Touching God with Rabbi Lenny Sarko
White Canes Connect
In Episode 101 of "White Canes Connect," hosts David Goldstein and Lisa Bryant engage with Rabbi Lenny Sarko to discuss his pioneering work on the Braille Torah. Rabbi Sarko, who is visually impaired himself due to complications from diabetes, shares his unique journey of adapting the Torah into Braille to facilitate inclusive religious participation for the blind and visually impaired within the Jewish community. The episode delves into Rabbi Sarko's motivation, which stemmed from his fear of losing complete sight and realizing that no Hebrew Braille Torahs existed globally. This led him to...
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A Conversation with President Mark Riccobono to Celebrate Our 100th Episode
White Canes Connect
In this 100th episode of White Canes Connect, Mark Riccobono, President of the National Federation of the Blind, joins Lisa and David for a celebratory and insightful discussion. President Riccobono reflects on the podcast's journey, emphasizing its role in amplifying the voices of the blind community and fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment. He shares his journey with blindness, highlighting the transformative impact of finding mentorship and a supportive community within the Federation. President Riccobono discusses the significance of advocacy, the evolution of technology...
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DCIU's Vision: Success for All Students
White Canes Connect
While educating a child with a disability can be challenging, the Delaware County Intermediate Unit, or DCIU, offers many tools and supports to meet that challenge head-on, preparing every student for a successful future! In this episode of White Canes Connect, Simon Bonenfant speaks with Jason Gonzalez, DCIU Professional Development Specialist, and Holly Short, DCIU Orientation and Mobility instructor, as they discuss the wide range of service offerings the DCIU provides, each unique to every student. The DCIU will hold two upcoming transition fairs for parents and students in Delaware...
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See the Spectrum: Understanding Low Vision
White Canes Connect
In this episode of White Canes Connect, presented by the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania and hosted by Lisa Bryant and David Goldstein, listeners are treated to an enlightening conversation on living with low vision, commemorating February as Low Vision Awareness Month. The episode featured insights from Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapists Lachelle Smith from Salus University and Steve Kelley from Hadley, alongside Pam Baquaro, a blind vendor and President of the Pennsylvania Association of Blind Merchants. The discussion highlighted the challenges and misconceptions...
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Beyond Blood Sugar: The Full Diabetes Prevention Plan
White Canes Connect
In this episode of White Canes Connect, hosts Lisa Bryant and David Goldstein explore the Diabetes Prevention Program with special guests Joani Schmeling from the Health Promotion Council and NFB of PA President Lynn Heights, a diabetes coach. The program, developed by the CDC, is designed to support individuals with prediabetes through lifestyle changes over a year, emphasizing the importance of diet, exercise, and stress management. Lisa shares her commitment to participating in the program, highlighting its potential to prevent the progression from prediabetes to diabetes, a...
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A Conversation with Blind Black Leaders Dr. Carolyn Peters & Sabrina Rice"
White Canes Connect
In this episode of White Canes Connect, Lisa and David speak with Dr. Carolyn Peters and Sabrina Rice from the National Organization of Blind Black Leaders. They discuss the importance of the organization and when it became a division of the National Federation of the Blind. They review all the planned Black History Month events the organization presents (see the listing below, along with the Zoom links.) The ladies also explain how important it is to simply show up and the difference that it makes. Show notes at Links Mentioned Learn more about Eye Learn...
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Arts Access for All: Introducing the Audio Description Learning Network
White Canes Connect
In this episode of White Canes Connect, Simon Bonenfant speaks with ADLN program coordinator Lee Etzold and newly trained audio describer Gina Pisasale as they discuss how the program was formed, how the training was conducted, and who was selected to participate. They also discuss the strong support team of blind and visually impaired coaches, other audio describer mentors, and audio description trainees. While audio-described performances in the Philadelphia area have been available for quite some time, there is a need for more audio describers, particularly from diverse backgrounds....
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Diabetes Awareness: A Conversation with NFB's Leading Voices
White Canes Connect
In this episode of White Canes Connect, Lisa and David speak with Christine Palmer, the organizer of the NFB of PA's Diabetes Support Group, Debbie Wunder, the President of the NFB's Diabetes Action Network, and Anil Lewis, NFB Executive Director and DAN Second Vice President about diabetes. Christine tells us why she wanted to start the group here in Pennsylvania. Debbie explains that one in four people don't even know that they are diabetic. She also mentions that diabetes is the number one cause of blindness. Anil discusses the structure of the NFB and its Divisions and the...
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January 2024 Monthly Digest
White Canes Connect
Welcome to our January 2024 monthly Digest: a monthly newsletter of the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania! The events and information listed below will be within the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania and any pertinent information from the National Federation of the Blind and the Pennsylvania blind community. If you or anyone you know have any upcoming events or information that can pertain to the blind community in Pennsylvania, please send them to Stacie Leap at by the 27th of the month so it can be added to our calendar for the following month. ...
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Recapping 2023 State Convention in Your Words
White Canes Connect
In this episode of White Canes Connect, Lisa and David look back at the 2023 NFB of PA State Convention with emails and a voicemail from attendees. The emails were read using AI, so let us know your thoughts. We also talk about the 2024 State Convention in Erie coming in November. We share some audio clips with holiday messages from previous guests of the podcast, like Suzy Wilburn from Southeastern Guide Dogs (,) Sue Brasel, The Blind Angel Gardener (,) and Juliette Warren from Philly Achilles () to name a few. We discuss some of our favorite episodes of the year and look at what will...
info_outlineWelcome to our January 2024 monthly Digest: a monthly newsletter of the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania!
The events and information listed below will be within the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania and any pertinent information from the National Federation of the Blind and the Pennsylvania blind community.
If you or anyone you know have any upcoming events or information that can pertain to the blind community in Pennsylvania, please send them to Stacie Leap at [email protected] by the 27th of the month so it can be added to our calendar for the following month.
Editor’s Note
Hello all:
I do apologize that December 2023’s edition never came out. I was experiencing some hardships and had to remove myself from certain obligations. Thank you to those who checked on me and kept me in their thoughts and prayers.
On a happier note, the Monthly Digest is one year old! We started this monthly newsletter in January 2023, and it was a pleasure sharing all of this information with everybody! I have received many emails with positive feedback and am glad people are reading this newsletter. That was a fear of mine: that people would not read this newsletter and delete it. However, I am happy that people are engaging with the newsletter. Thank you all!
- Stacie Leap
A Message from our State Affiliate President
Dear Members and Friends,
Happy New Year! It was wonderful spending time with you at our recent State Convention in November 2023. We had record registration, record attendance at the Banquet and the Possibilities Fair, and an overflowing Exhibit Hall. The feedback I have received about the programming has been overwhelmingly positive.
Thank you to the many hands, hearts, and minds that went into putting this together!!!
Looking forward to wonderful things in 2024!
Sincerely,
Lynn Heitz
President, National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania
Google Calendar Links
The National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania also has a Google Calendar that can be viewed either through the web or subscribed to your calendar apps.
You can view the calendar at www.NFBofPA.org/calendar.
However, if you wish to subscribe to the calendar and get the events on your calendar apps, please Subscribe and go through the steps to subscribe:
Member Spotlight: David Goldstein
Each month, we will highlight someone within our affiliate. The goal is to allow us to learn about other members within the affiliate. We hope you enjoy this little spotlight!
David Goldstein was recently elected as the First Vice President of our state affiliate during our 2023 State Convention! He is also the Treasurer of the Keystone Chapter and Treasurer of the Pennsylvania Association of Blind Merchants. He is also one of the hosts of White Canes Connect, our official state affiliate podcast. In addition, he is also our web coordinator of our new affiliate website: www.nfbofpa.org. If you do not think that is enough, he is the President of Digital Graphics Design, LLC. David is a father of two adult children and a dog dad to Ziggy, a golden retriever. He is into technology and has his own podcast, iCantCU, where he chronicles his life and the different activities he is involved in. In his own words, “iCantCU sounds like a sentence, but it is only 7 letters long. It is like blind people for dummies.” If you ever get a chance to meet David, do not forget to say, “Hello!”
Calendar of Events
The following events are also on our Google calendar with the Zoom information or meeting location. If anyone within a chapter, division, or group sees any errors or misinformation, please contact Stacie Leap at [email protected]
The below information is correct as of the first week of the month. The information is most up-to-date on the Google Calendar. Please check back periodically to ensure the correct information is correct.
Coffee with the State President and Board
This monthly discussion meeting brings everybody together to get to know the state affiliate board members and the happenings within the state’s divisions, chapters, and advocacy efforts. This meeting is typically held on the 1st Wednesday of the month. For more information, please get in touch with State President Lynn Heitz at [email protected]
Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at 7:30 PM.
Jigsaw Chapter Monthly Meeting
A monthly meeting for those who do not have a local chapter in their geographical area. This is our at-large chapter Meetings. This meeting is typically held on the first Saturday of the month.
Saturday, January 6, 2024 at 10 AM
Deaf Blind Division Monthly Meeting
A monthly meeting for those who consider themselves Deaf Blind and their supporters. This meeting is typically held on the second Monday of the month. For more information, please get in touch with Division President Chris Westbrook at [email protected]
Monday, January 8, 2024 at 6 PM.
Pennsylvania Association of Blind Merchants (PABM) Monthly Meeting
A monthly meeting for those who are or wish to be involved with the Business Enterprise Program, entrepreneurship, and their supporters. This meeting is typically held on the second Wednesday of the month. For more information, please get in touch with Division President Pamela Baquero at [email protected]
Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at 6 PM.
Greater Berks Chapter Monthly Meeting
A monthly meeting for those who live in the Greater Berks County of Pennsylvania. This meeting is typically held on the second Friday of the month. For more information, please get in touch with Chapter President Rosemary Freedman at [email protected]
Friday, January 12, 2024 at 10 AM.
Greater Lehigh Valley Chapter Monthly Meeting
A monthly meeting for those who live in the Greater Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania. This includes Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, and the surrounding areas. This meeting is typically held on the second Saturday of the month. For more information, please get in touch with Chapter President Cheryl Frazier at [email protected]
Saturday, January 13, 2024 at 10 AM.
Keystone Chapter Monthly Meeting
A monthly meeting for those who live in the Philadelphia area. This is one of two local chapters in the Philadelphia area. The other chapter is the Greater Philadelphia Chapter. This meeting is typically held on the second Saturday of the month at the Penn Museum. For more information, please get in touch with Chapter President Harriet Go at [email protected]
Saturday, January 13, 2024 at 10:15 AM.
Happy Valley Chapter Monthly Meeting
A monthly meeting for those who live in or surrounding State College, Pennsylvania. This meeting is typically held on the second Saturday of the month. For more information, please get in touch with Chapter President Michelle McManus at [email protected]
Saturday, January 13, 2024 at 1 PM.
Diabetes Action Network (DAN) Group Monthly Meeting
A monthly meeting for those who have diabetes, pre-diabetes, or are at risk for developing diabetes. This group typically meets on the third Monday of the month. For more information, please get in touch with Group Chair Christine Palmer at [email protected]
Monday, January 15, 2024, at 7 PM.
Pennsylvania Organization of Parents of Blind Children (PAOPBC) Monthly Meeting
A monthly meeting for parents of blind children and their supporters. This meeting is typically held on the third Tuesday of the month. For more information, please get in touch with Division President Emily Gindlesperger at [email protected]
Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at 1 PM.
Pittsburgh Chapter Monthly Meeting
A monthly meeting for those who live in the Greater Pittsburgh area. This meeting is typically held on the third Wednesday of the month. For more information, please get in touch with Chapter Revitalizing Team Members Emily Gindlesperger at [email protected] or Denice Brown at [email protected]
Wednesday, January 17, 2024 at 6 PM.
Capital Area Chapter Monthly Meeting
A monthly meeting for those who live in the Greater Harrisburg area. This meeting is typically held on the third Saturday of the month. For More Information, please get in touch with Chapter President Jason Polanski at [email protected]
Saturday, January 20, 2024 at 10 AM.
Erie County Chapter Monthly Meeting
A monthly meeting for those who live in Erie County, Pennsylvania. This meeting is typically held on the third Saturday of the month. For more information, please get in touch with Connie Scheu at [email protected]
Saturday, January 20, 2024, at 2 PM.
Blind Parents Group Monthly Meeting
A monthly meeting for blind parents, grandparents, and their supporters. This meeting is typically held on the third Saturday of the month. For more information, please contact Group Chair Stacie Leap at [email protected].
Saturday, January 20, 2024 at 7 PM.
Pennsylvania Association of Blind Students (PABS) Monthly Meeting
A monthly meeting for blind students of all ages and their supporters. This meeting is typically held on the fourth Monday of the month. For more information, please get in touch with Division President Simon Bonenfant at [email protected]
Monday, January 22, 2024 at 7 PM.
Blind Seniors Group Monthly Meeting
A monthly meeting for those who are seniors or almost seniors as well as their supporters. This meeting is typically held on the fourth Wednesday of the month. For more information, please get in touch with Group Chair Connie Scheu at [email protected]
Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at 7:30 PM.
Brandywine Valley Chapter Monthly Meeting
A monthly meeting for those who live in the Brandywine Valley area of PA. This meeting is typically held on the fourth Saturday of the month. For more information, please get in touch with Chapter President Lynn Heitz at [email protected]
Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 10 AM.
Greater Philadelphia Chapter Monthly Meeting
A monthly meeting for those who live in the Philadelphia area. This is one of two local chapters in the Philadelphia area. The other chapter is the Keystone Chapter. This meeting is typically held on the fourth Saturday of the month. For more information, please get in touch with Chapter President Denice Brown at [email protected]
Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 10 AM.
Pennsylvania Association of Guide Dog Users (PAGDU) Monthly Meeting
A monthly meeting for those who have or are considering getting a guide dog and their supporters. This meeting is typically held on the fourth Saturday of the month. For more information, please get in touch with Division President Becca Weber at [email protected]
Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 4 PM.
White Canes Connect Podcast
Did you know the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania has a podcast? It is hosted by members David Goldstein and Lisa Bryant, as well as some guest hosts. It features interviews with our PA members and interviews and resources for the blind community. The monthly Digest is also on the podcast for those who wish to hear a human’s voice instead of a screen reader. You can listen to it wherever you listen to podcasts.
Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, IHeartRadio, and YouTube @PABlindPodcast. Contact White Canes Connect at [email protected] if you have any show ideas or wish to be on the podcast.
State Convention 2023
We had our state convention in November 2023 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Here are some highlights!
- We had 28 people register for our Senior Possibilities Fair. This was our 2nd year having it at the convention, and this was our highest number of registrants!
- 10 people attended the state convention as a first-timer! Welcome to our NFB of pA family!
- A total of 125 people registered for the convention!
- We had our state board elections, and the following people have been elected:
- President: Lynn Heitz
- First Vice President: David Goldstein
- Second Vice President: Emily Gindlesperger
- Secretary: Harriet Go
- Treasurer: Brian Mackey
- Board Director: Denice Brown
- Board Director: Kirk Hunger
- Board Director: Michelle McManus
Diabetes Action Network (DAN) Group formed in Pennsylvania!
We are delighted to have a new group join our NFB of PA family! This group, Diabetes Action Network (DAN), aims to educate and provide peer support for those living with diabetes or for those who are at risk for developing diabetes. The group plans to meet quarterly on the second Monday of the month at 7 PM. For more information, please get in touch with the Group Chair, Christine Palmer, at [email protected]
Washington Seminar 2024
At our Washington Seminar, members of the National Federation of the Blind convene to learn about and advocate for legislative initiatives that will improve the lives of blind Americans.
Dates: Monday, January 29 through Thursday, February 1, 2024
Location: Holiday Inn Washington Capitol – National Mall
550 C Street, SW
Washington, DC 20024
If you want more information on what the NFB of PA is doing regarding Washington Seminar, please get in touch with our Legislative Director, Emily Gindlesperger, at [email protected]
For more information on Washington Seminar, please visit www.nfbofpa.org/washington-seminar.
Shout-Outs and Announcements!
Birthday Wishes
The National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania wishes all those born in December & January a very happy birthday!
Fundraisers
Blind Parents Group T-Shirts Fundraiser
The T-shirts come in either black with white lettering or white with black lettering. Both shirts say “I Support #BlindParents” with the NFB of PA Logo and “Blind Parents Group” at the bottom. Funds raised will start a financial fund to assist blind or visually impaired parents and their families through financial life hardships. To purchase a t-shirt, please contact Stacie Leap at [email protected]
NFB Pledge
I pledge to participate actively in the efforts of the National Federation of the Blind; to achieve equality, opportunity, and security for the blind; to support the policies and programs of the Federation; and to abide by its constitution.
NFB Message
The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams.
Many thanks to everybody for all they do within the Federation!
Thanks!
the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania team