At 60, BVA Reflects
and Looks to Future

Margarine, Volunteers Always Multi-tasking

Gail and Russell Nansen (left and right, respectively) of Miami spent their 13th wedding anniversary assisting convention attendees at the annual President's Reception August 16. At center is Volunteer Coordinator Margarine Beaman.

Despite the usual juggling acts, additional logistical problems with parking at the hotel, and delays in obtaining security passes for her volunteers at the Miami Airport, Volunteer Coordinator Margarine Beaman kept smiling. In the end, she and her volunteers were as dedicated, efficient, and appreciated as ever.

Margarine even made time to greet and put out a welcome mat for Congressman Mike Bilirakis at his airport gate even though she had just learned that he did not need transportation assistance to the Wyndham. Bilirakis acknowledged the act of kindness the next day in receiving his plaque of appreciation at the opening business session.

Margarine was thanked by almost everyone she helped, but it probably still wasn’t adequate. Fortunately, Harry Bell of the Mid-Atlantic Regional Group held true to his recent personal tradition of shipping a cake to Margarine during the convention week even when he cannot be present. This year’s cake arrived in a cooler. Harry’s gesture at least added to the deserved demonstration of gratitude to Margarine.

Dr. Beck Shares Carroll Insights

“What struck me most about Father Thomas Carroll’s writings and teachings is that he is a contemporary man,” said Dr. Lucille Beck, Chief Consultant for the Rehabilitation Strategic Health Care Group and the Director of the National VA Audiology and Speech Pathology Program.

Addressing BVA members and their guests at the annual Father Carroll Luncheon, Dr. Beck noted that although she was never able to meet Father Carroll, she was nevertheless able to capture much of his vision by listening to blinded veterans speak about him and by reading his book, Blindness: What it is, What It Does, and How to Live With It, in preparation for her speech.

“He was truly a visionary, and the concepts he developed are timeless, she said. “They are truly relevant to the rehabilitation programs in the 21st century.”

Dr. Beck also said that what Father Carroll advocated and believed has been borne out in the world as we know it today.

“I can only imagine how pleased he must be to see a world where the Americans with Disabilities Act is a reality,” she said.

Dr. Beck outlined the specific areas in which Father Carroll’s teachings have been validated. They include, but are not limited to, adjustment to blindness through grieving for the loss, the fostering of independence, roadmaps for comprehensive rehabilitation using a team approach, vocational training for opportunities in all professions, and advocacy of the use of technology.

“Father Carroll is truly a man for all times,” she concluded. “He knew where the field of blindness was going, and he still leads the way today.”