NATIONAL FEDERATION of the BLIND of IDAHO Gem State Milestones 1301 S. Capitol Blvd., Suite C Boise, Idaho 83706-2926

GEM STATE MILESTONES

a Publication of the

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF IDAHO

Mary Ellen Halverson, Editor Ramona Walhof, President 3013 Agate 1301 S. Capitol Blvd., Suite C Boise, ID 83705 Boise, ID 83706

SUMMER 2000

Send requests for address changes and new subscriptions to: National Federation of the Blind of Idaho, 1301 S. Capitol Blvd., Suite C, Boise, Idaho 83706-2926. Available in print, large print, cassette and Braille.

CONVENTION REPORT By Sandra Streeter

Being at an NFB Convention is a time to be informed of what is happening among the blind community and to make decisions and set policies regarding the future of blind persons. This is also a time to meet new friends and renew old friendships. The National Federation of the Blind of Idaho held its Annual Convention this year on April 14, 15, and 16, in Pocatello. The Idaho Parents of Blind Children--a division of the NFBI--kicked things off with a session for parents and educators of blind children. Shelley Weigt, President, Idaho Parents of Blind Children, provided much information regarding the Individualized Education Program (IEP). Larry Streeter, Dispute Resolution Specialist from the Idaho Department of Education and NFBI 1st Vice President, was on hand to answer specific IEP questions and to assist everyone's understanding of each component in the IEP process.

Gary Wunder, President of the Missouri Affiliate and National Board Member, was our national representative. He brought greetings from NFB President Maurer, gave an excellent report on current activities from the national office, and delivered an interesting speech at the banquet. Many of our national representatives cover their own life history and attitudes of blindness when presenting at a State Convention. This is a good way for us to learn of how others have dealt with their blindness and to realize that we are not alone.

Jerry Hale, incoming President of the Treasure Valley Chapter of the Safari Club International, his wife Sharon and other volunteers from the Pocatello area were at the Convention with an exhibit. This exhibit is a trailer which has been made into a showcase of stuffed animals and pelts. People, blind and sighted, are given an opportunity to go inside this trailer and touch these wonderful animals. The Sensory Safari volunteers are taking this exhibit to schools and other activities in Idaho as requested and available. Thanks, Safari Club!

I feel that this year's Convention was blessed to have in our midst four scholarship finalists. Unfortunately, we could only award two of these fine people scholarships. Congratulations to the winners and best wishes to all for a bright future.

Being door prize chairperson is great fun for me, and I really appreciate all of those who take the initiative to go out and gather wonderful door prizes. I especially want to thank the Gateway Chapter (Pocatello) for their hard work and efforts in gathering many very nice prizes for this year's Convention. In the spring of 1999 we had no chapter in Pocatello but wanted to have the 2000 Convention there hoping to find some interested persons. The Elmore County Chapter volunteered to host the hospitality suite. Again, another job well done. You lost out on many treats and beverages if you never made it to the hospitality suite. Thanks, Elmore County Chapter for your great work!

Oh yes! The program! It was interesting and informative. Andrea Testi, the new Librarian for the Talking Book Library, came to the Convention for the first time and gave a good report. There were two panel discussions on the education and rearing of blind children including Linda Steenrod, Special Education Director for Pocatello school systems; Vicki Roper, Director of Outreach for the Idaho School for the Deaf and Blind; Paula Achter, Classroom Aide in a public school class that includes a blind child; Mike Gibson, blind adult; Shelley Weigt, Parent of a Blind Child; Sandra Streeter, former Director of Summer School for Blind Children. Larry Streeter reported on the Task Force on the Education of Blind Children, and Michael Graham reported on progress at the Idaho Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired. We heard from support group coordinators, a former student of the Colorado Center for the Blind, an independent living center representative, and a blind author. We had a complete business meeting Sunday morning. A good program is an essential part of a good convention, and the one this year left no disappointments.

Many of us attend conventions to receive information and gain new knowledge, and when there is excitement and enthusiasm in the air (as there was at this year's gathering), it's like getting a breath of fresh air. You come away with a renewed commitment of dedication and support to the many fine leaders of this organization. A lot of time and work goes into planning and setting an agenda for our Conventions. I appreciate all of your efforts, no matter what your job may be; it is as important as any. Plan for Boise 2001!

SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS By Mary Ellen Halverson

The National Federation of the Blind of Idaho invited four scholarship finalists to attend our State Convention the weekend of April 15 in Pocatello. We had two scholarships to award, one for $500 and one for $1000. Expenses to the Convention were paid for all four finalists, so they were indeed all winners. Let me introduce them to you.

Nathan Danes from Nampa is a sophomore at Albertsons College in Caldwell, majoring in Computer Science and Physics.

Mike Mello from Coeur d' Alene is a high school senior who will be attending the University of Idaho, majoring in Information Systems.

Marisela Nieto is from Twin Falls. She is a high school senior who will be attending the University of Idaho, majoring in Psychology.

Albert Spooner from Coeur d' Alene will be attending North Idaho College this fall and will major in Business/Communications. Al is married, has three young children, and has been busy in a successful sales career.

These four delightful individuals added a great deal to the Convention and made the job of the Scholarship Committee extremely difficult, since only two of them would receive cash awards. All four finalists were introduced to the NFBI Board Friday evening. Each had the opportunity to speak briefly to the Convention Saturday afternoon, and they visited with members throughout the weekend. They were all given a variety of NFB literature, which in itself may be the most valuable gift. It offers encouragement, valuable insights, and a new perspective on blindness. These rare gems are not readily found elsewhere in the world.

Then came the banquet and the presentation of the two scholarships. The $1000-scholarship was presented to Al Spooner, and the $500-scholarship was awarded to Nathan Danes. Congratulations to both of these gentlemen.

Not only were these four finalists all worthy of receiving scholarships, but we would have liked to bring several other applicants to the Convention as well. This year was truly exciting for the Scholarship Committee, and we hope to get to know some of the excellent applicants not chosen as finalists. Whether this year is an especially prosperous one or whether we were more successful at finding wonderful high school graduates and college students remains to be seen. I hope that next year will bring just as many applications from Idaho's blind students, even though the decisions are tough!

We enjoyed getting to know all four of these students, and encourage them to apply again next year for our scholarships. We were pleased, as always, to introduce them to the National Federation of the Blind and look forward to seeing them at future NFB activities. It was great to see these guys volunteer to help us set up our NFBI web site.

We learned a few weeks later that Nate has won a national scholarship which entitles him to an expense-paid trip to the National Convention in Atlanta. This was truly an eventful scholarship year for us in Idaho.

DISCOVERING THE NFBI By Al Spooner

I am 41 years old, married and have three young children, ages seven, five, and three. I have been legally blind for more than a year now. I tell you this so that you may better understand my reactions to this Convention, both mentally and emotionally. I have been to many conventions in my sales career of twenty years, so this would not be new to me, or would it?

Being chosen as one of four college scholarship finalists, I was asked to attend and be interviewed by the Scholarship Committee in order for them to pick their final two winners. Excited about the possibility of receiving a scholarship and learning more about the NFB, I packed and flew to Boise and rode with some of the conventioneers on to Pocatello. What a trip!

This was the first State Convention I had attended. For that matter, my first real direct experience with the NFB of any type. My reaction was indefinable. The people I rode with and those attending were like long, lost friends, eager to get acquainted and be filled in on how I had been doing. I made friendships that will last forever.

At the Convention, I was interviewed, along with the three other finalists, and we were all given a chance to address the audience. My emotions were high. Even though I felt the other three candidates would be the lucky ones, I felt fortunate to have been selected in the first place. After all, a middle-aged man going back to college? Imagine my surprise and delight when my name was announced as one of the scholarship winners! It was very emotional for me, and I got so choked up I could barely speak to say, "thank you".

During the Convention my eyes were opened (so to speak) to many issues about blindness within our State that I never had considered. I also realized that we need more people to get directly involved at local levels so we can affect some of these issues. This was a monumental occasion for me, as it convinced me that we needed a local chapter in North Idaho which, as of this writing, has been organized. As President of the Panhandle Chapter, I plan to spread the word to the communities of North Idaho that "we are changing what it means to be blind." People in my area need to be "WOKE UP" to the realization that we have blind citizens that can and will be productive if given the opportunity and proper training. My aim is to ensure that this happens.

I learned something very important the weekend of the Convention. There are people in my same situation and some with many more obstacles to overcome than I. They were an inspiration to me and probably all those that attended the Convention. I also realized that I need not stand alone. The people of the NFB are right here ready to help in anyway they can. All you have to do is ask. I'm sure glad I did! I am also looking forward to attending the National NFB Convention this July in Atlanta, Georgia. I've heard it'll "make my eyes pop out!"

No, this Convention was not like any I had attended before. I came away from it with a renewed determination and new sense of direction. The Convention and the people I met there had a profound impact on my life. As musician and songwriter, Huey Lewis, says in a song, "Well I've finally found a home!" This was my feeling when I left the Convention.

WELCOME PANHANDLE CHAPTER By Mary Ellen Halverson

It's always exciting to report on a new member of the family--a new chapter of the NFB of Idaho. We have known for a long time that there are many blind people in the Coeur d' Alene area who would like to be in a local chapter, but we just haven't had the right person willing and able to step into that leadership position. Farther up North in Sandpoint, Shelley and Noel Newhouse were doing a good job with the Pend O'Reille Chapter, but they moved to Boise a few months ago, leaving Northern Idaho without an active NFB chapter.

But then Al Spooner entered the scene. Al was one of our scholarship finalists and attended the State Convention in Pocatello. You will read his Convention article elsewhere in this newsletter. Al quickly became interested in heading up a local chapter in his hometown of Coeur d' Alene. Another scholarship finalist, Mike Mello who also attended the Convention, was interested in joining Al in forming a chapter. Al and Mike went home and began talking to people about the NFB and the need for a local group. Soon they were ready for an organizing meeting officially to form a chapter.

On Saturday, May 20, 2000, Paula Achter and Mary Ellen Halverson met with interested blind individuals in Coeur d' Alene. This lively bunch chose the name Panhandle Chapter, adopted a Constitution, and elected officers. Following are the new officers: President, Al Spooner; Vice President, Mike Mello; Secretary, DeLaine Exley; and Treasurer, Bill Lambert.

They have already planned a picnic and meeting for Sunday, June 25. Everyone in attendance seemed to know of other blind folks to invite to the next meeting. The cooperation and enthusiasm of this group indicates a very bright future for the blind of Northern Idaho. It's exciting to have these new members as a part of our organization. Al, Mike, and DeLaine are all going to the National Convention in Atlanta.

Paula and I enjoyed being a part of the organizing meeting and getting to know our new brothers and sisters. We appreciated Paula's son John, our driver, and Paula's husband Bernie, making the trip up North with us.

The members of our new Panhandle Chapter are considering activities that will benefit all the blind in the area, and we are glad to welcome this group as an exciting addition to our Federation family.

ROCK CLIMBING HAS BECOME A SYMBOL Let Us Build It Now! By Ramona Walhof

I have been active in the NFB for at least 35 years, and I have lived through phenomenal growth and increased momentum. I have seen very gratifying changes in the lives of blind Americans in terms of employment opportunities, technology and other tools available for the blind to use, training to assist blind people to have greater confidence in themselves and better skills, improved education of blind children in public schools, and (most of all) the emergence of hundreds or thousands more role models for blind children and newly blinded adults. I have seen this happen and been a part of it, and a list is not adequate to describe how stimulating and rewarding this is.

The NFB has provided me many opportunities to improve understanding, imagination, skills, and confidence. Rock climbing at NFB training centers is one of those opportunities that causes those who participate to use every ounce of physical strength and persistence to move up that wall of rock, and the accomplishment increases strength and confidence. I am only one of hundreds of Federationists who have tried it and reaped the benefits. I am glad to have had the experience, and know there will be more challenges and more accomplishments.

In all of the areas of progress (some of which are not included in my list) and in other areas there is still much more to do! We have just begun to make Braille instruction and materials available to children when appropriate. We have just begun to try to make computers for the blind keep up with those for the sighted. We have NFB training centers in three states, and a few others have chosen to use some of the approaches that have proved to be so successful in these centers, but the majority of states still do not have the quality of training that the NFB wants for blind people. Although there are far more blind people who are seniors than any other age, there are less services for the senior blind than younger people. Again, this is just the beginning of the list of needs still to be met in work with the blind.

The National Federation of the Blind has led the way in making changes in attitudes and approaches in work with the blind for more than half a century. For the last 35 years the momentum has increased exponentially decade after decade. We must not let it stop! For the last 20 years, an important part of this increased effectiveness and expansion has occurred at the National Center for the Blind, NFB Headquarters. In the 1990's alone, we have seen the birth of the Kernel Books, the International Braille and Technology Center, Newsline, and Jobline--all headquartered at the National Center for the Blind.

So how do we continue to grow and improve lives for the blind? Dr. Jernigan and Dr. Maurer have begun another dramatic expansion of our work. Construction and establishment of the National Research and Training Institute for the Blind will be the next step in "changing what it means to be blind."

I am impatient! I want the tenBroek/Jernigan Library to be available to blind and sighted researchers now! I want new studies and seminars on Braille literacy and programs for blind seniors to begin immediately! I want to offer more internships to college and university students preparing for careers in work with the blind as soon as possible! I am eager to be able to put more information about blindness on the internet!

There are other projects that we have not yet had the resources to launch or to complete. The National Research and Training Institute is the vehicle which will make it possible to move into many of these areas that will benefit blind people so much.

That is why I have made a pledge to assist with the construction of this wonderful new facility, and it is why I am actively contacting others whom I believe will be interested in doing likewise. The work that takes place in this new facility will affect the blind of Idaho more than many innovations that could be accomplished locally. Good local and state services for the blind are essential, but new ideas do not occur universally. They begin most often in places where the intensity of the work is the greatest. In the world today, that is at the National Center for the Blind. The National Research and Training Institute will add a wonderful new dimension to the work that takes place there.

For more information about this Capital Campaign, contact me at 1301 S. Capitol Blvd., Suite C, Boise ID, 83706 or phone me at 208-343-1377. I can provide a brochure about the project, pledge forms, prospect forms (which can be used to refer others who may wish to support this project), and answers to questions. If I do not know the answers, I will do my best to find out. I am looking forward to talking with members and friends about this campaign.

Many students have learned to rock climb at NFB training centers, and they have found this experience invaluable in considering possibilities and planning their lives. Physical and mental challenges are good for us. In the Federation we set our sights high, and we reach our goals. Building the National Research and Training Institute presents us with a big challenge. The more I think about it, the more excited I get! You will too! Let us do what we must do! LET US BUILD IT NOW!

BRIGHT IDEAS By Dana Ard FASHION TIPS

In this issue, I will discuss ways that we as blind people can get information about fashion trends and offer some suggestions for managing our wardrobes. Let me say first that I think women are far more concerned with fashion than men. At least, that's how it is in our family. My husband watches the weather forecast to find out what the temperature will be in order to know whether to wear a long-sleeved or short-sleeved shirt to work. I concern myself with such burning fashion issues as whether the blouse I'm wearing looks better on the outside or the inside, whether the shoes I plan to wear will complement my ensemble, or whether the panty lines are really that serious.

There are several ways of getting fashion information. Going to a clothing store that carries the style of clothes you like and checking out the racks, either with a trusted sighted friend or a competent sales clerk, is one way.

Reading fashion articles in women's magazines, such as Ladies' Home Journal (available in Braille), Good Housekeeping (available on tape) or Our Special (a Braille publication produced solely for the blind) is a second source of information.

I have found watching the fashions displayed on QVC, a cable shopping network, to be very helpful. Garments are presented and described in full detail: including color, length, style, and comments about whether the item is appropriate for office or for casual wear. General comments are often made about current clothing styles. Many of these fashion designers have a mix-and-match clothing line to assist in building a co-ordinated wardrobe. My roommate at Guide Dog School bought most of her clothes from the fashion network, and she was the best-dressed woman in our class.

To assist me in co-ordinating the colors of my outfits with other clothes in my closet, I have purchased the services of a wardrobe consultant, Mary Ann Wilcox, who offers this service as part of her business, Beauty for All Seasons. She put together new outfits using my existing wardrobe. I numbered each outfit and described it in Braille. Now, if I want ideas for something different to wear, I consult my list of outfits. Mary Ann will also take photos of the outfits, which can be used as reference. You can reach Mary Ann at 376-9773. If you don't live in the Boise area and want to find a wardrobe consultant, you might contact a clothing store or the national office of Beauty for All Seasons for the name of someone who could provide this service locally.

Please let me know ways that you get fashion information and manage your wardrobe. I am always excited to hear of your new ideas.

In response to this column in the last Milestones, I received this tidbit. DeLaine Exley of the Panhandle Chapter called to let people know that tying or buckling pairs of shoes together helps to keep the right shoe from being separated from the left. If you have Bright Ideas for this article, please share them with me.

Have a fashionable summer!

FAVORITE RECIPES

BASQUE IDAHO POTATO SOUP

Milestone readers will remember the Idaho Potato Cookbook prepared and sold by the NFBI several years ago. Before she left Idaho, Betty Sabin McNalley and others collected recipes for a second, expanded edition of this cookbook. Some of us are working to bring this project to completion.

Most Idahoans know that this State has the largest population of Basque people outside the Basque country itself. It seems appropriate to include a Basque Idaho Potato Soup or Stew in this newsletter. We hope it will whet your appetite for the new cookbook.

Basque Idaho Potato Soup

1 lb. Italian Sausage sliced 4 Idaho Potatoes pared & diced ´ c. chopped onion 2 1-lb. cans tomatoes ¨ c. chopped parsley 1 c. diagonally sliced celery 2 T. chopped celery leaves 1´ c. water 2 beef bouillon cubes 1 bay leaf ´ t. thyme, dried leaf 1 T. salt ¨ t. pepper 1 T. lemon juice

In large sauce pan, brown sausage over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 5 minutes. Add remaining ingredients except tomatoes and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered 40 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Add tomatoes and continue to simmer five more minutes. Makes 4-6 servings.

If you have a special recipe that you would like to share, please send it to the editor. Be sure to tell us why it is one of your favorites.

MINI-GEMS By Dana Ard

I lucked out this time, and got to talk with an officer from each of our four chapters. Here is their news.

Treasure Valley Chapter: On May 13, Dana Ard graduated from the University of Idaho with her master's degree in Counseling and Human Services. This degree is the culmination of several years of hard work.

June 10th, Treasure Valley Chapter had a 30-mile bike-a-thon. Riders took two to two-and-a-half hours to complete the route. Six tandems were included among the riders. A number of chapter members helped out by directing traffic, working at water stations, and at the beginning and ending point. After the ride--door prizes, hamburgers, and tall tales!

Treasure Valley Chapter members are planning to sell Canadian goodies at the River Festival this year June 22/25. Hewlett Packard, one of the sponsors of the River Festival this year, asked our group to handle this particular job because of its experience with cinnamon rolls at the Western Idaho Fair. The sale will be located inside a large tent in Ann Morrison Park. It should be a good opportunity.

Elmore County Chapter: Karen Blurton, chapter president, reports that the chapter is planning a summer picnic for later on in the season. Fundraising continues to be a high priority with this chapter. A bingo fundraiser is being planned on the Air Force Base and bazaars are slated for October and November.

Tammy Grimmett, daughter of Joann and sister of Marian, graduated from high school this spring. She's glad to be earning money full-time and still deciding about college this fall.

Panhandle Chapter: The big news is the organization meeting May 20, which is reported elsewhere in the Milestones. President Al Spooner reports that the chapter is having a membership building potluck at the Cedar Motel in Coeur d'Alene on June 25, from 1:30 to 5:00 p.m.

Vice President Mike Mello graduated from high school June 7th.

Gateway Chapter: President Elsie Lamp reports that the chapter is preparing to have a yard sale in early August. Camelia Allen is the chairman of this event.

Two board members were recently elected to the chapter board. They are Tygh Hales and Debbie Stengel.

Chapter member Roger Glen will be attending Senior Month at the Commission for the Blind in mid June. Vice President Trent Kenison has returned from Guide Dogs for the Blind with a yellow Labrador, Tudor.

Congratulations go out to Osulei Knudsen, whose son won first place in the Lions Club statewide essay contest. Anita Shambaugh, another chapter member, has a daughter graduating from high school. Keep those mini-gems coming. I'll be talking to you all again some time after the National Convention. Have a great summer. The End