KCB NEWS
December 2020
Published by the
Kentucky Council of the Blind
148 Vernon Avenue
Louisville, KY 40206
Phone: (502) 895-4598
e-mail: kcb@kentucky-acb.org
Facebook: kcbonline
Website: http://www.kentucky-acb.info/
President: Matt Selm
Editors: Rick Boggess and Carla Ruschival
Join our email list from any page on our website or send an e-mail with the word subscribe in the subject line to kcb@kentucky-acb.org.
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
by Matt Selm
On my bookcase sits a small desk placard inscribed with the words “The Joy is in the Journey.” I think those words are very fitting as I begin my first term as president of the Kentucky Council of the Blind.
For those of you who do not know me, I have been involved with KCB for six years and I was a founding member of the Next Generation chapter. I currently reside in Louisville with my spouse, Amanda, and our two daughters, four-year-old Charlotte and four-month-old Meredith.
I would like to thank everyone who supported my nomination as president. I look forward to helping KCB expand its work and strengthen its membership.
I often tell people that as individuals, we can move mole hills, but together we can move mountains. The work of KCB and its chapters is dependent upon members just like you. I invite everyone to become a part of the KCB journey; together we can build a brighter future for Kentuckians with vision loss.
KCB – THE SKY’S THE LIMIT
by Terrie Terlau
KCB’s 47th annual six-day-long conference and convention not only lived up to its theme – the Sky’s the Limit – but also exceeded it … because this year, there were almost no limits at all! The danger of spreading COVID-19 made it impossible for the KCB convention to be conducted in person, but this reality did not hold us back. In fact, the virtual venue allowed us to present programming that we could never have included if we had met in person.
Our pre-recorded exhibits included 16 vendors, large and small, from all parts of the United States. We couldn’t have dreamed of obtaining this variety of high-quality vendors if we had required them to bring their materials to a local face-to-face conference. Our spoken tours of the Louisville Mega Caverns, Mammoth Cave, the Green River Distillery, and the Museum of the American Printing House for the Blind, available to all attendees, would have been impossible to provide as real-time outings in a face-to-face venue.
From the motivational, high-energy, “lift-off” address by ACB President Dan Spoone (Orlando, FL) to the informative and lively banquet speech by former ACB Board Member Michael Byington (Topeka, KS), this convention was a powerhouse packed full of information, entertainment, and good ol’ Kentucky hospitality. Numerous presenters from coast to coast conducted workshops on advocacy, membership development, and fundraising, and presented frograms on topics as varied as requirements for obtaining a guide dog, history of the NLS Talking Book Program, the early years of ACB, benefits of working with an optometrist specializing in low vision, accessible options for identifying prescription medication, accessibility of the Chromebook and improvements in Microsoft Narrator, radio throughout the years, and updates from the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, the Kentucky School for the Blind, and United Health Care.
Let’s not forget the Lightning Bolt Auction. ACB members and friends from across the United States battled to outbid one another for over 30 exciting items. Thanks to all who donated items, who came to bid and buy, and to our Kentucky auction team of Michael McCarty, Paula Wiese and Patti Cox.
We thank the KCB Convention Planning Committee, chaired by Natalie Couch, for the hours of planning and hard work that they gave to make this convention such a success. We also thank the ACB Radio team (Deb Cook Lewis (WA), Debbie Hazelton (AL), Jeff Bishop (WA), and Jason Castonguay (CT), without whom this convention would never have gotten on the air.
NEW INFO LINE
Do you have a hard time reading your email, or do you have to depend on someone else to let you know about events, information, and resources covered on the KCB email list? Maybe you don’t have Internet to listen to Sound Prints, and you don’t have a CD player for listening to it on audio CD.
You can now call KCB’s new recorded information line 24 hours a day, seven days a week and listen to the latest news from our email list. You can also listen to Sound Prints and other audio files. Just dial (773) 572-6318 and choose the item you want to hear from the menu. If you are listening to an item and you want to change to a different message, press the star key to go back to the main menu.
New items will be posted several times a week, so call often to be sure you don’t miss any news.
KCB TECH GRANT – THE WINNER IS…
by Matt Selm
In the fall of 2020, KCB once again announced an opportunity for its members to obtain assistance with purchasing assistive technology. Our goal was to enrich the lives of our members and to provide some financial assistance for products that would otherwise be too costly for many people.
On November 6 at the KCB State Conference and Convention, we were happy to announce Britt Lincoln of Cincinnati as the second
recipient of the KCB assistive technology grant. She is a KCB life member who is employed at the Clovernook Center for the Blind
and Visually Impaired. We will be assisting Britt with the purchase of a Victor Reader Stream by Humanware.
Be on the lookout in early 2021 for further announcements about the KCB Tech Grant and Scholarship Programs.
2021 SCHOLARSHIPS – TIME TO APPLY
Applications are now being accepted for ACB’s 2021 scholarships, to be presented in July at the 60th ACB Virtual Conference and Convention. Entering freshmen, undergraduate and graduate students, and vocational school students are invited to apply. Applications can be submitted online until 11:59 PM CST on Monday, February 15, 2021. To create an account and access the application, visit https://members.acb.org/.
The Council of Citizens with Low Vision (CCLVI) awards three Fred Scheigert scholarships each year to academically eligible college students with low vision. The application period opens January 1 and closes March 15. For current application guidelines, visit https://cclvi.org/scheigert-scholarship.
2020 TECHNOLOGY AND HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS
The 2020 Conference and Convention of the Kentucky Council of the Blind included 17 exhibits, with products ranging from technology and services to books, jewelry, candy and gifts. Many of these exhibitors are individuals who are blind or visually impaired; let’s support them this holiday season.
Below is a list of exhibitors with brief descriptions of their products. The complete list, with full contact information and descriptions, was compiled by Terrie Terlau and is posted on our website at www.kentucky-acb.org. Listen to the list on the new Information Line at (773) 572-6318, or call us at (502) 895-4598 to qequest a copy in large print, braille, or digital format.
American Printing House for the Blind – www.aph.org; (800) 223-1839; customer service e-mail: cs@aph.org; affordable braille displays, educational and daily living products.
Bazyn Communications – Ardis Bazyn; www.bazyncommunications.com or www.ardisbazyn.com; (818) 238-9321; abazyn@bazyncommunications.com; inspirational speaking, business coaching, and products including a multi-pocket tote bag, books on starting a business, braille and print greeting cards, braille playing cards, and blank thumb drives.
Brightside Author – Jo Elizabeth Pinto; www.brightsideauthor.com; website includes Amazon links to the author’s books (available for purchase in audio, kindle, and paperback formats), a blog, book club, YouTube and social media links, and more.
Computers for the Blind – www.computersfortheblind.org; (214) 346-6328; info@computersfortheblind.org; refurbishes donated desktop and laptop computers, adds accessibility software, and sells them in very good condition at affordable prices. Telephone help desk for their customers.
Earth Creations – Ann Bliss; (845) 282-0643; annbliss1@gmail.com; items made from earth essential oils or earth crystals. Essential oil items include massaging foot oil, roll-on fragrances, and room sprays in many fragrances. Earth crystals products are not man-made, are not dyed, and include earrings, necklaces and bracelets in amethyst, turquoise, lapis, malachite, and many more.
Elegant Insights Braille Creations – Laura Legendary; www.elegantinsightsjewelry.com; (702) 605-1265; handcrafted jewelry and accessories, military-style dog tags, keyrings with sports-themed and other tags; purse, cane, or dog collar charms; business card cases and more — all embossed in crisp, readable braille. Precision braille engraving for personalized gifts also available.
Guidelight Dog Products – KaeAnn Rausche; www.guidelightsandgadgets.us; (781) 286-1696; guidelightdogs@gmail.com; purchase by email or phone. Dog toys; lights for harnesses and backpacks for use after dark; folding bowls; deodorizing wipes; fur lifters for furniture and clothing; grooming accessories and more.
Guidelights and Gadgets – Barry Scheur; www.guidelightsandgadgets.us; (617) 969-7500; bscheur@scheur.com; Purchase by email or phone. Sound boxes that increase volume without Bluetooth or USB connections; power and charging cables and other smart phone accessories; orbit reader and writer; leather backpacks, shoulder bags, fanny packs, and more.
Hayward Gourmet Popcorn and Confections – Catalina Martinez; http://popcornalicious.haywardgourmet.com; (612) 227-3011; many flavors of popcorn; specialty popcorn; fudge; salt water taffy; hard candies; caramels; cotton candy; coffee; rubs; jellies; and more.
Holiday Crochet for Everyone – Debra Trevino; debra.Trevino61@gmail.com; custom orders for handmade crocheted and knitted items; Perfect Popcorn Christmas Afghan to Crochet, a book containing accessible patterns for crocheting various afghans.
Horizons for the Blind – www.horizons-blind.org; (815) 444-8800; mail@horizons-blind.org; accessible items for home and entertainment; books; tactile pictures; braille business cards; transcription services; a monthly magazine; and more.
Mama Otter’s Tidbits – Charlotte Lang; www.mamaotter.com; sirius_black@comcast.net; treasures, treats, and trinkets for every taste. Hand-made necklaces, bracelets, and earrings made with semiprecious gemstones and some higher end stones; charms including dog breeds and other animals; holiday jewelry; sports theme jewelry; matching jewelry sets, and more.
Scentsy with Nini – Nini Urschel; nini.scentsy.us; (916) 206-1151; nini95626@sbcglobal.net; Scentsy – a safe alternative to candles; sootless, smokeless, and leadless. Warmers and fragrant waxes, oil diffusers, body care and home care products; pet care products including shampoo, detangler spray, and deodorizing spray — and much more.
Speedy Turtle – Dave Wilkinson; www.speedyturtle.net; (918) 527-0688; dave@speedyturtle.net; OrCam Pro, OrCam My Eye, and OrCam Read; also BrailleSense Polaris and QBraille from HIMS, Victor Reader Trek and Victor Stream from Humanware, the Sunu Band Smart Watch developed for persons who are blind; and Eschenbach low vision products.
Tie Blankets from the Support Alliance for the Visually Impaired (SAVI), a chapter of KCB – Sheryl Lott; (270) 686-8689; Blankets are 46 inches by 48 inches, have two layers of fleece fabric with a three-inch fringe, and come in a variety of colors and patterns. Available only until Dec. 10.
Trevco Productions – Dave Trevino; debra.trevino61@gmail.com; specialty audio production company also sells original music and mysteries written, produced and performed by Dave Trevino.
KCB ELECTION RESULTS
KCB elects officers (president, first and second vice president, secretary and treasurer) in even-numbered years. The president and vice presidents are limited to two consecutive 2-year terms, while the secretary and treasurer are not limited. This year President Debbie Deatherage was ineligible to run again since she had served two consecutive 2-year terms. First Vice president Gerry Slusher chose not to seek re-election, and the office of second vice president was vacant. Secretary Natalie Couch and treasurer Carla Ruschival chose to run again.
The results of the KCB virtual convention were: President, Matt Selm, Louisville; First Vice President, Terrie Terlau, Louisville; Second Vice President, Shirley Cain, Bellevue; Secretary, Natalie Couch, Louisville; and Treasurer, Carla Ruschival, Louisville. Bill Roberts of Owensboro was elected to complete a one-year partial term as Director, which became vacant upon Shirley Cain’s election to the office of Second Vice President.
Thanks to the 2020 Nominating Committee, consisting of Rick Boggess, Chair (Owensboro), Gerry Slusher (Covington), and Leonard Watkins (Louisville). Thanks also to the Capital Chapter of the California Council of the Blind for their help in conducting the secret ballot voting at our virtual convention.
KCB LIFE MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Attendees of KCB’s 2020 virtual convention were delighted to recognize the seven individuals who became life members of the Kentucky Council of the Blind during 2020. These individuals included: heresa Escue from Franklin; Debby Green from Elizabethtown; Eldon Kaiser from Cave City; Larry Patterson from Owensboro; Melanie Peskoe from Louisville; Bill Roberts from Owensboro; and Dave Wilde from Louisville. The KCB family appreciates and honors the commitment of these new lifetime members and looks forward to participating with them to achieve KCB’s goals for many years to come.
KCB AWARD WINNERS
The 2020 KCB awards were presented at the virtual James F. Shaw Nova Banquet on Saturday, Nov. 7.
The William A. Routh Award is named for KCB’s first president, and recognizes a KCB member who has provided outstanding service to the Kentucky Council of the Blind over an extended period of time. The 2020 Routh Award winner was Natalie Couch. Natalie was recognized for her years of service to KCB and several of its chapters.
The recipient of the Rose and Lewis Cain Award is an individual or organization who has been an outstanding advocate for people who are blind or visually impaired. The 2020 Cain Award recipient was Gary Mudd. Gary was recognized for his work at the American Printing House for the Blind and for his roles on the KSB Charitable Foundation and KSB Advisory Board.
The recipient of the James Carl Dotson Award is an individual or organization who has provided outstanding community service to the blind and visually impaired. Larry Skutchan received the 2020 Dotson Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to software and hardware technology development which have impacted visually impaired people worldwide.
Thanks to the 2020 Awards Committee, consisting of Adam Ruschival, Chair (Louisville), Paula Wiese (Lexington), and Deb Lewis (Louisville), for a job well done.
2020 CONVENTION SPONSORS
Sponsors play a very important role in every KCB conference and convention. They help keep the weekend affordable by underwriting major expenses. Every sponsor, regardless of size, is important. Sponsors are recognized in the conference program and on our website, on Sound Prints, and in this newsletter. Our 2020 sponsors were:
Glider ($10.00) – Susan Ament, Kathy Arnold, David and Patti Cox, Samantha Hubbard, Linda Lucas, Lisa McKeown, Trena Muncy, Marilyn Murata, Kendall Perry, Winter Renfrow, Mary Riley, Zora Schultz, Matt and Amanda Selm, Kathy Szinnyey, Dave and Deb Trevino, Leonard Watkins
Zeppelin ($25.00) – Shirley Cain, Kenny and Donna Clark, Joey and Natalie Couch, Debbie Deatherage (in memory of Linda Kuczwara), Eldon Kaiser, Heidi Kesterson, Joe Kuczwara, Sheryl and Lucian Lott, Debbie Persons, Melanie Peskoe, Alan Shrebtienko, David Smith, Elaine Weisbard, Paula Wiese, Dave Wilde, Bill Wright
Jet ($50.00) – Betty and Rick Boggess, Gary Mudd, Adam and Carla Ruschival, Deanna Scoggins, Terrie Terlau, Support Alliance of the Visually Impaired, Tri-State Library Users
Rocket ($100.00) – Computers for the Blind, KY Council of Citizens with Low Vision, KCB Next Generation, Louisville East Lions Club, Speedy Turtle.net
Star ($200.00) – Greater Louisville Council of the Blind, Guide Dog Users of Kentuckiana
Universe ($1,000.00) – Louisville Downtown Lions Club, Lula Dotson Legacy
SOUND PRINTS PODCAST
Sound Prints is KCB’s weekly podcast filled with features, articles, news and information about blindness and visual impairment. Listen on your iPhone, Alexa device, Victor Stream, or computer. Sound Prints is also available on audio CD and on our new information line; call (773) 572-6318. Call the KCB office for more details on how to listen.
GET CONNECTED – VIRTUAL RESOURCES
Take part in these regularly-scheduled telephone events, right from your couch or easy chair. Unless indicated, all times are Eastern. For the latest dial-in information, call the KCB office at (502) 895-4598.
GREATER LOUISVILLE COUNCIL OF THE BLIND – Roundabout meeting by phone each Friday from 7:30 to 9:30 PM during the coronavirus; includes announcements, question time, support, games, and a different speaker or topic each week.
GUIDE DOG USERS OF KENTUCKIANA – meeting with program or discussion topic; fourth Monday; 7:00 PM.
KCB NEXT GENERATION – meeting for everyone 40 and under. Second Sunday; 8:00 PM.
KENTUCKY COUNCIL OF CITIZENS WITH LOW VISION – tips, ideas, and resources on living with low vision. First and third Wednesdays; 7:30 PM.
NORTHERN KENTUCKY COUNCIL OF THE BLIND – chapter meeting; second Wednesday; 7:00 PM.
SUPPORT ALLIANCE OF THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED (Owensboro) – chapter meeting; second Tuesday, 1:00 PM Central; by phone during the coronavirus.
TRI-STATE LIBRARY USERS – New event with a book club or program on the third Saturday at 11:00 AM; Page Turners, a chance to share good books on the fourth Friday at the Greater Louisville Roundabout.
AMERICAN COUNCIL OF BLIND LIONS – for visually impaired Lions from all states. First Thursday; 9:00 PM.
ACB FAMILIES – program and support, first and third Sundays; 9:00 PM.
ACB NEXT GENERATION – Nationwide Saturday Night Live Chat; fourth Saturday; 8:00 PM.
COUNCIL OF CITIZENS WITH LOW VISION INTERNATIONAL – Nationwide Coffee Chat every Friday, 11 AM; Evening Chat on the first and third Mondays, 8 PM; Game Night on the second and fourth Mondays, 8 PM; HAM (amateur radio) Chat every Thursday, 8 PM
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