BOLD welcomes persons 18 and older with all degrees of vision: blind, low vision, partially sighted and fully sighted.
December 2013 newsletter
BOLD VENTURES
December 2013
Western PA BOLD (Blind Outdoor Leisure Development) for: Blind, low vision, sighted people
PO Box 8114, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
Terri Winaught, Editor
Number for updates: 1-773-597-4222 (Updates recorded each Friday)
Email: boldwpa@gmail.com
Website: wpabold.blogspot.com
BOLD welcomes persons 18 and older who are blind, partially sighted, and fully sighted
(New e-mail and website set up by L.J. Zigerell).
BOLD group on Yahoo: wpabold@yahoogroups.com. (Since this group has a moderator, you must wait to be approved when signing up just as the moderator must approve all posts.) Thanks to Mark Senk for getting this group started many years ago.
DECEMBER DELIGHTS
With the holiday season and upcoming events, December promises to be a busy month. The Board meeting will be on Tuesday the 3rd; Mall Walking will be on Wednesdays the 4th and 18th; Ice Skating will be on Thursdays the 5th and 19th; a Tuesday Music Club concert will be performed on the 10th; audio-described City Theatre plays will be on Sundays the 15th and 22nd; and the Ski Guide Clinic will be on Sunday the 22nd. Last but far from least, the Holiday Party will be on Saturday the 21st from 6 to 10 p.m. (this comes gift wrapped in the Editor’s apologies for neglecting to give the date and time in November’s BOLD Ventures).
To let Tammi Swiantek know you will be at December’s Board meeting, phone 412-488-6298 by 10pm on Sunday the 1st. If you are unable to be at the meeting, please let Tammi know so we won’t be looking for you and worrying that something might have happened.
Sunday the 1st by 10 p.m. is also the deadline to mark your place for Mall Walking by calling Joyce Driben at 412-521-4385. If you sign up and then need to cancel, thank you in advance for letting Joyce know as soon as possible.
As always, the approximate times for December’s Board meeting are 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at United Cerebral Palsy: 4638 Centre Ave., Room 301, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. Although only Board members can make, second, and vote on motions, all are welcomed at meetings and encouraged to suggest new events-including fundraisers-with which you are willing to help. To be sure your voice is heard, let Tammi know when signing up if you have an agenda item. Thank you for your valuable help and input.
Tuesday the 3rd is also the Ice Skating reservation deadline with Mark Senk. To reach Mark by 10 p.m., call 412-386-6513.
To say more about placing event reservations, Cindy Perseo is doing an excellent job signing people up for our Saturday, December 21st Holiday Party. To let Cindy know by 10 p.m. on Wednesday the 11th of your plans to celebrate the season, telephone 412-421-3992. Remember to let Cindy know what dessert or snack you will bring; and if you need a ride or can give one. The Church of the Redeemer’s address is: 5700 Forbes Ave., Squirrel Hill, Pittsburgh, PA 15217. Whether taking Access or getting a ride, let the person driving you know that the drop off is the church’s rear entrance. Also regarding Access, since the party ends at 10 p.m., please schedule Access for no later than 9:45 so that you will still be picked up by 10:05 if they are 20 minutes late.
Although we will be using Gator’s Grill, a caterer recommended by BOLD member Missy Folmer, the menu will be the same as given in last month’s newsletter: chicken romano, beef burgundy, pasta, green beans seasoned with pepper and garlic, rolls, tea, coffee, the pop and water BOLD will provide, and the snacks/desserts partygoers will bring. Since we are unsure if this new caterer will bring to-go containers, you are encouraged to bring containers if you want to take food home. A final note about these festivities is to remember to send your check or money order, made out to Western PA BOLD to 2269 Tilbury Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15217 by December 11th. As mentioned in last month’s newsletter, the cost per person will be $15. Even though we will save some money by using a different caterer, BOLD will still be paying for pop, ice, bottled water, renting the space in the church, and part of the catering fee.
You know that winter is really here when it’s time for the Ski Guide Clinic, this year’s being held on Sunday the 22nd. Reserve by 10 p.m. on Tuesday the 17th with Dom Ceresa: 724-527-1857. To cancel by 8 p.m. on the 21st, contact Dom at the above number. Also be sure that Dom has your phone number in case he needs to cancel for any reason and see “Looking Ahead” for the Sunday, 2014 downhill dates from January through March. (See calendar for more guide clinic information. Some members will also receive a Ski Guide letter.)
PAST EVENTS
Twelve BOLD members and two guests enjoyed brunch at 1889 Café on Saturday, October 19th. Five BOLD members and guides which Veronique recruited went on the hike which followed brunch. Veronique Schreurs did her always excellent job leading this hike.
Especially as a first-time activity, the day at Slippery Rock University on Saturday, November 9th was a definite success. Specifically, 18 BOLD members and 2 guests were present along with therapeutic recreation majors from the university. Although several people canceled for various reasons, see Personal Perspectives for the great time attendees had.
LOOKING AHEAD
To ski smoothly into 2014, the dates from January through March on which we will have downhill fun are: January the 12th and 26th; February the 2nd and 23rd; March 9th, and March 23rd.
The reservation deadline with Dom Ceresa will always be the Tuesday before; the cancellation deadline will always be the day before by 8 p.m., and Dom will always be the reservationist.
Although cross-country skiing will also take place, neither guide clinic nor event dates can be given much in advance because of how weather dependent this type of skiing is, so let Dom Ceresa know if you are interested in downhill, cross-country, or both.
ADMINISTRATIVE ADD-ONS
Although some people are unable to pay for the Holiday Party until the day of the event, it is easier for Veronique Schreurs as Treasurer when payments are made by the reservation deadline (Wednesday, December 11th). If you are unable to pay until the day of the party, however, it is helpful if you can pay with a check or money order. (With holiday parties always being so hectic, it can be hard to keep track of cash payments.)
Also at the Holiday Party, we will be approving or not approving the following slate of officers by acclamation: President, Tammi Swiantek; First Vice-President, Nancy Leverett; Second Vice-President, Penny Fleckinstine; Recording Secretary, Missy Folmer; Corresponding Secretary, Terri Winaught; and Treasurer, Veronique Schreurs.
Since Penny and Missy are new to the Board, what follows is information about them:
“When I was only 17, I not only co-founded an organization in Upstate New York for persons with disabilities but was also secretary/treasurer,” Penny told the Board at our November meeting. Penny stated that there are several organizations in which she has served in secretarial capacities, and added that she has been working on the Board “behind the scenes”. “I have been the invisible Board member,” Penny quipped with a laugh. Penny concluded by saying how much she is looking forward to serving BOLD as Second Vice-president.
Missy Folmer, whose qualifications are also impressive, will be our new Recording Secretary.
“I have been a member of the Pittsburgh Ski Club for 8 years, and am currently on that organization’s board,” Missy explained when asked about previous board experience. Missy is also one of the Catholic Alumni Club members who helps Ray Jablonowski organize the club’s extraordinary picnics and has also helped BOLD by driving, guiding, obtaining information for special events, and serving food at picnics/parties. Like Penny, Missy is also looking forward to her first-time Board service.
Since not everyone can attend Board meetings, we will be listing in the January 2014 newsletter the committees on which you can serve and the tasks you would perform as committee members. Committee service is a valuable way to “get your feet wet,” help BOLD in the process, and maybe even be a future Board member (see November’s BOLD Ventures for Tammi’s perspective about being on the Board).
A final note about Board membership is that Peggy Walsh has been a great asset in her capacity as First Vice-President. Even though Peggy will no longer officially serve on the Board, she will continue to contribute her group-mindedness and outgoing personality to every meeting she attends. To say more about Peggy’s group-mindedness, if you want to call the Update Line but don’t have long distance, phone Peggy at 412-683-6070 and she will use three-way calling to connect you. If unable to reach Peggy, you can also contact Joyce Driben at 412-521-4385.
A final note about Peggy’s long-term service to BOLD is that she has also served as Corresponding Secretary/Newsletter Editor at various times during the 1990’s and early 2000’s. Finally, membership renewal is due by December 31st, 2013 for the 2014 Fiscal year. To renew, make out a $12 check or money order to Western PA BOLD and mail it to: 2269 Tilbury Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15217. Whether you are a Board member, general member, or committee member, you are important to BOLD.
To conclude this section with more website specifics, L.J. Zigerell has set up our site with links to other blindness organizations; the ability to blog and comment on blogs, and a link for donating through PayPal (it is not necessary to have a PayPal account to use that option). “Contact us” and About Us” are also links which L.J. has set up, and we can’t thank him enough for all of his hard work.
PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE
Shortly after his arrival home from the day at Slippery Rock University, Jim Winaught phoned this Editor to share how that event went.
“It’s been awhile since I rode on a horse,” Jim began, “so my tailbone is really sore!” “It was a lot of fun,” Jim continued, “and we also got to groom the horses.” When asked if grooming was hard, Jim replied that it wasn’t.
“Lunch was also great,” Jim said, adding that it was all you could eat, with the food being really good.
To conclude, Jim shared that time in the pool was spent playing softball and volleyball.
“Now that I had so much fun, I’m going to take a nap,” was Jim’s final comment.
The Mulkerns also shared their perspectives on this enjoyable event.
“I was more of an observer because the main focus was giving our members who are blind the chance to participate,” Joyce explained. She then added that I could get a more detailed perspective from Jeff who said that he enjoyed the time at Slippery Rock and also found it educational.
“Today was the first time I rode a horse since December 31st, 1979 when I was in Texas,” Jeff stated. Regarding horseback riding, Jeff explained that the therapeutic recreation students did a wonderful job of making things simple, including having steps for us to climb to make it easier to get on the horses.
“Since Kathy Sterling lives near the university, she joined us for lunch which was really great since I haven’t seen her for at least 10 years,” Jeff added.
Jeff concluded by saying that he hopes this event will be held again so that more people can enjoy it as he did.
If you have a Personal Perspective, please phone this Editor at 412-263-2022, home; or 412-737-8004, new cell. You are also welcome to Email your contribution to: t.winaught@verizon.net.
CULTURAL CONNECTIONS
BOLD is again the recipient of free Pittsburgh Symphony tickets through a program the Symphony calls Heart Strings. Since there are too many concert dates to mention, Joyce Driben asks that you call her at 412-521-4385 if interested in tickets. As always, if you ask for tickets and then can’t use them, please let Joyce know as soon as possible.
For many traditionalists, the holiday season just wouldn’t be complete without seeing The Nutcracker. That well-known and loved ballet will be audio-described on Sunday, December 8th at 4:30pm. To order tickets, phone 412-454-9105 and-to get a 50 percent discount on audio-described performances only, call 412-454-9107. The venue will be the Benedum Center on 7th Street near Penn Ave. in Downtown Pittsburgh.
The Tuesday Music Club will perform a concert on December the 10th at Calvary Episcopal Church: 315 Walnut Street, Shadyside, Pittsburgh, 15232. To see if there will be extra holiday season performances, phone 412-682-0439 or visit www.tuesdaymusicalclub.org.
The two audio-described City Theatre plays in December will be Charles Ives Take Me Home on the 15th and Two Pianos, Four hands, a special presentation on the 22nd.
To order tickets, phone 412-431-4900 and mention any special needs when placing your order. As always, there will be a sensory workshop an hour before each play; headsets will be available upon request for audio-description; accessible programs will be provided upon request; and some of the seating is wheelchair accessible. To learn more about the City Theatre, located at 1300 Bingham Street in Pittsburgh’s South Side, visit www.citytheatrecompany.org.
BOLD BITS
Our deepest sympathy goes out to Cindy Groome whose mother died on October 6th, to Mark Grasak, whose mother died after a long illness, and to Maurice Johnston whose 76-year old brother died November 13 from a massive heart attack and pneumonia.
Warm Wishes for a rapid recovery to Margie Singer who had surgery in October for spinal stenosis, and our thoughts are with Nancy Gilmore who has a family member who is very ill.
The Pittsburgh Lutheran Center’s December meal and Christmas Party will be on Saturday the 14th from 5 until 7:15 or 7:30. To sign up by 6pm on Thursday the 12th, phone Sherri Crum at 412-682-1800. Also feel free to confirm the ending time with Sherri.
Happy Birthday to Ernie College, Lisa McManus, Terry Mcmanus, John Perseo, and anyone else with a December birthday. Belated wishes to Jim Musto.
If you have a BOLD Bit, contact this Editor by using the information in Personal Perspectives.
DECEMBER CALENDAR
Sunday the 1st: 10 p.m. deadline for letting Tammi Swiantek know you will be at December’s Board meeting, and that same deadline to sign up with Joyce Driben for Mall Walking. Tammi’s number is 412-488-6298, and Joyce can be reached at 412-521-4385.
Tuesday the 3rd: BOLD Board meeting from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at United Cerebral Palsy: 4638 Centre Ave., Room 301, Pittsburgh, PA 15213.
Tuesday the 3rd is also the time by which to let Mark Senk know no later than 10 p.m. that you want to Ice Skate: 412-386-6513.
Wednesday the 4th: Mall Walking at the Monroeville Mall with a 9 a.m. start time, and the mall’s food court entrance as the meeting location.
Thursday the 5th: Ice Skating at the Mount Lebanon Recreation Center: 900 Cedar Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA 15228. Although the time is usually 2 to 3 p.m. double check this with Mark Senk to be sure.
Sunday the 8th: An audio-described performance of The Nutcracker, to be staged by the Pittsburgh Ballet Theater. Although the ballet will begin at 4:30 p.m., it will be preceded by a tactile workshop in which ballet terminology will also be introduced and defined. When requesting tickets, ask how long the ballet will be and if there will be any special feedback session afterward. The ballet will be held at the Benedum Center.
Tuesday the 10th: A Tuesday Music Club Concert will begin at 12:30 p.m. to be performed at Calvary Episcopal Church: 315 Shady Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15232.
Wednesday the 11th: 10 p.m. deadline for letting Cindy Perseo know you will attend the Holiday Party. Remember to let her know what you will bring, if you need a ride, and if you can offer transportation.
Sunday the 15th: Charles Ives Take Me Home, to be performed at the Pittsburgh City Theatre with a 2 p.m. start time. The City Theatre is at 1300 Bingham Street in Pittsburgh’s South Side neighborhood, and this play will be preceded by a sensory workshop at 1 p.m. for persons who are blind or vision impaired.
Sunday the 15th is also the 10 p.m. deadline to mark your place with Joyce Driben for Mall Walking: 412-521-4385.
Tuesday the 17th: 10 p.m. deadline to let Dom Ceresa know you will attend an upcoming Ski Guide Clinic, and that same deadline to sign up for Ice Skating with Mark Senk. Contact Dom at 724-527-1857, and phone Mark at 412-386-6513.
Wednesday the 18th: Mall Walking at the Monroeville Mall starting at 9 a.m. and meeting at the mall’s food court entrance.
Thursday the 19th: Ice Skating from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Mount Lebanon Recreation Center.
Saturday the 21st: BOLD Holiday Party at the Church of the Redeemer: 5700 Forbes Ave., Rear Entrance, from 6 to 10 p.m. To keep this event entirely social, there will be no auction or raffle.
Saturday the 21st is also the 8 p.m. deadline to cancel with Dom Ceresa, 724-527-1857, if you signed up with him for the Ski Guide Clinic and can no longer attend.
Sunday the 22nd: Downhill Ski Guide Clinic at the Seven Springs Ski Lodge from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The old ski school desk is where participants will meet, and Dom Ceresa will coordinate this clinic.
Sunday the 22nd is when there will also be a special presentation at the City Theatre entitled, “Two Pianos, Four Hands.” This play with audio-description available upon request will start at 2 p.m. and be preceded at 1 p.m. by a sensory workshop for persons who are blind or vision impaired.
Tuesday the 24th: Christmas Eve (Be safe traveling to family or services).
Wednesday the 25th: Christmas Day. (May your celebration be rich with joy.)
Thursday the 26th: Happy Kwanzaa (Have a meaningful celebration of Kwanzaa’s 7 principles).
Tuesday the 31st: New Year’s Eve and deadline for renewing your dues by sending a $12 check or money order to 2269 Tilbury Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15217. (Be safe when celebrating.)
Many thanks to all who make this newsletter available in its many formats.
THE END