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The New Jersey Council of the Blind
CHRONICLE
 
January, 2018

The New Jersey Council of the Blind’s mission is to strive for the betterment of the blind and visually impaired community. The purpose of this publication is to provide a forum for the free exchange of ideas, opinions and information that concern blind and visually impaired people.

The NJCB Chronicle is also available on Newsline. If you do not have a Newsline subscription, contact Reader Services at the New Jersey Talking Book and Braille Center at (800) 792-8322 to get signed up for a Newsline subscription. Four quarterly newsletters are sent to members free of charge by E-mail. You may obtain the current and back issues of the Chronicle and other information from our web site www.njcounciloftheblind.org. Feel free to write us at njcounciloftheblind@gmail.com.

The New Jersey Council of the Blind (NJCB) is a 501 (c) 3 corporation. Much appreciated tax-deductible donations may be sent to the Treasurer of NJCB.

The NJCB officers are: President, Lauren Casey (609) 912-0657; 1st Vice President Frank Schack (973) 595-0116; 2nd Vice President, Joyce Sowa (732) 596-9675; Secretary Joyce Schack (973) 595-0116; Treasurer, Bernie Zuckerman of 32 Judson Street, Unit 7B, Edison, NJ 08837, and (732) 221-5362

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President’s Message by Lauren Casey

Hello All,

At the time of this writing. Lauren Casey is recovering from an illness. We all wish her well and a speedy recovery. It is hard to believe that another year is coming to a close and 2018 is beginning. We had a nice year with great meetings and wonderful speakers such as Carly Fredericks and Alice Crespo. We would love to hear from you for suggestions on how to make NJCB work for you. As an advocacy group, we are here to share ideas and support our community. Please mark your calendars and come to our quarterly meetings in 2018. Our January meeting will be by Conference call as the weather can be inclement this time of year. More details to follow. We also had 2 wonderful scholarship winners in 2017. Bryan sent us an update. We plan to offer one scholarship in 2018. See our website for more details.

See you on the phone in January. All the best for a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!

Joyce Sowa

January Quarterly Meeting Notice

Our next Quarterly NJCB meeting will be held by conference call on Saturday, January 27, 2018 from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm. Please note this is a different time than our normal in person meetings. The call-in number is 605-468-8005 Access code 425373#. We hope all of you will join us!

2017 Scholarship Recipient Responds
By Bryan Woolbert

Greetings from the School of Music at Cairn University, where every class, lesson, ensemble, and performance glorifies God while preparing students for the highest levels of competition in the world of music! As a Worship & Music Major, I spend my days and nights working rigorously to advance my skills in every aspect of my musicianship. This program has challenged me in several ways, particularly with the expectations to read, write, and sight-sing music. I have learned to manage my time, collaborate with others, and respond to situations at a moment’s notice. Though it might sound crazy, I am grateful for these complications, as they will ready me for my career ahead.

I have a confession to make in the form of a question: what is a sleeping schedule? On many occasions, quiet music accompanies me as I mark my answers in online Bible quizzes at 3 in the morning, or cram in a Music Theory textbook chapter fifteen minutes before 8 A.M. class. Two classes and a chapel service later, I frequently resolve to power nap in my room for an hour or two before scrambling to make a voice lesson on time. Between the working hours, I connect with friends as I practice piano in the Music Building or make popcorn in the residential lounge. Miraculously, I manage to dedicate some time to composing my own music.

Although Cairn University has set the bar high for me in several areas, the most difficult obstacle to overcome has been the reading and writing of music scores. Two weeks prior to the beginning of the semester, I had no idea how I would accomplish these required tasks. Thanks to your generous scholarship, I had just the funds necessary to purchase a Sibelius software bundle, including Sibelius 8, AudioScore, and Photoscore+Notame Ultimate. This package allows me to import scores sent to me by professors and export scores that I create, all in a readable manner. With incredible accessibility features in my MacBook, combined with the clarity and precision of Sibelius, I am able to complete homework assignments, complex compositions, and everything in between. Additionally, Sibelius will last me for a lifetime, and it works hand-in-hand with Pro Tools recording software. With my future career in Music Technology and Music Composition, Sibelius will play a huge role in making me competitive in my chosen field. I cannot thank you enough for this extraordinary gift that levels the playing field for me in a vast world of sighted competition.

2018 Scholarship Opportunities

NJCB is pleased to announce the 2018 Scholarship program for any legally blind person who will be a full-time college student, undergraduate or graduate, in the 2018 – 2019 academic year and be a New Jersey resident is eligible to apply. The deadline to apply is May 1st and the winner will be awarded at our July Quarterly meeting. Full details, application forms and how to apply can be found on our website at www.njcounciloftheblind.org. You may also email questions to NJCounciloftheblind@gmail.com.

News from Mercer County Association of the Blind (MCAB)

Peace and wellbeing to everyone from members of MCAB, we hope everyone has had an enjoyable Holiday Season. One of MCAB’s long time members Tuan Linsinbigler has been collecting visual accessible apparatuses and monies for the Vietnamese Blind and Visually Impaired in that Country that receive no help from the government, they our forced to beg for monies to purchase accessibility items for their needs. Tuan is requesting that any NJCB Member who would like to help in this worthy endeavor by donating monies or items such as folding White Canes or Braille Watches can call or email him: phone 609-912-0634; email tuanlinsinbigler@comcast.net.

Many MCAB members and guests enjoyed MCAB’s Fellowship Picnic held on September 9, at the Trenton Elks 105 Lodge. Those present were treated to delicious food, 70’s and 80’s oldies music selections supplied by DJ Rudy Turner, brother of our new VP Joan Franklin. A brief presentation by Wahid Sabree from the Islamic Center of Ewing on the history of the center. Also MCAB’s Members Birthdays for the months of May thru August were acknowledge by Committee Chair Barbara Knoblock and all present enjoyed delicious cakes that she baked.

At November’s third Thursday of the month meeting new MCAB elected officers were selected for two-year terms they are: President Mustafaa Shabazz, Vice President Joan franklin, Treasure Catherine Godfrey, Recording Secretary Susan Yochim and Corresponding Secretary Sally Germano. In addition newly elected president Mustafaa Shabazz asked members Barbara Knoblock, Tuan Linsinbigler and Gary Rhodes if they would accept to be Board of Director Members completing the Board of Directors. They all accepted and that will be announced at January 2018 MCAB Meeting. Guest Attendant at this meeting was Susan Vanino of the NJCBVI.

Also at this meeting Chair Barbara Knoblock announced members Birthdays for the months of September thru December 2017 and everyone enjoyed Pizza and soda on Friday, December 8, 34 of our members were able to attend the MCAB Christmas Party at Mama Flora’s Italian Restaurant in Ewing and enjoyed delicious dinners and desserts with everyone receiving a snug blanket gift.

Best regards and Happy New Years.

Submitted by Mustafaa Shabazz, MCAB President

News from Blind Citizen’s Association

Greetings from NJBCA! We would like to thank everyone who attended the picnic in July and hope everyone enjoyed themselves. It is always worth trying something new, and most seemed to enjoy the fried chicken. Yum!

Our focus in 2018 will be on exposure. NJBCA is 108 in 2018 and sadly we still find that most do not know of our existence. And if they are aware, they do not realize that we are here to help the entire family! Therefore, we really want to advertise our support program- V.I.S.E. Following is our little advertisement for the group.

V.I.S.E - Vision Impairment Support and Empowerment.

Did you know that more than a quarter million people in NJ are blind or have a serious visual impairment? Vision loss can have a devastating impact on an individual and on their families and friends. Ordinary tasks can quickly become full of fear and worry. Difficulty cooking, writing a check, reviewing the mail- even losing the ability to drive safely- all can erode self-confidence. Constantly having to rely on family and friends- who often don’t understand vision loss and how to help or not help- can take a dramatic toll on a person’s morale. This is why the sharing activities of a support group are often beneficial to people with low or deteriorating vision- and is beneficial for families and friends as well. If you or someone you know could benefit from attending such a group, please give us a call! We invite you to become part of a community and family that understands! Please call our office to discuss the possibilities and resources available! 732-291-0878.

We look forward to a great 2018! Happy New Year!

2018 Membership Dues Payment Request

For members at large if you have not already paid dues for 2018, please do so immediately. To be an active, voting member and continue receiving the benefits of our members which includes our Chronicle and ACB newsletters, please send us your $10.00 dues payment. NJCB is required to submit our membership lists and dues to the ACB national headquarters to remain a valid certified affiliate. Please send your membership dues payment to our Treasurer, Bernie Zuckerman 32 Judson Street, Unit 7B, Edison, NJ 08837.

Save The Date

Saturday April 28th 12 Noon to 4PM Location TBD

Saturday July 28th 12 Noon to 4PM at Camp Happiness in Leonardo

Saturday October 27st 12 Noon to 4PM Location TBD

NOTE: Disclaimer. The views and opinions expressed in this newsletter are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of the New Jersey Council of the Blind officers and/or members. The editor reserves the right to edit articles submitted for both space and content.

New Jersey Council of the Blind
An affiliate of
American Council of the Blind
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Annual Dues: $10.00 due in January

Make check payable to NJCB and send to:
Treasurer- Bernie Zuckerman
32 Judson St. Unit 7-B
Edison, NJ 08837
(732) 221-5362