The BISM Grapevine – Fall 2012
Independence Programs Prepare Blind Students For Future by Dan Wenzel
On August 9, six blind high school students celebrated the successful completion of BISM’s
Independence 2012. During the first six weeks of the residential program, students learned the
“skills of blindness” by attending classes in Braille, assistive technology, independent living and
white cane travel. Students with residual vision wore sleep-shades during classes to ensure that
they are able to be independent regardless of the effectiveness of their vision in different
situations. Students lived with and were taught by successful blind adults, and attended daily
seminars designed to change their perceptions about the abilities of blind people. During the final
two weeks of the program, students gained valuable paid work experience at local agencies and
businesses, including Maryland Disability Law Center, Urban Pirates, the IMAGE Center,
Goucher College, and the Downtown Sailing Center. Independence 2012 students put their skills
(especially travel) to the test during trips to Ft. McHenry, Washington D.C., New York City, the
NFB conference in Dallas, a crab feast, and an assistive technology fair. Students also
participated in challenging recreation activities such as sailing and indoor rock climbing.
August 11 marked the conclusion of BISM’s inaugural Independence 101 Program for blind
elementary and middle school students. Six energetic students participated in this fast paced
residential program and learned the “skills of blindness.” Successful blind adult instructors
worked with students during the day and helped them put their newfound skills to practice at
night in an apartment setting. The 101 students visited D.C. via the MARC train, and used the
Metro to travel to the Air and Space Museum. The students also toured Ft. McHenry, the
Maryland Science Center, and attended the tech fair.
It was an incredible learning experience for the students and staff, and I have no doubt that the
investment of time and energy required to learn the skills of blindness will pay off for the
students as they transition into adulthood or high school. If the summer is any indication, the
students we served will have many future successes and it was an honor to work with each and
every one of them.
Fred Funk Returns To The BISM Golf Classic by Rob Ennamorato
On September 27-28, BISM hosted its annual Pro-Invitational Golf Classic fundraiser, which
featured the return of PGA legend, and Maryland native, Fred Funk.
The event kicked off on September 27 with a Cocktail Reception at the Pikesville Hilton for Fred
Funk, sponsors, golfers, and BISM associates.
On September 28, a sold-out field took to the links at Suburban Club and enjoyed a great day of
golf. Fred Funk played the 16th hole and posed for photos with each of the 22 groups. Mark
Evenson was victorious among the PGA club pros.
This year’s Golf Classic had the largest amount of donations and sponsorships in the event’s
history, and we netted over $40,000 for our Rehabilitation Department’s Youth programs. A big
thank you to top sponsors S.P. Richards and United Stationers for their continued generosity and
support of the BISM Golf Classic!
Our organization would like to thank Fred Funk, sponsors, golfers, PGA pros, Suburban Club
staff, and BISM volunteers for making the 2012 BISM Pro-Invitational Golf Classic a big
success!
Lt. Gov. Brown Speaks At Andrews BSC Opening by Rob Ennamorato
BISM’s AbilityOne Base Supply Center division hosted a star-studded Grand Opening
Ceremony at its new store location on Joint Base Andrews on August 7. The Grand Opening
featured speeches by Maryland Lieutenant Governor Anthony Brown, Joint Base Andrews
Commander Colonel Bill Knight, and National Industries for the Blind President Kevin Lynch.
The well-attended event also featured an inspiring rendition of the National Anthem performed
by blind BSC associate Kagan Nuss, a ribbon cutting, and a reception.
"As a Veteran, I know how valuable a one-stop supply shop on-base can be for active-duty
military, veterans, and their families," said Lt. Governor Brown. "I'm excited that Blind
Industries and Services of Maryland - which supports hiring members of our military and
visually impaired community - is creating jobs by opening their third store here in Maryland."
BISM’s Andrews BSC employs two blind associates, Keith Tyson and Marcus Taylor, who
provided tours of the store to Lt. Governor Brown and Colonel Knight and highlighted some of
the assistive technology used in the store.
BISM owns and operates a total of eight BSCs, which provide high-quality, competitively priced
office and cleaning products and outstanding customer service to base personnel. The other BSC
locations include Aberdeen Proving Ground and Edgewood (MD); Dover Air Force Base (DE);
Ft. Knox (KY); Joint-Base Anacostia Bolling and Defense Intelligence Agency (D.C.); and DIA
Reston (VA).
U.S. Congressmen Tour Baltimore, Cumberland
BISM was honored to have U.S. Congressman John Sarbanes (MD-3rd Dist.) tour our Baltimore
headquarters on August 15. Rep. Sarbanes was given a tour of the production floor and training
classrooms by BISM President Fred Puente and had the opportunity to meet with BISM
associates.
BISM was also honored to have U.S. Congressman Roscoe Bartlett (MD-6th Dist.) visit our
Cumberland plant on September 5. Rep. Bartlett was given a tour of the production area by
supervisor Linda Abe and spoke with Cumberland associates.
BISM AbilityOne BSC Opens At DIA In Reston by Rene Alonso
October 1 marked the official opening day of the Reston Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA)
AbilityOne Base Supply Center operated by Blind Industries and Services of Maryland. Reston
DIA is BISM’s eighth BSC location.
The DIA recently moved many of its satellite operations to a central facility located in Reston,
Virginia. In an effort to streamline its supply chain, DIA requested a location to be operated by
BISM that would support the 3,000 employees scheduled to occupy the building.
Many DIA employees have already moved to the new Reston site. However, it is not expected to
be fully operational until the Spring of 2013. Our new store manager, Sean Kennedy, is on site
and looking to educate the community about the BSC and the products and services that we
provide. A Grand Opening is scheduled later this Fall.
Associate Of The Quarter Winners
A big congratulations to the following winners of the BISM Associate of the Quarter awards,
nominated by fellow associates and voted on by members of BISM management!
For the second quarter ending May 31: Micah Mann (BSCs); Fannie Johnson (Cutting); Jerry
Hutt (Sewing); Maurice Peret (Rehabilitation); Kym Hurdle (Corporate Administration); and
Emory Thomas (Production).
For the third quarter ending August 31: James Plaisted (BSCs); Frances Black (Cutting); Xingh
Nguyen (Sewing); Danielle Earl (Rehabilitation); Kelly Robinson (Corporate Administration);
and Wayne Stedding (Production).
Happy Birthday Associates!
October
Jonathan Mann—Ft. Knox BSC
2
Kevin Mason—Baltimore
2
Paul Messick—Salisbury Cut.
2
Frances Carey—Salisbury Cut.
3
Deborah Collins—Salisbury
4
Sue Morlen—Cumberland
4
Simon Hay—Cumberland
5
Betina Freeman—Salisbury
6
Brenda Haggerty—Cumberland
6
Glen Pinkard—Cumberland
6
Marion Garrison—Cumberland
Marcia Palmer—Salisbury
7
10
Donna Rafferty—Cumberland
12
Cael Lorceus—Salisbury
13
Connie Wallace—Salisbury
14
Adrienne Bellamy—Baltimore
14
Alfred Gordon—Baltimore
15
Russell Hopkins—Baltimore
15
Quoc Ngo—Salisbury
15
Shirley Riffle—Baltimore
15
Keith Clements—Dover BSC
16
Joyce Wilson—Baltimore
17
Richard Thompson—Baltimore 18
Rene Alonso—JBAB BSC
19
Eva Flem—Salisbury
20
Robert Lambert—Baltimore
20
Vaughn Parker—Salisbury Cut. 21
Rebecca Marsch—Baltimore
22
Melanie Rice—Cumberland
22
Jayson Donohue—Baltimore
23
Randall Isaacs—Baltimore
23
Diana Justice—Salisbury
23
Craig Layton—Cumberland
23
Sandra Rhodes—Cumberland
24
Sabrina Richardson—Baltimore 28
Cynthia Lacey—Cumberland
28
Marcus Taylor—Andrews BSC
29
Thomas Pruitt—Salisbury
30
Sandy Holloway—Salisbury Cut. 31
November
Holly Engler—Aberdeen BSC
Barbara Shrieves—Salisbury
5
5
Joey Sterling—Salisbury
5
Brian Porter—Baltimore
7
Carlene McKenzie—Cumberland 8
Freddie Rosen—Salisbury Cut.
11
Louis Slavotinek—Baltimore
13
Patricia Delker—Baltimore
14
Henry Cousin—Baltimore
15
Kathleen Niskey—Salisbury
15
Naomi Faulkner—Cumberland
16
Karan Jones—Cumberland
17
Laura Palma—Salisbury
17
Larry Richardson—Baltimore
18
Li Hua Bitting—Salisbury
20
Karen Smith—Baltimore
22
Gail Breighner—Baltimore
25
Augustus Morris—USDA
26
Wayne Stedding– Baltimore
27
Linda Abe—Cumberland
28
Rubye Davis—Baltimore
28
Thera Morning—Baltimore
28
Emory Thomas—Baltimore
28
Garry Powers—Dover BSC
29
Doris Baker—Cumberland
30
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Upcoming Events
2013 Mardi Gras Celebration
BISM and The Polakoff Foundation are teaming up for a Mardi Gras Celebration fundraiser on
February 23 from 7-11 pm at the Sheraton Baltimore North! There will be great New Orleans
style food and drink, outrageous costumes, live music by Pete Gumbo & Zydeco a-Go-Go, and
MC Stan Stovall from WBAL-TV 11! Tickets are $125 per person. To purchase tickets or for
more information, contact Rob Ennamorato at 410-737-2615 or rennamorato@bism.org.
SILVER Retreat Changes Lives Of Participants by Ruth Sager
The SILVER residential retreat was held from June 5-8 in Baltimore with 14 blind and visually
impaired senior participants from across the state. We kicked off the retreat by orienting
ourselves to the hotel and focused on establishing basic cane travel techniques. That evening we
walked to a nearby restaurant, which was the first time most of the seniors travelled
independently using a long white cane.
Classes began the next day with a discussion about living with vision loss and how to find and
utilize alternative methods, followed by Braille, computer technology, and adaptive aids. In the
afternoon, we took the shuttle bus to BWI airport and had a tour with airport staff and volunteers
who regularly assist travelers in the airport. A highlight for many students was to learn they
could travel safely in an airport, and use their white canes to navigate both up and down the
escalators.
A highlight of the retreat was a trip to the Everyman Theater where we had a “Touch Tour” of
the stage and props for the play “You Can’t Take It With You.” That evening, Roger Williamson
from Cumberland and senior student Rosetta Gainey saw the live performance and both the tour
and performance were featured in an article by The Baltimore Sun.
All of the retreat participants expressed their gratitude to BISM for the opportunity to learn new
skills and meet blind people with a positive message about living with blindness. Many seniors
stated that this experience has changed their lives and has freed them from thinking they must
stay at home and be dependent upon family.
Congratulations To SAIL Program Grads
The entire BISM organization would like to congratulate the following recent graduates of the
Seniors Achieving Independent Living (SAIL) training program:
Nancy Gillis graduated from the Salisbury SAIL program on August 31. Staff and students went
to Ponzetti’s for her graduation celebration and shared warm memories of Nancy’s times during
training. Nancy was always willing to help during class and now volunteers one day a week for
the SAIL program.
Jerome Ford graduated from the Baltimore SAIL program on September 20 after working very
hard to achieve his personal goals for independence and fulfill his graduation
requirements.
Best of luck in the future to Nancy and Jerome and many more successes to come!
Medical History Bracelet Beneficial To All by Donna Clark, RN
With the CARE Medical History Bracelet and the preloaded CARE e-Manager Software, you
can take control of your medical history. This powerful and easy to use software allows you to
enter your complete personal health history, which you can then easily download to the memory
device in the band. And because you’ll always have the CARE Medical History Bracelet with
you, medical staff can quickly and securely view records on the spot, whether in a doctor’s office
or an emergency responder’s laptop.
You can store your entire family’s medical history on one band! This system allows you to
quickly and easily organize the complete personal medical histories of every family member
through one simple program. The charts, forms and checklists provide you, a parent or a
caregiver the ability to track medical history with an easy-to-use record system. You can
maintain and update your medical records on your computer — log immunizations, health tests,
medications, diagnostics, insurance references, resources and contacts as well as emergency data
like allergies and potential complications.
There are no monthly fees and internet access is not required to input your information or for
medical professionals to read your medical history. You can also electronically transfer or print
all of this information for new health care providers, insurance companies and family files. The
history bracelet is also durable and water resistant, JAWS accessible and, in an emergency, the
bracelet can be plugged into any computer, providing instant access to your complete health
history and medications.
BISM has purchased a bulk of these bracelets. If you would like more information, please
contact Nurse Donna Clark at 443-944-5279. You can also learn more from the website:
http://medicalhistorybracelet.com.
Catching Up
Development Department Secures Two Grants
BISM’s Development Department, led by Jacqueline Ober, was awarded grants in early October
for two important programs. The Bank of America’s Charitable Foundation awarded a grant of
$10,000 to be used for the Youth Division’s Independence 2013 summer residential program.
The mission of Independence 2013 is to prepare blind and visually impaired high school
students for college and/or employment. The Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore
awarded a grant in the amount of $2,096 from their Lower Shore Fund for Community Needs to
support technology upgrades, which included three iPads, for use in the Salisbury-based Senior
Training program. Thank you to both foundations for supporting BISM!
Senior Division Hosts Two One-Day Workshops
Rehabilitation Department’s Senior Division hosted two separate one-day Life Enhancement
Workshops in one week across the state of Maryland. On September 25, Roger Williamson and
other senior staff provided demonstrations and hands on instruction to seven blind and visually
impaired seniors, ranging from 62-86 years old, at the Allegany County Health Department in
Cumberland. On September 27, BISM Baltimore hosted 20 seniors for a lively workshop that
included BISM Rehab staff and CORE students providing instruction in travel, independent
living, computer technology, as well as demos on talking devices and aids. Lunch was
included for the participants and there was no charge for the workshops.
CORE Travel Instructor Hikes Maryland Section Of Appalachian Trail
Congratulations to CORE Travel Instructor Maurice Peret and his wife Lou Ann Blake, both of
whom are blind, for completing the 41 mile span of the Maryland section of the Appalachian
Trail during a four-day span in July.
Board Of Trustees Member Raises Money For BISM Through Auctions
Dr. William E. Hadlock, BISM Board of Trustees Secretary, had a very successful FY12 raising
money for Rehabilitation programs through estate donations and auctions. Dr. Hadlock worked
tirelessly and raised a total $10,625 for FY12!
Salisbury Associate Family Member Wins Scholarship From MRA
The Maryland Retailers Association (MRA) Educational Foundation awarded Salisbury
associate Nga Tran’s sister Nhon My Tran a $1,000 scholarship in June. The scholarship was
open to BISM associates and their immediate family members. Nhon and a guest were invited to
MRA’s Awards Dinner on October 19. Congratulations to Nga and Nhon!