Celebrating the New Year - there is a festive fireworks display on the cover of this month issue.

Cabell-Wayne Association of the Blind

Mission and Vision Statements

Our Mission:

Cabell-Wayne Association of the Blind is committed to promoting and advocating the economic, educational, and social welfare of the blind and visually impaired of all ages so that they can maintain a lifestyle comparable to other members of society.

Our Vision:

CWAB will be seen nationally as a model for organizations and agencies that help blind and visually impaired persons achieve maximum independence. CWAB will be known for timely and appropriate state-of-the-art responses to the changing needs of consumers throughout the Tri-State area and beyond.

Guide Page Magazine

December 2004 Reader of the Month

Jessica Raslton from WSAZ NewsChannel 3

Jessica Ralston joined the WSAZ Charleston team in December of 2003. Before moving south to Charleston, Jessica spent 2 years woking at WDTV Newschannel 5 in Clarksburg, West Virginia. At WDTV Jessica anchored and co-produced the "Daybreak and "West Virginia Midday" newscasts. One year later she was promoted to an anchor spot on the 5:00, 5:30, 6:00 and 11:00 p.m. news.

During her time in West Virginia Jessica has hosted/co-hosted several television events, including the West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival Parade, Strawberry Festival Grand Feature Parade, Miss West Virginia Scholarship Pageant and the Children's Miracle Network Telethon.

Jessica began her broadcast career in news at the NBC affiliate in Youngstown, Ohio (her hometown.) She spent 3 years working as a producer there before making the move to the Mountain State.

Jessica's favorite part of working in TV news is the chance to get out and meet new people everyday. Jessica welcomes e-mails from viewers and a "hello" if you see her out and about. Her email address is jessica.ralston@wsaz.com.

There are two photos with this article. Each a screen "capture from a WSAZ newscast featuring Jessica. The photo on th left page - nearly half-page in size shows Jessica smiling - she has shoulder-;ength blond hair and is wearing a dark colored dress shird. On the opposite page she is shown in a two-shot graphic with news co-anchor Tim Irr.

CWAB Executive Director Paul Slone invites everyone - consumers, volunteers, and the general public to visit the Services Division office at 38 Washington Ave. to view an architectural model of the proposed new technology building. For details, call 522-6991.

There is a quarter-page photo with this article. CWAB Director Paul Slone is shown standing in front of a moded of the new CWAB Technology Center.

Marshall 2004-2005 Basketball Schedule

1-800-THE HERD - www.HerdZone.com

Visit the CWAB concession stand during EVERY home game!

From the "Director’s Desk"

Happy New Year Everyone!

We end 2004 with several very successful fund-raisers. Fudge made by consumer Joanna Holbrook and her sister Norma Belt added $506 to the building fund. The picnic basket made and donated by consumer Heather McComas added $98. The basket was won by Juanita Postlethwait. Assorted crafts made and sold by consumers to date has brought in an additional $507. Not a bad year for our on-going fund-raisers.

The annual Christmas dinner Saturday, December 4th was a huge success and I want to thank all who worked so hard to make it enjoyable for everyone. Thanks to: Rhonda Spears and the Bible Apostolic Church for the excellent meal, Lewis Swann and the Thundertones for the entertainment, Millie Keeny, Jean Langley, Charlene Haney, and Margaret Beach for the place settings, Tim Turner for the sound system, Linda Worthy, Ted Childs, Lori Spears for taking tickets and for the prize drawing. As you can see, it takes a large group effort to make any event a success.

I want to congratulate Ernie Golder who was named "Board Member of the Year," and Nancy Henderson for being named "Employee of the Year." Each received a plaque and a gift certificate from Applebee’s. Until next month ..........

CWAB Christmas

Parties are a tradition at Cabell-Wayne Association of the Blind, and the holidays are perfect for a get-together full of laughter and good food.

The annual association Christmas party was held Saturday, December 4th at the Guyandotte Baptist Association church camp at Ona. Nearly one-hundred twenty consumers, guests and staff attended and were treated to festively decorated tables, special holiday music and, of course, good food.

Santa was on hand for the kids, there were games and door prizes, and everyone had something good to eat.

The Services Division recognized individuals for outstanding service during the past year, a raffle winner was announced and door prizes were awarded. For specific details, read "From the Director’s Desk" found earlier in this issue.

This article features a series of thirteen half-page photos taken during the December 4^th CWAB Christmas dinner. The first page of photos features )at top) Santa and a young friend, the next six photos (two per page) show various groups of consumers enjoying their meal. The next four individual photos show Santa with youngsters eager to share their "wish list." The last page of photos are half-page each and show (at top) consumer Margaret Beech with Santa, and (at bottom) the Thundertones barbershop quartet entertain.

Spring Computer Class Now Enrolling

CWAB Computer Instructor Kermit Nance has announced openings in classes for Spring 2004.

Computers have often been described as "windows to the world," bringing the user a wealth of information, a reliable source of communication, and out-and-out fun. To fully prepare one’s ability to use such devices, it is important to receive the proper training - especially if the user is blind or visually impaired. That’s where CWAB’s computer instruction classes begin.

According to Nance, students will be exposed to a variety of applications, procedures, and techniques that will enable them to use a computer to accomplish a variety of tasks.

Those include:

• Learning assistive technology programs that         compensate for visual impairment.
• Navigating throughout the Windows operating system.
• Using a word processor.
• Sending and receiving e-mail.
• Working with graphics, if vision allows.
• Using spreadsheets to keep track of household expenses.

Classes run for six months - January to June. Scheduling times may vary and spaces are limited.

Begin your journey into the world of computers by calling CWAB’s Computer Instructor today at 522-6991.

Cabell-Wayne Association of the Blind will host its annual Valentine Social on Friday, February 11^th from 7 to 10 p.m. in the CWAB activities room at 38 Washington Ave. Call 522-6991 for details!

Transportation deadline is Friday, February 4^th!

There are two photos with this article. Each show scenes from a previous Valentine Social.

Announcing CWAB’s Semi-Annual Rummage & Bake Sale

Friday, April 1st and Saturday, April 2^nd from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at CWAB’s Services Division office - 38 Washington Ave., Huntington, WV

To donate items (no clothing except baby clothes) or for more information, please call 522-6991.

Shop early for best selection!

Enjoy a year-round poinsettia

The holiday season is the most popular time to give and receive these colorful plants. Here are some tips to help you enjoy them year-round.

A poinsettia will not die because the holidays are over. It can actually grow several feet during the year and retain its bright foliage for months. To bring a poinsettia plant to bloom for another holiday requires pruning, fertilization and proper lighting.

Preserve the poinsettia's beauty for the next season by following these suggestions throughout the year:

During winter, continue to follow holiday upkeep tips for water, light, temperature, and fertilizer.

As spring approaches, remove faded and dried foliage. Replenish soil with a commercially prepared sterile mix.

Lightly fertilize every three to four weeks.

In June, cut back all stems and branches by two and one-half inches to promote side branching. Repot plant in larger container using a sterile growing mix. Place outside for summer: first in indirect, then direct light.

In July, cut back once more and increase water and fertilizer.

On Labor Day, move plant inside but still provide six or more hours of direct light. Reduce water and fertilizer as new growth begins.

From October 1st through mid-December, confine plant to darkness for 14 hours a day by putting it in a closet, basement or under a box. Keep temperature between 62 and 65 degrees. Give it 10 hours of direct, natural light and rotate weekly to give each side light. Remember to water and fertilize regularly.

Enjoy another holiday season with a beautifully bloomed poinsettia!

The Flower of the Season

December 12th Is National Poinsettia Day

Joel Poinsett, the first United States ambassador to Mexico, introduced the red wildflowers (Poinsettias) into the United States from Mexico in 1825. However, the poinsettia might have remained an obscure wildflower if not for Paul Ecke. The plant that grew wild fascinated Ecke and it was its yearly cycle of blooming during the winter, near the holiday season, that gave him the notion that this would make an ideal official holiday flower.

In the 1920's, Ecke traveled the country promoting the plant to greenhouse growers, teaching them what he had learned and encouraging them to market the plant as a holiday flower. Ecke used media placements and other promotions to make certain that poinsettias became a part of the holiday experience. He worked with television programs, such as "The Tonight Show" and the "Bob Hope Christmas Specials" to make certain that poinsettias were always a part of the holiday sets.

Many people mistake the showy colored part of poinsettias to be flowers when that part is actually colored leaves. Getting the leaves to change color is a process that begins in the fall when growers begin gradually reducing the light plants receive. The plants need darkness from 5 PM to 8 AM starting in October and continuing until color shows around early to mid December. Growers have introduced new varieties of poinsettias to keep people interested. The white poinsettia was introduced in 1945, pink in 1964, pink and white in 1969, jingle bells (red with pink flecks) in 1973, salmon in 1988, and Monet in 1993. Some other colors, such as burgundy, only lasted in popularity a few years.

When choosing a plant, do not purchase plants that have been displayed crowded together. Crowding can cause premature leaf loss. Choose a plant with dark green foliage all the way to the soil. A fresh poinsettia is one on which little or no yellow pollen is showing on the flower clusters in the center of the leaves. Choose plants that have leaves that are completely colored.

When you get your plant home, place it in a sunny window, but do not let any part of the plant touch cold windowpanes. Water the plant only when the soil is dry. The best temperature for the plant is from 60 to 70 degrees.

Now, what is the proper pronunciation? Is it poin-SEHTee-uh or poynSEHT uh? According to the dictionary, both are correct. It is your choice. It has always been poynSEHT-uh at my house.

Source: Our Ohio

Recipe of the Month

Everyone has heard for prosperity you should eat cabbage on New Year’s Day - so, here is a tried and true cabbage favorite!

From: http://www.dianaskitchen.com/page/recipes03/a31012r.htm

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Ingredients: One large head cabbage, 1 pound ground chuck, 1/3 cup rice, 1 small onion, grated, 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, 1 large onion, sliced 1 large can tomato sauce, 3 cans diced tomatoes, 3 to 4 tsps. lemon juice, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, 1/2 to 1 cup brown sugar.

Directions;

Remove about 15 large leaves from the cabbage; cut off very thick part of each leaf. Pour boiling water over the cabbage to wilt the leaves.

Preheat oven to 350°. Combine ground chuck with the rice, grated onion, eggs, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Place a mound of meat mixture in cupped part of each softened cabbage leaf. Fold over sides of cabbage leaf; roll up. In bottom of Dutch oven, place a few of the remaining leaves. Arrange layers of cabbage rolls, seam side down, and sliced onions in a Dutch oven or large casserole. Pour on tomato sauce, tomatoes, lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Bring to a boil on stove top. Sprinkle with brown sugar, to taste. Bake, covered, for 1 hour. Uncover and bake 2 hours longer.

Continuing CWAB’s Radio Outreach

CWAB Executive Director, Paul Slone, joins "Tri-State Today" host Geof Sturm each month for discussion, interviews and up-to-date information about services and activities from Cabell-Wayne Association of the Blind. Tri-State Today can be heard Wednesday evenings at 7:30 on 107.9 WEMM.

CWAB Recreational Activities

Bowlers meet each Monday from Noon to 2:30 p.m. at Colonial Lanes on 5th St. West in Huntington.

WeatherWatch

Glenn Willey - Meteorlogist WASZ Newschannel 3

Cold Weather Safety

The Tri-State can quickly turn into a winter wonderland. Whether it's sledding, skiing or snowman making, there's something for everyone when the snow starts flying. But, the same conditions that make winter so much fun can also be very dangerous. There are many things you need to know before heading out into the cold.

First off, always bundle up in warm clothes. That means wearing a hat. Your body loses most of its heat through the head so cover up.

Mittens will keep your hands warmer than gloves. Mittens keep your fingers together and the warmth coming off your fingers helps to keep your hand warm. When your hands are in gloves your fingers are spread apart. Wear loose fitting, lightweight, warm clothing in layers. Always make sure your clothes stay dry. Change wet clothes and socks as quickly as you can. This will prevent the loss of body heat. By dressing properly you can avoid some of the serious problems that can occur if you spend too much time out in the cold.

Frostbite is always a possibility in cold weather. Frostbite describes the damage done to body tissue when that tissue becomes frozen. Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and a pale complexion. Frostbite varies in severity from frostnip to deep frostbite depending on just how long your body is exposed to the cold temperatures. To treat frostnip, place firm, steady pressure from a warm hand to the area. Do not rub the area, do not apply snow or put the frostnipped area into very hot or cold water. Victims of frostbite should seek medical attention immediately.

Hypothermia is another problem you may develop if you spend too

much time outside without being dressed properly. Hypothermia occurs when the body temperature drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Hypothermia can also occur during spring or summer and is often mistaken for fatigue, irritability or dehydration. If you think you might have hypothermia it's important to prevent any further heat loss. You should try to re-warm the body from the inside out. Try eating some warm broth. This will help re-hydrate your system and warm up your body. If you're suffering from severe hypothermia you're probably unconscious. It's important that you try to warm up the body and prevent any more heat loss and seek medical attention as soon as possible.

It's important to stay safe when driving in winter weather. Make sure your car or truck has tires with a good tread. Keep a shovel, warm

blanket and sand or cat litter in the trunk to use in case of an emergency. Always clear snow and ice from windows, mirrors, hood, roof, headlights and taillights before driving. Use low beam headlights in fog or snow for better visibility.

If you follow these tips you should be able to get the most out of our winter weather. The snow and cold weather can provide lots of fun

but it can be dangerous and even deadly if you're not careful.

Glenn Willey - Meteorologist

WSAZ NewsChannel 3

Contact Glenn at;

glenn.willey@wsaz.com