[NFB-NM] NFB of NM newsletter: Que Pasa, March 2020

[nfbnewmexicosecretary at gmail.com]

QUE PASA
March 2020
 
Newsletter of the National Federation of the Blind of New Mexico, published
on www.nfbnm.org, on New Mexico Newsline, and on NFB Newsline.
 
Adelmo Vigil
President, NFB of New Mexico
E-mail: nfbnewmexicopresident at gmail.com
(575) 921-5422
 
Tonia Trapp, Editor
E-mail: nfbnewmexicosecretary at gmail.com
(505) 856-5346
 
 
ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS
 
To submit an article or recipe for possible inclusion in this newsletter,
please email it to nfbnewmexicosecretary at gmail.com. By submitting your
article or other material, you are agreeing to the following:
 
*You assert that your article does not violate any confidentiality,
copyright, or other laws, and that it is not intended to slander, defame, or
mislead. 
 
*The NFB of New Mexico (NFBNM) has the discretion to publish and distribute
the article either in whole or in part.
 
*NFBNM is authorized to edit the article for formatting, length and content.

 
*NFBNM reserves the right to not publish submissions for any reason.
 
 
Contents
PREAMBLE. 2
NFB OF NEW MEXICO STATE CONVENTION POSTPONED. 2
NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND NATIONAL CONVENTION.. 3
COMMISSIONERS CONFIRMED: ART SCHREIBER AND DR. ROBERT REIDY GIVEN SPECIAL
RECOGNITION.. 5
SMOOTH SAILING. 9
TALES OF ADVENTURE AND ADVERSITY: A PROFESSOR AND ALUMNI PUBLISH BOOKS THAT
EDUCATE FROM TWO PERSPECTIVES. 12
QVC MEETS NFB SHOPPERS. 14
RINGING THE BELL IN NEW MEXICO.. 16
THE UMBRELLA FACTOR. 17
BLIND SENIORS WELCOME AT LOCAL SENIOR CENTERS. 19
GOOD EATING. 21
USEFUL WEBSITES, APPS, AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS. 22
MEETINGS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS. 22
 
 

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.) 
 
 

NFB OF NEW MEXICO STATE CONVENTION POSTPONED

 
Dear Federation Family and Friends,
 
We, like you, have been monitoring the rapidly-developing issues related to
COVID-19. With an abundance of caution, at this time we are postponing our
state convention. While it is disappointing to postpone, it is imperative
that we prioritize the health and safety of everyone involved.
 
At this time we are optimistic that the conference can be held on August
27-30, 2020. If you have already registered, we can simply transfer your
registration to the rescheduled convention in August, if the new dates work
for you. 
 
As news and developments are changing quite rapidly, this too may cause a
delay and or another rescheduled date. Please be patient with us as we get
through this difficult time. 
 
For up-to-date information on COVID-19, follow this link
https://cv.nmhealth.org/ 
 
We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, and we look
forward to greeting you in August. 
 
Take care, and do not hesitate to contact Adelmo Vigil with any questions or
concerns at nfbnewmexicopresident at gmail.com or
575-921-5422.
 
 

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND NATIONAL CONVENTION

 
Tuesday, July 14-Sunday, 19, 2020
 
Hilton Americas-Houston
1600 Lamar Street
Houston, Texas 77010
 
The National Federation of the Blind National Convention is the largest
gathering of blind people in the world.
It is the premier event for training, support, and information for the blind
community. It also serves as a governing body, democratically electing our
leadership and establishing each year's organizational priorities.
 
Although the convention is open to all, our constitution states that only
members of the NFB have the right to participate in decision-making when it
comes to organizational policy. If you are not already a member, you can
join the NFB today.
 
*While the convention was originally planned for two weeks earlier, the
Federation agreed to move its convention to accommodate activities in the
city of Houston. We believe this change will further enhance the program,
exhibits, and dynamic content provided at America's civil rights and
resource convention of blind people and their families. More information
regarding convention arrangements can be found in the December issue of the
Braille Monitor.
 
The 2020 National Convention of the National Federation of the Blind will be
held at the Hilton Americas-Houston hotel located in the heart of downtown
Houston. Start planning your trip today and help us celebrate the eightieth
anniversary of the NFB. See you in Houston.
 
Hotel Reservations 
 
Room reservations at the Hilton Americas-Houston can be made starting
January 1, 2020. More details to follow.
 
Registration 
 
Online registration will open March 1, 2020. More details to follow.
 
More Information
 
More details regarding hotel reservations, registration, the agenda, the
Kenneth Jernigan Convention Scholarship, and other special announcements are
available at
 <https://www.nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention>
https://www.nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention
For more information, please contact us at 410-659-9314 or nfb at nfb.org. 
 
 

COMMISSIONERS CONFIRMED: ART SCHREIBER AND DR. ROBERT REIDY GIVEN SPECIAL
RECOGNITION

 
By Greg Trapp
 
On January 29, 2020, the New Mexico Senate did what it has not done for many
years: confirm the three Commissioners of the New Mexico Commission for the
Blind. The three Commissioners are each appointed by the governor, and must
be confirmed by the state Senate. The three Commissioners had been serving
as recess appointments, meaning that they were serving in expired terms and
needed to be reappointed after the end of each legislative session. The
Commissioners confirmed were Art Schreiber for a term ending December 31,
2022, Dr. Robert Reidy for a term ending December 31, 2024, and Shirley
“Urja” Lansing for a term ending December 31, 2026. All three Commissioners
received high praise during their confirmation hearings before the Senate
Rules Committee. They also received unanimous favorable recommendations,
which was itself an accomplishment, because at least one member of the
committee had been uniformly voting “no” on all matters coming before the
committee. This confirmation also brought something special, namely the
recognition by the Senate of the extraordinary contributions to the State of
New Mexico by Art Schreiber and Dr. Robert Reidy. The recognition came in
the form of a pair of certificates. The certificate for Art Schreiber was
introduced by Senator Jerry Ortiz y Pino, and the certificate for Dr. Reidy
was introduced by Senator William Payne. They read as follows:
 
FIFTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE SECOND SESSION 
January 28, 2020 
 
SENATE CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION 
 
Certificate sponsored by Senator Gerald Ortiz y Pino, Senator Mary Kay Papen
and Senator Peter Wirth
 
The New Mexico State Senate, Having Learned of the significant Contributions
of Arthur A. Schreiber to the State of New Mexico, Does Hereby Extend its
Appreciation and gratitude; and
WHEREAS, Arthur A. Schreiber came to New Mexico in 1981 to serve as general
manager of KKOB radio, having previously worked as Washington bureau chief
for Westinghouse Broadcasting and as a reporter, news director, national
correspondent and general manager for radio stations across the country; and

WHEREAS, Arthur covered many of the most historic events of the 1960s,
traveling with John F. Kennedy during his presidential campaign, covering
the funeral of President Kennedy, traveling with Dr. Martin Luther King,
Jr., covering President Lyndon B. Johnson and covering the early space
missions; and 
WHEREAS, Arthur covered the Beatles on their first cross-country tour of
America, being one of five correspondents to travel with the band, leading
to his spending many nights famously playing Monopoly with John Lennon and
George Harrison; and 
WHEREAS, less than one year after arriving in Albuquerque, Arthur lost his
eyesight but continued as general manager of KKOB radio, and upon leaving
KKOB, Arthur continued his radio career on other Albuquerque stations,
concluding his broadcast career in 2011; and 
WHEREAS, Arthur was appointed by Governor Toney Anaya as the first chair of
the New Mexico Commission for the Blind in 1986, launching him on a new
mission and purpose in life; and 
WHEREAS, Arthur became the second executive director of the New Mexico
Commission for the Blind in 1994, serving until December 31, 1996; and 
WHEREAS, Arthur was appointed by Governor Gary Johnson to the Commission for
the Blind State Rehabilitation Council in 2001, in which capacity he served
as chair; and 
WHEREAS, Arthur was reappointed to the New Mexico Commission for the Blind
by Governor Bill Richardson in 2003; and 
WHEREAS, Arthur has served numerous New Mexico organizations, including
serving on the board of directors of Disability Rights New Mexico from 2013
to the present, serving as president of the National Federation of the Blind
of New Mexico and serving on numerous other boards, such as the New Mexico
Foundation for Open Government, the Better Business Bureau, the New Mexico
Museum of Natural History and Science and the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of
Commerce; and 
WHEREAS, Arthur has received numerous awards and accolades, including the
Columbia School of Journalism duPont Award, the New Mexico Broadcasters
Association 1991 Broadcaster of the Year Award, the 2013 National Federation
of the Blind Jacobus tenBroek Award and induction into the New Mexico
Broadcasters Hall of Fame; and 
WHEREAS, by being reappointed by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham to the New
Mexico Commission for the Blind, Arthur continues his long and distinguished
service to New Mexico; 
 
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that
appreciation be expressed to Arthur A. Schreiber for his many efforts and
accomplishments on behalf of persons who are blind or visually impaired. 
 
Signed and Sealed at The Capitol, in the City of Santa Fe.
Mary Kay Papen, President Pro Tem
Senator Peter Wirth
Senator Gerald Ortiz y Pino 
Lenore M. Naranjo, Chief Clerk
New Mexico State Senate
 
 
Fifty-Fourth Legislature, Second Session
January 27, 2020 
 
SENATE CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION 
 
Certificate sponsored by Senator William H. Payne, Senator Mary Kay Papen
and Senator Peter Wirth
 
The New Mexico State Senate, Having Learned of the significant Contributions
of Dr. Robert W. Reidy, Jr. to the State of New Mexico, Does Hereby Extend
its Appreciation and gratitude; and
WHEREAS, Robert W. Reidy, M.D., recently retired from a long and
distinguished medical career that spanned over six decades as an
ophthalmology specialist with Eye Associates of New Mexico; and 
WHEREAS, Dr. Reidy is a native of New Mexico with deep roots in the state,
whose family first came to New Mexico in 1846; and 
WHEREAS, Dr. Reidy is the grandson of Dr. John A. Reidy, a physician who
came to New Mexico in 1904, and the son of Robert W. Reidy, Sr., a Second
Judicial District Court judge who served in Bernalillo County; and 
WHEREAS, Dr. Reidy graduated from Highland High School in 1960, then left
New Mexico for the first time to attend Dartmouth College, graduating in
1964; and 
WHEREAS, Dr. Reidy attended Cornell University Medical College and graduated
with honors in 1968; and 
WHEREAS, after graduation from medical school, Dr. Reidy served as a
commander with the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps as
an obstetrician, gynecologist and general medical officer on the Navajo
Nation; and 
WHEREAS, after finishing his service on the Navajo Nation, Dr. Reidy
completed an ophthalmology residency and retina fellowship at the
Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary and, at the request of the dean of the
University of New Mexico School of Medicine, returned to Albuquerque to
start the Ophthalmology Division at the University of New Mexico School of
Medicine, where he was the only trained retina specialist in New Mexico at
the time; and 
WHEREAS, with his appointment by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham as a
commissioner on the New Mexico Commission for the Blind, Dr. Reidy continues
his long and distinguished service to New Mexico; and 
WHEREAS, the chair of the New Mexico Commission for the Blind has lauded Dr.
Reidy's contributions to the state, saying that he is honored to serve with
Dr. Reidy on the Commission for the Blind, that Dr. Reidy's expertise as a
retina surgeon preserved and improved the vision of countless thousands of
New Mexicans and that Dr. Reidy's leadership has resulted in New Mexico
having a greatly improved system of retina care; 
 
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that
the senate recognize Dr. Robert W. Reidy for his many efforts and
accomplishments in providing exemplary eye care for countless New Mexicans;
and 
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the senate express its sincere appreciation to
Dr. Robert W. Reidy for continuing to serve the state as a commissioner on
the New Mexico Commission for the Blind.
 
Signed and Sealed at The Capitol, in the City of Santa Fe.
Mary Kay Papen, President Pro Tem
Senator Peter Wirth
Senator William H. Payne
Lenore M. Naranjo, Chief Clerk
New Mexico State Senate
 
 

SMOOTH SAILING

 
By Nancy Burns
 
While reflecting back on our recent cruise, several highlights come to mind.
We cruised through the Bahamas and sailed toward the Panama Canal. Many
fascinating facts surround this incredible Wonder of the World. One such
fact is that the ship enters the canal from the Atlantic Ocean and exits
into the Pacific. Thousands of workers died from malaria or injuries while
working on this waterway. Hundreds of ships traverse this canal each day.
Cruise ships, along with gigantic container ships, take turns entering and
exiting the canal. 
 
As Don and I stood on the bow of the ship, a fellow passenger described the
scenery, which included jungle foliage. We were able to hear the chatter and
grunting of a large gathering of monkeys. It boggles my mind to realize that
we are actually cruising through the jungle. Our passenger friend then
described the small trains, called mules, which pull the ships through the
locks. It was a truly fascinating adventure, even though we have previously
made this voyage. Don sailed through the canal three times on a Navy
destroyer. He admits that he much preferred the cruise ship. 
 
Prior to entering the canal, our ship docked at Aruba, a small and
picturesque island. The tour guide was very helpful in describing the
landscape. At one point he announced that Venezuela could actually be seen
from where we stopped. The islanders speak their own unique language, which
is a combination of English, French, Dutch, Portuguese, and Spanish. Another
interesting fact is that the water in Aruba is actually ocean water which
has been purified--quite good but quite expensive. 
 
After leaving the Panama Canal, we entered the Pacific Ocean and sailed
toward Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica in Central America. Costa Rica presents
many opportunities to visit with residents and to experience the culture.
Our tour bus took us through the rain forest and stopped at a Starbucks
plantation. The plantation tour guide took us through each stage of growing,
harvesting, and roasting, even in pouring rain. After returning to the tour
bus, the guide explained that we would stop at a café for a traditional
Costa Rican meal. It was there that I met one of our fellow passengers and
her three children. I asked if her children might be interested in seeing
the Braille alphabet. I wrote the alphabet and then a short sentence for
them to decipher. It is rather unusual to have such an opportunity to
discuss Braille. I always carry a slate and stylus for writing quick notes. 
 
Our next stop was at the most incredible shop. It is called the Ox Cart shop
and has an unusual history. Since the coffee plantations grow on the
mountainside, heavy equipment is unable to make it up this mountainous
terrain. Ox carts are still used to bring supplies up and take coffee down
to lower ground. These talented Costa Ricans paint beautiful scenes on these
carts, including on the 3-foot-diameter wheels. The shop is filled with a
most incredible variety of brightly-painted vases, coasters, plates, and
even coffee cups made of wood. Many Christmas gifts were purchased there. 
 
Corinto, Nicaragua and Puerto Quetzalal, Guatemala were our two final ports
in Central America. Both of these countries are rich in Mayan culture and
history. This culture is reflected in the items made and sold there. The
Mayan calendar was evident in many forms, including jewelry, hand towels and
wall hangings. As always, we enjoyed conversing with the vendors, and they
often asked questions about our white canes. We delight in sharing such
information and hope it will somehow be beneficial. 
 
Back onboard the ship, we were met with mixed comments about our ability to
move about on this large ship. Don’s small amount of vision is helpful, of
course, and we are both experienced cane users. With our love of travel and
our travel skills, we were completing our fifteenth cruise. We always
attempt to change the opinion of those who call us amazing. We met and
socialized with several passengers who simply treated us as fellow
travelers. For example, we enjoyed conversing with the couple who we met in
the dining room on several occasions. Sandra was originally from England,
and her husband Louis was originally from France. They are now both retired
and reside in Florida. Of course, I seized upon the opportunity to explain
about a person named Louis, also from France, who made a huge impact on my
life. It is difficult to believe that another circumstance allowed me to
discuss Braille. As often as we have cruised, I don’t believe the subject of
Braille ever entered into a conversation. 
 
On some of our past cruises, we have experienced stormy and rough seas, but
this particular trip went very smoothly. The ship avoided any stormy weather
during this journey. In addition to the dining room, these large ships offer
the Ledo Deck, where food is available nearly around the clock. A Starbucks
coffee shop as well as intimate, and rather pricey dining rooms are
available with reservations only. As the ship travels from port to port,
this provides some down time when we are able to just read or reflect. We
consider ourselves fortunate in that we both love to explore new countries
and just hang out together. 
 
While docking in Huatulco and Puerta Vallarta, we again found fascinating
shops to explore. In Puerta Vallarta we met a vendor who was selling Mezcal
tequila. It was available with either the traditional worm or a scorpion. We
moved along to the next shop. After departing from Mexico, our final port
was, conveniently, San Diego, California on December 6. This gave us the
opportunity to spend time with my sister and son for an early Christmas.
Before flying back to Albuquerque, my son took us to In and Out Burgers, our
favorite burger stop in California. 
 
In addition to all of our fun adventures, we always leave the ship hoping
that in some small way we have made a difference in the stereotypes held by
the sighted public. The discussion of Braille is unusual on such a trip, but
it just happened. Don and I also hope that by writing these words and
sharing our experiences, it might inspire blind or visually impaired people
to explore the unknown.
 

TALES OF ADVENTURE AND ADVERSITY: A PROFESSOR AND ALUMNI PUBLISH BOOKS THAT
EDUCATE FROM TWO PERSPECTIVES 

 
Note: The following article appeared in the Winter 2019 issue of the UNM
College of Education Newsletter and was written by Hilary Jetty. The picture
was taken by Dr. Ruth Luckasson, J.D., Distinguished Professor, Chair,
Department of Special Education, UNM College of Education.
 

 
Reading is at the core of education, and despite the proliferation of books
available in online and audio formats, research shows that most people still
prefer the satisfaction of turning pages. Two books with connections to UNM
and the College of Education provide very different experiences for their
readers; one is a whimsical introduction to UNM for children, the other a
moving and inspiring memoir of living with the challenges of visual
impairment.
 
Victory from the Shadows: Growing Up in a New Mexico School for the Blind
and Beyond 
 
Gary Ted Montague’s struggle to cope with a low vision disability forged his
character. Raised on an isolated ranch east of Tucumcari, he was sent at age
eight to be educated at what is now the New Mexico School for the Blind and
Visually Impaired in Alamogordo. Separated from his family, he was homesick,
and resistant to learning Braille. 
 
Gary’s grit and optimistic persistence enabled him to attend UNM in the late
1950’s, before the enactment of laws against discrimination and the
development of policies requiring accommodations. He faced obstacles,
including the acquisition of properly formatted classroom materials,
accommodations for taking exams, and even the attitudes of some educators
and administrators. Despite these challenges, Gary walked confidently
without a cane through the UNM campus and graduated from the College of
Education in 1960. He went on to a 32-year career at Sandia Labs. 
 
Gary wrote Victory from the Shadows with his wife Elaine Carson Montague, a
retired special education teacher and alumna of the College of Education,
chronicling the difficulties of growing up as a differently-abled person in
a time before society grew to understand the needs and capabilities of this
population.
 
Through his experiences, readers are granted an expanded view of all people
with special needs and the benefits of educational, medical and legal
accommodations enabling them to reach their full potential.
 
“It’s important that parents of kids guide them,” Gary remarked, “so that
people in the community see them not as freaks, but as people with feelings,
just like anyone else.”
 
A labor of love, the book took nine years to write. It has been honored with
the James McGrath Morris Silver Award for published non-fiction and was a
finalist in the New Mexico/Arizona Book Awards. Elaine notes that it is
already being used in teacher training programs and hopes to see that
expand.
 
“This is an historical book,” she said. “Since most services are now
provided by inclusion rather than separation, we wanted to present a
realistic view of one man’s education at a residential school in
mid-twentieth century America and to encourage colleges to provide
resources. We also wanted to let today’s teens with special needs know that
they are capable of changing their destiny if they persevere with integrity,
whatever the challenge.”
 
More information about Victory from the Shadows can be found at 
 <https://www.elainemontague.com/> https://www.elainemontague.com/
 
 

QVC MEETS NFB SHOPPERS

 
By Pat Munson
 
Note: Although this was written almost two decades ago, it shows that NFB
members have been living the lives we want for a very long time.
 
Several months prior to the National Federation of the Blind Convention to
be held in Philadelphia, Mary Willows and Jana Littrell came up with the
idea of visiting the shopping TV channel headquarters, QVC. We were under
the impression that the headquarters was a mere few miles from where we
would have the convention. Public transportation sounded great, so we were
ready to go. All we needed was an exact address. After some tedious
investigation, we learned that QVC was not around the corner, and that it
would take hours to get there. 
 
Because all of us going on this excursion were sandwiching the trip between
meetings, Mary Willows, always on top of things, decided we needed to rent a
van and driver. We could round up more shoppers and divide the van rental.
In just a few minutes, we had more interested shoppers than seats. Among
those going from California, besides Jana and Mary, we had Sharleen
Phillips, Keiko Phelps, Dorothy Fletcher, and Sybil Irvin from San Diego.
Our other shopper was Dana Ard from Idaho.
 
We were lined up on the curb at the appointed time. But, where was the van!
We waited and waited. After calling the van company, we learned that the van
was waiting around the corner at the door of another hotel that the
convention was using. Anyway, the van appeared and we eagerly jumped in. As
we were pulling out, the driver said he had never been to QVC, but that he
would be getting directions as we traveled from his dispatcher. We then
settled down for our short journey. 
 
As minutes passed, we realized all was not well. Our driver had stopped
talking on his radio. Mary said she would call QVC on her cell phone; we
gave three cheers for modern technology. To shorten the drama, let me
explain: we left our hotel at about 1:15, and we just made it to QVC for the
4:00 PM tour. As we pulled up in front of the QVC complex, all we could
think about was getting out and stretching our very cramped legs.
 
Before we let the driver go to look for gas, we told him that he must be
ready to return at 6:00, for we had meetings to attend back at the
convention hotel. He assured us that he could find QVC again, and that he
did indeed know the route back to Philadelphia. Then our pioneer driver,
Marc, told us the main door to QVC was about ten yards straight ahead. He
was off, and we were likewise. Remember, this huge TV production complex is
out in the country; there did not seem to be anyone about. We opened the
door and proceeded to a registration counter. We were welcomed and were
asked if we had come for the tour. We paid the tour cost, met our tour
guide, and were ushered through security. 
 
Our guide for the tour was Dave. He said he had worked in radio, so not
surprisingly, he was outstanding about explaining everything. QVC has done
an excellent job of breaking up the tour; most of it is walking around the
huge complex, but from time to time we would enter a room and sit while Dave
explained certain aspects of the operation, or showed clips of early
broadcasts. Dave gets an A for giving great directions. He would stand to
the right of a door and tell us to pass through the door on his left. He
possesses excellent verbal skills! 
 
Since most of this complex is production area, a bridge was built with floor
to ceiling glass on both sides, so visitors could see the operation in
progress. I’m sure we missed none of the visual elements, for Dave described
everything he could see through each window on both sides as we passed. For
example, he would explain the control room with the workers as they produced
what was seen at people’s homes. He described the movable sets used for
different aspects of production. If pots and pans are being sold, a kitchen
is needed; if plants are being sold, an outdoor look is required. The sets
are just like the ones you would see in the movies. In other words, what the
viewer sees at home is not what it appears to be. We had to laugh at one
window, for viewers are under the illusion that QVC has a regular house
where items are displayed for sale to TV customers. Well, we saw what folks
think of as the bedroom in one area, and other parts of the house scattered
in different sets. 
 
The highlight of the tour was when one of many doors was opened, but this
time we walked above the live production area. For a few minutes, we could
actually hear an on-air host selling jewelry. After several minutes, another
camera came on where another host was instructing viewers to keep tuned for
home-repair tools. What was very interesting was that all the workers
carrying cameras and other needed items stood really close to the broadcast
area. When I was watching QVC on TV at home, I remembered hearing extraneous
noise from time to time and had wondered what it was. Now I know it is
simply part of the usual off-camera activity. 
 
Dave ended the tour at one of the QVC stores, where we could purchase many
of the items we see for sale on our screens at home. Some in our group
bought items, but the rest of us know how easy it is to simply pick up our
phone and order anything we could possibly want. Then the items magically
appear at our door some days later. Of course, later the bill appears on our
credit card. 
 
As we climbed back into our van for our return journey, we all agreed that
QVC treats blind tourists as it would any other visitors. Yes, we are blind,
but with Dave doing the narration, we saw QVC operations as would other
visitors. However, had Dave not been so verbal, we would have questioned him
until we knew everything. In the National Federation of the Blind, we have
changed what it means to be blind. 
 
Oh yes, and we were late getting back to the hotel. I for one tiptoed into a
meeting, already in progress, sat in a corner, and gobbled the dinner which
had been hand-carried to me. Federationists are ever so resourceful!
 
 

RINGING THE BELL IN NEW MEXICO

 
By Michelle Chacon
 
During the last week of June, 2019, the National Federation of the Blind of
New Mexico held their Braille Enrichment for Literacy and Learning (BELL)
Academy at the New Mexico School for the Blind and Visually Impaired
(NMSBVI) Early Childhood Program (ECP). The New Mexico Commission for the
Blind (NMCB) provided additional support through funding to purchase
materials and transportation for field trips, and to provide stipends for
the individuals who worked at the program.
 
This summer program serves students who are blind or low vision between the
ages of four and twelve years old. In 2019, we had three students from the
Albuquerque metro area participate in the BELL Academy. The purpose of the
program is to provide opportunities for the students to learn or continue to
build their skills in Braille reading and writing. In addition, the students
are provided with opportunities to participate in activities that address
the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC). They made their own lunches, went on a
field trip to the park, and most of all, they had fun. The majority of the
adults who were teachers or support staff were blind or low vision. They
acted as role models for the students. Interns from the NMSU Visual
Impairment Program (VIP) also participated and observed the students.
 
As a result, the NFB of New Mexico, NMSBVI, and the NMSU VIP have developed
a strong partnership to reach students in New Mexico who are blind or
visually impaired, and provide them with opportunities to learn Braille, ECC
skills, and have fun! Thanks to all who made it a success! 
 
We are looking forward to offering two programs in 2020: one in Albuquerque
at the ECP, and one in Alamogordo on the main campus.
 
 

THE UMBRELLA FACTOR

 
By Nancy Burns
 
Rain, snow, and wind conditions all have an interesting, yet often
challenging, impact on travel for a blind individual using the long white
cane. The cane is actually a helpful extension of the sense of touch. Along
with my sense of hearing, I use my white cane to find curbs, changes in
terrain, driveways, etc. My Burbank home was easy for me to locate, if I
paid attention, as it was six driveways from the corner. Audible signals
from my cane such as “splash” tell me that there is water in the gutter, and
“thud” tells me if I am stepping into grass or mud. I have never counted
steps, as is often believed by some of the general public. How would a
person possibly keep track of the numbers? Remembering 214 steps to this
location, 89 to another, etc.--I don’t think so. 
 
As I am now retired and living in Albuquerque, my travel skills are not as
well-honed as they were when I was working fulltime in Southern California.
During much of my employment, I took buses, transferring at least one time,
into downtown Los Angeles, and traveling through some rather unsavory areas.
I rarely felt intimidated, but I feel certain that my confident stance had
much to do with that. 
 
When returning home, I had to walk several blocks to my house. If it was
raining hard enough to necessitate the use of an umbrella, the pounding
sound of rain over my head made it difficult to listen to the traffic.
Consequently, when my cane found a curb, I would stop, collapse the
umbrella, and listen. I waited for a new light, and I would cross when my
parallel traffic once again started up. After crossing I would open my
umbrella and continue down the street, wondering if an observer was trying
to figure out why I decided to get wet while crossing the intersection. Oh
well, perhaps one of those curious spectators will read this and decide that
I am not a bit strange after all.
 
The winds in Southern California are rarely like any of those that blow
across New Mexico. Even so, when I did have to face some brutal winds, this
also threw off my ability to hear the necessary sounds that I would
customarily hear along the way. The sounds of rustling branches, dancing
leaves, and other debris being blown about in the street were all annoying
and caused me to be even more vigilant. 
 
Mingling with other commuters proved to be entertaining. It is amazing,
although sometimes depressing, how many stereotypes and misconceptions about
blind people exist in this world. Maybe I should first explain how I manage
to catch a bus. If necessary, I would have someone show me the location of
bus stops, but after that, my cane would easily find such stops. I remember
one time leaving work, walking to the corner, locating the bus stop sign
with my cane, leaning against it, and checking my Braille watch for the
time. A man at the stop said to me, “you are at the bus stop and it is
5:00.” I could only thank him and say to myself, “duh.”
 
One rainy evening while still living in Burbank, my husband and I were
returning home from the movies. Don, legally blind, and I had caught a bus
and were nearing our stop. We overheard a woman say that she and her small
child had a long walk after leaving the bus, and she had no umbrella. As we
reached our stop and stood up to exit the bus, I said to Don, “We are going
to
” Before I could finish, he answered, “Yes,” and we offered the woman our
umbrella. She resisted, but we convinced her that we were only half a block
from home and that we would be fine. She finally accepted our gift, and we
felt good about being able to help.
A year or so later, Don and I were waiting at a bus stop in the pouring
rain. We were wearing rain coats but there was no shelter, and the
relentless downpour of California liquid sunshine had us thoroughly
drenched. As we stood there praying for the bus to hurry, which never
happens in the rain, a car pulled up to the curb and a woman got out, handed
me an umbrella and said, “It looks as if you need this more than I do.” I
hardly had time to realize what had just happened, to yell “thank you”
before she was back in her car and driving away. We couldn’t keep from
reflecting back to our umbrella gift and saying a prayer of thanks. This is
just another example of giving to the universe and observing as the universe
gives back. 
 
 

BLIND SENIORS WELCOME AT LOCAL SENIOR CENTERS

 
By Pat Munson
 
Note: This article is not about the center close to where I live now, but
most centers provide the same services.
 
Since I am familiar with the senior center near my home, I shall describe
what I have found there. Oh, by the way, nobody stands at the door and asks
people their age. However, the center does get funding for certain programs
which serve older persons. 
 
I went to the center a few years before I retired. I heard the center had a
bulletin board, and since I was looking for a reader-driver, I thought that
board would be a good place to look. I look for ads that state the person
would like to run errands, because I figure the person has a car. Then I
inquire if the person would like to read. I did find someone, and that
person worked for me for years. I also found a second reader from the
center.
 
Five afternoons a week, my center serves dinner. The meal price is very low.
Meals on Wheels is available for those who do not want to journey to the
center.
 
Twice a week, the center van will take seniors to a local shopping mall.
After shopping, the van delivers the shopper and purchases to the person’s
home. This service is free to the user. 
 
The first Monday of each month, the center support group has a meeting. At
one meeting, a counselor spoke about her job. Twice a month she has
appointments. She assists seniors with Social Security issues, and so on.
The counselor further stated that if she cannot help, she can refer people
to someone who can. At another meeting, local attorneys spoke about their
assistance for seniors with legal matters. I am very pleased to learn of the
useful services for persons in the senior community. 
 
The center hosts classes five days per week. Subjects range from current
events to world lit. I attended a world lit class. We, the students, chose
what we wanted to read. We read books by Lessing, Melville, Shakespeare, and
James. I borrowed the books from my Talking Book Library, so I could study
at home if I chose. I said “if I chose” because there are no grades or
tests. If one simply wants to attend and not do any more, that is fine. I
started another class, but to tell the truth, I was too lazy to get up and
get dressed. I got up with the birds for thirty-five years when I was
working; now, I do what I want. 
 
In the lobby area of the center, organizations such as the NFB display
information for seniors to take home and read. Here is a small sample of
what I found: rating nursing homes, Medicare supplements, retirement living
arrangements, drug interaction, elder care, Internet library, services for
older persons, healthcare information, and a local center for the blind. As
I said, if an older person needs help, it is available.
 
When I went to the center the first time, I noted that most other seniors
paid little attention to me. There was one lady who decided I needed lots of
help. I said nothing, but another senior told Ms. Helpful that it appeared
that I was doing just fine. I always remember Dr. Jernigan reminding us that
we must take our rightful place in society. We blind seniors are so lucky to
have the NFB, for we know that we can take our rightful place in society on
terms of equality. 
 
If you have never ventured out to your local senior center, give it a visit.
Blind seniors have a lot to give to other seniors. Many are losing vision,
so our participation shows others that blindness need not slow anyone’s
pace.
 
 

GOOD EATING

 
GREEN CHILI PIMIENTO CHEESE SPREAD
 
By Don Burns
 
1 lb. grated American or mild Cheddar cheese
1 pkg (3 oz.) cream cheese
1 jar (4 oz.) pimientos, drained and chopped
1 cup green chili chopped
1/2 cup pecans chopped
1/4 cup mayonnaise 
 
Mix all ingredients by hand in a large bowl. Chill for one hour. Serve on
crackers, bread or tortillas. ENJOY!
 
 

USEFUL WEBSITES, APPS, AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS

 
By Jim Babb
 
 <http://www.ssa.gov/myaccount> www.ssa.gov/myaccount 
Go here to set up your personal Social Security account. When initially
setting up your account, you will be asked for personal information so that
SSA can verify that you are really you. Once the account is set up, you can
monitor it to review your monthly and annual account balances. You can also
monitor for fraud and/or account takeover. First you log-in with a username
and password, and then you will receive a code on your smart phone or via
email, which you enter on the SSA website. This is called a two-factor
authentication code. 36 million Americans have already signed up for this
valuable service; I encourage you to do this also.
 
 <http://www.aging.senate.gov/fraud-hotline>
www.aging.senate.gov/fraud-hotline 
Go here to report attempted frauds and scams. The most common scam phone
call involves someone impersonating the IRS. Remember the IRS almost never
calls a taxpayer; if the IRS needs to reach you for a legitimate reason, you
would receive a letter first, not a call.
 

MEETINGS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

 
The following announcement comes from Nathalie Martin, President, San Juan
Chapter, National Federation Of The Blind of NM:
 
I am now a grandma for the first time. My daughter Brianna and her fiancé
Kenelm are the proud parents of a healthy baby girl born on October 18,
2019. She weighed 6 lbs 2 oz and was 19 inches long. 
 
Important Dates:
 
March 31: Deadline for NFB national scholarship applications
 
April 15: Dr. Jacob Bolotin Award application deadline
 
June 21-27: NFB Engineering Quotient Program; St. Paul, MN
 
July 14-19: National Convention; Houston, TX
 
August 27-30: NFB of New Mexico State convention; Albuquerque, New Mexico
 
 
Best wishes,
 
Tonia Trapp, secretary
National Federation of the Blind of New Mexico
nfbnewmexicosecretary at gmail.com
www.nfbnm.org
 
Live the life you want.
The National Federation of the Blind is a community of members and friends
who believe in the hopes and dreams of the nation’s blind. Every day we work
together to help blind people live the lives they want.
 
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