THE WHITE CANE BULLETIN
FLORIDA COUNCIL OF THE BLIND, INC.
March - April 2009
FCB OFFICERS, 2008 - 2010
President:
Debbie Grubb
4215 17th Ave. W
Bradenton, FL 34205
(941) 749-6178
E-mail: debbiecg@verizon.net
First Vice President:
Robert Miller
2201 Limerick Dr.
Tallahassee, FL 32309
(850) 906-9821
E-mail: easytalk@earthlink.net
Second Vice President:
John S. Richards, Jr.
939 NE 18th St.
Ocala, FL 34470
(352) 629-4530
E-mail: jsrj@embarqmail.com
Treasurer:
Patti Land
6933 Alpert Dr.
Orlando, FL 32810
(407) 521-9047
E-mail: pattianne1@cfl.rr.com
Membership Secretary:
Sally Benjamin
1531 Dempsey Mayo Road
Tallahassee, FL 32308
(850) 877-1512
E-mail: floridacouncil@comcast.snet
Recording Secretary:
Sharon Youngs
237 Maple Ave.
Palm Harbor, FL 34684
(727) 937-8631
E-mail: sky11@tampabay.rr.com
Immediate Past President:
Paul Edwards
20330 NE 20th Ct.
Miami, FL 33179
(305) 692-9206
E-mail: edwpaul@bellsouth.net
Editor of White Cane Bulletin:
Sharon Youngs
237 Maple Ave.
Palm Harbor, FL 34684
(727) 937-8631
E-mail: sky11@tampabay.rr.com
Articles for the White Cane Bulletin must be submitted to Sally Benjamin no later than the 20th of the month before it is published.
Sally's E-mail is: floridacouncil@comcast.net.
If you do not have access to a computer and E-mail, please find someone in your chapter to help send it. We would like to hear from
anyone who wants to contribute to our newsletter. If you don’t have a way to write an article, you can call Sharon Youngs at the number
above and she will be glad to write it for you.
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
ARE YOU MOVING? - by Sally Benjamin
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE - by Debbie Grubb
FCB CONVENTION 2009 - by Rosanna Lippen
FUN AT DAYTONA BEACH BASH! - by Nancy Burgess-Hall
TRANSPORTATION TO AND AROUND DAYTONA BEACH - by Nancy Burgess-Hall
DEADLINE APPROACHING FOR 2009 FCB SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION - by Barbara Grill
SOME THOUGHTS AND MEMORIES OF A DEARLY DEPARTED FRIEND BETTY DIETZ - Submitted by Sila Miller
ZEENA HOGSBRO: GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN - by Patricia A. Lipovsky & Nancy D. Burgess-Hall
COLUMN IN VENICE GONDOLIER (Published January 7th, 2009) - by Ellen Hillstrom, State Rep. FCB
A FULL LIFE OF CONTRIBUTING AND MAKING A DIFFERENCE: LILLIAN P. REILLY IN THE SPOTLIGHT - by Sila Miller
PUBLIC EDUCATION VIDEO - by Jack Varnon
ANNUAL CREDIT REPORT - Submitted by Sheila Young
POETRY CORNER - by Shelley Justice
PUT AN END TO THE SQUINTING AND STRAINING WHEN READING SMALL TYPE ON THE WEB - by Michael McCarty
TECH TIPS - by John Richards for the FCB Technology Committee
THINGS TO KNOW - Submitted by Pat Lipovsky
CHAPTER NEWS - Mid-Florida Council of the Blind
AUDIBLE PEDESTRIAN SIGNALS - by Paul Hutsko
HEALTHY LIVING - Submitted by Pat Lipovsky
RECIPE CORNER
HANDY TELEPHONE NUMBER REFERENCES
ARE YOU MOVING? - by Sally Benjamin
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
1-800-267-4448 or E-mail floridacouncil@comcast.net.
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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE - by Debbie Grubb
Hello FCB. As I write this message, it is mid-February and I am busily preparing to visit Washington, DC to represent FCB at the
ACB Affiliate Presidents' Meeting and to, along with Mike and Debbie Drylie, represent you on Capitol Hill as we visit the office
of every member of the Florida delegation. In the past, I have chosen key congressional leaders to visit. However, I thought it
wise for now and into the future to visit every member of the Florida delegation and so the FCB Executive Committee gave us
permission to remain in Washington, DC for an extra day in order for us to truly represent you during this significant time on
Capitol Hill.
Congratulations to Paul Edwards, FCB's representative on the Florida State Rehabilitation Council, for his election as that body's
Vice Chair. I know that Paul will represent FCB and the entire Council well in this position and that he will be a great resource
to the Council's Chair.
On January 8th, the first meeting between DBS staff and the stakeholder groups was held. Joyce Hildreth, Director of the Division
of Blind Services, stated, "We are committed at the Division of Blind Services to do whatever we can to provide services to our
clients." Many thanks to Robert Miller for attending the meeting with me. In my last President's Message, I outlined the meeting
dates and deadlines for submitting items for placement on the meeting agenda. This information will also be posted again on the
FCB-L and will be presented to FCB Chapter Presidents so that those of you who are interested can attend the teleconferences and
present items of importance for the meeting agendas. No item will be discussed during a teleconference that does not appear on the
agenda. During the first meeting, much time was spent discussing the 2009 Vision Summit. Kurt Kelly, the current Chair of the
Florida Vision Caucus, emphasized the importance of the work of this group. Chairman Kelly encouraged members of the stakeholder
groups to write to their legislators, inviting them to join this important legislative entity. In his role as Chair of the Vision
Caucus, Rep. Kelly is traveling throughout the State of Florida visiting State agencies. Please ask the director of the agency in
your area of the State to invite him for a visit. Rep. Kelly takes his responsibility as Chair of the Vision Caucus seriously and
he is to be commended for the effort he is making to learn from experts in the blindness field. The meeting concluded with the
assurance that DBS staff, regardless of budget cuts, is committed to continuing programs and services to the Division's
clients.
In mid-January, one of our newest affiliates, Guide Dog Users of Florida, hosted the fourth annual Southeast Regional Top Dog
workshop in Daytona Beach. Approximately 150 guide dog users, puppy raisers and friends of the movement attended the event.
Representatives from eight guide dog schools attended and participated in interesting workshops. I have heard very positive
comments about this year's conference. Although this event is entitled the Southeast Regional Top Dog Workshop, attendees from
as far away as New York, Ohio, Missouri and California joined us. GDUF wishes to take this opportunity to thank the Florida
Council of the Blind and the Halifax Council of the Blind for their generous donations that funded this year's Top Dog Workshop.
The officers and membership of GDUF are to be congratulated for taking on this significant project and for making it a wonderful
experience for all attendees.
In early February, William and Sally Benjamin represented us at Governor Crist's press conference publicizing the proposed
SunRail System that will, on its completion in approximately 20 years, link the entire State of Florida. The first cities to be
linked via this system are Orlando, Tampa and Miami. If the SunRail System becomes a reality for citizens of Florida, it will do
much to improve transportation for all of us who do not drive because of age, poverty or disability. The SunRail System can go
far toward the creation of a statewide seamless system of transportation to which FCB is committed. If the SunRail System moves
toward completion, all of us will benefit as rail service is incorporated throughout the State.
On February 10th, the 2009 Vision Summit was held at the Capitol in Tallahassee. The event was televised in its entirety on the
Florida channel. The stakeholder groups decided to change the manner in which we participate in the event. Members of our
organizations whose lives had been positively impacted via the Division of Blind Services told their stories. Paul Edwards, our
Immediate Past President, told his moving story. Emily Townsend, one of our 2008 FCB scholarship winners, shared her story as
well. The many stories were well received and, hopefully, will go far to protect the budget of the Division of Blind Services
and will instill in our legislators the reality of all that people who are blind and visually impaired contribute. Many thanks
to William and Sally Benjamin and Wanda Stokley for representing all of us along with Paul Edwards at the Vision Summit. FCB
has a tradition of working with the Florida Vision Caucus and this tradition will be continued in 2009. Ours is the largest
caucus in the Florida legislature. It is up to us to reach out to the legislators who have expressed their interest in our
cause by joining the Vision Caucus.
On February 14th, I attended the Board Meeting of VSA Arts of Florida. FCB was publicly thanked for its donation to this
organization whose mandate is to make the world of the arts truly accessible to people with disabilities.
Within the next several weeks, you will receive your 2009 Convention Call. Plan to join us from Thursday, June 4th, through
Sunday, June 7th, in Daytona Beach for one of our best Conventions ever. Congratulations to Convention Committee Chair Sila
Miller and her wonderful committee on work excellently done.
The FCB Host Committee for the 2009 ACB Convention, co-chaired by Sally Benjamin and Debbie Drylie, and staffed by wonderful
members of our Mid-Florida Chapter, continues to work diligently to make the 2009 event a memorable one.
Thank you for giving Mike and Debbie Drylie and me the opportunity to represent you on Capitol Hill. It is an honor that we
treasure and we promise to do our best. I'll tell you all about our adventures in DC in my next President's message.
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FCB CONVENTION 2009 - by Rosanna Lippen
"Catch a Wave and You're Sitting on Top of the World"
Well, Daytona may not be the top of the world, but there are certainly plenty of things to do if you choose to add a day or
two to your convention trip. Our convention hotel is a prime opportunity to enjoy the sand. We are blessed with a rate of
under a hundred dollars a night for an oceanfront hotel. And each room is equipped with a coffee maker, microwave and mini
refrigerator.
To make a reservation for the Convention that will run from June 4th – June 7th, 2009, please follow the following
instructions:
Call or e-mail Ms. Victoria Kane at the hotel directly. The phone number is (386) 239-9800 extension 213 or you may send her
an e-mail at vkane@oceanwatersmanagement.com. Please be sure to include
a phone number where she can call you back with any further questions regarding information needed. Please be sure to make
your reservations no later than May 10th to get the special FCB rate for your room.
The hotel is also giving us special rates on meals in their restaurant, Atlantic Jack's. If you are registered for the
Convention, you will save $1 per entrée ordered. Additionally, a special boxed lunch will be available for $10 on both
Friday and Saturday. There will also be a special limited lunch menu. "Quick grabs" will be available for breakfast or you
may choose to eat in and indulge in the full buffet.
The hotel has two main meeting rooms: one on the first floor, and the main ballroom on the second floor. Registration will
take place on the first floor in the Osprey Room. The Technology Committee will be having a very special hands-on, one-on-one
training session to run throughout the convention. These will take place on the main floor in the Osprey Room as well as two
suites specifically reserved for these training sessions on floor two.
Be on the lookout for more fun-filled information from special members in the Daytona area. They want each and every member of
FCB to learn and enjoy the convention to the MAX!
Rosanna Lippen
Hotel Coordinator
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FUN AT DAYTONA BEACH BASH! - by Nancy Burgess-Hall
Halifax Council of the Blind welcomes you to the FUN coast of Daytona Beach. There is so much to do both at the Convention,
within walking distance of the hotel and around the area that you'll want to extend your visit beyond the 4 days of the
Convention.
Let's start with the Convention itself, June 4th-7th, 2009. FCB's Convention Committee has put together a jam-packed program.
Thursday night, FCB will host a barbeque and welcome for DBS Director Joyce Hildreth at the Orientation and Adjustment Center
over on the mainland. Friday night, FCB will hold its Awards Banquet, and Saturday night will be the main Banquet, followed by
entertainment and the Grand Drawing for $1,000.00 and other prizes.
Amidst all the excitement, take a breather Friday evening at Halifax Council's Beach Bash. Following the Pre-Convention Board
Meeting, we will meet on the deck outside the hotel restaurant, overlooking the pool and beach. Snacks will be shared and a
cash bar will be available. Feel the evening breeze, smell the salt air, listen to the music. Take a short stroll along the
beach or poolside and socialize with old and new friends.
If you still have energy following FCB's banquets and nighttime activities, or you decide to extend your stay, there is plenty
to see and do within a brisk 20-minute walk. Next door, at the Plaza Resort, is a full spa with massage services. A block south
is Seabreeze Boulevard, with restaurants, nighttime entertainment and boutiques. About 2 blocks south are a Walgreens and an
I-HOP, and within a brisk 10-minute walk is the Ocean Walk, with several movie theatres, Bubba Gump Restaurant, Johnny Rockets
Restaurant, a Starbucks, a pizzeria, ice-cream and several interesting shops. Across the street, behind the multi-level parking
garage is Typhoon Lagoon, a water amusement park. Within a 20 minute walk of the hotel is Daytona Beach's famous Main Street,
known nationally as the center of Bike Week, the Bandshell with its free concerts and the Main Street Pier, with its amusements.
The Ocean Center, Daytona Beach's convention center and the Peabody Auditorium hold theatrical performances, (such as Broadway's
Hairspray and Annie), symphonies, (such as the London Symphony Orchestra) and a variety of other performances, including the
Temptations, Oak Ridge Boys and David Copperfield.
A trolley runs up and down A1A / Atlantic Avenue and the beachside bus terminal (which connects to all parts of the area) is
located at the Parking Garage. There are bus and boat tours, charter fishing, scooter and ATV rentals and beachside parks. Other
area attractions include The Ponce Inlet Lighthouse and Museum, Ponce Inlet Marine Research Museum and Nature Preserve, Halifax
Historical Museum, Museum of Arts and Science (with its new hands-on children's section, planetarium, Cuban collection,
Coca-Cola bottle collection and Giant Sloth) and Daytona USA, home and museum of NASCAR's Daytona 500.
Why, you'll need at least a week to enjoy all that Daytona Beach has to offer. For more information on area attractions, log on
to any of the following sites:
http://daytonabeach.com
http://daytonabeach.com/accessible.cfm or
http://www.ci.daytona-beach.fl.us
That's what we call a FUN Daytona Beach Bash!!!
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TRANSPORTATION TO AND AROUND DAYTONA BEACH - by Nancy Burgess-Hall
Getting to Daytona Beach may be a challenge, but once you have arrived you will have plenty of options.
DRIVING:
The Plaza Ocean Club is just over 1 1/2 hours south of Jacksonville, 1 hour east from downtown Orlando. and just over 4 hours
north from Miami, or southeast from Tallahassee.
Travelling on I-95 Get off at Exit 261 / US-92 / W International Speedway Blvd toward Daytona Beach. Continue 6 miles east,
passing Volusia Mall, the airport, crossing over the ISB bridge and continuing toward the ocean. Turn left onto FL-A1A North
/ South Atlantic Avenue. Go 1.1 mile north, just past Seabreeze Blvd (FL-430 E.) to 640 North Atlantic Avenue.
FLYING:
DELTA and US Airways are the only major airlines utilizing the Daytona Beach Airport and do not connect directly with
any Florida airport.
TRAIN:
Amtrak has a stop in Deland, Florida (about 35 minutes east of Daytona Beach).
BUS:
Greyhound has a stop at 138 S Ridgewood Ave, in downtown Daytona Beach, about 3 miles from the hotel.
SHUTTLE SERVICE:
To/From the Orlando Airport (MCO):
Daytona Orlando Airport Shuttle
Phone: (386) 947-9947
Fax: (386) 322-5999 Fax
http://www.doshuttle.com
$40.00 per person one way/$75.00 per person round trip
door-door $30.00 / $55.00 per person for a group of 4 or more
For larger groups call manager for group rates
Orlando Airport Shuttle-Dots
Phone: (386) 257-5411 or 1-800-231-1965
Fax: (386) 257-5415
www.dots-daytonabeach.com
E-mail: dotrans@bellsouth.net
$35.00 per person one way/$65.00 per person round trip
Pierre Shuttle
Phone: (386) 255-5595
To/From Orlando Airport: $100.00 per person one-way
$30.00 one-way for 3-8 people traveling together
$25.00 one-way for 9-14 people traveling together
To/From Amtrak Station in Deland: $55.00 per person one-way
$60.00 for 2 people traveling together
$100.00 for 4 people traveling together
Kings Transportation Shuttle
Phone: (386) 238 1111, 1-888-333-3356 or 1-800-TAXICAB
E-mail: yellowcabking@msn.com
To /From Orlando $160.00 for 4 people traveling together one way
$175 for a van of 7 people together one way
To/From Amtrak: $60.00 per person one way/$75.00 per van
NOTE: None have wheelchair lifts; they do have steppers.
PARATRANSIT SERVICE:
Votran Gold $2.50 per trip
Customer Service to apply for service: (386) 756-7496; TDD: (386) 756-7494
Reservations: (386) 322-5100
www.votran.org
If a person has been certified as "ADA Paratransit eligible" by their local paratransit provider, that certification will
be honored for up to 21 days (from the date of application). It is therefore recommended that you apply for service no
sooner than 10 days before your visit. Reservations for a specific trip must be made by 4:00 PM the day before, Monday
through Friday.
Votran Gold will provide service within the ADA corridor of 3/4 of a mile. This includes to/from the hotel and Daytona
Beach Airport, the Greyhound Bus Station, Volusia Mall and many area attractions. It does not include the Amtrak Station
in Deland, FL.
FIXED ROUTE BUS and A1A Beachside Trolley serve A1A / Atlantic Avenue and connect to other routes.
Rates are for Single Fare (Exact Fare Only). Multiple ride rates also available. Proof of status required for reduced
rate fares.
$1.25 for Adult fare
$0.60 for Senior Citizen (65 and older) / Disabled/Medicare / Children (ages 6-17)
Free for Children under 6 years when accompanied by an adult
All busses and trolleys are equipped with wheelchair lifts.
TAXI CAB SERVICE:
$3.20 for pick-up, $2.00 per mile thereafter; $1 per extra person
ABC Cab
Phone: (386) 238-3666
All American Taxi & Shuttle
Phone: (386) 258-0000
American Taxi Cab
Phone: (386) 299-9999
A1A Taxi/BT
Phone: (386) 441-7777 ask for Lauren or Tony
10 percent discount if you say FCB
Beach Taxi
Phone: (386) 258-8294
Southern Comfort
Phone: (386) 252-2222
Yellow Cab
Phone: (386) 255-5555 or 1-888-333-3356
http://www.yellowcab.com
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DEADLINE APPROACHING FOR 2009 FCB SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION - by Barbara Grill
All those interested in applying for one of the four scholarships offered by FCB, remember that the March 31st deadline is
rapidly approaching.
Please go to www.fcb.org and click on the Scholarship Application link. Or, you may call
Barbara Grill at (941) 966-7056 for information.
Scholarship winners will be announced on Friday, June 5th, during the Awards Ceremony, at the Plaza Oceanfront Resort and
Spa in Daytona Beach, during the FCB Annual Convention.
The Florida Council of Citizens with Low Vision also will announce one winner for the $500.00 scholarship.
Good luck!
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SOME THOUGHTS AND MEMORIES OF A DEARLY DEPARTED FRIEND BETTY DIETZ - Submitted by Sila Miller
Dear Friends,
It really saddens me to inform you that Betty Dietz passed away in her sleep Sunday morning, February 8th. She was the long-time
President of our local FCB chapter, the Braille Club and leader in the blind community. The family has suffered the loss of 4
loved ones in the pass 10 months and is devastated. Betty leaves behind her son, Merrill; her sister, Harriet; and nephew, Kenneth.
Please remember this family in your prayers.
Sincerely,
Carolyn Lapp
All of us in FCB are sorry to hear of Betty's passing. It was a privilege to know her. Our sympathy is extended to Betty's
family. She was a fine lady in every sense of the word. I got to know Betty when I joined CCTB, an affiliate that Betty played a
large role in starting. Betty's efforts on the behalf of all of us will continue to bear fruit and remind us of the fine person
that she was.
Debbie Grubb
Very well put Debbie. I will indeed miss Betty as well. When I first became involved in FCB, Betty was one of the first people I
ever met. She was also instrumental in getting me to go to my first state convention in Tallahassee. I will miss all of her
encouragement, especially when I decided to start moving up as an officer in my local chapter. God bless you Betty.
Jason Goldfield
Hello All,
I too am so sorry to hear about Betty. I just talked to her at the end of January. Every conversation we had she thanked me for
helping her. She cared so much about blind people and wanted to be involved right to the end. I sure will miss her phone calls.
Sally
I too am truly sorry to hear about Betty. We shared a room at one of our conventions, and had some wonderful talks. She was a
smart lady, a compassionate and caring person, and will be truly missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family.
Pat Lipovsky
Dear Carolyn,
Thank you for letting us know. I will miss Betty so much. I know she is with Walter and Darcy now and with her dear Mother of
whom she spoke so fondly. I am so thankful for the chance to know her and now am truly honored to have had the opportunity to
do that spotlight article that she struggled through for me! God bless and comfort her family. Wow, what a loss.
Sila
I am very sad to learn of Betty's passing because there needs to be more attention paid to the special needs of people who are
totally blind, and Betty made that happened. I am sorry I never got to meet her in person, but I will think of her every time
we are victorious at bringing our concerns to the forefront.
Darla
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ZEENA HOGSBRO: GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN - by Patricia A. Lipovsky & Nancy D. Burgess-Hall
Zeena Hogsbro, a long-time member of FCB, and both the Halifax and Mid Florida Councils passed away on February 3rd, 2009. Zeena,
who was 71 years old, had suffered a stroke during the night of Friday, January 23rd, which left her paralyzed on her right side
and unable to speak. She leaves behind a brother, sister-in-law and two nephews in Colorado, a niece in Hawaii and some cousins.
Zeena had been a member of FCB for over 30 years. Following the death of her husband, Zeena had a 16-year relationship with the
late Chick Crampton, past president of FCB. During that period, she was an active member of the Mid-Florida Council and chair of
FCB's Constitution and By-Laws Committee.
After moving to Daytona Beach in the early 1990s, Zeena worked at the Braille and Talking Book Library, served on the Friends of
Library Access, Inc. Board of Trustees and worked at the Orientation and Adjustment Center for the Blind.
She served as Membership Secretary for the Halifax Council. Additionally, Zeena was involved with the Lions' Clubs in both the
Daytona Beach area, where she held office, and Orlando.
Zeena enjoyed helping people and continued to work part-time until her stroke.
In her spare time, she was an avid reader, enjoyed knitting, visiting lighthouses and collecting lighthouse memorabilia,
watching ice skating, Antique Road Show and animal shows on TV, and playing with her two beloved toy and miniature poodles, Jay
Jay and Joey.
She will be missed by all, especially by her close friends Dan Grau, Debbie Hoppe and HCB friends. A celebration of Zeena's life
will be scheduled in the near future.
2005 photo of Zeena
Below are some comments from friends and fellow FCB family.
Thank you so much, Pat, for informing us of Zeena's passing. Although I did not know her personally, it certainly sounds as
though our community has lost a good friend.
Debbie Grubb
Oh, such sad news. In my copying yesteryear's FCB minutes, I've come across Zeena's name often and remember when I was first
getting involved with FCB, her hard work and dedication to the Constitution and By-Laws committee. I'm only sorry I didn't have
the opportunity to know her better. I was so hoping and praying that she'd recover and join us in Daytona for this year's
convention. Rest in peace, dear Lady. Thank you for all you have done for people who are blind!
Sila
I will miss Zeena's calls. From the time she served as HCB membership secretary and I served as Sunshine chair, she would let
me know how members were doing and alert me to those who might need a friendly call or card. Our sharing of member information
continued even after our terms expired.
Gwendolyn Rollins, past HCB President
Zeena was a real friend to members of HCB and other people who are blind.
She offered to take me shopping for Nancy on numerous occasions and thought of Keaton as one of her best friends.
Doug Hall
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COLUMN IN VENICE GONDOLIER (Published January 7th, 2009) - by Ellen Hillstrom, State Rep. FCB
AS I SEE IT
"Macular degeneration." When my ophthalmologist announced the results of my eye examination last year, I heard "muscular generation."
He explained what it actually is and I recalled being told that's what old people and the handicapped suffer from, they go blind.
What on earth am I going to do with my life now?
Janice Felski, a member of the South Venice Civic Association, is the Executive Director of the Lighthouse of Manasota. She coaxed
me to be evaluated by a Lighthouse counselor and it turned out I qualified to receive services provided by them. My category is
called visually impaired or Low Vision - legally blind in the left eye and limited vision in the other due to slow but incurable dry
macular degeneration. Hearing this, I ducked into my closet of self-denial.
Prescription lenses no longer helped. Through the Internet and catalogues, I bought countless types of magnifying devices. I
learned to pretend to see others and laughed when calling them by the wrong name. Trips to the grocery stores and department stores
became nightmares. I can no longer read books or even the newspapers without magnification assistance. Boy, did I ever feel sorry
for myself!
Thanks to the Lighthouse, I started to get over myself and to follow up on some of their services. They sent me a tutor who taught
me to use Zoom Text 9.0, which she installed on my computer. I attended extensive classes on every day living skills around the
house and in public. I learned that there are hundreds of people in the Venice area who have low or impaired vision! Some may
still be in self-denial. Maybe I can be of some help to them in my future articles.
In May of last year, I joined the Venice Chapter of the Florida Council of the Blind. When Lillian Reilly learned of my
professional background with the Venice Area Chamber of Commerce and the South Venice Civic Association, she invited me to the
Chapter's board meeting the next month. She resigned her position and nominated me as successor and I was elected as its Florida
Representative, a State board position as well as a voting member of the American Council of the Blind.
The very next month (thanks to financial support from the Venice Lions Club), the Chapter sent me to Louisville, Kentucky, to attend a
7-day National Convention of the ACB. There I witnessed over 2,500 blind and/or visually impaired men and women (imagine the white
canes and guide dogs) running that Convention more efficiently than if they were fully sighted. It was a real eye opener!
One of my main responsibilities is to collect and distribute information relating to communication with the public on behalf of the
blind and visually impaired, what laws and regulations apply under the Americans for Disability Act, what new accessible devices are
available, and to help integrate ourselves into society.
The Venice Gondolier Sun has graciously allowed me to write a monthly column about the subject of low vision to explain to you readers
what happens to people when their vision deteriorates, and I hope to tell some funny stories and tips to understanding what to do when
you encounter people such as myself.
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A FULL LIFE OF CONTRIBUTING AND MAKING A DIFFERENCE: LILLIAN P. REILLY IN THE SPOTLIGHT - by Sila
Miller
Lillian Patricia Reilly, a proud Irish descendent, was born in New York City on St. Patrick's Day, in 1923. The youngest
daughter of Dudley and Lelia Thompson, Lillian grew up with 2 brothers and 2 sisters. Dudley was a Lieutenant with the New
York City Fire Department and Lelia was a Registered Nurse. "All 4 of my grandparents immigrated from Ireland in the 1800s,"
Lillian proudly states. "As you can tell by my voice, I'm a New Yorker. My family moved to Florida for a short while, when
my father retired from the New York Fire Department and I graduated from high school here. We moved back because that's
where all our family was, and Florida was very different from New York," she explains.
Lillian then met and married Thomas Reilly. They lived in Baltimore, where their two sons, James and Thomas, were born.
Thomas worked as a salesman until his untimely death, at the young age of 39, leaving his young wife to raise their sons
alone. Lillian's family has grown and she now has 4 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.
"I went to school up until I lost my eyesight," Lillian says. Her education was accomplished in true "Lillian fashion,"
concurrently with working a full-time job and raising her family. She attended Hofstra College on Long Island, where she
obtained her under graduate degree. Then it was to Baruch College - The City University of New York, where she obtained
the first of 3 Masters degrees. Attendance at John Jay College of Criminal Justice followed, where she obtained her second
Masters degree and then it was off to Fordham University and their PHD Doctorate program. Lastly, Lillian attended The
University of South Florida. Lillian holds Masters degrees in Public Administration, Social Relations and Sociology.
For the first 7 years of her 20-year law enforcement career, Lillian worked in the Women's bureau of the New York City
Police Department. "We worked in every Borough of the City, doing a myriad of duties involving women and children,"
Lillian explains. She then transferred to the youth division, where she served the last 13 years of her career. "We did
both plain-clothes and in-uniform work, depending on the type of job it was. Working with the kids was almost like social
work. We worked with troubled young people and tried to help turn them around before they went too far," Lillian says.
When Lillian began work with the NYPD, they didn't have a union. Being a member of the Police Women's Endowment
Association, whose major purpose is to unite and promote the interest and welfare of female uniform members of the NYPD,
Lillian is proud to have been one of the first women to serve as a labor representative in their Union. She shared a
funny story about a meeting she attended at City Hall to negotiate terms for female employees' treatment and benefits.
Being an avid reader, Lillian was very abreast of current events and had read, just the day before, some statistics
pertaining to this very subject. "The people who were interviewing us, asked a question, and I just started rattling
off a bunch of those statistics and they were so impressed and really thought I knew what I was talking about," she
laughingly recalls.
Another one of her many contributions, of which Lillian is proud, is of being one of the 4 founding members of The NYPD
Emerald Society, which was started on March 16th, 1953. The idea to establish an organization of Irish-American police
began with a small group of policewomen. Their grassroots efforts would eventually lead the NYPD to have the first
Emerald Society in America. The goal of the organization is to help foster Irish heritage and tradition within the
department, and also to promote and preserve the accomplishments that the Irish have made to law enforcement.
In the 1960's, the NYPD Emerald Society Pipe and Drum Band was formed. Over time, the Band established themselves by
their dedicated work ethic and professionalism. Their leader, the late Finbar Devine, became legendary as he proudly
set the cadence amidst the pomp and circumstance of each parade. In his role as the Drum Major, on those days when all
New Yorkers were said to be Irish, he was indeed the heart and soul of the "NYPD Irish Brigade." At one point in time,
he was probably the most famous cop in New York. The Pipes and Drums have also appeared through the years on TV, from
the old Ed Sullivan Show to The Today Show.
Additionally, the Society's two scholarships, the "NYPD Emerald Society Margaret A. and Lawrence J. Bennett College
Scholarship Fund," along with a separate high school scholarship continue today in helping many of their young students.
Their Patrick J. O'Connor Medal for Valor is awarded annually to a member of the department who performs his duty
heroically in a life-threatening situation. To learn more about The Emerald Society, visit
www.nypdemeralds.com/history.shtml.
After retiring from the NYPD, Lillian took a job as a college professor, teaching Criminology, Sociology and Juvenile
Delinquency at Bergen Community College in Paramus, New Jersey.
Lillian was 68 when she lost a good portion of her vision to Macular Degeneration, a medical condition usually of older
adults, which results in a loss of vision in the center of the visual field (the macula) because of damage to the retina.
It occurs in "dry" and "wet" forms. Macular degeneration can make it difficult or impossible to read or recognize faces,
although enough peripheral vision remains to allow other activities of daily life. The inner layer of the eye is the
retina, which contains nerves that communicate sight, and behind the retina is the choroid, which contains the blood
supply to the retina. In the dry (nonexudative) form, cellular debris called drusen accumulate between the retina and
the choroid, and the retina can become detached. In the wet (exudative) form, which is more severe, blood vessels grow
up from the choroid behind the retina, and the retina can also become detached. It can be treated with laser coagulation,
and with medication that stops and sometimes reverses the growth of blood vessels.
Shortly after losing her sight, Lillian reached out to the local lighthouse, where she took a 6-week beginner course. It
was at the Lighthouse, where she met Dorothy Cook, who was in charge of one of the support groups there. "Dorothy died
about 2 years ago. She was one of the most wonderful human beings you could ever meet," Lillian reminisces. "We both got
involved with the Council of the Blind. I'd go to the meetings, and I'd listen to what was going on, and one time I
opened my mouth. And, you know as soon as you open your mouth, you get a lot of jobs. Dorothy and I both served as
Presidents of the Venice Chapter of FCB. We both worked very, very hard for the blind people for about 13 years. We were
very active with the Council. The chapter was kind of struggling when we first got involved in it and we got it
rejuvenated," she explains.
Lillian remains involved with the Venice chapter. She served as their Representative to the FCB Board for about 13 years.
Lillian was a long-time member of Florida Council of Citizens with Low Vision and has served primarily on FCB's Access
and Public Education committees. Lillian traveled to Washington D.C. to participate in ACB's Legislative outreach projects,
on at least 2 occasions as well. She has been recognized with the R. Henry P. Johnson Award and has received several other
local FCB and Lions awards of commendation.
Lillian is also active with her local Lions Club. "We had a Vision Awareness Day and I met a couple of women with The Lions
and they asked me to join, and that's been about 8 years ago," Lillian says.
When I asked about others who'd been an example to her, Lillian shared, "Bobbie Probst and her husband Bill were both very
active with FCB and wonderful people. I also know Paul Edwards very well and of course, I gave him a hard time quite often.
I have a lot of respect for him. I think he's brilliant. Barbara Brown is another terrific person. I've known quite a few
good people, having been around for a number of years.
"I'm not afraid to speak up. Sometimes, nobody wants to hear what I say but if I thought it was vindicated, I wasn't
hesitant about speaking. I'm from New York. New Yorkers are not timid. And I also have a loud voice because when you're in
New York, everybody has a loud voice. So they always know when I'm around."
Last year, Lillian had an accident with her electric, 3-wheel scooter, resulting in a broken pelvis. Thankfully, she has
made a complete recovery and says, "I'm fine and I feel absolutely terrific now! I have a scooter with 4 wheels that I use
for short trips around the corner." This is a perfect example of Lillian and her tenacity, letting nothing so small as a
broken bone keep her down for long. I asked Lillian what her birthday plans were for this year. She said, "I used to do a
lot of partying on my birthdays but it's a little quieter these days, now that I've gotten a little older and I can't drive,
of course."
Before her vision loss, Lillian enjoyed reading historical novels and doing research. She also did some writing. "I still
read by listening to books on tape and I think that's a wonderful service for people with visual problems," she says.
Lillian is able to take care of her own affairs, using a CCTV and magnifying glass.
Lillian is a lover of classical music and enjoys cooking. She says, "I make a good Spaghetti Sauce and Vegetable Soup, but I
love to try new things. I will spend an entire day cooking and packaging individual meals. I then freeze them and when I get
up, I have 10 possible meals to choose from. I love my garden. It's my one extravagance. My flowers are absolutely lovely."
"The myth in this country that being young is so wonderful is not true. I find that life gets richer every day and unless
you're very sick, and even we who have a major disability, I find old days freeing, to get rid of the pressures that come with
being young. It's wonderful growing old. Life is what you make of it and I'm a very happy and contented person. I wish I could
drive and read books, but in spite of that, I pretty much have all that I need," Lillian concludes with satisfaction.
What an industrious, independent and positive lady. FCB has been blessed to have her contribute to our cause, as have women
and people of Irish descent. This go-get-'em, spitfire is forthright, no-nonsense and assertive, indeed an excellent example
to us all. Lillian, I thank you for sharing your rich and interesting story with me. I am quite impressed and am honored to
bring a small portion of you to our Members in the pages of the White Cane Bulletin.
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PUBLIC EDUCATION VIDEO - by Jack Varnon
Alachua County Council of the Blind (ACCB), in cooperation with the Alachua County Communications Department, has created a
video aimed toward educating the general public on fundamentals of etiquette to the blind.
ACCB is pleased to announce this video has been placed on the Alachua County website and can be seen by anyone with Internet
access. The video demonstrates what to do and what not to do in assisting a blind individual.
You can access the video by going to the County's Video on Demand page under the heading "Other Programming". The website is
www.alachuacounty.us/video.
Here is a direct link:
http://alachua.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=3&clip_id=946
ACCB urges everyone to view this video. We hope you will advise your e-mail contacts to view it, and encourage them to share
it with others.
We believe it will improve the understanding of the problems of blindness, the capabilities of the visually impaired, and
encourage positive interaction between visually impaired individuals and sighted individuals.
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ANNUAL CREDIT REPORT - Submitted by Sheila Young
You can visit the site for annualcreditreport.com, which will issue a free
credit report annually. Then they ask for your credit card numbers, and if you aren't sure, you can use the option to receive
the reports by phone. That allows you to answer questions and the reports will be sent to you.
The really great thing is that they offer them in accessible formats in compliance with the ADA, so you can receive your
report in Braille, large print or audio. If you want to try this out, the phone number is 1-877-322-8228.
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POETRY CORNER - by Shelley Justice
Our selection for this issue, of course, is Irish. I have a great fondness for Celtic music. I have several CDs, and I
also listen to it wherever I can find it. While enjoying the music lately, I noticed that I kept hearing a certain
melody. It was on more than one of my CDs. I heard it on the TV music channel I enjoy. I just seemed to keep hearing
it.
I made a note of the name and did some research. I discovered that this tune belongs to a beautiful hymn. The hymn
dates back to the 8th century, but has become popular more recently in English-speaking churches. It is my belief that
some of the most beautiful poetry is found in hymns. I hope this one touches your heart, as it does mine.
BE THOU MY VISION
Words: Ancient Irish hymn;
Translated by Mary Byrne, 1905, and versified by Eleanor Hull, 1912
Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart,
Be all else but naught to me, save that thou art;
Be thou my best thought in the day and the night,
Both waking and sleeping, thy presence my light.
Be thou my wisdom, be thou my true word,
Be thou ever with me, and I with thee Lord;
Be thou my great Father, and I thy true son;
Be thou in me dwelling, and I with thee one.
Be thou my breastplate, my sword for the fight;
Be thou my whole armor, be thou my true might;
Be thou my soul's shelter, be thou my strong tower:
O raise thou me heavenward, great Power of my power.
Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise:
Be thou mine inheritance now and always;
Be thou and thou only the first in my heart;
O Sovereign of heaven, my treasure thou art.
High King of heaven, thou heaven's bright sun,
O, grant me its joys after victory is won;
Great Heart of my own heart, whatever befalls,
Still be thou my vision, O Ruler of all.
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PUT AN END TO THE SQUINTING AND STRAINING WHEN READING SMALL TYPE ON THE WEB - by Michael
McCarty
Big.com, a search engine developed to deliver search results to users in a large,
easy-to-read format, announces the immediate availability of the Big.com Web Magnifier. Available from
http://www.big.com/toolbar as a free, downloadable toolbar for use with
Internet Explorer web browsers, Web Magnifier provides users with the ability to enlarge the text and graphics of
any HTML web page for easier reading and navigation.
The trend of decreasing font sizes in web design has made navigating the web an increasingly difficult task for
many Internet users. According to the American Council of the Blind, nearly 8 million Americans are unable to read
regular print even with reading glasses, and the number is expected to grow as the population ages.
Not just for web users with impaired vision, Web Magnifier can also be useful when reading the fine print of an
online contest or a site's privacy policy - both of which are typically displayed in smaller font sizes - or to
simply increase the size of a photo to reveal more detail. Web Magnifier sits as a toolbar at the top of a user's
screen and contains a Big.com search box for immediate web searches as well as 3 buttons for the various levels of
magnification - normal, big and bigger. Once a page is magnified to the desired level, Web Magnifier remembers the
setting and automatically adjusts the magnification on subsequent visits to the page.
Additionally, the toolbar itself can be displayed in large and standard sizes. System requirements for the Big.com
Web Magnifier include Microsoft Windows 2000/XP, Internet Explorer 6.0, 1MB hard drive space and 128 MB of RAM.
Big.com is a service of Perfect Market Technologies, Inc., and is dedicated to providing an easy-to-view web
experience through its large-format search engine and its Web Magnifier toolbar for Internet Explorer. Based in
Pasadena, CA, Perfect Market is a network company of Idealab, a creator and operator of technology businesses.
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TECH TIPS - by John Richards for the FCB Technology Committee
Creating Windows Contacts in Windows Vista
In Windows Vista, windows contacts is used to create contacts for Windows Mail, instead of the address book in
Outlook Express computer users previously utilized in Windows XP.
Vista users, in order to create a contact in Windows contacts, press the windows logo key. You will then be
placed in an edit field. Type the word, "contacts" (without the quotes). "Windows Contacts" should appear in
the list, arrow down through the list if it is not the first choice. Press "Enter" to launch Windows Contacts.
Access the dropdown file menu and select the "New" sub menu option. Right arrow to get to the selections in the
submenu. Arrow down to "Contact" and press "Enter". You can use the keystrokes, "Alt + F then W C" and you
will be placed on the contact selection. Press "Enter" to open a property sheet containing edit fields where a
contact can be created.
If you are using a screen reader, tab through the fields and become familiar with each control. In this example,
I am going to use only three edit fields, to create a contact. You may use as many as you wish when you are
creating contacts for yourself. Type the appropriate information in the edit fields for the first name, last
name, and the e-mail address. After typing the e-mail address tab to the next control which is an "Add Button".
Press "Enter" and then tab to the "OK" button and press "Enter". You have just created a contact in your
contacts list. You should find yourself placed back in the list of contacts where you will find the contact you
have just created. Repeat this process in order to add additional entries to Windows Contacts.
The Technology Committee urges everyone to use the FCB chat rooms that are linked to:
http://www.fcb.org.
Click on the "Voice Chat for FCB" link. When the page loads, you can either click on the "Florida Council of the Blind General Chat Room"
link or the "Florida Council of the Blind Board & Committee Chat Room" link. When the page loads, First time users should click the
"download here button" to install the plugin called tcConference. tcConference is a little piece of software that lets you talk with others,
anywhere in the world. When you click the "Download Here" button you will be prompted to download or run the tcConference software.
Select "Run" and tcConference will be installed to your system. When tcConference has been installed, click on the "Finish" button to
complete the installation process. At that point, you should return to the web page you were at before you performed the software
installation. Now, click on the link that says "Click here to enter in the room." A page will load with two edit fields, prompting you for a
username and password. Type your name in the first edit field and leave the second edit field blank. Press "Enter" and you should be
launched in to the room. You should hear a sound when you enter the room. If others are present, you may hear them talking. Press your
Control key to talk and release it to listen. If you are unable to perform any of the above tasks, feel free to contact a Member of the
Technology Committee for assistance.
If you know when you have a meeting scheduled in either of the rooms, ask for assistance a day or two in advance so someone can assist
you in a timely manner. Please feel free to contact me if you are having difficulty with either of the chat rooms. My contact information is
located in the "FCB OFFICERS, 2008 - 2010" section of this publication.
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THINGS TO KNOW - Submitted by Pat Lipovsky
Newspaper Weeds Away
Start putting in your plants; work the nutrients in your soil. Wet newspapers put layers around the plants overlapping as you go
cover with mulch and forget about weeds. Weeds will get through some gardening plastic they will not get through wet newspapers.
Broken Glass
Use a wet cotton ball or Q-tip to pick up the small shards of glass you can't see easily.
No More Mosquitoes
Place a dryer sheet in your pocket. It will keep the mosquitoes away.
Squirrel Away!
To keep squirrels from eating your plants sprinkle your plants with cayenne pepper. The cayenne pepper doesn't hurt the plant and
the squirrels won't come near it.
Flexible Vacuum
If you need to get something out of a heat register or under the fridge, add an empty paper towel roll or empty gift wrap roll to
your vacuum. It can be bent or flattened to get in narrow openings.
Reducing Static Cling
Pin a small safety pin to the seam of your slip and you will not have a clingy skirt or dress. Same thing works with slacks that
cling when wearing pantyhose. Place pin in seam of slacks and -- ta da! – the static is gone.
Measuring Cups
Before you pour sticky substances into a measuring cup fill with hot water. Dump out the hot water, but don't dry cup. Next, add
your ingredient, such as peanut butter, and watch how easily it comes right out.
Foggy Windshield?
Hate foggy windshields? Buy a chalkboard eraser and keep it in the glove box of your car. When the windows fog, rub with the
eraser! Works better than a cloth!
Reopening envelope
If you seal an envelope and then realize you forgot to include something inside, just place your sealed envelope in the
freezer for an hour or two. Viola! It unseals easily.
Conditioner
Use your hair conditioner to shave your legs. It's cheaper than shaving cream and leaves your legs really smooth. It's also a
great way to use up the conditioner you bought but didn't like when you tried it in your hair...
Goodbye Fruit Flies
To get rid of pesky fruit flies, take a small glass fill it 1/2' with Apple Cider Vinegar and 2 drops of dish washing liquid,
mix well. You will find those flies drawn to the cup and gone forever!
Get Rid of Ants
Put small piles of cornmeal where you see ants. They eat it, take it 'home,' can't digest it so it kills them. It may take a
week or so, especially if it rains, but it works & you don't have the worry about pets or small children being harmed!
INFO ABOUT CLOTHES DRYERS
The heating unit went out on my dryer! The gentleman that fixes things around the house for us told us that he wanted to show
us something and he went over to the dryer and pulled out the lint filter. It was clean. (I always clean the lint from the
filter after every load of clothes.)
He told us that he wanted to show us something; he took the filter over to the sink, ran hot water over it. The lint filter
is made of a mesh material - I'm sure you know what your dryer's lint filter looks like, so well,...the hot water just sat on
top of the mesh! It didn't go through it at all!
He told us that dryer sheets cause a film over that mesh that's what burns out the heating unit. You can't SEE the film, but
it's there. It's what is in the dryer sheets to make your clothes soft and static free -- that nice fragrance too, you know
how they can feel waxy when you take them out of the box, this stuff builds up on your clothes and on your lint screen. This
is also what causes dryer units to catch fire & potentially burn your house down with it!
He said the best way to keep your dryer working for a very long time (& to keep your electric bill lower) is to take that
filter out & wash it with hot soapy water & an old toothbrush (or other brush) at least every six months. He said
that makes the life of the dryer at least twice as long! How about that!?! Learn something new every day! I certainly didn't
know dryer sheets would do that. So, I thought I'd share!
Note: I went to my dryer & tested my screen by running water on it. The water ran through a little bit but mostly
collected all the water in the mesh screen. I washed it with warm soapy water & a nylon brush & I had it done in 30
seconds. Then when I rinsed it the water ran right through the screen! There wasn't any puddling at all! That repairman knew
what he was talking about!
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CHAPTER NEWS - Mid-Florida Council of the Blind
Mid-Florida Council of the Blind - by Jay Bader
MFCB is moving forward with fundraising ideas for the 2009 FCB and ACB Conventions. But before that, there is the ongoing issue
of transportation in our area. Debbie Hazelton, the new Chairperson for the MFCB Transportation Committee, as appointed by
President Shelley Justice, has hit the ground running by attending many local transportation meetings, along with 2nd Vice
President Paul Hutsko, and giving a thoughtful presentation at our February General Meeting on February 7th that focused on
"SMART Complaining." Debbie has used her experiences in dealing with transportation issues in Broward County, inside and outside
the system, to come up with SMART, in which the various letters represent the specific parts of better presenting concerns from a
disabled person's perspective:
S - Specific
M - Manageable
A - Accurate
R - Relevant
T - Tone
Anyone can contact Debbie for any further suggestions, especially when it comes to paratransit and audible pedestrian signal
issues. She can be reached at (407) 281-4277.
Now for the fundraising: first, on the heels of the very successful raffle of a Dell Laptop, MFCB has received a donation of a
Voice Mate organizer. Even though the product has been discontinued, this still proves to be a fantastic aid for those with
visual impairments to maintain some sanity in a busy life. In March, the chapter will be deciding on how to give this Voice
Mate to someone. One of the possibilities is holding another raffle, but there is also a chance that MFCB may use eBay for the
first time. There will be more on this in the next White Cane Bulletin.
Another fundraising idea is a bit simpler: MFCB is considering a keychain CD opener. The idea behind this is that many
members of ACB purchase CDs, whether they are Audio Book CDs or music CDs. We all cannot stand having to cut open the plastic,
especially the sticker part on the top section of the sealed case. So what better way to deal with that situation than to have
something very portable and even easier to use. Again, more on this as the MFCB Membership will be making a decision on this
fundraiser no later than April.
Finally, some sad news to report on 2 fronts: Zeena Hogsbro, who was a Member of both the Halifax and Mid-Florida chapters for
many years, passed away on February 3rd at the age of 71, over a week after suffering a stroke. MFCB passes our condolences to
Zeena and her family; she will be missed tremendously.
And after 34 years of publication, it has been decided by the MFCB Membership to suspend the MFCB Newsletter, THE MID-FLORIDA
VOICE. It was not an easy decision; however, with much of the important chapter happenings being submitted to the White Cane
Bulletin, it was felt that for now, our chapter's newsletter was not best serving its purpose. Here's what MFCB President
Shelley Justice said in part in her most recent President's Message:
"Our local publication has had a good long run. It began sometime around 1975, and was very dear to the heart of Connie Rotter,
sister to our own Jim Lamb. In those days, it was called MUMBLES, and remained under that name until 2004, when the name was
changed to The MID-FLORIDA VOICE by a vote of the Membership of MFCB.
"It is hoped that this suspension will be temporary. Our Newsletter can certainly return at a future time, if there are people
who wish to take on the task of producing and contributing to it."
MFCB continues to prepare, along with the ACB Local Host Committee, for the 2009 ACB National Convention at the Rosen Centre
Hotel on International Drive this July. Look for further information in the next MFCB Chapter News in the White Cane
Bulletin.
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AUDIBLE PEDESTRIAN SIGNALS - by Paul Hutsko
Currently the City of Orlando has 2 locations with Audible Pedestrian Signals at these intersections:
N. Magnolia Ave. and E. Marks St., and N. Orange Ave. and E. New Hampshire St.
The Audible Pedestrian Signals Installed in Unincorporated Orange County are at the following intersections:
Sand Lake/I-Drive
Pine Hills/Silver Star
Wekiva Springs/SR 436
Alafaya/University
Goldenrod/University
Alafaya/Waterford Town Center
Dean/University
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HEALTHY LIVING - Submitted by Pat Lipovsky
(Taken from the Shreveport Times)
Be Fat Smart
- Saturated fats are usually solid at room temperature and are found primarily in foods from animals: meat, poultry, butter
and whole milk. Coconut, palm and palm kernel oils are also high in saturated fat. Saturated fat is responsible for raising
cholesterol levels.
- Polyunsaturated fats usually are liquid at room temperature and are found in vegetable oils. Safflower, sunflower, corn
and soybean oils contain the highest amounts of polyunsaturated fats. Polyunsaturated fats, such as corn oil, can help
decrease high blood cholesterol levels when part of a healthful diet.
- Monounsaturated fats also are liquid at room temperature and are found in vegetable oils, such as canola and olive.
Monounsaturated fats can help decrease high blood cholesterol levels if part of a lower-fat diet.
- Dietary cholesterol comes only from animal sources such as the fat in dairy products, egg yolks, meats, poultry and
seafood. Vegetables, fruits and grains do not contain cholesterol.
- Hydrogenation is a process that makes an oil more solid at room temperature. Hydrogenated vegetable oils give some
processed foods, such as margarine and crackers, a longer shelf life.
Educating yourself about the role of fats and cholesterol in heart disease is an important first step toward
heart-healthy eating. Based on the information outlined above and the substitution chart with this story, the next step
is to modify recipes that you enjoy to make them heart-healthier.
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RECIPE CORNER
Chicken Cordon Bleu
Serves 6
INGREDIENTS:
6 chicken breast halves, skinned and boned
6 3/4-oz. slices ham, lean
6 3/4-oz. slices baby Swiss cheese
2 Tbsps. chopped fresh parsley
1/3 cup seasoned dry bread crumbs
1/4 tsp. paprika
1/8 tsp. salt
3/4-oz. tsp. pepper
1/3 cup skim milk
Vegetable cooking spray
DIRECTIONS:
1. Flatten each chicken breast to 1/4-inch thickness. Place one slice of ham and one slice of cheese in the center of
each chicken piece.
2. Sprinkle centers with chopped parsley. Roll up lengthwise and secure with wooden picks.
3. Combine breadcrumbs, paprika, salt and pepper. Dip each chicken breast in milk; roll in breadcrumb mixture.
4. Place chicken on baking dish, coated with cooking spray. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until
done.
Approximate values per serving: 277 calories/10 grams fat.
Healthy-Tastes mailing list
Healthy-Tastes@cooking-lists.com
http://cooking-lists.com/mailman/listinfo/healthy-tastes_cooking-lists.com
Please feel free to share list recipes with others, so long as you include the poster and the list as a part of the source.
Lower-Fat Buttermilk Biscuits
Makes 10 servings
INGREDIENTS:
3/4 cup low-fat buttermilk
1 Tbsp. canola oil
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup cake flour
1 Tbsp. sugar
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 Tbsp. cold butter
1 tablespoon low-fat milk
DIRECTIONS:
1. Heat oven to 425 degrees. Coat baking sheet with cooking spray. In measuring cup, combine buttermilk and oil. Set aside.
2. In large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cake flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Using 2 knives or
fingertips, cut butter (cut into small pieces) into dry ingredients until crumbly.
3. Make well in center; gradually pour in buttermilk and oil mixture, stirring with fork, until just combined. Transfer dough
to floured surface; sprinkle with flour.
4. Lightly knead for 30 seconds, then pat or roll out to even 1/2-inch thickness. Use 2-inch round cutter to cut dough.
Transfer biscuits to prepared baking sheet.
5. Gather any scraps of dough, pat to 1/2-inch thickness; cut more rounds. Brush tops of biscuits with milk.
6. Bake 8-12 minutes, or until tops are golden brown. Serve hot.
Nutritional analysis for each serving: 130 calories (30 calories from fat), 3 grams fat (1 gram saturated, 0 gram trans
fats), 5 mg. cholesterol, 22 grams carbohydrate, 3 grams protein, 0 grams fiber, 294 mg. sodium
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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's 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: 1-800-982-2891 from anywhere
Social Security: 1-800-772-1213
24-hour voice and touch tone accessible
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