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 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: Interim President Frank Schack (973) 595-0116; Vice President, Joyce Sowa (732) 596-9675; Secretary Joyce Schack (973) 595-0116; Treasurer, Bernie Zuckerman of 32 Judson Street, Unit 7B, Edison, NJ 08837, and (732) 221-5362
Don’t forget to check us out on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/2255314534793147/
This will be my last President’s message to you as we will be electing a new President in October. I am looking forward to new leadership with innovative ideas to share. Please try to attend the quarterly meeting to give Wanda your support.
This meeting will be about technology which always interests everyone. It is amazing to see what changes and what new technology is available to improve the lives of the blind and visually impaired.
Hope to see you on October 26th.
Frank Schack, President
The next quarterly meeting of NJCB will be held at the Joseph Kohn Training Center (JKTC) at 130 Livingston Ave. in New Brunswick, NJ 08901 on Saturday, October 26, 2019. A pizza 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. For us to order enough food call (973) 595-0116 by October 21st to let us know that you will be attending and want lunch. One person from each organization can call with a group count. We are looking forward to seeing you there. Can’t make it in person? Call in by our conference number. The call-in number is: 605-468-8005 Access code 425 373#. Please note this is a toll call.
Dues for Members At Large are $10.00. Members of specific chapters should pay their dues to their chapter. Members at large should send their payments and membership forms directly to our Treasure Bernie Zuckerman at 32 Judson Street, Unit 7B, Edison, NJ 08837.
We are pleased to welcome as our guest speaker for the October meeting, Dr. Bethany Fishbein. She is a graduate of SUNY Binghamton and a doctor from New England College of Optometry. She and her husband, Jonathan, developed the Somerset Eye Center.
Her favorite thing to do is teach her patients about their eyes. We will discuss the latest in technology for low vision and the blind. Please plan to attend and meet Bethany to hear more!
Our NJCB Executive Board is up for Election. Our Nominating committee chaired by Jim Dougherty has presented the following slate of officers.
This slate will be presented at our October 26 Quarterly Election. The period the elected board will serve a 2-year term beginning January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2021.
President - Wanda Willford
1st Vice President - Frank Schack
2nd Vice President - Joyce Sowa
Secretary - Dan Bausch
Treasurer - Bernie Zuckerman
Please note that anyone eligible to be a board member can be nominated from the floor at the time of the meeting. The nominated person must have been approached and agreed to be nominated.
It is critical our membership attend this meeting and vote!
Greetings Mr. Zuckerman & the Council of the Blind:
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you and NJCB for the support of the Scholarship for my academic performance, commitment to my profession (Clinical Social Work), and financial need. As a recipient of the scholarship, I am so thankful for the opportunities this award will provide me. Receiving this scholarship will certainly benefit me in reducing my financial burdens and will provide support as I continue to pursue my education at Rutgers University.
I hope to contribute the same support to the Council of the Blind when my dream to become a financially independent person comes true to support students who are passionate about their career. Your generosity has really made a difference in my current financial situation. Thank you again for your investment in me. I will be able to stay stress-free and focus more on my schoolwork, which will ensue in successfully completing the semester.
Best Wishes,
Nimisha Rana, CSW
Dear NJCB,
I currently attend Brookdale Community College and I’m planning to graduate in 2021 with a liberal art major. During this fall semester, I have one class on Tuesdays, one on Wednesdays, and two on Thursdays. The classes that I take are human geography, intro to psychology II, English 121, and African American history II. I took psychology in High School during my senior year. I thought it was very interesting, so this is why I decided to continue with psych in college. The four of my professors are aware that I am a totally blind student and that I need certain accommodations. They are also aware of each accommodation. During the first day of each course, I had a brief conversation with all of my professors and handed them my alert form from the office of disabilities. Two weeks before the semester initiated, I emailed all of my professors to introduce myself and to schedule a brief meeting with them and they were all willing to meet. They all told me that they were looking forward to meeting me in person. They also told me to never hesitate in asking them questions if I ever need anything or to slow down if I feel like they are going too fast with what they are teaching. This is not a problem for me though because I am allowed to record my lectures. They are willing to give me all their time whenever I need it. They all told me that the only thing they need from me is to assist them in assisting me. I have a perfect grade in every course so far. I would also like to give a thanks again for the scholarship. I appreciate it so much!
Fatima Majano
News from Mercer County Association of the Blind (MCAB)
Peace and wellbeing to everyone from members of MCAB.
On August 3, MCAB’s Picnic on the Elk’s grounds under the pavilion was an overwhelming success with members enjoying delicious foods, desserts, music and wonderful fellowship. MCAB’s members would like to thank the Elk’s Lodge and especially Bob Habel who manned the grill.
In a community effort to increase younger visually impaired membership. MCAB’s membership will participate in the College of New Jersey’s Community Fest being held on September 21, from 10 AM to 4 PM. We will have a table passing out flyers about MCAB, giving out information about the organization and distributing bottles of water and cookies to attendees.
Best regards
Submitted by Mustafaa Shabazz, MCAB President
A Sunny Saturday at TCNJ
On Saturday, September 21st The College of New Jersey hosted the 2019 Ewing Community Fest. The festival was a wonderful mix of vendors, food trucks and nonprofit organizations. Local school choirs and bands provided delightful entertainment.
The MCAB was a proud first-time participant this year. We laid out our blue and white gingham tablecloth, put up our sign and went to work. We handed out flyers, Oreos and ice-cold bottles of water to grateful sun-soaked attendees. Most importantly, we were able to connect with TCNJ students and the Ewing community. Our goal was to bring awareness of our organization to the community at large. Our hope is we gain a couple new members and even more friends.
Our day spent on the sunny TCNJ quad was well attended by MCAB members. Our tent included Dan Bausch, Joan Garay, Terry Hammoutene, Sara Hausler, Tuan Linsinbigler, Gary Rhodes, Mustafaa Shabazz and Wanda Williford. We all enjoyed mingling amongst the friendly crowd, nibbling on soft pretzels and sniffing fragrant handmade soaps. We look forward to doing it again next year.
Submitted by,
Wanda Williford
News from Blind Citizen’s Association
Greetings from NJBCA-
It is hard to believe this greeting is for the October Chronicle! As I sit and type, it is currently a sweltering 82 degrees outside. But soon enough, the leaves will turn, there will be a chill in the air, and we will be longing for hot cider, football and hockey. (well, at least I can’t wait for hockey!)
Participants in the NJBCA programs are full of knowledge, and when it comes to trivia, I haven’t found a better audience. Here are some recently shared fun facts about eyes:
That last one makes me want to run out and have seafood for dinner…what about you?
Our Ladies Auxiliary will be holding their spaghetti dinner fundraiser on Saturday, October 12 from 4-7 pm. $12 will garner you fresh bread, salad, spaghetti with homemade meatballs and or sausage, a dessert and a beverage. All are welcomed to join us.
In closing, remember-
“Many persons have a wrong idea of what constitutes true happiness. It is not attained through self-gratification but through fidelity to a worthy purpose.”- Helen Keller
*****
Directions
Directions to the Joseph Kohn Training Center (JKTC)
Address:
JKTC
130 Livingston Avenue
New Brunswick, NJ 08901-2421
Cross Street: Seaman Street
From the North
Proceed south on Route 1 to Route 18 toward New Brunswick.
Get off Route 18 at the New Street ramp.
Turn slight right onto New Street/ NJ 26.
Take the 2nd left onto Livingston Avenue/NJ 26.
Turn left onto Seaman Street and left into the JKTC parking lot.
From the South
Proceed north on Route 1 to the Livingston Avenue/NJ 26 exit toward New Brunswick.
Turn right onto Seaman Street and left into the JKTC parking lot
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.
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Annual Dues: $10.00 due in July
Make check payable to NJCB and send to:
Treasurer- Bernie Zuckerman
32 Judson St. Unit 7-B
Edison, NJ 08837
(732) 221-5362