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Introducing
Paula Achter, Our New State President
By Dana Ard
(Editor’s note) Paula Achter was elected president of the National Federation of the Blind of Idaho at our recent state convention. She welcomes your questions, comments, and concerns as she works to strengthen our great organization.
Paula is a native of northern Idaho, having been born in Bonners Ferry. At age four, her family moved to Pullman, where she attended school graduating from Pullman High School. The only accommodation for her vision problem, Colobomas in both eyes, was being allowed to sit in the front row of the classroom. Paula’s parents, who were prominent members of the Pullman community, were in denial of, or embarrassed by her blindness. They hired tutors to help her with schoolwork. Paula did not attend college following graduation as she did not believe she was capable. In the 1980’s Paula’s vision became significantly worse with the development of cataracts. In 1990, she attended the orientation center at the Idaho Commission for the Blind. It was during that experience that Paula realized that even though she had some vision, she was nevertheless blind. Following completion of training, she attended Lewis Clark State College in Lewiston, where she studied to become a legal secretary, graduating with honors and receiving an A.A. degree.
Paula has worked in a variety of jobs during her life. One of the most rewarding was working as a teacher’s aid for a partially blind child. She worked hard to help her student develop a positive identity as a blind person with partial sight. Paula continues to keep in touch with this student, who is now in high school. Currently, Paula is self-employed as a designer for Home and Garden Party.
Paula does not view blindness as a handicap, but more of a nuisance. Comparing herself with her husband, Bernie, who has M.S., she states, “blind people can do almost anything we want to do. We can compete with sighted people, but it takes hard work and good skills to be successful.”
Paula’s vision for the NFBI is that we all pull together as a team to change things for the blind of Idaho. “We need to create a new image and involve as many as are willing to work to make positive changes.” Chapter growth, through more involvement in the blind community, is an important goal.
Having known Paula for over twenty years, I know she will work hard and, with the help of all of us, her vision for this dynamic and changing organization will be realized.
Presidential Report
By Paula
Achter
Happy Spring!!
This is my first presidential report of my first presidency and I would like to take this opportunity to thank Larry Streeter for all of his hard work and dedication to this organization. I appreciate his strengths and all that he has taught me.
For those of you who were not able to attend the NFBI state convention in March, we had a great time at the Holiday Inn hotel. The convention occurred on the first weekend of March with Anil Lewis as our national representative. On Friday we had the senior seminar chaired by Mary Ellen Halverson. This highly successful event was the result of the combined efforts of the ICBVI, and the NFB. Working with Jackie Brian from the ICVBI we had approximately 80 seniors from within and outside the Boise area come and learn alternative strategies to deal with different issues of blindness. Read more about this event in the article by Ramona Walhof later in this newsletter. The Saturday convention session featured several dignitaries including The Honorable Ben Ysursa, Secretary of State talking on voter access, The Honorable Senator Mel Richardson, speaking on creating change through legislation, and the Honorable Governor Dirk Kempthorne, giving us his Idaho report. Former Idaho member, Mike Gibson, who now works for Humanware in Colorado, gave an interesting report on Braille technology in the 21st century. Al Spooner, who started his involvement with the Federation in Coeur d’Alene, gave us an update of his life as a teacher at BLIND inc. in Minnesota. We had some excellent local speakers including Dianna Willis, speaking about competing in the workplace, and Gina Hemenway discussing her experiences as a teacher of the blind. One of our scholarship winners Anile Nina spoke about blindness in Albania. A panel of successful self employed business owners including Elsie Lamp, Paula Achter, and Carla McQuillan discussed their businesses. Talks on technology, diabetes, and an update on the Commission for the Blind by Administrator Angela Roan rounded off the program. During the convention we had a silent auction that raised approximately $550 for our state treasury. Great work to Susan Bradley and Carmelita Youngdale for the varied and fun auction items plus James Little and Angela Bradley for the wonderful hospitality room. I appreciate everyone’s hard work to make this convention one of the best ever! The 2006 convention will be held in Moscow Idaho on March 10, 11, and 12 at the University Inn in Moscow. The Palouse Chapter is working hard to prepare for this convention. Andrea Travis, president of the Palouse Chapter, and I are working very closely on this. Plan now to come up to Moscow and help support the Palouse Chapter in 2006. Continuing information on this event and other state wide issues will be disseminated on the listserv e-mail service. The address is NFB-Idaho@NFBnet.org.
Two individuals were awarded scholarships this year. The winners were Andrea Travis winning $1000 scholarship and Anile Nina winning the $500 scholarship. Both of these students have also applied for a national NFB scholarship.
Elections were held at the business meeting Sunday morning. There have been some changes in the elected officers. Paula Achter as president, Ramona Walhof as first vice president, Elsie Lamp as second vice president, and two new board members; Vicky Bateman from Idaho Falls and Angela Travis from Moscow. Mary Ellen Halverson was reelected to the board. Justin Brandis was elected as president of IDABS. Congratulations to all of you! I am so happy we are working on the same team!
At the end of January and beginning of February, Larry Streeter, Susan Bradley, Paula Achter and Ramona Walhof attended the Washington Seminar. Also attending for the first-time was James Little. Some issues discussed were protecting blind vendors’ rights to military facilities. We are hoping to amend the JWAD law giving blind vendors first priority when the existing contracts of these facilities end. Also we are trying to protect Social Security Disability amongst all the changes that are going on.
Ramona and I have been working diligently to find ways of raising funds to get Newsline back. We are currently applying for grant monies and beginning to speak to legislators one on one regarding this issue.
I am looking forward to working with everyone throughout the state of Idaho. Everyone has a special skill or talent that the NFBI can use to promote the cause. In the next year I foresee us trying to resolve the conflict between the NFBI and the Legislature regarding Newsline and trying to get back the money from SILC for the ICVBI. The reason I am bringing this up to you now is because within the next year all of us in this organization need to unite to form a collaborative effort becoming part of the solution. Everyone needs to be a part of getting this message across to the Legislature that these issues are serious for us in the blind community. We cannot let them hold us back! So please take the time to think about how you can make a difference whether it is speaking or writing to the legislators from your districts or public speaking to different groups. There are many people and organizations out there that do not know of Newsline and we must educate them about this wonderful service. I have appointed Ramona Walhof as state legislative chairman and Dusty Bauman as the committee chairman for Newsline. Let us all join together throughout this next year to move forward on these issues!
A part of having great successes is having good close relationships within our own organization and also with those whom we have to work with around us. This means I am working hard to establish a healthy relationship with Angela Roan, ICVBI director, Kelly Pierce, chairman of the board of ICVBI, and other members of the board of the ICVBI. It is time now for all of the negative of the past to be laid to rest between us so that we can move forward successfully.
In the future I am looking forward to serving you and doing the best job possible for the blind people of Idaho. I am setting goals that I want to achieve in the next two years. I am looking forward to visiting your chapters and discussing these goals to see how we can help each other. I believe that together, we can work to make a difference for the blind of Idaho.
The Value of Cooperation
By Ramona Walhof
Everyone in work with the blind knows that there is an urgent need of help for seniors who are losing vision. In fact, the majority of all blind people are seniors past the age of 65 who are newly losing sight and for whom there is very little service. The Idaho Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ICBVI) systematically works to form peer support groups so that these people can meet each other and share their concerns, discoveries, and solutions to problems faced because of sight loss. Most of these people are unwilling to leave their homes to participate in full-time training. Many have other serious health problems, which complicate vision loss. As in most groups of seniors, some have limited funds, and some have no health insurance beyond Medicare.
These are complex problems no matter how you look at them, but add the inability to read either books, newspapers, and magazines or the information on the world wide web, and it is clear that blind and visually impaired seniors constitute a group in our society who deserve and need far more attention than they are receiving. They need to learn about the limited services that are available. They need training to learn independent travel, independent living skills, computer use with speech and large print output, use of services providing reading matter with speech, use of tactile information including Braille. They need to learn how to reduce blindness to the level of a nuisance so that life can continue to be interesting and enjoyable. All this requires more service.
The National Federation of the Blind of Idaho (NFBI) and the ICBVI jointly decided to attempt to assist visually impaired seniors and senior service providers to find some solutions to these problems. March 4, the day before the convention of the NFBI, we held an event we called VISION 2005—Visually Impaired Seniors Improving Opportunities Now—in an effort to address problems and find solutions. Mary Ellen Halverson, Board Member of the NFBI and teacher at ICBVI, chaired the event; Jackie Bryan, Independent Living and Older Blind Service Manager, ICBVI, co-chaired it. People came from Boise, Twin Falls, Marsing, Nampa, Caldwell, Meridian, Moscow, Pocatello, Mountain Home and Eagle.
The program is printed
below:
9:45 Welcome, Mary Ellen Halverson and Jackie Bryan, VISION 2005
Co-Chairmen
10:00 "Talking Book Topics, Learning and Leisure", Sue Walker, Supervisor,
Talking Book Library
10:20 Panel Discussion, Visually Impaired Seniors, Dana Ard Moderator, "Bright
Eyed and Bushy Tailed": Bert Strom, Eugene Michael, Marvin Picotte, &
Art Lewis
11:05 Blindness and Accessible Computers, Kelly Pearce, ICBVI Board Chairman,
"Is Your Computer A Friend?"
11:30 Independent Travel, Who and How Much? Sandra Streeter, "Try it,
You'll like it"
12:05 Lunch, Small group discussions
1:30 Dr. Gary Griswold, Optometrist, "We care about Eye Care"
2:30 Reading Alternatives, Ramona Walhof, "Eyes, Ears, and Fingers"
2:45 "Gadget Guru" Low-Vision Devices, Heidi Cook, ICBVI Storekeeper
3:00 "Improving Opportunities Now, Where to Get Help" Jackie Bryan,
Older Blind Service Manager, ICBVI; Larry Streeter, Pres., NFBI; Paula Achter,
Treasure Valley Chapter, Pres.
ICBVI staff members helped with transportation and exhibits. They attended and helped with the program and seminar, and recruited blind people to attend. NFBI members helped with program planning, invitations, and interacting with seniors who had met limited numbers of blind people before. Special credit goes to Lorena Montes who organized an effort to assist 24 Spanish-speaking individuals with visual impairments to participate and then translated each presentation throughout the day. Her translations were clear and accurate. Approximately 90 people attended. Reaction to the program was unanimously enthusiastic.
Why hold such an event the day before the NFBI convention? There are several benefits to this schedule. 1. Exhibitors of tools and techniques for the blind can be available to people attending both events. 2. It saves time and money for those traveling from out of town and wishing to participate in both. 3. The members of the NFBI are a major resource for the program and for meeting with newly blind people. 4. Some of the seniors attending may wish to know more about the largest consumer organization of blind people in the state.
Much more help for blind seniors is needed. This was an important positive step in improving opportunities for blind seniors and helping them raise expectations for quality of life during their retirement years. It also demonstrates once again the value of combined efforts between the rehabilitation agency for the blind and the NFBI.
My
Convention Experience as an NFBI Scholarship Winner
By Anile Nina
It was the first time that I participated in the National Federation of the Blind State Convention. I was excited to be invited as one of the two winners for the scholarships. Many people congratulated me for that, since it is a rigorous process to select someone. But there I was as a newcomer I had a chance of being a scholarship winner. Throughout the convention I learned a lot about the NFB. I learned that there were many ways to solve problems. The theme of the convention was “staying strong” and fight for the cause of the Federation.
Much discussion was given to the Newsline. I learned that this tool called Newsline was a way for people like me to get connected to the world. The legislature unfortunately had not passed the 28 thousand dollars needed. Governor Dirk Kempthorne and Senator Mel Richardson showed sympathy for us. The Secretary of State also gave a speech on how to vote and make voting accessible to every one of us. I also learned about the voting process in our organization. I had the chance to meet many people, and see some of my friends and teachers. There were some great speeches by blind folks like myself. The speeches were very moving with a strong message to stay strong. Anil Lewis, the National Rep. kept us informed but also entertained us. Every speech was interesting and informative.
Another good thing was that I got to talk myself; even though I was uncomfortable, I did it. In the beginning of my speech I had a hard time breathing, because I was not used to giving a speech in front of this many people. The fact that the people were such wonderful listeners made me feel that my speech was worthwhile. I felt like I finally fit somewhere and I was not unique. Being with these wonderful people that we have something in common, makes it easier for me. It was a new and great experience.
The fact that I was a newcomer to this Convention and a new member of the National Federation of the Blind (I became a member in January 2005) tells me that I need to learn a lot more. I would love to become more involved with this organization that helps people like us. The Convention lasted three days. It was a wonderful experience and I am grateful to the Federation for giving me the chance to participate and also choosing me as a scholarship winner.
Winning
a Scholarship
By Andrea Travis
Since winning my first state and national scholarships in 2002, I have been an active part of the National Federation of the Blind of Idaho. Winning my second scholarship at the 2005 convention is an incredible honor and reassurance that I am a good student and member.
I am currently a junior at the University of Idaho majoring in Public Relations. I am focused on learning more efficient computer skills and Web site design. After graduating next year, I hope to become fully employed in a PR Agency.
I am pleased to recently be elected as an Affiliate Board Member, Palouse Chapter President, and treasurer of the Idaho Association of Blind Students. I am excited to serve on the Affiliate Board and share my ideas. I think, as a young adult with lots of energy and optimism, I can be an active part of the movement and growth of our organization.
Paula Achter recently appointed me to chair the new Communications Committee. My education has taught me the importance of good media coverage across the state. We can use news stories and public service announcements to educate possible members, the public and even our elected officials about what it means to be blind and the things we are accomplishing.
I would like to thank Mary Ellen Halverson and the Scholarship Committee again for helping me succeed in college with financial assistance. I also want to congratulate Anile Nina for being a great competitor and joining the organization. It’s not just the money that makes us winners, but the experiences and relationships we make with all of you.
I am proud to be a member of this great Affiliate and will do my best to give back and help us grow. My life has truly been changed by the National Federation of the Blind and I want to share that with others.
On Breaking a Leg, Blindness, Attitudes and Rehabilitation
By Jan Gawith
(Editor’s note) On September 10, 2004, Jan sustained a serious fall from which she continues to recover. In this article, she conveys the message that blindness does not need to get in the way of recovery, and that one must strive toward recovery every day.
First, please don’t break a leg! It hurts. Haste and carelessness caused my accident, which was only a short fall off the side steps of my house. Though I hurt like the dickens, it never occurred to me that I had broken a bone in my leg. My frustration level was high because my mobility was gone and I was missing a Boise State Football Game.
By the time I arrived at the hospital the following day I was miserable and sick. Shortly, things were to get worse. X-rays showed a broken leg and I was hospitalized. Hospitalization meant the introduction of some new amenities—a wheelchair, a walker, a bedside potty, a stiff leg brace and a continuous passive motion machine for starters. Because of the pain meds, I’m fuzzy about my time in the hospital.
No surgery was required but I was put on not-weight-bearing status. This required bed rest, the use of a continuous passive motion machine and nursing care or a constant attendant if I was going to return home. Blindness did not enter into the decision. There was no one to give the kind of help I required, and we had no ramp, in fact, not much of a house, since we were in the middle of extensive remodeling. The builders seemed to be tearing out more than they were building. The place was trashed. Dirt, dust, loose boards and just plain junk abounded. For the most part, there was no way through most of the areas. The roof was off. Further, Harry was tearing out all of the carpet and repairing floors. We had no kitchen sink; the stove was in the garage and the refrigerator in the middle of the old dining room. With all of the above and much more, a rehabilitation center didn’t sound so bad unless you made the mistake of calling it a nursing home. Since there was no way out of it, I picked a facility near home. Staff attitudes ranged from the sublime to the ridiculous—“if you need us to do anything, ask.” To “wait until I get the light on for you.” Or “The meat is at six o’clock, the milk is . . .” The therapists were kind and firm. Their attitudes were “can do” mixed with a “how do we do this?” Since I was required to hop using a walker they worked on a way to fit my cane through an eyebolt so I could swing it side to side. It worked, but was slow. We also worked on using the cane from the wheelchair. I kept forgetting to allow for the extra width of the chair and often bumped into the wall. My therapist “kindly” reminded me that the chair was wider than I. I finally got it. The therapists informed me that I would need to exercise to build up strength. Well, I’ve never been much for exercise but it took only a few days to get stir crazy so exercise it was. Then I had to convince the doctor how badly I was needed at work. Finally he allowed me “out” for two hours a day. First my office, cafeteria and rest rooms had to be evaluated for accessibility. My seven by eight-foot office was a challenge; the hallway made getting to the dining room simple but getting into the rest room was impossible without assistance. This was because when not in the continuous passive motion machine my leg was braced and the wheelchair had a leg extender to keep my leg out straight. It was the arrangement of the three doors into the rest room that made it impossible to go alone. I could not get close enough to open them. Blindness had nothing to do with that. Two of the three doors were removed and finally I could manage it by myself. Since I could not sit on a stool to operate the cash register, we put the cash register on a lower table so I could reach it easily from my wheelchair.
I continued going to the football games using handicapped seating. When my brother died I was able to make the trip back to Iowa. Chair to seat transfers went well but it is something else to be carried down airline steps in an aisle chair.
As soon as new sidewalk was poured, the ramp was built and after most of the work was done on the house I escaped from the care center. They told me not to come back except to visit them—bringing brownies.
When home I began working longer hours until I got back to full-time. It was great when I was able to use the regular cash register stand and use a walker to move about the cafeteria. With no stairs to concern me and years of familiarity with the building, I found that I could get around using the walker to front for me. The chair was relegated to longer distances and shopping. It was over four months before I could walk at all and that was limited mostly to my home. Eight months after my accident I still use the wheelchair for long distances and I continue to build my walking strength.
The best advice that I can give is don’t get in such a hurry that you break a leg. But, if you sustain a serious injury try to move toward your normal life as soon as possible. It will help both your physical and mental health.
Old dogs can learn new tricks
By Bert Strom
(Editor’s note) Bert Strom was a participant in the senior seminar preceding this year’s state convention. He is a student in the Assessment and Training Center at the Commission for the Blind, and a new member of the Treasure Valley Chapter. His insight should give us all much to think about.
A little over a year ago at age 67, I lost my vision due to detached retinas. To be quite honest, I was scared. How do I continue to care for a handicapped wife, manage my house, take care of bills and other paper work? It was strongly told to me, both by my wife’s doctor and my family that I could no longer safely take care of my wife by myself. Deep down, I knew this was true. It was just hard to admit that I could no longer do it.
The question arose Why me? The first thing to happen was my son and my sixteen-year-old granddaughter came to my rescue. We found a care center that would take my wife and I knew that she was at least going to be taken care of and safe. The second thing to happen was that both my son and my granddaughter suggested that I needed some help with my blindness. We made contact with the Idaho Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired where a plan of rehabilitation was initiated. Together with instructors and my counselor at the commission, we laid out a plan of what I was to learn. What were my objectives? I wanted to become independent and to not be a burden on my family. Shortly there after, I was introduced to cane travel. I had an instructor come to my house and teach me adaptive ways to continue cooking, cleaning house, and taking care of personal needs. After about a month of training at home, I was accepted at the Idaho Commission for the Blind’s Training Center as a full time student. Under the direction of five very dedicated sighted and blind instructors, I started a program of six and a half hours a day, five days a week; training in braille, introduction to computers, adaptive living, and industrial arts, as well as orientation and mobility. At first this was very intimidating. Can a person of my age, learn and remember all the things that were being taught? Fortunately, I was not alone. There were six other blind and partially sighted students with me. With the patience of the instructors, learning became easier as time went along. Things were going real well until December of 2004, when I fell and broke my hip. This put my training on hold for three months. After I got out of the hospital and was recuperating at home, I had a lot of time to think. I decided that it was important not to let the training I had received at that point in time to go to waste. Using what I have learned in braille, I have started to build a file system where I can now find things by touch and put my documents in order. I have also started marking canned goods and things in the freezer with cards written in braille indicating what they are so that I won’t open a can of peaches thinking it is a can of soup. I have learned that I can cook, clean house, wash and iron clothes, and perform many other activities of daily living.
I have also had the time to become involved with the Blind Veterans Association and the National Federation of the Blind. I am finding out, there are many other blind people out there who have adjusted to their blindness and are doing well. I hope that with these new contacts, the support of my family, colleagues and friends, that I will continue to grow and learn and become more self sufficient. I plan to continue with my training at the Idaho Commission for the Blind and perhaps go on and take the training course that is offered by the Veterans Administration to gain more adaptive training and knowledge.
Will I become a frequent flyer and a world traveler? Probably not, but I have learned to get around by myself using the Access Bus to take me to see my wife twice a week, get to school, and to attend support group meetings all on my own. With more help and more training I plan to get myself to the doctor and other places I need to go over time. I think one of the major things I have learned that it just takes time. Things don’t happen over night. They take practice and a lot of learning but it can be done.
Will I become 100% independent? When I think about it, probably not. We all need help from time to time; even sighted people are not 100% independent. I know my family will always be available to give me a hand as well as other friends and support groups. I think I have two choices, I can sit in a chair and stare at the floor all day, or I can take what I have learned, apply it and have a useful life.
The more I think about it, the question isn’t so much why me, but why not me. If someone is going to be blind, why not a person who has walked around the block a few times, seen a lot of great things in this world, experienced a good career and good life rather than a person at a young age. Do I still get scared and emotionally upset at times? Definitely, but if I didn’t, I probably wouldn’t be human. The advice I get is, emphasize the positive things and minimize the negative things. Don’t let things get you down. To quote one of my heroes: “It is all about attitude; the rest is sense of humor.” The best advice I can give as a blind man, if you are blind or are becoming blind, no matter what your age, take the opportunity, get the basic training and learn adaptive skills. Use those skills and adapt them to your way of life and enjoy it. By the way that hero that gave me that quote and advice is my son. Can I take care of myself? Yes, I think I can. Do I need more training? Yes, definitely. I need all the training I can get. Can old dogs learn new tricks? Definitely, it is just up to them.
Spotlight on Careers
Dressing
for Success
By Dana Ard
The following information is taken from a seminar, put on by the Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce, which board member Susan Bradley and I attended recently. The information is valuable for anyone wanting to get, or keep a job.
When dressing for the workplace, it is crucial to remember that image speaks for you before you can speak for yourself. No matter whether you are dressing for an interview or a casual Friday, you need to remember the following points:
1. All clothing must be
clean and pressed.
2. Clothing must be well tailored and fit properly.
3. Clothing must not appear tattered or worn.
4. Shoes must always be shined.
5. Be sure you are well groomed.
6. Be sure your breath is fresh, but chewing gum is not acceptable.
In the “90s, business dress became more casual. Now in 2005 the pendulum has swung back to a more conservative model. The more you handle a client’s family, money, and future; the more conservative you need to be.
The standard business attire for women is a dark, conservative suit with a jacket, and white or light colored blouse. Either pants or a skirt, which falls at or below the knee, is appropriate. However, pants should never be worn during an interview. Makeup and jewelry should always be simple. Shoes should be sensible and dark with closed toes. Nylons can be nude color for spring and summer, and gray or off black for winter. White nylons are not appropriate.
As with women, the correct business attire for men is also a dark, conservative suit with a white or light colored shirt. Shoes should be dark and sensible with dark, never white, socks. The tie should extend to the belt buckle. A clip-on tie is not appropriate. Bright ties with wild patterns will draw attention to a man’s front.
Both men and women benefit from having key basics that can be mixed and matched. Business casual is still being defined. It is different in different parts of the country and in different offices. The East and Midwest tend to be more conservative than the West. As a general rule, jeans and t-shirts may be appropriate for students, but not in the office. If you are starting a new job, ask your supervisor about the business’s dress code.
Before you dress for the
day, you should consider:
• Who you will be meeting,
• What you will be doing during the day
• Where you will be
• What the weather will be
• How you will be traveling to your appointments.
Remember to dress to the level for which you aspire. How you dress is how you convey yourself.
RESOLUTION 2005-01
WHEREAS, The Idaho Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ICBVI) has been giving $53,000 annually to the State Independent Living Council (SILC), money that should be used for services for blind consumers; and
WHEREAS, the blind, the ICBVI, and the Governor's office agreed that this money should remain with the ICBVI beginning with the 2006 fiscal year; and
WHEREAS, without discussion
with ICBVI, the State Budget and Policy Office changed this amount back to
the SILC Budget when it was presented to the Joint Finance and Appropriations
Committee (JFAC); and
WHEREAS, the SILC uses this money for operating expenses, including sending
Kelly Buckland to the Capitol Building to lobby against the blind; and
WHEREAS, the JFAC did not discuss this money or indicate that anyone on the Committee was even aware of this transfer of funds.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the National Federation of the Blind of Idaho, in convention assembled in Boise, Idaho, March 6, 2005, that we condemn and deplore the actions of Kelly Buckland, chairman of SILC, for his cavalier and uncaring actions toward the ICBVI and the blind people of Idaho who need service in Idaho; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we call upon Governor Dirk Kempthorne, the Idaho Legislature, and the ICBVI to find ways of funding more and better services for the blind.
Mini-Gems
By Ramona Walhof
From Vickie Bateman, President, Snake River Valley Chapter: Five of our members attended the State Convention in March Colleen McFadden, Lynn Kneip, Janice Moore, and Larry and Vickie Bateman. This was Janice Moore's first State Convention. We all enjoyed the convention. There were some great speakers. The Silent Auction was a lot of fun, and the Hospitality Room was great!
Our chapter is working on some fundraisers. We have ordered large print calendars from the NFB National Office and also purchased some See's chocolate candy from the Treasure Valley Chapter. We are already selling the candy now and are selling $1 tickets for a chance to win prizes including a dutch oven with a cover, a fishing pole and reel, and a cooler with a pull-handle. We may join the Gateway Chapter on April 30 for the Safari Club Fundraiser and sell some suckers, candy bars, and drawing tickets. Our chapter also has plans to set up tables outside of the Ammon Wal-Mart store on June 11. We will distribute NFB literature and also sell candy, calendars, potato cookbooks and drawing tickets. The drawing will be at the end of our fundraiser on June 11, a week before Father's Day.
From Jim Solem, Idaho Association of Blind Students: This past summer the First Annual Idaho Association of Blind Students Golf Tournament was hosted by James Solem in Lewiston, Idaho. The golf tournament turned out to be quite a success story. The format was a four-person scramble. There were prizes for low net and low gross scores along with closest-to-the-pin prizes and a longest-drive contest. This tournament generated a nice cash infusion for the Idaho Association of Blind Students. We will begin planning the 2005 tournament in May and the date will be set for some time in August. Keep your head down and hit it straight!
Treasure Valley Chapter: At the Treasure Valley Chapter meeting following the State Convention, Paula Achter resigned as Chapter President. The 1st V. Pres., Dana Ard, became the new President. The 2nd V. Pres., Jan Gawith, decided to remain in that position. Therefore, the members elected Susan Bradley as the new 1st V. Pres. This left a vacancy in the office of Sec. and Mary Ellen Halverson was elected to fill this position. This left one Board position vacant and Dusty Bauman was elected to fill that position.
New Website: www.tvcblindidaho.org is the new website for the Treasure Valley Chapter. Milestones readers are invited to visit this website and tell many friends about it. We thank Mike Farrell for his assistance in establishing this new presence on the web.
Candy Sale: Brenda Ford-Baumgart is chairing the sale of See's candy. Treasure Valley Chapter members sold candy at several Fred Meyer stores on three different Saturdays in March and April. Other chapters have also participated as they have mentioned. We hope to have sold all the goodies by the time you receive this Milestones.
Treasure Valley Chapter Cycle for Independence: May 21 (start/finish point Riverglen Junior High, 6801 N. Gary Lane), cyclists are invited to ride with the blind in our Seventh Annual Cycle for Independence. There are three routes: 10-mile, 25-mile, and Metric-Century. For more information visit our website at www.tvcblindidaho.org or phone Ramona at (208) 343-1377. We need riders, volunteers, prizes, and we welcome new ideas. Southwest Airlines has donated two round-trip tickets for a drawing at the bike ride. If you feel lucky, contact a Treasure Valley Chapter Member.
Student Division: The Student Division also had an election at the State Convention. All are elected to a one year term: Pres., Justin Brandis; V. Pres., Joline Page; Sec., James Little; Tr., Andrea Travis; and Board Member, Jamie Brastrup. All the new officers and board members are off to an active start. We are looking forward to continued progress and success.
From Andrea Travis, President, Palouse Chapter: Five members attended the State Convention. This new chapter has been speaking to civic organizations in the Moscow area. They are also working with President Achter to plan the 2006 State Convention, which will be in Moscow at the University Inn March 10-12.
Scholarships: As readers read earlier in this newsletter, the NFBI gave two scholarships this year at the state convention banquet. The $1,000 scholarship was funded by the Weyerhaeuser Company Foundation. This foundation has supported NFBI scholarships in the past. Not only blind students, but also the entire membership of the NFBI appreciate this generosity.
From the Gateway Chapter: Seven active members attended the State Convention, bringing door prizes and auction items to contribute to the fun. The Gateway Chapter is planning an exciting presence at the Idaho Safari Club meeting and auction April 30.
Chapter President, Elsie Lamp, has been quite ill and in the hospital. We wish her a speedy recovery. Elsie's commitment to the NFBI is so strong she was calling about Federation business from the ICU. Our greatest wish is to see her well.
From Karen Blurton, President, Elmore County Chapter: This chapter sent five members to the State Convention. They are now planning a picnic and social in May. John Adcock and Marie Hughes are managing Bingo Night as a fundraiser in June.
NFB Newsline: The Idaho Commission for the Blind and Visually
Impaired (ICBVI) requested funding to make newspapers accessible to the blind
by touch-tone telephone in its 2006 budget request. It was not recommended
by the governor, and it was not recommended by the Joint Finance and Appropriations
Committee (JFAC). We know that many individuals who have lost vision would
like to have access to newspapers within Idaho and from other parts of the
country. NFB Newsline would provide newspaper access to blind people all over
the State. The basic service is less than $30,000 annually. If our elected
officials understand that this is important to the blind, they can find the
money. Anyone who has questions or wishes further information about this service
should contact our State Office as shown on the front of the Milestones. A
resolution about this was passed by the State Convention and is printed elsewhere
in this issue.
News from a Former Idaho Member: Brek Erickson, who now lives and works in Mount Pleasant Utah, is looking forward to seeing his Idaho Federation friends at National Convention this summer. This will be his first national convention, and he can hardly wait. Additional good news is that he will continue to be employed by the Wasatch Academy as their chaplain for the next school year.
The purpose of this column is to share personal and chapter news. It is hard for members to visit chapters hundreds of miles away, as they are in Idaho. Therefore, please use the Mini-Gems to help members in other chapters to get to know you and what you are doing. You do not have to be a chapter president to send news. All members are important and have news to share.