Vol. 33, No. 3
MAY-JUNE 2008

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


TABLE OF CONTENTS
MESSAGE FROM MFCB PRESIDENT SHELLEY JUSTICE
NEXT MFCB MEETINGS - INCLUDING ANNUAL JUNE AWARDS LUNCHEON
MFCB MARCH AND APRIL GENERAL MEETING REVIEWS
2008 FCB ANNUAL CONVENTION REMINDER
CENTRAL FLORIDA RAIL PROJECT
FCB E-MAIL DISCUSSION LIST AND VOICE CHAT ROOMS
MFCB ON THE WORLD WIDE WEB
2008 ACB NATIONAL CONVETION COMING UP IN JULY
SIGHT & SOLE WALK A BIG SUCCESS
MEMBERSHIP - from Jay Bader
BIRTHDAY PEOPLE


MESSAGE FROM MFCB PRESIDENT SHELLEY JUSTICE

Greetings, MFCB Members and Friends,

As I mentioned in the last issue of THE MID-FLORIDA VOICE, I am reviving an old MFCB Newsletter tradition, and will be profiling one Member in each issue. It is my hope that this will help us to learn a little more about one another and get to know each other a little better.

In this issue of the VOICE, our focus is on Jackie Gideons. I have known Jackie for many years, since I was 12 years old. We both attended the Florida School for the Blind.

Jackie is a native Floridian, having been born and raised right here in Orlando. She attended public school in the 1st grade, but then, beginning in 2nd grade, went to the Florida School for the Blind in St. Augustine. She graduated in 1967. From there, she entered the vending program in 1969, and worked inn food service until her retirement.

Jackie has been a Member of MFCB since the chapter reformed in the mid-1970s. In her leisure time, she enjoys listening to gospel music, shopping, talking on the phone and reading. She also enjoys spending time on her computer.

That's all for this Member Profile. I look forward to seeing you all at the May General Meeting and the Annual June Awards Luncheon.


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, May 3rd, 2008, 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.

We will have a busy meeting in May making last-minute plans for the FCB Annual Convention in Jacksonville, turning in hopefully LOTS of raffle tickets and money. Then, for our program we will have fun and fund raising!

The group will enjoy pizza, compliments of Jim Lamb. And Leslie Spoone has lots of neat items to raffle off! In fact, if you have items you would like to bring to raffle, contact Leslie. Items don't have to be fancy or expensive, just new or in good condition. Edibles, kitchen items, cash, Access Lynx tickets, let your imagination be your guide!

So, see you on Saturday, May 3rd. Bring your appetite, your sold raffle tickets and money, and some money of your own for Leslie's "fun fund" activities!

The Annual June Awards Luncheon will take place at Gina's Lakeside Grill, located at 309 Cranes Roost Blvd. Altamonte Springs, FL 32701. Their phone number is (407) 834-5880. The time of the Luncheon will be announced at the May General Meeting. Again, if anyone wishes to use paratransit, please plan your rides accordingly.

Here's a sampling of what Gina's has to offer, as found on their website, http://www.ginaslakesidegrill.com:

Formerly Gina's on the Water, the new Gina's Lakeside Grill features a contemporary new look and a contemporary new menu, filled with exciting new choices at great prices.

Try our new slow cooked Baby Back Ribs or pan seared Twin Filets of beef. Scott Joseph praised our Yankee Pot Roast. Our Atlantic salmon is grilled to perfection. The new lunch menu features hearty soup, salads and overstuffed sandwiches. Stop in anytime for one of our specialty burgers or wood fire pizza. Always remember to save room for our delicious homemade desserts.

The MFCB Membership Committee will especially be contacting Members to plan our reservation for the Annual June Awards Luncheon. For more information, especially if you have questions about the Luncheon, please contact 1st Vice President Patti Land at (407) 521-9047.


Back to Table of Contents
Back to MFCB Newsletters
Back to MFCB Main Page


MFCB MARCH AND APRIL GENERAL MEETING REVIEWS

23 Members and Guests attended the MFCB March General Meeting on Saturday, March 8th, at William Booth Tower in downtown Orlando.  After the Pledge of Allegiance, MFCB President Shelley Justice asked those in attendance to introduce themselves.

Once the Secretary's and Treasurer's Reports were read and approved, Leslie Spoone announced for the Fundraising Committee that the March fundraiser would be for $5.00 in Access Lynx tickets donated by Sheila Young, and egg-shaped chocolates. Also, Recording Secretary Larry Turnbull and Membership Secretary Jay Bader told of their experience at the Southeastern Guide Dogs' Walk-A-Thon on March 1st, reporting that the school raised over $250,000 from this year's Walk.

For the Transportation Committee, 2nd Vice President Bill Freeman said there is no increase in paratransit rates for the time being, and there are Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) being installed at some intersections in the Orlando area. Then Nicole Hugues told about the trip she and Lisa Lawson made to Tallahassee regarding issues with paratransit.

Jay reported for the Membership Committee that the 2008 MFCB Phone Rosters are available after the General Meeting. And for the Refreshments Committee, Jackie Gideons thanked those who brought snacks and drinks for the March General Meeting and volunteers came forward for April.

Under Old Business, talk focused on the charter bus being considered for transportation of Members to the 2008 FCB Convention in Jacksonville this May. Shelley needs to know if MFCB wants more seats on the bus besides the 6 that the chapter has already committed to. She added that Sally Benjamin at FCB would need to know as soon as possible of any additions, especially since it leaves on the Thursday of the Convention and returns Sunday (the dates are mentioned later in this Newsletter). After Paul Hutsko said he wanted to be on the bus as well, Shelley told Members in attendance that this bus would not be wheelchair-accessible, so if someone who wanted to take the bus would need to use Greyhound instead, FCB would pay the difference in cost. She added there is no final cost for the bus per person as of yet.

For New Business, delegates were chosen for the 2008 FCB Annual Convention. Here are those delegates:

Shelley Justice
Bill Freeman
Jack Jordan
Jim Lamb
David Land
Sheila Young

Paul Hutsko and Larry Turnbull were chosen as Alternates, and Paul would be the First Timer to the Convention as well.

The MFCB Walking Team for this year's Sight & Sole Walk for Lighthouse Central Florida (LCF) in Altamonte Springs was formed as well. The walkers are Sheila Young, who is also the Team Captain, Patti and David Land, Shelley Justice, Bill Freeman, Gay Elliott, Paul Hutsko and Jay Bader. While there is time for more Members to register and take part in the Walk, Shelley encouraged Members who would not participate to at least attend the Sight & Sole Walk and root on the MFCB Walking Team. Sheila added that we would get stogether for lunch afterward as well.

Then the fundraiser was held, which raised $35.00. Bill Freeman and Bob Huntsman won prizes.

The following Door Prizes were awarded, each of them being grab bags with St. Patrick's Day and Easter themes:

Bag 1 - Lisa Lawson
Bag 2 - Machel Cooper
Bag 3 - Jackie Gideons

Congratulations to all Door Prize Winners!

The Guest Speaker for the March General Meeting was Ginger Malcom, who does Community Outreach for LCF. She talked about the services the facility has to offer, as well as encouraging all in attendance to take part in the Sight & Sole Walk to benefit LCF on March 29th. Ginger added that with the 2009 ACB National Convention coming to Orlando, LCF would look forward to assisting MFCB in any way possible in preparation for it.

29 Members and Guests attended the MFCB April General Meeting on Saturday, April 5th, at William Booth Tower in downtown Orlando. After the Pledge of Allegiance, MFCB President Shelley Justice asked those in attendance to introduce themselves.

After the Secretary's and Treasurer's Reports were read and approved (with Pat Spoone reading the Treasurer's Report on behalf of Treasurer Dan Spoone, who was unable to attend), Shelley then opened the floor for committees to report. For the Membership Committee, Membership Secretary Jay Bader said that the 2008 MFCB Phone Rosters are still available for those who have not picked up one yet. For the Transportation Committee, Nicole Hugues talked briefly about returning with Lisa Lawson to Tallahassee for "TD Day in Tallahassee," regarding the Transportation Disadvantaged. She encouraged others to go when the event is held next year.

Then for the Activities Committee, 1st Vice President Patti Land announced there would not be an activity for April. For the Annual June Awards Luncheon, she thought a good place for MFCB to hold it would be Gina's Lakeside Grill in Altamonte Springs, especially since Members who were at the Sight & Sole Walk enjoyed the food and atmosphere there. Patti added that if anyone has other ideas for where the June Awards Luncheon to take place this year, they should contact her as soon as possible.

And for the Refreshments Committee, Jackie Gideons then announced that with ice machine problems, drinks could not be served. So she would make sure the drinks would be brought back when pizza is served for the May General Meeting, thanks to Jim Lamb. However, cookies that Leslie Spoone provided would still be available for this Meeting.

With no further committees reporting, Shelley said that she was proud of MFCB's participation in this year's Sight & Sole Walk for LCF. Sheila Young added that there were a total of 10 walkers on the MFCB Walking Team, with funds raised of $830.00. She added that Members should have Betty Sparrow in their thoughts as Betty recently underwent surgery. And Shelley mentioned that with the FCB Annual Convention approaching, she still has plenty of FCB Raffle Tickets and reminded Members of the reasons why it is so important to help in those ticket sales.

Then it was time to move into Old Business. There were a couple of changes as to who would be representing MFCB at the FCB Annual Convention in Jacksonville this May, with Recording Secretary Larry Turnbull being to sole Alternate, and Paul Hutsko and Dick Sawyer the First Timers.

Also, Shelley said that during the March FCB Presidents' Meeting, it was announced that the cost per person for the FCB Charter Bus increased to $108.00 per person. Since the chapter based its approval on going on the bus at a lower cost, at the April MFCB Executive Board Meeting, a recommendation for a motion was made that was brought forth to the Membership. This motion was for the chapter to send the check to pay for those who will use the bus but for those Members to pay $28.00 back to MFCB for that purpose. After that motion was defeated, a second motion was made for MFCB to pay the full amount of $108.00 per person for each MFCB Member taking the charter bus to this year's FCB Annual Convention, which was approved.

Shelley then announced her candidacy for FCB Recording Secretary at the 2008 FCB Annual Convention. Jay made a motion for MFCB as a chapter to endorse Shelley, which was unanimously approved. Sheila added that the MFCB Brick for Lighthouse Central Florida would be laid down at LCF as soon as it is ready, as it is paid for in full.

With no New Business, and the fundraiser being cancelled for April, the following Door Prizes were awarded, each of them being grab bags with a Springtime garden theme:

Bag 1 - Jackie Gideons
Bag 2 - Lisa Lawson

Congratulations to all Door Prize Winners!

The Guest Speakers for the April General Meeting were Lucy Melendez and Tom Doherty from the Orange County Supervisor of Elections Office. Lucy talked about registering to vote and the minor changes in registration, and Tom demonstrated the iVotronic accessible voting machine, which was introduced in Orange County in 2006 and will continue to be used until at least 2010. He also talked briefly about what may be in store for accessible voting in the near future as well.


Back to Table of Contents
Back to MFCB Newsletters
Back to MFCB Main Page


2008 FCB ANNUAL CONVENTION REMINDER

Just a reminder that the Florida Council of the Blind (FCB) will hold its 55th Annual Convention from Thursday evening, May 15th, through Sunday 12 NOON, May 18th, 2008, in Jacksonville, Florida at the Holiday Inn Jacksonville Airport located at 14670 Duval Road. For more information about the hotel, you can contact the Holiday Inn Jacksonville Airport by calling (904) 741-4404 or toll free 1-800-465-4329 as the deadline for making hotel reservations at the FCB rate has passed.

Here's what is scheduled for the 2008 FCB Annual Convention, as noted in this year's FCB Convention Call:

1. Begin your Convention experience on Thursday evening, May 15th, at a barbeque/fundraiser "done Mandarin style" and hosted by some of FCB's most loyal supporters, The George Colson Family. Come kick back and chow down on some good grub while enjoying spirits and music. The cost for this event is $40.00 and includes transportation and all you can eat and drink and will be liberally flavored with the Colson's special style of hospitality! The barbeque-bound bus will depart from the hotel lobby at 5:30 PM.

As always, one of the highlights of convention will be our Exhibit Hall which will be open both Friday and Saturday this year. Come browse the Hall, purchase goods or learn about new technology to assist you in living a more productive and independent life.

2. Guide Dog Users of Florida: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM. On Friday morning, our newest affiliate, Guide Dog Users of Florida (GDUF), will hold its Annual Meeting and Luncheon. Becky Barnes, Director of Student Services at Guiding Eyes for the Blind, will speak to attendees about recognizing and coping with signs of stress in our guide dogs. She will also discuss and outline nationwide programs and services available to guide dog users. Join GDUF for a Brown-Bag Lunch at a cost of $10.00. (You must be pre-registered to participate.)

On Friday afternoon, beginning at 1:30 PM, there will be two workshops attendees can choose from.

3. 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM. The FCB Annual Legislative Seminar will once again be hosted by political expert and FCB Past President, Carl McCoy, and special guest, Senator Stephen R. Wise. Learn about the ongoing work of the Vision Caucus and how to best work with the Florida Legislature as we strive to realize our legislative goal of true access to the streets and highways for all pedestrians. There are many Federal State and local initiatives to discuss and for which advocacy actions must be taken. Your knowledge, assistance and enthusiasm will make this year's Legislative Seminar one of our best and most productive.

4. 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM. The FCB Employment Committee will hold an open forum led by Mary Ellen Ottman. Topics will include: employment statistics among the visually impaired population, networking, putting potential employers at ease, preparing for the job interview, internet resources and participant questions. We invite working and non-working FCB members to come and share ideas.

This year, FCB is offering a unique package deal for your dining pleasure. You may purchase tickets for both the Friday evening Awards Dinner and the Saturday night FCB Banquet for $50.00, a savings of $10.00. If you would like to attend only one of these meal events, the price is $30.00.

5. Awards and Scholarship Dinner: 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM. Join us on Friday evening for the presentation of Awards and Scholarships at a special Awards Dinner. This is where FCB leaders will be recognized for their contributions to both their local FCB Chapters and to the State organization and deserving students will be presented with scholarships. The cost of this year's Awards Banquet is $30.00 or you may purchase tickets for this and the Saturday night Banquet for a total package price of $50.00.

Begin the day on Saturday morning at 8:15 AM with a short Business Meeting. Directly following, a panel of experts in the field of transportation will present information on trends in public transportation, FCB's statewide seamless system of transportation initiative and realities surrounding paratransit and advocating for accessible pedestrian signals.

Saturday morning from 10:15 AM to 11:15 AM, there will be two workshop options for your consideration.

6. Library Users Workshop: Dr. Jane Karp, Library Program Administrator for the Bureau of Braille and Talking Book Library Services will host the Annual Workshop for Library Users. Those excited by the world of digital books that will be made available to us via the Bureau of Braille and Talking Book Library Services will hear firsthand about this important and innovative reading option. Dr. Karp will give an update concerning what has been happening at the Library and will explore some of the changes that are in store over the next few years. There will be a question and answer period in order for you to learn facts that are most important to you about the organization that touches our lives in such a meaningful way.

7. Fashion and Fads Workshop: Nancy Folsom and Joyce Thornton, FCB Members and Mary Kay consultants, will answer your makeup and fashion questions. Come gather some helpful hints and learn about the latest makeup, skin care, beauty advice and more.

8. Technology Seminar: Concurrently with the above workshops, there will be a two-hour Technology workshop from 10:15 AM to 12:15 PM. The Technology Committee invites everyone to attend our hands-on workshop. Learn the fundamentals of web browsing, e-mail, basic Windows navigation and more.

From 11:15 AM to 12:15 PM, there will be two additional workshop offerings for you.

9. Advocacy Tips Workshop: Advocacy is one of the foundation stones of the FCB. Self-advocacy is supremely important if people with disabilities truly want to have access to all that is available in the community, state and country. Would you like to improve your advocacy skills? Eric Bridges, Director of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs for the American Council of the Blind (ACB), will share tips with you that will greatly enhance your ability to communicate with legislators and local, state and federal government officials. Often times, it's as simple as sharing your story. Eric will teach you the "do's" and "don't's" of self-advocacy. Come join him to learn how to make your voice heard.

10. New Products Workshop: Back by popular demand, is our introduction to New Products available, where you shop, presented by Rita Princivalli, Director of Graduate and Student Services for Southeastern Guide Dogs. Each attendee will leave with a product demonstrated at this exciting and informative workshop.

Our Lunch Break will be from 12:15 PM to 1:30 PM.

Town Hall Meeting with DBS: 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM. After Lunch, Immediate Past President, Paul Edwards, and First Vice President, Robert Miller, will co-host our Annual Town Hall Meeting with Steve Ritacco, Interim Director of the Division of Blind Services (DBS), and key members of his staff. This meeting will give you the opportunity to have meaningful dialogue with the staff of DBS as we in FCB strive to work alongside them to provide the best services possible to Florida's citizens who are blind or visually impaired.

From 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, our Special Interest Affiliates will hold their Annual Meetings. Below is a little information about each to whet your appetite and see what may be of interest to you.

11. The Coalition for the Concerns of the Totally Blind (CCTB) invites you to attend our Annual Meeting and hear from a dynamic speaker, David Bigoney, owner and operator of (BLINK). David is an accomplished athlete, small business owner and family man who was blinded 12 years ago, but refuses to let his lack of sight deter his participation in every aspect of life. He is a computer instructor and ADA compliance specialist. Come be motivated by Mr. Bigoney and take part in the important business of our affiliate.

12. Join Florida Council of Citizens with Low Vision (FCCLV) for their inspirational and exciting Program. Learn about your attitude quotient from Sister Elizabeth Fiorite, Special Services Counselor at Independent Living for Adult Blind in Jacksonville.

13. RSVF (Randolph Shepard Vendors of Florida) Come see what's new and explore job opportunities in the food service and vending machine sector.

14. FCB Annual Banquet 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM. The FCB Annual Banquet will take place on Saturday evening and costs $30.00 per person, (unless purchased as a package with the Awards Dinner.) Eric Bridges, Director of Governmental and Advocacy Affairs for the American Council of the Blind, will speak to us about ACB's impact on the lives of this country's citizens who are blind and visually impaired.

The Annual FCB Concert is our gift to all Convention attendees and will take place directly after the Banquet. This year's Saturday night post-banquet entertainment promises to be memorable, down to earth, and an honest reflection on life. From Philadelphia, the city of brotherhood, Erik Balkey, since January 2002, has taken to the highway with his guitar and notebook as well as paint brushes and rollers. He picks up interior house painting jobs to sustain his travels, while he performs all over the country. Among recent honors, Balkey was named a Kerrville New Folk Winner in 2005 and was selected for a Top-12 feature in the Performing Songwriter magazine. He promises to deliver a great night of enjoyable music, and will be happy to send you home with up to 7 CDs for later enjoyment, as well as a promise to hire out to write your own custom song for that special someone or something. He is a prolific songwriter and truly a great entertainer.

Stick around after the concert so you won't miss the excitement and suspense of the Annual FCB Raffle Ticket drawing! You don't need to be present to win but what an awesome nightcap!

On Sunday morning, we will conduct our Business Meeting, during which we will hear from our President, Debbie Grubb, and many of our committee chairs. Members will have the opportunity to participate in the Election of Officers who will lead us for the next two years, conduct the Official Business of the FCB and perhaps win a door prize or two!

We at MFCB understand that many Members cannot make the trip to Jacksonville but there are those that will; please note that if you have not yet registered, the deadline is Tuesday, May 6th. For those of you who have access to a computer, especially one with Internet access, coverage of the 2008 FCB Annual Convention will be streamed thanks to ACB Radio. Since most of the MFCB Officers will be attending, please contact an MFCB Officer for more information about the Internet streaming as we get closer to the FCB Convention.

You can also visit the FCB website at http://www.fcb.org for a copy of the Convention Call in case you misplace the one sent to each Member for registration to follow along with what happens in Jacksonville. There will be plenty of work done during this year's FCB Annual Convention, as well as plenty of fun during the evenings. MFCB hopes its Members and Friends can take part in their own way for the 2008 FCB Annual Convention in Jacksonville.


Back to Table of Contents
Back to MFCB Newsletters
Back to MFCB Main Page


CENTRAL FLORIDA RAIL PROJECT

One of the primary commitments of the Florida Council of the Blind (FCB) in 2008 is to promote a statewide transportation system that is affordable and accessible to all blind and visually-impaired. Central Florida is leading the way to taking steps for this to occur. FCB President Debbie Grubb recently updated Members about the progress of the statewide transportation system in a posting made to the FCB Listserv:

Hello Everyone,

As you know, the Florida Council of the Blind is dedicated to the creation of a seamless statewide intermodal system of transportation in the State of Florida. People who do not drive because of fiscal constraints, disability, illness, age, or choice have the right to access the state's streets and highways. Meeting the transportation needs of people who do not drive is the moral and fiscally responsible course to take. Providing a mode of transportation that is accessible to us will enable us to pursue our vision of the American dream by allowing us to work, carry out business and medical requirements and recreate which will greatly enhance our lives and enable us to participate fully as citizens of this state with all that that means.

The State of Florida has taken an important step in the creation of this seamless statewide intermodal system of transportation. True, there is much remaining to be done; but this is a start. Won't you please support the initiative outlined below by calling your Representatives and Senators, asking them to support the budget request that will bring to life this important segment of the seamless statewide intermodal system of transportation that is so vitally important to all of us?

Thank you very much.


Central Florida Rail Project

Good for the Economy, Good for the Environment, Good for Florida

Traffic congestion is a growing concern for those who live, work and visit Florida, and in particular Central Florida. Staggering growth throughout Florida has continued to fuel the need for improved transportation in the region.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), in cooperation with the federal government and local officials in Orange, Seminole, Volusia and Osceola counties and the city of Orlando, is advancing a commuter rail transit project to run along a 61-mile stretch of existing rail freight tracks in the four-county area.

Under the agreement, the state of Florida and CSX Transportation will facilitate the creation of a new commuter rail service in the Orlando area and upgrade Florida's rail infrastructure to improve the delivery of goods to residents across the state.

The Central Florida commuter rail project not only enhances Central Florida's economic viability and transit alternatives, but also offers important benefits for the entire state. The Central Florida commuter rail project is good for the economy, good for the environment and good for Florida.

GOOD FOR THE ECONOMY

Over the next 18 months, the Central Florida rail project will pump more than $1 billion into the expansion of Florida's transportation and distribution infrastructure, keeping people, consumer goods and other projects moving safely and reliably.

Moving People
The Central Florida commuter rail will serve commuters in the City of Orlando as well as Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia counties and will run from DeLand to Poinciana.

- It will provide the equivalent of one new lane in each direction along over sixty miles of the heavily congested I-4 corridor. Commuter rail service will start in 2010, before major reconstruction of Interstate 4 begins alleviating additional traffic.
- Operations of the commuter rail and regional bus systems will be coordinated to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of the region's mass transit system.
- The rail line will link dozens of Central Florida communities and establishes a spine in a regional rail network linking four counties. Purchasing an existing rail line is far more cost effective than acquiring land and building track on a new corridor, which would take years to complete and likely cost billions of dollars to achieve.
- The national average for ridership growth in the commuter rail sector is 5.5 percent, according to the American Public Transportation Association.

Moving Goods
Investments in rail infrastructure and expanded freight capacity helps support Florida's long-term economic growth while stimulating more than $1 billion in short-term construction activity in the state at a critical time.

- The new rail system expands freight capacity on an alternate line through Central Florida, providing a direct link to the nation's key commercial centers.
- Rail is the safest, most affordable was to move goods and the investment associated with this project will improve Florida's rail infrastructure.
- A new state-of-the-art terminal in Winter Haven would serve as a distribution point for goods and could create as many as 8,000 new jobs in and around Polk County.

GOOD FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

The Central Florida rail project will reduce traffic congestion and reduce harmful emissions while giving commuters a new transportation option and a better quality of life.

Moving People
- The new commuter service will move thousands of travelers a day out of their automobiles and onto commuter trains, thus reducing emissions and protecting the region's natural environment.
- Passenger rail provides eco-friendly transportation system that will reduce costly trips to the gas pump.
- Transit-oriented development near the new commuter rail stations will also allow for better urban planning and more effective movement of people throughout the five-county area.

Moving Goods
- One train carries the equivalent of 280 trucks, and locomotives can move a ton of freight 423 miles on a single gallon of fuel, thus making rail a highly efficient and environmentally friendly alternative.
- The rail infrastructure improvements included in this project will allow the state to take better advantage of rail in moving the increasing volume of goods demanded by Florida's growing population.
- These rail enhancements will help move trucks off Florida's overcrowded interstates -- I-95, I-75 and I-4 -- making more room for passenger cars and substantially reducing harmful emissions while also making Florida's highways safer.

GOOD FOR FLORIDA

To continue to prosper, the State of Florida needs to take aggressive steps to solve its many transportation challenges. This project takes advantage of an existing rail corridor to deliver a new commuter service while maximizing the benefits to travelers across central Florida and doing so in the most cost effective way available. Through infrastructure investments like this one, Florida can realize substantial short-term economic benefits while also advancing its long-term environmental objectives.

However, in order for this project to move forward, the Florida Legislature must approve an expansion of the insurance coverage that has been in place for the Tri-Rail system in South Florida for twenty years. This coverage will be increased from $125 million to $200 million through purchase of a "no-fault" policy that will cover the new passengers being introduced onto the existing freight corridor. This no-fault coverage is standard in the rail industry anytime both passenger and freight trains are using the same corridor.

Communities Unite in Support of the Central Florida Rail Project In recent months, several local governments, environmental groups as well as business and economic development organizations have voiced their support of Central Florida's rail project including:

The Central Florida Partnership
The Tampa Bay Partnership
The Central Florida Development Council
Haines City-Northeast Polk County Chamber of Commerce
Osceola Chamber of Commerce
East Polk Committee of 100
League of Women Voters - Orange County
Seminole County Chamber of Commerce
Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce
Winter Park Chamber of Commerce
Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce
City of Jacksonville
Council for the Blind
Florida PIRG


News and editorial coverage related to the rail issue has also reflected increasing support among community and statewide leaders, with media featuring statements of support from Florida Governor Charlie Crist, Secretary of the Department of Transportation Stephanie Kopelousos, U.S. Representatives Corrine Brown and John Mica, Florida Representative Steve Precourt, future Florida House Speaker Dean Cannon, Senate Majority Leader Dan Webster, and Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer.

Existing Commuter Rail in Florida

Commuter rail has been available in South Florida since 1989 and currently serves an average of 14,000 passengers a day over its 72 mile, 18-station route.
- Tri-Rail in South Florida runs between Palm Beach County and Miami and recently set a new ridership record with weekday ridership increasing almost 20 percent in March 2008 over the previous year.
- The weekday average was 14,381 passengers, the highest weekday ridership ever recorded by the authority.
- The overall rise for both February and March exceeded 15 percent.
- The national average for ridership growth in the commuter rail sector is 5.5 percent, according to the American Public Transportation Association.
- Tri-Rail's unprecedented ridership growth is also attributable to a growing awareness of the benefits to the environment that come from riding public transportation and an aggressive marketing program to reach employers, senior citizens and the African/American, Caribbean and Hispanic communities.

MFCB looks forward to doing all it can to assist as we move further ahead in the Central Florida Rail Project.


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


2008 ACB NATIONAL CONVETION COMING UP IN JULY

July 4th through July 12th are important dates for our national organization, the American Council of the Blind (ACB). The 2008 ACB National Convention will take place at the Galt House in Louisville, KY. For those that attend, the ACB National Convention is a time where there is a lot to do, more to learn and numerous opportunities to meet ACB Members from all over the U.S.

While we realize that most MFCB Members will not be able to go to Louisville, there are ways to follow what is going on during this year's ACB Convention if you have computer and Internet access. There is an ACB Convention Listserv that posts updates to the Convention, as well as the daily newspapers printed during Convention. To subscribe, go to the ACB Convention page at http://www.acb.org/convention/index.html and click on the link for "Subscribe to the acbconvention email list today!"

Also, you can listen to coverage of the ACB National Convention on ACB Radio. ACB Radio Mainstream will have coverage of the General Sessions as well as the Friday Night Banquet, and when Exhibits are open, ACB Radio Interactive will take you inside the Exhibit Hall for a feel of that atmosphere. For more information about ACB Radio, visit http://www.acbradio.org.

For those who do follow the 2008 ACB National Convention, it will give at least some idea of what we should be prepared for when ACB holds its 2009 National Convention in Orlando. And for those who do go to Louisville, MFCB hopes for a very successful time. More information about the ACB Convention in the next issue of THE MID-FLORIDA VOICE.


Back to Table of Contents
Back to MFCB Newsletters
Back to MFCB Main Page


SIGHT & SOLE WALK A BIG SUCCESS

MFCB was very proud to take part in Lighthouse Central Florida's Sight & Sole Walk on March 29th at Crane's Roost Park in Altamonte Springs. We were delighted to find out that LCF exceeded its fundraising goal for the event of $70,000. In addition, MFCB Members who participated in the Walk enjoyed lunch at the nearby Gina's Lakeside Grill, sitting and sharing many stories and laughs with Members of the National Federation of the Blind-Greater Orlando Chapter (NFB-GOC).

Many of you know the philosophical differences that exist between ACB and NFB, but let this successful event serve as a reminder that locally, both organizations have and continue to work very well together on many fronts. With all that is happening in the Orlando area, and the plans being made for MFCB's involvement in the 2009 ACB National Convention, we look forward to more successes in many ways. And with the more work that gets completed, there will be more to celebrate for all blind and visually-impaired in our area.


Back to Table of Contents
Back to MFCB Newsletters
Back to MFCB Main Page


MEMBERSHIP - from Jay Bader

This year, our state affiliate, the Florida Council of the Blind (FCB) will be electing a new Membership Secretary. As MFCB Membership Secretary, I will do all I can to work as well with the new Officer as I have with previous FCB Membership Secretaries. So please let me know if you have any changes to make with your contact information or Newsletter preferences.

Also, a reminder that this year, THE MID-FLORIDA VOICE has become a bi-monthly publication, and we are hopeful that whoever reads it will continue to appreciate it, even with the lesser amount of issues. As MFCB President Shelley Justice has said previously, please feel free and contact any MFCB Officer with your feedback, 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 July-August 2008 issue must arrive by regular mail or e-mail to me by the 15th of June 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 May General Meeting and Annual June Awards Luncheon!


Back to Table of Contents
Back to MFCB Newsletters
Back to MFCB Main Page


BIRTHDAY PEOPLE

MAY

6 - Lois Huddle
17 - Rebecca Letzkus
19 - Jim Lamb
20 - Denyse Eddy
21 - Eddie Lee
26 - Bill Dennis

JUNE

2 - Leonard Gobel
10 - Catherine Potter
12 - Betty Sparrow



Back to Table of Contents
Back to MFCB Newsletters
MFCB Main Page
FCB Home Page