Spring-Summer, 2003
Extra! Extra! Read all about it!
The newsletter for the Pine Tree Guide Dog Users
"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, ACB National, 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 would like to begin by celebrating the arrival of summer! We had a long, hard winter and this summertime heat sure does feel great. Of course, it is Maine, and these conditions will soon be changing. Enjoy it while you can!
As usual, I would like to highlight the events and activities of PTGDU since our last newsletter. Unfortunately, this organization has not been very active since this fall. Nevertheless, I do have some events to report:
In May, Pat Ellis and I joined the other members of the VICAT (Visual Impairment Community Awareness Team) to conduct a workshop for the Kennebec Valley Transit bus drivers: "How to Assist Passengers With Vision Impairments." Ten participants took part in the events which included a vision impairment simulation, guiding/blindfold activity, and an opportunity to learn more about guide dogs. Not only was the day educational, but filled with enjoyment. At the finish, each participant was rewarded with a shirt, donated by ACB of Maine. Look for more information about VICAT, further in this newsletter.
Marge Awalt, Pauline Lamontagne, and Lynn Duplessis had an opportunity to educate the public about guide dogs at HallDale Middle School on June 14th. The day's activities were planned by a young man in order to achieve his Eagle Scout badge. Details of this event can also be found further in this newsletter.
The long awaited Spring Fling took place on the first day of summer, June 21st! This was an especially spectacular occasion as we gave special tribute to our very own Maryann Mitchell! Maryann is raising her 30th puppy, Cringle, for The Seeing Eye. Not only was this meant to give thanks to Maryann but to all puppy raisers for all their efforts to enhance our lives.
Along with the tribute, this Spring Fling was marked by another memorable activity. An auction was held to raise money for PTGDU. The
items were gathered by Sherry Belka, originally for baskets to raffle. Marge Awalt came up with the idea of using these items for an
auction. Not only did we raise $290 but also we had loads of fun! Hugh Awalt was the auctioneer and was assisted by April Shinholster. Many
thanks to all!
The Augusta Lion's Club, the Blind Veterans Association, and PTGDU will be hosting its 5th annual White Cane Awareness Walk in Augusta on October 18th. This day was designed to bring awareness to the capabilities of individuals who travel either with a white cane or a dog guide. More information will be coming your way about the Walk. Please mark your calendars and join us in Augusta!
It's that time again to plan for our annual Fall convention, to be held on November 8th. The convention committee consists of Pat Ellis, April Shinholster, Patty Sarchi and Leona McKenna. The location is yet to be determined. If you have any suggestions as to a theme or guest speakers, please contact any one of the committee members as soon as possible.
I will bring this President's message to a close by wishing you all a safe and happy Fourth of July, along with an enjoyable summer!
Thank you.
Leona McKenna and Yeira
President, Pine Tree Guide Dog Users
Maryann is raising puppy number 30, a big boy named Crinkle. Maryann says that he weighed 49 pounds at his 4-month check-up. He'll have lots of pulling power when he is fully-grown!
Chelsie Morrow, Field Representative for the Seeing Eye since August 1, 2000 has joined our group. Although she lives in Texas, she has roots in Maine. Her guide, Flower is a female German Shepherd from the Seeing Eye. Flower was born on Feb. 20, 1996 and has been with Chelsea since Feb. 2, 1998. Chelsea states that Flower has one of the best personalities she has ever seen. She is hard working, loveable and playful. One of her favorite games is chase, but her version is a little different. Most dogs love for you to chase them, but Flower loves to chase you. All you have to do is pick up her ball and start running around the house, and the chase is on. She also loves to give the cat a bath. He, on the other hand, is not very fond of the attention! Chelsea, we are pleased to have you with us!
David Perry, who operates the vending facility at the Technical Center in Fairfield, is another of our newest members. Dave travels with a Labra-doodle named Albert from the GDF. Albert is 2 years old and weighs 80 pounds. Dave states that he, Albert that is, loves to chew on stuffed animals and he has been known to help himself when they go shopping in Wal-Mart. Welcome to our group!
Walt Sutton, who works for the Seeing Eye, has also joined PTDGU. Walt has been the guest speaker at several of our conventions. He started working in the kitchen at the Seeing Eye in 1979 when he was only sixteen. He started training dogs on May 20, 1986 one day after his 22nd birthday and one-week after graduating from college. Welcome aboard!
The tribute began with opening remarks from Leona and Pat, during which Marj presented Maryann with a beautiful corsage. Maryann's
husband, Mitch, daughter Diane and husband, Bob, and daughter, Morgan surprised her with their arrival. PTDGU presented Maryann with a
plaque, displaying a Shepherd's head and the inscription:
"To Maryann Mitchell, in appreciation for all your efforts and dedication in raising 30 puppies that have enhanced the lives of those who
are blind or visually impaired. Presented with sincere gratitude, by the Pine Tree Guide Dog Users this 21st day of June, 2003."
The next speakers were Chelsea Morrow and Walt Sutton, who gave a little of Maryann's history with the Seeing Eye. Walt and his wife have trained 8 of Maryann's puppies. Walt presented Maryann with a plaque that included the names of all 8 puppies.
Maryann's daughter, Diane, brought a delicious coconut cake, which was decorated with 30 flags, each displaying the name of one of her puppies.
I hope everyone had as much fun as the committee did in planning this celebration!
Maryann states, "Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for all that you did and all the love and encouragement that you showed me on Saturday. It was so very much appreciated. You scoundrels you. Boy, can you guys keep a secret. I'll remember that day forever. Thanks again."
And remember --behind every successful guide dog team there is a puppy raiser!
Once again, it is time for Heart worm and fleas and ticks. Be sure to check with your favorite Vet to learn what is best for your guide.
Warning: Cocoa mulch, which is sold by Home Depot, Foremans Garden Supply and other garden supply stores, contains a lethal ingredient called Theobromine, according to Animal Rights Online. Theobromine is the ingredient that is used to make all chocolate - especially dark or baker's chocolate - and is toxic to dogs. If ingested, the mulch is fatal. In fact, according to Animal Rights Online, several deaths have already occurred in the last two to three weeks. See: www.newportthisweek.com/News/2001/0621/Community/009.
10 THINGS WE CAN LEARN FROM A DOG:
1. Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joy ride.
2. When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
3. Take naps and always stretch before rising.
4. Run, romp and play daily.
5. Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.
6. Be loyal.
7. Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
8. Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
9. When you are happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
10. When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.
--Author Unknown
By Mary Clark, Certified O&M Specialist with the Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired
I am delighted to have been asked to tell you about a unique group that is working to promote awareness of vision impairment in the Augusta area! In January of 2002, the Vision Impairment Community Awareness Team, or VICAT, was initiated by Amy Dyer, a Junior at Erskine Academy. The team currently includes three teens: Amy, Nicole Peters, a Junior at Hall-Dale High School and Josh Belka, a Senior at Cony High. All are well-adjusted, active young people who have first-hand experience with vision impairment. Adult members are Pat Ellis, Leona McKenna, and myself.
VICAT has experimented with presentation formats during its first year, adjusting the style of presentation according to the audience.
One of the most popular efforts has been skits that demonstrate interactions between people with visual impairment and the general public.
Josh Belka, who has a special interest in musical theater, wrote the first skit, and the group continues to work with it, developing it with
each new presentation. Amy, Josh and Nicole have put considerable energy into identifying the key elements on which the skits and
presentations focus. Their personal experiences have given them a perspective that has enriched the presentations and made them real to
their audiences. The VICAT's presentations about the nature of vision impairment include information from all of the following areas:
1. Different kinds of vision impairment from total blindness to various levels of low vision such as peripheral field or central vision
deficits, nightblindness, and color blindness.
2. Correct ways to offer and provide assistance (such as guiding and giving directions) to people with vision impairment.
3. Information about how people with vision impairment get things done, from identifying clothing to using computers to crossing streets
and whatever the audience may ask about.
4. Implicitly or explicitly the concept that people with vision impairment can be independent contributing members of society; that special
training and a lot of hard work are what make this possible.
5. Contact information should there be questions at a later time or should there be a need for information about available services.
Since March 2002, the VICAT has reached over 360 people in southern Kennebec County. Audiences have included Augusta Area Cub Scouts,
students and teachers at the Fayette Elementary School, the Augusta Lions Club, and Erskine Academy sophomores. The responses have all
been very positive with a high level of enthusiasm shown by all audiences. Ilya and Yeira, Pat's and Leona's guide dogs are great public
relations specialists with everyone!
The VICAT also has a strong interest in improving public transportation in our area and has met with the local transit bus personnel to discuss ways the bus system can be more user-friendly to its passengers with vision impairment. Areas of discussion include ways drivers can assist passengers who have vision impairment and strategies for making the bus schedule available in accessible formats. We plan to continue into 2003 with what promises to be a productive dialog.
Other plans for 2003 so far include presentations to Cony High School, Gilbert and Farrington Elementary Schools (all in Augusta) and the Jefferson Elementary School. A workshop for Kennebec Valley Community Action Program Transit Bus drivers is planned for late spring.
On June 14, Pauline Lamontagne and Black Lab guide, Nera, Lynn Duplessis and Shepherd guide, Queeg, and myself participated in the "Working Dog Awareness Day". The event was held at the Hall-Dale middle school, and was organized by Kevin Clark, who used this project to help earn his Eagle Scout badge.
Kevin greeted us and ushered us to our table in the gymnasium. Pauline and Lynn did a demonstration with their dogs and we answered many questions about how the dogs work and if and when it is okay to pat them. We also distributed packets of information from PTDGU.
Other participants were a search dog and his handler, a dog groomer, a sled dog and his owner who spoke about the dog teams and a lady who spoke about the horses who work with folks with special needs.
It was a great opportunity to educate those in attendance as well as to learn about other working dogs.
Top Ten Travel Tips by Chelsea Morrow
1. Make sure you have all of your travel info with you and in an accessible format, i.e. hotel and transportation info.
For example, make sure you have hotel address, phone number, and conformation number for your reservation. I have learned over time not only
to have this information, but to keep it handy. Put the info in a Braille and speak, written down on a card you carry in purse or pocket, or
maybe even tattoo it on your for head. Okay, maybe you don't need to tattoo it on yourself, but make sure you have it and that it's handy.
2. Find out as much information about the place that you are going to ahead of time
Gathering as much info about a place as you can before you get there will make things go much smoother. For example when I make a hotel
reservation I try and get as much info as I can about the hotel. I ask things like: Do you have a shuttle service from the airport? Are you
located in a down town area? Does the area have sidewalks? Is it a pretty safe part of town? If the hotel doesn't have a shuttle I also ask
about how much a cab ride from the airport should cost. I have found hotel personnel the best people to ask, because they deal with the taxi
companies all of the time and know what the fare should be.
3. Be careful about the info you share with folks.
Remember it's okay to stretch the truth just a little. For example: When some one asks about your vision instead of telling them about your
specific vision, share info about vision loss in general. This way you can still educate, but you won't be sharing info about yourself. If
someone persists, just tell them some days are better then others and today is a good day.
4. This travel tip refers to those of us who travel with dogs. I have found over the last several months that if I tell airline personnel
that my dog doesn't like sitting up front, I don't get hassled about it any more.
For example: Most of us who travel with dogs know that on an airplane there really isn't more room in the bulkhead. I prefer to sit a little
further back so that I can put Flower under the seat in front of me. In the past, I have tried to explain to airline folks that there really
isn't more room up front, but more times then not they don't believe me. So I started telling the ticket counter people that she doesn't like
sitting up front. Since I have been doing this I haven't had any more trouble.
5. Know what you need, be persistent about the things you need, but try to remain calm and polite.
For example: When going through airport security, your going to have to speak up. Other wise they have no idea how to help you. They are
supposedly trained, but I have found that more times then not they have no idea. They need to be told what works best for you. When I go
through security I like things to be handled a certain way. I like to put my own stuff on the belt so I ask for some one to tap the belt so I
know where it's at. Next I tell them that I can go through the metal detector just like everyone else. I tell them that my dog will sit, I
will go through first, and then I will call her to come after me. That way, they see that I clear and the only thing they have to check is
the dog. For me it makes the whole process go faster. Some people prefer to go around and be hand searched. Either way decide what works
best for you and be able to make your wants and needs known. Oh, one other thing, try and remain calm and polite. I know there are a lot of
stupid people in this world, but the calmer you remain, the better.
6. Learn how to ask good questions.
For example: when you are getting directions be sure to reconfirm those directions. If some one tells you that you need to go right, say, "do
you mean that way" and point off to your right. More times then not the person will say, "Oh, I meant my right." By reconfirming directions
and asking specific questions you will get the info you need and it will also help with the confusion level.
7. Have good non-verbal communication skills.
For example: When you want to ask some one a question look at them. This will let them know that you are speaking to them. Stand and sit with
good posture. Have your head up, shoulders back, and don't shuffle your feet. Having good posture not only looks good, but it makes people
think that you are confident. Looking confident can also go a long way in keeping you safe.
8. If at all possible carry a cell phone and a little extra cash.
For example: Carrying a cell phone is not only handy, but it could help you out in an emergency. Also keep extra cash handy so if you find
yourself stuck in a not so nice place you can take a cab. You can also use that phone to call the cab, so you don't have to ask the
questionable man on the corner where the nearest phone is.
9. Be aware of your surroundings.
For example: Listen, smell, and if you have any remaining vision, use it. By listening, you can hear when people are approaching, you can
hear the sounds of a busy place, and you can also hear the echoes off of buildings. Listening to these things will help orientate you and it
also gives you great info about your surroundings. Knowing that you passed a busy place two blocks back could come in very handy. Also pay
attention to the things you smell. Some times we may not always hear some one approach because of loud traffic, or other noised, but we might
be able to smell them. Lastly, if you have remaining vision use it. Even if it's only light perception it could help. Knowing that you are in
a well-lighted area can be very helpful. If you have no remaining vision find out about those things ahead of time. Try to plan your route
through a well-lighted area.
10. Ask the cab driver how much the fare is and make sure you have your hand on your luggage before you pay him. This way, if he tries to
over charge you or tries to charge for your dog, you can say to him, "Here is the money I owe you" and he can't try to get more money by
holding your luggage hostage.
Finally, have Fun! Traveling should be a fun experience whether it's down the street for milk or across the country. If you keep some of the above things in mind, you should have a very successful and enjoyable trip. The list above is in no way all-inclusive. I am sure there are things that I left out. Also some of the things that work best for me may not work for you. So try a few things out and find the things that work best for you.
Security screeners at airports no longer will separate a blind passenger from a guide dog, and then take the harness off the animal. They will ask passengers in wheelchairs if they would like to move to a private area before they search the traveler by hand. Such procedures have become part of screener training, Transportation Security Administration officials said Tuesday.
"You'll be greeted with respect and dignity," TSA spokeswoman Heather Rosenker said. "What people will notice more than anything is that there is as interest to treat them with the same courtesy as an able-bodied person coming through."
The training program was designed with the help of groups representing people with disabilities and lists guidelines that all screeners must follow. For example, screeners will talk to blind passengers, helping them to empty their pockets of metal and making sure they reclaim their items at the other end of the X-ray machine. They will keep the guide dog's harness on as the animal goes through the metal detector, then pat down the dog by hand. Passengers in wheelchairs who can't walk through the detectors will be offered a private area where a screener will search them by hand.
"TSA's goal is to ensure that every passenger with a disability knows what to expect at every airport, every time, everywhere," said Sandra Cammaroto, manager of TSA's screening of persons with disabilities program.
David Stempler, president of the Air Travelers Association, an advocacy group, said such procedures will make it easier for passengers with disabilities to fly. "At a time when we're trying to encourage people to get back on the airplanes, this should help encourage people with disabilities to fly again," Stempler said.
Transportation Security Administration: www.tsa.gov
The annual ACB/GDUI National convention will be held this year in Pittsburg. It is a great opportunity to meet new friends, visit with old friends and learn about what is happening on the National level.
The GDUI Agenda is one of the most interesting and exciting of any that I have seen in a long time. Stephanie Dohmen, who has brought a discrimination suit against the Iowa Commission for the Blind because they told her she couldn't bring her guide dog to class, will be the featured guest at the GDUI reception on Monday night. She also will be there for the rest of the convention.
You can register on line, review the Convention Program and/or get all the information by going to www.acb.org or www.gdui.org.
The Larry Young Eye Opener Golf Challenge will be held on Monday, July 14, at the Brunswick Naval Air Station, beginning at 1:00 PM. The Bath Elks Club will serve a meal immediately following. Come and visit with friends, play a round of golf and have a great time! For more information, contact Dan Bence at the Togus, VA Center: 621-7607 or e-mail: daniel.bence@med.va.gov
Camp Molly Molasses will be held on July 18, 19 and 20. For more information, contact Jack Beverage at: 942-3389 or Carson Wood at: 856-7368 or Email: cwood1@maine.rr.com.
The annual White cane/Guide Dog Awareness walk will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2003. More information will be available this fall and someone will be contacting all members to encourage them to join in the fun!
ACB of Maine will be celebrating their 100th Anniversary this fall. The "mother of all conventions" will be held in Waterville at the Holiday Inn the last weekend in October. Governor John Baldacci has promised to be the keynote speaker and there will be several honored guests in attendance. For more information contact Carson Wood by phone: 856-7368 or Email: cwood1@maine.rr.com.
The fall convention for PTDGU will be held on Saturday, November 8, place to be announced. Be watching for more information as it becomes available.
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 summer!
Next edition: December 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
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: mizpah@panax.com
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 raisin: 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
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