25  -   Patti Land



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