THE RHODODENDRON A Publication of: MOUNTAIN STATE COUNCIL OF THE BLIND, INC PO Box 834 Ridgeley, WV 26753 www.mscbwv.org SUMMER 2015 Editor: Carol McGhee In This issue: PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE ACB SUMMER CONVENTION HIGHLIGHTS BETTER WHEN WORKING TOGETHER TWO CONVENTION STIPENDS OFFERED POLO SHIRTS BRAILLE WRITER TUNEUP HAVE INPUT DECIDING FUTURE CONVENTION SITES CALL FOR MSCB PROPOSED BYLAWS AND AMENDMENTS MSCB AUCTION IN THE MOUNTAINS CHAPTER NEWS MARCIA’S MUNCHIES SUMMER HINTS IN THE CUPBOARD OF THE STAIRS CALENDAR OF EVENTS OFFICERS AND BOARD MEMBERSHIP FORM President’s Message BY Donna Brown Dear MSCB Members, It is hard to believe that I am writing my last message for our newsletter as MSCB President. These six years have gone by very fast. It has truly been an honor and a pleasure serving as President of this great and growing organization. As I reflect back on these last six years, I feel I can honestly say that the highlights for MSCB outnumber the lowlights. We have gained and lost members. Sadly, several of the members we lost are now above praying for us to carry on our mission of bettering the lives of blind and low vision West Virginians. While our membership might be down right now, over 50 percent of our members are committed to the work of MSCB. I want to mention just a few highlights that I am very proud to have been a part of. We held our first, and I consider, successful leadership seminar. We've conducted several student seminars. The board participated in a very productive strategic planning session. Our website is visible and maintained regularly. Newsletters have been published on a regular basis, and we have had regular and productive board meeting. The highlights listed in the previous paragraph did not happen as a result of one person's efforts. I want to thank all of you who helped me grow MSCB over the past six years. I had very dedicated and hard-working board members, committee chairs who held regular meetings, and the willingness of members to step out of their comfort zone at times for MSCB. In closing, I want to remind you that elections for MSCB officers will be held during our state convention in Terra Alta, October 9-11. Everyone has something to offer this organization. How can you help, and in what capacity can you serve? Sincerely, Donna Brown, MSCB President A C B SUMMER CONVENTION HIGHLIGHTS By Donna Brown and Carol McGhee The 2015 ACB National Conference and Convention in Dallas, TX, was full of fun and information. The information one can gain from attending a national convention is overwhelming, and this year was no exception. DONNA: I participated in an interactive and informative grant writing session conducted by Tom Tobin, ACB Director of Development. Participants were also given hardcopy materials to take with them. On Sunday, July 5, I attended the first ever ACB Giving Societies reception. This event recognized individuals who donated $250 or more throughout 2014. The Innovation and Inspiration presentation by Shubham Banerjee, from Braigo Labs Inc., was rather intriguing. This 13-year-old young man has a heart to help people and to design an affordable braille embosser. For a science fair project, he designed an embosser out of legos. That same afternoon I attended another encouraging session. A demonstration of the accessibility improvements of Blackboard, a platform used for online courses, was presented to blind teachers. One of the fun events I attended was the Sports Fanatics luncheon. Dixon Edwards, a retired football player, was the speaker. He was fabulous, fun, and very personable. After a busy day on Monday, I relaxed by playing bingo, which was sponsored by ACB Families. On Tuesday, I went to a Texas Rangers baseball game. Toward the end of the week, I attended the ACB membership seminar and the Presidents meeting. CAROL: On Saturday I attended a seminar on grant writing. Later in the week I went to a session on keeping your writing interesting. I also attended the sports fanatics luncheon and I can also say that Dixon Edwards was humorous, very patient and outgoing. One of the activities that interested me very much was the DKM first timers reception, which generally happens on Thursday evening. Each year a contest is held and two winners are selected: one person from east of the Mississippi and another from west of the River. These two recipients have to be first time attendees to the convention; hence the name First Timers. This year was the one hundredth anniversary of the birth of Durward K McDaniel so a special celebration to commemorate him was held with cake and ice cream. In addition, I attended seminars on publicity, on the IOS devices, as well as some other interesting meetings. On Thursday morning, the author of the barefoot lawyer, Chen Guangcheng spoke through an interpreter, and the account was very moving and captivating. As you can see, convention week contains a wide range of seminars and activities. Start saving your pennies and join us in Minneapolis in 2016. BETTER WHEN WORKING TOGETHER CONVENTION 2015 Get ready! The 2015 Mountain State Council of the Blind Convention is soon approaching! From October 9-11, we will gather at Alpine Lake Resort at Terra Alta, West Virginia. The 2015 state convention highlights include a presentation by Chris Cook on how to use the new Unified English Braille (UEB). We will have updates from rehab services. Braille writers can be repaired at reduced rates. Coming from Alabama, David Trott (ACB national representative) will be our banquet speaker. There will also be a representative from the Challenge Academy. Many more opportunities and activities are being planned. Alpine Lake Resort is now taking room reservations. Room availability is guaranteed until September 25. More information about the convention can be found after this article. Registration packets will be coming soon. Please register early. See other articles for exciting things happening at this year's state convention. Alpine Lake Resort 700 West Alpine Drive Terra Alta, WV 26764 Room Info: Rooms include two double beds $55.80 per room per night (includes 10% group discount) plus tax. To make your reservations call (304) 789-2481. Two Convention Stipends Offered A policy has been established to assist first time nonmembers and members to attend the annual state convention. After reading the following policy, for more information on how to apply, Contact Kathy Gerhardt at: (304) 283-7424 or email: kathy39lg@aol.com. MOUNTAIN STATE COUNCIL OF THE BLIND, INC. Policy for Convention Stipend Requests August 2015 As stated in the Bylaws of the Mountain State Council of the Blind, one of the many purposes is to advocate for the improvement of the social, economic and cultural status of the blind and visually impaired population in West Virginia. One way to carry out this purpose effectively is to provide financial assistance to visually impaired individuals wishing to learn more about the organization. The guidelines stated in this policy will be followed for all requests for financial assistance by nonmembers and members. MSCB will award monetary stipends for assistance to attend MSCB conventions based on the following guidelines: This policy has been established to assist blind or visually impaired individuals in West Virginia requesting financial assistance to attend the MSCB convention. First time attendees will receive priority. Financial need will be considered. Any financial assistance given to any one person by MSCB to attend the MSCB convention will not exceed $100. Upon selection to receive a stipend, the pre-registration fee will be paid and the remainder of the stipend will be given to the recipient. The recipient will be requested to submit to the next issue of the Rhododendron an article sharing his/her experience. Procedure for Requesting Assistance: In order to maintain a level of consistency, requests must be submitted in writing to one of the following people, along with a copy to the President of MSCB. The President of a local chapter The Chairperson of the Budget and Finance Committee The initial contact person will then take the request to the Budget and Finance Committee for review. After a committee decision is made to or not to grant assistance, the chairperson of the committee will contact the person who made the request by telephone and in writing within approximately one week. POLO SHIRTS The Mountain State Council of the Blind is seeking your input in whether or not you would be interested in buying a polo shirt! This blue shirt with gold lettering would have the same MSCB logo on the left chest, although it would be smaller, due to the front opening. The shirt has a collar and there are buttons on the front and it has no pocket. The price is $20 per shirt with an additional $2.50 if you should want it mailed to you. If interested, contact Ninetta Garner at 304-381-2729 or email her at garner9@frontier.com . BRAILLE WRITER TUNE-UP If your Perkins Brailler is sluggish and needs a checkup, bring it to the 2015 MSCB convention. Take advantage of a free “Braille Writer Tune-up”! Rusty Rice, a Brailler Technician, is offering at no charge an evaluation, light cleaning or minor repairs. If there are significant issues, he will take the brailler with him and will charge accordingly. The usual fee is $25.00 per hour plus parts. He will return your brailler by “Free Matter for the Blind” mail. This is a great opportunity to get your writer checked out and tuned up for many more years of service. HAVE INPUT DECIDING FUTURE CONVENTION SITES Would you like to have the 2016 MSCB convention in your city or a city near you? Are you willing to contact hotels in your area to negotiate prices for guest rooms, meeting rooms and meal functions? Here is what you can do. Contact the Sales Manager of the hotel. Identify the organization, its purpose, convention size and needs. Check for choices of a weekend beginning the second weekend of September through the second weekend of October. Usually two meeting rooms with a capacity of seating twenty-five or more are needed from Friday afternoon through late evening and from 8:00 am through late evening on Saturday. All meeting rooms MUST be wheelchair accessible and at least two guest rooms should be. If your negotiations, either in person or by phone, appeared to have resulted in good reasonable prices, one more step is needed. Ask the sales manager to prepare a contract proposal in writing for you to present at this year’s October Convention business meeting. Things to keep in mind: Is there any public transportation in and out of the city or close by? Are Eateries within walking distance to the hotel in case it doesn’t have a restaurant or are there catering services available? Are there points of interest for a brief tour? Our future will improve as our theme this year says: “Better When Working Together”. Call for MSCB PROPOSED BYLAWS AND AMENDMENTS At the annual MSCB Convention, the Bylaws may be amended according to Bylaw 11. If you have a proposed amendment to offer, it must be received by the Bylaw Chairperson in writing thirty days prior to the beginning of the Convention. This year the deadline for receiving any proposals is September 9, 2015. Send in writing the proposed language for amendments to Ninetta Garner, 105 Heritage Point, Morgantown, WV 26505 or email to: garner9@frontier.com. Place “Bylaw amendment” in the subject line. These may be submitted either by email, Braille, or print. Please do not send audio or handwritten material. If you have questions, you may call (304) 381-2729. If you get the voice mail, leave a message with your phone number and I will call you back. By Ninetta Garner, Bylaws Chairwoman MSCB AUCTION in the MOUNTAINS Each year at the convention, everyone has a blast challenging fellow bidders at the auction! This is one of our annual fundraisers and we need you to help make it exciting and successful. Donate new or in very good condition items others will want to bid on, such as homemade products, technology accessories, homemade food products, sports memorabilia, donations from businesses or unique items. We prefer no commercially made clothing. If you absolutely are unable to attend the convention, but wish to help with the auction, mail your auction items to Ninetta Garner, 105 Heritage Point, Morgantown, WV 26505. These should be received by October 1st. If you are bringing things for the auction with you, please send by October 1st. a brief description and suggested value either by print or Braille to the above address. You may also e-mail the description to garner9@frontier.com. Place “Auction item” in the subject line. If you have questions, call (304) 381-2729. The fresh, crisp mountain air will surely stimulate your interest and bidding participation. Chapter News The Tricounty, Potomac Valley and Vandalia chapter members have all been enjoying their summer with vacations, picnics, and other social events. Although projects are still being worked on behind the scenes, we have chosen to keep you in suspense until the post-convention issue coming this fall! Marcia’s Munchies By Marcia Springston Dillon Butter Milk Soup I know this sounds strange, but it is quite good. First peel and slice or dice some cucumbers. Pour some cold butter milk over them to make soupy consistency. Next stir in salt, pepper, dill, and parsley. You can just taste and guess at the amounts. I also like to add some chives or finely chopped onion. Chill in a lidded glass container for at least 4 hours. Serve cold. Blond Brownies This is a reliable recipe that I often use when there is no mix in the cupboard and I need something good to take to a party etc. 2 cups unsifted flour 1 tsp baking powder ½ tsp salt ¼ tsp baking soda 2 cups packed brown sugar 2 lightly beaten eggs 2/3 cups melted shortening or butter 2 tsp vanilla 1 small bag chocolate chips, 6 ounce. 1 cup chopped pecans, optional Mix together the dry ingredients. Add sugar to shortening or butter, and mix well. In to the butter mixture, blend the eggs and vanilla. Add in dry ingredients a little at a time. Makes a very stiff batter. Put in greased 9x13 pan, and sprinkle with chocolate chips and nuts. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes. Try not to over bake. Cool before cutting. SUMMER HINTS BY: MUCIE ALLRED SUN INSECTS SPLINTERS Splinters: Fasten a banana peel over the splinter and the enzymes will remove it. WAIT FOR THE PEEL TO DRY. Or use ELMER’S GLUE, When dry, same thing. Put insect repellant on ankles and wrists. The pulse points will distribute the warning to those little bugs. Wear a ball cap or visor in the sun. People are out and about in the summer. Be alert for bikes and quiet cars. Those new hybrids. In the cupboard over the stairs By Marcia Springston Dillon In the cupboard over the basement stairs I discovered several old Braille books and tools, I had forgotten about from my school years. Examining each item was like a trip in to the past. I am impressed with their sturdy construction and ability to revive old memories. I’m not sure what prompted this cleaning spree, but it was certainly an adventure. The cupboard over the basement stairs can only be accessed by climbing through a chest high shelf in the back of my pottery studio. Not sure why shelves would have been built across a cupboard door, but that happened long before I moved here. It was dusty and creepy in the cupboard, and I was particularly worried about uncovering a mouse nest. I knew that backing out quickly would be impossible, so as you can imagine, I was on high alert for anything fuzzy. Well, there weren’t any mouse nests, but there was a skunk puppet and some toy horses. Everyone has old toys, but what I really wanted to examine was the old Braille Books and equipment, that most of us older blind folks used years ago. The Braille books were on the top of the stack, and the most interesting ones were the little “Dick and Jane” series. My Mom and Grandma brailed them for my sister and me. They would shellac the paper to preserve the dots, and I remember that when they were freshly done, it would hurt our fingers to read them. Wow, I am amazed at all the work they did for us! Also, I found a lot of Thermoform books on various subjects. I was never crazy about the feel of Thermoform Braille, but it was probably quite the innovation in its day. I remember the pages would be staticky and cling to your hair and sweater. Under the books were the machines, like the huge 4 track reel to reel tape recorder. It was my constant companion during college, for reading text books. Also, there was a 3 inch reel to reel machine that I used for note taking in high school. The 3 inch reels would only run for about 35 minutes, so the tape would invariably start flapping before the lecture was over. We had lots of fun playing with that small recorder in the summer time. We recorded our own candid microphone programs,that we modeled after the well-known Candid Camera, Television Show. A very tiny item that I knew I’d never find in that messy cupboard, was the Cassette Flea. The so called Flea was so tiny that it was easy to lose. It was a sort of cap thing that would sit on top of one of the hubs on your cassette machine, that way you could feel if the tape was still turning. When the first cassette machines came out they made reading and taking notes so much easier, but without the Flea, you couldn’t always tell when the tape was finished. Next out of the cupboard was the cube slate for doing math problems in elementary school. Some of you probably remember using one of these. In case you are not old enough, it is a tray with square holes that small cubes, with Braille numbers on the sides, fit in to, in order to write a math problem. The slate still has a weird plastic smell I distinctly remember from school. Also for math, I found the large wooden Abacus my Dad bought and loved to teach us to use. My Sister and I decided that it would work real well as a scooter. We turned it over so the beads would work as wheels, and we would sit on it and slide from one end of the basement to the other. After all that abuse it is still in perfect condition. For math though, I like the small Kranmer Abacus, because the felt backing keeps the beads exactly where you place them. I still use one of these when I measure chemicals for my pottery glazes. One of the smaller things I found tucked away was my compass. I never used it for hiking, but it was fun to play with. It is a small box, and when you lift the lid the needle locks in to place, pointing north. When you close the lid, and move it around, you can hear the magnetic needle jumping around trying to find north. The last thing I found was a so called Pocket Brailler. It is about the size of a cassette recorder and certainly wouldn’t fit in a pocket! It Braills on paper tape, and the keys don’t work very well. Anyway, we were never able to figure out a good use for long strips of Braille. So, ”why have I kept it?” Hmm I realize that I haven’t done any serious culling or cleaning, but I have unearthed many wonderful memories. After this long dusty day, I just can’t come up with any terrific thoughts on, “the old verses the new.” Think I’m gonna just push it all back in there and shut the door. Don’t know of a better use for that cupboard over the stairs! Calendar of Events 2015 ALL MSCB Conference Calls begin at 9:00 pm. The Number is 832-551-5100 Pass Code: 186679# Google Voice Number: 304-933-9540 Monday September 7: Labor Day Monday September 14: MSCB Conference Call Friday, October 9-11: MSCB State Convention, Alpine Lake Resort, Terra Alta West Virginia Monday October 12: Columbus Day (observed) Monday October 12: MSCB Conference Call Saturday October 31: Halloween Sunday November 8: Daylight savings time ends Monday November 9: MSCB Conference Call Wednesday November 11: Veterans Day Thursday November 26: Thanksgiving Day Monday December 14: MSCB Conference Call Friday December 25, Christmas Day MSCB OFFICERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS President: Donna Brown Phone: 304 822-4679 Email: president@mscbwv.org 2015, final term Vice President: Kevin Maynus Phone: 304 253-8821 Email: vice-president@mscbwv.org 2015, first term Secretary: Ninetta Garner Phone: 304 381-2729 2015, final term Email: secretary@mscbwv.org Treasurer: Dennis Dennison Phone: 304 738-8930 2015, second term Email: treasurer@mscbwv.org Board of Directors Carol McGhee 2018, first term Debbie Cain 2016, first term Josh Metz 2018, second term Glen Pinkard 2016, second term MOUNTAIN STATE COUNCIL OF THE BLIND, INC. PO Box 834 Ridgeley, WV 26753 www.mscbwv.org Membership Form Updated January 2015 In order to update our records, it is most important that you complete this form and return it by February 1st. Please make sure you fill in the format preferences and visual status for each person. You are encouraged to make extra copies to share with others. Please return this form with appropriate dues to your local chapter contact, OR to Dennis Dennison, MSCB Treasurer, at the above address, or email to treasurer@mscbwv.org. Membership may also be completed online by clicking on the Membership link at www.mscbwv.org. For questions or more information, call President Donna Brown at (304) 822-4679 or Treasurer Dennis Dennison at (304) 738-8930. DATE: ________________ New Member __________ Renewal __________ PLEASE PRINT: NAME: ___________________________________________ ADDRESS: _______________________________________ CITY: _____________________ STATE: _____ ZIP: ___________ PRIMARY PHONE: ________________ ALTERNATE PHONE _______________ EMAIL: ____________________________________________ I live in ______________________ County. PREFERRED FORMAT FOR: MSCB newsletter and information: ____ email ____ large print ____ CD ACB BRAILLE FORUM magazine: ____ braille ____ large print ____ email ____ CD I am: ____ blind ____ legally blind ____ sighted Please check all that apply: MSCB At-large (state & national) Dues: $10.00 ___ Chapter (local, state & national) Dues: ___ $15.00 Potomac Valley Chapter (Romney and area) ___ $15.00 Tri-County Chapter (Eastern Panhandle area) ___ $15.00 Vandalia Chapter (Morgantown and area) We are in the process of starting a chapter in the Charleston area. If you would like to be contacted about joining, please check here: ____ MSCB Junior Member (ages 12 to 18): $5.00 ___ Supporting Member (Minimum $10.00): $_______ Donations: I want to make a donation to (please specify amount): $ ______ Barbara Fierst Memorial Technology Grant $ ______ Anna L. Hunt Memorial Academic Scholarship $ ______ General Fund MSCB is an IRS 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization. Donations are tax deductible. TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED: $__________ Please make check or money order payable to MSCB and return as indicated above. We also accept payment through PayPal at www.mscbwv.org. Thank you for joining MSCB