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The New Jersey Council of the Blind
CHRONICLE
July, 2016

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 NJCB Chronicle is also available on Newsline. If you do not have a Newsline subscription, contact Reader Services at the New Jersey Talking Book and Braille Center at (800) 792-8322 to get signed up for a Newsline subscription. Four quarterly newsletters are sent to members free of charge by E-mail. You may obtain the current and back issues of the Chronicle and other information from our web site http://www.njcounciloftheblind.org. Feel free to write us at njcounciloftheblind@gmail.com.

The New Jersey Council of the Blind (NJCB) is a 501 (c) 3 corporation. Much appreciated tax deductible donations may be sent to the Treasurer of NJCB.

The NJCB officers are: President, Frank Schack (973) 595-0116; Vice President, Joyce Sowa (732) 596-9675; Treasurer, Bernie Zuckerman of 32 Judson Street, Unit 7B, Edison, NJ 08837, and (732) 221-5362.

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Meeting Notice

The next quarterly meeting of NJCB will be hosted by The New Jersey Blind Citizens' Association (BCA) at Camp Happiness at 18 Burlington Ave., Leonardo, NJ 07737 on Saturday, July 23, 2016. A picnic lunch will be served at 12 Noon for a cost of $5.00; the meeting will begin at 1 PM and will be over at about 4 PM. In order for them to prepare enough food call the BCA office at (732) 291-0878 by July 17th to let them know that you are coming. One person from each organization can call with a group count. We are looking forward to seeing you there.

Directions:
Take Route 36 to Leonardo, New Jersey in northern Monmouth County.
Turn toward the shore onto Leonard Avenue in Leonardo, NJ. Turn right onto Burlington Avenue. The meeting will be on the right starting at the picnic grounds at Camp Happiness.

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President’s Message by Frank Schack

Time really flies, especially as you get older! It seems like just yesterday that we had our April meeting and now it is time to get ready for the July meeting. We thank Susan Vanino for being our guest speaker at the April meeting. She shared her story and was very insightful and inspiring.

Hopefully the weather will cooperate and we will be able to enjoy our annual outdoor picnic at Camp Happiness.

Our speaker will be Bill Kallenberg, a licensed social worker who has many years of experience working with the blind and visually impaired. We are looking forward to hearing what he has to share with us.

It is time to be thinking about nominations for new officers for the New Jersey Council of the Blind. As stated previously, my wife Joyce and I are only serving as interim officers and are unable to continue in these positions.

I don't think that anyone from our group is attending the national ACB convention but if anyone is listening to the convention activities and would like to give a report, that would be greatly appreciated.

I look forward to seeing everyone at Camp Happiness on July 23rd.

Frank Schack,
Interim President

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Our Guest Speaker

We have invited Bill Kallenberg to be our guest speaker at the July 23rd meeting at Camp Happiness.

Bill Kallenberg is a licensed clinical social worker who graduated with a Masters' Degree from Columbia University School of Social Work in 1986. He has worked with the Veterans Administration since 1988.

He was the Visual impairment Services Team Coordinator, working with legally blind veterans, first at the Bronx VA and then at New York Harbor Health Care System from 1991 to 2006.

He was the Coordinator for Home Based Primary care for New York Harbor Health Care System from 2006-2008.

He is the Chief of the Visual Impairment Services Outpatient Rehabilitation Program at VA New Jersey Health Care System since 2008 where he developed the blind rehabilitation training programs visually impaired veterans living in New Jersey.

He was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation from the Blinded Veterans Association in 1995 and received the VA Heart and Hands Award in 1998.

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Nominating Committee Report

We are seeking members to become officers. Jean Cannella and Marie Sawyer of the nominating committee will present the slate of proposed officers at our July 23rd meeting. The election of officers will be during the October quarterly meeting. Anyone interested, please contact Jean at 609-587-3212

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Chapter Reports

Blind Citizens Association of New Jersey (BCA).

The BCA is going to have their second annual Dining in the Dark Fundraiser on September 23rd from 7 to 11 at Piazza DiRoma in Aberdeen, NJ. The cost is $70 per person which includes a three course meal and beer, wine or soda.

The headlining comedian will be Vinnie Brand, owner of the Stress Factory.

The sighted guests have the option of wearing a blindfold to experience the world of blindness. It is a very enjoyable evening and you are invited to join us. For more information contact the BCA office at 732 291-0878.

On Saturday, October 15th from 4:00 - 7:00 the Ladies Auxiliary of the NJ BCA will hold their semi-annual spaghetti dinner fundraiser. The cost is $10 which includes all you can eat salad, spaghetti, meatballs, sausage, bread, dessert and beverage. For more information or reservations call the BCA office at 732 291-0878.

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Mercer County Association of the Blind

The EMCBA will have their annual picnic (held indoors) on Saturday, August 6th from 12:00 to 4:00 at the Elks Club in Trenton. The cost is $5.00 for non-Mercer county members. Reservations must be made by July 14th.

For more information please contact Marie Lockwood at 609 815-0479 or Barbara Knoblock at 609 392-1101

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Products for Sale

Anyone interested in purchasing items on this list, please contact Frank Schack at (973) 595-0116 or email us at www.njcounciloftheblind.org. All proceeds will be made as donations to NJCB.

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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.