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 in-person 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.
Alice and I have taken three mini vacations this month. Our first trip was a four-day visit with friends near San Diego. Staying with them was like being at a resort. Their small guest house offered us plenty of privacy, and it was soothing to stay where no traffic sounds could be heard. Not only that, they also have a heated pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, cold plunge, and a lovely beach less than twenty minutes away. We had a wonderful time enjoying good food and stimulating conversation. Next, we visited my brother in Cameron Park near Sacramento. He also has a pool, so we got plenty of exercise. Finally, we visited friends in Half Moon Bay, which is why I was absent from our August meeting. However, I was able to hear part of the meeting through Zoom. Thanks to Debee Armstrong for making this possible. She volunteered to bring her laptop and USB microphone, and it worked out quite well.
Now that my mini vacations are over, I will be easier to reach if needed. I look forward to seeing you at our picnic.
Hey guys, this is King. Much to Master's embarrassment and pride, I'm reading my fan mail from his secret "Ah Shucks" email folder. Sorry, nothing's secret between friends "Oh dear, not that again." Too bad he's so fragile; I thought he'd melt during the August in-person meeting, but he only suffered a few nicks. Poor guy, but he wouldn't share with me the tuna sandwich he bought for lunch.
He's been busy getting rid of the old washer and buying a new one, and he doesn't include me, I mean, at least I can spell w a s h e r, "gosh if it were that easy"; ordering food for the house and not sending me to the store, "I did that once, and store people still talk about it"; dealing with a geezer ("King! he was only 40") wanting to earthquake-proof the house, ("King barked, get lost, and chased him under the house, so I calmed everyone down with chocolate truffles and King let that man go." Yes I did, I mean, who's he think he is? "Don't you love a territorial dog?" Territorial! So that's what it is, I was just looking out for you! "Want another truffle?" Thank you.
So as I said, SVCB's first in-person meeting in 15 months was better than Master expected. Sadly, only Omni and Debee's dog were there, but the Zoom broadcast was successful as a first-time venture. Unfortunately, the olfactory portal wasn't active. "Sorry King, that technology hasn't been developed yet." What d'ya mean? It's wide open at dog parks; guess you're not all that smart. "I'll take the truffles away!" No, please no! Anyway, things will improve for the next in-person meeting in October, when we'll have the California Phones presentation. Hopefully we'll see some of their devices. "That's pretty heavy writing for a dog." Yes it is, I much prefer a toy.
Get ready for the picnic on the 18th. I'll be coming round to check, so please come. There's a picnic announcement in this newsletter: check it out,—and can I have another truffle?
Let's wish happy September birthdays to Master ("who's that"), and Donald Reelfs. Master got chided twice for not mentioning John Vandervort's birthday in these columns. Too bad John is so ignored by these big guys. Anyway, his birthday was on July 3, so give him a call. He also reports that he has two APH calendars to cell. "That's 'sell'." Who needs to spell, wagging is better!
We hear that Bernice, Roger's companion, is back in El Camino hospital for tests. Give Roger a call.
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 two ways:
PayPal to "Silicon Valley Council of the Blind." Please complete the note field indicating what your payment is for.
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.
Editor's Note: Star is alive and well and also a prolific writer. She's been working on her memoirs for several years, and she and Mike want to share this piece to entice you to attend this year's picnic. Hurray for Star!
SVCB Picnic: August 2009
The SVCB (Silicon Valley Council of the Blind) summer picnic we went to on Saturday, August 17 at the San Jose History Park in downtown San Jose was full of fun and excitement. The park is located on a 14 acre site, and has 27 old homes, businesses, and landmarks which, for preservation, have been brought in from the local area.
Several tables had been set up, all close together, in the shade of a huge oak tree. That may have been one of the major causes for the joy. All these blind guys and gals were able to find their way easily from table to table, to talk. It didn't matter where you were, there was continuous chit-chat, laughter, and exclamations of surprise and joy.
After heaping prizes for the raffle at the designated place, people lined up at the buffet tables. Caterers had been hired to bring in the food. We had our choice of salads, hot dogs, or hamburgers, and cookies for dessert. After filling our plates, we took our seats and ate.
Then a docent came to take us on tours of some of the buildings. There was only one docent to lead this mob of 60 blind or visually impaired people, with their few sighted guests, around the park. That was no problem. Those who weren't able to go with that docent found their way, on their own, visually impaired people leading blind people, to various parts of the park.
We were among the first group to be ushered into the old schoolhouse where we sat at desks. On each desk was a copy of McGuffey's reader, as well as inkwells, individual chalk boards, pieces of chalk, and chamois cloths to wipe the slates clean. The "teacher" was dressed for her part in a floor-length skirt and high-necked lace-trimmed blouse. At first, as is often the case when I'm with a group of blind people, or even with one blind guy, the person who is speaking becomes a little flustered. This darling young teacher did, for a moment, but she spoke up clearly and everyone was captivated immediately. Within a few seconds, she realised she had a treasured audience of intellectual people. Many questions and comments made that clear.
After welcoming us and giving brief explanations of conditions and protocol of the day, she read an example of the "motto of the day" that always appeared across the top of the chalk board in the front of the room. Then she told us about the typical math test, a string of numbers, also written on the board, which the students were expected to solve. She then read off those numbers: "Two plus 3 times 5 minus 8 plus 3 minus 12 times 4 equals..." Before she had time to ask if anyone knew the answer, about 10 people called out "32." Teacher was clearly impressed!
I hadn't made it past the "2 plus 3 times 5 minus 8" yet. I know this group, and suspected they would have the answer as soon as she finished. I want their brains! Oh well, at least I have eyes to see their almost never-ending smiles.
John Glass, one of the fully blind members, was near the back of the room. On his way out the door, he discovered a skeleton-key keyhole. Many of the group had no idea what a skeleton-key keyhole was. I knew, but then I'm almost 80. John pointed it out to the group as they walked out the door. It was an amazing thing to discover, and to learn that all old homes had those. John found them on several buildings around the park.
Once we left the schoolhouse, the docent was there to guide those of us who were left of the mob out to the street, around the corner, and halfway down the next block to the Print Shop. We were near the head of the line and among the first in the shop, which had only enough room for a few people. Those who didn't make it in went off someplace. I didn't know where until after we all returned to our picnic tables. Then I was able to hear the amazing stories they shared. Most of them had gone into the Print Shop after our group left.
The two men behind the counter in the Print Shop deserve gold stars for the preparation they had done. On the counter between them was an old hand crank print machine. That was a cylinder about eight inches long and six inches in diameter, with a hand crank on one side. Those men had replaced the normal metal letters with braille letters, then printed out, in tactile braille, the page of information normally printed in standard letters for sighted people. They said they had gone over that many times to make sure it was correct, and had had to move or replace several braille letters before getting it right. Being careful of their fingers, several SVCB members turned the crank to print out a page for themselves.
Naturally there were several questions and comments. The two men behind the counter were smiling all the while, obviously delighted with the opportunity to share their knowledge with a group of intellectuals.
By the time we were finished with that, I was ready to relax. We went back to the tables to sit down. Several people were there, talking about the various places they had wandered off to while we were in the school or Print Shop. One of those was a soda fountain, where complimentary ice cream was offered. As we were talking I gazed down the road, watching SVCB members wander across or up the block-long street and into various historic buildings. One of the funniest stories I heard was when a visually impaired woman guided a blind man into an old building they were curious about. Once inside, the woman became afraid because it was totally black in there! Her blind companion told her to take his arm and he would guide her around. They discovered that the building was completely empty, but said the echoes were fascinating.
Several members kept getting on and off the old trolley that was circling around the park. They were able to go in many of the historic buildings and hear descriptions of such things as early dental and medical equipment.
At the pre-arranged hour, the raffle began. A volunteer from the Lions' Blind Center was there, walking around selling tickets. She hadn't made her quota, so you bought what tickets she had left. Then LeeAnn Nakagawa (who is always there to help) picked up the SVCB's new megaphone and started calling out numbers. The horn was heavy and, unfortunately, she had been so busy directing her helpers that she hadn't noticed the shoulder strap. She had to move the horn back and forth from arm to arm. Finally a sighted gentleman noticed the problem, and held the horn for her as she called out the numbers.
I'm happy we were sitting near Lupe Medrano. She hadn't been sure she would have recovered from her bout with Bell's Syndrome in time to be there. She hadn't, totally, but she was there despite the fact that her mouth still twisted sideways when she talked. Those of us who were near her all laughed when she said she didn't care if she looked like Elephant Woman, she wasn't going to miss the party. Thank goodness. She contributed so much joy.
I gave half the tickets you had bought to Kathy Hoag, who was sitting between Lupe and me. We each kept winning and asking Lupe if she could use whatever it was. Lupe just grinned and said, "Sure." We were all laughing hysterically as Kathy and I kept heaping our winnings onto Lupe's lap. She giggled and said, "This is better than Christmas!"
When Rob Turner's first ticket secured him a lovely necklace, since he's single, everyone seated near him laughed. His next win was a necklace with matching earrings—hilarious! When his third win turned out to be a bag of jewellery, the whole group was doubled over with laughter!
I kept hearing comments of praise and appreciation for the party. I agree. It's always fun being with this highly spirited group, whatever the occasion, but parties are the best.
I think I speak for the entire group in thanking Victor Clifford and the people at the History Park for organising this party and helping to make it such a joyous occasion.
The Fund-raising Committee did meet by phone on Monday evening, August 9, 2021, at 7:30 PM. Those present at that meeting were Naomi Grubb, Rob Turner, and me, Carol Silveria. The three of us discussed what large ticket items we would use as raffle prizes for our SVCB picnic to be held on September 18, 2021.
At our SVCB membership meeting that took place on August 21, 2021 at Vista Center San Jose and on Zoom, we learned that CCB's tax exempt status has been suspended. Apparently, the 2017 taxes for CCB were not filed correctly, or the IRS did not receive them. What it means for us as a chapter of CCB is that we cannot do any fund-raising until CCB gets their 501C3 tax exempt status reinstated as a non-profit organisation. We were told that it could take at least 12 to 16 weeks. So, we were not able to have our auction at the August meeting as planned, and more than likely we will not have a raffle at our picnic in September.
The good news is that once CCB's 501C3 tax exempt status has been reinstated, it will be retroactive. In the meantime, I as Fund-raising Chair will keep track of any auction or raffle items that are donated. We will not schedule another Fund-raising Committee meeting until we get the word that CCB's 501C3 tax exempt status has been reinstated.
We will continue to keep you informed of any changes, and as always please keep yourselves safe and well!
The opening date for the play Cry of Curs has been changed to September 2, so you still have time to purchase tickets. You will learn about a country in crisis, an enemy who emerges from fear of "the other," and a powerful woman who deftly transforms her soldier son into the perfect made-to-order politician. But when they decide they don't need him any more, they—and he—must deal with the consequences. This is a modern re-telling of the Shakespeare play Coriolanus, and stars Jonathan Rhys Williams, Tabard's Artistic Director.
Tabard's next production, The Turn of the Screw, opens on October 8, just in time for the Halloween season! In Jeffrey Hatcher's adaptation of Henry James' famous ghost story, a young governess journeys to a lonely English manor house to care for two recently orphaned children, and soon discovers spectres haunting her young charges. She must find a way to stop the fiends, but one frightening question tortures the would-be heroine: Are the ghosts real, or are they the product of her own fevered imagination? This show is recommended for ages 10 and up.
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
September 2 through 12: Tabard Theatre presents CRY OF CURS, a Top of the Stairs production; see notes, and article in this newsletter.
September 2, 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.
September 7, 5:30 to 7 PM: Breast Cancer Support Group meeting. Call-in: 605-715-4920; ID: 2776167. For questions, call Lori Scharff at 516-887-1336, or lorischarff@gmail.com.
September 18, 11 AM to 3 PM: SVCB annual picnic, Hellyer County Park in San Jose, 985 Hellyer Avenue, San Jose. See picnic announcement in this newsletter.
September 20, noon: October, 2021 SVCB newsletter deadline.
September 20: Let's Talk Low Vision, Back to School; see notes.
October: Employment of People with Disabilities Awareness Month.
October 5, 5:30 to 7 PM: Breast Cancer Support Group meeting.
October 7, 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.
October 8 through 24: Tabard Theatre presents THE TURN OF THE SCREW; see notes, and article in this newsletter.
October 15: White Cane Safety Day.
October 16, 9:30 AM to 1 PM: SVCB in-person meeting at Vista Center San Jose. Formally consider Constitution and Bylaws amendments.
October 18, noon: November SVCB newsletter deadline. Distribute Constitution and Bylaws if necessary. Publish slate of 2022 SVCB candidates. Distribute fall membership list.
October 18: Let's Talk Low Vision, Julian Vargas, the New iphones; see notes.