BOLD welcomes persons 18 and older with all degrees of vision: blind, low vision, partially sighted and fully sighted.
August 2015 newsletter
BOLD VENTURES (Blind Outdoor Leisure Development) August, 2015
BOLD welcomes persons 18 and older with all degrees of vision: blind, low vision, partially sighted, and fully sighted.
PO Box 8114
Pittsburgh, PA 15217
Terri Winaught, Editor
E-mail: boldwpa@gmail.com
Website: www.wpabold.blogspot.com
Yahoo Group: wpabold@yahoogroups.com (moderator must approve posts)
Update Line: 1-773-597-4222 (updates recorded each Friday)
AWESOME AUGUST
The events and activities that will make August awesome are: The Gottschalk Swim Party on Sunday the 2nd from noon to 5 PM; the Board meeting on Tuesday the 4th from 6:30 to 8:30 PM Mall Walking on Wednesdays the 5th and 19th at the Monroeville Mall; Mall Walking at the Ross Park Mall on Thursday the 6th; Yoga every Thursday unless four or fewer people sign up; Rowing several times a week; Dragon Boating every Saturday; and Waterskiing on Sunday the 30th (more in calendar).
Although the possibility of attending an August 8th Pirates game was mentioned in previous newsletters, this will not take place because no one called to express interest.)
PAST EVENTS
All of the activities that are held on a regular basis are going well. It is worth noting, though, that Dragon Boating was short on participants on Saturday, July 18th.
LOOKING AHEAD
September's and october's Board meetings will be on Tuesdays the 1st and 6th respectively. The Sunday before each meeting by 10 PM remains the deadline by which to let Tammi Swiantek know you plan to attend (phone 412-488-6298.
Because so many of you enjoyed last year's Gateway Clipper cruise, this outing-which includes a picnic buffet-style lunch-will take place on Saturday, September 19th. To reserve with Penny Fleckenstein by 10 PM on Saturday the 12th, phone 412-415-3871. As was the case last year, BOLD will be collaborating with the Pittsburgh Friendship Group, and the cost will be $25 per person. Picnickers will meet at 11 AM at the Station Square dock, and the cruise/picnic lunch will be held from noon until 2:00.
Thanks to the combined efforts and hard work of Joyce Driben and Mark Grasak, the Camp Kon-o-Kwee Weekend will be held from Friday, October 9th until Sunday, October 11th. The cost will be $60 per person due by the reservation deadline which has yet to be determined. Mark Grasak, 412-264-4944, will be the reservationist.
Although horseback riding at Slippery Rock University will be held in the fall by popular demand with Nancy Leverett as the reservationist, we have yet to come up with a date, which is largely determined by when the best time is for the university's therapeutic recreation students and the professor that coordinates this fun, educational activity.
PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE
"Saturday, July 18th was my first time going Dragon Boating," Joyce Driben shared with this Editor. "it was fun and a good workout," Joyce continued, "but it's not something I would do all of the time, though I probably will do it a few more times. I was sore by the end, and a little bit the next day, too," Joyce said, adding that "These boats can be hard to get into.
"You have to know how high and how far to step," Joyce explained.
Joyce concluded by emphasizing that she would Dragon Boat again but not all of the time.
To share a Personal Perspective, please bring it to a Board meeting; phone this Editor at 412-263-2022, or E-mail: t.winaught@verizon.net. Feel free either to write a Personal Perspective or be interviewed for one.
ADMINISTRATIVE ADD-ONS
Since rowing will end the last Thursday in August, and Dragon Boating will end the last Saturday, remember to call Veronique Schreurs, 412-225-4038, if you want a subsidy. You will receive a rowing subsidy in the form of a check to be mailed to you only if you phone Veronique at the number given above or by Emailing: veronik43@gmail.com.
Because we can use all of the help we can get with driver-intensive activities, thank you in advance for remembering to sign up for an event rather than showing up without having reserved. Although this happens rarely, it does occasionally happen, so thanks again for your cooperation in this matter.
Finally, although the election of officers for 2016 may seem far away, it will be here before we know it. That being the case, this Editor will devote the next several newsletters to the offices that will be up for re-election, and what the duties of each position are. You probably have leadership potential that you aren't even aware of, and it is by using those talents that BOLD will remain a vibrant organization. To get some leadership experience, you might want to consider serving on one or several of our committees: Fundraising, Programs, and Reservations. Thank you in advance for your time and talent.
CULTURAL CONNECTION
The Chamber Music Society has contacted Joyce Driben to let her know that BOLD will be receiving a limited number of free tickets for the 2015-2016 year. Because the number of tickets is limited and they go quickly, you are encouraged to call 412-521-4385 as soon as possible. Keep in mind that the chamber Music Society tracks our ticket usage, so anyone who consistently fails to use tickets, call Joyce so she can pass them on to someone else, or pass them along will be placed on the bottom of the list for future concerts.
On Friday, August 14th, the Bricolage Theater in Downtown Pittsburgh will present Word Play, a modern twist on the ancient art of storytelling. At 7:30 PM, the theater will host a half-hour Happy Hour, and the play will begin at 8:00. Although attending the half-hour Happy Hour is free, the cost of this play is $20.
To order tickets or for more information, Phone Emily Wilson, Marketing Manager, at 412-471-0999 or E-mail: emilywebricolage.org. Accessibility accommodations which will be available at the August 14th performance are: wheelchair accessible seating, accessible restrooms, ASL interpretation, and companion seating upon request. Also let Emily know if you would like Braille programs, audio description or both.
This play will feature stories which are both poignant and funny, so look forward to being entertained if you are 18 or older and plan to attend this play. Address: 937 Liberty Ave., First Floor.
BOLD BITS
Get Well Wishes to Tobi Williams who is recovering from a fractured hip and looks forward to resuming regular activities. Tobi will be especially happy to return to the competitive rowing at which she is so accomplished and successful.
Prayers and hopes for a quick recovery to Carol Platt who will be having another hip replacement surgery on August 25th.
This Editor is happy to report that Joe Wassermann and Maurice Johnston are recovering nicely from recent hospitalizations: Joe had pneumonia and was at UPMC Shadyside, and Maurice was at UPMC Mercy.
Though not a BOLD member, Louise Chuha has been an active member of the Braille Team which embosses BOLD Ventures. Louise would appreciate prayers and warm wishes for a rapid recovery from a recent fall.
CONGRATULATIONS!! to Mike Gravitt who will be getting married on Saturday, August 22nd. Here's hoping that Mike's life as a new husband will be filled with love and fellowship.
On Sunday, August 2nd, the Pittsburgh Lutheran center for the Blind will host their annual ice cream social from noon to 2:00 PM. To ask about the sign-up deadline, phone Sherri Crum as soon as possible at 412-682-1800 or E-mail: director@plcb.net.
The Carnegie Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped has begun hosting activities that are both educational and recreational, including the formation of an advisory group, the focus of which is the improvement of Library services. To ask what and when the next event will be, phone Library Director Mark Lee at 412-687-2440.
On Thursday, August 13th from 1:00 to 3:00 PM, the Pittsburgh Friendship Group will host a resource fair for persons who are blind or have low vision. Come discover everything Pittsburgh has to offer in services specifically for people with limited vision! Some of the agencies which will have Braille or Print information are: Western PA BOLD, Audio Darts, two bowling leagues, Office of Blindness and Visual Services (BVRS), Blinded Veterans, Golden Triangle Council of the Blind, Pittsburgh Friendship Group, Pittsburgh Lutheran Center for the Blind, and the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped.
Participating organizations are being asked to provide door prizes which will be given out at the end of this event. In addition, the Berkeley Hills Lutheran Church, the venue for this resource fair, will be providing homemade cookies.
For more information-including the church's address and directions-phone Andrea Schwartz at 724-444-0064.
Happy Birthday to Leslie Gottschalk, Bonnie Granger, Marty Mathews, Debi Sterling, and anyone else with an August birthday.
To provide a BOLD Bit, bring it to a Board meeting, phone 412-263-2022, or E-mail: t.winaught@verizon.net. Please feel free also to use the above information to give this Editor newsletter feedback.
JULY CALENDAR
Saturday the 25th: 10 PM reservation deadline with Terri Winaught, 412-263-2022, for the Gottschalk Swim Party. Let Terri know what you will bring, and if you need a ride or can give one.
Tuesday the 28th: 9 PM deadline with Veronique Schreurs for Yoga: 412-225-4038.
Thursday the 30th: Yoga from 2:30 to 4:00 PM at the Schoolhouse Studio: 2215 Murray Ave. at a cost of $15 per person.
Thursday the 30th is also the 9 PM sign-up deadline with Joyce Driben for Mall Walking at the Monroeville Mall: 412-521-4385.
AUGUST CALENDAR
Saturday the 1st: Dragon Boating from 11 AM to 1 PM at the Millvale Boathouse: 90 Riverfront Drive, Pittsburgh, 15209.
Sunday the 2nd: Gottschalk Swim Party from noon to 5 PM at Leslie's father's Moon Township home: 15 Cherrington Drive, Moon Township, 15108. So that Leslie and dedicated helpers will have enough time to clean up, please schedule Access or any other rides no later than 5 PM.
Sunday the 2nd is also the 9 PM deadline to sign up for Mall Walking at the Ross Park Mall, and the 10 PM deadline to let Tammi Swiantek know you will be at August's Board meeting. Andrea Schwartz for Mall Walking can be reached at 724-444-0064, and Tammi's number is 412-488-6298.
Tuesday the 4th: From 6:30 to 8:30 PM, the Board meeting will be held at the Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children: 201 North Bellefield Ave., Oakland, Pittsburgh, 15213. (Sighted assistance to the meeting room is available.)
Tuesday the 4th is also the 9 PM deadline to mark your place with Veronique for Yoga: 412-225-4038.
Wednesday the 5th: Mall Walking will be held at the Monroeville Mall from 9 to 11 AM, with the food court entrance as the meeting place.
Thursday the 6th: Mall Walking will be held at the Ross Park Mall from 9:30 to 11:30 AM, and Yoga from 2:30 to 4:00 PM at Schoolhouse Studio: 2215 Murray Ave.
Saturday the 8th: Dragon Boating at 90 Riverfront Drive, the Millvale Boathouse.
Tuesday the 11th: 9 PM deadline to sign up with Veronique, 412-225-4038, for Yoga.
Thursday the 13th: Yoga from 2:30 to 4, and 9 PM deadline to sign up for Mall Walking with Joyce Driben.
Thursday the 13th is also when the Pittsburgh Friendship Group will sponsor a Resource Fair for persons who are blind or have low vision at Berkeley Hills Lutheran Church, 517 Sangree Rd Ross Township PA 15237. They hope for a big BOLD turnout! (see BOLD Bits for a list of participating organizations, or phone the Update Line the week of this event: 1-773-597-4222.)
Friday the 14th: Word Play will be presented at the Bricolage Theater: 937 Liberty Ave., First Floor, with a Happy Hour half hour starting at 7:30 PM, and the play starting at 8. This play will use stand-up comics, actors/actresses and just everyday people to tell stories that will be a modern twist on the ancient art of storytelling.
Saturday the 15th: Dragon Boating.
Tuesday the 18th: 9 PM deadline to sign up with Veronique for Yoga.
Wednesday the 19th: Mall Walking at the Monroeville Mall.
Thursday the 20th: Yoga from 2:30 to 4.
Saturday the 22nd: Dragon Boating.
Sunday the 23rd: 10 PM deadline with Nancy Leverett, 412-327-9978, to sign up for Waterskiing. (The above number is Nancy's cell, and the only number to call for reservations.)
If you need special accommodations from an Adaptive Sports organization, ask Nancy for this info when reserving.
Tuesday the 25th: Yoga reservation deadline with Veronique.
Thursday the 27th: Yoga, and 9 PM deadline to sign up for Mall Walking: 412-521-4385. (Thursday the 25th is also the last day for regular Rowing, but competitive practice will continue for upcoming races.)
Saturday the 29th: the last day for Dragon Boating at the Millvale Boathouse from 11 AM to 1 PM.
Sunday the 30th: The pickup location for Waterskiing at 8:30 AM will be the Steel City Rowing Boathouse: 100 Arch Street, Verona, PA 15147. You will be asked to sign a waiver on the day of this event, and the Golden Triangle Waterskiing Club will provide hot dogs and hamburgers after skiing.
Sunday the 30th is also the 9 PM deadline for Mall Walking at the Ross Park Mall, and the 10 PM deadline to let Tammi know you will be at September's meeting (see July's calendar for numbers, or call the Update Line closer to the event: 1-773-597-4222.
Appreciation always to Maurice Johnston, Marty Mathews, Veronique Schreurs, and the Braille Team which Tina Wassermann leads for making the newsletter accessible and available.
THE END