* The below online The White Cane Bulletin includes a Table of Contents with live links leading to the start of each article. You may choose those links or read down the whole publication. You may also choose to download the following formats:
MS Word small print with live Table of Contents links
MS Word large print with live Table of Contents links
Text .txt file with navigation cues to skip to articles
The White Cane Bulletin July - August 2025
Articles for the White Cane Bulletin must be submitted to Sally Benjamin no later than the 15th of the month before it is published. Sally’s email is: editor@fcb.org.
If you do not have access to a computer and email, please find someone in your chapter to help you. We want to hear from anyone who wants to contribute to our newsletter, so if you cannot find a way to submit your article, call Sally and she will be glad to assist 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.
Those much-needed contributions, which are Tax-deductible, can be sent to the Florida Council of the Blind Treasurer, Mark Lear, at *** P.O. BOX 214235
DAYTONA BEACH, FL 32121.
To remember the Florida Council of the Blind in your Last Will and Testament, you may include a special paragraph for that purpose in your Will or Trust. If your wishes are complex, please contact the FCB at 800-267-4448.
The FCB is a 501(c)(3) organization.
For other ways to support the Florida Council of the Blind, visit our Fundraising page found at www.fcb.org.
ARE YOU MOVING? – 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 who would like to receive the White Cane Bulletin and the Braille Forum, please contact me at: (850) 980-0205 or E-mail: editor@fcb.org
***
TABLE OF CONTENTS
President’s Message by Mikey Wiseman
Convention Thanks by Kati Lear
2025 Scholarship Recipients by Sheila Young
2025 Award Winners by Mary Tyson
With Sincere Thanks by Dan & Leslie Spoone
FCB Stipend by Sheila Young
A Friendly Farewell! by Cachet Wells
Book review Submitted by Sheila Young
FCCLV: Why? WHY NOT! by Paul Lewis
Jottings from Jacksonville by Paul Edwards
Convention Article by Annette Carter
Recipe Corner Submitted by Sheila Young
The Light Chronicles by Cachet Wells
Chapter News
GOCB Update by Sheila Young
We’re Over 100 And Still Growing (PCB) by Debbie Downey
Tech Tips by John Richards for the Technology Committee
FCB OFFICERS 2024 – 2026
2024-2026 Chapter & Special Affiliate Officer Liaisons
Handy Telephone Number References
***
President’s Message by Mikey Wiseman
Well, here we are about to all embrace summer and all the fun that it brings along. As many of us have recovered from our annual state convention in Jacksonville, many of us are gearing up for the national convention for the American Council of the Blind in Dallas, Texas.
As far as our state conventions, I’m happy to report that both our 2026 and 2028 contracts have been signed and we will be in Orlando at the Four Points by Sheraton hotel for both years. 2027 promises to be an interesting year with our first voluntary completely online convention.
For those of you making your way to Dallas for the national American Council of the Blind convention, I hope that you all have a good time and that you find good information and stay safe. I would like to remind all of you that as members of the Florida Council of the Blind, you were all encouraged to make your way to the Florida table and connect with other members and represent Florida in the best light.
For many of us throughout the state, we also know that as summer comes along, so does hurricane season. I would encourage all of you to reach out to your local community and find necessary resources and make sure that you are prepared for what according to reports are is going to be an interesting hurricane season. We know that hurricanes and natural disasters can be a struggle for anyone. But for those of us in the blind, low vision and disabled community as a whole, it can be an extremely trying and difficult time. If you need assistance with resources, please contact us and we will do our best to put you in contact with available resources. If you need assistance with resources, please contact us and we will do our best to put you in contact with available resources.
On a personal note, I’m happy to report that while I am not 100% recovered. I am finally out of that horrible boot and I am now walking somewhat freely with supportive tennis shoes and hope to be at 100% in a month or two. As of right now it does not look like I am going to need to go to physical therapy. I want to thank all of you for reaching out, and your concern, and your help at the state convention.
One of these days I’m gonna come up with something really interesting like a recipe or something for this article, I always find myself struggling as to what to share in this publication. So, if any of you have any specific interest, or would like to know something, please reach out to me at president@fcb.org to let me know and I will do my best to get some of that info out here. Other than that, I wish everyone a very happy and safe summer. Stay safe during the hurricane season and remember to vote at the national election during convention time.
***
Convention Thanks by Kati Lear
The FCB 2025 Convention has been put to bed. It was a great convention and the Convention Committee worked hard to make it the success that it was. Thanks to everyone who came and participated. The programs and workshops were successful because of your leadership and dedication.
Thanks to ACB media and our hosts and streamers and to John and Ryan who manned the Zoom boards in the meeting rooms.
Thanks to our Convention Committee who worked tirelessly throughout this past year. In gratitude we thank Leslie and Dan for gathering sponsors and conducting the auction, Wanda for exhibits, Sally for managing registration and meal counts, Mark for paying the bills, Mikey for being our hotel coordinator, Cachet for providing Jacksonville contacts and information, and Sheila and Cassandra for their excellent ideas and helping us think outside the box.
Special thanks goes to the Jacksonville chapter for hosting our hospitality room during lunch and on Friday and Saturday evenings. The Activities Committee chaired by Cachet and Greg presented us with a karaoke and carnival on Thursday evening, and on Friday trivia and on Saturday the battle of the sexes. The hospitality room and these activities gave us a chance to unwind, laugh and have a good time.
We are looking forward to next year’s convention in Orlando at the Sheraton Four Points. Plan to be with us during the third weekend in May. Again, thank you to everyone who participated in our convention.
***
2025 Scholarship Recipients by Sheila Young
Education, Leadership, & Scholarships Chair
On behalf of the Education, Leadership and Scholarships Committee, and FCB, we would like to take this opportunity to congratulate this year’s recipients on our scholarships, awarded at this year’s state convention. The Gayle M. Krause-Edwards Scholarship was presented to Gabriel Caldiero, Deltona, Florida, the Nancy Burgess-Hall was presented to Sophia Mccall, Orlando, FL, and the Teresa Blessing Scholarship was given to Courtney Roberts, Tallahassee, FL.
We were delighted that all three of the recipients were able to attend the Awards and Scholarship banquet.
Again, congratulations to our winners this year! We hope that you will become an active part of our organization!
***
2025 Award Winners by Mary Tyson
On behalf of the Awards Committee, we would like to congratulate our winners of our 2025 state and chapter awards:
State Awards:
William Pharrell “just Bill“ award, Dan Spoone
R. Henry P Johnson award, Annette Carter
Outstanding senior award, Bella “Bea” Liborio
President’s special award - Doug “DJ“ Hansard
Chapter Awards:
CCTB - Barbara Brown
GOCB - Alicia Eidson
HCB - Bobby Nelson
JCB - B. D. Brown, Toni Burrell, Kourtney Dillehay, Robert Dillehay, Gloria Simmons, and Jeanne Struhar
Miami Metro - Celena Horton and Barbara Trapp
***
With Sincere Thanks by Dan & Leslie Spoone
Hi FCB Family
Thank you to everyone for either being a Red, White or Blue sponsor for our FCB convention. We really appreciate everyone’s support.
Friends,
Dan and Leslie
***
FCB Stipend by Sheila Young
We would like to thank all of those who applied for the FCB stipend we provide to members to assist them in attending the ACB national conference and convention.
Congratulations to Greg Lindberg, Julien Clement and Lorraine Clement who were chosen to receive the stipend to attend the convention in Dallas this year! We are looking forward to reading your articles in the Fall White Cane Bulletin! Safe travels to all who will be traveling to Dallas!
***
A Friendly Farewell! by Cachet Wells
Over 30 years ago, she arrived in Jacksonville, Florida with an assignment to serve and be of service to this community. Having made such an impact within the blindness community and in the lives of so many she now leaves this city better for it. I publicly thank her for all the programs that she has solely initiated and developed that connected and made better the lives of those who are blind and Low Vision.
The beauty of the Creator who is all and above all, who has put in His mind and hands to shape us in our own image and yet in His likeness. To breathe into being and impart purpose into us that gives only Him the glory. Beautifully unique in our own manner that sheds light among people and give hope and love to those we encounter is the gift that He gives us each to share with this world. Often our value and purpose has likeness of a fine jewel that has to be developed and refined in such a way over time that seems unknown. It is because of the greater worth and influence it has on life and humanity; this is solely God's doing.
The poise and strength of a virtuous woman is seen in her statue, but in her characteristics that stand out. That gentle way she speaks life, hope and wisdom into those she encounters that makes them better. The way she shares her wisdom and life's experiences through her storytelling that captivates your attention from beginning to end. The influence she has in her community to bring light in to everyone's space, room and environment that evokes collective and positive change among and within others. Vulnerable, yet confident; kind and yet forgiving; while honest, faithful and resilient to withstand obstacles and challenges that is the evident of the grace and favor she has been appointed to overcome by the most high. The example of loyalty, dedication and strength of one who has committed to the journey of life with every step to be better and to make others see themselves being the better also. The sound of her smile that has opened up many doors, the sound of her laughter that says it's going to be okay and the sound of her words that has appealed to many hearts is that of which I will always treasure. A friendship formulated in the dark when the light of my life began to fade away. Finding solace and greater purpose to impact, impart and influence so many in blindness when I thought I would have no more purpose on this darkness journey. Thankful for the moment we met to show me that there was life after blindness. Thankful for your support and encouragement to continue to be a very present voice in the darkness. Thank you Sis. Elizabeth for your friendship, kinship and service that helped me to see without seeing that there was yet more that I was chosen to do. May the hand of His mercy continue to be with you in every step and on every path of your journey as you go. I'm grateful for the opportunity to say that it was a pleasure sharing space, time and energy on the same part of this road of life together with you my friend, much appreciation, honor and love be unto you, Cachet.
***
Book review Submitted by Sheila Young
The ones we leave behind DB115855
Sletten, Deanna Lynn Reading time: 12 hours, 52 minutes.
Sandra Murphy
Historical Fiction
Family
1955 - Anna Bergman Craine's life changes in an instant when she commits a crime of passion and is sentenced to life in prison. Leaving behind two young children, she is left alone in the world, never to hear from family or friends again. Decades later, she is set free and finds she has a family that has chosen to forget her. What caused this beautiful, intelligent, young woman to commit such a drastic deed that would pull her away from everyone she loved? 2020 - Diane Martin is shocked to learn that not only is her maternal grandmother alive, but she's just been released after decades in prison. Against her aging mother's wishes, she visits the older woman and soon hears a tale of the events that led up to that tragic day in 1955. Diane realizes that her own life has mirrored that of her grandmother's and, had circumstances gone differently that fateful day, she might have experienced the same fate. A heart-wrenching story of a family torn apart because of a moment in time and trying to put the pieces back together after being separated for decades." -- Provided by publisher. Some violence and some strong language.
***
FCCLV: Why? WHY NOT! by Paul Lewis
Some of the information being presented at the beginning of this article may be known by many of you reading this, but consider it as a foundation. The Florida Council of Citizens with Low Vision(FCCLV) is a special interest affiliate of the Florida Council of the Blind(FCB). Under the umbrella of the FCB, there are chapters and affiliates, but those two terms are essentially interchangeable. Chapters generally referred to organizations that recruit and gain its members from a specific geographic area, while affiliates recruit its membership throughout the state and sometimes outside of the state. The one exception is CALM, a chapter of the FCB that recruits its members from areas of the state that do not have a geographic chapter already in that area. You might say the terms chapter and affiliate are used to show the difference between these two types of organizations over the FCB umbrella.
A special interest affiliate as previously mentioned, recruits and gains members from all over the state, from Miami to Jacksonville, from Pensacola to Daytona and all points in between. So, besides this membership, what makes a special interest affiliate different from a chapter? The special interest affiliates have a specific focus, a certain criteria that would be of interest and importance to the members that it seeks to recruit. There are four special interest affiliates in the FCB and 16 special interest affiliates in the American Council of the Blind(ACB), our national organization that we are all part of. The four special interest affiliates of FCB are the Braille Revival League, Guide Dog Users of Florida, Coalition for the Concerns of the Totally Blind, and of course the Florida Council of Citizens with Low Vision. Each one of these organizations has a focus that they and their members are dedicated to. In the case of FCCLV, which is individuals with low vision, the scope of that category can be so wide and diverse it covers an amazingly large group of individuals, and in my estimation, bigger than each one of the other three special interest affiliates of Florida. In recent years this has certainly had verifications in recruiting and retaining the membership of FCCLV, and while not the only reason for maintaining and growing its membership it certainly has had an impact on it.
At this point, I want to explain why I chose to join, chose to remain a member and why I am so committed to this organization.
I do not remember the exact year that I first joined my local chapter, Southwest Florida Council of the Blind(SWFCB), it would have either been 2007 or 2008. However, I do remember the first convention that I attended and it was the last one held in Daytona Beach in 2010. as I was preparing to attend this event, and only one of two members from my local chapter who would be attending, I was most interested in attending the meeting for Florida Council of Citizens with Low Vision. Something unexpected happened to me at the meeting that I had not even considered would’ve been an opportunity when I began to go forward to going to the FCCLV meeting and of course becoming a member. The meeting began with a statement saying that we cannot begin the meaning because we do not have a secretary and we are asking for a volunteer to agree to take on that role. For some reason, my hand went up and I said I will do it if no one else is willing to, and guess what, I became the Secretary. So, at my first meeting of FCCLV not only did I join but I became a member of the Board. As many of you know, it was not the last position that I held in this organization. Since attending that first convention, I do not believe I have missed one since that time.
I also began attending the midyear conferences while they were still in person and this gave me an opportunity to meet many of the FCB members who are involved in leadership. For some of these midyear conferences as well as conventions, I did attend as the board representative of either SWFCB or FCCLV. This was especially true for the midyear conferences where it was certainly not necessary for me to be there, but I would say when I did attend on my own, I was warmly welcomed by many members of leadership and began to forge relationships that are still in existence to this day.
After serving as secretary, I ended up holding every other position on the FCCLV board except treasurer. Currently, I serve as the Membership Secretary and I am also the Immediate Past President.
I believe the following will illustrate my commitment to FCCLV better than anything else that I might be able to say. The current president of FCCLV is Michael Wiseman, affectionately known as Mikey, and also is serving as our FCB President. I spoke to FCCLV President Mikey and expressed my feeling that we should have a representative at the monthly board of Directors meeting or President’s Call meetings. I was asked to fill that role and I agreed to do so. However, there was a situation that I did not contemplate and had to take an action that would allow me to fulfil the role of being the FCCLV representative at those monthly meetings. At that time, I was also serving as vice president for SWFCB and according to the SWSCB Constitution & Bylaws I need to be a primary member of SWFCB. To be the board representative of FCCLV at the President’s Call I also need to be a primary member of FCCLV, and obviously something had to give. It was my decision to resign the vice president of SWFCB so I could fulfil the role as board representative for FCCLV which in my estimation was a priority. I strongly felt that FCCLV needed its own representative at these meetings even though our president was there but obviously serving in a different capacity. I did explain to my local chapter that my resignation as vice president would not affect any other commitments that I have made to the local chapter and it has not. I hope this illustrates my commitment to FCCLV.
In recent years, FCCLV has had difficulty in retaining its members and recruiting new members. We do have a strong core group and we have had some members return to the organization. I would also add that three of our members are exhibitors who regularly appear at our state conventions and I would say that we certainly encourage and welcome any and all my sister technology exhibitors and those from related fields to join our organization. Going back quite a few years, the membership of FCCLV rivals the membership of FCB, even though if you are a member of FCCLV, you are also a member of FCB. However, the total members of FCCLV was in close proximity of the membership of FCB minus those belonging to FCCLV. Unfortunately, those type of numbers no longer exist and our membership numbers have significantly dwindled. There are a number of reasons for this and these are forces that went beyond the persons who held the positions of leadership in the organization. One of the causes for this dwindling membership can be attributed to COVID and the responses that both FCB and ACB had and creating programs to deal with COVID. Both FCB and ACB came up with some wonderful programs to deal with the pandemic, but unfortunately as we have recovered from COVID some of these programs may have had a detrimental effect on special interest affiliates such as FCCLV. As I’m sure you all remember there are periods where all of our meetings were virtual and FCB in particular did a great job in keeping us all together as we moved forward and recovered from the pandemic.
It is important to note, Florida was the first state to offer a hybrid convention as we were slowly being able to meet together in person, but many of our members still chose to attend virtually. FCB was able to accommodate all of its members by doing the hybrid convention.
One of the mainstay programs that developed from COVID is the Community Calls program managed by ACB. It is an excellent program and gives all members the opportunity to join in on a vast variety of calls that are held on Zoom. However, the success of the Community Calls program may have had an adverse effect on some special interest affiliates, especially at the state level. While I cannot speak for the other special interest affiliates, I would say that FCCLV has experienced challenges from the success of the Community Calls. Under the leadership of President Wiseman, we have tried a number of programs during our monthly calls but have not been able to generate a significant turnout. Ultimately, there needs to be a desire and willingness for members of the vision community to become part of an organization such as FCCLV.
Now there are certain programs and events that FCCLV can offer to its members and potential members, but the leadership of FCCLV needs to hear from those individuals, especially those who may be future members as to what type of programming they would like to see come from the organization. Please contact those who would be involved in scheduling these events or if you would like to be involved in that yourself please step forward. The more active participation we receive from our members and potential members be stronger and better our organization will get.
Now, there are certain things that are being done to offer opportunities for members and potential members to join in. Our national affiliate, CCLVI does a variety of programming each month and as membership chair I’ve been circulating these emails to the FCB list. these include games, book club, support group, and the ongoing program @Let’s Talk Low Vision. Incidentally, if you are not aware it may have been mentioned already, membership and FCCLV includes membership in CCLVI. I think of it this way, two organizations for the price of one. I would also encourage us to take advantage of the programming from the Activities Committee. They did some great programming during our convention and have an in-person event scheduled for September. Let us use their programming to find opportunities where we can gather together outside of our scheduled meeting dates whether it is in person or virtually. As a membership chair, I welcome any ideas that any member or future member would be interested in trying. One such idea that I thought of would be to schedule our own monthly or bi-monthly Community Call. It could be wide open and as mentioned above input from our members and future members would certainly be welcomed and encouraged. With the right input and desire, all of us can make FCCLV a strong special interest affiliate.
Finally, I would just add the following point. FCCLV may never get back to the membership numbers that we had way back when. However, FCCLV can be the place where we can meet and disseminate information for the vision community. To me, this means anything that pertains to those of us that make up this Community whether it’s involved in advocacy, legislation, new products, upgrades and technology, medical advances, and things to do around the state that could be fun, entertaining, educational, and of course, worthwhile.
For anyone who has any questions, please contact me at either 941-841-9640(text or voice) or email me at FCCLV.sia@gmail.com. Please also know that we do have a Facebook page and I would encourage all of you who have not done so to like the page and leave any posting information on it that you would like.
***
Jottings from Jacksonville by Paul Edwards
A Parcel of Possibilities
I have already written two articles on aging. It would seem reasonable to assume that I had said all that needed to be said on a subject that is, after all, pretty depressing and pretty old too. Essentially the picture I painted suggested that local agencies serving people who are blind are being overwhelmed by gradually exploding numbers of older people needing to learn to adjust to visual impairment. Statistics as I said in earlier articles tell us the population of elderly people with vision loss will double in the next decade.
I suggested that senior centers had lots of funding compared to blindness agencies but little interest in serving people who are visually impaired. It all seemed pretty bleak and, in truth, as things stand now, I think it is. But I am beginning to write this article sitting in a huge senior center that has a program for people with vision loss. The fact of its existence was startling by itself but it led me to look at the whole problem of how we save seniors with vision loss from institutionalization in an entirely different way. In truth it led me to consider a whole range of options. Maybe none of them will work but it seemed to me that it might be worth an article to consider a few radical approaches that at least have the potential to cause people to think more out of the box.
Building Bridges
Local agencies serving people with vision loss have more people than they can serve with the funds they have. The result is that training programs get developed that expect people to be there for a prescribed period of time and then move on. Good agencies tell people about senior services and encourage people to get involved. They recognize that most blind folks will find senior centers unfriendly and depressing. This is because senior centers don't know how to integrate people who are blind into their programs. Blind people feel like unwanted interlopers. Other people at the centers are uncomfortable interacting with them; administrators have no notion of how to serve these people who can't see; and activity directors have no idea how to integrate people with vision loss into the activities they offer participants.
At the senior center I am sitting in, there are two people who work directly with people with vision loss both to provide some training and to make sure they are plugged into the various programs for which they qualify. This center receives some funding from the Division of Blind Services. I don't want to be quoted on this but I think it is somewhere around $50,000 a year. Given that the center has events happening all the time, offers access to a fully equipped gym, and has lots of rooms for games and other meetings, the two "blindness" folks can constitute a way to create a bridge between traditional training and the services the center offers.
Could our local Lighthouses assign somebody to a position at a large senior center in their community to explore what bridges between Lighthouses and senior center might look like? It may not take a full time assignment. Maybe just regular meetings would begin bridge construction. The truth is that it would appear now that, in most communities, there is very little ongoing relationship between senior centers and Community Rehabilitation Programs. Does that have to be the case? Could we build a transition program perhaps partly funded DBS that would encourage local agencies to help their clients establish connections with the ongoing services available through senior centers? If statistics are correct, there will be increasing pressure on county agencies providing senior services as individuals lose their vision and need training to avoid being institutionalized. Surely the state would save millions of dollars and local programs might gradually be able to acquire funding from county aging programs because of the bridges that could potentially be built.
The Division of Blind Services has a limited budget for serving seniors which is mostly dollars that the state legislature can be persuaded to provide. Could the Division benefit from brokering a more meaningful relationship between senior agencies and Lighthouses? All of the Lighthouses depend on DBS dollars. Could transition to senior centers be built into those contracts?
Virtually every college and university has programs that train social workers, occupational therapists and lower level personnel to interact with older people. They are taught a lot but very little of the education they receive has anything to do with blindness. If a small population is about to get much bigger, isn't it time for blindness consumer organizations, DBS and agencies serving people who are blind to begin a serious dialogue to create curricula that will put the problem of exploding vision loss front and center? It may not be polite but I believe that part of the hesitation concerns the territoriality of universities and those they train who specialize in the pitifully small number of blindness-oriented professionals who end up being available in a field where demand is increasing!
If we can build bridges in these directions why not create adult education or community college classes for senior center activity directors and other workers to train them on methods of integrating people who are blind into their facilities. I taught a course to activity directors in the late 1970s and it really helped! Could the Division take the lead in interacting with others in the Department of Education to make some of this happen? Could these courses be taught by staff of local Lighthouses in the evening? Once taught, senior centers would be likely to create comfortable places for people with vision loss which would ease the pressure on local agencies by folks who want to come back to the companionship and self worth that being there creates.
And then, FCB, there is us! Well over half of the blind population in this country is over the age of fifty-five. The percentage will only rise as people age into vision loss. Many of those older people have lots to contribute to consumer organizations. The truth is our Organizations membership is getting older every year. More and more of us are older Americans or senior citizens. We are not doing nearly the job we should in recruiting from the largest growing population of people who are blind. How many of our chapters present at Lighthouses? How many of our chapters work with senior centers or report just how unfriendly they are to county aging agencies who are required to listen? Could we check with both lighthouses and senior centers to see if we could provide at least a little training for senior center staff? We know more about being blind than anybody else does!
A New Paradigm?
The purpose of this article is to encourage all of us to think out of the box! the reality is stark! Bunches of people are going blind as they get older! The service delivery system is frozen by artificial barriers and compartmentalization. Maybe we need to seriously rethink the model we use to save elders with vision loss! Maybe we have to ask more of everybody involved in serving them! We can't afford to put all these folks away in institutions because they aren't getting training or the capacity to feel like human beings as their most valuable sense shrivels and dies! FCB can't solve all the problems around aging but we can certainly be a part of the solution by thinking and talking about the future and by putting pressure on all the places that can make a difference! This is what advocacy is all about!
***
Convention Article by Annette Carter
May 15 – 18 2025 in Jacksonville I attended via Zoom the 72nd Annual Convention of the FCB. On Friday the 16th, at the Awards and Scholarship banquet I was flattered to be presented with the R. Henry P. Johnson Award. I can’t tell you how honored I am to receive this award. How many people receive accolades for just being themselves while living their lives. I am happy to be the FCB webmaster and maintain its content, security and accessibility. I don’t think FCB even knows about all the years immediately following my vision loss that I advocated at the city, state and national levels for accessibility, whether it was in telecommunications, public transportation, public walkways, buildings, stadiums, etc. All that work didn’t even feel like work. Not only did I benefit from the increased accessibility, but so many others still do. That results in so much enjoyment for me. I love what I do.
My encouragement to you is to find something you really enjoy doing and give it your all and nurture it with your love. You may not even think you are doing anything special. You may never realize it, but there may be those who are touched by what you do. Maybe touched by the beauty of what you do; or touched by how it makes a difference in their lives. The difference may be in how they think by putting an idea in their minds; or making something a bit more accessible for them by sharing a helpful hint on how to do something like shop, cook, navigate to a store they haven’t visited before. Things like that can open up a life without you even realizing it.
So, I say to you “Keep being your wonderful self. Let it soak into your spirit that more people than you may ever know may be positively influenced by you just being you.”
I don’t take lightly this recognition. When I read the description of, and criteria for, this particular award, it feels so much more than a; “Nice job, Annette!”.
R. HENRY P. JOHNSON AWARD
The person that this award was named after trained as a lawyer. He had very little formal training when it was necessary for him to adjust to substantial visual impairment. Nevertheless, he remained active in his community and constantly sought to extend the boundaries of activities that he and other blind persons could become involved in.
CRITERIA
The R. Henry P. Johnson Award will be presented to a legally blind person who has, through his or her work and through service to his or her community, demonstrated the kind of pioneering spirit and exemplary adjustment that Mr. Johnson demonstrated. Individuals who are likely to be considered for this award must succeed far beyond the average visually-impaired person.
For the description of, and criteria for, all the FCB awards go to https://www.fcb.org/AwardsCriteria.
***
Recipe Corner Submitted by Sheila Young
Red, White & Blue Cheesecake Salad
A patriotic, creamy fruit salad that’s perfect for summer gatherings, BBQs, or 4th of July celebrations.
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1 (3.4 oz) box instant cheesecake pudding mix (dry mix only)
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
2 cups mini marshmallows
2 cups strawberries, chopped
1½ cups blueberries
1 cup chopped bananas (optional, add just before serving to prevent browning
***
The Light Chronicles by Cachet Wells
A Grateful Journey!
What a way to celebrate our 72nd FCB Convention in Jacksonville, Florida. We had a blast reacquainting with our friends, getting to know many others, being enlightened from our leadership as to the direction of our organization, impacted with the latest in accessibility, legislation and advocacy efforts.
Thank you to everyone who traveled the distance and connected virtually to be a part. Thanks for exploring the benefits of getting involved in a more effective way. Thanks for expanding our reach beyond counties and thanks for prioritizing experiencing community in a larger way. Thanks again for committing to make the commute to Duval. We appreciate the sacrifice that many make to come and to those who take the journey in spirit virtually with us. We build upon this excitement in hopes for a grand time at the next one. We send you off to activate more opportunities, to impact more members, to gain access in more communities, and to go achieve more for blindness sake until we meet again.
Salute and hats off to the women for winning the Battle of the Sexes Challenge. Congratulations to our trivia winners for taking home some fantastic prizes. Hip, Hip, Hooray! Topping off the weekend round up with all loud cheer going out to our FCB Got Talent karaoke participants and Carnival goers. It was a blast.
Thanks to everyone that came to donate, give blood, fellowship and support all of the events of the FCB Activities Committee. We enjoyed every minute from planning to executing with you in mind in every game and activity.
Cachet Wells, Co-Chair
FCB Activities Committee
Activities@fcb.org
***
Chapter News
GOCB Update by Sheila Young
On June 7, we had our annual scholarship and awards luncheon. We had a wonderful turn out, and are pleased to announce our chapter award was presented to Alicia Eidson, and our scholarship was awarded to Bella Liborio.
Some of us will be attending ACB national in Dallas, and we are so proud that one of our members, Alicia Eidson, will be attending as one of the J. P. Morgan-Chase leadership fellows.
In August, the cookout pool party will be held at the home of Alicia and Rick in Winter Springs. We thank her and Rick for opening their home to us.
The audio described theater plays continue to be available for those interested in attending. Much time and effort has gone into making these plays accessible to the blind and visually impaired audience.
We take a break in July, so our next chapter meeting will be held in September!
We hope everyone has a wonderful and safe summer!
***
We’re Over 100 And Still Growing (PCB) by Debbie Downey
Yes, we are still growing in numbers that is!
On Saturday May 10th, the Pinellas Council of the Blind held its monthly meeting and welcomed its 100th member; Barbara White!
Congratulations to Barbara and to PCB! Since then, we have added 2 more members so we’re up to 102! I believe this makes us the largest chapter in FCB!
If you live in the Pinellas County area and would like to join our chapter; please contact Membership Secretary Debbie Downey by email at:
debdowney@tampabay.rr.com for more information. The more the merrier as they say! Thank you!
***
Tech Tips by John Richards for the Technology Committee
Too Good To Be True Scams on YouTube
In addition to entertainment, users watch YouTube for unboxings, product demos and an array of "how to" projects. While browsing the content one will most likely encounter an ad that sounds too good to be true. Some of these ads are so ridiculous, they are laughable. For example, I encountered a commercial pushing a product called JetSono; according to the hype, this device was German made for the military; This military grade device is used to clean and sanitize equipment. When fastened to the end of a water hose, JetSono works as a powerful pressure washer and delivers extreme power using Hydro-Power technology. When I clicked on the "learn more" button, I was greeted with a screen stating claims that JetSono is America's number one rated pressure washer; also, an ad announcing, "LIMITED TIME OFFER | 60% OFF JETSONO".
When I researched the legitimacy of the claims, I found an article titled, JetSono Pressure Washer – Scam or Legit? Read This Before Buying. The article stated the following:
• No credible reviews – Suspicious website testimonials but awful reviews elsewhere
• Misleading marketing – Deceptive claims of media coverage and fake before-and-after photos
• No performance data – No cleaning tests or PSI statistics to back up bold power claims
• Refund difficulties – Many unsatisfied customers unable to obtain promised refunds
• High-pressure sales tactics – Scarcity claims and countdown timers to drive panic purchases
That is just one of many scams floating around on the web, designed to get your money and deliver to you a highly hyped and inferior product.
Another scam which is to good too be true is one that boasts: Generate Unlimited, Free Electricity With A SECRET INVENTION HIDDEN SINCE 1923, Edison Generator plans.
In short, purchase these plans in order to build your own power saving device. You receive vague useless instructions containing no useful building plans. Of course, the power companies don't want you to know and this ad could be removed at any time. I say, the quicker the better.
In conclusion, if you are interested in something you happen to come across and it sounds just a little too good to be true, research it before you shell out cash which you may never get back. I have placed two links below this article; one on the JetSono and the other on the Edison Generator plans.
A portion of the information contained in this article came from an article Written by: Thomas Orsolya entitled, JetSono Pressure Washer – Scam or Legit?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUxJVnCYdBo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSRFtBC25Lg
***
FCB OFFICERS 2024 – 2026
President, Mikey Wiseman
Miami, president@fcb.org (305) 331-4870
1st Vice-President, Cassandra Jessie
Tallahassee, vp1@fcb.org (850) 567-4288
2nd Vice President, Shelley Sawyer
Tallahassee, vp2@fcb.org (407) 403-2099
Treasurer, Mark Lear
P.O. BOX 214235
DAYTONA BEACH, FL 32121
treasurer@fcb.org (386) 788-0463
Membership Secretary, and White Cane Bulletin Editor, Sally Benjamin
Tallahassee, (850) 980-0205
Membership Email: membership@fcb.org
White Cane Bulletin Email: editor@fcb.org
Recording Secretary, Elizabeth Bowden
Tallahassee, recordingsec@fcb.org (850) 345-0822
Immediate Past President, Sheila Young
Orlando, sheilayoung125@att.net (407) 425-9200
FCB Administrative Assistant, Kati Lear
(800) 267-4448, (386) 763-3836 floridacouncil@comcast.net
***
2024-2026 Chapter & Special Affiliate Officer Liaisons
Please contact your officer liaison if we can be of assistance or if you need anything from the Executive Committee.
CALM (Chapter At Large Members): Mikey Wiseman
president@fcb.org
(305) 331-4870
Greater Orlando Council of the Blind: Mark Lear
treasurer@fcb.org
(386) 788-0463
Halifax Council of the Blind: Sheila Young
sheilayoung125@att.net
(407) 425-9200
Jacksonville Council of the Blind: Cassandra Jessie
vp1@fcb.org
(850) 567-4288
Manatee County Council of the Blind: Sally Benjamin
membership@fcb.org
(850) 980-0205
Miami Metro Council of the Blind: Mikey Wiseman
president@fcb.org
(305) 331-4870
Northwest Florida Chapter of the Florida Council of the Blind: Elizabeth Bowden
recordingsec@fcb.org
(850) 345-0822
Palm Beach Council of the Blind: Cassandra Jesse
vp1@fcb.org
(850) 567-4288
Pinellas Council of the Blind: Sheila Young
sheilayoung125@att.net
(407) 425-9200
Sarasota Council of the Blind: Shelley Sawyer
vp2@fcb.org
(407) 403-2099
Southwest Florida Council of the Blind: Elizabeth Bowden
recordingsec@fcb.org
(850) 345-0822
Tallahassee Council of the Blind: Sheila Young
sheilayoung125@att.net
(407) 425-9200
Tampa Council of the Blind: Cassandra Jessie
vp1@fcb.org
(850) 567-4288
Braille Revival League of Florida: Shelley Sawyer
vp2@fcb.org
(407) 403-2099
Coalition for the Concerns of the Totally Blind: Elizabeth Bowden
recordingsec@fcb.org
(850) 567-4288
Florida Council of Citizens with Low Vision: Cassandra Jessie
vp1@fcb.org
(850) 567-4288
Guide Dog Users of Florida: Shelley Sawyer
vp2@fcb.org
(407) 403-2099
***
Handy Telephone Number References
Project Insight: (800) 267-4448
Bureau of Braille & Talking Book Library: (800) 226-6075
Division of Blind Services, State Office: (800) 342-1828
American Council of The Blind: (800) 424-8666
(Available 3:00 to 5:30 P.M. EST Monday-Friday only)
ACB Legislative Hotline: (800) 424-8666
(Available evenings 8:00 P.M. to 12:00 Midnight EST
and weekends 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. only)
AT&T Disability Services: (800) 872-3883
Press 00 and speak with your long-distance carrier,
or Florida only: (800) 982-2891
BellSouth Disability Services: (800) 982-2891
(From anywhere)
Social Security: (800) 772-1213
(24-hour voice and touch tone accessible)