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The White Cane Bulletin September - October 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: membership@fcb.org
Table of Contents
FCB 73rd Annual Convention in Orlando by Kati Lear
ACB National Conference & Convention in Dallas by Sheila Young
Thirty-Two by Julien Clement
Book review September-October 2025
How ADI is Working to Make Sports Accessible to Blind & Visually Impaired Fans in Central Florida by Greg Lindberg
Jottings From Jacksonville
Recipe Corner
Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad submitted by Sheila Young
Chapter News
WCB September-October 2025 GOCB Update by Martha James
Tech Tips by John Richards
Poetry Corner Submitted by Shelley Sawyer
Getting Good written by Emily Weisband
FCB OFFICERS, 2024 – 2026
2024-2026 Chapter & Special Affiliate Officer Liaisons
Handy Telephone Number References
FCB 73rd Annual Convention in Orlando by Kati Lear
Make plans to attend our FCB 73rd convention in Orlando Thursday, May 14 through Sunday, May 17, 2026. Our convention hotel is the Four Points by Sheraton at 5905 International Drive in Orlando, near Universal Studios. The room rates are $122 per night plus tax.
We hope you plan to attend. There will be more information in the next White Cane Bulletin.
***
ACB National Conference & Convention in Dallas by Sheila Young
This is to say thank you to FCB for allowing me to represent the Florida Council of the Blind as your delegate, along with Mark Lear at this year’s national convention.
As your delegate, I would like to take this opportunity to thank each of you for doing such a great job with our voting process during the ACB elections this year!
It was heartwarming to be there, and to know that our members took the time to cast their votes. I realize some people do not wish to give me their vote, and that is fine. However, I will tell you that I don’t share who you voted for under any circumstance, as that is not my way of doing things. I thank those who trusted me to hold their vote in confidence.
I also want to thank Mark and Kati for all of their help during the week we were there, and I feel it all went well.
Hopefully we will have more apply for the stipend next year when the conference will be held in St. Louis!
***
Thirty-Two by Julien Clement
With much anticipation and excitement the journey began on a busy and warm Sunday morning. Bags packed, snacks ready and tickets in hand as we await to board the new flix hounding caravan of the long Grey road. The travelers friendly bus voyager passing a city near you. Quickly boarding in South Florida with a few other family and chapter members and just like that I was on my way.
Traveling along on what seemed to be the longest leg in this marathon to national convention. What a voyage from one city to another just to go through Florida to get to the next state. Arriving in Atlanta on the next evening, my goodness, there were people from all over with lots of chatter filling the air. My mind started revisiting in the midst of all the crowded chaos "Why was I going through all of this" as I reflected on my choice to go. Ever since it was announced about National being in Dallas, I knew I wanted to attend to be apart. One thing I knew is that I had a purpose and an agenda to go, learn and gain greater knowledge and understanding of all things blind and low vision.
As we continued on our journey to Dallas, those reasons were my focus as we came closer and closer to that final destination. Finally we arrived at the hotel in the early evening the following day, I've never been so happy to see another city. Yet glad to have arrive safely and ready to get going for a weeklong of convention sessions, workshops and activities.
Many are not aware that I work at a hotel to which I self identify as a low key off the books hotel inspector. I’m always making comparisons about this and that when I travel about. The days kick off very fast from check in, to meeting new people, assisting others as I navigated from session to session and I even got treated to breakfast one day. Gathering daily for general sessions was very informative and to see the faces of so many other members from across the country. Of course, I had the pleasure to greet many familiar constituents of those from Florida made for friendly faces as I gazed the room. Exploring the premises during breaks gave me opportunity to meet more members from different cities. I will say that I was disappointed with the pool and the microwave setup.
Navigating throughout the week showed me many great facets of convention from member updates in general sessions, wonderful presenters, the democratic processes of voting, updates with legislation, educational sessions and technology advancements along with some fun game times and workshops with special interest affiliates that empowered me to take a wealth of knowledge back and encourages me to come back. Finding time to explore the local community, I was happy to find a gem called the Peach Cobbler Factory which I found to have one near me is a bonus.
Many people like to say that they stand for something, but never do anything. This trip was yet another opportunity for me to get in and do something instead of doing nothing. Doing things with likeminded people who also came to show up and be present, to come connect and be engaged and to be a part of the decisions, processes and activities that help us to grow, thrive and make a difference. This is who I am, but it’s also a few of the reasons why I advocate for the blind. Being in the know, keeping up with the laws and staying educated on the issues and concerns of
what's going on in the blind community are some of the components that bring us all together and why it’s also important as a member of FCB & ACB. For more of us to get involved, we need more of you to be consistent.
I ponder, What keeps members from being more consistent? Is there something wrong with the system? What is it that hinders members from being consistent or is it the places we are choosing to go for our annual meetings that play a part? These are just some of the questions that I asked myself, it can't continue to be a few of us because there are hundreds, if not thousands, of us who are the benefactors of the work put in to all of the collective and collaborative advocacy and awareness efforts made.
Maybe something different needs to be done, matter a fact, I know it does. One thing that I know for sure is that people don't like changes. I'm passionate about what I do and what I believe, but if I wanted to expand and grow, I had to do something different. That difference started with a 32 hour travel to Dallas, which allowed me another opportunity to experience all that the national convention offered and afforded me to take away. Would I do it again, I would never say no. My desire to help, assist and serve those who are blind and have low vision. This is why I connect, cultivate and center myself with resources of conventions that help me to initiate, impact, influence those in my community on a Local, State and National level.
I encourage you to meet me at the next State and National Convention.
***
Book review September-October 2025
Submitted by Sheila Young
We all shine on: John, Yoko, and me
DB130303
Music appreciation and history
Mintz, Elliot
Narrated by the author
Reading time, 9 hours 13 minutes
"Elliot Mintz spent his life working with some of the biggest names in show business, but perhaps the most important and influential partnership he had was his work and close friendship with John Lennon and Yoko Ono. In his memoir, We All Shine On, Mintz finally tells the story of their relationship, which has spanned more than fifty years and continues to this day. Through beautifully written chapters that are personal, revealing, and full of intriguing details, Mintz transports readers from his first interview with Yoko in 1971, through the years that he supported the couple both personally and professionally through creative highs, relationship and private challenges, fascinating interactions with the other former Beatles, and the happiest moments of their lives together, Sean Lennon’s birth and childhood. And, of course, Elliot was by Yoko’s side in the days, weeks, and months after John’s murder, when Elliot eventually became the official spokesperson of the Lennon estate. Perfect for Beatles fans and music lovers, this book will provide an intimate and revealing portrait of John and Yoko as people, partners, and friends, and most of all, celebrate the friendship that John, Yoko, and Elliot shared for so long."-- Goodreads. Unrated. Commercial audiobook.
***
How ADI is Working to Make Sports Accessible to Blind & Visually Impaired Fans in Central Florida by Greg Lindberg
From “Touchdown!” to “It’s outta here!” to “Goal!”, sportscasters have provided a soundtrack to a variety of sporting events on both television and radio for generations.
Now, the Audio Description Initiative is looking to take play-by-play to the next level for blind and visually impaired fans by offering audio description at live sporting events around Central Florida. This means having a live describer at the event speaking to fans through a listening device to fill them in on what’s happening on the field, court, or ice. But it also would include pregame festivities, halftime performances, fan contests, and other visual-oriented activities not typically described by traditional broadcasters.
As a lifelong sports fan who happens to be visually impaired, I reached out to the ADI team last year shortly after moving to the Orlando area. I inquired if the team had any experience or interest in providing audio description for live sporting events. They said “not yet, but we’re very interested in exploring the possibility!”
“Attending live sporting events is part of the joy of life for many people because it’s FUN to be IN the stadium or arena, cheering with the crowd, booing a bad call, enjoying a beer and a hot dog with your buddies,” said Stasha Boyd, Founder and President of ADI. “Whether it’s sports or arts or anything else where people come together for a shared experience with their community, ADI is committed to making sure it’s as accessible – and enjoyable – to a person who uses a white cane as it is to a person who uses a wheelchair.”
Boyd believes Central Florida is a perfect region to offer audio description for live sports. She points to countless local teams, including the Orlando Magic, Orlando City SC, Orlando Pride, Orlando Solar Bears, and the University of Central Florida and Rollins College athletic teams. There are also many high-profile sporting events that come through the area, such as the NFL Pro Bowl, the Arnold Palmer Invitational PGA tournament, as well as college bowl games and college basketball tournaments. Plus, Orlando is the largest travel and tourism destination in America, attracting 75.3 million visitors in 2024.
“The ability to make a huge impact on accessibility to our rich tapestry of sports is unique in Central Florida, not only for our local friends, family, and neighbors who are blind or have low vision, but also for those who visit us every year,” she said.
“Sports have been a piece of the fabric of my soul,” said Brian Smith, Director of Partner Development for ADI who is working closely with Boyd on this effort. “That fabric was torn in 2007 when I lost most of my vision to the side effects of diabetes. I still follow my teams, still attend games, still cheer and boo, but not in the way I once did.”
As he helps bridge the gap between local sports teams and the blind and visually impaired community, Smith is confident audio description can have a major impact on visually impaired fans like himself.
“Audio description will make it possible to be involved with a game rather than a consumer at a game. It will allow me to go to a game without feeling like a burden to those I am with by always needing an update or explanation,” he said.
Thanks to my job at Full Sail University, I was very aware of our Dan Patrick School of Sportscasting. I thought a good next step would be to reach out to program director Gus Ramsey and some of the sportscasting faculty (with a special shoutout to Jeff Radcliffe and Mac MacDonald) to see if I could connect them to ADI. We had our first meeting in the late summer of 2024 and have continued our conversations with them. They have connected us to several current sportscasting students and alumni, and we are extremely grateful for their support.
This past April, ADI collaborated with Alan March Sports, a UK-based company that provides audio description for sporting events around Europe. Alan March, who runs the company, spent a full day at Lighthouse Works facilitating a training program on audio description for live sports with five prospective describers, including ADI’s own John Palmer, as well as four current sportscasting students and alumni from Full Sail. During the training, the participants had to watch and listen to clips from a variety of sports, including soccer, American football, baseball, basketball, swimming, equestrian, and even gymnastics.
“Alan first showed us some examples of bad description where the announcers would get so excited and yell and scream that you couldn’t understand what they were saying,” Palmer said. “You want to show some excitement, but you also have to stay on top of what’s happening.”
At times, four participants would close their eyes, and then the fifth person would look at a photo and describe it out loud. Then the other four opened their eyes and gave feedback on whether the picture being described is what they had envisioned in their mind.
“You have to be with the ball all the time,” Palmer explained. “You can’t stop and go into along description about something or do a lot of extraneous things. You have to ask yourself, ‘Am I making my person’s head move like they’re looking to watch the ball?’ You also have to mention the score as much as possible.”
Palmer – who has worn a wide range of professional hats in the arts and entertainment space that include roles as a stage manager, music director, and performer – has described over 40 theatrical shows for ADI. He knows there’s a big difference between providing audio description for theater and sporting events.
“With a live theatrical event, I know the outcome and how they’re going to get there. With sports, there is obviously no telling about what’s going to happen.”
He said knowing the rules of each sport inside and out is also crucial.
Karlos Mancilla, a 2024 Full Sail sportscasting alum, also participated in the multisport AD training. He said the instruction stressed the importance of explaining where exactly the ball is all the time.
“Fans tend to follow the ball with their heads, not their eyes. After the game, you want the blind or visually impaired fan to be able to talk about the game just as well as their friends who saw the game with their own eyes,” Mancilla explained.
The participants also listened to several broadcasts of soccer matches from the past 30 years to observe how much description – or lack thereof – those broadcasts contained.
“We closed our eyes to put us in the shoes of a blind or visually impaired fan, and it showed how unsuitable a traditional broadcast can be, especially with TV,” Mancilla added.
Compared to traditional play-by-play, he said there is less emphasis on storytelling in audio description to ensure fans are hearing the most real-time visual information possible about an event rather than hearing about the background of a coach or player. However, he said he thinks a sport like baseball could still lend itself to a bit more storytelling because of the frequent breaks in the action.
Mancilla has lots of experience doing play-by-play for college athletics. He has called baseball, basketball, and softball games for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, as well as baseball, softball, basketball, and soccer for Rollins College. As someone with cerebral palsy, he explained how this condition drew him to broadcasting.
“I realized being an athlete was a far-fetched ambition, so I’ve tried to figure out ways I could be involved in sports in some way,” Mancilla said. “Broadcasting was very appealing because I’ve always enjoyed hearing people tell stories. It's been a very rewarding path in my career thus far.”
He said he’s eager to make a positive impact on the disability community considering his own life experiences.
“People with disabilities are often out of sight and out of mind. I’ve been to many places in my life as someone with a disability, and my needs aren’t able to be met in many cases. If I have the opportunity to help bridge that gap or fix needs that aren’t being met, I would be more than happy to do that.”
ADI has also received some guidance from MindsEye, a St. Louis-based nonprofit that is only one of a few providers of audio description for live sports in the U.S.
In addition to all of these connections, the ADI team has already met with a few local sports organizations to propose the idea of live audio description at their games. They’ve been intrigued by what they’ve heard, and ADI is eager to move forward with providing this service for fans in the very near future.
At the end of the day, Boyd is confident ADI can make a difference in ensuring sporting events are accessible both locally and nationally.
“As Americans and sports fans, we know the importance of sports in our lives, the memories it makes, and the communities it builds,” she said. “This includes blind and visually impaired fans. Central Florida is uniquely positioned to show the rest of the nation what is possible when commitment and capability come together.”
NOTE: Greg Lindberg is an ambassador for the Audio Description Initiative (ADI).
***
Jottings From Jacksonville
What is the New Normal for People with Disabilities?
by Paul Edwards
One of the realities we must live with is that we have no idea how people feel about us as people who are blind any more! Part of the problem is that far too many people are no longer willing to commit to feelings about minorities. Whether we like it or not, people who are blind constitute a minority and, to a degree, have been treated like we are a minority this year. Our Civil Rights were put at risk by a law suit that was filed in Texas. If it had succeeded completely, it would have done away with both section 504 of the Rehab Act of 1973 as amended and the Americans with Disabilities Act. I don't think it ever would have gotten to that point and many of the attorneys who filed the case have now made it clear that they were not going to attack the Civil Rights Acts as a whole. No change has yet been made to the actual filing so we only have their word that people with disabilities are out of the firing line.
However you look at it, shock is the only word you can use to describe how many of us felt when what we thought was clearly established law was suddenly up for grabs.
At the same time as this threat was occurring many programs that served people with disabilities were being closed down. This was happening because they were perceived as part of the diversity and inclusion programs which have suddenly become both unfashionable and untenable. Companies, municipalities, colleges and universities all fired people who were doing jobs that had suddenly become inappropriate. The truth is that people who are blind are a minority which has come to be regarded in a very similar way to the way that ethnic and racial minorities are seen. We have also, for a long time, told others we wanted to be seen as a minority. We wanted to be able to compete for funds and jobs that were being offered to members of minorities. Clearly we gained a lot by these efforts and truly do have a lot in common with racial and ethnic minorities. Whether we like to admit it or not there is discrimination against people with disabilities including those of us who are blind or have low vision. We don't get hired even if we meet or exceed all the qualifications for a job. With the new computerized screening systems we may well get eliminated even before the interviews happen. It is too soon to know for sure how many blind people have been affected by the Federal job actions taken by the current administration but we know that people with vision loss have certainly lost jobs.
With all the uncertainty that's around what can we say for sure? I believe that disabled people will find it harder to find work for the next few years at least. This is partly because there is no longer any incentive for private or public entities to seek us out as members of a minority. I think this is also true because it seems clear that there are going to be a lot of Federal employees who are going to be seeking the same jobs we are. I also think that what applies to people who are just blind will apply even more to people who are blind and women, blind and members of racial minorities, or, perhaps, even blind and just different!
In a very real sense it seems to me that we have taken a huge step backward. Suddenly it is not only a disadvantage to be blind; it is, for some, almost a sin! We, I think we’re getting to the point with the ADA, where society was becoming more comfortable with people with disabilities. Suddenly folks are being told not to value us in the same way. If what I am suggesting in this article is correct, the question is what do we do about it? For the past several years we have avoided doing much about the Americans with Disabilities Act because we feared that Congress might weaken the law instead of making it stronger. It is arguable that now is an even more dangerous time to open up a law that is already under attack in court! We have been prepared to work quietly at all levels to educate our country about our abilities. Whether we want to admit it or not, there are elements in the history of disability rights which are shameful. People who are blind have been prevented from marrying each other; disabled women have been sterilized without their permission because their babies would be inferior to those acceptable to our country. Blind people have been institutionalized in asylums, kept in hospitals for life, segregated in special schools, sheltered work shops and day care programs. The history of our country includes lots of uncomfortable events but many of those events shaped who we became. Would the National Federation of the Blind have started without the patently inappropriate treatment of blind people that was common in the 1930s? There were laws on the Florida books that said a blind person out walking on his own at night could be arrested as a vagrant!
There is now a movement to suppress discussion of events in our history that might make portions of our population uncomfortable. I believe that there are lots of disability history that would get whitewashed if we allowed it!
In other places and other times when history has been distorted many who could have and should have spoken up and spoken out remained silent. I don't think we have an obligation to scream injustice from the rooftops but I do feel we need to be aware that our very identity is likely to be altered beyond recognition unless we retain a clear notion of who we are and share it with others. We are a minority! We suffer discrimination! We have been mistreated in the past! In a no harm no foul history much that makes us who we are will be lost and much that we tell others will be off limits in the new history!
Perhaps an example will help make clear just how precarious our situation is! Earlier this year, a helicopter and a passenger plane collided over Reagan National Airport. Very soon after the crash it was suggested that perhaps a person who was intellectually disabled was handling traffic control when the crash happened. This idea in the past would have been rejected as the ridiculous notion it was! However, social media got hold of it and suddenly it became the plaything of many groups who oppose diversity and inclusion. Truth didn't matter! Mocking did! Virtually everybody who spread this lie knew it wasn't true! The harm was done, though! A whole class of people were demeaned for no reason! At almost the same time a blind Federal employee who was responsible as a budget watchdog for some agencies was testifying before Congress! It was suggested in the media that he couldn't do his job because he couldn't see. There were demands that his bank account be examined to see who paid him off! A competent employee who did a great job with his testimony was pilloried not for anything he did wrong but because he is blind!
The harm done by both these incidents goes far beyond the insult to individuals. There are many in our country who want to believe that people with disabilities are not very capable. These incidents only encourage and reinforce this tendency to undervalue the abilities of those of us who are disabled.
I am happy to say that the Reagan National Airport misrepresentation resulted in a press release signed by most major disability rights organizations in the United States. There was not nearly the furor over the blind gentleman's testimony. The net result of this incident and many others is that it is likely that much of the work that we have done to create an openness for people with disabilities is being destroyed by irresponsible media traffic which amplifies a little voice into a shout of ridicule of people who are different.
What makes the United States a great country is that we are a nation that was built by people from everywhere. Our culture, our values and our history is built on the often difficult effort to assimilate a huge range of people into one nation under God.
People with disabilities and people who are blind are in the same danger as are other minorities in this time of extremes. The United States is our country too! Anything that lessens our right to be valued as other are must be opposed! If lies are not challenged they become accepted truths! If respect and dignity are not required behavior, we invite the disintegration of our society into groups who perceive they have nothing in common with others! Our country deserves better! Let us make our country one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all because that's what our pledge of allegiance says it is! Each of us must do three things! Be proud of all that each of us is! Cherish everyone who is a part of our great country! and, most important of all, we must speak the truth of who we are to young ones whether they will listen or not!
***
Recipe Corner
Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad submitted by Sheila Young
A crisp and refreshing salad combining sweet Honeycrisp apples, crunchy broccoli, and a creamy tangy dressing. Perfect for fall gatherings or as a healthy side dish, this salad is packed with flavor and texture from fresh ingredients and a touch of sweetness.
4 cups broccoli florets, chopped
1 large Honeycrisp apple, diced
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional)
For the Dressing:
1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
1 1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and black pepper to taste
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, diced Honeycrisp apple, dried cranberries, chopped pecans (or walnuts), red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese (if using).
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss until everything is evenly coated.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve chilled and enjoy!
***
Chapter News
WCB September-October 2025 GOCB Update
by Martha James
GOCB is hoping that everyone has had a fun and relaxing summer.
Some of our members were able to attend the ACB national convention in Dallas this year.
On August 23, we will have our annual pool party. It will be at the home of Rick and Alicia, from 1:00 to 5:00. This year we will be serving fried chicken, instead of hot dogs and burgers, so no one has to stand over the hot grill.
In September, we will get back to work.
***
Tech Tips by John Richards for the Technology Committee
What is an unauthorized port out? How can you keep your account safe from fraud?
Cell phone carriers allow you to port out your phone number when changing to a new carrier. You also have the option of locking that number. By locking your number, scammers are less likely to be able to steal your personal information; allowing them to transfer your mobile number to another carrier; this may be referred to as an unauthorized port out. This will allow them to get your calls and texts to take control of other accounts, like banking and social media.
Many cell phone carriers will allow you to lock your number through their mobile app or call customer service for assistance. Regardless of which method you choose to use, by all means, lock your number. Scammers are attacking consumers from all angles, simply to obtain your personal information in order to get at your financial information. The more difficult you make it for them, the less likely you will fall victim to unwarranted scams.
Below are several ways you can protect against Unauthorized Port Outs.
1. Add Number Lock. ...
2. Use strong and unique passwords. ...
3. Be suspicious of unsolicited texts, e-mails, and calls, especially those urging you to act immediately and provide personal details. ...
4. Give your online security posture an upgrade.
Below are a couple of YouTube links related to this topic.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDNI8Gb26sA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8J8z8ekeYVQ
***
Poetry Corner Submitted by Shelley Sawyer
Greetings, Dear Reader:
Do you ever find yourself pondering the path of your life with all of its twists, turns and pitfalls? I guess we all do that from time to time. We consider what we’ve done or haven’t done, what we could have done, what we should have or shouldn’t have done, what we wish we had or hadn’t done; the list goes on and on. Those who know me well know that I often worry when there is nothing to worry about. I fear when there is nothing to fear. It is always amazing and marvelous to me how God gives me what I need just when I need it. This one came through my speaker at a moment when I was headed down a slippery slope in my head, and gave me one of those WOW! Moments. As usual, I don’t even know when or how I found this one, but it was a true blessing to me in that moment. I hope it is helpful to you if you need it. If not, just consider it your good thought for the day from me.
Getting Good written by Emily Weisband sung by Lauren Alaina
Once I fall in love, then I'll be happy,
But then you fall in love and there's still a hole.
Once I get some money, it'll all be easy,
But then you get that money, you still feel broke.
Once I get a little older, I won't worry,
Then you get older and it don't feel like it should.
I'm thinking once I learn to grow right where I'm planted,
Maybe that's when life starts getting good.
Once I get a car that don't stall in the morning,
I can make it anywhere I want, just wait.
But I can see it right now, sitting in my driveway,
Afraid if I take it out, I'll chip the paint.
Once I get a house that I can hang my hat on,
I bet I'll want to build a bigger one if I could.
I'm thinking, once I learn to grow right where I'm planted,
Maybe that's when life starts getting good.
I'm afraid of both my parents dying,
I call my dad, he answers right away.
And I didn't hear a word 'cause I was thinking,
About what hasn't happened yet but will someday.
And we hang up the phone before I know it,
I'm crying over the conversation my fear took.
I'm thinking once I learn to soak up every moment,
I'll realize my life's already good.
Thank God that my life's already good.
***
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) 345-0822
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)