[il-talk] October HAWK TALK

[Lmm3527 at aol.com]

NNational Federation of the Blind
of Illinois
Blackhawk  Chapter
 
 
HAWK TALK
 
The monthly newsletter of the Blackhawk Chapter,
National  Federation of the Blind of Illinois
 
October 2, 2013
 
Contact info:
Lois Montgomery, President
3527 - 12th  Avenue
Moline, IL 61265
(309)236-1675
_Lmm3527 at aol.com_ (mailto:Lmm3527 at aol.com) 
 

Time to get out those sweatshirts, jackets, and sweaters!  It is  going to 
be getting chilly outside.  But, it will be nice and cozy at the  South 
Moline Township Center for our next chapter meeting.  Get the date  marked on 
your calendar and make plans to join us - you’ll be glad you  did!
 

THIS MONTH’S MEETING


Our next meeting will be held on Saturday, October 12th, at 1:30 p.m., at  
the South Moline Township Center located at 637 - 17th Avenue in East  
Moline.  Our program this month will focus on assistive technology  available to 
the blind and visually impaired.  Chapter member Mark  Clayburne, Jr., will 
demonstrate the accessibility of Apple products.   Bring your questions and 
find the answers!
 

LAST MONTH IN REVIEW


Fourteen members were in attendance to approve the amended constitution for 
 the Blackhawk Chapter.  After the meeting Bingo was enjoyed.
 

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT


It’s fall and cooling down outside.  But, the atmosphere throughout  the 
NFB is hot!
 
The 2013 NFBI State Convention is fast approaching!  But, you still  have 
time to make plans to attend.  It will be held October 25th - 27th at  the 
Park Hotel and Conference Center in Bloomington.  Room rates are  $84/night at 
the overflow hotel, the Quality Inn and Suites in  Bloomington.  
Reservations may be made by calling 309-662-7100.   Transportation will be provided to 
and from the overflow hotel to the convention  site.  Remember, conventions 
change people’s lives forever!
 
During the September meeting, the chapter approved its amended constitution 
 and on September 18th the state affiliate ratified it.   The officers  
will now serve a two-year term.  Elections will be held at the November  
meeting.  Remember, only members are eligible to vote so check to make sure  you 
are a paid member of the chapter.
 
Mark December 14th on your calendar!  This is the date for our annual  
chapter Christmas Party.  The evening is always filled with great food,  fun, 
and fellowship.  Once again, it will be held at Christ United  Methodist 
Church in East Moline.  More info will be provided as time  nears.
 
Don’t forget to pay your pledge for Birdies for Charity.  Invoices  have 
been mailed out.  This is our largest fundraiser of the year which  helps fund 
assistance to conventions and seminars, the Christmas Party,  etc.  During 
the November meeting, cash prizes will be awarded to several  chapter 
members as a token of appreciation for their help in making this a  successful 
fundraiser.
 
We continue to seek youth for Stepping Out, a local program for junior and  
senior high students.  A flyer has been completed – would you help  
distribute it throughout the QC area?  If interested in mentoring or  helping in 
any way, please contact me.
 
We, as a chapter, must work together to accomplish our goals. There’s  
plenty for each and every one 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.
 
I look forward to working with you. Any concerns, comments, and/or  
suggestions are welcome.
 

PEOPLE REPORT


George Sowers has recently been hospitalized for heart problems.  He  is 
now recovering at home.
 
Bob & Nancy Gardner are enjoying two weeks on a leisurely cruise down a  
river in Germany.
 
Jean Rauschenbach and Donna Miles traveled to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, 
 with their church group for a week of enjoyment.
 
In mid to late October  John TeBockhorst will enroll at BLIND, Inc.,  in 
Minneapolis for training.
 

BIRTHDAY CORNER


The following chapter members celebrate birthdays in  October:

8 Beth Fredrickson
10 Mark  Clayburne, Sr.
21 Mary Adams
26 Mark Clayburne,  Jr.
 

FUND RAISING


Once again, the chapter is participating in Community Days at Younkers in  
SouthPark Mall.  Booklets (filled with many savings and coupons) are $5  
each.  The event is scheduled for November 15th & 16th.  Contact  Pat Olson at 
_moonriver2682 at live.com_ (mailto:moonriver2682 at live.com)   or 309-593-2692 
for booklets.
 
The chapter has begun another 50/50 raffle.  Have you purchased your  
ticket yet?  If not, be sure to see Lois Montgomery for your chance to win  the 
pot!  $1 each or 6/$5.  The drawing will be held at the Christmas  Party.  
Good luck!
 

UPCOMING EVENTS


October 25th - 27th – NFBI State Convention at the Park Hotel and  
Conference Center in Bloomington.
 
November 9th – Chapter meeting.  Elections will be held.
 
November 15th & 16th – Community Days at Younkers.
 
December 14th – Chapter Christmas Party.  More info as time  nears.
 

TECH TALK


BARD Mobile is out for the iPad and iPhone!  This means you  can now have 
your favorite NLS audio books at your fingertips wherever you  go!  Simply go 
to

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/bard-mobile/id705229586?mt=8n  

to download the ap.  It’s easy!  Enjoy!
 

BOOK REVIEW


Got a book you found rather interesting to read?  Why not share it  with 
others?  Contact me with a short overview.
 
The Ultimate Gift
by Jim Stoval 
 
Inspirational
Religious Fiction
Psychological Fiction
 
Upon his wealthy great-uncle's death, twenty-four-year-old Jason Stevens  
receives an unorthodox inheritance that leads him on a year-long journey of  
self-discovery during which he learns the values of work, friendship, 
laughter,  love, and more as part of the "ultimate gift." 2001. – 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 _Lmm3527 at aol.com_ 
(mailto:Lmm3527 at aol.com)  or send it by snail mail to  3527 - 12th Avenue, Moline, IL 
61265.  Thanks!  We can’t wait to test  our taste buds!
 
This month’s recipe comes from chapter member Kathy Abbott.  Just in  time 
for apple season!
 
CARAMEL FOR APPLES
 
Ingredients:
1 package Kraft caramels
1 can Eagle brand milk
1  stick butter
 
1. Melt caramels & butter.
2. Add Eagle brand  milk.
3. Enjoy!  Especially good with Granny Smith apples but any  apple will be 
delicious!
 
(I usually heat together in a small crockpot.  Be sure to stir  frequently 
while caramels are melting.  A favorite of the little & BIG  kids! Doesn't 
last long . . . .. )
 

MEMBER PROFILE
KAITLYN RYAN
 
Kaitlyn is our youngest chapter member but she represents the chapter well  
with her positive attitude and outlook on life.  She is kept quite busy  
with her many activities.
 
Born with Leber’s congenital amaurosis, Kaitlyn does not let this slow her  
down by any means.  School, church, and other activities keep her busy with 
 little time to spare.  She is the youngest of three children and lives on 
a  farm with her parents in Viola.
 
Kaitlyn is an 8th grader at Sherrard Junior High School where she  
participates in choir.  She is also active in 4-H and absolutely “loves”  public 
speaking.  Each summer, for about five years, Kaitlyn has shown  goats at 
county and state fairs.  Recently she has begun showing  heifers.  She has  won 
countless awards for this.  This year she  received “Excellent” for her 
efforts.
 
In her spare time (which there is little of) Kaitlyn enjoys cooking.   She 
is a typical teen who can be found texting friends.  “ . . . I’m  addicted 
to my cell phone . . . ”
 
Travels have taken Kaitlyn to Michigan and Six Flags.
 
Kaitlyn uses the long white cane and spends one hour daily with a Braille  
teacher.  She is familiar with the Nemoth Code.  Her laptop is  accessible 
through the use of the JAWS program.  Other technology includes  a talking 
scientific calculator, the  Braille Note, and Learning  Ally.
 
When asked what advice she would pass along to other blind individuals, she 
 responded: “ . . . buckle down early . . . put your mind to it . . . you 
can do  anything you put your mind to. . . “
 
Kaitlyn is young but is already thinking of her future.  She plans to  
attend college but hasn’t yet pinpointed her goals.  She has plenty of time  and 
whatever that goal might be, I’m certain she will achieve it!