Mountain State Council of the Blind
PO Box 2756
Martinsburg, WV 25402
(304) 263-5688
Email: eagle.wings@verizon.net
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
By Jessie L. Rayl
Hello:
Welcome to our summer, 2007, newsletter. I hope this finds everyone well and enjoying a wonderful summer. Here in the Eastern Panhandle, it has been rather hot and dry for the most part. Summer is my favorite time of the year so no matter what, I am enjoying it.
In July, several of us attended the national ACB convention which was held in Minneapolis, Minnesota. As always, the convention was packed with many activities, meetings, fabulous exhibits and all of the new gadgets and many friends to see. The newly elected ACB officers are: President, Mitch Pomerantz (CA), 1st Vice President, Kim Charlson (MA), 2nd Vice President, Brenda Dillon (TN), Secretary, Marlaina Leiburg (WA), Treasurer, Mike Godino (NY), and Board member to fill Brenda’s position, Cammie Vloedman. It was a great convention and we look forward to the 2008 convention which will be held in Louisville, Kentucky.
On the state affiliate front, all is going well. We have added a third chapter to our affiliate and want to welcome the Vandalia Chapter from Morgantown. There will be more about this chapter to follow but we are proud and growing. We continue to remain involved with the Consumer Advisory Committee for Rehabilitation both locally and statewide, promoting and supporting legislation that affects blind and visually impaired people in the state and nationally, advocacy for individual with vision loss and our support of each other. Let us all keep up the good work!
We are gearing up for the annual convention which will be hosted by the Potomac Valley Council in Romney, West Virginia. Highlights will be line dancing at the social, a relaxing, scenic ride on the Potomac Eagle and our banquet featuring Melanie Brunson from the ACB office. Other presenters will be from Division of Rehabilitation Services, on nutrition, legislation and more. I hope each of you will plan to attend and look forward to seeing you there.
Thank you and enjoy the rest of the newsletter, and summer!
PVCB WELCOMES YOU TO ROMNEY
By Donna Brown
On behalf of the members of the Potomac Valley Council of the Blind, I would like to encourage everyone to join us in Romney for the 2007 state convention of the Mountain State Council of the Blind. Because of the hard work of the convention committee and the PVCB members, a great convention is planned.
The activities planned span a wide variety of personal interest. For those train buffs and history lovers, we have a train ride scheduled on the ever-popular Potomac Eagle. For the energetic and crazy people, we have line dancing scheduled while dressed in a Halloween costume. For those interested in supporting MSCB financially while having a good time, an auction is planned with a live auctioneer.
On a more serious note, an informative and varied program of speakers is planned. These include: legislative updates, how issues pertaining to rehabilitation, careers, and tips to living a healthier lifestyle with little or no cost involved.
Please come and join us in Romney the weekend of October 19-21. However, a convention could not be complete without food and time for just socializing. Fabulous food and social opportunities are scheduled, as well as a banquet at which time we will be rewarded with words of wisdom from someone from either the ACB National Office or from the National Board of Directors.
If you need more information about the convention, please contact Donna Brown at (304) 822-4679.
KNIGHTED FOR GOLDEN HORSESHOE
By Sharon Fridley
The odyssey began in the spring of 2006, at which time I received a call from Mrs. Martha McKee of the Office of Education and the Arts, who requested assistance with preparing Braille labels for the West Virginia Governors’ portraits, which are prominently displayed in the State Capitol Rotunda. It sounded like a job that I could handle.
When we delivered the braille materials to Mrs. McKee, I told her that I had always loved West Virginia history and read Golden Seal and Wonderful West Virginia faithfully. As most of you probably know, both of these magazines have been recorded on cassette tape for many years by volunteers for the West Virginia Library Commission.
Mrs. McKee asked if I had won the Golden Horseshoe. I explained that I did not have an opportunity to take the exam, since the West Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind did not participate in the program when I was an eighth grader. However, I said that I had always believed that I could have done very well on the test, as was the case with several of my contemporaries.
In October, I heard from Mrs. McKee again. She explained that honorary Golden Horseshoe recipients are chosen each year, and she asked for permission to place my name in nomination for this award. I didn’t hear anything until early April, at which time I received a packet of information informing me that I had, indeed, been selected to receive an honorary Golden Horseshoe.
On Friday, May 11, 222 eighth grade winners and 10 honorary recipients assembled on the State Capitol steps for a group picture. Then it was off to the auditorium at the Cultural Center. The student winners, including Precious Falls from the School for the Blind, sat onstage, and proceeded to the kneeling platform as their names were called.
The honorary recipients sat off stage in the front row. In order to qualify for an honorary award, one must have been a West Virginia studies teacher with at least ten students who won a Golden Horseshoe; a teacher who has taught West Virginia studies for at least 20 years; or a person who has helped promote the study of West Virginia history in some exceptional way. To my immediate right sat a man from Pocahontas County who has written two books, both of which were set in West Virginia. To my left was a retired teacher from Mineral County who taught 70 Golden Horseshoe winners. I silently contemplated whether or not preparing Braille labels for the governors’ portraits was equal to those accomplishments.
Prior to the ceremony, I had quickly resolved the mobility issue by speaking with Mrs. Regina Scotchie from the Department of Education, who coordinates the event. When my name was called, I walked to the edge of the stage and she guided me to the kneeling platform. The Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Stephen Payne, “knighted” me by touching me on the left shoulder with a ceremonial sword. I was then escorted across the stage where I received my Golden Horseshoe pin.
It was really wonderful. Two family members were there to witness the moment. If I could have waved the proverbial magic wand, I would have arranged for Mrs. Genevieve Heatwole, my fifth grade teacher at WVSB, to have been there. She sparked my interest in West Virginia history, and that fire still burns brightly 45 years later.
Perhaps you have heard that the governors’ portraits are being cleaned and reframed by professional curators. When they once again hang in the State Capitol Rotunda, each will have a braille label underneath, containing the Governor’s name, dates of birth and death, duration of term in office, political party and home County. For further information, there is a booklet in large print or braille at the information desk which can be borrowed.
LOCAL CHAPTER NEWS
New Chapter in North Central West Virginia
By Deirdre Maxwell
In May several blind and visually impaired residents of Monongalia and surrounding counties along with some sighted supporters joined forces to create the Vandalia Chapter of the MSCB. Officers are Debbie Brooks, President; Deirdre Maxwell, Vice President; Josh Metz; Treasurer; and Laura Metz, Secretary.
We have been meeting once a month at various locations (until we find a permanent home for our meetings) in Morgantown. Our usual meeting date is the second Saturday of the month. Our next meeting is Saturday, August 25, 2007, 12 noon at Golden Corral Steak House and we plan to have a picnic/social gathering in September. All are welcome.
If you have questions or need further information call Debbie at 599-4782.
PVCB Keeps Rolling
By Donna Brown
Transportation, or lack thereof, can be a hot topic among blind and visually impaired people–especially in West Virginia. As was mentioned in the spring issue of this newsletter, the Potomac Valley Council of the Blind was working with the Potomac Valley Transit Authority to provide bus service to Cumberland, MD or Winchester, VA one Saturday a month. Thanks to Frank McGhee, PVCB member, and Jay Carter, manager of the PVTA, colorful brochures and a sign-up form are now ready to be circulated throughout the Romney area. Our first trip to Cumberland, MD is scheduled for Saturday, November 3rd.
Taking the transportation topic one step further, PVCB members have expressed some safely concerns for those blind and visually impaired individuals who have to depend on Shoe Leather Express to travel the streets of Romney. After much discussion and research, we determined that our greatest safety concern was the traffic light at McDonalds. At our August meeting, which was a picnic hosted by one of our members, we were honored to have as guests Barry Warhoftig who is the Director of Traffic Engineering from Charleston and Randy Sigley from the Department of Highways office in Burlington. These gentleman not only presented a very informative program, but they were also understanding of our safety concerns for the traffic light at McDonald’s and open to our suggestions. They shared with us the Department of Highways procedures for updating and maintaining traffic signals, and they gave us a hands-on demonstration of an Audible Pedestrian Signal. We suggested to Barry and Randy the possibility of putting a little delay on when the audible signal begins after the light at McDonalds turns red.
On Saturday, August 11th, PVCB has the opportunity to sell refreshments and lunch at a public auction in Romney. We see this not only as a fundraiser and a chance to have fun together, but most importantly an opportunity to let the public know who we are.
Our chapter is not quite one year old, but as you can see, we have been very busy. Thanks to our enthusiastic, creative, and dedicated members, my job as President has been both fun and fulfilling.
Tricounty Chapter News
By Jessie Rayl
Members in Martinsburg continue to be active with our efforts of the Audible Pedestrian issues. We also continue our general advocacy and support efforts in our community. We have held a fund raiser at a community event which was successful and made some excellent contacts in the community as well. On August 2, we held our annual picnic at the park and enjoyed music from an Army band with great food and socialization. Our meetings have become a mix of business and socialization every 2nd Thursday of the month at Shoney’s restaurant.
For further information, please contact John Birkhead, President, at (304) 264-2016 or Jessie Rayl, Secretary, (304) 263-2996.
Social Security Administration – Legal Blindness Updated
Standards/Qualifications
The Social Security Administration published new rules for visual disorders in the Federal Register (71 FR 67037) on November 20, 2006. These rules became effective on February 20, 2007. As in the past, statutory/legal blindness continues to be defined as best corrected visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye; or a visual field limitation such that the widest diameter of the visual
field, in the better eye, subtends an angle no greater than 20 degrees, as measured with a Goldmann III4e or equivalent size stimulus. Under the new rules, how visual acuity and visual field can be tested to meet this definition has changed.
For visual field testing, the following measurements can be used:
1. Automated static threshold perimetry (Humphrey 30-2 and 24-2) a. For Humphrey Field Analyzers, a 10dB stimulus is equivalent to a 4e stimulus. A dB level that is higher than 10 represents a dimmer stimulus, while a dB level that is lower than 10 represents a brighter stimulus. Therefore, for automated static threshold tests performed on Humphrey Field Analyzers, any point seen at 10dB or higher are a point that would be seen with a 4e stimulus.
2. Kinetic perimetry, such as the Humphrey “SSA Test Kinetic” a. The kinetic test must use a white III4e stimulus projected on a white 31.5 apostilb (10 cd/m2) background.
3. Goldmann perimetry a. With a III4e target. SSA will not use the results of visual field screening tests, such as confrontation tests, tangent screen tests, or automated static screening tests, to determine legal blindness. For visual acuity testing, the criteria changed because most test charts that use Snellen ethodology do not have lines that measure visual acuity between 20/100 and 20/200. Newer test charts, such as the Bailey-Lovie or the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS), do have lines that measure visual acuity between 20/100 and 20/200.
Under the new criteria, if a person’s visual acuity is measured with one of the newer charts, and they cannot read any of the letters on the 20/100 line, they will qualify as legally blind, based on a visual acuity of 20/200 or less. For example, if the person’s best-corrected visual acuity for distance in the better eye was determined to be 20/160 using an ETDRS chart, they would now be classified as legally blind.
Regardless of the type of test chart used, the person will not be classified as legally blind if they can read at least one letter on the 20/100 line. For example, if a person’s best-corrected visual acuity for distance in the better eye was determined to be 20/125+1 using an ETDRS chart, they would not be classified as legally blind because they were able to read one letter on the 20/100 line.
To view the new rules please use the following link:
http://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/2.00-SpecialSensesandSpeech-Adult.htm
GO NATURAL
Have you ever thought of making your own perfume? Insect repellant? Other products? Well, now you can. There are many websites and books about this subject. You can order your natural products from them or obtain them from local Health Food stores. Some of our favorite websites are:
www.theherbsplace.com, www.mountainroseherbs.com, (and many more.
Since ancient times, scented body products have been used to seduce, entice, influence and heal. The queen of Sheba reportedly used aromatics to seduce King Solomon. Cleopatra used scents to influence the Greeks and Romans. People of many different cultures wore plant essences in an effort to prevent illness and plague. Even Napoleon enjoyed herbal scents; he reportedly used up to 60 bottles of rosemary cologne a month!
Making your own fragrances can be fun, exercise your creativity talents and they make wonderful gifts as well.
You can use just one fragrance note at a time, such as lavender, rose or peppermint, or you can combine essential oils to create your personal signature fragrance.
Safe Use of Essential Oils
Always dilute essential oils in a carrier oil (usually a vegetable oil such as olive,
almond or jojoba) before applying them to your skin. Store essential oils in a dark, cool place, securely out of reach of children.
Do not take them internally; some can cause serious health problems with ingestion of tiny amounts. Many citrus oils – especially lemon and bergamot (Citrus bergamia) can increase skin’s sensitivity to the sun, causing burns and/or dark spots. Avoid sun exposure when wearing them.
The recipes here are basic and to get you started. You can experiment and substitute different oils to suit your smell. That’s part of the fun. Making your own fragrant products gives you great freedom of choice. Using the principles of aromatherapy, you can decide how you want your fragrances to affect you and those around you. For example, you may want to wear lavender for its calming, refreshing effects, sweet orange because it is uplifting, or rosemary for mental stimulation. However, you must use pure essential oils (distilled using water and steam) or absolutes (essences extracted with the use of a solvent such as alcohol) to reap these benefits. Synthetic fragrance oils do not offer the same results. Jojoba oil is an excellent carrier oil because it is actually a liquid wax. It does not go rancid as quickly as other oils. Jojoba oil has little or no fragrance of its own and is readily absorbed into the skin. Sweet almond oil and apricot kernel
oil are good choices for the same reasons, but they have a shelf life of only three to five months.
Here are a few recipes:
18 drops grapefruit essential oil
12 drops lavender essential oil
4 drops vanilla absolute
60 drops jojoba or sweet almond oil
In a 1/8-ounce glass container, combine grapefruit and lavender essential oils and vanilla absolute. Shake well and let mixture sit for at least 1 week before adding jojoba or sweet almond oil. Dab the oil on your pulse points to release scent. Store in a glass container (plastic will absorb some of the fragrance).
Orange Delight variation:
Use 8 drops sweet orange essential oil and 16 drops bergamot essential oil instead of the grapefruits, lavender and vanilla.
Spring Rain Solid Perfume
Makes about 1 1/2 ounces
15 drops lavender essential oil
8 drops oak moss essential oil
5 drops neroli essential oil
4 drops rosemary essential oil
2 tablespoons jojoba or sweet almond oil
2 tablespoons grated beeswax or beeswax beads
In a small double boiler, heat all oils together until just warm. Stir well until completely blended. Stir in beeswax. Continue to stir until completely melted. Pour into small glass, metal or plastic containers. Let perfume cool completely. To use, rub finger over surface of perfume and then onto your pulse points or wherever you like to wear fragrance.
Lavender variation:
Use 25 drops lavender essential oil instead of the others. The resulting perfume is very relaxing and especially soothing if you have a headache.
Rose Geranium Dusting Powder
Makes 1 1/4 cups
This recipe calls for fresh leaves of rose-scented geranium (Pelargonium spp.). If you do not have any scented pelargonium leaves, you may substitute the fresh petals of two very fragrant roses. For a minty refreshing powder, try substituting leaves of a peppermint-scented pelargonium (such as P. tomentosum or ‘Peppermint Lace’) and peppermint essential oil for the rose scents. Mints are cooling to wear on hot summer days.
4 fresh rose-scented pelargonium leaves
1/2 cup white rice flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup arrowroot powder (optional)
15 drops rose geranium oil
1 shaker jar or powder puff container
Use a paper towel to pat pelargonium leaves completely dry. Tear leaves into 1-inch pieces. Combine all ingredients in a glass jar. Cover and shake well. Set aside for one week. Sift out the geranium leaves and spoon powder into a glass shaker jar or other container. Keep container closed between uses to preserve fragrance. Keep for up to 6 months.
Body Spritz
Makes about 8 ounces
1 cup distilled water
10 drops of your favorite essential oil
Pour ingredients into an 8-ounce glass or plastic spray bottle. Shake well; then spray on skin after a shower or any time you need to feel refreshed. Keeps for up to 6 months.
HERBAL INSECT REPELLANT
1/2 teaspoon citronella essential oil
1/2 teaspoon eucalyptus essential oil
1/2 teaspoon lavender essential oil
4 ounces distilled witch hazel
Mix ingredients in a 4-ounce spray bottle. Shake well. Spray onto exposed skin, avoiding eyes and mucous membranes. Reapply every 2 hours, or as needed.
BACK TO SCHOOL QUESTIONS
Why does a flamingo lift up one leg?
Because if he lifted up both legs, he would fall over!
Who invented fractions?
Henry the 1/8!
What does “minimum” mean?
A very small mother!
What does “maximum” mean?
A very big mother!
What’s the difference between an American student and an
English student?
About 3,000 miles!
Why did Robin Hood steal only from the rich?
Because the poor have nothing worth taking!
What is a skeleton?
Bones, with the person off!
REMINDERS:
To subscribe to the Mountain State email list, send a blank message to:
If you are not a member and would like to be, or know someone whom you think would be interested, please complete the membership form and return it to us. For further information, please feel free to contact one of our officers.
Thank you. We hope you enjoyed this issue of the newsletter.
HOW TO JOIN
At-large members: $10.00 per year
Local chapter members: $15.00 per year
Make checks or money orders payable to Mountain State Council of the Blind
Send to Mountain State Council of the Blind
c/o Kathy Gerhardt
PO Box 2756
Martinsburg, WV 25402
NAME:
ADDRESS:
PHONE NUMBER:
PREFERRED METHOD OF CONTACT: (First); (Second)
I am: Blind, Partially sighted, Sighted
Donations are welcome
Thank you.
Officers:
President:
Jessie L. Rayl
Phone: (304) 263-2996
Email:
Vice President
Chris M. Cook
Phone: (304) 263-8657
Email:
Secretary
Debbie Brooks
Phone: (304) 599-4782
Email: dbrooks@hsc.wvu.edu
Treasurer
Kathy Gerhardt
Phone: (304) 754-6885
Email:
Board of Directors
David Ahern
John Birkhead
Donna Brown
Chuck Dennis
MOUNTAIN STATE COUNCIL OF THE BLIND
PO Box 2756
Martinsburg, WV 25402
PHONE: (304) 263-5688
EMAIL: eagle.wings@verizon.net