BOLD welcomes persons 18 and older with all degrees of vision: blind, low vision, partially sighted and fully sighted.
February 2016 newsletter
February BOLD Ventures
February 2016
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
email: boldwpa@gmail.com
Website: www.wpabold.blogspot.com
Update Line: 1-773-597-4222
(Updates recorded each Friday.)
FABULOUS, FUN-FILLED FEBRUARY
In This Issue:
An apology, February activities, Past Events, Looking Ahead, Personal Perspective, Administrative Add-On, Cultural Connections, Fundraising Facts, BOLD Bits and Calendar.
An At-Once Apology
February will be neither fantastic nor fun-filled unless I start by apologizing to longtime Board member Joyce Driben. Although Joyce still serves on the Board as Past President, I neglected to list her in January's newsletter. That being the case, here again is the correct list of Board members and the capacities in which each serves: Tammi Swiantek, President; Nancy Leverett, First Vice-President and Programs Chair; Penny Fleckenstein, Second Vice-President, Reservations Chair and Transportation Chair; Karen Seligman, Recording Secretary; Terri Winaught, Corresponding Secretary, Newsletter Editor and Fundraising Chair; Veronique Schreurs, Treasurer, Membership Chair, and newsletter assistant; and Joyce Driben, Past President. (As Past President, Joyce remains active by taking Mall Walking reservations, sending tickets for Chamber Music concerts and distributing tickets for Pittsburgh Symphony concerts.)
February Events
February's Board meeting will be held via teleconference on Tuesday the 2nd from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM; Mall Walking at the Monroeville Mall will be held on Wednesdays the 3rd and 17th; Mall Walking at the Ross Park Mall will be held on Thursday the 4th; Yoga will be held on Thursdays the 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th as long as four or more people sign up; Bingo will be held on Saturday the 13th from1 to 4 PM at One Smithfield, bowling at Forward Lanes will be heldon Sunday the 28th from 1 to 3:30 and a variety of cultural events will be held throughout the month.
To say more about Yoga, Peggy Walsh, 412-683-6070, will be the reservationist for the classes on February 4th and 11th.
To access February's Board meeting via teleconference, phone 605-475-6777. When prompted to enter an access code, enter 26532020 followed by the pound key. If you want to participate on this call but don't have long distance, feel free to contact one of the Board members, any of whom can use three-way calling to get you into the meeting. We'd love to hear your voice, and are eager to see how having a meeting this way works.
Moving on to the February 13th Bingo, Terri Winaught is the reservationist, her number being 412-263-2022, and the deadline being Wednesday, February 10th by 10 PM.
Although there is no cost to attend this Bingo which BOLD member Jim Musto suggested, you are being asked to bring your own snacks and drinks. If you forget to bring those items. there are vending machines on the lower level where the Liberty Room is. Also, all Bingo prizes will be small amounts of cash. Although Jim's suggestion included Bingo being a Fundraiser, this one will NOT be a Fundraiser.
Regarding the ski dates on Sundays February 7th and 21st, Dom Ceresa, 724-527-1857, is the reservationist. The sign-up deadline is always the Tuesday before the outing by 9 PM, and the cancelation deadline is always the day before by 8 PM. For the benefit of any new skiers, be sure that Dom has your contact information so that he can reach out to you if a ski date needs to be canceled. Also, if Dom knows that you like cross-country skiing and there is a time when the weather is conducive, he will be able to reach out to you.
To conclude with bowling, it will be held at Forward Lanes in Squirrel Hill on Sunday, February 28th from 1 to 3:30 PM. For the benefit of persons with sight loss or low vision, there will be rails to orient bowlers to their lanes. On the day of this event, participants will pay $5 per person, which will cover the cost of renting shoes and playing three games. (These rails are generously being provided by longtime BOLD member and excellent bowler Maggi Ostrowski.)
To mark your place with Peggy Walsh by 10 PM on Thursday the 25th, phone 412-683-6070.
Regarding physical accessibility, there are alot of steps at the front entrance, but the rear entrance-which can be a bit tricky to find-has no steps. Forward Lanes' address is 5844 Forward Ave., Pittsburgh, 15217.
PAST EVENTS
Though this Editor has no specific numbers, skiing has been going well since the weather has become more cooperative. Also, Mall Walking and cultural event attendance continue to go well. (See Personal Perspective for comments Nancy Leverett shared with this Editor about the two January ski dates.)
LOOKING AHEAD
Although the Board has yet to finalize its decision, there is a good possibility that meetings will be held at One Smithfield Street starting in March. Since this is likely to be discussed at February's call-in Board meeting, you are strongly encouraged to participate (number repeated in calendar).
On Sunday, March 13th, Ray Jablonowski will generously open his Greenfield home to host a house party with card and varied indoor games, a talking darts board and numerous snacks (see March's newsletter for reservation with Terri Winaught).
Saturday, April 9th by 10 PM is the Camp Kon-o-Kwee reservation deadline with Mark Grasak: 412-264-4944. For the cost of this outing, see March's and April's newsletters, and phone the Update Line: 1-773-597-4222. The reservation deadline just given is also the time by which Treasurer Veronique Schreurs needs to receive your check or money order made payable to Western PA BOLD.
PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE
"Am I correct that skiing has gone well now that the weather has been more cooperative?" this Editor asked skiing enthusiast Nancy leverett.
"On the first January ski date, there wasn't enough snow, and on the secdond date, there was too much," Nancy responded. Since the second January ski date coincided with "the blizzard of 2016," getting to Seven springs was challenging.
"With much of the turnpike being closed, we had to take alot of back roads," Nancy explained. "Some were more successful than others doing this."
To write or be interviewed for a Personal Perspective, phone 412-263-2022; bring a perspective to a Board meeting; or emailt.winaught@verizon.net.
ADMINISTRATIVE ADD-ON
Veronique Schreurs has begun contacting people who have yet to renew their dues. If you are among them, please send a $12 check or money order made payable to Western PA BOLD to 2269 Tilbury Ave., Pittsburgh, 15217. Thank you for indicating in the memo that the check or money order is for 2016 BOLD dues.
CULTURAL CONNECTIONS
On Saturday 6th from noon to 1 PM, the Pittsburgh opera will present their free brown bag lunch series. The venue for this free event will be Pittsburgh opera's headquarters: 2425 Liberty Ave., in Pittsburgh's Strip District.
Also at their headquarters, the Pittsburgh opera will present "Opera Up Close" from 2 to 4 PM on Sunday the 14th. (Opera Up Close is free to friends of the Pittsburgh opera and $5 per person for everyone else.) Opera Up Close will be followed by a sensory workshop from 5 to 7 PM on the upcoming Opera, "Twenty-seven." Regarding that opera, it will be presented from 7 to 8:30 PM on Tuesday, February 23rd at the Opera's headquarters.
Going back to February 14th, the Pittsburgh City Theatre will present the play, "A Little Distance," the focus of that performance being the contributions emigres to this country have made in technology. Curtain time is always 2 PM, which is always preceded by a 1 PM sensory workshop for persons who have sight loss or low vision (address and phone number in calendar).
Finally, Joyce Driben continues to distribute free Pittsburgh Symphony tickets based on availability. If interested, phone 412-521-4385.
FUNDRAISING FACTS
Several people have expressed an interest in having a Fundraising auction this year. To let Fundraising Chair Terri Winaught know if you would like to have an auction this year, phone 412-263-2022, come to a Board meeting, or email t.winaught@verizon.net
BOLD BITS
Condolences and compassion to all who knew and loved former BOLD member Lois Briggs who died in January after a long battle with cancer. Though Lois had been inactive with BOLD recently, she remained active with the Pittsburgh Friendship Group, many of whose members also belong to BOLD.
A Warm and Hearty WELCOME!! to new BOLD member Ellen Goldfon who lives in Munhall and is active in the Pittsburgh Friendship Group. Ellen has also been an attendee of the monthly meals at the Pittsburgh Lutheran Center for the Blind.
BOLD also extends a Welcome Back to Margie Singer who rejoined at the 2015 Holiday Party.
Ila Sensenich and John Dern rejoined also: welcome back!
The Library for the blind and Physically Handicapped has an advocacy advisory group; offers training on IOS devices; sponsors book clubs which meet at the downtown branch of the Carnegie Library; and hosts speakers at their Baum boulevard facility from time to share technological innovations which benefit persons with sight loss and low vision. To be put on the Library's mailing list, phone 412-687-2440.
Harmon-Eyes is a group of singers who practice regularly at the Greenfield Senior Center, most of whose performers have vision loss or low vision, many of whom are also BOLD members. To learn more about this group and to ask if they are looking for more members, contact Karen Good, whose phone number is on the Membership List or email kgood417@verizon.net.
The Golden Triangle Council of the Blind meets at One Smithfield Street most third Saturdays of the months, the only exceptions being when other events preclude it. To join this active advocacy group, come to their February 20th meeting in the Homestead Grays Room on the lower level of One Smithfield Street, Downtown Pittsburgh.
February's meal at the Pittsburgh Lutheran Center for the Blind will be on Saturday, February 27th. This meal-which is held from 5:00 to 6:15 PM - is preceded by a bible study from 4 to 4 and followed by Vespers from 6:30 to 7. To sign up ONLY during the week of Saturday the 13th to Saturday the 20th no later than 6 PM, phone Director Sherri Crum: 412-682-1800. Sherri can also be reached via Email:director@plcb.net.
Happy Birthday to sherri Crum, Missy Folmer, (Folmer being her maiden name), Missy's husband, Mitch, Maurice Johnston, Aimee Yunt and anyone else with a February birthday.
If you have a BOLD bit, phone 412-263-2022, emailt.winaught@verizon.net, or bring it to a Board meeting. Feel free also to use the above contact information to give this Editor newsletter feedback.
FEBRUARY CALENDAR
Tuesday the 2nd: BOLD’S Board meeting will be held via teleconference, the number to call being 605-475-6777. After calling that number and when prompted to do so, enter 25632020 followed by the pound key to be part of this meeting.
Tuesday the 2nd is also the 9 PM deadline to sign up for Yoga and skiing. To sign up for Yoga, phone Peggy Walsh at 412-683-6070, and Dom Ceresa at 724-527-1857 to sign up for skiing.
Wednesday the 3rd: Mall Walking will be held at the Monroeville Mall from 9 AM to 11 AM. Walkers meet at the Food Court entrance.
Thursday the 4th: Mall Walking will be held at the Ross Park Mall from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM.
Thursday the 4th is also when Yoga will be held at Squirrel Hill’s Schoolhouse Studio: 2215 Murray Ave. The time is 2:30 PM to 4 PM, and the cost is $15 per person.
Saturday the 6th: From noon till 1 PM, the Pittsburgh opera will present their monthly free Brown Bag lunch series at 2425 Liberty Ave.
Saturday the 6th is also the 8 PM deadline by which persons who have signed up for skiing need to call Dom Ceresa if they must cancel, Dom’s number being 724-527-1857.
Sunday the 7th: Skiing will be held at Seven Springs from 9 AM to 3 PM. (Skiing will be canceled only if the weather isn’t conducive, in which case Dom will phone all who signed up with him.)
Tuesday the 9th: To sign up for Yoga with Peggy Walsh by 9 PM, phone 412-683-6070.
Wednesday the 10th: To mark your place for Bingo by 10 PM with Terri Winaught, phone 412-263-2022.
Thursday the 11th: From 2:30 to 4 PM, Yoga will be held at the Schoolhouse Studio: 2215 Murray Ave., costing $15 per person. (Instruction will be canceled only if fewer than four people sign up.)
Thursday the 11th is also the 9 PM deadline to reserve with Joyce Driben for Mall Walking: 412-521-4385.
Saturday the 13th: From 1 PM to 4 PM, Bingo will be held in the Liberty Room at One Smithfield Street. (Bring your own snacks and beverages, or buy them from the building’s vending machines.)
Sunday the 14th: The Pittsburgh City Theatre will present the play, a Greater Distance, with a 2 PM start time and a 1 o’clock sensory workshop. The theatre’s address: 1300 Bingham Street, Pittsburgh, 15203. To call about tickets, the length of this play, and a possible feedback session afterwards, phone 412-431-4900.
Sunday the 14th is also when Opera Up Close will be held at the Opera’s Headquarters: 2425 Liberty Ave. The times are 2 to 4 PM for the performance, and 5 to 7 PM for a sensory workshop.
The final event, though not mentioned in the body of this newsletter, is a free Pittsburgh Youth symphony at Heinz Hall starting at 7:30 PM. Though this concert is free, attendees must present tickets which can be obtained by phoning 412-392-4872 or by downloading them from www.pyso.us.
Tuesday the 16th: 9 PM Yoga reservation deadline with Veronique Schreurs: 412-225-4038.
Tuesday the 16th is also the 9 PM skiing reservation deadline with Dom Ceresa: 724-527-1857.
Wednesday the 17th: Mall Walking at the Monroeville Mall, with the food court entrance being the meeting place.
Thursday the 18th: Yoga from 2:30 PM to 4 PM at 2215 Murray Ave., Pittsburgh, 15217.
Saturday the 20th: 8 PM is the Downhill Skiing cancellation deadline with Dom Ceresa: 724-527-1857.
Sunday the 21st: Skiing at Seven Springs from 9 AM to 3 PM.
Tuesday, February 23rd, the Opera “twenty-seven” was be presented at Pittsburgh opera’s headquarters from 7 to 8:30 PM. Also the 23rd: 9 PM Yoga sign-up deadline with Veronique Schreurs: 412-225-4038.
Thursday the 25th: Yoga from 2:30 to 4 PM; 9 PM bowling reservation deadline with Peggy Walsh, and 9 PM sign-up deadline for Mall Walking with Joyce Driben. Peggy’s number for bowling is412-683-6070, and Joyce’s number for Mall Walking at the Monroeville Mall is 412-521-4385.
Sunday the 28th: Bowling will be held from 1:00 to 3:30 PM at Forward lanes: 5844 Forward Ave., Squirrel Hill. The $5 cost per person covers three games of bowling and shoe rental.
Sunday the 28th is also the 9 PM deadline with Andrea Schwartz for Mall Walking at the Ross Park Mall: 724-444-0064.
For updates on February events closer to their respective dates, phone 1-773-597-4222.
Many thanks to the following members of this newsletter’s Production Team: Maurice Johnston, Marty Mathews, Veronique Schreurs, Tina Wassermann, and the Braille Outreach Team which she coordinates.
THE END