Revenue Idea
Because BVA National and many regional groups are having a budget
crunch, some of our services are being cut. Our mother group (BVA
National) is being hit the hardest. I have a plan that may help
alleviate this problem. The President of the United States has
proclaimed October 15 as White Cane Day. We could take advantage
of this special day by giving out for donations white cane key
chains. Maximum participation by regional groups would be needed
to make it a success.
White cane key chains can be purchased for 22 cents each. However,
if National ordered in bulk for all participating regional groups,
they would get a better price. National could then sell the key
chains to the regional groups for a small profit. If the regional
groups paid for the orders in advance, the national office would
not have to put any money up front. We have already discussed
this idea with the national office, which suggested that we go
directly to the regional groups.
Other not-for-profit organizations that have worked similar projects
have estimated an average return of $2.50 for each item given
out. Key chains could be given out at malls, Wal-Mart, etc. There
is no reason for regional groups to be restricted to just October
15. I believe we would be able to get volunteers to help us.
What do you think of my idea? I very much want to hear from you.
If you wish to reply by e-mail, please send it to me, Delbert
Landers, at delland76@charter.net
or Harvey Boots at hboots@semo.net.
Delbert Landers, Vice-President
Godfrey, Illinois
Blindness and Memory
Next time somebody says to you, "All you blind people have
such good memories," go ahead and believe it. Don’t
shrug and say, "Not true, we are all the same."
A recent article in Ziegler Magazine claims a correlation exists
between blindness and memory. Scientists in Israel have apparently
found that the visual cortex of the brain can be used for memory
as well as for vision. If an individual loses his/her vision,
the cells of the visual cortex are not used anymore, thus freeing
them up for added memory.
Although blindness complicates life in some ways, it also cuts
out a million visual distractions that would otherwise take up
time and brain cells.
Walt Stromer
Mt. Vernon, Iowa
Macular Miracle
People will exclaim, "My Goodness, it’s a miracle,"
and it is. A front-page article in the January 2 edition of The
News and Observer (Raleigh, North Carolina) relates the success
that the Duke University Eye Center has had with the operation
"Macular Translocation."
The lengthy article indicates that selected macular degeneration
patients have been given a new lease on life. Many have become
able to drive again, read again, etc. Dr. Cynthia Toth, M.D. performs
the surgery and has done more than 300 operations. If you want
to contact Duke University Eye Center, the telephone number is
888-275-3853 and the website is www.dukeeye.org
Art Motz
Boise, Idaho
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