[il-talk] Hawk Talk

Sat Jan 5 03:30:03 UTC 2013

 National Federation of the Blind
of Illinois
Blackhawk Chapter

HAWK TALK

The monthly newsletter of the Blackhawk Chapter,
National Federation of the Blind of Illinois

January 2, 2013

Editor: Jean Rauschenbach

Contact info:
Lois Montgomery, President
3527 - 12th Avenue
Moline, IL 61265
(309)236-1675
Lmm3527 at aol.com

Happy New Year to all! Let’s all start the New Year out by attending the monthly chapter meeting on Saturday, January 12th. Come join us – the
company and conversation will warm you up! Get the date marked on your calendar and make plans to meet with your Federation family – you’ll be glad you did!

THIS MONTH’S MEETING
Our next meeting will be held on Saturday, January 12th, at 1:30 p.m., at the South Moline Township Center located at 637 - 17th Avenue in East Moline.

For our program this month chapter member Tom Pogue will speak on his orientation and mobility training at Leader Dog School in Michigan. Through the program Tom has since become a more independent blind individual.  Come hear what he has to offer!

LAST MONTH IN REVIEW
Our annual Christmas Party was held on Saturday evening, December 8th at Christ United Methodist Church with 45 in attendance. A special thank you to all who helped to make it a successful event! We enjoyed good food, fellowship, entertainment, door prizes and a silent auction. A 50/50 raffle was held, the winner being Tom Pogue who pocketed $75. Entertainment was provided by Todd Johnson.  A good time was had by all.

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
As the new year begins, I anticipate it to be quite busy. We, as a chapter, must work together to accomplish our goals. There’s plenty for each and everyone of us to do, regardless of your interests or skills.  Help with making reminder calls, transportation, or whatever you see that needs attention; a few minutes of your time will go far and would be greatly appreciated.  

Help with the “Stepping Out” program is needed to begin its inception into the chapter. I look forward to working with you. Any concerns, comments, and/or suggestions are welcome.

I’m looking forward to attending the Washington Seminar which takes place in early February. Bob Gardner and I will be representing the chapter and Illinois Affiliate as we meet with the legislators to discuss three issues that are relevant to the blind.

The adult Braille Readers are Leaders contest is coming to a close on January 4th (the birth of Louis Braille) for which several chapter members have taken part. In doing so, one practices his/her Braille skills. Although the end of the contest is near, continue reading those Braille books!

The 2013 National NFB Convention is months away but it’s not too early to start planning for it. The convention will be held July 1st - 6th at the Rosen Center Hotel at 9840 International Drive  in Orlando. Reservations may now be made at the convention hotel by calling 1-800-204-7234. The room rates are $79/night singles, doubles, and twins; $85/ night triples and quads plus tax. There is no charge for children under 17 with accompanying parent as long as no additional bed is required. Guest room amenities include cable television, in-room safe, coffee maker, hair dryer, and (for a fee) in-room high speed internet. Guests can also enjoy a swimming pool, fitness center, and on site spa. Conventions change people’s lives. Start planning now!

Both NFBI and NFB scholarship applications are now available to those interested. Go to www.nfbofillinois.org for state scholarship and internship information and www.nfb.org for information regarding the 30 national scholarships which range from $3,000 to $12,000.

PEOPLE REPORT
It is with sadness that we report the death of chapter member Ruby Blanchard on Thursday, November 8th.

Congratulations to chapter members Jay Blanchard and Leah Slightom who announced their engagement at the November chapter meeting.

Jean Rauschenbach began working as a contract specialist at the Rock Island Arsenal on December 3rd.

Patrick Olson will resume his studies at Western Illinois University’s Quad City campus in January.

Alma Sowers continues having health issues.

MEMBERSHIP
It’s time to renew your membership for 2013. Not a member? No problem! Bring $2 to a chapter meeting or email Jean Rauschenbach at rauschjc at gmail.com for contact information.

BIRTHDAY CORNER
The following birthdays will be celebrated in January:
   4 Louis Braille
 12 Alfonso Ayew-ew

FUND RAISING
We’ve started another 50/50 raffle. Be sure to see Lois Montgomery to purchase your tickets: $1 each or 6/$5. Good luck!

UPCOMING EVENTS
February 3 - 7 – Washington Seminar

February 9 – Next chapter meeting

TECH TALK
Improving the Speech Response of Your Screen Reader
by Bob Gardner

Does the speech on your PC’s screen reader seem to drag a little? Does the speech seem to lag behind your typing? Although this is not a problem on all computers, I have seen it on some. To make the speech response of your sound card to be the best it can be, do the following: 

1. Go to the control panel, then to “sounds,” and click on that. 
2. You should end up on “speakers.” Then hit the applications key on your computer or the right mouse key to get a context menu. 
3. Go to “properties” on the context menu and click on that. 
4. Go through the resulting tabs 'till you get to “enhancements” tab. 
5. Tab till you get to “disable all enhancements.” Check that. 
6. Tab to “okay,” then continue tabbing to get a second “okay,” hitting the enter key both times. 

The speech coming out of your screen reader now should be real snappy,
easily keeping up with your typing. Note that making the above change will
probably result in a lower volume, so you will have to readjust that.

BOOK REVIEW
Got a book you found rather interesting to read? Why not share it with others?  Contact Lois Montgomery or Jean Rauschenbach with a short synopsis.

“Save Me” by Lisa Scottoline is a suspense fiction. This book will definitely hold your interest.

A volunteer at her daughter Melly's school cafeteria, Rose McKenna is scolding third-grader Amanda for teasing Melly about her birthmark when an explosion occurs. Rose escorts Amanda and her friends toward the exit before returning to find Melly. When Amanda is severely injured, others blame Rose. Strong language. Bestseller. 2011. – BARD annotation

RECIPE CORNER
Help! We need your favorite recipe to share with other chapter members. Bring it to a chapter meeting, email it to Jean Rauschenbach at rauschjc at gmail.com or send it by mail to 3527 - 12th Avenue, Moline, IL 61265.  Thanks! We can’t wait to test our taste buds!

 This month’s recipe comes from Jean Rauschenbach. The Super Bowl is fast approaching and this is just the thing to try with those snacks at your fingertips while cheering on your favorite team! It’s easy, quick, and delicious!

CHEESE BALL

Combine:
8 oz. package Cream cheese.
¼ lb. blue cheese.
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
1 small minced onion.
1 tbs. Worcestershire sauce.

Roll into a ball and then roll it in crushed walnuts. Refrigerate for a couple hours before serving. It takes some work to combine all this, but it works and it is delicious.

MEMBERSHIP PROFILE
IN MEMORY OF
PAULA RUBY BLANCHARD

Ruby has been a member of the Blackhawk Chapter for several years. She journeyed home to eternal life on Thursday, November 8, 2012, due to cancer, surrounded by her loving family.

Ruby joined the chapter along with son, Jay, to learn more about Jay’s vision loss.

Ruby was reared and educated in Iowa. Her marriage to Carl Blanchard in 1959 brought her to Illinois. She worked in the health field retiring as a CNA after 23 years at Oak Glen Home. Upon retiring from here, she continued to provide home health care.

Ruby enjoyed reading, watching movies, ceramics, shopping, and going out to eat. Most of all, she enjoyed time with her children and grandchildren.

She leaves behind three sons: John, Franklin, and Jay; 16 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren, all of whom cherish the many memories for which she was a part.

Our condolences to the family.

Printing of this newsletter compliments of
Van Hoe Funeral Home, Ltd.
1500 - 6th Street
East Moline, IL 61244
(309)755-1414