This is the GUIDE PAGE MAGAZINE web-text edition for December 2019.  

Unless otherwise noted, all material is the property of CWAB® (registered trademark), Incorporated. Reproduction of audio, and or printed articles or photos in the original printed issue may not be reproduced or distributed in whole or in part without prior written consent from the original copyright holder.

The GUIDE PAGE MAGAZINE is published monthly by: CWAB® (registered trademark), Inc., 38 Washington Avenue, Huntington, WV 25701.
Phone (304) 522-6991, Fax (304) 522-6924
e-mail: cwabadm@cabellwayne.org	
Internet: www.cwab.org
Cabell-Wayne Association of the Blind, Inc. 
Executive Officers: 
Joann Wallace - President
Joanna Holbrook – Vice-President
Leah Thompson - Secretary
Brenda Blake- Treasurer
Board Members: Laundle Powers, Wanda Annis,
Mike Fitzpatrick, Sue Canterbury, Trish Walker, and Mark Oldaker
Emeritus members: Ken Hicks, and Ernie Golder
Toni Walls, Executive Director
Jerry Crabtree, GUIDE PAGE editor
Major funding provided by the Teubert Foundation, 

Cabell-Wayne Association of the Blind 
Mission and Vision Statements 
OUR MISSION: Cabell-Wayne Association of the Blind is committed to promoting and advocating the economic, educational, and social welfare of the blind and visually impaired of all ages so that they can maintain a lifestyle comparable to other members of society. 
OUR VISION: CWAB® (registered trademark) will be seen nationally as a model for organizations and agencies that help blind and visually impaired persons achieve maximum independence. CWAB® will be known for timely and appropriate state-of-the-art responses to the changing needs of consumers throughout the Tri-State area and beyond. 

REMEMBER:

 the annual Christmas Dinner will be held Saturday, December 7th.  This dinner will serve as the association meeting for December.

The sign-up deadline for this dinner will be Wednesday, November 27th.

Call the Services Division office at 
304-522-6991.

In this issue: Mission and Vision Statements, Association Christmas Dinner, Table of Contents, 	From The Director’s Desk, 	Medicare Open Enrollment Time, Holiday Fudge Sale, Holiday Closing, 	Gordon Bloss Retires, 	Basket Classes Return!, Line Dancing Classes, Rehab And A Pot LUX Dinner, T-shirt Fundraiser, Focus Group Holds Session, New Support Group Offers Opportunities, Wednesday Recreation, Monthly Recreation Activities, Walmart Shopping, Association Meeting Schedule, CWAB® Services. 

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

FROM THE DIRECTOR’S DESK
October has brought a lot of changes! We are anticipating the retirement of Gordon Bloss (Although he has agreed to come back soon as a part time employee!). Also staff member Ron Davis, due to a long standing illness, has decided to take time away from the agency. We wish them all the best in all their future endeavors. 

The American Foundation for the Blind is currently conducting a research project about the quality of health care for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. CWAB® is proud to have participated on November 15, 2019 by providing a meeting space and recruiting consumers to participate. We anxiously await the results of this study and its very important impact on health care for our consumers. 
We stand ready as an agency, to serve your needs to the best of our ability and within the parameters of our Mission and Vision Statements. Please feel free to give me a call at anytime to discuss concerns, suggestions, or praise regarding our success in doing this. 

I pray you have a great and joyous Holiday season with your family and friends.

There is one photo with this article.  Appearing on the corner of the left-hand page is a portrait of Walls.  She appears to be seated with her torso turned slightly toward the camera.  She is wearing a black sweater over a floral print blouse. She has below the chest brown hair, and is slightly smiling.  The background of the image is totally black.  

Medicare Open Enrollment Time
It is the time of year when Medicare begins mailing out letters concerning the Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans. These letters often contain information concerning upcoming changes in benefits and premium costs. I wanted to take this opportunity to remind all of our consumers that there is help available through Cabell-Wayne Association of the Blind Services Division. If you receive one of these letters and want someone to look over it for you please call us at (304) 522-6991 and ask for Pam or Toni. If we are unavailable you can leave a voice message and I will get back with you as soon as possible. Bear in mind the deadline for enrollment is December 7th.  
Thank you, 
Toni Walls
It’s Holiday Fudge Time!!!
Cabell-Wayne Association of the Blind is currently taking orders for their delicious holiday fudge.  Peanut butter, or chocolate, (plain), is $6.Chocolate with nuts is $7.
Place your orders soon because when it’s gone – it’s gone!!!  Call 304-522-6991 to place your order.  Do it today!

On the next page of the print edition is a Christmas themed word search puzzle.  This puzzle will not be available in text, audio, or braille versions of the Guide Page Magazine.

2019 Summer Recreation:
A Consumers’ Perspective
Doing It By Touch and Sound, and Experiencing Fun and Success!

When I was a kid on the farm, I learned the lesson well, “You have to get your work done before you have fun.”
After school, my brothers and I would have chores, like bringing the cows from the meadow to the barn, putting down hay for them, and of course then there was the, “Is your homework done?” , question from our mother.  When those things were done, then we could watch TV, which we thought was great, even though it was black and white and we only received two channels, because it was the 1950’s.
While working as a psychologist at Prestera Mental Health Center, I was helped tremendously by CWAB® Services Division, especially with transportation and computer assistance, and I also had some blind rehab and mobility training.  However, considering I had a full time job and my wife and I were raising three children, I did not do much in the way of CWAB® recreation until I retired three years ago.  It is like, now the work is done and it is time to do some fun things.  I have really enjoyed pottery, basketry and music appreciation, and between the springtime basketry and fall pottery, it is the summer recreation schedule - and this past summer there have been many things to do. 
Linda Worthy, CWAB® Recreation Coordinator, has done an excellent job in getting it all arranged, and one thing for sure, when Linda organizes an event it is ready to go on the date and at the scheduled time!
She works with a very diverse population, but she works to ensure that each person in attendance has what they need regarding supplies and assistance; she makes sure each person feels successful and it is obvious that she wants everyone to have a good time.
At one recreation activity a consumer asked the question, “Why don’t more people get involved in recreation activities; It could be fun for all?”  I have been thinking about that question and my own feelings about recreation activities and maybe I have been hesitant to get involved for more reasons other than my work.  I feel that at first recreational activities for blind people can be rather intimidating.  
I have Retinitis Pigmentosa, which resulted in gradual vision loss through my childhood and early adulthood and it led to eventual total vision loss when I was around 40 years old. 
I used to dread anything in high school gym class that involved a ball - and that is a whole lot of gym classes.  At the time, I did not know why I could never ever hit or catch the volley ball, soft ball or basketball, I was just glad when gym class involved something like tumbling, calisthenics or trampoline.  This led me to pretty much avoiding all types of sports, except for swimming, canoeing and a few things like that in Boy Scouts, but no ball throwing or catching. 

Initially, I was uncertain and reticent when summer recreation was corn hole.  I had never done it before and I was pretty sure I was going to be a flop at it, and I kept thinking that most of the others were at least partially sighted.  However, Linda was patient and she took the time to show me the target and explore it with my hands, and then she helped me check the paces from one target to the other, and she told me about scoring and gave me some tips before I threw the first bean bag.  Someone was tapping their cane right beside the target hole so the sound would be my target.  Well, throwing something at a “sound target” certainly is not like throwing at a “visual target.”  With an auditory target it is hard to determine distance, because if it sounds louder, it could mean it is closer or it could just mean it is louder.  Also, I think the fact that I wear hearing aids makes a difference in my ability to locate and hit an auditory target.  I don’t remember making any points the first time I played corn hole, but everyone was supportive and no one laughed.  After a few more times I did manage to make a few points by hitting the board and by getting a few in the hole. 
After one game, Linda said “Mike, you’re doing well enough that you could play corn hole at a Church picnic or something.”  Well, Linda, I am pretty sure that will never happen.  I don’t go to church and if I did, I would not feel comfortable playing a throwing game with sighted adults.  However, I do like it sometimes with CWAB® consumers, and I am glad that I gave it a try even though my score is always low.  It is nice to get out of the house and be around other people.
It was an interesting experience playing miniature golf and again I was very reluctant to sign up.  Prior to going, I kept thinking that there was no use in trying and I was sure that I could not hold a golf club on one end and tell what was going on on the other end, when I couldn’t see it.  Guess what?  I played 4 holes and I got the ball in 3 times!  Linda told me the layout of the first hole and she placed a beeper in the hole.  When I concentrated on the sound it helped me to aim, along with Linda’s suggestions and directions with each stroke and I traded clubs with someone so I had one with a handle that indicated how the head of the club was pointing.  On the fourth hole, Trish Walker was a big help to me, as she has been in the past.
When I was working on the second hole, some other CWAB® consumers came past and Linda asked them how far along they were.  They said, “We’ve finished all 18 holes.”  I could only assume that they were partially sighted and I reminded myself that I was not in competition with them.  I was pleased that I was able to be out and doing something with others; trying something different that I had never done and in my own way I was successful.  I do feel that I had taken a lot of Linda’s time that day, when there were many other consumers on the mini golf course.
I am glad that many of the activities on the 2019 recreation schedule did not involve hitting, throwing or catching a ball or bean bag.  It is also great that there are many activities to choose from.  For example, I understand that many people enjoy the corn maze.  I chose not to go, because I did not think I would get much out of that particular activity.  
If you are blind, it is easy enough to get lost and disoriented, so why would I want to do it on purpose? 
I like it that there are a variety of activities and we have choices and options with CWAB® recreation activities.    I imagine that many blind people who do not live in Cabell or Wayne counties have few if any options when it comes to recreation.
The 2019 recreation schedule did include many activities that I enjoyed and I made a ‘North Carolina Farm Basket,” in the Basketry program, and I gave it to my son.  He keeps it on his desk in his office.  
In pottery, I made a plaque that I intend to give to my older brother and his wife as a commemoration of their 50th wedding anniversary.  
I went with a CWAB® group to enjoy “Mamma Mia,” a theater in the park presentation and Hailey Tabor (CWAB® Transportation driver) described some of the scenery and action, which was very helpful.  I also appreciate descriptions by Linda Worthy at CWAB® parties and events.  Of course, a description is not the same as seeing something, but it is helpful, I get more out of the event and I am glad that CWAB® staff help in this way.  
I very much enjoyed the tour of “The Huntington Museum of Radio and Technology,” because the tour guides were good at describing during the “touch and listen” tour of the facility and it brought back many good memories of the 50’s and 60’s. 
I am glad that I went on the Braille Trail excursion and experience being in a wooded area away from the sounds and smells of business and residential areas.  I had not been in the woods for many years and I enjoyed the quietness; the sounds of nature and the semi-independent feeling when I was using the guide rope.  I also valued assistance from Zachary Davis who played auditory descriptions, even though I would have preferred actual Braille.  
The Potting Party in June gave me a time to enjoy being around others and I seated two plants that flowered on my porch rail all summer till mid-August.
I was hesitant about some recreation activities since I am self-conscious about trying new things as a blind man, and for most of my life I have avoided sports.  However, now that I have had a wonderful marriage for a long time; we have raised three children, and I was able to successfully complete a career in spite of my blindness; I can re-define what I think is successful for me.  
Yes, I sank only 3 balls at the put-put golf course while others played 18 holes.  Yes, I had to be in five basketry classes, while others completed their baskets in three classes, and I still have not mastered the pottery wheel.  
Also, I don’t think I will ever play a game of corn hole with a group of sighted people and sometimes, I feel that I am taking too much of Linda’s time.  However, I really do feel that I was successful in all of these things, because I tried them and I had fun and I achieved something in each recreation activity I attended, with the help of CWAB® staff and the efforts of Linda Worthy Recreation Director.  
Like I learned as a kid, “You should get your work done before you have fun.”  Now that I retired, I feel like I can have some fun and I don’t have to take it as seriously as I did while working.  I would encourage anyone with vision loss to consider CWAB® recreation activities, even if they have other disabilities.  The CWAB® staff tries to accommodate every one and they also work with other agencies to make this happen.  

Submitted by
Michael Nuce CWAB® Consumer

Holiday Closings
Cabell-Wayne Association of the Blind’s Services Division office WILL BE CLOSED on Thursday and Friday, November 28th and 29th in observance of Thanksgiving Day.
Schedules and services will resume Monday, December 2nd.

Cabell-Wayne Association of the Blind’s Services Division office WILL BE CLOSED on Tuesday and Wednesday, December 24th and 25th in observance of Christmas.
All services and schedules will resume on 
Thursday, December 26th.

Cabell-Wayne Association of the Blind’s Services Division WILL BE CLOSED for New Year’s Day, on
Wednesday, January 1st .  
Business as usual on January 2nd.

ENJOY THE HOLIDAYS EVERYONE!!!

Nashville Bound!
We are now taking sign ups for the 2020 Summer Trip. It is shaping up to be the best trip yet! We will be traveling by charter bus to Nashville, TN!! We will spend 2 nights and 3 days in Nashville. While there we will visit the General Jackson Showboat, The Country Music Hall of Fame, Studio B, the Grand Ole Opry, and the Hermitage. The dates are June 15, 16, and 17 2020.

If you are interested please call and talk with Toni. ALL sign ups must go through Toni. You are able to have a guide accompany you if appropriate. Please note that you will be required to share a room with your guide and they must act as your assistant at all times. There will be a required training session for all guides going on this trip. 

Due to deadlines, sign ups and cancellations end on May 13th. As in past years, if you sign up and fail to cancel by the deadline, you may be expected to reimburse the Association for your seat.

This trip is sponsored by the Association.

Happy Trails!
Gordon Bloss Retires
On Friday, December 6th, our friend, co-worker, and well-liked transportation team member Gordon Bloss will say goodbye to Cabell-Wayne Association of the Blind as a full-time employee, and enter the retirement stage of his life.
	As an avid Thundering Herd supporter, and long-time assistant with MU’s, “Marching Thunder”, Gordon will, no doubt have more time to spend on the sidelines.  Likewise, will he have more time to spend with grandbabies Skye, and Snow!
	Gordon plans to travel to London in late December and march the streets alongside the band as the city celebrates 2020!
	Gordon, we are envious - but wish you well!
There is one photo with this article.  The picture shows Gordon in his white transportation “uniform” shirt.  He is standing beside the driver-side door of a Cabell-Wayne shuttle.

Basket Classes Return!
CWAB® will be holding basket weaving classes in February, March, and April again next year. The classes will be limited, so sign up now! Call Linda Worthy, 304-522-6991, to sign up.  Consumers who have never made a basket before will be moved to the top of the list! When you are signing up, you will need to commit to three consecutive weeks to make sure you have enough time to get the basket finished.
	The first class will be February 5th, 12th and 19th.  The second set of classes will be March 4th, 11th and the 18th. The third, and final set of classes will be April 1st, 8th, and the 15th.  Classes will be held from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at CWAB®.  Failure to complete your scheduled classes may result in failure to keep your basket.
	Come join us and give basket weaving a try! I’m sure you will be glad you did!
	I look forward to hearing from you!
	Linda Worthy
	CWAB® Recreation Coordinator

Line Dancing Classes
Dancing is fun!  Its a great way to express yourself, and at the same time, (depending on the type of dancing), have a great cardio workout.

According to Wikipedia, “A line dance is a choreographed dance with a repeated sequence of steps in which a group of people dance in one or more lines or rows, all facing either each other or in the same direction, and executing the steps at the same time. ... Each dance consists of a sequence of steps that are repeated throughout the music.”  There are several types of line dancing.

Beginning Wednesday, January 8th, consumer Caitlin Railey wil conduct the first of two sessions of line dancing.  The second will be January 15th.

Sessions will be held from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.  To sign up, you must do so by Friday, January 3rd.  Call 304-522-6991 today!!

There is one graphic with this article, the graphic shows an individual leading a group of individuals in a line dancing session.

Rehab And A Pot LUX Dinner
Let’s talk Rehab.
Rehabilitation is defined as: learning new skills to improve daily living and quality of life by using  different magnifiers and talking devices.  Learning Braille, and specialized cooking methods, and for the blind, even knowing how to dial a phone can lead to greater independence.

Cabell-Wayne Association of the Blind’s VRT Assistant Zach Davis and Toni Walls assist consumers with rehabilitation every single day with a variety of aids – talking clocks and watches, large print calendars, and magnifiers are just the tip of the iceberg.

I have personally needed, and received rehab services on a number of occasions.

It’s no secret – I like to cook.  By no means am I a gourmet chef, nor do I, (usually), cook from scratch, but I can follow directions and do fairly well.  There is one personal family story regarding frying chicken – but I won’t go into that, otherwise I am comfortable in the kitchen.  I do make, (from scratch), a good lasagna, I can do, (from scratch), chicken noodle soup, (just ask the staff), and my “snowball cake” is legendary!  (again, ask the staff).

So, given my love of gadgets and ability to cook reasonably well, it was inevitable that I come across something that combined the two.  Enter the InstaPot!

What the heck is an InstaPot, you ask?  Well, for an “official” definition, I turned to www.instapot.co for the answer.  “….. by the word ‘Insta’ in its name we can very well figure out that it’s a pot that is designed for fast cooking. InstaPot is a multi-functional pressure cooker that can eliminate the use of 9-10 other kitchen appliances.”  This isn’t your grandma’s pressure cooker!

I can’t tell you where I first saw the appliance mentioned, but it did immediately catch my eye.  There was something about a device that could have homemade chicken noodle soup ready in well under ten minutes, cook stew, cake, cheesecake, lasagna, ham, chicken, and dozens of other items, with very little effort.  I was sold!

I turned to YouTube and promptly watched several dozen cooking videos from the SixSistersStuff channel.  I watched how to make cheesecake, lasagna, “dump cake”, and various casseroles.  I saw how to boil eggs perfectly, and how to make “knock-off’ egg bites.  I saw videos on how to clean the InstaPot.  I learned the basic fundamentals of using this appliance – and that was everything prepared must use some type of liquid: 1-cup, (minimum), or up to three cups.  For instance, homemade chicken noodle soup uses six or more cups of broth.

The more I looked, the more I wanted one.  But which model?  There are several – and sizes, 3, 6, and eight quarts, to be exact.  There are models with a yogurt, “program” – no thanks.  The models are: LUX, DUO, DUO PLUS, ULTRA, SMART, and MAX.  WOW!

Each model increases in price from under $60, to close to $200, depending of course, on features and size.

Narrowing my choice was easy.  For me, the 3-quart was too small, and the eight quart was too large.  The 6-quart seemed to be a good fit.

Even choosing a model was fairly easy.  Since I didn’t want an LCD screen, WiFi, (yes, there is one you can control with your iOS device), or a model that made yogurt, that thinned the herd pretty good.  Since the recipes on the SixSistersStuff channel referred to using the “manual” button quite a bit, then that was an important feature.  Price was also a consideration.  I had my size and model – the InstaPot LUX 6-in-1 – AND it was available IN RED!!!

The appliance has pre-programmed buttons for soup/broth, meat/stew, cake, egg, rice, multigrain, and porridge.  Steam, slow cook, sauté, delay start, and keep warm were also there, as well as that wanted “manual” button! 

During a random conversation with VRT Assistant Zach Davis, I learned that the acquisition of an InstaPot might be possible through the Rehabilitation Program of Cabell-Wayne.  I made the inquiry to Toni and my request was granted.  I now have a pretty red InstaPot sitting on my kitchen countertop!  I am giddy!

With any appliance there are always accessories.  My first InstaPot accessory is the silicone egg molds.  Odd choice, right?  Well, remember I said there was an egg button?  The “IP” can easily boil eggs!  And these molds can easily be used to make brownies!  That’s right, brownies!

The first thing I REALLY wanted to do was make my chicken noodle soup.  That didn’t work out – I didn’t have all the needed ingredients – so, I went to plan “B’.  I decided to make brownies.  Sounded simple enough.

I prepared my batter as directed on the package.  Placing said batter in the egg molds was another matter.  Remember, I said I was not a gourmet cook, right?  The batter was almost  honey-like, dripping off the spoon in long cascades of batter that followed the spoon everywhere it went!  I suppose this had to do with the fact that it was a “fudge brownie mix?

I eventually got all the molds filled and the excess removed from their outer edges.  I was now ready to proceed.

These molds are silicone, so they were very flexible.  They came with covers, (making them easy to place in the fridge for later use), and a rack with handles.  I added one cup (as needed), of water into the InstaPot’s inner liner, and lowered the two stacked molds into the pot.  I secured the lid - it makes a very secure sounding clunk noise when properly locked into place, made sure the small knob at the back of the lid was on “SEALING, noe VENTING”, and I was ready.

Hoping for the best I pressed the “CAKE” button.  The appliance’s LED changed from “OFF”, to “ON”.  Well now, I was getting excited!  When the pot came to pressure, (this took several minutes, the number “40” appeared.  This meant the pot was going to “cook” under pressure, for forty minutes.  Now all I had to do was wait.

I kept an eye on it from time to time - just to make sure it was doing its thing.  As the numbers gradually decreased it finally read, “L000”.  This meant the pot was in “natural release” mode - naturally releasing its internal pressure.  I waited until it read, “L004”, which meant it had naturally released for four minutes - this was an arbitrary time that I waited, it could have been more, or less.  I flipped the lever on the back of the lid, (carefully making sure my fingers were nowhere near the steam release valve), and the steam began to escape.  I stood clear, and the instructions repeatedly caution that the steam could easily burn exposed skin.  I could hear the steam gradually get less and less, and finally it stopped.  It was now safe to remove the lid.

Knowing the inside of the pot would still contain steam and heat, I carefully removed the lid, then used kitchen gloves to lift the rack of molds out.  I placed the rack on the counter and removed the lid from the first mold.  There they were - brownies, or better yet - brownie bites!

I used a plate and turned the mold upside down and out they came, slick as a whistle!  (I had used some Olive Oil cooking spray on the molds before cooking).  PERFECT!  The second mold was good as well.  I had enough remaining batter to repeat the process the second time.  All went well just like the first time.

This made me feel really good!

The next evening I decided I would cook some green beans to go with my meal.  Again, I put the InstaPot to the task.  A small amount of butter inside the liner, beans, a few carrots for good measure, and a cup and a half of water, (I used store-bought canned beans and did nor drain them so there was plenty of liquid inside the pot).  I placed the lid on the pot until it locked, made sure it was on SEALING, then I pressed the MANUAL button for four minutes.  Same process as for the brownies, ON until it came to pressure, then the number four appeared.  It counted down, then the, “L000” appeared.  again, I waited a few minutes for natural release, then did a quick release.  I waited until the steam disappeared, then I removed the lid.  VOILA!  Steamy hot and tender green beans and carrots!

I am sold!

I am more than ready to use the InstaPot in the future!  Keep in mind, this appliance is not for everyone and should be used as directed in the manual.  I watched a ton of YouTube videos on the InstaPot’s use before I used it myself.  I also joined a Facebook group called “Instant Pot Recipes.”  This group is very helpful and gives frequent references to recipes for a wide variety of dishes.  The Instant Pot, as it is officially labeled, comes with a small recipe book as well as sheets on suggested times which to cook a variety of meats and vegetables.  
There is also a reference guide to study.

I am VERY THANKFUL to the Rehabilitation program of Cabell-Wayne Association of the Blind for providing me with this incredible piece of cooking technology.  Remember, this isn’t your grandma’s pressure cooker/canner, and caution should be used when, and or if, you obtain one of these devices.

In no way is this a suggestion that you request one for yourself.  Everyone has his or her own limits of vision, interests, and cooking ability.  This just works for me personally.

Happy cooking
Jerry Crabtree

There are nine photos with this article.  The first photo is on the article’s leading page and shows someone’s hand resting on the edge of a product box.  A large photo of the product within the box is seen on the box’s side.  Next, seven smaller photos appear near the article’s end.  They are: 
Brownie mix package cover
Two egg molds
Egg mold filled with brownie batter
Yweo egg molds stacked on a caddy
On the opposite page:
(top) InstaPot with “On” lighted
(middle) InstaPot with “L000” lighted
Plate with seven brownie bites
The last photo with this article is of a chef standing over a skillet.
T-shirt FundraiserCabell-Wayne Association of the Blind Services Division is selling t-shirts. These t-shirts come in a choice of colors (Navy, Royal, Red, Kelly, Purple). 

For short sleeves they will be $15 a piece.  For long sleeves they will be $20 a piece.  All orders should be given to Danielle or Toni.

Call the Services Division at 304-522=-6991 for more details!

There are two photos with this article.  They are of Hailey Tabor wearing a tee shirt as mentioned.  The caption reads:  Transportation team member, Hailey Tabor, shows the front and back of the Royal Blue t-shirt”

Focus Group Holds Session
Cabell-Wayne Association of the Blind’s Services Division recently hosted a Focus Group conducted by representatives of American Foundation for the Blind.  The session was held Friday, November 15th
According to Wikipedia, a focus group is, “is a small, but demographically diverse group of people whose reactions are studied especially in market research … a group of people are asked about their perceptions, opinions, beliefs, and attitudes towards a product, service, concept, advertisement, idea, or packaging ….. Questions are asked in an interactive setting where participants are free to talk with other group members”.
Two groups were asked to share their reactions and experiences in recent hospital stays for tests and/or procedures.  Both positive and negative reactions were expressed.  All comments were so noted, with privacy and confidentiality respected by the focus group organizers.
If, in the future, you are asked to participate in a focus group, it is highly suggested that you consider participating as your opinions, experiences, and suggestions might greatly benefit, or effect the outcome of studied products or policies.
For more information on Cabell-Wayne’s services, activities, volunteering, or planned giving, please feel free to call the Services Division at 304-522-6991.

NEW SUPPORT GROUP OFFERS OPPORTUNITY

It has long been my desire to start a New Consumers Support Group. This would be an opportunity for new consumers (and some existing ones as space allows) to learn more about the agency and the programs that are offered through the Services Division. This dream will become a reality in January. 

Starting in January we will begin a series of 6-8 weekly meetings. In these meetings we will cover programs, policies and resources offered through CWAB® Services Division. there will be an opportunity to complete Power of Attorney, and Living Will paperwork as well as sign up for agencies such as Dial a Ride and National Library Services Talking Books.

Stay tuned for more information regarding this much needed resource.

Toni I. Walls, CVRT, COMS
Executive Director

December and January Wednesday Recreation
	
	December 4th 	 Wreath Making
	December 7th 	 Christmas Dinner
	December 11th 	 Music Appreciation
	December 18th 	 Bingo
	
	January 8th 	 Line Dancing
	January 15th 	 Line Dancing
	January 22nd 	 Bingo

There is a photo of the outside of the Services Division office with this article.

Monthly Recreation Activities

Schedules are subject to change. Check with CWAB® for specific times. Participants must call at least 24 hours in advance to participate.

Association Meeting: 3rd Tuesday, monthly 1-3 p.m.
Recreational activities: 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Wednesday 1-3 p.m.
Bingo: 4th Wednesday, monthly, 1-3 p.m.
Y.M.C.A.: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: 10-11:30 a.m.
Water Aerobics: 	Friday 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Support Groups
Group A - Joann Wallace - 2nd and 4th Thursdays, 10 – Noon.
Group B - Brenda Blake - 1st and 3rd Thursdays, 10 -Noon.
Group C - Heather McComas - 2nd and 4th Thursday, 5 - 7 p.m.
Group D - Kim Blake -  Diabetic – 1st Tuesday, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Group G – Caitlin Railey – 4nd Tuesday, 4 to 6 p.m.
Parents Group – Mary Parsons - 3rd Thursdays, 6-8 p.m.

Seasonal activities are offered as decided by the Recreation Coordinator, and Executive Director. Check the GUIDE PAGE for details!
Walmart Shopping
Consumers who wish to go on shopping trips to Walmart Rt 60,  have an opportunity to do so thanks to this convenient service.

SCHEDULE
Monthly Walmart shopping trips are scheduled the FIRST THURSDAY after the 3rd of the month.  Dates will vary.
HERE ARE THE RULES!
1)	No more than 8 people allowed per trip. Only one shuttle will be used each trip.
2)	Each consumer will be allowed up to 6 packages (bags, jugs, boxes).
3)	Sign up will close at 4:30 p.m. on the Friday prior to the trip.
ASSOCIATION MEETING DATES:
ALL CONSUMERS of Cabell-Wayne Association of the Blind are urged to attend regularly scheduled monthly association meetings. 
These meetings are designed to keep consumers informed and up-to-date on events and activities of the Services Division and topics relative to the association as a whole. 
Remember, to have a quorum and to be able to discuss and vote on association business, a fifty-percent plus one attendance of voting-eligible members must be present. 
Free transportation to these meetings is provided upon request with advance notice and scheduling availability. 

Meetings are held the third Tuesday of each month from 1 to 3 p.m. 
No meeting in December.  The association Christmas dinner serves as the meeting for December.

CWAB® (registered trademark) Services
TRANSPORTATION – Getting around is a major roadblock to the blind and visually impaired. Consumers are offered free transportation to work, doctor’s appointments, shopping, and group activities. Limited vision no longer means limited transportation.

ORIENTATION & MOBILITY – O&M’s goal is to train consumers with techniques of safe, efficient travel both in the home and into the community. Skills are taught that are vital for independence, confidence and self-satisfaction. Instruction is built around the goals and needs of the student.

REHABILITATION – Learning new skills to improve daily living enhances quality of life for the visually impaired.  Magnifiers and talking devices are available.  Instruction in Braille, cooking, and even simple tasks like phone dialing can lead to a more independent life.

COMPUTER TRAINING - Training is the key to computer technology. Utilizing keystrokes and enhancement software, the student learns to complete a variety of tasks sighted computer users take for granted. Limited vision should not limit your technical training.

ADAPTIVE TECHNOLOGY - A CCTV can be used to magnify books, newspapers, and magazine print to the size of a regular television screen allowing individuals the ability to enjoy reading again. Adaptive technology can bring you back to the world, and the world to you.

RECREATION – Everyone knows the key to success is the ability to play well with others. CWAB®’s recreational program offers a variety of activities for any age consumer. Both indoor and outdoor events are scheduled on a regular basis.

For more information on services, volunteering, and planned giving, call 34-522-6991.
 This is the end of the GUIDE PAGE MAGAZINE web-text edition for December 2019.  

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