Vol. 34, No. 1
JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2009
THE MID-FLORIDA VOICE
A publication of Mid-Florida Council of the Blind
TABLE OF CONTENTS
MESSAGE FROM MFCB PRESIDENT SHELLEY JUSTICE
NEXT MFCB GENERAL MEETINGS
MFCB NOVEMBER GENERAL MEETING AND ANNUAL HOLIDAY LUNCHEON REVIEWS
SURPRISE WINNER OF DELL LAPTOP
MAKING THE SWITCH TO DIGITAL TV VIEWING
FCB E-MAIL DISCUSSION LIST AND VOICE CHAT ROOMS
MFCB ON THE WORLD WIDE WEB
ACB CONVENTION 2009 IN ORLANDO - HOSTING THE CONVENTION
NEWLY-ELECTED 2ND VICE PRESIDENT RECUPERATING
MEMBERSHIP - from Jay Bader
BIRTHDAY PEOPLE
MESSAGE FROM MFCB PRESIDENT SHELLEY JUSTICE
Greetings, MFCB Members and Friends, and a very Happy New Year to you all.
In this issue, our Member Spotlight focuses on our incoming First Vice President, Sheila Young.
Sheila was born in Maryland. Her father was in the military, so she grew up a "military brat." She grew up in Virginia Beach,
and attended public schools through all of her school years. At a young age, she was diagnosed with macular degeneration; then
learned as an adult that her actual diagnosis was RP (retinitis pigmentosa).
Sheila married at age 24, was a military wife, and is the mother of two sons. She has three grandchildren. While her sons were
growing up, she was active in the PTA. After moving to Mississippi, she joined the Mississippi Council of the Blind. She held
a position on the board of the Mississippi state affiliate. She moved here to Orlando in 2004 after she was divorced.
Sheila is employed at Princeton Elementary School. She works as a paraprofessional in the vision department at Princeton. She
works with Pre-K blind children. When not working or doing organizational tasks, Sheila enjoys reading novels, dining out and
going to plays at Theater Downtown.
Sheila, good luck in your role as First Vice President of MFCB. I have no doubt that you will be kept busy.
That is our profile for this issue. So long, Friends, until next issue. I sincerely hope this next year is a peaceful,
productive and prosperous one for you all.
Back to Table of Contents
Back to MFCB Newsletters
Back to MFCB Main Page
NEXT MFCB GENERAL MEETINGS
The next General Meetings of MFCB will be at William Booth Tower, 633 Lake Dot Circle, Orlando, FL, 32801, on Saturday,
January 3rd, and Saturday, February 7th, 2009, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. The phone number at William Booth Tower is
(407) 843-5533. It is highly recommended that if anyone uses paratransit, please plan your rides accordingly.
As of the time this issue went to press, there is no Guest Speaker scheduled for these General Meetings. However,
there may be some discussion that could take place that could be of prime interest to many Members. For more
information, please contact newly-elected 1st Vice President Sheila Young at (407) 999-8929.
Back to Table of Contents
Back to MFCB Newsletters
Back to MFCB Main Page
MFCB NOVEMBER GENERAL MEETING AND ANNUAL HOLIDAY LUNCHEON REVIEWS
31 Members and Guests were present at the MFCB General Meeting held on Saturday, November 1st, at William Booth Tower
in downtown Orlando. President Shelley Justice led Members in the Pledge of Allegiance, and after Members and Guests
were asked to introduce themselves, she reminded all in attendance once again to vote in the November General
Elections.
Once the Secretary's and Treasurer's Reports were read and approved, Shelley then opened the floor for Committees to
report. 1st Vice President Patti Land announced that the Annual Holiday Luncheon this year would take place at Mimi's
Café, located at 4175 Millennia Blvd., Orlando, FL 32839. The restaurant’s phone number is (407) 370-0333. Their
menu is available online and the prices are reasonable. Members were encouraged to contact Patti with questions,
especially before the Membership Committee would call for Patti to get a head count to make the reservation.
Shelley added there would be a gift exchange of $10.00 items as well. Sheila Young made a motion that gift cards or
$10.00 cash within a Christmas card would be accepted for a ticket in the exchange. The motion was passed.
Sheila then announced that the ACB Local Host Committee has been busy, especially as the ACB Board of Directors are
planning to hold its next meeting at the Rosen Centre the weekend of November 14th through 16th. Leslie Spoone said
that there are Catholic charities that can be contacted for any assistance leading up to the Convention. Sheila also
said that drivers are still needed, especially for the upcoming ACB Board Meeting, and to contact her for any interest.
Membership Secretary Jay Bader reported for the Membership Committee. He again thanked all Members who have either
joined MFCB for 2009 or renewed already for next year. He said that for those who have not renewed yet, the deadline
of November 15th is fast approaching. Jay and Shelley thanked Sheila for all her efforts above and beyond when it comes
to contacting Members by phone for reminders. A final total of Members for 2009 would be announced no later than the
January General Meeting.
For the Transportation Committee, 2nd Vice President Bill Freeman said that Lynx fares have been increased to $7.00,
for riders under ADA that live 3/4 mile from a fixed-route stop. Leslie then reported for the Fundraising Committee
that there are still 160 tickets left to sell for the MFCB Raffle of a Dell laptop computer. She reminded Members that
the money is needed by the Annual Holiday Luncheon, and reviewed with Treasurer Dan Spoone all the groups of tickets
already sold.
For Refreshments, Jackie Gideons thanked all those who helped with refreshments during 2008 and that pizza would be
served for the November General Meeting.
Then it was time for the Elections of Officers who would serve for MFCB in 2009. Here are the results of those
Elections:
President - Shelley Justice (by acclimation for her 3rd term)
1st Vice President – Sheila Young (who defeated Leslie Spoone in the closest runoff in chapter history)
2nd Vice President - Paul Hutsko (by acclimation after Leslie Spoone declined a nomination from the floor)
Recording Secretary - Larry Turnbull (by acclimation)
Treasurer - Dan Spoone (by acclimation)
Membership Secretary - Jay Bader (by acclimation)
Congratulations to the new Slate of MFCB Officers.
With no Old Business or New Business brought forth, and just before pizza was served, the following Door Prizes were
given out, which were cups with sayings on them:
Jackie Gideons was given an Employee of the Year cup, which followed her Chapter Award from this past May
Good Grief cup: David Zitchick
Doctor is In cup: Donald Wilson
Congratulations to the Door Prize Winners!
30 Members and Guests attended the MFCB Annual Holiday Luncheon, which took place Saturday, December 13th, at Mimi's
Café on Millennia Boulevard in southwest Orlando. With good food, fine service and great company, Members who brought
gifts participated in a gift exchange, which featured gift cards as well as cash and a couple of surprises. Then it
was time for the culmination of the MFCB Raffle for a Dell laptop computer, with a server from Mimi's picking the
winner (information on the results is noted in the next section).
Shelley wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, and the work begins with a new Slate of MFCB Officers
when we meet again in January.
Back to Table of Contents
Back to MFCB Newsletters
Back to MFCB Main Page
SURPRISE WINNER OF DELL LAPTOP
At the MFCB Annual Holiday Luncheon which took place at Mimi's Café in southwest Orlando, a person's name who never
expected to win a Dell laptop was drawn. As she sat in a booth with incoming 1st Vice President Sheila Young and
her granddaughter Courtney, the name Shelley Justice was announced (who had the honor of having the computer put in
the booth once Membership Secretary Jay Bader arrived at the restaurant with the box). Since Shelley said she
already has a laptop, she gave it to her granddaughter, who was very happy to receive it.
The MFCB Laptop Raffle raised nearly $1000.00 for the chapter and was a great success. MFCB hopes that the
fundraisers in 2009 will be just as successful as this raffle. Congratulations to Shelley and Courtney on winning
the Dell laptop!
Back to Table of Contents
Back to MFCB Newsletters
Back to MFCB Main Page
MAKING THE SWITCH TO DIGITAL TV VIEWING
The time has come for the United States to switch television broadcasts to digital format. That date is fast
approaching: February 17th, 2009. While many blind and visually-impaired people are already prepared for the
transition, others, including those who are sighted, are not.
The following is reprinted with permission from the December 2008 issue of the American Council of the Blind
newsletter, The Braille Forum:
MAKING THE SWITCH TO DIGITAL TV VIEWING - by Steve Waltke
After doing research and setting up several digital TV converter boxes, I thought I would share my information
related to understanding and setting up equipment for receiving digital television broadcasts.
If you currently subscribe to a cable or satellite service, then this article really doesn't apply to you.
However, you may find it useful to keep handy in case you become fed up with the subscriber fees. Or maybe you
don't want to spend the $400 on a new digital TV. If you are using rabbit ears or an exterior antenna with your
TV, then keep reading!
Due to federal law, starting in February 2009 all commercial TV stations must begin broadcasting in digital format.
So if you want to continue to watch TV, you will have to go digital. You don't need to be a rocket scientist to use
the new digital broadcast technology, but you will need to learn a few new things. I will attempt to explain how to
go digital as inexpensively and easily as possible.
Coupon Program
From now through February 2009, the federal government will give you a maximum of two free coupons, each worth $40,
to put toward the purchase of a digital converter box. The price range for these boxes goes from $50 to $80. It is
important to remember that the coupon expires 90 days after it is sent to you. There will be no replacements for
lost or unused expired coupons. To request your coupons, call the NTIA at 1-888-388-2009 or fill out an online
request at www.dtv2009.gov.
If you phone in your request, the process is accomplished by a relatively capable high-quality automated voice
recognition system. At the end the system will tell you the approximate date you will receive your coupons in the
mail and will give you a confirmation number. Be sure to make a note of this number in case there is a problem.
Anyone can purchase a digital converter box from any store that sells electronics and TVs. You are not required to
have one of the government coupons in order to purchase a converter box.
My recommendation for stores that are truly knowledgeable regarding what you will need and how to make the experience
successful are Best Buy and Radio Shack. Radio Shack has a wider selection of unique adapters and cables which you
may need. But it's highly likely that you won't need anything except your new converter box, unless you own a very
old TV that has the sets of screws to which you attach your rabbit ears or external antenna, and/or have a very old
style of connectors on your rabbit ears or external antenna.
WGBH-TV's Accessible Media and Technology Project has determined that there are at least two brands of converter
boxes that will allow you to turn on the audio description function by pressing the specific button labeled "CC/Audio"
on the remote control. Those are the Digital Stream (found at Radio Shack) and the "Insignia" brand (found at Best
Buy).
Connecting the Box
When you connect your new converter box, you connect it to the VHF connections on the TV, because the box will sort
out the various signals. You will notice if you are also buying a new set of rabbit ears that they look just like they
have for decades, except now they have what is called a coaxial style connector instead of the little metal horseshoes.
When you open the box, you'll find a plastic box measuring approximately 10" by 8" by 2", a remote control, batteries,
and at least one cable with co-ax connectors on each end, as well as a print instruction manual. Place the converter
box on a solid, safe surface, then disconnect your rabbit ears or external antenna from the back of your TV set.
Ideally, the next step is to attach the rabbit ears or antenna to the connector that is labeled antenna input on the
back of the new converter box. However, you may discover that you need to purchase an adapter that will make it
possible to connect your ears or antenna to the new box. The type of adapter will depend on the type of connector
your ears or antenna have on the end of the cable as well as the type of connectors available on the back of the
converter box. Whatever adapter you may need, it probably won't cost more than $10.
The next step is to remove the new cable from the product's box and attach it to the connector labeled antenna
output, located on the rear of the converter box. Then find the opposite end of the cable and attach it to the VHF
terminals on your TV set (in most cases, they're on the back of your TV). Depending on the style and age of your
TV set, you might need an adapter to make the connection possible.
While you're investigating the rear panel of the converter box, you will notice several other connectors, different
in style from the antenna input and output. These are not essential to the reception of digital broadcast TV;
they are meant to accomplish such chores as sending the TV antenna signal to the VCR, DVD and stereo sound systems,
etc.
Some readers may need sighted assistance to set up and connect their converter boxes. If all else fails, remember
that the instruction manual will have phone numbers listed for customer service and technical assistance. It's
even possible that the company has the manual in an alternate format, too. In any event, someone has to be there
who can look at the print digital menus and perform the option selections and read the instructions that will
appear on the TV screen while you are setting up the system.
Next, turn on the power for the TV set, then select either channel 3 or 4. Which channel is correct depends on
the manufacturer's choice; the manual will include this information. Then install the batteries in the remote
control. You will have to use the remote to operate the converter box, as most boxes have no buttons on them
except for the power on/off switch.
Then press the power-on switch on the converter box. There will be several small LED lights on the front panel;
one of these is the "power on" indicator. Usually there will be a second indicator light lit indicating that the
box is successfully receiving a channel transmission.
Going Digital
The next step is the new digital experience. Pick up that remote control and make it a reality. Press the
remote control's "power on" button.
Next you must activate the set-up menu, a must for the reception of any digital broadcast channels. It has
a variety of options from which to choose, just like a restaurant menu. When you activate the set-up page,
the menu options will show on the TV screen.
Many of us are aware that manufacturers' product instruction manuals are notoriously shabby, likely to be
incomplete or inaccurate, or simply incomprehensible. This problem makes it tough for people to understand
or effectively communicate the information we need, so make a point of taking notes and re-tracing procedures
until you are assured that you are in control and on track.
All brands of converter boxes will have a function called auto-scan; this is the essential function the box
must accomplish. It is a process of recognizing, the first time you use the box, all the digital channels
that are available to you. Some brands may have designed a procedure that is practical and can be done in
the future by a blind person without sighted help.
Once you have successfully accomplished the auto-scan, there might be a couple of other options in the set-up
menu that you need to fiddle with. The nice thing is that once you've finished the set-up procedure, you
probably won't have to pay any attention to this function for years to come.
Now you're set! Simply turn on the TV, then turn on the converter box, press "power on" on the remote
control, then press the numbered buttons to get you to your desired channel. Or press channel up or channel
down to jump to the channel you want.
Other Features
There will be a variety of useful but non-essential features available to digital TV users. To access them,
press various buttons on the remote control, including four arrow buttons (one each pointing up, down, right
and left). Whether a user can actually use these features while not being able to see the print that appears
on the screen will largely depend on the talents of the design engineers of the particular manufacturer.
Curious and adventurous users will just have to experiment to learn what can be accessed.
One feature that will take some getting used to is the fact that your favorite station will probably be
broadcasting more than one channel from the one station. If you like PBS channel 9, now that section is
maybe transmitting 3, 4 or 5 digital channels. So you could watch opera on channel 9.1, or change to "This
Old House" on channel 9.2, or "The News Hour" on channel 9.3. So it's to your benefit to contact each of
the stations and ask how many channels they have. Remember, the digital broadcast signal is narrower than
the old analog signal, so you may find that you have to fiddle with the position of the ears or antenna more
than you used to. However, you should be able to receive every channel that you received in the past and
maybe even one or two that were of such poor quality that you never watched it. Happy viewing!
Back to Table of Contents
Back to MFCB Newsletters
Back to MFCB Main Page
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.
Back to Table of Contents
Back to MFCB Newsletters
Back to MFCB Main Page
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. 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.
Back to Table of Contents
Back to MFCB Newsletters
Back to MFCB Main Page
ACB CONVENTION 2009 IN ORLANDO - HOSTING THE CONVENTION
MFCB Members and Friends, just a reminder that individual reservations are now being accepted for the 2009 ACB National
Convention. It will take place July 4th through July 12th at the Rosen Centre Hotel here in Orlando. The hotel's
address is 9840 International Drive, Orlando, Florida 32819, which is just north of Sea World. The phone number at the
Rosen Centre Hotel is (407) 996-9840 or call toll-free at 1-800-204-7234.
However, remember to only reserve a room IF you truly have plans to attend. The practice of reserving rooms just in
case you decide to spend a week with ACB causes problems such as those experienced by many in 2006 in Jacksonville and
2007 in Minneapolis, and can result in enormous additional costs to ACB. Rates are $83.00 single/double plus tax. Add
$10.00 for each additional person in a room.
As we begin 2009, the ACB Local Host Committee has been working hard to already put pieces in place to make the 2009
ACB National Convention a huge success. Many of the MFCB Officers and previous Officers are working with the
Chairpersons of this committee, Sally Benjamin and Debbie Drylie, as well as FCB President Debbie Grubb, on many tasks,
from organizing volunteers, to lining up those to do invocations before the Opening Ceremonies and Daily General
Sessions, to recommending places for the ACB Tour Committee to visit, as well as collecting donations for Door Prizes.
But we at MFCB want to extend our invitation to all readers of THE MID-FLORIDA VOICE to help us make it the best week
possible, whether it be visiting the Convention for a day, or assist us by volunteering time during Convention Week
itself in the many responsibilities of hosting a National Convention like this.
There will be Members of the American Council of the Blind from throughout the United States and around the world,
converging in Orlando. The ACB Local Host Committee encourages Members to let their friends know about it as well and
make our national organization feel more than welcome in The City Beautiful. More on the upcoming 2009 ACB National
Convention in the next issues of THE MID-FLORIDA VOICE.
Back to Table of Contents
Back to MFCB Newsletters
Back to MFCB Main Page
NEWLY-ELECTED 2ND VICE PRESIDENT RECUPERATING
MFCB's newly-elected 2nd Vice President ended 2008 on a not-so-pleasant note. Paul Hutsko entered the hospital in
the second week of December with heart problems. He had procedures done to take care of them and has been resting
at home in Winter Park.
Please keep Paul in your prayers as we wish him a full recovery.
Back to Table of Contents
Back to MFCB Newsletters
Back to MFCB Main Page
MEMBERSHIP - from Jay Bader
As 2009 begins, I am proud to announce that when the chapter's roster was sent to the FCB Membership Secretary, MFCB
has 51 Members. Thanks again to those who either renewed their memberships or joined our local chapter of the
American Council of the Blind for 2009, especially as we prepare for ACB to come to Orlando this Summer for its
National Convention. Every Member is equally important in our chapter, and your Membership is truly appreciated.
Also, a reminder that, as MFCB President Shelley Justice has said previously, please feel free and contact any MFCB
Officer with your feedback to our Newsletter, and for those who receive THE MID-FLORIDA VOICE by e-mail, please do
not reply to the Newsletter.
And I always accept submissions to THE MID-FLORIDA VOICE. All submissions for the March-April 2009 issue must
arrive by regular mail or e-mail to me by the 15th of February 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 upcoming
MFCB General Meetings. And Happy New Year!
Back to Table of Contents
Back to MFCB Newsletters
Back to MFCB Main Page
BIRTHDAY PEOPLE
JANUARY
5 - Lisa Lawson
14 - Bob Huntsman
25 - Sheila Young
FEBRUARY
3 - Anita Stone
5 - Eric Cullars
13 - Jim Huddle
20 - Elizabeth Bouyer
26 - Dick Sawyer
Back to Table of Contents
Back to MFCB Newsletters
MFCB Main Page
FCB Home Page