NEWSLINE DECEMBER, 2014 Edition

Opportunity, Equality, Independence
Founded 1935
1-800-255-1147

WCB’s Newsline is a Hollis K. Liggett Braille Free Press Award winner, 2011.
Presented by the Board of Publications of the American Council of the Blind in order to promote best journalistic practices and excellence in writing in publications of ACB’s state and special-interest affiliates.

Cindy Van Winkle, President

360-689-0827



Bremerton, WA

Alco Canfield, Editor

509-525-7136

Walla Walla, WA

www.wcbinfo.org
Those much-needed contributions, which are TAX deductible, can be sent to the Washington Council of the Blind treasurer, Eric Hunter, at PO Box 3127, Bremerton, WA 98310.

To remember the Washington 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 WCB at 800-255-1147.

The WCB is a 501(c)(3) organization. For other ways to support the Washington Council of the Blind, visit our Fundraising page found at www.wcbinfo.org

Table of Contents

From the President’s Desk
Passing the Torch
Board Business Meeting
Resolutions Passed at the 2014 WCB State Convention
A First Timer’s Perspective
The Blind of Cambodia
WCB Strong! A Weekend of Inspiration, Motivation, and Lots of Fun
Give and Take
Scholarship Recap
2014 Awards
2015 WCB Officers and Board of Directors
Post Evergreen Access to Magazines and Periodicals
WCB Standing Committees
From the Senior Side
Updates from the Washington Talking Book and Braille Library
Washington State School for the Blind
Around the State
Hats Off
Bits and Pieces
From My Kitchen to Yours
2015 Calendar of Deadlines and Events
Announcements

From the President’s Desk

By Cindy Van Winkle, WCB President

I want to begin by thanking each and every one of you who attended the 2014 WCB convention in Tacoma. Whether you were there in person or listened to it on ACB Radio, I believe you would agree that this was one of the best conventions we’ve ever had. Most certainly many hands and hours helped contribute to its success, and I extend my heart-felt gratitude to each and every volunteer who played a part in making it so. It was certainly evident that we truly are “WCB STRONG!”

Over the past few days I have been transcribing from braille to a Word document, minutes of WCB from our merger in 1990 through the convention in 1991 as part of a project for the History Committee; this was 43 braille pages which transcribed into 16 print pages. I only bring this up because besides being a labor of love for me, it was another reminder of our rich history and of the changes that have taken place over the 24 years since our new beginning. Although we have more money and therefore the ability to do many more things with it (leadership trainings, forum calls, subsidizing our conventions, providing more in scholarships, providing crisis and advocacy assistance to members and non-members alike, just to name a few). We have more members to assist in doing our work (covering 21 committees, facilitating four regularly scheduled forum calls, mentoring future leaders, taking active leadership roles in 15 affiliated chapters, responding to calls to our toll-free number, and doing so many other things as needed). The passion which drove WCB in its beginning years is still alive and well.

I want to thank each of you who have served WCB in 2014, as well as those of you who have volunteered for many years. Your service is the strength of WCB and I thank you on behalf of the entire WCB Board! But the work does not end on December 31st. I need you to step up once again. To those who have never volunteered before, or perhaps have not done so for a while, I invite and encourage you to take pride and ownership in the Washington Council of the Blind and show your commitment to our organization by extending yourself in its service.

January 10 is the date by which I need to hear from you for placement on committees. After reading through the list of the WCB Standing Committees (found in this issue of Newsline), along with a brief summary of their work, please let me know where you might like to serve. If you’re not sure, let me know your areas of interest, your talents (phone calling, writing, computer work, social networking, etc.) I will help you to find your niche. Remember, although committees truly are the backbone of WCB (they’re the ones who do our work and keep things moving throughout the year), there are many other tasks where volunteers are needed.

I would now like to extend a special thank you to two very special members. Alco Canfield served WCB as Secretary for two years, and as editor, chairing our Newsline Committee for four years. I would also like to thank Tim McCorcle for his two years of service on the WCB Board and his continued work on committees. Alco and Tim are prime examples of what service to WCB means and we have truly benefited from their efforts.

I also want to remind you that I am just a phone call or e-mail away (360-689-0827) or email (). I welcome your input: ideas, concerns, gentle reminders and overall participation. So please remember I’m here for each one of you!

As I enter into my final year as President, I do so with energy and enthusiasm, passion and pride, and most of all with much love and commitment to the Washington Council of the Blind, our membership (that’s each one of you) and to the blind community as a whole. However, I know that my desire to make a difference in the lives of others who are blind or facing vision loss at some level, cannot be mine alone. So as each of us enter a new chapter called 2015, I ask you to assist me in the work that lies ahead of us so that we the current membership of WCB might enrich the future for those who come along behind us with a continued rich history as others have done before us.

Passing the Torch

By Alco Canfield

You all know the saying, “All good things have to come to an end.” Well, after four years of editing the WCB Newsline, I feel it is time to pass on the privilege. I want to take this opportunity to thank all those who have served with me on the Newsline Committee these past four years. Their cooperation and commitment have resulted in an informative, interesting publication. I could not have done it without them.

Meka White, your new editor, will take the Newsline to new heights. She is organized, articulate, and always willing to go the extra mile to make things work. She, Cindy, and Gaylen worked to get the Newsline produced digitally and facilitated its recorded edition for the website.

I would also like to thank Andrea Park and Terry Nelson who have been responsible for formatting the articles and sending out the completed document.
With Meka’s expertise, this committee and this magazine will be in good hands. There are many talented and articulate people in WCB, and I know they will continue to submit articles which are worth reading. There is always room for new voices. I look forward to reading what you have to say as well.
Thank you again for this experience.

Nibbling at the Bread – Pre-Convention and Business Meeting Report

By Meka White

I always think of convention much like a sandwich, so for this article we’ll be focusing on the two slices of bread rather than the filling in the middle.

The pre-convention board meeting was held at the Hotel Murano on Thursday, October 30. After roll call of the officers and board and the introduction of others present, the minutes were read and approved. The budget was read and the board voted to refer it to the convention floor for eventual adoption.

In her President’s report, Cindy gave tentative dates for future board meetings and announced that next year’s convention will be held November 5-7 at the Seattle Airport Marriott Hotel. Room rates will be $99 per night.

The following committees gave reports at the pre-convention board meeting: convention, scholarship, first-timers, legislation, resolutions, awards, PR and website oversight, history, Newsline, listserv, advocacy, families with blind children, crisis, and aging and blindness. As you can see, there is a lot that goes in to the work of the organization and our board meetings are the perfect opportunity to hear the reports of these committees in action!

Speaking of action, several boards and councils serving state agencies are in need of representation. The Patron Advisory Council has open vacancies for general users, a person with a learning disability, and someone to represent teenagers. The State Rehabilitation Council is recruiting representatives from Business and Labor and current or former clients of the Department of Services for the Blind.

Finally, there are loans that are available if you have been a member of this organization for six months. These loans are no-interest and can be used on assistive technology such as Braille displays, hearing aids, screen readers, computers, and more. After a few more announcements, it was time to adjourn for hospitality and resolutions, probably not in that order.

Now we come to the second half of the convention sandwich, the business meeting. We began by giving a moment of silence to remember and honor those members who have passed away this past year. And then it was time to jump right in to elections. The results are as follows: Meka white, 2nd Vice-president, Steve Fiksdal, Secretary, and Carol Brame, Gaylen Floy, and Frank Cuta were elected to the board. It was a real treat to have Frank on the phone so that we could all congratulate him on his office. Andrea Dimitio won the position of alternate delegate to the 2015 ACB Convention in Dallas, Texas. Congratulations to all!

While votes were being cast and counted, we worked on resolutions. 2014-A for state funding for the Independent Living program passed. 2014-B concerning funding for the State Library passed. And of course, the resolutions thanking the wonderful work done by the host chapter, the outstanding services of the hotel, and the hard-work of the volunteers passed with much cheering and applause.

Next to come to the floor were constitutional amendments. 2014-1 dealt with removing obsolete language in Section III Article I about people under 16 being grandfathered in and was adopted. 2014-2 dealt with amending Article III by adding qualifying language to the membership age restriction and was not adopted. 2014-3 dealt with life membership being raised to $200. It was amended on the floor back to $100 and was adopted. This amendment also cleared up the fact that if you are a life member of WCB, you still pay local and national dues.

The 2015 amended budget was passed on the convention floor. During new business, a motion was made and passed that this organization support DSB’s budget enhancement request for those in the Independent Living program under 55. Another motion was made and passed for the Environmental Access, Advocacy, and Legislative Committees to work together and bring back a report concerning accessible prescription labeling.

Last but certainly not least, Cindy announced that if members are interested in serving on committees, they must let her know by January 10.

The business meeting is one of my favorite parts of convention because I know that my voice is being heard along with many others to propel WCB forward. I hope that if you have never attended, you will make it a point to do so next year! The convention meeting adjourned with a great deal of fanfare and door prizes, and I cannot wait to do it all over again next year.

Resolutions Passed at the 2014 WCB State Convention

By Denise Colley

Two major resolutions were passed at this year’s WCB State Convention, held in Tacoma, Washington. The following is a summary of those resolutions and the action to be taken by the WCB.

RESOLUTION 2014-01 addresses the importance of the Older Blind Independent Living Program which provides training, counseling and adaptive services designed to help seniors age 55 and older maintain or increase their lifestyle options and remain independent in the community despite significant vision loss, served 1400 individuals in FY2013, and has had no funding increase in more than seven years at either the federal or state level. The resolution directs the Washington Council of the Blind to go on record in support of the Department of Services for the Blind budget enhancement request to fund this program and convey our support to the Governor and to the Legislature, and to engage with other consumer organizations, interested citizens and service delivery organizations to actively contact the Governor’s office and key State legislators to call them to action regarding the funding crisis in the Independent Living Older Blind program.

RESOLUTION 2014-02 addresses the significant decline in funding for the Washington State Library, resulting in a decrease in funding available to its programs, including the Washington Talking Book and Braille Library. By June 30, 2015, the Washington State Library will face a $2.4 million shortfall in revenue, which could result in more cuts to the Washington Talking Book & Braille Library and the further elimination of services. The resolution directs the Washington Council of the Blind to go on record in support of the request of the Office of the Secretary of State that the governor’s budget restore the $2.4 million in their budget, and work collaboratively with the Patron Advisory Council of the Washington Talking Book & Braille Library, and other interested parties, to communicate with the Washington State Legislature regarding the importance of library services to people who are blind, physically disabled, or otherwise unable to read standard print, and our concerns about the funding crisis to the Washington Talking Book & Braille Library.

A First Timer’s Perspective

By Jim Turri, UBWC

My wife Holly and I are both totally blind, and moved to Bellingham from Maryland in May 2013. We were members of ACB’s National Capital Chapter for over thirty years. We were not as active as we would have liked working full time, and raising our son and daughter. Now that they have married and given us grandchildren, we decided we could retire and relocate to a cooler climate.

The United Blind of Whatcom County has welcomed us with open arms. We’ve wanted to be more active with our chapter and WCB. We attended the WCB leadership Seminar where we learned so much!

We were really excited when I was chosen as a first timer grant recipient for the state convention. I was so pleased the Hotel Murano was so close to the Amtrak station, one of our favorite ways to travel.

Check in was prompt, and our rooms were actually ready. The bell hop was extremely helpful getting us oriented to the room and its features. Things like the glass bowl sinks were so classy. I was glad I didn’t have small children with me. The advanced materials sent by Cindy were also quite helpful for learning our way around.

After a light lunch at the delightful hotel restaurant we found the Pavilion and entered a world of cheerful bustling activity. After we got registered and received our packets we found the hospitality room and met many of the people we had heard so much about or talked to on the phone. I was really happy to discover how friendly and talkative the people were. I knew this was going to be a special convention, since some of the folks traveled from Oregon and even California. I was so touched to meet several of the volunteers who helped us find our way around the complex, especially the high school students.

I attended the pre-convention board meeting and was impressed with the professionalism that went into crafting the WCB budget.

I enjoyed the first-timer’s breakfast and appreciated those who went over the convention program. Throughout the conference, I noticed a prevailing theme to let people try new skills or tasks to encourage them to learn and grow.

The first morning session was inspiring when we all got to see how far Cyrus Habib has come. I skipped the second session so that I could explore the exhibit Hall. As a HAM radio operator and already knowing about ski-for-light, I didn’t feel too guilty.

There was enough space for the exhibiters so I did not feel too crowded or over whelmed. The variety of vendors was so rewarding and interesting. I finally got up close and personal with an AccessaMed talking pill bottle and a bubble pack. I was really pleased WATAP had brought some technology to try such as the new KNFB reader, and the Hims mini U2 braille note taker. Though I could only spend an hour or so, I was able to cover what I wanted to experience, and felt fulfilled.

Listening to J. A. Jance was quite enthralling. I felt drawn into her real life stories in a special way. The blind Parenting panel discussion was interesting to me, since I had also traveled down that road. I was impressed with the Microsoft representative a lot more than I expected to be. I was really proud of the way some members who are computer trainers gave constructive feedback about various products. They were professional and polite but firm about what needs to work.

The talent show was a lot of fun. Ask me some time about the heart stopping moment before the show when my guitar string would not tune up. Our Bellingham group did the Happy Girl Guide Dog song, an original composition, and I think it was well received.

The employment panel was really interesting to me. I was so impressed on the quality of counseling and training these people received and the resilience of these women.

Kim Charlson concisely outlined the national picture and confirmed to me that an ACB President still does their full time job as well.

Cindy ran the business meeting well and kept her cool during some difficult moments. I was glad to learn of the voting method using slips of paper and nails.

In conclusion, I’m proud to be part of a group who really encourages all of us to step out of that comfort zone a little bit, and be all that we can be.

The Blind of Cambodia: An Interview

By Bruce Radtke

Mr. Vanndy Seng, a young blind university student in Siem Reap, Cambodia, was interviewed about the challenges facing blind people in Cambodia. Washington Council of the Blind sighted volunteer, Bruce Radtke interviewed Mr. Seng in early September, 2014, in Siem Reap, a city near famous Angkor Wat in Cambodia.

• Mr. Seng: Welcome to Cambodia! And welcome to Krousar Thmey, a Cambodian foundation sponsoring a school for the blind and the deaf. Most students have gone home on holiday, but I am here to continue my studies.
• Q: How long have you lived here?
• Mr. Seng: I came here when I was eleven years old from a poor family in the country. I was one of the first students here, and now I am 23 years old and taking university classes, but most students are from kindergarten through high school.
• Q: Please tell us more about your educational goals.
• Mr. Seng: I’m receiving scholarships, one to attend classes in the morning at Angkor University, working toward a degree in business administration, and another for classes in the afternoon at Panna Sastra University of Cambodia, where I’m studying English Literature.
• Q: I congratulate you for your English language skills. How did you learn to speak, read and write English, so different from the Khmer language?
• Mr. Seng: I have used JAWS on a computer to study English for the past five years. I wish the computer room was open for student use more hours, though.
• Q: Is anything available for your use in braille?
• Mr. Seng: It’s rare, but there are a few books available in braille here, a few in English and some in Khmer. The Khmer language, used by all students in Cambodia, has 33 consonants and 21 vowels, so there’s a lot to learn when we learn to read braille.
• Q: Besides learning to use a computer, what experiences in this school have been helpful?
• Mr. Seng: I’m glad to have had some classes in English language and in general knowledge.
• Q: Were you blind from birth?
• Mr. Seng: No, I was blinded in an accident when I was seven years old.
• Q: Do some students in this school have partial vision?
• Mr. Seng: There are a few low vision students.
• Q: What obstacles do you face as a blind person in Cambodia?
• Mr. Seng: I know my way around this school and the courtyard, so I did not use a stick or mobility cane to find you when I was told you are here asking questions. But many students here don’t like to use mobility canes on the street because of the danger of being hit by a motorcycle or tuk tuk (motorcycle-driven carriage for passengers), and there are few sidewalks where we can walk safely without obstacles.
• Q: How can you develop any feelings of independence when the traffic is so chaotic and dangerous for pedestrians?
• Mr. Seng: We usually have to walk with a sighted relative or a friend. And how did you like walking in the “Dark Room” on our campus?
• Q: The “Dark Room” simulates all kinds of obstacles blind people face, so I held onto my guide’s arm, because the simulated traffic experience scared me. This is a nation of 15 million people, with 58% surviving on farms growing rice. What obstacles do blind people face in getting a job?
• Mr. Seng: Have you seen any signs advertising a massage given by a blind person? There are a few other possibilities, like playing a musical instrument in a band that entertains tourists, but very few blind people have a job that will support them. Do blind people in the USA have good jobs?
• Far too many blind people in the USA are unemployed. Our Americans with Disabilities Act has helped some get training they need.
• Mr. Seng: Yes, I agree that training and job openings would make a difference here.  After I graduate from the university, I want to establish a non-governmental organization that will teach the skills needed for blind people to get a good job – a profession.
• Q: Now Cambodia is a constitutional monarchy, but I have read that almost two million Cambodians were killed under Khmer Rouge rule from 1975 to 1979. How did that conflict affect families and the blind?
• Mr. Seng: My grandparents were killed then, so I never knew them. Landmines have blinded and disabled many others since then. Families also may be poor, as mine is. My father died when I was seven months old, and my mother, a farm worker in rice fields, is very poor, so she cannot help me with money. Whenever I earn a little money translating from English into Khmer, I send her some money. When you paid for my dinner in a restaurant last night, it was the first time in my life I have ever eaten in a restaurant. Also, corruption in the government keeps us poor.
• Q: You told me you are 23 years old. What changes in your life do you hope to see by age 30?
• Mr. Seng: I want to be a leader in an NGO that provides good jobs for the blind.
• Q: What is your biggest need?
• Mr. Seng: I need to have more chance to use the internet for my education.
• Q: Until you have that access, would you like any email contacts with blind people in Washington State?
• Mr. Seng: Yes! My email address is
• Q: Thank you very much for sharing so openly with us!

WCB Strong! A Weekend of Inspiration, Motivation,
and Lots of Fun!

By Malissa Hudson

This year’s Washington Council of the Blind Convention was held at the Hotel Murano in Tacoma the weekend of October 30-November 1. The theme for the weekend was “WCB Strong!” The entire weekend was filled with inspirational speakers, motivational presentations, and of course a time to have fun as well.

On Friday, we had two special keynote speakers that were inspiring to me. One of them was Rep. Cyrus Habib, a totally blind representative from the 48th Legislative District in Kirkland who spoke about his childhood, the cause of his blindness, and how he got involved with doing law work. The true highlight came on Friday afternoon after our Awards Luncheon. Author J. A. Jance was our other keynote speaker. This was the part of the program that everyone was certainly looking forward to! Ms. Jance was not only a fabulous presenter, but a special person. During her speech, she shared some heart-warming stories and made us all cry and laugh. She was even nice enough to meet some people and sign autographs! This is something neither one of us will ever forget. The afternoon went on with a panel discussion on parenting as a blind person.

I had the pleasure for the second year in a row to host our 11th annual Showcase of Talent on Friday night. We had 15 acts and they were all fantastic! I want to publically thank Cindy Van Winkle and her Convention Committee for asking me to do this for the last two years! What a privilege!

Saturday’s general session was mostly filled with reports including this year’s ACB National representative Kim Charlson, as well as reports from our three state agencies serving blind Washingtonians. The business meeting was on Saturday afternoon, where the work of our organization gets done.

The culmination of the convention took place on Saturday night at our annual banquet. We awarded some wonderful scholarship winners, gave out some external awards, and heard a presentation from our national representative/ACB President Kim Charlson!

This was probably one of the best conventions WCB has ever had. The presentations were awesome, the hotel staff and volunteers were friendly, and the entire Convention Committee and host chapter did a magnificent job of keeping things running smoothly! Well done! Now WCB, let’s get up, stay strong, and we’ll see you all in Seattle in 2015 and 2016!

Give and Take

By Steve Fiksdal

In his book Give and Take, Dr. Adam Grant refers to three styles of reciprocity. For the purpose of this discussion, reciprocity is to what degree we give of ourselves and our motivation for doing so. He refers to the styles of reciprocity as takers, matchers and givers.

Takers are those who only consider their own self-interest. They will do whatever is possible to achieve their goals. They are quick to take advantage of others if it furthers their own best interest. Matchers are those who contribute to others with an expectation of something in return, sort of a tit for tat. I’ll scratch your back if you scratch mine. Motivation is the giver. Givers are those who give freely without the expectation of anything in return. They carry the belief that in time their good deeds will come back to them in unexpected ways.

He presents a number of examples and scenarios but the most striking to me was a study conducted looking at which style led to success in the academic world. The study looked at medical students and their styles of reciprocity. They found, as one might suspect, that the givers were the least successful in their early years. Because of their giving nature they were easily taken advantage of. Takers and Matchers proved to reach greater heights early on in their academic careers. They then looked at the medical students as they neared graduation. Who might you expect to be the least successful? Ironically, it was the Givers, by far. It seems that their many years of putting others first, by being there whenever they were needed were the most successful. So, why would I bring this up in Newsline? To challenge you to look inward and decide which style best represents you. Do you regularly look out for your neighbors, friends, co-workers or those within the blind community? Do you step forward when there is some expectation of a return gesture of giving? Do you believe every person for him/her self? Do you believe your life is too hard as it is to be giving?

I, for one, have found that giving is the most rewarding and satisfying. In fact, personally I take it a step further – to “Giving without expectation”. In other words, contributing to others for the sheer enjoyment of doing so. Some may call it paying it forward. But even there, there is some expectation that your generosity will come back to you in some form. “Giving without expectation” is just as it says. Contributing to the lives of others for the benefit of others. Will it come back to you? I suppose, but I don’t expect it to. And when it does it will be in the most unexpected way. You’ll ask “where did that come from?” The gift of contribution is the most powerful gesture you can offer another.

We could go much more in depth with this conversation, but I’ll spare you. What I do want to ask is that the next time life seems too hard to overcome, when the challenges of blindness mount and put a heavy weight on your shoulders, stop and take a deep breath. Then ask yourself, “Who can I be of service to today?” It doesn’t have to be a big gesture. It may be just a phone call to tell someone you’re thinking of them, a referral to someone you know who is looking for a job or an offer to cook a meal. The gesture need not be big. The gesture will bring smiles to their faces and a warmth to your heart. That weight on your shoulders will become much lighter. When giving, some say, “It’s the thought that counts.” Don’t think about it, just do it.
Live life with a smile on your face. Be a giver. A giver without expectation.

Scholarship Recap

By Tim McCorckle, Chair, Scholarship Committee

The Washington Council of the Blind honored the seven winners of WCB scholarships for 2014 on November 1 at the annual convention at the Hotel Murano in Tacoma. Six of the seven scholarship recipients attended the convention, sharing their stories and insights during a panel discussion at the scholarship reception and receiving their scholarship checks during the banquet. Each of the winners demonstrated excellent academic abilities, strong leadership and communication skills, resiliency and determination, and a willingness to explore and adventure both within the blind community and in the wider world. The scholarship committee is confident these recipients will succeed in their chosen academic pursuits and will inspire those they encounter along the way. The WCB awarded a total of $17,500 to the following recipients:

• Wilson Charles
  Wilson lives in Everett and currently attends Edmonds community College. He plans to transfer to the University of Washington for the winter 2014 quarter and major in political science and communications. His extended plans are to pursue a Master’s degree in law and diplomacy and then embark on a career in the Foreign Service as a public diplomacy officer. Wilson demonstrated his superb public speaking skills with a rousing speech during the scholarship reception. He is a two time recipient of a WCB scholarship and received $3,500.
• Steve Fiksdal
  Steve resides in Auburn and is enrolled in an online program at Fort Hays State University in Fort Hays, Kansas and is pursuing a B.A. in leadership studies. He is a co-owner of ConnectEd Institute, which facilitates personal strengths identification and development. The WCB awarded Steve a $3,000 scholarship.
• Jeffrey Bowler
  Jeff lives in Olympia and is attending St. Martin University in Lacey, where he is earning a Master in Teaching degree. Since receiving a 2013 WCB scholarship, Jeff completed his initial Washington State Teacher Certification of Secondary Education, received his Special Education Endorsement, and received a Career and Technical Educator Certificate. He plans to become a teacher of the visually impaired with an O and M endorsement. Jeff received a $3,000 scholarship.
• Humberto Avila
  Humberto is from Yakima where he attended the Yakima Valley Community College before transferring to Central Washington University for the fall 2014 quarter. At CWU, he is pursuing a B.A. degree in teaching, specializing in special education and computers. Humberto plays violin and piano for his church choir and regularly submits scanned books to Bookshare. The WCB awarded Humberto a $2,500 scholarship.
• Shelby Kappler
  Shelby hails from Vancouver and is a sophomore at the University of Wyoming in Laramie, where she is studying for a Bachelor of Arts degree, double majoring in international studies and Spanish. Shelby is a member of the Wyoming Honors Organization and an officer and founding member of the Abilities club, a student organization for students with disabilities and their allies. She is a two-time WCB scholarship awardee and received $2,500 this year.
• Nerie Garcia
  Nerie lives in Bellingham and is a graduate of both the Washington State School for the Blind and the Orientation and Training Center. She attends Clark College in Vancouver, where she is a freshman seeking an Associate of Arts degree in library science. Nerie received a Governor’s Independent Achievement award while in high school, attended the Department of Services for the Blind’s YES program, and is an active volunteer in her community. The WCB awarded Nerie a $1,500 scholarship.
• Doris Cole
  Doris resides in Seattle and is enrolled in the Alcohol and Drug Abuse counseling certificate program at Bellevue College. Upon completion of the program, Doris plans to obtain a license as a Chemical Dependency Professional and work in the area of addiction treatment. Doris received a $1,500 scholarship.

2014 Awards

By Gloria Walling, Chair, Awards Committee

I would like to take the time to acknowledge all the recipients for the following WCB Awards presented at the 2014 WCB convention, and thank everyone for their nomination letters explaining how each individual meets the spirit of the particular award.

The Outstanding Advocacy Award was given to Zandra Brown who tirelessly educated and advocated for the legal rights and entitlements afforded to blind and partially sighted people.

The NEWSLINE Editor’s Award was given to Jeffrey Gerhardstein in acknowledgement of his article “Going Blind, Not Without a Chuckle”, considered to be outstanding in reporting of a blindness-related event.

The One World Award was given to the Kitsap County Auditor’s office under the leadership of Auditor Walt Washington, for actions taken that ultimately resulted in minimizing the impact of blindness by creating an opportunity for equal access to voting.

The Certificate of Outstanding Service to WCB was given to Joleen Ferguson for consistently donating her skills, services, and time to contribute to the successful operation of the Washington Council of the Blind.

The Chapter of the Year Award was given to the Yakima Valley Council of the Blind for their demonstration of outstanding community interaction and outreach through community events and meetings.

The Greater Everett area Council of the Blind, The United Blind of Walla Walla and The Yakima Valley Council of the Blind were all recognized for 10 percent growth or greater!

Finally and certainly not least Second Vice-President Meka White, Secretary Alco Canfield, Directors Tim McCorcle, Gaylen Floy and Frank Cuta all received certificates of Official Service in appreciation of their two-year terms.

2015 WCB Officers and Board of Directors

Officers:

President: Cindy Van Winkle
Bremerton, WA
360-689-0827

First Vice President: Julie Brannon
Seattle, WA
206-547-7444

Second Vice President: Meka White
Bremerton, WA
360-689-1678

Secretary: Steve Fiksdal
Auburn, WA
206-669-8001

Treasurer: Eric Hunter
Bremerton, WA
360-377-9917

Immediate Past President: Denise Colley
Lacey, WA
360-438-5783 

Directors:

Lori Allison
Tacoma, WA
253-537-4428

Sue Ammeter
Port Hadlock, WA
360-437-7916

Carol Brame
Port Orchard, WA
360-895-0854

Frank Cuta
Benton City, WA
509-967-2658

Gaylen Floy
Federal Way, WA
253-217-9586

Gloria Walling
Olympia, WA
253-363-0489

Post Evergreen Access to Magazines and Periodicals

By Frank Cuta

The Evergreen Radio Reading Service is now history but there remains an enormous treasure of magazines and periodicals that are still accessible and available using the alternative methods that I have compiled below.

I have identified four major types of services that can still be used to access newspapers and magazines by Washingtonians. They are:
1) Radio reading services produced in other states
2) The recorded materials provided by the National Library Service (NLS)
3) The NFB Newsline service
4) Internet Bookshare

I have found that the first alternative, other reading services most closely matches my listening habits. Only a true reading service provides compilation shows that are produced by sifting through and selecting the cream of the reading material. However, of course, not everyone prefers to read filtered and screened material and for these readers NLS, the Newsline and Bookshare provide cover to cover reading of hundreds of newspapers and magazines. Here are some of the connection and/or delivery alternatives associated with the above services.

If you desire delivery to your home of hard copy large print or Braille magazines, you should contact our regional library (WTBBL) at (800) 542-0866 to find out what is available from NLS. Of course, these NLS materials are also available in many forms using the internet BARD resource.

Although the most powerful method of accessing materials from all four kinds of services is the internet, an often over looked alternative for reading periodicals is listening over the telephone. If you subscribe to an unlimited long distance phone service, you can listen to magazines via the NFB Newsline (888) 882-1629 or ACB Radio Mainstream (231) 460-1047. I was pleasantly surprised to find many of the shows that I used to enjoy on ERRS still available each week on ACB Mainstream including The Consumer News at 6:00 PM on Sunday, “Touching the Future” at 6:00 PM on Wednesday, “the Western Hour” at 7:00 PM on Wednesday, and “Science of our Times” on Saturday morning at 9:00 am (most of these shows are repeated several times each day). ACB Mainstream and NFB Newsline offer the most flexible connection choices since both of them permit connection via telephone, computer web browser, and wireless mobile handheld unit access.

Another service which is only available via the internet is Bookshare. If you are legally blind and a student, this service is free.

Many of your old favorite shows on Evergreen were actually downloaded each week from other internet sources. Most of these shows are still available from these original locations. These services are a huge resource. Look at the schedules and the access alternatives for the 3 big ones at http://gatewave.org phone: 646-202-1049, http://sunsounds.org phone: 480-774-8300 and http://mindseyeradio.org phone 618-394-6444. In addition there are 2 internet sites that offer compiled links to these and most of the other popular reading services. They are http://iaais.org and http://omnimedianetworks.org/other-audio-streams.

Of these internet based reading services I feel that Sun Sounds currently offers the most user friendly access — providing both real time streaming links and downloading links for almost all programs. I like to download alternative which permits me to save and listen to shows on my own schedule. On sun Sounds I found I can download some old ERRS favorites like “the New Yorker,” “Rolling Stone,” “the Historian,” “Centerfold” and a new show “Electronics Catalogs.”

Any description of access to audio internet based reading resources would be seriously incomplete without mentioning the current revolution in smart phone and other hand held web enabled devices. Note: A simple search in OO Tunes on my new Humanware Stream quickly connected me with 12 different preprogrammed internet radio reading services from around the country.

Already pod casting applications like Downcast, AGOGO and Overcast for smart phones such as the Apple iPhone are available that permit the auto downloading and filtering of these services and thousands of other on line audio programs. Note: iBlink is a powerful application like this that is specifically directed towards persons who are blind and it is an excellent place to get your feet wet.

Very soon this technology will be powerful enough to permit you to literally custom design your own virtual radio reading program tailored to your specific magazine and newspaper reading tastes and carry it around in your hand. Look for a follow up article from me soon describing how to do this.

WCB Standing Committees

(Excerpted from WCB Bylaw 1)

Advocacy

This committee works on individual and general issues of discrimination that come to the attention of WCB throughout the year. Its members are called upon to do research and communicate on behalf of the organization with employers, businesses, other organizations and individuals in order to promote advocacy.

Aging and Blindness

This committee’s focus is the senior blind. It works throughout the year on ideas to improve the lives of senior citizens experiencing vision loss as well as tracks and reports on issues of concern to the board and members of WCB.

Awards

This committee administers the WCB awards program by processing nominations for specific awards, making the selections for awards as they deem appropriate, and presenting the awards at the annual banquet of WCB

Constitution and Bylaws

This committee shall be appointed by the president no less than 60 days before the opening of the annual convention. This committee shall meet immediately following the preconvention board meeting. The first order of business will be to report the slate of proposed amendments. Unless withdrawn by the author all proposed amendments must be passed out of committee to the floor.

Convention

This committee is the planning group for the WCB state convention.

Crisis

This committee administers the WCB crisis program.

Environmental Access

This committee addresses environmental access issues specific to blindness. It tracks and reports such concerns to the board and members of WCB.

Families with Blind Children

This committee addresses issues specific to children who are blind and addresses the associated concerns of family members.

Finance

This committee develops the WCB annual budget which is presented at the preconvention board meeting and voted on at the general membership business meeting. Budget line items approved by the convention may be adjusted by the board of directors between conventions. It processes all grant requests received by WCB and reports them to the board for action with a do pass, do not pass or no recommendation.

First-Timers

This committee administers the WCB first-timer awards programs for both the state and national conventions by processing applications and selecting the award winners.

History

This committee is responsible for preserving the history of the WCB and that of the organizations which preceded it.

Investment

This committee tracks the financial investments of the WCB and recommends changes in our investment strategy to the board.

Leadership

This committee plans the WCB state leadership and training seminars.

Legislative

This committee tracks and reports legislative issues to the board and members of WCB.

Listserv

This committee works as moderators of the WCB email list, overseeing the list activity, ensuring that the list runs smoothly and keeping list rules up to date and relevant.

Membership

This committee works to increase membership in the WCB, assists new chapters to get started and provides support and consultation to existing chapters.

Newsline

This committee is the editorial body for the state newsletter, the Newsline. It reviews and processes all submitted articles and makes other editorial decisions regarding the next issue.

Nominating

The president shall appoint a nominating committee of 3 persons not less than sixty days before the annual convention. No person who is seeking election shall serve on the nominating committee.

Public Relations

This committee will oversee press releases, social networking and other ways of promoting WCB and its affiliates.

Resolutions

The chair of the resolutions committee shall be appointed by the president no less than 60 days before the opening of the annual convention. This committee shall meet immediately following the preconvention board meeting. It will be the responsibility of this committee to draft new resolutions and to review resolutions submitted by members. Unless withdrawn by the author, all proposed resolutions must be passed out of committee to the floor.

Scholarship

This committee administers the WCB scholarship program by processing applications, interviewing applicants, selecting the scholarship winners and presenting these awards at the WCB State Convention.

Website Oversight

This committee will act as the WCB’s principle agent for maintaining a website that is informative, secure and accessible. Responsibilities shall include but not be limited to supervising our domain name registration, selecting the web hosting service, directing a website developer, reviewing all website content and maintaining frequent independently stored backup copies of the site. The committee shall seek guidance from the board and obtain concurrence from the president for all contracting decisions.

From the Senior Side

Submitted by Carl Jarvis

Once again we welcome our old friend Ernie Jones, with his November contribution to the Walla Walla Union Bulletin.

As the low vision/blind population grows ever older, and for many folks the experience of vision loss is brand new, and not a welcome intrusion into their golden years, Ernie gives us his first hand insight on what this change feels like. We encourage other readers to send us their own thoughts.

Start of article:
November 2014 Impaired Vision
I hear often that a person has impaired vision. Why does one become impaired just because they are blind? To me, being impaired means the person is unable to perform normal daily tasks. True, we can’t drive the family car — something that is really hard to give up — and we usually can’t read normal print. But does that make us impaired?

Now, I know the term impaired vision is usually intended to mean a person has poor eyesight or is blind. But for me, that labels the blind as being just a little below the sighted people. Who likes to be called “impaired”?

“Vision” can mean looking ahead, looking into the future as one makes plans. One needs vision to do daily tasks, and uses vision as he tries to gain education and work skills.

A few years back I cut through the wall on the back side of our fruit shed and installed a new window. I wanted more light inside the shed, and the room needed better summer ventilation. A friend, a man who demands perfect work in his construction said, “You did good — that window is level and square.”

Then he added, “Almost as good as I would have done.”

Hearing this, I felt my work would pass inspection of any critic, blind or not. I had used vision in “seeing” this project completed.
Being blind didn’t stop Dave from doing some repair work underneath his car even if it was dark. But he found he needed more muscle power and a couple more hands to lift the heavy part and hold it in place while he bolted it securely. Calling to his neighbor, who had just arrived home, he asked the man to give him a little help, and shortly Dave had the stubborn piece fastened securely in place. Was Dave impaired because he needed help?

Or was he just using vision in getting help to finish his project?

Philip, a friend of mine, was an executive manager in a large banking chain in Canada. He was also blind, but was able to use vision to work in a job typically held by sighted people.

Another friend and his wife were building a new house under contract. When it came to laying the tile in the kitchen and bathrooms, he told the lead contractor he and his wife were doing this work. The contractor objected, but at last had to give in, saying, “I fear your work will be inferior to what I demand of my workers.” But after the tile was all in place and the floor cleaned, the contractor said, “You did as good or even better than my men would have done.”

My friend is blind, while his wife is fully sighted. He cut the tiles, she laid them in place. Again, he was using vision to complete a task others thought impossible for a blind person to do. Later, nearing completion of their new house, this same “vision” helped my friend to point out many defects that the sighted workers had not found, causing the contractor to be even more demanding that his workers do only the best work.

If the blind are to succeed, they can’t take the easy road of feeling impaired, but must use vision to press forward and gain the training and knowledge needed to work in the sighted work place. They must keep vision forever in front of them and grasp its power. They may need to use more effort than the sighted in order to be another worker in their chosen field, but by refusing to feel impaired, and with vision, they can achieve their goal.

In my writing I avoid using “impaired vision,” instead writing “fading eyesight” or “blind.” I think some people — blind or sighted — don’t like using the word “blind.” But I wonder why. I am blind, not really liking this condition but that is life. But I do not feel impaired. Nor am I disabled, other than not being able to drive the family car or read print. I can still walk several miles with no great feeling of tiredness, and my physical work in the yard and garden helps me to stay active. I do things by feel, hearing or smell; just because I don’t use my eyes, why should I be called impaired? I still have vision.

I know many people, both blind and sighted, will not agree with me, and that is OK. But just call me blind, not impaired.

Have a great day as you use vision to plan for tomorrow.

Updates from the Washington Talking Book & Braille Library

By Danielle Miller, Director

It was once again wonderful to attend the WCB Annual Convention and see so many friendly faces. You, members of WCB, are such strong supporters of WTBBL and a key part of our patron base. I always love to hear your suggestions, ideas, and comments about the library and your library service so don’t hesitate to get in touch. At Convention I talked about the current strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats for WTBBL and I want to share a few of those with you.

One of the strongest strengths is the WTBBL staff. All staff members are 100% committed to providing you with the best quality service and they work incredibly hard to do that. From a readers advisor helping you on the phone, to a staff member signing up new patrons and handling magazine subscriptions and BARD, to those who produce materials in braille and audio, including duplicating and making copies of books from BARD so that all patrons, regardless of internet access, can receive equal service, and of course, the staff who actually find and mail out the books you have requested. Along with the staff, we wouldn’t be successful without our patrons, volunteers, and donors.

Have you heard people talk about, “everything being online?” Well, of course that isn’t true. And beyond that, even if it were, approximately 42% of WTBBL patrons do not have access to a computer or the internet. For those who do make use of digital technology, WTBBL is weak in offering in-depth training for BARD, software use, assistive technology, and general computer literacy. With additional staff with skills in those areas, I believe we could provide more support for our patrons as they begin to use technology or to navigate all the new technology coming our way. Another weakness is our ability to do outreach around the state. We have had little to no travel budget, but I’m happy to say that just recently I was able to secure funds for a pilot outreach initiative in 2015. Watch for us in your neck of the woods or let us know of events or locations in your area that may benefit from a WTBBL staff visit.

A big opportunity for us is involving more youth and families, both signing up for service and participating in events and programs. We have a pen-pal program going with 44 kids of many ages writing to a partner in braille or large print. We also had a Youth Art Contest with 19 amazing entries from a red glittery tree to a detailed acrylic painting. We look forward to partnering with WCB for the 2015 Braille Challenge. Another fantastic new opportunity is our ability to post our locally produced digital talking books on BARD (our locally produced braille is already there) so people all over the country can access them easily and we can contribute to the size and scope of the national collection.

Finally, threats. At this point we really only have one significant threat and that is the budget. As many of you know we have made cuts and had layoffs since 2009. Any more may critically impact library service. WTBBL is part of the Washington State Library budget and we are currently short $2.4 million just to keep us operating at the current level. The Office of the Secretary of State is asking for this $2.4 million in the upcoming legislative and budget session, with the hope of being in the Governor’s budget released sometime in December. We appreciate your support and here’s to hoping we aren’t cut any deeper.

On that depressing note, happy holidays to you all. Best, Danielle

Washington State School for the Blind – Update – November, 2014

By Dr. Dean O. Stenehjem, Supt.

It seems like the fall school year just started and here we are getting ready to move into December. It’s amazing how time flies!

WSSB has been a very busy place starting back in June with preparation for summer and the fall of 2014. When I talk about WSSB, I always want to preface that I am talking about a statewide service delivery system and not just the on-campus program. WSSB is now serving about 2,000 students and professionals per year, producing over 600,000 pages of braille, providing access to over 50,000 individuals using our online curriculum (video clips), and giving access to WSSB facilities by over 40,000 individuals each year. As I mentioned, the school/agency is a busy place which is always exploring better ways of providing quality service to blind/visually impaired children, families and school districts.

Below are a few examples:
During this past spring and summer approximately 250 teachers received training on the WSSB campus and throughout the state, which included some of the following training opportunities: (1) Computer Programming using Quorum – about 30 teachers from throughout the U.S. and Canada were on campus for a week long workshop designed to teach instructors a new computer language which is 100% accessible. Dr. Andreas Stefik has been the key person involved in this research. Please Google his name for more exciting information.

(2) WSSB Summer Institute occurred again this summer where approximately 35 teachers, para-professionals were involved in a week long workshop to learn about blindness and vision loss to help better prepare local school personnel who will have a blind/visually impaired student in their classroom the fall of 2014.

(3) Communication workshops occurred throughout the state with a focus on deaf/blind and multi-disabled children – Instructor: Mr. Philip Schweigert.

(4) Cortical Visual Impairment workshops (2 workshops) conducted by Dr. Christine Roman occurred on campus, and

(5) A workshop on assistive technology.

This list is not inclusive of everything, but gives you a little idea of some of the trainings that occurred. In addition to this, WSSB has been very concerned about the huge national shortage of trained teachers of the blind/visually impaired and Orientation and Mobility Instructors. Mr. Craig Meador, Outreach Director and State Vision Consultant has been working with Central Washington in hopefully getting some type of statewide university involvement with a national consortium so that Washington can have an instate BVI teacher prep program.
Also, WSSB has purchased a three bedroom modular home that is sited between two cottages for the purpose of providing housing for student teachers from throughout the U.S. and Canada in an attempt to help attract TVI’s and O&M Instructors to Washington. Currently, Washington could use at a minimum, another eight TVI/O&M instructors and we anticipate up to 30% of the current teachers of the Visually Impaired and Orientation and Mobility Instructors to retire within the next five years, which is on top of our current need for more teachers.

We started out the year with 66 students on campus and are currently at 73 students including students in the fifth year transition program.

WSSB has not had on-campus elementary students younger than grades 5/6 on campus for the past three years and has tried to work with local school districts in increasing services in their home districts. Online services continue to grow and we anticipate that we will see a nice increase in this area over the next couple years. Beginning the fall of 2014, Mr. Mike Bicknell was hired to replace Sherry Hahn, former digital learning coordinator who recently retired. We see the synchronous and asynchronous distance learning as one of the most important factors in helping students gaining high quality education in a method that works for BVI students. Education and knowledge are key factors in opening the doors of opportunities and we want all students to gain important concepts in all subjects that will help reduce the high unemployment rates in our country. Also, beginning the fall of 2014 we hired Ms. DeEtte Snyder as the new statewide Coordinator of Birth – Three Services for Blind/Visually Impaired infants and toddlers. DeEtte brings about 20 years of B-3 experience with her to Washington from Arizona and will be working with a large multi-state agency task force in pulling the pieces together and putting in place a high quality service provision for BVI Infant/toddlers and their families.

We know that currently 77 students are registered with the Instruction Resource Center at WSSB, which is a statewide regional library-material center.

However, we know this number should be in the 500-600 student range, which means we have a lot of work to do at this time.

On-campus student successes: Recently we completed follow up studies on former students back to 2006 which shows success rates of former students in the 74-81% range depending on various factors. Since 2006 – 74% of graduates are either employed, or in post high school training programs, which include community college, four year university programs and/or vocational training programs. 81% of former students are successful when you include homemakers and volunteers if this was the student’s choice. At this time these numbers look very good, but we would like these numbers to be 100%.

Currently we are preparing for the 2015-2017 biennium and hoping that statewide programs operated by WSSB are spared from major budgetary reductions, which many agencies will experience due to the tremendous shortfall in anticipated revenue in our state. At a time when service needs of BVI students and families is so great, it would be the worse time to experience reductions in resources to programs. If you have any ideas of how we can expand our diversification of service delivery to continue to grow and improve services during these difficult times, please let me know. NOTE: Currently, WSSB state wide service delivery is 67% funded by state appropriation and 33% through private local funds.

In closing, I want to wish everyone a very happy holiday season.

Around the State

Compiled by Joleen Ferguson

Greater Everett Area Council of the Blind (GEACB)

By Chris Coulter, member

Welcome to another exciting update from Greater Everett Area Council of the Blind. Fall has been a very busy time for us and promises to get a lot busier. Here are some things to stay tuned for and some things to look back on.

We are in the beginning stages of planning an outreach day here in Everett. It looks like it will be happening sometime in the spring but the date and location are yet to be determined. When we really get plans under way we’ll be in touch so you can save the date. Stay tuned.

We are also in the process of looking for a PA system. Our chapter has grown to the point that a little assistance from a microphone would really be helpful. Sometime after the first of the year we hope to have amplification at our meetings.

Now I’d like to look back for a moment at our chapter’s experiences at convention. Seven of us attended the WCB Convention in Tacoma October 30-November 1. Rose Marie Pallup was given a first-timer award and enjoyed her weekend very much. Jon Coulter, Anita Both, Susie Gladd and Nancy Lind were among our convention attendees and so was I.

Our President, Danette Dixon said that the convention was a stretch for her. She is on the scholarship committee and introduced several of the winners at the scholarship reception. It was the first time she had ever made introductions and she was deservedly proud of herself for standing up and speaking to so many people.

We all enjoyed the major presentations during Friday’s convention activities. Cyrus Habib, one of Washington State’s Legislators, who is blind, gave a powerful speech. We also heard from J A Jance, one of this area’s most famous authors. She tells a story as well with her voice as with her writing.

Our Christmas party will be held on Saturday, December 13th at Denny’s. There will be several choices for our meal, as well as a gift exchange and lots of good conversation.

We would like to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving, a joyous Christmas and the best New Year ever.

Guide Dog Users of Washington State (GDUWS)

By Sheri Richardson, President

Since I am writing on Thanksgiving morning, I want to begin by saying how grateful and humbled I feel having completed most of one year as the President of GDUWS. With the hard work of many dedicated members around the state, we have achieved stability and set GDUWS on a positive course for the future. We have increased membership; reaffiliated with Guide Dog Users, INC. (GDUI); and utilized our GDUWS list to share information and communicate with one another around the state. We also created a Sunshine committee to help us celebrate our special events or communicate our sympathy and support in those sad and difficult times. We are well positioned for another successful year ahead.

Another accomplishment this year was our annual GDUWS convention held in conjunction with the WCB convention in Tacoma. Our exhibit table was crammed full of dog-related goodies for sale, all of which were donated. This took a lot of preparation and planning behind the scenes, and the amount and variety of items encouraged a lot of people to stop by and spend some time visiting with us. Many thanks to those who donated items and organized and staffed the exhibit!

For the first time, several GDUWS members got together Friday night for a delicious dinner in the hotel’s main restaurant with no planned agenda and no purpose other than enjoying one another’s company. It was certainly nice to have a relaxing time with other GDUWS members!

On Saturday, we had a successful business meeting and breakfast, followed later by a lunch meeting with about 30 members in attendance. I especially want to thank Marlaina Lieberg for delivering our keynote speech about her 50 years of experience as a guide dog user. Her presentation was truly inspirational as well as educational. I also want to thank Julie Brannon for taking a few minutes to share with us about WCB and her interest in listening to us about how WCB can provide support to GDUWS.

At our business meeting, we elected three officers to our Board: Marlaina Lieberg was elected as the new Vice President; Vivian Conger was elected to a second term as Secretary; and Danette Dixon was elected as a Board member. Congratulations to all! I especially want to welcome Danette as a new Board member. She would like to share her own thoughts here as follows:

“I am truly humbled and honored to be on the board of this wonderful organization. I am a team player, and I work well on my own, whatever is needed. I am determine to complete all my tasks and am ready to help GDUWS make a difference for the next blind or visually impaired individual. I am honored to move forward with GDUWS. Thank you.”

Member Highlights:

I will begin with an update from my article in September. I have a new guide dog from the Seeing Eye named Impala (after the African antelope, of course!) She is a Lab-Golden cross, so she feels like a Golden who happens to be solid black. We returned home from school just three weeks before the convention, but she did a wonderful job at the hotel, and she is settling in very nicely. Max, my retired guide, is also enjoying his retirement more now, knowing that someone else is taking care of his “Mom!”

I am thrilled to welcome Deb Lewis as a new member of GDUWS. She has been an active member of blindness consumer organizations in Washington since 1974 and of WCB since the late 90’s. Here is what she shared about her new guide and GDUWS:

“I joined GDUWS because, after a 12 year break from dogs, I have Newton who is my fifth guide dog. Newton is generally referred to as “the Fig” but he prefers to be called Sir Isaac. It’s good to be part of an active affiliate again.”

I also want to introduce Holly Turri:

“I am Holly Turri and in 2010 received my first guide dog from GDB. Her name is Sarabelle. If I’d known it was so much fun I’d have trained for a guide dog years ago. Originally my husband and I lived in Maryland but in 2013 we moved to Washington. The northwest is wonderful.”

GDUWS can be found at www.gduws.net. We accept tax deductible donations as a 501(c)3 organization. Until we meet in the New Year, happy holidays to you, and all our four-legged friends and companions!

Jefferson County Council of the Blind (JCCB)

By Carl Jarvis, Secretary

From six original members to 25, JCCB is 18 years old and still growing!

In 1996 Mel Donovan was elected our first president, followed by Tony Sherrell, Lonnie Gould, Carl Jarvis, Lynn Gressley, Sue Ammeter and finally our current president Nancy Kelly Patnode.

What is most impressive is the fact that JCCB continues to grow, despite the sprawling size of Jefferson County and the low population (29,872). More than half the county’s population live in the Port Townsend, Port Ludlow, Port Hadlock area, but several of our members travel long distances to attend our monthly meetings at the Port Townsend Road House restaurant, each fourth Friday. Four of our members sneak in from Sequim, in Clallam County. We recently expanded our By-Laws to include all of the North Olympic Peninsula, but realistically that means Sequim (6,606). Clallam County is a vast territory, and folks from Port Angeles (19,038) find the travel too time consuming. And still, we grow! Travel is always a concern. In Port Townsend, Dial-A- Ride covers the bulk of our membership, but many of us must rely on private transportation. One of our great strengths comes from our sighted members. Folks like Rita Dinger, Pat Patnode, John Ammeter and Cathy Jarvis, not only provide much needed sighted support, but join in as members, taking on the challenges faced by the Blind, as their own.

Under the leadership of Nancy Kelly Patnode, we have begun connecting with the many social and support organizations in our region. Not only are we learning of their services, but they are now aware that we exist to serve the low vision and blind folks in our communities.

Each chapter in the WCB family faces its own challenges in getting out the word and bringing in the people. But since we are all creative and clever folk, we will certainly find the right combinations to carry the day.

We could not close without saying farewell to our two eldest members, both in their 90’s, who recently died, Viola Garing and Dudley Merk. Thank you both for bringing your enthusiasm and love to us. We will miss you!

King County Chapter (KCC)

By Linda Wickersham, President

Hello and Happy Thanksgiving everyone from the King County Chapter. I hope everyone had a wonderful time with their family and friends, and a delicious meal. I sure did.

The King County Chapter has been busy the last few months. October we held our annual elections. Linda Wickersham was elected President. Julie Miller was elected Vice-President, Darlene Hilling was elected Secretary and Marilyn Donnelly was elected Treasurer. The chapter added a new office about eight months ago, Assistant Treasurer. Lynn Hunter was elected to this position.

I have formed three new committees in the chapter. The first is Bylaws and Constitutions, which Rhonda Nelson has agreed to chair. The 2nd is fund raising which Jeanne Jacobs has agreed to chair. The 3rd is Speakers Committee which Marilyn Donnelly has agreed to chair.

For our November meeting Lian came and spoke about Accessibility in China. She has been appointed to a committee in China to help make China more accessible. You may remember that Lian was the first person to get a guide dog in China. She and Mike have joined our Chapter.

Tim, our immediate past president has agreed to help us get another CPR class. He has also agreed to work on the Bylaws and Constitutions committee with Rhonda, He will also continue on the phone committee. Tim will truly be missed as President.

I wish everyone a wonderful Holiday and Merry Christmas!

Peninsula Council of the Blind (PCB)

By Kim Moberg, President

Our chapter as always has been busy. We did a fundraising event and a little community service.

Once again we had another successful fundraising event at Outback Steakhouse. The food was awesome. The socialization was great! So many people attended. The door prizes were outstanding! Best of all Outback Steakhouse provided additional door prizes. So I totally lost count of how many door prizes we ended up with altogether. We raised about $800.00 at this event. As a result more people were able to go to convention from our chapter this year.

Our chapter took part in an outreach project in the community. A new kind of playground is available in Bremerton. It is an accessible playground so that all persons of all ages and abilities can play and have fun. At the grand opening we had a table where people could learn about our chapter and what we have to offer parents and children and anybody interested in vision loss.

Many of us went to convention this year. Several of us participated in some way with convention. It is always fun to see everything come together.

At our October meeting we updated our chapter constitution. The big change for us now is that we elect officers in November instead of January. Now with that said that is what we did at our November meeting.

As a result of elections being in November we have a whole new slate of officers. A couple of Board Members are the same but for the most part the four main officers are all new. They are a great bunch of people and I think that they will do a fantastic job.

As I write this newsletter I realize that my two years as president is coming to a close. Thank you to all persons that served as an officer or board member while I was president. You were a great bunch of people to work with.

Pierce County Association of the Blind (PCAB) Update

By Lori Allison, President

Where has the year gone? It seems that it was only yesterday when we were out enjoying the warm weather and now the holiday season is upon us. This year PCAB was the host chapter for the 2014 WCB convention. Hosting the convention gave our members several challenges as well as a feeling of accomplishment and pride as each task was finally completed.

November 15th PCAB tried something new. We bought a table at the Holiday Craft Fair at the Tacoma Area Coalition of Individuals with Disabilities (TACID) Center. Our members donated a variety of items for this event and we did quite well.

This year for our December meeting we are going to have what we can now call our annual Christmas Party. If there is one thing that the PCAB members know how to do is have a great party. With the gift of family, friends, games, music and of course food, how can we go wrong?
Again, as PCAB members, step out of our comfort zone and try new and exciting events the spirit of what we are about and what we can do climbs higher and higher!! If you are in the Tacoma area we would like to invite you to stop by and join us.

South King Council of the Blind (SKB)

By Shannon Curry, Secretary

The South King Council of the Blind has had an amazing couple of months. In September, we finished off our last game of the beep baseball season with a game against the team from Spokane. We appreciate the support from both players and spectators.

We continue to enjoy our new FOOD program. (FOOD stands for ‘Fun, Outreach, Opportunity and Dining’.) It’s a good excuse to try out new restaurants and make their menus available in Braille. During the last few months, we have gone to the Elliot Bay Brewing Company in Burien and BJ’s Brew House in South Center. We look forward to new dining adventures during the New Year.

Our Christmas party is coming up on December 13. We will be at Marlaina’s Mediterranean Kitchen, home of our usual meetings. Musa, the restaurant’s owner, has a special menu planned for us. Please come participate in our Dirty Santa gift exchange, and join us in a few holiday carols.

We are incredibly proud of Steve Fiksdal, who was elected by acclimation to the position of WCB secretary. He will be an asset to the organization, and will do great things.

We have been a vibrant chapter, and we are looking forward to even more excitement in 2015!

South Kitsap Council of the Blind (SKCB)

By Carol Brame, President

This is my last Newsline article as President of SKCB. Next year I will be Past President and Treasurer of SKCB. Also, I am now on the board of WCB and I wish to thank all of you.

We just had our Election November 22nd, and we welcome back Kevin Jones as our new President for 2015. Bob Herman will be Vice President and Chris Brame will be Secretary. I am sure we will have a wonderful 2015 coming up.

It was wonderful to be with friends at convention and make new ones. I do hope you all had a wonderful time at the exhibits too. I so enjoyed being your Exhibits Coordinator this year. Half of our members went to convention both days this year. Eight primary members and two from PCB who are also members of SKCB.

Bob Herman was not able to be at convention. He will be retiring next April and he wanted to dress up for Halloween. He went to work as Alice Cooper because he shares the same birthday as Alice Cooper and he won 2nd place and got a poster. He lost out to a gnome but, had a lot of fun. Congratulations on 2nd place, Bob.

We did our yearly drawing and thanks to all who supported us. Kevin sold two winning tickets — one to a lady on the ferry and one to a lady at work. I sold a winner to Quincy Daniel and Maria Kuntz sold a winning ticket — $15 gift card to Star bucks to her boss.

We are now selling our Kitsap card books, working hard on fund raising for next year’s convention and other club needs. We should be having our car wash end of spring first of summer, date not picked yet.

December, 27 we will be having our annual Christmas party at Adventure of Faith in Port Orchard. We provide the ham and the punch and the rest is pot luck with a 10 dollar gift exchange. A unisex gift exchange is what we will be doing this year. More chances to steal since we do that up to three times (smile). If you plan to join us please let me know at

Thank you to our members who bring food to our meetings, those who set up and clean up. Every one pitches in and this is part of what makes our club such a success. Our members are very faithful in coming to meetings and we are all good friends through the years.

Every month Dorothy gives us a question to answer during the roll call. We say, “Here” and our answer tells a little more about us so we get to know each other better. In November, her question was, “What was the strangest food served on Thanksgiving?” Mine was hot dogs when we lost our power one year. Dorothy remembers potato salad being served. If your group is not too big, give the questions a try. It does make for fun and helps break the ice at the beginning of a meeting. Even our guests enjoy answering. If you have a party this month, ask for a favorite Christmas food or if each one could give anyone a special gift what would it be? January could be, “What is a favorite game?” Come up with something fun.

Thank you WCB for your leadership trainings. They are of big help and encouragement. Keep up the great work in training the future of WCB.

Here is to a bright and Happy 2015, Looking forward to a new year of growth in our chapters and WCB. May your chapter continue to grow, work for independence and be productive. To all our wonderful friends and friends to be, we wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New year!!

United Blind of Seattle (UBS)

By Malissa Hudson, Secretary

Hello WCB family, friends, and neighbors,

In the month of October, UBS had our annual Friend’s Day on Saturday, October 18 at the Washington Talking Book & Braille Library. Wow! It was great and a good time was had by all who came. There were 35 people in attendance and we had three new members join us that day as well. We also welcomed back two members who rejoined after taking a year off so welcome back and welcome to all of those new members! This day could not have happened without Kathe O’Neel, Julie Brannon, and the Membership Committee of UBS. Thank you for making this event a huge success. Thanks also goes out to Danielle Miller for opening up the library for us on a Saturday.

At our November meeting, elections were held. Here are the results:

President: Daryl Roberts
Secretary: Casey Dutmer
Board Members: Clara Aiken and Randy Builder!

Congratulations to all of you and it’s so nice to see new blood taking over the leadership of our chapter. What’s also exciting about that is Clara Aiken and Casey Dutmer were first time attendees to our state convention and they are ready to take on leadership roles. Our Christmas party will be on Saturday, December 20 at the Old Spaghetti Factory for the third year in a row. More details to come in the next issue. Thank you so much for your time and attention. Love you!

United Blind of Spokane (UBSPO)

By Jeff and Debby Clark

United Blind of Spokane has grown by leaps and bounds this year! We have gained six new members. These new members have already demonstrated a desire to serve our community in numerous and compelling ways. We are signing up for WCB Committees, becoming actively involved in fundraising, inviting guests to meetings, and volunteering for numerous events. We have members participating in Lions clubs, Rotary Clubs, Sports for the Blind, Lilac Blind and much more. It is a real pleasure to serve with new and long term members as well.

On a lighter note our Christmas party potluck will be held at Lilac Blind on Monday, December 15 at 11:00 A.M.

Four of us were able to attend our exciting WCB convention over the Halloween weekend. What fun.

Deborah Jenkins is busy doing what she does best. Working with many different groups like Shadle North Lions, Spokane West Rotary, Chair for Access for All, Spokane County Accessible Advisory Committee and others just to name a few.

Danielle, our President, has identified a need for an audible signal at a dangerous crossing in Spokane. This is a project that United Blind of Spokane will be taking on in the very near future.

In our November elections, Frank Federspiel was re-elected to Treasurer and Debby Clark to the office of Vice President. Congratulations!

New member spotlight is on Jesse and Tracy Fejeran. They are from the island of Guam.” They relocated to Spokane in November 2012 seeking better medical services and support for the visually impaired”.

Tracy was diagnosed with Diabetic Retinopathy in 2006. She tells us, “I have no light perception in both eyes and was also diagnosed with renal failure in 2009. I made it to the kidney transplant waiting list in May of last year and was fortunate to have a matched donor earlier this year.“

“I have been working with the Division of Services for the Blind since February and have returned to college to pursue my goals of becoming a Social Worker. Jesse is a Laboratory Technician at Hi Rel Laboratories Inc. and is very supportive in seeing me achieve my goals even if it means taking over the domestic duties.

I am an avid user of various forms of assistive technology devices and prefer using the Mac platform. My passion to help my peers brought me to become a member of the United Blind of Spokane.

We hope we can contribute our services in peer advocacy and support to the blind community.”

Our organization spotlight is on Sports 4 the Blind, a newly established non-profit in which several members of United Blind are involved.

“We are committed to the empowering, encouraging, enhancing and enabling blind individuals. Through our sports programming, our goal is to build independence, self-confidence, a sense of belonging and to cultivate healthy bodies, minds and relationships with the blind, their family and friends.

“We are seeking players and volunteers to join our newly organized men’s and women’s goal ball teams for the 2014-2015 season. Interested individuals may be blind as well as sighted. “

“We are also starting Self-Defense classes at East West Fitness in Spokane. See our website for details.”

Sports 4 The Blind also offers a co-ed Beep Baseball team and a recreational Beep Kickball for all ages.

Indoor conditioning for beep baseball will begin in February.

Coming soon will be Blind Archery.

“For details on our many fundraising efforts and to learn about our organization phone us or go to our website. www.Sports4TheBlind.org ”

May the magic of the season be with you and yours!

Toll Free: (888) 363-2332
Spokane, Washington: (509) 255-8578

Relationships are what the stuff of life is made of and our lives are a series of adjustments to change and how we handle that change. UBSPO is committed to support us in our abilities to adapt and change .Join us the third Monday of each month at Lilac Services for the Blind at eleven am to one pm.

United Blind of the Tri-Cities (UBTC)

By Karyn Vandecar, President

Gosh, it is holiday time already! We are busy with our Annual Fundraiser—selling See’s candy. Sales are going great so far!!!

Our new officers for 2015:
President: Steve Vandecar
VP: Bill Hoage
2nd VP: Sherry Dubbin
Secretary: Frank Cuta
Treasurer: Brenda Vinther
Board Members: Myra Wood & Bernie Vinther

We have three new members: Joy Kelly and Ron & Loretta Almberg. (Joining in January 2015)

Our lunch bunch went to Red Lobster in November. Our Christmas Party is December 6th at Applebees. We have a wonderful lunch and a fun Chinese Auction Gift Exchange.

We now have a very informative Technology Group each month. Our Book Group is reading Walk on Water (last of The Walk series by Richard Paul Evans) and Five Against the Sea.

Frank Cuta shared some new technology with the group at our November meeting (New thermometer & Blood Pressure cuff).
Holly gave a great report on WCB Convention.

We wish everyone around the state a Happy Thanksgiving. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!!!

United Blind of Walla Walla (UBWW)

By Alco Canfield, President

The United Blind of Walla Walla has been very busy this past quarter. At our September meeting, Aileen Zaken, owner of Leading Edge Vision came to demonstrate a variety of low vision aids. Some of our members were not aware of the many low vision options available and enjoyed examining the various items that were displayed.

In October, Dave Valiant, Supervisor of the Walla Walla County Elections Office came to demonstrate the Automark, an accessible voting machine. Those wishing to vote using the Automark were able to do so, and found it a most empowering experience.

Dave Valiant is hoping to organize an advisory committee which will collaborate with the county to explore other accessible options for voting. He has been in communication with Kitsap County which is allowing people to vote on line, print out the form, and mail it in.

Joleen attended the meeting of the Metropolitan Planning Organization to review the final draft of its proposal to the state relative to local transportation needs. She also continues to update our website.

The illness of some of our members and the demands of Thanksgiving resulted in cancelation of our November meeting. We will also not be meeting in December. So, elections will be postponed until January.

The illness and infirmity of many of our members challenge the continuity and growth of our membership. However, despite this, we look forward to catching you up on our news in March, 2015.

United Blind of Whatcom County (UBWC)

By Gloria Riley, President

Our motto this year was to make “2014 – A Year to Remember”. In reflection, I believe that is just what we did.

We gained six new members to our chapter: Noel Newby, Laurel Reposa, Birgit Schroeter, Travis Smart, Susan Kolan and her husband, Rowchan Acaraf. We also presented three Lifetime Membership plaques to Ron Bradshaw, Diane Kirscheman, and Yvonne Thomas-Miller for their dedication, each one serving over 20 years.

Thanks to two local Bellingham merchants for their contributions to our educational scholarship fund. Ross Stores and Discount Tire made it possible to award a $500 scholarship to Travis Smart, a blind student attending Bellingham Technical College.

Bruce Radtke is our world traveler. He is a life-time member of UBWC, WCB, and ACB. He journeyed to Cambodia in September as a volunteer to teach English as a Second Language. He presented a fascinating description of his teaching experiences with children in a small village, the people he met, especially one blind student, and the archeological sites that he visited. At our annual summer picnic, Bruce reported his experiences at the Las Vegas National ACB Convention in July.

Our History Committee, co-chaired by Ron Bradshaw and Diane Kirscheman made great progress by compiling biographies of our 2014 officers and members. They gathered information on 65 past members, and placed them in their Generation Category, which lists world events that they experienced during their lifetime. They were able to gain permission to reprint a copy written article on the “History of Blindness”. Their work resulted in 191 pages filling a 4 inch binder. This is a work in-progress. More biographies and photographs will be added to the UBWC “Our Time” History Album in 2015. Plans are in the making to provide audio and digital copies to our membership.

Six UBWC members, Barbara Crowley, Jim and Holly Turri, Yvonne Thomas-Miller, Bruce Radtke, and Betty Sikkema, met with Washington State’s Senior Senator, Patty Murray. The meeting was a success. We were encouraged to present our concerns to other local, state and national legislators. Our chapter set a goal for 2015 to encourage our members to join the WCB Legislative Committee.

Nine representatives from our chapter attended the WCB Convention in Tacoma, Washington this year. Yvonne Thomas- Miller participated in a panel discussion: “You Don’t Need to Have Sight to Raise a Child”. Jim Turri attended as a 1st Timer. Jim, his wife Holly, her guide dog Sara, Betty Sikkema, and her guide dog Bethers, made their debut Saturday evening, when they performed in the Annual WCB Showcase of Talent. Also, thanks to Ron Bradshaw, Peggy Miller, Bruce Radtke, Gloria Riley, and Chris White for making this a fun travel trip and convention experience.

A new slate of officers was elected in November. President, Gloria Riley stepped down due to health issues, so according to our bylaws, 1st Vice-President, Jim Turri, will complete her 2015 term of office. New 2015 officers are:
President: Jim Turri (2015)
1st Vice-President – Yvonne Thomas Miller (2015)
2nd Vice President – Betty Sikkema (2015- 2016)
Treasurer – Beth Marsau (2015-2016)
Continuing officer: Secretary, Holly Turri (2015)

We continue our tradition of collecting non-perishable food items. Thanks to Bruce Radtke for delivering our annual contribution to the local food bank in time for the holiday season.

UBWC carolers will perform holiday songs at the Annual Festival of Trees, held at the historic Leopold Hotel Crystal Ballroom on Friday, Dec 5. “Blind Artists” is the theme for our gift basket auction contribution. It includes six CDs from famous blind musicians, greeting cards designed by Yvonne, homemade soap, handcrafts, and candy.

Our chapter received a wonderful surprise to end the year. An anonymous donor gifted UBWC with a donation for $1300. Thank you so much!

As outgoing President, I want to thank my chapter for all their efforts to keep 2014 a fun-filled year. We reached out to participate in community events, gathered together to socialize at monthly luncheons, gathered to discuss good books at our book club, and shared information on our “Everyone List” for those who have computers. I would also like to acknowledge Barbara Crowley for facilitating a Low Vision Support Group at our Bellingham Senior Center. I encourage more of our members to support her group.

Yes, 2014 is a “Year to Remember”. From all of us at UBWC, we wish you all a happy holiday season. May 2015 be lively, uplifting, and positive. We look forward to a fulfilling year ahead!

Yakima Valley Council of the Blind (YVCB)

By Bud Kohl, President

YAKITY YAK FROM YAKIMA

Needless to say, our big news is that Yakima Valley Council of the Blind was the WCB selection as Chapter of the Year at the convention in Tacoma. The award was accepted by Reggie and Lisa George as President Bud Kohl is currently on the “Injured Reserve List”. We are proud to accept this award and thank those who participated in the selection process. A champagne celebration was held in Yakima.

Yakima participated in the convention by sponsoring the Thursday hospitality suite, silent auction and door prizes.

The election of officers for 2015 Yakima Valley Council of the Blind (YVCB) is complete. The following is the list of officers: President – Bud Kohl, Vice President – Dolores Acosta, Secretary – Lisa George, Treasurer – Howard Underwood, 2 Year Board Member Judi Thompson, 1 Year Board Member Bill Smedley, Past President Sally Mayo.

The Annual Dinner in the Dark included Bud Kohl as a featured speaker. He provided an outline of our chapter as well as a “Journey into Blindness”.

Our Friday Bowling for the Blind continues and was a featured two page article with pictures in the Yakima Herald Republic. We are hoping to gain new membership through this coverage.

The Yakima Lion’s Club has requested that YVCB provide a speaker for their Dec. 10 meeting.

Led by Lisa George, YVCB has revised the chapter constitution. The goal in this revision is to do what we say, or say what we do. The WCB model was used as our guideline.

Hats Off

Compiled by Cindy Van Winkle, WCB President

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to, and celebrate with, the following WCB members:

• Andrea and John Damitio (CCCB, UBS) on the birth of their first grandchild, Andrew James Stahl, born to their daughter Jacque and her husband Brandon, on December 12, 2013.
• Shirley Musick (UBWW) on the special occasion of her 80th birthday.
• Patricia Werstein (CCCB) and Chriss Krebs who were married on January 4, 2014.
• Steve Fiksdal (SKB) on his election as Secretary for WCB.
• Carol Brame (SKCB) on her election as a Director on the WCB Board.
• Sheri Richardson (GDUWS, UBS) on the partnering with her new guide from The Seeing Eye, Impala, a female lab-golden cross who has a coat like a golden but is all black.
• Deb Lewis (GDUWS) on receiving her new guide, Newton, from Guide Dogs of America.
• Lakenia Garnes (PCAB) on her recent job as a Customer Service Representative with Xerox.
• Meka White (PCB) on her new job with Xerox as a customer Service Representative.
• Hayley Edick (PCAB, GDUWS) on her new job with the Social Security Administration.
• John Damitio (CCCB, UBS) on being presented with a watch in recognition of his 25 years of service as a lab’s Lead Water Quality Analyst with LOTT Wastewater Treatment Plant.

If you have something to be considered for inclusion for future Hats Off articles, please send to with “Hats Off” in the subject line.

Bits and Pieces

Compiled by Alco Canfield, WCB Secretary

This column is presented for your information and enjoyment. Inclusion of information, products, and/or services does not constitute endorsement by the Washington Council of the Blind. Email submissions to Newsline. Put “Bits and Pieces” in the subject line.

Optum Rx, the mail order pharmacy for United Health is now offering ScripTalk.

For more information contact Envision America at (800) 890-1180.

The Optum Rx patient approval form is available online at http://www.envisionamerica.com/products/scripability/optumrx-patient-approval-form/.

AccessWorld 2014 Holiday Gift Guide: Great High- and Low-Tech Ideas under $100.

AccessWorld’s 2014 Online Shopping Guide, with guides to using Amazon’s accessible website, Zappos, Wine.com, and L’occitane en Provence.

KNFB Reader for iOS: Does This App Live up to All the Hype?
TactileView: Leveling the Playing Field with Raised Images.

A Comparative Review of the SmartLux Digital and Pebble HD Handheld Video Magnifiers.

Making Music with the Beamz: A Tool for Fun and Education.
And Mobile Connected Health Devices: The Future of Health Technology?

http://www.afb.org/aw/main.asp

From My Kitchen to Yours

By Alco Canfield

If you make this, you may find yourself on one of those hotshot chef TV shows.

Chicken Parmesan

• 6 boneless skinless chicken breast halves
• Buttermilk to cover the chicken
• ½-1 cup Ranch dressing
• 8 oz. (or more) Italian bread crumbs
• 8 oz. Parmesan cheese

Place chicken in a deep bowl and cover with buttermilk. Marinate chicken in buttermilk for 24 hours. Remove chicken from buttermilk and roll in ranch dressing. Then roll in the Italian bread crumbs. Place in a greased 13x9x2 baking dish and top with grated parmesan cheese.

Bake at 350 degrees for an hour. If you wish, you can turn chicken over halfway through cooking.

2015 Calendar of Deadlines and Events

January

6: Career Forum, 8:00 pm
10: Deadline for committee requests
13: Technology Forum, 7:00 pm
20: Book Club Forum, 7:00 pm
25: Deadline to make lunch reservation for upcoming WCB board meeting
26: Diabetics Forum, 7:00 pm
30: Leadership Training, 3:00 pm-9:00 pm
31: WCB Winter Board meeting, 9:00 am-3:00 pm

February

3: Career Forum, 8:00 pm
5: Presidents call, 8:00 pm
10: Technology Forum, 7:00 pm
10: Deadline for chapters to turn in membership lists and other required information
17: Book Club Forum, 7:00 pm
23: Diabetics Forum, 7:00 pm
24: Braille Forum on UEB, 7:00 pm
28: Submissions due for March Newsline

March

3: Career Forum, 8:00 pm
10: Technology Forum, 7:00 pm
17: Book Club Forum, 7:00 pm
23: Diabetics Forum, 7:00 pm
24: Braille Forum on UEB, 7:00 pm
31: Deadline to apply for the WCB Leadership Seminar

April

2: Presidents call, 8:00 pm
7: Career Forum, 8:00 pm
14: Technology Forum, 7:00 pm
21: Book Club Forum, 7:00 pm
26: Deadline to make lunch reservation for upcoming WCB board meeting
27: Diabetics Forum, 7:00 pm
28: Braille Forum on UEB, 7:00 pm

May

1: Deadline to apply for the FirstTimer scholarship to the ACB convention
1-3: WCB Leadership Seminar
3: WCB Spring Board meeting, 9:00 am-3:00 pm
5: Job Seekers Forum, 8:00 pm
12: Technology Forum, 7:00 pm
15: Deadline to request a travel stipend or loan to attend the ACB convention
19: Book Club Forum, 7:00 pm
25: Diabetics Forum, 7:00 pm
30: Submissions due for June Newsline

June

2: Career Forum, 8:00 pm
4: Presidents call, 8:00 pm
9: Technology Forum, 7:00 pm
16: Book Club Forum, 7:00 pm
22: Diabetics Forum, 7:00 pm

July

3-10: ACB Conference and Convention, Las Vegas, NV

August

6: Presidents call, 8:00 pm
9: Deadline to make lunch reservation for upcoming WCB board meeting
15: WCB Summer Board meeting, WTBBL,
10:00 am-3:00 pm

October

1: Presidents call, 8:00 pm

November

5-7: WCB convention, SeaTac, WA

December

3: Presidents call, 8:00 pm

Announcements

NEWSLINE Article Submissions

The NEWSLINE is available in large print, on cartridge, via email, and on our website at www.wcbinfo.org. Articles should be 750 words or less and may be edited for clarity and space considerations.

Subscribe to the Newsline email list to receive the quarterly publication via email and other important announcements from WCB by

Article submissions, address changes, and subscription requests must be sent to the NEWSLINE email address: , or by phone, toll free at 800-255-1147.

Article deadline: To be considered for inclusion in the March issue, article submissions and other information for publication must be received by Saturday, February 28, 2015.