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President's Message

by Frank Welte

November 16 will be a busy day for members of our San Mateo Council of the Blind. That is the date for our November meeting that will take place from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM at the Bank of America's A. P. Gianini branch at El Camino Real and 3rd Avenue in downtown San Mateo. This meeting will be highly informative and should prove to be very productive, for we shall:

• approve our 2003 events calendar,

• make our final plans for next months gala holiday party

• hear a report on the exciting fall convention of the California Council of the Blind, and more.

Even though the convention was hundreds of miles away its effect will be felt right here in San Mateo County, and I look forward to telling you all about the events and activities.

While we are having our meeting our good friends at the Silicon Valley Council of the Blind, who were very well represented at our Tenth Anniversary Banquet, will be celebrating their own milestone — their 15th anniversary. This special event will feature a guest appearance from CCB President, Cathy Skivers, and appropriate refreshments for the occasion.

Bill Hobson and Phil Kutner will be paying their respects in behalf of our chapter. It will be most fitting, given the close relationship that exists between our two groups. In fact, a few of you might like to join our SMCB delegation. If you're interested, call Bill at 593-9191 or Phil at 349-6946.

Once again, I want to thank all of you who participated in our Tenth Anniversary Banquet, especially those who worked so hard on its preparation. I cannot adequately describe this wonderful event in this small column. In short, the dining was wonderful, the entertainment was delightful, the friendship was warm, and the speakers shared thoughts well worth remembering. Especially, noteworthy was the accordion playing and singing of our own Larry Martin.

On October 26, our monthly bowling outings resumed. Your president honestly must confess that the gutters on our lane were well dusted by the time he finished his two games, but we all can't wait to go back for more practice. Our next bowling date will be Saturday, November 23 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the AMF Redwood Lanes, 2580 El Camino Real in Redwood City. Bring $11.00 for bowling charges and shoe rental. Please let us know if you will attend and be part of all the fun.

Our membership is 68. At the banquet we signed up 6 new members. We welcome this month’s new members

Annabelle Baley (San Carlos).

Felipe Flores (Morgan Hill),

Mr & Mrs. L Gomes (San Mateo)

Mary Kailihiwa (Burlingame)

Sol & Roz Kutner (San Carlos),

Dan Morafka, (Belmont)

A. Schappacasse (Santa Clara)

Martha J. Tilmann (El Granada)

Ingrid Venable, (San Mateo)

Our holiday party will be on Saturday, December 7 from noon to about 3:00 PM at Harry's Hofbrau at 1909 El Camino Real in Redwood City. Please RSVP with Phil Kutner. We will charge $7.50 for each participant to help defray the cost of this event.

Our chapter has members with excellent computer skills, and they are available for advice.

If you have any questions about SMCB activities or other concerns call me at (650) 508-8329, or send E-mail to [email protected].

Celebrate OUR SMCB Holiday Party

FOR WHOM?

Our Members and Their Guests

WHAT IS IT?

Our Annual Holiday Party Luncheon

WHERE IS IT?

Harry’s Hofbrau, 1908 El Camino Real, Redwood City, CA

Just North of Woodside Road Overpass on the East Side.

WHEN IS IT?

Saturday, December 7, 2002, Noon until 3:00 P.M.

HOW MUCH IS IT?

Only $7.50!, SMCB pays the rest!

WHAT’S TO EAT?

Beef Lasagna, Turkey Enchiladas, Chicken Stir Fry,

Sirloin Tips, or ask us, Salads, Beverages, Pies & Cakes

--Send with check to SMCB before December 1, 2002—

Name/s…………………………………………………

Phone #………..-………….-…………………………

Number …… @$7.50 = $………….

Beef Lasagna__, Turkey Enchiladas__, Chicken Stir Fry__,

Sirloin Tips__, Salad, Beverage, Choice of Pies & Cakes

…………………………………………………………………………..

EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE FOR THE BLIND

AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED

Committee on Employment Assistance of the California Council of the Blind (CCB) has been running a revolving loan fund to help blind or visually impaired members to acquire employment-related equipment.

Applicants found to be eligible will be offered interest-free loans for the purchase of both low- and high-tech adaptive equipment. An applicant has got to be a Californian resident with a job or job offer, or planning on self-employment. CCB membership is not a requirement, but all borrowers are required to pass a credit check.

Every effort will be made to process application within 30 days. For application forms and other details, please contact CCB at 800 221 6359 or 510 537 7877.

Phil Kutner: Editor

Bulletin of the SMCB

1128 Tanglewood Way

San Mateo, CA 94403

Tel. 650-349-6946

November 2002 Vol. 3 No. 9