GemState Milestones
A Publication of the
NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF IDAHO
Winter 2008

Dana Ard, Editor
301 Bruce Ave.
Boise, ID 83712
e-mail: danalynard@msn.com
208-345-3906

Elsie Lamp, President
300 Willard Avenue
Pocatello, ID 83201
e-mail: elsielamp@yahoo.com
208-233-5833

Send requests for new subscriptions to:
National Federation of the Blind of Idaho (NFBI),
1301 S. Capitol Blvd., Suite C
Boise, ID 83706
208-343-1377
Available in large print, email, Braille, Newsline.. Please let us know of address changes.

A Message From the Presidency
By Elsie Lamp

This is a busy time of year for all of us. I hope the New Year brings much progress for blind people in Idaho and America. We have the Legislative Dinner on President’s day, Monday February 16, 2009. It will be held at the Owyhee Plaza Hotel, 1109 Main Street, Boise ID 83702. The price for dinner will be $25.00. The NFBI board will also meet that day.

Our State Convention will be held March 27, 28 and 29 at the Owyhee Plaza Hotel, 1109 Main Street, Boise ID 83702, (208) 343-4611. The price for rooms will be $65.00 + tax per night. We have many exciting plans and will keep you posted.

In October eight federationists attended the Idaho State Board of Education meeting in Lewiston. The names of the recently created Advisory Council were announced in late November. On October 11, NFBI members from southeast Idaho and Boise joined the Coeur d’Alene Chapter for an excellent technology fair. People attended throughout the Coeur d’Alene community. There was good press coverage, and Jan Gawith was featured using her Victor Stream.

This years Washington Seminar will occur in early February. The Great Gathering In will be on February 8, 2009. We will have much to do with continued concerns about quiet cars, social security, timeliness of school textbooks etc. We will be working to educate this newly elected congress on what is important for the nation’s blind.

On January 4, the National Federation of the Blind plan to celebrate the 200-year anniversary of the birth of Louis Braille. We will be having events that will serve as a huge kick-off of our national campaign to promote literacy across the country. In addition, our organization has worked with the US Congress to mint a special commemorative coin to honor Louis Braille, and we would like to use this opportunity to bring attention to the staggering illiteracy rate among the blind in the United States.

Please come and participate with us in all of our activities. I hope you have a joyous New Year.

Independent Voting
By Ramona Walhof

This year voting was a joy! The automatic ballot-marking device provided by the Secretary of State's office worked well, and I truly voted independently. This was at least the third time I used this machine, so I knew what to expect. I knew that the instructions would be in the earphones when I put them on. I was reminded of where the buttons are located and how the process works. I needed the reminder, but I understood what to do very quickly because it was not new. When I tried to insert the ballot, the machine rejected it. The poll worker thought it looked fine, but after three or four attempts to insert the ballot, the poll worker agreed to try a different one. The second ballot worked immediately

There was no line for the machine I used, and I felt awkward passing by all the people waiting to vote at the other stations. I suggested that some of them should be directed to the auto mark device while it was not being used. The poll workers seemed to feel that the machine should be saved for the disabled. I pointed out that the Secretary of State encourages poll workers to use the auto mark device, but this seemed to be news. Therefore, there needs to be a way to remind the poll workers that the auto mark station should not be reserved only for those who cannot use other stations. It can work for anyone.

I encourage disabled voters to: 1. Use the auto mark-voting device; 2. Thank the poll workers for having it available; 3. Encourage poll workers to use the device and suggest to others that they use it, especially when there is a waiting line. This is one step toward making the general public feel more comfortable among blind and otherwise disabled people.

The National Federation of the Blind lead the way in getting the US Congress to include the blind and disabled in legislation to modernize voting in this country. The NFB lead the way in evaluating machines to be used in the states to make possible independent voting for the disabled. Idaho Secretary of State, Ben Ysursa and his assistant Jim Mairs worked hard to advance this effort. The practical business of making the right to vote independently a reality for the blind and other disabled people is also an opportunity to bring more education to the public at large. There is one more step to accomplish integration of the disabled in the right to vote. We are not asking for priority, but equality. Poll workers need to understand that these ballot marking devices or voting machines work as well for the sighted as for the blind. I do not wish to go to the front of the line because no one else is using the auto mark device, and I don't believe other disabled people do either. I am happy to stand in line and talk with my neighbors if there is a line. Most of all, I want to vote independently and fairly just as every other citizen has the right to do.

Several days after the election, I received a phone call, which turned out to be a man doing a survey on voter satisfaction among those using accessible machines. I was pleased to tell him that my voting experience was very satisfactory. He then asked if anything could be improved. I told him that non-disabled people should also use these devices, but this would take quite a bit of education of poll workers. Of course, those in charge of the voting process can issue recommendations, and some poll workers do use the auto mark devices. But voting occurs infrequently, and comfort of some with the devices will be a slow process. Blind and disabled voters may be able to make it happen more effectively if we just talk to our own poll workers when we vote.

Bright Ideas
Sock It To Me: Labeling Socks and other items

This article is not a tribute to Goldie Hawn or beautiful downtown Burbank. I hope it will serve as the start of a discussion on labeling those many things that we all have to mark. Since I have lots of socks to label, I thought a good place to start was in my professional wardrobe, I have different colored nylons (knee-highs and pantyhose, as well as trouser socks and tights. For leisurewear, I have numerous pairs of crazy socks. As far as nylons go, I usually buy several pair of each color from a mail order catalog. This cuts down on having a lot of odd nylons to cause confusion. I also try to buy a different style for each color, such as a silky style for brown, a courser feel for black, and maybe support type nylon for navy blue. Then I always knot my pairs of nylons to keep them together in the wash. Even if I accidentally forget which are the brown or the black pair, at least I won’t have one brown or one black together. I have also started using a round rubber sock sorter on the black pairs as an added way to distinguish them from the brown pairs. I often wash my different colored pantyhose separately to keep the colors straight. I put each color in a marked bag after they have been washed and dried. You could develop a method of knotting the legs of the different colors such as one not for brown, two for black etc. For my trouser socks, I started out by trying to buy a different style for each color, but I have found that styles change and consistency was next to impossible. I got some rectangular sock sorters. I had a friend mark them with hi mark dots, one dot for black, two dots for brown, and three for navy. As long as I put the socks back in the sorters before I put them in the laundry, I have no problems. As far as my crazy socks, the most important thing for me is to keep them in pairs with sock sorters. Some people like to use safety pins to keep the pairs together, but I find pins put holes in the socks.

I also have numerous t-shirts that I enjoy wearing on the weekends or when I get home from work. I have numbered each shirt using old dental x-ray film a former home instructor at the Commission for the Blind gave me. These small flexible plastic squares are perfect for writing a Braille number. There is room to punch a hole in the square and attach the number to the shirt label with a safety pin. I have developed a list of descriptions of the shirts that are identified by the number. If I want to wear my wiener dog winter national shirt, I just need to get out the list, locate the number of the description for that shirt and find it in my drawer. I have tried using strips of Dymo tape for the shirt labels, but they seem to bunch up in the wash and become scratchy on the back of the neck. Flexible plastic sheets, which could be cut in small squares, would probably work well. I hope you will share your ideas on labeling socks and other items, so they can be included in the next newsletter.

The Over Comer
By Patrick D. Taylor

Part 1
Life often times seems so cruel and cold
I’ve heard folks say they are getting old
They hope no more
Their dreams have ceased
They have resolved to remain at least…..
A partial person without a dream
To spur their thoughts
To plot to scheme
They fight no more
They coast, they drift
The sea of life, no joy, no gift
They’ve given up
They coast, they drift
Without enthusiasms lift
They are over come.

Part 2
I’ve watched also another scene
A man gain hope, a vision, a dream
I’ve seem him rise to writing verse
To over power his drifting curse
I’ve seen his heart leap lofty heights
And forget the myriad endless nights

He found the fleeting tree of life
Escaped the painful, two-edged knife
He passed the test of fire and sift
Regained the joy
The dream the gift
He Overcame

Part 3
The tree of life awaits the one
Who holds the plow till the work is done
Who grits his teeth, who conquers best
Who’s head remains above the rest

The called are many
The chosen are few
Who chose the tasks few others do

They keep the faith
They maintain hope
They stand, they win
They fight, they cope
I’ve seen them all
I’ve seen the week
I’ve seen the true, and faithful meek
I stand amazed at what I see
I stand in awe
Of even me
Through test and trial
And heartaches rift
I found the joy
The dream- the gift
I’ve overcome.

Spotlight on Careers
Tough Times Never Last: Tough Federationists Do

I adapted this title from a popular book written by Robert Schuler about 20 years ago. It is no secret that this country is facing tough economic times. In such times, with rampant business closures and high unemployment, blind people are often at a disadvantage when it comes to landing a job. Employers, concerned about their bottom line, are less interested in structuring a job to fit special needs, or investing in what they may consider to be expensive accommodations. In these circumstances, I believe there are steps that federationists can do to increase your chances of getting employment.

First, examining your suitability for your chosen vocational goal is very important. Some traditional jobs have changed over the years, and it’s important to be sure that your skills match the current job requirements. An example of this is the job of receptionist. I often have people tell me that they want to be a receptionist because they enjoy talking with people on the phone. The truth of the matter is that many offices, including the Commission for the Blind, use an automated phone system. The receptionist actually answers very few calls and has to perform many other clerical responsibilities such as typing, filing, sorting mail, receipting checks etc. If you want to work as a receptionist, you need to evaluate the position requirements and determine how you will perform them. If you need further training or technology to perform the job of your choice, now might be a good time to get those skills. You may increase your chances for success. Also, by the time you have received your training, the economic outlook may be improved.

In my opinion, the number one failing on the part of job seekers is submitting too few applications. I often have people call me very discouraged about their job search. When I ask how many applications they have completed, they will say something like two or ten. I know job search is difficult and stressful, but often the key to success is sending out numerous applications. I realize this often is a problem for those of us who need to use a reader to complete the forms either in print or on line. Finding capable volunteers seems to be getting harder and harder these days. Contact your volunteer agencies, and check to see if your community has a chapter of Delta Gamma Sorority. This sorority is committed to helping blind people. If, after you have sent 20 applications and not received an interview, you might want to have someone knowledgeable about hiring evaluate how you are filling them out. Remember to use words that reflect your knowledge of the requirements listed in the job description.

Before you have to interview, do some interviewing practice with another person. I have some sample interviewing questions that I would gladly share. Remember to always listen to the question, and think your answer through before speaking. Don’t get side tracked and answer unasked questions. Make sure before the interview closes that you have raised the issue of your blindness and explained how you can do the job.

I wish you the best in your job hunt during these tough times. Remember as the title says, “Tough Times Never Last, Tough Federationists Do.”

Mini Gems

Panhandle Chapter: This group is making presentations on blindness and Braille in public school classrooms. They are also helping Coeur d'Alene Library staff learn more about the operation of adaptive equipment they have for use by the blind. Several potential new members are learning more about the NFBI. Panhandle Chapter member, Greg Davis, has been in Boise for training at the Assessment and Training Center

At the October meeting of the Panhandle Chapter, eight members from other parts of the State joined the group. The following Saturday at least ten NFBI members offered a Technology Fair at the Coeur D'Alene Public Library. Both interested community members and potential chapter members came to learn about a variety of technology for the blind.

Our actress: Gateway Chapter member, Becky Mangum is acting in a play in Blackfoot in December and six members of the chapter will attend.

As members of the NFB of Idaho we would all like to extend our sympathy to Cheri Palmer and Becky Mangum on the loss of Don Palmer, Cheri’s husband and Bekki’s father. The NFBI and Gateway Chapter will greatly miss Don. Don passed away on Saturday December 6 from a sudden heart attack. Cheri has asked in lieu of flowers that any contributions be made to the Gateway Chapter.

Anniversary: Snake River Valley Chapter celebrated its fifth anniversary in November with a cake, which had the number 5 written in Braille with M&M’s on each piece. President, Vickie Bateman writes, "It was fun for those who know Braille and educational for those who don't." This chapter is also collecting recipes for a cookbook entitled EASY COOKING WITHOUT LOOKING.

New jobs: Susan Bradley has a new job as a member of the AmeriCorps Accessible Transportation Project working at the Idaho Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Terry Weeks is doing a similar job at Living Independence Network Corp. Congratulations to both!

Braille Fair: At the Boise Public Library on November 1 more than a dozen members of the Treasure Valley Chapter gathered for a Braille Fair in the children's section. Reading and writing Braille, Braille games, cane travel and dog travel, small and large devices from talking clocks and scales to the KNFB Mobile Cell-phone Reader were some things demonstrated for approximately 60 children. Both those who demonstrated and those who came to learn about blindness enjoyed this activity. We thank the Library for making it possible.

Candy and Nut Sales: Vel Slotten is chairing the Treasure Valley Chapter's nut sale. Peanuts, pecans, walnuts and trail mix. Snake River Valley and Gateway Chapters are selling assortments of See's candy.

Elections: October was the annual election for the Treasure Valley Chapter: President, Dana Ard; First Vice President, Susan Bradley; Second Vice President, Jan Gawith; Secretary, Ramona Walhof; Treasurer, Mike Gibson. Board members are: Mary Ellen Halverson, Noel Newhouse, Lora Ireland, and Vel Slotten.

Snake River Valley Chapter: President, Vickie Bateman; First Vice President, Kevin Pirnie; Second Vice President, Janice Moore; Secretary, Larry Bateman; Treasurer, Jan Anderson. Board members are Wanda Jolley and Sylvia Bernert.

Elmore County Chapter: President, Karen Blurton; Vice President, Fern Graham; Secretary-Treasurer, Sondra Snooks.

Gibson Events: a new baby, Julia was born to Mike and Brianna Gibson early in August. We congratulate them on their charming daughter! Governor Butch Otter appointed Mike Gibson to the Board of the Idaho Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired. He was unable to attend the first meeting after the appointment because of the death of his father, Robert Gibson, retired blind farmer from Wendell Idaho. We extend our sympathy at this time of loss and our congratulations for this new responsibility!

NFBI representatives have been working with Valley ride Regional Transit to get bus schedules for Southwest Idaho to be available in braille and on NFB Newsline. The first schedules are now on Newsline, and it is expected that the rest will follow soon. Dial 1-888-882-1629. If you are not yet signed up as an NFB Newsline reader, contact Chris Grant at ICBVI.

Celebration: The 200th birthday of Louis Braille will be Jan 4, 2009. NFB chapters are celebrating this day by offering to demonstrate braille at local bookstores. At these demonstrations, we will be telling about the need for more braille and showing pictures of the braille coin, which will be for sale by the United States Mint later in the spring.

Braille Magnets: NFBI members will have refrigerator magnets to sell by the first of the year. These magnets will feature five different sayings in both braille and print. "We celebrate Braille literacy," "Braille read it with your fingers," "Braille abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz," "Happy birthday Louis Braille 200 years," and "National Federation of the Blind." They will sell for $2.00 each or a set of five for $10.00. For more information contact Ramona Walhof at 338-1595 or email rwnfbi@qwest.net.

Senior Division: Blind seniors in Southwest Idaho have met for lunch during September, October, and November. They sold tickets for a 50/50 drawing in order to offer a donation to a needy family before Christmas.

Letters to the Editor: Several members have written letters regarding the unfortunate movie called "Blindness" that showed briefly this fall at Edwards Cinemas. Snake River Valley and Gateway Chapter members also demonstrated outside the theater in Idaho Falls on opening night. Both reviewers and the blind were extremely displeased with the disgusting portrayal of blindness in this film.

Christmas Parties: Gateway Chapter held a Christmas party December 8 at Elsie Lamp's home. Elmore County Chapter had a party at A. J's Restaurant on December 16. Snake River Valley Chapter had its Christmas party December 6. They featured several kinds of homemade soup served in bread bowls. Treasure Valley Chapter also held its party December 6, at the Commission for the Blind. . It was a potluck dinner with singing and gift exchange. Families of members and families with blind children were invited to all of these parties.

Education of blind children: Eight members of the NFBI attended the Board of Education Meeting in Lewiston October 9, and several also attended the meeting in Nampa on December 4. As stated in the message from the presidency, four NFBI members, including two parents of blind children, have been appointed to the Advisory Council. This council was a recommendation that came out of the summit on the education of deaf and blind children sponsored by the Idaho State Board of Education July 30--August 1. Clearly, there is much work to do to improve education for our blind children. NFB council members will be looking toward all of us for input. The needs of deaf and blind children are very different. The majority of the summit participants felt that the programs should be separated. Even though this is not likely to happen soon, the Board of Education will continue to need our input and guidance.

RECIPES

Here are a few recipes to brighten your holiday season and to enjoy the year round.

I have adapted this recipe from one in the Pillsbury Cookbook. It is easy enough to fix in five minutes, and usually you have the ingredients around. People love it because it is flavorful and low in calories.

Sweet Buttery Beans
2 cans canned green beans
2-1/2 T. butter
2-1/2 T. packed brown sugar
2-1/2 t. lemon juice
Pecans or walnuts (optional)
Combine all ingredients in a saucepan or 1-1/2 to 2 qt. Casserole dish. Either heat on the stove or in the microwave. Stir to combine.

Low Fat Bran Muffins
This recipe was given to me over 25 years ago. I have adapted it to be low fat. The batter can be stored for five weeks, so you can make fresh muffins, as you want them. Also this recipe can be easily halved.

2 cups water boiled and cooled
Add 5 tsp. baking soda and set aside.
In a large bowl cream: 1 cup applesauce, 2 cups sugar, and 1 Tbsp. salt.
Add: 1 qt. buttermilk, 5 cup flour, 4 cup all bran, 2 cups 40% bran flakes, 2 cups dates or raisins, 1 cup nuts. Add water and soda and blend.
Bake at 400degrees for 20 minutes.

Fresh Cranberry Salad
This recipe came from a recipe collection in the Nampa Press Tribune.

1 lb. Fresh cranberries picked over, washed, and finely chopped.
2 cup sugar
1 20 oz. Can crushed pineapple drained
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 1lb. Bag miniature marshmallows
Mix together well and refrigerate overnight. When ready to serve, stir in 1 12 oz. container whipped topping. Mix well and serve.

Elsie’s Favorite Holiday Recipe

1 large box raspberry Jell-O (dissolved with boiling water)
2 Fuji apples (core then slice or grate)
1 large peeled orange (place in the bottom of a blender)
1 large bag of Ocean Spray Cranberries (fresh or frozen) add to orange in blender
3 Tbsp. sugar (place in blender)
¾ cup english walnuts
Dissolve Jell-O in boiling water (do not add cold water) run mixture in blender until everything is thoroughly blended, mix into Jell-O, add sliced/grated apples, add chopped nuts. Pour into serving bowl, chill for three hours. Last step ENJOY!

THE END

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