[Nfb-editors] New Mexico- QUE PASA September 2013

[Robert Leslie Newman]

QUE PASA

September 2013 

 

Quarterly newsletter of the National Federation of the Blind of New Mexico

(Published in March, June, September, and December)

 

Adelmo Vigil, President

E-mail:  <mailto:Avigil74 at gmail.com> Avigil74 at gmail.com

(575) 921-5422

 

James Babb, Editor

E-mail:  <mailto:jim.babb at samobile.net> jim.babb at samobile.net

(505) 792-9777

 

Tonia Trapp, Assistant Editor

E-mail: Tonialeigh513 at earthlink.net

(505) 856-5346

 

 

Table of Contents

PREAMBLE <> . 2

EDITOR <> ’S NOTE. 3

PRESIDENT <> ’S MESSAGE. 4

ART SCHREIBER WINS NFB <> ’S TOP AWARD.. 5

ART SCHREIBER HONORED AT THE 2013 NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND
CONVENTION <> .. 6

NEW MEXICANS ATTEND THE 2013 NFB NATIONAL CONVENTION <> .. 6

NEW MEXICO SENIORS AT NFB CONVENTION <> .. 8

NEWS FROM THE COMMISSION <> .. 10

WHO ARE CURTIS AND PEGGY CHONG? <> . 11

ATTITUDES AND EXPECTATIONS <> . 12

THE ADVOCACY AND AWARENESS TRAIN ROLLS ON <> .. 13

THE BELL PROGRAM COMES TO LIFE IN NEW MEXICO <> .. 15

THE 2013 SWIMMING PARTY <> . 16

WEST MESA CHAPTER SUMMER SOCIAL FUNDRAISER <> . 17

NEW WEATHER SERVICE ON NFB-NEWSLINE <> . 18

DIABETES SERIES: KNOW YOUR NUMBERS! <> . 20

GOOD EATING <> .. 21

Better-Than-Fried Chicken Drumsticks <> . 21

Peanut Butter Parfait <> . 23

USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS AND WEBSITES <> . 24

MEETINGS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS <> . 25

 

 


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.) 

 

 


EDITOR’S NOTE


 

By Jim Babb, Editor

 

This September issue of Que Pasa marks my 10th year as editor; I introduced
myself in the September 1, 2003 issue. On August 5, 2003, NFB of NM
President Arthur Schreiber appointed me as editor of the New Mexico NFB
affiliate newsletter called Que Pasa. He mentioned that the newsletter had
not been published for quite some time. Although I had never seen myself as
an editor, I had published a newsletter called AEROGRAM which stands for
Association of Education and Rehabilitation Ohio. I was also President of
that organization for many years. While in Ohio I was a member of many blind
organizations as well as a member of a counseling organization.

 

Well, 10 years and 40 Que Pasa issues later, here we are, a great
organization doing things to change what it means to be blind. Thanks to all
you great folks that have contributed to the success of this newsletter
which is, by the way, one of about 20 that are still alive and being
published by an affiliate. 

 

One might ask the question, “Are organizational newsletters a dying breed
like that of commercial newspapers? Are the tweeters and social networks
taking the place of same?” 

 

I also want to thank my wife Mary for assisting me with grammar and spelling
and organizing things; she has now retired from those duties. Tonia Trapp
has now taken over those chores, and she also reads this newsletter on New
Mexico Newsline.

 

If anyone would like to become Que Pasa editor, please let me and Adelmo
Vigil know. I can't do this forever, and I'm willing to assist, help, coach,
etc. 

 

Thanks so much, 

Jim Babb, Editor 

 


PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE


 

By Adelmo Vigil, President, NFB of New Mexico

 

Greetings Federation Family:

 

Those of us who attended the NFB national convention in Orlando this summer
would agree that we had a great convention. As always, there were so many
seminars that it was difficult to decide which ones to attend. The
convention agenda was also very interesting and informative. We had 27 New
Mexicans register for the convention this year. I want to thank Christine
Hall for coordinating the schedule for coverage of the exhibit hall table. I
also want to thank everyone that worked at the table and helped make it a
success.

 

We continue to have our Chapter at Large meetings and have had great
participation. I have had several calls about starting new chapters and
reviving the Las Cruces chapter.

 

We successfully conducted our first BELL program in June. It was a great
program, and I want to thank everyone who worked during those two weeks: it
would not have been possible without your help.

 

The state affiliate sponsored a fundraiser on Saturday, August 3 where our
own Art Schreiber spoke about his travels with the Beatles in 1964. We hope
to bring this show to Las Cruces and Las Vegas in the near future.

 

The New Mexico State Fair Parade is coming up on Saturday, September 14. We
are planning to have a float for those who cannot walk the full distance. We
invite all NFB members from across the state to join us. We will send an
email message with details as we get closer to the date of the parade. Also
in the month of October, each chapter will be planning activities regarding
the White Cane Law and Meet the Blind Month. The more visible we become to
the public, the better we educate the public, family and friends about
blindness.

 

We are looking at providing support to all NFB chapters and divisions by
conducting conference call meetings at least every three months for all
presidents and members of each board. We want to share what is working in
your local chapter and how we can work together to make a stronger
affiliate. I will email details regarding the first meeting in early
September.

 

We call on members of each local chapter and division to help us move
forward and grow as an affiliate. We are changing what it means to be blind
for children, youth and adults of all ages in New Mexico.

 


ART SCHREIBER WINS NFB’S TOP AWARD


 

By Greg Trapp, J.D.

 

The NFB national convention is always the scene of memorable events. The
2013 Orlando convention was no exception. As is usually the case, the
highlight of the convention was the banquet. This year’s banquet brought a
special surprise for Art Schreiber and the New Mexico delegation. The
surprise came when Dr. Maurer presented the 2013 TenBroek award to Art
Schreiber. The TenBroek award is named after Jacobus TenBroek, the first
President of the National Federation of the Blind, and is the Federation’s
highest award. 

 

Art has done many things to merit the award, including lending his
considerable talent to the National Federation of the Blind whenever called
upon by its national leadership. Art is currently President Emeritus of the
National Federation of the Blind of New Mexico, Vice President of the Senior
Division of the National Federation of the Blind, and Chairman of the New
Mexico Commission for the Blind. Art is also a former President of the
National Federation of the Blind of New Mexico, a former Executive Director
of the Commission for the Blind, and the original Chairman of the Commission
for the Blind. 

 

Indeed, one of Art’s most enduring accomplishments is the New Mexico
Commission for the Blind. Art was the spark that gave momentum to the 1986
creation of the Commission. After the Commission was created, the Governor
called upon Art to be its first Chairman. One of Art’s first actions was to
hire a young Fred Schroeder as the Commission’s new Director. Under his
leadership, the Commission survived its early challenges, and went on to
become a guiding example to other states. The Commission also helped to
develop many leaders in the National Federation of the Blind, including
people such as Fred Schroeder, Joe Cordova, Adelmo Vigil, Carlos Servan,
Christine Boon, Dick Davis, and Eddie Bell. 

 

The recognition given to Art is well-deserved, and we can count on Art to
continue to make a difference for persons who are blind and visually
impaired in the years to come. 

 

 


ART SCHREIBER HONORED AT THE 2013 NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND
CONVENTION


 

By Pat Munson

 

Every now and then, the National Federation of the Blind honors one of its
members with the distinguished TenBroek Award. The award is presented to
someone who has demonstrated outstanding service to and for the blind. This
award is given infrequently.

 

This year, the awards committee was unanimous in its choice to honor Art
Schreiber with the TenBroek Award. When Art Schreiber’s name was announced,
we were delighted, and not at all surprised. As we all know, when Art is a
part of an organization, he does an outstanding job. Congratulations Art!
You have forwarded our work in changing what it means to be blind.

 

 


NEW MEXICANS ATTEND THE 2013 NFB NATIONAL CONVENTION


 

By Pat Munson

 

A number of us journeyed to Orlando, FL with great anticipation of the 73rd
annual NFB convention. The agenda was crammed with meetings and gatherings
of many kinds.

 

The hotel lobby loomed vast as we entered the front door. On the ground
floor were check-in areas, two restaurants, grab-and-go bars with food, and
a deli and coffee bar. Also, the football-length convention meeting room was
there. If NFB’ers do not care for walking, they were in the wrong place.

 

On the second level were most of the smaller meeting rooms and the
Convention Center, a short walk of ten miles, where the exhibit hall was
located. Since it rained most days, venturing across the outdoor covered
walkway was quite a shock to us from New Mexico. Also, we were entertained
by very loud claps of thunder.

 

Monday morning July 1, the meetings began. All day there were activities for
parents and blind children. Throughout the day, techie groups met to discuss
the latest and greatest of whatever.

 

Since I’m old, I attended a fantastic seminar for seniors. Some of our NFB
long-time members bounced our philosophy around, which made for a very
interesting event.

 

Tuesday started with registration and the opening of the exhibit hall. New
Mexico had a table where we sold chili-flavored nuts and coffee. By the way,
we did sell all the nuts. The hall was vast, giving us more space to walk
around to all the tables, but all that took a lot of energy. No weight gain
at this convention! 

 

The evening included the New Mexico caucus. President Adelmo Vigil welcomed
us all and gave out exhibit hall table assignments.

 

Wednesday morning many of us attended the NFB Board Meeting. The usual
business was conducted, and all the scholarship winners were introduced.

 

The convention general sessions took place from Thursday to Saturday. This
year there was much time devoted to technology, and fair wages for blind
workers. There were some unusual presentations on new topics this year. We
heard from one of our members who is a funeral director and embalmer; she is
most likely the first blind person in that field. Also, we heard from a
panel whose members discussed a number of physical activities for blind
persons: this included everything from football to yoga, hiking, and dance.

 

This year’s banquet was a very exciting one for those of us from New Mexico.
Toward the end of the banquet, an announcement was made that the highest
award the NFB gives, the TenBroek Award, would be presented this year. When
the winner was asked to step forward, we received a wonderful surprise: Art
Schreiber made his way to the stage when his name was called. He graciously
thanked the Federation for the help it has given him since his blindness.
But, he in turn has endlessly given back to the blind of this nation. Great
job, Art!

 

This convention was busy for all of us, and I believe we all learned a great
deal about blindness, what it is, and what it is not. We met old friends and
made new ones. 

 

Now we are back at home, ready to broaden our work as to what it means to be
blind. We look forward to the next NFB convention in 2014.

 

 


NEW MEXICO SENIORS AT NFB CONVENTION


 

By Pat Munson

 

The NFB Seniors Division (NFBSD) hosted a special seminar this year at the
NFB national convention, which was separate from the regular meeting. At the
seminar, a number of us suggested how valuable the free conference phone
line is: we can connect with NFB senior division members throughout the
country. We had a sign-up list for those interested.

 

We were informed that New Jersey hosted a possibilities fair as part of
their state convention. Ruth Segar, NFBSD President, was the keynote
speaker. The fair ran about three hours in the morning of the first day of
the convention. All agreed that having the fair in the morning is the best
time. One of the topics at the fair was a discussion about not letting
family and friends buy techie items for the blind senior. Usually, these
items just sit in a drawer because the senior never learns how to use them. 

 

We also heard from Hadley School for the Blind, which has many courses for
at-home study for seniors. A senior can work at their own pace and can
complete the lessons without assistance.

 

We learned that BISM in Baltimore has a couple of videos describing how
seniors manage aspects of their blindness. There seem to be similar videos
available from other states; these can be very helpful for the newly blind
senior and their family, and the videos are available without charge.

 

It was suggested that blind seniors might want to take on a project for Meet
the Blind Month. One idea involved taking NFB literature to eye doctors’
offices, to other doctors’ offices and hospitals so more folks learn where
to turn when someone goes blind.

 

All agreed that the special seminar was very helpful, and we would like to
have another seminar at next year’s NFB convention. The format was informal,
so many of us had a chance for input.

 

Two days later, NFBSD had its usual meeting which commenced with our
auction. This year we had everything from Art’s fantastic wines to handmade
blankets, fudge and brownies. There were too many items to name, but we did
raise a pile of money with this fundraiser.

 

We started the meeting with a discussion about self defense for seniors and
not carrying stealable items such as purses. 

 

All methods of reading medicine bottles were discussed. Script Talk seems
very popular; there are pharmacies that will mail meds to blind persons, but
for emergency meds this does not work. Items like the Pen Friend, a device
with which one can record and then play back the data, is a suggested
substitute.

 

Art Schreiber was a panel member discussing older persons and exercise. He
said at 85 he did a half marathon, and he daily uses exercise equipment at a
gym. Other panel members also enjoy going to public gyms; they exercise and
have made many new friends and enjoy chatting with others.

 

As you can see, NFB seniors are on the move and are most definitely changing
what it means to be blind. We do our best to meet and teach others losing
vision later in life.

 

 


NEWS FROM THE COMMISSION


 

By Greg Trapp, J.D.

 

Jim Babb Appointed to Commission Board

 

The New Mexico Commission for the Blind is governed by a board comprised of
three members. Each member is appointed by the Governor, and confirmed by
the state senate. Since its inception in 1986, there have only been 13
persons who have been appointed to serve on the Commission board. Jim Babb
now joins that select group, having been just appointed by Governor Susana
Martinez. He will be only the 14th person to be named to the position of
Commissioner of the Commission for the Blind. Mr. Babb will join a board
that includes Dallas Allen and Art Schreiber.

 

Curtis Chong Hired by Commission

 

Curtis Chong has been hired as the Coordinator of Independent Living
Technologies for the Commission for the Blind. Mr. Chong has been assigned
to the Skills Center, where he will be working to help the Commission to
better meet the assistive technology needs of independent living consumers,
and especially blind seniors. This is a critical and growing area because
technology is becoming an indispensable and ubiquitous part of our society.
Mr. Chong is very well known to members of the National Federation of the
Blind. He served as Director of Technology for the National Federation of
the Blind from 1997 to 2002, and he has served as President of the National
Federation of the Blind in Computer Science since 1984. Prior to joining the
Commission, he was Program Administrator for Field Operations and Access
Technology at the Iowa Commission for the Blind. Mr. Chong has served on
many important advisory bodies, including the Electronic Information and
Technology Access Advisory Committee of the U.S. Architectural and
Transportation Barriers Compliance Board, the Microsoft Accessibility
Advisory Council, the National File Format Panel, and America Online's
Accessibility Advisory Committee. Mr. Chong is an outstanding addition to
the Commission. Better still, he is a package deal, coming with his wife
Peggy. We are very fortunate to have Peggy and Curtis in New Mexico.

 

 

WHO ARE CURTIS AND PEGGY CHONG?

By Curtis Chong

 

In early June of this year, my wife, Peggy, and I moved to Albuquerque, New
Mexico so that I could accept a job with the New Mexico Commission for the
Blind. Let me start out by saying that both of us are absolutely thrilled to
be here.

 

Peggy and I are both long-time Federationists. We joined the Federation when
we were teenagers; I joined the Federation in 1969 (I attended my first
national convention in 1971), and Peggy joined the Federation in 1973 (she
attended her first national convention in 1976). We spent more than two
decades in Minnesota, first working with our Federation colleagues to try to
reform the Minneapolis Society for the Blind and later helping to create and
grow Blindness: Learning in New Dimensions (BLIND, Inc.), an NFB training
center. When, during the 1980 national convention, we marched on the
Minneapolis Society for the Blind, Peggy and I were there. When, in the mid
1980s, the National Federation of the Blind fought for the right of blind
airline passengers to sit in the exit row, Peggy and I were there. We were
proud at that time to be part of a group of blind people who created a video
demonstrating conclusively that the blind were just as capable as anyone
else of jumping out of an airplane using the emergency slides. When, in the
early 1990s, blind Minnesotans won the right to be treated like everybody
else at the ValleyFair amusement park, we were there. I was one of eight
blind people who staged a protest at ValleyFair because the park did not
want the blind to ride without someone sighted sitting next to them.

 

Over the years, Peggy and I have held a variety of leadership positions in
the Federation--both locally and nationally. Peggy has served as a chapter
president in both Minnesota and Iowa, and she has planned, organized, and
implemented too many Federation activities to count. As for me, I have
served in various capacities: state secretary, state treasurer, chapter
president, and national division president. Today, I am fortunate to serve
as the president of the National Federation of the Blind in Computer
Science, a division devoted to the interests of blind computer programmers
and other computer professionals.

 

In 1997, Peggy and I moved to Baltimore, Maryland where, for five years, I
worked as Director of Technology for our national office. During that time,
Peggy also worked at the National Center working to develop technology
training programs for our Job Opportunities for the Blind (JOB) program and
later serving as the national coordinator of America's Jobline and
NFB-NEWSLINE®.

 

In 2002, Peggy and I moved to Iowa, where I accepted employment with the
Iowa Department for the Blind, managing rehabilitation, independent living,
and technology service delivery programs for that agency.

 

In her spare time, Peggy is an avid historian--particularly in the area of
genealogical research. She wrote an article about Lillien Blanche Fearing, a
woman who became a lawyer in the late 1800s. This was published in the Iowa
Historical Journal.

 

In my spare time, I try to keep tabs on technological developments that are
of importance to the blind. I frequently write articles for the Braille
Monitor about technologies that I believe will be useful to the blind.

 

In moving to Albuquerque, Peggy and I were extremely fortunate to find a
place that has very convenient public transportation. We can go just about
anywhere on the bus, and for those places where bus service is not available
or is inconvenient, we ride taxicabs. We are thrilled to be here, and we
expect to continue our active involvement in the Federation.

 


ATTITUDES AND EXPECTATIONS


 

By Nancy Burns

 

It has been written about the ancient poet Homer, that he was compensated
for his blindness with the gift of poetry. Such reflections are made all too
often about those of us who happen to be blind. Is it possible that Homer
was a talented poet and just happened to be a blind guy?

 

Such attitudes and beliefs about blindness and vision loss have been handed
down through the centuries. The disturbing factor is that even today too
many of these misconceptions are still alive and well. For example, the
sixth sense is an attribute often given to blind people. Much of society
seems to believe that if a person is blind, this person's other senses are
greatly improved. Of course, this is not the case. We simply learn to use
our other senses more effectively.

 

Literature, television, and movies have, unfortunately, played a role in
perpetuating many of these negative stereotypes. These industries want
stories that will sell and consequently, reality is often missing. Granted,
we live in a visually oriented world. Generally when people close their eyes
and try to imagine how they might function as a blind person, they conclude
that they could not. This is in fact, true, because blindness-related
training (such as the use of Braille and mobility skills) accompanied by a
positive attitude are essential for a blind person to live a successful and
independent life. But it takes something else: it takes an open-mindedness
from others. It also takes realistic expectations. The role of the parent of
a blind child is critical. If low expectations exist, it is doubtful that
this child will become a highly functioning adult. These expectations, or
lack thereof, play a significant role in the attitudes towards people who
happen to be blind.

 

Society has opted to perpetuate these inaccurate and damaging stereotypes
about any person with a disability. Myriad commercials are cranked out
portraying the beautiful, perfect person who wears the trendy designer
clothing and brushes with the most popular toothpaste. What has happened to
reality? Is there no room for individuality in this world? Since societal
attitudes have created this distorted picture of reality, it is now
society's responsibility to correct these false images and to promote a more
accurate definition of a person who happens to be "different.”

 

An ongoing goal of the NFB has been, and is, to bring these very important
issues to the world around us. Each member of this organization is an
ambassador of the truth as we take our message to the public. These
stereotypes have existed for centuries, and the harsh reality is that change
cannot happen overnight. All of us, as blind or visually impaired people,
bear the responsibility of assisting in this process of changing what it
means to be blind.

 

 


THE ADVOCACY AND AWARENESS TRAIN ROLLS ON


 

By Larry Lorenzo

 

After the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed in 1990, the task
of educating society about both the letter and spirit of the law was taken
on by numerous advocates. Title III of the ADA, which addresses places of
public accommodations, is a good example. "Reasonable accommodations" were
required in order to assure that people with disabilities had access to
goods and services. After many years of advocacy efforts, one would think
that the objective of awareness and education had been met. However, the
truth is that advocacy and increasing awareness is an ongoing process.

 

Recently, a legally blind individual asked for my help in a case of denied
access. These are the basics of the situation: the individual went to a
doctor’s office for an appointment that had been made well in advance. The
receptionist asked that he update some paperwork. When he told her he was
legally blind and needed assistance, she told him to take the form with him,
fill it out, and reschedule the appointment. Aside from causing
inconvenience, the receptionist’s unreasonable request put this person in a
real bind because he required a refill of medication. Consequently, this
delay had potential medical implications. Understandably, he was beyond
frustrated when he contacted me.

 

I prepared a letter detailing the specifics of Title III of the ADA. I
suggested that a "reasonable accommodation" would have been that the
receptionist or other staff member take a few minutes to help the individual
update his information so he could keep his appointment. This letter was
hand-delivered to the doctor's office with a personal, confidential notice
on the envelope. Within two days the individual was asked to come in for an
appointment. The doctor expressed concern over the situation and agreed to
be more accommodating.

 

What concerns me is the frequency with which such events seem to be
occurring. A quick survey of advocacy organizations indicated that this was
not an isolated case. It is not acceptable for people with disabilities to
be denied services because of clerical barriers. In an effort to be
reasonable and understanding, we acknowledge the time pressure of clerical
staff. What other options can be considered? Providing electronic copies of
required forms is possible. Also, if time permits, sending such materials
via traditional mail may be considered. Offering assistance in the office
should always remain a consideration. Of course, any option offered should
be appropriate for the individual and the situation.

 

These cases are typically addressed on an individual basis. A more effective
approach may be to address a professional organization and promote awareness
and education as a systems issue. This strategy is being considered at the
time of the writing of this article.

 

Much progress has been made in changing what it means to be blind and
increasing awareness of all disabilities. But let's not forget that years of
myths and misconceptions won't change without ongoing effort. The Americans
With Disabilities ACT is not an entitlement program: it is Civil Rights
legislation. There is more work to be done before we can claim equality and
enjoy the opportunities of first-class citizens.

 

 


THE BELL PROGRAM COMES TO LIFE IN NEW MEXICO


 

By Pat Munson

 

Editor’s Note: It would be difficult to name everyone involved in the BELL
Program, but Alexia Switzer, parent of Faith, never missed a beat during the
entire two weeks. She worked as an assistant, drove the van, shopped, and
simply never missed an opportunity to keep everything on the move. A million
thanks, Alexia.

 

Our blind children are the future leaders of the National Federation of the
Blind (NFB). Therefore, it is imperative that they learn what we have
already achieved as an organization of blind people. One way we have of
forwarding our plans is with the two-week program NFB has developed called
the Braille Enrichment for Literacy and Learning (BELL) program. This
program has been developed and run by blind teachers and assistants. Those
involved teach Braille, cane travel and the positive philosophy of
blindness. This means the blind can do what sighted folks do but use
different methods and techniques.

 

The BELL program has been running in a number of states, but this was the
first time it was implemented in New Mexico. Back in September of 2012, at a
seminar, Daphne Mitchell volunteered to chair the committee to bring the
program to life. I was a part of the committee and quickly realized we were
taking on a daunting task. When I was a teacher, I showed up, taught, and
went home.

 

This BELL program needed money to function, a place to house it, willing
parents of blind children, and a teacher and assistants. Daphne Mitchell
sent out grant applications, sought a classroom, found a certified teacher
of blind children, mailed out fliers about the program, and took calls from
willing parents with blind children. As the months passed and we got closer
to the chosen date for the first day, Daphne never relented. She is
well-schooled in NFB philosophy: she never faltered. She kept everything on
track.

 

On June 10, 2013 the school doors opened, and the teacher ShaRon Dandy and
her helpers were at the door to welcome the three wonderful students, Aleah,
Faith and Stephen ages 4-6. 

Braille, white cane use and NFB philosophy were a major part of the ten-day
program. There was writing and Braille reading, instruction on cane use, and
talk about blind folks and how we react to sighted persons with their many
questions and comments.

 

The group took field trips to a children’s museum and a ride park. An
employee from the zoo brought skins, animal teeth, bones, animal sounds and
a live ferret to the classroom for the children to touch.

 

The students helped make lunch, and they prepared and baked cookies. I
arrived too late one day to enjoy the baked goods. Even the crumbs were
gone, my loss! 

 

So, what did we all learn from this program? All of us—the blind children,
parents, teachers and others--learned that working together, we are changing
what it means to be blind. These blind children have the role models many of
us lacked when we were blind children; this is proof that our positive work
in the NFB is continuing to make a great difference for the young blind
people who will one day be the movers and shakers in the NFB. 

 

 


THE 2013 SWIMMING PARTY


 

By Veronica Smith

 

Absolutely, positively, without a doubt, this was one of the best swimming
parties the NFB has had in a long time! The Albuquerque area presidents,
Alexia Switzer, Daphne Mitchell and Veronica Smith, were all present to
watch the crowd pile into the Valley Pool. They came in 2 by 2 and 3 by 3,
all carrying towels, floaters, goggles, and swimsuits of many colors! They
came in wearing flip flops and sandals, with their hair in pony tails. Some
came with snacks, some with drinks--and all came with the idea of having a
good time!

 

Over 30 children found something to do with all that water. Some floated on
their back, others swam laps, and still others jumped off the diving board!
Faith Switzer was one of many who found a friend and played chase, jumped up
and down, and squealed with delight just having a great time. 

 

Some of the adults also jumped right in to enjoy themselves. Gary Stansbury
didn’t hesitate and took full advantage of an open lane while his
grandchildren swam here and there. Dona Orgeron also dove right in, as did
Frances DeDios. Several adults sat in the patio area and enjoyed the
activities from a safe distance, no splashing here. The patio was safe from
the sun as big puffy clouds blocked it, but thankfully no rain or lightning
ruined our fun!

 

Alltogether, over 60 people, including NFB members, their family members and
their friends, had a great day!

 

 


WEST MESA CHAPTER SUMMER SOCIAL FUNDRAISER 


 

By Veronica Smith

 

Since the founding of the West Mesa Chapter, we have been hosting a summer
social fundraiser of some kind. This year, we decided to have a Bar-be-cue
at ShaRon Dandy’s home.

We served hamburgers, hot dogs (both beef and turkey), macaroni salad,
potato salad, baked beans and watermelon! The burgers and dogs were dressed
in lettuce, tomatoes, onions, mustard, catsup, relish, mayonnaise or green
chile. To quench their thirst, lemonade and iced tea were served.

For dessert, people could choose from chocolate cake, lemon cake, cupcakes
or Skinny Cow ice cream sandwiches.

 

And let me tell you, we had a super fantastic time! Forty-four people called
to say they were coming, and we served 52. All our friends were there: some
came just to eat, others came to lend a helping hand. We all came together
to have a great time. 

 

Special thanks goes to Bryce and Frances who cooked our burgers and dogs,
and to all of ShaRon’s friends who helped by bringing tables, chairs,
macaroni salad, baked beans, and that wonderful salsa. We also want to give
a great big thanks to the kitchen and wait-staff, because without them, our
plates would have remained empty. Most of all, a huge thanks goes to ShaRon,
who lent her home! We just couldn’t have had such a great fundraiser without
all of you!

 

 


NEW WEATHER SERVICE ON NFB-NEWSLINE


 

By Peggy Chong

 

I have been involved with the NFB-NEWSLINE program for many years now. At
first, I thought it was a nice service, but not for me. Now, it is a regular
part of my daily life. It gives me access to newspapers, such as the
Albuquerque Journal that has helped me to learn a lot about our new home, as
well as keeping up on the news in general. And one cannot forget the AP feed
that tells me I have lost the lottery again. I am not a technical person; I
use my basic home phone to read and use the NFB-NEWSLINE service.
NFB-NEWSLINE changes over time as it is upgraded and new features are added,
but these improvements never eliminate the access options that we have all
grown accustomed to. 

 

The Weather is the latest in our advances to the NFB-Newsline service—which
is so much more than just access to newspapers. Later, I will touch on a few
more great features of Newsline. But for today, I wish to highlight our new
weather option, much more than just another app.

 

In July, we added the Weather app that can now tell me the flood warnings,
storm alerts and the hourly temperature. I can get this weather information
just using my basic home phone, as well as by using all of the other
high-tech options. 

 

For the first time, all NFB-Newsline subscribers have access to
up-to-the-minute weather forecasts right from NFB-Newsline, both on the
phone and through the NFB-Newsline Mobile App. We can access daily and full
weekly weather forecasts from NFB-Newsline. 

 

Just like the emergency weather alerts, the weather forecasts are provided
to each subscriber based on their home zip code. Your address and zip code
on your NFB-Newsline account must be up-to-date and current in order for you
to receive the right weather forecasts and emergency weather alerts for your
area. 

 

In order to access the weather forecasts from the NFB-Newsline telephone
service, select option 2 off the main menu, followed by option 1. To access
the weather forecasts from the NFB-Newsline Mobile App, double tap
publications at the top of your home screen from the NFB-Newsline app, and
then double tap the publications options button at the bottom left corner of
the next screen. From the dialogue box, select the New Mexico information
channel, and then select the weather forecasts. 

 

The weather forecast section will contain 11 articles, with each article
containing different types of information. The first article has the
information on current conditions, including temperature, wind-speed, real
temperature feel, air quality and pollen indexes. The second article carries
that day's full weather forecast, including time of sunrise and sunset,
temperature fluctuations, humidity changes and rain fall throughout the day.
The third article gives you the hourly forecast for that particular hour of
the day with the conditions at that time. Articles four through nine carry
weather forecasts for days two through seven.

 

Article ten contains information on weather indexes. These include the
grass-growing, arthritis daytime and nighttime, asthma, beach-going,
bike-riding, kite-flying and concert-going indexes, among others. The final
article carries the astronomical forecasts on such things as sunrise and
sunset, moonrise and moonset, the rising and setting of all the other
visible planets, and the information on the waning and waxing phases of the
moon. 

 

All of this is available, and not just on the iPhone. I do not have a smart
phone, and I do not need an app, just my NFB-NEWSLINE account. And it is all
free. 

 

If you have lost your ID number, have not signed up for NFB-NEWSLINE yet, or
do not know how to get started, you can call the local NFB-NEWSLINE number,
505-841-8844. 

 

If you have not been on NFB-NEWSLINE for a long time, you will be surprised
with all of the additions to the service. Besides the daily weather, there
is the Weather alert service that tells you right away, when calling in to
NFB-NEWSLINE, that an alert has been issued for your area. Other features
that are available include Target store ads, TV listings, Job listings and
so much more. Did you know there are about 350 newspapers and about 40
magazines!!

 

At our national convention this past July, we also used NFB-NEWSLINE for our
convention agenda. The menus and the prices were even on NFB-NEWSLINE. I
knew what I wanted to order before I even got to the café. For those who are
not braille readers, this was a great option for quickly accessing
information at convention. 

 

There is no telling what new options we will have in the next year or two,
or what we will add to the service. 

 

 


DIABETES SERIES: KNOW YOUR NUMBERS!


 

By Dona Orgeron, R.N., Diabetes Educator

 

Do you know your numbers?

The numbers you should know are: your Cholesterol, Triglycerides, HDL, LDL
and A1c%.

Do not accept “your numbers are normal,” or “your tests came out OK,” or
“your numbers look good.”

Ask for your numbers: after all, they ARE your numbers.

Keep the results, and the next time your blood is taken to check any of
these numbers, you can begin to trend whether they are better or worse. You
can address this with your Diabetes Educator who can explain each of these.

 

Remember:

Cholesterol should be below 180 – 200

Triglycerides should be below 150

HDL (good cholesterol) should be ABOVE 50 in women and 45 in men.

LDL (bad Cholesterol) should be less than 100 and it should be lower than
HDL 

A1c (the average of your blood sugars over the past 3 months, expressed in
per cent) should be 7.0% or lower as you trend every three months.

 

Healthy eating, exercise, and medications are the three parts to the
triangle for a healthy diabetic. All three are necessary, not just one or
two of these, or else the triangle is not complete.

 

Here’s to your health!

 

 


GOOD EATING


 


Better-Than-Fried Chicken Drumsticks 


 

Submitted By Veronica Smith

 

Makeover Favorite: Crunch Time! Simply prep and marinate the chicken and
forget about it for eight hours or so, until dinner time. This succulent
chicken is just as quick as anything The Colonel fries up, and much better
for you. -Robyn Webb, MS, LN 

 

MAKES: 4 servings 

SERVING SIZE: 2 drumsticks 

PREPARATION TIME: 10 minutes 

MARINATING TIME: 8 to 24 hours 

COOKING TIME: 35 minutes 

 

Ingredients:

8 skinless chicken drumsticks 

1 ½ cups low-fat buttermilk 

2 garlic cloves, minced 

1 tsp. paprika 

1/2 tsp. hot sauce 

1/2 tsp. kosher salt 

1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper 

1 1/2 cups Panko bread crumbs (whole wheat, if available) 

 

Directions:

 

1. Place the drumsticks in a large resealable plastic bag or large bowl. Add
the buttermilk, garlic, paprika, hot sauce, salt, and black pepper and seal
the bag. Turn the bag to coat the drumsticks in the buttermilk mixture.
Place the sealed bag or covered bowl in the refrigerator to marinate for at
least

8 hours or overnight. 

 

2. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil. Set a
wire rack on top of the baking sheet. Coat the rack with nonstick cooking
spray. (I use a Broiler pan.) Remove the drumsticks from the marinade and
allow the excess liquid to drip off. Discard the marinade. 

 

3. Roll the drumsticks in the Panko crumbs. Discard any unused crumbs. Set
the drumsticks on the prepared rack. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the
chicken is cooked through and the crumbs are golden brown. 

 

Smart Swaps Shed the Skin: Removing the skin from drumsticks helps you trim
unhealthy saturated fat and significant calories. Panko bread crumbs lend
crunch. 


Love It Tender: Buttermilk is my secret marinade ingredient. It helps you
bake chicken that's moist, plump, and not stringy.

 

Savory Flavor: Instead of salty poultry seasoning, spice the chicken with
paprika, garlic, black pepper, and just a hint of salt. 

 

Per Serving Better-Than-Fried Chicken Drumsticks 

Calories 240; Fat 5 g (Sat. Fat 1.4 g); Carbohydrate 17 g (Fiber 2 g, Sugars
2 g); Cholesterol 85 mg; Sodium 200 mg; Potassium 315 mg; Protein 29 g;
Phosphorus 235 mg; 

Exchanges: Starch 1, Lean Meat 4 

 

 


Peanut Butter Parfait


 

Submitted by Veronica Smith

 

Entire recipe: 203 calories, 0.5g fat, 114mg sodium, 31g carbs, 2.5g fiber,
18g sugars, 19g protein -- PointsPlusR value 5*

 

Peanut butter with banana is a classic combo, and this is a new way to get a
fix. Creamy, crunchy, peanut-buttery deliciousness!

 

Ingredients:

6 oz. (about 2/3 cup) fat-free plain Greek yogurt

1/4 tsp. vanilla extract

1 no-calorie sweetener packet (like Splenda or Truvia)

1/2 large banana, cut into coins

1/4 cup Multi Grain Cheerios Peanut Butter cereal 

 

Directions:

Stir vanilla extract and sweetener into yogurt.

 

In a mid-sized glass, layer half of each ingredient: banana coins, yogurt,
and cereal. 

 

Repeat layering with remaining ingredients. Enjoy!

 

MAKES 1 SERVING

 

Note: I have also used regular plain fat-free yogurt for this recipe. The
only thing is, you lose out on all that protein. 

 

 


USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS AND WEBSITES


 

www.usajobs.gov and www.federaljobs.gov 

These are legitimate sites to visit to get information on federal jobs.

 

 <http://www.evernote.com> www.evernote.com 

This is an easy site to do your to-do list. I've been doing a lot of lists
lately since I am in the process of moving from our home of 12 plus years to
a nearby Retirement Center. 

 

www.medlineplus.com 

Info about medical conditions, drug side effects, etc. 

 

www.creditkarma.com 

Free credit monitoring and free credit scores. You will be pushed to sign up
for new credit cards, but just ignore these commercials. 

 

 


MEETINGS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS


 

September 14, 2013: State Fair Parade. Please get to the assembly point
before 7:00 AM. The assembly point is in the parking lot at Kohl's at the
south end of Coronado Mall. The bus will leave this point at 7:00 AM and
take us to the Fairgrounds to start the parade. At the end of the two-mile
walk, the bus will return us to the Coronado Mall. Let's all go and show the
crowd what blind folks can do. 

 

October 12, 2013: West Mesa Chapter Meeting 

10:00 AM to noon at 4700 Paradise Blvd.

Come and have a great time with an up-and-coming NFB chapter.

 

October 19, 2013: Albuquerque/West Mesa Chapters White Cane Banquet to be
held at Garcia's Mexican Kitchen at 4917 4th St. NW from 6:00-9:00 PM.

 

 

 

 

Robert Leslie Newman

Personal Website-

Adjustment To Blindness And Visual impairment

http//www.thoughtprovoker.info

NFB Writers’ Division, president

http://writers.nfb.org 

Chair of the NFB Communications Committee   

Nebraska Senior Division, Vice President