Legislative Hotlines, current issues for blind persons:
CALIFORNIA CONNECTION: 800-221-6359, after 5 PM and weekends
WASHINGTON CONNECTION: 800-424-8666, 3 to 9 PM and weekends
DISCLAIMER: This publication contains announcements from the Silicon Valley Council of the Blind and is also a forum for opinions relating to blindness issues. Signed articles reflect the views, and research, of their authors.
STATUS: SVCB is a 501(c)3 non-profit, tax-exempt organization under the California Council of the Blind.
Monthly meetings are held at the Santa Clara Valley Blind Center (Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired San Jose). Meetings run 9:30 AM to 1 PM the third Saturday of the month and are open to all.
As I sit down to write this message, it is a perfect summer day with an expected high temperature of 75 degrees. It could be my imagination, but it seems that there are more birds singing this year than in the past. Unfortunately, I cannot hear the birds today because of a very loud jackhammer pounding away somewhere nearby. The noise is a result of an ongoing sewer upgrade project here in Rancho La Mesa mobile home park. Our old washing machine is starting to break down and will need to be replaced. More about that next time.
In case you missed it, the membership voted to cancel July's meeting. We can still meet informally but minutes will not be taken and there will not be a guest speaker.
I encourage everyone to tune into ACB Media to listen to the American Council of the Blind National Convention starting Saturday July 16 to July 23. To get started, ask Alexa to "Enable ACB Media." After that, when you are ready to listen, ask Alexa to "Open ACB Media." Then to hear the convention, say "Play ACB 1." To hear convention information, including the convention newspaper, say "Play ACB 10."
SVCB donated an Amazon Echo Show 8, 2nd generation, to the CCB auction which will be held on Sunday September 19. We will publish details about the CCB auction when they become available. Everyone have a wonderful summer.
As I write this article, John and I are flying home from our visit to Nebraska and South Dakota where we spent time with cousins, aunts, nieces, and nephews. We left home on JUNE 18, our first trip in two years due to COVID quarantines. Our flight left at 5:55 in the morning, so we rose at 2 to pack and await limo pick up at 4.
Omni was a spot on traveler. It was as if no time had passed since our last air flight two years ago. She guided us around people and luggage and through crowded aisles. She handled elevators and stairs like the pro that she is, and literally rippled with excitement. I had our Department of Transportation Service Animal form filled out and ready, since airlines have been cracking down on the iguanas, llamas, mice, and fish passing for service animals. I never had to show the form. However, I would still recommend obtaining and carrying one if you fly with your dog any time soon; I think we just got lucky.
Last Saturday night I had the opprtunity to use a cool iPhone app called Microsoft SoundScape. It is a way-finding app, somewhat similar to Nearby Explorer, that employs GPS technology. Here's how my using it came about:
John was attending an all-day ham radio Field Day, and Omni and I were on our own. We decided to walk from Lincoln's Embassy Suites where we were staying to a local bar and grill 2 blocks away. Once there, I ordered salmon, risotto, and asparagus for supper. The place was lively, and I enjoyed listening to other people laughing and talking while I ate dinner. I hadn't realized how much I'd missed such stimulation. After dinner, I used the SoundScape app on my phone to take a leisurely walk around Lincoln. I had set our Embassy Suites Hotel as my beacon (the beacon is an auditory cue), so Omni and I could meander and not worry too much about remembering every turn that we made. SoundScape gives plenty of verbal and tonal feedback, which is useful even without directional headphones. It says things like "Approaching 13th street. 13th goes right. O Street continues straight ahead." "University Performing Arts Center on left." If you come to a parking lot, SoundScape says "Parking Lot." if you come to a crosswalk, SoundScape says "Crosswalk." At intervals, it announces the distance that you are from your beacon (350 feet, 425 feet, 100 feet), and the speed, pitch, and rhythm of the beacon tone increases the closer you come to it. Omni and I walked for an hour without feeling lost, and I did not find that the SoundScape clues distracted me from guide work. Using SoundScape, we explored the University of Nebraska Lincoln campus, the Lide Performing Arts Center, and the local movie theater. We arrived back at our hotel feeling elated. We'd just spent an evening independenqly sightseeing.
Three days later, we visited one of my favorite Lincoln spots: Pioneers Park, a beautiful preserve of wetlands and tall grass prairie. We used SoundScape to take a 2 mile hike there, setting the Nature Center as our beacon. Barring a few minor twists and turns, all went well there, too. I doubt that SoundScape could navigate through a wilderness because it would have no markers to call out. But as long as the space you are navigating has decent GPS coverage, and as long as there are at least some markers (buildings, named roads), the app can be a great help.
We did much more than play with technology on our vacation, but I thought that this anecdote might interest chapter members who like to get out and explore.
This schedule includes some in-person walks outside, as well as some virtual walks via Zoom. Virtual walks are open to all ages, and in-person walks are open to adults age 40+. In-person walks include van transportation to the park, picnic lunch, and bottled water.
Please contact Vista Center for more information at 408-295-4016 x204. Let them know if you wish to receive their email enabling you to RSVP to each walk using the link provided at the end of each walk's description.
Virtual walks: July 22, Sept 16, Oct 28, Nov 18, Dec 16
In-Person walks: Aug 12, Oct 7, Nov 18 (meet at Vista Center San Jose)
July 22, 2021, 3:30 to 4:30 PM (Virtual via Zoom)
Title: Spring at Little Uvas Creek Preserve
Description: Little Uvas Creek Preserve is bustling with life. Normally closed to the public, we will journey through serpentine grassland, oak woodland, and chaparral habitats, gray pines and toyon, and explore three spring-fed ponds that provide water for wildlife such as birds, butterflies, dragonflies, and the threatened western pond turtle.
August 12, 2021, 9 AM to 2 PM (In-person: Meet at Vista Center at 101 N. Bascom Avenue, San Jose, CA 95128—Space is limited)
Title: Shoreline Lake Park—History, Birds, and Other Wildlife
Description: Join us for a leisurely summer walk with a breeze at Shoreline Park in Mountain View. We will learn about this area’s history, track down birds that make their home along Shoreline Lake, Shoreline Slough, and Charleston Slough, and learn about the plants along the trails. After the walk, we will enjoy a social picnic lunch.
September 16, 2021, 3:30 to 4:30 PM (Virtual via Zoom)
Title: Bay Checkerspot Butterflies of Coyote Ridge
Description: Coyote Ridge open space comprises 1,859 pristine acres located in the Diablo Range foothills. We will learn about the preserve's rare serpentine grassland that is vital to the threatened Bay checkerspot butterfly. In the spring, the ridge’s brilliant hillsides and fields are covered with rare wildflowers such as the Metcalf Canyon jewelflower. We will tour Coyote Ridge, looking for Tule elk, Wester burrowing owls, Golden eagles, and more.
October 7, 2021, 9 AM to 2 PM (In-person: Meet at Vista Center at 101 N. Bascom Avenue, San Jose, CA 95128—Space is limited)
Title: Don Edwards’ Wetlands Restoration Walk
Description: In the early 1900's, a system of industrial salt ponds was built along the shallow, marshy edges of the South Bay. For years they were part of an industrial salt production system managed by Cargill Chemical Company. In 2003, over 15,000 acres were purchased by the Federal and State government. This is now the site of the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge, in which wetlands have been restored and wildlife is protected. A Wildlife Refuge Interpretive Specialist will lead us for a two-mile walking tour of the largest wetland restoration project on the West Coast on a wide, flat dirt trail. We end with a social picnic lunch by the Artesian Slough.
October 28, 2021, 3:30 to 4:30 PM (Virtual via Zoom)
Title: Blue Oak Woodlands and Western Pond Turtle of Blair Ranch
Description: Blair Ranch is a closed area next to Rancho Canada Del Oro preserve. As we tour the preserve’s riparian blue oak woodlands and mixed oak savannah habitats, we will learn about the wildlife that makes its home there, such as the Foothill Yellow-legged Frog, coachwhip, endangered Long-toed salamander and blunt-nosed leopard lizard, Botta's pocket gopher, and western spotted skunk.
November 18, 2021, 9 AM to 2 PM (In-person: Meet at Vista Center at 101 N. Bascom Avenue, San Jose, CA 95128—Space is limited)
Title: The Native Plants of Ulistac Nature Area
Description: Take a two-mile easy, flat walk in the last 40 acres of open space in the City of Santa Clara, the Ulistac Natural Area. It has a varied history as the land was originally inhabited by the Ohlone Indians, then the Spanish missionaries, and later it was used as a pear orchard and a golf course. This piece of undeveloped land along the Guadalupe River is a major migratory flyway for birds. We will smell, touch, and learn about the native plant garden and the insects that help it thrive. We end the day with a social picnic lunch.
December 16, 2021, 3:30 (4:30 PM (Virtual via Zoom)
Title: Behind the Scenes at Diablo Foothills Preserve
Description: We will tour Diablo Foothills, an 819-acre undeveloped preserve protected in 2007 and currently closed to the public. The preserve has a landscape of rolling hills, oaks, ponds, and creeks that are part of the primary watershed for the Pajaro River. Coast Live Oak and annual grasslands provide habitat for the threatened California red-legged frog and endangered California tiger salamanders.
I started writing the July report the morning of SVCB's June membership meeting on Zoom. As of June 15, 2021, the COVID restrictions have lifted for the most part in the state of California.
Because of Zoom meeting conflicts during the ACB convention being held virtually in July, the SVCB membership voted at our June meeting to not have a meeting in the month of July. So the auction we originally planned for the July meeting will be held in August.
The Fund-raising Committee met by phone on Monday evening, June 14, 2021, at 7:30 PM. The members present included Naomi Grubb, Mike Keithley, Rob Turner, and me, Carol Silveria. We discussed which items we will auction at our next SVCB meeting, which will be held on August 21, 2021.
The first item to be auctioned is an RCA Braille radio. This radio has braille labeled controls. It plays AM and FM radio, as well as the old broadcast TV VHF and UHF audio. The starting bid is $30. This item was donated by Noel and Deb Runyan, and was originally donated by Vic and Bev Clifford.
The second item to be auctioned is a Remote-Control Wrist Racer. This item is in its original packaging, and looks like it has never been used. The race car has a full function 2.4GHZ wrist remote control. The race car is red and, as far as I can tell, it is about seven inches long. It has a sleek and classic racing design with realistic engine sounds. The starting bid is $5. This item was donated by Bill and Kathy Tipton.
The third item to be auctioned is a Cast Aluminum Nutcracker. This charming silver nutcracker is diecast in the shape of a squirrel. The squirrel is about five inches tall, and sits on a base that looks like part of a tree branch. The tail of the squirrel is the handle that controls the cracking mechanism located at the mouth of the squirrel. The starting bid is $10. This item was donated by Bill and Kathy Tipton.
The fourth item to be auctioned is an Insulated or Thermal Coffee Carafe with a screw-on lid. The carafe holds 32-ounces of liquid, and is white with a green, lavender, pink, and yellow floral pattern trim. The carafe handle has good balance for pouring, but I did notice two very slight dents on the outside. The starting bid is $5. This item was donated by Bill and Kathy Tipton.
The fifth item to be auctioned is a set of three LED Tap Lights. These tap lights are super bright, long life LED's. They are wall mountable or free standing. Just press the top to turn on, and press again to turn off. They are convenient for dark stairways, closets, kids' rooms, hallways, or anywhere instant light is needed. Each tap light requires three AA batteries (not included). The starting bid is $5. This item was donated by Bill and Kathy Tipton.
The next Fund-raising Committee meeting is scheduled for Monday evening, August 9, 2021, at 7:30 PM. We will be discussing large ticket items as raffle prizes for our SVCB picnic, to be held at Hellyer Park on September 18, 2021. If you can think of some items that would make great raffle prizes at our picnic, please contact me at 888-652-5333 and leave a message that will be forwarded to me, or look me up on our membership list to call me directly. You can also send me an email at fundraising@svcb.cc, or check the membership list and email me directly.
Thank you to all who have donated items and/or participated in our virtual auctions over the past several months. We could not have kept the fund-raising funds coming in without your help. We will continue to keep all of you informed of changes, and as always please stay safe and well!
"Dog Park News: One notion humans have is heating up their food so hot we won't eat it. Perhaps that's true, but all we have to do is wait for it to cool down."
King, that's dumb. "Yes, but what have you got to say?"
Well, one thing: the ACB convention starts July 16. Are you registered? No? Too bad, no food for you!
For another: we won't have a formal membership meeting in July--we'll be eating the food you didn't get.
Number 3: The SVCB picnic is on for Saturday, September 18. The time slot is 11 AM to 3 PM. Food is hotdogs, meat/vegie burgers, salads, drinks, and snacks. See further details in the Picnic Announcement article later in this newsletter.
Say hello to member Lorraine Brown. She lost her long-time guide dog and friend. His name was Harrison. We hope that he crossed the Rainbow Bridge peacefully, and is now romping with other beloved guides. Lorraine hangs out on the weekly SVCB social hour, so check the Event Calendar for info and join us every Wednesday at 4 PM.
At our June membership meeting, CCB President Gabe Griffith told the chapter about what CCB is, what it's doing, and how to contact people. You can hear his presentation at:
svcb.cc/psaudio/ps06214mp3
Let's wish happy July birthdays to Carol Silveria, Joe Silveria, and James Brown.
If you haven't paid a recent visit to our SVCB website at www.svcb.cc, then you absolutely must do so! Member Deb Runyan is our new website administrator, and she has created a site that's elegant, accessible, and rich in content. Whether you use a braille notetaker, a computer with screen reading software, or a computer with screen magnification, you'll find that you can easily navigate to anything on the site. It is logically organized with the most recent links, announcements, and activities appearing first.
The most recent update as of this writing is June 26. You'll first see an announcement stating that Golden State Stimulus checks for SSI recipients are in the mail. Deb's note says, "A paper check will come from the State Controller's Office. It will be in an envelope with a clear plastic window that you can feel. Please be careful not to lose it or throw it away."
Candidates Pages are available, and if you click on the link you'll be taken directly to ACB's site and the pages. You'll next find a link to the Braille and Talking Book Library and its newsletters. There's a link to COVID-19 Information and the hotline number, which incidentally is 1-833-422-4355. You'll find a link to SVCB's most recent Transportation Information, including Deb Armstrong's article on our newly reconstituted Transportation Committee. There's a link to Bay Area for Older Adults (BAO) Parks Tours, and a note that says, "Each time you "view one of their videos, you help them out with their sponsors." Our new P.O. Box is listed next on the site, along with information about our PayPal option for dues and other contributions.
Read on, and you'll find our SVCB Mission Statement, and links to SVCB Meetings, SVCB Phone Tree, SVCB Board Members and Directors, SVCB Committee Chairpersons, our Tech Grant, and a Members link that features member accomplishments such as Bev and Vic Clifford's brailling of maps at the Watsonville Nature Center.
You can navigate the site by means of headings or links, and all work like a charm! I have no doubt that our site is as appealing to people who can see as it is to us. Thank you, Deb Runyan!
Our SVCB picnic will take place this year on Saturday, September 18, from 11 AM to 3 PM at Hellyer County Park in San Jose. The address of the park is: 985 Hellyer Avenue. It is accessible by VTA Access and bus lines, and VTA Access will not be required to pay for parking. Our site is called Sylvandale. The cost to attend the picnic is $20 for all CCB members and $25 for non-members. The chapter will be providing all food, drinks, snacks, and desserts.
The deadline for signing up for the picnic is Monday, September 13th. Please let us know by calling 888-652-5333, or by emailing svcb@onebox.com with the following information:
How many people are coming.
Your meat preference(s) and quantity—hamburger, veggie burger, or hot dog (as many of each as you can eat at the picnic).
At this time you are asked to also consider paying your 2022 chapter dues. They are $20 for regular members and $10 for lifetime members.
You can pay for the picnic and/or dues renewal in three ways:
PayPal (preferred): Please complete the note field indicating what your payment is for.
At our August 21st in-person membership meeting.
Mail your check payable to SVCB to: P.O. Box 4116, San Jose, CA 95125. Please indicate what the check is for on the memo line.
Note that the above call-in information is used for SVCB's virtual membership meetings as well.
San Francisco LightHouse
To hear weekly events at the San Francisco LightHouse, call 415-694-7325.
Let's Talk Low Vision
The monthly "Let's Talk Low Vision" conferences from the Council of Citizens with Low Vision international (CCLVI) can be accessed as podcasts at www.airsla.org/cclvi.asp.
Departs every Sunday at noon from Pier 40 in San Francisco. Call 415-281-0212 for information and reservations, or visit www.baads.org.
Bay Area Outreach and Recreation Program (BORP)
BORP believes that everyone should have access to the unique challenges that outdoor recreation provides, and makes every effort to accommodate each person's needs, including providing transportation and volunteer support. For event listings, call Lori Gray at 510-843-4398, or visit www.borp.org.
Calendar
July
July 16 to July 23: ACB 60th Annual Conference and Convention, held online. See https://acbconvention.org/ for details.
July 17, 10 AM to 12 PM: Informal SVCB membership meeting.
July 19, noon: August, 2021 newsletter deadline.
July 27: Let's Talk Low Vision, Jessie Wolinsky, Audio Internet Reading Service of Los Angeles, see notes.
August, 2021
August 3, 5:30-7 PM: Breast Cancer Support Group meeting. For questions, call Lori Scharff at 516-887-1336, or lorischarff@gmail.com.
August 5, 7 to 9 PM: SVCB Board meeting. If you're not on the Board but want to attend this meeting, contact SVCB president Rob Turner.
August 17: Let's Talk Low Vision: Services and Benefits for People with Low Vision, see notes.
August 21, 9:30 AM to 1 PM: In-person meeting at Vista Center for the Blind in San Jose. See masthead of this newsletter.