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ASB Visions Newsletter |
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July 2001:
Preparations underway for 42nd Annual Louis Braille Awards Ceremony Serving as this year's Honorary Chairperson is Suzanne Roberts, host of the cable program, Seeking Solutions with Suzanne. Ms. Roberts was recently nominated for a Mid-Atlantic Emmy Award as Outstanding Host of this public service series. She has also had award-winning achievements in radio and has been a pioneer in political programming. She is the author of The Candidate and Television. Richard Nenno, Esq., will receive the Individual Award. Legally blind since birth, Nenno has not let his loss of vision stand in the way of success. A Cum Laude graduate of Princeton University and a J.D. graduate of Harvard Law School, he is a Vice President and Trust Counsel in the Private Client Advisory Service Department of Wilmington Trust Company. He also heads the bank's Estate Planning Section. Pitney Bowes Office Systems will be honored with the Corporate Award for its success in tailoring office products to meet the needs of people who are visually impaired. The Universal Access Copier System uses voice activation, braille labeling and keypads, an extra-large touch screen, and other customized design enhancements to make these machines accessible to blind, visually impaired, and disabled employees. The Philadelphia Museum of Art's Form in Art Program will receive the Special Recognition Award. The program, which began in 1971, combines classes in sculpture and the study of art history into a course for blind and partially sighted people. Form in Art gives those without sight the opportunity to learn about objects by reversing the almost universal "don't touch" policy of art museums. Art history lessons, touch tours, and lectures by Museum staff help facilitate the learning process by exposing students to a wide range of periods and styles of art. With well deserving honorees, this year's program promises to be one of the best ever.
Volunteers thanked for 'expanding horizons' As Linda Gaffney, ASB Volunteer Coordinator, welcomed everyone to the luncheon, she said that ASB volunteers are the soul and spirit of the agency. "Committed volunteers make a successful agency," Gaffney said. Volunteers serve as trip escorts, home visitors, radio narrators, tape narrators, computer teaching assistants, copyholders, braille transcribers, clerical assistants, etc. The theme of this year's luncheon was "Volunteering Expands Your Horizons." In her opening remarks, ASB CEO Patricia C. Johnson, said, "Each of you, whether you know it or not, in your own unique way, has helped our clients expand their horizons." "ASB depends on volunteers to help blind and visually impaired people with self-esteem and to guide them towards independence," Johnson said. Guest speaker at the event was Molly Shepard, CEO of Shepard Executive Resources and Chairman of United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania. She praised the volunteers, saying "ASB has been able to succeed because of the strong and positive presence of dedicated people." "In any organization, but especially in this one, volunteers are the hallmark of ASB's history, a fellowship of faithful friends, and a force that helps to foster a proud tradition of service to the blind and visually impaired," she said. Barbara Watson is a true testament to the dedication of ASB volunteers. She was recognized for her 45 years of service to the organization. She was presented with a certificate and a plaque to commemorate her years as a volunteer in the Braille department. Also recognized was Miyo Kambe who has given 25 years of service to ASB. In addition to the inspirational speakers and good food, several Delaware Valley businesses donated door prizes as their way of thanking ASB volunteers. These prizes were raffled off at the end of the luncheon. ASB Board President Frank Gable concluded the event, by reiterating the value of volunteerism. "I know from intimate experience the important role that volunteers play, not only at ASB, but all over the country."
New Board Members welcomed With an undergraduate degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Mary earned her M.B.A. from the The Wharton School at University of Pennsylvania. Mary has long been involved in personal, smaller efforts to help charities, including volunteering as a substitute librarian at the Wallingford Library. Ted Hill is currently the Vice President, Taxes, for the ARAMARK Corporation, and is an officer of the company as well as a member of its Executive Leadership Council. Ted earned a bachelor's degree in English from Princeton University and a J.D. and LL.M. in taxation from Villanova University School of Law. Ted is Vice Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Salvation Army of Greater Philadelphia and Vice Chairman, Finance, of the Cradle of Liberty Council, Boy Scouts of America. He is past Chairman of the Philadelphia Tax Conference. Joan Rollins Tropp is a Registered Nurse with an M.A. in Administration and more than 15 years of experience in nursing, education and the implementation of new programs. After receiving a Diploma in Nursing from the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Joan went on to earn her B.A. and M.A. from Antioch University. She spent 11 years at The Bryn Mawr Hospital as the Hospice Director. She is a past Board Member for the Main Line Unitarian Church and the Shipley School. Joan has been an ASB volunteer for the past year in the Braille Department.
Canine companions honored at ASB The honorees of this year's event were Sydney, Flurrie, and Ilene, who serve as guide dogs to ASB employees Sue Waters, May Davis, and Peggy Garrett. ASB CEO Patricia C. Johnson presented the guide dogs with Milkbones and tennis balls. Guide dogs make it easier for blind people to get where they are going faster and with more confidence. Davis will have a new guide dog come the fall, as Flurrie will be retiring after 10 years of service. Drummer, guide dog to Patti Lariccia, recently underwent surgery and was unable to attend the event, but was still honored. Lariccia reports that he is doing very well. Although Drummer will not be returning to work, Lariccia will keep him as a pet and will be getting a new guide dog in September.
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