National Federation of the Blind

Nebraska Affiliate

NEWS

FROM

BLIND

NEBRASKANS

2000 -- Issue 2

"NEWS FROM BLIND NEBRASKANS" is published on tape and in print by the National Federation of the Blind of Nebraska. The NFB of Nebraska is an affiliate of the National Federation of the Blind. Since 1940, the NFB has been leading the way toward security, equality, and opportunity for all blind people. We are the organized blind changing what it means to be blind in Nebraska.

Cheryl Livingston (402) 488-2509
e-mail to ckitty@inebraska.com

Hubert Paulson (402) 488-2317
e-mail to hubertp@iinebraska.com

To be added to our mailing list, contact Evelyn for the print version, or Cheryl for the tape version. A donation of $5.00 annually is requested to defray the cost of the NFBN Newsletter. Make checks payable to NFBN, and send to Cheryl Livingston, NFBN Treasurer, 1026 South 35th, Lincoln, Nebr 68510.

The board of the National Federation of the Blind of Nebraska consists of:

President - Mike Floyd
1st Vice President - Della Johnston
2nd Vice President - Shane Buresh
Secretary - Ryan Osentowski
Treasurer - Cheryl Livingston
Board Member - Bonnie Lund
Board Member - Nancy Oltman
Board Member - Carlos Servan
Board Member - Larry Lee
Board Member- Colleen Chandler
Board Member- Nichelle Ferreyra

Chapters and divisions within the Nebraska Affiliate are:

Buffalo Bill Chapter
Contact Colleen Chandler
(308) 532-5723

Grand Island Chapter-
Contact Ardyce Earl at
(308) 382-1673

Kearney Chapter-
Contact Jerry Schram at
(308) 236-8268

Lincoln Chapter-
Contact Nancy Coffman at
(402) 488-8610

Northeast Chapter-
Contact Clarence Widhelm at
(402) 379-0185

Omaha Chapter-
Contact Larry Lee at
(402) 556-6959

Panhandle Chapter-
Contact Howard Backus at
(308) 632-2506

Parents of Blind Children Division-
Contact Carol Strunk at
(402) 721-5914

Student Division-
Contact Mike Hansen at
(402) 475-1280

A Message from the President By Michael Floyd
New Commission Board Chair speaks at NFB Convention By Barbara Walker
Nebraska Commission for the Blind & Visually Impaired Deputy Director speaks By Carlos Servan
Technology for the Blind 2000 and Beyond By Nancy Coffman
All Fired Up By Amy Buresh
News from around the State
News Favoring Brief Notes

Return to: State Page | Blind Nebraskan

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

By Michael Floyd

Greetings Nebraska Federationists:

I start this report on a serious note. Sad news struck just before our departure for Atlanta. Cheryl Livingston lost both of her remaining sisters in a fatal automobile accident. This has not only been a tremendous tragedy for Cheryl, but an occasion that has touched so many in the affiliate as Cheryl is so close and important to so many of us. Please keep Cheryl in your prayers.

WOW! That's not just another exclamation; that is the name of the new Kernel Book that was released at National Convention. Before proceeding to State Convention and other items, I should tell you that 31 Nebraska Federationists had a splendid experience in Atlanta. Much was accomplished and enjoyed. My deepest hope is that next year in Detroit we double the number of Nebraskans who benefit from attendance at the convention as those of us who attended this year.

It is that time again. Yes, that is correct. State Convention rushes upon us. WOW! Let me just say just a few words regarding this year's plans for State Convention, which will be hosted by our Omaha Chapter. Of course, this year's convention is expected to be the most outstanding in the history of our affiliate. The agenda will be just packed, so plan to be busy.

This year, our National Representative will be none other than our NFB President, Dr. Marc Maurer. He will be joining us for the entire Convention, including the fabulous Transition Workshop/ Seminar on Friday afternoon, October 6, 2000, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. The program will be called From IEP to IPE: Blind Youth in Transition. That evening will include the better than ever hospitality. Several meetings to include a Senior Blind organizing, State Board meeting, Resolutions Committee, and a very special tribute and reception for the new Board of Commissioners of the Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired will be held.

Dr. Maurer will be joining us on the agenda on Saturday to deliver his National Report. He will participate among a grand number of presenters who promise to make the entire day spectacular.

Saturday night, President Maurer will provide us with, no doubt, a fantastic banquet keynote speech. Here he will compliment a fine steak or vegetarian lasagna dinner. That night we will also present awards and have our usual auction and other entertainment.

Sunday morning will find the program turn to our traditional business meeting with its usual reports and of course the elections. A new State President will be elected as I have announced that I This year we will be staying at the Best Western Central in Omaha. Rates are $55 flat, up to four per room. The toll free number is 800-446-6242. Please make your reservations as soon as possible.

Banquet this year will again be only $15. Registration for the Convention will be our usual $5. Luncheons for Nebraska Parents of Blind Children and Nebraska Association of Blind Students will both be $8.50. Other costs may be as you choose. Oh, be sure to remember the auction. We encourage you to please pre-register. You may receive forms for that purpose from Cheryl Livingston or from me.

A new State President will be elected as I have announced that need a break from the full responsibilities of that office.

This year Mr. Bob Burns of our Omaha Chapter will chair our Awards Committee. Barbara Walker will handle Resolutions Committee. Cheryl Livingston will conduct nominating Committee. Evelyn Haines is Door Prize Chairperson. Please bring lots of door prizes to convention! Finally, the Chairperson of the Registration Committee will by my own sweet wife, Fatos Floyd.

Please note that the rules for Resolutions will be as in the past. Items for consideration must be in prior to Convention. Please contact the Chairperson for exact rules.

I hope to see you there!

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NEW COMMISSION BOARD CHAIR SPEAKS AT NFB CONVENTION

By Barbara Walker

From the Editor: Barbara Walker is the newly appointed chairperson of the Nebr Commission for the Blind & Visually Impaired Board. Here are the remarks she made at the Board of Directors meeting of the National Federation of the Blind on July 4, 2000:

I am pleased, on this, the two hundred twenty-fourth anniversary of our country's freedom, to bring you news of another declaration of independence. On April 10 of this year, Governor Mike Johanns signed into law the existence of the Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired. On May 8, we held a ceremony at which Governor Johanns; Senator LaVon Crosby, sponsor of the bill; Michael Floyd, President of the National Federation of the Blind of Nebraska; Pearl Van Zandt, Director of the agency; and I, as the Federation's recommended designee for the Commission Board made remarks. I would like to share an altered version of what I said there with you here. In his 1999 banquet address entitled "THE MENTAL DISCIPLINE OF THE MOVEMENT", Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said: "We have the capacity to think and the mental discipline to reach conclusions that will alter the future for us all. We possess the confidence to bring those conclusions to reality. ...Our future is bright with promise, because it belongs to us. And there is no force on earth that can stop us."

In Nebraska, we put this to the test in our quest to create a Commission for the Blind. In 1943, an agency called Rehabilitation Services for the Visually Impaired was established under the Board of Control. Two years later, the Nebraska Services for the Blind became a separate department. In 1962, this agency, now called Nebraska Rehabilitation Services for the Visually Impaired, was transferred to the Department of Public Institutions; and in 1996, to the Department of Health and Human Services under the Partnership Act.

When our efforts not to have this agency included in the Partnership Act failed and it was once again buried in a department where it didn't belong, we turned to concerted action and began in earnest the process of creating a Commission for the Blind.

Earlier this year, when the Lincoln Journal/Star carried an editorial in opposition, and several of us received a letter from Governor Johanns stating he hadn't yet decided what to do, our multi-year roller coaster ride took another dive and seeds of doubt once again churned in our stomachs.

Around that time, I read an article in the April Reader's Digest in which Judy Sheindlin, commonly known as Judge Judy, said, "If I had to boil my message down to one sentence, it would be that people create their own opportunities." She went on to explain that it happens through "self-discipline, individual accountability and responsible conduct". That, of course, is how we've done this.

We showed self-discipline when we made calls, wrote letters, responded to the negative newspaper article, and educated legislators (including the one who said he knew about blindness from having lived for years across from the school for the blind in Omaha-meaning, by the way, the school for the deaf; the school for the blind is in Nebraska City). We showed individual accountability when we sat quietly in the chamber while our bill was debated, even when the previously mentioned Senator said that a vote for our bill would be a vote against the blind. And we showed responsible conduct when we remained respectfully silent when other legislators movingly supported our efforts and resoundingly passed the bill, causing the Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired officially to come into being on July 1, 2000.

On June 12, Bob Burns, Bill Orester, Maya Samms, Dorothy Westin-Yockey and I received calls from the Governor's office with news of our appointments to the Commission Board. All of us are blind. Four of us are, among other things, members of the National Federation of the Blind. There are three lawyers, a therapist, and I. As a single parent of teenagers, I've dealt with, and sometimes felt like, both a lawyer and a therapist. My term, according to the certificate I received, is from June 7, 2000 through December 31, 2003.

I have, in preparation for this responsibility, been studying the intricacies of our new law. I can't help but mention one of them that particularly struck me. Section 8 (2) (b) says that the Commission may "facilitate small business incubation". Can't you just imagine a bunch of people in chicken suits perched on nests around a table waiting for eggs under them to hatch? I know the word incubate can also mean "to cause to develop or take form, as by thought or planning." But that's so mundane.

Be all of that as it may, we have, in Nebraska, created the opportunity to take ourselves into that bright future which Dr. Maurer spoke of last year. We shall meet it with confidence and claim it with dignity; we shall shape it with love and live it with respect. For we know from where we've come, and neither we nor future generations must ever go back there. It's still up to us, and we're ready to go!

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NEBRASKA COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND & VISUALLY IMPAIRED DEPUTY DIRECT SPEAKS

By Carlos Servan

From the Editor: Carlos Servan is the Deputy Director for Vocational Rehabilitation at the Nebr Commission for the Blind & Visually Impaired. He gave a presentation at the Board of Directors meeting of the National Federation of the Blind on July 4, 2000. Here is what Carlos had to say:

If an organization of the blind is not strong enough and independent enough to cause agencies for the blind trouble and do them damage (that is, jeopardize their budget, create political problems for them, and hurt their public image), it is probably not strong enough and independent enough to do them any good either. Likewise, if agencies for the blind don't have enough authority to damage the lives of the blind they are hired to help, they almost certainly don't have enough authority to give the blind much assistance. This is what Dr. Jernigan told the professionals in the field of blindness in 1994, and the impact of his words still rings true today.

State agencies for the blind as we have known them are seriously threatened today unless they can work together in a true partnership of mutual respect with consumers. This is true because sixty years ago, blind people tasted collective freedom upon creation of the National Federation of the Blind, finding an active, articulate, and insistent voice. Most state agencies for the blind at that time were custodial in nature, defensive about what they called professionalism, and involved with administrative complexity and prestige rather than common sense and the good of the blind. Some continue to be like that, but the trend is not in their favor. That is due, in part, to the strength and the message of the National Federation of the Blind and its influence both within and outside of the services system.

If an agency for the blind does not have consumer control, its momentum will slow and its progress will stop. Our role as blind consumers is to shape our future and determine our own destiny. And we must, in order to do this, be focused, organized and willing to lead the way.

In Dr. Jernigan's address, he stated that programs for the blind, and blind consumers, must recognize the power and value that each of them possesses. Political support is absolutely essential for agencies for the blind. They must believe in blind people and recognize that the blind of the state must have a real voice in shaping the programs and services of the agency. This must result not simply in the number of people who go to work, but the quality of their work and the degree to which it affords consumers an opportunity to fully use their own talents and abilities.

When I, as a newly blinded consumer, entered the rehabilitation program in New Mexico, I did not have high expectations for myself and doubted that I could be successful. The New Mexico Commission for the Blind, under the leadership of Dr. Schroeder, elevated my expectations and self esteem by supporting, and spending money, a good bit of money, on me. As a separate, independent, consumer-driven agency, the New Mexico Commission for the Blind encouraged me to use my talents and abilities. Today, I hold a Juris Doctor degree and I am a Deputy Director of the newly created Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

In rehabilitation, the true measure of success is the degree to which blind people and others are fully integrated into the social and economic mainstream. When this occurs, consumers trust and have confidence in the agency and are empowered to participate in creating the necessary balance for a positive partnership.

In the intricacies, technicalities and divided responsibilities within a giant agency, no governor or legislator can track everything down. When the Nebraska Rehabilitation Services for the Visually Impaired was moved to the Department of Health and Human Services in 1996, both agency personnel and consumers were told that there would be no negative impact. Almost immediately, however, in the name of efficient government, both the Business Manager and the Public Relations Specialist were removed to the State Office Building and buried in the demands of contending with the multitude of events handled within a six-thousand-employee entity. In addition, training of personnel, purchasing of equipment, and day-to-day operations meant plowing through layers of bureaucracy.

In a separate, independent agency for the blind with a lay board appointed by the governor, not only do checks and balances exist, but also the maximum incentive for that agency to do a good job is possible. Thanks to the efforts of the blind of this state, led by the National Federation of the Blind of Nebraska, this situation has become a reality.

With the advent of the Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired, a true partnership-one with committed consumers both within and outside of the agency--has come into being.

The future for separate independent agencies for the blind lies in a strong and well organized constituency; and the opportunity for blind people to receive good training and good jobs lies in strong programs for the blind. In Nebraska, the five Commissioners, all of whom are blind, will provide new initiatives and much clearer direction for the future of an agency which now, more than ever, belongs to the blind.

We're already feeling the vitalization, realization, determination and innovation this new arrangement affords. I feel privileged to have the opportunity to work within this new structure under the leadership of Barbara Walker. It is great to know that on matters concerning services for the blind, consumers both intend to and will have the last word.

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TECHNOLOGY FOR THE BLIND 2000 AND BEYOND

By Nancy Coffman

From the Editor: Nancy Coffman is an active Federationist and a program specialist in the field of technology for the Nebr Commission for the Blind & Visually Impaired. Each year she checks out technology at the National convention and reports on her findings. Here is her report for the year 2000:

It has become a tradition for members of the National Federation of the Blind to come together at the National convention expecting to see something new and innovative. This year, we were not let down as we toured the exhibit hall. The findings were numerous and innovative as always.

The newest kid on the block this year was a note-taker. The Braille Note by HumanWare is a Windows CE system which features a Braille keyboard and an 18 or 32 character Braille display. I like the fact that a modern operating system is being used as the backbone of this system. Windows CE is the system used in palm-top computers such as Palm Pilot and Visor. It allows for using the Braille Note with a computer so that what is being done on the note-taker can be read on a computer monitor. It allows JAWS for Windows to operate its Braille display. The Braille Note can be connected to another device by serial, parallel or infrared technology. A separate communications program allows the Braille Note to be "active synced" with another computer. A modem, which comes standard in the unit, allows for sending and receiving e-mail with the communications program. Word processing documents can be saved in a Microsoft Word format and Word documents can be read on the Braille Note. Its price is comparable to that of the Braille Lite from Freedom Scientific. It also has an address book that operates as a database. If you have ever used the Keynote Companion or Braille Companion, you have a good idea about the features of this machine. One nice thing about its calendar-planning component is that you can't double schedule yourself accidentally (if you write down your appointments properly).

A new company has emerged in the Technology for the Blind field. Freedom Scientific is the result of a merger between Blazie Engineering, Henter-Joyce and Arkenstone. All of the products that the three companies have traditionally sold and supported are included in their line of products. We wish the new company and all of its customers well. Freedom Scientific announced that JAWS for Windows version 3.7 is just around the corner. As of this writing, the second beta release is available for anyone who wants to try it and is authorized to do so. You can download it from the Henter-Joyce web site. The Type Lite was demonstrated and seemed to be an impressive alternative for those who want quiet Braille output with the standard typing keyboard interface. I was also at some meetings where their prototype versions of the Braille Lite were shown. They were not demonstrated because they are so new but they are hoping to get those rolling out within the next few months. These new machines will have user-changeable memory and more of it. Hardware is being updated also.

The range of products available for those who want help learning all of the programs they are expected to operate was expanded this year. Chris-Cross Technologies had their tutorials available and Freedom Scientific also had information available about their tutorials. Tutorials are available for Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Eudora, Internet Explorer and other products. I was somewhat disappointed that the tutorials for the Microsoft Office Suite were for Office 97. People who buy Office new will be getting the 2000 version and will have to "make do" until new versions of the tutorials are available. Fortunately, there are more similarities than differences between the two Office Suites so you don't need to wait for new training materials to emerge before you learn your new software.

National Braille Press is one of my favorite stops in the exhibit hall. Not only do they have a variety of books about computer programs and Internet usage but they also have a vast array of books on other subjects. They have books on things your computer can't do like cooking, self-defense and pleasure reading. The nice thing about National Braille Press is that they charge us the same amount as those reading print are charged. They sell books in hard-copy Braille for those of us who like a good bedtime read. They also sell on cassette, on disk and sometimes, if it is a book of their own creation, in print. For those of us who do take our technical brain to bed with us find reading for our tastes too. They have references for several programs. They put these reference cards out as soon as they can after the program goes public and is known to be popular and accessible. This year, they featured a book about using the Internet and a book on shopping via the Internet. I ordered the shopping one because I have such a phobia about giving credit cards out over the Net and buying things without seeing what I am going to get. I think I need a little education.

Job Line was a hot topic at this convention. Job Line is a telephone-based service that allows a person to read job leads without having to use the Internet or a computer. It works similarly to Newsline (r). Job Line is something for the National Federation of the Blind to be very proud of. The technology has been made available to the public. Anyone can use it! A user of Job Line doesn't have to be blind or disabled in any way to enjoy the convenience of this service. One of the things I like about Job Line (r) is the chance to learn about job opportunities that I never knew existed. It is interesting to log on and listen to job listings for jobs outside my usual narrow scope. Nebraska is one of the states where Job Line (r) is available. I encourage job hunters to use it in their search for employment. I also think it is an excellent way for students to learn about the kinds of work that are available in the community where they live. You dial in your phone number to start creating your personal profile. After that, you put in the zip code where you want to work. You then are asked to choose from one of over 40 categories, which may have subcategories. Depending on your creativity or the number of phones you can use to start your profile, you can search for more than one type of job.

This year, I was pleased to see some of the products for quieting Braille embossers on the exhibit room floor. Sighted Electronics featured two of the sound barriers they sell. As the embosser I stood by ran off a catalog of their products for my reading pleasure, I stood and wondered how long it was going to take for the machine to start printing. In the noisy hall, I had not even heard the embossing process take place when their representative handed me a fresh copy of their most recent offerings.

Another item of interest at convention was the 2-dimentional Braille displays. These displays help with navigation because you can tell which line of the screen you are on through a vertical display along the left side of the display. You can tell if the line is full, partly full or blank. You can also use the routing keys on the side of that display to move your cursor to a given line. Once on the line, you can use the router keys to move to the exact location you are editing.

Most of the technology on the exhibit room floor had been updated recently or will be updated soon. In many cases, both were true. WindowEyes is deep into their work for supporting Braille displays. GW Micro hopes to have a version of their product out in September. SynthaVoice Computing has updated SlimWare Window Bridge and has enhanced the user-friendliness of the product while leaving in its power features. Freedom Scientific is retiring Doctor Jaws and adding some new features to JAWS for Windows. I am sure that many of the vendors there have made changes to their products that I have not listed here. It is always worthwhile to keep in touch with your technology vender to keep up to date on what new features and solutions they offer.

Closed circuit television systems, often referred to as video magnifiers, also have improved over the course of time. A closed circuit television system is now available with a "screen" which fits over your nose like a pair of glasses. A camera is attached to it with a cable. The system can be operated on batteries or from AC power. Other systems offer auto-focus and push-button adjustment of brightness, contrast, print size and viewing area. HumanWare had a Clear View system that also offered the ability to split the screen with a computer or switch between the CCTV and a computer running a screen magnification program. This system, in some cases, makes two monitors on the desk unnecessary. I would not recommend such a system for a person who is doing data entry or other work that requires a lot of "reading at the computer". Side by side monitors are sometimes more convenient in the long run.

The American Printing House for the Blind is another one of my favorite booths. They sell everything from no-tech Braille paper to high-tech software. The American Printing House for the Blind specializes in educational technology and supplies. They publish a variety of books for children and adults. They offer a variety of goods for use in the creation of Braille. APH is a good company to get to know. Parents and teachers should also know that they are the source for purchasing products for blind students with federal quota money. I often refer to their web site, www.aph.org, when I want to see if a given book or publication is available in an alternative format such as tape, large print or Braille. They also carry educational software and games for learning typing and other skills.

The subject of Digital Talking Books has been a hot topic for the last several years. This year was no exception. The Library of Congress is working toward making books available in a digital format along with Recordings for the Blind and Dyslexic and other organizations. One step the Library has made toward this goal is Web Braille. Web Braille allows you to download each volume of a book to your computer or Braille note-taker. From there, you can read the document. You can print your own copy if you need one and you can do all of this knowing that it is in good format and has been proofread. Schools are greatly enjoying this service because they can get Braille to more students than the number of copies of the book available. You do need an ID and password in order to use this service. I think it is a great start toward digital access to the materials we need.

Mice have been a running thread through the last few conventions. This year, I think we have come closer to having mice be usable by the blind than ever before. Arkenstone has incorporated the ability to use gaming mice with its software. When you move the mouse, the software will pull it to the nearest object on the page and tell you whether it is a column, graphic, header, footer or other object. If you want that object read, you click the mouse to have the object selected and read. The Virtual Reality Mouse has a new name now and was still more interesting than useful. It has software that will guide you to a given icon or object on the screen and read it to you. It still requires taking your hands off of the keyboard. It might eventually have some application in highly graphic environments.

Seeing the research that is being done on products for the blind is always interesting. What is nice is that by the time something makes it to an NFB convention, it is probably reasonable to expect it back in a few years with a shipping date, an attractive look and a price tag. One such thing at the convention this year was a Braille display based on a wheel. A user would put their fingers on the dots at the top of the wheel. As the wheel turned, at a certain point, the Braille would change. A lot still needs to be worked out, but I think this technology has some promise. It is hoped that it will provide a lower cost alternative since even the operation of the dots is mechanical rather than electrical. I'll keep you posted on how that develops.

On the future front, look for new technology that will permit your cellular phone and microwave to keep you posted on what you are doing. Nothing was at this convention but the commitment is there to make sure we are not left out of the consumer technology picture. One thing you can begin watching for is the talking ATM. This technology was demonstrated at the Computer Science Division and in the exhibit hall. Some major banks are already working to put these machines in place although I don't think Nebraska is one of the testing grounds for them. If you are a customer of a major bank, it never hurts to remind them that blind people need access to all of their services including their automatic teller machines.

I can't finish this article about all of the new-fangled things we all could go out and buy without mentioning Nancy's technology rules. I have two of them. First, keep it simple. Use computers and other technology for what it makes easier or possible. Sometimes getting caught up in using technology can complicate things and make life difficult. My other rule is if it works don't fix it. The latest technology is not always the best and we all have to make decisions about where to spend our money. Buying only what works and meets our needs helps vendors and inventors to recognize our real needs so that the technology we are offered is worth having. Being true to ourselves about what we want and need is the best way to insure quality products and services for the future.

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ALL FIRED UP

By Amy Buresh

From the Editor: Amy Buresh is the Newsline Coordinator for Nebraska and attended her first National convention this past July in Atlanta, Georgia. Here is Amy's impression of her first convention:

I would like to begin by thanking the Nebraska Affiliate for giving me the opportunity to attend my very first National Federation of the Blind Convention in Atlanta, Georgia. What an awesome experience it was. I had a chance to see first hand the bustle, energy, and thousands of people from all across the nation that make up a good NFB convention. The spirit, energy and commitment to changing what it means to be blind was certainly present in Atlanta.

While in Atlanta, I also had the chance to meet with other Newsline coordinators and share and gain new ideas with them. As I write this, I am about to fly with my husband to Baltimore, Maryland to attend a leadership seminar. I am very excited for the opportunity to tour the National Center and learn new things about the Federation.

I look forward to sharing my Baltimore experience with you in the next issue.

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NEWS FROM AROUND THE STATE

Nebraska Association of Blind Students
Mike Hansen

We have just finished a successful year of events, thanks to the help of all the NABS members, as well as the members of the NFBN. Once again this year, NCBVI asked us to help with the first day of Round-Tuit. Based on the comments that we received from last year's attendees, we put together an informative day for all the participants. The guest speaker was Richard Crawford from Sioux City, IA who gave an outstandingly motivational speech. We finished the day up with a picnic of hamburgers and hot dogs in Antelope Park. All in all, the student-sponsored day of Round-Tuit was terrific.

Just this past month we put on a separate seminar for the WAGES participants. We started this last year after the date for Round-Tuit was changed. Before the date change, the WAGES students could not attend. Last year, the big hit of the WAGES seminar was a scavenger hunt. So this year we built the whole day around a large scavenger hunt that encompassed the UNL City Campus and most of Downtown Lincoln. While out on their trek, WAGES students worked on direction orientation, cane travel, address location, and information gathering skills. Afterwards, we had some pizza and tried to play a little beeper ball.

Our next official meeting will be during the State Convention in October.

Lincoln Chapter
Cheryl Livingston

The Lincoln chapter has been busy these past few months. We concluded our Associates contest for the chapter and would like to congratulate the women for their outstanding effort in recruiting Associates. The men now have the task of planning and hosting the dinner for the women. The chapter held a garage sale in July to raise funds for the National Research and Technology Institute. The garage sale went well. Many members of our Lincoln chapter will attend the NFBN convention in October in Omaha. Our annual Christmas party will be December 9 at Valentino's on 33rd and Holdrege in Lincoln. Everyone is invited to attend.

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NEWS FAVORING BRIEF NOTES

A HEARTFELT THANK YOU

NFBN Treasurer Cheryl Livingston and her family would like to sincerely thank everyone for their support during the tragic events of this past summer. We deeply appreciate the cards, phone calls, flowers, and food we received from so many caring friends. The National Federation of the Blind of Nebraska would also like to thank those who sent monetary gifts in memory of Cheryl's sisters.

WEDDING BELLS

Wedding bells rang for Shane Buresh and Amy Rut in June as they became Mr. and Mrs. Buresh. Shane is the Second Vice-president of the NFBN and Amy is the Nebraska Newsline Coordinator. Another Federation couple will tie the knot in mid-September. NABS President Mike Hansen will marry Lynette Kerkove. We wish Shane and Amy and Mike and Lynette many happy years of wedded bliss together.

NANCY OLTMAN WINS PRIZE

As many of us in the NFBN know, NFBN Board member Nancy Oltman is an outstanding cook. Nancy and her nephew, Maclain Reznik, won first prize of $200 in the Land O Lakes Sweet Treats contest. Nancy baked peanut butter surprise cookies and, no doubt, they were absolutely wonderful.

PRESIDENT MOVES

Lincoln Chapter President Jeff Altman has moved (temporarily) to Ruston, Louisiana. Jeff will be studying for a Masters degree in Orientation and Mobility at Louisiana Tech University. We wish Jeff well in his academic endeavors.

CHANGES AT NEBR COMMISSION

We will be seeing a few new faces at the Nebraska Commission. Jane Lansaw will be working as the Travel Instructor at the Orientation Center in Lincoln while Jeff Altman is in Louisiana. Jane is from Missouri and a fellow Federationist. Another Federationist will be working in the Omaha office as an Orientation Counselor. Jim Portillo is from Texas and has attended the Louisiana Center for the Blind and the Colorado Center for the Blind. Jim is at the Orientation Center receiving orientation training.

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