[Nfb-editors] Blueprint to a basic newsletter

Tue Feb 22 18:55:48 UTC 2011

Hello,

First, I love that this list is getting active.  Dialogues only help us
grow.

To me, the newsletter-- however you choose to publish it-- is a catalyst
for education and outreach to our membership and communities.

With the Nebraska Independent, I do not focus on the overwhelming amount
of info the Federation distributes on a daily basis.  I take what is
important or what will grab readers attention, but I do not include
every current piece of news coming out of headquarters.  This just
bombards readers, and it is a lot to sort out for non-members.

My background is in creative writing so I try to bring a more literary
approach to our newsletter.  I solicit submissions that express more
personal opinions and ideas about Federation philosophy, current events
within blindness, society's perceptions in general-- stuff like that.

It is certainly important to bring attention to the direct initiatives
and causes, but I feel we reach a broader audience with pieces that
translate personal experiences.  We can "tell" people things until we
are blue in the face, but when we "show" people real situations,
opinions, experiences, they form a deeper understanding.

I don't think there is a right or wrong way to develop a newsletter--
well, to an extent.  I feel, though, that our focus should be more
educational than anything.  Sharing stats and research is great, but
when readers can put a personal experience to those stats and research,
the situation becomes more immediate.

As for donation request, again, no right or wrong, but, personally, I
don't like to be bombarded by donation request from organizations and
groups-- especially those that ask frequently.  Anyone ever been visited
by Jehovah's Witnesses?  I mean no offense to anyone, but most people I
know groan when they come around asking for donations.

I just don't want to fall into that category where the Federation is
associated with always asking for money.

As a nonprofit, we certainly must raise funds, but there is a time and
place for this.  I don't know if a newsletter-- at least in the
beginning-- is the appropriate catalyst to ask for donations.  Just my
opinion.

Bridgit

-----Original Message-----
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Today's Topics:

   1. Re: Blueprint to a basic newsletter (Mike Freeman)
   2. Re: Blueprint to a basic newsletter (Joe Orozco)
   3. Donation Requests? (Everett Gavel)
   4. State Publications & Style Guides (Everett Gavel)
   5. Re: Blueprint to a basic newsletter (Robert Leslie Newman)
   6. Connecticut Newsletter- "The Federationist In	Connecticut"
      (Robert Leslie Newman)
   7. Test- not seeing my posts (Robert Leslie Newman)
   8. New Mexico Newsletter- "Que Pasa" (Robert Leslie Newman)

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Message: 1
Date: Mon, 21 Feb 2011 10:18:50 -0800
From: "Mike Freeman" <k7uij at panix.com>
To: <jsorozco at gmail.com>,	"'Correspondence Committee Mailing
List'"
	<nfb-editors at nfbnet.org>
Subject: Re: [Nfb-editors] Blueprint to a basic newsletter
Message-ID: <002701cbd1f3$cb00da80$61028f80$@panix.com>
Content-Type: text/plain;	charset="us-ascii"

Joe:

I'm afraid your job has colored your viewpoint as you readily admit
might be the case.  Even articles on the "state of the economy" or what
would be wise investments could well be controversial in that there is
plenty of disagreement among economic and investment gurus on both
subjects.  No, Gary is right; we should stick to blindness.  Moreover,
if our ultimate goal is the integration of the blind into society,
should we not expect that we,the blind, should avail ourselves of the
same sources of economic and investment advice as does everyone else?

It also seems to me that we must consider for whom we are writing our
newsletters.  Are we writing for our members, potential members, agency
people, the general public, some or all of the above or none of the
above? Put another way, there was a time when newsletters and written
correspondence were about the only vehicles to communicate with our
members. I may be committing heresy here but I think this is no longer
the case. Hence, the importance of our newsletters as organs to convey
our message to government and the general public has increased markedly.

Just my $0.02-worth.

Mike

-----Original Message-----
From: nfb-editors-bounces at nfbnet.org
[mailto:nfb-editors-bounces at nfbnet.org]
On Behalf Of Joe Orozco
Sent: Monday, February 21, 2011 8:32 AM
To: 'Correspondence Committee Mailing List'
Subject: Re: [Nfb-editors] Blueprint to a basic newsletter

Gary,

Excellent post as always.  I do have a suggestion regarding your fifth
point.  While articles should have something to do with blindness, I
think it would be good to feature the occasional article on the state of
the economy in general and personal investment in particular.  Perhaps
my feeling is owed to my full-time gig working for a financial education
organization, but blind people ought to know how to use the money they
are having come in and invest that in a way that will not impact their
benefits while growing a nest egg for the future.  With retirement not
at all looking like what it did after World War II, it's important for
our fellow blind peers to know how to survive, especially if the high
unemployment rates persist.  I don't know how it works with Social
Security Income.  I would think the money would not be touched if
invested in an IRA, but my point is that there are a few general issues
that should be of equal importance to blind individuals, even if they do
not impact blind people specifically. Just my twenty dollar's worth.

Best,

Joe

"Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up their
sleeves, some turn up their noses, and some don't turn up at all."--Sam
Ewing -----Original Message-----
From: nfb-editors-bounces at nfbnet.org
[mailto:nfb-editors-bounces at nfbnet.org]
On Behalf Of Wunder, Gary
Sent: Monday, February 21, 2011 10:50 AM
To: newmanrl at cox.net; Correspondence Committee MailingList
Subject: Re: [Nfb-editors] Blueprint to a basic newsletter

1. What is your legislative agenda assuming you have one?

2. Who has done something noteworthy--new job, graduation from college,
certified by Microsoft as a technician, completed a Hadley course.

3. What seminars has your state done and how were they received? Are
there plans for more?

4. What philosophical issues come up in general discussion? In Missouri
one of those issues is the Blind Pension, a monthly check sent to those
with very limited vision with less of 20/200 or a visual field of less
than 20 degrees. Does it serve to motivate people to work by meeting
some of the extra expenses of blindness or keep them home because it
pads the safety net? How many people move here to get it? Is it like
what we're pressing for in our Social Security reforms or is it
different? When did it start? How was it created?

5. Try to have your articles have something to do with blindness. There
are many social issues that people will want to write about, but do they
bring together or divide our readers? Many of us have views we'd love to
write about on divisive social issues. We have the right to hold those
views and to say what we feel in appropriate forums. I will not divide
my affiliate with issues such as the wars in which we find ourselves,
environmental issues VS the rights of businesses and growth, marriage
for people of the same sex, taxation and cutting government spending,
the role of the local school board in setting educational standards and
the part the state and federal departments of education should play, gun
laws, religious freedom, and a whole host of other things the informed
American and citizen of the world will consider when we listen to the
radio and read the newspaper. The question is in what forums we discuss
these and other issues. I suggest it not happen in the pages of our
publications where our focus is on those things that unite us.

There is plenty to think about, but far fewer articles. In July many
folks told me how glad they were that I was becoming the editor of the
Monitor--all of them held out the promise of an article or even a
column, and many suggested that the standards before had been a little
too tight to allow for their entries. Take it from me--we aren't hurting
for material, but we do have to scratch for it, and the issue isn't some
tough standard. It is that people have more ideas than they do the time
or discipline to write them.

I hope this stimulates some thoughts and helps in generating content.

Gary

-----Original Message-----
From: nfb-editors-bounces at nfbnet.org
[mailto:nfb-editors-bounces at nfbnet.org]
On Behalf Of Robert Leslie Newman
Sent: Sunday, February 20, 2011 7:46 AM
To: editors nfb list
Subject: [Nfb-editors] Blueprint to a basic newsletter

Editors

RE: The creation of a newsletter where one does not exist

Okay dear people: I do not need to sell you all on the importance of a
newsletter. Fact- they say and I'm going to find out, that half of our
affiliates do not have a newsletter. And my guess is that the most often
reason for this is --- that the job is seen to be too big and complex.
What I am asking this group to do is come up with an outline for a basic
easy to do blueprint for a newsletter. Like:

#1  what are the basic parts? (Examples: a presidential report. A
section on giving a brief accounting of what the affiliate has done or
is going to be doing and is proud of. Reports from chapters or
divisions. A section on helpful blindness alternatives, or section on
recipes, etc. 

#2 What is a method for getting those parts created? (Example- each
chapter is required to submit  a summary of their activities. Ask for
people to send in their favorite recipes and techniques) Also, with the
editor being a member of this list, they can find material from other
affiliates newsletters (We within the NFB are dedicated to educating
each other). 

#3 What formats should a beginning newsletter think of providing? Email
alone is a good start. Braille and/or print can come as it is possible.
Posting the mag on the affiliates webpage and/or in that states Newsline
would be easy to arrange.

#4 The editor is encouraged to be part of this list. Here they get
support of all kinds! Material, suggestions, technical assistance, etc. 

#5 The newsletter, to begin with or --- will be as short or as long as
it
--- can be. 

(And the technical quality, with help, can and should be acceptable and
could and should improve where needed. You tell me how this part of the
message must be stated.) 

But hey you all!!! This is all reachable. Let us come up with a
reasonable outline, blueprint and get it out there. (I am unaware of
this having been done and already out for others to consult. In fact, we
should put this "blueprint" in every publication we have that gets into
our members hands.

Robert Leslie Newman

President, Omaha Chapter NFB

President, NFB Writers' Division

Division Website

 <http://www.nfb-writers-division.org>
http://www.nfb-writers-division.org

Personal Website-

 <http://www.thoughtprovoker.info> http://www.thoughtprovoker.info

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------------------------------

Message: 2
Date: Mon, 21 Feb 2011 13:53:43 -0500
From: "Joe Orozco" <jsorozco at gmail.com>
To: "'Correspondence Committee Mailing List'" <nfb-editors at nfbnet.org>
Subject: Re: [Nfb-editors] Blueprint to a basic newsletter
Message-ID: <FDDDAA3116A6499F82EC06A3314F8C55 at Rufus>
Content-Type: text/plain;	charset="us-ascii"

Mike, 

Fair enough.  I thought it would be worth at least exploring.  Again, I
am talking about an article every blue moon as opposed to something like
a regular column.  When it comes to financial education, there is more
than one way to increase your capital, but people are more likely to
listen if the information is received from a trusted source.  My
employer's educational model relies on dispensing information through
shelters, clinics, libraries, housing counseling services and other
familiar establishments, because we know the average consumer is not
going to pick up a brochure on their own and start reading.  Some things
like identity protection, proper use of credit cards, and basic banking
are fundamental issues that do not lend themselves to bias, and I would
think the information is important when things like telephone bill
statements are not always easy to decipher in Braille, let alone in
print.  Unfortunately, your argument about integrating the blind into
society could work both ways. Theoretically, if that were true, we would
give more exposure to everyday activities in hopes that people will take
more advantage of the various services out there, but I suppose this is
another issue where we can agree to disagree.

Best,

Joe

"Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up their
sleeves, some turn up their noses, and some don't turn up at all."--Sam
Ewing

------------------------------

Message: 3
Date: Mon, 21 Feb 2011 14:00:07 -0500
From: "Everett Gavel" <everett at everettgavel.com>
To: <nfb-editors at nfbnet.org>
Subject: [Nfb-editors] Donation Requests?
Message-ID: <000601cbd1f9$8f7e6bc0$ae7b4340$@com>
Content-Type: text/plain;	charset="us-ascii"

Bridgit wrote:
"Readers may not want to be sequestered for donations right off the
bat-- especially non-members.  Personally, I would leave this section
for the end."

Hello Bridgit, and all,

Respectfully, I can't bring myself to agree with the suggestion of
putting donation requests at the end of a publication.  Or at least, if
it's put there, I believe it should be in addition to elsewhere in the
publication. Personally, I like the idea of even moving it around
between a few spots, issue to issue.  Such as always between a couple of
the articles or sections, but readers won't necessarily know which ones
until they read through it.  That way they can't willingly skip it
simply because they know it's always right there.  I do like the idea of
having such a request immediately after a valuable, helpful article.
Give value, then ask the reader for help to be able to continue giving
value, y'know? ;-)

Personally, I don't mind the instance where the Monitor, for example,
asks for donations in the first pages of each issue.  I tend to think
that people that may get so easily offended by such a thing would not be
the ones donating anyway. But that's personal opinion, not fact.  A
related fact, however, is: "You can't make everyone happy all the time."

It seems much easier to make some people grumble seemingly all the time,
though -- ever notice that?  It's a silly world, indeed.  ;-)

Strive On!
Everett
NFB of Greater Summit County (Northeast Ohio)

------------------------------

Message: 4
Date: Mon, 21 Feb 2011 14:34:00 -0500
From: "Everett Gavel" <everett at everettgavel.com>
To: <nfb-editors at nfbnet.org>
Subject: [Nfb-editors] State Publications & Style Guides
Message-ID: <000d01cbd1fe$4adb1040$e09130c0$@com>
Content-Type: text/plain;	charset="us-ascii"

Mike Wrote: 
"I dare say many affiliates are lucky to even *have* a newsletter (NFB
of Washington does not), let alone follow a style guide. (grin)" 

Hello Mike, and all,

Mike, that's probably a spot for some deep, philosophical discussion.
Regarding the points of this 70%-and-larger unemployment rate among the
blind, and people supposedly wanting jobs.  Yet we can't even get people
to step up and take on the responsibility of such a thing as the
publications you point out are still nonexistent in some states. 

We are blessed here in Ohio.  Ohio has had a great statewide publication
(The Buckeye Bulletin, quarterly at the moment).  It was
well-established when I came here more than a decade ago. I actually
have nothing to do with putting it out, but I definitely benefit from
it.  ;-)

As I dream of this organization one day having 50 state affiliates for
the DAN, my friend, I too dream a lesser dream of having statewide
publications across the board.  Even if only to up the level of
professionalism and education a bit. Such publications are an avenue for
education and inspiration on multiple levels.  It's a shame every state
doesn't yet have their own publication to help in such ways. 

Back to the philosophical thing for a moment, though.  Will we ever put
a significant dent in that 70% unemployment number?  Possibly not, when
people can't even get motivated properly, who've been allowed for too
long, to be lazy if they choose laziness. It'd depress me if I let it.
You can bring a horse to water but you can't make it drink, right?
Well, we can bring a blind person to a job opportunity, but... or, we
can share the benefits of such regional publications with a state's
residents, but... 

I do like the idea of following some sort of a Style guide though, even
if it's an in-house guide.  Because that's just one more step where we
can help prepare some who may get involved, with the real, working
world. Helping a bit more in another small-step way.  ;-)

Strive On!
Everett
NFB of Greater Summit County (Northeast Ohio) 

------------------------------

Message: 5
Date: Mon, 21 Feb 2011 14:08:55 -0600
From: "Robert Leslie Newman" <newmanrl at cox.net>
To: "'Correspondence Committee Mailing List'" <nfb-editors at nfbnet.org>
Subject: Re: [Nfb-editors] Blueprint to a basic newsletter
Message-ID: <005501cbd203$2b0cdff0$81269fd0$@cox.net>
Content-Type: text/plain;	charset="US-ASCII"

Mike and others
RE: Is it a newsletter or a --- what?

This was from Mike's recent post: 
"....It also seems to me that we must consider for whom we are writing
our newsletters.  Are we writing for our members, potential members,
agency people, the general public, some or all of the above or none of
the above? Put another way, there was a time when newsletters and
written correspondence were about the only vehicles to communicate with
our members. I may be committing heresy here but I think this is no
longer the case..."

And what I got to thinking in response is- I think the term "newsletter"
is out dated and does not reflect what we are creating, both in intent
and in in the transmitting vehicle  for our text. In my mind, what I
read in the majority of our publications, from "The Braille Monitor," on
down to the "Nebraska Independent," is not a newsy letter, but more of a
informational and educational magazine of some pretty good intellectual
content. Persuasion and mind-set changing also comes to mind as my
thoughts range back on many of the articles of new technologies , of
personal triumphs, and dreams for the future. Then, adding to this, when
we started using email and posting our creations upon our Websites this
too was a cross-over point from that classic newsletter feel, to the new
electronic age of the WWW and computers in your pocket. 

Finally, to further support the need and place for our "new age
newsletters"
---  I've heard from several sources that with all the various types of
social networking options that now exists, that people are buried with
news and there no longer is a place for our type of publication. And
yeah! I bet people do get tired of avalanches of emails, tweets, Face
Book flashes, and this Bell and that Whistle! And all of it coming in
with --- haphazardly, this small bit of info and that worthless blog of
trivial chatter; the seeker of information having to check first one
source then another, one news option  after another option, until who
has the time and brain cells to sort it all out! Where --- we offer a
one-stop, well thought out and highly engineered collection of what is
most important and well written offerings of both news of worth and
articles to keep the reader abreast of portentous happenings of the now
and near future. 

Yup, there is still a place and need for our publications of this
electronic newsletter type. (For our members, first. Then, for anyone
else who wishes to pull it up and take a read.) 

Robert Leslie Newman
President, Omaha Chapter NFB
President, NFB Writers' Division
Division Website
http://www.nfb-writers-division.org
Chairperson, Newsletter Publication committee 
Personal Website-
http://www.thoughtprovoker.info

------------------------------

Message: 6
Date: Mon, 21 Feb 2011 22:14:13 -0600
From: "Robert Leslie Newman" <newmanrl at cox.net>
To: "editors nfb list" <nfb-editors at nfbnet.org>
Subject: [Nfb-editors] Connecticut Newsletter- "The Federationist In
	Connecticut"
Message-ID: <00c401cbd246$f6d096c0$e471c440$@cox.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

Dear Editors List

RE: another example of an affiliates newsletter

Attached is Connecticut's Fall-Winter issue of "The Federationist In
Connecticut." It is 31 pages long, 6,804 words. I attached it, because
this newsletter uses live links to give the reader the option to jump
from the contents to an article, or just read on down through the mag.
And if we were to paste it into this email (which I tried), it kills the
links. So check this one out; another fine example of how it can be
done. 

Robert Leslie Newman

President, Omaha Chapter NFB

President, NFB Writers' Division

Division Website

 <http://www.nfb-writers-division.org>
http://www.nfb-writers-division.org

Personal Website-

 <http://www.thoughtprovoker.info> http://www.thoughtprovoker.info

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Message: 7
Date: Tue, 22 Feb 2011 10:27:55 -0600
From: "Robert Leslie Newman" <newmanrl at cox.net>
To: "editors nfb list" <nfb-editors at nfbnet.org>
Subject: [Nfb-editors] Test- not seeing my posts
Message-ID: <013701cbd2ad$759d2840$60d778c0$@cox.net>
Content-Type: text/plain;	charset="US-ASCII"

I'm sent several messages over the last couple of days and I've not
gotten copies of them in my inbox, nor junk folder. I see others
message, but not mine!? I'm wondering what is happening?

This is a test of what I have for an address in my contacts. (Next I'll
try replying to a message.)

Robert Leslie Newman

President, Omaha Chapter NFB

President, NFB Writers' Division

Division Website

 <http://www.nfb-writers-division.org>
http://www.nfb-writers-division.org

Personal Website-

 <http://www.thoughtprovoker.info> http://www.thoughtprovoker.info

------------------------------

Message: 8
Date: Tue, 22 Feb 2011 10:33:34 -0600
From: "Robert Leslie Newman" <newmanrl at cox.net>
To: "editors nfb list" <nfb-editors at nfbnet.org>
Subject: [Nfb-editors] New Mexico Newsletter- "Que Pasa"
Message-ID: <013c01cbd2ae$3fa63230$bef29690$@cox.net>
Content-Type: text/plain;	charset="US-ASCII"

This newsletter is 21 pages and 5,228 words long. (I got it off of their
Website.)

Que Pasa December 2010

James Babb, Editor

jim.babb at samobile.net

505-792-9777

In this issue:

PREAMBLE

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

STATE FAIR WALK

SCHREIBER'S HALF MARATHON WALK

ALBUQUERQUE AREA WHITE CANE LUNCHEON 2010

MEET THE BLIND EVENT

GONE TO THE DOGS

2010 ALBUQUERQUE CHAPTER ELECTIONS

ICE CREAM AND COOKIES

AUTUMN IN NEW MEXICO

THUNDERBIRD WINS AGAIN

NFB/eBay ENTREPRENEURS PROGRAM

COMPUTERS FOR THE BLIND

NFB SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

GOOD EATING

USEFUL WEBSITES

MEETINGS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

PREAMBLE

The National Federation of the Blind of New Mexico (NFBNM) is a 501 (c)
3 consumer organization comprised of blind and sighted people committed
to changing what it means to be blind.  Though blindness is still all
too often a tragedy to those who face it, we know from our own personal
experience that with training and opportunity it can be reduced to the
level of a physical nuisance.  We work to see that blind people receive
services and training to which they are entitled and that parents of
blind children receive the advice and support they need to help their
youngsters grow up to be happy, productive adults.  We believe that
first-class citizenship means that people have both rights and
responsibilities, and we are determined to see that blind people become
first-class citizens of these United States, enjoying their rights and
fulfilling their responsibilities.  The most serious problems we face
have less to do with our lack of vision than with discrimination based
on the public's ignorance and misinformation about blindness.  Join us
in educating New Mexicans about the abilities and aspirations of New
Mexico's blind citizens.

(Adapted from NFB of Ohio newsletter.) 

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

By Christine Hall

Since my last President's Message, we held a Possibilities Fair in
Farmington, New Mexico.  There were 65 people registered for the event,
some of whom were very new to blindness and vision loss.  Archie Silago
and Art Schreiber both gave motivational keynote speeches during the
luncheon, and from some of the comments, I could tell that people were
touched by the remarks giving them hope to move on with their lives with
their new disability.  There were also two breakout sessions facilitated
by Don and Nancy Burns which were beneficial as well.  Thanks to
everyone who contributed to making the Possibilities Fair a success and
a special thanks to members of the San Juan Chapter.  I recently spoke
to Tami McCray, President of the San Juan Chapter, who said many of the
people who attended the Possibilities Fair have begun attending chapter
meetings.  One of our goals in hosting this event was to help this
chapter with its membership growth, and it appears that we succeeded.

In September, there were the two annual parades that NFB of New Mexico
members march in every year.  Even though I was unable to walk in the
state fair parade this year, I understand it was well attended.  A
special thanks to Roger Velarde for coordinating the event and to Ray
Marshall for making the bus available to us.

The Enchilada Fiesta parade in Las Cruces was a success as well.
Members of the Mesilla Valley Chapter helped put the float together,
marched and had a booth at the Fiesta.  I sent one of the photos taken
at the parade of Fortunato (Nato) Gonzalez, Adelmo Vigil, and Ken
Miyagishima, the Mayor of Las Cruces, to the editor of the Braille
Monitor with the hope of getting it into our national publication.

As many of you know, October is Meet The Blind Month with members around
the state participating in various activities.  The two chapters in
Albuquerque hosted their annual White Cane luncheon celebrating October
15, White Cane Safety Day.  ShaRon Dandy chaired this event and Art
Schreiber, as always, gave a wonderful talk.  Caroline Benavidez and
Terese Garcia sang a Beatles song.  The winning essays from the blind
students on "What My White Cane Means to Me" were read.  The San Juan
Chapter did their annual White Cane walk followed by a lunch at a local
restaurant in Farmington; and the White Sands Chapter members
participated in a White Cane Awareness Walk followed by a luncheon
banquet hosted by the New Mexico School for the Blind and Visually
Impaired.  Larry Lorenzo, White Sands Chapter Board Member, was the
keynote speaker at the luncheon, winners of the essay contest read their
essays, and the NMSBVI choir sang a song they wrote about the white
cane.

In addition, there were two Meet the Blind activities in Albuquerque,
one a walk on the Bosque by members of both the West Mesa Chapter and
the Albuquerque Chapter.  Members carried literature with them and
passed it out to people they met along the way.  The same day, Art
Schreiber and I participated in a Health Fair at the Covenant United
Methodist Church.

The New Mexico Association of Blind Students held a student seminar on
November 13, 2010 at the NMSBVI Preschool.  Leaders of the division
provided information on the New Mexico Association of Blind Students and
had leaders of the state affiliate speak about the history of both the
national organization and the state affiliate.  There were many other
items of interest to students on the agenda and there was a
representative from the national organization of blind students.

We have written a letter to Governor Elect Martinez addressing the
importance of maintaining the current leadership at the New Mexico
Commission for the Blind with a copy of Resolution 2010-06 passed at our
state convention last April.  The resolution commends the Commission for
its outstanding leadership and accomplishments in rehabilitating blind
people across the state.

We just received a letter from the Jernigan Institute with a check for
our share of the Imagination Fund money and for another grant for us to
host an all-day Arts Academy Seminar for teachers, parents and blind
children.

Wishing all of you a Happy Holiday Season!

Christine

STATE FAIR WALK

By Art Schreiber

We in New Mexico begin celebrating Meet the Blind month in September and
continue through the month of October.  The reason:  The New Mexico
State Fair parade.  Ever since Sherry and Lewis Abraham suggested the
NFB of NM participate in the State Fair parade we have done so.  This
year Chair Roger Velarde did a great job.  Of course, Roger had lots of
help and 47 marchers once again heard the applause and cheers from
spectators as we made our way from the Fair Grounds to the end of the
parade route some 3 and a half miles Eastward.  Adelmo Vigil, Director
of the Orientation Center in Alamogordo brought staff and students.  

Tara Chavez, Student Division President, led the student division.
Long-time counselor of the NM Commission for the Blind, Gladys Martinez
and her husband, walked with us.  And we couldn't have gotten to the
Fair Grounds on time without the assistance of Ray Marshall, who once
again furnished bus transportation.  And again this year, we were
awarded a plaque for Best Non-Marching Band group.  Chair Velarde asks
each member of the NFB of NM to plan to walk in next year's State Fair
parade.  If you haven't ever done this event you are missing out on a
feeling of great pride in knowing you are a member of a proud and
successful affiliate.  Roger also thanks his brother-in-law, Jesus
Galarza, for his assistance for all of us.

SCHREIBER'S HALF MARATHON WALK

By Art Schreiber

Have you ever committed to doing something in the future and then
wondered why you ever agreed to do it?  I was talking with my friend,
Linda Blanchard and her husband, Bomi Parakh.  They mentioned the Duke
City Marathon and we agreed it would be fun to try the half marathon
walk.  Much later I had, as one of my guests on my radio program, Dr.
Barbara McAneny, President and CEO of the NM Cancer Center.  Barbara
mentioned her sponsorship of the Duke City Marathon and, with no
thought, I said, "I'm going to do the half marathon walk."  When the
program was finished I began to think about what I had committed to and
wondered why?  So, I began training.  I try to work out in the gym at
least six days per week.  I alternate on a recumbent bike and a
treadmill plus weight training.  I began increasing time on the
treadmill and a week prior to the walk I was doing 4 miles in 62
minutes.  That's not enough to prepare for a 13 and one half mile walk.
I called my friend, Rick Walsh, and asked him if he would walk with me.
He agreed. 

The Sunday of the big event Rick picked me up and we headed for Civic
Plaza. The half marathon walk began at 8 a.m.  The gun went off and we
were off. Within a few blocks we were trailing the other walkers.  I
remembered the route since it was where I used to run, before I tore up
my knees, and when I lived near the famous bike path along Tingley and
northward to the Nature Center.  Only this walk went much farther than I
used to run.  It went 13 1/2 miles!  I lost all track of time.  My
ankles began to ache, as did my knees, and half way I had a terrible
cramp in my left calf.  I was too proud to complain and too stubborn to
quit.  We continued and now the half marathon runners and marathon
runners were heading home while I was praying to turn around!  The
turnaround finally came and the cramp in my leg eased while my ankles
and knees didn't seem to hurt as much.  

Finally, the finish line was close.  I told my partner, Rick, to go
ahead of me because I wanted to finish last.  And I did.  The results on
the internet showed 209 walkers finished and Art Schreiber was 209th.
However, I was first in my age group because I was the only one in my
age group!  There was a 73 year old who had finished and we were the
only ones over 69.  My time was 5 hours and 57 seconds.  Next year my
goal is to get under five hours!

Many spectators along the route applauded Rick and me.  I think they
felt sorry for us because we were so far behind.  When they applauded I
would ask, "Is it still Sunday?"

ALBUQUERQUE AREA WHITE CANE LUNCHEON 2010

By Jim Babb

On October 16, 2010 the Albuquerque and West Mesa Chapters held a White
Cane Luncheon and function to celebrate the advent of the White Cane.
This event was held at the Albuquerque Hilton. We feasted on a great pot
roast sandwich and delicious chocolate cake.

ShaRon Dandy was Mistress of Ceremonies and she did a great job of
conducting business despite a no-show on the part of the guest speaker.
We had great door prizes. Our chairperson for door prizes was Veronica
Smith and Brianne Kotschwar did a great job announcing the prize and
delivering same.

Great entertainment was provided by Caroline Benavidez assisted on one
song by Terese. Gail Wagner did a great job of handling and presenting
the student essay winners. The winners were: elementary school, Donovan
Rodriguez. His essay was read by Brianne.

The mid school winner was Tristan Hirtzel  and it was read by Tara
Chavez.

The high school essay was won by Lupita Lopez. Lupita is from Mexico and
she did a really great essay. Monica Martinez read Lupita's essay.

The White Cane proclamation issued and signed by Governor Richardson was
great and it was read by Mike Santullo.

Since our guest speaker was a no-show, Art Schreiber did a great job of
covering the subject; pedestrian safety and his experiences of same when
he became blind in the early 80's.

It was a great event; see you all next October. 

MEET THE BLIND EVENT

By Veronica Smith

On Saturday October 23, the West Mesa chapter and the Albuquerque
chapter participated in a "Meet the blind" event.  We took time out of
our very busy Saturdays to stroll through the Bosque, a walking and
bicycle path along the Rio Grande river.  We picked a time and several
members picked different locations to start at and then we asked a
friend and made our way.

I for example began at the far north part of Albuquerque and headed
south.

The area we walked, my friend Paula, her daughter, and my daughter
walked behind farms with exotic animals.  We saw a camel, several
llamas, an ostrich and an emu.  We also saw many peeps on fast moving
bicycles.

We handed out only 5 or 6 packets of info about the NFB, but the
important thing was that these peeps were out enjoying a beautiful
autumn day like me.

GONE TO THE DOGS

By Christine Hall

As some of you know, I recently went to Seeing Eye in Morristown, New
Jersey to get my fourth dog guide, my third Seeing Eye dog.  I specify
Seeing Eye as it is a trademark name and all guides are referred to as
Seeing Eye dogs as opposed to guide dogs.  That being said, here is my
story about my history of dog guides.

My first guide dog was a little black lab by the name of Classie who was
an Aussie.  I lived in Hawaii at the time which had strict quarantine
laws and since Australia, like Hawaii, has never had rabies we could
bring our new guides into the islands without putting them in four
months quarantine.  I went to Melbourne, Australia to The Guide Dogs For
the Blind.  It was an excellent training program and Classie was a
wonderful guide dog.

So why a dog guide?  At the time I had recently lost my remaining vision
and was going to be living alone as a result of a separation from my
husband. I felt a dog guide would give me more independence in moving
about Honolulu.

After moving to Albuquerque and retiring Classie at the age of ten, I
began to research schools in the U.S.  The two I took into consideration
were Seeing Eye in Morristown, New Jersey and Guide Dogs for the Blind
in San Rafael, California both of which are rated highly.  I chose
Seeing Eye as it is the oldest school in the nation with an outstanding
reputation, great follow-up after returning home and I would have my own
room as opposed to sharing with another classmate.  The training for
first-time users is four weeks and for re-trains, three weeks.  You
arrive on a Saturday, meet with your instructor who asks you questions
about your needs and type of dog you desire and do a "Juno" walk.  A
"Juno" walk is done with your instructor who is holding a harness that
you hang on to, so that the instructor can get an idea of your pace and
movement patterns.  On Sunday, you do some more juno walks and on Monday
you are given your new dog and hit the road running. Once you have your
dog, you are together twenty four/seven to begin the bonding process.
The training begins that day and is nonstop until you leave for home
with your new guide.  A day looks like this:  up at 5:30, feed dog, take
out to relieve her, groom dog, come back to room get ready to go to
breakfast at 7:00.  Told at breakfast what time you will be going out
that morning for your in-town training, return to school and go to lunch
at noon. Once again, find out what time you are going out that afternoon
to work with your dog, return to the school and have dinner at 5:00 P.M.
That evening you go to the common lounge for a lecture which is usually
over at 8:00 P.M. If you still have the energy, you get together with
classmates to relax and socialize.  So perhaps you can see that it is
not for everyone as it is both physically and mentally exhausting.

I have had three dog guides from Seeing Eye, Gabe (golden Retriever),
Cricket (black lab) and most recently, Tessa (lab/golden retriever black
cross).  She has three quarters lab and one quarter golden retriever.
She looks like a yellow lab, but definitely has some physical and
personality
features of the golden.    She is high energy and keeps me moving which
is
what I wanted, I thought.

My favorite form of physical exercise is walking and is one of the main
reasons I have chosen to have a dog guide in my life.  I live alone and
know if I did not have Tessa, I would not be inclined to go out for a
walk by myself.  I know the dog needs exercise and I certainly do, so
there you go.

Whenever I speak to groups or individuals about dog guides, I always
stress that it is not for everyone.  Having a dog is a big
responsibility and one that should be taken seriously.  Unlike a white
cane that you can put in the corner when you come home, you need to feed
and relieve the dog, groom her on a regular basis and take them to the
vet for regular checkups, shots and when they become ill.  It is not
only a time commitment, but also a financial one.  In other words,
deciding to get a dog guide should not be taken lightly.  It is also
important that you do obedience training with them on a regular basis
and have them under control when out in public.  We, as blind people,
are always noticed more than your average individual by the public, so
whether using a white cane or dog guide, we need to present ourselves
well.  And, as a dog guide user that means having your dog under control
and well groomed.

If you are considering becoming a dog guide user, please be sure to
carefully think about the joys and responsibilities.  Also speak to a
current dog guide user to get the poop, or should I say scoop.

2010 ALBUQUERQUE CHAPTER ELECTIONS

Current Chapter President, Jim Babb, had indicated that he would be glad
to pass the gavel to new leaders so he and Mary could have more time to
travel, etc.

The nominating committee was chaired by Tara Chavez and the other
members were ShaRon Dandy and Brianne Kotschwar.

Elections were held on Tuesday November 16, 2010 and the results are as
follows:

President, Tara Chavez

First Vice President, Brianne Kotschwar

Second Vice President, ShaRon Dandy

Secretary, Alicia Wells

Treasurer, Gail Wagner

New Board Member, Lindsay Sloan

New Board Member, Tonia Trapp

New Board Member, Monica Martinez

New Board Member, Chris Chavez

Current Board Member, Art Schreiber

Current Board Member, Roger Velarde

ICE CREAM AND COOKIES

By Nancy Burns

As the summer season melts away and the cool air of fall arrives in New
Mexico, the aroma of roasting green chiles is a wonderful treat.  The
harvesting and roasting of New Mexico chile is the beginning of numerous
traditional activities.  The sights and smells of the Land of
Enchantment are familiar to residents and a draw for tourists.  The
Aspens salute the season as their leaves turn vibrant red, yellow, and
gold.  It is truly an exciting time of year.

It is also time for the State Fair, followed by the internationally
known Balloon Fiesta.  As the uniquely shaped balloons climb into the
New Mexico clear, blue sky, hundreds of tourists and residents alike are
always thrilled.  

Don and I have attended the State Fair for years. As an avid shopper, I
must browse through the goodies provided by the various vendors and look
for items of interest.  Don likes to stop at the Agricultural center and
we always visit the Indian Village.  There, we enjoy the traditional
dances, food, and, of course, the beautiful silver and turquoise
jewelry.  

High on the importance of attending a fair is the sampling of foods.
Green chile hotdogs, turkey legs, prairie fries, and a variety of other
foods are plentiful.  Recently, the introduction of fried cookies,
Twinkies, cheese cake, etc. has been introduced.  These popular sweets
have never appealed to me but I felt I must have the experience so we
bought some fried Oreos.  Not my thing.  Another oddity introduced this
year was green chile ice cream.  I had to try it.  We chose a sampler of
green chile vanilla, red chile chocolate, and a very spicy peach
habanero combination.  The red chile chocolate was my favorite.  As we
left the fairgrounds, and headed toward the bus stop, our pace was
slower, our desire to sample oddities was gone and we had experienced
another fun day at the New Mexico State Fair.

AUTUMN IN NEW MEXICO

By Nancy Burns

Green chilies are roasting, a tradition you know

And hot air balloons create a spectacular show.

The smoke from a chimney adds to the flavor

Of autumn in New Mexico, a time we all savor.

The brisk air of fall seems somehow in place

As it beckons the holidays with sparkling grace.

The aroma of pies, pinon coffee and such

Are all gifts of love with a magical touch.

New Mexico presents autumn colors so bold,

As the Aspens are changing to red, yellow, and gold

The best thing of all about this time of year

Is the caring and sharing with those we hold dear.

But just keep in mind all of those who have less;

Share your gifts with others-happy holidays, God bless.

THUNDERBIRD WINS AGAIN

Submitted by Jim Babb

We are not talking about a car race but the Thunderbird Restaurant at
Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque operated by Robert Vick. It's the
7th time that Robert has won the Golden Plate award; this is the top
award for food service facilities in the Air Force for bases located in
the United States! Robert will also compete for the Hennessy Award in
February 2011. He has won that award several times also!  

Robert has 46 employees and 29 of them are persons with disabilities.

We are very proud of you Robert!

NFB/eBay ENTREPRENEURS PROGRAM

On September 15, in a joint press release, the NFB and eBay announced
the NFB/eBay Entrepreneurs Program. 

We are now seeking blind people who want to participate in this
innovative pilot program.

Business Start Up Pilot

The NFB/eBay Entrepreneur Project is looking for serious entrepreneurs
who want to create new eBay businesses or expand existing businesses to
include eBay selling. We will offer successful applicants intensive eBay
training and connect them with successful blind business people and
other experts who will provide assistance in specific areas, such as
business planning, development, and working with accessible accounting
software.

Individuals chosen for the Business Start Up Pilot will take part in an
intensive training program at the NFB Jernigan Institute in Baltimore.
They will receive transportation, lodging, training classes, accessible
training materials, and ongoing mentorship support.

If running your own eBay business appeals to you, please write us at
entrepreneurs at nfb.org and request an Entrepreneur Program package. Your
letter of interest should include:

a resume describing your employment and education history, with
particular emphasis on entrepreneurial projects;

a brief description of the product or service you intend to market using
eBay; (Is this a completely new enterprise, or are you intending to
create an eBay outlet for a business that already exists?)

a basic budget outline.

Because this is a pilot program intended to demonstrate the viability of
eBay businesses run by blind individuals, we must select from applicants
those with the strongest plans and the greatest willingness to mentor
the blind people who will follow. 

Training the Trainers

In order to provide opportunity to as many people as possible, we will
train interested blind people to be eBay certified education
specialists. EBay Certified Education Specialists are people who buy and
sell on eBay themselves and want to create a business teaching others
how to do it. The trainers we train will be equipped to teach other
blind people who use screen readers; they will also be certified to
teach the sighted. With ninety-two million people already using eBay and
more joining the community every day, the business opportunity for
anyone who can teach them how to be more effective is enormous!

The Certified Education Specialist training will consist of a program
that will take place at the NFB Jernigan Institute in Baltimore, plus
follow-up individualized support and group teleconference training.
Those selected for the "Train the Trainers" program will receive
transportation, lodging, training classes, accessible training
materials, and ongoing mentorship support.

Is being an eBay Certified Education Specialist for you?

If you have a deep desire to be of service to others, an entrepreneurial
spirit, the aptitude to teach, and basic computer literacy using screen
readers, we want to hear from you. 

Because selling on eBay has not been readily accessible to blind people
in the past, you will not need to have experience as an eBay seller to
take part in the first "Train the Trainers" class. However, you will
need to demonstrate success in buying and selling on eBay in order to
graduate and receive certification. 

You will need some ability to use a screen reader to access web sites,
though it is not necessary to be a screen reader power user. 

To apply to enter the "train the trainers" inaugural class, send a
letter to entrepreneurs at nfb.org explaining your background,
qualifications (particularly your entrepreneurial and/or teaching
experience), and telling us why you want to become an eBay Certified
Education Specialist. 

Testing the Waters

Even if you do not yet have a perfectly developed business plan, we
still want to hear from you. As eBay trainers receive certification, we
will help connect you with them so that you can get started on the path
to running your own eBay business.

Contact entrepreneurs at nfb.org or phone (410) 878-2660 for further
information or an application package.

Mary Ellen Gabias Coordinator,

NFB/eBay Entrepreneurs Project

phone: (410) 878-2660

e-mail: mgabias at nfb.org

COMPUTERS FOR THE BLIND

Here is your chance to have a powerful computer with software allowing
blind and visually challenged persons to be able to join family and
friends, doing what they are doing. 

Each computer comes complete with monitor, keyboard, mouse, speakers,
and all associated cables. It also comes with preloaded software.
Software
includes: Open Office for word processing/bookkeeping, NVDA screen
reader, demo version of WindowEyes (will function for 30 minutes before
computer restart), and 60-day demo version of ZoomText. For only a
donation of $100, the Texas Center for the Visually Challenged will send
your new computer right to your door. As of this morning, they have sent
over 3,600 computers to visually impaired individuals. Computers can
only be shipped to the United States or Canada.

Subscribe to the internet service of your choice and send a $100 gift
and you are ready to go! 

Call Lee Mann at (214) 340-6328 for full information. Please pass this
information on to other people who may need an inexpensive,
fully-accessible computer. 

NFB SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

Do you need money for college?

The NFB Scholarship Program application is now available online.  This
national scholarship program is available to persons who are legally
blind and living in the United States or Puerto Rico.  There are 30
awards, from 

$12,000 to $3,000.  In addition, each winner will be assisted to attend
the NFB Annual Convention for 2011 in Orlando, Florida.  The annual
contest began the first week of November 2010; all documents required
from the applicants must be postmarked by the March 31, 2011, deadline. 

Applications and full details are available online at
www.nfb.org/scholarships.

Questions may be emailed to

scholarships at nfb.org

Thanks.

Patti Gregory-Chang

President, National Federation of the Blind of Illinois 

pattichang at att.net 

www.nfbofillinois.org 

GOOD EATING

Autumn Chicken Salad

Submitted by Ermelinda Miller

You'll love the sweetness of a juicy red pear atop bright and crisp
lettuce. Chopped

walnuts lend a savory flair and extra crunch.

Serves 4

Ingredients

1/2 cup (4 ounces) sour cream

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon grated lemon peel

1/2 teaspoon salt

4 cups cubed cooked chicken

2 ribs celery, chopped

1 red pear, cut into 1/2" cubes

1 head Boston or bibb lettuce

1/4 cup finely chopped pecans, toasted

Directions

1.     

1.      In a large bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, thyme,
lemon
juice, lemon peel,

and salt. Add the chicken, celery, and pear. Toss to coat well. Cover
and refrigerate

for at least 1 hour.

1.     

2.      Evenly divide the lettuce among 4 plates. Top with the chicken
salad
and sprinkle

with the pecans.

Nutritional Facts per serving

Calories 423.1 cal

Fat 21.2 g

Saturated fat 6.3 g

Cholesterol 136.5 mg

Sodium 525.2 mg

Carbohydrates 11.8 g

Total sugars 5.8 g

Dietary fiber 2.8 g

Protein 46 g

My friend and I saw this recipe on a television show last year right
before Christmas so we decided to try them out.  Oh my goodness, they
were so good, we made several batches.--Veronica smith

Sweet Potato Balls

Recipe courtesy Paula Deen

Prep Time: 5 min

Cook Time: 20 min

Level: Easy

Serves: 4 to 6 servings

Ingredients

4 large sweet potatoes

2/3 cup packed brown sugar

2 tablespoons orange juice

1 teaspoon orange zest

1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

2 cups shredded coconut, sweetened

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 large marshmallow per potato ball

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Bake the potatoes until tender, then peel and mash them. Stir in the
brown sugar, orange juice, zest and nutmeg. In a separate bowl, toss the
coconut with the sugar and cinnamon. Press mashed potatoes around each
marshmallow, creating a 2 to 3-inch diameter ball. Roll the balls in the
coconut mixture. Bake for no more than 15 minutes; the expanding
marshmallows can cause the potato balls to burst open.

Printed from FoodNetwork.com on Monday Nov 23, 2009

USEFUL WEBSITES

www.directionsforme.com 

This site was developed by Horizons for the Blind. It currently has more
than 300,000 separate directions (nutrition, chemical composition, etc.)
for a vast array of food, OTC drugs, cleaners, car products, etc.

A lot of us don't have a KNFB reader or scanner with text to speech
software, and even a willing reader is not always available. Go to this
accessible site and put in the search field Betty Crocker Cake Mix, for
example, and it will tell you the mixing and baking directions as well
as the nutrition label. Do the same for Tide energy efficient (HE)
Laundry Detergent, Carnuba Car Wax, Mr. Clean, Dish Washing Detergent
and much more.

Navigating this site is very simple and if you are low vision you can
increase the font size.

www.trueprice.net   

Get the true price of your Air Fare including taxes, baggage fees,
special seating arrangements(some (airlines even charge for isle seats,
sitting near the front in coach, etc.)

www.travel.state.gov or 1-888-407-4747 

To get the latest on how your name needs to appear on your boarding
pass, when you need a passport, trouble areas, etc.

www.bedbugregistery.com  

Yep they're back with a vengeance! Check if the state/city/hotel you are
traveling to has a reported problem with these irritating and very
expensive to exterminate critters.

MEETINGS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Washington Seminar, January 30-February 2, 2011

NFB of NM State Convention, Albuquerque Hilton, April 8-10, 2011

2011 Youth Slam, Towson University, Towson, Maryland, July 17-23, 2011

NFB National Convention, Orlando Florida, July 3-8, 2011 

Robert Leslie Newman

President, Omaha Chapter NFB

President, NFB Writers' Division

Division Website

 <http://www.nfb-writers-division.org>
http://www.nfb-writers-division.org

Personal Website-

 <http://www.thoughtprovoker.info> http://www.thoughtprovoker.info

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End of Nfb-editors Digest, Vol 75, Issue 7
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