KCB News

September - October 2006

Published by the
Kentucky Council of the Blind
148 Vernon Avenue
Louisville, KY 40206
(502)895-4598 kcb@iglou.com
Email KCB

President: Adam Ruschival
Editor: Carla Ruschival

1. Big Changes at KDE
2. East Meets West: Play Ball!
3. 2006 KCB Convention
4. Awards, Amendments and Nominations
5. Times Are A-changin'
6. Welcome to the Board
7. A Great Council Weekend
8. KCB in Jacksonville
9. News from the Mountains, by Joey Couch and Tim Huff
10. Greater Louisville Activities, by Patti Cox
11. Northern Kentucky News, by Bill Deatherage
12. SCKCB Picnic and Fall News, by Ron Milliman
13. Committee Changes
14. Activities Calendar
15. Contributions of Pre-used Items

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Big Changes at KDE

Good things definitely come to those who wait!

We are pleased to report that Gene Willhoit, Kentucky's Commissioner of Education, is leaving on November 1 to take a position in Washington, DC.

Under Willhoit's watch, the Kentucky School for the Blind has lost its superintendent; has seen staff positions reduced in vital areas such as maintenance, housekeeping and residential services; and has had to struggle to prevent green spaces from becoming parking lots and dorms from becoming offices. Willhoit and KDE have continuously complained that low enrollment at KSB doesn't justify the cost of maintaining the school; yet, students have been turned away because dorm parent positions have gone unfilled and unused dorms could not be opened to accommodate additional students.

We wish Gene Willhoit well, and look forward to a brighter day under the next Commissioner of Education.

East Meets West: Play Ball!

On the evening of Thursday, July 27, a plane landed at Louisville International Airport, bringing nearly 60 Japanese visitors to Kentucky. The group included blind and visually impaired Grand Softball players and their guides, and they had come to Kentucky for a weekend of fun and an international blind sports exchange.

After touring the Louisville Slugger Museum, ordering personalized baseball bats and enjoying a wonderful lunch, the group arrived at the American Printing House for the Blind on Friday afternoon. There they saw how braille books are produced, and the local organizers and sponsors of the weekend officially welcomed the leaders of the Grand Softball Association to Louisville. Gifts and warm wishes were exchanged, and we all knew that a fantastic weekend of international activity was under way

Saturday morning was packed with a variety of sports and recreational activities at the Kentucky School for the Blind. At the gym, coach Reni Jackson and several team members explained and played goalball, and volunteers from among the Japanese were invited to join the game. At the recreation center Larry Skutchan and Mario Eiland demonstrated ten-pin bowling for the blind with the use of a guide rail, and again everyone was encouraged to throw a few balls and try their hand at making a strike. The Japanese especially enjoyed playing ping pong and pool, and they warmed up on the KSB track for their softball game that afternoon.

After a lunch of fried chicken provided by KFC, the scene of the action moved to Bellarmine University. Spectators were treated to two games of Japanese Grand Softball; unlike beep baseball played by the blind in the United States, there is no audible equipment in this game. Blindfolded players are given audible cues by the catcher, and the pitcher must throw the ball so that it bounces on the ground three times before reaching the batter. Between games, spectators took turns batting, and later in the afternoon everyone enjoyed a delicious picnic catered by Masterson's Restaurant.

he fun continued on Sunday with beep baseball demonstrations at KSB, a trip to Bardstown for a tour of a distillery, and a farewell dinner.

Sponsors of the sports exchange included the Kentucky Council of the Blind, the Louisville Downtown and the Louisville East Lions Clubs, and Oral Miller of Washington, DC. In addition to the people mentioned above, a big thanks goes to Bellarmine University and specifically to Jim Vargo, who has been associated with the United States Association of Blind Athletes for many years. Thanks also to Kathy Jones, Rick Ricks and Tom Oaks of KSB; to Tuck Tinsley and Roberta Williams and the entire APH family; to Darrell Buford and the KSB Alumni; and to the many folks who turned out on a hot and humid Saturday afternoon for all the festivities.

Finally, and most importantly, a HUGE thanks goes to Allan Steinberg and April Wright of the KSB Charitable Foundation. Allan and April co-ordinated the entire weekend, and were indespensable in making the sports exchange an international success.

2006 KCB Convention

The 2006 KCB convention is coming up November 10, 11 and 12 at the Kentucky School for the Blind in Louisville. The weekend will be brimming with workshops and speakers, food and friends, entertainment and exhibits.

Last year, 120 people registered for the convention, and total attendance was nearly 150. We hope to top those figures this year, and you'll want to be there for all of the fun and excitement.

Watch for your convention mailer and pre-registration form, coming soon. Plan to bring your entire family and have a great weekend with KCB.

Awards, Admendments and Nominations

You are invited to submit names of people, organizations or agencies whom you feel are worthy of receiving one of KCB's three awards. he James Carl Dotson Award is given for outstanding service to the blind in the community; the Anna Rose Cain Award is for outstanding advocacy for the blind; and the William Routh Award goes to someone who has made notable contributions of time and/or support to the Kentucky Council of the Blind.

KCB also gives certificates of recognition to those who have provided service to the organization during the past year.

To make a nomination for any of the above awards, contact Michael McCarty, Awards Committee Chair, at 502-899-2396.

The Constitution and By-laws/Resolutions Committee invites you to submit amendments to the KCB Constitution or resolutions to be considered at the upcoming KCB convention. Amendments must be received by October 20. Send to Tim Huff, Chair, 5801 Beattyville Rd., Jackson, KY 41339; 606-666-5422 ext. 141.

KCB elects the president, first and second vice presidents, secretary and treasurer in even-numbered years. If you wish to nominate someone for an office, you may submit the name to the Nominating Committee for its consideration by October 20. Contact Deanna Scoggins at 502-895-1546. Nominations may also be made from the floor.

Please note that amendments and the slate of nominees will be mailed to the membership two weeks prior to the convention.

Times Are A-changin'

Every year brings staff changes to any large school or agency. People relocate or retire, and new positions are created. Sometimes, however, there are many changes all at once, and 2006 is one of those years.

In May, the Office for the Blind had a reception at the McDowell Center for three well-known retirees: Michael Becker, Rocky Roberts, and Wayne Thompson. Mike joined the agency in the early 1970,s, worked as a counselor and technology trainer. Wayne's many contributions in the development of technology has helped many people both on and off the job.

On the same day, the Louisville Free Public Library honored Maury Weedman; Maury was instrumental in bringing accessible computers to the Main Library and several branches throughout the city.

At KSB, the end of the school year saw the retirement of Cathy Hicks (librarian) and Edith Ethridge (low vision specialist). Deanna Scoggins retired after many years of teaching music, primary, braille, and technology. For the past several years Deanna also proofread materials produced by the braille transcription unit at KSB.

Jim Shaw retired on September 1 from the Social Security Administration. He had spent 32 years helping blind, disabled and elderly people with issues related to their benefits. KCB honored Jim with a retirement dinner on Friday, September 15; nearly all of the folks in attendance spoke of the great help he had been to them over the years. Jim will be presented with a CD containing those remarks, as well as a gift certificate for the purchase of an XM or Sirius radio.

If you would like to add your comments to Jim's CD, or if you would like to contribute to the gift certificate, call Carla Ruschival at 502-897-1472 for more information.

Welcome to the Board

Three new members joined the KCB Board at our September meeting.

Joey Couch is the new chapter representative from the Eastern Kentucky Christian Council of the Blind. Joey is a 2004 graduate of the Kentucky School for the Blind. He attends Hazard Community College, and is majoring in business management.

The new Greater Louisville Council of the Blind representative is Crystal Brock. Crzstal is a 1995 graduate of Ballard High School, and she has a degree in social work from Morehead University. Crystal currently is employed at LC Industries in Louisville.

Mitchell Plumlee is the new South Central Kentucky Council of the Blind representative. Mitchell is from Rockfield. He is a graduate of Western Kentucky University, and was a journalist for two years with the Park City News in Bowling Green. He also has been a drummer for many years, and is now exploring photography.

Thanks to outgoing Board members Dan McCarthy (GLCB) and Max Robinson (SCKCB) for their service. Both Dan and Max are officers in their local chapters, and we know they will continue to play major roles in the Council.

A Great Council Weekend

The weekend of September 8-9 was a very busy one for ACB members in Kentucky.

On Friday evening the Greater Louisville Council sponsored a picnic at KSB. 67 people from 2 to 86 ate hotdogs, played games, and celebrated the end of summer. Making the party possible were: kitchen crew and servers - Courtney Chase, Patti Cox, Debbie Kuczwara, the McCarty family, Gail and Joseph Scoggins, Beth Wagoner; transportation - Linda Kuczwara; sound - Adam Ruschival; games - Carla Ruschival.

On Saturday, 18 people attended the Bluegrass Council of the Blind membership meeting and box lunch in Lexington. BGCB officers for the coming year are: President - Susan Ament; Vice President - Morry LaTour; Secretary - Judy Potter; Treasurer - Marlene Mason; Members-at-large - Ruth Ament, Philip Rose, Marjorie Robbins, Andrew Thomas, Carol Porter, Max Fiscus.

Also on Saturday, the Guide Dog Users of Kentucky hosted a picnic, complete with fried chicken, potato salad, and lots more goodies. 18 members and guests visited, ate, and in general had a wonderful time.

What a great weekend for ACB in Kentucky!

KCB in Jacksonville

KCB members were very busy at the 2006 ACB convention in Jacksonville, Florida. Technology updates and training, tours to local attractions, informative workshops and presentations, luncheons and parties, and lots and lots of friends - what a fantastic week!

Besides attending meetings and activities, KCB members were active in other ways. Darren Hatch, a KSB 2006 graduate, was one of two Durward K. McDaniel First-timers. Darren received an all-expenses-paid trip to Jacksonville, and he participated in many meetings, workshops and events during the week.

Carla Ruschival and Patti Cox were both busy during the entire convention. Patti is the Youth Activity Center Co-ordinator, and she provided crafts, field trips and fun for 22 children and teens. Carla is chair of the ACB National Convention Committee, and she co-ordinated the operation of approximately 350 meetings and events both at the hotel and at other locations.

Ron Milliman was elected to the Blind Information Technology Specialists (BITS) Board; Adam Ruschival was re-elected President of the American Council of Blind Lions and Secretary of the Library Users of America. Deanna Scoggins is once again Secretary of the National Association of Blind Teachers.

ACB elects directors in even-numbered years; directors can serve up to two consecutive 4-year terms. This year there were five 4-year seats and one 2-year seat up for grabs. Carla Ruschival was elected to a second four-year term by a wide margin; incumbents Patrick Sheehan (Maryland) and Billie Jean Keith (Virginia) won re-election to 4- and 2-year terms respectively. Three new people joined the ACB Board in 4-year seats: Ray Campbell (Illinois), Brenda Dillon (Tennessee), and Jeff Thom (California). Finally, three individuals were elected to the Board of Publications: Deanna Quietwater Noriega (Missouri), Ken Stewart (New York), and Cindy Van Winkle (Washington).

The national convention is always a wonderful experience. In 2007 ACB will be in Minneapolis; start planning now to be there!

News from the mountains by Joey Couch and Tim Huff

The Eastern Kentucky Christian Council of the Blind had a meeting in August in Jackson. A good group of folks were on hand, including several new faces.

EKCCB's September meeting was held on September 29 at the Ponderosa Steakhouse in Hazard. 12 people were on hand, and the chapter has a bright outlook for the future.

The next meeting of EKCCB will be October 27 at 7:00 p.m. at the Ponderosa in Hazard.

If you live in southeastern Kentucky and would like more information about EKCCB, please call Tim Huff at 606-666-5422 ext. 141.

Greater Louisville Activities by Patti Cox

The Greater Louisville Council of the Blind held its quarterly business meeting on Saturday, August 12 at the United Crescent Hill Ministries.

ADVOCACY: Several people raised issues related to the service provided by local businesses to blind customers. President Patti Cox was asked to contact the managers of the Clifton Kroger and Frankfort Avenue Walgreens stores in the name of GLCB, and to explore solutions to the problems. We are pleased to report that her efforts were successful, and we anticipate improved customer service at both locations

CARDS AND TABLE GAMES: Have a fun afternoon with GLCB on Saturday, October 21 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. We'll be playing cards and a variety of table games at the United Crescent Hill Ministries, 150 S. State Street. Admission is a sweet or salty snack or a 2-liter of soda. Please note that all packages of snacks and bottles of soda must be unopened.

This is a family-friendly event. To sign up, call 502-897-1472.

MUSIC FEST: GLCB had its first Music Fest at KSB last May, and it was a resounding success. The Richie Auditorium was filled with classics to show tunes to bluegrass, and everyone joined in on gospel favorites Amazing Grace and Let the Circle Be Unbroken.

The next GLCB Music Fest will be on Tuesday, October 24, at KSB. To find out more, or to sign up to perform on the program, call Carla Ruschival at 502-897-1472.

WAVERLY HILLS TOUR: First Vice President Michael McCarty is co-ordinating a GLCB tour of the Waverly Hills Sanatorium on November 4 at 8:30 p.m. Waverly Hills was the old tuberculosis hospital in Louisville, and is now considered to be one of the most haunted places in the entire United States. Tickets are $20.00 each, and reservations can be made by calling Michael at 502-899-2396. This tour is not appropriate for young children.

FIELD TRIP FOR HOMESCHOOLERS: We are all familiar with the demonstrations of reading and writing braille and other blindness-related topics that are provided in public school classrooms. On Monday, November 20, Kentucky and southern Indiana homeschoolers will enjoy the same demonstration, plus interactive exhibits and tours of the Kentucky School for the Blind and the American Printing House for the Blind. Carla Ruschival is co-ordinating this activity; call 502-897-1472 for more information.

CHRISTMAS PARTY: Come share the holidays with GLCB on Saturday, December 2 at KSB. Bring the entire family; visit with Santa and celebrate in style. More details later

ELECTIONS: GLCB elects four directors to its Board in odd-numbered years. Elected at the August meeting for two-year terms were Crystal Brock, Angie McCarty, Roger Schaf, and Jim Shaw.

For more information about the Greater Louisville Council, call Patti Cox at 502-897-3864, or email patti0912@bellsouth.net.

Northern Kentucky News by Bill Deatherage

The Northern Kentucky Council of the Blind held its October meeting at the Greyhound Tavern in Ft. Mitchell. Members and guests shared some great food; many of us enjoyed fried chicken and all the sides.

NKCB is changing our meeting date from the second Tuesday to the first Tuesday of each month. Meetings start at 6:00 p.m., and everyone is welcome to come out and have a good time. Congratulations to NKCB's newlyweds: Rhonda Spurlock and Michael Skidmore were married last spring, and Shirley Townsley and John Stivers were married in July. More wedding bells will be ringing for Gerry Rader and Cisco Slusher on Nov. 4.

Congratulations also to Jennifer Holladay. She will become the volunteer co-ordinator at the Cincinnati Association for the Blind on Oct. 16.

For more information about NKCB, call Bill Deatherage at 859-372-0101, or David Perry at 513-470-1122.

SCKCB Picnic and Fall News by Ron Milliman

The South Central Kentucky Council of the Blind had a really wonderful picnic on Saturday, July 22. Mother Nature gave us a beautiful afternoon. The food was plentiful as always, but most importantly, we were surrounded with our very good friends. We even have a new member, Casey, Cody's Brother, and he seemed to fit right in with the rest of us as if we have known him for a long time. Welcome aboard, Casey!!

I must say, however, we sincerely missed our KCB friends; our African safari travelers, Mitchell & Leslie Plumlee; our Australian adventurer, Kristen Wilson; our more domestic explorer, Mitchell Reed; and our soon-to-be professional masseuse, Shirley Greer.

As a tribute to these fine folks, we all pitched in and ate their share of the food. It was indeed a major sacrifice, but we were all up to the challenge!

SCKCB has a busy fall ahead for our members. Our September meeting featured guest speaker Sharli Rogers, Executive Director for the Best Center for Independent Living. She outlined different programs they have available for people with various disabilities.

For White Cane Safety Awareness Day, October 15, SCKCB will have an exhibit in front of the Wal-Mart store on Campbell Lane. We will have a baked goods sale and hand out brochures, pens and magnets with our contact information on them.

The featured speaker at our October 18 meeting will be Jim Fortman who owns the Low Vision Store in Indiana; he will demonstrate a variety of products for blind and low-vision people. In November, Mark Bitterling, owner of The Place, Apple Macintosh specialists, will demonstrate the Apple Mac's built-in speech and magnification software programs.

The SCKCB annual Christmas/Holiday party will be on Saturday, December 16. More details later.

To find out more about the South Central Kentucky Council of the Blind, contact Ron Milliman at 270-782-9325, or by email at rmilliman@ziggycom.net.

Committee Changes

President Adam Ruschival has made the following committee appointments

Nominating: Deanna Scoggins, Chair; Bill Deatherage, Jim Tyrrell

Constitution and Bylaws/Resolutions: Tim Huff, Chair; Jim Shaw, Bill Wright

Convention: Carla Ruschival, Chair; Darrell Buford, Patti Cox, Angie McCarty, Lisa McKinley, Peggy Peak, Beth Wagoner

Awards: Michael McCarty, Chair; Cecil Cox, Gerry Rader, Bill Wright

Development: Darrell Buford, Chair; Debbie Kuczwara, Adam Ruschival, Deanna Scoggins, Jim Shaw, Bill Wright

Activity Calendar

Sound Prints, KCB's radio program, is broadcast live each Wednesday from 6:00 to 7:00 PM on WKJK 1080-AM in Louisville. The program is available on the KCB website at www.kentucky-acb.org; just follow the Sound Prints link to listen with either dial-up or high-speed Internet connections. The show is broadcast on ACB radio at 9:00 PM Eastern each Thursday and is repeated every odd hour through Friday at 7:00 PM.

The Kentucky School for the Blind School-based Decision-making Council meets the first Tuesday of each month at 4:00 PM in the conference room of the McDaniel Building on the KSB campus in Louisville. John Roberts, Instructional Leader, 502-897-1583.

The Northern Kentucky Council of the Blind meets the first Tuesday of each month at 6:00 PM in the Covington area. Bill Deatherage, 859-372-0101 or David Perry, 513-470-1122.

The Guide Dog Users of Kentucky Board meets the first Tuesday of each month via conference call. Eric Frey, 502-897-2629.

The Greater Louisville Council of the Blind Board of Directors meets the third Monday of each month at 9:00 p.m. via conference call. Patti Cox, 502-897-3864.

The Kentucky Council of the Blind holds its Board meeting the third Tuesday of each month at 9:15 PM via conference call. Meetings are open and guests are welcome. Adam Ruschival, 502-897-1472 or 502-303-7078.

The South Central Kentucky Council of the Blind meets the third Wednesday of each month at the Alive Center in Bowling Green. Ron Milliman, 270-782-9325.

The Bluegrass Council of the Blind's VIP support group meets the fourth Wednesday of each month from noon to 2:00 PM at the BGCB office in Lexington. Paula Wiese, BGCB Executive Director, at 859-259-1834.

Oct. 12 - 15: Annual Meeting, American Printing House for the Blind, Marriott Hotel, Louisville; Will Evans, 502-899-2265

Oct. 15: SCKCB White Cane Day bake sale and exhibit, Walmart, Bowling Green; Ron Milliman, 270-782-9325

Oct. 18: KSB Alumni Mentoring Activity with KSB students; Darrell Buford, 502-899-2238

Oct. 21, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.: Make tactile Halloween masks at the Callahan Museum at the American Printing House for the Blind; Mike Hudson, 502-895-2405

Oct. 21, 2:00 - 5:00 p.m.: Greater Louisville Council of the Blind Game Day, UCHM, Louisville; Patti Cox, 502-897-3864

Oct. 23: KCB Exhibit, Neighborhood Place, Louisville; Adam Ruschival, 502-897-1472

Oct. 24, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.: GLCB Music Fest, KSB, Louisville; Carla Ruschival, 502-897-1472

Oct. 27 - Nov. 9: Special art exhibit, KSB; John Roberts, 502-897-1583

Oct. 27, 7:00 p.m.: Eastern Kentucky Christian Council of the Blind meeting, Ponderosa, Hazard; Tim Huff, 606-666-5422 ext. 141

Nov. 4, 8:30 - 10:30 p.m.: GLCB Waverly Hills Sanatorium Tour, Louisville; Michael McCarty, 502-899-2396

Nov. 9: Office for the Blind Awards luncheon, Claudia Sanders, Shelbyville; Steve Johnson

Nov. 10-12: 33rd annual KCB convention, KSB, Louisville; Adam Ruschival, 502-897-1472

Nov. 16, 2:00 p.m.: McDowell Center Advisory Board meeting, Louisville; Adam Ruschival, 502-897-1472

Nov. 17, 9:30 a.m.: Office for the Blind State Rehabilitation Council meeting, McDowell Center, Louisville; Bill Deatherage, 859-372-0101

Nov. 20, 9:00 a.m. - noon: GLCB interactive field trip for homeschoolers (including tours of KSB and APH), Louisville; Carla Ruschival, 502-897-1472

Dec. 2, 6:00 - 8:30 p.m.: GLCB Christmas dinner, KSB, Louisville; Patti Cox, 502-897-3864

Dec. 16: SCKCB Christmas Party, Bowling Green; Ron Milliman, 270-782-9325

Contributions of Pre-used Items

Car dealers advertise "pre-owned" vehicles all over the radio dial. "Pre" means "before", as in preschool or prehistoric

Adam Ruschival collects "pre-used" cassette tapes, soft drink can tabs, eyeglasses and cell phones that can be recycled for various causes. Cassettes help KCB save money in publishing the newsletter; eyeglasses are distributed by the Lions Clubs to needy people in third-world countries; can tabs help the Ronald Mcdonald House.

Following is a list of contributors who have donated "pre-used" items for recycling.

CASSETTES: Alice Adams; Barbara Bishop; Ernie and Maggie Bourne; Imogene Bradley; Helen Broxon; Lewis Cain; Frank Campbell; Charles (Ned) Cox; Patricia Fager; George Huddleston; Carol Jones; Debbie Kuczwara; Thomas Lutes; Marie McCullough; Robert Morris; Florence Spalding; Ken Stewart; Shirley (Townsley) Stivers; Carol Taylor; United Blind of Walla Walla, WA; Leonard Watkins; Ronnie White; Brenda Williams; Jerry Williams; Bill Wright

CAN TABS: Ernie and Maggie Bourne; Imogene Bradley; Charles (Rusty) Brown; Bernie Holzclaus; Carol Jones; Debbie Kuczwara; Wanda Sikora; Shirley (Townsley) Stivers; Bill Wright

EYEGLASSES: Susan Willis

Kentucky Council of the Blind
148 Vernon Ave.
Louisville, KY 40206

Link to: American Council of the Blind

Link to: South Central Kentucky Council of the Blind