October 2015 newsletter

BOLD VENTURES October, 2015
(Blind Outdoor Leisure Development)
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

OPULENT OCTOBER ... but first

SAYING FAREWELL TO SPECTACULAR SEPTEMBER
Although Joyce Driben is usually the reservationist for Mall Walking at the Monroeville Mall, Joyce will not be taking them for the September 24th deadline. To reserve for the September 30th Mall Walking by the above-mentioned deadline, phone Marty Mathews: 412-440-4909. again, that's 412-440-4909 to reserve with Marty Mathews by 9 PM for the September 30th Mall Walking.

Thank you for remembering this reservation change and thanks to Marty Mathews for taking these calls.

There is much to look forward to in October, especially the beginning of Cultural Connections, Ray Jablonowski's Indoor and Outdoor House Party at his Greenfield home on Sunday the 4th and the Camp Kon-o-Kwee Weekend from Friday the 9th to Sunday the 11th. (Although only two BOLD members have signed up so far for Ray's event, his events are always so popular that this Editor feels certain that we will have a good crowd on the day of Ray's party.

Though Kon-o-Kwee isn't yet a Past Event, it is worth noting how many more people signed up by the September 9th deadline than several of us on the Board thought would have.

Other events include Mall Walking on Thursday the 1st at the Ross Park Mall-an event which Andrea Schwartz implemented and for which she takes reservations; The Board meeting on Tuesday the 6th at the School for the Blind from 6:30 to 8:30 PM; Yoga every Thursday unless it's precluded by a scheduling issue or not enough people signing up; and Mall Walking on Wednesdays the 14th and the 28th at the Monroeville Mall (Reservation information will be in the calendar with which the newsletter ends.)

PAST EVENTS
When Waterskiing was held on Sunday, August 30th, there were three skiiers who were blind or had low vision and three more who were sighted. Nancy Leverett reported that the river conditions for that event were the best they had been for a while: "The water was like glass," was one phrase used. Nancy added that the only disappointment was that several people had to cancel with it being no one's fault, but all who attended still enjoyed this event even with fewer people.

Though Veronique Schreurs was to have led a hike through Frick Park on Sunday morning, September 13th, that outing was canceled since no one signed up.

To make a final comment about the upcoming camping trip, this Editor was told that more people signed up than had been the case with previous attempts to schedule this in the fall.

LOOKING AHEAD
As mentioned previously though the cost has yet to be determined, Horseback Riding will be held the afternoon of Saturday, November 14th, with Nancy Leverett, 412-561-3972, as the reservationist. When marking your place with Nancy, tell her if you need a ride or can give one; ask about any additional events being planned at Slippery Rock; ask for any directions you might need; and ask when the Slippery Rock professor who coordinates this with and recruits students needs to know how many are coming. Last year, since this event began in the morning and lasted through the afternoon, the University generously provided lunch at no additional cost to participants. (This Editor will put on the Update Line, 1-773-597-4222, any additional information she gets about this.)

Although the Holiday Party was originally scheduled for Sunday the 13th from 2 to 6, that date has been changed to Sunday the 6th since there is a City Theater play on Sunday the 13th. Again, the venue is One Smithfield Street, Downtown Pittsburgh, PA 15222.

A PERSPECTIVE FROM CINDY FLERMAN
I really enjoyed being in Pittsburgh for the Gottschalk swim party. It was great to see so many friends and family members during the five days I was there.

We are in the middle of a heat wave right now; everyone I know is complaining but I’m enjoying it. We are hoping for a lot of rain this winter to make a dent at least in our drought conditions. The September BOLD Ventures was one of the most interesting newsletters I have read in a long time. Those of you who participate in BOLD & cultural connection events, Lutheran Center meals and library instruction on IOS devices may not realize how lucky you are to have these opportunities. We have nothing like them that I am aware of in Los Angeles. The area is probably too spread out to have one BOLD group; we occasionally have a described play available but that is about all. Because of this, I am always happy to hear about good participation in the events that are available to you and also for the strong participation you display in keeping BOLD as a viable organization for about the past 40 years.
Cindy & Pedro

If you want to be interviewed for or write a Personal Perspective, phone 412-263-2022, or come to a Board meeting.


ADMINISTRATIVE ADD-ONS
In September's BOLD Ventures, the Editor indicated that one of the offices up for re-election was the President. In this issue, this Editor will be outlining the duties of the First and Second Vice-presidents along with the committees they chair.

Nancy Leverett is currently the First Vice-President, in which capacity she chairs the Programs Committee. What this means is that Nancy plans most of the events you read about in these newsletters, and she does this by making phone calls, sending emails, and getting feedback from Board members at meetings. (Since general members are always welcome at meetings and to share their feedback by contacting Board members, we're always delighted when the more members the better offer event suggestions.) To generate more member suggestions and more people working on planning and implementing events, it would be great to have Programs Committee members.

Finally but extremely important, should the President be unable to complete her term-or his, as has been the case in the past-the Vice-president would assume the office of President.

Although not every organization has two Vice Presidents, BOLD is one group that does, our current Second Vice-President being Penny Fleckenstein. In BOLD, the Second Vice-President's primary responsibilities are recruiting reservationists, providing help as needed especially to new reservationists, taking reservations as needed, and also helping as needed and requested with transportation to events like the Camp Kon-o-Kwee outing.

Again, as with Programs, we would love more members to step up by serving on the Reservations and Transportations Committee. As also mentioned last month, serving on a committee just might help you tap into abilities and talents you never thought you had. That unleashing of confidence might also inspire you to run or consider running for an office in the future.

In November's newsletter, this Editor will discuss the two secretarial positions-Recording and Corresponding. She will also discuss the Treasurer's position and recap the committees on which you can serve.

CULTURAL CONNECTIONS
In September's BOLD Ventures, this Editor listed all of the upcoming cultural events about which she had information. Since there was no info then about the Pittsburgh Opera Brown Bag Lunch series, please find that listing below:
Oct 17, 2015
Nov 14, 2015
Dec 12, 2015
Jan 9, 2016
Feb 6, 2016
Mar 19, 2016
Apr 9, 2016
Brown Bag Concerts take place at the opera headquarters in the Strip District, at 2425 Liberty Avenue, and last an hour.

Because all of the chamber Music concert tickets have been spoken for, dates are not being given either in newsletters or on the Update Line. Anyone unable to get tickets, however, may still be put on a waiting list by phoning 412-521-4385.

As a refresher from last month's newsletter, please find a few of the upcoming cultural events listed, starting with the speakers Series:

October 14: John Ervine, Author

November 4: Sanjay Gupta, neurosurgeon and medical commentator on CNN

December 2nd: Dennis Ross, diplomat and expert on the Middle East and Russia (for the complete list, see September's BOLD Ventures).

When phoning Jennifer Wilburn to request a ticket or tickets, thank you for remembering to call just once: 412-561-8155.

Moving on to City Theatre, audio-described plays begin at that venue on November 2nd with "Night Alive". Curtain time is always 2 PM and the sensory workshop for persons who are blind or have low vision starts at 1 PM.
December's play on Sunday the 13th is Sunset Baby.

To order tickets, phone 412-431-4900.

Regarding the Pittsburgh Opera, there will be a September 27th sensory workshop on Nabucco, the performance of which will be held on October 13th, followed by Cosi Fan tutti on November 10th, Tuesday evenings always being when audio-described operas are presented. Both the October and November performances will be at the Benedum Center in Downtown Pittsburgh.

To order tickets for operas, phone 412-281-0912, x213 and speak with Randy Adams. The cost of tickets continues to be $10, with scholarship assistance being considered on a hardship case-by-case basis.

To attend sensory workshops, contact Marilyn Egan the Wednesday prior at 412-281-0912, x242. To summarize, opera performances are $10; Opera Up Close costs $5; sensory workshops for persons who are blind or have low vision are free; and Brown Bag lunch performances are also free.

FUNDRAISING FACTS
At the December 6th Holiday Party, Fundraising Chair Terri Winaught will sell 50/50 raffle tickets, the cost of which will be $1 per ticket. The winner will receive half of the money generated, so be sure to bring some money and buy a ticket. (Wouldn't winning money be a great Christmas gift to yourself?)

BOLD BITS
Please continue to send prayers and best wishes to Carol Platt who was to have had hip replacement surgery on August 25th. Due to a stubborn ankle infection, however, that has resisted antibiotic treatments, Carol's surgery was canceled. Once this Editor receives a new date, she will give it in a future BOLD Bits.

Although funeral and burial services for Warren Gottschalk, Leslie's father, were private, a public memorial service was held on September 13th at the Montour Country Club. Continued compassion and condolences to Leslie as she grieves a loss that is difficult. Wishes for safe travel to Ceinwen King-Smith who will be returning from Honduras late in September. (Ceinwen has been teaching English as a Second Language in a rural, mountainous region of Honduras with no plumbing or electricity except for the school where she has capably provided instruction.)

Terri Winaught has been given the honor of cantoring (leading the singing) at a Diocesan-wide Mass for persons with disabilities. Terri is inviting anyone who would like to come to this special Liturgy, to be held at Saint Paul Cathedral: 4523 5th Avenue, with the wheelchair accessible entrance being on Dithridge Street. You are welcomed despite your religious affiliation or with no attachment to any denomination. The date is Sunday October 4, the starting time is 2:30 PM. Since this Editor is unsure when October's Lutheran Center meal will be held, phone Sherri Crum for that info at 412-682-1800. You may also email Sherri at director@plcb.net.

Penny Fleckenstein maintains a blog to which she posts weekly. To access both the text and pictures on that blog, visit notyouraveragesinglemom.com. (Any BOLD member who has a blog that he or she would like to have included in BOLD Bits, please phone 412-263-2022, or email t.winaught@verizon.net.) Happy Birthday to Chuck Buzon, Cindy Flerman, Mark Grasak, Margie Singer and anyone else with an October birthday.

To provide a BOLD Bit, please contact Terri Winaught at the above phone number or email address. Feel free also to use that information to provide newsletter feedback.

SEPTEMBER CALENDAR
Thursday the 24th: 9 PM deadline to mark your place with Marty Mathews for Mall Walking at the Monroeville Mall: 412-440-4909.

Sunday the 27th: Sensory workshop for the Opera Nabucco from 4 to 6 PM at 2425 Liberty Ave., Pittsburgh, 15222, Pittsburgh Opera's headquarters. When scheduling Access, let the call taker know that vans cannot fit into the garage entrance.

Sunday the 27th is also the 9 PM deadline with Andrea Schwartz for Mall Walking at the Ross Park Mall: 724-444-0064.

Tuesday the 29th: 9 PM deadline to mark your place with Veronique Schreurs for Yoga: 412-225-4038. Remember to give your contact info in case Yoga needs to be canceled.

Wednesday the 30th: Mall Walking at the Monroeville Mall, and 10 PM deadline with Terri Winaught for Ray Jablonowski's party on October 4th: 412-263-2022. (For any event changes or reminders, phone the Update Line: 1-773-597-4222.)

OCTOBER CALENDAR
Thursday the 1st: Mall Walking at the Ross Park Mall from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM and Yoga from 2:30 to 4 PM at 2215 Murray Ave., Pittsburgh, 15217. (Since Yoga takes place every Thursday unless Veronique indicates otherwise, and since every Tuesday by 9 PM is always the reservation deadline with Veronique unless informed differently in a newsletter or on the Update Line, 1-773-597-4222, the remaining Tuesday and Thursday dates will not be mentioned to save space.)

Sunday the 4th: A party, Indoor Games, and Outdoor Games (weather permitting) will be held at Ray Jablonowski's Greenfield home from noon to 5 PM: 4551 Parade Street, Pittsburgh, 15207.
Sunday the 4th is also the 10 PM deadline for letting Tammi Swiantek know you plan to attend October’s Board meeting, Tammi's number being 412-488-6298.

Tuesday the 6th: BOLD'S Board meeting will be held at the Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children: 201 North Bellefield Ave., Pittsburgh, 15213. The time is 6:30 to 8:30 PM; sighted guide assistance to the meeting room is available; and meeting attendees will be given a visitor's tag.

Thursday the 8th: 9 PM deadline with Joyce Driben, 412-521-4385, for Mall Walking at the Monroeville Mall the following Wednesday.

Friday the 9th: Departure for Camp Kon-o-Kwee from the Moorhead Tower parking lot: 375 North Craig Street, Pittsburgh, 15213. Since mornings and evenings are cool, remember to bring a light jacket, a sweater, sweatshirts, and sweat pants. Also remember to have legible name tags on luggage and bring any medication you take (thank you for remembering to take it).

Sunday the 11th: Campers will return from Kon-o-Kwee, with a departure time between 11 and 11:30 AM, and an arrival at Moorhead's parking lot between 12:30 and 12:45 PM.

Tuesday the 13th: the Pittsburgh Opera will present Nabucco at the Benedum Center, with 7 PM as the start time. Audio commentary is always available at Tuesday performances as are Braille programs. The Benedum Center is located near the intersection of 7th Street and Penn Ave. in Downtown Pittsburgh.

Wednesday the 14th: Mall Walking at the Monroeville Mall, and The Robert Morris University Speakers Series will present a talk by John Ervine. The starting time is 8 PM, and the venue is Heinz Hall: 600 Penn Ave. in Downtown Pittsburgh. Although these presentations are free, please be sure to use any ticket or tickets you have requested. As is always the case with free events, the sponsors provide a limited number of tickets.

Saturday the 17th: The Pittsburgh Opera will present a free Brown Bag lunch series from noon to 1 at their headquarters: 2425 Liberty Ave., Pittsburgh, 15222.

Thursday the 22nd: Mark your place for Mall Walking with Joyce Driben no later than 9 PM: 412-521-4385.

Wednesday the 28th: Mall Walking at the Monroeville Mall.

Many thanks as always to Maurice Johnston, Marty Mathews, Veronique Schreurs and the Braille Team which Tina Wassermann leads so capably.

THE END