THE TEXAS STAR

Vol. 25, No. 1 January, 2017 Neva Fairchild, Editor

Expressions from the President’s Desk Kenneth Semien, Sr. Tales from the Treasurer Sheila Derrick 15 Ways to Maximize Your ACBT Membership Kenneth Semien, Sr. Transfer of VR Services to the Texas Workforce Commission Expands Opportunities By Cheryl Fuller Braille Revival League of Texas Neva Fairchild Guide Dog Users of Texas LouAnn Williams Library Users of Texas Peggy Garrett ACBT Makes its Mark in Dallas Kenneth Semien, Sr. Cast Your Bid to be a Winner in Dallas! Kenneth Semien, Sr. ACBT and Social Media Will Burley Advocacy Services/ Legislation Committee Paul Hunt Constitution & Bylaws Committee Chris Prentice Member Morale Committee Cindy Finley First Timer Award Cindy Finley 2017 Who's Who Among Blind Texans Award Cindy Finley Nominating Committee Michael Garrett Scholarship Committee Dianna E. Carter Web Committee Paul Hunt Alamo Council of the Blind Shelley McMullen East Texas Area Council of the Blind Michelle Boyd El Paso Council of the Blind Dianna E. Carter Greater Fort Worth Area Council Sheila Derrick Houston Council Happenings Peggy R. Garrett

[Note: Articles printed in The Texas Star are submitted by the subscribers and are not necessarily reflective of the membership as a whole. The articles express only the opinion of the author.]

Page 1 Expressions from the President’s Desk By Kenneth Semien Sr.

Greetings Everyone:

I extend wishes for a phenomenal 2017. As opportunities are presented, may you be prepared to take advantage of those you hoped for and embrace those that may appear to be challenging. Seizing the moment will launch you into a realm of positive change, personal growth and enlightenment. Believe you can achieve and you will. The Texas Legislature convened on Tuesday January 10th and this legislative session will require participation by writing letters, making phone calls, and some may even give public testimony during a public hearing. Your participation can make a huge difference. (Refer to the Advocacy article below). Similarly, ACB Mid- Year Meetings will be held from February 25-28 in Arlington, Virginia, with the exception of visits to our nations capital on the 28th. Several Texas members will join others from various states around the country to meet with members of congress in an effort to introduce legislative imperatives that will be of benefit to all Americans who are blind or visually impaired.

The city of Dallas will be greeted by the Board of Directors as we conduct the Spring Board Meeting on Saturday April 29, 2017 at the Doubletree by Hilton Dallas near the Galleria from 8:30AM to 2:00PM. We will then gather at the same hotel for our 39th annual Conference/Convention from September 14-17. You can begin making plans for an array of workshops, seminars and other exciting activities. (Refer to the Conference/Convention article placed below.

The ACB national Conference & Convention will be held from June 30th to July 7th at the Nugget Casino Hotel in Sparks, Nevada near Reno. You can begin making reservations by dialing (800) 648-1177. The nightly rate will be $89 plus tax. When speaking with a reservationist, be sure to give the group code, GACB17. Be sure to visit www.acb.org for current information, and refer to the ACB Braille Forum and e-Forum. If you haven’t subscribed to the new ACBT Group Email List, you can subscribe by sending a blank message to [email protected]. This is your source for updated information between distribution dates of the Texas Star publication. Keep in Page 2 touch by sending email to [email protected] or feel free to call me by dialing (409) 866-5838. Make it a great year!

First Vice President & Membership Chair Report

By Peggy Garrett

I recently read the following article and thought it was worth sharing with my fellow ACBT members. As I talk to members across the state, I hear that many of our Chapters are having issues recruiting and retaining members. This article may help shed some light on what we all can do to make a difference for our organization.

CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD TEAM MEMBER

By Dan Collins

 Works for consensus on decisions  Shares openly and authentically with others regarding personal feelings, opinions, thoughts, and perceptions about problems and conditions  Involves others in the decision-making process  Trusts, supports, and has genuine concern for other team members  “Owns” problems rather than blaming them on others  When listening, attempts to hear and interpret communication from other’s points of view  Influences others by involving them in the issue(s)  Encourages the development of other team members  Respects and is tolerant of individual differences  Acknowledges and works through conflict openly  Considers and uses new ideas and suggestions from others  Encourages feedback on own behavior  Understands and is committed to team objectives  Does not engage in win/lose activities with other team members  Has skills in understanding what’s going on in the group Page 3 Tales from the Treasurer By Sheila Derrick

******IMPORTANT PLEASE READ CAREFULLY*******

This year ACBT is requesting your help in obtaining additional demographic information on our members that will be useful and necessary for grant and other funding applications. The additional statistics are:

AGE RANGE: 13 to 20, 21 to 40, 41 to 59, and 60+ GENDER: male, female or other ETHNICITY: Caucasian (white), African-American, Hispanic/Latino, Asian- American or other.

It is now time to prepare your membership lists for delivery to me by Feb. 15, 2017 along with the dues for your members. Please help by sending ONLY information for members who have actually paid their dues for 2017. Again, we are encouraging all members who have email access to please request their publications by email. For each member, I need: full name, address, home and cell phone numbers email address, vision status (totally blind, legally blind, visually impaired or fully sighted), Texas Star format (email, large print, or CD ONLY) and Braille Forum format (email, Braille, large print, 4 track cassette or non-audio computer data CD). Membership lists can be sent by paper or electronically in word document, or excel spread sheet. Dues are as follows: chapter members $7.00, Special Interest Affiliate members $2.00, at-large members $10.00, Junior members $3.00, ACB Life member $2.00, ACBT Life member $5.00, and life member of both $0.00. Please remember to include life members on your list even though you may not collect any dues for them. Please mail dues and/or membership lists to: Sheila Derrick 309 Paloverde Lane Ft. Worth, TX 76112-1122. My email is [email protected] and my phone is 817 507-3964. Please contact me, if you have any questions.

On December 13, 2016, the ACBT Board of Directors voted to adopt the proposed budget for 2017. We are still working with a fiscally conservative

Page 4 budget and again, I will encourage all members to support the ACBT statewide fundraising activities to the best of your abilities

15 Ways to Maximize Your ACBT Membership By Kenneth Semien, Sr.

Preface: All too often, people join organizations without taking advantage of the opportunity to truly know intricate details of its purpose, mission, and operating practices. This can very well result in a lack of participation and could ultimately result in a decision to forfeit what could have been the ideal vehicle to enhance one’s life, build great relationships and effectively share personal skills and abilities that can make an enormous difference. In an effort to encourage you to explore the meaningful efforts of ACBT, I have included the tips listed below to assist you in being all you can be as you join with others that can complement what you have to offer as we move forward in maximizing the power of teamwork.

1. Be inquisitive and don't hesitate to ask questions. 2. Become familiar with the ACBT history, mission, vision and purpose by reviewing it often enough to be able to repeat it to others. In turn someone may realize that this is the organization they have been looking for. 3. Make a personal commitment to identify ways to get involved in service and team efforts. 4. Find out who the officers are and become acquainted with them and their roles and responsibilities, as well as members you observe actively participating in events and projects initiated within our organization. 5. Make your skills and abilities known to leaders of your chapter, special interest affiliate and the ACBT president. 6. Make every effort to participate in chapter, committee, affiliate and national meetings, seminars, conferences and conventions. 7. Inquire about available committees you may be able to serve on to assist the organization in achieving its goals and objectives. Seek to join committees that allow you to utilize your skills and abilities in the most effective and efficient manner. Page 5 8. If you have access to the Internet, sign up for up to date news and announcements from all levels of our organization. Ask a president or member to share how you can take advantage of this option. Remember to subscribe to the ACBT Group Email List to receive and share announcements, resources and supportive information by sending a blank message to [email protected]. 9. Listen to or read newsletter publications distributed by our organization on all levels. This is one of the best ways to learn about useful resources, access inspirational stories, scholarships, awards, and upcoming projects and events. 10. Identify Special Interest Groups (otherwise known as Special Interest Affiliates) that meet your personal needs. These groups provide you with a great networking opportunity with others sharing common interests, such as your prior or current occupation, hobbies, health concerns and so much more. 11. Obtain your own copy of the Constitution & Bylaws to learn of the agreed upon operating practices and procedures of our organization. The Constitution & Bylaws Committee accepts proposed amendments on an annual basis. 12. Get involved in the legislative process, which is the key vehicle to promote positive change for all Texans who are blind or visually impaired. Becoming familiar with your state representative and local government officials opens the door to greater possibilities. Writing a letter, making a phone call or participating in a public hearing could make a huge difference. Feel free to ask for support from the Advocacy Committee. 13. Connect with us through our social media networks; such as Facebook and Twitter. This is a great way to introduce others to the work and accomplishments of ACBT. Ask the Public Relations Committee for assistance. 14. Explore the websites of your chapter, state affiliate and our national organization. You may locate information on the website that you didn't think of inquiring about. ACB: www.acb.org ACBT: www.acbtexas.org 15. Pay your annual dues faithfully and encourage others to do the same.

Page 6 In conclusion, the more you know and the more you become involved, the more you will begin to know that you have joined a phenomenal organization that is continuing to grow. Have a Happy ACBT Adventure!

Transfer of VR Services to the Texas Workforce Commission Expands Opportunities By Cheryl Fuller

On September 1, 2016, vocational rehabilitation (VR) services and staff were transferred to the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) from the former Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS). These services, which help Texans with visual and other disabilities prepare for, obtain, retain and advance in competitive employment, were transferred as the result of legislation passed during the 84th Texas Legislative Session.

Staff from TWC and DARS worked together to ensure a smooth transfer of services for VR customers. The addition of VR services to the Texas Workforce Solutions network—made up of TWC, 28 workforce development boards and service-providing partners—will benefit Texans with disabilities. Benefits include access to more employment-related training, education and support services, and expanded employment opportunities and initiatives. TWC’s Texas HireAbility campaign is one of these new initiatives. Launched in October in partnership with the Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities and the Texas Workforce Solutions network, the campaign’s goal is to raise awareness about the benefits of hiring people with disabilities and highlight their contributions in the workplace through educational materials.

TWC’s VR and Independent Living Services for Older Individuals who are Blind programs continue to coordinate with the former DARS programs that transitioned to the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). These programs include the Blind Children’s Vocational Discovery and Development Program and the Independent Living (IL) Services program. IL is now operated by Centers for Independent Living (CILs) across Texas.

Page 7 TWC is committed to collaborating with HHSC and the CILs to ensure timely referrals and effective coordination of services for Texans with disabilities. Stay up-to-date about the VR transition by visiting the DARS Program Transition webpage. For questions about VR services, visit the Vocational Rehabilitation Services webpage or contact a customer service representative at 800-628-5115 or [email protected].

Braille Revival League of Texas By Neva Fairchild

I am excited to share with all of you that Larry Johnson recently wrote a piece to submit as an entry to the Onkyo International Braille Essay contest sponsored by the Onkyo Corporation and the Braille Mainichi. I am thrilled to announce that it won the Otsuki 2016 Grand Prize award for the North American-Caribbean Region. It will be included in a collection of essays to be published next year. In the meantime, it appeared in the December 31 edition of the San Antonio Express-News and will be in the January issue of the Braille Forum. Here it is for your enjoyment.

Braille Funnies By Larry P. Johnson

January 4 is Luis Braille’s 208th birthday. I’ve been a Braille user for over 75 years. Using Braille has brought me more than a few chuckles. Checking in at the Hilton Hotel in Kansas City a few years ago, I kidded the bell person because they had placed the Braille numeral outside my room upside down. Later that evening, I returned to the hotel, took the elevator up to my floor and promptly forgot my room number. Embarrassed, I began walking along the corridor reading the room numbers and trying to remember mine, when suddenly my fingers came across a Braille numeral that was upside down. Voila! Their mistake was my salvation.

I did my undergraduate study at Northwestern University in Evanston, just outside Chicago. The winters there are bitterly cold. I commuted each day to class, which meant a 30 min. bus ride, a block and a half walk to catch the El train, and then a 6 block walk to the campus. Not a difficult journey when Page 8 the weather was mild, but during mid-January it could be frigidly numbing, with the wind blowing off the lake at 20 miles an hour and the temperature hovering around zero. Arriving to my 8 AM radio announcing class, I asked the professor if he would schedule me last to read the commercials we were assigned to read over the microphone, because my fingers were so frozen that I couldn't feel the Braille dots on my script. His roguish reply drew raucous laughter from my classmates, "I thought I'd heard all the excuses. I guess I’ll just have to give you an “F” for frozen fingers.”

Then there’s the other extreme. It was a wonderful surprise one sunny August afternoon here in San Antonio, when I was visiting our beautiful San Antonio Botanical Gardens, where volunteers had placed Braille inscriptions on copper plaques identifying the plants and herbs. I certainly appreciated their desire to make information accessible to blind folks like me, but, I will tell you this, it takes a really dedicated Braille reader to be willing to run his/her fingers across those Brailled copper plaques after they’ve been heated up a few hours by our ferocious tropical Texas sun.

One big advantage of Braille is that you can read your presentation to an audience while looking straight at them. However, some sighted people are confused by this. Recently I delivered a short talk to a group of seniors at an inauguration ceremony. As I was speaking, a woman turned to a friend and commented: “Do you notice how nervous he is? He keeps fumbling with his papers.” The friend replied, “Silly, he’s not fumbling with his papers, he’s reading Braille.”

On another occasion in college, as the professor turned to the blackboard and began writing and speaking I began taking notes in Braille. She stopped and turned around. So, I stopped writing. After a pause, she turned again to the blackboard and resumed her lecture and writing. I resumed by note- taking. Stopping this time in mid-sentence she turned to the class and demanded to know who was making that tapping noise while she was talking. I lifted my slate off my desk and showed it to her. “It’s me.” I said. She had never before seen Braille or a slate and stylus. She was embarrassed. But, that day, she was also educated. For some, Braille may be a "bumpy road to knowledge", but for me, it has been a wonderful way to keep in touch. And that’s how I see it. Page 9 Guide Dog Users, Inc. of Texas By LouAnn Williams

Welcome, Happy 2017 to each of you! Time is speeding by and this will be the last Star reminder to join GDUI Texas before the official Texas list is sent in to national GDUI. The GDUI office must have received everything from the Affiliates no later than March 1, 2017. Individuals on this list will be able to vote in the Guide Dog Users, Inc. May 2017 elections. So, please send your $15.00 dues in to Neal Finley, 3710 70th St, Lubbock, TX 79413, no later than February 15, 2017. New members are always encouraged to join and you don’t have to be a guide dog user.

Now for a few updates from GDUI. GUDI’s Public Relations Committee worked with their web master to move the web site www.guidedogusersinc.org to a new hosting service. This allowed expansion of web resources. They will be working in upcoming months to make improvements to the web pages so that internet users seeking information about guide dogs and blindness, will find the web site much improved. There are several GDUI e-mail list you may want to consider joining. The new GDUI-Business list, for the “ins and outs” of administering the organization. The GDUI-Chat for everyday chat and the GDUI- Announce list that shares information at least once a month.

GDUI stresses that all members are welcomed as guest to every GDUI Board meeting. There is an opportunity for members to voice their opinions at the end of each meeting.

The best to each of you for a wonderful New Year!

Library Users of Texas By Peggy Garrett

Educators say that reading is fundamental. That may be true, but we, the members of LUA of Texas also believe that reading should be fun! Isn’t it just fun to curl up with a good book and get totally absorbed? Can you Page 10 imagine yourself shadowing your favorite characters in exotic places? And doesn’t it make you just a little excited when the reader can create voices for each character in the book? Ooh! Let me finish this and get back to my book! But before I go, let me tell you a few things.

LUA of Texas is excited to begin a new calendar year. We will continue to keep in close contact with the Texas State Library Talking Book Program (TBP) to stay abreast of any news coming down from NLS or potential changes at TBP. We will also continue to promote National Library Week which will be held in April. We encourage each local chapter to host an event or at least contact your local library to establish a relationship.

But back to reading. If you enjoy books as much as we do, you might want to share your book list or something about a book you’ve read. We are in the midst of establishing an electronic forum by which you can let us know what you’ve been reading and perhaps share with us some suggested reading material. Stay tuned!

It’s never too late to join LUA of Texas. For more information, contact me at [email protected] Or our Treasurer, Michael Garrett at [email protected].

Happy New Year and happy Reading!

ACBT Makes its Mark in Dallas By Kenneth Semien, Sr.

The ACBT Conference/Convention Committee is happy to announce the 39th Annual Conference/Convention of the American Council of the Blind of Texas will be held at the Doubletree by Hilton Dallas near the Galleria, 4099 Valley View Lane, from September 14 to 17, 2017. The nightly room rate is $95 plus $12.35 (13% tax) which comes to a total of $107.35 for two guests. 2 additional guests can share the same room for a total room rate of $105 plus 13% tax per night. You may begin making your reservations now by dialing (800) 222-8733. The deadline is August 30, 2017. To be sure to get the negotiated rate, let the reservationist know that the group code is ACB.

Page 11 We are happy to report that the Dallas Area Council is joining us to plan this great event. We highly appreciate the support. The theme for this year’s Conference/Convention is “ACBT on the Move: Eliminating Barriers, Creating Connections.” Attendees can expect an array of sessions on topics, such as leadership, diabetes, Low Vision, advocacy, transportation, employment, technology, and much more. You will definitely want to take advantage of the Exhibit Hall. Spread the word. We are preparing a fun time for those who are ages 13 and above.

The fundraising committee is planning the biennial Auction and other funfilled activities to add an extra spark to the weekend festivities. Peggy Garrett is now serving as the Hotel Liaison and the ACBT President serves as the Conference/Convention Committee Chair. ACBT Treasurer, Sheila Derrick will handle Conference/Convention registration, and Gene and LouAnn Williams are serving as Exhibit Coordinators. Direct Conference/Convention questions to [email protected] or dial (409)866-5838. We look forward to greeting you in Dallas!

Cast Your Bid to be a Winner in Dallas!

By Kenneth Semien, Sr.

Join in on the fun as the ACBT Fundraising Committee gives special attention to the 2017 ACBT Auction scheduled for Saturday, September 16, 2017 during the ACBT Conference/Convention in Dallas. We have great expectations for this fundraising event to be the best ever, as we come together to support efforts to accomplish our mission and purpose.

Each chapter, member and ACBT supporter can help to make the auction a success by obtaining donated items that would be of interest and value to participants of the auction, while considering that new or gently used items which are in great working condition and are small enough to be stored while traveling will be attractive to all.

Let’s creatively identify and collect items, such as: family games, jewelry, talking products, afghans and throws, collectibles like coins, stamps, and Page 12 sports cards, major chain restaurant and department store gift cards, weekend get-aways, small appliances, rolling totes and luggage, tickets to theme parks, symphony performances, museums, and sports events, to name only a few.

As you make plans to attend the 39th Annual ACBT Conference/Convention, be sure to invite others and put extra money aside for interesting items you will want to take home for yourself or give as a gift to someone you care about. Place your bid and the highest bidder wins. Cash, Checks and credit cards will be accepted.

Don't delay, collect and send auction items right away! If items are being mailed, they must be received no later than Monday September 11th and the deadline to submit items during the Conference/Convention will be 7:00PM on Friday September 15th. It is important that a detailed description and value of each item be sent as soon as possible.

Contact Kenneth Semien, Sr. to acquire a physical address to send those great items and ask any questions by sending email to [email protected] or dial (409) 866-5838.

ACBT and Social Media By Will Burley

The Public Relations (PR) Committee has been tasked with developing a strategy to promote the ideals of the American council of the Blind of Texas (ACBT) and it can only be done with your help!

The first step of the Committee was to create a new social media presence that would adequately put forward the good works of our organization from the annual State conference to the events held by our chapters and special- interest affiliates. I encourage you, if you haven’t done so already, to take a moment to be a committee of one to assist in promoting these events on social media by liking our Facebook page found at facebook.com/ACBTx and following our Twitter profile @TXACB. When we work together to

Page 13 increase our followers and share the messages, we will slowly but surely be able to deliver our message of advancing the cause of blind Texans.

The members of the Committee are: Ed Henderson, Gayle Metoyer, Miguel Palermo and Belinda Skloss. If a committee, chapter or special-interest affiliate would like to promote an event, please send an email to [email protected].

Advocacy Services / Legislation Committee By Paul Hunt

Hello ACBT members from your 2016 -2017 advocacy Services / Legislation Committee. We all hope that everyone had a wonderful holiday and start to the new year. Your members for this years committee are:

Allen Dunbar, Belinda Skloss, Brian McCullough (chair person), Michael Garrett, Sheryl Hunt, and Will Burley

Wondering about where you can easily get information about your Texas Legislature when the new session begins on January 10, 2017? The legislature has an excellent web site that is easily negotiable by most web browsers and screen readers. The web page is:http://www.legis.state.tx.us Do be aware that this site is sometimes referred to as “TLO” which is short for Texas Legislature On-line. How about making it your New Year’s resolution to explore the site and look up your State Representative and State Senator? It is easily done on this site by just inputting your address. Send each of them an e-mail and introduce yourself as one of their constituents and a member of ACBT. It is a simple task to introduce yourself and then later to let them know about what issues and priorities are important to you and other blind or visually impaired Texans. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact a committee member and we will be happy to help or find an answer. Brian McCullough Phone: 817-584-0329 Page 14 E-mail: [email protected]

Constitution & Bylaws Committee By Chris Prentice

As a new year begins, it is time again to look at our governing documents to see if they appropriately serve our organization’s needs. If you think changes are needed in our Constitution or Bylaws, simply send me an email prior to May 25, 2017. Any proposals will be considered by the Constitution and Bylaws Committee. The current versions of these documents can be found on our website www.acbtexas.org. If you have questions or discussion items, please contact me at [email protected] or by telephone at (512)215—2032. Let’s make 2017 the best ever for ACBT!

Member Morale Committee By Cindy Finley

The Member Morale Committee hopes you are having a positive beginning to 2017. We would like to share ten rules that might be helpful as you go through this year and beyond.

Ten Rules to Live By (from Power of Positivity): 1. Always, always, always be thankful. 2. Sometimes silence is better than being right. 3. Love is not what you say. Love is what you do. 4. Let go of what’s gone, but keep the lesson. 5. If it’s what you love, never give up. Keep going… 6. Don’t let others steal your peace. 7. Be patient. Things will get better. 8. Integrity is everything! 9. It’s okay to be afraid but don’t let fear stop you. 10. Live in the moment, but look forward to what is coming next.

First Timer Award By Cindy Finley

Page 15 Have you ever considered applying for the American Council of the Blind of Texas Ed and Linda Bradley First Timer Award? The First Timer Award was established so that members who have never attended an ACBT conference could have an opportunity to attend. Because of budget constraints, this year’s First Timer Award will fund conference registration, two nights lodging, and travel expense for one member (or possibly two) to attend the ACBT state conference to be held in Dallas, September 14-17, 2017.

To be eligible to apply, you must have been a member in 2016 as well as being a current ACBT member in good standing. Also, you must never have attended an ACBT state conference and must be a Texas resident who is legally blind.

If you would like to apply for the 2017 Ed and Linda Bradley First Timer Award, please submit your letter of application to the Member Morale Committee. This letter needs to include your name, address, phone number, email address, ACBT affiliation, visual status, and other information about yourself, including activities which are important to you. Also, tell us why you would like to attend the conference and how you think it will benefit you and your participation in ACBT.

All application letters must be received by July 17, 2017, if sending your application by email, or postmarked by July 17, 2017, if using snail mail. The Member Morale Committee will review all applications and notify the recipient of this year’s award no later than August 15, 2017. Please send all applications to: Cindy Finley, Member Morale Committee Chair, 3710 70th St, Lubbock, TX 79413, phone 806-795-0216, email: [email protected].

2017 Who's Who Among Blind Texans Award By Cindy Finley

The American Council of the Blind of Texas will honor three individuals with the 2017 "Who's Who Among Blind Texans” award during the Sunday Page 16 morning Awards Breakfast at the ACBT state conference to be held in Dallas, September 14-17, 2017. Two of the awards must be given to ACBT members, and the third award will be given to a non-member. These awards promote and acknowledge positive contributions made to the State of Texas and local communities by persons who are blind or visually impaired. Their contributions can be made through advocacy, education, outreach, public awareness, and other meaningful volunteer efforts.

Each recipient will receive a Certificate of Membership into the prestigious ACBT Honor Society and receive special recognition in the "Who's Who Among Blind Texans" Honor Showcase of The Texas Star newsletter, the ACBT website, etc.

Nominations for "Who's Who Among Blind Texans" will be accepted through July 17, 2017. The Member Morale Committee will consider all nominees, and the top two ACBT members and the top nonmember will be presented his/her award during the Sunday morning Awards Breakfast.

Family members, friends, or organizations that have witnessed any individual meeting the above criteria are encouraged to submit nominations. Each nomination should contain the name, email and home address, and phone number, as well as a one to two page narrative of the nominee's contributions. If you have submitted a name in the past and that person was not chosen, feel free to resubmit that person’s name this year. All nominations must be received by July 17, 2017, if emailed, or postmarked by July 17, 2017, if mailed. Please send all nominations to: Cindy Finley, Member Morale Committee Chair, 3710 70th St, Lubbock, TX 79413, phone 806-795-0216, email: [email protected].

Nominating Committee By Michael Garrett

We hope the new year finds you with new faith, new energy and a new zest for life! Even in the midst of challenges, opportunities for success abound. As always, your participation is needed to identify board members who will serve our organization well. This year, there will be two board positions up for election. Now is the time to begin thinking about whether you would like Page 17 to serve, or asking someone who you believe would serve well, to think about running for one of these positions.

Those eligible to run are individuals who are 18 years or older and have been a member of ACBT for one year or more. Candidates must present a written bio and answer the questions which have been prepared by the Nominating Committee. Those questions will appear in the next issue of the Texas Star. For further information, contact Michael Garrett by email at: [email protected].

Remember that ACBT needs your help as we strive to fulfill our mission of Advancing the Cause of Blind Texans.

Scholarship Committee By Dianna E. Carter

The American Council of the Blind of Texas awards scholarships on an annual basis to deserving students who will be entering college or who are currently attending a college, university, or career school. The 2017 ACBT scholarship applications will be available beginning March 1, 2017.

Qualified students must be Texas residents. Application packets may be obtained from the following sources:  Texas Workforce Solutions/Blind Services Division Counselors  Education Service Centers  The ACBT website – www.acbtexas.org  Dianna Carter, ACBT Scholarship Committee Chair.

Completed scholarship applications and all supporting documents must be received by Friday, July 7, 2017. Recipients will be notified by Friday, August 11, 2017. We encourage all scholarship recipients to attend the conference/convention so they may be recognized for their great achievement during the Awards Breakfast on Sunday, September 17th. Please submit Scholarship Packets or requests for further information to the address below: Dianna E. Carter, Scholarship Committee Chair 12106 Swaps Drive Page 18 El Paso, Texas 79936 (915) 539-6919 E-mail: mailto:[email protected]

Web Committee By Paul Hunt

During the past year, the Web committee created the first fillable convention registration form. The committee also implemented a new ACBT mailing list. If you haven’t subscribed yet, just send an email to [email protected]. After the moderator approves your subscription and your first email message, you will have full access to the list. We also appreciate the way our subscribers have been following the guidelines. During 2017, we will be working on a new site that will enable us to complete convention registrations and other applications on line. Now that we’re starting a new year, it’s time to update the Chapters and Special Interest affiliate page. Please designate an individual from your chapter or special interest affiliate To provide the web master with your update. Please email updates to [email protected].

Alamo Council of the Blind By Shelley McMullen

The Alamo Council of the Blind held our annual election in November. The new officers are: LuAnn Williams, President Larry Roser, First vice President Dianne Cooke, second vice President Rosalyn Benevides, Secretary Kevin Dunlap, Treasurer Gene Williams, Assistant Treasurer

Congratulations to the new officers! We held our Christmas party at Crumpets. The food was delicious, and the service was great. We also had Page 19 a gift exchange. We look forward to 2017 with hope for greater productivity, more members and new projects under the leadership of LuAnn Williams and her administration. Lastly we want to wish all ACBT members and friends a peaceful, prosperous New Year.

East Texas Area Council of the Blind By Michelle Boyd

The East Texas Area Council of the Blind will start 2017 with energy and excitement. We continue to think of ways to engage and increase the membership. We keep it simple!

How simple have we kept our ideas for our chapter? We decided t-shirts might be a winning start in 2016. So we designed and purchased shirts for the chapter. We now have our t-shirts and are wearing them! Wearing these t-shirts can spark conversations and questions from the public. We also wear them each time we meet at our monthly meeting, which is held the third Saturday of each month, from 2 to 3 p.m.at the Tyler Public Library, located at 201 North College Street.

We continue to prepare, plan and participate throughout the community so that we can reach more fellow east Texans who have vision loss.

El Paso Council of the Blind By Dianna E. Carter

Greetings Everyone! We hope you had a Christmas filled with blessings and good company. We are thankful for another year of friendship and community service. As Election Day neared, members Eleanor and Dianna were featured in a local television show to discuss voting with vision loss. They demonstrated accessible voting equipment as well as the process of requesting an accessible ballot. We received very positive feedback from voters who used the audible ballot; some were first-time voters. Christmas followed and we gathered for our annual party. The white elephant gift exchange got very competitive and resulted in much laughter. Congratulations to our ugly sweater winners. They included gift wrap Page 20 suspenders with a matching tie and a Christmas wreath sweater. We enjoyed a good dinner and great company.

As part of our yearly tradition, we provided meals and toys for children and their families in need. We would like to send our appreciation to the members and volunteers who made our program such a success. As the New Year draws closer, we wish everyone health, happiness, fellowship and the success of another year of improving the lives of Bline persons throughout Texas. Happy New Year!

Greater Fort Worth Area Council By Sheila Derrick

Best wishes to everyone for a great 2017 and we hope each of you enjoyed a wonderful holiday season. The Fort Worth chapter concluded 2016 with celebrations, outreach, and great participation from all our members.

October began with the Bedford Library Low Vision Fair where President James Goin and member Karin Hicks demonstrated both the Perkins Braille Writer and the slate and stylus as a means of writing in Braille. They Brailed attendee’s names on index cards and passed out Braille alphabet cards along with the names. Sharon Williams read Braille books to children and other interested patrons. The Fair is an annual event and one of our best opportunities for community exposure.

In November, Ginger Kraft shared her 80th birthday celebration with the Fort Worth Council by not only inviting all of us to her party, but also using the occasion to raise money for our scholarship program. She generously requested that, in lieu of gifts, donations be made to the chapter. It was a great time of friendship and fellowship.

December was another month of sharing and good times as we met at Joe T. Garcia’s restaurant for our annual holiday luncheon. Joe T’s, as it is known locally, has been a Fort Worth landmark for many, many years and this was a first opportunity for some of our group to experience it. Despite a

Page 21 cold and rainy day, it was warm and cozy inside and a great time was had by all as we enjoyed their signature family style enchiladas and fajitas.

Houston Council Happenings By Peggy R. Garrett

As usual, the Houston Council of the Blind has been busy hosting activities and participating in community happenings!

During the last quarter of 2016, our members participated in a number of community events including: the FFB Vision Walk, helping organize the White Cane Safety Day March and celebration, sponsoring an NRG Stadium tour, meeting with TWC Field Directors for agency updates and to advocate for consumers, attending paratransit meetings for updates and input on services, and singing Christmas carols at the Sheltering Arms Day Center

Elections were held in November, 2017. Board members include: Michael Garrett President, Gayle Metoyer First VP, Cuqui Soto Second VP, Thomas Morrison Secretary, Karen Spraig Treasurer, Board members Michael McCulloch, Sandhya Rao and Diego Demaya.

HCB members wish a Happy New Year to all of our ACBT family!

Page 22 Amerigroup provides STAR, CHIP, STAR+PLUS, and Medicare programs in counties throughout Texas. This includes helping mothers, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities with their physical, behavioral, and social needs. For more information, visit www.amerigroup.com.

Cigna HealthSpring works with the State of Texas to help people with Medicaid get health care in the STAR+PLUS Program. STAR+PLUS is a Texas Medicaid managed care program for people who have disabilities or are age 65 or older. For more information, visit www.cigna.com.

Superior HealthPlan, Inc. (tm) (Superior) is a health maintenance organization. Superior is a subsidiary of Centene Corporation, a leading, multi-line healthcare enterprise that provides programs and related services to individuals receiving benefits under Medicaid, including Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and the State Children’s Health insurance Program (SCHIP). For more information visit www.superiorhealthplan.com.

The ACBT Board of Directors is comprised of 5 elected Officers, 4 Directors, an Immediate Past President, and an appointed representative from each Chapter and Special Interest Affiliate. The appointed representatives are selected by their respective Chapter or Special Interest Affiliate. Directors are elected for staggered 4 year terms.

ACBT Officers President - Kenneth Semien, Sr. First Vice President - Peggy R. Garrett Secretary- Mary Alice Gary Treasurer- Sheila Derrick Immediate Past President - Carol Edwards Chris D. Prentice - Director Ken B. Sparks - Director LouAnn Williams - Director

Toll-free number: 866-929-2228

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