BOLD welcomes persons 18 and older with all degrees of vision: blind, low vision, partially sighted and fully sighted.
December 2014 newsletter
BOLD Ventures (Blind Outdoor Leisure Development) December, 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)
DELIGHTFULLY FESTIVE DECEMBER
December's Board meeting will be held on Tuesday the 2nd from 6:30 to 8:30 PM (address in calendar along with reservationists, deadlines, and contact info).
To let Tammi Swiantek know you plan to be there, phone 412-488-6298 by 10 PM Sunday, November 30th. Thank you also for letting Tammi know if your plans change.
Other December events include: Mall Walking on Wednesdays the 3rd and 17th; Yoga every Thursday except Christmas and when fewer than four people sign up; the Holiday Party on Saturday the 20th; a Ski Guide Clinic on Sunday the 21st; and a variety of cultural events (see Cultural Connections).
Some final notes about the Holiday Party are that the reservation deadline with Cindy Perseo, 412-421-3992, is December 10th; the cost is $10 per person; and attendees are being asked to bring snacks or desserts. To pay the $10 by the deadline, send a check or money order, made out to Western PA BOLD, to 2269 Tilbury Ave., Pittsburgh, 15217. Although some celebrants pay the day of the party, it is easier for Veronique if you pay ahead of time. If you make out a check or money order to pay for both the party and next year's dues, thank you for stating that in the memo.
Finally, the Holiday Party menu is: rigatoni with marinara sauce, meatballs, vegetable lasagna, chicken parmesan, a vegetable medley salad, honey-glazed ham, scalloped potatoes, corn, coffee, tea, bottled water, diet pop, regular pop, snacks, and desserts.
(Party's location in calendar and see Reminder from the Editor for some blindness etiquette tips at events like the Holiday Party.)
PAST EVENTS
The eight horseback riders at Slippery rock thoroughly enjoyed that outing which was facilitated by the University's Therapeutic Recreation Department and coordinated by reservationist Nancy Leverett (see Personal Perspective).
Brunch at Steel City Cactus was a first-time BOLD event which went well, with five attendees, three of whom hiked. Many thanks both to Reservationist Penny Fleckinstein and Hike Leader Veronique Schreurs. (Also see Another Activity Perspective.)
LOOKING AHEAD
The January 2015 Board meeting will be on Tuesday the 6th, with February's and March's meetings being on Tuesdays the 3rd.
The Sundays from January through March when skiing will be held at Seven Springs are: January 11th and 25th; February 1st and 22nd; March 8th and the 22nd. The sign-up deadline with Dom Ceresa, 724-527-1857, will always be the Tuesday before by 9 PM, and the cancellation deadline will always be the day before by 8 PM.
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 great need as there is for Recording Secretary, the latter position having been vacant for several years.
If interested in any of these positions, and with any questions about the duties of each, call Tammi Swiantek at 412-488-6298 by November 21st. Thank you in advance for keeping BOLD moving forward by running for an office or offering to serve as Membership Chair. (As of this writing, one person is considering running for Recording Secretary, and another the Nominating Committee Chairpersonship.)
To renew your dues by December 31st, 2014, send a $12 check or money order, made payable to Western PA BOLD, to 2269 Tilbury Av, Pittsburgh PA 14217.
Thank you for remaining a valuable and valued BOLD member.
PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE
Below please find Penny Fleckinstein's reflections on the October 25th event at Slippery Rock: Experiencing The Therapeutic Recreation Horses At Slippery Rock University
Dr. Hutchins and her students did such an excellent job with all of us- teaching us how to groom the horses, ride them, and reward them with treats. But it's not just the horseback riding that was rewarding to us: it was also the hospitality and kindness we felt from the students and staff. They gave us donuts and drinks before we started and pizza, chips and cookies after we rode. It made the whole experience so uplifting and gave me a sense of freedom which I love as a visually impaired person (that's, VIP for short.) It was all worth the pain I'm in now and the sleep I had to have this afternoon and this evening to recover. I've been able to walk away with the feeling that it is so good that these old horses, 12 of them, have a wonderful home to be in and can serve those with disabilities. One of the students told me that two of the horses are rescue horses and that they get regular pasture time where they roll around and get plenty dirty during their playtime. It's good to know that-while the horses are in a therapeutic recreation program- they have therapeutic recreation of their own.
(Editor's Note: Penny wrote her perspective the day after that event.)
ANOTHER ACTIVITY PERSPECTIVE
Now please find informative reflections from Veronique Schreurs about Steel Cactus and the hike which followed:
The Steel Cactus eatery was great. Light is streaming in, the noise level was not too high, food was delicious, and most of us chose options that were not spicy. We were 5 Boldsters, 3 went on a hike along the river afterwards. It is a great location for a meal followed by a hike along
level terrain, and an easy walk to get there. Let's do it again!
To be interviewed for or to submit an already written Personal Perspective, phone 412-263-2022, or E-mail t.winaught@verizon.net.
REMINDER FROM THE EDITOR
When helping persons with vision impairments at large, busy events like the Holiday Party, there are several things to keep in mind:
Just because a person who has partial sight or low vision seems to get around as well as someone with full eyesight, remember that this individual may still need help through a food line or getting food (there are varying degrees of sight loss, with lighting also playing a key role in the day-to-day functions of someone with limited vision).
If you are vision-impaired, let a sighted helper know your abilities and limitations as well as how they impact what you can do at a large event with food. Be equally up front about help you may need.
As a sighted volunteer, please don't feel the need to accommodate requests for seconds until you have also eaten. If asked for seconds and you were still eating, consider a response like: "I'll be happy to get you seconds once I've finished eating."
Finally, as a person who is blind, you will be group-minded by remembering to ask if everyone has had first's before you ask for seconds. Thanking someone who has helped you also goes a long way.
Since I believe in every BOLD member's ability to be thoughtful and group-minded, I just know how well the Holiday Party will go.
CULTURAL CONNECTIONS
Call Joyce Driben at 412-521-4385 if interested in attending upcoming Symphony concerts. When phoning, tell Joyce how many free tickets you'd like per concert and ask about dates.
December's free Tuesday Music Club concert will begin at 12:30 PM on Tuesday the 9th at Saint Andrew's Episcopal Church: 5801 Hampton Street, Highland Park, Pittsburgh, 15206.
The audio-described play which the City Theatre will present on December 21st is Smart Blondes. Plays always begin at 2 PM; are preceded by one o'clock sensory workshops for persons who are blind or vision impaired, and are sometimes followed by feedback sessions with the performers. In addition to audio description, Braille and Large-Print programs are also available upon request, as is wheelchair accessible seating.
To order tickets and ask about feedback sessions, phone 412-431-4900. The City Theatre's address is: 1300 Bingham Street, South Side, Pittsburgh, 15203.
December 13 is when the Pittsburgh Opera will present their next free Brown Bag Lunch Series from noon until 1. The venue is always the Opera's headquarters: 2425 Liberty Ave., Pittsburgh's Strip District, 15222.
FUNDRAISING FACTS
If you are willing to help Terri Winaught sell $1 50/50 tickets at the Holiday Party, phone 412-263-2022 or E-mail t.winaught@verizon.net.
As Fundraising Chair, Terri will report in January's newsletter how much money the November 16th live auction generated. Additionally, Terri will thank everyone who donated to that fundraiser.
BOLD BITS
Get Well Wishes to Joyce Driben who is back home and continuing to recover from back surgery with her characteristic resilience, and Bruce Leverett who recently underwent heart surgery to correct the problem that caused his stroke in July. Ongoing recovery wishes to Cindy Perseo who has been wearing a boot and receiving physical therapy for a foot injury. Quick and comfortable recoveries also to Jim Winaught who suffered a leg injury playing volleyball, and Peggy Walsh, who has had laryngitis for over a week as of this writing. (This Editor teasingly but lovingly tells her husband that he needs to stop snapping himself in half.) BOLD member Pat McCloskey provides the following link to his blog and invites you to check it out: http://chroniclesofmccloskey.com Fun stuff about skiing, cycling and other outdoor frivolities. Be a follower.
December's monthly meal and Christmas Party at the Pittsburgh Lutheran Center for the Blind will be on Saturday the 13th. To reserve with Center Director Sherri Crum by 6 PM on Thursday the 11th, phone 412-682-1800.
Happy Birthday to Ernie College, Lisa McManus, Terry McManus, Kimberly Morrissey, John Perseo, Tina Wassermann, and anyone else with a December birthday.
If you have a BOLD Bit, bring it to a Board meeting, phone 412-263-2022, or E-mail t.winaught@verizon.net. Also feel free to use this information to give the Editor newsletter feedback.
NOVEMBER CALENDAR
Friday the 21st: 10 PM deadline to let Tammi Swiantek know if you want to run for any of the positions mentioned in this newsletter: 412-488-6298.
Thursday the 27th: 9 PM Mall Walking reservation deadline with Joyce Driben: 412-521-4385. (This Editor thanks both Joyce and Karen Good who coordinates OPT rides.)
Sunday the 30th: A symphony concert at Heinz Hall: 600 Penn Ave., Downtown Pittsburgh, 15222. Ask Joyce Driben if she has free tickets for this date: 412-521-4385.
Sunday the 30th is also the 10 PM deadline to let Tammi know you will be at December's Board meeting.
DECEMBER CALENDAR
Tuesday the 2nd: BOLD Board meeting at the Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children: 201 North Bellefield Ave., Oakland, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. Time, 6:30 to 8:30 PM; all are welcomed.
Tuesday the 2nd is also the 9 PM deadline to sign up for yoga with Veronique Schreurs: 412-225-4038. Since yoga will be canceled if fewer than four people sign up, be sure to give your phone number so Veronique can call you if this happens.
Wednesday the 3rd: Mall Walking at the Monroeville Mall, starting at 9 AM and meeting at the food court entrance.
Thursday the 4th: Yoga at the Schoolhouse Studio: 2215-17 Murray Ave., Squirrel Hill, Pittsburgh, 15217. (Thank you for your $15 payment.)
Tuesday the 9th: Tuesday Music Club concert at Saint Andrew's Episcopal Church: 5801 Hampton Street, Highland Park, Pittsburgh, 15206. This free performance begins at 12:30 PM.
Tuesday the 9th is also the 9 PM reservation deadline with Veronique for Yoga: 412-225-4038.
Wednesday the 10th: 10 PM deadline to mark your place with Cindy Perseo for the Holiday Party: 412-421-3992. This is also the time by which Veronique Schreurs would like to receive your $10 payment for the party: 2269 Tilbury Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15217. (Thank you for stating in the memo that your check or money order is for the party.)
Thursday the 11th: Yoga at Schoolhouse Studio: 2215-17 Murray Ave., Pittsburgh, 15217.
Thursday the 11th is also the 9 PM Mall Walking sign-up deadline with Joyce Driben: 412-521-4385.
Saturday the 13th: From noon until 1 PM, the Pittsburgh Opera will present a free Brown Bag Lunch performance at 2425 Liberty Ave., Pittsburgh, 15222.
Tuesday the 16th: 9 PM Yoga reservation deadline with Veronique: 412-225-4038.
Tuesday the 16th is also the 9 PM deadline with Dom Ceresa, 724-527-1857, for the Downhill Ski Guide clinic. (When reserving, give Dom your number so he can contact you if the clinic has to be canceled.)
Wednesday the 17th: Mall Walking at the Monroeville Mall, starting at 9 AM and meeting at the food court entrance.
Thursday the 18th: Yoga at Schoolhouse Studio: 2215-17 Murray Ave., Squirrel Hill, Pittsburgh.
Saturday the 20th: BOLD Holiday Party from 1 to 5 PM, in the Liberty Room at One Smithfield Street, Human Services Building, Downtown Pittsburgh, 15222. Thank you for participating in the 50/50 raffle. For those who will be taking Access, they drop off and pick up at the building's rear parking lot entrance (there are several chairs in the lobby).
Saturday the 20th is also the 8 PM deadline for canceling if you signed up for the Ski Guide Clinic and then can't go. Phone 724-527-1857.
Sunday the 21st: Ski Guide Clinic at Seven Springs from 9 AM to 3 PM.
Sunday the 21st is also the 2 PM performance of the City Theatre play, "Smart Blondes." Address? 1300 Bingham Street.
Wednesday the 31st: Dues payment deadline with Veronique Schreurs: 2269 Tilbury Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15217. Thank you for the $12 that will enable you to remain a valuable BOLD member for another year.
Thank you for your hard work on BOLD newsletters to Marty Mathews, Veronique Schreurs, and the Braille Outreach Team which Tina Wassermann so capably leads.
THE END