Volume MMXI, Issue Number 3 • www.keystoneblind.org
Inside this issue: KBA “Tee’d Up” Keystone Kids Attend
KBA 2011 Charity Golf
Scramble ........................... 2 Their 16th Annual Summer Day Camps
Keystone Kids Camps ......... 3 Charity Golf Scramble by: Kimberly Paglia
Talking with Tulip ............... 3 by: Laurie Staph - Young Explorers -
Calendar of Events .............. 4 It was a perfect day for golf – Monday, The Young Explorers camp at KBA
Rest Area Ramblings ........... 4 June 6th – at the Greens of Greenville, as offers children who are visually impaired
115 golfers “tee’d it up” for Keystone Blind hands-on opportunities to gain new
KBA’s Summer Projects ..... 5 Association’s 16th annual Charity Golf concepts through direct instruction and
What is a Charitable Scramble in a day filled with sunshine and field trips into the community.
Remainder Annuity Trust? .. 5 great shots. There were 23 teams from all On July 12 a group of nine young
KBA Rest Area Attendant over the Shenango Valley that played in the explorers age 6-13 gathered at KBA to kick
Recognized by PIBH ........ 6 outing, raising necessary funds in support off a week of unique learning experiences.
Donations ............................ 6 of KBA’s mission. Each day, was filled with lots of learn-
Team Ferrara was the winning team ing as the children embarked on exciting
KBA Volunteer Awards ...... 7 with a final score of 58, followed by a adventures and met interesting new friends.
September is Sight Saving six-way tie for second place with a score The children learned all about dog guide
Month ............................... 8 of 61 by Precision Steel, Sharon Legion – teams and how to interact with a dog guide
BrainPort Offers New Becker, Mobile Optical, Team Templeton, when they were paid a visit by Sandie
‘Vision’ ............................ 9 Oil Service Inc. and Myers and her dog guide, Tulip.
October is National Disability Duferco Farrell Corp. (continued on Page 3)
Employment Awareness Rounding out the top
Month ............................. 10 8 finishing teams was
Everybody Wins! ............... 10 CrossIT, with a final Thanks to our
With Sympathy .................. 11
score of 63.
A very special
Golf Major Sponsors
Spring Donations ............... 11 thanks to Duferco Duferco Farrell Corp.
Farrell Corp., who in First National Bank of PA
a wonderful act of Gilbert's Insurance
philanthropy donated & Consulting
Proud Member of: their winnings back to Capt. Mark Ferrara
keeps his eye on the Paper Products • Sanico Inc.
KBA, as well as Team ball as teammate John
(continued on Page 2)
Sheetz • Wolcott Group, LLC
Doughton watches.
The Keystone Blind Association Mission:
Pennsylvania To promote independence for children and adults who are blind or visually impaired,
Keystone Blind Association
Association
for the Blind to promote eye health and eye safety, and
to promote employment for all persons with disabilities.
Page 1
KBA 2011 Charity Golf Scramble
(continued from Page 1) Thanks to Our
Templeton who won a skin and donated $100 back to the
agency. This year we had seven major sponsors and fifty- HoleSponsors
six hole sponsors making this a very successful campaign Adolf & Cyndy Reichenbacker Anderson Coach & Travel
for Keystone Blind Association. Black Bashor & Porsch
Every golfer in the field helped to make this outing a CrossIT.com Commercial Turf Fertilization
success through their entry fees and many side-games and Commodore Perry Lions Club Conneaut Lake Lions Club
raffles that went on throughout the day. The end of the D & G Mechanical Dean Dairy
day was capped off with a delicious steak dinner provided Donghia Environmental Services Inc. Dr. Paul B. Freeman
Farrell Sportsman Club Fredrick George
by the Gallery Grille at the Greens of Greenville. Thanks Fruit, Dill, Goodwin & Scholl George & Fonda Peters
to everyone who participated in making this such a Greenville Savings Bank Hermitage Kiwanis
wonderful event including golfers, sponsors and the Hermmann’s Water HHDSR Architects
staff at the Greens of Greenville. We would also like to Hudson Group, Inc. Jamestown Coating Technologies
thank KBA’s “crew” of staff and volunteers who helped Jamestown Lions Club JFS Wealth Advisors
to plan and coordinate the event and made the outing Jim Stevenson / Harold W. Stevenson Funeral Home
tee off without hitting a bunker! Please mark your Joy Cone Co. Kurtanich Engineering
calendars for Monday, June 4, 2012, when we will tee Lewis & Ristvey M & R Power Equipment
it up again in an effort to support KBA’s mission! Medicine Shoppe Mobile Optical
Mercer Co. Judicial Employees Oil Service Inc.
PIBH Primary Health Network
Thanks to our RFC – Sharon Richard English & Associates
Ridgewood at Shenango Rodgers Enterprises & Distributors
Special Donors Seymour Manufacturing Co.
Sharon Legion - Home Corp
Sharon American Legion
Sharpsville Container
Andy Warhol Museum Pittsburgh Opera Shenango Steel Buildings Sisterhood of Erin
Carnegie Museums Pittsburgh Pirates Strimbu Memorial Foundation Strimbu Trucking
Cottage Gardens Pittsburgh Playhouse Sunbelt Transformers LTD The Fister Family
Daffin's Candies Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Townville Lions Club UPMC
Greens of Greenville Sharon Speedway Valley Eye Center West Middlesex Dairy Queen Brazier
Joy Cone Company Sheetz Whalen Law Wheatland Tube
Winslow Engineering
Julia’s Bed & Breakfast Tam-O-Shanter
Mahoning Valley Scrappers Washington Wildthings
Mohawk Trails Golf Course Yankee Run Golf Course
O’Neill Coffee Co. Young's Vending 2011 Golf Committee
Tim Hofius – Chairman
Denny Reichard • George Gerhart • Tresa Templeton
Thanks to Our Teams Karen Anderson • Jonathan Fister • Tom Dill
Pam Mowrer • Karen Bly • Jim Hart
Cross IT Services Sharpsville Container Corp.
Duferco Farrell Corp. Sheetz
First National Bank
Kralj Electric
Sherwin Williams
Specialy Metal Products Results of the Day
Mobile Optical Stoneboro Lions Club 1st Place - Team Ferrara - 58
Oil Service, Inc. Team Ferrara 2nd Place - Precision Steel Services - 61
Precision Steel Services Team Jack Daniels 3rd Place - Sharon American Legion - Becker - 61
Sharon Legion – Becker Team KBA 4th Place - Mobile Optical - 61
Sharon Legion – Dunch Team Templeton 5th Place - Team Templeton - 61
Sharon Legion – G. Steiner Valley Eye Center 6th Place - Oil Service Inc. - 61
Sharon Legion – P. Steiner Wheatland Steel Processing 7th Place - Duferco Farrell Corporation - 61
Sharon Legion – Young 8th Place - CrossIT - 63
Page 2 Vista 2011
- Young Explorers - - Career Caravan -
(continued from Page 1) Entering the employment world can be a daunting task
Local excursions to Hermitage for any high school student; for students attending KBA’s
Fire Dept., DJ’s Greenhouse, and Eat Career Caravan, experience and opportunity combined to
‘n’ Park were fun and educational as give them the tools they need for success.
the chilren learned about fire safety, Students discussed their individual abilities, interests
met a firefighter, created a container and skills as they considered how to evaluate their work
garden, and ordered from a menu at personality to find a career that is a good fit. Students also
a sit-down restaurant. considered how they would disclose information about
On Thursday, the “Explorers” their disability in an interview and prepared themselves to
traveled to Erie and met up with more address any employer concerns. Students also worked on
campers from the Erie Sight Center. Hunter Degroff short-term goals for finding and keeping a part time job.
Educators from the Tom Ridge tries on some Each student visited a local businesses to request a job
firefighting gear.
Environmental Center taught them application, filled out these applications and then
about the various trees of Presque Isle. The children also participated in a mock interview.
watched the IMAX film called “The Wild Ocean” explored During the week, students visited Domingo Bermudez,
the exhibits about Lake Erie wildlife. the receptionist at KBA who is blind, as he shared his
The children spent experience in the workplace. Slippery Rock University
the last day of camp at hosted the group for an overnight stay which included a
Waldameer Park in campus tour, a visit to the office for
Erie where they tried students with disabilities to learn about
new rides and slides the services available to students and a
that may have been fun goalball workshop with staff from
outside of their com- VIP Sports. Students also did some
fort zone, but let them volunteer “work” one afternoon at the
Nathan Sadler and Martin Miller gain self-confidence Prince of Peace food bank in Farrell.
enjoy “fun in the sun” at Waldameer. while having fun. Career Caravan offered opportunities
Children who are blind do not have the same visual to help students navigate the job field.
opportunities as their sighted peers; however, the Young Campers left with new found confidence Brett Sherbine
Explorers had the opportunity to learn new skills and con- and skills they can use to be successful volunteers for
cepts in a hands-on way during their week-long camp. on their individual career paths. Prince of Peace.
Talking With Tulip
by: Tulip, Dog Guide
Golf scrambles, Hikes for Sight Now comes Fall and I am again looking forward to
and dog presentations have occu- what is in store for me this season. I would like to attend
pied these past several months. the Sizzle for Sight and would look forward to seeing all
I have thoroughly enjoyed my of you there. It is a wonderful time of enjoying delicious
summer, although I must admit, refreshments and visiting all of our friends.
I could have done without the Like all employees, I’m also looking forward to some
fireworks. We dogs have more vacation time this year! I will be spending some fun time
sensitive hearing and loud noises in Tennessee with my Sandie; we will be walking trails
such as fireworks affect us more and sight seeing as we visit Pigeon Forge. In November,
then they affect humans. Never Sandie and I will be taking a cruise and we will have the
take your dog to a fireworks display; we surely will not opportunity to splash in the ocean and maybe even swim
appreciate the bright colors or the noise. My Sandie would with the dolphins – that is if they are not afraid of dogs.
never think of exposing me to such events and for that Until next year, Sandie and I wish you all a very Merry
I am extremely grateful. Christmas and a blessed New Year!
Keystone Blind Association Page 3
KBA Calendar of Events
ECA/EP: Eyeglasses Cleaning and Adjusting/Educational Program, LSE: Life Skills Education,
GVAS: Glaucoma/Visual Acuity Screening, TIC: Technology Information Club
From September through December, KBA’s Preschool Vision Screening team will be
conducting screenings at over forty sites throughout Mercer and Crawford counties.
For additional scheduling information, please call Shirley at 724-347-5501 and leave a message.
September November
5 Labor Day! (Offices closed) 3 Christmas Shopping; KBA, Meadville; (tent.)
8 LSE: KBA, Meadville; 10 AM; “Fire Safety” 6 Daylight Saving Time Ends
10 TIC Meeting: KBA, Sharon; 10 AM – 12 PM 8 Election Day – KBA hosts two precincts
13 Bingo/Tuesday Group: KBA, Sharon; 1 – 3 PM 10 Veterans Day Holiday (Offices Closed)
15 Prince of Peace Food Bank Day 11 Happy Veterans Day
19 TIC Meeting: KBA, Meadville; 10 AM – 12 PM 12 TIC Meeting: KBA, Sharon; 10 AM – 12 PM
22 Salvation Army Food Bank Day 15 Bingo/Tuesday Group: KBA, Sharon; 1 – 3 PM
27 Bingo/Tuesday Group: KBA, Sharon; 1 – 3 PM 17 Prince of Peace Food Bank Day
28 Rosh Hashanah 21 TIC Meeting: KBA, Meadville; 10 AM – 12 PM
23/24 Happy Thanksgiving! (Offices closed)
October
6 Perry Templeton Memorial Sizzler for Sight
December
Shriner's Picnic Grounds, Hermitage 8 LSE: KBA, Meadville; 10 AM; “CATA Transportation”
6 LSE: KBA, Meadville; 10 AM; “Active Aging” 10 TIC Meeting: KBA, Sharon; 10 AM – 12 PM
7 Yom Kippur 13 Bingo/Tuesday Group: KBA, Sharon; 1 – 3 PM
8 TIC Meeting: KBA, Sharon; 10 AM – 12 PM 15 Prince of Peace Food Bank Day
10 Columbus Day (Offices Closed) 19 TIC Meeting: KBA, Meadville; 10 AM – 12 PM
11 Bingo/Tuesday Group: KBA, Sharon; 1 – 3 PM 20 Happy Hannukah!
17 TIC Meeting: KBA, Meadville; 10 AM – 12 PM 22/26 Merry Christmas! (Offices closed)
19 BCAB Board Meeting, 1 PM
20 Prince of Peace Food Bank Day Don’t Forget!!!
25 Bingo/Tuesday Group: KBA, Sharon; 1 – 3 PM Daylight Saving Time ends November 6, 2011.
26 Bingo/Support Group: KBA, Meadville; 10 AM Don’t forget to “fall back” at 1:59 a.m. turn your
26 KBA Board Meeting, KBA Sharon, Noon clock to 1:00 a.m. Also, check / change
27 Salvation Army Food Bank Day the batteries in your smoke detectors.
31 Happy Halloween!
Rest Area Ramblings
by: Susan McKinnis
As summer draws to a close and They proudly showed us what “teamwork” was all about!
vacations wrap up, we commend our We wish them well!
“extra” hands who work at the rest area sites On August 1, 2011, District 4-0 Manager PJ Yudt
across PA. Most of the sites employ additional help celebrated 25 years of service here at Keystone Blind
during the spring and summer months to maintain our high Association! Congratulations, PJ! At the tender age of
standards of cleanliness and assistance! 16, PJ started working in the agency workcenter and he
With regret, we announce the “retirement” of Marian has truly “grown” with our agency. PJ oversees the
and Marshall Shipps from the Delaware Water Gap site. operations of nine rest area sites in eastern PA. We proudly
After almost 5 years, the mother and son team leaves due recognize PJ for his constant commitment to service in
to health issues. Marshall was recognized as a runner-up support of our mission. We thank him and all of our
of the Nettie Mann Achievement Award few years ago. dedicated employees for their excellent service.
Page 4 Vista 2011
KBA’s Summer Projects
by: Allen Connely
For many residents of western PA (and many areas that Another project that we worked on this summer was
receive accumulation of snow during the winter months), the remodeling of the Low Vision Clinic. Dr Freeman’s
the summer weather marks the ideal time to begin home goal with the remodel was to provide a comfortable place
improvement/maintenance projects. Here at KBA, we are for clients and family members to sit. In addition, he wanted
no different; we had four facilities projects that we a space that provided educational information as clients,
embarked on this past summer: re-roofing the KEY family and friends waited for their appointments. To that
building, updating an apartment at the KEY building, end, a flat screen television was added to provide
remodeling of the low vision clinic at Stambaugh Avenue’s information about eye health and general information about
facility and razing the house at the corner of Stambaugh vision. There will also be items from Dr Freeman’s
Avenue and Idaho Street. collection of eye equipment memorabilia displayed in a
During the winter of 2010, it became obvious that the new showcase. With new drywall, paint and flooring, the
roof at the KEY building was totally inadequate. The staff office looks wonderful and will be of great service to
at KEY was constantly moving buckets and 55 gallon Dr. Freeman, his staff, and KBA for years to come.
drums to locations in the building where either rain or snow Finally, for several years now, we have wanted to
was melting from the roof and creating a constant battle to remove the house located at the corner of Stambaugh
keep water off of the equipment/inventory and maintain a Avenue and Idaho Street adjacent to the KBA parking lot.
manufacturing area. Fortunately, we have been able to It has been an eyesore and due to its location, it has
contract with Holko Roofing to replace the old roof with a presented problems in the past with security. Now with
new rubber membrane roof. *Editorial Note: Pending the house removed, we have added additional parking
Holko’s schedule, the replacement has not yet began. spaces and allowed for visibility from many directions
Also at our KEY facility, KBA’s maintenance staff which increases safety and security to the general area.
remodeled one of the two bedroom apartments. The A huge thank you to KBA’s Maintenance Manager,
remodel included installation of new drywall and flooring Dale Myers, and all of KBA’s maintenance staff for a
and a fresh coat of paint. The apartment now looks very job well done!
nice and is providing rental income to KBA.
What is a Charitable Remainder Annuity Trust?
by: Tom Dill, Esq.
Many people are lost when it comes to understanding • When the trust’s term
legal terminology. Sadly, this leaves many individuals ends, the principal
behind when it comes to reaping the benefits of certain passes to the Community
programs. Allow me to take a moment to help explain a Foundation to be used to
Charitable Remainder Annuity Trust. benefit Keystone Blind
A charitable remainder annuity trust (“annuity trust”) Association.
is a gift plan defined by federal tax law that allows you to Benefits Include:
provide income to yourself or others for life or a term of • A federal income tax deduction for you.
years while making a generous gift to Keystone Blind • Payments for the length of the term of the trust for
Association through the Community Foundation. your designated income beneficiary
What it means: • Possible reduction in probate costs and estate taxes
• You irrevocably transfer assets (usually cash or for your estate.
securities), to a trustee of your choice (i.e., the Com- • Generous long-term support to KBA.
munity Foundation). • Expert asset management provided by the same
• During the trust’s term, the trustee invests these professionals who manage Community
assets and provides a fixed dollar amount to income Foundation’s endowment
beneficiaries named by you (i.e. Keystone Blind For more information about charitable remainder
Association) annually, semiannually, or quarterly. annuity trusts, please contact Tom Dill at 724-347-5501.
Keystone Blind Association Page 5
KBA Rest Area Attendant Thanks for the Donations
Recognized by PIBH Thanks for donations of used eyeglasses:
Individuals
Lorin Baxter Karen M. Davis
Thomas Davis Mary Ann Dunch
Lucy Flood Carolyn Kalna
John & Dolly Mastrangelo John McLaughlin
Patricia Petrillo William M. Shaffer
Marilyn Stanovich Charles Stover
Mary Stull Eddie Winchell
Businesses and Organizations
Charleston United Methodist Church
Jim Stevenson - Harold W. Stevenson Funeral Home
David McCaughey (L) poses with
KBA President/CEO, Jonathan Fister Hermitage Lions Club
Stoneboro Lions Club
Each year, Pennsylvania Industries for the Blind and Unity Presbyterian Church
Handicapped (PIBH) recognizes an employee from one Valley Eye Center
of their member agencies with the “disabled worker of Volant Lions Club
the year” award called the Nettie Mann Achievement
Award. This year, Keystone Blind Association nominated Thanks for donations of goods:
David R. McCaughey, one of our rest area attendants who American Korean Veteran of Mercer Co. – Braille flag
works at the Delaware Water Gap rest area site on I-80. Mickey Clarke – computer printers
David was recognized as a runner-up for this honor at the Alice & Harold Hoover – audio cassettes
annual PIBH Awards Dinner held in June. Ken Johnston – audio books
Keystone Blind Association congratulates David Charles B. Miller – books on tape & cd
McCaughey on this accomplishment and we thank him Elaine Simonik – rummage sale items
for his dedication and service to the traveling public! Whispering Oaks – VCR tapes / rummage sale items
American Idol Season 8 Stephanie Longstreet – rummage sale items
finalist Scott MacIntyre was Helen Nogay – rummage sale items
the keynote speaker as he ** Thank you to ALL rummage sale donors! **
shared his experiences of Thanks for your generous donations:
being blind since birth and Individuals
becoming an accomplished Bruce & Edna Ballard Susan McKinnis
singer/songwriter. MacIntyre Irma & Gene O’Conner Maury Keaveny
finished in 8th place during John Wiley Alan & Elaine Wilkins
FOX’s 2009 competition.
Businesses
Working in cooperation
Donghia Environmental Services ERL Sales
with Joanna Greco, KBA’s
Keystone Kids created a Casework Donations
“Heartstrings” sculpture that Mary Bentley Wilma Bossard Lillian A. Bowen
sculpture
PIBH presented that evening As he receives aKeystone
created by the
Shirley Braymiller Mary Canon Darlene Chizmar
to Mr. MacIntyre as a token Kids, Scott MacIntyre (L) Lindsey Green Betty Hartman Diane Johnson
of appreciation. poses with Jonathan Fister.
Mary Kloos Ethel Krukar Ronald Kuntz
Dennis Lindstrom Bobbie Lorenz Catherine Makoskey
Jack Meeker Marie Mudurski Shirley Neiderriter
Peg Painter Barb Palmer Amy Phillippi
Keystone Blind Association Mary Polonus Arden Pardee Virginia Pardee
is proud to be a Vivian Stolts Gertrude Timpano Bob Urnscheid
United Way Member Agency Estate Donation
The Estate of Dolores P Huscroft
Page 6 Vista 2011
KBA Recognizes Volunteers and Supporters at
Annual Awards and Recognition Program
Keystone Blind Association held its annual Awards - The Helen Keller Award for Independence,
Program on Monday, May 9, 2011. The evening began presented to an organization that provides resources to
with a social hour and scrumptious desserts made promote independence of blind and visually
available with the help of ladies from the Brookfield impaired persons in our community went to the
Firemen’s Auxiliary. Awards persentations began with District 14-F Region IV Lions Clubs.
KBA’s President/CEO, Jonathan Fister, praising KBA’s - The Community Partnership Award, presented to or-
volunteers and supporters for their selfless dedication and ganizations for the support necessary for the
service in support of the agency’s mission. The following execution of the KBA mission went to Rod Donghia
awards were presented: and John Wiley.
- The Perry Templeton Award, presented to those whose - The Leadership in Giving Award, presented to an in-
participation and cooperation provide the support dividual for philanthropic leadership in support of ser-
needed to execute KBA’s mission of providing employ- vices for blind and visually impaired persons
ment opportunities for the disabled went to Alec Moyer. went to Jamestown Lions, Cool Springs Fitness
- The Charm Fischer Award, presented to a person with Foundation, T. J. Kavanagh Foundation, Edward
visual impairement whose lifestyle reflects a level of J. Kavanagh Foundation, Adolf & Cyndy
independence that sets a standard for others went to Reichenbacher, First National Bank of PA and Tresa
Tina Bresnahan. Templeton.
- The Distinguished Service Award, presented to a mem- - The Good Neighbor Award, presented to those in
ber of the KBA Board of Directors who has demon- our community for their outstanding support of the
strated an ability and willingness to do more than is KBA mission went to Bob Calvert, Alice Mattocks
expected went to Tim Hofius. and Tim McNamara.
- The Lillian Rosenblum Award, presented to a - The Special Project Award, presented to a volunteer
volunteer whose commitment and dedication to in recognition of their unique efforts in coordinating a
service exemplifies excellence and selflessness went special project went to Hermitage Lions Club, Grove
to Lana Penniman. City College Football Team and Alpha Sigma Phi-
- The Excellence in Service Award, presented in Westminster College.
recognition of efforts in the service of the blind - The Partners in Prevention Award, presented for
community went to Donna Mitten. outstanding participation in the Agency’s Prevention
- The Community Service Award, presented to those in of Blindness Program went to the Sharpsville
our community whose support of our mission is exem- Presbyterian Women.
plified through their service to our organization went - The Guardian Angel Award, presented to volunteers
to Amy Hammond and Zachary Lingenfelter. who have made outstanding contributions to the
- The Guiding Light Award, presented to the agency’s Prevention of Blindness program went to
parent of a Keystone Kid for demonstrating an Margie Johnson.
extraordinary dedication to the promotion of
independence within their visually impaired child went
to Hope Kaczmark.
- The Incredible Kid Award, presented to a Keystone
Kid in recognition of his own exemplary
accomplishments and for his selflessness in helping
others went to Brian Kaczmark.
- The Friend in Deed Award, presented to members of
our community who help us with financial and moral
support in response to a specific need went to Tom & Award recipients: (front L-R) Lion Ernest Bell, Tim Hofius,
Bobbie Hunt, Tom Pozega, Susan Kidwell and Donna Mitten (back L-R) Lion Tom Mowrey, Alec Moyer,
Jeanne McElrath. Coach Chris Smith, Clayton Hall and Brian Kaczmark
Keystone Blind Association Page 7
Thanks
to our
Visit our Crawford Co. Hike for Sight
SHIPPING
SERVICE Major Sponsors
CENTER Betty Canon • Annen Community Mental Health Services
Crawford Eye Associates, Inc. - Dr. Walker and Dr. Griffith
Dr. George Vukmer • J. Wesley Rowden Esq.
for the Blind
can ship your FedEx
John E. Nagurney Esq. • McGill, Power, Bell & Associates
or your UPS packages Meadville Lions Club • Meadville VFW Post 2006
Meadville Wal-Mart • Venango Memorial VFW Post 169
981 Division Street, Dick & Jan Williams • Eddie’s Footlong Hot Dogs, Inc.
Sharon, PA 16146 Heeters Haven at the Bank • Larry & Judy Shipton
Richard Friedberg Stamps
For More Information,
Call 724-347-3711 Clients, staff and volunteers
gathered on a VERY hot
July 21st day to “hike for sight.”
Despite the small number of hikers,
KBA’s 4th annual fundraiser has
Memorials & been a huge success.
Honorariums Front Row: Jakob Clark, Karen Clark,
Brenda Hawkins, Joey Hawkins,
Greg Hawkins Back Row: Peggy Piedle,
In Memory of Ray Groce Beverly, Dennis Lindstrom, Karen Bly,
Judy Shumaker, Heidi Mumau,
Joseph, David & Sharon George Bob George, Bob McMunigle, Richard.
Joe White
Joy Cone Co.
September is
In Memory of Jim Hooker
Melony Magargee
Jean, Matt & Zach Wilkinson
Sight Saving Month
It has been estimated that 47,000 Americans lose their sight each year…
In Memory of Paul Kocis
one person every 11 minutes.
Ron Casaccia
The International Council of Ophthalmology believes that 80% of
Carol Bauzo
blindness is avoidable: 20% is preventable and 60% is treatable. With those
In Memory of Grace Mistretta statistics in mind, Keystone Blind Association wants to stress the importance
Rose Ann & Jim Mahon of prevention of blindness through early detection and intervention.
Frances Buzard & Nancy Zoccole During the year, KBA conducts screenings and educational programs
Fred & Karen Zoccole throughout the community. Please consider joining us at one of these events.
Rita J. Zoccole We would also recommend that you schedule a periodic appointment with
In Memory of Albert F. Williams your eye care professional. For information on KBA’s Prevention of Blindness
Charles & Lois Finzel services, call 724-347-5501.
In Honor of Dr. Hall T. McGee
Russell & Janice McQuiston *Please remember KBA in your will.*
For assistance, contact Tom Dill, 724-347-5501 x 233
Page 8 Vista 2011
BrainPort Offers New “Vision”
by: Mark Pappas
*Mark Pappas is a member of the Keystone Blind Association’s Board of
Directors. Below, he shares his experience with us as he participated in a
study conducted using the Brain Port device.
About two years ago, there was an article in the Sun- test where I put
day edition of the Youngstown Vindicator about a soldier the sensor of
who was blinded by an explosion while fighting in Iraq. the BrainPort
The article focused on a new device called the BrainPort, on my tongue,
which was helping this serviceman to “see” again. and I had to count the number of times the sensor vibrated
The BrainPort is a pair of sunglasses with a digital cam- during a 13-14 minute period.
era mounted on the bridge of the glasses. There is a cable Day 3: Today, my goal was to navigate a total of three
that is attached to the glasses at one end, while the other different obstacle courses that were 7 ft. wide by 40 ft.
end has a flat, rectangular sensor that rests on your tongue. long without the BrainPort as they recorded the times. The
The sensor is approximately one inch wide by two inches obstacles consisted of various foam shapes at varying
long, and appeared to be a piece of metal with a plastic heights and different textures placed on the floor.
coating over it. The digital camera views what is in front Days 4, 5 & 6: Training with the BrainPort took place
of you, processes the information and transmits it to the on these days. I participated in exercises that would use
sensor on your tongue in the form of tiny pinpoint electri- contrast, shape and size to help determine the location of
cal pulses that let the person wearing the device know that and orientation of the object before me. We dealt with
there is something in front of them. Electrical pulses that objects in space and we worked with letters and numbers.
are felt near the back of the tongue would represent ob- We discussed helpful tips to make this task easier, such as
jects that are higher, or further off in the background, while breaking up letters into shape groups-circular, triangular
pulses felt closer to the tip of your tongue would represent or square. By breaking them up into groups, you only
objects that are lower, or perhaps closer to you if setting have to choose between 8 or 9 different letters instead of
on a flat surface. The BrainPort works best with contrasts 26 letters. At one point, they placed a three letter word in
of white on black or black on white. There is a remote front of me, and I could “see” that the word was CAT.
control attached to the device that allows you to adjust the We spent a lot of time working on mini “tests” as the
intensity of the electrical surges, zoom in and out and staff set up real-life scenerios for us to navigate using the
vary your contrast settings. BrainPort. For example: I walked around a hallway with-
In July of 2009 while home on vacation, I told my out assistance! The BrainPort indicated a vibration on the
sister about the article. She did some research and found left and right side of the tongue as it viewed the white
out that the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center was walls, making no vibration in the middle. By keeping the
conducting the studies on the BrainPort. She e-mailed area with no vibration centered on your tongue, I was able
UPMC, explained my situation and signed me up for the to walk about the hallway without bumping into any walls!
study. Finally, in April 2011, I received a call from UPMC Day 7: I re-took some of the tests that they did in the
asking me if I was available to participate in the BrainPort beginning of the study. I answered the surveys, took the
study during the weeks of April 25 and May 2. Visual Evoked Protocol test and retook tests with
Below is a description of what I encountered during the light beams bouncing around the computer screen.
each day over the two weeks that I participated in the I improved greatly on a couple of the tests when using the
BrainPort study. BrainPort, while making decent improvements on the rest
BrainPort Study of the tests.
Day 1: The first day of the study was basically an Day 8: I had my “final exam” on the timed obstacle
“information gathering” day; I filled out several surveys, course. I’m happy to report that I was definitely able to
met the head of the BrainPort study, Dr. Amy Nau, and spot many of the obstacles, and became more comfortable
shared a brief medical history. with the device each time!
Day 2: The second day began with establishing a This was truly a fascinating experience; it was a real
baseline for testing to help determine the effectiveness of “eye-opener”. Thanks to everyone at UPMC for a won-
the BrainPort. Testing included aVisual Evoked Protocol derful and very memorable experience.
Keystone Blind Association Page 9
October is... Everybody Wins!
National Disability Employment by: Pam Mowrer
Thanks to the support of Rep. Mark Longietti and a
Awareness Month grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Community
and Economic Development (DCED), KBA’s Prevention
by: Susan McKinnis of Blindness department will be heading into their full
The effort to educate the American public about issues schedule of fall screenings armed with an entire arsenal of
related to disability and employment actually began in 1945 brand new screening equipment! The previous equipment
when Congress enacted a law declaring the first week of was so outdated that replacement parts and the ability to
October as “National Employ the Physically Handicapped repair any malfunctions were becoming impossible to come
Week”. In 1962, the word “physically” was removed to by; therefore, the $7,000 grant awarded by DCED couldn’t
acknowledge the employment needs and contributions of have come at a better time. As a matter of fact, the $7,000
individuals with all types of disabilities. In 1988, Con- that was originally meant to purchase one screening box
gress expanded the focus to include the entire month of and one tonometer would now come close to covering the
October. cost of the one tonometer and replacing both of KBA’s
Some famous people with disabilities who succeeded aging screening boxes. The difference was about $500.
include Helen Keller, Benjamin Franklin, Abraham This is where the Grove City Lions Club joined in to
Lincoln, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Thomas Edison, Marlee complete the deal. The Grove City Lions are extremely
Matlin, Michael J. Fox, Stevie Wonder, Dan Ackroyd, active volunteers for our POB program and they decided
Bruce Willis, Tom Cruise, Jim Carey…the list goes on! to make a $500 contribution
Whose name can you add? to KBA to ensure that the
Check out a brand new effort by the state civil service second screening box could
commission in Harrisburg to recruit qualified individuals be purchased. Because of
with disabilities for employment with the Commonwealth these contributions of time,
of PA. Visit www.scsc.state.pa.us and click on the Job money and support; KBA is
Seekers tab on the home page. Choose General Informa- equipped to provide the best
tion from the left navigation menu then select the first op- screening services possible.
tion titled “Applicants with Disabilities.” Under Exami- Our entire community will
nation Services and Testing Accommodations, you will benefit and everybody wins!
find a link to a PowerPoint presentation that explains the A very sincere “Thank you.” KBA vision screeners Jennifer
Civil Service employment process and accommodations. to Rep. Longietti and the and Shirley practice using the
Thanks to our friends at CBVI for this information! Grove City Lions. new non-contact tonometer.
KBA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
George Gerhart, Chairman Donate
ONLINE!
Jonathan Fister, President/CEO
Tom Amundsen Alec Moyer
Karen Anderson Shane Nugent Visit us at our website:
John Apa
Michael Barr
Tony Paglia
Mark Pappas www.keystoneblind.org
Al Boland Denny Reichard We offer a secure online donation service that
Mark Ferrara Adolf Reichenbacher accepts MasterCard, Visa and Discover.
John Frangakis Ray Slovesko
Rick Herman Steve Snyder If you’d prefer to mail your donation, please
Tim Hofius Dennis Songer send your check or money order to:
Robert Lindberg Tresa Templeton Keystone Blind Association
Allen Morgan Don Zappa 1230 Stambaugh Ave. • Sharon, PA 16146
Page 10 Vista 2011
Thank you for donating to the We had an
2011 KBA Spring Campaign IDEAL Summer!
Raymond Agosti Ethel Krukar
Albion Area Lions Club Ruth Lakatos
Martha Anderson Marie Leno
Zerda Baer Ethel Lilly
John & Paulette Baumgartner Lioness Club of Titusville
Gene Bish Margaret Loper
Joseph Brashen Ronald & Sheryl Manwaring
Kim Buchanan George Martuccio, O.D.
Domingo & Annette Bermudez Opal McCarl
George Casselberry Family John McConahey
Cianci’s Motel Kenneth McEwen Two Keystone Kids, Brittnee
(L) & Shayna, attended CBVI’s
Cynthia Clarke Kevin & Tamara McIntire
IDEAL (Individual Development
Alice Clowes Robert & Helen McLaren through Experience, Assesment &
Linda Cooley Karla McLusky Learning) transition program in
Rev & Mrs. Robert P. Coval Dorothy Morocco Chester, PA this summer.
Michael Cusick Tip & Barbara Mowrer
Emily Darlington Alec & Marcia Moyer
Mike & Bobbi Donnelly
Dennis & Susan Donner
Karen Nosker
Bill & Dorothy O’Donnell With Sympathy
Clarence & Beth Dunham Tony & Rhonda Paglia
Vivian Evans Susan Pokorney KBA’s staff and friends extend our
Norma Fischer Adolf & Cyndy Reichenbacher deepest sympathies to the loved ones
Gerald & Catherine Flowers Patricia Rettger of Denny Eckles. Denny had been
Carl Ford Jr. Jack & Evelyn Ries instrumental in starting KBA’s Golf
Ronald & Margaret Green Norma Robich Scramble. His generous support has
Greene Township Lions Club Katherine Ryan helped our agency raise over
Greenville Lions Club Bernie Rydbom $250,000 to date. Denny passed away
James D. Griffin S. James & Sandee Ryser on August 3, 2011 following a
Grove City Lions Club Anita Shaw couragous battle with cancer.
Rick & Anne Herman Howard & Mary Ellen Shaw Although he will be greatly missed,
Gary & Carol Hogue Kevin G. Smith M.D. his devotion and enthusiasm will live
Alice M. Hoover Earl & Anna Sorlie on in his spirit.
Dennis & Anna Mary Hoovler Tresa Templeton
Betty & Ralph Hudspeth John Tizio
Tim & Sherri Jablon Adam & Sarah Tonty CRAWFORD COUNTY
Jamestown U P Nursery School Travaglini Enterprises ADVISORY
Donna Jelley Union City Lions Club COMMITTEE
Bill & Rita Johnson Janie Uretta
Opal Jones Warren Lioness Club Gary Clark, Chairman
Lew & Nancy Kachulis Waterford Lioness Club Jonathan Fister, President/CEO
Mary Kloos Dr. Joel P. Ways John Ensworth
Margaret Koshar Jean & Mathew Wilkinson Garth Faulds
Ron & Starlit Koshar James Wilkosz Mayor Richard Freidberg
Julia Kozma Arden Hibbard
KBA has made every effort to include all donations received through Lori Lilly
July 18, 2011. If you have any questions or corrections, please contact the Bob McMunigle
Sharon office at 724-347-5501. Thank you. Heidi Mumau
Keystone Blind Association Page 11
Keystone Blind Association
1230 Stambaugh Avenue NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
Sharon, PA 16146 SHARON, PA
PERMIT #82
A New Look!
James “Cowboy” Stormer (L) and KBA Maintenance Manager,
Dale Myers, construct a wall while remodeling KBA’s Low Vision
Clinic. Read more about “KBA’s Summer Projects” on Page 5.
Vista is the official publication of the Keystone Blind
Association, 1230 Stambaugh Ave., Sharon, PA 16146.
It is published three times a year.
Editor: Karen Bly
Recipient of the Disabled American Veterans’
Editorial Assistant: Pam Mowrer Department of Pennsylvania
Phone: 724-347-5501 E-mail: kba@keystoneblind.org Large Employer of the Year Award
Keystone Blind Assocation’s SAVE
SAVE Perry Templeton Memorial
THE THE
! DATE!
DATE! B. A. Pigg
Sizzler for Sight !
Our Mascot - An Annual Smoker/BBQ Event! -
on Thursday, October 6, 2011 from 5:00 to 10:00 PM
at the Shriner Picnic Grounds, Lamor Road, Hermitage, PA
Tickets: $50.00 ($55.00 at the door.) Must be 21 or over to attend.
For more information, call Pam at 724-813-1678.
For More Information, Please Contact The Office Near You:
KBA - Mercer County KBA - Crawford County
1230 Stambaugh Avenue 312 Chestnut Street
Sharon, PA 16146 Meadville, PA 16335 Scan the above QR code
Phone: (724) 347-5501 Phone: (814) 333-3121 into your smart phone
FAX: (724) 347-2204 FAX: (814) 333-3124 to find more information
E-mail: kba@keystoneblind.org E-mail: kbacc@keystoneblind.org at the Keystone Blind
www.keystoneblind.org Association website.
(application download required.)
Page 12 Vista 2011