All material property of C-W-A-B, Incorporated. Reproduction of audio, and or printed articles or photos in the original printed issue, may not be reproduced or distributed in whole or in part without prior written consent.

Cabell-Wayne Association of the Blind, Inc.

The Guide Page Magazine published monthly by:

e-mail: cwabadm@cabellwayne.org

Internet: www.cabellwayne.org or www.cwab.org.

Paul Slone, Executive Director

Jerry Crabtree, Guide Page Editor

Major funding provided by the Teubert (pronounced Tue-bert) Foundation

Volume 15, Issue 11

November 2004

In this issue: Mission and Vision Statements, GP Narrator Of The Month, Building Model Displayed, Braille Classes Offered, From the "Director’s Desk", MU Football Schedule, New DVS Videos, 5k Walk/Run Race Results, "Lazy Eye" Needs Attention Early, "Dog Days", Seeing Purple Flowers, Heirloom Portrait, Basket Draws Interest, Craft Class Fund-Raiser, Teubert Prep at Space Camp, The Northeast Corner, Recreation Activities, Christmas Party, Walk ‘n’ Roll, Support Groups, Radio Outreach, Weather Watch, Fund-Raising Merchandise, Recipe of the Month, Control Your Assets, GUIDE PAGE Supporters

The magazine cover for November features a phtoograph of Teubert prep consumers Patrick Barbour, Aaron Preece, and Andrew Leveridge as they were seated in front of a Saturn Five rocket on display at "Space Camp" in Huntsville, Alabama. The trio spent two weeks at the camp in late September.

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.

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.

Nan Kelley from GAC TV’s (that’s Great American Country) "Grand Ole Opry Live!"

Seen weekly by millions of country music fans, Nan Kelley is the hostess for GAC-TV’s (Great American Country) "Grand Ole Opry Live!" - a weekly live hour-long broadcast from the world famous Grand Ole Opry house in Nashville, Tennessee.

Kelley also co-hosted TNN's "Prime Time Country" for two years and is currently a show host for the Shop At Home Television Network also based in Nashville.

She studied acting at New York University and holds a BA in Communications with an emphasis in radio, television and film from the University of Southern Mississippi, her home state.

Kelley says "Everyone loves the Opry and I am so glad you found me and asked me to do this. I really enjoyed it. Please say hello if you ever get to Nashville."

There are two photos with this article. The first - a nearly half-page "professional" "glamour shot" photo of Kelley. She has shouolder-length dark hair, her head is tilted toward her right shoulder and she has a slight smile. The second - a "screen shot" captured during a "Opry Live" telecast shows Kelley wearing a dark colored blouse which has a v-neck, her head is tilted slightly she is wearing a very broad smile. You can detect a ear-,ounted microphone that extends to her mouth on the right side of her face. There is a soft spotlight glow at the top of her head and you can see auditorium lights on the ceiling behind her. The picture is placed inside a graphic of a console TV set giving the appearance of live TV!

To hear Nan Kelley read the October 2004 GUIDE PAGE MAGAZINE - click <HERE>.

At the top of next page of the printed edition there is a photo of CWAB Executive Director Paul Slone as he stands near the architectural model of the proposed new CWAB technology building. The side caption reads: "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.

Braille classes offered

(These words also appear as Braille characters under the article headline).

Braille, an organized system of dots representing the English language, isn’t just for the blind anymore.

Now anyone with a desire to learn this form of communication can do so in a few short weeks. CWAB’s O&M instructor Nancy Henderson is offering sessions to anyone interested.

Call CWAB’s Services Division at 522-6991 for details!

There is a graphic representation of the GUIDE PAGE MAGAZINE braille edition cover with this article.

"From the Director’s Desk"

Hello Everyone!

I want to begin this month by thanking the Mayor’s Committee on Persons With Disabilities for recognizing CWAB with a "Community Service Award" during the annual "Walk and Roll" on October 8th. We here at the Services Division take pride in the programs we offer to the blind and visually impaired community and are truly thankful when we, as an organization are publicly acknowledged for the work we do.

Teubert Prep and CWAB consumers enjoyed individual Halloween parties the 21st and 22nd of October. For various reasons, the Haunted House activity held the past two years was not offered this year. It may be "resurrected" in the future.

Don’t forget the consumer Christmas party Saturday, December 4th at the Guyandotte Baptist Association Church camp at Ona. Call early for transportation.

As you know we have two billboards in the Huntington and Barboursville area. Beginning the first part of November, we will be mentioned on the electronic sign located in the parking lot at Marshall’s football stadium (20th St. & 3rd Ave.). Plans are under development for future awareness campaigns.

CWAB has joined with the Veterans Administration to offer veterans classes in computer skills. Call the Services Division for details.

The Services Division would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Technologist Frank Stull and his family who recently lost his father. Out thoughts are with them. Until next month ...

MARSHALL UNIVERSITY THUNDERING HERD

2004 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

• Nov 5 - Akron (ESPN2) - Akron, OH. - 8:00 p.m.

• Nov 13 - Bowling Green - Bowling Green, OH. - 4 p.m.

• Nov 20 - Western Michigan - Home - 4:30 p.m.

• Dec 2 - MAC Championship (ESPN or ESPN2) - TBD

All dates and times subject to change.

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

Visit the CWAB concession stand during EVERY home game!

New DVS Titles Added

CWAB’s Services Division is happy to announce the addition of the following new titles to the DVS library. The new titles are:

Why The Towers Fel, Cheaper By The Dozen, Cold Mountain, Peter Pan, Dr. Seuss’ Cat In The Hat, The King and I, Ransom, Life Is Beautiful

Consumers may borrow these or any DVS title free of charge. For availability or more information, call the Services Division at 522-6991

There is a large videotape graphic placed at a 45 degree angle across the top of this page.

The Second Annual "5K Walk/Run For Sight" was held Saturday, September 11th in Huntington’s Ritter Park. Over fifty runners registered to participate. Awards were given to winners in gender and age classes as well as special awards were presented to the blind and visually impaired.

The event raised money for CWAB’s new technology center.

Numerous businesses provided support for the event.

In the magazine’s printed edition, the next two pages offer race time, runner’s place, and other information. If you’d like a portion of this information read to you, please call the Services Division office at 522-6991.

"Amblyopia, commonly called `lazy eye,’ is a vision problem that may lead to permanent loss of sharp vision in one eye unless it is recognized and treated in the early preschool years," advises Dr. Lidija Balciunas, Cleveland Sight Center Low Vision Clinic ophthalmologist.

The most common cause of amblyopia is strabismus, or "crossed eye." The child may see double because the brain is unable to blend the separate images. The child’s brain overcomes the double vision by ignoring the image seen by the turned eye. However, since this eye is not used, normal vision does not develop.

Amblyopia can also occur in eyes that are straight, but have significant, unequal refractive errors. One eye may be nearsighted or farsighted or have a severe degree of astigmatism. The affected eye does not receive proper visual stimulation; therefore, normal vision does not develop. Congenital cataracts can also lead to amblyopia, due to light

deprivation to the retina, which interferes with vision development.

Most children adapt well to single eye vision, and parents may never suspect amblyopia, which is most often diagnosed during a thorough eye exam.

"In treatment, the eye specialist typically prescribes corrective glasses or covers or patches the stronger eye, so the weak (amblyopic) eye must be used," explained Dr. Balciunas. "As the poor eye is put to work, clear vision usually develops, provided treatment is enacted early enough."

An infant’s vision may be improved in just a few weeks, but a four or five-year-old must wear a patch for a number of months. For a child over the age of six, even a year of treatment may help.

Dr. Balciunas emphasized that patching must be complete and uninterrupted for as long as the eye doctor orders. Parents need to cooperate completely for treatment to be successful. The support of family and friends is also important to help the preschooler accept wearing the patch.

Amblyopia is a serious vision handicap that can limit a child’s future in many ways-educationally, recreationally and vocationally. But it is usually correctable if found in the early preschool years.

For more information on amblyopia visit:

http://www.preventblindness.org/children/amblyopiaFAQ.html

http://familydoctor.org/460.xml

http://www.strabismus.org/amblyopia_lazy_eye.html

http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/amblyopia/index.asp

http://www.tfn.net/~kate901/amblyopia.htm

http://www.eyemdlink.com/Condition.asp?ConditionID=64

http://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/amblyopia.htm

"Dog Days" by Jenine Stanley -

Board Member Guide Dog Foundation - from: GUIDEWAY - Vol. 58, Issue 3, Fall 2004

As a member of the Guide Dog Foundation’s Board of Directors, it has been my pleasure to witness the positive changes in the services we provide and the national recognition of our outstanding business practices. I recently had the opportunity to witness another aspect of our work, the most important aspect, "Dog Day", the day students receive their dogs. I have participated in 3 "Dog Days" as a graduate of the Foundation, but this time, I was a guest of the June 2004 class. For someone coming to the Smithtown campus, there is no more exciting and anxious time than those few days before the instructors match each blind person with a guide dog. During the first day, usually a Sunday, students arrive and become familiar with the National Administrative Center and student facilities. They learn their way around, both with and without their canes, and get to know each other in the many comfortable seating areas. The next day involves the instructors discussing various aspects of working with a guide dog, passing out bowls, brushes and toys, and meeting with each student to again discuss his or her needs in a guide dog. Some of the students have been to the Foundation before. Others come after attending another guide dog school. Then, there are the first-timers, people who have decided to try working with a guide dog for more independence.

During these first few days at the Foundation, instructors also take students on "short handle" walks. The student learns the basic footwork required, making left and right turns without stepping on the dog. Instructors evaluate each student’s walking speed, gate, and amount of tension they can take on the harness handle and balance in the swerving turns and sudden stops.

Matching a dog and a blind person is an art, based on years of skillful observation, good communication between instructor and student, and a pinch of luck. The Foundation instructors have an excellent record in this area, with innate abilities to find the more subtle characteristics that will make a match work.

On this hot and humid June day, anticipation has been building. The students talk excitedly amongst themselves about anything and everything. As I circulate among them with my own Golden Retriever guide, they ask everything from how to brush Golden ears to "will we really learn to clean up after our dogs?" My standard answer is "the instructors will cover that in a lecture before you go home." These lectures make up the backbone of skills the students learn during their stay at our facility.

Two gentlemen talk excitedly over breakfast that morning about how they can’t wait to get out and start walking with their dogs. One man loves to walk around his South Florida retirement community. The other man goes on a lot of hikes with the Boy Scouts and asks if his new dog will be able to hike with them. I assure him that yes, his new dog will probably love hiking. A young lady tells me that she cannot wait to have a guide dog. Her additional disability, cerebral palsy, has limited her mobility and she has felt a lack of confidence in getting around.

The group makes its way to the lounge area with the large comfortable leather furniture. The three instructors on this class confer on last minute details. People oooh and aaah as the name, breed and gender of each dog is read and matched with a student. This class represents almost all the breeds the Foundation trains, Labrador and Golden Retrievers, Lab/Golden crosses and our newest success story, the Lab/Standard Poodle cross.

Now the real work begins. The teams will first learn to leash guide, a practice taught exclusively at the Foundation. This means that the dog will guide its handler, obeying all commands, just by using the leash, no harness. This type of guiding is done in familiar areas such as the student residence and grounds. Leash guiding is not only convenient, but in these early days of training, helps improve the bond between the blind person and dog.

As I leave the Foundation, the halls are beginning to echo with the sound of dog toenails on the tile floor. My own dog looks on, wanting to greet these newcomers. Each one of my three "Dog Days" is special in my memory. It solidifies the work we do as board members to see a full class receiving their dogs and beginning their journey.

All this is made possible by a caring staff, skillful instructors, dedicated kennel workers and a host of volunteers. It would not happen without generous contributions from our friends and supporters too. Thank you all for making "Dog Day" what it is - the beginning of independence.

There is an inset graphic with this article - it is a partial photo of a dog guide - showing the dog’s head and upper body with harness attached.

Do you ever see things you know are not there but look real anyway? It’s a common side effect among people with vision impairment. While we refer to it as "phantom vision," the technical term is "Charles Bonnet Syndrome." If you’ve experienced this, rest easy. Your mind is fine. It’s your eyes that are playing tricks on you.

What Exactly Is Charles Bonnet Syndrome?

Charles Bonnet, an 18th century Swiss naturalist and philosopher, is credited as the first person to describe the syndrome. Like his grandfather, who had low vision and saw men, women, birds and buildings he knew were not there, Charles experienced similar phantom visions when his own vision deteriorated.

One explanation compares this condition to phantom limb experiences. People who have a limb amputated may still feel their toes or fingers, or may experience itching on an arm that is not there. This happens because the limb’s nerves are still active and sending signals to the brain, which the brain interprets as sensations from the missing limb. Similarly, when retinal cells become impaired and are no longer able to receive and relay visual images to the brain, the visual system begins firing off images on its own.

Often, these images are not related at all to a person’s life. Sam, who has macular degeneration, said, "I see little monkeys with red hats and blue coats playing in the front yard." Sam had no doubt that the monkeys he saw were not real ones. As a result, he wasn’t concerned about his mind. However, he was worried about what others would think, so he kept it to himself

Is the Syndrome Common?

Studies show that Charles Bonnet Syndrome affects between 10 and 40 percent of people with low vision. Our research suggests that it is more likely to appear if you have visual acuity between 20/120 and 20/400. If your vision falls within these parameters. your eyes still have a great deal of power, even though they aren’t receiving or sending as many images as previously. As a result, your eyes may be providing additional images of their own.

We can’t predict whether you will see images and, if you do, how frequently they will occur or how long they will last. You may never experience Charles Bonnet Syndrome, you may have it for only a few months, or you may have it for years. You may see images everyday, a few times a week or several times a month.

Are You Sure This Is Not a Psychiatric Problem?

Yes! Charles Bonnet Syndrome is no more than a side effect of vision loss. The six criteria for Charles Bonnet Syndrome (outlined by Naville in 1873 - and still applicable today) can help you determine whether or not you are experiencing phantom vision. Ask yourself whether the images you see have the following six characteristics:

1. They occur when you are fully conscious and wide awake, often during broad daylight.

2. They do not deceive you; you are aware that they are not real.

3. They occur in combination with normal perception. For example, you may see a sidewalk clearly but find it covered with dots, flowers, or faces.

4. They are exclusively visual and do not appear in combination with any sounds or bizarre sensations.

5. They appear and disappear without obvious cause.

6. They are amusing or annoying but not grotesque.

"Since ophthalmology has paid so little attention to Charles Bonnet Syndrome, many doctors don’t realize how common it really is, and some may not be familiar with it at all. "

Patients have reported seeing cartoon characters, flowers in the bathroom sink, hands rubbing each other, waterfalls and mountains, tigers, maple trees in vibrant autumn foliage, yellow polka dots, row houses, a dinner party and brightly colored balloons. Many people see faces or life-size figures that they’ve never seen before. One of the most remarkable qualities of these figures is that they almost always wear pleasant expressions and often make eye contact with the viewer. Menacing behavior, grotesque shapes and scenes of violent conflict are not, to my knowledge, a part of the syndrome.

"Usually the same image or set of images reappears to each person, sometimes in the same places or at the same time of day. Sam’s monkeys usually materialized around sunset, cavorting across the lawn or around the big blue easy chair by the fireplace. They stayed for ten or 20 minutes several times a week for two years and then began to appear less frequently.... Sometimes the images are exactly to scale and sometimes larger or smaller than life.... Joe’s horses looked like children’s toys at a distance of ten feet, but as they galloped outside they became Clydesdales and then stallions worthy of Gulliver."

Rosa saw "flowering trees" with large, beautiful pink flowers. She knew that they weren’t real because it was autumn. But when she told a friend what she was seeing, her friend was not convinced with Rosa’s explanation. Rosa stopped telling people about her visions. She acknowledged, "You have to be careful what you say."

"Sometimes Charles Bonnet Syndrome images can become confused with dream images. For example, several of my patients have reported frightening moments when they thought they saw a man standing in their bedroom or hallway. These men, however, were often dark clad or indistinct figures that appeared as the patient was relaxing on a couch, dozing or in bed waiting to fall asleep, or just waking. These figures were probably residual dream images.... They are not typical of Charles Bonnet Syndrome."

A majority of people do not find their phantom vision disturbing, probably because the images they see are amusing, pleasing or entertaining. You may want to discuss your phantom vision with your doctor, particularly if you feel bothered or distressed by your experiences. While there does not seem to be any specific medications that work for everyone, many people find that learning more about the condition helps to reassure them.

Buddy’s "purple flowers" appeared in his bathroom and on his clothing. He got a chuckle when he imagined what golf pants with purple flowers would look like to other people. He had a cousin with macular degeneration who saw frogs in his bathtub and a very attractive woman stationed on his back porch. Buddy’s purple flowers didn’t compare to the woman on Harry’s porch; and Harry, though disappointed that his "vision" was not real, found that he enjoyed it quite a lot!

This article is based on, and includes quotes from, a chapter in Macular Degeneration: The Complete Guide to Saving and Maximizing Your Sight, written by Lylas G. Mogk, MD, and Marja Mogk, PhD, published by The Ballantine Publishing Group (2003).

Cabell-Wayne Association of the Blind announces

Noted local artist Lauri Shanholtzer is commissioning pastel and charcoal heirloom portraits with a percentage of the fee benefiting Cabell-Wayne Association of the Blind.

Shanholtzer, a gifted and respected artist, brings 30 years of portrait creativity and a strong family tradition in the arts together to offer a remarkable heirloom family portrait.

These portraits will be created on the highest quality archival materials to ensure a product that will last for generations.

Portrait fees are as follows:

Head and Shoulders (does not include hands)

Starting at $800

Three-quarter length to full length, each subject add $100

For each additional subject in same painting, add $75

Prices based on simple background, for complex background add $100 - $300.

Prices do not include framing, travel expenses, or applicable taxes.

25% deposit due first sitting, balance due on delivery.

A portion of each portrait sold will benefit Cabell-Wayne Association of the Blind. For more details, call 733-5943.

There are three artwork samples with this article. The first, and larger of the three samples features a teen-age girl with her cat, the second, a smaller artwork representation is placed in the lower left-hand corner of the page and features a young boy and girl sitting on a bench, the third photographic representation is oval shaped and is placed in the upper left-hand corner of the page and features a young woman leaning against what appears to be columns on a porch.

CWAB offers a variety of on-going fund-raisers. Each offers consumers and the community an opportunity to obtain items crafted by individuals associated with CWAB.

A hand-woven basket made by CWAB consumer Heather McComas, owner of "Three Blind Mice Basket Weaving" will be available as a prize during the annual CWAB consumer Christmas dinner.

This basket is a double-handle picnic basket stained in golden oak and filled with all the necessities for a picnic. Items inside include a tablecloth, plates, tumblers, bowls, silverware, salt and pepper shakers and condiment bottles.

Tickets are $1 each. Drawing is December 4 at the annual CWAB Christmas dinner.

Proving that a craft class can be both fun and worthwhile, a recent CWAB basket making class turned their finished products over to the Services Division to be used as a Fund-raiser.

Under the combined direction of Recreation Coordinator Linda Worthy and Heather McComas (owner of "Three Blind Mice" basket makers), class attendees completed a small variety of baskets to be sold as an organizational Fund-raiser.

Baskets are available in various sizes at affordable prices. (See the list on the following page).

For more information, please call CWAB’s Services Division at 522-6991.

On this page of the print edition there is a half-page photoshowing a CWAB consumer as she construct a portion of a basket.

On the next two pages in the print edition - there are eight photos - the first four in a column on the far left of the next page features four specific baskets, while on the facing page, the four photos represent activities during a craft class as the individual baskets were made.

We have seen the movies and countless Space Shuttle launches and can only imagine the preparation and the excitement of an actual event resulting in a human going into space. Recently, three Teubert Prep students joined others of the same age and physical ability to get a taste of space in SPACE CAMP in Huntsville, Alabama!

Patrick Barbour, Aaron Preece, and Andrew Leveridge joined other students state-wide to attend the camp September 12th - 18th.

SPACE CAMP is designed to teach the challenges of putting man in space. Attendees spend their entire time in groups - eating, sleeping, and working together to accomplish specific goals and tasks resulting in a mission success or failure. Training is similar to actual astronaut training - weightless simulation in water, following checklists and procedures, teamwork and individual coordination were key elements of training.

Students were able to see up-close some of the actual spacecraft used in previous manned and unmanned flights.

This is the second year Teubert Prep students have attended.

There are three photos with this article. The first is a mineature version of the magazine cover photo showing Patrick Barbour, Aaron Preece, and Andrew Leveridge seated beside a massive Saturn Five rocket! Three photos on the next page feature the same three Teubert Prep students: At LEFT: Suited for duty! (Wearing brightg orange space camp uniforms). BOTTOM:

Visiting a rocket museum. And finally, A bit larger than your basic Chevy V-8, the engines of the Saturn Five are quite impressive as Patrick Barbour discovered. (Barbour is shown seated in fron tof the massive machine.

A few years ago, I wrote about the increasing complexity of traffic light signals. Cities, in response to clean air guidelines and federal incentives, are replacing simple fixed timed traffic signals with versions that have turn arrows and delayed green lights.

A conventional traffic signal can be crossed at the first surge of traffic responding to the green light on the parallel street, i.e., the street not being crossed. This is provided the traveler has determined that the parallel traffic sound is not turning right on red. This skill is commonly taught during a mobility training program. A person’s hearing can learn to detect when the traffic is starting on the green light. Variations in the light cycle necessitate a modification in the street crossing strategy.

One of the most common variations is when left turn arrows are placed at the beginning of the green light cycle. The two most common left turn arrow variations require two different crossing strategies.

One variation is when the left turn arrows come on for both directions of the parallel street. In this instance the light remains red for traffic that is not turning left. The walk light does not come on until the light turns green. In this case the traveler will begin crossing not on the first surge of left turning traffic but on the second surge of traffic.

In the other variation, the turn arrow goes on at the same time as the green light for parallel traffic going one direction. The parallel traffic going in the other direction has a red light until turn arrow goes out. At that time, the turn arrow and green light come on for the waiting traffic, and the red light comes on for the traffic that first got the green light. The street crossing strategy in this case is similar to that of side street crossings. When the parallel street is to the left start with the onset that is behind and going with you. When the parallel street is on the right start with the onset that is across the intersection and is coming toward you.

Streets that have these variations extend the walk light cycle so pedestrians can cross the street even on the second surge. Other intersections with this variation will provide a push button (not usually accessible) to extend the walk light cycle.

The question is: how do you know where these intersections are and which variation is happening? A person who can’t see the traffic light or walk light should wait a full cycle or two just to get the pattern of the cycle. Others will bring a trusted sighted companion the first time and ask questions about the signal until the walk light cycle is clear. The intersection and its crossing strategy must be filed into your memory bank.

The article features a photo of the author, Steve Albro. He appears to be somewhat stocky in build with grey-white hair. He is wearing a business suit and is broadly smiling.

Bowling is a fun, non-athletic sport. Experience is not necessary to have a good time! At least four consumers are needed. Volunteers are also welcome.

For more information, call Linda Worthy at 522-6991.

Eddy Adkins, 173; Bill Sayre, 148; Brandon Grayson, 133; Judy Hager, 124; Ronnie Kinser, 120; Carl Hensley, 113; Bill Waybright, 105; Nancy Harless, 101.

Goalball is played at the Second Presbyterian Church on Jefferson Ave. from 6 to 8 p.m. the 1st and 3rd Friday of each month. For information on each of these activities, call 522-6991.

The article features two artwork graphics. One, at the top shows two bowling pins being struck by a bowling ball with the word "Bowling" curved around them. The bottom graphic shows a artwork rendering of a goalball player with the word "goalball" arched around it.

The annual Consumer Christmas Party will be held Saturday,

December 4^th at the Guyandotte Baptist Association Church Camp

Ona, WV from Noon to 3 p.m.

Sign-up deadline for transportation is Wednesday, November 26th

Call 522-6991 for transportation and more details!

The annual "Walk n’ Roll" was held in downtown Huntington Friday, October 8th. Cabell-Wayne Association of the Blind, along with Goodwill Industries, Mountain State Center For Independent Living, West Virginia Department of Rehabilitation, and others joined the Mayor’s Committee on Individuals with Disabilities to recognize individuals and businesses who provide outstanding services to individuals with disabilities. McDonalds and Wal-Mart were recognized for outstanding service in hiring individuals with disabilities..

CWAB consumer Brooke Dowdy received an award for her achievement in attending Marshall as a full-time student while holding down a 20-hour-per-week job as a "greeter" at a local Wal-Mart. As an organization, Cabell-Wayne Association of the Blind received a "Community Service Award" for "outstanding services rendered to West Virginians with disabilities."

There are Three photos with this article. The forst shows CWAB staff members Jerry Crabtree, Paul Slone and Lori Spears accepting the "Community Service Award", the second, At LEFT: CWAB consumer Brooke Dowdy proudly smiles after being recognition for not letting her disability deter her from having a "normal life". BOTTOM: The crowd on Huntington’s 9th St. Plaza listens to Mark Adams, chairman for the mayor’s committee for people with disabilities.

Here is an updated list of meeting times for CWAB’s support groups.

Support groups provide a vital link between news, information, social activities, and friendship between individuals with the same interests. Transportation is provided free to any CWAB consumer. Support groups regularly meet in CWAB’s activities room with many taking the opportunity to take special trips to area places of interest. Volunteers are always welcome to assist with arrangements such as snacks, crafts, or being a sighted guide. For information on support groups or volunteering, call the Services Division at 522-6991.

There is a photo with this article. The picture shows a group of CWAB consumers seated around a table as taken during a recent support group meeting.

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 WEMM

As a young boy, interested in weather, I jumped for joy the moment I heard Hurricane Gloria was heading toward my backyard. Some Meteorologist’s have a mouth watering taste when a storm is about to hit them. A term known as "Weather Geeks" and I am one of them. Weather has always been a passion of mine. Thunderstorms, blizzards, and hurricanes are amazing to watch and ultimately fun to track. Tracking Hurricane Gloria was beyond the talent of an eight-year-old.

I relied on my favorite Meteorologist in Boston, Harvey Leonard, to pass along the information on this girl, a category four girl, with winds of 145 miles per hour.

Gloria was born on September 16th off the coast of Africa, the same place Frances developed. She was headed up the east coast, a V-line to Long Island New York. She had been downgraded to a category one hurricane thanks to the colder waters off the Mid Atlantic. Winds were now at 75 miles per hour.

The year: 1985, the place: Norwood Massachusetts, just southwest of Boston. My family and I were sitting in the living room watching the local news. I had the clicker (channel changer) in hand racing back and forth from channel to channel to compare what all Meteorologists were saying. She was to make landfall on September 27th in the afternoon. We were on the east side of the eye, the center of a hurricane. This is where the strongest winds are felt, and where tornadoes are frequent.

My mother and grandmother made the decision we needed to leave the home. Not because of coastal flooding, but the threat for falling trees and power outs. So we taped the windows with duct tape, turned off the power and went to a local restaurant, The Café Venice, a building made of brick.

We watched the local news coverage and every now and then opened the front door to watch the rain and wind. I remember seeing the trees swaying back and forth, limbs snapping, and hearing the winds howl. My heart was beating, and this little boy was extremely excited. It was like Christmas morning for this "Weather Geek."

Winds reached 85 miles per hour where I was standing, certainly enough to cause damage. We headed home after eating and drinking anything we wanted for free. Driving down the street, it was obvious what a category one hurricane will do.

Trees were down and power lines laid across the street. When we entered the driveway, we couldn’t go very far.

One of the trees uprooted, hit the side of the house, and tore down the power lines. Another tree in our front yard lost a large limb, and a tree in the backyard fell on our deck to the swimming pool. My family was devastated at the site while I looked at all the destruction in amazement. The "Weather Geek" in me stared at the destruction thinking, "I wish I were here to see this."

Despite my young age, Gloria is one storm I can remember just by closing my eyes. She was a category one. I could not imagine sitting through a category five, like Ivan, and be as excited. The "Weather Geek" would quickly become a terrified resident fearing for his life.

Adam Joseph - WSAZ NewsChannel 3 - Meteorologist

adam.joseph@wsaz.com.

There is a photo of Adam Joseph with this article. Adam has dark hair, he is broadly smiling and is wearing a dark color business suit.

Thanksgiving: Closed Thursday and Friday, November 25th & 26th

Christmas: Closed Friday, December 24th

New Year’s Day: Closed Friday, December 31st.

These creatures take on a character of their own after careful customization. The "dogs" can be fashioned to represent virtually any sports team color combination! Reserve yours by calling 304-522-6991.

Lt. John Blue's war in West Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley by Dan Oates - Narrated by Dave McLain

Relive the travels of Lt. Blue through the Battle of Gettysburg to life in four Confederate prisons.

CWAB is offering its September 29, 2001 Gospel Concert on CD or tape. Featured performances by: Kayla Carter, Kermit Nance, Patty Aldridge, Lisa Blankenship, The Bible Apostolic Church Choir, and Redeemed.

These CWAB produced items make great gifts!

Call 522-6991, to place your order

"Leftover Thanksgiving turkey casserole that even the kids will eat! This is quick, easy and delicious." Original recipe yield: 4 to 6 servings.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease one 10 inch casserole dish.

Place the spinach in the prepared casserole dish. Top with the cubed turkey then with the grated cheese.

Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 25 to 30 minutes.

Please remember Cabell-Wayne Association of the Blind when you write your will or would like to make other charitable gifts.

Gifts may be made In Memory of, In Honor of, In Celebration of, or other occasions or reasons. Your support is greatly appreciated.

All donations to CWAB are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Contact Paul Slone, Executive Director at (304) 522-6991.

GUIDE PAGE MAGAZINE supporters are important. They provide goods and services, and offer support for this publication in some small way. If, in the course of your day, you patronize one of our sponsors, please tell them you saw their name mentioned in the GUIDE PAGE MAGAZINE, and let them know how much you appreciate their support.

This month’s supporters are:

Call CWAB’s Services Division office at 522-6991, ext. 15 to learn how you can be a supporter of the GUIDE PAGE MAGAZINE!