BOLD welcomes persons 18 and older with all degrees of vision: blind, low vision, partially sighted and fully sighted.
November 2014 newsletter
BOLD Ventures (Blind Outdoor Leisure Development) November, 2014
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)
NEWS ABOUT NOVEMBER
November's Board meeting will be held on Tuesday the 4th from 6:30 to 8:30 PM (address in calendar).
To let Tammi Swiantek know you plan to be there, phone 412-488-6298 by 10 PM Sunday, November 2nd. Thank you not only for attending but also for letting Tammi know if your plans change.
Other November events include: Mall Walking on Wednesdays the 12th and 26th; Yoga every Thursday unless less than four people sign up; brunch at South Side's Steel Cactus on Sunday the 9th, a live auction on Sunday the 16th (see Fundraising Facts), and a variety of cultural events (see Cultural Connections). (See calendar for reservationists, deadlines, and phone numbers.)
PAST EVENTS
Nine BOLD members thoroughly enjoyed a September 20th hike, picnic lunch, and greenhouse tour at the Boyce Park Nature Center (more in Personal Perspective).
Although the October 5th brunch was to have been held at 1889 Cafe, the venue had to be changed to Piper's Pub, also in the South Side (more in Another Perspective, and thanks to reservationist Penny Fleckinstein who also read the menu on the Update Line, and Peggy Walsh whose quick research identified Piper's Pub as an alternative venue). Veronique Schreurs also did her always excellent job leading the hike which followed brunch.
LOOKING AHEAD
December's Board meeting will be on Tuesday the 2nd with the deadline to mark your place with Tammi Swiantek being November 30th by 10 PM. Phone? 412-488-6298.
The Holiday Party will be Saturday afternoon December 20th from 1 to 5 PM in the Human Services Building: One Smithfield Street, Downtown Pittsburgh, 15222. Reservationist, Cindy Perseo: 412-421-3992; Deadline, Saturday the 13th by 10 PM. When signing up, let Cindy know if you need a ride or can give one. Also, to find out the cost and whether snacks or desserts will be needed, ask Cindy or phone the Update Line: 1-773-597-4222. Though parties have always been in the evening, we are trying an afternoon to see if transportation logistics will make attending easier.
If weather permits, Dom Ceresa will hold a ski guide clinic on Sunday the 21st from 9AM to 3PM at Seven Springs. When marking your place with Dom, 724-527-1857, give him your number in case this clinic has to be rescheduled. The sign-up deadline with Dom is Tuesday the 16th by 10PM and the cancellation deadline is Saturday the 20th by 8PM. (December's BOLD Ventures will list the 2015 Sundays when Downhill Skiing will be held. Since Cross-country is more weather dependent, let Dom know your skiing preferences and call the Update Line regularly: 1-773-597-4222.)
ADMINISTRATIVE ADD-ONS
Up for re-election are Second Vice-President, Recording Secretary, and Treasurer. Though Membership Chair is not an office, it is a Board position and one for which there is a strong need as there is with Recording Secretary, the latter position having been vacant for some time. Since Board member Veronique Schreurs has graciously been serving as Treasurer, Recording Secretary, Membership Chair, and assistant with the newsletter, having a Recording Secretary and Membership Chair would be extremely helpful.
To outline the duties, the Second Vice-President recruits reservationists, takes reservations as needed, assists reservationists, and researches transportation options for events like Camp Kon-o-Kwee.
The Recording Secretary takes meeting minutes, E-mails them to Board members, and reads them at Board meetings. Although some computer skills are helpful, many of us as Board members have learned through on-the-job training.
The Treasurer tracks and submits monthly reports on account transactions such as deposits, disbursements and any interest accounts accrue. Like the Recording Secretary, the Treasurer also E-mails monthly reports to Board members and reads them at meetings.
Finally, the Membership Chair maintains a database of current members and persons who need to renew their dues. Additionally, the Membership Chair also tracks the formats in which members want to receive info and any format change requests. This individual also generates mailing labels for newsletters and the annual Membership Directory. Since there are persons for whom attending Board meetings would be a hardship, this is not a requirement for the Membership Chair.
If interested in any of the above positions, call Tammi Swiantek at 412-488-6298 by November 21st. If more than one person runs for an office, ballots must be generated and mailed 30 days before our Holiday Party since that is the event at which officers are announced. If only one individual runs for each office, however, then each person wins by acclamation.
Thank you in advance for keeping BOLD moving forward by running for an office or offering to serve as Membership Chairperson.
PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE
"Dom Ceresa did a really nice job with the Boyce Park Nature Center event," Peggy Walsh told this Editor. Peggy also commended Joyce Driben as reservationist by adding: "Joyce was able to get rides for everyone who needed them and that's no easy task."
Getting back to Dom's part in this event, Peggy continued: "Dom not only led a hike along with Tammi, the park's naturalist, but also helped to conduct a tour of the Nature Center's greenhouse."
Peggy concluded by commenting on Dom's generosity: "Everyone was able to enjoy a picnic lunch because Dom provided bread, lunch meats, cheeses, and condiments." This Editor hopes-and wouldn't be surprised- if everyone had just as good of a time as Peggy.
ANOTHER ACTIVITY PERSPECTIVE
"It's too bad that 1889 Cafe closed," Penny Fleckinstein began. "We went to Piper's pub instead where the food was wonderful," Penny continued, "but one drawback was that it was pretty loud." (Penny was told by an employee that if BOLD members eat there again, Sunday dinner after a hike or any weekday evening would be good since those are the least noisy times.)
"Along with the good food, Veronique did a wonderful job leading a hike," Penny added. Penny concluded by saying that wonderful food and a wonderfully led hike made the October 5th event really enjoyable.
To be interviewed for or to submit an already written Personal Perspective, phone 412-263-2022, bring it to a Board meeting, or E-mail t.winaught@verizon.net.
CULTURAL CONNECTIONS
Since the Pittsburgh Symphony has been generous in the number of tickets they have donated, call Joyce Driben at 412-521-4385 if interested in attending upcoming concerts. When phoning, tell Joyce how many tickets you'd like per concert and ask about dates.
Tuesday Music Club will have a free concert on November 11 at 12:30pm at St Andrews Episcopal Church, 5801 Hampton St in Highland Park. For more information, phone 412-682-0439 or visit www.tuesdaymusicalclub.org.
The audio-described play with which the City Theatre will begin its 2014-2015 season is Mullingar on Sunday, November 2nd at 2PM preceded by a 1 o'clock sensory workshop for persons who are blind or vision impaired. To order tickets, phone 412-431-4900, and to attend plays, the address is: 1300 Bingham Street.
To say more about theater, see below for information about a new venue we recently learned about.
Bricolage is a theater company located at 937 Liberty Ave., First Floor, in downtown Pittsburgh and we are about to premiere our 6th season of Midnight Radio. Our Midnight Radio series is a raucous live comedy series in the style of classic 1940s radio broadcasts, featuring suspenseful action thrillers, vintage sound effects, musical guests, fake breaking news, commercial spoofs, and more. The first episode of the season is SCarrie: The Musical and on November 6th, we are hosting a pre-show Foley Sensory Workshop.
Come to the theater early for a chance to experience the Foley equipment hands-on! Free and open to all patrons (no show ticket necessary).
More about SCarrie:
Bricolage’s Midnight Radio, SCarrie: The Musical opened October 23rd, and runs until November 8, with pig’s blood, dirty pillows, and prom night revisited. This musical romp through the most electrifying night of senior year will make you long for the days of corsages and awkward goodnight kisses!
Directed by Matt M. Morrow, adapted by Tami Dixon, with original music by Joel Abbott, this spin on a cult classic casts Carrie as a senior at Allderdice High School. True to Bricolage’s Midnight Radio style, SCarrie will feature live Foley (sound effects), commercial spoofs, and a four-piece rock band. Prior to each episode, Bricolage hosts a “Happy Half-Hour” featuring beer, wine and pop, and interactive activities in the lobby.
The show is at 9 PM and doors open at 8:30 pm for the Happy Half Hour. Tickets are $35 and discounted rates are available for students, seniors and groups… no additional fees.
To request tickets, phone 412-471-0999, and to get on the Theater's E-mail list, send a message to: webbricolage.org.
Another venue which will again have audio-described performances is the Pittsburgh Opera, the following being not only a list of operas but also art song recitals, brown bag lunches, and a description of audio commentary:
Pittsburgh Opera offers an Audio Commentary service for patrons with vision impairments during Tuesday performances at the Benedum Center, Pittsburgh CAPA School Theater, and at the Pittsburgh Opera headquarters. Through Assistive Listening Devices, patrons can hear the Supertitles read simultaneously with their appearance on the screen, as well as descriptions of the set, characters, and costumes.
Here are the 2014-2015 performances when Audio Commentary will be offered:
Otello, by Verdi Tuesday, November 11, 2014, 7:00 pm at the Benedum Center
Rodelinda, by Handel Tuesday, January 27, 2015, 7:00 pm at Pittsburgh CAPA School
Sumeida's Song, by Fairouz Tuesday, February 24, 2015, 7:00 pm at the Pittsburgh Opera headquarters at 2425 Liberty Avenue
Carmen, by Bizet Tuesday, March 24, 2015, 7:00 pm at the Benedum Center
Daughter of the Regiment, by Donizetti Tuesday, May 5, 2015, 7:00 pm at the Benedum Center
Here are additional programs that you may enjoy, all at the Pittsburgh Opera headquarters at 2425 Liberty Avenue. Volunteers will be available to provide accessibility services.
FREE Saturday Brown Bag Concerts from 12:00-1:00 pm with Pittsburgh Opera's Resident Artists
Next one: November 8, 2014
LOW-COST Sunday afternoon programs from 2:00-4:00 pm, $5 (FREE to members of FRIENDS of Pittsburgh Opera) Next one: November 23, 2014, Art Song Recital
NOTE: FRIENDS of Pittsburgh Opera is both a friend-raising and a fund-raising organization. A $50 household membership fee per year supports Pittsburgh Opera financially and your participation helps promote interest in and awareness of Pittsburgh Opera in the community. Membership is for one season; all memberships expire on June 30, 2015. To join, please call Marilyn Egan at 412-281-0912 x 242
To order Pittsburgh Opera tickets at the discounted rate of $10 per person, contact Randy Adams: 412-281-0912, x213.
FUNDRAISING FACTS
To be at BOLD'S live fundraising auction on Sunday, November 16 from 2 to 5 PM, phone Terri Winaught by 10 PM on Thursday, November 13th: 412-263-2022.
Items donated so far include: a waffle iron for Belgian waffles, some small appliances, a decorative basket of attractively wrapped fragrances, Tupperware items, dishes, glasses, music CD'S, and an inspirational book on CD. Any additional items that attendees can donate will be greatly appreciated as will bids at the auction. There will be free refreshments from R. and B, and bringing indoor games is encouraged.
This event will be held in the Liberty Room from 2 to 5 PM.
BOLD BITS
Get Well Wishes to Joyce Driben as she recovers from back surgery with her characteristic resilience, and Cindy Perseo who is doing well dealing with a foot injury.
CONGRATULATIONS!! to Cindy Perseo's niece, Alexandria, who was elected homecoming queen during the recent homecoming weekend at the university she attends. Kudos also to Bruce Leverett whose recovery from a stroke has been so successful that he is back at work full-time, participated in an October 18th Chess Tournament, and has also resumed driving.
There will be no November meal at the Pittsburgh Lutheran Center for the Blind, the next one being on December 13th when the Center will also host their annual Christmas party.
Tons of thanks to Marty Mathews for taking Mall Walking reservations for the October 29th activity.
Happy Birthday to Bill Burgunder, Tom Burgunder, Sylvia Denys, Marilyn Hall, Alison Leverett, Jim Musto, Mark Pugh, L.J. Zigerell, and anyone else with a November birthday. Belated Wishes and this Editor's apology for omitting Chuck Buzzon's birthday in October's BOLD Ventures.
If you have a BOLD bit, phone 412-263-2022, bring it to a Board meeting, or E-mail t.winaught@verizon.net. Feel free also to use the above contact information to offer newsletter feedback.
NOVEMBER CALENDAR
Sunday the 2nd: Pittsburgh City Theatre Play, Mullingar at 2 PM: 1300 bingham Street, South Side, Pittsburgh, 15203. (Call ahead to ask if there will be a feedback session with performers after the play.)
Sunday the 2nd is also the 10 PM deadline for letting Tammi Swiantek know you plan to attend November's Board meeting: 412-488-6298.
Tuesday the 4th: Board meeting at the Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children: 201 North Bellefield Ave., Oakland, Pittsburgh, 15213, from 6:30 to 8:30 PM. (Sighted assistance is available as needed, and all are welcomed.)
Tuesday the 4th is also the 9 PM yoga sign-up deadline with Veronique Schreurs: 412-225-4038.
Wednesday the 5th: 10 PM reservation deadline with Penny Fleckinstein to attend brunch at Steel Cactus followed by an optional hike on Sunday the 9th: 412-415-3871. Let Penny know if you want to hike or just brunch.
Thursday the 6th: Yoga at Squirrel Hill's Schoolhouse Studio: 2215-17 Murray Ave. at a cost of $15 per person.
On Thursday the 6th, there will also be a sensory workshop at Bricolage Theater in Downtown Pittsburgh, with doors opening at 7:30 PM and the workshop beginning at 7:45.
Finally, Thursday the 6th is the 9 PM Mall Walking sign-up deadline with Joyce Driben: 412-521-4385.
Saturday the 8th: Free Brown Bag Lunch from noon to 1 at Pittsburgh Opera's headquarters: 2425 Liberty Ave., Strip District, Pittsburgh, 15222.
Sunday the 9th: Brunch at 11:30 AM at Steel Cactus: 1831 East Carson Street. Brunch at this Mexican restaurant will end at 2 PM and be followed by a hike along South Side trails until 3 PM.
Tuesday the 11th: Free Tuesday musical concert at 12:30pm at St Andrews Episcopal Church, 5801 Hampton St, Highland Park.
Tuesday the 11th: Othello will be presented by the Pittsburgh Opera at 7 PM. The venue is the Benedum Center: 7th Street and Penn Ave., Downtown Pittsburgh, 15222.
Tuesday the 11th is also the 9 PM Yoga sign-up deadline with Veronique Schreurs: 412-225-4038.
Wednesday the 12th: Mall Walking at the Monroeville Mall starting at 9 AM, and participants meeting at the Mall's Food court entrance.
Thursday the 13th: Yoga at 2215-17 Murray Ave., Pittsburgh, 15217.
Thursday the 13th is also the 10 PM sign-up deadline with Terri Winaught, 412-263-2022, for the live auction on the 16th.
Sunday the 16th: Fundraising auction, free refreshments and Indoor Games from 2 to 5 PM in the Liberty Room at One Smithfield Street, Downtown Pittsburgh.
Tuesday the 18th: 9 PM sign-up deadline with Veronique Schreurs for Yoga: 412-225-4038.
Thursday the 20th: Yoga at 2215-17 Murray Ave., Squirrel Hill, Pittsburgh, 15217.
Thursday the 20th is also the 9 PM sign-up deadline for Mall Walking with Joyce Driben: 412-521-4385.
Sunday the 23rd: Art Song Recital starting at 2 PM and featuring artists from Pittsburgh Opera: 2425 Liberty Ave., Pittsburgh, 15222.
Wednesday the 26th: Mall Walking (unless you are told it will be canceled due to the Thanksgiving holiday), so ask Joyce Driben about this or phone the Update Line: 1-773-597-4222.
Sunday the 30th: 10 PM deadline to call Tammi Swiantek, 412-488-6298, to let her know you will be at December's Board meeting.
Thank you for their hard work on monthly newsletters to Marty Mathews, Veronique Schreurs, and the Braille Outreach Team which Tina Wassermann leads.
THE END