The Florida Federation Focus Issue Number 3, Winter, 2000

(Volume 2, Number 1)

The Florida Federation Focus is published semiannually in NLS-format cassette, Large Print, and via E-mail by:

National Federation of the Blind of Florida

Wayne Davis, President

1949 Marseille Drive Number 2

Miami Beach, FL 33141

(305)861-8425 Fax: (305)866-1862

E-mail: president@nfbflorida.org

Please send changes of address, submissions, requests for subscriptions and back-issues, and all other Florida Federation Focus-related correspondence to: Dan Hicks, Editor

4608 West Longfellow Avenue

Tampa, FL 33629

(813)837-4831 Fax: (786)551-5771

E-mail: focus@nfbflorida.org

TABLE OF CONTENTS

From The President Wayne Davis Page 3

FFF Micros Page 5

Chapter News Page 7

Parental Concerns Corner Carolyn Lapp Page 16

Jacksonville Hosts 1999

NFBF Convention Dan Hicks Page 17

Congratulations to the

1999 NFBF Scholarship

Winners Kathy Davis Page 24

Transportation Report David Evans Page 26

Doggie Scoop Tom Ryan Page 28

Reflections of a Puppy

Raiser Meg Irizarry Page 30

Associates Update Janet Caron Page 32

Out of Context Page 34

Smiles Page 35

Editorial Matters Dan Hicks Page 37

Dear Federation Members,

Let me begin this letter by congratulating our two new NFBF state board

members on their election to office. They are Brenda Gillis, who is the President of the Martin County Chapter, and Barry Feazell, who is the President of the Greater Jacksonville Chapter.

I also want to congratulate Kathy Davis on her election as Second Vice President of the National Federation of the Blind of Florida. Kathy is the president of the Greater Daytona Chapter.

Let me also congratulate Tom Ryan, who was elected president of our newly formed Guide Dog Division. Tom is the president of the Greater Broward Chapter of the NFBF. Congratulations also go out to Dennis Hodos who was reelected to a second term of office as president of our NFBF Student Division.

Our new list of state officers and committees are as follows: President, Wayne Davis; First Vice President Dan Hicks; Second Vice President, Kathy Davis; Secretary, Gloria Mills Hicks; Treasurer, Donna Evans; Board members: David Evans, Jim Ellsworth, Brenda Gillis, and Barry Feazell.

The 1999-2000 committee chairpersons are as follows: Legislative- Gloria Mills Hicks; Transportation-David Evans; Fund Raising-Brenda Gillis;

PAC-Barry Feazell; Associates-Janet Caron; Deaf-Blind-Joe Naulty; Florida Federation Focus-Dan Hicks; News Line-Peg Halverson; Technology-Jim Ellsworth; Web Page-Dan Hicks; Minority Concerns-Marilyn Baldwin (Carmen Davis is co-chairperson); Hospitality-Jeff Harmon (Carmen Davis is co-chairperson); Scholarships-Kathy Davis; Parental Issues-Carolyn Lapp; Resolutions-Dan Hicks; Nominating Committee-Gloria Mills Hicks. The President of the Guide Dog Division is Tom Ryan. The President of the State Student Division is Dennis Hodos. Our State Archivist is Rita Princivalli.

I want to thank Ted Henter and all the fine people at Henter-Joyce for their help with our 1999 State Convention. Thanks to our guest speaker, Attorney Marcus Castillo. Thanks to Ed Hudson for his library report, Randy Touchton for his DBS Report, and JoAnn Hutchinson for her transportation report.

I want to thank all the chapters for all the nice door prizes they provided,

and I want to think everyone who brought items for our big auction. As always, I want to think Carl Miller for doing such a great job as our auctioneer. Our thanks also go out to the Jacksonville chapter for doing such a great job hosting our 19999 NFBF state convention.

Thanks to President Jerry Heichelbeck and several other members of the Greater Orlando Chapter, who assisted the staff of the Louisiana Center for the Blind by helping man its booth at a convention of ophthalmologists, in Orlando.

I want to challenge every to chapter to set up a committee to monitor television stations that show telephone numbers and other information on the screen, but not in any audible format. You can get some of your sighted members to assist with this. Whenever you find a situation of that nature, contact the station, and find out if they are willing to do voiceovers for the blind.

If the decline to do so, please let me know about it, and I will see what we can do to get them to change their minds.

I also want to ask each chapter to set up a committee to educate cab and bus companies about guide dog and white cane laws. I can help to provide handouts and copies of the respective laws. These laws are on the books, but it is up to us to see that they are obeyed.

Many of you have met Bear and Sarah, the two guide dogs that Carmen and I have gotten from South East Guide Dog School. Bear, an 85-pound black Lab owns me and Sarah, a 70-pound, dark blond "Goldadore" claims Carmen.

When I first decided to get a a guide dog, I, of course, knew that the dog

would guide me from place to place. But, I really had no idea how he would

become such an important part of my life. In the mornings, he greats me with puppy kisses and a wagging tail. He stays beside me all the time, not because he has too, but because that is where he wants to be. The same is true of Sarah and Carmen: wherever you find one of them, the other is there too.

They certainly seem to know how our day is going. If I am tired or stressed out, Bear goes out of his way to do a good job. If I am upset about something-as I was on August 19, the day my dad died-Bear makes it a point to put his nose in my hand, or to put his head in my lap.

Even on those rare days when I don't have a meeting to go to, Bear and I take a long walk every morning, and another one after dinner. Before I got him, and we learned to work together as a team, I never dreamed that I would ever again be able to walk down a street in such a free and easy manner. We work so well together, though, that sometimes, I will go for a block or more, and really forget that I am totally blind. I actually walk better with him, even though I can no longer see anything, then I could before I lost the rest of my vision.

I want to think Mike Sargent, and all the fine staff at South East Guide Dog School, and the fine puppy raisers that raised our Bear and Sarah for making it possible for Carmen and I to have such fine loving guide dogs. I can not see the sun any longer, but that's all right with me. My sunshine walks along beside me, everywhere I go, and he is there for me, 24 hours a day.

Thank you all!

Florida Federation Focus MICROS

HARRY POTTER APPEARS IN BRAILLE

At the time of this writing, the first, second, and third positions on the New York Times Bestseller List are held by three books by one author: J. K. Rowling. The three books are the first three novels in a series written for young people, about the adventures of a young sorcerer names Harry Potter.

All three novels are available in Braille from the National Braille Press. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets each sell for $17. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (which is expected to be available by the time this magazine is published) is priced at $19.95. Contact:

National Braille Press

88 St Stephen Street

Boston, MA 02115

800-548-7323 Extension 20

http://www.npb.org

RFB&D OFFERS SCHOLARSHIPS

Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic has announced the availability of the Year 2000 Mary P. Oenslager Scholastic Achievement Awards for college seniors who are legally blind.

To be eligible, applicants must: (1) be legally blind; (2) be registered with Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic for at least one year prior to February 21, 2000, individually or through a school; (3) have received or will receive a bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in the United States or its territories between July 1, 1999 and June 30, 2000; (4) have an overall academic average for their undergraduate years of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale (or the equivalent, if the academic average is not computed on a 4.0 scale); and provide evidence of leadership, enterprise, and service to others

The awards are presented annually to a total of nine students in three categories. There are three winners of $6,000, $3,000, and $1,000, each.

The deadline for applications is February 21, 2000. For more information or to request an application, call RFB&D at 1-800-221-4792.

PALM BEACH CHAPTER HOLDS JAZZFEST

Carolyn Lapp, JazzFest Chairperson, sends the following:

"We're talking hot, hot, HOT!

"The Palm Beach County Chapter recently hosted the hottest JazzFest in the South. There was standing room only on the evening of Sunday, October 10, at Atlantic Street Station, when four of the hottest Jazz Bands in the State of Florida hit the stage along with special guest artist Ira Sullivan. While being entertained by these magnificent musicians, our guests enjoyed a delicious buffet, followed by complimentary drinks from the bar.

"Our honored guest was football coach Howard Schnellengerger, who lead the Florida Hurricanes to the Championship a few years ago. The coach graciously agreed to autograph a couple of footballs, which will be raffled off at a later date.

"To enhance the excitement, we gave away many door prizes and raffled off 14 items with values ranging from $25 to $700.

"The JazzFest was hard work, but it was also a lot of fun. After expenses, we cleared in excess of $4,000!

"We want to thank everyone who participated and supported our efforts and helped to make this effort a success!"

NFB OF FLORIDA HAS INTERNET DOMAIN AND WEBSITE

The Florida affiliate of the National Federation of the Blind now has a home on the World Wide Web. The site, which will continually change and evolve, has a link to the national organization. It's a two-way street; computer users who access the NFB's national website will find a link to Florida's home page, as well as those of other affiliates and chapters.

The site has a listing of upcoming events. Users who logged on in late August and early September could find an agenda for past State Convention.

In the near future, we will have links to all of our chapters. Each chapter can decide what it wants to put on its page. This is a great place to post meeting places and times, information about chapter projects, and contact information.

Check out our site at:

http://www.nfbflorida.org

For more information, to post content, or to make suggestions, email:

webmaster@nfbflorida.org

CHAPTER NEWS

From Kitty King, Secretary of the Polk Chapter...

Last October, our chapter held a combination garage sale and bake sale at the home of Joe and Kitty King. We were a little disappointed with our profits, but it was a fun time to get our members together.

Our Pancake Breakfast was our biggest money-making project for the year. It has become an annual event. It is held at our local Beymer Methodist Church, and it is co-sponsored by the Methodist Men's Club. They gave us a lot of manpower. We worked very hard to make this breakfast a success--and it was very successful.

Our really great news flash for the year is that we finally have bus service in our community. After two years of hard endeavor and perseverance, our first bus rolled on March 1, 1999. There was a big ceremony at the Chamber of Commerce on that special day. There were: a local high school band, food, prizes, a ribbon-cutting, and television coverage, featuring one of our members, Larry Murphy. Even though there are still some rough edges, it is wonderful to have the privilege of traveling by bus in our community.

Our President, Joe King, and I attended the National Convention in Atlanta, in July. We were sponsored by the chapter. We had a great time and were grateful for the opportunity. One of our members, Ava Lee Holly, was featured in the Sunday issue of the local newspaper. She was pictured on the front page of the insert, and then, again, on the inside page. There was a write-up acclaiming her abilities as a legally blind person. She had been involved in the local Lighthouse Program for Independent Living. During this program, she was also learning computer skills. Ava Lee is an inspiration to many people who are beginning to lose their vision. She is a strong NFB supporter and encourages these people to become independent and to to join our group.

We had seven folks attend the State Convention in Jacksonville. There were: Joe and Kitty King, Bob and Ruth Swanson, Judy Black, Edith Haire, and Ava Lee Holly. It was a grand time for everybody.

From Kathy Davis, President of the Greater Daytona Beach Chapter...

Eighteen members of the Greater Daytona Chapter traveled to Jacksonville for the 1999 State Convention of the National Federation of the Blind of Florida. Our members enjoyed the convention thoroughly and were busy participating in a myriad of activities. We all appreciate the wonderful work of the Jacksonville Chapter and the leadership of Barry Feazell in hosting the convention.

Allen Bornstein and Bob Lassone spearheaded a 50/50 drawing raising a total of $214. $107 of that amount went to the lucky raffle ticket winner and the other half was earmarked for our Chapter treasury. In addition, the Bornsteins, Allen and Helyn, coordinated a candy sale resulting in an additional $178 for our Chapter coffers.

Rita Princivalli did a stellar job in co-chairing the Guide Dog Seminar. Not only were those in attendance profoundly moved by Rita's account as a South Eastern Guide Dog Puppy Raiser but were thrilled to receive a variety of scrumptious canine treats and grooming aids. In addition, Rita was elected treasurer of the newly formed Guide Dog Division. We are all proud of Rita. Great job!

Chapter members turned out in force to elect Kathy Davis to the position of Second Vice President of the State Affiliate. Their dedication and determined spirit really paid off when Kathy was easily elected at the Sunday morning session.

We all enjoyed every aspect of the Convention! We had five fantastic student scholarship recipients. Our National Representative Dianne McGeorge was terrific. President Wayne Davis and First Lady Carmen Davis provided a wonderful element of warmth and leadership and the seminars and general sessions were most informative. We are particularly proud of chapter member Susan Feazell, who received a $500 check as a scholarship winner. Susan was also elected as Secretary of the Student Division along with Antonio Guimaraes who was elected to the Student Division Board.

Now that we are back in Daytona Beach, our Chapter is heavily involved in our October 16 Pasta Dinner fundraiser, "An Afternoon In Italy." Ticket sales and monitary donations are going well, so stay tuned to the next issue of the Focus when we can tell you all about the highlights of the event.

On Saturday, October 9, The Greater Daytona Beach Chapter will be actively participating in Blindness Awareness Day on the Division of Blind Services Campus. We will have an NFB public awareness table with all sorts of NFB literature and various members will lend their support throughout the day.

On the morning of the Pasta Dinner fundraiser, October 16, our Chapter is sponsoring a White Cane Awareness Activity. Blind people, cane and guide dog users alike, will continually cross one of the busiest intersections in our metropolitan area. We want motorists to understand the importance of the White Cane Law and to that end we will carry catchy signs and educate the public through our personal example and group effort.

Until next time, we wish you success in helping to remove barriers, physical and attitudinal, that continue to challenge blind Floridians. Through our mutual support, we can make a meaningful difference!

From Brenda-Ann Gillis, President of the Martin County Chapter...

Dear Friends,

It is with great pleasure that I bring you up to date on the activities of our Martin County Chapter. Since returning home from a fabulous State Convention, we are both honored by their recognition and support extended to us by each of you and renewed in our commitment to "Change What it Means to be Blind". I guess you could say we jumped out of the frying pan and into the fire!

As the year draws to a close and the winter season begins, we double our efforts to educate our community. On November 6 and 7, we will be participating in the Jensen Beach Pineapple Festival. This year we will be distributing kernel books and literature, selling our infamous t-shirts, can coolers, bake goods and raffle tickets. We will repeat this effort again at the 1999 YMCA Health Fair, Chamber of Commerce Business Expo and at the Martin County Fair. On December 4, we will be joining forces with the St. Lucie Chapter hosting our 3rd Annual Season's Greetings Luncheon, a social event for the blind and visually impaired. This year's luncheon will also be attended by members of our Palm Beach Chapter and is now considered to be the largest and most popular gatherings of the blind on the Treasure Coast. In between these events, we keep busy with speaking engagements in our local schools, Boy and Girl Scout pack meetings, Lions Club events, and meetings of other organizations who are kind enough to give us time on their agendas.

We are also hard at work supporting the new 20/200 Fellowship, Inc., an independent resource center for the blind and visually impaired. This new entity which began as a chapter project, is now being organized by a Board of Directors whose composition is guaranteed by its by-laws to be 51 per cent blind/visually impaired individuals. We are also pleased that this new center is rapidly gaining the support and dedication of our sighted friends and neighbors, area agencies, as well as other businesses and organizations who serve the blind in our area. While there is still much to be done before we celebrate the center's grand opening, we are confident that its foundation of NFB philosophy will only add to its independent success.

As to our fight to improve public transportation, like many of you we will continue to demand our voice be heard as our county embarks on a comprehensive route study this fall. By working on what often seems to be an endless series of meetings and red tape, we are now being called upon by County Officials to speak on behalf of the ridership. Therefore, our chapter meetings in November and January will serve as public forums with the consulting firm and county officials that are intended to assist them in redesigning services to better meet our needs.

And, finally, we are presently facing our chapter elections in January 2000.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank my board who has so patiently put up with me for the past two years; Jim Stanga, Virginia Carlisle, Michael Gillis, Scott Carlisle, Linda Machado, Ashley Skellenger and all of my members who give so freely of their time and energy. I think we can all agree that even though the pace of our Martin County Chapter is, at times, very exhausting, we have seen much improvement in the way our community is slowly discarding the myths and stereotypical perceptions of blindness. You each have worked hard and have much to be proud of. In closing, please know that I have truly appreciated your support and encouragement, thoroughly enjoyed serving as your President and look forward to our future accomplishments.

From Tom Ryan, President of the Greater Broward County Chapter...

On behalf of the chapter I represent, I want to say, congratulations to the Martin County for winning the 1999-2000 Who's Cooking award!

I also want to say thanks to last year's committee who read our chapter

report and voted for us. The Who's Cooking Award has great significance and meaning to us.

Most of us know the background of turmoil that were endured by some blind citizens of Broward County, while there were two unevenly matched chapters within one county. It has been a challenge, gaining the respect and confidence of some people in this troubled area, after the lack of wholesome

leadership. The word this year for the Greater Broward Chapter is "established". Our chapter has always had a good name, a good reputation, a

good image, and good rapport. We are now well established!

We have an established meeting place in a safe, central location. Transportation for some members is still being donated for the day. We offer

assistance with bus and paratransit travel skills. We enforce the value of Braille by Brailling our membership cards. These tools are essential for independence. After our meeting, those who wish to do so can eat lunch together, while sharing additional ideas and encouragement. We use various local eating establishments in the area.

Our membership is steady and growing. We have not been losing members to other organizations. We lose members only because of a change in living locations or, most often, because of death.

This year we lost four precious members to death: Ted Plout, Dr.Max Milberg and Jean McLaughlin. Before this article goes to print, we are saddened to add William (Bill) Amenta to the list of members who have died.. This year, in October we will honor the passing of Dr. Jernigan.

I am proud that we are an extended family with members looking out for one another. The biggest news to some is that we established our domain website this year, going online May 19th. Business-wise, we had worked out the deal earlier, but you all couldn't see it until then.

One week after our Florida convention, we had our monthly meeting and

decided to again have a table at the Handicapped Expo in our county held on the second and third of October. We established a link with the Police Outreach Services and will work with them to provide the underprivileged with Thanksgiving & Christmas baskets. In that way we are able to give to our community.

The annual Holiday party is being planned for the second week of December and expected to be the best ever, with good food, festive atmosphere and a fund raiser. Our chapter members have been written up in

the newspaper throughout the year. We are hoping for additional recognition for White Cane Day, giving us additional public awareness. All such articles will appear on our website, shortly.

We participated in the Tri-Rail demonstration having the largest turn out for the three counties represented. I have continued on the committee with the two remaining chapters and will be a part of the team explaining the prototype materials being suggested by Tri-rail. The Chapter has sent out an announcement once again through the Daytona Beach talking book library reminding persons of our existence in the community.

In like fashion, our members continue to reach out and touch lives through schools, colleges, day camps, salvation army facilities, jails, elder care centers and any where else blind persons are in need.

We did obtain the next two audible traffic signals we told you about last year, with two more pending at this writing. Our county looks to us, the Greater Broward Chapter of NFB, for approval of all installations. Our Broward County zip code listings have been sent to the State President, Wayne Davis, so he can pull down the mailing list for corrections. At his convenience we will assist him in cleaning it up. This will be a big saving for our affiliates. After a struggle

with the paperwork, our bank name has finally been changed and we are established as Greater Broward. A creation of a support page was done and it will be located on our website as well as already existing paper form. We have put it in strategic business locations such as eye doctor offices to inform potential persons of need of our presence within the community. We have a

proper relationship with our local DBS and Lighthouse; so much so, that I was asked to give a graduation address to its graduates for this year. Of course you are aware that we do have a strong student body. The Student President is a part of our chapter. That means letters, letters and more letters. We had scholarship winners in the state and national conventions. at the most recent state convention, two of our students became Student Committee officers. We are so proud of these students; they will be our future. Good leadership attributes are encouraged and are evident within our chapter by recognizing that three of this year's convention endeavors were chaired or co-chaired by our members.

The Washington Seminar is one of our future projects, because legislative affairs are so important. We had three of our members in attendance at last year's Washington Seminar.

At the latest National Convention, we had ten present.

Our Ryan's Pub fundraiser is being planned for March and is always a success.

Cards for various occasions are still being sent out to our members. Our treasury pays for them but they are made and mailed by Norma, a member of our chapter.

Discrimination still exists in our world today. I have been involved with three serious cases, which are all different from last year's cases, which ended in victories. This year's cases concern housing as well as financial discrepancies.

Guide dog misunderstanding still occurs occasionally. I have had to speak to a certain security company supplying guards for area stores informing them of their errors, demanding public apologies and offering instruction of the law and sensitivity towards the disabled. A sign is now displayed, stating "Guide Dogs Welcome".

Our dream for a cassette version of the newsletter is one step closer having purchased tapes, mailers, and labels. Half the money for the machine has been donated. Every month we do send something out via print and email. Regular monthly board meetings are conducted by phone. We have year-round monthly meetings.

Our NFB fax machine is used often to communicate on transportation issues and legislative matters, and was one of the contributing factors in assisting us in keeping our Talking Book Library on the ground floor. When I have not been able to attend meetings or have someone in my stead, I've faxed the opinions of our membership to the appropriate committee asking that it be read and distributed forcing it to become part of the minutes and thus being addressed.

We try, whenever possible, to promote businesses owned or operated by the blind. A friend, who is totally blind, made and redesigned the "skillet" trophy that was the "Who's Cookin'" Award, given away this year.

Our NFB's voice is known throughout our community. We purchased our own beautiful table/wall raised banner. Now we have our own Greater Broward rubber stamp to put on literature to be distributed. "Established" liaison is definitely in place with the Lions Club, via their Governor as well as the Kiwanis Club through our members. This is in addition to American Legion, Moose, and student sororities.

We have connected with the blind\deaf in our area through Schott Memorial but little has transpired, as yet. Also we've established a relationship with the Independent Living Center of Broward.

The Greater Broward Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind is doing everything we can, in every way we know, to change what it means to be blind!

From Jim Ellsworth, President of the Pinellas Chapter...

There were six members in attendance from the Pinellas Chapter at this year's State Convention, held in Jacksonville. Pinellas Chapter members took part in hosting and co-hosting seminars on Parental Concerns and the Computer Seminar. Paul Prescott gave a presentation on the state's vending program. Peg Halverson gave a presentation called "Technologically Speaking". Both presentations were given during the regular General Sessions. Our chapter is working on a fundraiser, involving putting together a computer disk containing Internet addresses of a very wide variety, to help provide many of the kinds of information resources that can be found on the World Wide Web. Chapter members will be selling the disks at a great price. We are pleased to announce that we will be holding our Christmas party again, this year. Paul and Bonnie Prescott have again offered to provide the spaciousness of their home for the party. The party is planned for December 11.

The Pinellas Chapter also was represented by Paul and Bonnie Prescott, Peg Halverson and Jim Ellsworth at the NFB national convention held in Atlanta Georgia.

We recently elected a new Vice President, Mike Lamb, and a new Board Member Paul Prescott. Their leadership skills, experience and contribution of ideas will be beneficial and essential in making the chapter grow. We hope to see you all at next year's conventions. Have a great year, everyone.

From David Evans, President of the Palm Beach Chapter...

A lot has happened in our chapter, especially with transportation, as usual. In April and May, our members were engaged in Public Hearings on Transportation in our County. There were some service cuts to our bus services and paratransit. Also, a new company called Intellitran took over from our County and began to manage the paratransit services for the County. Service has not been very good since November of 1998 but we were all shocked when the service got worst after Intellitran took over. At this writing, the service is still very bad. We have not given up on the service yet but we are pressuring the County to make it better and fix the problems.

In July a number of our members went to the National Convention in Atlanta. The Convention was great as always and there was much to be learned and observed. You should make sure that your Chapter sends someone to either the Washington Seminar or a National Convention. These are places where we can make a difference in the lives of Blind people and in the lives of those who attend. A lot of our members have gone many times now and are leaders in our Chapter.

In September, a number of our members went to the State Convention in Jacksonville. We had a good time and enjoyed the Jacksonville Chapters hospitality.

In October, of this year, our Chapter staged a major fundraiser called "Jazz Fest '99". It was a successful event and the Jazz concert raised about $4,000 for our Chapter to fund its activities for the next year.

In November of this year we will hold Chapter elections and start working on doing great things in the new century. Something we are going to try before the end of the year is another fundraiser. We are going to ask a couple of movie theaters to do some benefit matinees for us. We are going to see if the theaters will donate the ticket prices to us and just keep the money from the popcorn and soft drinks. Our idea is to get some Disney movies that have not been out in a long time and we handle getting the publicity out to schools, the radio and newspapers. We will time the event to take place during the Christmas break on a Saturday and Sunday when parents are looking for things to do with their kids. We hope this will be successful. I will let you know in a later issue of the Florida Federation Focus.

Parental Concerns Corner

Long-time Federationist Carolyn Lapp is Chairperson of the Parental Concerns Division.

The National Federation of the Blind of Florida's Parental Concerns Division conducted a seminar on Saturday, September 4th at the annual convention in Jacksonville. Our special guest speakers included Patti Johnson, a Vision Teacher; James Johnson, Counselor from Division of Blind Services; Carl Miller, Lions Club; Tom Ryan, Social Security Representative and Elaine Morgan, Disability Specialist. There was time allowed for questions from the audience and many door prizes were given away. Also, each person was presented with a package containing informative literature, a needle threader, signature guide and a braille key chain.

In addition to our workshop, the Parental Concerns Division sold raffle tickets for a beautiful Wedding Bear, hand-made by Patricia Roop. The winning ticket was drawn at the convention banquet. Thanks to everyone that contributed to the raffle, the PCD now has $263.00 in our account. And, we have already started working on future fund raisers.

I would like to express my great appreciation to all of those who helped to make the Seminar the success that it was. It was an event which enabled parents, teachers and friends throughout our state the opportunity to reach out to one another and share vital support, encouragement and information.

I would like to invite anyone who is interested in our division to contact me at the telephone number or e-mail address, below.

Carolyn Lapp, Chairperson

Parental Concerns Division

Telephone: (561) 968-6268

E-mail: lapp@gate.net

The 1999 Convention of the National Federation of the Blind of Florida was held September 3, 4, and 5, 1999, at the Jacksonville Hilton and Towers, Jacksonville. The fact that this was Labor Day Weekend did not seem to hurt the turnout any, as the Convention and all meetings and seminars were well-attended.

Activities got started on Friday afternoon with seminars on topics ranging from Deaf-Blind issues, to rights of guide dog users; from computer technology and the Internet, to fashion tips; and from transportation to legislation.

The Reception and Auction started at 7:00 PM. There was a lot of good food, animated conversation, and lively music-the latter furnished by Marion Gwizdala, of the Tampa Bay Chapter.

The Auction Portion of the event was captained by our official Auctioneer, St. Lucie Chapter President Carl Miller. Over $1500 was raised for the State Affiliate.

The only thing that could have separated some of the attendees from the Auction, was the Resolutions Committee Meeting, which was again chaired by myself. The meeting was well-attended. The heated, though cordial, discussions continued until past 11:00 PM. The Resolutions Committee members were all well-informed, attentive, and helpful. I was glad to have the experience of our National Representative Dianne McGeorge. She was a great help, especially when it came to wording the fine points of revised resolutions, helping to produce finished resolutions that the entire committee could support. There were many observers in the committee room, who also gave valuable input into the process.

In spite of the fine presentation given by Mr. Hudson, Don Weber was greatly missed. A letter expressing our concern and regard for Don Weber was passed around and signed by just about everyone at the convention. It was later sent to his home.

The Student and Parental Concerns Seminars were held during Saturday's lunch break.

The Banquet was held Saturday evening and featured an enlightening address by NFB First Vice President Diane McGeorge. She discussed the experiences of her husband, Ray, and how he had regained his vision, only to lose it again, years later, and of the perspectives that this experience have given him.

Scholarship Committee Chairperson Kathy Davis presented the NFBF Scholarship Awards to a record five winners (see Kathy's article on page 24). The "Who's Cookin'" Award was presented to Martin Chapter, and accepted by Brenda Gillis, the Martin County Chapter President.

After the Banquet, I was pleased to serve as Disk Jockey for the dance. Couples of all ages danced the dance floor to pieces. (I'm not making that up. It was one of those portable dance floors, and it came apart several times during the dance. That didn't stop those who were determined to do the Twist or the Macarena or whatever it is you do to Ricky Martin.)

Sunday morning's session comes early for those who stay up late Saturday night. Chapter presidents gave their Chapter Reports, detailing all the progress that has been made by the chapters in the past year, and their hopes for the year 2000 and beyond.

An earnestly contested election was held. When all the voting was over, Kathy Davis was welcomed to the NFBF Board of Directors as Second Vice President; and Barry Feazell and Brenda Gillis accepted their new offices as Board Members. The assembled membership gave a standing ovation for the service and support shown throughout the years by the two outgoing board members: Second Vice President Jeff Harmon and Board Member Janet Coron.

After the convention, the chapter presidents in attendance and state board members got together for the annual President's Meeting, to discuss issues and offer each other suggestions, about how to deal with problems unique to each chapter.

Resolutions: No NFB convention would be complete without resolutions to guide the organization forward, throughout the next year and beyond. Two of the four resolutions endorsed by the 1999 Resolutions Committee had been passed in General Sessions on Saturday. The two remaining resolutions were passed Sunday morning. Here is the text of all four 1999 resolutions:

WHEREAS it has been repeatedly demonstrated that separate, identifiable agencies delivering services to the blind provide significantly better outcomes, in terms of rehabilitation and employment, for the blind; and

WHEREAS there is a plan in place to move Florida's Division of Blind Services from the Department of Labor, where it now resides, to the Department of Education; and

WHEREAS it has been demonstrated that provision of services to blind people in a fragmented fashion has been proven to be more costly and less efficient than when those services are provided by one separate identifiable agency: Now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the National Federation of the Blind of Florida, in convention assembled this 4th day of September, 1999, in the city of Jacksonville, Florida, that this organization strongly favors the establishment of a separate agency for the blind, to provide services to blind people of all ages, throughout the State of Florida

WHEREAS the National Federation of the Blind and The National Federation of the Blind of Florida, are organizations that believe in equality, opportunity and security for all Blind people; and

WHEREAS the state of Florida is one of the states with exceptional population growth over the last twenty years; and

WHEREAS with population growth comes major vehicular trafic concerns due to multiple lane streets, as many as eight lanes wide, and intersections that contain more than two intersecting streets; and

WHEREAS technology has greatly reduced automobile engine sounds; and

WHEREAS a number of blind individuals have been injured attempting to cross major intersections; and

WHEREAS traffic signals which are accessible to pedestrians with sensory impairments, including those who are blind and visually impaired, are increasingly being recommended as a viable option to facilitate independent travel: Now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the National Federation of the Blind of Florida, in convention assembled this 5th day of September, 1999, in the city of Jacksonville, Florida, that we urge the Department of Transportation and any other government agency to continue to consult with the local NFBF in the area where the traffic light is geographically located, for advice as to whether or not appropriate, accessible traffic signals would be suitable, at any crossing, in the State of Florida.

WHEREAS the National Federation of the Blind of Florida, Inc. (NFBF), devotes its time and talent to the education of our community and to the improvement of the quality of life for all blind persons; and

WHEREAS the quality of life of all NFBF members would be enhanced by the improvement of para-transit services which are directly and primarily funded by the Transportation Disadvantaged Trust funds (the Voluntary Dollar Program), especially in rural areas where there exists no other sources of public transit that are funded by larger state and federal programs; and

WHEREAS, the general public is not adequately informed about the potential benefits and impact the contribution of one dollar per year will have on their local community through their participation in the Transportation Disadvantaged Trust Fund program; and

WHEREAS our NFBF Martin County Chapter has developed posters and other marketing materials and strategies which have been reviewed and approved for use by the Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged in Tallahassee; and

WHEREAS while the cost to reproduce these materials is minimal and their potential to educate the public and significantly increase funding for para- transit Systems State wide is apparent: Now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the National Federation of the Blind of Florida, in convention assembled this 5th day of September, 1999, in the city of Jacksonville, Florida, that the NFBF encourage its chapters to actively promote this program seek the funding needed to sponsor the reproduction of these marketing materials to include our organization's logo and utilize them to educate the general public whenever and wherever possible.

WHEREAS the Transportation Disadvantaged Trust Fund has started to address some needs, but has not been increased since 1994; and

WHEREAS the growth in population and the number of trips needed by the Transportation Disadvantaged exceeds available resources; and

WHEREAS without accessible and affordable transportation, Florida's Transportation Disadvantaged cannot obtain work, medical care, or other life-sustaining functions, or be independent; and

WHEREAS ADA door-to-door transportation is not available to most blind citizens of Florida, because of the lack of fixed-route systems in their local areas: Now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the National Federation of the Blind of Florida, in convention assembled this 4th day of September, 1999, in the city of Jacksonville, Florida, that this organization seek the support of the Florida Legislature, to amend Section 320.03 (9), Florida Statutes, to add an additional $1.00 to the registration fee for motor vehicles, and that $1.00 be assigned to the trust find to be distributed to the Transportation Disadvantaged.

Kathy Davis is Second Vice President of the NFBF, President of the Greater Daytona Beach Chapter, and Chairperson of the NFBF Scholarship Committee.

I wish to thank the following individuals for their diligence in serving on the NFBF Scholarship Selection Committee: President, Wayne Davis, Dr. Tom Davis, Kathy Linn and Brenda Gillis. You did a great job in selecting five outstanding students as 1999 scholarship winners.

Five NFBF Scholarships were presented to deserving students on September 4, at the Saturday evening Convention Banquet. Each recipient received a $500 check, an attractive commemorative plaque and had their room, board and ground transportation covered by a Chapter sponsor or the State Affiliate.

The first scholarship was sponsored by the Greater Miami Chapter in the name of Beatress Gladden and was presented to Ms. Anna Diego Brincat from Davey, Florida. Anna is pursuing her Master's Degree in Social Work at Florida International University where she has a cumulative GPA of 3.747. Ana has a sincere desire to have a positive impact in the lives of others through her example and through her work. She and her husband, Joe, were married in June of this year. At the Student Luncheon, Anna was elected as Vice-President of the Student Division. Additionally, she has been a hardworking member of the Broward Chapter for several years.

The second Scholarship was sponsored by the St. Lucy Chapter in the name of Steven Scannel and was presented to Ms. Deborah Clendenin from Stewart, Florida. Debbie is an active member of the Martin Chapter. Debbie has an outstanding GPA and was honored by Indian River Community College as a representative at the Leadership Conference, and as a speaker at The Special Needs Conference. She plans to enter the University of Central Florida in January of 2000 where she plans to pursue a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and go on to Law School. Debbie's dream is to ultimately become a Civil Rights attorney.

The third scholarship was sponsored by the Tampa Bay Chapter in the name of Kathy Mills, daughter of NFBF Secretary Gloria Mills-Hicks, and was presented to Susan Feazell from Jacksonville, Florida. Susan attends Daytona Beach Community College and serves as Secretary of the Greater Daytona Beach Chapter. Susan has virtually grown up in the Federation under the guidance of her parents, Barry and Carol Feazell. She attended the Washington Seminar early this year and was elected as Secretary of the NFBF Student Division. Susan's long range goal is to become a mathematics teacher. The fourth scholarship was sponsored by the Greater Gainesville Chapter in the name of Wayne Hallett and was presented to Zaida Ruiz from Tamarac, Florida. Zaida is a Board Member of the Broward Chapter and also volunteers at the Broward Lighthouse for the Blind where she particularly enjoys teaching blind and visually impaired children. In her free time, Zaida enjoys writing, poetry, movies, and live theater. She is presently pursuing a Liberal Arts Degree at Broward Community College.

The fifth scholarship was presented by the State Affiliate in the name of Gertrude Sitt and was awarded to Mr. Charles Scrivener who resides in Lakeland, Florida. Charles graduated last June from the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind in St. Augustine, where he was the class valedictorian maintaining a 4.0 plus GPA. Charles is committed to obtaining a Bachelor's Degree from the Southeastern College of the Assemblies of God, in Lakeland where he is in the first semester of his freshman year pursuing a major in Pastoral Studies. Last summer Charles traveled to Brazil where he worked as a missionary. His hobbies include church activities, snow skiing, chess, reading, counseling, and the Brazil mission. Charles is new to the Federation but already was elected Treasurer of the Student Division.

Congratulations NFBF 1999 scholarship winners! We are counting on you to follow our lead and pick up the torch of leadership so you are prepared to spearhead the activities of the Federation in years to come. Yes, you each are capable of becoming the NFB leaders of tomorrow!

David Evans

David Evans is a State Board Member, President of the Palm Beach Chapter, and NFBF Transportation Chairperson...

The State of Florida is the fourth largest state in population and will be third by the year 2006. This will happen mostly because of the growth in our population of retired senior citizens moving to our state to spend their twilight years in the Florida sunshine. Florida is also a donor state when it comes to Transportation dollars. That is, more money goes out than comes back to the state from the Federal Government. We must plug the leak.

We must begin hounding our Congressmen and Senators to begin returning these transportation dollars back to our state. It should be our mission to encourage both our State Legislators to increase the funding of Mass Transit projects and pressure our Federal Representatives to help provide more of this funding. You and other members of your chapter should appoint a three or four person delegation and make appointments to go see them, face to face, when they are in your home district.

If it is not possible to see them in person then make sure the person in their office who handles transportation issues will be able to speak directly to you and your delegation. Provide them with something in writing that outlines your concerns. Be on time for your appointment and assign who will speak and on what issue. Elect or appoint a leader of the delegation and this should be the person who makes the first contact and introduces the members of the delegation to the legislator or their aid when arriving at the office. Make sure everyone is dressed appropriately and can make a good show for the organization.

Remember that you all are representing our national organization and ALL Blind people. Make a good impression. Try to keep the meeting to no more than 15 to 20 minutes and be sure to ask for their business cards before you leave. Also, make sure you leave a business card or something that can give them a way of contacting you or your delegation after the meeting. Take them some of the informational materials about the NFB so that they will be better informed about our organization and what we do and who we represent. Send a follow up letter to the legislator or the person you talked to. Let them know you haven't forgotten and that you are keeping track of their actions.

When attending the meeting, all delegates must be warned to leave their politics at the door. It does not matter if you are a Democrat or Republican you are there to get their support for your issues and as the old saying goes; "you can catch more flys with honey than you can with vinegar." You will only be able to get a solid idea of whether the representative will support, oppose or make no commitment if you see the representatives themselves. Do not expect their aids to be able to speak for them because they can not and will not. However, they may be able to give you an idea of whether the representative will take a stand and they can always call you and tell you later.

Two of the Congress people we can contact are Dan Miller in central Florida and Corrine Brown in Jacksonville. These members of Congress are on the Transportation Sub Committees. If you live in their areas please contact them for their support and ask that they urge support from their friends in the Congress.

Next, repeat the process with your local State Representatives. Now is a good time to catch them, as the Florida State House does not meet until March of the year 2000. Tell them, "We pay taxes, too, that support the highway and road network". You have a civil right to access of the main system of transportation. The State sets the rules for people to be able to drive because driving is a privilege granted by the State but driving is not a right. Access to transportation is a right.

Tell them, Since you will not let us drive, then you must provide us with a means to access and use the public road system you tax us for." This means they must fund both Mass Transit and Paratransit programs. Funds must be provided at every level. This means funds for county bus systems, light rail, city circulators and paratransit services. This year there will be a bill in the State House to add a dollar to the tag fees to increase funding of the Transportation Disadvantaged Program. Ask them to support this bill. The important thing is to keep sticking your message into their ears. Sooner or later the message will get through.

Think of the song about the little old ant who decided he was going to move the rubber tree plant. We must be like the ant who just kept at it removing the dirt a little at a time until the tree went plop. Let us all work like the little old ant to remove our barriers to transportation and our independence. Let our battle cry be "TIMBER!"

David Evans, State Transportation Chairperson

19601 Carolina Circle

Boca Raton, Florida, 33434

(561) 452-5684

fax (561) 482-3161

e-mail: transportation@nfbflorida.org

Tom Ryan is President of the Greater Broward Chapter and Chairman of the NFBF Guide Dog Users Committee. His wife Debbie and he are both guide dogs users.

Being your appointed Guide Dog Chairperson for the past two years, I have regularly written an article/column called "Doggie Scoop". I have tried to give you a variety of subject matter from my vantage point, and have asked for input from you, as readers and guide dog users. Now I can proudly tell those of you that were not at our State Convention in Jacksonville, September 3, 1999, that I am your elected Chairperson for the newly formed State of Florida Guide Dog Users Group. Your other officers for this term are Rita Princivalli, as Treasurer and Sherrill O'Brien as Secretary.

We have contacted Suzanne Whale, National President, to see what we are requested to do, to operate correctly, as a newly formed Division.

As the pieces fall into place I will contact you through our FFF as well as via your Chapter Presidents.

Now on with the report:

At our Guide Dog Seminar, we had a terrific attendance. Rita was our co-chair and she gave a wonderful talk on puppy raising, at which, she is a pro. Later on, we had a panel discussion on retirement\loss of a dog, as well as audience participation. We spoke a little about two-dog families, one of which, I am a member, and the neat use of walkie-talkies, which was demonstrated. In honor of my Charlie's celebrating his 9th birthday, we gave away a lovely "pet" picture frame to the one other dog present, having a birthday that month. Ironically, it went to Paul Wolf master, of Dixie. He is a new guide dog user , as well as a new NFBer. Congratulations to this new team.

Before the conclusion of the meeting, gift bags were distributed, complements of Rita, as a labor of love, from her supporters.

Here is a poem us old timers will enjoy and cherish.

I stood by your bed last night, I came to have a peep.

I could see that you were crying, You found it hard to sleep.

I whined to you softly as you brushed away a tear,

"It's me, I haven't left you, I'm well, I'm fine, I'm here."

I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour the tea,

You were thinking of the many times, your hands reached down to me.

I was with you at the shops today, Your arms were getting sore.

I longed to take your parcels, I wish I could do more.

I was with you at my grave today, You tend it with such care.

I want to reassure you, that I'm not lying there.

I walked with you towards the house, as you fumbled for your key.

I gently put my paw on you, I smiled and said "it's me."

You looked so very tired, and sank into a chair.

I tried so hard to let you know, that I was standing there.

It's possible for me, to be so near you everyday.

To say to you with certainty, "I never went away."

You sat there very quietly, then smiled, I think you knew

...in the stillness of that evening, I was very close to you.

The day is over... I smile and watch you yawning

and say "goodnight, God bless, I'll see you in the morning."

And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide,

I'll rush across to greet you and we'll stand, side by side.

I have so many things to show you, there is so much for you to see.

Be patient, live your journey out ... then come home to be with me.

--Author unknown

Keep on traveling and send me your suggestions and articles Thank you.

Tom Ryan

4717 NW 49 Drive

Tamarac, FL 33319.

e-mail: seekers@gate.net

Phone: (954)677-8150

REFLECTIONS OF A PUPPY RAISER

Meg Irizarry

Introduction by Kathy Davis:

Many NFBF members, like myself, are proud guide dog users. Every day we should take a minute to offer a prayer of thanksgiving for our beloved guides and constant companions. We bask in pride for their love, intelligence and guiding ability. I thought the following article authored by a dear friend and Seeing Eye puppy raiser, Meg Irizarry, would be well received and touch the hearts of our NFBF Florida Focus readers. Enjoy!

I am raising my seventh puppy for The Seeing Eye and I simply cannot

imagine what could fill my heart as much as raising puppies for the school. I am blessed with immeasurable joy, laughter, and love from each one-and these gifts are so much greater than the pain of saying goodbye. These remarkable dogs are so important in helping people enhance their lives and I am honored to be included in the miracle of The Seeing Eye.

I am sitting in front of this computer with my newest puppy to raise for The Seeing Eye sleeping at my feet. She is a female chocolate lab all of eight weeks old. For reasons I guess you all can understand, she signifies a new beginning; and yesterday it hit me like a brick. She has a fat, little puppy belly and teeth like needles. Her matching chocolate pads are still so soft, with no mileage on them. To imagine the huge potential inside this tiny fuzzy body is awesome.

She will be expected, in the future, to perform her job as flawlessly as possible, and she will walk a very fine line. She must learn to be obedient, but also exercise intelligent disobedience. She must learn to be loyal, but never protective.

She must learn to love to work, but will many times be asked to lie quietly under a desk. She must learn to work for praise alone, but ignore the words from those other than her master. She must learn to eat quickly, but never scavenge. She must learn to be friendly towards cats, dogs and squirrels, but ignore them.

She must learn to communicate her needs and thoughts, but never bark or whine. She must learn to be aware of sounds, sights and movements around her and be able to process them instantly, but never be fearful.

Today, she doesn't sleep through the night or quite know where to empty. Two short years from now she will have learned all these things and much more and happily take on the responsibility of her job as a guide. That I can be a very small part of this is an honor.

I can't speak for anyone else, but I feel that she will reason, have

feelings and love just as you and I do.

-Meg and The Boys

Janet Caron is a well-known designer of custom jewelry and is Associates Chairperson for the NFB of Florida..

At our last National Convention in Atlanta, I attended an Associates Workshop, chaired by Tom Stevens, our National Associates Chairman. The interested parties spoke of their experiences in obtaining Associate Members.

Among the many good suggestions shared by us all, the idea of having an incentive, especially aimed at new recruiters was discussed in great detail. For example, one chapter pays for each new recruiter's banquet ticket, at their state convention. Another state gives each new recruiter a $2.00 Lotto ticket. New Mexico generously pays the National Convention airfare and hotel bill of the recruiter who obtains the most Associates. Second place is to have either airfare or hotel accommodations paid for-whichever is the higher!

Perhaps other states could offer such incentives. There are so many good ideas which need not be expensive. A $1.00 Florida Lottery ticket would not cost your chapter much, and it might encourage your people to become new Associates recruiters.

When I was first appointed Associates Chairperson for the State of

Florida, we were number 48 in the national standings. Since then, we have steadily advanced to the Top Ten. With some effort on the part of every chapter, we could easily land a spot in the Top Five! Let's strive for that possible goal.

After being appointed as South-East Coordinator by Tom Stevens, I

went to the Georgia State Convention in Atlanta to "Light a fire"-Tom Stevens' words. We were quite successful. Joyce Scanlan was the National Representative, and I learned a lot from her.

I am asking each Chapter President to appoint an Associates Chairperson, so that we can reach our goal of at least one Associate for each member of each chapter in the affiliate. After obtaining the first one, it becomes easier and easier to see gratifying results.

I'm requesting each Chapter President to ask for a packet of Associate

membership forms from the National Office, pass them out to your members, and see what happens. Until that chapter's Associates Chairperson is named, the chapter president will have to serve in that capacity. Delegate!

With the Holidays approaching, I'm getting ready to enclose an Associate form with each of my greeting cards. This is what works very well for me. Be sure to put your name on each Associate form, so you will get credit.

Again, let me put forth a challenge for each and every member to obtain

at least one Associate this year.

If you have any questions, I can be reached at (954)942-4289.

If you or a friend would like to remember the National Federation of the Blind of Florida in your Will, you can do so by employing the following language:

"I give, devise, and bequeath unto:

National Federation of the Blind of Florida

1949 Marseille Drive Number 2

Miami Beach, FL 33141

a Florida nonprofit corporation, the sum of $____ [or

"___ per cent of my estate", or "the following stocks and

bonds:___"] to be used for its worthy purposes on behalf

of blind persons."

All donations to the NFB of Florida are tax-deductible.

"...Out of Context..."

"Death is every man's final critic. To die well you must live bravely."

-Edward Abbey

"The cure for anything is salt water -- sweat, tears, or the sea."

-Isak Dinesen

"All generalizations are bad."

-R. H. Grenier

"98% of all statistics are made up."

-Anonymous

"I argue very well. Ask any of my remaining friends. I can win an argument on any topic, against any opponent. People know this, and steer clear of me at parties. Often, as a sign of their great respect, they don't even invite me." -Dave Barry

"He who asks is a fool for five minutes, but he who does not ask remains a fool forever." -Chinese proverb

"Reality is what refuses to go away when I stop believing in it."

-Philip K. Dick

"Every man is guilty of all the good he didn't do."

-Voltaire

"A hero is no braver than an ordinary man, but he is brave five minutes longer." -Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Space isn't remote at all. It's only an hour's drive away if your car could go straight upwards." -Fred Hoyle

"It is easier to do a job right than to explain why you didn't."

-Martin Van Buren

"The secret of staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly, and lie about your age." -Lucille Ball

"Knock knock."

"Who's there?"

"Theodore"

"Theodore who?"

"Theodore is locked, and I'm knocking so you'll let me in!"

Customer: "If I buy this TV, will I get a free clicker?

Salesman: "I think there is a remote possibility..."

Here are three "Fly in My Soup" jokes for the price of one...

Diner: "Waiter, there is a fly in my soup!"

Waiter: "Shhh. If the other customers here you, they'll all want one."

Diner: "Waiter, what's this fly doing in my soup?"

Waiter: "Hmm It looks like the backstroke"

Diner: "Waiter, why is there a fly in my soup?"

Waiter: "Well, you see our cook used to be a taylor..."

Did you hear...

-about the football game that ended with a score of 0 to 0?

Never mind, the story is pointless.

-about the homeowner that installed a bay window in his breakfast area? You might say it was a real pane in the nook!

-that a group of scientists has successfully crossed the praying mantis with a termite? They've created an insect that says Grace before eating your house.

-about the billing clerk who went to see a psychiatrist? She kept hearing strange invoices

Billy: "My teacher talks to herself, all day long."

Mother: "Gee, does she realize it?"

Billy: "No, she thinks we're listening."

Sally: "Daddy, do all fairy tales begin with, 'Once upon a time...'?"

Father: "No. Sometimes they begin with: "And, if I am elected...;"

Elvis was touring the state prison when he suddenly became hungry.

"Say, uh, do you think I could get some Chinese food?"

"I don't know," said the guard who was serving as tour guide. Let me find out. The guard gets on the phone and calls the warden to explain Elvis' request. "What do you want me to do?" he asked.

"Well, don't just stand there," commanded the warden. "Break out the jailhouse wok!"

A pharmacist was brought before the judge on the charge of selling pills that he was claiming would keep the user looking and feeling young.

The judge asked the defendant, "Have you ever been arrested for this offence, before?"

"Oh yes," admitted the pharmacist, "lots of times. Let's see...I was arrested in 1992...and, before that, in 1873...and in 1822 and 1769..."

The college student announced, "Hey, Mom, I've got some great news!"

His mother replied, "Good. Let's hear it."

"Remember that $1000 you promised me if I made the dean's list?"

"I sure do."

"Well, you get to keep it!"

Q: How many computer programmers does it take to change a light bulb?

A. Can't be done-that's a hardware problem!

Q: How many lawyers does it take to change a light bulb?

A. How many can you afford?

From Wayne Davis of Miami Beach...

A man walking along a country road sees a car run over a rabbit. The driver stops, gets out, opens the trunk of his car, and retrieves an aerosol can. He proceeds to spray the entire contents of the can onto the presumably lifeless rabbit. Miraculously, the rabbit gets up, hops down the road a ways, turns around, and waves. The rabbit then hops further down a road, turns around, and waves. It continues doing this until it has passed out of sight. The driver tosses the can away, gets back in his car, and drives off.

The astonished witness picks up the can and reads the label, hoping for some kind of explanation. Sure enough, the label says: "For hair restoration and permanent wave."

Oops: In the introduction to "Diamond: A Tribute" by Marion Gwizdala, in the last issue of FFF, I incorrectly identified the author as NFB's representative on Southeastern Guide Dogs' Graduate Council. That position has been filled by Sherrill O'Brien, Vice President of the Tampa Bay Chapter. Apologies to Sherrill and Marion.

Saying Goodbye... Donald J. Weber, Director of the Florida Bureau of Braille and Talking Book Library Services, was a friend to the National Federation of the Blind of Florida, and to all blind people in the State of Florida. As the finishing touches were being put on this issue, we received word that Don had passed away, on Sunday, November 14. We will remember him in our next issue. If you would like to contribute something about Don Weber and what he has meant to you, please do so. We will all miss him, very much.

Submission Deadlines: Now that we have committed ourselves to a semi-annual schedule, please note the following Deadline Dates: For material to appear in our Summer issue, it must reach us by March 31. For material to appear in our Winter issue, we need it by September 30. In certain rare instances, we will work with people to extend deadlines, as needed, on an individual basis.

Thank you. Thanks to Wayne and Carmen Davis and to the NFBF Board of Directors for all of their help, and to Patti Johnson for another fine job of proofreading. Thanks to David and Donna Evans and the members and volunteers of the Palm Beach Chapter for duplicating and mailing of this magazine. Thank you to Donna and to Gloria Hicks for maintaining our ever-growing, ever-changing mailing list.

Thanks to all of you who contributed material and sent tapes to recycle into copies of our cassette edition.

Thanks to you, the reader, for giving us a reason to do all of this. Keep reading, stay involved, and help us continue to change what it means to be blind.