THE RHODODENDRON - MSCBWVThe 2014 Summer issue of the Rhododendron is dedicated to Laura Mae Whiting...

THE RHODODENDRON

A Publication of:

MOUNTAIN STATE COUNCIL OF THE BLIND, INC

PO Box 834

Ridgeley, WV 26753

www.mscbwv.org

THE RHODODENDRON

SUMMER 2014

EDITED BY:

CAROL MCGHEE

MOUNTAIN STATE FLORA 3-4

MSCB OFFICERS AND BOARD MEMBERS 5

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE 6

CONVENTION SUMMARY 7-8

DKM FIRST TIMER EXPERIENCE 9-10

LAURA HOFFMASTER 11-15

CROSSROADS LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE 16—17

EXCITING CONVERNTION NEWS 18

WIN SOME CASH 18

T-SHIRT TIME 19

CATCH THE WAVE TO THE MSCB CONVENTION 20

CALL FOR MSCB BYLAWS 21

NEW PHONE AND APP 22-23

CONFERENCING APP 24-25

CHAPTER NEWS:

POTOMAC VALLEY

VANDALIA

26-27

26

27

CALENDAR OF EVENTS 28

THE RHODODENDRON

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

The 2014 Summer issue of the Rhododendron is dedicated to Laura

Mae Whiting Hoffmaster, a longtime member of the Mountain State

Council of the Blind. She was enthusiastic, attended state and na-

tional conventions, and in her later years, gave generously when and

where she could. Laura, we love and miss you.

THE RHODODENDRON PAGE 3

Recently, the beautiful and showy Rhododendron maximum celebrated the Centennial of its designation as West Virginia's state flower. There are many names for this state treasurer and member of the heath family that is characterized by its large dark evergreen leaves and delicate pale pink or white blooms. The many common names for this shrub include rosebay, rosebay rhododendron, big laurel, great laurel, great rhododendron and

white rhododendron. The Rhododendron maximum was selected by the Legislature to be our state flower in 1903 and was the result of a vote by public school stu-

dents. The range of rhododendron extends along the Appalachians from Georgia north to New England, and also in parts of Canada . In 1736, Peter Collin-

son and John Bartam introduced Rhododendron maximum to England, selling plants to gardeners in London with hopes of financing future plant

expeditions. Bartam later became the King's botanist in America.

MOUNTAIN STATE FLORA:

Rhododendron, Our State Flower By Rose Sullivan


However, his laurel never became a favorite of gardeners in England because of its small flowers.

The rhododendron is characterized by having rose pink or white showy flowers that form large round clusters and bloom in June to July. Its

leaves are simple, alternate, up to nine inches long, elliptical in shape and have a leathery texture. The fruit is a sticky capsule.

Rhododendron are found in ravines, shaded hillsides in cool moist locations, and favor acidic soils. They often grow in dense thickets that can become impenetrable. These thickets may cast so much shade that

other species of plants and trees are eliminated from the understory. Though not a commercial product, the wood is used in making small

craft items such as briar pipes. It easily regenerates through root suckers, sprouting from stumps, or from layered stems after it has been cut or

even burned. Rhododendron exhibit an unusual and distinctive adaptation to cold

temperatures. The leaves droop and roll lengthwise. The colder it gets the tighter the roll gets until the leaves have the shape of hollow slender

cylinders. This may be a way for the tree to minimize water loss, especially in dry winter winds.

Since the use of common names leads to confusion we need to address another beautiful member of the heath family that can be confused with Rhododendron maximum. Kalmia latifolia is a smaller shrub that has

many common names but is often called mountain laurel or ivy. Kalmia latifolia has smaller leaves (3/4 to 1 inch across) than great laurel and

small, candy-striped white or pinkish flowers. It blooms in rocky woods during May to July, and at 5 to 15 feet, is smaller in stature than the great

laurel. Another relative that is also sometimes called mountain laurel is the

Catawba rhododendron (Rhododendron catawbiense). Its darker pink or purple flowers are more common in southern WV. One thing that all three “mountain laurels” of the heath family have in common is their beautiful evergreen foliage and their toxicity to humans or livestock if

eaten. Rose Sullivan is the DNR's WildYards coordinator stationed in Elkins.

Board of Directors:

Mucie Allred, 2014, finishing a two-year unexpired term

Debbie Cain, 2016, first term

Josh Metz, 2014, first term

Glen Pinkard, 2016, second term

MSCB OFFICERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President: Donna Brown, 2015, final term Phone: 304 822-4679

Email: [email protected]

Vice President: Kevin Maynus, 2015, first term Phone: 304 253-8821


Secretary: Ninetta Garner, 2015, final term Phone: 304 381-2729


Treasurer: Dennis Dennison, 2015, second term Phone: 304 738-8930



mailto:[email protected]

Dear Members,

As I write this message, I am sitting on a swing on the beautiful campus

of the Washington State School for the Blind in Vancouver, WA. I am

participating in a workshop on computer programming, for which I have

a lot to learn.

The 2014 ACB National Conference and Convention has just come to a

close. I hope many of you were able to listen to some of the meetings

and events on ACB Radio. Since there are so many activities covering a

variety of topics at the convention, there is no way I can give a report on

everything. I will do my best to summarize some major convention high-

lights in a separate article.

It is now less than three months until our MSCB convention in Charles-

ton. Save the dates of October 10-12 to come join us for a weekend of

fun, information gathering and sharing, and good food. Our theme this

year is "Waves of Change, Oceans of Opportunities." (See an article later

in this issue with hotel information and some other convention details.)

As has already been stated, this issue of our newsletter is dedicated to our

longtime friend, Laura Hoffmaster. She was a valuable member of

MSCB for many years. MSCB donated $75 in her memory to the ACB

Braille Forum, for which she read from cover to cover faithfully.

Until next time, have a nice rest of the summer, and hope to see as many

of you as possible in Charleston in October.

Sincerely,

Donna Brown, MSCB President

PAGE 6 THE RHODODENDRON

President’s Message

As some of you may know, an ACB National Conference and Convention is loaded with many things to do—meeting to attend, tours to go on, recreational events to try, the always-popular exhibit hall, and the food functions. The 2014 Conference and Convention was no exception. It truly was The Real Deal. The members of the Nevada Council of the Blind were great hosts, the hotel staff was everywhere and always, willing to help, and the volunteers were exceptional. Some of the meeting topics included: education, legislation, women's concerns, technology and programs for entrepreneurs, lawyers, government employees, and vendors. If you have the opportunity, download the convention program from the Internet. There were five MSCB members who were able to attend most of the convention. Two of us participated in ACB's second national Leadership Institute. The general sessions began on Sunday evening with a wonderful report given by ACB President Kim Charlson about ACB's activities for the year. Our DURWARD K. McDaniel First Timer winner, Carol McGhee, was also recognized. Monday morning's general session included presentations about the following topics: the History of Nevada; an update Report on Accessible Tactile Currency from the Bureau of Engraving and Printing; Developments and Progress at NLS by Karen Keninger, Director, National Library Services for the Blind and Physically Handicapped; and QuickBooks Accessibility. Presentation by the ACB Scholarship winners kicked off Tuesday's general session. This was followed by an informative presentation by Tom Wlodkowski, Vice President, Comcast Accessibility, entitled Tuning in for What's New at Comcast. This session closed with Accessibility News from Microsoft and an update on ACB's Audio Description Project. One of the highlights


CONVENTION

SUMMARY

Las Vegas, The Real Deal

By Donna Brown

for many convention attendees is the presentation given by a talking book narrator on Wednesday mornings. This year was no exception. The presentation entitled My Life in Books: From Thrones to Moans: The Voice Behind 800 Talking Books was given by Gabriella Cavallero, from Denver, CO. This was followed by a panel discussion about Cell Phone Technologies: Something for Everyone. This session closed with presentations from three different companies about Accessibility to Prescription Drug Information: Devices and Approaches. Thursday morning's session consisted of reports from Melanie Brunson, ACB's Executive Director; Janet Dickelman, National Conference and Convention Chair; a report on the ACB Walk and Auction by Dan and Leslie Spoone, and Dan Dillon; the annual ACB Treasurer's Report by Carla Ruschival; and the ACB Enterprises and Services by Rev. Michael Garrett. Friday's general session was primarily ACB business—election of board members and Board of Publications members; voting on resolutions, and amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws. Most afternoons and evenings during convention week are filled with meetings and workshops held by some of the special interest affiliates and ACB committees and task forces; luncheons and mixers; recreation activities; and focus groups conducted by some of the exhibitors. As usual, the exhibit hall was hustling and bustling with vendors and many shoppers. There were several vendors with high and low tech devices, apparel, braille jewelry, and information about Social Security, Non-24, and If you ever have the opportunity to attend an ACB National Conference and Convention, that will most likely not be your last. The 2015 national Conference and Convention is in Dallas TX, July 3-12.


CONVENTION SUMMARY (con’t)

This article is mainly about my experiences at the ACB conference and

convention. There are other articles in this publication that will explain

more about the actual event itself.

It was April 27 and I had returned from a weekend trip and I was dozing

in my chair when the phone rang. Drowsily, I answered the phone and

the voice in my ear brought me fully awake. It was Allen Casey

informing me that I had won the DKM First Timer award from east of

the Mississippi. I had seen that number on my phone earlier but I had

assumed that he was calling me to say that I did not win. Of course, I

accepted the invitation to be a guest of the DKM committee to attend

the ACB Conference and Convention.

Now it was July 10 and I was on a plane to Las Vegas with my husband

and a friend who were also attending. Lady Luck was with us, the flight

was straight through and we got there a little ahead of schedule.

After a long wait to register and to get into the room, we, (my husband

and I), rested a little before deciding to explore the surroundings and to

find a bite to eat before trying to get some sleep.

On Friday, I hit the ground running to go to the leadership seminar. It

was really interesting and I have things to take back home with me from

it.

Saturday was filled with a focus group workshop, a reception, a

welcome party and of course, exhibits.

On Sunday Allen, Steve Fiksdal and I had breakfast. Allen reminded us

that in a little more than twelve hours we would be on stage. Within


DKM First Timer Experience at the ACB Convention

Carol McGhee

that time frame, I attended a sports fanatics dinner and rushed from

there to go to a meeting for first-time attendees. That happened, and the

National ACB Conference and Convention was in full swing!

Monday through Friday was filled with sessions, meetings and tours.

Of course, I have to mention the DKM reception. Some of the people

knew Durward, the man for whom this award was named, and there

were stories about him.

There were times that I felt so overwhelmed with the hotel, the exhibit

hall, the meeting rooms and even the resolutions but thing became much

easier as the week progressed. I feel that I saw the best in humanity and

some that could use improvement but those were in the minority.

I am very grateful for the people who made this experience possible for

me. Their names are too many to mention, and I don't even know them

all, but thank you so much. I have never been around so many helpful

people: The volunteers, the hotel staff, even the guests themselves!

Most importantly to me, it was the people behind the scenes that made

everything work as well as it did. I would definitely attend another

convention if things worked out for me to do so.


DKM First Timer Experience at the ACB Convention

(con’t)

ONE of a KIND: Laura Mae Whiting Hoffmaster

Laura was the most generous lady, school teacher, colleague, and friend

I have ever known. She is remembered as one who gave special

birthday and Christmas gifts to her students, as well as other things like

goodies she made in her kitchen. Over the years she never forgot where

her students were from and could name their siblings and other family

members.

She made many delicious baked items for her colleagues while still

working. After she retired, the teachers looked forward to Fridays

because a fantastic baked goodies was always in the teachers' workroom

to enjoy. Two special recipes which I still use are Devils food chocolate

pudding cake and Cheeseburger pie. These recipes of Laura, submitted

by alumni members, first appeared in writing in the West Virginia

School for the Blind Alumni Centennial cookbook published in 1970.

Speaking of that cookbook, I remember how Laura and I brailled the

master pages to be produced by single-page copies on the thermoform.

Laura, her husband Frank, Tom Workman and I spent many evenings

making seventy-five or more copies of the one hundred nine pages. A

long Memorial Day 1970 was spent by the four of us collating and spiral

binding these pages into the first cookbook by the Alumni.

When walking to town or any place, Laura always was about three feet

ahead of others. She could easily out walk everyone, including those

much younger than she.

So many memories and fun stories are remembered about Laura, but


Laura Mae Whiting Hoffmaster

there is not room to mention them all.

Yes, Laura was a special, one of a kind! —by Ninetta Garner

Laura Memories

Submitted by Russell Cook

No memories are more lasting than our childhood school days. When

thinking of the people who impacted my early life, Miss Laura Whiting,

who later became Mrs. Hoffmaster, comes vividly to mind. I was

8-years old, when she became my second-grade teacher. She was kind

and patient with us, but she would not tolerate slacking or childish

mischief.

With amusement, I recall an incident involving Ron Wolford, a

classmate of mine, who loved to sit near the window and daydream of

the escapades to be pursued outside if he could only make good an

escape. He would sit poised with his head held back, mouth wide open,

gazing at who knows what! Laura did not care about what he was

thinking; she knew only that he was not focusing on his lessons.

"Hey, absent-minded professor," she would call out to him, "Quit trying

to catch flies, close your mouth, and pay attention!" She would then

snap her fingers sounding like a loud gun report.

Ron be would brought back with a startled response, "I'm not doing

anything, Miss Whiting."



"I know your not," she would reply, "get busy and do something like

your assigned seat work."

Ron is gone now as is Laura. I'm 73-years-old, but the sound of those

finger snaps and verbal prompting s are alive to me as if they had

happened today.

Laura would agree with you when you were right, and defend you in the

right, but she would also with the same dispatch correct you when you

needed correcting. She would do this because she was a teacher and

loved her students. As she once said, "It wasn't for the money I became

a teacher."

Submitted By Chris Cook

Laura holds a special place in my heart: each October 6th, my birthday,

she called to wish me a happy day. In return, I called her on April first

to share the same sentiment. The last April first, Laura sounded

"poorly", but she insisted that if her legs were only better, she could be

great. We all will sorely miss this generous, thoughtful, and true friend.

Consider how many lives she touched; could only the rest of us be so

remembered!

MEMORIES OF LAURA

By Carol McGhee

I first met Laura on the morning of Thursday, September 6, 1956, when

she introduced herself to me and the rest of my kindergarten classmates

as Miss Whiting. Her voice was not a gentle one; however, it contained



kindness.

I was neither ready nor willing to learn the reading and writing of

Braille. The dots felt rough and bumpy and they were not what my

brother, Bobby, who is ten years older than I used.

After my first two weeks of school, I missed the next six weeks due to a

tonsillectomy and its complications. But things had changed in my way

of thinking and I decided that Braille might be a good idea after all.

Laura did not give up on me and she saw my potential even before I was

aware that I had anything even resembling that word.

Time passed and now I was a bright third-grader with Mrs. Hoffmaster,

the former Miss Whiting, as my teacher. In the spring of that year,

Laura and I were challenged again when my mother passed away.

How was this woman who had no children of her own going to convince

a confused and heartbroken child that she should make a potholder for a

mother she did not have? It seemed like a logical solution: Laura had

no babies; I had no mother. It made sense to me so the potholder was

completed, and, of course, I took it home with me at the end of the year.

Two years after I graduated from high school, Laura lost the love of her

life just as I was learning about love.

Life moved on and soon we were two adults twenty years after my high

school graduation. Now I could call her Laura, my friend. Soon I was

living in Romney where Laura had spent almost the last fifty years of

her life.

Things remained virtually unchanged for the next twenty years of our

lives. There were phone calls back and forth, pizzas, meetings, ball

games and registration cards shared. I no longer lived in Romney and a

year later, neither did she.

My only hope is that I may have had a tiny fraction of the positive

impact on another's life that she had on mine. Laura, I love you.



My Memories of Laura Hoffmaster

By Donna Brown

Laura was one of the first people I met when I moved to Romney

from Pennsylvania. Since she was also an out-of-stater who moved to

Romney for her first teaching job, she could relate to my uneasiness and

welcomed me to Romney with open arms.

When I didn’t have a TV, we watched the Olympics together and

ate lots of popcorn. At 6:00 AM for several summers, we would meet at

the corner of Antigo Place and Birch Lane to head to the track to walk

several miles. Boy could Laura walk!

I will forever remember Laura’s generous contributions of deli-

cious fudge to MSCB auctions. I have always admired Laura’s strength,

her determination to keep going when her health was really failing, and

her never-ending faith in God. I will miss you Laura, but I know I’ll be

eating those scrumptious cupcakes with you in Heaven someday.



Potomac Valley Chapter President Glen Pinkard and MSCB

Treasurer Dennis Dennison attended the second annual “Crossroads”

Leadership Conference in Louisville, Kentucky on March 21-22.

“Crossroads” was the theme, which was also referred to as a “highway

to success.” This conference included interstates (general sessions) and

side roads (break-out sessions). In fact, there were several “side roads”

or break-out sessions. These allowed participants an opportunity to

choose between several different sessions in order to best meet their

needs. Or as it was called, choose your own “roadmap.”

Both Glen and Dennis learned about many skills that they hope

will benefit the Mountain State Council of the Blind. Some sessions

that they attended included: how to put fuel in your organization's tank

and steer a steady course (fundraising, partnerships and investments),

how to toot your own horn and tell your organization's story (low-cost

public relations and marketing), how to fill the seats on your

organization's bus with young folks, senior citizens, and volunteers,

how to avoid exhaust fumes (burn-out), how to use remote control

(apps) to work more efficiently, and how to get a fast start (make a great

first impression, give a super elevator speech, grow your confidence).

As a result of this conference, MSCB has begun working on a new

Facebook page and has a Twitter account. Potomac Valley Chapter has

started working on marketing and getting new members by planning a

“Dining in the Dark” event for some time later this year. Also, Glen is

hoping that the tips he gained will help keep down costs for future

conventions –certainly a benefit for everyone.


Crossroads Leadership Conference

Exciting Convention News:

You May Be Eligible to Win!

MSCB members who are first time Convention attendees will be eligi-

ble to win a nice monetary drawing. Plan now to attend the October 10-

12, 2014 MSCB convention.

Also for all members, when pre-registration materials arrive in Septem-

ber, don't hesitate! The first ten people whose forms with payment are

returned will get a partial rebate on the registration fee. Take advantage

of the opportunity to reduce your convention expenses this year. Come

to Charleston the weekend of October 10-12, 2014.

by Ninetta Garner

Do you want to win some cash?

As you may remember, last year MSCB conducted a drawing for an

iPad. This fund-raiser was very successful. We raised about $800.

This year the fund-raising committee is selling tickets for a drawing of

three cash prizes. We can all use some extra cash. The prizes are $100,

$75, and $50. Tickets are $1 each or six for $5. The drawing will take

place during the banquet at our state convention in October. To pur-

chase your tickets or to help us sell tickets, contact Donna Brown by

phone at (304) 822-4679, or e-mail [email protected]. .

By: Donna Brown



T-SHIRT TIME!!!!

MSCB T-Shirts; Order Now, Be Prepared for the Convention

Surely you want to be seen at the convention wearing your MSCB

T-Shirt! This is great for the organization's public awareness. If you

haven’t purchased one, go ahead and place your order now.

The MSCB logo is on the front. The design features the outline of WV

with the print and Braille letters "MSCB" inside the outline. "Mountain

State" is written in an arch above the state and "Council of the Blind" in

a straight line below. This great-looking blue, short-sleeved shirt with

gold lettering is ideal to wear at MSCB activities sponsored by your

local chapter or the state organization, as well as when running errands,

taking a walk or having an outing with family or friends. As a result of

seeing the shirt, someone may ask questions about the organization and

you will have the opportunity to share information about MSCB.

Shirt sizes in stock range from small through large. Sizes from small

through 5X can be ordered with prepayment. These t-shirts sell for the

low price of $14.00 each. Add $2.50 shipping charges per shirt if

mailed.

For questions about ordering, contact Ninetta Garner by phone at (304)

381-2729 or send an e-mail with MSCB T-Shirt in the subject line to:

[email protected]. Please include your phone number. Send

payment (including shipping fee if to be mailed) to: Ninetta Garner, 105

Heritage Point, Morgantown, WV 26505. Be sure to specify the number

of shirts you want and the sizes.

Place your prepaid order today and be ready for all those great late

summer and fall activities!

by Ninetta Garner



CATCH THE WAVE TO THE MSCB CONVENTION! OCTOBER 10-12

Get ready to ride the waves and explore the oceans of opportunities at the 2014 Mountain State Council of the Blind's State Convention at the beautiful Wingate Hotel in South Charleston, West Virginia. This year's program is packed full of very interesting topics -including: riding the new wave at the National Library Services for the Blind by exploring the oceans of books, make a new wave in your life by becoming an independent entrepreneur with the Randolph Sheppard vendors program and explore the ocean of opportunities as a blind vendor, get on board the bus and ride the new wave to the ocean of opportunity with Kelli LaNeve from Coordinated Transportation Program, and much, much more! Exhibitors will be returning once again Friday night. This will be followed by food and fellowship. Prepare also for the annual MSCB auction. Please bring items that are in good condition or new to the auction. We are asking for no clothing items. Saturday afternoon holds a surprise event. Our banquet speaker will be ACB'S President Kim Charlson. Following the banquet will be trivia night with Treasurer Dennison. Your registration forms will be coming by mail or via email sometime in mid- August so REMEMBER, an early registration could save you money. Please make your reservations by September 26, 2014 to receive a discounted group rate. Wingate by Wyndham 402 Second Avenue South Charleston, WV 25303 You can call 304-744-4444 and use group code MSCB for the group rate of $102 per room per night. Hope to see everyone in South Charleston! By Glen Pinkard, Convention Chair


Call for MSCB Bylaw Amendments

At the annual MSCB Convention, the Bylaws may be amended

according to Bylaw 11. If you have a proposed amendment to offer, it

must be received by the Bylaw Chairperson in writing thirty days prior

to the beginning of the Convention. This year the deadline for receiving

proposed amendments is September 10, 2014.

Send in writing proposed language for amendments to Ninetta Garner,

105 Heritage Point, Morgantown, WV 26505 or email at:

[email protected]. Place "Bylaw Amendment" in the subject line.

These may be submitted either in braille, print, or email. Please do not

send audio or handwritten material. If you have questions, you may call

Ninetta at (304) 381-2729. If you get the voice mail, leave a message

with phone number and I will call you back.

by Ninetta Garner, Bylaws Chairwoman

NEW PHONE and App

FREEDOM

Phone Digital Amplified Freedom Phone with Talking Caller Id

Our new digitally amplified phone has pulled out all the stops with a top

-notch ergonomic design and cutting-edge phone. The handset allows

you to tailor your amplification and ringtone preferences to perfection.

You can

control the tone, just like the equalizer on your stereo. It has a Talking

Caller ID with talking keypad which talks when your review the caller

id list, the redial list or the phone book. You can record a name for each

entry in the phone book. Features include: up to 50dB amplification, 39

name


and number talking phone book, big buttons, volume control,

speakerphone, 4 ring tones, 5 one-touch speed dials, and one large

one-touch emergency button. It's back-lit keypad and LCD display

allows you to view the Caller ID in 16 different languages. It has a Hi/

Lo/Off ringer volume control, a 1-touch voice mail button, and a last

number redial. You can mount it on a wall or place it on a table. Unit

measures 13 1/b by 11 by 3 inches. It is hearing aid Compatible, comes

with a one year warranty and includes free tech-support for life of the

product. price $129.95.

CONFERENCING APP

Here is some news about "1 Touch Conf", an app which will allow you

to store conference call information in one place and then make calls

with one touch!

The app is free and very easy to use.

Now you can make a call from your iPhone without needing to worry

about punching in a code (alleviating the pressure of memorizing a

long string of numbers and/or inputting several numbers in a short

time-frame).

Once you have the app open, do the following to add conferencing

numbers:

Tap on the "add" button in the top right corner.

The top field will say "conf name". Tap on this and you will be placed

in an edit field. The standard keyboard will be available below and

you can either type in the name that you'd like to call this

conference, or you can use the dictation feature.

Below this will be the spot for the phone number. Going left to right

you will read: phone number, 1, 800, 345, 2222. The phone number is

in three edit fields. Tapping on any of them will place you at the end of

the field and you will need to delete the number already there. Once


in any of these fields, a phone keypad will be available for you to

type in the number you wish to have.

If using a non-800 number, just tap on that field and you will be

placed at the end of the number. Delete the three digits and type in the

area code for your conference. For example, if entering the area code

for MSCB's conference number, type in "832".

Then move to the second field, erasing the three digits there and

input "551".

Then move to the third field, tap and delete the four digits and type

in the last four digits of your conferencing phone number, "5100".

Below the phone number going left to right it says "pass code" and then,

34256) which is an edit field. Again, tapping on this edit field will place

you at the end and you will need to delete the number already there.

Then just type in the conference code, "186679".

When these steps are completed, tap the "done" button in the top right

corner. Your conference will now be placed into your "conference call

list", automatically alphabetized.

To the right of the name of the conference will be a "call" button. Tap

on this to make a call. A dialogue will pop up saying you'll need to

press the pound key once you hear the pass code entered. Tap on the

"ok" button, and your call will be made for you.

Note: if you do not press the pound key, the call will still go through.

At the bottom of the main screen there will be two options "conference

call list" (showing the alphabetized list conferences with the "call"

button to the right of the name) and "history" (which shows a history of

the calls you've made).

This app may also be used for your bank. You still need to enter your

password, but the first step, inputting the longest number, is done for

you.

Happy conferencing!


The Potomac Valley Chapter is currently working on three upcoming

events.

They will be hosting an annual summer picnic at Hampshire Park in

Romney, WV on August 9. Students and their families from the West

Virginia School for the Blind have been invited to attend. Others are

welcome to attend.

Early plans are in the works for a Dining in the Dark event set

tentatively for November. This event will have all participants eating

dinner in the dark. It is intended as a fundraiser, but mainly as an

awareness event. More information will be coming soon.

Also, Potomac Valley is excited to be working with the Vandalia Chapter

to get as many people to this year s state convention as possible. For more

information on any of these events, please contact PVC President Glen

Pinkard by phone at 301-777-8359 or email [email protected].


Chapter News

Potomac Valley News

Hello to all of you! Spring has flown by and we're in the middle of

summer. I hope that everyone has been having a fun time.

The Vandalia Chapter of MSCB has been moving right along with its

work. In March, Helen Panzironi assisted us in creating a strategic plan.

In this goal we outlined commitments, goals and times to have items

completed. Ms Panzironi is now a member of our chapter and we

welcome her.

Currently we are working on transportation in and around Morgantown,

accessible medication and other things of interest. Three people from this

chapter recently attended the ACB National Conference and Convention

in Las Vegas Nevada. They were Ninetta Garner and Carol and Frank

McGhee. Carol was the recipient of the DKM First Timer award.

I don't know if this was strategic planning or not, but Debbie Cain

became a grandmother in early June to a grandson.

Our thoughts have shifted to the MSCB State Convention in October and

most of our members will be there. Hope to see you also!

Carol McGhee


Chapter News (con’t)

Vandalia Chapter Update

Monday August 11: MSCB Conference Call. Phone (1832) 551-5100.

Pass Code 186679#

Monday September 1: Labor Day

Monday September 8: MSCB Conference Call. Phone (1832) 551-5100.

Pass Code 186679#

Friday October 10-12: MSCB State Convention, Wingate Hotel South

Charleston WV

Monday October 13: Columbus Day (observed)

Monday October 13: MSCB Conference Call. Phone (1832) 551-5100.

Pass Code 186679#

Wednesday October 15: National White Cane Safety Day

Sunday November 2: Daylight savings time ends

Monday November 10: MSCB Conference Call. Phone (1832) 551-

5100. Pass Code 186679#

Thursday November 27: Thanksgiving Day

Monday December 8: MSCB Conference Call. Phone (1832) 551-5100.

Pass Code 186679#

Thursday December 25: Christmas Day

Google Voice Number: 304-933-9540


2014 CALENDAR of EVENTS

MOUNTAIN STATE COUNCIL OF THE BLIND,

IN

PO Box 834

Ridgeley, WV 26753

www. scbwv.org

Membership F

Please feel free to make extra copies to share with

Please return this form to your local chapter contact, or to Dennis

Dennison, MSCB Treasurer, PO Box 834, Ridgeley, WV 26753 or

email to [email protected]. Call Donna Brown, MSCB

President, at 304-822-4679 or Dennis at 304-738-8930 for

questions or information. Please Print:

NAME: _______________________

ADDRESS(str ___________________________________

CITY: STATE: ZIP:

__________________

EMAIL: __________________

I LIVE IN COUNTY ________________

PREFERRED FORMAT: (indicate 1st and 2nd choice)

Braille, email, _large print, cassette

I am: blind, _visually impaired, _sighted

http://www.mscbwv.org/



Please check all that apply:

MSCB Dues: $10.00

Local Chapter Dues: $5.00

Potomac Valley Chapter (Romney and area)

Tri-County Chapter (Eastern Panhandle area)

Vandalia Chapter (Morgantown and area)

We are in the process of starting a chapter in the Charleston area. If you want to be contacted about joining, please check here:

MSCB Junior Member (12 to 18): $5.00

Junior Member Local Chapter: $2.50

Organization Support: $25.00

$

Barbara Fierst Memorial Technology Scholarship

Anna M. Hunt Memorial College Scholarship

General Expenses

MSCB is an IRS 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Donations are tax

deductible.

A L A U N T: $ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Please make check or money order payable to MSCB and return as indi-

cated above.

We also accept payment through Paypal at www.mscbwv.org.

Would you like to be included in our members-only (information not re-

leased) directory? Yes No

If you’d like to be contacted by one of the local chapters, check here:

Potomac Valley Tri-County Vandalia

Thank you for joining MSCB!


THE RHODODENDRON - MSCBWVThe 2014 Summer issue of the Rhododendron is dedicated to Laura Mae Whiting...

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