FROM THE DESK OF THE STATE PRESIDENT

Greetings Federationists,

     In an attempt to better communicate and to keep you informed of events and
activities, I have decided to write the following announcements. This will also help
in clearing my desktop. I encourage you to send your own announcement directly
to me for inclusion. I would love to announce a wedding, engagement or
graduation. I also want to be sure to remember those members who are
unfortunately taken from us. It is my hope that this column will keep us connected.

-- The Harbor View Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of Maine meets
every third Thursday of the month at Deering High School on Stevens Avenue in
Portland. The time for this meeting is 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. For more information
please contact Seth Leblond, Chapter President at 772-7305.


-- In early September, Mr. Jack Vanier, a member of the former Central Maine
Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of Maine passed away. He will be
missed by all of us. We extend our deepest sympathy to Mary, his wife and want
her to know that we will always remember Jack.

-- Mr. Dan Reed, distributor of "Remembrance Kits", has contacted our state office
and has requested that this organization become one of the groups that are
contributed to when individuals purchase "Remembrance Kits." These kits will
remind you of special events or of routine matters that you always seem to forget.
The kits are purchased at $39.95 and individuals may have $10. donated to this
organization. Please tell your friends. They will make perfect Christmas gifts that
last a lifetime. Call Dan Reed at 443-8201 or 443-1445. He may also be contacted
by mail at 26 Valley Road, Bath, ME. 04530 A great fund raiser for us and a time
saver for those who purchase the kits.

-- It will soon be time for the "Braille Readers Are Leaders" Contest. You can
receive contest forms in the Braille Monitor or by contacting our national office.
Children are encouraged to READ. It's fun, and they can win MONEY! We want a
winner from Maine this year. If you wish any further information, please contact the
office.

-- A committee is being formed that will look into different modes of transportation
for blind and visually impaired individuals. The chairperson is Brian Higgins from
Brewer, Maine. The committee has some important work to do. We will look
forward to hearing developments as they occur. If you wish to be placed on this
committee, please let me know.

-- When the Leblond family returned from national convention in Chicago, we
became the proud owners of a nine-week-old puppy. His name is Rebel and he is
a great puppy! Rebel is now 5 months old and "house trained." The greatest
hurdle. He's brown with white on his chest and paws and a line of white down his
nose. He's cute, he's cuddly and we thought we'd tell you about him. We have
contemplated having Rebel be the official NFB of ME. mascot. What do you think?
Do you have a pet that would fill the bill? Let's hear from you.

-- Our state convention allowed many of us to view some really great technology.
The following are the two distributors who were with us. If you would like more
information about their products, you can contact them and they will be happy to
respond. We thank them for joining us and look forward to seeing them next year.

Mr. John Panarese
Technology for the Blind and Visually Impaired
9 Nolan Court
Hauppauge, NY. 11748
516-724-4479

Hot Keys
David and Ann Durber
63-25 B Bourton Street 1-B
Rego Park, NY 11374
718-335-1788

-- Those members who were present at state convention will remember the "That
The Blind May Read" video presentation. It is with pleasure that I announce that
this video will be aired on our own PBS TV channel in January 1996. The exact
airing dates are not yet known, but we will get the word out when this information
is disclosed. Please watch your local TV listings. If you didn't see the video, don't
miss it! The National Federation of the Blind of Maine is excited about this
community service project.

     Mr. Rob McIninch is willing to make the 1995 state convention tapes available
to those people interested in owning them. For the cost of the tapes (two dollars)
you can have the entire state convention on audio tape. For more information
contact RobMcIninch at 454-2399.


     The NFB of ME. INC. will be making the State Legislative Directories available
to local libraries, government entities, schools and individuals for a minimum
donation of $50.00. These directories list all of our state legislators. This would
make a great Christmas gift and will be available in braille or on tape. Libraries will
be able to make them available to blind and visually impaired individuals. We will
promote alternative format as well as get people to acquaint NFB of ME. with
positive change. You can assist by contacting your local library or school
department. Call 772-7305 and let us know how many you will need and we will be
sure to send them the appropriate information. Raising money and consciousness-
- doesn't get much better than that!

     This concludes my announcements for this issue. We are committing ourselves
to producing this newsletter quarterly. Be looking for the next issue and don't
forget to get your announcements in to me as soon as possible. If you would like
to assist in the production of the newsletter, let us know. We can use your help.
Signing off for now.

Connie C. Leblond, President

MAINE CENTER FOR THE BLIND GETS NEW DIRECTOR

"My, how quickly people come and go here!"  .....Lewis Carroll; Alice Through the
Looking Glass.

That quote has a special meaning at Maine Center for the Blind and Visually
Impaired.  Last October, we of the Federation in Maine experienced a moving event,
namely the moving of Robert Crouse, former MCBVI Director to another state.  I
don't know exactly why Mr. Crouse left at that particular time, but it certainly is quite
a coincidence that the Federation was calling for the Center's audits at the same
time, and that the Center's chief financial administrator also called it quits.

A few months later, we were invited to a reception for Mr. Patrick Eisenhardt, the
new director of MCBVI.  We had a very good discussion, and gave Mr. Eisenhardt
some Federation literature.  We spoke at length about the National Accreditation
Council for Agencies Serving the Blind and Visually Impaired (NAC) and the various
scurrilous agencies accredited by NAC.  This prompted Mr. Eisenhardt to call the
National Center in Baltimore to speak with Mr. Maurer about NAC and NFB.  Mr.
Eisenhardt seemed to be truly extending the hand of friendship to us.  We believed,
and still believe, that he was sincere when he spoke of changing the status quo, and
of making the Center one to be proud of.


What a surprise it was when, a few weeks later, we learned that Mr. Eisenhardt had
been placed on administrative leave.  Very shortly thereafter, Mr. Eisenhardt was no
longer the director of MCBVI.  Since noone at the facility could give us a straight
answer regarding the hasty departure, we can only assume that Mr. Eisenhardt got
a bit too friendly with the Federation, and that the staff contrived some way to oust
him.

After some time, the search committee hired Mr. Steve Obremski to be the new
new director at the Center.  This September, Mr. Obremski became the first Center
Director to attend a convention banquet of the National Federation of the Blind of
Maine.  Furthermore, Mr. Obremski met with Federation representatives on October
3rd, and we aired our concerns for MCBVI.

Our primary concern is and has always been NAC accreditation of the Center, and
while Mr. Obremski has said that he is "not married to NAC", he believes that "NAC
provides a framework of standards".  We questionned the "standards" of an agency
which could accredit residential schools where students have been tortured and
sexually abused, and we also reminded Mr. Obremski that NAC is no longer
recognized as a national accrediting body.  Mr. Obremski replied that he still felt
more comfortable having NAC set standards for MCBVI rather than having no
standards to guide him.  He told us that we should review the standards, and that he
would see to it that we get copies.  He was true to his word; three days later, we
received the NAC standards.  They look very good on paper, however, blind people
do not exist in some vague statistical world.  The blind clients at facilities such as
MCBVI have to deal with reality.  It matters not that your rehabilitation center gives
lip service to an out-of-touch, out-of-state group that cares for nothing except its own
survival.  What matters is that clients be taught proper mobility skills, braille, and that
it is respectable to be blind.  What matters is that workers in sheltered shops get
treated with respect and paid in a manner commensurate with the sighted.  Nothing
of this appears in the NAC standards.  They are, however, the standards by which
we of the Federation measure the success of programs at MCBVI, and in that
respect, Mr. Obremski has his work cut out for him.

During our interview, we brought up the fact that in the past, Maine Center for the
Blind had been generally unwilling to include Federationists when disseminating
information on upcoming events, legislative matters, technology displays, etc.  Mr.
Obremski unequivocally stated that information would be shared from this point on,
as long as NFB was willing to reciprocate.  The National Federation of the Blind
does nothing secretively.  We operate in the full light of day.  President Leblond and
Mr. Obremski both agreed that information on any and all matters relating to
blindness in Maine would be shared between MCBVI and NFB.  We thought a new
day of trust and cooperative action was dawning.  We were wrong.


One week after Mr. Obremski's pledge of knowledge-sharing, MCBVI hosted a
display of Arkenstone Products.  We found out about it a few days after the event,
from one of the attendees.  From this we can conclude one of two things:  1)  That
Mr. Obremski's promises are as meaningless as were those of the infamous Bob
Crouse, or;  2)  That Mr. Obremski is not made aware of all that occurrs under his
directorship.  In neither case does it bode well for those who must receive services
from MCBVI.

And so, we must not let ourselves lulled into complacency.  Vigilance is the price of
freedom, and the National Federation of the Blind of Maine is willing to pay that
price.

RECEPIES

This month, we feature two recepies that will help to enhance your Holidays:

French Meat Pie:

2 Tablespoons cooking oil
1 Large onion, sliced
1 pound ground beef
1 pound ground pork
1 cup mashed potatoes
2 teaspoons ground allspice
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Pastry for 9 inch two-crust pie
1 egg, beaten

In large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Sautee onion until tender.  Set aside.
Brown beef and pork together, drain.  Combine onion, meat, potatoes, and
seasonings.  Line pie plate with pastry.  Fill with meat mixture.  Top with crust.  Seal
and flute edges.  Make slits in top crust.  Brush with egg.  Bake at 375 degrees for
30-35 minutes or until golden brown.  Serves 6-8.

Peanut Butter Fudge

2 Cups sugar
2/3 Cup milk
1 Cup Marshmallow Fluff
1 Cup peanut butter
1 Teaspoon vanilla


Cook sugar and milk over medium-high heat 5-8 minutes.  Add remaining
ingredients, mix very well.  Pour into 9 by9 pan.  Cool completely (3-4 hours).  Cut.
Makes 2 pounds.  Option:  add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts.

NFB of MAINE RESOLUTIONS

Each year, the Federation adopts resolutions which serve as policy statements
and help us focus on achievable goals for the coming year.  This year's convention
attendees approved three resolutions we beleive will benefit all blind persons in
Maine.  They are as follows:

95-01

WHEREAS skillful cane travel  for blind and visually impaired people is an
essential component of  total independence, and

WHEREAS the National Federation of the Blind of Maine wants to encourage
good mobility and full participation in society for blind and visually impaired
individuals, and

WHEREAS it is understood by this organization that blind people benefit from
working with other blind people, sharing techniques and strategies,  and

WHEREAS there are no blind or visually impaired cane travel instructors in the
state of Maine, nor can they be hired, therefore be it

RESOLVED by the National Federation of the Blind of Maine, in convention
assembled this 23rd day of Sept. 1995 in the City of Portland that this organization
shall call upon our state leaders, the Governor, members of the state legislature
and the Director of Vocational Rehabilitation, to encourage the development of
legislation or policies which would enable blind and visually impaired persons to be
certified and therefore eligible for hire as cane travel instructors, and be it further

RESOLVED that members of this organization shall strongly discourage and
actively oppose any legislation or change in policy that would prevent the hiring of
blind or visually impaired persons as mobility instructors.


95-02

WHEREAS the White Cane law was enacted in 1967 to allow blind and visually
impaired persons to travel safely and freely within their communities, and

WHEREAS the governor of the state of Maine  has issued a proclamation in
recognition of White Cane awareness week, and

WHEREAS the White Cane law states that drivers should be aware of blind and
visually impaired persons traveling with their white canes, and

WHEREAS drivers preparation materials lack any information concerning the
White Cane law, and

WHEREAS the Maine State Drivers Examination currently contains no questions
pertaining to the White Cane Law, be it therefore

RESOLVED by the National Federation of the Blind of Maine in convention
assembled this 23rd day of Sept. 1995, in the City of Portland, that this
organization shall offer assistance to the  Secretary of State in drafting specific
language concerning the White Cane law to be included in the driver preparation
manuals as well as questions in the driver's written examination.

95-03

WHEREAS Maine State Statutes provide property tax relief to certain grous of
people, and

WHEREAS persons eligible for tax relief must provide their municipality with proof
of exempt status, usually in the form of a physician's statement, or military
discharge papers,and

WHEREAS 35 MRSA Section 654 Subsection 1-E currently requires the Director
of the Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired to certify individuals as legally
blind in order that they receive the exemption, and

WHEREAS Maine's Commissioner of Education has stated that "The Department
believes that this certification could be done effectively by local officials and will be
proposing a change in the statute", and


WHEREAS this organization agrees that the certification of an individual as legally
blind is best done at the local level, preferably by an opthalmologist of the
individual's choosing, be it therefore

RESOLVED by the National Federation of the Blind of Maine, in convention
assembled this 23rd day of Sept, 1995 in the City of Portland, that this
organization assist the Department of Education in its efforts to make effective
changes to 35 MRSA Section 654 Subsection 1-E to simplify the tax relief program
for blind and visually impaired persons, and be it further

RESOLVED that copies of this resolution be sent to the Governor, the
Commissioner of Education, and members of the State legislature.

STRANGLEHOLD ON COMPETITION:  RESTRICTING CHOICES AT MAINE
CENTER FOR THE BLIND

Editor's Note:  Since the inception of capitalism in America 200 years ago, it has
been known that competition causes products to be improved upon, helps keep
prices down, and enhances service after the sale.  The following story is but one
example of how service providers for the blind in Maine limit competition in one
major field--technology.  This high-handed attitude ensures that clients get inferior
products and service at confiscatory prices, and should be of concern to us all.

It is no secret that Mary Beth Walsh is the technical consultant at Maine Center for
the Blind and Visually Impaired (MCBVI). It may be of interest to some to know that
the Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired (DBVI) contracts with MCBVI to
provide computer consultation. The reason a client is never asked how, where or
by whom they would like to receive computer training is because it is a given that
MCBVI and Ms. Walsh will be on the scene.

Technology is constantly changing and making adaptations. There are numerous
distributors who represent unique and diverse companies. It is not unreasonable to
want to see technology in all its forms and price structures. Or is it? Such
procedures could be considered part of choice in rehabilitation. At the very least
you would be considered a consumer who wants to be empowered with
knowledge. Ms. Walsh seems to be limiting the distributors that blind and visually
impaired people can come into contact with. It seems that Ms. Walsh is very
familiar (or friendly) with certain companies and will not allow others to have the
opportunity to show their products.

Mr. John Panarese from Technology for the Blind reports that he contacted Ms.
Mary Beth Walsh in regards to products he sells. He was told that there was no
need for him to send any information because they used Arkenstone products,
whose agent is Gail Yarnel and really were not interested in seeing anything else.

Mr. Panarese then tried to contact the Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired
in hopes of getting in to speak to the director. He was told by Mr. Paul Cote, a
supervisor for DBVI that he could send information directly to him and he would be
happy to share details with Jean Small from Catholic Charities of Maine. Catholic
Charities is the agency that provides DBVI with itinerant teachers who in turn
provide them to local schools. What Mr. Cote did not know was that Mr. Panarese
had already spoken with Jean Small and was told to contact Mary Beth Walsh.
This is the state of chaos so often encountered when dealing with DBVI officials.
They keep you running.

If you distribute enlargement programs, don't bother sending demos to MCBVI
because LPDOS is the program of preference. The reason for this is a close
friendship with the developer of the program. Although there are many
enlargement programs such as ZOOMTEXT, ZTWIN, ARCTIC VISION, and others
that are superior to the outdated, hard-to handle LPDOS, you'll never hear of them
from Mary Beth.  In her arrogance, she has decided for you that you don't want
anything she isn't willing to show you.

Mr. Panarese is not the only distributor to be turned away. When it comes to
technical training and support, MCBVI has a contract with DBVI which will not
allow for competitive prices or any competition in the quality of service.
PERSPECTIVES, a small business which offers computer consultation and
training had requested a service proposal from the division. Division director, Mr.
Harold Lewis informed them that the contract would need to be rewritten by June
of 1995. He voiced concern that his agency had never before reviewed bids from
other companies. The request from PERSPECTIVES came in March of 1995. The
service proposal was received by Ms. Connie Leblond, CEO of the company 10
days before the bids needed to be into the directors' office. In reviewing the
proposal there were many vague areas. The information neglected to make clear
how many people (on average) were served, from which areas and there was no
indication of how many blind and visually impaired people were students or how
many were adults. It was almost impossible to make a bid based on the
information given. PERSPECTIVES did not--could not send in a bid. This so called
contract between DBVI and MCBVI is a great set up for both entities. So many
blind people are unemployed in Maine, they cannot make enough money to
purchase adaptive equipment. MCBVI is in a position to recommend equipment,
provide training and bill the division for all of it. Any company would love such a
relationship, but alas, most of us have to provide good products, and good
training, not training that will allow for repeat business.

Perspectives utilizes the International Braille and Technology Center as an avenue
for information. I think we would all agree that networking is essential to success in
this line. Ms. Walsh from MCBVI will not avail herself of the International Braille
and Technology Center. HOW elitist! How assured is MCBVI that they will maintain
their strong-hold on providing this kind of service? Blind people must continue to
demand good services. Do not be limited by what you see in this state. There is so
much more. There are numerous options in the world of technology.

Everyone knows that Ms. Walsh is friendly. Perhaps not to distributors or to
prospective competitors, but to blind and visually impaired people she is quite the
buddy. So decide if you want a friend, or someone who will assist you in learning
to use technology in the most effective manner.

OFFICERS & EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERS

The following officers and board members were elected at the NFB of Maine
Convention and are willing to assist you however possible:

President: 		Connie C. Leblond  Portland, (207) 772-7305
Vice President: 	Dave McCabe, Danforth, (207) 448-2499
Treasurer: 		Robert Leblond, Portland, (207) 772-7305
Secretary: 		Seth Leblond, Portland, (207) 772-7305
Board:			Rob McIninch, Calais, (207) 454-2399
               		Bruce Westfall, Portland, (207) 775-2693
               		Mike Jacubouis, New Gloucester, (207) 926-4697

Our national office may be contacted by phoning
(410) 659-9314 or by writing:
National Federation of the Blind
1800 Johnson Street
Baltimore, MD. 21230

If you or someone you know would like to donate to the NFB of Maine, please
contact the office at 15 May Street, Portland, ME 04102, or call (207)772-7305.