Memorandum
South Dakota State Library
Braille and Talking Book Library
March 2000
Editor: Karen Knudsen
Patrons of the SD Braille & Talking Book Library
This MEMORANDUM is our means of communication with our patrons. If you have any questions or comments you would like to address, or wish to have this memo in large print or braille, please contact Karen Knudsen.

If you wish to receive the next issue of the MEMORANDUM, please return this issue. If you don't want to receive future issues of the MEMORANDUM, please contact the Library at 1-800-423-6665 and ask for Karen Knudsen.


NOTES FROM THE EDITOR.Karen Knudsen
Well here we are in the New Year 2000. Technically it isn't the 21st century until 2001. It is going to take a while to get used to using 00 on my dated letters or bills that I pay, etc.

I just can't seem to get settled in. So far I haven't used my snow shovels too much this season. I know we do need the moisture however or it is going to be very dry this summer unless we get the rain.

I hope everyone had a nice holiday season. I know I did. I have to work extra hard now at the YMCA after I get off at 5pm to work it off. I did get some nice things from relatives for myself and my three cats also. I have a hunch the cats also enjoyed the holidays.

I am working with other volunteer coordinators getting things together for the SD Association of Volunteer Leaders Convention in November. We did decide on the date, elected the officers and I get to help pay the bills. We will be meeting once a month or may have to meet more depending on what has to get done.

I wish everyone a Belated Happy New Year. Please remember this is your Library so please feel free to call or write to the staff or myself about any suggestions, comments, or anything else you are concerned about.


FROM THE DESK OF DAN BOYD
Every so often I dust off this column for our newsletter. Each time I have this included in our newsletter I have great hope that one of our patrons or a group of our patrons will step forward and take the lead on this project.

The South Dakota Braille & Talking Book Library belongs to our patrons and we work for you.

One of the items on the SD Braille & Talking Book Library "wish list" is to have a "Friends of the SD Braille & Talking Book Library" group established.

Friends are a necessary part of life, for institutions as well as people. Support and recognition are important elements of any friendship. The basic assumption is that Friends of the Library groups can and should supply these necessities to all libraries while they represent the library to the community.

The library can multiply its support if it is willing to establish and perpetuate a Friends group.

The initial reasons for having a Friends group differ from library to library but generally include:
  • Money - Friends have traditionally raised funds for projects and acquisitions in excess of the general library budget.
  • Services - There is no limit to the services that a dedicated volunteer group can provide.
  • Public relations - Each Friend is a walking public relations vehicle for the library.
  • Advocacy - An informed, active citizen lobby can be the strongest weapon the library has.
  • Patron Involvement - An organized Friends group is living proof of the library's value to the community or state.
The South Dakota Braille & Talking Book Library also envisions the "Friends" as a group that would take the lead in the development of an Advisory Council. This council would meet on a regular basis with the library director and other staff. The council would receive information on library activities, plans, budget updates, and staffing. The council would then assist the library in the development of a work plan for the next year. The Advisory Council and the Friends Group would also be available to lobby for the interests of the Library.

The South Dakota Braille & Talking Book Library has information on establishing a friends group and also establishing an advisory council.

If there is a library patron or group of library patrons interested in working on this project please contact my office by telephone toll free 1- 800- 423 - 6665. I am willing to discuss this by telephone or person to person with anyone who is interested.


TIDBITS FROM THE STAFF

From the desk of Jerry
Some reminders:
  • There are changes to your address, phone number or other identifying information. Please call.
  • You don't receive titles requested from lists mailed to the library. Please call.
Don't's:
  • Do NOT lend your books or equipment to others.
  • Do not place notes about books or library service inside book containers. We love to hear from you and the notes might be missed or lost.
  • Do not write notes on the mailing cards. If you need to order books or report a problem, please call us.

From the desk of Judy
Just a reminder that we have the video Titanic on our shelves now.


BOOK SELECTIONS FROM THE STAFF
Reading for the Millennium
  • RC 27193 Gould, Stephen Jay. Time's Arrow, Time's Cycle.
    Explains the temporal order of the universe and the human mind's struggle to understand it.
  • RC 38333 O'Malley, Michael. Keeping Watch; A History of American Time.
    Chronicles the political and social implications of the move from Farmers' Almanacs to mechanical devices.
  • RC 42255 Fernandez-Armesto, Felipe. Millenium, a History of the Last Thousand Years.
    A history of the ten centuries from a global, non-European perspective.
  • RC 45617 Sagan, Carl. Billions and Billions: Thoughts on life and death at the brink of the millenium.
    Argues that moral codes and civic responsibility are imperative to survive in the new millenium.
  • RC 46057 Gould, Stephen Jay. Questioning the millenium.
    Examines a range of astronomical, historical, and calendral factors that bear on the meaning and significance of the millenium.
  • RC 47231 Cohen, Daniel. Millenium.
    Contains the historical and religious significance for the year 2000.
  • RC 47390 Tolstoy, Leo. Calendar of Wisdom: daily thoughts to nourish the soul written and selected from the world's sacred texts.
  • RC 47409 Yourdon, Edward. Time bomb 2000: What the Year 2000 computer crisis means to you.
    Explains possible consequences of computer failures in banks, hospitals, utilities, governments, transportation systems and more.

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND
Dear Student,

Scholarships offered by NFB await you! As a college student, you are eligible for one of NFB of SD scholarships and 30 national scholarships. The scholarship from NFB of SD has been doubled this year to $1,000 in honor of Anna Marklund. The convention for NFB will be at the Radison Hotel in Rapid City the week of April 28-30th. The scholarships for the National NFB range from $3,000- $21,000. The National Convention will be held in Atlanta, Ga during the first week of July. Both of these conventions are mandatory for you to attend. The NFB will pay expenses to these conventions for scholarship recipient.

The National Federation of the Blind is a membership organization dedicated to improving the lives of blind individuals. Fill out an application today and assure yourself of the possibility of being selected.

Cordially,

Karen S. Mayry, President
You may get one of these applications by calling 1-800-558-8418- or in Rapid City, please call 348,8418. You may also send a letter requesting an application to Karen S. Mayry, 919 Main, Suite 15, Rapid City SD 57701. The deadline for mailing these to the Scholarship Committee is March 31,2000.

Some of the scholarships and the amounts are:
  • 1-$21,000 Kenneth Jernigan scholarship.
  • 3-$7,000 scholarships, one of which is a Melva T. Owen Memorial scholarship.
  • 4-$5,000 from NFB.
  • 22-$3,000 from different sources with some restrictions on some of them.
  • HERMIONE GRANT CALHOUN SCHOLARSHIP-must be a woman.
  • MOZELLE & WILLARD GOLD MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP- no restrictions.
  • FRANK WALTON HORN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP-preference to those studying architecture or engineering.
  • KUCHLER-KILLIAN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP-no restrictions.
  • E.U. PARKER SCHOLARSHIP-no restrictions.
  • HOWARD BROWN RICKARD SCHOLARSHIP-studying or planning to study in the fields of law, medicine, engineering, architecture, or the natural sciences.
  • NFB COMPUTER SCIENCE SCHOLARSHIP-studying in computer science field.
  • NFB EDUCATOR OF TOMORROW AWARD-elementary, secondary, or post-secondary teaching.
  • NFB HUMANITIES SCHOLARSHIP- winner must be studying in the traditional humanities such as art, English, foreign languages, history, philosophy, or religion.
  • 13 NFB SCHOLARSHIPS -no additional restrictions, except that one will be given to a person working full time who is attending or planning to attend a part-time course of study which will result in a new degree and broader opportunities in present or future work.
The only criteria is that you must be legally blind to apply for these scholarships. You do not have to be a member of NFB.


The announcements of new products and services in our memorandum should not be considered an endorsement of those products and services by the SD Braille and Talking Book Library. The products and services are listed free of charge for the benefit of our readers.


FOR YOUR INFORMATION
  • Fred's Head
    American Printing House for the Blind is building the "Fred's Head Database". It will be a collection of tips, tricks & alternative techniques by and for people who are blind or visually impaired. This database will be available on APH's web site, www.aph.org/fh. If you have any ideas, share them in braille, print, on computer disk or cassette tape, or via e-mail. Send those ideas to Fred's Head database,, American Printing House for the Blind, PO Box 6085, Louisville, KY 40206-0085; e-mail fredshead@aph.org.
  • New Program
    Lions World Services for the Blind has a new program available to train telemarketing sales representatives to work for Lunsco, Inc., a pharmaceutical and safety supply company based in Pulaski, VA. Trainees will study the Lunsco catalog and products and gain information about setting up a home-based telemarketing post; learn Internet search techniques and use e-mail and fax to communicate with the company for orders and information. Income is based on a commission system. For more information write: Director of Training Services, Lions World Services for the Blind, 2811 Fair Park Blvd., Little Rock, AR 72204; phone (501) 664-7100, or visit the web site, www.lwsb.org.
  • Selected Writings
    "Against the Pollution of the l: Selected Writings" by Jacques Lusseyran is now available. It is a collection of little known essays he wrote after losing his sight at age eight. Four of the six are based on his experience both in and after university life as a professor of literature and philosophy in Europe and the US. For more information, or to order call 1 (800) 560-6984. It costs $19.95 per copy.
  • Comparable Rates
    The Future Trends and Research Committee of the General Council of Industries for the Blind recently released a study on occupational injuries & illnesses among blind workers. It shows that able-bodied and disabled workers have comparable illness & injury rates. If given the proper tools, working conditions & safety devices, blind workers can achieve the same or lower rates of injuries and illnesses as the sighted counterparts performing similar operations. A summary of the report is available on the NIB web site, www.nib.org.

    For a free copy of the summary or the full report, call or write to National Industries for the Blind, 1901 N. Beauregard St. Alexandria VA. 22322; phone (703) 998-0770; fax (703) 998-9053. Braille & large print copies are also available.
  • Washable Labels
    Have you ever wished for washable braille and large print garment labels? They are now available in packages of 25 or 50 labels. Your first order will come with an index of colors to enable you to learn the company's color abbreviations, and the color saturation guide, which distinguishes between light and dark shades of color. Currently, the company has blue, black, purple, white, yellow, red, green, gray, tan, pink and orange available. A set of 25 labels costs $12.95; a set of 50 labels costs $24.95. For more information, call Denise at (610) 642-4442.
  • Easy As PI
    The VisAble Scientific Calculator allows users with low vision to perform scientific, statistical, and trigonometric calculations. It includes all basic scientific and mathematical functions and comes with a large print manual that is spiral-bound for ease of use. For more information, contact the Betacom Corporation at 1 (800) 353-1107.
  • Smart Devices
    Pulse Data International has developed two new devices for people with macular degeneration and other types of vision loss. The Smart Keypad and the Smart Organizer were designed to work with the SmartView video magnifier. The keypad and organizer both provide an on-screen display of a large-character clock, calendar and calculator. The organizer provides a large-character on-screen telephone/address book and appointment calendar and a memo pad. For more information, contact Judy Byrd at Pulse Data International Inc., 351 Thornton Rd., Suite 119, Lithia Springs, GA 30122-1589; phone 1 (888) 734-8439; or visit the web site, www.pulsedata.com.
  • In Need of Supplies
    The National Association for the Exchange of Industrial Resources has available a catalog of brand-new donated supplies. These supplies, donated from business overstocks, include office products, computer software and accessories, toys, clothing, janitorial items, hand tools, maintenance materials and holiday party goods. Recipient groups pay dues ranging $375 to $575, plus shipping and handling, but the merchandise itself is free. To receive a free information kit, contact the organization at 1 (800) 562-0955.
  • Talking Caller Id
    Full Life Products recently introduced a new model for its talking caller ID line, the 560CW. It will speak the caller's number and let you know who's calling before you answer. It works with call waiting deluxe and has a new easy-to-read three-line display that shows the person's name, number and date and time of the call, and introduces a dial back function. It stores the 99 most recent calls, has a visual and audible message waiting indicator, adjustable volume control, one touch new call review, and much more. The unit costs $49.99 plus shipping and handling. For more information, call the company at 1 (800) 400-1540 or visit the web site, www.superproducts.com.
  • Seti-Search
    Is a fast, accessible Internet search engine developed by Agassa Technologies and KIA Internet Solutions. To find it, and test it, visit www.Seti-search.com. With this search engine, you enter your keyword or phrase once and then select from a list of the most popular Internet search engines to get results. It is designed to work with a variety of Web browsers, and to support those using assistive technology to interface with the Internet. For more information, visit the web site or send e-mail to info@Seti-search.com. (note dated 2006. website is no longer active)

MORE INFORMATION
  • Metdesk
    Metropolitan Life Insurance Company of New York recently introduced a new marketing division, called MetDesk-Division of Estate Planning for Special Kids. It will focus on the financial concerns of families with special needs children. Special needs is defined as any limited functioning caused by a mental, emotional, genetic, physical, or biological condition which may require specialized programs, training and/or government benefit assistance.
  • School Needs Help
    The Children's Garden School of India needs your help. The school needs braille writers, braille watches, slates and styli, folding canes and dark glasses. If you have any of these items to spare, send them to: H. N. Tims, Children's Garden School, Telaprolu, Via Gannavaram, Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh, 521109 India.
  • Centennial Celebration
    The South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired will be celebrating its centennial in the year 2000. Anyone who attended, was employed by, or would be interested in receiving information about Centennial Reunion activities should contact the school, SDSBVI, 423 17th Ave. SE, Aberdeen, SD 57401-7699.

    You may also call Dawn LaMee or Dawn Flewwellin by phone at (605) 626-2580 or toll free (888) 275-3814.

    The school is also looking for any school-related pictures, newspaper articles or stories that people would be willing to share to be used in the school archives exhibits.
  • Rose Bowl Info
    The Rose Bowl has an access specialist, and publishes an "Access Guide to the Rose Bowl for Patrons with Disabilities." Call (626) 577-3101 or write to The Rose Bowl, 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena, CA 91103. Reasonable accommodations will be provided upon request; contact the Rose Bowl at least five working days before the event to put in your request.
  • The Frio Wallet
    Do you want a way to keep your insulin cool while travelling? This wallet is for you. It will keep your insulin cool for up to 45 hours. To activate it, immerse it in cold water for 10-15 minutes. Crystals contained in the wallet's panels expand into a gel, which remains cool for several days. A pouch supplied with the wallet adds insulation and enables the user to carry the wallet in a pocket, handbag, or even on a belt.

    There are 2 sizes: 21/2 by 7in. cost $20; 5 1/2 by 6 in. for $24.50. The company's web site is at www.friouk.com.
  • Eye Health Program
    National Eye Health Education Program of the National Eye Institute recently established a Low Vision Public Education Program. This program aims to increase awareness of low vision and its impact on quality of life. The program includes a consumer media campaign (print, radio, and TV ads); educational material; an outreach program; a travelling exhibit that will be on display in shopping malls; a toll-free number for consumers to order those educational materials; and information on the NEI web site: www.nei.nih.gov.
  • Financial Aid for Eye Care
    Many state and national resources provide aid to people with vision problems. If you are in need of financial assistance to access or treat an eye problem, you might contact a social worker at a local hospital or other community agency--they are often knowledgeable about community resources that can help people facing financial and medical problems.

    A few of the resources and their phone numbers are listed with a brief description.
    • National Eye Care Project, 1 (800) 222- 3937. They provide free and low cost eye exams for US citizens 65 and older who have not had access to an ophthalmologist in the past 3 years.
    • Vision USA, 1 (800) 766-4466. They offer free eye care to uninsured, low-income workers and their families. Screening for the program takes place only during January each year, with exams provided later in the year.
    • Lions Clubs International provides financial assistance to individuals for eye care through local clubs. Check the telephone directory for your nearest club. The number of the National Office is (630)571-5466.
    • Mission Cataract USA, 1- (800) 343-7265. It is a program providing free cataract surgery to people of all ages who have no means to pay. Surgeries are scheduled annually on one day, usually in May.
    • Celebrate Sight: Do you know your glaucoma risk? 1- (800) 391-3937. It is a program offering free examinations and treatment for glaucoma who have no medical insurance.
  • Auto-Reading the Stain Residues at Your Parking Place
    The following colored residues, according to a spokesman for the Automotive Maintenance and Repair Association, relate to possible problems with the associated car function:
    • Coolant is bright green or orange;
    • Oil is brown;
    • Power steering & transmission fluids are red;
    • Brake fluid clear or tan: and
    • Gasoline has a distinctive odor.
    On a lesser front, condensation from the air conditioning unit will leave a clear puddle in summer.
  • Consumer FYI
    Nancy Paradis, who pens the Action column, relates that the Federal Trade Commission now has a toll-free number for its consumer response center: FTC HELP (877) 382-4357. It has complaint and/or information counselors available from 9 am to 8 pm weekdays. The website is www.ftc.gov. Informative brochures are also available.
  • American Bible Society
    Is now offering the New revised Standard Version of the New Testament and Psalms available in Braille. The five volume New Testament cost is $225. The two volume Psalms is $44.95. Contact them at the American Bible Society, 1865 Broadway, New York, NY 10023, or call 1- (800) 422-4253
  • Spinoza The Bear Cassette Player
    Inside the 17" x 17" soft bear resides a cassette player hidden under his fur and a special "heart dial" on his chest to turn the player on and off. This player is available in a 4-track option. Other features of this Spinoza player include A/C jack, headphone jack, automatic shut-off, and a washable surface. It runs by two "AA" batteries and carries a 90-day warranty.

    To learn more about the bear and other products, such as guides for using the bear in Head Start, education, and longterm care situations, call toll-free 1 (800) 282-2327, or write 1876 Minnehaha Ave. W, St Paul, MN 55104-1029. You may also visit their website: www.spinozabear.com
  • IXC/Eclipse
    IXC/Eclipse Telecommunications is a full service nationwide long distance telephone service with Nancy and Bob Buchanan as the agents for it.

    In 36 states out of state rates for customers of Baby Bells are 7.5 cents per minute. Customers of other local carriers and residents of Maine, and others, including South Dakota can get 8.9 cents per minute. Those living in Alaska and Hawaii are not eligible. They also offer very good instate rates. All billing is in six-second increments after the first thirty seconds. There are no monthly minimums. You pay only for the time you use plus mandated state and federal fees and taxes. For more information, call the Buchanans at (803) 256-1223, e-mail buchanan@conterra.com or fax them at (803) 256-1019.
  • Listserv for Women
    Womentalk is an e-mail listserv that is designed for women who are blind or visually impaired to discuss aspects of their lives as visually impaired women. Topics of discussion range from employment or independent living, to dating or social relationships. To subscribe to this list, send a blank e-mail message to womentalk-subscribe@onelist.com. For more information, visit the onelist web site:www.onelist.com.
  • Telephone Newspaper Access
    Newsline for the Blind is a free service that is operated by NFB and provides touch-tone telephone newspaper access to subscribers in sponsored areas. For more information contact: National Federation of the Blind, 1800 Johnson street, Baltimore, MD 21230; phone 410-659-9314; fax 410-685-5653; Web site www.nfb.org.
  • Books
    Electronic Books are being offered by the National Braille Press which are called PortaBooks for portable Braille devices. PortaBooks are books in Braille file format on disk that are designed for use with a portable Braille-reading device.

    Some of the titles are Charlotte's Web, Safe Without Sight, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Cooking With Feeling and Shop Online the Lazy Way just to name a few.

    For more information, contact: National Braille Press, 88 St. Stephen Street, Boston, MA 02115; phone 800-548-7323; fax: 617-437-0456; Web site www.nbp.org.

    Book on Rehabilitation called the Journey to Excellence recounts the history of rehabilitation at the Hines Blind Rehabilitation Program beginning with the period of WWI. It includes over 100 photographs and personal accounts of blinded servicemen who were rehabilitated at Hines. The book costs $39.95. For more information, contact Galde Press, Inc., PO Box 460, Lakeville, MN 55044; phone 612-891-5991; fax 612-891-6091; e-mail: galde@galdepress.com; web site: www.galdepress.com: to place orders call:800-777-3454.
  • Very Large Print
    Harvard Ranch Publishing has recently released three books in very large print (headline size type). They are "A Walk in the Garden," "Favorite Hymns," and "Verses From the Bible." Each costs $24.95: add $2.50 per book for shipping and handling. For more information, call toll-free 1 (800) 815-9533; write Harvard Ranch Publishing at PO Box 842, Kalispell, MT 59903: or website harvardranch.com.
  • CATALOGS
    Independent Living Aids has its educational and recreational catalog available. If you want a sneak peek, visit www.independentliving.com and follow the links to the educational and recreational highlights by mail, send your name and address to techsupport@independentliving.com. If you have a question you would like answered, e-mail can-do@independentliving.com and Independent Living Aids will e-mail you a response and post the question to the board. If you don't have access to e-mail, call 1 (800) 537-2118.
  • Holiday Kick-Off
    Home Readers is beginning its holiday season early with the production of its new line of audio catalogs. They offer more than 30 catalogs. These catalogs are available at all times.

    Some of the catalogs are: Collector's Choice Music; San Francisco Music Box Company; Vermont Country Store; Figi's; American Kitchen; Schwan's; Land's End; Walter Drake; Spices Etc.; Miles Kimball; Radio Shack; FAO Schwartz; Chadwick's of Boston; Sharper Image; Sugar Free Marketplace; Christmas Food Combo; Spiegel's; Pet Catalog; Harriet Carter; Kathy's Corner Gifts and Collectibles; Tupperware; and many more.

    The company also offers a cookbook selection which includes more than 15 different cookbooks. They are: Oreo with a Twist; Philadelphia Cheesecakes; Aunt Bee's Mayberry Cookbook; Christmas Cookie Cookbook; 101 Diabetic Recipes; and others. For more information, call Home Readers at (913) 893-6939 of write the company at 604 W Hulett, Edgerton, KS 66021. You may also visit the web site, www.homereaders.com or send e-mail to orders@homereaders.com.
  • Shopping for Hard to Obtain Sizes
    Oregon State Library's spring 1999 publication suggests Adrian's Closet, specializing in clothing and accessories for children and adults with special needs. Items such as sweat suits, tee shirts, jackets, pants, and much more are designed with more attention to accessibility features. You can contact them through Adrian's Closet, PO Box 9930, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067, or call 1- (800) 831-2577 for a free catalog.

Magazines
Disc to Cassette
If you subscribe to The Atlantic Monthly, Discover, Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine, Health and Nutrition Newsletters, Magazine of the Month, New Choices, Living Even Better after Fifty, Outdoor Life, QST, Sports Illustrated , or True West, you will automatically receive these title on cassette starting with the January 2000 issue.

Free Offer
Christian Record Services, Inc of Lincoln, NE has several magazines available in braille and on tape for you. Some of them are: "Children's Friend", "Young & Alive", "Christian Record", "The Student", "Christian Record Talking Magazine", and "Encounter".

They also have a talking book lending library of 1700 titles in a wide variety of interest areas. For more Information, contact the company at PO Box 6097, Lincoln, NE 68506-0097 or call (402)488-0981.

By Subscription
Access world: Technology for Consumers with Visual Impairments will begin in January 2000. It has cutting-edge information on specialized assistive technology featuring AFB's popular product evaluations, new product announcements and reports on mainstream technology-related developments of interest to blind or visually impaired people. Policy developments in technology and telecommunications will also be featured.

The bimonthly magazine will be available in braille, large print, on cassette, and electronically via the Web at an annual subscription fee of $29.95. For more information or to subscribe, visit the Access World Web site at www.afb.org/accessworld.html or call toll-free 1 (888) 522-0220. The site will include the full text of the magazine, audio clips from interviews, and links to information about products, laws, and other items covered in Access World.

Favorite Authors
If you like books by
  • Dana Fuller Ross
    John Jakes, William Stuart Long, Donald Clayton Porter
  • Sidney Sheldon
    Jeffrey Archer, Mary Higgins Clark, Jackie Collins, Howard Fast, Joy Fielding, Michael Korda, Judith Krantz, Patricia MacDonald, William Martin, Judith Michael, Elizabeth Peters, Ruth Rendell, Harold Robbins, Fred Mustard Stewart, Irving Wallace
  • Danielle Steel
    Pat Booth, Barbara Taylor Bradford, Jacqueline Briskin, Sandra Brown, Jackie Collins, Shirley Conran, Kate Coscarelli, Janet Dailey, Julie Ellis, Cynthia Freeman, Elizabeth Gage, Eileen Goudge, Judith Krantz, Judith Michael, Nora Roberts, Lavyrle Spencer, Kathleen Woodiwiss

Internet Resources
  • Blindness Resource Center is a service of the New York Institute for Special Education. There is a huge amount of helpful information out there on blindness, adaptive technology, braille, eye conditions, low vision resources, disability organizations, deaf-blindness, and much more. The URL is www.nyise.org/blind.htm.
  • Sugar Free Sites are available for diabetics. Do you have trouble finding sugar-free desserts? Sue Slater, a native of St. Louis, has come up with a way. She created a guide to sugar-free desserts that can be found at restaurants and bakeries throughout the United States. This guide is available on the Internet at www.sugarfreesites.com. (site no longer active 02/2006)
  • Computer Bytes is a monthly compilation of items from other newsletters, computer brochures, and portions of magazine articles. It is published by the Oregon Talking Book and Braille Services, and can be found on the web at egov.oregon.gov.
  • The Macular Degeneration Partnership has launched a new Web site that is designed to provide information to those with (AMD). The site lists information, tools, and resources (including links to other Age related macular degeneration web sites. Interested persons without Internet can receive recorded information on topics related to AMD by calling this toll-free number. It is 888-430-9898.

    For more information, contact: The Macular Degeneration Partnership, 8631 West Third Street, Suite 520E, Los Angeles, CA 90048; web site www.amd.org.
  • The Narrative Television Network has announced that described television and movie programming is now available on its web site: www.narrativetv.com. The programming is available free 24 hours a day. For more information, contact: Narrative Television Network, 5840 South Memorial Drive, Suite 312, Tulsa, Ok 74145; phone 918-627-1000.

Volunteer Interview
Our volunteer for this newsletter is Tony Koch. He works in the equipment area doing cassette machine inspection and repair. He is a Telephone Pioneer volunteer.

Tony has volunteered for 42 years in many different organizations. Besides the Telephone Pioneers, he has volunteered at the Pierre Volunteer Fire Department for 25 years, serving as Chief in 1975, SD Fire Fighters Association, serving 8 years on Board of Directors. He has been a Boy Scout Leader. Other organizations that he volunteered at are SS Peter & Paul Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus, Fishing Has No Boundaries, Special Olympics, Discovery Center( built a telephone switchboard that has been in use since they opened) RSVP, coach grade school basketball and teener softball, State Capitol Christmas tree display & Pierre Area Senior Citizens Center.

He was born in Salem and lived there for awhile before moving to Pierre. He has lived in Pierre for the last 48 years.

Tony enjoys hunting, fishing, bowling and golf. He enjoys building and repairing things as you can see from the different places he has volunteered at. He also built a battery charger for our equipment area at the Braille & Talking Book area.

Our thanks from the staff go out to Tony for the many years he has volunteered at the library.


Trivia
How to know you're Growing Older
  • Dialing long distance wears you out.
  • You get winded playing chess.
  • Your knees buckle and your belt won't.
  • Your arms are almost too short to read the newspaper.
  • You look both ways before crossing a room.
  • The car you bought brand new becomes an antique.
  • You are declined as an organ donor; you're told they're not sure if your organs are functional.
  • People are constantly putting a mirror under your nose while you nap; to see if you're breathing.
  • You had to give away the family dog; he kept trying to drag you to the yard to bury you.
  • The fire department is requested to attend your birthday party; in case the candles on the cake get out of hand.
On the Lighter Side
A man gets home, runs into his house, slams the door and shouts, "Honey, I just won the lottery! Pack your bags!"

The wife says, "Great! What should I pack for? The ocean or the mountains?"

He says, "I don't care! Just be out by the end of the week!"

A teacher wanted his students to improve their spelling skills. So, he decided to have each of them come up to the front of the class and tell the class about their fathers' profession or trade and to spell such profession or trade.

The teacher called up Johnny as the first student, and Johnny said, "My father is a baker, and you spell it; B-A-K-E-R. If my father was here today, he would give everyone a cookie."

"Very well," the teacher said, and called Jim to the front. Jim said, "My father is a banker and you spell it; B-A-N-K-E-R. If he was here today, he would give everyone a quarter."

"Great," said the teacher and called Tim to the front. Tim said, "My father is an electrician, and you spell it; E-E-L-K.E-L-E-K.."

Tim was having a hard time spelling, so the teacher said, "Tim why don't you sit and think about the spelling for a few minutes. In the meantime, we'll have Peter come up and tell us about his father."

Peter said, "My father is a bookie; B-O-O-K-I-E. And if my father was here today he would bet, 9 out of 10 that Tim would not spell ELECTRICIAN."

MORE TRIVIA
Some Actual Signs
  • In a restaurant window, "Don't stand there and be hungry, come in and get fed up."
  • In a veterinarian's waiting room, "Be back in five minutes. Sit! Stay!"
  • On the desk in a reception room, "We shoot every 3rd salesman, and the 2nd one just left."
  • Outside a muffler shop, "No appointment necessary. We hear you coming."
  • At a car dealership, "The best way to get back on your feet--miss a car payment."
  • On the front door, "Everyone is a vegetarian except the dog."
  • On a fence, "Salesman welcome. Dog food is expensive."
  • In the front of a funeral home, "Drive carefully, we'll wait."