Fall-Winter, 2002
"With harness in hand, we'll meet life's demands!"
The Pine Tree Guide Dog Users, a non-profit organization, is an affiliate of GDUI, the National ACB as well as the ACB of Maine.
Be sure to visit us at http://ellsworthme.org/pinetree/. Any articles for publication should be forwarded to Pat Ellis by May 15 and November 15 of each year. The editor reserves the right to edit submitted materials.
EDITOR: Pat Ellis
7 New England Road
Augusta, ME 04330
Tel: (207) 622-6009
E-mail: robin308@prexar.com
Greetings to you all!
I promise, this will be a very brief message from your president. I would like to begin by highlighting some of the events and activities of PTGDU and it's members since our last newsletter.
In July, some of our members were fortunate enough to attend the National ACB Convention in Houston. It was a special event, as it marked the 30th year for GDUI. We had the chance to meet with GDUI representatives, other affiliates, attend informative sessions and, not to mention, enjoy a little recreation with fellow guide dog users. To see highlights of the convention, go to: www.gdui.org.
PTGDU, along with the Augusta Lion's Club and the blind Veterans Association, hosted its 4th annual White Cane Awareness Walk in Augusta on October 19th. This day was designed to bring awareness to the capabilities of individuals who travel either with a white cane or a dog guide. The turnout was great and everyone had a wonderful time. Thanks to all of you who attended!
Also, on the last weekend of October, PTGDU joined forces with ACB of Maine and had an educational and fun-filled convention at the Howard Johnson's Plaza in Westbrook. Becky Barnes and Graham Buck, from Guiding Eyes, held a session on stress and your dogs, how to recognize it and what to do about it. Chelsea Morrow, from the Seeing Eye, held a session on Street Smarts. The presentation was about nonverbal communication and how it can help you keep safe when traveling independently. Also from the Seeing Eye, Chris Mattoon brought his demo dog, giving anyone the opportunity to try out a trained dog guide. Who knows... maybe we'll have a few more new guide dog users by next Fall!
Food, food, food, and more food! The Pine Tree Guide Dog Users have been invited once again , by the Maine Restaurant Association, to have a booth at the Food Expo, to be held on March 26, 2003 at the Cumberland County Civic Center. As you may recall, this was a great occasion for PTGDU last March, as we had a chance to answer many questions, hand out our educational brochures, as well as other information, and, last but not least, sample lots of good food! If you're interested in attending this event and representing PTGDU, please notify me before March 1st.
Just a reminder that if you are denied access with your dog guides to any food or lodging establishment you can call the Eating and Lodging Program and make a complaint. The number to call in Maine is (207) 287-5671.
Our annual Spring Fling will be held on April 26, 2003 in Augusta at the Holiday Inn. Plans for a festive, as well as informative, time are in the works. If you have any ideas to assist in making this event memorable, please contact April Shinholster, Pat Ellis, or myself as soon as possible. Please come join us in the Spring for loads of fun!
I would like to bring to a close this President's message by wishing you all safe and happy Holidays!
Thank you.
Leona McKenna and Yeira
President, Pine Tree Guide Dog Users
Bob Gilman is the newest member of Pine Tree and we are very glad that he has decided to join us. His guide's name is Otis and he is a 95 pound yellow Lab from GEB. Bob states that he lost his vision from Diabetes and has had Otis about a year. Bob enjoys using the computer, reading books on tape and dancing. We hope that he will find our group informative, helpful, and fun. We love to dance!
Welcome back to Patty Sarchi and Brandy. Patty has renewed her membership with PTDGU and we are very glad she has done so. We are looking forward to seeing you at our next meeting!
Another big welcome back to Linda McKay and Celeste, who has also renewed her membership with PTGDU. We are very happy to have her back in the group!
One of our members, Karen Lander, has recently moved to Florida. She wants to reside in a warmer climate and will be embarking on a new career. Many thanks to Karen for all her time and sighted assistance that she provided at many conventions and functions of PTDGU. Best of luck in your new location and with your new career.
Ginger Bennett has a new friend and guide. Molly is a German Shepherd from the Seeing Eye in New Jersey. Molly weighs about 60 pounds and is 21 inches tall. Ginger says that Molly has the route all figured out at least two days before they walk it. We wish you both the best!
Mel Clarrage, immediate past president of ACB of Maine, is trying his skill with his first guide. "Mascot" is a 75 pound black lab from GEB and is bonding well with Mel. Much success to you both!
Jim and Sue Martin have left Maine to head for a warmer climate and to be near their families. They also will have a new place of employment. Best of luck in all your endeavors and we'll be watching for you on the Blind Forum!
The Department of Transportation's aviation consumer Disability toll-free hotline will become operational at 7-a.m. local time in Washington, D.C., on August 5, 2002. The toll-free number for our aviation consumer disability hotline is 1-866-266-1368 (voice) and 1-866-754-4368 (TTY). We ask that you advise members of your respective organizations about the establishment of the hotline and encourage them to call the hotline
(revised from a much longer article)
Security Screening Advice for Passengers with Disabilities: These tips are provided to help travelers with disabilities through the security screening process. These tips are not all-inclusive and are simply meant to provide recommendations and advice to passengers. These tips will be updated from time-to-time to reflect changes that occur in the screening process at airport security checkpoints.
For additional information, travelers can also go to:
http://www.dot.gov/airconsumer/DiscrimComplaintContacts.doc
The US Department of Transportation has just announced a web site for individuals with Disabilities to submit comments on transportation services for individuals with disabilities. The current Transportation for Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) is set to expire September 30, 2003 and Congress is seeking input as they develop replacement legislation. The web site is www.fhwa.dot.gov/reauthorization.
Written comments can be sent to:
Docket Clerk
USDOT Room PL-401
Docket Number OST-2002-12170
400 Seventh Street SW
Washington, DC 20590
Spray your pet's food dish with a non-stick cooking spray before adding the food. It will make the dish easier to wash.
10 TIPS FOR CONTROLLING SHEDDING
(Revised from an article by Dr. Joe Bodewes, DVM, Drs. Foster & Smith, Veterinary Staff.)
One of the biggest nuisances faced by pet owners is unwanted hair in their homes. Nearly every dog and cat- regardless of their age or breed - sheds. Some breeds have more hair or thicker undercoats and will shed in higher quantities, but virtually all dogs and cats will shed hair. While we cannot stop a dog or cat from shedding, we can help reduce the amount of loose hair, and also effectively remove the hair so it doesn't create a problem in our homes.
Animals shed to get rid of old, damaged, or extra hair. Animals grow a heavy coat in the winter to help insulate themselves and then shed the extra hair in the summer. However, dogs will also shed broken or damaged hair, and if their skin is irritated from conditions such as allergies, they will also shed excessively. This article will give tips for keeping the dog's skin and hair healthy to reduce shedding as well as effectively remove the hair.
1. Brush your pet regularly; daily grooming is the best way to reduce the amount of hair in your home.
Brushing will also make your pet's coat softer, cleaner, and less likely to shed.
2. If you've never thought about it before, consider vacuuming your pet. While most cats resist vacuuming,
many dogs love the massage from the vacuum attachment, and it is an effective way to remove pet hair.
3. Feed an appropriate pet food. A pet's coat is often a reflection of what they eat. Feed a high quality
food with good digestible protein sources and a good source of fat. While low fat is good for the waistline,
it is bad for the hairline.
4. Feed a fatty acid supplement like Vitacoat Registered. You can use Vitacoat Registered Plus or Derm
Caps. These supplements will keep the coat healthy, will help to prevent dry and damaged hair and therefore
will reduce shedding.
5. Furniture throws can minimize shedding problems. Cover your furniture and car seats. Upholstery is a
magnet for pet hair, and removing pet hair from furniture or car seats can be a tedious task. Throws will
keep your furniture looking (and smelling) better, and make your home more inviting to guests.
6. Control allergies and fleas. Nothing makes hair fall out more than when a dog is scratching or biting at
its skin and coat. Contact your veterinarian to make sure your pet is getting the proper allergy relief and
flea protection.
7. Bathe your dog occasionally during the summer. A clean dog will have a healthier coat. Use an
appropriate shampoo.
8. Feed an anti-shed supplement like Mrs. Allen's Shed Stop. These products contain fatty acids, vitamins,
and minerals that are specifically formulated to reduce shedding. However, always be sure to check with your
vet to make sure that this is the proper thing for your dog.
9. Use the correct grooming tool for your dog's coat. Slicker Brushes, shedding Blades, matbreakers, and
grooming Gloves each have a specific function and work best on the type of coat they are designed for. I
also have good luck with the "Zoom Groom". Most dogs need more than one type of brush to remove all the dead
hair.
10. Remove hair from upholstery as soon as possible. Hair that is newly shed is easier to remove before it
works its way into upholstery fabric. A Tape or "sticky" Roller is one of the best tools I have found for
removing hair.
Remember that routine brushing and grooming are an important part of every pet's care. By paying attention to your pet's diet and following these tips, you can significantly reduce the amount of pet hair in your home, on your furniture, and in your car.
Treasured Friend
(In memory of Ember, Ilya's friend
I lost a treasured friend today
The little dog who used to lay
Her gentle head upon my knee
And share her silent thoughts with me...
She'll come no longer to my call
Retrieve no more her favorite ball
A voice far greater than my own
Has called her to His golden throne.
Although my eyes are filled with tears
I thank Him for the happy years
He let her spend down here with me
And for her love and loyalty.
When it is time for me to go
And join her there, this much I know...
I shall not fear the transient dark
For she will greet me with her bark.
Author Unknown
Don't smell crotches, don't eat plants.
Don't steal food or underpants.
Don't eat my socks, don't grab my hair!
Don't rip the stuffing from the chair.
Don't chew my shoes, what is this mush?
Eat your cookies, drink your drink,
Outta the toilet! Outta the sink!
Away from the litterbox, it's for the cat.
(And must you kiss me after that!?)
Raising a puppy is not for the lazy,
Those rugrats are funny but also quite crazy.
Don't despair through the toil and the strife,
Cause after three years, you'll get back your life.
So let's go for walkies so you can do your "thing."
And maybe I'll get back my good diamond ring!
The annual GEB Christmas party will be held on Saturday, December 14th. As in the past, it is being held
at St. Paul's in Brunswick. The festivities start at 11:00 am with a pot luck lunch. There will be an
exchange of presents for "dogs only."
For more information, please contact Anne Poland, E-mail: annieb@megalink.net or Phone: 897-7056 with voice
mail on all the time.
Again this year, PTDGU will have a booth at the Food Expo, which will be held at the Cumberland County Civic Center on March 26. Anyone interested in attending and helping educate the restaurantors about accessibility issues, contact Leona before March 1, 2003.
The spring Fling will be held in Augusta on April 26, 2003 at the Holiday Inn on Civic Center Drive. Mark your calendar and be watching for more details!
5th ANNUAL YWCA/ACB FUN WEEKEND
July 19, 20 & 21, 2003
Camp out @ Camp Molly Molasses, Chemo Pond, Clifton, Maine. Be watching for more details in the next issue
of this Newsletter or contact Jack Beveridge @ 942-3389.
The Larry Young Eye Opener Golf Challenge was held on August 21 at the Brunswick Naval Air Station. More than 20 golfers and their spotters took to the greens on a "picture perfect" day. The Brunswick Elks Club paid the green fees, provided T-shirts and a delicious cookout, after and excellent time was had by all. This year's match will be held in early July, exact date to be announced. Be watching for more information or contact Dan Bence at the Togus VA Center by phone: 621-7307 or e-mail him at: daniel.bence@med.va.gov
The annual White Cane/Guide Dog awareness walk was a great success again this year. About 50 walkers and helpers participated. This included members of the Augusta Lions Club, the Blind Veterans Association, and PTDGU. The Augusta City Manager read the proclamation from the Mayor, Harold Lewis spoke on the importance of the day and walk, and Larry Ayotte, Augusta's King Lion spoke on what the white cane day means for the Lions. To date, $1179 has been raised for PTDGU. Over 30 businesses in the area donated door prizes and refreshments. Many thanks to all those who participated and helped in any capacity.
We would like to extend an invitation to all blind and visually impaired people in the State of Maine to
join our organization. We are the former Maine Fraternal Association of the Blind, now known as The American
Council of the Blind of Maine.
Why should I join the ACB of Maine? This year is our one-hundredth year. As the incoming ACB of Maine
President, I am planning a Convention next October that will be a celebration to top all celebrations. What
makes a good party are the guests. We want you!
ACB of Maine fun weekend at Camp Molly Molasses on Chemo Pond in Clifton, Maine, is our crown jewel. This is
a weekend in July where blind and visually impaired people and their families and friends can come and camp
or sleep indoors. All food is provided. The camp is a great opportunity to relax and be yourself without
having to feel different. We swim, canoe, do a rope course, and sing and tell stories around the campfire.
It's a fun time.
ACB of Maine is a blind consumer organization. Our job is to safeguard blind services, work to promote
awareness of blindness issues, strive to help the blind and visually impaired people of Maine to attain their
right as Americans to find happiness. We will hold our heads high and boldly speak our minds.
If you are a past member or someone new who would like to join us, I extend my hand in welcome and personal
invitation to come aboard.
To join, send a check for $10 to:
ACB of Maine
PO Box 207
South Windham, ME 04082
Please include your return mailing address, Email Address, and phone number.
We hope you will join us!
Carson Wood, President ACB of Maine
Fillyaw's Quality Gifts
15 Norway Drive
Chelsea, ME 04330
Please check out our New Business. We are excited and we want to give you the opportunity to see our new
product line. We have something for everyone in the family regardless of age.
Give Tom and Deb a call at 622-3302, or at our toll free number at
1-888-807-5012, or check us out on our new Web Site at Www.giftworldnet.com/fillyawsqualitygifts to see a few
samples of over 3000 gifts to choose from, or by e-mail at dafillyaw@msn.com using Fillyaw's Quality Gifts
for your subject line.
With the Holidays quickly approaching, we hope to fulfill your shopping needs with the highest of quality
gifts and service.
It will be a talking book that even looks like a book, although most of it's users will never see it.
Instead of a cassette tape, it will have no moving parts but will read a volume digitally from a card smaller
than a credit card.
The dull silvery cover folds on a hinge to the size of a normal book from a library shelf. When open, it
looks like a book with two thick pages, divided by a hinge. A series of differently shaped buttons along the
edges will enable the blind reader to turn pages forward and backward, skip quickly, insert bookmarks, and
search for a remembered passage. The wooden model will be reproduced in plastic.
The principles of the hardware are known, but it will take three to four years to adapt them so that the new
digital readers are no more expensive than the tape readers in today's talking books.
The section of the library of Congress that circulates talking books for the blind exhibited on Monday the
winning model among 146 entries from 28 design schools. It came from Lachezar Tavestanov, a 23-year old
student of industrial design from Sofia, Bulgaria, studying at the University of Bridgeport, CT. He won
$5,000 first prize.
"We wanted something that would look good in a living room or a dining room, "said Frank Kurt Cylke, Director
of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. Over three years, the library will
convert about 30,000 titles, mostly standard works and best sellers, to the new technology at a cost of about
$75 million. The software already exists and is being used to start the adaptations.
PTDGU will be drafting legislation to hopefully improve the "Loose Dog Law" that was passed during the last legislative session. We are hoping to increase the penalty for dog attacks on service animals and to change the offense from a civil violation to a criminal offense. Once the hearing is scheduled, we will be calling on the members for support and to testify at the hearing.
Leona McKenna, President
10 Grey Birch Drive Apt. C-1
Augusta, ME 04330
Tel: (207) 622-6963
Home E-mail: lrmckenna@adelphia.net, Work: leonam@onestar.net
Anne Poland, Secretary
E-mail: Annie@megalink.net
Tel: (207) 897-7056
Maryann Mitchell, Treasurer
695 Middle Road Union, ME 04682
Tel: (207) 785-3321
E-mail: Mitchell@tidewater.net
Davide Marletta, First Vice
Forest Park Apt. 2
Portland, Me. 04101
Tel: (207) 773-0073
E-mail: Dmarletta@THEIRIS.org
Pat Ellis, Second Vice
7 New England Road
Augusta, ME 04330
Tel: (207) 622-6009
E-mail: robin308@prexar.com
Marj Awalt, 2 year Board member
Augusta, ME 04330
E-mail: mawalt@Prexar.com
Pauline Lamontagne, 1 year Board member
Augusta, ME 04330
E-mail: nera@peoplepc.com
April Shinholster, 1 year Board member
39 Forest Park Apt. 3
Portland, ME 04101
Tel: (207) 871-1548
Home email: ashinholster@earthlink.net, Work e-mail: ashinholster@theiris.org
Ferne Davenport, 2 year Board member
PO Box 267
Rockland, ME 04841
Tel: (207) 594-6363
E-mail: tuckygeb@gwi.net
Committees and their chairs:
Fund raising: Sherry Belka
Legislative: Pauline Lamontange
Publications: Pat Ellis
Public Relations: Leona McKenna
Advocacy: Davide Marletta
Revision of Constitution and by-laws: Pauline Lamontagne and Pat Ellis
Membership: Maryann Mitchell
Special Needs: To be appointed
Please take time from your busy schedules to share a kind word or a hug with your family, friends, colleagues and of course, those very special four legged partners of ours. Here's a hug and a pat from Ilya and I!
Remember - If you have any articles or suggestions for the Newsletter, please submit them to me on or before November 15, 2003. You can reach me by phone: (207) 622-6009, E-mail: robin308@prexar.com or snail mail at: 7 New England Road, Augusta, ME 04330. Remember, this is your Newsletter and I need your input to make it a success! Thanks and have a great Holiday Season!
Next edition: June 2003
Would you like to make a donation to the Pine Tree Guide Dog Users? All gifts are tax deductible and a
receipt can be provided if you request it. Please mail your gift to:
Mrs. Maryann Mitchell
695 Middle Road Union, ME 04862
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
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