The Beacon
FREE
MATTER
FOR THE
BLIND
Florida Center for the Blind
1411 NE 22nd Avenue
Ocala, FL 3470
Volume 2, Issue 1
Spring 2015
Dancing in the Dark
The 1st annual Dancing in the Dark was held on
Friday, March 6th at the Oak Run’s Palm Grove
Auditorium. The event was nearly sold-out,
exceeding everyone's expectations with a total
number of 215 guests in attendance!
DANCING OPTIONAL—FUN REQUIRED
Florida Center for the Blind - Vision Beyond Sight
CONTACT US
SCRIPT TALK
A talking prescription
system available at Walmart
located on
SR 200 & Easy Street
in Ocala.
Spread the word and use this service!
If we don’t use it, we lose it!
Florida Center
for the Blind
1411 NE 22nd Ave.
Ocala, FL 34470
PH: (352) 873-4700
FX: (352) 873-4751
Email:
jnisbett@flblind.org
Website:
www.flblind.org
12
The evening was filled with laughter and
merriment from those on the dance floor, and others simply
socializing. After sampling a wonderful selection of hors
d'oeuvres, guests enjoyed the music, silent auction and overall
atmosphere.
IN THIS ISSUE
Guests became judges during the
TWIST contest, and many walked
 Our New Facilities
away from the evening as winners of
 Open House &
various door, raffle and 50/50 prizes.
Ribbon Cutting
EVENING DEEMED AN OVERALL
SUCCESS
Ted Warner, a member of the Board of
Directors for the Florida Center for the
Blind (FCB), was the mastermind behind
the entire event. (Continued on pg. 10)
1



Spring, the Season
of New Beginnings
Dining in the Dark
Developing
Classes
Our New Facilities
DANCING IN THE DARK DONORS:
NEW BUILDING, NEW YEAR, NEW POSSIBILITIES
FCB has recently relocated to the NE side of Ocala. The facilities
include administrative and training buildings to allow for
expansion in size and services. The renovation of the two beautiful buildings was completed by Tallen Builders. Representing the
owner and providing oversight of the entire project was Phillip
Brescia, owner of PassionBuild LLC. The interior design was
completed by Jean
Brennan, with Chris
Franco helping with the
design and construction of all the window
treatments.
UNMATCHED
DEDICATION
The three individuals
pictured to the left
were essential in
creating the final product. Each went above and beyond, donating
materials and countless hours to create the warm, inviting and
beautiful space that all will cherish for years to come.
Starting on Left: Phil Brescia, Passionbuild Construction Consultant; Jean Brennan, Interior Designer; Chris
Franco, Sew Fine Window Treatments; and Edward
Brewer, President of FCB Board of Directors.
2
Amore Italian Restaurant
Dr. Janine Weller, DVM
Julie’s Unique
Aunt Fanny’s Restaurant
Dr. Renny Edleson, DC
Beef O’Brady’s
Edwin Watts Golf
Belleview Pizza
First Watch
Karen Leech, Massage
Pasta Faire
Therapist @ Paradise Spa Pro Nails
Little Joey’s
Royal Oaks Country Club
Bently’s
Great Clips
Lois Lane Decca Realty
Stone Creek Country Club
Bill and Linda Thomas
Hardwood BBQ
Bill’s Barbershop
Harry’s
Marion Alachua Dog
Training Association
Therapeutic Massage of
Ocala
Blue Gator
Horse and Hound
No Hands Engaged
Massage
Bo-Kay Florist
Humane Society of Marion Ocala Lions Club
County
Papa John’s
Hungry Howie’s
Trish Sands Ocala Dance
Center
Carmine’s
Domino’s
“A State of Vision” Plate
Paradise Spa
Wise Guys Restaurant
LEAVE A
LEGACY
The State of
Florida offers
a specialty
license plate
called “A State
of Vision,”
which benefits the Florida Association of
Agencies Serving the Blind, Inc.
Please consider
making a bequest to
Florida Center for
the Blind in your
estate plans. These
thoughtful gifts
ensure that FCB can
If you purchase the plate for $25.00 in one continue its work to
of the eight counties served by the Florida enable persons who
Center for the Blind, the money will come are visually impaired
right back to FCB to help your neighbors,
and blind to live
friends and family who may have lost their safely, productively,
vision.
and independently.
For more information visit
www.faasb. com
Thank you!
11
Open House &
Ribbon Cutting
VOLUNTEERING
CORNER
As a non-profit organization,
FCB’s volunteers are an
essential and valued part of
the team.
Wednesday, April 8th
1411 NE 22nd Avenue Ocala
High school/college students
who may need volunteer
hours for course requirements, would be most
welcome to help.
FCB is actively seeking
volunteers to assist with
the current and future
opportunities listed below:
Current Opportunities:
- Transportation
- Receptionist
- Clerical Duties
Upcoming Events:
Open House - April 8th
Dining in the Dark - Oct. 24th
Fill out an APPLICATION to
become a Volunteer today!
Call the main office or visit www.flblind.org
Board member, Ted Warner handing FCB’s Executive
Director, Anissa Brescia a check for the funds raised at
the Dancing in the Dark event.
Dancing Continued...
Ted, a recent client of the Center
himself, became an unbelievable
advocate for the services and
mission of FCB. Ted was able to
provide a platform allowing us to
raise funds and awareness for
potential clients, volunteers, and
supporters. The event was such a
success, Ted has already begun
planning for next year!
FCB will be opening a
Open House: 4:00PM-6:00PM
store for clients, alumActivities, snacks and beverages
ni and the general
Tour the new training and administrative public!
facilities, have an opportunity to meet
The store is
the instructors, staff and Board memscheduled to be
bers, and experience the challenges
operating by
created by vision loss though goggle
April 8th, 2015.
simulation tours, tactile learning and
much more.
Look out for upcoming
The Ribbon Cutting, facilitated by the news & a name for our
Chamber of Economic Partners (CEP) new resource for
of Ocala, will begin promptly at 4:15pm. adaptive aids.
Speakers for this event include: Ocala
City Mayor, Kent Guinn; President and CEO of the CEP, Kevin
Sheilley; and President of FCB Board of Directors, Edward
Brewer. For additional information call 352-873-4700 or visit www.flblind.org
Make sure to check out the FCB’s
website to view additional pictures
from the event.
10
FCB Store
Coming
Soon!
3
Spring, the Season of
New Beginnings
MESSAGE FROM THE
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
In the last issue, I mentioned the Fall
being the season of changes. Well, we
have made it through the winter and are
on the cusp of spring -- the season of
new beginnings and the renewal of all
things. As I write this, we are preparing for an Open House event
that I hope each of you reading this newsletter will have the
opportunity to attend. The Open House is not just a celebration of
our new facilities; it is a celebration for all who have been touched
by the Center and for all who have been a part of helping the
Center carry out its mission of providing free services to our
“...the season of new beginnings and the renewal of all things.”
neighbors who are blind and visually impaired. We have been so
incredibly blessed over the recent years allowing us to continue to
grow and improve our services and facilities.
We just recently signed a contract with the Marion County school
system allowing us to assist them in their services to school-aged
children. We are in the process of finding funding to allow us to
develop and implement a children’s program. This program would
allow us to provide services to children ages 5 through 13. This is
a critical age in any child’s development, (continued on next page)
4
Developing Classes
Classes
With newly added space, FCB has been able Coming Soon:
to integrate new classes and is encouraging
clients to train at the Center in group and
individual settings. Clients are able to form
friendships and a sense of community during and in between classes. Enrichment
courses are offered to look more closely at
the individual, as well as basic and advance
class series to allow the clients to customize
training according to their needs, preferences and learning styles. These are the
newly added classes:

Orientation 101 & 102

Job Readiness

Yoga

Intro to Assistive
Technology

Monthly Arts &
Crafts

Sewing

Home Repairs

Housekeeping
EyeCAN
A peer facilitated group where
students explore creative solutions
to challenges faced by vision loss.
Introduction to building, staff,
services, basic etiquette, & overview
of resources.


Independent Living
Skills Series

Basic Braille
Class Series
Introduction to Braille
6 Week Class
Introduction to IL Skills
5 Week Course
Everyday Uses for Braille
4 Week Class
Low Vision Adaptations
2 Week Class

Financial Management
Cooking Skills
3 Week Courses

Diabetes Management
101: Basic Skills 102: Advanced Skills

Focus Group
Exploring the use of lighting, contrast,
sun filters, and adaptive aids.
9
DINING IN THE DARK
RAFFLE & DOOR PRIZE DONORS
Azulene Spa
Jenkins Hyundai of Ocala
Bagelicious
La Cuisine
Carol Coslett
Latinos Y Mas
Feta Mediterranean
Cuisine
Lemieux Diamond
Company
First Watch
Little Joey's Restaurant
Gem Galleria
JCV Broadcasting
Hair to Impress Salon
Macy's
Harry's Seafood
Making Waves Salon
Holiday Inn
Mary's Cuban Kitchen
Ivy House
Mesa de Notte Restaurant
Oasis Restaurant
Olive Garden
Pavoratti's Restaurant
Publix
Scoops Ice Cream
Stone Creek Grille
Synergistic Healing
Energy, LLC
The Braised Onion
The Ranch
Yours Truly
Anonymous Donors for
various Gift Certificates
As a non-profit organization, FCB thrives
and greatly appreciates the support of our
donors and event sponsors, and we love to
show them off!
Consider becoming a Sponsor
for our upcoming Dining in the
Dark with Dignity event on Sat., Oct. 24th, 2015.
All proceeds go towards funding the services FCB
provides to clients free of charge.
Contact Jessica Nisbett at 352-873-4700 to request sponsorship
level details and benefits.
8
but for a child who is blind or visually
impaired, it is essential.
These students would then continue
into our already existing Transitions
Program for students ages 14 to 22.
This is just one area of many that we
are looking into developing and
expanding.
I can not thank each of you enough
for all that you have contributed over
the years. I truly hope to see you at
Open House. Come and celebrate
with all of us and see firsthand what you have helped make
happen and learn how you can be a part of the next step of the
journey.
Anissa Brescia, Executive Director
Welcome!
Please join us in welcoming to the Board of Directors and staff,
Board of Directors:
Staff:
Jeanne Von Dohre
Rebecca Budzinski, AT Instructor
Amy Green, Case Manager
Rik Ellis, Maintenance
DeeDee Jewett, Admin. Assistant
Ted Warner
Carolyn Warnell
Andrew Ly, AT Instructor
5
SPONSORS
CONTINUED
Dining in the Dark
The 2nd Annual Dining in the Dark event,
presented by Jenkins Auto Group, was held
on October 25, 2014 at the Holiday Inn &
Conference Center in Ocala. The purpose of
the event was to raise awareness about the
challenges faced by those who are blind or
visually impaired.
Photo courtesy of the Star Banner
“...an unforgettable and impactful experience to better
understand the challenges faced through vision loss.”
SPECIAL THANKS
TO LAST YEARS
SPONSORS:
Presenting Sponsor
Jenkins Auto Group
Silver Sponsor
Cox Communication
JVC Broadcasting
Community Sponsor
Ocala Star Banner
Holiday Inn &
Conference Center
AN ADVENTURE IN COMPLETE
DARKNESS
The dinner was served by the Ocala Police
Department & Marion County Sherriff’s
Office SWAT teams using their night vision
goggles. The Marion County Fire Department
authorized all exit signs and lights to be eliminated in the room, creating total darkness
and a unique atmosphere for family & friends
to dine and converse.
Florida Thoroughbred
Breeders’ & Owners’
Association
During the course of the evening, guests had
the chance to win wonderful raffle & door
prizes including a weekend getaway trip to
the GayLord Palms & ICE courtesy of JVC
Broadcasting.
BJ Trophies
See page 8 for the full list of donors.
Best Version Media
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White Cane Sponsor
Regions Bank
PassionBUILD LLC
Vicky Morrison,
ReMAX Premier
Strategic Training
Centers & Jim Payton
Realty
Photo Courtesy of the Star Banner
IMPACTING THE COMMUNITY &
OUR CENTER
The event was extremely successful in terms
of raising funds to support the services
offered free through FCB, and generating an
enormous amount of community awareness.
The event was featured in multiple
publications including the Star Banner and
Ocala’s Good Life magazine, exposing FCB to
its community and potential clients.
Many guests stated that it was an
unforgettable and impactful experience to
better understand the challenges faced
through vision loss.
Next year’s event has been
scheduled for Sat., October 24, 2015.
Make sure to purchase your tickets in advance
for a chance to experience Dining in the Dark.
7
Big D Roofing
Patron Sponsor
Ocala Twelve LLC
Natalie Schoepf
Charlotte Simmons
Estate
Museum Eye Care
Marion Heart Association
Gateway Bank
Campus USA Credit
Union
Insurance Office of
America
Bryant & Carol Shaw
Community Bank &
Trust
Joyce Maurer
DePalma Family
Living Trust