BLIND COMMUNITY CENTER OF SAN DIEGO
1805 UPAS STREET
SAN DIEGO, CA. 92103-5298
Phone: (619) 298-5021
Fax: (619) 298-1565
Website: www.BCCSD.org
Business Hours: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM MONDAY --- FRIDAY.
FOR EVENTS/MEETINGS: BUILDING ACCESS IS AVAILABLE
AFTER BUSINESS HOURS.
FEBRUARY 2014 NEWSLETTER
Celebrating 64 years!
BCC MISSION: To enrich the lives of blind and visually impaired
adults and children, preparing them for a normal, active life in a
society that is principally sighted.
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE: MOVING FORWARD
Hello to all members, participants, volunteers and stakeholders. As
we sail into the second month of 2014, I look forward to the
Question and Answer sessions for the member (and participant)
handbook. Once members and participants receive a copy, they
can sign the documents at any point before the February
membership meeting.
Here is a schedule to ensure that you have assistance with a
signature card when signing the handbook:
February 4th, 2 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
February 10th, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m., 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
February 13th, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
February 22nd, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
For participants who do not pay the annual newsletter fee, please
contact Barbara Runco to request a copy for your records and a
copy of the signing schedule if you require assistance.
Thank you in advance for participating in the Q&A sessions and
signing the handbook. It is an important step toward a
comprehensive fundraising strategy and increased funding for the
BCC. How wonderful for us to have this in place!
Gwendolyn Edwards, President
Ext. 207
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE: PROGRESSING
Happy February to you! I am delighted to report that the Executive
Board reviewed my nine month plan and voted unanimously to
approve my permanent employment. Some members would like to
discuss and review the nine month plan. We have a lot of
membership business to address this month—including a bylaw
vote and a new membership handbook—and I would like to
postpone a full discussion until March or April. At that time I will be
happy to review the plan.
I am excited by the participation of visually impaired BCC members
and community members in our new programs: The App Party,
Leadership and Advocacy Class, and Readers Theater. Thanks to
our members and new facilitators, Kyle Woodward and Malina
Gomez, for thinking creatively and committing to creating
programming for BCC members and participants. Thanks to Lee
Morton, Program Director, who was instrumental in the advocacy
class in partnership with Access to Independence.
Looking ahead to the 65th anniversary in May, the agency is
assembling an event planning team that is responsible for planning
the anniversary party for all stakeholders who have been involved
with the BCC over the years. Stakeholders include past and
present members and participants, current volunteers, alumni
donors, potential members and volunteers, nearby residents and
the Balboa Park community.
Are you interested in volunteering for the anniversary event?
Please join the leaders, George Rivas and Michael Markoski, for
the first planning meeting on February 20th from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Interested but can’t make it? Contact Michael Markoski, Board
Member, exportsmedia@gmail.com.
Thank you for adding your spirit to the planning of this event! Be
sure to join us and celebrate with the Blind Community Center
Family of the past, present and future.
Barbara E. Runco, Executive Director
Ext. 208, Email: Barbara@bccsd.org
DONORS AND VOLUNTEERS: SHINING STARS
 The Blind Community Center’s membership, staff and board of
Directors send a special thanks to all the BCC volunteers,
contributors and supporters for their valuable time and generosity.
The BCC acknowledges the Chula Vista Host Lions Club, San
Diego Mission Lions Club, AT&T Life Pioneers, the Coronado Lions
Club, the Newton Foundation, Edison International Employee
Contribution Campaign, Clara Gonzales and David and Gina
Hanlon.
 We appreciate Helen Benner and her family and friends who
donate in her honor: Mary Wegner, Dorothy W. Greene, Nancy W.
Zinn for remembering the BCC.
 Thank you Maxine Vernec for your support in memory of a past
member who benefited from the comradely and the ability to “make
objects for the first time” in the craft class. It is wonderful to receive
feedback that the BCC has provided a “nest” and safe place where
members and participants can flourish.
 Thanks to the Chula Vista Host Lions Club, members and visually
impaired community members enjoyed a wonderful home cooked
meal, grocery store gift cards from Santa Claus, and fantastic table
prizes and bingo prizes at the Chula Vista Host Lions Club
Christmas Party.
 The BCC of San Diego received some extra help in December and
decided it’s never too late to acknowledge Matthew Caputo,
Christie Greene, and Vicki Newman for serving at the BCC
Christmas Party, and Randy Rolff for providing top-notch audio
equipment for the Chula Vista Host Lions Club and BCC Christmas
Party.
 Speaking of audio equipment, David and Gina Hanlon were
impressed by the audio system and donated a similar system to the
BCC in January. This equipment will be used throughout the month
during activities and events. It will enhance App Party presentations
because the audience will be able to hear the voice over features of
smart devices. As David will attest, this equipment enriches the
experience of members and participants with hearing loss. Thank
you for providing a generous in-kind donation that members and
participants will enjoy for years.
 Thank you to BCC member and volunteer, Scott Leason, for
providing orientation tours to members and participants on Monday
mornings. Depending on your needs and learning style, short tours
of a floor at a time or a longer tour of multiple floors is an option.
Whether you are a new participant or a member for years, Scott
will ensure that you are comfortable with routes or the locations of
stairs and emergency exits. See the weekly events section for the
schedule.
 New programming requires more organization and cleaning of two
floors of the building each week. Thank you to volunteers David
Hanlon, Jim Harding, Jamee Lynn Smith, Matt Giuntini and Robin
Giunitini for sweeping, mopping, dusting, and cleaning and
restocking four bathrooms. We appreciate the Latino Leadership
Group (a new program), and the Craft Class participants which
contribute greatly by breaking down refreshments set-ups,
disposing of trash and resetting tables and chairs. The ARC of San
Diego groups that use the BCC as a meeting point for consumers
and staff do a fantastic job of disposing of trash and setting up or
breaking down tables and chairs. Thank you for your help and
cooperation. Due to your hard work, the building is clean, the
windows shine and BCC and LOVC stakeholders feel welcome.
BLIND COMMUNITY CENTER COMMUNITY: NEWS
 The Blind Community Center staff and members extend heart-felt
sympathy to the family of Howard Caler who passed away on
January 3rd at the age of 90. Howard had been involved with the
Center for over 40 years. His favorite activities included bingo, craft
class, and social activities. Over the years Howard and his wife
Cindy volunteered as receptionists.
He retired from the Social Security Administration after twenty-three
years of service. Howard was also an active member of the San
Diego Chapter of the California Council of the Blind.
Howard loved going out to eat at restaurants. He knew every good
eatery in the downtown area. Howard knew the downtown area like
the back of his hand. He often gave directions to BCC drivers.
The members, volunteers, staff, donors and board members have
many stories to share about Howard. Who will ever forget the night
the bingo ball, N33 landed in Howard’s jacket pocket? He didn’t
realize it until he arrived home. N33 was the number that his wife
Cindy would have needed to win the game.
His dedication to the Center and the blind community as a whole
earned him a distinguished service membership in 2006. Howard
Caler was one of our beloved members and he will be missed.
The Center is providing transportation to Howard’s memorial
services on Friday, February 7th. For details see the activity
section.

The Blind Community Center extends get-well-wishes to Larry
Freeman, and we are grateful for the healing that has happened
thus far. Larry has been transferred from Sharp Hospital to a skilled
nursing facility. Doctors reported that Larry’s tumor has shrunk
twenty-five percent. We all hope for continued healing.

The Blind Community Center has received good news from Joey
Aranzubia who is at the Helen Keller National Center for the DeafBlind in Sands Point, New York to enhance his skills and
confidence. Joey hopes to study at Helen Keller’s until late spring
or early summer. He thinks about his BCC family often, and is
looking forward to returning and volunteering in several capacities.
All of us are anxious for Joey’s return.
FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS
Jody Thomas (2); Odena Dillard (7); Gwendolyn Edwards (17);
Sandra Dodson (27).
PROGRAM DIRECTOR'S CORNER:
Greetings to all current and potential BCC participants and
volunteers! I hope you are enjoying this summer-like weather in the
middle of winter.
I am already looking forward to spring and summer. Some of our
offerings include Saint Patrick’s Day, CSUN and Kansas City
Barbecue, a field trip for spring break, and our sixty-fifth
anniversary celebration. Those of you who are beach fanatics will
be happy to know that the water skiing dates have been finalized.
Stay tuned for the dates in the March newsletter.
I am working with a program committee of members and
participants to create new programs and improve on the old ones. I
urge you to keep up with your newsletters. I will see you at the
Center.
Lee Morton, Program Director
Ext. 206, Email: lee@bccsd.org
PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT: SAN DIEGO CHAPTER OF THE
CALIFORNIA COUNCIL OF THE BLIND
In addition to holding programs, recreation activities and classes,
the Blind Community Center is available to organizations serving
the blind and visually impaired community.
One of the organizations that utilizes the building for meetings,
activities and fundraisers is the San Diego Chapter of the California
Council of the Blind. It is a local affiliate of a state-wide
organization, California Council of the Blind, established in 1934 to
advocate for blind and visually impaired children and adults.
Until organizations “of the blind” were formed, blind and visually
impaired couldn’t own safe deposit boxes, rent apartments above
the ground floor of a building complex, pursue higher education, or
establish a career.
Thanks to CCB, blind and visually impaired individuals can rent
apartments on any floor of a building complex, own safe deposit
boxes and more. CCB was in the forefront of making ATM
machines accessible. CCB has worked hard to insure that dog
guides trained in the state of California maintained high standards
by working with concerned Californians to establish the State Board
of Guide Dogs for the Blind. Members are working locally to make
sure that buses and light rail systems are safe for visually impaired
consumers.
This group will be meeting on the second Saturday of the month at
the BCC. Come and check them out.
WEEKLY EVENTS--FEBRUARY 2014*
WEEKLY EVENTS ARE OPEN TO ALL VISUALLY IMPAIRED
COMMUNITY MEMBERS.
MONDAY 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Building Orientation and
Tour (tour description
available in the monthly
activity list)
MONDAY 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Craft Class**
MONDAY 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
Cribbage
TUESDAY 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Craft Class**
TUESDAY 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
Cribbage
WEDNESDAY 11:00 PM - 12:30 PM Martial Arts (Self Defense)
FRIDAY 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Bowling – Parkway Bowl
1280 Fletcher P'kway.
El Cajon CA
SATURDAY 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Martial Arts (Self Defense)
SATURDAY 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Martial Arts (Jiu Jitsu)
SATURDAY 11:15 AM - 1:15 PM
Readers Theater (class
description available in
the monthly activity list)
* All activities located at the BCC unless otherwise indicated.
** Sponsored by the Community College District
HOW TO SIGN UP FOR BCC CLASSES, ACTIVITIES AND
EVENTS:
Weekly Classes: Limited transportation is available for the craft
class, bowling, and martial arts. Sign up by calling Ext. 206 up to
four business days before the event. Please leave your name,
phone number, a brief message and your transportation need. If
you need to cancel a ride, please give 24-hour notice.
Monthly Activities and Events: Sign up for all monthly activities
and events by the deadline indicated by calling Ext. 206 before the
deadline. Please leave your name, phone number, a brief message
and your transportation need. If you need to cancel a ride, please
give 24-hour notice.
FEBRUARY 2014 ACTIVITIES
MONTHLY ACTIVITIES ARE OPEN TO ALL VISUALLY
IMPAIRED COMMUNITY MEMBERS.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1ST --- BINGO --- 1:00 PM TO 5:00 PM.
The cost is $1.00 per card with a two card limit. Please consider
donating a prize for future Bingo games. Thank you in advance for
your support. Sign up by Tuesday, January 28th. No transportation.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2ND --- SUPER BOWL PARTY AND
POTLUCK--- 2:00 PM TO END OF GAME. The Blind Community
Center partnering with our fellow disabled friends from the San
Diego Indoor Sports Club for a Super Bowl and potluck
extravaganza. Sign up and provide planned potluck item by
Thursday, January 30th. Event location: The San Diego Indoor
Sports is 3030 Front Street at W. Palm Street. No transportation
provided by the BCC. The route 11 bus stop at First Avenue and
Redwood Street is near the event location. Since the last route 11
northbound bus is scheduled to arrive at 6:53 PM, some BCC
members will share a cab to University Avenue to connect to routes
1, 3, or 120. MTS Access is also available.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4TH --- MEMBER HANDBOOK Q & A --1:00 PM TO 2:30 PM. This is the first opportunity for all members
and participants of the Blind Community Center to ask questions
about the new member handbook, an important document to
understand the expectations and accountability for members,
participants, volunteers, staff members and board members.
Barbara Runco will guide you through the handbook and address
your concerns and questions. You will have the opportunity to sign
the document for BCC records following each Q&A meeting. See
Gwendolyn’s letter for the full schedule for assistance with signing
the document. Sign up for this event by Friday, February 7th.
Transportation for Tuesday Craft Class participants.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7TH --- HOWARD CALER’S MEMORIAL
SERVICE AND RECEPTION --- 11:30 AM TO 3:30 PM. One of our
most active and beloved members, Howard Caler has passed on.
Join the Caler family to celebrate Howard’s life and remember the
over 40-years of good times we all experienced with Howard. If
you wish to attend his memorial service and reception, sign up by
Monday, February 3rd. Transportation is pending and will be from
the BCC to the service and reception, and then home.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8TH --- MEETING OF THE SAN DIEGO
CHAPTER OF THE CALIFORNIA COUNCIL OF THE BLIND 1:30
PM TO 3:00 PM. Please see Program Spotlight for the history of
this organization. You do not have to be a member to attend. No
transportation.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8TH --- VALENTINE’S DANCE PARTY -- 4:00 PM TO 6:30 PM. This year we are going to serve
refreshments, put some romantic music either on a player or smart
phone, and give all of you the opportunity to dance with that special
someone. The cost is $2.00 to cover the refreshments. Sign up by
Tuesday, February 4th. Transportation is pending.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10TH --- BYLAW CHANGE Q & A--- 1:00
PM TO 1:45 PM. At the last membership meeting the president
announced a bylaw change—see end of newsletter for suggested
change. This is the first of two opportunities to discuss the change
before voting at the February membership meeting. Members have
an important role in the BCC according to the bylaws. Members
have the responsibility to learn and understand the bylaws and
subsequent suggested changes in order to responsibly vote and
oversee the agency.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10TH --- MEMBER HANDBOOK Q & A--4:00 PM TO 5:30 PM. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4TH --- MEMBER
HANDBOOK Q & A --- 1:00 PM TO 2:30 PM. This is the second
opportunity for all members and participants of the Blind
Community Center to ask questions about the new membership
(and participant) handbook, an important document to understand
the expectations and accountability for members, participants,
volunteers, staff members and board members. Barbara Runco will
guide you through the handbook and address your concerns and
questions. You will have the opportunity to sign the document for
BCC records following each Q&A meeting. See Gwendolyn’s letter
for the full schedule for assistance with signing the document.. Sign
up for this event by Monday, February 3rdth.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12TH --- BYLAW CHANGE Q & A--5:00 PM TO 5:45 PM. At the last membership meeting the
president announced a bylaw change—see end of newsletter for
suggested change. This is the second of two opportunities to
discuss the change before voting at the February membership
meeting. Members have an important role in the BCC according to
the bylaws. Members have the responsibility to learn and
understand the bylaws and subsequent suggested changes in
order to responsibly vote and oversee the agency.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13TH --- APP PARTY --- 5:00 PM TO
7:00 PM. How do you learn about the newest smart phone and
tablet applications (apps) that are accessible with low vision and no
functional vision? --- When is it time to purchase a tablet? --- How
do you find out whether a smart phone is a sound investment for
you? These monthly parties give you the opportunity to share
information and become resources for your fellow blind and visually
impaired consumers. BCC member, Kyle Woodard and Barbara
Runco, Executive Director will facilitate this program. There will be
presentations followed by Q&A and time for socialization. Join this
informative group. Sign up by Monday, February 10th. No
transportation. Please note: The March App Party date is
dependent on the schedule of the presenter and will not occur on
the second Thursday of the month.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15TH DINNER AT RED LOBSTER --3:00 PM TO 6:00 PM. Although the BCC is closed, we are headed
to Red Lobster on 3780 Sports Arena Blvd. to enjoy some excellent
seafood, and of course, those scrumptious cheese muffins. Bring
about $20.00 to be sure to cover the cost of your meal, tax and tip.
Sign up by Friday, February 14th. Meet at the restaurant; no
transportation. Those of you using fixed route transportation can
catch either the routes 8 or 9 from the Old Town Transit Center.
Get off the bus at Sports Arena and Hancock. The Red Lobster is
on the same side of the street. Follow the sidewalk to the parking
lot and you will find the restaurant.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17TH --- PRESIDENT’S DAY. THE
CENTER IS CLOSED. CLASSES RESUME ON TUESDAY,
FEBRUARY 18TH.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18TH --- LATINO LEADERSHIP GROUP -- 9:30 AM TO 1:30 PM. This advocacy and activity-driven group is
established by Spanish-speaking blind and visually impaired adults
of San Diego County. This month MTS Access representatives will
present from 10 AM to 11 AM in Spanish and English followed by a
group orientation of the building and a leadership meeting. Sign up
by Friday, February 14th. No transportation.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19TH --- MEETING OF THE BOARD
OF DIRECTORS --- 6:30 PM TO 8:30 PM. BCC members and
community members may address the Board by contacting
President Gwendolyn Edwards at (619) 298-5021, x207 at least 24
hours prior to the meeting so they can be added to the agenda.
Guests who to observe must sign up by Friday, February 14th. No
transportation.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22ND --- MEMBERSHIP MEETING 1:30
PM TO 3:30 PM. This meeting is for those of you who are
members, or interested in familiarizing yourselves with the Blind
Community Center. Reports from BCC board members and staff
will be part of the mix. Please sign membership handbooks on or
before this meeting. Sign up by Tuesday, February 18th.
Transportation is pending.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25TH --- THE MAGICAL SARGENT
PEPPER LOUNGEABOUT --- 1:30 PM TO 5:00 PM. Celebrate the
50th anniversary of the Beatles first North American tour. Although
fifty years have passed since the four lads from Liverpool toured
North America, their influence on the music scene is still felt today.
Bring Beatles’ music and a snack to share. Note: although this
program is called a CD party, people have shared music via their
smart phones or tablets as well. Sign up by Monday, February 24th.
No transportation.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25th ---CULTURAL PRESENTATION --5:30 PM TO 6:30 PM. During 2014, the BCC will choose different
cultural topics and present them during daytime and evening hours
to reach the majority of members and participants. During February
and March, Connor Maddocks, Transgender Service Coordinator at
the San Diego LGBT Community Center, will discuss what
transgender people go through, ways to be an ally and appropriate
conversation etiquette.
THE 8-WEEK ADVOCACY PROGRAM CONTINUES
LEADERSHIP AND ADVOCACY CLASS – WEDNESDAYS, 3:00
PM TO 4:30 P.M.
PROGRAM END DATE: WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5TH
Becoming an effective communicator and leader is essential to selfadvocacy and group advocacy. During this program in partnership
with Access to Independence, participants will learn to improve
listening skills and to tap in to their own leadership abilities. They
will also learn to identify attainable goals in a given situation. Ms.
Raquel Vega, the facilitator and staff member at Access to
Independence, will offer certificates of completion. No
transportation.
BYLAW CHANGE
Active members will vote on a suggested bylaw change at the
February membership meeting. According to the BCC bylaws,
members play a pivotal role in the organization and are responsible
for suggesting bylaw changes but also voting on such changes
after the Executive Board votes. The bylaw change was approved
by a unanimous vote of the Executive Board.
The bylaw change listed below includes the removal of Article IV
Section 4, titled, “Recall,” and adding in its place Article IV Section
5, titled, “Removal and Resignation.” Please read each item
carefully and bring your questions to the Q&A sessions this month.
Don’t forget to attend the membership meeting and cast your vote.
REPLACE:
“Article IV Section 4. Recall. All elected Officers and Directors shall
serve at the pleasure of the membership and may be recalled from
office by a three-fourths vote of the qualified voting members
present and voting at any membership meeting, provided that
notice of such action is given to all members at least 10 days prior
to the meeting. The Officer or Director shall be given an opportunity
to defend himself before the membership prior to the vote to recall.
Voting is to be by secret ballot.”
WITH THE FOLLOWING:
“Article IV Section 4. Removal and Resignation. Any officer may be
removed, either with or without cause, by the Board of Directors at
any regular or special meeting thereof, or except in the case of an
officer chosen by the Board of Directors, by any officer upon whom
such power of removal may be conferred by the Board of Directors.
Any officer may resign at any time by giving written notice to the
Board of Directors, the President, or the Secretary. Any such
resignation shall take effect at the date of the receipt of such notice
or at any later time specified therin, and, unless otherwise specified
therein, the acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary
to make it effective.”
IS ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP IMPORTANT?
In short, YES! Active members vote on the board president, vice
president, secretary and all four board director positions that are
designated for active membership. In other words, people who are
not active members of the BCC are not eligible to run for the
specified board positions. Active members also vote on bylaw
changes. In addition they receive the newsletter at no extra cost.
After meeting certain requirements, active members are eligible to
run for board member positions or to chair a committee. When
transportation is limited, active members receive priority.
HOW TO BECOME AN ACTIVE MEMBER:
Eligibility Criteria:
All blind, legally blind or visually impaired persons who are 18 years
of age or older are eligible to become BCC members. There are
other forms of membership but only active members and
distinguished service members who attended three meetings in the
last fiscal year, excluding the June meeting, are eligible to vote.
Pay the Annual Fee: To be a member, eligible persons must pay a
$30 annual membership fee (cash, check or money order payable
to the Blind Community Center) and will receive the newsletter at
no additional cost. Please send the membership fee to 1805 Upas
St, San Diego, CA 92103 or meet Scott Leason for a tour (see
weekly activities) and hand deliver your membership fee. The staff
will record your contact information including name, address,
telephone numbers, email address, newsletter preference (email,
large print, or Braille). Member contact information is included on
an annual roster for those who wish to be included.
Become an Active Member: To be an active member, eligible
persons must pay the $30 annual fee and attend three meetings in
one fiscal year, excluding the June membership meeting.
Newsletter Cost for Non-Members
For consumers and community members who wish to receive a
large print or Braille version of the newsletter, the cost is $9 per
fiscal year. The email version is free of charge. Please follow the
payment instructions above to receive a large print or Braille copy.
If you prefer to receive the newsletter as an email attachment,
please email Barbara@bccsd.org, subject REQUEST EMAIL
NEWSLETTER.
FUNDRAISING: TRANSPORTATION
Transportation is critical to quality of life for visually impaired
residents of San Diego County and is a key factor to increasing
participation in events and outings for visually impaired consumers.
Aurora Ortiz’s Fundraising efforts benefit the transportation fund for
the Blind Community Center. Aurora runs all year long to raise
funds for transportation; please consider donating to her fundraising
efforts.
Please send tax deductible contributions to the BCC and write
“Transportation” in the memo section. These funds are used
exclusively for vehicle expenses.
BLIND COMMUNITY CENTER
OF SAN DIEGO
1805 UPAS STREET
SAN DIEGO, CA. 92103- 5298
FREE MATTER FOR THE BLIND
AND PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED
POSTAL MANUAL 138