September 2015 newsletter

BOLD Ventures (Blind Outdoor Leisure Development) September, 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
Email: 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)

SPECTACULAR SEPTEMBER
The events that will make September Spectacular are: the Board meeting on Tuesday the 1st from 6:30 to 8:30 PM; Mall Walking on Wednesdays the 2nd,16th, and the 30th, at the Monroeville Mall; Mall Walking at the Ross Park Mall on Thursday the 3rd; Yoga every Thursday unless fewer than four people sign up; the payment and reservation deadline for the Gateway clipper Cruise on September 4th; with reservations to be made by phoning Penny Fleckenstein by 10 PM at 412-415-3871 and the $25 check or money order made payable to Western PA BOLD sent to 2269 Tilbury Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15217; The Camp Kon-o-Kwee sign-up deadline on September 9th by 10 PM to call Mark Grasak at
412-264-4944 and the $60 cost per person sent in the form of a check or money order made payable to Western PA BOLD. On both the $60 payment for Kon-o-Kwee and the $25 for the cruise, please indicate in the check or money order's memo section the event to which this payment is to be applied. Regarding both the Cruise and the Kon-o-Kwee outing, be advised that there are no refunds except for extenuating situations like a medical emergency or transportation not showing up (more in calendar, including information about a Sunday, September 13 hike which Veronique Schreurs will lead).

PAST EVENTS
All of the activities that are held on a regular basis are going well. The best-attended August event was the ever-popular Gottschalk Swim Party and Picnic, held on Sunday the 2nd and attended by 37 BOLD members and guests. Reservationist Terri Winaught thanks everyone who drove, guided, cooked or helped in any other way to make that annual event so successful.

LOOKING AHEAD
October's and November's Board meetings will be on Tuesdays the 6th and the 3rd 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 Friday the 4th, phone the number given near the top of this newsletter and which will be given again in the calendar. Closer to the applicable dates, you will also find Penny's number and Veronique's address on the Update Line, 1-773-597-4222, to which to send a $25 check or money order. As was the case last year, BOLD will be collaborating with the Pittsburgh Friendship Group several of whose members will be able to provide sighted guide assistance. Picnickers will meet at 10:30 AM so that boarding can begin PROMPTLY at 11, with the cruise to start at noon and last until 2:00. The Station Square Dock is where participants will meet to board the boat at the time given above. 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 September 9th as indicated above.

As he does so often and so generously, Ray Jablonowski will be hosting both Indoor and Outdoor activities at his Greenfield home: 4551 Parade Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15207. In addition to a fun-filled day, there will also be plenty of food and fellowship during this event which will be held from noon to 5 PM. Terri Winaught, 412-263-2022, will be the reservationist, the deadline being 10 PM on September 30th.

Horseback riding at Slippery Rock University will be held by popular demand on Saturday, November 14, With Nancy Leverett as the reservationist (cost to be determined).
The December Board meeting will be on Tuesday the 1st, and the Holiday Party is scheduled for Sunday December 13th from 2 to 6 PM with Terri Winaught contacting Terry Lane to be sure that there is a room available at one Smithfield Street on the above date.

Although skiing has yet to be discussed, it is a given that the 2015-2016 ski season will begin in December, that time of year always beginning with a guide clinic (more in future newsletters and on the Update Line).

PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE
"The Gottschalk Swim Party is my favorite BOLD event," Marcy Loughner shared when reserving with this Editor.

"The Gottschalks are always so gracious," Mark Grasak commented after that enjoyable event was held. This Editor couldn't agree more with how gracious and giving the Gottschalks are as the hosts of this event.

It was also awesome to see Cindy Flerman who came all the way from her home in Los Angeles! (Given that distance, we don't get to see Cindy very often, so that makes her company all the more enjoyable.)

It is also worth noting that Milette Reid attended this annual picnic and swim party even though she has not been a BOLD member for some time. "I'm going to rejoin BOLD at the Gottschalks," Milette told the reservationist enthusiastically when signing up.

From the Editor's Perspective, the fellowship, large attendance, and gracious hosting speak volumes about a longtime and much-loved BOLD tradition.

Another perspective is on the August 13th Fair which Andrea Schwartz coordinated and with which several BOLD members helped.

"This fair went so well that it should get a Personal Perspective," Peggy Walsh emphasized during a recent phone conversation.

"I was at this Resource Fair along with Joyce Driben, Veronique Schreurs, and Penny Fleckenstein to help if I was needed," Peggy continued.

Joyce also shared how well she felt this Resource Fair went and all of the attendees mentioned that the door prize which BOLD gave away was a membership. Since we value and welcome new members and, in fact all of our members, we hope that whoever won this door prize will join. To whoever you are, "Welcome in advance."

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 ended the last Thursday in August, and Dragon Boating ended 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 E-mailing: veronik43@gmail.com.

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.

To start with this newsletter to provide this information, one office that will be up for re-election is that of President. The President, who serves for two years, runs monthly meetings, prepares agendas for those meetings, takes phone calls from persons planning to attend Board meetings, and is the go-to person when there are issues or concerns to be addressed.

In October's BOLD ventures, the Editor will outline the duties of both Vice Presidents.

CULTURAL CONNECTION:
The limited number of tickets which Joyce Driben received from the Chamber Music Society for the 2015-2016 season have already been spoken for. Although that is the case, Joyce is maintaining a waiting list. To get on that list as soon as possible, phone 412-521-4385. Thank you for remembering not only that tickets are given on a first-come basis but also that anyone who consistently fails to use his or her tickets or pass them on will be placed at the bottom of Joyce's list. What follows is the entire list for the speakers’ series at Heinz Hall:
Oct. 14 John Irving, author
Nov. 4: Sanjay Gupta, Neurosurgeon and medical advisor for CNN
Dec. 2 Dennis Ross, diplomat, expert on the Middle East and Russia
Jan. 20, 12016 Ayaan Hirsi Ali, author of the book Infidel, very critical of radical Islam, native of Somalia
Feb 10 Diana Nyad, who swam from Cuba to the United States
March 16 Leon Panetta, past CIA director, secretary of defense under George H.W. Bush
April 6 Dave Barry (humor columnist for the Miami Herald)

Jennifer Wilburn, 412-561-8155, asks that people call her just once after receiving this list to express their preferences. As per protocol and being unsure how many tickets Robert Morris University will give BOLD, Jennifer will call people two weeks before the speaker or speakers in which they have expressed an interest are scheduled to present. This is to ensure that individuals who have called are still interested and still able to use a ticket or tickets.

Since cultural events taking place also includes audio-described plays at the Pittsburgh City Theatre and the Pittsburgh Opera-including art song recitals, the Brown Bag Lunch series, and Opera Up Close-please find those listings below:
THE NIGHT ALIVE -Nov. 1, 2015; 2:00 pm curtain
SUNSET BABY -Dec. 13, 2015; 2:00pm curtain
SOME BRIGHTER DISTANCE- Feb. 14, 2016; 2:00pm curtain
SISTER’S EASTER CATECHISM-Mar. 13, 2016; 2:00pm curtain
SEX WITH STRANGERS- Apr. 3, 2016; 2:00pm curtain
LAST MATCH-May. 15, 2016; 2:00pm curtain
THE LION-June. 5, 2016; 2:00pm curtain
Pre-show workshops will continue to start at 1pm.

The Access Ticket rate will remain the same- $22.00 a seat, plus a free companion ticket. Joel Ambrose, who many of you will know as our wonderful house manager is now the new box office manager of City Theatre. You can reserve seats for these shows by calling the box office at 412. 431. 2489 (please make sure to mention you are an audio description patron) or by emailing Joel directly at jambrose@citytheatrecompany.org. I always encourage you to reserve sooner than later if you know you are planning to see a show. It’s rare that they sell out, but it does happen occasionally, especially in the smaller theatre. Please feel free to be in touch if you have any questions. Otherwise, I look forward to seeing many of you at the theatre again in the fall! (signed): Kristen Link, Director of Education & Accessibility, City Theatre Company, 412-431-4400
NOTE: The opera about Gertrude Stein, by Ricky Ian Gordon, is actually called “27”, a number, because that’s the address of Gertrude Stein’s salon in Paris.
Pittsburgh Opera 2015-2016 Audio Commentary service provided at the Tuesday, 7pm performances:
Nabucco by Giuseppe Verdi Oct 13, 2015 at the Benedum Center
Così fan tutte by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Nov 10, 2015 at the Benedum Center
Little Women by Mark Adamo Jan 26, 2016 at Pittsburgh CAPA School
“27” by Ricky Ian Gordon Feb 23, 2016 at the Pittsburgh Opera headquarters in the strip district, 2425 Liberty Avenue
The Barber of Seville by Gioachino Rossini Apr 5, 2016 at the Benedum Center
The Rake’s Progress by Igor Stravinsky May 3, 2016 at the Benedum Center
Opera Up Close on Sundays at 2:00 pm at 2425 Liberty Ave:
Nabucco Sep 27, 2015
Così fan tutte Oct 25, 2015
Little Women Jan 10, 2016
“27” Feb 14, 2016
The Barber of Seville Mar 20, 2016
The Rake’s Progress Apr 17, 2016
Sensory workshops on Sundays following Opera Up Close:
Little Women Jan 10, 2016 (4:00-6:00 pm)
“27” Feb 14, 2016 (5:00-7:00 pm; later start time to accommodate patrons who may wish to attend City Theatre AD performance)
Art Song Recitals on Sundays at 2:00 pm at 2425 Liberty Avenue:
November 22, 2015
March 13, 2016
April 24, 2016
To order tickets, which cost $10, call Randy Adams at 412-281-0912, x213, and to let Marilyn Egan know when you plan to attend a sensory workshop, phone 412-281-0912, x242.
Since no Brown Bag lunches were mentioned, it seems possible at least that they may not be part of Pittsburgh Opera performances for the upcoming season.

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.

In October's newsletter, this Editor hopes to be able to share how Nancy Leverett, tammi Swiantek, and anyone else who competed at the Bayada Rowing competition in Philadelphia on August 15 fared.

Prayers and hopes for a quick recovery to Carol Platt who had another hip replacement surgery on August 25th. Having also had ankle surgery less than a week before the August 25th procedure, here's hoping that she gets as many prayers, warm wishes and as much support as possible.

Condolences and compassion to Ayn Apelman whose mother died during the summer. Although Ayn is not currently a BOLD member, she was for a long time. Additionally, current BOLD members also know Ayn as an attendee of the Pittsburgh Lutheran Center for the Blind (this Editor is unsure if Any's mother was 96 or 97, but it is a given that she lived a full and productive life.) Friends and family also know how close Ayn and her mother were.

Tons of heartfelt condolences also to Leslie Gottschalk whose father died on August 11th-just 9 days after his home was the venue for the Swim Party. Anyone familiar with BOLD knows what a gracious fixture the Gottschalks have been, with Warren Gottschalk someone who will definitely be missed. When this Editor gets the information clarified, she will let BOLD members know when a public memorial service will be held. In the meantime, the BOLD Board will be sending a sympathy Card and a fruit basket or a plant.

CONGRATULATIONS!! to Alison Leverett, Nancy and Bruce's daughter. Having graduated in therapeutic recreation from Slippery Rock University, Alison is currently at Florida's Disney World where she is interning to become a manager. Since being a manager at a internationally-renowned place like Disney World is truly an accomplishment, this Editor will keep you posted as Nancy keeps the Board posted.

Penny Fleckenstein also gets a BRAVA!! for having recently biked for 22 miles along with son Zachary as part of her preparation to ride a trail that goes from Pittsburgh to Washington, DC,

As she so often does, Ceinwen King-Smith is currently undertaking the awesome accomplishment of teaching English as a Second Language in a rural, mountainous area of Honduras.

"There will be no plumbing or electricity," Ceinwen reported "but the school where I will teach will have amenities and I will be able to use my computer," Ceinwen concluded.

Thanks to Joyce Driben being a volunteer at the Pittsburgh Arts Festival, she used that opportunity to spread the word about BOLD. In fact, Joyce was so successful, that her hard work resulted in a $150 donation to BOLD.

The Carnegie Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped continues to host advocacy advisory meetings, a monthly book club, tactile Board Games, and instruction on IOS devices like the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. For more information on these offerings, phone Mark Lee at 412-687-2440.

The Pittsburgh Lutheran Center for the Blind will resume monthly meals on Saturday, September 26th. To ask about the sign-up deadline, phone Sherri Crum at 412-682-1800 or email director@plcb.net.

Board member and Second Vice-President Penny Fleckenstein maintains a blog on which she posts weekly. To read Penny's excellent and heartwarming posts, visit: notyouraveragesinglemom.blogspot.com. Since Pat McCloskey also has a blog on which he posts items about skiing, biking, along with other fun-filled recreation, this Editor would like to hear from him at 412-263-2022 or 412-506-2004.
Happy Birthday to Ceinwen King-smith, Tracy O'Neill, Stu Weisman, and anyone else with a September 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.

AUGUST CALENDAR:
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.

SEPTEMBER CALENDAR
Note: although the Tuesday reservation deadlines for Yoga will be mentioned, the Thursdays will not because there are times when yoga does not take place as scheduled-for example, when four or fewer people sign up.
Tuesday the 1st: The Board meeting will be held from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM at the Western Pennsylvania School for Blind children: 201 North Bellefield Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213, and 9 PM is the deadline to sign up for Yoga: 412-225-4038.
Wednesday the 2nd: Mall Walking at the Monroeville Mall from 9 AM to 11 AM.
Thursday the 3rd: Mall Walking at the Ross Park Mall from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM.
Friday the 4th 10 PM deadline to mark your place for the Gateway clipper cruise with Penny Fleckenstein, 412-415-3871, and to send your $25 payment to 2269 Tilbury Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15217 (make check or money order payable to Western PA BOLD, and state in the memo section that it is for the cruise).
Tuesday the 8th: 9 PM sign-up deadline for Yoga with Veronique Schreurs.
Wednesday the 9th: 10 PM reservation deadline with Peggy Walsh, 412-683-6070, for the hike which Veronique will lead the following Sunday, and
Wednesday the 9th also 10 PM deadline for Camp Kon-o-Kwee with Mark Grasak: 412-264-4944.
Thursday the 10th: 9 PM deadline to mark your place for Mall Walking at the Monroeville Mall with Joyce Driben: 412-521-4385. (Since this is also when Veronique Schreurs is to have received your $60 nonrefundable payment, see address above).
Sunday the 13th: From 10 AM till noon, Veronique will lead a hike in Frick Park. The meeting place is the environmental Center: 2025 Beechwood Boulevard. Although that area of Frick is under construction, Access will still be able to drop off there.
Tuesday the 15th: 9 PM to mark your place for Yoga with Veronique.
Wednesday the 16th: Mall Walking at the Monroeville Mall.
Saturday the 19th: Gateway Clipper cruise from noon till 2:00. Meet at the Station Square dock at 10:30 AM so that boarding can begin promptly at 11.
Tuesday the 22nd: 9 PM sign-up deadline with Veronique for Yoga.
Thursday the 24th: 9 PM Mall Walking reservation deadline with Joyce Driben:
412-521-4385.
Sunday the 27th: From 2 to 4 PM, Nabucco will be featured at Opera Up close at 2425 Liberty Ave., and 9 PM will be the deadline to sign up with Andrea Schwartz,
724-444-0060, for Mall Walking at the Ross Park Mall on thursday, October 1st.
Tuesday the 29th: Yoga sign-up deadline by 9 PM.
Wednesday the 30th: Mall Walking at the Monroeville Mall, and 10 PM deadline with Terri Winaught, 412-263-2022, for the indoor and outdoor games which Ray Jablonowski will host at his Greenfield home on October 4th.
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