[Nfbk] Cardinal winter 2010

[Melanie Peskoe]

Denise & Lora, the newsletter was great and I really enjoyed reading 
it.  Cathy, I liked your article very much.
Great job ladies!
Melanie

On 3/26/2010 2:34 PM, Denise Franklin wrote:
>
> /*The Kentucky Cardinal*/
>
> * *
>
> *WINTER 2010*
>
> * *
>
> *A publication of the National Federation of the Blind of Kentucky*
>
> * *
>
> *Cathy Jackson, President*
>
> *210 Cambridge Drive*
>
> *Louisville, Kentucky 40214*
>
> *Phone: 502-366-2317*
>
> * *
>
> * *
>
> *Edited by: Denise Franklin*
>
> *3639 Hurstbourne Ridge Boulevard*
>
> *Louisville, Kentucky 40299*
>
> *Phone: 502-499-0759*
>
> *e-mail: kyfranks at yahoo.com*
>
> * *
>
> *Editorial staff:*
>
> *Lora Felty, e-mail: **lorafelty at windstream.net* 
> <mailto:lorafelty at windstream.net>
>
> * *
>
> *Dennis Franklin, Formatting Specialist*
>
> * *
>
> * *
>
> *We invite and encourage your participation in this newsletter. 
> Articles may be edited for length, and the editors reserve the right 
> to judge suitability for this publication. Material may be submitted 
> to any of the editors.*
>
> * *
>
> * *
>
> *PRESIDENT’S CORNER*
>
> *Is There a Place for*
>
> *Visually Impaired Individuals in NFB?*
>
> *By Cathy Jackson, President*
>
> *National Federation of the Blind of Kentucky*
>
> *I was a participant on a panel at a State Presidents seminar held at 
> our national headquarters in Baltimore, Maryland where the topic of 
> visually impairment was discussed. We also touched on how to convince 
> partially blind individuals that they can benefit greatly by being a 
> part of the National Federation of the Blind (NFB), the nation’s 
> largest organization of the blind speaking for the blind. Of course, 
> just as important is the fact that they in turn have much to offer the 
> NFB. For many it is automatically assumed that we are an organization 
> of the blind because our name says it all, the National Federation of 
> the Blind, not the National Federation of the Blind and Visually 
> Impaired. *
>
> * *
>
> *For purposes of this article I am going to use the terms visually 
> impaired, partially sighted and partially blind or similar phrases 
> that may come to mind. I am not afraid to use the word blind or admit 
> that I am a blind person, but I need to make distinctions and 
> clarifications. *
>
> * *
>
> *The public in general only recognizes total blindness or perfect 
> vision, anything in between is a mystery. Trust me, it’s also a 
> mystery to those of us with partial vision. How can I see a dime on 
> the floor from across the room and fall over a chair getting to it? *
>
> * *
>
> *There have been countless times when, during a conversation I have 
> said something like, “As a blind person I….” There is an immediate 
> gasp. “You’re not blind; you can see, can’t you?” Then they start 
> waving their hands in my face. I feel compelled to launch into an 
> explanation. “Yes I have some usable vision but my visual acuity is 
> 20/200 which means that I meet the legal and medical definition of 
> blindness.” The discussion doesn’t usually end there. They start 
> pointing to objects asking if I can see them. When my daughter, 
> Nickie, was little and her friends asked how well her dad and I could 
> see, she would simply say, “My dad is almost blind, my mom is half 
> blind and I am a little bit blind.” *
>
> * *
>
> *The honest to goodness truth is that all too often visually impaired 
> people don’t know exactly where they fit in. On one hand we the NFB 
> say “Admit you are blind.” But on the other hand, there are those who 
> have somewhat of a condescending attitude that says, “But you can 
> really see.”*
>
> * *
>
> *At a national convention I overheard a conversation between two 
> people and one of them said, “NFB doesn’t ever discuss the issues 
> faced by those of us with low vision, do they?” I stopped and thought, 
> You know, we really don’t. I have talked with Members in the Kentucky 
> affiliate who have expressed this exact same sentiment to me. *
>
> * *
>
> *If you stop and think about it, visually impaired individuals face 
> the same problems as totally blind people. Actually, our situation may 
> be even more precarious. The public in general is convinced that 
> totally blind people can’t do anything, however, they aren’t exactly 
> sure just what to expect from those of us with partial vision. If we 
> are half blind are we expected to do only half as much?*
>
> * *
>
> *We walk into the job interview and it is apparent that we have some 
> vision, but we called ahead to have the test put in an accessible 
> format--large print, audio, and even Braille. We too have to convince 
> the potential employer that we can do the job and with the proper 
> accommodations we are every bit as competent as our sighted peers. We 
> have to make accommodations in the classroom. We have the same issues 
> with public transportation. More often than not, we are unable to read 
> the destination sign in the window of the bus and have to ask, What 
> bus is this? *
>
> * *
>
> *Now put a cane in the hand of someone like me. Let me tell you that 
> really adds a layer of confusion. I am treated quite differently when 
> I am carrying my cane. I was traveling to Oregon a few years ago to 
> serve as the national representative to their state convention. As I 
> recall I had to change airplanes twice before I arrived in Oregon. I 
> was grabbed by the shoulders and turned around and the end of my cane 
> was lifted off the ground. I protested and took the opportunity to 
> turn the situation into a teachable moment. During one of the layovers 
> I decided to head to the ladies’ room to freshen up a bit. I stood my 
> long white cane next to me and proceeded to comb my hair and reapply 
> my lipstick. In the mirror I could see a lady standing behind me 
> watching with curiosity, unaware that I was watching her. All sorts of 
> thoughts were running through my head. Did she think I was faking my 
> blindness? Was she wondering if I could actually apply lipstick? Was 
> she waiting for me to make a mess of it all? There were a couple of 
> other things I was considering. Maybe I’ll just apply the lipstick on 
> and around my lips so as not to disappoint her if she doubted my skill 
> to put on makeup. No, I decided then I would have to wash my face. 
> Then a second brainstorm popped into my head. I think I’ll turn around 
> and ask her if I look ok. No, there would be nothing gained by 
> embarrassing her. Instead I chose a more polite approach. When I 
> turned around I simply said hello. She made a beeline to the nearest 
> stall. *
>
> * *
>
> *On this same trip coming home from Oregon I was pretty tired and not 
> in the mood to be hassled. An attendant in the O’Hare airport decided 
> that I needed a cart to transport me to my gate. I assured her I was 
> fine and if she would just give me directions I could travel alone. 
> Besides I had been sitting for several hours and needed to stretch my 
> legs, to which she replied, “not on my watch.” I was told to stay put. 
> Lucky for me O’Hare is quite busy. When she turned her head I 
> collapsed my cane and bolted. Should I have folded my cane and run? 
> Probably not. Looking back that was the coward’s way out. I should 
> have stood my ground, but as I said, I was tired and not very 
> rational. I was counting on the fact that if I put my cane away I 
> would be just another passenger in the airport and it worked. I hope 
> by now they have called off the search.*
>
> * *
>
> *If I wasn’t already a member of NFB how would you convince me or any 
> other partially sighted individual that joining NFB would be a great 
> idea? What would you say to me when I tell you I have enough vision to 
> “fake it?” How would you persuade me that learning to do things using 
> non-visual techniques might actually make my life easier? How would 
> you encourage me to open up and share my experiences, both good and 
> bad? And probably the biggest challenge to me: What would you say and 
> do to make me feel comfortable in my own skin? Just telling someone 
> it’s ok to be blind isn’t always enough. *
>
> * *
>
> *Most of you reading this article know that I am self-sufficient and 
> strong-willed. How did this happen? It was no accident. I was 
> fortunate enough to have parents who made it clear from the get-go 
> that I was no different from my siblings apart from the fact that I 
> couldn’t see as well. I was expected to do well in school and to do 
> chores around the house. They also made accommodations which I was 
> totally oblivious to, but grew to realize their importance. I had 
> large print storybooks and coloring books and white paper plates 
> dotted the baseball field so I could see the bases. They instilled in 
> me a sense of confidence and well-being. *
>
> * *
>
> *Looking back over my life there were very few times when I was made 
> to feel embarrassed or ashamed of being visually impaired, or made to 
> believe that I was less of a person. I understand this isn’t always 
> the case. Some partially blind people haven’t been so lucky. For these 
> individuals NFB could be a pivotal point in their lives. If we can 
> convince them to attend a chapter or division meeting and especially a 
> state or national convention, we can begin the mentoring process and 
> show through our actions that the NFB philosophy does apply just as 
> precisely to partially sighted people. Visually impaired individuals 
> will learn that they no longer have to “fake it” but “face it.” We can 
> teach them to advocate for themselves. They will learn the use of 
> alternative techniques that can reduce a visual impairment to a 
> nuisance. Pretty soon they won’t care if they are referred to as blind 
> and the word blind will become just a part of their vocabulary. It’s 
> all about changing attitudes. You see, no pun intended, there truly 
> are more similarities than differences between partially sighted and 
> totally blind people. We all want to be treated with respect. We all 
> want to be independent and productive citizens. We need to continue 
> setting the success bar higher for ourselves than others do.*
>
> * *
>
> *If you have ever doubted your place in the National Federation of the 
> Blind, let me assure you that you are welcome and that your membership 
> is valued. I attended my first national convention in New Orleans in 
> 1977. Every national board member I met or saw walking around the 
> convention was totally blind, or perhaps it was merely the fact that 
> they were using their blindness skills to perfection and I assumed 
> they were totally blind. Although at that time I thought one had to be 
> blind to be a member of the Board of Directors, I am living proof that 
> this is not the case. I have never doubted for a minute my membership 
> in the Federation or the contributions I have made. I also value the 
> lessons and opportunities that the NFB has afforded me. So for those 
> of you who are partially blind members of the organization I want you 
> to realize your worth; and to all of us, let’s share with other 
> partials who may be feeling left out. *
>
> * *
>
> * *
>
> *SPECIAL FEATURE*
>
> * *
>
> *Experience Equals Wisdom*
>
> *by Jennifer Hall*
>
> * *
>
> * *
>
> *Knowledge comes from experience; wisdom comes from trial. The 
> National Federation of the Blind of Kentucky has experienced its share 
> of trial and uncomfortable circumstances to gain the knowledge and 
> wisdom necessary to build and maintain a strong foundation for each of 
> its members. Where would we be without the thinking, caring and 
> fortitude of strong Federationists who have tirelessly served our 
> great organization? I had the honor and privilege to interview three 
> such Federationists: Mr. Lloyd Whitmer, Mr. Lloyd Agnew and Mrs. 
> Mittie Lake. *
>
> * *
>
> *Mr. Lloyd Whitmer, age 93, resides in Louisville and has been a 
> Federationist since the beginning of the Kentucky affiliate. He sat on 
> the board of the Kentucky affiliate for a number of years. Lloyd was 
> one of the pioneers in getting the NFB of Kentucky up and running. He 
> worked two jobs--one as a vendor and the other in a factory. The one 
> major issue Mr. Whitmer recalled dealt with the vending/merchant 
> issue. He said they wanted to take away the vending FACILITIES from 
> the blind vendors. Through Mr. Whitmer’s interview, I realized this 
> struggle is not new and we need to remember to support our vendors. *
>
> * *
>
> *Mr. Lloyd Agnew was responsible for starting the Federation in 
> western Kentucky in 1973. He and his wife, Joretta, have been 
> completely devoted to raising two wonderful daughters, Ava and Karen, 
> along with a devotion to their faith and attendance at their church in 
> Henderson. They also run a successful business, a Farm Bureau Service 
> Center. One of the major issues Mr. Agnew remembers is the seating of 
> blind persons on airplanes. “They thought they had to seat all blind 
> individuals near the exits,” he said. Also, he remembers when 
> traveling with canes on airplanes was an issue. “They wanted to take 
> them from you until the end of the flight.” Mr. Agnew has met several 
> friends over his life as a blind man. Members of the State Legislature 
> are among many. He said that one legislator was asked about a piece of 
> legislation dealing with a blindness issue and the Senator said he had 
> to speak with Lloyd Agnew before his final decision! We definitely 
> have strong men like Lloyd Agnew to thank for the path he has already 
> trod. Lloyd and Joretta hold a very special place in my heart. They 
> are responsible for introducing me to the NFB and taking me to my 
> first state and national conventions. Their example is one I can hope 
> to live up to. *
>
> * *
>
> *Mittie Lake--what a woman! Mittie and I played phone tag for a few 
> days before this interview, but what a privilege it was to hear her 
> history! Mittie attended KSB from kindergarten to 12^th grade when she 
> graduated in 1949. She remembers the Federation comprised of KSB 
> alumni and wanted to join. She married Joseph Lake, Sr. in 1951. 
> Joseph was also a KSB alum and devoted Federationist. Mittie didn’t 
> know how much she would have to offer to the article, but she gave a 
> unique look back and showed just how far we have come. She remembered 
> some of the same issues as Mr. Whitmer and Mr. Agnew. However, she 
> explained that her experience was limited in the beginning because she 
> was at home taking care of children. In those days, childcare was 
> definitely not an option. Mittie said the Federation was not 
> child-friendly at all. She remains as active as she can in our 
> Kentucky affiliate and still helps out in the nursery of her church. 
> Mittie’s outlook, ”I want to keep going and doing as long as I can.” *
>
> * *
>
> *Spending just a few moments with these great individuals was 
> priceless and taught me a very important lesson. The lesson learned 
> from Mr. Whitmer, Mr. Agnew and Mittie is that struggle may always be 
> a part of our Federation history, but quitting is not an option. Where 
> would we be if the KSB alumni had not seen the need to branch out and 
> continue the cause? We must see their example and remind ourselves 
> that it is not about what we can get as Federationists, but what we 
> give to ensure our future. *
>
> * *
>
> * *
>
> * *
>
> *HAVE YOU HEARD?*
>
> * *
>
> *By Lora Felty*
>
> * *
>
> *After a brief retirement, George Stokes has returned to work at a 
> vending facility in LaGrange, Kentucky.  Best of luck to George on 
> this new venture. *
>
> * *
>
> *During 2009 the National Federation of the Blind held a "Letters to 
> Obama” campaign. Through this effort the NFB solicited letters from 
> blind Braille readers explaining the important role that Braille plays 
> in their everyday life.  One hundred letters were selected from over 
> 150 submissions to be included in a book entitled "Let Freedom Ring".  
> The original plan was to present this book to President Obama in a 
> ceremony held during Meet the Blind Month.  Unfortunately, this could 
> not be arranged so, on February 2, 2010, the book was presented to the 
> head of the United States Department of Education.  You can read the 
> book on the NFB website.  OUR own Lora Felty is pleased and honored to 
> have her letter included among the other submissions. *
>
> * *
>
> *  We are excited to congratulate Danielle Burton.  Danielle is a 
> freshman at Elliot County High School and was featured as one of our 
> student Braille readers on the state convention program this past 
> September.  Danielle competed, along with other students from Kentucky 
> and Tennessee, in the regional Braille Challenge that was held in 
> Nashville, Tennessee at the Tennessee School for the Blind in 
> February.  Danielle placed first in the Junior varsity division and 
> may have the opportunity to travel to California in June to 
> participate in the National Braille Challenge, sponsored by The 
> Braille Institute.  We are so proud of you, Danielle! *
>
> * *
>
> *Our own Jayne Seif, the parent of two blind daughters who attend the 
> Kentucky School for the blind was recently appointed to the Kentucky 
> School for the Blind Advisory Board as the parent representative.  
> Jayne attended her first board meeting on Monday, March 22, 2010.  
> Jayne, we are pleased that you were selected, and we know that you 
> will add your belief in NFB philosophy and love for KSB to the board.  
> Thank you for all that you do to make KSB the best school it can be*
>
> *WASHINGTON SEMINAR: THROUGH THE EYES OF YOUTH*
>
> *By Katie Penny and Marissa Helm*
>
> * *
>
> *Katie*
>
> *Describing Washington Seminar on paper to someone who has never 
> attended is a nearly impossible task. I became a member of NFB in 
> 2005, and ever since that time I have wanted to attend Washington 
> Seminar, which to me is one of the most important things that NFB 
> does. Talking to congressmen and getting to feel that in some way I 
> have helped to improve the lives of blind people across the nation is 
> an experience I will never forget. For once instead of just hearing 
> about all of the amazing things NFB accomplishes, I was able to become 
> a part of that process. But There is much more to Washington Seminar. 
> The annual trip to our nation’s capital provides everyone (especially 
> students) with an invaluable opportunity to network and gain further 
> knowledge of NFB. I plan on taking this fore-mentioned knowledge I’ve 
> acquired from meeting with other student presidents and using it to 
> help evolve KABS into the thriving division I know it has the 
> potential to be. I also fully intend on calling our congressmen and 
> reminding them of the ongoing issues and I urge everyone else to do 
> the same. *
>
> * *
>
> *Marissa*
>
> *Washington Seminar. There’s a lot to say. If nothing else, it’s the 
> experience of a lifetime. All the experiences and emotions of a 
> National Convention coupled with the excitement that one rarely gets 
> to feel made for an amazing time. I met tons of new people, tried to 
> bid on a friend in a student auction, and got to step where greatness 
> has been. Personally, Washington Seminar was liberation. I got to walk 
> the hallways I hope to walk someday when I truly get to participate in 
> the political process. They say you can’t describe a National 
> Convention to someone who has never attended…the same applies to 
> Washington Seminar. Lingering around the memorials and petitioning 
> Congressmen is a true blessing. I’m not sure it’s something I can put 
> into words or simply describe on paper. Even if you find yourself 
> short of your goals, the experience is something to live and build on. *
>
> * *
>
> * *
>
> * *
>
> * *
>
> * *
>
> * *
>
> *KENTUCKY ROUNDUP*
>
> * *
>
> * *
>
> *NFB of Lexington*
>
> * *
>
> * *
>
> *Well, NFB of Lexington has braved a hard winter, but a little bird 
> tells me that Spring is coming!*
>
> * *
>
> *I personally want to thank all of my *
>
> *Federation brothers and sisters for honoring me in Ashland at our 
> NFBK State Convention! I love all of you and look forward to serving 
> you during 2010 as the 1^st Vice President of NFBK!*
>
> * *
>
> *On Saturday, September 12, 2009, I awoke to an enormously strange 
> sensation around my left eye, that side of my face, and pain in and 
> around my left ear. Only after a very few minutes, all these 
> sensations became frightening, as numbness overtook my face, and the 
> left corner of my mouth was drawn to the left with the left eyelid 
> unable to close. John and I both, even though we didn’t want to 
> believe it, were quietly thinking ‘Stroke’.*
>
> * *
>
> *We quickly knew that I needed to visit the emergency room and did so. 
> There I learned that Mr. or Mrs. Bell had a palsy of some sort named 
> for the occasion. The prognosis was positive in that I should fully 
> recover in 3 to 6 months. The condition certainly took that amount of 
> time, too. March 11, 2010 was the six month mark, and I’m going 
> strong. Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers!*
>
> * *
>
> *Meanwhile, NFB of Lexington marched onward with scheduled events. 
> Though few in number, the Walk-a-thon remained on target, and Michael, 
> Harley, John and Desh with her husband walked 3 miles or more for the 
> cause later in September. When October rolled around, Michael, John 
> and volunteers joined the city-wide Second Sunday event. Every service 
> organization and agency imaginable were lined up and down Main Street 
> and around the side streets, as traffic was blocked and rerouted for 
> the event. Michael and John distributed NFB materials and had the 
> Braille coin on display, as well as meeting and greeting scores of 
> Lexingtonians.*
>
> * *
>
> *NFB of Lexington had visitors from Breathitt County, Ms. Bess 
> Douthitt-a retired Visual Itinerant Teacher-over the mountain from 
> Lexington at the October Saturday School. Bess and Eastern KY friends 
> visited again in November, and a number of us had the opportunity to 
> visit them as well with a great reception. A good number of blind and 
> visually impaired Jackson Kentuckians were treated to a presentation 
> of NFB of KY and the KY NFB-NEWSLINE®. In yet another part of the 
> October ‘Meet the Blind’ initiative, Michael, Katie, Adam and Ruth 
> Kennedy put on an impressive display at the Lexington-Fayette County 
> Public Library/Main Street Branch where Michael and Katie Brailled 
> tons of names of passersby and shared information about NFB. We would 
> be remiss if we didn’t mention John and Richard who helped with the 
> materials set-up and break-down.*
>
> * *
>
> *Of course, I cannot speak about the NFB of Lexington without the 
> honorable mention of Shannon and Paula Caldwell residing in the 
> London, Kentucky area. Shannon has new employment through the 
> University of Kentucky and continues his national and international 
> leadership affiliation with the ASI organization. The couple also 
> maintain their NFB representation in and around the Laurel County 
> School System and even though they are unable to get to Lexington 
> regularly for Chapter meetings, we are very proud of their NFB 
> presence in London and their work toward ‘Changing What It Means to Be 
> Blind’.*
>
> * *
>
> *Todd Stephens is our newest member of NFB of Lexington and has 
> pitched in and taken up the support of the Chapter in a meaningful 
> fashion. We’ve been blessed with Katie and Adam over the past year, 
> but look out NFBGL! Katie just informed the Chapter that she is 
> returning to Louisville to pursue her education. Katie is fired up 
> with the vision and the passion of the movement, so we expect to be 
> hearing a lot from Katie in the coming months.*
>
> * *
>
> *Of course, I cannot talk about Chapter activity without talking about 
> the KY NFB-NEWSLINE®! I appreciate all of you who participated in the 
> Newsline event in Frankfort on February 24, 2010. Our Murray Chapter 
> left their homes in the far southwest at 2 A.M. to attend, and we had 
> a good number of NFBK members from Louisville, Frankfort, and 
> Lexington! Senator David Boswell, upon Charles Allen’s invitation, 
> Representative Melvin Henley, upon Mr. Perry’s invitation, U.S. Senate 
> candidate Johnny Stephenson, upon the Glissons’ invitation, and Mr. 
> Scott White, Director of the NFB National NFB-NEWSLINE® office in 
> Baltimore were present to join with us for a productive morning. We 
> made many office visits while in town as well.*
>
> * *
>
> *We are especially excited about the latest advancement to Newsline, 
> the receiving of any and all specific newspaper articles to the 
> private e-mail box! While you are reading an article, should you need 
> the article for future reference, simply press the Pound key and the 
> number 9 key on your telephone keypad, and presto! The article is 
> immediately sent to your personal e-mail! Call your representatives 
> and share this wonderful technology with them. Some are e-mailing 
> their representatives also and including the article(s) specific to 
> the individual representative. This makes a very loud statement of the 
> meaningful use for the service to Kentuckians. Be careful, though, for 
> we do have copywrite restrictions to consider before sharing the 
> article(s) with others. We’ve been using the headline and enough of 
> the article to make the point and explaining the feature in our own 
> words.*
>
> * *
>
> *The next time you run into Scott White, please thank him for his 
> service to Kentucky. Scott has spent a great deal of time in Kentucky 
> over the past few months to insure the continued support for Newsline 
> in our State. I do want to thank Cindy Sheets and Nickie Pearl for 
> joining Scott last August in Louisville to help with the KY Educator 
> conference. Scott and Bob Watson, Content Manager, spent an entire 
> week here and had meetings with APH, KSB, OFB, Cabinet of Education, 
> Association of Counties and others in the promotion of the service for 
> Kentuckians. After digging out of the 4 and a half feet of snow in and 
> around Baltimore, Scott returned to Kentucky in February 2010 to 
> continue the promotion.*
>
> * *
>
> *I sincerely appreciate NFB and all of you who make the services and 
> programs for the blind in Kentucky reality! Together, we are certainly 
> promoting true Independence for the blind and visually impaired in 
> Kentucky. Keep up the good work! Call us at (859) 494-0NFB, our new 
> telephone number for NFB of Lexington. *
>
> *Submitted by Pamela Roark-Glisson, President,*
>
> *NFB of Lexington, 1^st Vice President,*
>
> *National Federation of the Blind of Kentucky*
>
> * *
>
> * *
>
> *NFB of Ashland*
>
> * *
>
> *The National Federation of the Blind of Ashland had a busy summer and 
> fall last year planning for the 2009 NFBK State Convention.  We were 
> so pleased to host everyone in our city, and we hope that you enjoyed 
> yourself.  After the long hours of work in planning we now know how 
> much goes into planning a convention and we commend the Louisville and 
> Lexington chapters who have hosted convention so many times.  On 
> October 29, 2009, the NFB of Ashland celebrated “Meet the Blind Month” 
> by passing out Halloween goodie bags with braille alphabet cards and 
> chocolate Louis Braille coins at the Ashland Central Park annual 
> Trick-or-Treat in the Park.  It was a beautiful autumn evening.  Over 
> 600 treat bags were given out.  In December the chapter relaxed by 
> celebrating Christmas at my home.  Thirteen individuals attended, 
> including two guests from the Ohio River Valley Chapter of the NFB of 
> Ohio.  We had a finger food potluck, exchanged Christmas ornaments and 
> sang carols.  A pleasant evening was had by all those who attended. *
>
> *Submitted by Lora Felty, President *
>
> *National Federation of the Blind of Ashland *
>
> * *
>
> * *
>
> *NFB of Murray *
>
> * *
>
> *The NFB of Murray has been busy as usual this winter. They had their 
> annual Thanksgiving dinner and silent auction on November 21. In 
> December, they hosted their annual Christmas party at Sirloin 
> Stockade. This year was extra special. They hosted a family in need as 
> their special guests. A DVD player was purchased as a gift for the 
> family. Danny and Anetta were not able to join us--they were in 
> Florida! Pat and I were really eager to get to the party--we showed up 
> a week early! We held a conference call meeting on January 31. Brenda, 
> Jackie, Ashley, Danny and Anetta all attended the legislative 
> conference in Frankfort on February 24. I had gallbladder surgery on 
> January 13 and am happy to report a great success! Thanks for the 
> cards and prayers! The Murray Chapter is hard at work on their auction 
> planned for June and as usual, they always have a great picnic in May. 
> Looking forward to a great spring and summer! *
>
> *Submitted by Jennifer Hall *
>
> * *
>
> * *
>
> *NFB of Greater Louisville*
>
> * *
>
> *Hello from Louisville! Another Chili Supper, Cook-off & Auction in 
> the books. On Saturday, March 13, the Greater Louisville chapter 
> hosted our annual event with tremendous success. After many years we 
> decided to move this fundraiser from the Kentucky School for the Blind 
> to a more central location near downtown. Our new venue exceeded our 
> expectations and for the first time in the history of this event we 
> ran out of seats. I believe I say this every year, this year’s event 
> was the best yet, raising close to $3700.00. *
>
> * *
>
> *We had five contestants in our Chili Cook-off this year with the 
> winning chili receiving a $50.00 Kroger gift card. Jennifer Gregory 
> with her White Chicken Chili took home top honors this year. Jennifer 
> got a bonus…she got to go home with a clean crock pot since all her 
> chili was eaten during the evening. Thanks to all the contestants for 
> participating.*
>
> * *
>
> *Our chapter members stepped up to the plate and really gave back in 
> December. Once again we adopted a deserving family and helped provide 
> Christmas. The family, which consisted of a mother and three kids, was 
> very appreciative and I believe a little overwhelmed by our 
> generosity. I did receive a thank-you/Christmas card from them, 
> Thanking us and letting us know how much they liked all the gifts. *
>
> * *
>
> *We all did a little celebrating of our own back in December at our 
> favorite hangout, Logan’s Steakhouse. Gathering together to have some 
> Christmas fun is always welcome with our bunch. Santa Claus also 
> joined us and even brought the kids some gifts.*
>
> *I’m starting to notice a pattern with our chapter--we like to give a 
> lot! Back in November we collected food items as well as essential 
> household products for a KSB family who had lost their home to fire. 
> Once again the generosity of our members was great. I did receive a 
> card from the family thanking us and letting us know how much those 
> items helped them out.*
>
> * *
>
> *Boy did we have fun in October! Cathy Jackson, Denise Franklin, Sarah 
> Williams and I got all dressed up and went to VIPS for their Halloween 
> party. With our stuffed goodie bags in hand, we trick-or-treated with 
> the kids from VIPS. What a great night…the kids dressed to the nines 
> in their best Halloween garb, the spooky decorations and the smiles.*
>
> * *
>
> *Our other “Meet the Blind Month” activities included The St. Stephen 
> Martyr Health Fair, TARC & MV White Cane Day event down at 4^th Street 
> Live! and the “Seeing with your Fingers” library event. Due to serious 
> flood damage to the Main Library last year’s event was done on a much 
> smaller scale. Cathy Jackson and I manned a table at the Iroquois 
> Branch Library. We handed out goodie bags only if the kids could 
> decode a Braille word using the alphabet cards. We also handed out 
> literature and answered all sorts of questions from the kids. Just to 
> let you know, all kids did decode a Braille card therefore all kids 
> received a goodie bag.*
>
> * *
>
> *Spring is right around the corner and that means it’s time to plan 
> our April Luncheon. Please keep your eye on the NFBK list and continue 
> to call the Greater Louisville “Talking Bulletin Board” at 
> 502-495-7130. You can also follow us on Twitter. Look us up under NFBGL.*
>
> *Submitted by Nickie Pearl, President*
>
> *NFB of Greater Louisville*
>
> * *
>
> * *
>
> * *
>
> *SOUND OFF!!*
>
> * *
>
> *The Word is Membership*
>
> *By Reni Jackson*
>
> * *
>
> *Have you ever looked at the word membership? No? Let’s do so. *
>
> * *
>
> *Some people might argue that it is a compound word, but not to me. 
> The root word is member, a noun, meaning who officially belongs to a 
> group. Ship, a noun, a big boat. So if this is a compound word, it 
> doesn’t make any sense. *
>
> *My theory is that it is the root word member with the suffix ship and 
> together it is still a noun meaning, the fact of being a part of a set. *
>
> * *
>
> *You are now asking yourself why I gave you this English lesson. I 
> want people to look at what it means to be a part of a group, such as 
> Kentucky Association of Blind Athletes. *
>
> * *
>
> *Look back up at the two meanings of member and membership. The two 
> key words in those definitions are belong and part. Whether you are a 
> part of a group such as KABA or belong to a church, work hard and give 
> it all that you have. *
>
> * *
>
> * *
>
> Men of Vision
>
> by Reni Jackson
>
> *Louis Braille, Jacobus tenBroek, William Hadley: The method, the 
> voice, the opportunity. Three great and passionate men who put forth 
> so much courage and intellect on behalf of blind and visually impaired 
> individuals. *
>
> * *
>
> *Louis Braille proved that if you have the motivation, you can do 
> incredible things. Practically every country in the world uses Braille.*
>
> * *
>
> *Jacobus tenBroek, spiritual and intellectual father, leader, mentor, 
> spokesman and philosopher to tens of thousands of blind Americans over 
> a quarter of a century, gave to the organized blind movement the force 
> of his intellect and the shape of his dreams.*
>
> * *
>
> *William Hadley, to address the absence of educational opportunities 
> for blind people, began teaching Braille by mail and established a 
> school offering accessible, tuition-free classes for blind and 
> visually impaired people. *
>
> * *
>
> *As a visually impaired person, I can appreciate what these three men 
> have done for me, especially William Hadley. He grew up as a devout 
> Quaker. This religious group, first known as the Religious Society of 
> Friends, was deeply concerned that children were not receiving the 
> education they deserved unless they happened to be part of affluent 
> families. In an effort to correct this problem they developed the 
> adult school movement. *
>
> * *
>
> *William learned at a early age the importance of a good education. 
> The ability to read was foremost to him, because his hobby was to read 
> in four different languages--English, German, Latin and Greek. *
>
> * *
>
> *William must have been devastated when, at the age of 55, he lost his 
> sight and the ability to carry on his passion to read. But with 
> encouragement from his ophthalmologist, E.V.L. Brown, William taught 
> himself Braille and in five short years, began the Hadley School for 
> the Blind.*
>
> * *
>
> *Braille, tenBroek, Hadley: Motivation, leadership, courage. Three 
> great men who have taught us that it is respectable to be blind. 
> William, I hope your courage is passed on to every student who is 
> served by the Hadley School for the Blind.*
>
> THE COOK’S NOOK
>
> *Editor’s Note: At NFBGL’s recent Chili Supper and Auction fundraiser, 
> the Chili Cook-off produced its usual array of delicious offerings. 
> But there can be only one winner and that winner was Jennifer Gregory. 
> We thought it would be appropriate to begin this section with her 
> prize-winning recipe. *
>
> * *
>
> * *
>
> *Jennifer’s White Chicken Chili*
>
> * *
>
> *Ingredients:*
>
> *2 tbsp of olive oil*
>
> *10 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cubed)*
>
> *2 cups of chopped yellow onion*
>
> *4 (8 oz) cans of chicken broth*
>
> *8 oz of canned chopped green chili peppers*
>
> *2 tsp of minced garlic*
>
> *3 tsp of ground cumin*
>
> *2 tsp of dried cilantro*
>
> *4 oz of canned chopped chipotle peppers*
>
> *1/8 cup of chopped jalapeno peppers (with juice)*
>
> *1 tsp of crushed red peppers*
>
> *1/4 cup of heavy cream (you may use more or less for desired thickness)*
>
> *3-4 cans of northern white beans (drained and rinsed)*
>
> *2-3 cans of white corn (drained)*
>
> *Garnish:*
>
> *sliced green onion*
>
> *sour cream*
>
> *shredded monterey jack and pepper cheeses*
>
> *jalapenos*
>
> *Directions:*
>
> *Turn your stove top on medium-high.  In a large pot add olive oil and 
> chicken, saute until cooked through, then add onions.  Add chicken 
> broth, green chili peppers, garlic, cumin, cilantro, chipotles, 
> jalapenos and crushed red pepper.  Reduce heat to medium-low and let 
> simmer 30 minutes. Keeping heat on medium-low, add heavy cream and let 
> simmer 15 minutes. Reduce heat to low and add beans and corn. Simmer 
> on low over stove top or in crock pot stirring occasionally 1 hour 30 
> minutes.  Makes 10 servings.*
>
> *Slow Cooker Pepper Steak*
>
> *Ingredients:*
>
> *2 pounds beef sirloin, cut into 2-inch strips*
>
> *Garlic powder to taste*
>
> *3 tablespoons vegetable oil*
>
> *1 cube beef bouillon*
>
> *¼ cup hot water*
>
> *1 tablespoon cornstarch*
>
> *½ cup chopped onion*
>
> *2 large green bell peppers*
>
> *1 (14.5 ounce) can stewed tomatoes, with liquid*
>
> *3 tablespoons soy sauce*
>
> *1 teaspoon white sugar*
>
> *1 teaspoon salt*
>
> * *
>
> *Sprinkle strips of sirloin with garlic powder to taste. In a large 
> skillet over medium heat, heat the vegetable oil and brown the 
> seasoned beef strips. Transfer to a slow cooker.*
>
> * *
>
> *Mix bouillon cube with hot water until dissolved, then mix in 
> cornstarch until dissolved. Pour into the slow cooker with meat. Stir 
> in onion, green peppers, stewed tomatoes, soy sauce, sugar and salt.*
>
> *Cover, and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours, or on low for 6 to 8 hours. 
> Great served over rice or egg noodles. Makes 6 servings.*
>
> * *
>
> *Lemon-Raspberry Mousse Squares*
>
> * *
>
> *Ingredients:*
>
> *48 vanilla wafers, divided*
>
> *¾ cup boiling water*
>
> *1 (3 ounce) package JELL-O lemon flavor gelatin*
>
> *1 cup ice cubes*
>
> *1 (8 ounce) Package Philadelphia Cream Cheese, softened*
>
> *¼ cup sugar*
>
> *2 teaspoons Lemon Zest*
>
> *1 (8 ounce) tub Cool Whip whipped topping, thawed, divided*
>
> *1/3 cup raspberry preserves*
>
> *1-1/2 cup fresh fruit*
>
> * *
>
> *Stand 16 wafers around edge of plastic wrap-lined 8-inch square pan. 
> Add boiling water to gelatin mix. Stir 2 minutes until completely 
> dissolved. Stir in ice until melted. *
>
> * *
>
> *Beat next 3 ingredients in large bowl with mixer until blended. 
> Gradually beat in gelatin. Whisk in 2 cups Cool Whip. *
>
> * *
>
> *Pour half the gelatin mixture into prepared pan; cover with 16 
> wafers. Microwave preserves on high 15 secondsor until melted; brush 
> onto wafers. Top with remaining gelatin mixture and wafers.*
>
> * *
>
> *Refrigerate 4 hours or until firm. Invert dessert onto plate; top 
> with remaining Cool Whip and fruit. Makes 12 servings.*
>
> * *
>
> * *
>
> *THE END*
>
> * *
>
> * *
>
> * *
>
> It's a lot more satisfying to reach for the stars, even if you end up 
> landing only on the moon.
>
>
>
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