[Nebraska-senior-blind] {Spam?} New Jersey's newsletter

[Robert Leslie Newman]

Hi You All

RE: Affiliate newsletters; the good publications that we the NFB produce

 

Recently, I sent to this list a copy of the newsletter from New Mexico.
Well, I also sent a copy to the listserv for our national, senior division;
you could also join this/that list, too; much of what you will get on this
Nebraska Senior Division’s list, but some additional notices relating to the
larger senior and NFB groups.

 

Below is what the President in the New Jersey Senior Division responded
with:

 

Hello All Seniors

Taking the lead from our dear Robert Lesley Newman, I am including our New
Jersey state publication  entitled “The Sounding Board”

We publish this twice a year and this one is our fall newsletter.

Enjoy all and happy sharing.

Love this list friends.

A happy and healthy holiday season to all.

 

FALL 2016

 

The Sounding Board

 

The Publication of the National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey

 

 

 

In This Issue

 

 

 

NATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS DEANNA GRECO & LAURA ETORI

Reflect on the 2016 National Convention

 

MARY JO PARTYKA

Recaps this summer’s BELL Program

 

DAN FACCHINI & ED SROCZYNSKI

Remember Tara Carty

 

BRIAN MACKEY

Describes the Leadership Building Seminar

 

JOHN FERRY

Announces the Ferry Memorial Scholarship

 

 

Live the Life You Want

THE SOUNDING BOARD

Fall 2016

 

Katherine Gabry, Editor

Jerilyn Higgins, Mary Jo Partyka & Barbara Shalit, Co-editors

 

Published by e-mail and on the Web through Newsline and AudioVision by

The National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey

www.nfbnj.org <http://www.nfbnj.org> 

 

Joseph Ruffalo, President

State Affiliate Office   254 Spruce Street   Bloomfield, NJ 07003

E-mail: nfbnj1 at verizon.net <mailto:nfbnj1 at verizon.net> 

 

Letters to the President, address changes, subscription requests, letters to


the Editor and articles should be sent to the State Affiliate Office or 

e-mailed to choirnfb at gmail.com <mailto:choirnfb at gmail.com> . The editorial
staff reserves the right to edit 

all articles for space and/or clarity considerations.

 

Please Note: The deadline for the Spring issue is March 15, 2017.

 

Donations should be made payable to the

National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey

and sent to the State Affiliate office.

 

To subscribe via Newsline: Jane Degenshein 973-736-5785 or 

Jdegen16 at comcast.net <mailto:Jdegen16 at comcast.net> 

 

JACOBUS TENBROEK LEGACY SOCIETY

 

Help build a future full of opportunity for the blind by becoming a member
of 

the Jacobus tenBroek Legacy Society. Your legacy gift to the National 

Federation of the Blind can be made in the form of a will or a living trust,


an income-generating gift, or by naming the NFB as a beneficiary of a 

retirement plan or life insurance policy. You can also become a member of
the 

Jacobus tenBroek Legacy Society by making a legacy gift to your state 

affiliate. By committing to support an NFB affiliate, your gift will benefit


both local and national programs, since all bequests made to affiliates are 

split evenly with the NFB national treasury. In addition to having the 

satisfaction of contributing to the future success of the NFB's mission, 

tenBroek Legacy Society members also receive a specially designed thank you 

gift and other benefits. For additional information, please contact Lou Ann 

Blake at the NFB Jernigan Institute by e-mail at lblake at nfb.org
<mailto:lblake at nfb.org> , or by 

telephone at 410-659-9314, extension 2221.

Mission Statement

The National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey, Inc. is an organization
of 

blind and interested sighted people who plan and carry out programs; work to


improve the quality of life of the blind; provide a means of collective
action 

for parents of blind children; promote the vocational, cultural and social 

advancement of the blind; achieve the integration of the blind into society
on 

a basis of equality with the sighted; and take action that will improve the 

overall condition and standard of living of the blind.

 

The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the 

characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the 

expectations of blind people because low expectations create obstacles
between 

blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want; blindness is
not 

what holds you back.

 

 

The National Federation of the Blind Pledge

I pledge to participate actively in the efforts of the National Federation
of 

the Blind to achieve equality, opportunity and security for the blind; to 

support the programs and policies of the Federation; and to abide by its 

constitution.

 

 

The Sounding Board

The Sounding Board is the magazine of the National Federation of the Blind
of 

New Jersey. We publish The Sounding Board twice a year. Our hope is that 

through The Sounding Board, our members can keep current with local, state
and 

national news and issues of concern. We also aspire to provide a source of 

hope, inspiration, pride and camaraderie through the personal stories in our


publication.

Hundreds of readers receive our publication via e-mail and Newsline. We’re 

pleased that the New Jersey Talking Book and Braille Center airs excerpts
from 

The Sounding Board on AudioVision. The Sounding Board is also available for 

download in its entirety from our website at www.nfbnj.org
<http://www.nfbnj.org> . We encourage our 

readers to share The Sounding Board with family members, teachers, 

professionals, neighbors, friends and any other interested parties.  We 

estimate our circulation to be in the thousands, as readers from across the 

country regularly report that The Sounding Board influences their lives. We 

hope you enjoy this issue.

You are cordially invited to the

National Federation of the Blind of NJ’s 8th Annual

 

After the Holidays Party

 

Saturday, January 7, 2017

1 pm to 5 pm

Knights of Columbus Hall

94 Bridge Street, Belleville, NJ

Access Link accessible    Cross Street: Belleville Avenue

 

$23 per adult; $13 for children 6- 12 years; free for children younger than
6

 

Please include a separate sheet with attendees’ names & phone numbers.

All payment must be received no later than December 31, 2016.

Make check payable to NFBNJ and mail to:

 

Joe Ruffalo, NFBNJ President

254 Spruce Street

Bloomfield, NJ 07003

 

For additional information call Joe at 973-743-0075.

 

We’ll have door prizes, a sing–along & a special appearance by jolly old 

Santa!

 

Special note: If you would like an attendee to receive a gift from Santa, 

please bring a wrapped gift labeled with the name of the recipient.

 

MISTLETOE MAGIC MENU

 

Holiday Tossed Garden Salad with Vinaigrette Dressing

Chicken Savoy, Eggplant Rollatini, Meatballs, Pasta with Vodka Sauce

Assorted Cold Cuts and Potato Salad

Chicken Fingers

Rolls and Butter

Homemade Holiday Desserts

Coffee, Tea and Assorted Soft Drinks

Cash bar will be available

 

Please join us in celebrating the holiday season!

We look forward to seeing all of our members, family and friends!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

Presidential Message, by Joe Ruffalo      1

>From the Editor’s Desk: Road Trip Serves as a Reminder that Educating the 

Public Never Ends, by Katherine Gabry    3

Please Consider This as We Celebrate Blindness Awareness Month & Disability 

Employment Month, submitted by Pam Gaston    5

LowViz Navigation App to be Available at State Convention      6

National Convention Reflections from National Scholarship Winners Deanna
Greco 

& Laura Etori    7

BELL Rings for the Third Time, by Mary Jo Partyka    11

Winning Isn’t Everything, by Staci Mannella    13

NFBNJ Website Demolition & Reconstruction, by Brian Mackey     15

Runner Refuses to be Held Back by Blindness, by Bob Both     16

Greendrop Donation Location Added in Springfield, by Samantha Kresz    17

Local Author & NFB Member Gives Half Book Proceeds to NFB, by Ed Lotaro
18

Book Review: Blind Ambition, By Ever Lee Hairston, by Katherine Gabry    18

Remembering Tara, by Dan Facchini    19

Tara Carty, by Ed Sroczynski    21

Tom and Gail Ferry: A Tribute – Memorial Scholarship Established, by John 

Ferry    23

Learning to be a Leader from Leaders: NFB Leadership Building Seminar, by 

Brian Mackey    24

Surf’s Up! by Amanda Oglesby    26

Tech Tips    27

Did You Know     27

>From the Kitchens of Your President and Vice President    28

NFBNJ Contact Info    30PRESIDENTIAL MESSAGE

 

Greetings Fellow Federationists!

On May 1, 1976, the National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey was 

established. Over the past 40 years, we’ve worked to raise expectations and
to 

live the life we want. Our affiliate has grown to eight chapters, nine 

divisions, and numerous committees, programs and projects. We have also 

witnessed the growth of our members as, together, we’ve strived to master
the 

skills and techniques, and to develop the positive attitudes necessary to 

achieve our goals.  We have the time, we have the talent, we have the
desire, 

and we need the opportunity to demonstrate that blindness does not hold us 

back.

The history of the National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey will be 

celebrated during our State Convention, Raising Expectations, this November.


We will also share our philosophy and highlight our goals for the next 40 

years. Here are some notes regarding the State Convention:

 

The dates are Thursday, November 10 through Sunday, November 13.

Hotel rooms are going fast! Please make your room reservation directly with 

the Holiday Inn, 151 Route 72 East, Manahawkin, by calling 609-481-6100; use


code NFB. The room rate is $89 per night, plus tax, and includes breakfast
for 

each registered person in the room.

The pre-registration form has been forwarded to all on our distribution
list. 

It can also be found on our website – www.nfbnj.org <http://www.nfbnj.org>
– and on Newsline.

The convention will be streamed, and information on how to access the 

streaming will be distributed to our mailing list and will be posted on our 

website.

Additional information pertaining to our affiliate and the State Convention 

can also be found on the website.

See you in Manahawkin!

 

A Request to Our Crafters

Crafters, please take special note: During the State Convention, we would
like 

to demonstrate another way that we are Raising Expectations. The Board of
the 

NFBNJ is asking you, our crafters, to consider the following:

Providing a homemade piece of your art or craft for display at the State 

Convention. This could be, for example, ceramics, pottery, paintings, 

professional photographs, wood making, knitting, leather works – whatever
your 

craft is.

Providing a description of the piece in both Braille and print, hopefully on


the same page.

Considering donating the piece so that it can be used as an auction item.

Please address any questions to Joe Ruffalo at nfbnj1 at verizon.net
<mailto:nfbnj1 at verizon.net>  or call 

973-743 -0075.

 

Upcoming Important Dates

October: Meet The Blind Month, various activities sponsored by our chapters

October 29: Taste of Technology, Montclair State University, sponsored by
the 

DeafBlind Community Access Network of New Jersey and Sprint

November 1: National scholarship applications available

November 10 – 13: NFBNJ’s 40th State Convention, Raising Expectations

December: Numerous holiday events sponsored by our chapters

January 7, 2017: After the Holidays party (see the flyer in this issue)

January: Annual Washington Seminar

 

We hope that you find this issue of The Sounding Board inspiring and 

motivating. You’ll read about the importance of continuing to educate 

ourselves so that we all can continue to educate the public on the truth
about 

blindness, and the hopes and determination that can transform our dreams
into 

reality. You’ll also read about our two national scholarship winners, the 

lives of Tom Ferry and Tara Carty, the determination to think “outside the 

box,” and the efforts to challenge ourselves to define a goal and to conquer


our fears. Our new website is also highlighted. Special thanks to Brian 

Mackey, webmaster, and the committee that provided feedback during the 

reconstruction. We encourage you to share this issue with your friends, 

family, teachers, professionals in the social services fields and everyone
you 

know who is interested in furthering our mission.

In closing, I want to thank all who provide their time, effort and interest
in 

changing what it means to be blind. Thank you for all the good work you have


done, are doing and continue to do to live the life you want. Let’s Go And 

Build The Federation!

 

 

With best wishes,

Joe Ruffalo, President

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK:

ROAD TRIP SERVES AS REMINDER THAT EDUCATING THE PUBLIC NEVER ENDS

By Katherine Gabry

 

My son and I have always taken road trips. My fondness for this regular
summer 

activity stems from my childhood, when my parents would pack us all into the


pink Rambler station wagon and take off for parts unknown - quite literally,


since my father never made reservations. Good thing we could pitch the tent 

almost anywhere.

I started the road trip tradition with my son Jon when he was about 7, and I


have a nostalgic spot in my heart for all the time we’ve spent together in
the 

car over the past 20 years. This year, we drove 3,343 miles and through 10 

states. We took in the International DeafBlind Expo in Orlando, as well as a


beach vacation on the Gulf Coast, and spent time with a friend, who, like my


son, is DeafBlind.

Our first destination on this mega road trip was our friend’s place in 

Atlanta.  Heading south from New Jersey, we made a pit stop on Route 95,
north 

of Richmond. Inside the facility, I spotted a woman waving her arms and 

calling, “Ma’am! Ma’am! Here! This way!”

When I realized she was talking to me, Jon and I headed her way. Jon was
using 

his white cane and had a light touch on my arm. As we got closer to her, she


opened a locked door to a spanking bright and sparkling clean restroom. As
any 

traveler can relate, I was close to nirvana, but Jon understood what she was


getting at immediately and signed, “I’ll use the men’s restroom.”

“She just unlocked it for us, and it’s CLEAN!” I signed back.

He sighed, gave a little hesitation, and then grudgingly went through the 

door. She continued to hold it open.

“Go on in,” the woman said to me.

Huh?

“He knows how to use the bathroom himself,” I said, probably more than a 

little bit defensively.

Obviously doubting the capabilities of my son, she said, “You can help him.”

And with that, once again, I realized we were in a position to educate 

well-meaning members of the hearing and sighted community: YES, someone who
is 

DeafBlind is able to take care of his personal needs by himself.

I understand that people who are not exposed to different abilities don’t
get 

it, and I realize that I have a responsibility to educate them. Over 27
years, 

I’ve accepted this role, but for some reason, on this trip, the evidence for


more education – much more than I, alone, can provide – was screaming out to


me almost everywhere:

At every hotel, the staff immediately assumed we needed wheelchair 

accessibility. True, we were using sign language, but no one was using a 

wheelchair.

My son and our friend were trying on clothes in a department store when a 

salesperson asked if I wanted to go into the dressing room with them and
help.

Restaurant staff consistently asked me if Jon or our friend wanted a drink 

refill or dessert.

At the pool, folks typically commented, “Oh, he can swim?” Yes, Jon learned
at 

age 2, and is like a fish in water.

I lost count of the number of rest areas where I would show Jon where both
the 

men’s and ladies’ restrooms were, we’d make a plan on where to meet when 

finished, and someone would approach me and ask if Jon needed help.
Sometimes 

this was just creepy, and if I saw the person follow him, I’d forego my own 

needs and stand, waiting for him, outside the men’s room.

More countless times, people would comment on how handsome our friend’s 

service dog is. “Hold on a sec, and I’ll tell him,” I’d say, and then they’d


be astonished that we could communicate using sign language. When my friend 

would respond by speaking with his voice, they would typically smile in 

amazement, remark Wow! and then I would facilitate a very pleasant 

conversation.

A group of us were out to dinner one night, and when my friend asked why he 

wasn’t charged for his dessert, the waitress replied that the dessert came 

with the meal; hmm only HIS meal. And on the last night of our travels, Jon 

could have gotten a free meal, if not for my asking the waitress to
accurately 

list what we ordered.

 

As described by these vignettes, so much educating still needs to be done. 

With that goal in mind, I’d like to invite you to join me in making October
– 

Blindness Awareness Month – the perfect time for us collectively to make the


effort to enlighten the larger community about the capabilities of blind and


DeafBlind persons. Certainly there’s humor in my stories, but there’s also
an 

opportunity at every encounter. Without a doubt, people who are blind or 

DeafBlind need to take the lead in this educational effort, but I also
believe 

that, as family members, friends, co-workers, interpreters and SSPs (support


service providers for DeafBlind), there’s a place for us, as well. Perhaps
it’s 

communication facilitation, stepping in with an understanding explanation,
or 

just patience and a genuine, open smile, and the realization that the
general 

public may have never before met a person who is blind or DeafBlind, and the


concepts of pride and independence just blow their minds. I hope that you’ll


take me up on my invitation. The road may be long and slow, but if each of
us 

makes the choice to speak up, I’m confident of a positive outcome. We will 

change perceptions and expectations.

PLEASE CONSIDER THIS AS WE CELEBRATE

BLINDNESS AWARENESS MONTH & DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT MONTH

Submitted by Pam Gaston

 

Throughout history, people with disabilities have been abandoned at birth, 

banished from society, used as court jesters, drowned and burned during The 

Inquisition, gassed in Nazi Germany, and still continue to be segregated, 

institutionalized, tortured, abused, exploited, euthanized and murdered all 

around the world.

Now, here in the United States of America, people with disabilities are
taking 

their rightful place as fully contributing citizens. The danger is that we 

will respond with remediation and benevolence, rather than equity and
respect. 

And so, we offer you:

 

A CREDO FOR SUPPORT

By Norman Kunc and Emma VanderKlift

 

Do not see my disability as the problem.

Recognize that my disability is an attribute.

Do not see my disability as a deficit.

It is you who see me as helpless or as invalid.

Do not try to fix me because I am not broken. I don’t need your pity.

With equal opportunities, I can make my contribution to the community in my 

own way.

Do not help me, even if it does make you feel good.

Ask me if I need your help. Let me show you how you can best assist me.

Do not admire me. A desire to live a full life does not warrant adoration.

Respect me, for respect presumes equity.

Do not think of me as a charity case.

Be my ally against those who exploit me by collecting money for their own 

gratification.

Do not tell, correct and lead. Listen, support and follow.

Do Not work on me. Work with me.

Do not see me as your client. I am your fellow citizen.

See me as your neighbor. Remember, none of us can be completely 

self-sufficient.

Do not try to change me, you have no right.

Help me learn what I want and need to know.

Do not hide your uncertainty behind “professional” distance.

Be a person who listens, and does not take my struggle away from me by
trying 

to make it all better.

Do not use theories and strategies on me.

Be with me. And when we struggle with each other, let that give rise to 

self-reflection.

Do not try to control me. I have a right to my power as a person.

What you call non-compliance or manipulation may actually be the only way I 

can exert some control over my life.

Do not speak for me. I have a voice.

Be still and listen. Like you, I have the right to express my thoughts,
issues 

and my individuality

Do not teach or expect me to be obedient, submissive and polite.

I need to feel entitled to say No if I am to protect myself.

Do not try to be my friend. I deserve more than that.

Get to know me. We may become friends.

Do not try to modify my behavior to suit your needs. I am different, not 

deviant.

What you define as odd may be my attempt to live a full and productive life
in 

the only way I can.

 

LOWVIZ NAVIGATION APP TO BE AVAILABLE AT STATE CONVENTION

 

The National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey is pleased to announce
that 

we will be featuring LowViz Guide, a new indoor navigation app for the blind


and low vision community, at our State Convention. The app was developed in 

2015 as a free community service by Macular Degeneration Support. Since
then, 

it’s been provided at more than a dozen state and national conventions. The 

app is available for use on the iPad and iPhone.

At the State Convention, LowViz will provide step-by-step user instructions
in 

large print, audio and Braille, and a representative will be on site to
offer 

personal support in using the app. For more information about LowViz Guide, 

including an audio-visual demonstration, testimonials and media broadcasts,
go 

to http://www.mdsupport.org/audioguide.

 

 

 

NATIONAL CONVENTION REFLECTIONS

FROM NATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS DEANNA GRECO & LAURA ETORI

 

Deanna Greco just started her freshman year at The Catholic University of 

America. She is a biology premedical student. Here is her story:

 

Imagine a place where there are 2,500 people using white canes and guide
dogs, 

a place where the sighted person in the room is in the minority. A place
where 

you feel accepted, loved and supported. I found this place at the National 

Federation of the Blind’s National Convention. I was fortunate enough to be 

one of the NFB’s 2016 Scholarship Winners.

My past year has been similar to that of other students who are in the
process 

of transitioning from high school to college. By January 2016, I was
exhausted 

from writing countless college application essays, going to college
interviews 

and working on maintaining my grade point average (4.5 GPA).  Just like 

everyone else, I realized that college would be expensive, and therefore, I 

decided to apply for scholarships. While looking online, I came across the
NFB’s 

scholarship program. From the time I was diagnosed with cone rod dystrophy
at 

age 8, my mother always encouraged me to join the NFB. We attended a few 

meetings with the New Jersey chapter, but I never had the desire to be an 

active member. I didn’t think that I needed the NFB. I honestly did not 

consider myself a part of the blind community. However, I decided that since
I 

liked a challenge, I would apply for the NFB scholarship.

In early May, I received a call from one of the scholarship committee
members 

informing me that I was a scholarship finalist. During this conversation, I 

learned that I would be required to go to the NFB National Convention, and 

this filled me with both excitement and nervousness.

I wasn’t anxious about meeting new people; I enjoy that. However, I never 

traveled out of state. The idea of getting on a plane and finding 

transportation to the hotel intimidated me. However, there are some things
in 

life you have to do, and I knew that independent travel was one of those 

things.  When I stepped into the hotel lobby, I became filled with a sense
of 

accomplishment and relief. As I stood there, taking it all in, I heard the
tap 

tap tap of hundreds of white canes. At first, this was extremely
overwhelming. 

Yet, when I returned home a week later, it was strange not hearing all those


canes. Looking back, I know that winning the scholarship was a blessing in 

disguise because it led me to this outstanding group of people.

Convention was a blast! From the moment I entered the hotel, to the second I


left, I was participating in exhilarating activities. Regardless of whether
I 

was at General Session or out to lunch with one of my mentors, I was having
a 

delightful time. I knew that successful blind people existed, but I never 

witnessed such a large gathering of blind people in my life. The members of 

the NFB are determined, intelligent and, most importantly, compassionate. 

Before convention, I was unaware of the inequality that the blind community 

faces in all aspects of life. The fact that people are getting paid less 

simply because they are blind, or having their children taken away because 

close-minded individuals say, “How could blind people raise children?” is 

absurd. These issues need to be eradicated, and there is no doubt in my mind


that the NFB will do exactly that.

This fall, I will be starting at The Catholic University of America as a 

biology premedical student. Having low vision, I know that I will encounter 

hurdles caused by my lack of vision in laboratory settings. Prior to 

convention, I did not know any blind people employed in the science fields 

that I could turn to when I face sight-related difficulties. This changed
when 

I attended the Science and Engineering Division meeting at the National 

Convention. At this gathering, I met several blind people involved in fields


such as chemistry and biology. I gained priceless knowledge about the 

accommodations that could help me achieve success at Catholic University. I 

also formed friendships that will last a lifetime. I do not use the word 

friendship lightly. There is a reason I did not use the word “networking.”
The 

reason is that the people I met at convention are not business contacts, but


rather they are family members that I know will always have my back.

Before I knew it, it was the last night of convention. I was sitting at the 

banquet surrounded by my new family. Between listening to President
Riccobono’s 

compelling speech and laughing with the members of the New Jersey affiliate
at 

my table, the four-hour banquet flew by. As the night came to a close, it
was 

time for the scholarship ceremony. All of the scholarship winners received a


beautiful print/braille plaque, a certificate for a KNFB Reader App, and a 

$1,000 grant from Dr. Kurzweil. We also received a ChromeBook and $1,000
from 

Google, and a certificate for an accessible science tool known as Talking
Lab 

Quest from Independence Science. In addition to the generous awards listed 

above, each winner received varying scholarship awards. I received a $3,000 

scholarship. I sincerely appreciate every award that I received that night. 

Yet, I would not be doing any justice to myself or the NFB if I did not
share 

which award is closest to my heart. The special award that I cherish is my 

Federation family. So regardless of whether you are a blind individual
looking 

for blind friends or a sighted parent searching for information on how to
get 

the necessary accommodations for your blind child, join the NFB. I assure
you 

that the National Federation of the Blind will embrace you with open arms,
you 

will not be disappointed, nor will you ever feel alone.

LAURA ETORI is attending Rutgers University and pursuing degrees in both 

actuarial science and finance. Here is her story:

 

I love swimming, cooking and baking. I love my family; they are my biggest 

fans. I love being happy and most of all, I love the Lord and I am grateful
to 

Him for everything in my life.

I am a Kenyan currently living and studying in New Jersey. I lost my sight 

four years ago due to a secondary effect of idiopathic intracranial 

hypertension.

I came to New Jersey for school. On the day of my arrival, someone stepped
on 

my white cane and broke it. Soon after, at my aunt’s house, my cousin and I 

immediately investigated where to get a white cane. The first thing that 

popped up was “get a free white cane from the NFB.” Well, who doesn’t like 

free things, so I ordered one. My cane arrived soon, and I was back in 

business. A week later I received voicemail from NFBNJ Northeast Chapter 

member Alwin Glasgow asking how I liked the cane. In a later call, he told
me 

all about NFB. Having read about NFB years ago, I always wondered if such an


organization could be real. Alwin told me that, if needed, he would help me 

the best he could. We continued to correspond, and this past March I
attended 

my first Northeast Chapter meeting. Then I applied for the scholarship, 

beating the deadline by a few days, and soon found myself in Florida for the


convention.

>From the age of 12, I have always wanted to become an actuary, leading
people 

to ask whether I loved math. Well, it’s not about loving math; it’s about 

having passion for what I love and for what I want to become. And, yes I
love 

math.  It’s all about commitment and having a vision.

Then I had a familiar feeling, like the one I had when I lost my sight, the 

same feeling I had when I left Kenya, and the same feeling I got when I 

realized I was a national scholarship finalist: Uncertainty, along with 

determination that there is something I am meant to do. On July 6, the 

convention was over, and all I could remember was the last night’s ringing 

speech by President Riccobono about fear. The voice in my head told me,
“Fear 

will hold you back.” So I thought of the many things I had feared and how
much 

I feared uncertainty, which was ironic since my life was filled with 

uncertainties. Four years ago I had not planned to be in Florida at that day


and time; I certainly had never thought I would ever be blind. But now that 

life had developed that way, it surely was the best thing to ever happen to 

me.

Walking into the convention resort proved a big eye-opener. Where in the
world 

would I ever have had the chance to be welcomed by the noise of a swarm of 

bees. Oh boy! Was I in for a surprise. It wasn’t actually bees, but rather
the 

noise of thousands of white canes rolling or tapping the tiled floor of the 

hotel. I felt a bit flustered. This was my first time I had been around so 

many blind and visually impaired people, and I had mixed feelings.

As for orientation to the hotel, let’s just say that experience is the best 

teacher. I read and re-read the text description of the hotel and nothing 

stuck in my mind. I eventually learned my way around. I met so many people 

from different walks of life and with different stories. The other
scholarship 

finalists were so impressive. They were happy and classy people. They had
done 

and were doing really amazing things. I was most grateful for my mentors.
From 

Sharon Maneki I learned that one must have a plan of action: “You cannot
just 

be flowing with what everyone is doing; have your own goals and have a plan
of 

action.” Ever Lee Hairston taught me how to be a believer: “If you decide to


do or get something, believe in yourself and go for it.”  John Halverson 

counseled that with time we accrue experience and get good at what we do; we


only have to persist and be consistent. Cassie McKinney taught me the virtue


of humility. At the Imagination Fund table, I watched her listen to and
assist 

every single person who came to her, even if they just wanted to talk. She
was 

happy and graceful throughout. Cindy Bennett taught me to always be at the
top 

of my game: “Be your best and be the best. Know what you need to know and
know 

even a little bit more and never fear to look good and fabulous; just be 

humble about it and keep it real.” Finally, Brian Miller taught me it’s
never 

bad to know something extra. It’s good to be a diversified person and to 

improve yourself with different kinds of knowledge and to stay happy.

I thought about all these things and pondered how to use these insights to 

encourage change in people’s lives. Honestly, I felt a bit panicky, but I 

remembered that fear will stop me. I decided to rethink the concept of 

bravery. I realized it meant accepting people’s differences and individual 

challenges. Historically, I had felt like I did not want to experience 

anything different and that I had experienced enough. Now I realized I
needed 

to grow in order to effect change and to have an impact on people’s lives. I


do not know how I will help others; I guess that is one of my many
challenges 

to figure out as I determine what I am really good at and how best to help 

others develop their own positive changes.

Now, each time I meet someone and am asked, “How did you find convention?” I


talk about the importance of continuing to learn, because I believe that was


the whole point of my attending the NFB 2016 convention. I hope we can all 

embrace change and let ourselves feel the shifting and evolving of our 

mindsets and lives.

BELLS RING FOR THE THIRD TIME

By Mary Jo Partyka

 

New Jersey’s BELL (Braille Enrichment through Literacy and Learning) program


was held July 11 - July 22, 2016 once again at the Puerto Rican Association 

for Human Development (PRAHD) in Perth Amboy.  The following six students 

attended this year’s program:  Ethan Rieger (aged 9, grade 4, Toms River), 

Ryan Abbott (aged 8, grade 3, Piscataway), Ghedalia Goldman (aged 7, grade
3, 

Teaneck), Schmuel Bodek (aged 9, grade 4, Monsey, NY), Nate Stephens (aged
7, 

grade 1, Ridgewood) and Aaditya Walavalkar (aged 8, grade 3, Edison).

The person who spent the greatest amount of time planning before and during 

this year’s program was Barbara Shalit (a teacher of the visually impaired 

formerly employed by the New Jersey Commission for the Blind), who managed
the 

scheduling and planning of lessons for each child, organized and ordered 

needed materials and supplies, set up field trips, maintained ongoing 

communications with the children’s parents and teachers of the visually 

impaired, supervised the performance of the volunteers, and held the program


together.  Other members of the BELL team included: Joe Ruffalo, president
of 

the National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey; Jerilyn Higgins, 

instructor of activities of daily living; Holly Miller, a member of Parents
of 

Blind Children-NJ; and Mary Jo Partyka, coordinator of the BELL program and 

president of the New Jersey Association to Promote Braille.

As part of his employment experience with the EDGE (Employment, Development,


Guidance and Engagement) program, high school student Hank Miller supervised


the children in the gym and built a runner where they could practice walking


correctly with their canes. Hank also assisted the children in using the
Cosmo 

E-Brailler and kept them in line.

A unique feature of the BELL program is the inclusion of blind and sighted 

volunteers who serve as mentors and role models for the students. The 

volunteers in this year’s program included: Peggy Kane, Barbara Grames,
Linda 

Melendez, Rosa Santiago, Christina Brino, Rebecca Bryant, Andrew Chin,
Hannah 

Canuto and Quoc Anh Tren.

The major goals of BELL are to teach the students Braille and daily living 

skills such as cutting, spreading and pouring liquids.  In addition, the 

children experienced some new things this year. As a group and with each
child 

contributing at least one sentence, we dictated a story about a little girl 

who wouldn’t use her long white cane.  An adult Brailled the story, a blind 

child read it back, and this led to a discussion about cane use, along with 

insights about how the children regarded canes.

The BELL team also wanted to provide exposure to science, technology, 

engineering and math (STEM) concepts. To support this goal, we asked a
retired 

science professor to speak to the children about electricity. He provided a 

home-made circuit board for each child and taught them about the conduction
of 

electricity through a variety of materials, such as wood and metal. We also 

engaged the services of an organization called Bricks4Kidz, which teaches
STEM 

concepts by providing the children with LEGO® blocks so that they can build
a 

variety of models. The children built models of a windmill, a paper crinkler


and a tornado, and were greatly interested in the science behind windmills
and 

tornados.  The facilitator, who had never worked with blind children before,


seemed very comfortable with the children, and it was an enjoyable
experience 

for everyone.

The BELL students met with some of the students from PRAHD’s summer program 

and introduced them to the Braille writer and showed them how it works.
Each 

BELL student wrote the name of a PRAHD student on an index card, which they 

could take home and show their families.

As you can see from this article, the BELL program is a great resource for
the 

children. As a team, we were able to see the children grow from the
beginning 

to the end of the program, and they also learned to work with each other. 

However, it takes time, resources, commitment and money to make this program


work.  The BELL team is extremely grateful for the contributions we received


from friends, families, and members of our chapters and divisions within the


New Jersey affiliate.  We would also like to express special thanks to Ava’s


Voice (www.avasvoice.org <http://www.avasvoice.org> ) for their generous
donation. Ava’s Voice provides 

financial assistance and support to families affected by hearing and/or
vision 

loss, works to advance the understanding of hearing and vision loss by
funding 

research, and provides resources to educate the public about hearing and 

vision loss. Thanks also go to the Chester, Bloomfield and West Orange Lions


clubs, and to Mrs. Perez for their donations.  Without this generosity, BELL


would not be possible, and the children would be the ones who miss out on
some 

valuable learning.

We would like to thank our teacher, Barbara Shalit, who has worked with us
and 

taught the students for the past three years.  We couldn’t have done this 

program without her. Although she is stepping down from her role as teacher,


she will continue to be a resource to our new teacher, Barbara Grames, who 

will lead the program next year. Mrs. Grames works for the Morris Plains
Board 

of Education and has worked with a blind student for 14 years; she is also a


certified Braille transcriber. We welcome her to our team.

For more information about the BELL program, please visit our website at 

www.nfbnj.org <http://www.nfbnj.org>  or the national BELL website at
www.nfb.org/bell-academy <http://www.nfb.org/bell-academy> .

Winning Isn’t Everything

By Staci Mannella

 

Editor’s Note: New Jersey native Staci Mannella is a sophomore at Dartmouth 

College and planning a career as a large-animal veterinarian. She is also a 

Paralympic skier and an accomplished equestrian; she rides for Dartmouth’s 

equestrian team. Staci is visually impaired. In this article, she reveals
her 

perspective on being a Paralympic athlete.

 

With the Olympics coming to a close, it’s hard for me not to think about how


the athletes are feeling now that it’s time to come home. I recently read an


article (The Dark Side of Going for Gold at theatlantic.com) that talks
about 

life for athletes and the challenges they face in building a new identity
once 

the games are over.

Immediately following my return to school after competing in the 2014 Sochi 

Paralympic Games, I vividly remember one of my high school teachers talking 

with me about my experiences and asking me how I felt about “having peaked 

before leaving high school.” I know she didn’t mean any harm, but to be 

honest, at the time, this comment was kind of a slap in the face. I had just


been accepted at Dartmouth, and I was ready for the next chapter of my life
to 

be just as exciting as the last one.

Prepping for the Olympic or Paralympic games is a long, uphill battle, and
it’s 

incredibly easy to become hyper focused. Once the games are over, it’s 

understandable that many athletes find it challenging to create an identity 

for themselves that doesn’t center on their athletic careers. Luckily for
me, 

starting school at Dartmouth just months after competing in my first 

Paralympics forced me to build my identity around things other than skiing.
In 

some ways this realization was actually a little refreshing. For the first 

time in my life, I wasn’t just the skier who always seemed to miss school.
My 

peers got to know me because of the classes I was taking, the
extracurricular 

activities I was involved in, and probably because I’m the only legally
blind 

student at Dartmouth.

Shortly after coming to Dartmouth, I decided I wanted to continue competing.


This decision forced me to reestablish myself as an elite athlete while
still 

carefully balancing my life as a full-time Dartmouth student. I often feel 

like I’m living two completely separate lives, and I find myself having to 

choose between one and the other. I chose to come to Dartmouth because I
felt 

as though the D-plan – where students can take off from school at various 

points throughout the year – would be a great opportunity to allow me to 

commit 100% to skiing over the winter and 100% to school the rest of the
time. 

Every athlete knows that there is always more work to be done, and 

unfortunately every Ivy League pre-med student also knows the same. When is
it 

appropriate to spend the extra hour in the gym instead of studying for my 

organic chemistry final? It is impossible to prioritize one of my two 

completely separate lives over the other.

Like any athlete, the ultimate goal is to be the best in the world. Every
day 

I try to do everything I possibly can to make that a realistic goal.
However, 

I also know that I cannot ski race forever. Sometimes I find it
disappointing 

that I can’t fully commit to my ski career like most of the athletes I am 

competing against, and I have to remind myself of the bigger picture. It’s 

easy to get caught up in that one big moment and blame yourself for things 

that might have gone differently.

For me, my first Paralympics made me realize that skiing is so much more
than 

the medals I win. In athletics, competition tends to be presented as a
single 

destination. It is very easy to forget that what's truly important are the 

obstacles that lead up to that destination, and how those experiences play a


role in shaping an athlete's character. Skiing has shaped my character in
ways 

that are reflected in all aspects of my life. I have learned to be 

independent, manage my time well, forgive myself when I fall short of my own


expectations, and, above all, strive to be better than I was yesterday.

It is so important for athletes to enjoy their moment and to take in 

everything that competing at an elite level has to offer. However, it is 

arguably more important for athletes to understand that those moments are 

fleeting. Win or lose, medals are forgotten, but acting honorably at times 

when it would be easy to get caught in the hyper-competitive nature that
every 

world class athlete shares is what really separates respectable athletes
from 

respectable people.

Every athlete is a person first. There are core character traits that come 

along with being an elite athlete, and those traits are evident in all
aspects 

of an athlete’s life, even after they are done competing. Character is a 

culmination of all of someone's life experiences both on and off the playing


field. When I compete in the next Paralympics in 2018, I will not be the
exact 

same “me” who competed in the 2014 Paralympic Games, but I will be the best 

“me” that I can be in that given moment. And as for peaking, I’m usually 

pretty comfortable hurling myself downhill, but for some reason I kind of
feel 

like it’s only up from here.

 

NFBNJ Website Demolition & Reconstruction

By Brian Mackey

 

Editor’s Note: Brian is an active member of the NFBNJ, serving as treasurer 

and webmaster for the state affiliate, secretary/treasurer for the At Large 

Chapter, secretary of the Garden State Chapter, and chair of New Jersey’s 

Pre-Authorized Contribution (PAC) Plan, among others. Brian is the owner of 

Mackey Enterprises, LLC which assists individuals and businesses in data
entry 

and bookkeeping projects. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working out at the


gym and playing golf.

 

You Want Me to Do What? After learning that our current webmaster, Kevin 

Sisco, would be stepping down, Joe Ruffalo asked me to revamp the NFBNJ 

website and serve as the new affiliate webmaster. A Website Review Committee


was assembled: Jane Degenshein, Linda DeBerardinis, Mary Fernandez, Ryan 

Stevens, Rick Fox, Carol Castellano, Kathy Gabry and our five affiliate
board 

officers.

 

Research and Cleaning Up The first challenge was finding a web host. David 

Andrews, from the NFB Webmasters Committee, revealed that the web server 

NFBNet.org would be able to host the affiliate website for FREE, and that
this 

server supported the publishing program I planned to use. With Kevin’s
backup 

files, I removed outdated information, made corrections and added lots of
new 

material.

 

Trial Runs and Revisions Revisions flew back and forth as the Website Review


Committee did their work. After I made the first set of revisions, I asked
for 

more review, and oh! Wait! Joe had new material for additional pages! Write,


resubmit and wait for feedback. Our original transition date of May 2 was 

moved to June, and the official switch to NFBNet occurred on June 13. WOO
HOO!

Our goal was to have the website up prior to the national convention, but
that 

deadline caused us to temporarily limit the content to our highest priority 

pages: Home, Chapters & Divisions, Projects & Programs, State Convention,
The 

Sounding Board and our newly created BELL Academy page. Miraculously, our 

NFBNJ website was ready for action a couple of days before the 2016 National


Convention.

 

Yay, Success! This was definitely a team effort. Thank you to all the
Website 

Review Committee members. Their eyes and reviews caught the things I missed.


Thank you to all the affiliate members for their compliments on our new 

website.

I hope you will enjoy the new website design (www.nfbnj.org
<http://www.nfbnj.org> ). Remember that 

this is YOUR website – please contribute! Visit and review it. Inform either


Joe Ruffalo at nfbnj1 at verizon.net <mailto:nfbnj1 at verizon.net>  or me at
bmackey88 at gmail.com <mailto:bmackey88 at gmail.com>  of possible 

additions or changes. We want to add pictures and videos of our members in 

action. We want our website visitors to see that we are living the life we 

want.

Runner refuses to be held back by blindness

By Bob Both

 

Editor’s Note: Linda is a member of the Central Jersey and At Large
Chapters, 

as well as the Senior and Technology Divisions. This article is reprinted
with 

permission from examiner.com. The original article – 

http://www.examiner.com/article/runner-refuses-to-be-held-back-by-blindness
– 

was published  March 20, 2016.

Linda Melendez of Keyport, NJ may not win any races, she may not be the 

fastest runner, but she is a true winner. Linda, you see, is legally blind, 

and she does not let that disability slow her down. Linda started running 

about a year ago. Linda lost 125 pounds from November 2013 to February 2014.


She was committed to not gaining back any of her lost weight, so she decided


to get active. Linda signed up for a Beginner’s Running Class at RunCollege 

and was immediately hooked on running as a way to maintain her fitness and
her 

weight.

After the six-week class, she did her home town Keyport 5K and did the race
in 

34 minutes. She continued to run and now has her sights set on the Asbury
Park 

Half Marathon on April 16, 2016. She is again training with a group of
runners 

under the tutelage of coaches at RunCollege to include Karen Charles of Wall


Township and Tyler King of Howell. She is well on her way already having 

completed a 10-mile training run. According to Linda, “Since losing all this


weight and keeping it off, I have become a participant in my life instead of
a 

spectator.” She made a bucket list for 2016 which included running three
half 

marathons in 2016. She has the ultimate goal of running a full 26.2 mile 

marathon in the near future.

Running is a challenge, but she still loves it. Being legally blind and an 

asthmatic presents obstacles which many of us don’t even think of. Linda,
when 

she was younger, had bleeding in the eyes which caused her to lose central 

detailed vision. It's a form of macular degeneration. One of the challenges 

she faces is not being able to tell what is directly in front of her. For 

example, curbs, cracks, obstacles and the things we take for granted are
major 

challenges. She does not know when to turn left or right until she is almost


on top of the turn. Sometimes she has sheer panic because she is moving
faster 

than what her limited vision can process. As an asthmatic, the first
half-mile 

of every run can be challenging until she can get her breathing rhythm.

Linda refuses to be held back by her blindness. She says she “wants to live 

the life I want and not let my limited vision decide what life I should
live.” 

Her motivation is to remind herself how she feels at the end of each run.
She 

feels accomplished and empowered. Her inspiration for running is her son. He


was her motivation to lose 125 pounds and continues to be her motivation and


inspiration in life. Linda started the journey and her new lifestyle after
the 

death of her mom while she was in the deepest darkest place she could ever 

possibly be. The running has helped her tremendously in overcoming that 

darkness.

Linda makes time to get outside and run at least three times a week and in
bad 

weather runs on a treadmill at a local health club. She prefers running 

outdoors. She enjoys company on the run and manages to make her way to local


group runs by getting a ride from friends or taking public transportation.
She 

regularly takes the train to Asbury Park for group runs there.

According to Linda, “I would be going from being morbidly obese to being a 

marathon runner in all smiles.” Good luck to Linda in running her first half


marathon in Asbury Park on April, 16, 2016. Look for her out there. She can
be 

easily spotted generally wearing a bright neon yellow vest.

 

 

GREENDROP DONATION LOCATION ADDED IN SPRINGFIELD

By Samantha Kresz, Community Marketing Coordinator, GreenDrop

 

In addition to free home pickup service, GreenDrop donors in the Garden
State 

now have the option of donating their gently used clothing and household
goods 

at three safe, drive-up donation centers, the newest being in Springfield. 

When you’re ready to donate, call GreenDrop for a home pickup or bring your 

items to one of these locations where an attendant will unload your car and 

provide a tax receipt from the NFB:

 

Cherry Hill: 1060 Maple Ave. Cherry Hill, NJ 08002

Metuchen: 359 Amboy Ave. Metuchen, NJ 08840

Springfield: 831 South Springfield Ave. Springfield, NJ 07081

 

GreenDrop is pleased to help turn your donations into cash resources to 

support the NFB’s extraordinary initiatives that shatter the misconceptions 

about blindness. GreenDrop handles all the logistics so your donation 

experience is fast and easy. All you have to do is label your bags and boxes


with “NFB” (for the National Federation of the Blind) and the organization 

will receive credit for your donations!

To locate a site near you or to schedule a home pickup call 1-888-944-DROP
or 

visit www.gogreendrop.com. The website lists all the accepted and unaccepted


items.

LOCAL AUTHOR & NFB MEMBER GIVES HALF BOOK PROCEEDS TO NFB

By Ed Lataro

 

Editor’s Note: Ed is a member of the Central Jersey Chapter of the NFB where


he has volunteered for the LEAD and BELL programs, often serving as a
driver, 

set-up person and mobility guide.  He was employed as a vocational 

rehabilitation counselor at the New Jersey Commission for the Blind and 

Visually Impaired. In addition to this book, Ed has written several plays 

which have been produced in New York City.

 

I’ve written a fantasy eBook titled In the Guise of a Child.  The book puts 

you on a cosmic roller coaster where Roger Sanders travels back in time to 

save his soul mate's life. His plan is complicated when he becomes trapped
in 

the body of a 7-year-old. If he doesn’t rescue his soul mate in 90 days, he 

will lose any hope of becoming an adult again. Half of the money raised from


the sale of the book will go to the NFB. The book is available on 

barnesandnobles.com, amazon.com and kobo.com.

 

 

BOOK REVIEW: BLIND AMBITION, BY EVER LEE HAIRSTON

By Katherine Gabry

 

I ran into former New Jersey resident Ever Lee Hairston at the NFB of
Alabama’s 

State Convention last spring, and she mentioned her new book Blind Ambition
– 

One Woman’s Journey to Greatness Despite Her Blindness. Whenever I’ve heard 

Ever Lee speak, I been moved by her abilities as a witty wordsmith, as well
as 

her sincerity, strength of character and clever sense of humor. I couldn’t 

wait to read her book, and I wasn’t disappointed. As I sat on the beach 

reading it this summer, I laughed, cried, examined my own tenets and even 

relived some of my own heartbreaks.

Born on a plantation in North Carolina where her parents were sharecroppers,


Ever Lee was one of seven children, two of whom had Retinitis Pigmentosa.
She 

was an active and involved youngster, curious about the bigger world beyond 

the plantation where she grew up. In the 1960s, she joined the civil rights 

movement, standing behind Martin Luther King Jr and experiencing life
lessons 

that surely influenced her character, integrity, ambitions and faith in 

herself.

Throughout her life, despite hard times, disappointments and bad luck, Ever 

Lee never gave up. Her story is not about the limits of being blind, but 

rather the celebration of believing in yourself, keeping your goals in mind 

and following your dreams. Read the book and you’ll understand why this
woman 

is an inspiration to all.

Blind Ambition is available at amazon.com in paperback and Kindle.

 

 

Remembering Tara

By Dan Facchini

 

Editor’s Note: It is with much sadness that we report the untimely death of 

Tara Carty on July 11, 2016. An NFB national and state scholarship winner, 

Tara was an active member of the NFBNJ. Tara was an inspiration to all who 

knew her. She will be missed. The following two articles tell of Tara’s many


challenges, her indomitable spirit, her life philosophy and her kindness.

 

A Note from the Author: My wife Tara was like any other woman of the world: 

She loved to go shopping and get her nails done, and she enjoyed going to
the 

malls with her grandmother. Her home was very important to her. She loved to


decorate for the holidays, especially Christmas, and one of her favorite 

things to do was to have friends and family over for holidays, backyard 

parties and just having a good time. One of Tara’s lifelong dreams was to 

complete college after leaving Boston College in her second semester when
she 

was diagnosed with renal failure as a complication of diabetes. This dream 

came true when she graduated from Caldwell College in 2013 with a 4.0 GPA. 

Another of Tara’s dreams was to go to Disneyworld as an adult. This dream
came 

true in 2016. We went to the National Convention, and we also went to
Disney. 

Like they always say, “All your dreams come true in Disney.” This year’s 

convention will be the most memorable for me because another of Tara’s
dreams 

came true. I felt her life was complete, and she was finally happy and at 

peace.

 

My introduction to the NFB dates back about 20 years. That was my first
state 

convention, and it was there and then that I was introduced to a whole new 

world. I no longer felt I was powerless against this blindness. Ever since 

that day, the NFB has changed my way of thinking about most everything. I
was 

no longer an angry man with no direction. It led me to a good job, and I
again 

had purpose. I became a member, and then became a chapter president, and now
I 

sit on the board of the NFBNJ. I share with others that being blind doesn't 

mean we have to stop doing the things we love. We can do anything if we put 

our minds to it. A blind person can do just fine in a sighted world. 

Independence and success are ours for the taking.

The biggest change in my life came in November of 2009, at our State 

Convention. It was there that I met the most amazing young lady, Tara Carty.


Tara was a national and state scholarship winner that year. So, on Friday, 

November 6, 2009, in Clark, New Jersey, at the state dinner, things changed
in 

my life forever. After I heard Tara speak, I just knew I had to meet her and


get to know more about her.

Now here was a person who had just recently lost her sight, and had other 

major health issues due to diabetes, but she still had the most amazing 

outlook on life. You could tell whenever Tara spoke that she had the biggest


smile on her face, and she was glowing. Between her smile and her attitude, 

she would just light up the room, and that very night, she lit up my heart
as 

well. I remember going up to her to introduce myself, and I was so nervous. 

That night we just talked and got to know more about one another, and the
more 

she spoke, the more I fell in love.

For those members throughout the state who thought they knew me and thought
I 

was a little rough around the edges and not the one for Tara because we came


from two different sides of the tracks: I want you to know you had nothing
to 

worry about. Tara saw me for who I really was.

Tara was one of the few people I ever met who saw with her heart and not
with 

her eyes. She could talk to a person and listen to them and decide what kind


of a person they really were.

In Tara’s scholarship application, she wrote that she sees with her heart,
and 

she sees people for their personalities, not for what they look like. Well,
it 

was a good thing for me that she did not judge me by what I looked like!

That year at the State Convention, we had a “Kiss the Frog” fundraiser. It
was 

between Joe Ruffalo and me, and at the last minute Tara took her last 10 

dollars and put it on Joe. She said she did not want me kissing anyone else 

but her. Well truth be told, neither did I!

As two blind people, we were able to teach one another so many things. I can


honestly say that Tara made me a better person and taught me how to
experience 

life more fully.

There were so many things we did in the short time we had together, and when
I 

was with her, I was never afraid to do anything. I don’t think I could have 

learned or done more in a lifetime with anyone else. We enjoyed traveling.
Of 

course, we went to NFB National Conventions, and we also went to Saint Croix


on a wonderful vacation, and there were so many weekend getaways for when we


just wanted to be alone and forget about everything else in the world.

The happiest day of my life was when I took her hand at our fairy tale 

wedding, and we vowed to spend each and every day together, from that day 

forward, for as long as we lived.

The reason I’m sharing the story of my life with Tara is because I think 

sometimes people think of the NFB as a place only for business, and to get 

things done in the state, or in Washington on behalf of the blind and their 

issues. That is part of what they do, and thank God for how well they do it,


but it isn’t the only thing the NFB does.

The NFB is a place where people come as strangers who share a disability,
but 

leave as part of a family that will always be there, offering support and 

advice. Personally, emotionally, or yes, the practical necessities, too.

So I will leave you with this testimony: I went from being a rough, tough 

exterior guy, mad at the universe for taking my sight, to a successful 

businessman in the Blind Merchants Division of the NFB. This enabled me to
buy 

a perfect home for my lovely Tara, support the both of us in a way I could
not 

have done if the NFB wasn’t there to guide me, but more than even that, it 

gave me a home and a family in the organization. These folks were there the 

day I met my Tara, and they were there holding me up the day I had to say my


goodbyes to her.

My life is richer because of Tara, along with the list of friends and fellow


Federationists that fill my life. Those people are the greatest gift of all.

A friend shared this quote with me, and I’d like to end with it, since it
sort 

of says what I’ve been trying to convey about the less discussed side of the


NFB: “The ache for home lives in all of us, the safe place where we can go
as 

we are and not be questioned.” - Maya Angelou

 

 

 

TARA CARTY

By Ed Sroczynski, Vocational Rehabilitation Supervisor, NJ CBVI

 

A Note from the Author: This morning I learned of the passing of Tara Carty.
I 

began working with Tara in 2006, and I immediately recognize her potential
to 

transform her life. Tara and I spoke recently, and I was moved by not only
the 

strides she had made, but also how her confidence and personality were 

transformed. I am equally moved by her passing and further inspired to forge


on to do the good work for those served by CBVI. I wrote the following
success 

story about Tara which was part of the CBVI Annual Report.

 

At age 5, Tara Carty was diagnosed with diabetes which was precipitated by a


chicken pox virus that infected her pancreas. Her diabetic condition 

eventually resulted in total blindness, kidney failure and a 

below-the-right-knee amputation.

Tara first applied for CBVI services in the fall of 2006.  At that time, she


lived in a small house in Highland Lakes with her mother and aunt. When the 

CBVI vocational rehabilitation counselor arrived, there were broken concrete


steps, no neighborhood sidewalks and no access to public transportation.
These 

conditions, coupled with medical limitations and limited access to
resources, 

caused Tara to be confined to the house.

When she was asked about her goals, Tara requested adaptive devices for
sewing 

tasks and access to adaptable reading devices. The counselor explored Tara’s


options for developing a plan for employment. Tara offered, “Maybe, I could 

work as a greeter at Walmart.” The counselor recognized that Tara had more
to 

offer and more choices available for her than she realized. Tara was guided
to 

explore her options and practical steps that would expand her world and
enable 

her to establish a realistic career path.

Shortly after the visit, Tara enrolled in a program where she learned to 

access the computer with adaptive technology. Her facility with computer 

skills was immediate, and this became her lifeline to the world. CBVI
provided 

her with a loaner computer and arranged for additional training to build her


proficiency with adaptive technology skills.

Tara was encouraged to consider the option of attending college as a step 

toward establishing her career path. At first glance, this prospect was 

daunting given the necessity of regular dialysis treatments, moving out of
the 

house to live on campus and separating from her family. After much 

consideration, Tara applied to Caldwell College in nearby Caldwell.

Prior to beginning college, Tara applied for and was awarded a scholarship 

offered through the National Federation of the Blind. She traveled to
Detroit 

to attend the National Convention, where she met a number of motivated blind


and visually impaired professionals. Tara recalled that the experience
served 

as a wake-up call and solidified her commitment to forge ahead with college 

studies and establish her career path. Upon her return home, she was awarded


an additional scholarship through the NFBNJ affiliate. Tara attended the
State 

Convention where she continued to widen her network of friends and where she


met her future husband.

Tara began her first semester at Caldwell College in the fall of 2009. Her 

adjustment to college life was challenging at first, but her steadfast 

determination enabled her to make the adjustment fairly quickly. She learned


that living on a college campus afforded her access to an additional social 

network, increased mobility and the opportunity to develop her career path. 

Tara chose to major in English based on her strong interest in reading and 

writing. Tara accessed all of the tools and resources at her disposal and 

diligently pursued her degree. She graduated with a grade point average of
4.0 

in the spring of 2013.

Tara currently resides with her husband in Rutherford. She reflects on her 

journey and extends her heart-felt gratitude to CBVI for assisting her to
open 

up the opportunity to significantly transform her life.

Tom and Gail Ferry: a Tribute

MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP ESTABLISHED

                        By John Ferry

 

Editor’s Note: With Tom Ferry’s passing in March 2016, the Ferry family has 

established the Tom and Gail Ferry Memorial Scholarship, which will be
awarded 

at the State Convention in November.  John is a graduate of the Colorado 

Center for the Blind. He and his wife Abby reside in Colorado.

 

As far back as I can remember, my parents, Gail and Tom Ferry, were involved


in the National Federation of the Blind. When I was around 3 years old,
they, 

along with several other families formed Parents of Blind Children – New 

Jersey.  I remember many of the early meetings and workshops. For me, it was
a 

chance to meet other blind children. For them, it was a chance to get
educated 

on all of the different opportunities available to a blind child.

My parents were people who always looked for solutions to seemingly 

insurmountable things. For example, when I was young, my father wanted to
get 

me up on skis. People had told him that something like that would be 

impossible. That wasn’t good enough for Tom Ferry. It was in 1996, at our 

first National Convention, that he met several people who were blind and
also 

skied. They explained how it could be done, and the next winter, he and I
were 

out on the slopes learning together.

Along with the five National Conventions we attended, we were also regulars
at 

the New Jersey State Conventions. At these meetings, we became close to many


members of the affiliate. Over time, the people we met became more than just


acquaintances; they became close personal friends.

In 2005, my dad became the treasurer of the New Jersey affiliate. About nine


years later, I asked him why he was still doing it. He replied, “This 

organization has helped you in so many ways that I feel this is the least I 

can do.”

When my mother passed away in 2013, my father established a scholarship in
her 

name to benefit college students. Now with his passing, this scholarship
will 

become the Tom and Gail Ferry Memorial Scholarship. I can’t think of a
better 

tribute to my parents. They were always looking for ways to help people, and


now their legacy will continue to live on.

 

 

 

Learning to Be a Leader from Leaders: NFB Leadership Building Seminar

By Brian Mackey

 

Editor’s Note: Brian is an active member of the NFBNJ, serving as treasurer 

and webmaster for the state affiliate, secretary/treasurer for the At Large 

Chapter, secretary of the Garden State Chapter, and chair of New Jersey’s 

Pre-Authorized Contribution (PAC) Plan, among others. Brian is the owner of 

Mackey Enterprises, LLC which assists individuals and businesses in data
entry 

and bookkeeping projects. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working out at the


gym and playing golf.

 

What makes a good leader? Look around the NFB; embrace and be inspired by
the 

talents of strong, passionate and dedicated leaders. My leadership idols 

include Dr. Maurer, Pam Allen, Ever Lee Hairston, Joe Ruffalo, Mark
Riccobono, 

Anil Lewis, Carol Castellano and Linda DeBerardinis. At NFB’s 2011 National 

Convention, Joe Ruffalo mentioned the upcoming Leadership Building Seminar, 

which spiked my interest. The leadership seminar develops Federation leaders


to expand local chapters, recruit new members and promote the Federation 

philosophy. I didn’t hesitate to contact Joe about attending this program.

Along with several eager participants, I arrived in Baltimore on a Friday 

afternoon, depleted from the stifling hot bus ride. Jason Ewell and Joanne 

Wilson warmly welcomed us and showed us to our rooms. Dr. Maurer announced 

dinner and we refreshed our energy with lively conversations and
expectations.

On Saturday morning, Dr. Maurer began the seminar and affirmed what it means


to be an NFB leader. Leadership, he said, requires oodles of imagination, 

heaps of goodwill and bunches of hard work, along with an ample amount of
good 

times while successfully completing the job. Hint: if you don’t want to do
the 

work and enjoy it, don’t take the position! We learned that leadership is
the 

capacity to imagine how things could improve, to inspire others to join the 

team and to accomplish a task that improves the lives of others. To enhance 

the lives of others, leaders need to cultivate new approaches, new ways of 

thinking and new ways to deal with old situations. To enrich our chapters
and 

divisions, we need to encourage new members to join and to get involved in 

various committees, projects or an office.

After Dr. Maurer’s powerful and motivational speech, we broke into groups
for 

an ice-breaker. Together we discovered why we each became a Federationist,
why 

we’re members and why we want to become NFB leaders. I’m a Federationist 

because it encourages and nurtures me to be more self-confident and 

independent as a blind individual. Within the NFB, I can associate with
other 

blind individuals, share what we’ve learned and promote blindness awareness.


Our groups discussed where to locate other blind people and how to bond with


them. Other blind persons could be found at eye doctors’ offices, college 

disability services offices, churches, senior centers, transportation
services 

(such as buses, trains, planes and taxis), Facebook, Twitter, and through 

friends’ referrals. How can we bond with other blind individuals? We all can


easily speak about our different eye conditions, for example. We discussed 

resources available through the NFB: NEWSLINE, the Independence Market, 

International Braille and Technology Center, the free white cane program,
the 

NFB and affiliate divisions, mentoring programs, training centers (Louisiana


Center for the Blind, Colorado Center for the Blind and Blind Learning In
New 

Dimensions [Blind Inc.] in Minnesota), listservs, Bookshare, Learning Ally, 

NLS BARD, the NFB website and publications, state and national conventions, 

word of mouth, Washington Seminar and many others. And that was just the
first 

part of our day!

Later we toured the IBTC and the Independence Market. The IBTC fascinated me


with the hundreds of devices available to the blind, many made in the U.S. I


checked out Braille embossers, Apple products and the KNFB reader, among 

others. Onward we went to the Independence Market that supplies a wide
variety 

of merchandise for the blind/visually impaired along with free pamphlets
about 

the NFB.

Our afternoon session focused on how to make phone calls to established and 

potential NFB members and how to discuss the free white cane program, 

NEWSLINE, and the digital talking book player. We learned how to handle 

negative responses. Even though this activity took me out of my comfort
zone, 

I slowly became more confident, more empowered and a stronger Federationist.

After dinner, we took part in some challenges: driving the Blind Driver 

Challenge interface simulator, using a “real” chain saw to cut wood, and 

testing our knowledge about NEWSLINE.

Sunday morning, we brainstormed several “what-if” scenarios for possible 

solutions. Then our leadership training ended, and we headed back home.

What a great experience! I learned that I have inner strength, and with NFB 

encouragement, I can promote my self-confidence and build my leadership 

qualities. I learned that a leader is loving, enthusiastic, able,
determined, 

ethical and responsible. Together, we learn, we support, we encourage
others, 

and we promote the fact that blind individuals are capable of full 

participation in society. As Joe Ruffalo says, “When we all do, it becomes 

doable. The more we try, the more we succeed. Everything is impossible until


you do it. Keep believing.  Keep dreaming. Keep learning. Let's work
together. 

Let's make a difference!”

Thank you, Joe and NFB for a great learning experience. I would never have 

imagined how this experience would shape me into the leader I am today. I am


proud to be a leader within NFBNJ at the affiliate, chapter, division, 

committee and personal levels.

SURF’S UP!

By Amanda Oglesby

 

Editor’s Note:  This article is condensed from the original published by the


Asbury Park Press 8/22/16. The article is available in its entirety with
video 

and photos at 

http://www.app.com/story/news/local/communitychange/2016/08/22/watch-surfing
-blind-vision-rich-life/88452304/

 

ASBURY PARK — Charles Patterson McKenna rested his hand on the arm of Andrew


Gioulis as the two walked from the beach in Asbury Park into the frothy
surf, 

on Sunday, August 21. This was 42-year-old McKenna's first time surfing, and


he would be doing it blind with the help of Gioulis, a volunteer with 

Christian Surfers, a Manasquan-based religious missionary organization,
along 

with the Neptune Lions Club, which provided free eye screenings during the 

event. “I've never surfed before and I’m thrilled for the opportunity
today,” 

he said.

McKenna, of Highland Park, has been blind since the age of 5, but this has
not 

stopped him from leading a full life. An attorney, married with a 3-year-old


son, McKenna also helps run the EDGE (Employment Development Guidance and 

Engagement) program for teenagers who have vision loss, preparing them for 

work through job shadowing, skills building, and learning adaptive
technology 

and independent travel.

With McKenna at the front of the surfboard and Gioulis, 36, of Neptune at
the 

back, the two paddled into the waves before turning and catching one 

white-capped swell toward shore.

Surfing for Vision was the first event of its kind for the Visual Experience


Foundation, an organization founded by Michael Benson of Belmar. Benson, 55,


born with glaucoma, has undergone many eye surgeries and says he has spent 

much time memorizing the sights and faces around him for the day he may lose


his sight. Grateful for the vision he has retained, his foundation has 

provided “sight visits” to Niagara Falls, the Grand Canyon, and even a 

helicopter ride over New York City — all to help people make lasting
memories. 

“I teach people to burn visual memories,” Benson said. “That's what we do as
a 

foundation.”

Medford resident Brian Mackey, 28, diagnosed at age 12 with a degenerative
eye 

condition that eventually took his sight, hopped onto a surfboard and rode
the 

rough and bouncing waves.

NFBNJ president Joe Ruffalo also tried surfing. “The surf won,” said 

67-year-old Ruffalo. “It's really a tremendous experience.” Though he lost
his 

eyesight, Ruffalo said he never lost his vision for a life full of hope and 

rich experiences, and he hopes that others who are losing or have lost their


sight will embrace the same positive philosophy. “Blindness does not have to


hold us back,” he said.

TECH TIPS & INFORMATION

 

Share tips to stay safe on the web – Kevin’s Consulting has started a
mailing 

list for sharing tips and tricks to keep safe when using your computer and
for 

computing in general. Ask questions, help each other out, enjoy a safe 

environment, and take advantage of some great security tools designed by
Kevin 

himself! Sign up by e-mail kevinsconsulting+subscribe at groups.io or visit 

https://groups.io/g/kevinsconsulting.

 

AFB Announces Free NVDA Online Tutorial – The American Foundation for the 

Blind has announced the availability of Learn NVDA, a series of FREE online 

video tutorials designed to help people who are blind/visually impaired
learn 

to use the computer and/or improve their computer skills. The tutorials 

include installing and using NVDA (Non Visual Desktop Access), a free screen


reader. Each tutorial contains step-by step instructions with audio. To
learn 

more, go to www.afb.org/learnnvda.

 

New iOS 10 Tutorial Available – Apple calls the new system software “more 

personal, more powerful and more playful.” Much has been redesigned, and
many 

enhancements and changes have been made. Go directly to the tutorial:

http://www.thetechjuggernaut.com/2016/09/13/ios-10-is-here-tutorial-and-demo
-with-voiceover/

DID YOU KNOW 


 

Art insight – The Museum of Modern Art offers a free program for the blind
and 

partially sighted community. Tours are led by specially trained educators
who 

highlight specific themes, artists and exhibitions through verbal
description 

and touch. For more information, call 212-408-6619 or e- mail 

accessprograms at moma.org

NASA internships for Summer 2017 – This is for high school students and
older: 

Submit your application by March 1, 2017 to http://intern.nasa.gov/. Apply
to 

specific internships to get a mentor. Contact Information: Voice: 

301-286-9281, Fax:  301-286-1655, E-mail:  kenneth.a.silberman at nasa.gov

NFB Songs Available on CD – The collection of new NFB songs that was
released 

in 2015 as “The Rhythm of the Movement” is available from the NFB
Independence 

Market. Call the Independence Market at 410-659-9314, extension 2216. Many
of 

the older songs can be found on the NFB website at https://nfb.org/nfb-songs

Free Federation E-Book Available – Get the new free e-book “Building The
Lives 

We Want: The Seventy-Fifth Anniversary History of the National Federation of


the Blind” through this link:
https://nfb.org/pubs/building-the-lives-we-want. 

Multiple access options are available for reading.

FROM THE KITCHENS OF YOUR PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENT

 

These recipes are reprinted from the March 2003 issue of The Braille
Monitor. 

They are as delicious today as they were then! Enjoy!

 

RUFF’S PUFFS

Submitted by Joe Ruffalo

 

Editor’s Note: Joe enjoys baking, and for 10 years, baked for local 

establishments, friends and family.

 

Ingredients – makes 12 large cream puffs

1 cup all-purpose flour    1 box of instant pudding

1 stick butter or margarine    1-1/2 cups milk

4 large eggs    1/2 cup sour cream

1 cup of water

Directions: In a one-quart saucepan combine one cup water and one stick 

butter. Place saucepan on low heat, bringing the water and butter to a
rolling 

boil. Turn off heat and add one cup flour, stirring with wooden spoon until 

the mixture is thick and there are no lumps (approximately three to five 

minutes). When the batter is perfect, the wooden spoon will stand straight
up 

in it. Place batter in a large mixing bowl. Add four large eggs, one at a 

time, stirring constantly to insure that the batter remains stiff. When all 

four eggs have been worked in and you are satisfied with the stiffness of
the 

batter, you are ready to make the Ruff's puff shells.

You may want to grease the cookie sheets you use for baking the puffs if
they 

do not have a nonstick surface or are not already well seasoned. Use a 

quarter-cup to measure the batter. Be sure to pack the batter into the cup
so 

that you have no air pockets. Smooth the surface of the batter with the 

reverse side of a butter knife, allowing excess batter to fall back into the


mixing bowl. Place the batter on the cookie sheet by sliding the butter
knife 

around the inside of the measuring cup to loosen it. If the resulting puff
is 

not round, shape it with your hands. Leave one to two inches of space around


each puff. Place sheet in preheated 375-degree oven for thirty-five to forty


minutes or until the smell of the puffs tells you that they are golden
brown. 

Halfway through the cooking process, rotate the cookie sheet 180 degrees to 

insure even baking. Be very certain that the puffs are done; they will fall 

when removed from the pans if they are not thoroughly done and a bit crisp
to 

the touch.

When done, gently remove puffs from cookie sheet and allow to cool on a rack


or plate. Do not cut puffs until they are room temperature. While puffs are 

cooling, in a large metal mixing bowl make the cream filling. Use one
package 

vanilla or chocolate instant pudding. Once the instant pudding is in the 

mixing bowl, add one and a half cups milk, any kind – whole milk adds a 

calorie or two but makes the filling noticeably richer. Then add 1/2 cup of 

sour cream. Using an electric mixer on low speed, mix filling for 

approximately two minutes, then increase speed to high for about thirty 

seconds. Allow to stand at room temperature for approximately ten minutes.
If 

you prefer to mix the cream by hand, use an egg beater for about three to
five 

minutes or until the cream thickens.

Use a sharp knife to cut puffs before filling them. I cut puffs horizontally


about three-quarters of the way through, approximately in the middle. This 

should expose a hollow space in the center. If not, pull out enough of the 

soft center to make your own hollow for filling. Using a tablespoon, begin 

filling the puffs with the cream and then close them again. Place in the 

refrigerator and enjoy the cleanup. Double the recipe, and you will double
the 

calories. Enjoy the Ruff's Puffs and watch your waistline grow.

CAPPUCCINO CHEESECAKE

Submitted by Jerilyn Higgins

 

Editor’s Note: Jerilyn is the Godmother of the Kitchen, where she continues
to 

assist with growing your waistline.

 

Ingredients

2  8-ounce packages cream cheese

3 eggs

3 cups sour cream

¼ cup coffee

1-2 cups sugar

 

2 teaspoons vanilla

4 ounces melted chocolate chips

Oreo cookie crumb crust mix

 

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

With electric mixer, combine sugar and cream cheese

Add eggs, one at a time, then add sour cream

Dissolve 1 tablespoon of instant coffee in ¼ cup hot water and add to
mixture

Melt chocolate chips in microwave for 1 minute, add to mixture, beat well

Add vanilla

Prepare Oreo crumb crust in Springform pan, following package directions

Pour the mixture into pan

Pour water into a larger pan to make a bath for the cheesecake

Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes

Turn off oven and leave cake in closed oven for one hour

Garnish with whipped cream or Cool Whip and chocolate-covered coffee beans

NFBNJ CONTACT INFORMATION

NFB National Center

    President

    Mark Riccobono    410-659-9314

NFB State Affiliate

    President

        Joseph Ruffalo    973-743-0075

    First Vice President

        Jerilyn Higgins    973-239-8874

    Second Vice President

        Mary Jo Partyka    609-888-5459

    Secretary

        Alice Eaddy    856-765-0601

    Treasurer

        Brian Mackey    609-953-6988

    Board Members

        Rebecca Bryant    973-732-6559

        Linda DeBerardinis    856-735-5559

        Jane Degenshein    973-736-5785

        Dan Facchini    201-906-8655

        Mary Fernandez    732-857-7004

        Anthony Lanzilotti    267-414-4010

NFBNJ Chapters

At-Large Chapter

    Conference call last Thurs. of the

    month, 8 p.m., except July & Nov.

        712-432-0180, enter code 460994

    Joe Ruffalo    973-743-0075

 

Capital Chapter

Third Sat., Hamilton Twp Public Library, 10 a.m. - noon

Mary Jo Partyka    609-888-5459

    choirnfb at gmail.com

Central Jersey Chapter

Second Sat., JKTC, New Brunswick,     10 a.m. - noon

Jerilyn Higgins    973-239-8874

    jdhiggins3 at verizon.net

Garden State Chapter

Third Sat., Kennedy Memorial Hospital auditorium, Cherry Hill    10 a.m.

    Ryan Stevens    856-520-0016

        rysteve at comcast.net

Glasstown Chapter

First Sat., Inspira Fitness Center,

1430 W Sherman, Vineland    9:45 a.m.

Lydia Keller    856-696-3518

    lydiakeller at comcast.net

Northeast Chapter

Third Sat., St. Mathew’s Church, Secaucus    10 a.m.

    Dan Facchini    201-906-8655

        danfb at verizon.net

Northern Chapter

Third Sat., Free Public Library, 3rd Floor, Newark, 10 a.m. – noon, Braille 

classes immediately following

    Rebecca Bryant    973-732-6559

        rirvin14 at optonline.net

South Jersey Shore Chapter

Second Sat., Lions Blind Center, Absecon, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Anthony Lanzilotti    267-414-4010

    Tti777 at gmail.com

NFB of NJ Divisions

Blind Merchants

    Dan Facchini    201-906-8655

        danfb at verizon.net

Braille Division

Mary Jo Partyka    609-888-5459

choirnfb at gmail.com

Deaf-Blind Division

Alice Eaddy    856-765-0601

cheiro_alice at aol.com

 

Diabetes Division

    Rebecca Bryant    973-732-6559

        rirvin14 at optonline.net

Guide Dog Users

    Dan Facchini    201-906-8655

        danfb at verizon.net

Parents of Blind Children

    Carol Castellano    973-377-0976

blindchildren at verizon.net

Senior Blind

    Jane Degenshein    973-736-5785

        Jdegen16 at comcast.net

Students

    Vee Gaspa    434-989-1868

        Veronica.gaspa at student.shu.edu

Technology Division

    Jane Degenshein    973-736-5785

        Jdegen16 at comcast.net

 

Programs, Projects & Committees

Adopt Adaptive Equipment

    Joe Ruffalo    973.743.0075

        nfbnj1 at verizon.net

    Ed Godfrey    856-848-6372

        egodfrey137 at gmail.com

BELL Program

    Mary Jo Partyka    609-888-5459

        choirnfb at gmail.com

    Holly Miller    732-610-5478

        pobcnj at gmail.com

 

 

 

Blind Children’s Resource Center

    Carol Castellano    973-377-0976

        www.blindchildren.org

        blindchildren at verizon.net

Braille Mentoring Program

    Mary Jo Partyka    609-888-5459

        choirnfb at gmail.com

Building Chapters & Membership

    Rick Fox    973-743-6107

        richardfox1 at comcast.net

GreenDrop

    Linda DeBerardinis    856-735-5559

        ljdeber3 at comcast.net

Legislative Coordinator

    Ryan Stevens    856-520-0016

        rysteve at comcast.net

NFB Newsline

    Jane Degenshein    973-736-5785

        Jdegen16 at comcast.net

Public Relations/Press Releases

    Joe Ruffalo    973-743-0075

        nfbnj1 at verizon.net

Resolutions

    Ryan Stevens    856-520-0016

        rysteve at comcast.net

Scholarship

    Jerilyn Higgins    973-239-8874

        jdhiggins3 at verizon.net

Vehicle Donation Program

Anthony Lanzilotti    267-414-4010

    tti777 at gmail.com

 

 

CHAPTER AND DIVISION UPDATES CAN BE FOUND ON THE NFBNJ WEBSITE

Deadline for the Spring 2017 issue is March 15, 2017.

 

CHECK US OUT ON THE WEB AT

www.nfbnj.org        www.blindchildren.org

 

To receive The Sounding Board and other information via e-mail,

please contact Alice Eaddy at nfbnj.secretary at aol.com

Keep Smiling,

Janie Degenshein

"Happiness isn't having what you want, but wanting what you already have"

Facilitator of ECHO

(Eyes Closed Hearts Open)

President, National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey Senior Division

President, National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey Technology
Division

NFBNJ newsline coordinator

jdegen16 at comcast.net 

_______________________________________________

NFB-Seniors mailing list

NFB-Seniors at nfbnet.org

http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-seniors_nfbnet.org

Division website:  http://seniors.nfb.org

To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
NFB-Seniors:

http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfb-seniors_nfbnet.org/newmanrl%40cox.net

 

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