BOLD welcomes persons 18 and older with all degrees of vision: blind, low vision, partially sighted and fully sighted.
March 2014 newsletter
BOLD VENTURES March 2014
Western PA BOLD (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
Number for updates: 1-773-597-4222 (Updates recorded each Friday)
Email: wpabold@gmail.com
Website: wpabold.blogspot.com.
BOLD group on Yahoo: wpabold@yahoogroups.com. (When posting on this group, one must wait for Moderator approval.)
MUCH TO DO IN MARCH
March is marked by many good things to do both inside and out. The Board meeting will be on Tuesday the 4th; Mall Walking will be on Wednesdays the 5th and 19th; Ice Skating will be on Thursdays the 6th and 20th; Downhill Skiing will be on Sundays the 9th and 23rd (the 23rd also being the last date of the season); Indoor Games with Ray Jablonowski will be on Sunday the 16th; and Veronique Schreurs will lead a Frick Park hike on Saturday the 29th from noon to 2:30 p.m. To say more about skiing, we have also been to Laurel Ridge State Park to cross-country ski when the weather has been conducive.
To let Tammi Swiantek know you will be at the Board meeting, phone 412-488-6298 by 10 p.m. on Sunday the 2nd. If you must cancel, call Tammi at the above number.
The following are event sign-up and cancelation deadlines by 10 p.m. unless otherwise indicated: Tuesdays the 4th and 18th with Mark Senk for Ice Skating: 412-386-6513; Tuesdays the 4th and 18th with Dom Ceresa for Downhill Skiing: 724-527-1857; Saturdays the 8th and 22nd to cancel your Downhill Skiing reservation by 8 p.m. with Dom Ceresa: 724-527-1857; Wednesday the 12th with Terri Winaught for Indoor Games: 412-263-2022; and Wednesday the 26th with Tammi Swiantek, 412-488-6298, for the Frick Park Hike.
Regarding Indoor Games, Ray Jablonowski will host this event at his Greenfield home: 4551 Parade Street, from 12:30 to 5 p.m. If you'd like to bring an accessible game to share, feel free to do so. Accessible games Ray already has include combination Braille/Print playing cards, dice with tactile markings, and a Talking Darts Board. In addition to offering fellowship and fun, Ray will also be providing fine food and beverages. Though taking a guide dog out at Ray's can be a bit of a challenge, you, of course, may still bring your furry friend.
Two final notes are that Jim Musto will lead a sing-along for about 30 minutes, and Ray can be reached at 412-421-8381 if you or an Access driver gets lost. To phone Ray ahead of time for directions: 412-255-2072. (Three BOLD members have signed up for Indoor Games so far.)
Regarding the Frick Park hike which Veronique Schreurs will lead, the walk will be on fairly easy terrain. The closest bus stop is Forbes and Dallas; the buses that stop there are the 61A and 61B, and Veronique is willing to meet people at that stop (just let Tammi know when signing up). For Access, the address is 2025 Beechwood Boulevard.
PAST EVENTS
When Penny Fleckinstein hosted Indoor Games on Friday, January 10th, four BOLD members and one guest were there. As always, Penny did a wonderful job offering warmth and hospitality at her Bellevue home.
Ice Skating, Mall Walking, and skiing are going well as is attendance at cultural events.
On Sunday, February 2nd, cross-country skiing was held at Laurel Ridge State Park. Two people cross-country skied and two enjoyed Downhill Skiing.
LOOKING AHEAD
April's Board meeting will be on Tuesday the 8th, Sunday the 6th by 10 p.m. being the deadline for letting Tammi Swiantek know you plan to attend. Number? 412-488-6298. April's meeting will be the last one at UCP because they are selling that building. With potential locations still being explored, the South Side branch of the Carnegie Library looks promising (see April's and May's newsletters for confirmation).
For the next four months, Ice Skating will be held on the first and third Thursdays. In April, then, Ice Skating will be on the 3rd and 17th, with May's dates being the 1st and 15th. The venue is the Mount Lebanon Recreation Center: 900 Cedar Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA 15228. Though the scheduled times are 2 to 3 p.m., there will be some brief delays while Center personnel clean the ice with a Zamboni. (Thank you, Mark, for coordinating this event.)
The Camp Kon-o-Kwee Weekend will be from Friday, May 9th to Sunday, May 11th. The reservation deadline with Joyce Driben, 412-521-4385, will be Wednesday, April 16th by 10 p.m., and the cost will be $60. (We are still researching a potential pickup and drop-off location.)
In addition to marking your place with Joyce, you will also need to send your $60 by April 16th to Veronique Schreurs: 2269 Tilbury Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15217. The check or money order should be made out to Western PA BOLD.
On Saturday, May 31st from 1 to 4 p.m., there will be a pizza social and live auction. Terri Winaught will be the reservationist and auctioneer, with the sign-up deadline being Saturday the 24th by 10 p.m. (the location is still being decided).
ADMINISTRATIVE AD-ONS
To all who have renewed, thank you for remaining valued BOLD members. To expedite dues payments, some of the Board members are making reminder calls. To pay your $12, send a check or money order, made out to Western PA BOLD, to 2269 Tilbury Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15217. As Treasurer, Veronique prefers that dues be sent to the above address.
CULTURAL CONNECTIONS
On Sunday, March 9th at 7:30 p.m., the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra (PYSO) will perform "A Russian Easter Overture." This free concert will be held at Heinz Hall: 600 Penn Ave., Downtown Pittsburgh. Though free, tickets are still required. To obtain them go to www.pyso.us where you can download and print tickets. You can also get tickets by calling 412-392-4872.
The Tuesday Music Club will continue its concert series on March 11th. The venue remains Calvary Episcopal Church: 315 Shady Ave. in Pittsburgh's Shadyside neighborhood. More info? 412-682-0439 or www.tuesdaymusicalclub.org.
Joyce Driben continues to give symphony tickets on a first come, first served basis for concerts on Friday evenings, Saturday evenings, and Sunday afternoons. Evening performances start at 8 and afternoon ones at 2:30. If interested, phone Joyce at 412-521-4385. As always, if unable to use a ticket, let Joyce know as soon as possible. (These free tickets are provided by Heartstrings, an outreach program of the Pittsburgh Symphony.)
The Pittsburgh Ballet Theater (PBT) will present 3X on Sunday March 16th at 2 p.m. and will end the season on April 13th with Don Quixote. Each performance is preceded by a sensory workshop for persons with vision impairments. To confirm times and program length, phone 412-454-9105 and ask to speak with Alyssa Herzog Melby, Director of Outreach and Engagement. To get a 50 percent discount by using the audio description headsets, contact the ticketing manager at 412-454-9107. Pittsburgh Ballet Theater performances will all be held at the Benedum Center, 7th Street and Penn Ave., Downtown Pittsburgh.
On Sunday, March 30th at 2 p.m., the Pittsburgh City Theatre will audio-describe the play, Tribes. To order tickets and ask if the performers will have a feedback session, phone 412-431-4900. As always, the play will be preceded by a 1 p.m. sensory workshop for persons who are blind or vision impaired. Pittsburgh City Theatre is located at 1300 Bingham Street, South Side.
To find out when Pittsburgh Opera will next present art song recitals or Opera Up Close, contact Marilyn Egan: 412-281-0912, x242.
The next opera to be performed at the Benedum Center on Tuesday, April 1st is La Boheme. To order tickets, which cost $10, phone Randy Adams: 412-281-0912, x213. Operas begin at 7 p.m. and last about three hours, including an intermission.
FUNDRAISING FACTS
On the Board's behalf, this Editor thanks Carolyn Thayer for a recent generous donation, along with everyone else who has given financial support. (If you recently donated to BOLD and want to be personally acknowledged, let this Editor know by phoning 412-263-2022.)
Fundraising Chair Terri Winaught began selling fudge, English toffee, chocolate-covered popcorn, gourmet pretzels, and peanut brittle from Victoria's fudge-alicious on January 27th. She will take orders until Monday, March 24th by 10 p.m. Orders will be delivered to United Cerebral Palsy at the April 8th Board meeting.
To review prices and products: gourmet pretzels cost $3 per large pretzel; chocolate-covered popcorn costs $4.95 per four-ounce tin; peanut brittle costs $6 per large bag; fudge costs $6.75 per half a pound; and English toffee costs $8.95. To place an order, phone 412-263-2022 or 412-737-8004. Also let Terri know if you want a print or email order form. (So far, I have two product orders and hope to get many more.)
Lastly, the four types of fudge are: chocolate, chocolate peanut butter, cookies and cream, and maple walnut, each flavor being gluten free except for the cookies and cream. To sample the fudge and any of the other items before ordering, go to the SHOP 'n SAVE in Castle Shannon: 799 Castle Shannon Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA 15234. If you want to call them, their number is 412-561-1418.
Finally, remember to save the date, May 31st, 2014 for the live auction. Also, think about what you might like to donate, and thank you in advance for your generosity.
PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE
Although personal perspectives are usually about past events, I'd like to offer something different this month.
If you like cold weather, then you've loved the winter we've had so far, but if you dislike the cold as much as I do, then you're looking forward to spring. What follows are my reflections in a poem:
THIS IS WINTER
by Terri Winaught
This is wintertime, so brutal and cold!
Colder than normal, it's getting quite old!
Old as the prophets from eons ago;
This winter stays dressed in a suit of snow.
I long for spring which brings all that is new;
Its beauty enhanced by the morning dew.
But maybe this winter is a good thing
that will make me thankful for God's gift of spring.
BOLD BITS
Get Well wishes to Penny Fleckinstein and congratulations to Jim Winaught who will be working for the Pittsburgh Pirates, this being Jim's second season.
Welcome to new BOLD member Jeff Bosch, belated Welcome to Sam Wagner, and Welcome Back to Erin Wagner. This Editor also apologizes to the Wagners for having not welcomed them sooner. If you have recently joined or rejoined BOLD and I haven't welcomed you, be sure to let me know by calling 412-263-2022, home; or 412-737-8004, cell. You may also email me at t.winaught@verizon.net.
March's meal at the Pittsburgh Lutheran Center for the Blind will be on Saturday the 29th. from 5 to 7 p.m. To sign up by 6 p.m. on Thursday the 27th, phone Sherri Crum: 412-682-1800. You can also reserve by emailing director@plcb.net.
Former BOLD member Jesse Barker wants you to know that the Fayette County Blind Association offers computer and job readiness classes. Computer classes are held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Job readiness classes are taught every Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. To learn more about the programs, call 724-437-2791.
Happy Birthday to Nancy Gilmore, Marcy Loughner, Jeff Mulkern, Ed Reid, Tammi Swiantek, Jim Winaught, Terri Winaught, and anyone else with a March birthday. Belated Birthday Wishes to Jeff Bosch whose birthday was in February.
MARCH CALENDAR
Sunday the 2nd: 10 p.m. deadline to attend the Board meeting, and 10 p.m. to sign up for Mall Walking. If you plan to go to the Board meeting, phone Tammi Swiantek: 412-488-6298. To mark your place for Mall Walking, call Joyce Driben: 412-521-4385.
Tuesday the 4th: Board meeting from 6:30 to 8:30 at United Cerebral Palsy: 4638 Centre Ave.
Tuesday the 4th is also the 10 p.m. sign-up deadlines for Downhill Skiing and Ice Skating. For Ice Skating, Mark Senk: 412-386-6513, and for Downhill Skiing, Dom Ceresa: 724-527-1857.
Wednesday the 5th: Mall Walking at the Monroeville Mall from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. followed by lunch for those able to stay. Walkers will meet at the mall's food court entrance.
Thursday the 6th: Ice Skating from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Mount Lebanon Recreation Center: 900 Cedar Boulevard.
Saturday the 8th: 8 p.m. Downhill Skiing cancelation deadline with Dom Ceresa: 724-527-1857.
Sunday the 9th: Downhill Skiing at Seven Springs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Sunday the 9th is also the 7:30 p.m. performance of the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra at Heinz Hall. Their concert is entitled, "A Russian Easter Overture."
Tuesday the 11th: Tuesday Music Club concert with a 12:30 p.m. start time at Calvary Episcopal Church: 315 Shady Ave.
Wednesday the 12th: 10 p.m. reservation deadline with Terri Winaught for Indoor Games: 412-263-2022.
Sunday the 16th: Indoor Games from 12:30 to 5 p.m. with Ray Jablonowski: 4551 Parade Street.
Sunday the 16th is also the Pittsburgh Ballet Theater's performance of 3X, and the 10 p.m. Mall Walking sign-up deadline with Joyce Driben: 412-521-4385.
Monday the 17th: Happy Saint Patrick's Day.
Tuesday the 18th: 10 p.m. reservation deadline with Dom Ceresa for Downhill Skiing, and 10 p.m. sign-up deadline for Ice Skating with Mark Senk. Dom Ceresa's number is 724-527-1857, and Mark Senk's number is 412-386-6513.
Wednesday the 19th: Mall Walking at the Monroeville Mall.
Thursday the 20th: Ice Skating at the Mount Lebanon Recreation Center from 2 to 3 p.m.
Saturday the 22nd: 8 p.m. cancelation deadline for Downhill Skiing with Dom Ceresa: 724-527-1857.
Sunday the 23rd: Downhill Skiing at Seven Springs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Thank you, Dom for your coordinating and teaching skills. Appreciation also to you, Nancy Leverett, for your role in making this another successful ski season.)
Monday the 24th: 10 p.m. deadline for ordering items from Victoria's Fudge-alicious. Phone Terri Winaught at 412-263-2022 or 412-737-8004.
Wednesday the 26th: 10 p.m. sign-up deadline with Tammi Swiantek for the hike Veronique Schreurs will lead through Frick Park. Be sure to let Tammi know if you want to be met at the Forbes and Dallas bus stop. Number? 412-488-6298.
Saturday the 29th: Frick Park hike from noon to 2:30.
Sunday the 30th: The Pittsburgh City Theatre will audio-describe the play, Tribes. The play starts at 2 p.m. and is preceded by a 1 p.m. sensory workshop for persons who are blind or vision-impaired.
Many thanks to Marty Mathews, Veronique Schreurs, and the Braille team for making BOLD'S newsletter available and accessible.
THE END