We thank Audiovision, the Radio Reading Service of the New Jersey State Library Talking Book and Braille Center for the use of their recording studio to produce the cassette and digital formats that are aired on Audiovision and our website http://www.njcounciloftheblind.org. We thank Audiovision's John Hart and our webmaster David Casterline for their technical assistance. The Chronicle is read by Bob Lucas. For more information about Audiovision call 1-800-792-8322 or visit their website at http://www.audiovision-nj.org. The NJCB Chronicle is also available on Newsline.
The New Jersey Council of the Blind's mission is to strive for the betterment of the blind and visually impaired community. The purpose of this publication is to provide a forum for the free exchange of ideas, opinions and information that concern blind and visually impaired people. The New Jersey Council of the Blind (NJCB) is a 501 (c) 3 corporation and all gifts are tax deductible. Tax deductible donations should be sent to the Treasurer of NJCB. Four quarterly newsletters are sent to members free of charge in either large print, audio cassette or E-mail. Non-members may request the NJCB Chronicle by E-mail and for an annual donation of $5.00 may receive copies in large print or on cassette. In order to make the Chronicle better, we need and appreciate information from our chapters, from individuals and from agencies and other outside groups and organizations which serve the blind and visually impaired.
Articles to be included in the NJCB Chronicle, requests for copies of the newsletter or membership information should be sent to NJCB, 520 Ewingville Road, Ewing, NJ 08638. They may also be e-mailed to njcounciloftheblind@verizon.net or phoned to (609) 882-2446. All information must be received by December 1st to be included in the next issue of the Chronicle. You may obtain the current and back issues of the Chronicle and other information from our web site at http://www.njcounciloftheblind.org.
The NJCB officers are: President, John Vernon, 447 Bellevue Ave., Apt 7-I, Trenton, NJ 08618, (609) 392-3674; 1st Vice President, Liz Walzer, (732) 280-2326; Second Vice President Frank Schack (973) 595-0116; Secretary Ottilie Lucas (609) 882-2446 and Treasurer Bob Lucas (609) 882-2446, 520 Ewingville Road, Ewing, NJ 08638.
Hi All. I write this message on August 4th. The temperature is still in the 90's on a daily basis. The daylight hours are shrinking some, but still remain long. Planted spring flowers remain blooming, but need a little watering help from their human observers. Daily walks, gardening, long rides on a bicycle built for two, barbecuing, just sitting on your deck or patio listening to your new NLS player, or whatever other summer activity in which you participate are still there for your enjoyment. So keep smiling and give thanks for this time of the year. My, how time flies. When you read this message it will already be September and our minds turn to different thoughts. Schools reopen, the majority of vacations have been traveled, job responsibilities take on new seriousness, and NJCB Convention planning is in the finishing touches mode.
Please remember that our Convention is on Saturday, October 23rd. It will be held at the Clarion Hotel/Palmer Inn on Route 1 in Princeton. The details of the day's activities will follow in a different portion of this Chronicle. However, please know that this is your and our convention. The list of speakers came from personal recommendations of our members. The menu offered come from your desires. The success of our convention depends also on you. In order to have an enjoyable and thoughtful convention, you must please attend. We have tried to make this as open as possible. The lottery that you all worked on through out the year that was drawn at our quarterly meeting at the Monmouth County club house in April will lower the cost to each member substantially. The details of this reduction will also be explained in a different article. Ottilie was also able to get a room rate reduction to only $79.99 per night.
I would like to take just one minute to explain the last session of our Convention. We will be holding a panel discussion on the future desires and direction of the NJCB for the next two years. As president of your organization, I will moderate the panel discussion, but I will not be a participating member of the panel. Each of the panel members will spend five to seven minutes explaining their wishes and plans for our Council for the next two years. This will be done individually so that no one will know ahead of time what the other members will be saying. After the panel discussion, we will be opening the discussion up to everyone attending. You will then have the opportunity to add your thoughts and desires. This session will, of course, be recorded. All ideas, desires, and knowledge will then be presented at our first quarterly meeting in Mercer County in January. What will also be discussed at this time will be a way to assess how well we are doing in accomplishing this two year plan. We will use the acronym Y O A to refer to this program. The meaning of the letters is Y = Your Council, O = Our Future, and A = An Assessment of our accomplishments. or lack thereof. So, you see we truly need you to attend and participate in this year's adventure.
I would like to take a quick moment to congratulate Jim Dougherty and Susan Vanino on their recognition for their life long service to the blind community. This recognition was awarded by Vito DeSantis, The Executive Director of The New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired, at the Trenton Thunder baseball game on July 29th. We are truly proud of your accomplishments and your deserved award.
I wish each of you a great end of the summer and a terrific fall.
All the best! John Vernon, President
Registration has been changed this year due to the NJCB's portion of the proceeds of the raffle sponsored by Monmouth County. Here's how the registration process works. The registration form is at the end of this issue. NJCB members fill out the second page only of the registration form. The cost of the convention will be $50.00 for non-members and those members who do not meet the following registration requirements. Registrations are not accepted after October 12, 2010. The process for all of you NJCB members to reduce your Convention cost is as follows:
If you have any questions, call Bob Lucas at (609) 882-2446 or e-mail zpcabob@verizon.net.
Come to the NJCB convention on October 23rd at the Clarion Hotel/Palmer Inn at 3499 Route 1 South in West Windsor. The proposed agenda follows this article. We are planning a day packed with information, prizes, socialization and good food. There will be something for everyone attending. For those of you who are planning on spending Friday night at the Clarion Hotel/Palmer Inn, call the hotel at (609) 452-2500, ask for Diane and tell her you are with the New Jersey Council of the Blind. Make sure to do this before October 8th to ensure that you get the reduced rate of $79.99 per night.
8:00 - 9:30 AM: Registration, Continental Breakfast and Exhibits.
9:30 - 9:45 AM: Welcome - President John Vernon, Invocation - Bob Lucas
9:45 -10:45 AM: NJCB Business Meeting and election of new officers
10:45 -11:00M: Vito DeSantis, Executive Director of NJ Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired, What's new with CBVI
11:00 -11:15 AM: Adam Szczepaniak, Director of NJ State Library Talking Book and Braille Center, What's new at TBBC
11:15 -11:30 AM: Short presentations by exhibitors
11:30 AM -12:15 PM: Exhibits.
12:15 -1:45 PM: Luncheon Banquet with Keynote Speaker, Jennifer Velez, Commissioner of NJ Department of Human Services
1:45 - 2:00 PM: Break.
2:00 -2:45 PM: Bethany Fishbein, Low Vision Specialist from Somerset Eye Care
3:00-4:00: Workshops
4:10-5:00: YOA- Y = Your Council, O = Our Future, and A = An Assessment of our accomplishments
5:00-5:30: Wrap Up
5:30 PM: Adjournment.
*Note: Door prizes will be given out at the beginning of each session. You must be in the room to claim your prize. Raffles, Tricky Tray and Fifty/Fifty drawings will be throughout the day.
The New Jersey State Library Talking Book and Braille Center
Adam Szczepaniak, Director
P.O. Box 501
Trenton NJ 08625-0501
Toll free number is (800) 792-8322
Fax: 609 530-6384
Web site - http://www.njsltbbc.org
Midnight Crafts
Michelle Zulli
Phone: 732 317-1726
E-mail: dmzulli1@optonline.net
De Witt & Associates
700 Godwin Avenue
Suite 110
Midland Park, NJ 07432
Voice: 201-447-6500 Fax: 201-447-1187
Web: http://www.4dewitt.com
Braille Tees / The Ribbon Line
Kara Euvino, Owner
http://www.BrailleTees.com
avid.reader@BrailleTees.com
(203) 592-9952 Cell
(877) 410-9866 Toll Free
PRESENTERS, In order of appearance
Vito DeSantis: Executive Director, NJ Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired.
Adam Szczepaniak: Director, New Jersey State Library Talking Book and Braille Center.
Jennifer Velez: Commissioner, New Jersey Department of Human Services.
Bethany Fishbein, OD: Low Vision Specialist, Somerset Eye Care.
Bill Dougherty: Assistive Technology Coordinator, New Jersey State Library Talking Book and Braille Center.
Ottilie Lucas: Rehab Teacher (retired), NJ Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired.
Convention Committee: Lauren Casey, Frank Schack, Joyce Sowa, John Vernon, Larry Morgan and Ottilie Lucas
Officers: John Vernon, President; Liz Walzer, First Vice President; Frank Schack, Second Vice President; Ottilie Lucas, Secretary; and Bob Lucas, Treasurer.
Board Members:Doug Heine, Joyce Sowa and Chris Ward
Acknowledgements:
Monmouth County Association for the Blind sponsored a 50/50 raffle from which the proceeds were donated to reduce the cost of the convention to members.
The Shawnee Country Club and Charles Kirkwood donated funds to reduce the cost of the convention to our members in the northern part of the state.
The Clarion Hotel/Palmer Inn is located at 3499 Route 1 South just south of the Market Fair and Pep Boys in Princeton at the corner of Rt. 1 and Emmons Drive. Bobby Trigg Concepts Restaurant is in the same complex. The hotel's phone number is (609) 452-2500.
From the North:
Take The NJ Turnpike south to New Brunswick getting off at Exit 9.
Take Route 18 North and follow signs to Trenton turning onto Route 1 South.
Watch on the right for The Market Fair Shopping Center, the Meadow Road overpass, Pep Boys and finally Emmons Drive.
Turn right into The Clarion Hotel/Palmer Inn parking lot.
From the South:
Take Route 295 north getting off at Exit 67, heading north on Route 1.
Pass Quaker Bridge Mall on right, and just past the Square at West Windsor with Lowe's, take the jug handle at Meadow Road from the right lane going over the highway toward Trenton to get onto the southbound lane of Route 1 (equivalent to a U-turn).
Stay to the right passing the southern entrance to The Market Fair, Pep Boys and Emmons Drive. Turn right into The Clarion Hotel/Palmer Inn parking lot.
From the East:
Take Route 195 West and get onto Route 295 North and follow the directions "From the South".
Or
Take Route 33 West and pick up Route 571 West toward Princeton in Hightstown. At Route 1, get onto Route 1 South. Watch on the right for the Market Fair Shopping Center, the Meadow Road overpass, Pep Boys and finally Emmons Drive. Turn right into The Clarion Hotel/Palmer Inn parking lot.
Do you want to win some fun prizes?
For your enjoyment, the NJCB planning committee is holding its own version of 'Tricky Tray'.
How does it work?
Donated gifts are presented and raffle tickets are used to choose the special gift you want to win. Each gift will have a special bag placed in front of it. For the gift you are interested in, place as many of the 3 tickets you wish in the bag. Don't forget to hold onto your half of the ticket!
How do you win?
At a designated time during the event, we will pick a winning ticket out of each bag. If your number is called, you win!
Would you like to donate a gift for some lucky guest to win?
Please contact either Ottilie Lucas at Ottilie@verizon.net or Joyce Sowa at jssowa@verizon.net. Please describe what you would like to donate and bring it with you to the convention.
Suggestions on gifts?
Blankets, quilts, homemade sweaters, toys, books, CD's, movies, wine, candy, coffee, etc. are some suggestions. Please, be creative. Anything that is NOT USED will work.
Good luck and may the best guest win!
All chapter dues and membership lists are due to be given to the Treasurer, Bob Lucas at the NJCB Convention on October 23rd. Please include in the membership list: member's name, address, phone number, E-mail address, legally blind or fully sighted, format for newsletters (large print, cassette or E-mail)
The dues are $6.50 for each voting member and $1.50 for each non-voting member.
It is appreciated if the Members at large would also pay their individual dues of $10.00 to Bob Lucas at this time or mail your check for $10.00 to Bob Lucas, Treasurer, 520 Ewingville Road, Ewing, NJ 08638-1410. Renewal forms for the Members at large will be available at the registration table.
Invoices will be sent out near the end of the year to our members at large who have not paid their 2011 dues.
Also, don't forget to bring door prizes (cash and other gifts) and give them to Frank and Joyce Schack at the Registration Desk.
Thank you,
Bob Lucas, Treasurer, NJCB
The next semiannual meeting of the Friends of the NJ Library for the Blind and Handicapped will be on December 4, 2010 at the Lawrence Public Library at 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648 from 10 AM to 12 Noon. Lunch will follow for a cost of $5.00. Call Ottilie Lucas at (609) 882-2446 or E-mail her at Ottilie@verizon.net to let the Friends know you are coming. The Lawrence Library's phone number is: (609) 882-9246. It is at the corner of Darrah Lane and Brunswick Pike, (Business Route 1). It is access Link Accessible.
Directions: Get onto Route 1 South from NJ Turnpike, Parkway or Route 295. After the 1st traffic light south of the Route 295/Route 1 South interchange, bear right onto Business Route 1, Brunswick Pike. Turn right at the next traffic light onto Darrah Lane. The Library is immediately on the right.
GSGDU Chapter Report. The Garden State Guide Dog Users held their meeting on Saturday, June 12th at the home of Ottilie and Bob Lucas. We had a business meeting followed by a picnic. During the business meeting Vickie Curley and her daughter, Nikki, gave a presentation on puppy raising for the Seeing Eye and they brought along the German shepherd puppy that Nikki was currently raising to meet everybody. Walt Gardiner wishes to thank GSDDUI for the generous memorial gift given to Guiding Eyes in his wife, Judy's name. Walt expressed to one of our members how much the seven years Judy had with her guide dog had meant to her. Our next meeting is planned for Saturday December 11th at a location yet to be determined. Lauren Casey, GSGDUI President.
Mercer County Association of the Blind. Our monthly meetings are over for the summer. Four of our members traveled to Phoenix to attend the American Council of the Blind's annual conference. We are looking forward to hearing about their experiences. Several of us enjoyed the hospitality of NJ Blind Citizens Association at Camp Happiness on July 17th at the NJCB quarterly meeting. We firmed up more NJCB convention plans. We enjoyed getting together at the Trenton Elks Lodge on August 7th at our annual picnic. Many friends and family members joined us and we had over 70 people in attendance. The Elks donate their picnic pavilion and serve the food. Several of MCAB's members get together to make and transport the food. Our September meeting will be on the 4th Thursday, September 23rd instead of our regular 3rd Thursday due to another meeting at the church where we meet. The meeting time is from 7 PM to 9 PM. Our membership is continuing to grow. We thank everyone for spreading the word that we always have interesting meetings with information that is important to our members. Enjoy the rest of your summer and we hope to see everyone at the NJCB convention on October 23rd.
Monmouth County Association for the Blind. No report.
NJBCA/Camp Happiness CCTV Donations Continue. The Camp Happiness CCTV donation program started in July 2009 continues to be a huge success. Fourteen CCTV's have been donated to blind children and adults across the state in the past year. If you know any visually impaired adult or child who could benefit from this heartwarming effort, please contact Executive Director Doug Scott at 732-2901-0878, or newjerseyblind@aol.com.
Saturday, October 23, 2010: NJCB Convention at the Clarion Hotel/Palmer Inn, see prior articles.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010: Celebration of CBVI's 100th Anniversary. Contact Pamela Gaston at (973) 648-6149 for further information.
Saturday, December 4, 2010: Friends of the NJ Library for the Blind and Handicapped's Fall meeting at the Lawrence library from 10 AM to 1 PM.
Saturday, January 22, 2011: NJCB Quarterly Meeting at the Trinity United Methodist Church in Ewing. Watch for more details in the January, 2011 issue.
NOTE: Disclaimer. The views and opinions expressed in this newsletter are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of the New Jersey Council of the Blind officers and/or members. The editor reserves the right to edit articles submitted for both space and content.
Date: Saturday October 23, 2010 from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Place: The Clarion Hotel/Palmer Inn, 3499 Route 1 South, Princeton, NJ.
Phone: (609) 452-2500.
Cost: $50.00 for non members and a reduced amount in two payments for members.
Members' registration form on next page.
Hotel Rooms: Make reservations directly through the hotel before
October 8, 2010 to get a reduced rate of $79.99 plus tax for Friday night only. Call the hotel at (609) 452-2500 and tell Diane that you are with New Jersey Council of the Blind.
Registration Form for non NJCB Members
To register for the Convention fill out the form below and send check payable to NJCB and registration form to our Treasurer, Bob Lucas, 520 Ewingville Road, Ewing, NJ 08638 by October 12, 2010.
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Name:
Address:
Phone:
E-mail address:
I would like my program in Braille ___ Large Print ___ or Cassette___
Meal Choice: Chicken Piccata ___ or Eggplant Parmesan ___
Workshop choice:
Total cost: $50.00
Any questions? Call (609) 882-2446.
Registration Form for NJCB Members
To register for the Convention fill out the form below and send checks payable to NJCB and registration form to our Treasurer, Bob Lucas, 520 Ewingville Road, Ewing, NJ 08638. Your non-refundable deposit of $20.00 is due by September 18, 2010 to gain a significantly reduced ticket
price. The amount of the final payment will be e-mailed to you on September 19th. If you do not have e-mail, call (732) 280-2326 on or after September 19th to get the amount of your final payment. It must be received before October 7th to qualify for the discount. Convention cost is $50.00 to anyone not paying the $20.00 deposit by September 18th or not paying the final payment by October 7th. All reservations must be in by
October 12th.
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Name:
Address:
Phone:
E-mail address:
Voting member ___ Non-voting member:________
I would like my program in Braille ___ Large Print ___ or Cassette___
Deposit of $20.00 due by September 18, 2010. Final payment amount will be announced on September 19, 2010 and must be received by NJCB on or before October 7, 2010.
Meal Choice: Chicken Piccata ___ or Eggplant Parmesan ___
Workshop choice:
Any questions? Call (609) 882-2446.