Read the entire press release here.

For those who haven’t seen this yet….

Of course, I see this after I switch to AT&T and will have my new phones on Monday. Of course, T-Mobile still doesn’t offer any screen reading options as AT&T does. Still, this could be worth a look, especially if you aren’t a current T-Mobile customer or if you don’t need a new phone because you have one you like., or if you want to get Mobile Speak or Talks on either one of T-Mobile’s phones or an unlocked one (say, a Nokia N82 with the KNFB Reader Mobile). NFB members can get a 10% discount on their T-Mobile service. Click the link on the front page of the NFB Website:
http://www.nfb.org

THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND
ERIE COUNTY CHAPTER Minutes

The Erie County Chapter meeting was held at Great Lakes Health South
and was brought to order by president Connie Johnson on Saturday April
19, 2008 at 1:00 P.M.

ATTENDANCE: president Connie Johnson, vice-president Buddy Brannan,
Passle Helminski, Mark Zink, Clifford Scheu & Frank Scheu.

PRAYER BY MARK
MINUTES: approved as read.

TREASURER’S REPORT: Was not given.

PUBLIC RELATIONS REPORT: Passle will work with Mark Zink on promoting
the planetarium presentation on May 17th.
They will look at placing it on Bulletin boards, TV and/or radio
programs. Buddy & Connie are preparing labels and will send our
information to schools. Connie will put the article in the Showcase &
will e-mail it to VBR.

In our mailing to elementary schools, we will offer our services to
assist with IEP’s for blind children.

LEGISLATIVE REPORT: Passel reported that guide dog protection legislation for the state is being pursued. If an uncontrolled dog attacks a service animal, the
owners, under the proposed law, would be responsible for vet/boarding/
lost wages/replacement costs, etc. The proposed legislation has been
revised recently by Congressman Harkins to include the service dog’s
handler. State law is also proposed to include taxicabs in services
that cannot be refused to guide dog handlers. Passle and Toni Whaley
are going to promote this legislation with us.

From the presidential release:
Representatives Edolphus “Ed” Towns (D-NY) and Cliff Stearns (R-FL)
announced the introduction of legislation intended to protect the
blind and other pedestrians from injury or death as a result of silent vehicles
on April 9.

FUND RAISING: It was decided not to pursue the hot dog sale at this time .

OLD BUSINESS:

NEW BUSINESS:
A motion was made, seconded & approved that The chapter will begin to contribute $10/month to the PAC plan.

Regarding the new blind governor of New York, Mr. Paterson, although he does not
use appropriate blindness alternative techniques, rather than
criticize that, the NFB will support the fact that he has made great
achievements & we will be here to support him when & if he decides to
improve his blindness skills.

On April 7th in Harrisburg, there was a meeting to introduce & promote
the Premise which is a program where disabled people would complete a
form & give it to their local police who in turn, give the information
to appropriate emergency services to better assist disabled persons in
the event of an emergency.
Connie believed this important because disabled people have historically been left behind or did not receive adequate appropriate assistance. So, we need to be aware when it is in effect in our area.

Concerning Chet’s request for monetary support of Judy’s boarding of
Kelly:
The chapter agrees that this is not an appropriate use of chapter
funds on several grounds. These concerns will be sent to Chet, as the
request for this funding came from him.

Frank Scheu & Clifford Scheu were unanimously voted in as new members and paid their dues.

Special Announcements: Today is Buddy’s birthday!

The Next meeting is Saturday May 17th at Edinboro University
planetarium.

MEETING CLOSED:

Respectfully submitted by Buddy Brannan.

May 2008:

Because of the planetarium field trip, we did not have a formal
chapter meeting. Those of us who attended the planetarium presentation
by Dr. Hurd enjoyed a fun and educational excursion into the night sky
and were also introduced to A Tactile Guide To the Solar System. Those present, were given copies of the guide which includes a CD on how to use the guide.

We had the opportunity to experience the last 8 minutes of terror as it should go when the shuttle lands on Mars on May 25. Dr. Hurd also told us about his newest project to help introduce more middle and high school students to better accessible science curriculum, through a grant that will provide extra instruction and materials to teachers of blind and disabled students grades 7-12 over the next several years. So, great things are coming in the future for blind children!

With this new project, Dr. Hurd will not be presenting at the
planetarium for 3 years; so, we are doubly grateful for him making
time for us in his busy schedule. The chapter was pleased to present
Dr. Hurd with a check to further his work, as a small token of our
appreciation.

Public relations for this event included: Passel & Mark faxed & e-mailed TV & radio stations. Passle announced it at all relevant meetings she attended. Buddy did the Braille labeling for the guide, kept in contact with Dr. Hurd, e-mailed people and got directions. Connie, Frank & Cliff mailed 74 letters to elementary schools. Connie e-mailed BBVS & VBR & faxed the information for the Showcase for 3 consecutive weeks. .

Connie made arrangements to get the van from VBR & Bob Cashin was our driver.

Recommendations for future presentations: We should consider working more closely with the children’s program at VBR, doing whatever needed to encourage parents & children. Connie learned however, that the center has taken the children there. We should also consider getting a sign to Dr. Hurd which he could place near the door where we should enter because we all had a hard time finding the correct entrance.

In summary, although we could have done a little more to encourage young people, it was still a great positive event and was good public relations for the NFB. Connie would like to see us do it again in 4 years.

Submitted by Connie Johnson & Buddy Brannan.

Mr. Nelson outlined the situation thus:

What happened with Kelly began as a misunderstanding, followed by a mistake. Mr. Nelson takes full responsibility for the mistakes that led to the situation as it unfolded. It started with thinking that Kelly was a minor being accompanied by other boys that he knew were definitely not of age. As for the way the story was reported, Mr. Nelson basically says his comments were taken somewhat out of context, in that when he mentioned state and manufacturer regulations as to ride restrictions, he was speaking in general terms (for instance, a person with a cast wouldn’t be allowed on the water slides), then was asked specifically about this case after those statements were made.

Mr. Nelson says he “likes to keep things simple”, and that the Waldameer policy is to as much as possible treat their disabled customers as anyone else would be treated. If a blind person is mobile and can negotiate the stairs and the entrance line and is of age, that person can ride the new roller coaster. Minors must be accompanied by an adult and must be of at least 48 inches in height. He said something about minors also needing a release signed, but I am not clear on those stipulations. In any case, we are welcome to ride the rides unaccompanied if we are not minors and may do so just like anybody else.

I enjoyed spending a few minutes talking with Mr. Nelson and coming to a mutual understanding. I’m sure many of us will enjoy our city’s latest attraction!

OK, so…. We can climb rocks, travel the world, ride the New York City subway (some might argue this is a bit like a roller coaster, only different and scarier), but we can’t ride the new roller coaster?

The Erie County Chapter meeting was held at Great Lakes Health South
and was brought to order by Vice president Buddy Brannan on Saturday
March 15, 2008 at 1:00 PM.

The first order of business was that Buddy announced that Connie
rescinded her resignation as president & took over the meeting.

ATTENDANCE: President Connie Johnson, Vice president Buddy Brannan,
and Passel Helminski. Guests in attendance were Ron Helminski and
state President Jim Antonacci.

MINUTES: approved as written.

TREASURER’S REPORT: Pat, Buddy, and Connie changed the bank account in
light of Pat’s resignation and Chet’s suspension. Documentation is being sent to the bank on Monday, and all statements will be sent to Connie.

PUBLIC RELATIONS REPORT: The meting announcement was faxed to the Times for inclusion in Thursday’s showcase. Connie and Buddy will trade off setting up the recorded announcement on the VBR phone system.

LEGISLATIVE REPORT: Passle just returned from Washington DC, where she thanked reps for support on the talking book legislation. We’re separating the reauthorization of the rehab act from WIA, Phil English has volunteered to be our point man to contact on this. She also addressed the problem of bus companies on the East Coast not picking up disabled passengers with guide dogs or wheelchair users. Ted Kennedy and others are suggesting that when bus charters come up for reauthorization, they be required to meet the same accessibility standards as city buses. Also, because of the bad economy, we need to be vigilant in our efforts in Harrisburg to ensure the $5 million for OVR stays in the budget.

Audible traffic signals are being discussed at the Mayor’s Roundtable. The city is looking into various audible pedestrian signals and evaluating which intersections need them. We could consider traffic lights which would benefit all pedestrians such as counting down how much time until the light changes. We want to have a voice in
where and whether these should be placed, as well as in modification of dangerous traffic light boxes which stand at head height and are difficult or impossible to locate with a cane instead of a forehead.

FUND RAISING: Linda will not participate in chapter activities until Chet’s suspension is completed. Linda and Chet have returned all the treasury items and fundraising items to Connie.

Report from the state president: State convention for this year is the weekend before Veterans Day, November 7-9 at the Best Western Inn And Suites, Harrisburg Airport. Rates are $69 per night per room. Everyone in the room gets a free continental breakfast included. The hotel
has a heated indoor pool and sauna, and will have free shuttle service from the bus, train, and airport. The block of rooms is guaranteed to 10 days before the convention. The 2009 convention will be at the same hotel, the weekend after Veterans Day.

National Convention: The Erie chapter needs to have a presence at national convention. If you want to go and need funding, send a request to the Jernigan Fund, and send a copy to Jim. Requests go to Alan Harris. The state affiliate can also help if needed.

The state affiliate is setting up a day camp for blind children in cooperation with St. Lucy’s. We need good blind teens to help with the camp as counselors. Costs of transportation, board, etc. will be covered for counselors and counselors will be paid a stipend as well.

Financial: Jim discussed the raffle fundraiser, whose proceeds go to the state general fund. Jim also encouraged us to sign up for the PAC Plan, where money is automatically withdrawn as a donation every month to the national organization for as little as $5 a month. Some chapters are collectively enrolled in the PAC plan. This pays for publicity materials, Kernel Books, and other national office programs and initiatives that benefit the whole organization.

A Parent and student seminar was held the first of March. There weren’t a lot of parents, but those who did come found the experience to be positive and helpful with much agreement on what was needed. We have “a wonderful group of students” who were able to be a very positive influence.

Library: Jim explained how the library service is funded and how responsibilities are divided. Library personnel are funded separately from all other library services. Library services in the state (cooperating libraries) have been flat funded for seven years. We are working with the state to increase library funding for the state cooperating libraries. We will be receiving information to contact our state legislature to increase funding for library services.

Special Announcements:
Pat Borelli’s birthday is March 24th.
Jim Zink’s birthday is March 23rd.
Melanie’s birthday is April 6th.
Buddy’s birthday is April 19, the day of our next chapter meeting.

The Next meeting is Saturday April 19, 2008 at Great Lakes Health South.

Meting adjourned at 3 PM.

Respectfully submitted by Buddy Brannan.

Notes from the Presidential Release March 5, 2008:
The national convention will be Sunday through Saturday June 29- July 5. Preregistration will be open until May 31. You get discounts for preregistering. There will be a barbecue and tickets in advance are $35. You preregister online. You can also call the center.

Regarding the Library of Congress, the upcoming technology to be used is a variant of MP-3 but it is not MP-3. The conversion to this system will cost about $76,000,000. Spread over 4 years, this comes to $19,000,000 per year. With the catch up money we didn’t get last year, we now need $26,000,000.
Dr. Mauer asks that we call Debbie Washerman Schultz of Florida at
202 225-7931.
To tell her we need the money for library services.
He also asks that we call our own member of Congress asking him or her to sign onto a dear colleagues letter currently circulating. The letter states that the member of Congress supports full funding. Then we should report our response to Jim McCarthy.

Dr. Mauer also learned that despite the new law, children are still not getting their books at the same time as sighted children. Thus he assigned Mark Ricabono on a project to determine how we can get the maximum benefit from this new law.
To help with this project; to determine what is happening, please send e-mail regarding if the books are on time or not to:
booksontime@nfb.org
There will be a seminar in Dallas on this & much more.

Regarding quiet cars, blind people should please send e-mail regarding their experiences with quiet cars to:
quietcarstories@nfb.org

The Erie County Chapter meeting was held at the home of Connie Johnson and was brought to order by president Connie Johnson on Saturday February 16, 2008 at 2:30 PM.

ATTENDANCE: President Connie Johnson, Vice president Buddy Brannan, Treasurer, Chet Smalley, Secretary Pat Borelli, Judy Jobes, Linda Smalley, Melanie Brannan, Christina Ewiak, Sylvia Buzzanco, Kayla Gunn, & Passel Helminski.

MINUTES: Were presented by Pat Borelli. A motion was made by Chet & seconded by Linda to approve the minutes as presented.

TREASURER’S REPORT: Was given by Chet our final balance was $3,267.51.

PUBLIC RELATIONS REPORT: We need to have a message put in the Showcase advertising our chapter meetings. They prefer that it is faxed.

Remember that Chet is posting chapter meetings on: 814-459-2999 pin number [9]

LEGISLATIVE REPORT: Passel said that PA is a shining star because although 19 million was asked for, we received 5 million for OVR. The state plan asked for 6 Braille surveys and so far they have received 10.

FUND RAISING: Since all money is received for the Enjoy Books, we will have made $640.

Remember to turn in your money & any unsold PA raffle tickets in March, the raffle tickets for $5 are based on the PA lottery in April so people have 31 chances for only $5.

Regarding All Seasons, Linda reported that our expenditures were $155.25 and our ending profit was $80. She also asked for more committed volunteers; that is, if you volunteer, you need to follow through with your commitment.

Linda will get the health permit for the hot dog sale & the items for the sale. Again stressed she needs volunteers who will follow through in doing the work. Linda would also like to see the chapter have a craft show & a picnic.

OLD BUSINESS:
Those who have paid dues & to be considered for membership are:
Kelly McCammon – was set aside
Janet & Bill Long – was set aside
Wendy & Sylvia Buzzanco- were approved

Since Kelly still owes $42 for chocolate bars sold& has not paid after several reminders, a letter will be sent to Kelly on this matter.

Regarding Passel Helminski’s membership:
The board considered that Passel has been a NFB member for several years & has also been a member of the ACB through her membership in their guide dog division. Passel contends that the ACB guide dog division is much more active than that of the NFB but she believes in the philosophy of the NFB.

After discussion which included both our state president & our national president, the board met & discussed the issue on February 2.
The board reached a compromise to ask Passel to sign an agreement that she will belong to both the NFB & ACB in 2008 but she will use this year,
With the help of this chapter, to explore & to enable her to make a choice between the 2 organizations during 2008 so that she will belong to only 1 organization in 2009.

Connie presented this position to Passel who said she will refuse to sign such an agreement on the following reasons:
The NFB has no written policy prohibiting membership in both organizations.
She knows several NFB members who belong to the ACB guide dog division who are not being held to such an agreement. Thus, she feels singled out.
She has not caused any problems for the NFB such as speaking against any NFB positions nor has she taken any divisive actions against the NFB.

After discussion, a vote of the members decided that Passel can join the chapter without signing any agreement. Members voted 4 to 3 in Passel’s favor.

NEW BUSINESS: Since this is a day of accessible games, we will discuss the remainder of the 2008 chapter meetings schedule at the March meeting. This will include discussion on wheelchair accessible meeting places.

PNC Bank is supposed to send someone to speak at our March meeting. Their Financial Advisor will be speaking to the members about investing.

Connie announced to the members & gave a copy of her resignation as President to Vice President Buddy effective February 16, 2008.

Pat announced to the membership her resignation as secretary & gave her letter to Chet effective February 16, 2008.

Special Announcements: Celebrating birthdays in February are Sylvia, Judy & Mark. Celebrating birthdays in March are Jim & Pat.

The Next meeting is March 15th at Great Lakes Health South.

Pat made a motion to close the meeting & Linda seconded. The meeting closed at 3:30 PM.

Respectfully submitted by Patricia Borelli

A message regarding our NFB Erie County Chapter meeting on Saturday February 16, 2008.
Our Accessible Game meeting!

Those of you who were at the January meeting know that Judy had agreed to host the February meeting. Sorry but she has since decided that her home is not accessible & said she will not host the meeting. So, I spoke with our regular members, in particular, those who have mobility disabilities. Members were given the choice of meeting at my home, at Health South or finding a different place. It was agreed to have the February meeting at my home.

So, you are all invited. We will have cake & ice cream to celebrate birthdays. You are welcome to bring something to contribute to the festivities if you like drinks, snacks, etc.

I have the following games in Braille: UNO, Skip Bo, cards, dominos, checkers, Scrabble & dice. So, let’s have fun!
If you have another game, feel free to bring it.

Let me know if you have any questions.

If I have missed anyone, please forward this to them.
Mark currently has trouble with his e-mail so I already called him & his father.

See you soon!

Connie

It’s time for our first chapter meeting of 2008!

When? Saturday, January 19, 2008 at 1:00 PM.

Where? Health South at 2nd and Holland

There will be lots of information, friends & good food after the meeting at a nearby restaurant!
Start out the new year right by joining the Erie County Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania. Please bring your dues of $10 which includes your membership dues to the state affiliate.
We have so much to talk about and we will be putting together our 2008 schedule of meetings and social events so please bring ideas of what you would like to do.
If you have the Enjoy 2008 books, there is a coupon inside for the Plymouth Tavern buy one get one free. . If you wish to purchase a book, we have only a few left and they are $30 each. I have already saved about $45 by using mine.

If you have any questions, please reply to this e-mail or call me at 868-1122 evenings.

Hope you can attend.

See you then!

Connie

Blind Children to Receive Letters from Santa in Braille

North Pole­ Once again, Santa Claus has enlisted
the help of the National Federation of the Blind
to respond to letters from young Braille
readers. Blind children who wish to receive
Braille letters from Santa can submit their
letters online to the National Federation of the
Blind Jernigan Institute, which will then Braille Santa’s response.

Marc Maurer, President of the National
Federation of the Blind, said: “We are pleased
and proud to partner with Santa Claus to assist
him in making Christmas even more fun for blind
children. This enormously successful program
not only assists St. Nicholas in his work, but
also helps to promote Braille literacy among
blind children. Braille literacy is the key to
success and opportunity for the blind. Writing
a letter to Santa Claus and receiving his
response in Braille is an exciting and fun way
for blind children to practice their Braille skills.”

The National Federation of the Blind will send
Braille replies from Santa to letters received
from blind children and their parents. Each
reply will be in Braille and print so that
parents and children can read together. The
replies will be in contracted Braille unless otherwise specifically requested.

Letters from Santa may be requested at
<http://www.nfb.orgwww.nfb.org. Submissions
must include the writer’s name, the child’s
name, birthday, and gender, mailing address, and
a telephone number in case Santa’s helpers at
the National Federation of the Blind have questions.

Requests for Braille letters from Santa must be
received by December 18 to ensure that Santa’s
response arrives before Christmas. For more
information about this and other programs of the
National Federation of the Blind, visit our Web
site at <http://www.nfb.orgwww.nfb.org.