Eystone Issue 1 Our Vision Works

Winter

Volume mmxv eystone Issue 1 Our Vision Works

KBAVista is in Ohio, Too! Inside this issue By Ann Peterson Keystone Blind Association continues to provide communication skills with visually impaired Ohio services in northwest Ohio. School-aged students residents. They also provide basic education about have received Orientation and Mobility training various eye conditions and how they affect vision. 1 and Vision Rehabilitation (TVI) services in Mahon- Casework services are provided for children Cover Stories ing and Trumbull Counties for several years. We and young adults in Mahoning and Trumbull Coun- plan to provide TVI services in Ohio again this year. ties and for adults in Brookfield and Masury, Ohio. 2 O & M instructor Luann Cade is currently working Children’s and young adult’s casework services From the President with Youngstown school students. She teaches include transportation to and from weekend them cane travel, orientation in their environment events, support groups, and life skills sessions at day and how to navigate safely and efficiently from camps in the summer. Adult casework services 3 place to place. include transportation for medical appointments, News & Notes Vision Rehab Therapists Jenn Lilly and Kathleen grocery shopping, banking, life skills sessions, mail Buskirk work with adults in Mahoning, Columbi- reading and support groups within Brookfield, 4 ana and Trumbull Counties through contracts with Masury, and in Mercer County. They also provide Office of Ohioans with Disabilities. OOD contracts transportation to and from the Low Vision Clinic in Keystone Essentials for rehab instruction, rehab technology and low the Sharon office of KBA. vision services for adults through the Independent To find out more about these services, to 5 Living and Vocational Rehab programs. Staff has make a referral or to learn about eligibility, please Get Involved worked on telescope training, cooking, clean- contact Ann Peterson at 724.347.5501 or by email ing, home and personal management skills and at [email protected]. 6 – 7 KBA Events

8 Winter Eye Awareness Youth Programs Information from the websites of The Glaucoma Research Foundation, Our Industrial Projects National Eye Institute, and Eye Med January is National Glaucoma Awareness getting older, and it can happen to people of any 9 Month. Currently, 2.7 million people in the United age. Age related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Tips From The Pros States over age 40 have glaucoma. Glaucoma is is a disease that blurs the sharp, central vision called “the sneak thief of sight” since there are no you need for “straight-ahead” activities such as symptoms and once vision is lost, it’s permanent. reading, sewing, and driving. AMD affects the 10 As much as 40% of vision can be lost without a macula, the part of the eye that allows you to see Crawford County Corner person noticing. Glaucoma is the leading cause of fine detail. While there is no cure for AMD, there preventable blindness. Vision loss from glaucoma are treatment options to stabilize the vision loss. 11 is caused by damage to the optic nerve. There is Prevention is the key to minimize the risk of AMD. Lawrence County Corner not yet a cure for glaucoma. However, medica- March is Workplace Eye Health and Safety tion or surgery can slow or prevent further vision Month. Each day, more than 2,000 American loss. Regular eye exams are especially important workers suffer an eye injury, and nearly 1 million 12 for those at higher risk for glaucoma, and may help Americans have lost some of their sight due to an Keep in Touch to prevent unnecessary vision loss. eye injury. It’s estimated that 90% of workplace February is National AMD and Low Vision eye injuries could be avoided if safety eyewear Awareness Month. Low vision is a term used to is used effectively. All eye protection should be indicate partial sight or sight that cannot be certified by the American National Standards fully corrected with surgery, medications, contact Institute (ANSI) as ANSI Z87. lenses, or glasses. Low vision is not a natural part of

Keystone | keystoneblind.org 1 President

occasionally wear a t-shirt that team present, they presented well. I am says, “Teamwork – a lot of people grateful for their willingness to share their Idoing what I say”. I wear it in jest knowledge and talent. and I hope others understand that it is The Keystone team goes beyond Vista meant to make fun of that kind of “non- staff. For example, our recent “Sizzler for Vista is the official team” approach. Sight” annual fundraiser not only count- publication of Keystone. Real team-work is something we ed on staff members, but our board It is published four times per year. strive for at Keystone, and I recent- of directors as well. Board members Digital versions are also available at

F r o m t h e ly had reason to be extremely proud sold tickets, collected Chinese auction www.keystoneblind.org of our team. As our part of being a baskets, prepared food, secured co-sponsor of this fall’s PA Association for sponsors, worked at the event, cleaned Editor/Creative Director the Blind conference in Greensburg, PA, up, etc. It was a great evening of Stephanie Finnegan Keystone agreed to provide the major- teamwork that brought in a record ity of the program content for the event. amount of money. Editorial Assistant The following KBA staff members present- Finally, I take my hat off to all of our Maureen Perod ed programs/sessions: crews who are out there doing the day • Ann Peterson – Support Groups to day business of the organization: the • Shirley Shanes – Prevention of specialized services team, the preven- Keystone is: Blindness Follow-ups tion of blindness team, the technology Keystone Blind Association • Laurie Staph – Understanding team, the human resources team, the Keystone Vocational Services Financial Statements accounting team, the lawn crew teams, Keystone Independence Management • Tom Dill – Business Risks the rest area teams, the photo ID teams, National Foundation for Blind Children • Allen Connely – Various the document destruction team, the Non-profit Business Paradigms digging and striking tools team, the • Stephanie Finnegan – Practical hard hat team, the store front team, the Keystone Independence Management Guide to Social Media toilet paper manufacturing team, Senior Leadership Team: • Jenn Lilly – Importance of the rehabilitation team, the janitorial Programs for Blind Children services teams…and many more! We President/CEO • Kathy Buskirk – New Develop- are literally a team of teams, each Jonathan Fister ments in Vision Rehabilitation working towards our mission of educat- • Kevin Bly – Interagency ing, empowering and employing people Executive Vice President of Operations Videoconferencing who are blind or disabled. Allen Connely • Mike Nicol – Updates on New At Keystone, we are proud to say, Assistive Technology that because of our great teams, “Our Senior Vice President of Services As you can see, Keystone presented Vision Works”! Ann Peterson 95% of the programs. Not only did our Senior Vice President of Finance Cordially, Laurie Staph

Senior Vice President of Human Resources Tom Dill, Esq.

To contact us, please write, call, or email:

1230 Stambaugh Avenue, Newsletter Update Sharon, PA 16146 Keystone is excited to present mat sent via email. The PDF and text-only 724.347.5501 the first-ever full-color edition of Vista! versions are also available on our We hope the change will make your website, www.keystoneblind.org. Addi- [email protected] newsletter reading experience even tionally, the newsletter is available on au- more enjoyable. Feedback is always dio tape and by calling in to our Talking welcome, so let us know your thoughts! Newspaper program at 724-347-5510. If Did you know there are other formats you would like to change your newslet- of the Vista available? In addition to this ter mailing preferences or information, version, there is a large print format, a please contact Maureen or Stephanie text-only format, and a digital PDF for- at 724-347-5501.

2 volume mmxv • issue 1 • winter | vista News& Keystone Notes retirement! Art has givento the agency andwishhimallthe very bestinhis plan totravelduringhisretirement. luggage, andacheckfromtheagency.ArthiswifeJanet then presented Art with engraved luggage tags, 2piecesof projects Art worked onthroughout his timeatKeystone, and all inattendance. CEO Jonathan Fister spoke about various Art. KBA employees, Boardmembers, and friends of Art were tool andhelmetassembly. rug weaving, andcutting and baggingofconcrete additive to complishment! Art has done everything from chair caning to life working atKeystone Blind Association.Whatanamazingac- ployee, Art Wedge. Art retired after dedicating 62yearsofhis Art’s Retirement President/CEO JonathanFister. Art Wedge,PhotoIDManagerJanetand Bottom attended theretirement party. TOP Artreceivedastandingovationfromeveryone who We remainextremely grateful for the decades of service On November18,2014,aluncheon was heldto celebrate Last October, we bidfarewellto our longest working em- | KeystoneExecutiveVice PresidentAllenConnely, keystoneblind.org

who workedforKBAasadriver.Hissmilewillbemissed! spend timewithfamily! a KBAemployee! and enjoysbeingwithpeople,agreat combination tohaveas brand new mom and resides in Sharon. Katie has lots of energy provides servicesinLawrence and Hellos &Goodbyes Keystone Blind Associationmission. dedication and serviceto the photo license centers and to the snowman figurine from the agency thanking her for her years of from theSenecasite. were presented and thememory of MarkJolleywashonored Specialist SusanMcKinnis. resentative JanetWedgeandspouseArt Vocational Jonathan Fister, VP ofServicesAnnPeterson, a mealandinformaltimetogether. Joining themwereCEO their family members gathered in alocalfamilyrestaurant for the community.Visitsiteatwww.keystoneblind.org! new websiteandlearnabout what wedoandhowserve Vista issues, and more! We hope you’ll spend some time on our jor fundraisingevents,anewblogsection,anarchiveforpast the many industrialprojectsthat we’re involved in, our two ma- provide, we services vision the affiliates, and agency our about information find you’ll site, the On live! now is site new the that redesigned website for Keystone. We’re excited to announce One of the projects we have been working on is acompletely Dinner &Awards Photo LicenseCenters Keystone’s NewWebsite Our sympathy to the family andfriendsofAnthony Our sympathytothefamily Guerino We wishLindaReiteronlythebestassheleavesKBAto She office. Casework the to Mason Katie welcomes KBA Janet waspresentedwith asnowmanornament and a A small group of KBAphotocenter technicians along with Last year,wetalkedtoyouaboutournewbrandinginitiative.

During the evening, gifts andawards Mercer Counties. Katie is a 3 Member Rep-

Essentials

Talking with Tulip Making a Gift to KBA By Tulip, Guide Dog Through Your IRA Well another year has passed Annual Distribution and 2015 is here! By Thomas A. Dill, Esq. Sandie, her husband, and I spent Thanksgiving with their The qualified charitable distribution provisions were

K e ys t o ne daughter and her family. I had lots renewed for 2013 and should be renewed for 2014, allowing and lots of play-time with their dog, individuals age 70½ or over to exclude from gross income up Tony. We had a good time running around to $100,000 that is paid directly from their individual retirement their yard! We were allowed a few bites of turkey, though not accounts (excluding SEP or SIMPLE IRAs) to a qualified very much because neither of us are used to ‘human food’. charity. The excluded amount can be used to satisfy any What we were allowed was delicious, but I can understand why required minimum distributions that the individual must other- we normally do not get this kind of food – it is way too rich for wise receive from their IRAs for 2014. our systems. Please check with your tax advisor or your attorney to deter- Christmas was spent with Sandie and her husband’s son mine if you qualify for the tax exemption and that the provision and his family and their two dogs, Scooby and Daisy. I was pret- has been renewed for 2014. ty well worn out, but it was another glorious play-time. Contact Tom Dill, Esq. at Keystone Blind Association at 1230 Sandie’s sister also came for a visit. When she comes, she Stambaugh Ave. Sharon, PA 16146 724 734 5078 for further and Sandie like to do movie marathons. I stayed home with information. Sandie’s sister’s dog Treat and–you guessed it–had more play- time! I may be what is considered a ‘senior’ now, but I put those younger dogs to shame – when it comes to play-time, I can’t be beat! Rest Area Ramblings As I have mentioned, I am a working dog. When I am work- By Marie Ditz & Susan McKinnis ing, I am enjoying myself to the fullest, and when I am playing District 4-0 (Wilkes-Barre/Scranton area): I am also enjoying myself to the fullest. Whatever I am doing, I Many changes! Under the able supervision of am doing 100%. P.J. and William, we welcome new forepersons John Rowles, I had my yearly physical in December and passed with flying Shirley Warner, Edward (Chuck) Haag and Matthew Juice! colors. Have you ever wondered where the expression ‘passed District 5-0 (Pocono Mountains area): Welcome back with flying colors’ came from? My Sandie is the curious type, as foreman Jeff Kerstetter! We wish you well and missed you! am I, so we looked it up and this is what we found: “Since the Thanks to Roger Westgate & Connie Fish for keeping everything eighteenth century, ships of the navy have used flags to com- in order! municate their status or well-being. The most prominent flag of District 8-0 (Harrisburg area): We wish Ken Zeigler & Danny course, is that of the ship’s country, but there are dozens of oth- (Lee) Devon well as they leave KBA for retirement. Welcome to er banners, which are called “colors.” The most elaborate use Dennis Ream, Matt Flaschmannn on promotions and to Jean of this bunting is after a victory at sea, when a triumphant ship Blair to KBA! Thanks to Pat & Ed for keeping on “keeping on”! returns to its home port with a proud and full display of flying District 12-0 (Washington/Greene Counties): Best wishes colors. We say that someone who has overcome an obstacle to John Dobbs on his retirement from KBA; you will be missed. with ease has passed with ‘flying colors.’” Welcome to supervisor Roberta (Bobbi) Henke! Spring is on the horizon and I am looking forward to the feel of green grass under my paws again. I’ve had enough of the snow and ice, which are not nice to my paws, and enough of the boots and coats I had to wear again this winter. Is it just me or are the winters becoming more severe? Here’s hoping the Where in the World Am I? winter of 2015 is a mild one. A guide for parents By Kathie Preece, COMS/Teacher for the Visually Impaired Do you have papers to be shredded? “Where in the World Am I?” contains We offer a secure shredding service! many concepts and skills that can be 95, 65, and 23 gallon totes available for offices. taught through play activities by We’ll pick it up! parents, Teachers of the Visually Bring in a box for $0.12/lb. Impaired, Orientation and Mobility Specialists or Early Childhood teachers. 724-347-3711 • 981 Division Street, Sharon, PA 16146 Monday - Friday, 7:30 AM - 4 PM Purchase online at www.keystoneblind.org

4 volume mmxv • issue 1 • winter | vista Involved KBA Calendar of Events G et LSE: Life Skills Education | CEP: Children’s Education Program | TIC: Technology Information Club PSVS: Preschool Vision Screening | GCA: Glasses Cleaning/Adjust | AVS: Adult Vision Screening GVAS: Glaucoma/Visual Acuity Screening January February March 1 – New Year’s Day (Agency Closed) 10 – Support Group/FLIP Bingo; 1 - 3 PM 3 – PSVS; Zion’s Community PreSchool, 6 – AVS/GCA; Whispering Oaks, 10 – AVS/GCA; Whispering Oaks, Greenville Hermitage Hermitage 8 – Daylight Saving Time Begins (Turn 13 – Support Group/FLIP Bingo; 1 - 3 PM 11 – LSE: Video conference/Meet with clocks ahead) 14 – LSE: Video conference/Meet with Mike; 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM 10 – Support Group/FLIP Bingo; 1 - 3 PM Mike; 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM 11 – AVS/GCA; Holland Towers, Meadville 10 – PSVS; Jamestown First Presbyterian 14 – PSVS; IU4 Early Intervention, Reynolds 14 – Happy Valentine’s Day! Preschool 19 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 16 – Presidents’ Day (Agency Closed) 11 – LSE: Video conference/Meet with (Agency Closed) 17 – Coffee Talk; 1 - 3 PM Mike; 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM 20 – Support Group/FLIP Bingo; 1 - 3 PM 18 – LSE: Video conference (CBVI); 11 – AVS/GCA; Holland Towers, Meadville 20 & 21 – PSVS; Sharpsville Preschool 11 AM - 12 PM 17 – Happy St. Patrick’s Day! 21 – LSE: Video conference for PAB 19 – Food Bank; 9:00 AM 17 – Support Group/FLIP Bingo; 1 - 3 PM (KBA); 11 AM - 12 PM 24 – Support Group/FLIP Bingo; 1 - 3 PM 17 – PSVS; IU4 Early Intervention Lakeview 22 – Food Bank; 9:00 AM 24 – PSVS; St. Michael’s Preschool, School District 26 – PSVS; Tree House Preschool, Greenville 18 – LSE: Video conference for PAB Greenville (BCAB); 11 AM - 12 PM 27 – Support Group/FLIP Bingo; 1 - 3 PM PLEASE NOTE: 19 – Food Bank; 9:00 AM 28 – PSVS; St. Peter & Paul Little People, There are no Support Group meetings 20 – First Day of Spring! Sharon on the 1st and 5th Tuesdays of the month. 24 – AVS/GCA; Whispering Oaks, 29 – Food Bank; 9:00 AM Hermitage

Return with your donation to Keystone Kids Events Keystone Blind Association The Keystone Kids have the following upcoming events. 1230 Stambaugh Avenue Please contact Louise Johnson, Keystone Kids Coordinator, Sharon, PA 16146 at 724-734-5855 with any questions. Enclosed is my donation: Saturday, January 3  $100.00  $50.00  $25.00  Other ______Sims Bowling Lane Make checks payable to Keystone Blind Association 7245 Big Beaver Blvd, Beaver Falls, PA 15010 or charge my  MasterCard  Visa 10:30 AM: Meet at KBA 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM: Bowling and lunch Card #______3:30 PM: Back at KBA Expiration Date ______/______Saturday, February 14 Signature______Valentine’s Day Party 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM Name______Make brownies at KBA & have lunch Address______Friday, March 13 ______Peter Pan Musical New Castle Playhouse Phone______202 East Long Ave., New Castle, PA 16101 E-mail______6:45 PM: Meet at KBA 7:30 PM: Show begins Funds Designation:  Crawford Co.  Mercer Co.  Lawrence Co.  I would like information on KBA’s programs and services.  I would like information about volunteering at KBA. A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the PA Dept. of State by calling toll free, within PA, 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement. Please remember us in your will.

Keystone | keystoneblind.org 5 KBA 6 Events 5 started from 5-8p and DaddyO finished out the night from night the out finished 8-10p. Next, we made a couple small changes to the menu, DaddyO and 5-8p from started addition oftheband“DaddyO”.JFredFaraone got things Sizzler. First, we decided to shake things up a bit with the dedicated boardmembers,staff,andvolunteers. We also could not have pulleditoff without the help of our the event and donated items for the Chinese Auction baskets. out the generous support of all the businesses who sponsored the most successful yearever! We could not have done it with- baskets donated to the Chinese Auction, helping to make this people tothisexcitingevent.Wehadarecord number of the largest turnout ever for the Sizzler, bringing inover 350 American Academy of Optometry of Academy American By MaureenPerod 5 Kane LionsClub|Mancini’s |Montana’sRib&ChopHouse Bank |PaulB.Freeman,O.D., El Arriero Corporation Hudson Companies|JamesD.BowersPost169JFSWealth th Palumbo’s M eat Market Dr. RobertL.Stein,.O.,P.C. Jamestown LionsClub|John(Chip)&Kathleen Mastrian Environmental |Gilbert’sInsuranceRick&Ann Herman Cottage Gardens Architecture th Valley Meats |VinelandPackaging | Janet&ArtWedge Annual PerryTempleton MemorialSizzlerforSight.Wehad Henderson Brothers,Inc. Advisors |Atty.MilesK.Karson,Jr. The Apostles It was a gorgeous evening and a record year for the A few new changes were brought for our fifth annual fifth our for brought were changes new few A McGonigle FuneralHome Valley EyeCenter|WheatlandSteelDavidE.Wood AnnualSizzlerforSight American LegionSharonPost299 Hoffman Industrial|Adolf&CyndyReichenbacher Ben BissettChevrolet|D&GMechanicalonghia Specialty MetalProducts|UPCHorizon Construction Mel GrataChevrolet/Toyota Ohio PaperTube Bunzl |CCLContainer |Erme’sFaraoneBrothers Scheidemantle Motors $1,000 FlamingHotSponsors $500 Smokin’Hotponsors | JonathanFister&AnnPeterson Reinhardt’s Insurance |EcklesConstruction $100 Smokin’ponsors $250 Sizzlingponsors | Black,Bashor&PorschLLC |TheCorinthianBanquetHall Special ThanksTo |Daffin’sDean’sairy |D’Onofrio’s Wesex Corporation |RienConstruction |QuakerSteak &Lube | NLMK |ClarkHillPLCCombine |TwinCapitalManagement |Donald&NancyRakoci iplomate in Low Vision, Fellow Fellow Vision, Low in iplomate D | TresaTempleton |TheNugentGroup |GreenvilleSavingsBank | RBCCapitalMarkets | SharonElks |HershExterminating |Dr.JamesG.Kollar |ToddAlexander |GiantEagleHerr’s |Seymour | Convermat |Wolcott | FirstNational |Eckles |Shenango | | | | | | | | | | |

Machine & Fab Inc. 6 for the join usin2015 fantastic night!Wehopethatyouwill you forsupportingKeystoneBlindAssociation. an entirecommunitythat helps to take careoftheir own. Thank participant, sponsor, donor, and the support and generosity of & friends;our heartfeltgratitudegoesouttoeachandevery Sizzler for Sight committee, board members, and Perry’s family from Keystoneforcomingouttosupportthisgreatcause. a glass beer steinthateachattendee a glassreceivedasthankyou added a perfect touch to a great night. And finally, we added Cellars, Fractured Grape, and Knockin’ Noggin. The wine we addedthewineries.AbigthankyougoesouttoNova and Lube, and parsleypotatoes from Faraone Brothers. Then Quaker Steak cheese from macaroni and addition of including the | QuakerSteak&Lube Clarencedale Cake|CitizensBankC.J.CochranDaySpa& Community RecreationCenter Apollo MaennerchorofSharon tHAIRepy–Charlene Styduhar Klafter’s, Inc. Valley ChamberofCommerce Salon |CortlandBanksCreativeCreations–JaniceGraham Philadelphia Candies Sheetz Holiday InnExpress|Amyammond O’Neill Coffee|OutbackSteakhouse th | Goldstein’sGreenvilleSavingsBankTheGrowingPlace Billy’s Black&Gold | TheFisters | Dean&BevKappasMicheleKienastKing’sJewelry | | Penn-OhioCigarCo. Child CareCenter Minuteman PressofHermitage AnnualSizzlerforSight. Media |Jess’sJunctionJodenJewelers Designs–Leah &ShannonSipos | TomDill&TeresaCave Edible Arrangements Tam O’ShanterofPA If youwerenotabletojoinusthisyear,missedone Association &ourclients,the On behalfofKeystoneBlind Lowe’s HomeImprovement Annette Bermudez Tresa Templeton Adolf &CynthiaReichenbacher Centers Matthew’s Hallmark|AliceattockselGrata | | Judy&WallyCarpenter |Laurie&ChrisStaph WFMJ–JoAnn Kolarik vo lum e mmxv •issue 1 •w inter | vi sta |Thelma’sSportsNook |TheLoganCompany |GiantEagleCaroleGiroskiGoldenCorral

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1. Guests take a look through the record-breaking 100 Chinese Auction baskets. 2. Attendees enjoy visiting with community members. 3. Chicken, beef, pork, and lamb were cooked on the spit. 4. KBA employees and volunteers work to take the meat off the spit and slice it for serving. 5. Chef Sam Moore and KBA CEO Jonathan Fister. 6. KBA employees Maureen Perod, Kathy Buskirk, Dale Myers, Nikki Boyle, Ann Peterson, and Lana Penniman prepare the food serving line. 7. P.J. Yudt, recipient of the 2014 Perry Templeton Award, accepts the award from Ann Peterson and Jonathan Fister. 8 8. KBA CFO Laurie Staph, Facilities & Operations Director PJ Yudt, and KBA Board member Tresa Templeton.

Keystone | keystoneblind.org 7 Our Industrial Youth 8 Projects Programs also refinished using 25.5 tons of topsoil, 18 lbs. of grass seed, and 12bales ofstraw. grass of lbs. 18 topsoil, of tons 25.5 using refinished also to fill in the court! The lawn area around the volleyball court was contain the sand wasused sand. 200tonsofbeachvolleyball pressuretreated x12’ wood perimeter was builtandcappedwith asafetycushionto A 2 the drains. into down filtering from the drainage, and then fabric was installedto prevent the sand tile to be installed. 66tons of pea gravel was spreadon top of area had to be excavated down 24”, which enabled drainage now enablemowingtobedone. completed intheseareaswill of grass seed,and 21balesof straw were used! The work lbs. the parkinglotandfence.Intotal,60tonsof topsoil, 43 outside of the fence line, as wella 200’ x 8’ area between barriers and80tonsoflimestone. using fabricweed brush andstabilized was alsoclearedofall barriers. Aditchalongtheroadinfront of theretention pond then was stabilizedusing 115 tons of limestone and fabric weed and brush from the hillsides around the retention pond, which perform lawn restoration work. First, workers had to clear trees and MarineReserveCentercourt tobuildasandvolleyballand awarded acontract tion forwasatEbensburgNaval theBlind understand visualimpairments,withoutbeingconfrontational. how toeducatepeoplewhomaynot er. Thesecondtopicwas for onpreparation was winter andhowtomakesureyou’rereadyforthecoldweath- topic first The topics. group support and support.Atthiseventwehadtwo outlet forsocialization events the Young Adults participate inare meant to be an bowling, followed by dinner at Bob Evan’s Restaurant. The in By JenniferLilly Young AdultsProgram By ClaudeGaines Ebensburg ReserveCenterProject Hermitage. Seven young adults enjoyed an afternoon of Adults Coordinator. Lastly, a 30’ x 60’ sand volleyball court was constructed. The lawn area perimeter 6foot a refinished workers Next, Associa- County Beaver affiliate Keystone September, In Keeping with the fall theme,Keeping withthefallYoung Adults participated Young Adults rolled into fall with an event at Ten Pin Alley Faith Newtonand Jenn Lilly,Young

The YoungAdultsgroup,withSupport Services AideKatieMason(frontleft) at BobEvan’sRestaurantfordinner.

248. have anyquestions,contact Jennifer Lilly atext. 724-347-5501 you would like to participate in the Young Adults program or 2015! More information will be provided closer to that date. If agency: “Vision”,“Opportunity”,and“Advocate”. With the letters we were able to make words to represent our float. their for theme parade wasboard games. The Young Adults did aScrabble in the court! Reserve personnel are excited to use their new sandvolleyball II for the opening of the court. volleyball The Navy andMarine Officer Commanding with met Connely held attheReserveCenter.BCABExecutiveDirectorAllen was omnig Officer Commanding Executive DirectorAllen Connely. The nextYoungbesnowtubinginFebruary Adultseventwill On Friday, October 31, 2014,aribbon-cutting ceremony Halloween Parade in Crawford County. The theme for the vo lum e mmxv •issue 1 •w inter | vi sta Meadville HalloweenParade! made anappearanceatthe c pro ws tl fo te game. the from tile a was person Each William LCDR Twinkle andEyenstien Welch E. William LCDR n BCAB and II

. Welch E. Tips From Keystone The Pros By LuannCade The JoyinTeachingforTwentyYears exposure tothesewavelengthsisthought by sometocontribute (CFLs) alsoemitthese wavelengths. Long term and continuous tablet screens, and light sources like compact fluorescent lamps the newer electronic devices like computers, smart phones, and these wavelengths are most concentrated. which blockout these wavelengths or avoiding situationswhere of somenutrients. Protectionoften managedbyeyeglasses is and itsimpactcanbeaffectedbycertainmedicationsorlack where weareexposedtoit(i.e.,mountains,seashore,etc.), Exposure canvarydependingonthetimeofday,season, end of the spectrum, and which we are exposed to every day. The wavelengths that are most concerning are at the blue light called the fovea islocated)ifexposedover a periodof time. and/or the retina (the backof the eye where the 20/20spot to the lens (thefocusing part of the eye right behind the pupil) parts of the eyes, but most of the vision impactisdue to damage wavelengths oflightcanpotentiallycausedamagetodifferent specific that suggests research that, said Having 20/20. of sight can range anywhere from light perception to so-calledperfect what is referred to as “no light perception” (NLP). From NLP, vision aretrulyleftwithoutanysight,or know thatveryfewindividuals impairment. often thewordblindnessisusedinplace of thetermvisual “blindness” itiscriticaltoknowwhatthespeakermeans.Most By PaulB.Freeman,O.D Is ThatTrue? I HeardThatLightFromaComputerScreenCanMakeYouBlind... round justlike you. through yearafteryear.After all,mystudentsmusttravelallyear of the summer heat, fall leaves,andsnowyPA winters I teach impaired travelers visually use these also. The outside elements more elevators, escalators, and steps than I can count. Yes, could safelytravelattheir leisure.Ihavebeenupanddown groceryshoppinglists, maps, and mallroutesso my students students aresafeandindependenttravelers.Ihave madetactile after weekthroughouttheschoolyear,making surethatmy than I can remember. I havegone into the same schools week in mycarPAandOhio use theircane.Itraveledmoremiles I have walked down rural dirt roads, teaching how individuals to on have practicedmyteachingskillsthe New York City subway. intersections may not that some sightedindividualseventry. I four hour downtown city busroutes, with students,crossing busy as Philadelphia,Pittsburgh, andCleveland.Ihavebeenon 2 to 101. Ihavetaught students indowntown busy cities such co-workers alike. and professionals, students, field, the in years 20 my throughout have hadthe opportunity to work with manywonderful people I Specialist, &Mobility asanOrientation with fondmemories, when didIblink,andwherehavetheyearsgone?Thinkingback years in the field of Blindness and college classmate congratulating me on my teaching twenty First, and most importantly, when you hear the word I keep current with continuing education to stay up-to-date Reflecting back, I wasrecentlysent an emailfrom a good friend and past | keystoneblind.org n the field of blindness and visual impairment, we impairment, visual and blindness of field the In I have taught students anywhere from age Visual Impairments. However, many of I wondered, my wildest dreams. As younger generation. he at hisown school, is hope for a better future ahead for our fortunate in anyclassroom.Mysonnowhelpingthose lessthan program was an invaluable lifelessonthat cannot be taught Kids ourKeystone with Mydaughtervolunteering a disability. of volunteering, acceptance, & understanding of those with through the years, Ihope they have gained the importance own three children, now 14, 11,and9.Bywatching their mom, up whoIamtoday.Along the way,Ihopetohaveinspiredmy For they haveleft alastingimprinton me, that helps to make touched theirlivesinsomesmallway,astheyhave touchedmine. myself with each person that Ihave taught. Ican only hope Ihave However, Icanhonestlysaythathavelearnedsomething new the way. Were there ups anddowns along the way? Absolutely! student’s homesor school, & had no cell phone or GPS to guide a smallpartoftheirlifewithme. as theyshare and afriendtomyschoolstudents&families class, to classroom teachers who have never had a blind childin their members, whentheyfeltlikewereataloss,beenresource education to anyone that would listen. I have encouraged family andpublic caneawareness white promoted have and the field, justentering teachers student steered have field, my in twenty have been.Thanksforthememories! to what lies ahead, another issueofthe called Computerleavethatfor Vision Syndrome…butwewill a more commonconcern when looking atacomputerscreen (potentially) harmful light, etc. And we have not even gotten into exposureto diet, health, onyour eyes, based information specific more you give can who practitioner care eye your to out these wavelengths.Mostimportantly, pose these questions can be placed on the device being viewed that can also filter that screens or wavelengths these out filter that eyeglasses be smart phone, or tablet screen. Other safety precautionsmight well totakeperiodicbreaksfromlookingatthecomputer, all us do would it say, to it Suffice consider. to variables many are think there are any definitive studies on long term effects; there that has been determined by any scientific studies, and do not believethatthere is apreciseamountofexposuretime an accumulation of possible damageto the retina or lens? I Can there be a delayedlong term effect on vision basedon be asked: wavelengths havebeneficialeffects.) bad. Somebluelight blue lightis important tonotethatnotall is and ifthatoccurs, is typicallyagradualprocess.(Asanaside,it decrease to central vision (visualimpairment, not blindness), a cancause which degeneration, macular related to age y past 14 years hereatKBA,havebeenrewardingbeyond My past14 I smileasthinkbacktowhenhadhandwritedirections So there are two good follow up questions which now might How long is too long to look at my computer screen? I can only hope it is half as fulfilling as the last Vista. I reflect back,

I smile, and as 9 I look forward I do not Crawford 10 County orner Calendar ofEvents By BobGeorge Meet Virginia! deal. Bythen radios hadaspeaker,and family got their own radio, it wasabig didn’t haveaspeaker. When Virginia’s headphones. the with ing aerial and they had to take turns listen- got the first radio in Geneva. radio first the got When liquid. Virginia was8or10,oneofherneighbors the up firm to snow the in winter, as you had to set the Jello outside in the because itwasonlyavailable appliances. Jellowasabigtreat it wasliketolivewithoutelectric Geneva then, andsheknowswhat church stilltoday! United United Brethren, which becamethe moved there. Her parents chose the Geneva whenVirginia’sfamily organized churches in established Pardee. Crawford County, thanourownVirginia test of time. were no windows. and had“sidecurtains”,asthere a Ford Touring car, seated 4people purchased, her father that car first rest of her life. She told me that the and shehaslivedinGenevathe the very next day after the move, to Geneva. Sheturned 5 yearsold family hadno choice but to move commute back andforth; Virginia’s paved roads and no reliable wayto away. Inthosethere days,wereno Geneva, PA, amere 12 miles was moved from Atlantic, PA to job maintainer fortheErieRailroad. His in Atlantic, PA. LSE: LifeSkillsEducation|TIC: 10:00AM 26 –TICMeeting;Wesbury intheChapel; Republicanoom;10:00A M 21 –SupportGroup;KBA Meadville (AgencyClosed) 19 –MartinLutherKing,Jr. Day KBAMeadvilleOffice; 10:30AM 14 –LSE:InteractiveVideoConference; 1 –NewYear’sDay(AgencyClosed) There was no electricity in Virginia wasborn on August 11 It isexcitingwhenaclientstandsthe Methodist, which is Virginia’s There is no better example, in January Her father was asignal There were three The first radios first The Technology InformationClub

hd an had It th , 1917

10:00AM 23 –TICMeeting;WesburyintheChapel; Republicanoom;10:00A M 18 –SupportGroup;KBA Meadville 16 –Presidents’Day(Agency Closed) KBAMeadvilleOffice;10:30AM 11 –LSE:InteractiveVideoConference; on thehonor roll many timesandshewas off inspades.Hernameappeared paid her besteffort to excel.Herhardwork concentrate on her studies, andmake to Meadville provided. Lake, but there was no transportation school or in nearbyMeadville Conneaut went in Geneva. for eight years, whichwasashigh as it the radio. of the orchestra music that came over mother Virginia’s usedtolovethesound and “Gene & Glen”and“JakeLena”. intently toshowslike“Amos&Andy” everyone crowded around and listened Celebrating andenjoyingicecream cake withVirginia(intheredshirt). Virginia attended school in Geneva She paid adriver to take her February High School. Shechoseto She could attend high Meadville Offic vo lum e mmxv •issue 1 •w inter | vi sta

Republican Room; 10:00AM 18 –SupportGroup,KBA Meadville 10:00AM 16 –TICMeeting;WesburyintheChapel; KBAMeadvilleOffice; 10:30AM 11 –LSE:InteractiveVideo Conference; (Turnclocksahead) 8 –DaylightSavingTimeBegins Harland askedVirginiatobehiswife. They became sweethearts. In Augustof1935, all throughva andMeadvillehighschool, together back andforth between Gene- driver, She graduatedin1935. Virginia,andthe named to the National Virginia! much ofa pleasureaswehavetomeet her birthday. back to the ice creamstandnext year for big fun, so wedecidedtobringVirginia Birthday” to our friend Virginia. We all had candle! Weallsangahearty “Happy birthday cake,completewithafrog cream togoalongwiththehomemade I so hope that you have found it as including mostofthenationalparks. were able to see manyof the sights, coast. Pacific the to traveled Charles boughtamotor home and married for52years. married Charles Pardee. They were Six yearsafter losing Harland,she years. five for factory their in house Virginia wenttoworkforWesting- ranging fromtwotosixandahalf, to an accident. With four children, nine monthswhenshelosthimdue were marriedforsevenyearsand Virginia celebrate her 97 their favorite cone or dish of ice lunch. After lunch, everyone chose day celebration. ber day, to enjoy an outdoor birth- cream stand on a beautifulSeptem - group of clientstoanearbyice this year. We transported a nice Harland Bailey,who had driven We hadthepleasureofhelping When she turned 65, she and We beganthecelebrationwith March Honor Society. th birthday They

Lawrence Keystone County orner the bestintheirnewlifetogether! up toNiagaraFallsfortheirhoneymoon. drove away. They then headed straight Louise andNatemadeagrand exit and ies! Friendsandfamilyblewbubblesas Louise thanks everyone who made cook cookies, hot chocolate, coffee, and tea. downstairs in the fellowship hallwith held reception was Pittsburgh. Asmall (Midddletown Road Baptist Church) in mony took place atLouise’shome church married on November 8, 2014!The cere Johnson & NathanielJohnson, who were Keystone Kids Coordinator Louise (Varner) Wedding Bells fice, reach new clients and grow new and clients new reach fice, improve the Lawrence County of- for ourselvesto that wehavesetaside goals personal some fulfill to looking are excited forwhatIstocomethisyearand would like to do. As we ring in 2015, we are you, our wonderful clients asto what you andsuggestionsfrom open tonewideas to keepthe winter blahs away.Weare ing Life Skills sessionsand support groups some interest scheduling are we office, to staywarmintheLawrence County been nipping at our nose! Besides trying Calendar ofEvents 11AM;LocationTBA 22 –TalkingNewspaper SupportGroup; (AgencyClosed) 19 –MartinLutherKing,Jr. Day 10:30AM;KBANewCastle Office 14 –LSE:Videoconference; 12 –TICMeeting;11A;LocationTBA 1 –NewYear’sDay(AgencyClosed) By EricJohnson The LatestatLawrenceCounty LSE: LifeSkillsEducation|TIC: Keystone wishes Louise and Nate all Congratulations to Caseworker/ Winter hasarrivedandJackFrost has | keystoneblind.org January Technology InformationClub - - -

11AM;LocationTBA 19 –TalkingNewspaper Support Group; 16 –Presidents’Day(Agency Closed) 12 –Valentine’sDayParty 10:30AM;KBANewCastle Office 11 –LSE:Videoconference; 10 –TICMeeting;11A;LocationTBA a Rent The sameistrue Assistance toapply.for we will take you to the County Board of HEAP (EnergyAssistanceapplication), We shareKatiewiththeSharonoffice. worker, who youmaybemeetingsoon. Mason, coordinator/case a newlifeskills posted. keep everyone Louise andIwill details! planning stages,sostaytunedforfurther in the programs. Someeventsarestill If youhavenot completed a LI/ I alsowouldliketowelcomeKatie Rebate or Property Tax applica February New CastlOffic - -

completing it. you in bring onetoyouandassist will application, pleaseletusknow and we like tocompleteanAbsenteeBallot call to make areservation.Ifyouwould in May,please tion toandfromthepolls appointment. If you would liketransporta as welltakeyoutoandfromyour ment foryourtaxes,butKBAcandothat will probablyneed to make an appoint- you canhaveyourtaxesprepared. You or to other tax preparation sites sothat tion. KBA willtake you to Challenges 11AM;LocationTBA 19 –TalkingNewspaper Support Group; 10:30AM;KBANewCastle Office 11 –LSE:Videoconference; 10 –TICMeeting;11A;LocationTBA (Turnclocksahead) 8 –DaylightSavingTimeBegins

March 11 -

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID SHARON, PA eystone PERMIT #82 Our Vision Works 1230 Stambaugh Ave. • Sharon, PA 16146

Proud Member of:

National eystone FOUNDATION independence management FOR BLIND CHILDREN Mercer and Crawford Counties

Our Mission To empower, educate, and employ individuals with vision loss or other disabilities.

Our Vision We change people’s lives for the better.

Touch

Keystone Headquarters 1230 Stambaugh Avenue • Sharon, PA 16146 Phone: (724) 347-5501 eystone $ALE CORNER Fax: (724) 347-2204 Our Vision Works Email: [email protected] K eep in KBA - Crawford County Office Shredding Sale 312 Chestnut Street • Meadville, PA 16335 Phone: (814) 333-3121 Fax: (814) 333-3124 Email: [email protected] First 10 lbs. Free for KBA - Lawrence County Office new customers! 2304 Wilmington Road • New Castle, PA 16105 Phone: (724) 856-3527 (Walk-ins only) Fax: (724) 856-3291 Email: [email protected] Call Dean at Keystone with any questions. www.keystoneblind.org Open Monday - Friday • 7:30 AM - 4 PM 981 Division Street, Sharon, PA 16146 • 724-347-3711 *Restrictions may apply, contact store for details. (Prices good through March 31, 2015.)

12 volume mmxv • issue 1 • winter | vista