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1093 South Broadway |
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1093 South Broadway |
October, November, December 2006 NewsletterExecutive Director's MessageI want to thank each of you for your condolences, cards and donations on the loss of my mom. She was 85 years young and my buddy. I accepted the position at BGCB in order to have some flexibility with my time. I was able to spend the last critical weeks with her and be at her side when she departed. Thank all of you who pulled up the slack for me, especially Jim Weber. It was business as usual at BGCB! We had a visitor from CA. Cathy Annise brought her daughter to Midway College. She contacted her affiliate in CA who hooked her up with Carla Ruschival who, in turn, referred her to Joyce McGuire and BGCB. Paul and I spent a Sunday afternoon showing her around the KY Horse Park. Three adults and 2 guide dogs (her dog, Bruce, would have qualified as a small horse) on a golf cart. What a sight! It certainly gave me an opportunity to practice my descriptive skills. We had dinner then dropped her off at the airport. Of course, she was enamored with the Bluegrass and can't wait to return. There is so much going on at BGCB. I want to update you on the situation with our grant applications. I'm excited to report the Junior League invited BGCB to the final rounds of their grant funding process for this year. We submitted a letter of inquiry for $5600. The Lexington Lions Club invited us to submit an application for funds. We applied for funding to cover rent of our "equipment / technology" room. BGCB's appeal to United Way of the Blue Grass is still pending. We made it through the appellate process. The decision is back with the UWBG Board. As you may remember, we were funded $12,000 from a "catastrophic fund" and zero dollars from community fund donations. BGCB has submitted a letter of inquiry for funding from the Knight Foundation. I am researching funding possibilities for archiving the 28 years of historical files at BGCB. I hope we can involve some members in this project to scan and digitally preserve this history. BGCB will participate in an academic research project. A graduate student in marketing at UK is examining how consumers evaluate products through touch. At a later date, I will have details and be recruiting volunteers for this project. The Independent Transportation Network (ITN) is an interesting non-profit project that has recently come to my attention. It is a community based non-profit service that relies on fares from the people who use the service, subsidized by voluntary local community support. If you would like more information on this project, please contact me at the office for an information packet. I've had the opportunity to represent BGCB at many activities during Sept. On Sept. 13, Morry LaTour and I attended the Traffic Safety Coalition meeting. Although the focus of the meeting was student transportation and an overview of KY DEPT of Transportation safety, Morry raised several issues related to pedestrian safety. That same afternoon, I attended a workshop with the Urban League Senior Community Service Employment Training Program. This is the program that has provided employment for Jim Weber with BGCB. This was an informative brain storming session on how to assist SCSEP participants with obtaining unsubsidized employment with their host agency. You can be sure I am going to be on top of this! Jim has been a vital resource to BGCB. Sept. 15th, Morry LaTour, Paul Wiese, Axel, Charles Christmyer and I attended the BPAC ( Bicycle/ Pedestrian Advisory Committee) at Asbury College. This committee has a strong focus on the increasing needs of people who can't drive and researching transportation options. Sept.20, I attended a presentation from the Knight Foundation. This foundation looks like a good funding prospect for BGCB as an agency, as well as, accepting individual applications. Sept. 21, Lunch and Learn will be a monthly must for my attendance. I gleaned lots of information to bring to our Board on implementing a successful fundraising plan. I will revisit this with you at a later date. Sept. 26, Morry LaTour, Paul Wiese, Axel and I were warmly greeted at the Urban County Council At-Large Forum. We were able to network with some other agencies in attendance. The six candidates had 2 minutes to present their stand on several issues. Sept. 28, BGCB participated in the first Accessibility Rally held at Triangle Park. Inclimate weather prevented several of our volunteers, Marlene Thompson / Dottie E. Clown and Morry LaTour, from attending. Paul Wiese, Axel and I donned our rain gear and joined about 80 other participants. Fortunately, the rain subsided for the 2 hour rally. Mayor Issac issued a proclamation that, henceforth, September 28 will be designated as Accessibility Day in Lexington, KY. Next year's rally will be followed by a symposium on accessibility issues. BGCB will be on board so mark your calendar! I know there are members attending functions/meetings as citizens. Thank you for putting yourself out there, and please call the office with a report. In conclusion, I encourage all of you to continue sending me information of interest and information related to issues of the blind and visually impaired. I depend on you for that resource. I have received some useful resources related to housing, technology, medical advances and entertainment. Keep clipping those human interest stories! Paula
President's MessageDear BGCB Members, It's been a pleasure to serve as president of the BGCB for the last two years. I believe this office has taught me how to handle group meetings. Thanks again for electing me President. Philip G. Rose
Thank you volunteersMany members have been generous with their contributions of time, skills, talents and energy. These persons include the following individuals:
Ruth Ament
VIP Support GroupThe next VIP meeting will be October 25, 2006. Mayor Teresa Isaac will be the speaker. Wheels passes are provided.
Blind BuddiesThe "Blind Buddies" Group of the Trinity Baptist Church, 1675 Strader Drive, Lexington, KY wishes to welcome blind and visually impaired members of the BGCB to visit their monthly meetings. You do not have to be a member of Trinity. The meetings for the next three months are:
Please come to the rear entrance (the entrance to Fellowship Hall).
Animals - in from the wildAn installation art exhibit by Bill Santen from Lexington will be on display at the Kentucky School for the Blind, 1867 Frankfort Avenue in Louisville. The exhibit will open on Friday, Oct. 27th during the Frankfort Avenue Trolley Hop from 6:30 - 9:00 PM. It will also be open Tuesday through Thursday Oct. 31 - Nov. 9th. The hours are 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM and 4:00 - 7:00 PM on Thursday afternoons (Nov. 2 and 9). For more information call Paula Penrod at 502 897-1583 ext. 262, or paula.penrod@ksb.kyschools.us.
Message from Alice CrespoAlice is a blind person who lives in New York City, and is involved with several non-profit organizations assisting the disabled in NYC. She contacted BGCB recently to pass on information she thought might be useful to us here. She has used cassettes to donate; also one of the organizations she works for has a telephone line for people who may want to chat or discuss any problems they may be having or get info about disability. Ms. Crespo also speaks Spanish fluently. She is available from 6 PM - 1 AM. Her phone number is 917 843-1634.
4th Annual "Time of Giving" FundraiserBGCB and Fayette Mall are teaming together for the 4th annual fundraiser for local non-profits and charities. It's simple how it works - Fayette Mall will provide tickets to BGCB at no cost. Our volunteers sell those tickets at $5 apiece; those tickets are then exchanged for coupon books filled with specials throughout the mall. All proceeds go to BGCB. What a win-win way for us to raise much needed funds to further our work, and for shoppers to make their Holiday gift-giving easier! This year's event will be on Sunday, Nov. 19th from 12 PM - 6 PM. Join us to make this year the most successful yet. To volunteer to help, just call or email us here at the BGCB office.
White Cane Safety DayThe annual White Cane Safety Day will be on Oct. 15. BGCB is making plans for this year, and we'll be updating you on this in the very near future.
Kentucky Council of the Blind ConferenceThe KCB Conference will be held Nov. 10 - 11 at the Kentucky School for the Blind, 1867 Frankfort Avenue in Louisville. There will be an exhibit dealing with technology and satellite radio. More info will be provided as we get it.
Blue Grass Council Of The Blind Tiered MembershipThe Blue Grass Council of the Blind is now offering several types of memberships. Each membership helps us provide information and referral services to the blind and visually impaired. Also, each membership helps with research, advocacy, and a voice on the national level through the American Council of the Blind. The Blue Grass Council of the Blind is a non profit organization and dues are tax deductible. A receipt is provided upon request.
$10.00 Regular Member
The Purpose Of The Blue Grass Council Of The Blind, Inc,The Blue Grass Council of the Blind, Inc., a United Way Agency, is located at:
1093 South Broadway The Council provides the only full-time information and referral service in the Central Kentucky area for individuals and their families who are blind or visually impaired, without regard to gender, race, or religion. Those much needed and appreciated cash contributions, which are tax deductible, may be sent to the Blue Grass Council of the Blind, Inc. at:
Blue Grass Council of the Blind You may wish to remember a relative or friend by sharing in the continuing work of the Council. Our office will send a special letter of acknowledgment to loved ones for their contributions made in memory of the deceased. Anyone wishing to remember the Blue Grass Council in their last will and testament may do so by including in the will a special paragraph for that purpose. If your wishes are complex, you or your attorney may wish to contact the Council. |
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