Holiday 2007

PRESIDENTIAL NOTES:

The proverbial ship has landed for the Westmoreland County Blind Association in the form of a new product.  The new JSList Bag is a new version of the old NBC Bag that we made approximately twenty years ago.  The new JSList Bag is larger.  It is like a duffle bag used to store gear for chemical spill cleanups.  Stored in this bag is a gas mask, rubber boots, chemical suit, and whatever else is needed for this line of work.  This contract is a 3-year agreement with first year numbers guaranteed to be 60,000 units.  The second and third year of this contract will be evaluated as the military usage determines the future increments.  We are told that there is a 150,000 backlog for this item.  The number of items that will be given to Westmoreland County Blind Association for the year 2008 is 60,000 units. This translates to 5,000 units per month.  The price for each bag is $30.00 per item.  The exact period under which we will begin production has not been determined, however, it will be sometime within the first quarter of 2008.  The only agencies that are involved in the production of the JSList Bag are Alabama and Westmoreland.  If the numbers are larger than they originally estimated, another agency will be added to the mix.  Since Westmoreland County Blind Association had previously worked on this type of product, we already have most of the necessary equipment to produce this item.  This is one of the many reasons Westmoreland County Blind Association was given the opportunity to manufacture the JSList Bag.  In addition, Westmoreland County Blind Association has maintained the necessary ratio and has always delivered, without exception, the manufactured items according to proper delivery schedules.

Let me take this time to wish everyone a very Happy Holiday and we hope to see you here at the Christmas Open House & the Embroidery Dept. Open House

                                                                                                                                        LAWRENCE J. HELKOWSKI

 CEO/PRESIDENT

 

 

FROM THE DESK OF DR. CHRIS CAKANAC, LOW VISION SPECIALIST:

     As most of us know, the most common condition we see in the low vision service is Age Related Macular Degeneration, which has no cure.  The second most common disease we see is Diabetic Retinopathy, which can be preventable. 

      Diabetes can cause the small blood vessels to leak.  Early on, these changes cause no vision problems, but left untreated, they cause permanent vision loss.

     All Diabetics should have a regular eye exam once a year, even if they are not having symptoms, to prevent vision loss.  The vessels can be treated with laser to prevent further vision loss.  New drugs are on the way which may eliminate the need for the laser in the future.                            Chris J. Cakanac, O.D.,



FUNDRAISING:

     Just to give everyone a “heads up” on the upcoming scheduled fundraisers for 2008.

March 7, 2008: a Friday,  has been reserved for the 19th Annual “Sights on Jazz” event.  Reservations have been made at the Bishop Connare Center (new name for St. Joseph Center).  At present, there is no entertainment booked for the evening, so if you have a suggestion for the entertainment, please feel free to call and let someone know.  Also we would like any comments or suggestions about the sit-down dinner as opposed to  the hors d oeuvres’ evening.  I have heard good comments on both itineraries, so please let us know how you feel. and/or what you would prefer attending.

     As always, we will be holding a golf outing sometime in June. This will be the 6th Annual outing for us.  No reservations have been made as of yet,, but be sure to remember to mark your calendars for a wonderful day of golf , fun, food and prizes in June of 2008.

      Celebrating 60 Years!!!  Yes it is the 60th Anniversary of the Westmoreland County Blind Association.  In honor of that, we are planning a 60th Dinner Celebration event.  The plans have just begun, and we are holding monthly meetings to get everything organized and we’re off to a great start.  We are looking at the fall of 2008 to hold our dinner event.  So if you want to be part of the planning or if you would like to head up a committee, just give us a call. The more ideas from everyone, makes for a better occasion.  You  may want to be in charge of decorations, or entertainment, how about tickets and reservations?  The more help from everyone, the easier it is for all involved. 

So please try and get involved, as we celebrate the 60th anniversary of

our agency.

 If you would like to be a part of any of the fundraisers,

Embroidery Department:

     We have moved to the main floor, located on the right side of the building. We have a wonderful new shop.  Look for our new signs!  Please feel welcome to stop in and visit us anytime.

     We have also purchased a brand new Barudan 6-Head 15-needle computerized embroidery machine.  With the addition of this new machine, we are able to produce more products in less time.

    

                   EMBROIDERY ~ OPEN HOUSE

We will be  holding an Open-House for the newly located

Embroidery department.

It will be held on Wednesday, December 19 ~ which happens to be the same day as our Christmas Luncheon Open-House. 

So plan to join us for lunch and take a stroll over to see the

newly located embroidery dept.

      We offer the finest products guaranteed, if you are looking to promote your business, advertise your company, or bring attention to a promotional event.  Our prices are very competitive and we have very prompt “turn around” time, along with superior quality.  We also offer top quality name brand lines of clothing in a variety of styles, colors and sizes.  All embroidery is done “in house” on state of the art computerized embroidery machines. 

     To inquire about or place an order, please contact Sue Henderson at the Blind Association from

7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday thru Friday.  (724) 837-1250 extension 28.

 

 

“READ THIS TO ME”

         is a free reading service for the blind, powered by volunteers and Internet collaboration.

 “Read this to me” allows blind and low-vision people to have printed documents read to them over the phone. All the blind person needs, is a phone line and a fax machine (no computer is required).


Here’s how it works:

The blind person (whom we’ll call the client) faxes the document to be read to the “Read this to me” toll-free fax number: 1-877-333-8848.

One of the “Read This to Me’s “ Volunteer readers will call the client back and read the document.

That’s it!

This service is available throughout the U.S.

An audio version of this information is available by dialing 1-877-333-8847.

Check out the website @ http://www.readthistome.org/

 

 

Work Activity Center

     We would like to welcome our new employees:  Christy Ciarimboli, Alan Tomajko and Bill Marshall.  I think they really enjoy coming to work here, and we certainly like having them here with us.  They are all very hard workers.

     We would also like to welcome Korin Paul to the W.A.C. staff.  Korin is a very hard worker also, and the clients really love having her around.  In addition to Korin, we have also got a new van driver:  Ralph Scurci.  Ralph is also doing a wonderful job.  The clients agree!  Please feel free to stop by to introduce yourself and say Hello.

      We would like to thank Mary Lou Murola.  Mary Lou volunteers to come to our facility to lead an aerobic session for the W.A.C. clients every Tuesday.  Thank you so much Mary Lou.

       SHREDDING!!  We have recently purchased 2 additional shredders for the upstairs, due to the growing W.A.C. shredding program!  The clients enjoy having the additional machines, because this allows more clients to shred at the same time. Shredding is a very popular job in the W.A.C. area and everyone is able to participate!  KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK GUYS!!

The shredding business is doing great!  Everyone is working and doing a tremendous job!  The shredding is growing bigger and bigger  day by day.

     We would also like to mention once again that we are now a Paper Storage Facility.  If you or your business needs documents stored, please contact us for all of the information.

      With Christmas right around the corner, we are looking forward to once again, singing our Christmas carols for you at the Christmas Luncheon Open-House.  So please make your reservations to join us for the Open House lunch on Dec. 19 at noon.  Please see the reservation form in this edition of the Newsletter.            

                Happy Holidays to all of you ~ from all of us in the

                                   Work Activity Center!

                                                                                                               Lissa

 

I WANT TO TAKE THE

OPPORTUNITY    TO SAY

“THANK YOU”

TO ALL OF  

  THE LOCAL LIONS CLUBS.  YOUR SUPPORT OF OUR

ORGANIZATION IS

OVERWHELMING AT TIMES,

AND WE  JUST WANTED TO

LET YOU KNOW 

    HOW MUCH WE APPRECIATE IT! 

    I want to thank the District 14-E Lions for their generous donations throughout the year. The Lions support our “Sights on Jazz” event, the Golf Outing, summer picnic, Beacon Lodge camperships and Christmas Luncheon, not to mention any special projects we need help with along the way.  As always I just can’t say enough of how much your support of our organization means to the continuing services provided to the blind in our community.  You are all to be commended!  THANK YOU!

 

 

GREETINGS FROM THE WORKSHOP.

     We are currently working on three government  contracts.  They are Flyers Kit Bags, Navy Neckerchiefs and Flight Deck Jerseys.  Our contract for the Flyers Kit Bags is 9,000 pieces.  Over 13,000 in Navy Neckerchiefs and 6,955 Flight Deck Jerseys.

     We are working on a new project for PIBH (Pennsylvania Industries for the Blind and Handicap) in conjunction with Cambria County Blind Association.  This project is to produce around 3,000 navy blue sweat shirts.

     Of course, we are still maintaining our production of Smithcots, which are  portable stretchers. 

     I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a  very Healthy and Prosperous Holilday and to thank everyone for the cards and well wishes I have been receiving.  Your thoughts and prayers are very much appreciated.                

                                           Connie Panko

                                   Workshop Supervisor

 

 

 

DON’T FORGET TO MAKE YOUR

“CHRISTMAS ~ OPEN HOUSE“       

December 19, 2007

RESERVATIONS. 

          DON’T DELAY…...MAKE THEM TODAY!

724-837-1250

EDWARD  BOYCE

  It is with deepest regret that we have to announce that a dear friend of the Blind Association has passed away.  D.Edward “Fast Eddie” Boyce whom was a past employee of the Manufacturing Department passed away on Friday, October 19, 2007.  Ed had transferred to Golden Valley, Arizona in 2004, in regards to his health.

There was a Homecoming Celebration memorial service held here in Greensburg, PA at the Word of Life Ministries on November 3, 2007 at 4:00 p.m. for friends and family to celebrate Ed’s life. 

All of us here at the Blind Association wish to express our sympathy to Ed’s Family at this time of great loss. Our prayers are with you all.

 

 

Consider Giving a Truly

Lasting Legacy

    

    From time to time it is a good idea to review your will, especially if you have new children or grandchildren, have remarried, inherited property or other assets, or if recent law changes affect your estate planning.

     A bequest in your will can help assure future services here at W.C.B.A.   Another way to give is through a  trust that can give you and/or a loved one an income for life and may provide you with an immediate tax advantage and ultimately may reduce estate taxes.  Deferred gifts of life insurance, real estate, appreciated securities or other properties could be an ideal way to give.

     Won’t you consider including us in your estate planning?  Your tax accountant and lawyer can help you with an appropriate way.

     Please remember that however you choose to help the Westmoreland County Blind Association, we are very grateful for your generosity.                                                                                          

                                Thank you.