Winter 2010—2011

Rich History Remembered, Centennial Medals Presented at Gala Celebration BVRS CELEBRATES CENTENNIAL What a year it has been! and rapidly expanding industrialization security, and no welfare. Injured In 2010, we have been celebrating was fraught with unsafe conditions. workers relied on the kindness of the 100th anniversary of one of For workers who were disabled or BVRS‟ founding agencies, the blinded on the job, the choices were Continued on page 7 Pittsburgh Blind Association (PBA). few. Centennial Celebration story on PBA was incorporated in 1910 to An estimated 7,000 blind adults page 4 prevent blindness and to provide lived in Pennsylvania and no social Centennial Medal Recipients jobs for people with vision loss. safety nets existed, no job retraining, on Page 6 At the same time, we‟ve been no workers‟ compensation, no social commemorating the rich history of The Greater Pittsburgh Guild for the Erika Arbogast Named BVRS President Blind, BVRS‟ other founding agency that was incorporated in 1959 to After conducting she makes is measured by whether it teach rehabilitation techniques to a national search, forwards the agency‟s mission and vision-impaired clients. Erika Arbogast, 31, how it affects the financial bottom The work of both agencies, that of Cranberry, was line. consolidated in 1997 to become hired by the BVRS She most recently served as the BVRS, has led to greater independence Board of Directors Vice President of Programs for for thousands of people with vision to replace Stephen Life‟sWork of Western Pennsylvania loss. Through training and/or S. Barrett, who where she supervised a staff of 75 employment services at BVRS retired in February. people and assisted the CEO in (See related story on managing a $6.5 million annual these individuals have been able to Erika Arbogast resume their lives, enjoy hobbies, page 2.) budget. On July 1, she began overseeing all continue working, and care for BVRS received 58 applications programs, services, and staff. themselves and their families. from experienced professionals “My top priority is to get the The story of the agencies that nationwide and Mrs. Arbogast‟s agency to a point financially where became BVRS began 100 years ago “skills and experience made her we are a little more comfortable in when immigration was booming the best person for the job”, said these economic conditions,” she said. Mike Romano, Chairman of the After that is accomplished, Mrs. Board of BVRS. BVRS to Receive New Arbogast wants to grow the agency. “We interviewed some pretty Mrs. Arbogast said every decision United Way Funding Continued on back page BVRS has been chosen by United Way of Allegheny County to Extraordinary Volunteer Nancy Schepis implement an exciting program that Receives Prestigious Senator John Heinz Award addresses the needs of vulnerable seniors and adults with disabilities. Nancy Favo estimated $750,000. As volunteer co- In 2008, United Way developed a Schepis, BVRS‟ ordinator, Mrs. Schepis has recruited new strategic initiative aimed at dedicated volun- and trained hundreds of volunteers to meeting critical community needs teer coordinator work with vision-impaired clients, and making the best use of funding who has worked including sighted guide training. dollars. At that time, a shift was tirelessly to “For her years of devotion and the made to create an RFP (Request benefit clients impact she has made on the lives of for Proposals) process that stresses and programs, people and their families, the committee collaborations between community has been selected Nancy from the 59 stellar agencies and achievement of awarded the nominations that we received…her measurable outcomes. Agencies prestigious unwavering selflessness made her that receive funding from the Senator John the clear choice for this award,” said United Way through this process Nancy Schepis Heinz Award for Scott Lammie, Chief Financial Officer are considered to be high quality “outstanding community service.” of UPMC Health Plan who co-chaired organizations that address a popu- On her behalf, BVRS received a the Heinz Award Nominating Committee lation with great needs, utilize a $10,000 award from United Way. with his wife, Susan. sound approach in programming, A volunteer for 38 years, first as a Mrs. Schepis said she is honored and achieve measurable results. mobility aide and later as the volun- to receive the award and that the In April 2011, BVRS will begin to teer coordinator, Mrs. Schepis has work has always been about serving receive funding for a three-year logged more than 30,000 volunteer clients. Continued on page 7 hours. Her services are valued at an Continued on back page Stephen S. Barrett, former BVRS President, loses long battle with cancer

Stephen S. Barrett, BVRS increase client recruitment and national awareness of president from September 2003 BVRS‟ programs and services. until his retirement in February "He had a very quiet but effective leadership style," 2010, died Saturday, April 17, said Tom Buchanan, former BVRS board chairman. of esophageal cancer. "Steve tended to roll up his sleeves and worked Mr. Barrett, who was 60, shoulder to shoulder with his managers." spent the majority of his 38 Mr. Barrett began his career as a rehabilitation year career working in the field teacher and counselor for the Texas Commission for of deaf-blindness in several the Blind in Dallas. He served as the Executive Director states, along the way earning of the Pinellas Center for the Visually Impaired in widespread national recognition Largo, Florida, and as Executive Director in agencies for his leadership in the field. in Anchorage, Alaska and Galveston, Texas. Stephen S. Barrett "There will be a great void He is survived by his wife, Bobbie; two daughters, in the deaf-blind field," said Heather Barrett of Dallas, TX, and Jennifer Tamol of Cynthia Ingraham, the regional representative for the Jacksonville, FL; two brothers, Edward of Pratt, KS, New York based Helen Keller National Center that and David of Philadelphia; and two sisters, Frances serves people who are deaf-blind where Mr. Barrett Ann Coleman of Silverhill, AL, and Mary Barrett of once served as Executive Director. Shreveport, LA. Under Mr. Barrett‟s direction, BVRS consolidated its A Mass was celebrated in Wylie, Texas. Gifts may services in Homestead and sold its former buildings in be made in Mr. Barrett‟s memory to BVRS by calling Oakland and Bridgeville. Mr. Barrett also led efforts to 412-368-4400.

Eileen Bender Named Recreation Professional of the Year Eileen Bender, BVRS Rehabilitation being an outstanding role model, Instructor, has been awarded the leader, and advocate,” wrote prestigious 2010 Therapeutic Marjorie Wuestner, President of Recreation Professional of the the association. “You are joining an Year award. impressive list of previous award The award was presented by winners.” the Pennsylvania State Association At BVRS, Mrs. Bender teaches for Health, Physical Education, sensory training, techniques of Recreation, and Dance, a professional daily living, provides instruction in association to which Mrs. Bender health, wellness, and exercise, and has belonged for 45 years. organizes leisure time activities for “You are to be commended for clients. Eileen Bender assisting clients

BVRS Seeks Adult Mentor Volunteers for Vision Impaired Youth Announcing the Newest Vision impairment can be isolating, into enhancing job exploration, and Members of our Chuck Noll so BVRS‟ Employment Opportunities help the young person develop a Road to Independence Society

Project (EOP) has launched the positive self-image and realistic goals. Jeffrey and Erika Arbogast Insights Mentoring Program to Mentors will be asked to make a Lisa M. Cibik, MD FACS match young people aged 14-21 one-year minimum commitment. Gus & Annie Hanna Engel who are blind or vision impaired Additionally, volunteer mentors will Debra Fox & Dr. Jules Rosen with a successful and confident adult attend BVRS relationship building Dick & Lynn Hoak who also experiences limited vision. activities, meet with the young Dr. & Mrs. Louis A. Lobes, Jr. David A. Lovejoy, Esq. & The goal is to offer young people person at least once a month, Sandra L. Demas a friend and advisor who has faced contact the person at least once a Ms. Rita M. McGinley and overcome challenges associated week by phone or email, and provide Edgar & Norma Michaels with vision loss. BVRS with monthly feedback. James P. Mondzelewski, M.D. Mentors may provide guidance in If you have questions or are Kay & Art Rooney, Jr. dealing with attitudes about blindness, interested in becoming a mentor, Faye Sampson becoming an active member of the contact: Sandy & Edgar Snyder community, and identifying resources Sue Lichtenfels Tom & Sandy Usher for assistance. They may also offer EOP Training Specialist Dr. Mark & Roseanne Wholey Ann P. Winkelstein tips and techniques for living 412-368-4400 Michael & Judy Zaken independently, provide valuable insight [email protected] This society pays tribute to Chuck Noll who served as Chairman of BVRS‟s Board BVRS Employment Opportunities Project from 1997-2004. Members of this prestigious The Employment Opportunities Project is a school to work program group have pledged unrestricted gifts of at designed to prepare students for employment. Blind or vision impaired students least $1,000 per year for five years. aged 14-21 who receive services through the Allegheny Intermediate If you are interested in learning more Unit are eligible. BVRS offers job readiness classes, job shadowing, about this society and how you can community-based work experiences, mentoring, and job coaching. Students become a member, please contact Laura also enjoy weekly guest speakers who include business professionals and Liggett in the Development Department successful adults who are blind or vision impaired. at 412-368-4400 x 2232. 2

WHAT CAN A BLIND PERSON DO? Hint: You just might be surprised.

LIFELONG ARTIST LYNDA LAMBERT DISCOVERS HOW TO CREATE ART WITH VISION LOSS When she lost her vision, artist Mrs. Lambert began making can be in an art show some day,‟ and jewelry maker Lynda Lambert pottery after a friend invited her to join and I broke up and began to cry,” wasn‟t sure how she was going to a class at the Sweetwater Center for she said. make herself a cup of tea let alone the Arts in Sewickley. Working with “Right now, as an artist, I‟m back create art again. the clay proved to be cathartic. Mrs. in the game.” But after coming to BVRS to learn Lambert took more classes and, in- View Mrs. Lambert‟s work at how to be independent, Mrs. Lambert spired, began making pots in her home www.Lyndalambert.com. has also discovered how to be an studio. artist with vision loss. Today, Mrs. Lambert sells the pots “I‟m no longer painting, and it and the jewelry she makes in area took me two years to figure it out, art shows. In September and October, but I can now use the CCTV to make jewelry,” said Mrs. Lambert, who lost her vision in October 2007 “Going to BVRS made every to ischemic optic neuropathy, often difference in the world to me. called a „stroke of the optic nerve.‟ I am a fully functional The Closed Circuit TV, or CCTV, human being again has a camera that projects images and I really feel I can do just placed beneath it onto a large about anything I want to do, computer or television screen. The just like before.” image can be magnified up to 85 —Lynda Lambert times its original size. With the help of the CCTV, Mrs. Lynda Lambert Lambert has also returned to her pottery was featured at the creating medieval beadwork, a Merrick Art Gallery in New project she began while an assistant Brighton. The show featured fine arts and humanities professor seven other members of at Geneva College. Associated Artists of Pittsburgh. “My introduction to the CCTV at Her work has been displayed BVRS was to read a paragraph that in art exhibitions in Japan, had one or two sentences. I was New Guinea, Austria, and the asked a question from that material. United States. Her artistic You can‟t believe how long it took me to read that paragraph. It was career has been documented so hard, and I got headaches from by the National Museum of the stress on my eyes.” Women in the Arts in Once home, she experimented Washington, D.C. with the CCTV. At the same time “It was only one year ago she discovered a group of blind that another artist was visiting CCTV’s Wanted crafters on the Internet who told her me and we were looking at the art If you have an unused recent model about methods and tools she could in my home. As she was leaving, I Closed Circuit TV (CCTV) use to make jewelry again. remember saying, „I just hope I that you wish to donate, Please Call 412-368-4400.

The 14th Annual Steelers Alumni Charity Golf Tournament BVRS‟ 14th annual golf outing was held on July 26, 2010 at Diamond Run Golf Course. Since it began, the event has raised more than a million dollars for BVRS. Over 175 players and volunteers attended this year‟s event. Attendees bid on fabulous prizes such as a trip on the Steelers chartered flight Pictured are former Steelers Rocky to watch them play the Titans in Pictured are Randy Grossman (left) Bleier, Dick Hoak, LC Greenwood, and Tennessee. receiving the Ray Mansfield Old Ranger (second from right) Joe Gordon, board Award from Andy Russell (right), both member, former Steelers Communications Mark your Calendars are former Steelers. Director, and tournament chairman. for the 2011 outing which will take place Photos are courtesy of Sal Tommarello on July 25, 2011. 3 BVRS Centennial Celebration—A Night of Remembrances BVRS celebrated 100 years of our work and how proud they were service on Wednesday, October 20th to be involved. Howard Hanna Real at Carnegie Music Hall in Oakland. Estate Services was one of our The Centennial Celebration marked Diamond Centennial Sponsors as an important milestone for BVRS. was The Auxiliary, BVRS. The evening highlighted 100 Every person who attended the individuals, companies, and event received a beautiful diamond- organizations who were recognized shaped paper weight with our for their past record of support Centennial logo etched into it as a and dedication to BVRS and its souvenir. predecessor organizations. Each From left are Annie Hanna Cestra, Peggy A lot of hard work and dedication of these individuals received a Snavely, and Helen Hanna Casey went into making this the most centennial medal to thank them for special event in our 100 year history. their service. Approximately 350 Hats off to the committee under the guests attended the program which The third portion of the program direction of Peggy Snavely, a member began in the auditorium and was featured a salute to our current and of our board of directors, who followed by a beautiful dinner in the past staff which showcased clients and worked diligently on this for over a Grand Foyer. the level of caring service they received year. As well thanks go to the Larry Richart of KDKA radio was the while at BVRS. Comment after com- Development staff and to Deb Master of Ceremony for the program ment reinforced the importance of our Mendenhall for planning the event and was assisted by Julie Unitas staff and the essential role they play and utilizing the team‟s creative Giba, a long-time volunteer and former in the rehabilitation of our clients. skills to pull off a perfect evening. president of St. Lucy‟s Auxiliary to There was hardly a dry eye in the The event raised close to $100,000 the Blind. The program was divided audience after this program was over. for our programs and reinforced into three parts: a historical review Fabulous displays of every program relationships with many old and of the past, the awarding of Centen- currently offered at BVRS were new friends. BVRS looks forward to nial Medals, and a tribute to BVRS‟ presented in the registration and continuing our service to the past and current staff. Thanks to the reception areas. Included were community for the next 100 years. research skills of Dr. Richard Welsh, both historical memorabilia and former Pittsburgh Vision Services descriptions of equipment, programs, President, a wonderful historical and services currently offered. Also presentation began the evening. displayed were group photographs of Medallion Ball The presentation of medals which staff from each department. followed was very inspirational. The Hanna Family, who have had Several former and current clients, four generations of family members volunteers, board leaders, donors, active in the support of our agency, and cooperating organizations were took on the role as Honorary Chairs. awarded medals. Over 85 people They also accepted medals on behalf were seated on the stage after all of themselves, their mother, grand- the medals were presented. For mother, children, and grandchildren. Copyright ©, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 2010, all rights many attendees, the centennial was Helen Hanna Casey, Annie Hanna reserved. Reprinted with permission. like a reunion of old friends and Cestra, and Hoddy Hanna all made classmates. comments about the importance of The St. Lucy‟s Auxiliary to the Blind held its 47th annual Medallion Ball at the Wyndam Grand Pittsburgh Many thanks to the Our Thanks and (formerly the Pittsburgh Hilton) on Centennial Committee Appreciation to the Friday, November 26, 2010. Centennial Sponsors Approximately 1,200 attendees and Peggy Snavely, Chair co-chairs of the event, Julia Gleason The Hanna Family, Honorary Chairs Diamond Centennial Sponsors and Regina Callahan, watched 119 Howard Hanna Real Estate Services girls being awarded the Joan of Arc Cheryl Akers-Stanton The Auxiliary, BVRS Medallion by Bishop David Zubik.

Bonnie Anton Double Diamond Sponsors In order to receive this honor, each Alan Boarts Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield girl had to perform at least 150 Julie Giba Hillman Company hours of volunteer service. The Joe Gordon Oxford Development proceeds from this event benefit BVRS. Pat Hauser Reed Smith Dennis Huber St. Lucy‟s Auxiliary to the Blind

Elizabeth McCarthy Single Diamond Sponsors Mary Nelle McLennan Buchanan Ingersoll and Cathy Mullin Rooney, PC Dick Roberts Citizens Bank KC Sokol Confluence Giant Eagle Betsy Teti John Lubimir St. Lucy’s donated $125,000 to BVRS from Richard Welsh, Ph.D. the 2009 Ball. Shown are Penny McKenna Jane Yallum 2010 Centennial Sponsor (left) 2010 President and Annie Hanna UPMC Health Plan Engel (right) 2009 President. 4 BVRS 2010 Person of Vision: Diane Holder, President of UPMC Health Plan

Our Centennial Year commanded programs was Dr. Tricia Pil a special individual to be chosen as whose daughter, Ellen, was the Person of Vision for 2010 and one of the 12,000 children that person was Diane Holder, screened in our Preschool President of UPMC Health Plan. Vision Program. Due to Diane‟s leadership in the health our outstanding program, field made her an outstanding Ellen was diagnosed at four choice to be our honoree this with a condition that, left year. alone, would have caused The event was held on May 4 at serious vision loss. As a the Westin Convention Center Hotel mother, Dr.Pil was very and was chaired by board member, grateful to our program for Cynthia Kutcher Troup. Bonnie and catching this problem in Pictured from left, Chairman of the Board Michael Romano, Tom Van Kirk served as Honorary her child. As a medical Peggy Snavely, Honorary Chairs Bonnie and Tom Van Kirk, Chairs and assisted a hard working doctor and pediatrician, she Honoree Diane Holder, Elizabeth McCarthy, Julie Unitas Giba, committee of volunteers who recognized the value of our Chair Cynthia Troup, and Former Chairman of the Board planned the event for many months. service in finding vision Thomas Buchanan. Mrs. Holder spoke of the importance problems in children while they are Person of Vision Committee of our work and the need for eye fully treatable. care professionals to refer to BVRS BVRS is grateful to UPMC for Cynthia Troup, Chair for low vision services after every- providing so much assistance for Bonnie and Tom Van Kirk, Honorary Chairs thing has been done to try to save a the evening and to staff member Bonnie B. Anton patient‟s sight. Gina Pferdehirt for all her support Alan Boarts Entertainment was provided by and attention to detail. Thomas Buchanan Scott MacIntyre, a finalist on the 2009 Ellen Donley “American Idol” TV show. Scott was Julie Unitas Giba described by Judge Paula Abdul Paula Giglio as an inspiration to the entire It’s A Tailgate Party! Joe Gordon world through your commitment On Friday, June 11, the annual Charles Horne Elizabeth McCarthy and through your talent. Scott has “For Your Eyes Only” Tailgate Party been vision-impaired since birth. Gina Pferdehirt was held at the PITT Football Peggy Snavely Jim Roddey, BVRS long-time Practice Facility on the Southside. supporter and former board chair, Head Football Coach, Dave Wannstedt, was the MC for the evening. Jim gave a behind-the-scenes glimpse has served as the master of of the home of the Panthers. Guests ceremonies for all of BVRS‟ Persons were treated to a delicious dinner, of Vision programs for over a decade. fabulous silent and live auctions, Speaking on the benefits of our music by the classic Rock and Roll group “Truth be Told”, and an inspiring talk given by BVRS Many thanks to Our Program graduate Sharon Donovan. Many thanks to the committee Person of Vision Sponsors members and to our guest auctioneer, Bill Alberts, for a great evening! 2010 Centennial Sponsor Photo courtesy of Lennon, Smith, and Souleret Engineering UPMC Health Plan Corporate Ski Event 2010 Platinum Sponsor For the first time in the history of the Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC Corporate Cup Ski Race the event had

to be postponed due to too much snow! Gold Sponsors Originally scheduled for February 26th Allergan the event was held on March 12th at The Auxiliary, BVRS Seven Springs. Pictured above are Gordon Terminal Services the winners of the 26th Annual Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Corporate Cup from Lennon, Smith, ikaSystems and Souleret Engineering of Coraopolis. BNY Mellon From left to right are Larry Lennon, Jr., Ryan O‟Mahony, and Eric Silver Sponsors Beringer. Thanks to our wonderful A to Z Communications Committee members pictured from left are Joan committee chaired by Bruce Citizens Bank Martin Siebart, Peggy Snavely, Elizabeth Knepper of Burt, Hill Architects. Federated Investors McCarthy, Marsha Kirley, Michele Antonelli Gateway Financial (Chair), Jan Wannstedt, Terry Jancisin, Connie Save the Date PNC Bank Schwartz-Bedo. Not Shown—Bonnie Anton, Peg Fitchwell-Hill, February 18, 2011 University of Pittsburgh Denise Gipson, Julia Gleason, Virginia Goeble, 27th Annual Corporate Cup Ski Race Patti McKee, and Pert Pivirotto. 5 Centennial Medal Recipients We are proud to list the recipients of BVRS’ 2010 Centennial Medal. Recipients were presented with medals at a ceremony at BVRS’ Centennial Celebration at the Carnegie Music Hall on October 20th. The process began months earlier when nominations were received by the Nomination Subcommittee of the Centennial Planning Committee. Spearheaded by Dr. Richard Welsh, retired agency President, the Subcommittee was charged with selecting approximately 100 living individuals, organizations, companies, and foundations to honor for philanthropy, support, leadership, and commitment to helping BVRS continue into the next century our mission of service to people with vision loss and other disabilities. All past and present BVRS Employees were recognized with a special audio-visual tribute and a symbolic medal.

Hanna Family, Philanthropic Supporter, HJ Heinz Company and Foundation, Carol Schwartzmiller, Volunteer Volunteer Philanthropic Supporter Marilyn Seach, Volunteer and Philan- 84 Lumber, Philanthropic Supporter Charles D. Horne, Board Leadership thropic Supporter

The Auxiliary, BVRS, Philanthropic Mary Janicko, Volunteer The Frieda Shapiro Family,

Supporter Philanthropic Supporter Roy Johnson, Philanthropic Supporter

Sally Alexander, Graduate Kate M. Kelley Foundation, Philan- Marcia Sherwin, Volunteer and Philan- thropic Supporter Allegheny County DHS/Area Agency on thropic Supporter

Aging, Cooperating Organization Lois M. Kreitzer, Philanthropic Supporter Peg Sobek, Volunteer

Allegheny County Department of MH/MR, Lackner Family, Philanthropic Supporter Speyer Family Foundation, Philan- Cooperating Organization thropic Supporter

Sue and Bob Lichtenfels, Graduate St. Lucy's Auxiliary to the Blind, Phil- Emily Angelcyk, Volunteer Lions District 14B, Philanthropic Supporter anthropic Supporter Bonnie and Dick Anton, Volunteer, David Lynch, Volunteer Cheryl Akers Stanton, Board Leadership Philanthropic Supporter, and Board Leadership

Edith Trees Charitable Trust, Michele Antonelli, Volunteer and Joe Manzinger, Board Leadership Philanthropic Supporter Philanthropic Supporter Massey Charitable Trust, Philanthropic

Supporter United Way of Allegheny County, Philan- BNY Mellon, Philanthropic Supporter thropic Supporter and Cooperating Organization Ronald F. Bargiband, Board Leadership Elizabeth McCarthy, Philanthropic Sup- porter and Board Leadership University of Pittsburgh Medical Anne Barmore, Volunteer Center, Philanthropic Supporter Rita McGinley, Philanthropic Supporter

Dorothy (Dorrie) Baurnes, Volunteer Upper St. Clair Lions Club, Philanthropic Ray Mekis, Philanthropic Supporter Supporter Bayer Corporation, Philanthropic Sup- Scott Miller, Graduate Julie Uram, Board Leadership and Philan- porter thropic Supporter Bethel Park Lions Club, Philanthropic Supporter Mt. Lebanon Lions Club, Philanthropic Supporter US Steel Corporation, Philanthropic

Albert Biglan, MD, Volunteer Supporter National Council of Jewish Women, Craig Bingham, Volunteer Pittsburgh Section, Cooperating Organization Dave and Jan Wannstedt, Volunteer

Alan Boarts, Board Leadership Lora Werkmeister, Volunteer Chuck Noll, Board Leadership and Philanthropic Nadine Bogner, Philanthropic Supporter Supporter Ron Wertz, Philanthropic Supporter

Bridgeville Rotary, Philanthropic Supporter Oakland Lions Club, Philanthropic Supporter Western PA School for Blind Children,

Cooperating Organization Thomas G. Buchanan, Esq., Philanthropic Pennsylvania Bureau of Blindness and Archbishop Donald Wuerl, Board Leadership Supporter and Board Leadership Visual Services, Cooperating Organization Lois Zahorchak, Philanthropic Supporter Buchanan Ingersoll and Rooney PC, PA Department of Community & Economic Philanthropic Supporter Vicki Zezzo, Volunteer Development, Cooperating Organization

Domenic Carlino, Graduate Richard Pagliari, Board Leadership and Sid Zonn, Board Leadership

Philanthropic Supporter Charles Talbot Campbell Charitable Foundation, Philanthropic Supporter Heidi Pierce, Graduate

Carnegie Library for the Blind & Physically The Pittsburgh Foundation, Handicapped, Cooperating Organization Philanthropic Supporter

Linda Conner, Board Leadership PNC Financial Services, BVRS AWARDED Philanthropic Supporter Therese Courtney, Volunteer

PPG Industries, Philanthropic Supporter BNY MELLON GRANT Diocese of Pittsburgh, Philanthropic Supporter and Cooperating Organization Judy Press, Volunteer

Dave Dunbar, Volunteer James C. Roddey, Board Leadership and We are pleased to announce Volunteer Ruth Egler, Volunteer and Philanthropic Supporter that a grant of $50,000 has been Sherrie Rodgers, Graduate George Ehringer, Volunteer approved by the BNY Mellon Michael Romano, Board Leadership and Leroy Esh, Graduate Foundation of Southwestern Philanthropic Supporter Pennsylvania Board of Directors at Federated Investors, Philanthropic Supporter Graduate and Natalie M. Ruschell, the Foundation's November 17th FISA Foundation, Philanthropic Supporter Board Leadership meeting. These funds are to Donald Fusilli, Board Leadership Leo Russell, Board Leadership and Philanthropic Supporter enable 20 blind and/or visually Giant Eagle, Philanthropic Supporter Ed Ryan, Board Leadership and Philan- impaired youth to participate in , Board Leadership and Bob Gordon thropic Supporter Blind and Vision Rehabilitation Philanthropic Supporter Faye Sampson, Philanthropic Supporter Services of Pittsburgh's enhanced Joe Gordon, Board Leadership and Philanthropic Supporter Vincent Sarni, Board Leadership and Employment Opportunities Program. Philanthropic Supporter The BNY Mellon Foundation of Highmark Corporation, Philanthropic Supporter Scaife Family Foundation, Philan- Southwestern Pennsylvania and thropic Supporter BVRS will work collaboratively Hillman Foundation, Philanthropic Sup- porter Nancy Schepis, Volunteer and Philan- to build and enhance this thropic Supporter relationship and positively impact Henry and Elsie Hillman, Philanthropic Supporter Dr. Walter A. Schratz, Board Leadership the communities we serve.

6

BVRS From The Greater Pittsburgh THROUGH Guild for the Blind THE Newsletter, March, 1976 YEARS

These two little girls The city were suffering from shop is Tuberculosis of the eye open to and were placed in the the blind Tuberculosis Hospital citizens by our Prevention of Pitts- Nurse. Their eyes are burgh clearing up nicely. who are Instead of becoming thus en- hopelessly blind we have abled to every reason to believe live in normal sight and their homes and come to and from the shop as do health will be restored. seeing workmen. The first industries undertaken are – From the 1919 PAB the making of brooms and reseating of chairs. — From Annual Report the PAB First Annual Report, 1910

BVRS Celebrates Centennial—100 Years of Service Continued from front page Western Pennsylvania School for Blind adults in Pittsburgh. Its mission was their families or begged in the Children and his Board of Directors Independence through Rehabilitation. streets to survive. were increasingly concerned about the With PAB and The Guild, vision- At the time, preventable blindness was difficulty that the school‟s graduates impaired Pittsburghers were well growing rapidly. A leading cause of had in finding employment. served. Over time, however, the ability this was ophthalmia neonatorum, a From their efforts, the organization to sustain both agencies became an condition that newborns contracted that became the Pittsburgh Association increasing challenge. In 1997, the when exposed to harmful bacteria in for the Blind was founded in 1910 to Boards of both agencies decided to the birth canal. Not many people provide employment to persons who consolidate into one agency that knew that a few drops of silver nitrate were blind, and to promote blindness became Pittsburgh Vision Services. placed in a baby‟s eyes would kill the prevention. In 2005, the consolidation was bacteria and prevent blindness. Nearly 60 years later, Father Paul completed when the buildings of both Three private citizens stepped up to Lackner learned that the US Army agencies were sold and the new agency confront these problems. Phoebe J. and the Veterans Administration had was renamed Blind & Vision Rehabilita- Ruslander, a prominent Pittsburgh developed systematic training methods tion Services of Pittsburgh. At that community leader, responded to the to rehabilitate blinded soldiers. time, our programs and administration call of her organization, the National Father Lackner was the Director of offices were relocated to our cur- Council of Jewish Women, who sought the Catholic Guild for the Blind and rent home, the former Homestead to address the needs of adults who responsible for transportation and social Hospital located one mile from the were blind. William Wightman Blair, a services for adult Catholics without vision. Waterfront Shopping Center. Our Pittsburgh ophthalmologist, wanted Under the leadership of Bishop John Industries programs were moved to to do something about the growing Wright, a non-denominational reha- a North Side industrial park where number of blind people that he bilitation center called The Greater there is easy shipping access and was seeing in his practice. Thomas Pittsburgh Guild for the Blind was room for growth. McAloney, Superintendent of the formed in 1959 to bring training to blind

BVRS to Receive New United Way Funding program to assist seniors, with or services to seniors, diagnose We are so excited to receive without vision impairments, to remain safety concerns in their homes, funding for this project and to have independent in their own homes. develop a plan to address those the opportunity to partner with BVRS is collaborating with Rebuilding concerns, and provide the actual Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh! Together Pittsburgh, an agency that building modifications needed to Many thanks to United Way for provides free repairs and home ensure safety. Additionally, the recognizing the value of our work modifications to qualified individuals. funding will allow for over a thousand and the needs of seniors through- The two organizations will work caregivers, support staff, and family out Allegheny County. together to provide Community members to receive training on ways Based Training and transportation to help seniors remain at home safely. 7 NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Pittsburgh, PA 1800 West Street Permit No. 3061 Homestead, PA 15120

Blind & Vision Rehabilitation Nancy Schepis, BVRS Volunteer receives Heinz Award Services of Pittsburgh Continued from front page and she grew into these responsi- Michael Romano, bilities beautifully. This prepared her Chairman of the Board “It is truly a wonderful experience to help new, unsure clients when to challenge and invite many other Erika Arbogast, they arrive and then see confident volunteers to take on new responsibilities President and grow in new ways, just as she individuals when they leave,” said has grown as their leader and supervisor. 412-368-4400 Mrs. Schepis. “This organization has given me so She is a worthy recipient of the 800-706-5050 much more than I have ever been able Senator John Heinz Award.” TTY 412-368-4090 to give them.” Surrounded by family and friends, www.BlindVR.org Dr. Richard Welsh, former agency Mrs. Schepis received the award at a th president, said Mrs. Schepis‟ November 8 private reception at the BVRS is a 100-year-old nonprofit contribution has been priceless. UPMC Center for Connected Medi- agency that serves people who “When I invited Nancy in 1990 to cine. The event was held by the are blind, vision impaired, or consider a position coordinating all of United Way‟s Tocqueville Society with other disabilities. The the volunteers for The Greater which every year recognizes a agency is an equal opportunity Pittsburgh Guild for the Blind, she was Southwestern Pennsylvania volunteer employer and service provider reluctant at first. She considered that whose efforts exemplify the late and does not discriminate it was beyond her skill level, but I Senator‟s heartfelt commitment to, against anyone, regardless of disagreed,” he said. “It was typical of and support of, local families. The age, sex, race, religion, ethnic Nancy to accept this challenge that reception was also sponsored by background, national origin, or would require her to stretch and grow, UPMC Health Plan. disability.

A copy of the official registration Erika Arbogast Named CALLING ALL CARS! and financial statement may be BVRS President obtained from the Pennsylvania BVRS needs donated cars, Continued from front page Department of State by calling boats, RVs, or trailers running toll-free, within Pennsylvania, good candidates, but she stood out,” or not! We’ll get that old 800-743-0999. said Mr. Romano, Senior Vice President vehicle out of your driveway for Procurement and Administrative AFFILIATIONS: and you’ll get a tax deduction. Services at Highmark. “Not only National Accreditation Council does she have the skills needed for For further information, call Pennsylvania Association for the this job, but she brings a great deal the Development Department Blind of energy and excitement and is not at 412-368-4400. Pennsylvania Industries for the afraid to tackle new ground. She has Blind and Handicapped what it takes to move BVRS into its Paperless Option: National Industries for the Blind next 100 years of service to the Association for Education and community.” If you would like to receive Mrs. Arbogast, a Mars native, Rehabilitation of the Blind and your copy of future newsletters Visually Impaired earned a Bachelor‟s Degree in psychology from the University of electronically, please e-mail ISO 2001 Certified (PBA Industries) your request to: Pittsburgh and a Master‟s in Written, Edited, and Designed by: Professional Leadership, [email protected] Concentration in Nonprofit Deborah Mendenhall We will begin offering Connie Schwartz-Bedo Management from Carlow University. electronic copies of the Cindy Smith newsletter in 2011. 8