


         The NFBF OUTREACH 



         The Official News Magazine of the 
         National Federation of the Blind 
         of Florida


          ISSUE #1  --  SPRING, 1992



         President                        Editor 
                                
         Wayne Davis                       Dan Hicks
         1949 Marseille Drive              3700 Curry Ford Road 
         Apartment 2                       Apartment X-30 
         Miami Beach, FL  33141            Orlando, FL  32806
         (305) 861-8425                    (407) 894-8457              


         TABLE OF CONTENTS

         FROM THE PRESIDENT                     Wayne Davis  -- Page 2
         AROUND THE CORNER                      Dan Hicks    -- Page 4
         PROSECUTORS CHARGE PUB IN BLIND MAN'S COMPLAINT 
                   From the Tampa Tribune                    -- Page 5
         EXCITEMENT AT THE STATE CONVENTION     Dan Hicks    -- Page 7
         WHAT'S NEW IN LEGISLATION?             Wayne Davis  -- Page 10
         J O B NEWS                             Gloria Mills -- Page 11
         TECH TALK                              Dan Hicks    -- Page 13
         PAC PLANS                              Jeff Marmon  -- Page 14
         CONGRATULATIONS--IT'S A CHAPTER!       Dan Hicks    -- Page 15
         CHAPTER NEWS                                        -- Page 16 
         LEADERSHIP SEMINAR            Jeff & Erlinda Harmon -- Page 21
         PROMISE YOURSELF                   Theresa Schaffer -- Page 22
         WHAT'S COOKIN'?                                     -- Page 23
         SMILES                                              -- Page 25
         EDITORIAL MATTERS                         Dan Hicks -- Page 26

         FROM THE PRESIDENT 

                        by Wayne Davis 

              By now you have no doubt noticed that our NFBF newsletter has 
         a new name.  It will no longer be called The Blind Floridian.  The 
         new name is the NFBF OUTREACH.  Our editor is Mr. Dan Hicks.  Dan 
         is our State First Vice President.  He is also President of our 
         Greater Orlando Chapter. 
              Look for some new things in this issue and even more new 
         things in upcoming issues. 
              CHAPTER NEWS will keep everyone up to date on what is new 
         with your local chapter and others throughout the state.  Each 
         Chapter President should make sure that Dan hears from you on a 
         regular basis.  Tell us what your Chapter is doing for fund-
         raising, what you are doing to get new members, who in your 
         Chapter got married or had a baby.  In other woords, tell us what 
         is going on!  Chapter members, make sure your President keeps us 
         posted on what is going on, because of old Dan does not hear from 
         your President, he just might make up some chapter news for you!  
         I'm just kidding about Dan making up chapter news, but I am not 
         kidding about wanting chapter news to publish in this newsletter. 
              TECH TALK will be a column dealing with computers and other 
         things of that nature.  Drop us a line and tell us all about that 
         new screen reader you just found or that new scanner and processor 
         you've got.  Let us know the things you like and dislike about the 
         new computer gear out there.  We will also try to bring you 
         information on new items that are soon to come on the market.  
              SMILES will be a regular section featuring jokes and riddles 
         sent in by our readers.  You can also send in funny things that 
         have happened to you because of your blindness or other people's 
         reactions to it.  Please keep your jokes clean, though.  Old dan 
         said that he didn't want any dirty stories tracking up his nice 
         clean word processor! 
              DBS NEWS will keep you up to date on what is happening with 
         the Division of Blind Services.  
              WHAT'S COOKING will deal with food.  If you have found a 
         better way to make a better cake--or anything else good to eat--
         drop us a line and let us all learn how it is done.   
              FLEA MARKET is a place where you can list up to five items 
         you wish to buy, sell or trade.  Please, no companies; just 
         readers of the OUTREACH.               

           

         AROUND THE CORNER! 

                        by Dan Hicks 
              
              NFB of Florida always has something going on, something that 
         is just about to happen, and other things to look forward to. 
              It is time for our Spring Leadership Seminar, which will be 
         held at the Florida Lions Camp, 2819 Tiger Lake Road, Lake Wales, 
         FL  33853. The cost is $60.00 per person (children half price).  
         This fee includes two nights lodging in air-conditioned cabins, 
         dinner Friday night, Saturday breakfast, lunch and dinner, Snday 
         breakfast and lunch.   How could you ever hope to beat that price?  
         Bring your money with you to the camp if you haven't already sent 
         it in. 
              The camp features boating and fishing on Lake Tiger. camp 
         fires, swimming in the Olympic-size swimming pool, full gym, 
         nature trails, a petting zoo, and much more.  
              We will have meetings to teach us all how to improve our 
         Chapters and our State Affiliate and how to more effectively 
         change what it means to be blind.  It promises to be interesting 
         and thought-provoking. 
              But we plan on having fun, too. Come and party with your 
         friends and make new ones.  We'll sing songs around the camp fire 
         and play games and have a great time!  For more information, 
         contact Wayne Davis, NFBF President (see page 1).  
              Now is also time to be making plans to attend the NFB 
         National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, July 28 through 
         July 4.  Check recent issues of The Braille Monitor or contact 
         your Chapter President for more information.   Make your 
         reservations with the NFB in Baltimore, telephone (410) 659-9314.   
              And we are now planning the next NFBF State Convention, which 
         will be held in October of this year in Orlando.  This promises to 
         be a  great Convention.    
              I hope to see you all at all these exciting and enriching 
         activities! 
                       
         

         PROSECUTORS CHARGE PUB IN BLIND MAN'S COMPLAINT 

         The following is excerpted from an article by John Lester, Tampa 
         Tribune Staff Writer, which appeared in the Tampa Tribune, Tuesday 
         Mar 10, 1992   Marion Gwizdala is Secretary of the Tampa Bay 
         Chapter.  He, his wife Jan, and his guide dog Diamond are well 
         known at NFB functions 
         
              Brandon -- The Hillsborough State Attorney's Office filed 
         criminal charges Monday against the manager of Darby's Pub, 
         accusing him of keeping a blind man and his guide dog from 
         entering the tavern. 
              The decision frustrated Darby's owner, who has already 
         apologized for the misunderstanding. 
              But for Marion Gwizdala, filing charges is a "victory for the 
         blind people.  It puts a ligal force behind free and equal 
         access." 
              Gwizdala, a 36-year-old computer science student at the 
         University of South Florida, went with a friend and his guide dog 
         February 7 to Darby's in Brandon Mall.  The pub manager stopped 
         Gwizdala at the front door and said his guide dog, Diamond, would 
         have to stay outside.  Gwizdala said. 
              State law makes it a misdemeanor to deny entry to blind 
         people and their guide dogs into any place open to the general 
         public. 
              Gwizdala said he and Diamond were still refused entrance 
         after he explained the law and called a sheriff's deputy, who also 
         explained the law to the manager, Roy Wilson. 
              Wilson said last month he initially thought allowing the dog 
         inside would be against county health codes.  when told the dog 
         had a right to be inside, Wilson said it would be best for 
         Gwizdala to come back the next night because his attitude had 
         turned sour.  
              Gwizdala pushed for the state attorney's office to file 
         criminal charges and said dozens of telephone calls from blind 
         people throughout the state have spurred his efforts to "educate 
         the people about the law." 
              "So many people have told me about their experiences," he 
         said last week.  "I'm hoping business owners will see there are 
         legal penalties for discrimination against blind people without 
         cause." 
              He said he is not out for personal gain with his push for 
         prosecution.  He said he will not file a civil lawsuit against the 
         pub and he does not want to see the manager jailed or pay huge 
         fines. 
          


         
         EXCITEMENT AT THE STATE CONVENTION 
         
                        by Dan Hicks 
                                                    
              Our latest State Convention was held at the Holiday Inn Round 
         in Tallahassee, October 11, 12 and 13 of last year.  Our national 
         representative was NFB President Marc Maurer.  
              We began on Friday evening with a well-attended Hospitality, 
         which included a Talent Show, hosted by myself.  I will not try to 
         name all of the participants in the Talent Show; I am sure to 
         leave someone out and I wouldn't want to do that.  But President 
         Wayne Davis and even Marc Maurer participated.  The Hospitality 
         also included a lot of great food and drinks.  You just had to be 
         there! 
              The sessions Saturday included a full agenda, including a 
         discussion by Marc Maurer on chapter officers and their duties. 
         segment on the Flirida Deaf and Blind School, an address by DBS 
         Director Carl McCoy, an address by DBS Library Don Webber on the 
         Library and on the needs of Florida's blind children, an 
         employment panel discussion headed by JOB Chairperson Gloria 
         Mills, and other exiting events.  The lunchtime seminar on Social 
         Security hosted by Henry Alexander from Miami was so well attended 
         that it had to be split in two and done twice.  
              The banquet was better than usual--dare I say the food was 
         actually good?   It also featured an inspiring speech by President 
         Maurer.  After the banquet, Carl Miller, then of the Palm Beach 
         Chapter, served as auctioneer for our annual auction fund-raiser.  
         Several hundred dollars were raised.  
              Sunday we had elections.  Here is the State Board as it now 
         stands:  President, Wayne Davis; 1st Vice President, Dan Hicks; 
         2nd Vice President, Jeff Harmon; Secretary, Theresa Schaffer; 
         Treasurer, LeeRoy Schaffer; Board Members--Gloria Mills, Janet 
         Caron, Sandy Pranzarone, and Judy Black. 
              Following the elections the following Resolutions were 
         passed:     


                                RESOLUTION 91-01

         WHEREAS, one of the primary goals of the National Federation of the 
             Blind of Florida is to encourage and assist the blind citizens of 
             our state to become well-educated, highly skilled, and well-
             trained in whatever field of work they choose and to be 
             independent, well-adjusted, productive citiizens; and 
             
         WHEREAS, many of the blind and disabled citizens of the state fall 
             between the cracks and do not qualify for assistance or benefits 
             from any governmental or charitable agency; and 

         WHEREAS, the present cost of purchasing specialized devices is 
             extremely expensive and often places financial hardship on the 
             blind or disabled person needing such devices:  Now, therefore, 
              
         BE IT RESOLVED by the National Federation of the Blind of Florida, in 
             Convention assembled this 13th day of October, 1991, in the city 
             of Tallahassee, Florida, that, in the interest of all the blind 
             and disabled citizens of Florida, we hereby petition the 
             Legislature of Florida to extend Sales Tax exemption to all blind 
             and disabled citizens for purchasing articles that contribute 
             towards fulfilling therapeutic or educational needs, job training, 
             or personal independence living skills 


                                     RESOLUTION 91-03

         WHEREAS, the administrative fees (set asides) paid by the 
             participants in the Business Enterprise Program have risen every 
             year; and 
                 
         WHEREAS, the Florida Division of Blind Services has been adding 
             employees to its staff in recent years; and 

         WHEREAS, the set aside fees paid by Florida B.E.P. operators are amung 
             the highest in the country:  Now, therefore, 
              
         BE IT RESOLVED by the National Federation of the Blind of Florida, in 
             Convention assembled this 13th day of October, 1991, in the city 
             of Tallahassee, Florida, that we as an organization call upon the 
             Florida Division of Blind Services to place a ceiling on the set 
             aside administrative fees paid by Florida B.E.P. participants, so 
             that these costs are reduced or held at present levels; and 
              
         BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a committee representative of B.E.P. 
             participants be established and empowered to provide input to the 
             Division of Blind Services concerning the administration of the 
             B.E.P program, including the hiring of personnel to oversee the 
             program and the disbursement of funds collected as set asides; and
             
         BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all necessary steps be taken to make those 
             who administer the B.E.P. program accountable to the programs 
             operators.  



        
         WHAT'S NEW IN LEGISLATION? 

                           by Wayne Davis 

              There is a great deal of activity going on all over our state 
         in the field of blindness.  
              First of all, six of us who are members of the NFBF just 
         returned from the NFB Washington Seminar.  Melody Lindsay, our 
         Legislative Chairperson and I each led a team of NFBF members on 
         visits to all our Florida Congressmen and Senators.  
              The three basic issues we discussed with them were as 
         follows: 
              Blind people should have to right to choose and direct their 
         own rehabilitation.  The 1973 Rehabilitation act is up for 
         renewal.  Congressman Jefferson from Louisiana has introduced an 
         ammendment that would give us the right to choose the 
         rehabilitation the facilities that would best suit our needs, 
         regardless of the center's geographic location.  Several Florida 
         Congressmen pledged their support to this legislation, and both 
         Senator Bob Graham and Senator Connie Mack agreed to carefully 
         look it over.  
              The second issue we talked to the Congressmen and Senators 
         about was having people with a disability declared a minority.  
         This would make it possible for blind people to get loans from the 
         Small Business Administration.  
              The third and final thing we talked about was NAC--the 
         National Acreditation Council for Agencies Serving the Blind.  We 
         asked each of our elected representitives to write a letter asking 
         the Secretary of Education to no longer acknowledge NAC.   This 
         would mean that NAC would totally and finally be a thing of the 
         past.   
              I want to thank Melody Lindsey, Joe Naulty, Janet Caron, 
         David Evans, and Carmen Davis for all of their hard work while we 
         were in Washington this year.  
              It is most likely that by the time this magazine goes to 
         press that the bill that will cause braille to be offered to all 
         blind children in Florida will be passed and signed into law.  
         Thank you all for your phone calls and letters to our Florida Law 
         Makers, asking them to pass this most important bill.   


         
         J O B NEWS 

                        by Gloria Mills 

         Gloria Mills is President of the Tampa Bay Chapter and is a State 
         Board Member.  She is also the State JOB Chairperson. 
                       
              Hello all job seekers out there. 
              Even, with the passage of ADA, fully seventy-five per cent of 
         blinnd persons gf working age are either unemployed or under 
         employed.  How can we change this?  
              Of course, we need to educate prosptive employers that--with 
         adaptive equpment and the proper training--most jobs can be done 
         without regard to sight.   
              The most important cog is a system of fixed route 
         transportation (buses) and disadvantaged transportation (door to 
         door vans). In many places, agency clients and medical needs are 
         prioritzed by the authorities leaving little space for visually 
         impared job-seekers and commutters.  ADA  makes this practice 
         illegal, where funding has been allocated to implament the new 
         paratransit regulations.  Indeed all needs of people who don`t 
         drive because of physical disabilities should be met. The new 
         regulations also provide that up to fifty per cent of daily trips 
         can be subscription trips, that is a person can make a paratransit 
         reservation for a five day a week job or training. 
              The next step will be placement.  Many persons I have talked 
         to as a JOB Opportunities for the Blind co-ordinater for the 
         National Federation of the Blind of Florida, have been less than 
         satisfied with the vocatinal counseling provided by Florida 
         Division of  Blind Services. 
              JOB (Job Opportunities for the Blind) is a program 
         extablished by the National Federation of the Blind in association 
         with the U. S. Department of Labor, the purpose of which is to 
         match qualified blind people to prosective employers.  This 
         program is not meant to be a replacement for the help of DBS, but 
         to supplement it. 
              I reccommend that you call the JOB hotline: 1-800-638-7518. 
         With this help, you can arm yourself with specific knowledge of 
         your chosen vocation and be put in touch with other blind persons 
         who are already employed at a similar position.  Also, if you need 
         to talk about it, you can always call me at (813) 837-4831.    


         
         TECH TALK 
          
                        by Dan Hicks 

              The answer is NFB Net. 
              The question is...   What do you use to catch NFB 
         butterflies? 
              BZZZZZZZZ  Wrong! 
              The correct question is what is NFB's new electronic bulletin 
         board called?  
              Now I am just sure that some of you are scratching your heads 
         and thinking that you liked the first question better.  But stick 
         with me, but this is really interesting.  
              NFB Net is our BBS--that stands for Bulletin Board System.  
         To gain access to it or "log on", you need a computer with a 
         modem.  A modem is a device which gets its name from  
         "modulator/demodulator".  It is the device that lets your computer 
         "talk" and "listen" to other computers over the phone lines.  NFB 
         Net will allow those of you out there with personal computers and 
         modems to call up a specially designated computer in Baltimore and 
         communicate with it.  
              I can't tell you all of the great things you can do with NFB 
         Net and I am sure that more things are being added all the time.  
         One of the things I do know about is the fact you can download 
         your Braille Monitor and print it out in braille (if you have a 
         braille printer) or read it with a speech synthisizer or on the 
         screen before it comes in the mail.  You can search back issues of 
         the Monitor for specific subjects and download those articles to 
         your disk.  
              Using the BBS you can communicate with other blind computer 
         users about whatever interests you care to share.  
              NfB Net is up and operating twenty-four hours a day.  It is 
         free, except you will have to pay for a long distance phone call 
         (unless you happen to be in Baltimore.   The phone number is (410) 
         752-5011.  Set your modem to operate at its fastest setting (300, 
         1200, 2400, or 9600 bits per second, no parity, eight data bits, 
         one stop bits.  
              Please write to "Tech Talk", care of OUTREACH and let us all 
         know what you think of NFB Net.  And keep a watch out for those 
         butterflies! 

         

         PAC PLANS 
         
                        by Jeff Marmon 

         Jeff Harmon is Second Vice President of NFBF, President of the 
         Martin Chapter, and is State PAC Chairman. 

              As Chairman of the State PAC Plan Committee, I am taking this 
         opportunity to inform you about the PAC program.  PAC stands for 
         the Pre-Authorized Check plan.  It is the program that we have in 
         the National Federation that allows pre-authorized gifts to be 
         made from each individual on a monthly basis.  A person who wants 
         to be placed on the PAC Plan signs a card which authorizes the 
         National Federation of the Blind to receive a contribution from 
         that individual's checking account each month.  People sign up for 
         any amount from $2.50 to several hundred dollars a month.  Any 
         amount is appreciated! 
              It ought to be true that everyone makes some contribution to 
         the Federation each month.  It is our organization and it is worth 
         supporting. 
              In the list that ranks states according to participation in 
         the PAC Plan, Florida is 36, contribututing $105.00 per month.  I 
         believe we can make a better committment than this.  If you think 
         about it, the Monitor alone costs $25.00 to $30.00 a year per 
         individual.  This is one expenditure that the PAC Plan covers.  I 
         feel that joining the PAC Plan is the least we can do to finance 
         our movement.  
              For a PAC Plan form, contact your Chapter President or me: 
                        Jeff Harmon
                        NFBF PAC Charman
                        1220 SE Glenwood Dr. #6
                        Stuart, FL  34994
                        (407) 221-7269 
         Please send your completed PAC forms to:
                        National Federation of the Blind
                        1800 Johnson Street
                        Baltimore, MD  21230
         Write on your envelope "PAC PLAN FORM".
              Thank you for your contribution and your cooperation.     


         
         CONGRATULATIONS--IT'S A CHAPTER! 
         
                                by Dan Hicks 

              On March 14, 1992, a meeting was held at the Village Inn 
         Restaurant in St. Petersburg.  All but two members of the state 
         board were present as were NFB members from the Tampa area and 
         other parts of the state.  Most important of all were the 
         interested people from the St. Petersburg area who cared enough to 
         attend the birth of a new Chapter.  The members of that Chapter 
         chose its name:  Our newest Chapter shall be known as the Pinellas 
         Chapter. 
              Most everyone enjoyed pie and coffee or soft drinks as the 
         chapter's constitution was hammered out.  This is always an 
         exciting process.  Although the NFB Model Chapter Constitution is 
         used as a guideline, each chapter has its own needs and 
         refinements.  Elections were held and here is the new Board of 
         Directors for the Pinellas Chapter:  President, Doug Towne; Vice 
         President, Charlotte Bogadi; Secretary, Anne Aussiker; Treasurer, 
         Lisa Towne; Board Member, Dean Doulou.  Watching this new chapter 
         in action, it was clear that this is a spirited group of people 
         and that they will go far. 
              Congratulations Pinellas Chapter and congratulations NFB of 
         Florida!                                             
                                                

         
         CHAPTER NEWS 
         
         From Sandra Pranzarone, President of the GREATER PENSACOLA 
         CHAPTER... 
              Last year in April I was pleased to get most of my chapter 
         members out to see Yes in concert for two nights in a row.  We 
         were able to go backstage and to watch the group rehearse to an 
         almost empty house for their world tour which originated here in 
         Pensacola. 
               We have begun our "Braille Pensacola" Campaigne.  Brailling 
         menus for restaraunts.  This is a good way to promote access for 
         blind people, to get our name out, and to raise money.  
              We have been active in our commmunity transportation 
         paratransit organizations.  I am serving on the ADA Transportation 
         Advisory Committee for Escambia County 
              We are working with the State Talking Book Library on sending 
         out announcement to our neighboring counties. 
              We are beginning plans for our third annual Walk of 
         Independence,  which will probably take place on White Cane Safety 
         Day.  This is another fund raiser. 
              Brenda Pride, our chapter secretary, was having problems with 
         her   dog guide's not being accepted in her apartment complex.  We 
         were able to talk to the complex management and her neighbors and 
         to use this as an opportunity to do some educating.  It worked out 
         really well. 
              Our youngest (non-voting) member Miranda Bradley, daughter of 
         Juanita Bradley (chapter vice president) and Richard Bradley.  She 
         is ten months old, but expresses her opinions about everything 
         that comes up in our meetings! 

         From Charles Hackney, President of the FIRST COAST CHAPTER... 
              The Jacksonville Chapter of the National Federation of the 
         Blind of Florida was re-chartered as the First Coast Chapter at 
         the last State Convention in Tallahassee. 
              The First Coast Chapter will be at a local flea market the 
         first weekend in April.  Also we are looking into the Emergency 
         Locator System as a Fund-Raiser (chopping cars is just too risky). 

         From Dan Hicks, President of the GREATER ORLANDO CHAPTER...     
              Although our Chapter almost doubled in size in 1991, this 
         year has gotten off to a slow start for us, as most years seem to 
         do.  We are making efforts to send a survey out to all blind 
         persons in Orange and Seminole Counties to let them know we are 
         here and find out they might be interested in.  There are a lot fo 
         blind folks in this area and we need to make our chapter grow.   
              Four of our members attended the last State Convention in 
         Tallahassee.  We hope to send even more people to the Leadership 
         Camp and the National Convention.  
              Our Chapter has made trememdous progress in improving 
         transportation in the ares, especially in the field of para-
         transit services.  But more work needs to be done. 
              Marilyn Baldwin, our Chapter Vice-President, was nominated to 
         serve as the Handicapped Representative on the Florida State 
         Disadvantaged Transportation Commission, which is appointed by the 
         Governor.  While she was not selected, they thought enough of her 
         exceptional qualifications to send her to Tallahassee for 
         interviews.  Those same qualifications have landed Marilyn on the 
         advisory committee for OSCAR, Orlando's proposed light rail 
         transportation system.                                                                             

         From the Gloria Mills, President of the TAMPA BAY CHAPTER... 
              The tampa Bay Chapter is alive and well.  We had our 
         traditional Christmas party at CDB's, at which we had the pleasure 
         of congratu-lating the new couple, Jan and Marion Gwizdala.  Yes, 
         Marion Gwuzdala is married!  There were eighteen people at the 
         party, including Kathy Mills' new roomate Susan. 
              We started the New Year off with a bang by attending public 
         hearings regarding paratransit implementation for the 
         transportation disadvantaged (that's us).  NFB was well 
         represented at both of these  hearings.  
              A total of sixteen people attended our first Chapter meeting 
         in January.  Membership is going well.  our biggest problem is 
         getting the people there. 
              We have a great fund-raiser planned for May:  A local radio 
         station and GTE are putting together a Europa Cruise.  And  for 
         each person that signs, up get a piece of the action.  This money 
         will be used to help send some of our newer members to the 
         National Convention in North Carolina.  We hae a lot of new 
         converts who want to help change what it means to be blind! 
              On a more sobering note (the pun is intended) Marion Gwuzdala 
         and Diamond, his trusty Labrador Retreiver dog guide, were barred 
         from entering Darby's Pub in Brandon because the manager felt that 
         the health laws prohibited "pets" from such establishments.  The 
         case has been accepted for prosecution by the state attorney's 
         office.   Looks like we have some more educating to do. 
              We are on the verge of organizing a new Chapter in St. 
         Petersburg.  We've been sending out invites and calling folks.  
         We'll have a new Chapter by the time you read this. 

         From Jeff Harmon, President of the MARTIN CHAPTER... 
              In October 1991, seven of our members attended the NFBF State 
         Convention in Tallahassee.  For our chapter, this was a strong, 
         positive proof of how far we havve come.  My effort to gain public 
         support and respect paid off when I was elected Second Vice 
         President of the State Affiliate at this Convention.  
              In order to promode the NFB awareness in our community, we 
         distributed NFB literature to the public library and the community 
         at large.  In support of the NFB movement to take the television 
         show Good and Evil off the air, we wrote letters and made phone 
         calls to the program's producers.  We also joined our legislative 
         chairman in writing letters to our state representatives and 
         senators about legislative issues concerning the blind.  
              For fund raising in 1991 we sold candy bars.  It was a 
         success. 
              Our Christmas party proved to be fun for all.  All our active 
         members were present and there were two guests.  We exchanged 
         gifts and sang Christmas Carols.  In December my wife and I 
         attended a Leadership Seminar in Baltimore.  It was very 
         informative and beneficial.  

         From Wayne Davis, President of the GREATER MIAMI CHAPTER... 
              The Greater Miami Chapter held its elections in November.  I 
         was elected for my third two-year term of office, Otto Zamora was 
         elected as Vice Presdient, Leah Howard was alected Secretary, and 
         Charles King was elected for his second term as Chapter Secretary.  
         Bryan Sweeton was elected for his third term as a Board Member.  
         Edwardo Rey and Henry Alexander were both also elected to the 
         Board. 
              Our Christmas party was really nice.  Don't worry, I'm not 
         going to tell you what everybody got as gifts.   
              During the past year, many of our members have been involved 
         in a fight with Dade County over problems with transportation.  We 
         have given out several awards to people in south Florida who have 
         done things to help the blind people in our area.  More next 
         time.... 

         The PALM BEACH CHAPTER was well represented at this year's 
         Washington Seminar.  The membership of this chapter made it 
         possible for President Joe Naulty, Vice President (and State Board 
         Member) Janet Caron, and Treasurer David Evans joined State 
         President Wayne Davis and State Legislative Chairperson Melody 
         Lindsey in talking to our elected Senators and Congressmen in 
         Washing, to educate them as to what are needs are and what they 
         can do to make life better for the blind of Florida and the 
         Nation.   It is hard, but rewarding work. 
          
         The POLK CHAPTER has a nifty little Newsletter they call the 
         Chapter Chatter.  I have been impressed by the three issues I have 
         seen and look forward to more.  I suggest if your have plans for a 
         Chapter newsletter, you might want to contact the Polk Chapter at 
         622 West Williams St., Lakeland, FL 33805 and request a sample 
         copy or two to get some ideas.  
              I suppose I could make fun of its name (calling it the 
         "Pokey" Chapter or something like that), but I wouldn't dream of 
         it.  For this is an active chapter and a powerful one; it has 
         three members on the State Board!  I wouldn't want them angry at 
         me.  
                                                --Dan Hicks 


         
         LEADERSHIP SEMINAR
          
                        by Jeff & Erlinda Harmon

         Jeff and Erlinda were married just before last year's National 
         Convention, which they attended as their honeymoon, so we still 
         consider them newlyweds.  Jeff is President of the Martin Chapter.  
         Erlinda Works for Braille International, Inc. 

              How can anyone put into words one's experience from 
         participation in a National Federation of the Blind Leadership 
         Seminar, which is conducted ty the National Leadership themselves?  
         How can anyone believe the sacrifice and dedication that Kenneth 
         Jernigan and Marc Maurer display in order to make the National 
         Federation of the Blind the most powerful blind organization in 
         the world? 
              In December, 1991, as selected representatives of the NFB, we 
         toured the National Headquarters in Baltimore and viewed the 
         Technology Center. 
              We can't disclose all of the proceedings.  We can only say 
         that the seminar has given us the opportunity to learn what the 
         NFB is all about and what the leadership must do in order for our 
         organization to run smoothly and efficiently.  
              Marc Maurer and Kenneth Jernigan gave us this information 
         about NFB so that we can define and protect our movement.  We hope 
         that each of you will someday have the opportunity to visit our 
         National Center. 
              We would sincerely like to thank our leaders for giving us 
         the privilege of participating in the NFB Leadership Seminar.   


         
         PROMISE YOURSELF
         
                        by Theresa Schaffer 

         Theresa Schaffer is the hard-working Treasurer of the NFB  of Florida 
         and Vice-President of the Polk Chapter 

                        Promise Yourself 
         1)...to be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind; 
         2)...to talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you 
         meet; 
         3)...to make all your friends feel that there is something special 
         about them;
         4)...to look at the sunny side of everything and make your 
         optimism come true;
         5)...to think only of the best, and expect only the best;
         6)...to be just as enthusiastic about the success of others
         as you are about your own;
         7)...to forget mistakes of the past and press on to greater
         achievements of the future;
         8)...to wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give
         every living creature you meet a smile;
         9)...to give so much time to the improvement of yourself that
         you have no time to criticize others;
         10)...to be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong 
         for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.


         
         WHAT'S COOKIN'?

         This is your recepi column, your chance to share your favorite 
         gastronomic discoveries and culinary sensations with your fellow 
         OUTREACH Readers.  Come on now. send 'em in! 

         From Wayne Davis... 

         SMOKE ME OUT 
          
              As your State President, I thought I would kick this column 
         off by telling you how to fix about the only thing I know how to 
         cook.  For reasons I won't go into, this dish is called "Smoke Me 
         Out". 
              You will need two large cans of vegetarian beans, one-and-
         one-half pounds of ground beef, a block of sharp cheddar cheese, a 
         bottle of Worchester sauce, and a jar of dried onions. 
              Brown the beef in a frying pan after crumbling it up.  Throw 
         in a handful of the dried onions.  Add several tablespoons full of 
         the Worchester sauce. 
              Cut up half the cheese into little, bitty pieces and mix it 
         with the meat and other things in the fry pan.  Add one can of the 
         beans.  Mix it in good with a fork or something.  
              Add more onions and Worchester sauce--about the same amount 
         as before.  Add the other can of beans and mix well.  Cut up the 
         rest of the cheese and add it to the mixture.  Add more onions and 
         Worchester sauce.  
              Let simmer for five minutes, then serve.  It goes good with 
         garlic bread.  
              Note: Carmen, my wife, is a very good cook and even she likes 
         my Smoke Me Out, so give it a try! 

         From Theresa Sims... 

         Theresa Sims is a long-time friend of the Editor and a supporter 
         of the Greater Orlando Chapter. 

         VEGGIE DIP MIX

         1 Pint Plain Yogurt 
         1 pachage Italian Salad Dressing Mix

         Mix together and chill.  Serve with vegetables or chips.



         HOT SAUSAGE AND CHEESE PUFFS
                         
         Makes about two dozen

         1/4 Pound Italian Sausage (casings removed)
         1/4 Pound Cheddar Cheese, grated
         3/4 Cup Buttermilk Baking Mix
         3 to 4 Tablespoons Water

         Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  
              Saute sausage in medium skillet over medium-high heat, 
         breaking up with fork until browned and finely crumbled, about 7 
         to 10 minutes.  Drain off excess fat.  
              Transfer sausage to medium bowl and let cool slightly.  Add 
         remaining ingredients and mix well.  Form into 1-inch balls and 
         arrange on baking sheet.  Bake until cheese is melted and puffs 
         are lightly golden, about 10 to 12 minutes.  Serve immediately.  
             Puffs can be baked ahead of time and frozen. Thaw and then 
         reheat them in 375-degree oven until warmed through, about 5 to 7 
         minutes.  

            
           

         
         SMILES
        

         Q What is the longest word in the English Language? 
         A Smiles.  Because there is a "mile" between the first and last 
              letters.

              For years Dr. Smith had stopped into Phil's bar two or three 
         times a week.  He always ordered the same thing--one of Phil's 
         famous almond daqueries. 
              One day. seeing the doctor entering the bar, Phil discovered 
         he was was out of almonds.  He decided to substitute hickory nuts 
         instead.  
              The doctor took a sip of the drink and looking puzzled said, 
         "This cannot be my usual almond daqueri." 
              "Nope," replied Phil, "it's a hickory daqueri, doc." 

         Bill:  I crossed my Grandmother with an octopus. Jiil:  Wow!  What did 
         you get? Bill:  We don't know.  But you should see it play Bingo! 

              Once there was a couple living in rural Vermont. 
              One morning the wife said to the husband, "Y'know, today's 
         our twenty-fifth weddin' anniversary." 
              "That so?" he asked. 
              "Ayah, that's so.  What I want to know is what you intend on 
         doin' about it." 
              "I don't know, what do you have in mind?" 
              "Well," she replied "if I was you I think I'd start by going 
         out in the yard and catchin' the biggest chicken you can find and 
         ringin' it's neck."  
              "I could do that," he said.  "But I'm afraid I fail to see 
         why I'd want to punish a chicken for something that happened 
         twenty-five years ago." 

              The judge thought the defendant looked more than a little 
         familiar.  "Tell me," he asked, "have you ever been up before me?" 
              "That depends," the man replied. "What time do you get up?  

              So you think you can do better than these?  You're on.  Send 
         your jokes to the OUTREACH care of the editor. 

               

         EDITORIAL MATTERS 
                  
                            by Dan Hicks 

              We ecnourage you to submit material for the next OUTREACH.  
         Please submit material by August 10, 1992.  Send all material, 
         including requests for subscriptions, to the editor at the address 
         on page one.  
              Upcoming issues will have new columns.  ALTERNATIVE 
         TECHNIQUES will be your forum for sharing helpful hints and 
         different ways of doing all kinds of things.  OUT OF CONTEXT will 
         be a column devoted to your favorite short quotes dealing with 
         blindness or NFB or any other subject.  And don't forget to send 
         in your contributions to WHAT'S COOKIN', SMILES, and our other 
         interesting departments. 
              At the present time the OUTREACH is published in two formats: 
         large print and cassette tape.  If you are receiving it in the 
         format which is not best for you, drop a line to the editor.  
         Also, please give us the names and addresses of other persons who 
         wish to receive the Outreeach.   Send us name, address, zip code, 
         phone number, and format. It would also be helpful if you would 
         let us know if the person is a member and of which Chapter.  
              We can't imagine anybody's not wanting to receive the 
         OUTREACH but if you are one of these people, drop us a line and 
         let us know.  We'll stop sending it to you.  Also, let us know if 
         you are getting duplicate copies you don't need. 
              Send changes of address to the editor as soon as you can.   
              In the future we may be adding a braille or computer disk 
         edition, but only if the demand warrants it.  Tell us what you 
         think.   
              If you are not a member of the National Federation of the 
         Blind, consider joining.  We have a lot of sighted members too, 
         you know.  Contact your local Chapter President or State President 
         Wayne Davis, who's address and phone number are on page one.   

              Putting this first issue of NFBF OUTREACH together has been 
         both a challenge and a lot of fun.  I couldn't have done it 
         without a lot of help from quite a few people.  
              Thanks go out to Wayne Davis, NFBF President and to the 
         entire State Board for funding this operation and contributing 
         material.  
              Thanks to previous NFBF Newsletter editors and State 
         Presidents.  They helped to build the foundation that OUTREACH 
         stands on.  
              Thanks to all who contributed articles and Chapter News.  
              Thank you to Gloria Mills and and to Sherri, Katie,  and 
         Robin Hicks who helped with the tedious but necessary jobs such as 
         putting on labels and duplicating tapes.  Thanks to Gloria Mills 
         for profreading the print edition. 
              Thank you all for helping to make the National Federation of 
         the Blind what it is today and for making it even better in the 
         future! 

