THE WHITE CANE BULLETIN
FLORIDA COUNCIL OF THE BLIND, INC.
July - August 2004
FCB OFFICERS, 2004 - 2006
President:
Paul Edwards
20330 N. E. 20th Ct.
Miami, FL 33179
(305) 692-9206
E-mail: edwpaul@comcast.net
First Vice President:
Debbie Grubb
4215 17th Ave. W.
Bradenton, FL 34205-1418
(941) 749-6178
E-mail: debbiecg@verizon.net
Second Vice President:
James R. Warth, Jr.
1859 N. Washington Ave.
Clearwater, FL 33755
(727) 461-7067
E-mail: james.warth@verizon.net
Treasurer:
Patti Davis Land
6933 Alpert Drive
Orlando, FL 32810
(407) 521-9047
E-mail: pattianne1@cfl.rr.com
Membership Secretary:
Linda Jacobson
2815 Circle Ridge Dr.
Orange Park, FL 32065
(904) 272-8405
E-mail: jacobsli@bellsouth.net
Recording Secretary:
Sharon Youngs
237 Maple Avenue
Palm Harbor, FL 34684
(727) 937-8631
E-mail: sky11@tampabay.rr.com
Immediate Past President:
Robert Miller
2201 Limerick Dr.
Tallahassee, FL 32309
(850) 906-9821
E-mail: easytalk@earthlink.net
Editors of White Cane Bulletin:
Bill and Bobbie Probst
11721 Dunes Way Dr. N.
Jacksonville, FL 32225-1888
(904) 641-0709
FAX (904) 998-9012
E-Mail: wantom_1@juno.com
Articles published in The White Cane Bulletin are in compliance with Public Law No. 104197, Copyright Law Amendment of
1996. This law allows authorized entities to distribute copies of previously published non-dramatic literary works in specialized
formats, including Braille, audio or digital text that are exclusively for use by Blind people or those with disabilities. Any further
distributing of such articles in another than a specialized format is an infringement of copyright.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE - Paul Edwards
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
THANKS - Jim Warth, 2nd Vice President
FCB CONVENTION 2004
AWARD WINNERS 2004
LUCKY RAFFLE WINNERS 2004
PROJECT INSIGHT - "HELPING PEOPLE TO HELP THEMSELVES"
WHAT'S NEW IN CIVIL RIGHTS LAWS - Linda Mathis
E-MAIL ANNOUNCEMENT - Elizabeth Bowden
ARE YOU MOVING? - Linda Jacobson
DELTA DAWN (POEM) - by Cheryl Spencer
CALLING ALL ARTISTS - Foundation For Fighting Blindness
LAUGH YOUR WAY TO BETTER HEALTH - AARP Health Care Options Publication
THE ROLE OF NUTRITION IN MACULAR DEGENERATION - by Dennis L. Gierhart, PhD (Partially reprinted from
Life Extension, May 2004)
SHORT QUIZ
YOU KNOW YOU'RE IN FLORIDA IN JULY WHEN - by Robert Chadwick
VISUAIDE UNVEILS MAESTRO: THE FIRST MAINSTREAM HANDHELD PC FOR BLIND AND VISUALLY-IMPAIRED
- Submitted by Daniel W. O'Connor
WEEKLY WORKOUT - by Robert Chadwick
GREEN TEA - from "Dr. Flanagan Health Secrets"
CHAPTER NEWS
HANDY TELEPHONE NUMBERS
CHAPTER LIASONS
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE - by Paul Edwards
THE FUTURE CAN WAIT
At the convention of the Florida Council of the Blind held in Tampa, Florida in early June, I had the honor to be elected as President of
this great organization. I deeply appreciate the confidence the organization has expressed in me and my ability to lead. I will do my best
to live up to the high standard set by my predecessors in this office.
I will have plenty of time in future messages to talk about what I plan to do. I want to use my first message to say thank you to my
immediate predecessor as President of the Florida Council of the Blind (FCB). Robert Miller may well go down in history as one of the
greatest Presidents we have ever had. He managed to be a leader who expected a lot from those who served FCB and expected even
more from himself.
On the surface one might not have expected his Presidency to be as wonderful as it was. Robert will probably never be regarded as an
orator. Far more important, he has always been regarded as a person who said what he meant and meant what he said. He told FCB
that he was going to do his best and that is what he did. And, my friends in FCB, his best was very good indeed!
His first term was spent putting our organizational house in order and building his leadership team. It was characterized by many hard
decisions and much very difficult work. All through his presidency, Robert kept it simple and kept his eye on the goals he set for himself
and for our organization.
One of the very first things he did was to establish a relationship with the Division of Blind Services that was closer than it has ever been.
He had no problem calling Craig Kaiser and asking any question. He asked FCB to embrace its role as partner and critic with the
Division and, under his leadership, we began to devote a segment of our convention to a town meeting that invited ordinary members of
FCB to interact directly with the Executive Director of the Division of Blind Services. When our resolutions involved the Division, Robert
took the lead being sure that those resolutions were dealt with promptly by the agency.
In addition, Robert had the patience not only to plough through and come to understand our complex fund-raising system and assets.
He then proceeded to make that system easier to operate and understand for our ordinary members. Once he knew where we stood,
he championed causes that he felt were appropriate for us to look at and work on.
We were fortunate that Robert was President after the 2000 elections. He almost immediately recognized that we had an opportunity for
election reform. He had the good sense to ask Debbie Grubb and Jim Kracht to take the lead in this effort and they did. The Council was
a huge force in making Florida a model state with their eventual implementation of an electoral reform package with more explicit
inclusion of people with disabilities than has been adopted in any state thus far. That was by no means the end of the story. The
legislation was only the first step. Under his leadership, we continue to put pressure on the Secretary of State and the various agencies
at state level with responsibility for our elections. He also made sure that each chapter knew how to influence their local electoral
officials so that counties took our needs seriously as well.
He also insisted that FCB begin to focus on what many of us consider to be the most complicated and intractable subject he could
have chosen, transportation. He demanded that we and others recognize that there are significant actions we can take to make things
better not just for the big cities but for rural counties as well.
One of Robert's real strengths is his support of the underdog. Another is his adherence to principles. He was also never too busy to talk
about FCB with anyone. A member could call and always find an often ear and a readiness to help.
I inherit an FCB that is significantly better than it was when Robert became President and he is largely responsible for making that true.
It was his drive and leadership that got us where we are. I think he would not mind me saying that one of the ways we made it there was
because of the special effort made throughout his Presidency by Sila Miller, his wife. She truly was a help-mate who played a huge part
in making our organization stable and secure.
I know that all of you will want to join with me in saying thank you to Robert and Sila for all they contributed to FCB while they were our
first family. I have a tough act to follow and I will do my best. I hope when I am finished in four years I will have accomplished half as
much as Robert Miller did. Thank you Robert! Great work! Thank you Sila! He would not have done nearly as well or as much without
you!
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MARK YOUR CALENDAR
FCB Board Meeting, Friday, November 12th, to Sunday, November 14th, 2004 - Sheraton Safari Hotel, Orlando
FCB Convention, Ft. Lauderdale - Sheridan Airport Hotel - May 12th to 15th, 2005
Prepare for ACB Convention 2006 - Jacksonville
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THANKS - by Jim Warth, 2nd Vice President
I want to take the time to say thanks to all of you who supported me at the 2004 Convention in my run for 2nd Vice-President. At the
Convention Mr. Edwards assigned me 2 tasks. I have started them both. I sent a copy of the revised raffle ticket to a few individuals and
it appears that they liked it. I have also forwarded some procedures for distribution of the tickets to Mr. Edwards for review. I look forward
to working with all of you. If you have any questions, please contact by any means e-mail, phone or regular mail.
***"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much" - Helen Keller***
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FCB CONVENTION 2004
It was a great convention, the hotel was excellent, the employees were very helpful and courteous and the workshops were
informative.
Along with that we have a somewhat new group of elected officers, as shown above, and the new year under the leadership of Paul
Edwards promises to be another great year for FCB. Let us all get behind a renewed effort to do some good for our community and help
make the next year the best yet in FCB history.
Thanks are also in order to the re-elected officers, who take on so much responsibility and work. Sharon Youngs was re-elected for her
infinite term and will once again serve and do the difficult work of Secretary. Linda Jacobson was re-elected and will continue the great
job she has done in increasing membership and keeping us informed as Membership Secretary. Patti Davis Land will give it a go for
her second term as Treasurer, as you will note under a new name, as she is now married to David Land, and congratulations are in
order to this GREAT couple. Lots of luck and best wishes, and Dave pass along some of her jokes to us. Jim Warth was elected 2nd
Vice President after serving many terms as Treasurer, and he has expressed his thanks in this issue.
Debbie Grubb, who has held many positions and has already achieved many accomplishments with FCB will serve her first term as
1st Vice President.
Thanks also goes to Jesus Garcia, who served FCB so well as first V.P. for his two terms and has accomplished so much as
committee chairman.
We look forward to a year of progress with renewed vigor and hope for future accomplishment. We also look forward to seeing all of you
next year at the FCB convention which will be held in Ft. Lauderdale.
WCB Editors
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AWARD WINNERS 2004
DOLLY GAMBLE: Dorothy Ferrell
R. HENRY P. JOHNSON: Rosanna Lippen
W. A. OUDZTS: William (Bill) Ferrell
COOKE PRESIDENT'S AWARD: Corrine Kendrick
PRESIDENT'S SPECIAL AWARD: Carl Mc Coy , Jay Bader
CHAPTER AWARDS:
Tallahassee - Sally Benjamin
Mid-Florida - Jay Bader
Clay County - Debbie Drylie
Jacksonville - Gloria Simmons
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LUCKY RAFFLE WINNERS 2004
Richard Williams, Miami, FL - $1000
Thomas Collette, Delray Beach, FL - $500
Joan Cox, Miami, FL - $400
Angel Arias, Miami, FL - $300
A. L. Keithan, Orange Park, FL - $200
Kim Wolfe, Jacksonville, FL - $100
Diane M. Bobrowski and Bea David, Tampa, FL - California Canes Gift Certificate
Patricia Southwell, Orange Park, FL , and K. Irvine - Walmart Certificate
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PROJECT INSIGHT - "HELPING PEOPLE TO HELP THEMSELVES"
An invigorated effort will be made in the performance of one of the greatest projects ever attempted in FCB. Let us all get behind Project
Insight and find ways of promoting this worthwhile and helpful cause that FCB has embarked upon in an effort to help especially newly
blind people, and all people in the blind community. Let us get behind the project coordinator, Sally Benjamin, and do all we can to help
promote and strengthen this wonderful project. The Project Insight Number is 1-800-267-4448, and Sally can be reached by E-mail at:
salbenjamin@comcast.net.
All chapter meetings should include a discussion about what each chapter can do to help promote this cause. Help support the people
who need it most, blind people helping blind people.
***Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, concerned citizens can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has." -
Margaret Mead ***
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WHAT'S NEW IN CIVIL RIGHTS LAWS - by Linda Mathis
Discrimination is an ugly word. We are all familiar with this word but it's another thing altogether to experience the affects of
discrimination firsthand. State and Federal Civil rights laws have been implemented to protect us from discrimination and its affects. Over
the past few years, some of the laws have been changed, or improved, and new laws have been written. This article will give you a brief
summary of information about your rights under state and federal laws.
CHANGES IN THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT
As you already know, the Americans with Disabilities Act, (ADA) was passed by Congress in 1990 to enable disabled persons to have
equal opportunities in employment, public accommodation and telecommunications. Despite the best intentions of the Congress, the
courts have whittled away at the scope of the law and have narrowed the class of persons who can benefit from, and file complaints
under the law. For example, did you know that disabled persons who work for State Governments are now ineligible to file employment
discrimination complaints under Title I of the ADA? In Garrett Versus the University of Alabama, the U.S. Supreme Court stated that state
Governments are immune from prosecution because of the provisions of the eleventh Amendment of the U.S. Constitution which
addresses the issue of the sovereignty of the states. This means simply that if you are a state government employee who is
experiencing employment discrimination, you cannot file an employment discrimination complaint under the ADA and you are limited to
filing a claim under your state's civil rights law. In Florida, Chapter 760 is the law under which you would file a disability claim if you are a
state government worker. Our law is similar to the ADA and covers the same issues.
Another way in which the ADA has been limited by the courts concerns the issue of whether individuals who take medications or other
treatments for medical or psychiatric conditions can be defined as disabled under the act. For example, if John is a diabetic and he
takes insulin daily to control his condition, and the treatment reduces the affects of diabetes, he is not a handicapped person under the
ADA. If Jane has Bipolar Disorder and her medications control her psychiatric symptoms, she is not disabled under the act.
FLORIDA'S HOUSING LAW
Chapter 760.20, Florida Statutes is Florida's Civil Rights Law. It deals specifically with employment and housing discrimination.
Everyone has a house, rented apartment, mobile home or condominium where they live. We consider these places our own private
spaces where we live and raise our families. When issues of discrimination invade our private spaces major problems can ensue and
our lives can be disrupted. If you have been denied a mortgage, a rental unit, a condo, mobile home, or have been forced to pay for
renovations to a condo or co-op by the owner's association, or if you have been denied access to common areas of the property, due to
your disability, you may have been discriminated against. If you have children, and you are denied a rental home or apartment, or the
landlord says he/she does not rent to people with children, you may file a complaint with the Florida Commission on Human Relations
(FCHR) under the Florida Fair Housing Act, Chapter 760.20.
PUBLIC ACCOMODATION LAWS IN FLORIDA
Everyone travels from place to place in Florida; all of us eat in restaurants, stay in hotels and motels, and attend public events. If you are
denied service at a restaurant, lodging establishment or other public accommodation because of race, age, sex, national origin or
disability, you can file a complaint under Chapter 509 which deals with public accommodation discrimination. If you are eating in a
restaurant and you notice that other customers are being served ahead of you who arrived after you, and you believe you are being
ignored by the staff because of your disability, race, sex, age, or any other protected reason, you can file a complaint with the Florida
Commission on Human Relations.
THE WHISTLEBLOWER ACT
If you are an employee of a state or local government agency, and you report gross neglect of duty, fraud or other serious offenses to the
Inspector General of your agency, and you are retaliated against by termination, or demotion, you can file a Whistleblower complaint
under Chapter 112. Complaints of this type must be filed within sixty days of the negative personnel action. The offenses which are
covered under Chapter 112 must be serious in nature and must affect the safety and welfare of the public or must involve gross
mismanagement or gross neglect of duty.
HOW TO CONTACT THE FCHR
All of the laws mentioned in this article are designed to protect the citizens of Florida from discrimination in its many forms. To file a
complaint with the Florida Commission on Human Relations FCHR, call: 1-800-342-8170 or (850) 488-7082 between 8:00 AM and
5:00 PM Monday through Friday. Also, you can check with your local city and county government to see if they have an Equal Opportunity
Office or Human Relations Department. You may file complaints with those offices under local city and county ordinances and if those
agencies cannot assist you, they will refer your complaint to the Florida Commission on Human Relations.
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E-MAIL COPIES OF WCB - Elizabeth Bowden
If you would like your subscription options changed to E-mail, please send an e-mail message to:
esbowden@nettally.com
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ARE YOU MOVING? - Linda Jacobson
If you are moving please notify me of your new address so you will continue to receive your White Cane Bulletin. Also if you know of
anyone interested in joining FCB and would like to receive the White Cane Bulletin and the Braille Forum please contact me at
(904) 272-8405 or E-mail: jacobsli@bellsouth.net
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DELTA DAWN (POEM) - by Cheryl Spencer
(This poem is about Cheryl's deceased guide dog, Delta Dawn (3-24-91 - 4-20-04).)
When my first guide Tammy died I was in such pain,
How could I ever do this again!
But my cane wasn't working and I couldn't keep track,
It never came when I called, it wouldn't come back.
On January 13 of 93 Delta became mine,
She was perfect for me.
She loved to play and run around
squeaky balls were her favorite, she liked the sound.
The cats were her babies she loved them so,
she fleeced and groomed them from head to toe
Delta was so gentle and mild
and never turned away from the hand of a child.
From Disney World to Vegas we went everywhere,
and if we dressed her silly she didn't care.
Wherever I was she wanted to be,
She was her happiest when she was with me.
She loved her harness and wore it with pride.
I was honored to have her as my guide.
Tammy and Delta are both watching me,
as I pick up the harness again and put it on Confetti.
Its tough to beat the best of the best.
Confetti is facing an enormous test.
*Confetti and I will never walk alone,
for Tammy and Delta will always see us home.
My love for her is so very strong
eleven years is not very long,
but my love for her will live on and on,
Delta was a guide companion, mentor and friend,
faithful and loyal right to the end,
and even though she couldn't stay
I know she'll always be just a memory away.
* Editors Note: Princess Confetti is a Sorrel, near-leopard miniature Appaloosa mare (female horse). She attracts attention wherever
she goes and is outstandingly precious, and beautiful with a disposition fit for a princess. Children and adults alike are excited by even a
glimpse of her unusual coat. Confetti is the first guide horse in Florida and the third in the United States. She was foaled on 5/10/2001
at Christmas, Florida, and bred by Barbara McDermott at JBR Ranch. Good luck to the Princess, Cheryl and Chris, Cheryl's husband,
who has learned a lot about miniature horses, and shares Confetti with The Jacksonville Council at meetings and events, much to our
delight.
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CALLING ALL ARTISTS! - Foundation for Fighting Blindness
The Florida Chapter of the Foundation Fighting Blindness would like to enlist the help of all budding artists out there. We are in the
process of creating our holiday cards and would like artwork, pictures, sketches, etc. to use on our front cover. The inside cover will have
your name as the artist and a little blurb about you and why you are involved with FFB. The deadline for all entries is July 30th, 2004. If
you have any questions please feel free to call the Florida Office at (954) 888-9996 or E-mail Pam Huff at
phuff@blindness.org. Send all entries through the E-mail address of
phuff@blindness.org or by regular mail to:
Foundation Fighting Blindness
Pam Huff
318 Indian Trace, #417
Weston, FL 33326
***"Happiness is not a destination. It is a method of life." - Burton Hills***
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LAUGH YOUR WAY TO BETTER HEALTH - AARP Health Care Options Publication
A hearty laugh can go a long way in helping you feel good. And it can help others feel good, too: It's hard to resist laughing when
someone else is. Maybe certain movies make you laugh; maybe Sunday cartoons get you to chuckle. Whatever it is that makes you
laugh, make time for it. It's good for you! Here's what laughter can do for your health:
Gives your heart and lungs a workout: Research shows that a belly laugh can momentarily increase your heart rate and expand your
lungs. Helps you relax: Your pulse and heart rate rise slightly when you laugh. But after laughing, they decrease to below normal,
causing a feeling of relaxation. This sense of relaxation can last up to 45 minutes after laughing. Boosts the immune system:
Researchers have found that laughter triggers certain chemicals that help the immune system to kick in. These same chemicals
decrease when you're under stress. Reduces pain; Laughter may play a role in stimulating endorphins, your body's natural painkillers.
Improves mood: Ever notice that you feel better when you laugh? That's because laughter can help you look at life from a lighter side.
Gives a feeling of control: The next time you're in the middle of a crisis and feel helpless, try to find something humorous in the
situation. It can give you a sense of control. Joking about a problem is one way to rise above it. Makes you more creative: Laughing can
help boost your imagination and creativity. Reduces anger: Laughter is a great way to release pent-up anger, which has been linked to
high blood pressure and depression. Helps with chronic breathing problems: Laughing can help people who have breathing problems
such as emphysema because the change in breathing pattern during laughter aids ventilation and clears mucus.
Don't be so serious! Everyone needs a good laugh now and then. It's free, it's contagious, and it's good for you!
Source: "Laugh your way to better health," July 2001, Optum
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THE ROLE OF NUTRITION IN MACULAR DEGENERATION - by Dennis L. Gierhart, PhD (Partially reprinted from
Life Extension, May 2004)
Macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in people over the age of 55, affecting more than 10 million Americans. The
disease occurs when the central portion of the retina (the macula) deteriorates, resulting in impaired vision or blindness. The good
news is that leading researchers have identified specific dietary factors that can prevent, and even partially reverse, this devastating
ocular disorder.
Zeaxanthin is one of 700 plant pigments called carotenoids that provide much of the color in nature and our diet. The carotenoids
derive their name from the fact that the first pigment isolated, beta-carotene, was from carrots. Beta-carotene is an important source of
vitamin A. which is critical to vision. Zeaxanthin and its closely related cousin, lutein, are called xanthophylls and are perhaps the third to
seventh most prevalent carotenoids in the human diet (depending on fruit and vegetable selection). Humans cannot synthesize these
carotenoids and thus must obtain them from their diet. Zeaxanthin and lutein have been recently called "conditionally essential nutrients"
because of their critical protective functions in the eye.
Looking out a little further in the future, it is likely that cataract prevalence and progression will benefit from combined research on
zeaxanthin and advances in the nutritional biochemistry of the eye. This advance could have a positive economic impact on growing
Medicare expenditures tied to degenerative eye disease. Perhaps the same impact will be seen concerning diabetic complications of
the eye and macular degeneration. With nearly 15 million dry macular degeneration sufferers in the US today and more on the way, a
decreased incidence and progression rate would be welcome.
Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies are developing cold laser and angiogenesis inhibitors for treating the ravaging effects
of wet macular degeneration. Almost all these treatments target single molecules or single pathways to prevent or destroy unwanted
blood vessels. While zeaxanthin may be the single most critical nutrient for the eye, its value will most likely be in conjunction with high
dietary intake of multiple nutrients. Eventually there will be a convergence of nutritional intervention (to prevent and modulate early
insults and stresses of the eye) and sophisticated medical treatments.
Future generations will be able to see those important things in life. In the meantime, you can eat healthy (lots of fruits and vegetables,
decreased fats and increased fish oil), increase your dietary intake of zeaxanthin and other antioxidants, stop smoking, lose those extra
pounds, watch your risk factors for cardiovascular disease, and protect your eyes when in the sun.
For complete article see Life Extension, May 2004 - website: www.lef.org.
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SHORT QUIZ
Quiz: What do they call pastors in Germany?
Answer: German Shepherds
Quiz: What excuse did Adam give to his children as to why they no longer lived in Eden?
Answer: Your mother ate us out of house and home.
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YOU KNOW YOU'RE IN FLORIDA IN JULY WHEN - by Robert Chadwick
The birds have to use pot holders to pull worms out of the ground.
The trees are whistling for the dogs.
The best parking place is determined by shade instead of distance.
Hot water now comes out of both taps.
You can make sun tea instantly.
You learn that a seat belt buckle makes a pretty good branding iron.
The temperature drops below 95 and you feel a little chilly.
You discover that in July it only takes 2 fingers to steer your car.
You discover that you can get sunburned through your car window.
You actually burn your hand opening the car door.
You break into a sweat the instant you step outside at 7:30 AM.
Your biggest bicycle wreck fear is, "What if I get knocked out and end up lying on the pavement and cook to death?"
You realize that asphalt has a liquid state.
The potatoes cook underground, so all you have to do is pull one out and add butter, salt and pepper.
Farmers are feeding their chickens crushed ice to keep them from laying boiled eggs.
The cows are giving evaporated milk.
Ah, what a place to call home. . .God Bless Our State of FLORIDA!
***"There is no chance, no destiny, no fate, that can circumvent or hinder or control the firm resolve of a determined soul." - from the
poem "Will" By Ella Wheeler Wilcox***
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VISUAIDE UNVEILS MAESTRO: THE FIRST MAINSTREAM HANDHELD PC FOR BLIND AND VISUALLY-IMPAIRED
- Submitted by Daniel W. O'Connor
NEWS RELEASE FROM VISUAIDE
A web version with photos is available at:
http://www.visuaide.com/news_maestro_en.html.
Atlanta, Georgia, June 30, 2004 -- VisuAide unveiled today Maestro, the first mainstream hand-held PC accessible to the blind and
visually-impaired. The launch coincided with the National Federation of the Blind convention held in Atlanta this week.
Maestro is an HP iPAQ Pocket PC made accessible by VisuAide using text-to-speech technology and a tactile keyboard membrane
over the PDA touch screen. Now, the visually impaired can enjoy the ultra-compact size of a real PDA and essential information-access
functionality: text and vocal note taking, agenda, contact directory, etc. The visually impaired can benefit from the same applications than
sighted users without handling a stylus.
Maestro takes advantage of wireless communication networks such as Bluetooth to yield a modular system that can be operated with
or without an external keyboard (Braille or standard), depending on user preference and the task at hand. For example, Maestro allows
Braille input using either the tactile keyboard on the unit for brief notes, or an external Braille keyboard for extensive note taking.
With its open environment, the system readily integrates third-party or other VisuAide applications, such as Trekker, a GPS orientation
system, and Victor Reader, a digital talking-book player.
As a mass-market product, Maestro can evolve in price, power and connectivity at the same rate as electronics for the sighted. Users can
benefit from the latest innovations in the PDA market much earlier and at a lower price.
To begin shipping in September 2004, Maestro is the most affordable and compact personal information-management and
communication system available to the visually-impaired. "VisuAide's objective was to provide users with a low-cost, highly portable
mobile-computing solution," said Gilles Pepin, president of VisuAide. "VisuAide hopes to make technological aids available to a larger
number of blind and visually-impaired individuals."
ABOUT VISUAIDE
VisuAide (www.visuaide.com) is the leading innovator in high-tech solutions for the blind and
visually-impaired. The company now employs 80 people in Canada and operates one of the largest R & D departments in the field.
VisuAide is the world leader in digital audio book solutions for the print-disabled. It develops and manufactures the Victor Reader line of
hardware and software audio players. The company also manufactures Trekker, a GPS-based orientation and mobility product for the
visually-impaired. VisuAide is the largest distributor of computer aids for the visually disabled in Canada.
Ann K. Parsons
E-mail: akp@eznet.net
Website: http://home.eznet.net/~akp
***"Not all those who wander are lost." - JRRT***
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WEEKLY WORKOUT - by Robert Chadwick
The Doctor told me, I should start an exercise program. Not wanting to harm this old body, I've devised the following weekly program:
Monday: Beat around the bush, Jump to conclusions, Climb the walls and Wade through the morning paper
Tuesday: Drag my heels, Push my luck, Make mountains out of mole hills and Hit the nail on the head
Wednesday: Bend over backwards, Jump on the Band Wagon and Run around in circles
Thursday: Advise the President on how to run the country, Toot my own horn, Pull out all the stops and Add fuel to the fire
Friday: Open a can of worms, Put my foot in my mouth, Start the ball rolling and Go over the edge
Saturday: Pick up the pieces!!
Sunday: Kneel in prayer, Bow my head in thanksgiving, Uplift my hands in praise, Hug someone and encourage them.
Whew! What a workout! Come join me???
***"Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." - Confucius - BC 551-479, Chinese Ethical Teacher,
Philosopher***
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GREEN TEA - from "Dr. Flanagan Health Secrets"
(You can sign up for this newsletter at http://www.phisciences.com)
Today I want to remind you about a wonderful drink that is available at just about any grocery store. This inexpensive drink can help
prevent heart disease, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis; it can strengthen your bones, and even support weight loss and strengthen
immunity. The drink I am referring to is none other than the time-honored and ancient herbal Green Tea. Green Tea is rich in
phytonutrients such as polyphenol, which help prevent a wide spectrum of modern diseases.
Green Tea is literally one of the most powerful antioxidants you can readily have as a beverage. Green Tea is rich in antioxidant
compounds known as catechins. Catechins literally seek out and destroy free radicals in your body. Free radicals are the highly
destructive molecules that steal electrons from your DNA and other cells, damaging them in the process. As a result of this damage,
your immune system is compromised and you become more susceptible to degenerative diseases.
USDA researchers report that Green Tea actually produces greater antioxidant activity then nearly two dozen fruits and vegetables. As a
matter of fact, Green Tea has 200% greater antioxidant power than Vitamin E.
SCIENTIFIC FINDINGS ON GREEN TEA:
GREEN TEA AND LIFE EXTENSION FOR HEART ATTACK VICTIMS
Research at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, MA discovered that drinking Green Tea can extend victims' lives after a
heart attack. 1900 individuals who suffered from heart attacks were studied. Scientists discovered that heavy tea drinkers reduced their
risk of mortality over the subsequent three to four years by 44% compared to non-tea drinkers. Even moderate tea drinkers had risk
reduced by 28% compared to non-tea drinkers.
GREEN TEA AND PREVENTION OF CANCER
The U.S. National Cancer Institute reports that individuals who drink Green Tea at least once a week for up to six months or more exhibit
a significantly reduced risk for colon, rectal, and pancreatic cancers. Green Tea contains powerful antioxidants that destroy cancer cells
and inhibit the growth of cancer.
Even oral cancer patients benefit from drinking Green Tea. In one study, oral cancer patients who drank three cups of Green Tea per day
and applied a mixture of glycerin and Green Tea to their lesions demonstrated dramatic inhibition of cancerous growths. Almost 40% of
the patients in the study exhibited reduction rates of 30% or greater. In addition the rate of cancerous cell formation diminished
significantly as well.
RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS PREVENTION AND REDUCTION
At Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, medical researchers published a study demonstrating that drinking four cups of
Green Tea per day prevents rheumatoid arthritis and even reduces the intensity of the crippling disease in those who currently battle the
disease.
People all over the world have been enjoying drinking Green Tea for centuries. Organic Green Tea or just plain Green Tea with no
additives is the best way to go. Many additives such as aspartame, pesticides, and preservatives can counteract the antioxidant benefits
of Green Tea.
GREEN TEA CAN STRENGTHEN BONES
At the National Cheng Kung University Hospital in Taiwan researchers discovered that drinking Green Tea strengthens the skeletal
system. Green Tea contains a whole spectrum of polyphenol and flavonoids, both of which can enhance bone strength. In the National
Cheng Kung University Hospital study of on 1,037 men and women, people who consumed Green Tea for more than a decade
exhibited significantly bone density increases via bone-mineral density tests as compared to non-habitual Green Tea drinkers.
GREEN TEA SUPPORTS WEIGHT LOSS
In a numerous recent clinical study, researchers discovered that Green Tea drinkers burned more calories than non-tea drinkers.
Several studies in Europe demonstrated that the catechins in Green Tea enhance metabolic rate which supports weight loss.
GREEN TEA STRENGTHENS THE IMMUNE SYSTEM
Several prestigious studies included one documented by the National Academy of Sciences confirmed found that components in tea
prepare the immune system to attack invading fungi, viruses, and bacteria. In several studies, even non-tea drinkers who consumed
half a dozen cups of tea per day for several weeks exhibited dramatically improved immune response.
*** Finally - Smile Awhile - (Anyway) - Pass It On - And Drink Green Tea ***
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CHAPTER NEWS
There is no chapter news because there are no chapters that have sent chapter news. This is a publication for the members which
should be by the members and we would appreciate your sharing your accomplishments and events with the rest of the FCB members.
I would call on the presidents of each chapter to please appoint a member to send in chapter news when you have something
interesting to share or would like to recognize one of your members. Also - PLEASE SEND IN ARTICLES OR INFORMATION YOU THINK
WOULD BE GOOD TO SHARE WITH OTHER MEMBERS WHERE IT WILL INFORM, INTEREST OR ENTERTAIN THEM. Let's make the
WCB as informative and interesting and related to each chapter and member as it can be. Everyone has an article in their brain/heart -
let it loose and share it with the rest of us. Good luck and please help us to make this a great publication representing FCB in a manner
which we are all proud of.
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HANDY TELEPHONE NUMBER REFERENCES
Project Insight: 1-800-267-4448
Bureau of Braille and Talking Book Library Services: 1-800-226-6075
Division of Blind Services (Tallahassee): 1-800-342-1828
American Council of The Blind: 1-800-424-8666
(available only 3:00 to 5:30 PM EST Monday-Friday)
ACB Legislative Hotline: 1-800-424-8666
(Evenings 8:00 PM - 12:00 Midnight EST
Weekends 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM only)
A T & T Disability Services: 1-800-872-3883
Press 00 and speak with your long distance carrier
BellSouth Disability Services: 780-2273 from anywhere
Social Security: 1-800-772-1213
24-hour voice and touch tone accessible
Outta Sight Travel: 1-866-338-8747
Phone (772) 336-TRIP (8747)
Fax (772) 336-8595
Email: gmtravel@bellsouth.net
Web site: http://www.outtasighttravel.com
Cheap Computers for The Blind: (But Good)
(Center for the Physically Impaired)
$100.00 Includes Shipping.
Mr. Langford: Phone (214) 340-6328
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FCB CHAPTER LIAISONS
Bobbie Probst: Clay, Alachua, Halifax, PSLCB (904) 641-0709
Robert Miller: Tallahassee, Pinellas County (850) 906-9821
Lee Stallworth: Pensacola, Port Charlotte, FABS - (850) 433-5663
Patti Davis Land: Mid-Florida, Tampa, RSVF - (407) 521-9047
Carl McCoy: Brevard, Palm Beach County, Polk - (850) 553-9490
Nancy Folsom: Ocala, Greater Tampa, FCCLV (850) 893-8650
Sharon Youngs: Plant City, Sarasota, Venice, Englewood - (727) 937-8631
Jesus Garcia: Miami Metro, Broward - (305) 654-8329
Jim Warth: Greater Miami, Jacksonville - (727) 461-7067
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