Newsletter

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=90 BGCOLOR="#006699" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="02c285a1erlcgo.png"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#FFCC66" FACE="Arial" ><B>Canberra Blind Society (Inc.)</B></FONT><B>     |     </B><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Canberra Blind Society (Inc.)"><U><B>H</B></U></A><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Canberra Blind Society (Inc.)"><U><B>ome</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id22.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Services"><U><B>Services</B></U></A><B>   |   </B><A HREF="id25.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="About Us"><U><B>About Us</B></U></A><B>   |   </B><A HREF="id24.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="CanBraille"><U><B>Can-Braille</B></U></A><B>   |   </B><B>Newsletter</B><B>   |   </B><A HREF="id19.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Activities"><U><B>Activities</B></U></A><B>   |   </B><A HREF="id28.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Special 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      CANBERRA BLIND SOCIETY</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>December Newsletter 292</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>(funded by the Department of Disability, Housing & Community Services)</B></I></div> <bR> <div> We begin with the <U>Noticeboard</U> for December, followed by an update on developments at CBS:  the AGM,   Anniversary Dinner,   Friday Group,   Sense-able Leisure sessions,   Shop n Cook,    Sense-able Finance,   The Newsletter </div> <bR> <div> <U>Equipment & Daily Living</U></div> <div> The Oricom Care-Phone</div> <div> RPH </div> <bR> <div> <U>Lifestyle</U></div> <div> Life Story of a young member of BCA</div> <div> Radio for the Print Handicapped</div> <div> For Sale</div> <bR> <div> <U>Eye Health</U></div> <div> Thyroid Disease and Glaucoma (from Glaucoma Newsletter)</div> <div> <U>Lighter End</U> -</div> <div>   </div> <div> Baptising Drunks</div> <div> <U>Recipe Club</U> Newsletter & Recipes</div> <div>      </div> <div>                                          <U>Noticeboard</U></div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="1" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="819" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 62 WIDTH="120"><div> DEC  6</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="78"><div> SAT</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> 12.00</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="524"><div> CBS Christmas Party, Rm at the Griffin Centre </div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 33 WIDTH="120"><div>   “  </div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="78"><div> FRI</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="72"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="33" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="72" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> CBS closes for Christmas Holiday</div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 33 WIDTH="120"><div> JAN  19</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="78"><div> MON</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> 10.00</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="524"><div> CBS re-opens</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 62 WIDTH="120"><div> FEB  3</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> TUES</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> 12.30</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="524"><div> Social Lunch for Seniors in Rm 1 at the Griffin Centre</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 33 WIDTH="120"><div>   “   13</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="78"><div> FRI</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> 10.00</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="524"><div> Friday Group</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 33 WIDTH="120"><div>   “   18</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="78"><div> WED</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> 10.00</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="524"><div> Shop n Cook A</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 33 WIDTH="120"><div>   “   20</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="78"><div> FRI</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> 10.00</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="524"><div> Shop n Cook B</div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U>At CBS </U></B></div> <bR> <div> <B>At the AGM</B>, held Thursday 13th November, there was a better turn out than usual, with several people present besides the Board.   Stepping down this year were June and David Ashmore, Rod Stephenson, and Kerry Snell, who were all thanked for their particular contribution to the management.   Since the size of the Board had been brought more into line with similar organisations at a Special General Meeting in June, the team has been reduced from thirteen to nine members to make it more manageable.   The new-look Board are therefore as follows:  President Peter Granleese, Vice President Paul Brooks, Treasurer Dan Dawes, Secretary Cheryl Johnston, also Ken Birrer, Ken Roche, Eleanor Waight, and Michael Johnston representing Another Blindness Organisation, in this case Blind Citizens of Australia, and David Ashmore remaining as Public Officer without being on the Board.  A very good supper was served afterwards.</div> <bR> <div> The final Golden celebration in the year will be the <B>CBS Christmas Party</B> for all clients on Saturday, 6 December at midday.   We hope everyone will have received a phone call to invite them.   Whether you have or not, please consider yourself invited and let us know straight away if you're coming.  The earlier we know, the more likely that we can link you with a lift if you need it.   Being a weekend we hope that someone in the family or a friend will feel able to bring you, and if possible bring someone else from your area.   Drivers are invited to join us for lunch.   Sometimes the usual drivers are not available on a Saturday, so we need as many as possible to help bring people together.   This is the biggest gathering of clients, when old friendships are extended and new ones begun.   A great opportunity to network.   If there is <B>someone you want to link up with please tell whoever is directing you to a table</B>, and we'll do our best.   We can also move you later if we see you waving at us!   <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#0D0D0D" FACE="Arial" >As usual the Large Print Calendars will be available on the day at a cost of $</FONT>5.00<FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#0D0D0D" FACE="Arial" >, and, although there is no charge for the lunch, the Christmas raffles will be promoted and drawn, including hampers.</FONT></div> <bR> <div> The second Golden Event, the <B>50</B><B>th</B><B> Anniversary Dinner</B>, held a month ago on 31st October at the delightful Boatshed Restaurant, was a glamorous occasion, not perhaps “star-studded”, but with a good representation of people who had at one time been involved with Canberra Blind Society, playing an important part in our history.  Both our Patrons, Margaret Reid and Roy Daniel, were present, and Michael Heal, who was President for over fifteen years in the early days.   In the end 112 people sat down to dinner at tables with a festive air.  Artistic gold floral arrangements had been provided by the Flower Club, and there were blue and yellow balloons and banners to emphasise the reason for the celebrations.   Raffles with exciting prizes had been arranged by members of the Board, and were drawn on the night, causing some excitement, and raising worthwhile funds.   It turned out that the mysterious “Special Guest” who was to speak during the meal after our President was in fact myself! - because of my imminent retirement.   So I had the opportunity to acknowledge the part played by so many of the people present in the growth of the Society, along with many who were unable to be there, and to say how much I had gained and learned from all those I had met or worked with during my thirty years. . .also that I could not completely cut myself off from the Blind Society (I would need everyone too much), and would remain a volunteer as long as I could.  Debra and Wendy at the office, with the enthusiastic assistance of the Board, are to be congratulated on creating such a memorable event.     </div> <bR> <div> <B>Friday Group Party</B>   “Fun and Games” on November 14th was the final Discussion Group session for the year and tied in with the Sense-able Leisure program.  There were lots of games to try that depended on using the sense of touch, from a small wooden form of noughts and crosses to Connect (where rough red discs competed against yellow smooth discs to get four in a row.  Games of skill, and games using large print, like cards, and books of L/P puzzles were tried.  My family are keen on Upwords, a simpler form of Scrabble, and I had stuck L/P letters on top of the usual ones, making the game a possibility for more people.    Judy pointed out that L/P puzzles can be enlarged on the photocopier, so anyone enjoying those could bring some in or get their own family to do the enlarging.  L/P puzzle books can range from $4 - $20.   If you or your family are keen on particular pastimes why not discuss with Judy how they might become accessible.  </div> <bR> <div> The last <B>Shop n Cook</B> classes for the year were held in November, with plenty of interest in Judy's Christmas treats.  See her Recipe Club Newsletter at the end of this CD, Track 6.</div> <div>  </div> <div> <B>Sense-able Leisure</B> has almost run its course, although there could be follow-ups next year.   The session on Gift Making was great fun and slightly messy as participants made simple scented bathroom things: bath bombs, scented bath salts, bath crystals, bath milk and body scrub.   They learned to use a plastic table cloth, how to add small numbers of drops with an eye dropper, and that small bottles are safer if standing in a cup.   Everyone went home with recipes and lots of samples to inspire further experimentation - just in time for Christmas.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Sense-able Finance</B> Judy wants to know if any of you are interested in learning how to use the ATM and EFTPOS.  If so please ring her at the office.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Retina Australia's Coffee Morning</B> will be at Kippax Coffee Shop.  The group's big fund-raising effort to help finance research into retinal problems will be on Sunday 14th Dec.</div> <div> Retinal Australia are holding a Christmas Lunch in the Silk Room at the Racecourse at Thoroughbred Park, and the cost per head is $45.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Newsletter</B>.  With my (official) departure at Christmas I am looking for someone who will at least <B>assist</B> in the news writing and assembly of information, so that I am not completely tied down in my retirement.  Any suggestions would be gratefully received.  To enable me to continue as long as possible without being present at all the activities, I shall be relying on those of you who are attending things to keep in touch with me - give me your personal impressions.   You can become <B>correspondents - Special Correspondents</B> if you like - to give me an insight that can be shared with all the readers.   I shall welcome contact from any of you who are willing to send me a contribution in any format, either to the office or to me at home.   If I have a phone message from you I'll ring you back.  My number is 4845 8257, and email is <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="mailto:findlaymogear@harboursat.com.au" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:findlaymogear@harboursat.com.au"><U><U>findlaymogear@harboursat.com.au</U></U></A></FONT> .  That's a bit of a mouthful so email could be via the office.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U>Equipment and Daily Living</U></B></div> <bR> <div> <B>The Oricom Care Phone</B></div> <div> People living in retirement villages or nursing homes usually have an emergency pendant that they can press to summon aid.   Oricom are now offering a new Care Telephone, available from Vision Australia for $169, that has several safety features that could be invaluable to seniors living alone.  Oricom's Care Phone offers priceless assurance for both the user and their family that in an emergency situation users can call for help without the need to get to the phone.   Better still the help can be reached without the need for expensive monthly monitoring fees.</div> <bR> <div> The emergency pendant can be worn around the neck, and should the user fall, feel threatened, or be unable to reach the phone they can just press the red button on the pendant or the SOS button on the phone, which remotely activates the emergency call message which is sent to the users chosen numbers.   The people alerted hear the pre-recorded message that assistance is required.   </div> <bR> <div> The high performance hands free speakerphone make it easy for those with poor hand dexterity, who don't need to pick up the handset to make a call.  They can simply answer the phone by pressing the speaker phone button on the base or the button on the pendant.   Thanks to the TP-150 they can speak for hours without pain using the speakerphone.</div> <bR> <div> With the TP-150 they don't have to rush to the phone to take an incoming call.   They can answer the call, speak on the speakerphone and hangup by pressing the button on the wireless pendant.</div> <bR> <div> Now users can avoid any prank calls.   The TP-150's talking Caller ID clearly and loudly announces the caller's name or number so that users can identify the caller before they take the call.   </div> <bR> <div> The talking keypad announces the numbers pressed so that users know they have dialled the correct button.   </div> <bR> <div> Briefly its features are:</div> <div> <B>• </B><FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000000" FACE="HelveticaNeue-Roman" ><B>Ideal for people with special needs</B></FONT></div> <div> <B>• </B><FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000000" FACE="HelveticaNeue-Roman" ><B>Remote emergency pendant (up to 30 metres)</B></FONT></div> <div> <B>• </B><FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000000" FACE="HelveticaNeue-Roman" ><B>Talking Caller ID*</B></FONT></div> <div> <B>• </B><FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000000" FACE="HelveticaNeue-Roman" ><B>30 name & number memories (including voice recording)</B></FONT></div> <div> <B>• </B><FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000000" FACE="HelveticaNeue-Roman" ><B>Amplified receiver up to 20dB</B></FONT></div> <div> <B>• </B><FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000000" FACE="HelveticaNeue-Roman" ><B>Extra loud ringer (90dBA)</B></FONT></div> <div> <B>• </B><FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000000" FACE="HelveticaNeue-Roman" ><B>High quality hands-free remote speakerphone</B></FONT></div> <div> <B>• </B><FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000000" FACE="HelveticaNeue-Roman" ><B>Large high contrast tactile talking keypad</B></FONT></div> <div> <B>• </B><FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000000" FACE="HelveticaNeue-Roman" ><B>Large backlit LCD display</B></FONT></div> <div> <B>• </B><FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000000" FACE="HelveticaNeue-Roman" ><B>Displays call duration timer and clock</B></FONT></div> <div> <B>• </B><FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000000" FACE="HelveticaNeue-Roman" ><B>Hearing aid compatible</B></FONT></div> <div> <B>• </B><FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000000" FACE="HelveticaNeue-Roman" ><B>2 one touch memories</B></FONT></div> <div> <B>• </B><FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000000" FACE="HelveticaNeue-Roman" ><B>Visual ring indicator flashes to alert you when phone rings</B></FONT></div> <div> <B>• </B><FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000000" FACE="HelveticaNeue-Roman" ><B>Easy-set up with voice prompts to guide you</B></FONT></div> <div> <B>• </B><FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000000" FACE="HelveticaNeue-Roman" ><B>Wall mountable</B></FONT></div> <div> <B>• </B><FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000000" FACE="HelveticaNeue-Roman" ><B>Battery backup protection (4 AA batteries supplied)</B></FONT></div> <div> The TP-150 is available from Vision Australia for $169.</div> <bR> <div> <I><B>Making Reading Easier</B></I></div> <div> Source: Adapted from The Fred's Head Companion (APH), `Put an End to the Squinting and Straining When Reading Small Type on the Web', Thursday, December 27, 2007, written by Michael McCarty.   This was found on the BCA website.</div> <div>  </div> <div> Big.com [is] a search engine developed to deliver search results to users in a large, easy to read format. Available from <A HREF="http://www.big.com/toolbar" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.big.com/toolbar"><U><U>www.big.com/toolbar</U></U></A> as a free, downloadable toolbar for use with Internet Explorer web browsers, Web Magnifier provides users with the ability to enlarge the text and graphics of any HTML web page for easier reading and navigation. Not just for web users with impaired vision, Web Magnifier can also be useful when reading the fine print of an online contest or a site's privacy policy - both of which are typically displayed in smaller font sizes - or to simply increase the size of a photo to reveal more detail.</div> <div>  </div> <div> Web Magnifier sits as a toolbar at the top of a user's screen and contains a Big.com search box for immediate web searches as well as 3 buttons for the various levels of magnification - normal, big and bigger. Once a page is magnified to the desired level, Web Magnifier remembers the setting and automatically adjusts the magnification on subsequent visits to the page. Additionally, the toolbar itself can be displayed in large and standard sizes.</div> <div>  </div> <div> System requirements for the Big.com Web Magnifier include Microsoft Windows 2000/XP, Internet Explorer 6.0, 1MB hard drive space and 128 MB of RAM.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>RPH Saturday</B><FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" ><B> </B></FONT><B>- a series of Repeats:</B> if you've been doing other things like working or socialising or listening to other stations during the week, you can catch up with a lot of Repeats of good programs on a Saturday e.g. 7.00am Jazz Odyssey, 8.00 New Scientist, 8.30 The Guardian, 9.00 Maresa's Musings, 9.30 New Horizons - Blind Citizens Australia, 11.50TV and 1 RPH Programs, and Book Readings: at 12 Noon Repeat of Monday morning's,2.30 (Repeat of Tuesday),1.00 (Wed Rpt), 1.30 (Thurs. Rpt), 2.00 (Fri Rpt).  The previous week's Afternoon <B>Book Readings</B> are repeated between 4.30 and 7.00pm.   At 8.00pm Reader's Digest is repeated and at 8.30 Vision Australia Program.   If I've whetted your appetite for a way to liven up a dull Saturday, why not phone 1RPH on 6241 4076 and ask them for a L/P program, or for one to be emailed to you.  It's never too soon to discover RPH, to be found on 1125khz on the AM band. </div> <bR> <div> <B>Large Print Calendars</B> this year will be available as usual at the Christmas Party 6th December in the Griffin Centre, and afterwards from CBS office at a cost of, I think, $6.</div> <bR> <div>  <B>For Sale </B></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7019000000000.png" HEIGHT="27" WIDTH="27" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"> Mrs Betty Norris has a Smartview CCTV, 2 ½ years old, little used, nothing wrong with it, for sale at $2,000, but this price is negotiable.  Her phone number 6281 5792.   </div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7019000000000.png" HEIGHT="27" WIDTH="27" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Clear View Plus Spectrum 17" flat panel monitor for sale, (purchased Dec 2006) hardly used $4,000. Phone Sally Godding on 6161 1652</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7019000000000.png" HEIGHT="27" WIDTH="27" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"> Len Hogg has the following: </div> <bR> <div> <B>Hardware</B>:</div> <div> Intel Computer 256 SDR </div> <div>        19 inch Monitor</div> <bR> <div>       <B>Software:</B></div> <div> Zoomtext Xtra 7.0 (magnification only)</div> <div> Jaws for Windows 4.0</div> <div> Windows 98 + 2nd edition</div> <div> Work Suite 2003</div> <div> Norton Internet Security 2004</div> <bR> <div> Len has upgraded to equipment that is incompatible with the above, so would be happy to negotiate with anyone wanting to acquire any of these items.  His phone 6258 2510.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U>Lifestyle</U></B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Life story written by a young member of Blind Citizens Australia</B> - from their newsletter, with kind permission.</div> <div> My name is Melissa Ryan and I live in Croydon, Victoria. I only have light perception in my left eye and I can detect hand motion only in my right eye. I wasn't born blind, however I started losing my sight from two eye conditions as I grew up. The first is keratoconus which affects the corneas and the second condition was brought on by rubella when my mum was pregnant with me, which led me to be vision impaired in later life. </div> <div> I went to both Croydon North and Manchester Primary school and in 1998 I completed my VCE at Mooroolbark Heights Secondary College. </div> <div> In 2003, I completed a Certificate 3 in Animal Technology at Box Hill TAFE as I love animals. This meant I was able to work with a variety of animals such as cats, dogs and wildlife such as birds and wombats etc.  I never let my vision impairment affect my ability to do my study. I had a terrific note taker who would write all the notes from the blackboard really large for me but I must admit I did get a little bored just sitting there. But it was worth being bored to pass the course and to have the opportunity to work with animals.</div> <div> I currently live at home with my parents and older brother Jamie and have 5 adorable pet cats and my Seeing Eye Dog named Safari.</div> <div> In 2004, I had a corneal transplant on my left eye but it wasn't too successful as I soon went blind in my eye after that. I also received a long white cane in 2004 and received plenty of Orientation and Mobility with my terrific instructor Pat Peck. At first I wasn't too happy with the cane as I was so frustrated using it but I soon built up my skills and confidence.</div> <div> On 28th March, 2006, I had SEDA "Seeing Eye Dogs Australia" come out to see me and to see if I was a suitable candidate to work with a Dog Guide, so I went out for a walk with them with my cane and answered many questions and then was put on the waiting list that day.  I didn't have to wait too long to receive my Seeing Eye Dog, because on July 26th, 2006, I got the long awaited call to say that they have a dog for me. SEDA then brought out my dog called Safari who is a 3 year old Golden Retriever to my house on August 21st to stay with me for a week then we commenced training at my home on August 28th. I only did training for two weeks as my dog got sick with Acute Renal Failure as a result from my neighbour who poisoned his garden not knowing that I had a Dog Guide. Luckily the vets were able to reverse the damage and I was able to do one more week of training before graduating with my dog.</div> <div> The transition from a white cane to a Seeing Eye Dog has been quite an experience for me. I prefer using my dog to the cane but every so often I leave Safari in the house and walk outside with the cane to keep up my cane skills.</div> <div> It's amazing how Safari goes around obstacles whereas before I would not find them with just a cane and would have to negotiate my way around the obstacle. Having my Seeing Eye dog is good because he is also my friend and my eyes and when I take him off harness he loves to play just like a normal dog.</div> <div> Twice a week I go to 201 High Street, Prahran, to study computers. At the moment I am doing touch typing and I am also learning Braille Music.</div> <div> My hobbies include playing Swish, listening to audio books, reading lots of Braille and socialising.</div> <div> In early 2005 I joined YBCV and was elected as a General Committee Member in 2006.  My role is to represent YBCV by being part of the Victorian Co-coordinating Committee. I have had fun being involved in YBCV on the committee as you have the chance to have a say about the organisation and to plan certain activities etc.</div> <div> On October 20-22nd, 2006, I attended the Victorian/Tasmanian Convention for the first time in Tyabb, Victoria. It was truly an amazing experience to have the chance to attend the convention with Safari. All the sessions were good but my favourite would have to be the Diversity Panel, as they discussed many interesting occupations held by vision impaired people and then Christine Simpson did a presentation on hints to cope with blindness such as using rubber bands to label your food etc. I also liked the convention dinner as I got to relax and talk to my friends. </div> <div> What the convention meant to me is the chance to socialise with many interesting people who shared the same interest as me and I learnt ways to deal with blindness and what facilities are out there to help you. I look forward to attending another convention.</div> <div> In 2008, I look forward to gaining more life skills so I can hopefully get some work with either animals, children or computers. I also hope to get more involved with Blind Citizens Australia!!</div> <bR> <div> <I><B><U>Eye Health</U></B></I></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <I><B>THYROID DISEASE AND GLAUCOMA</B></I></div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="1" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="529" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="NONE" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#E5E5E5 HEIGHT= 111 WIDTH="519"><div> The following article was written by Dr Ivan Goldberg, Glaucoma Service, Department of Ophthalmology Sydney Eye Hospital, and the University of Sydney<B>.</B></div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <div> Thyroid over or under activity can be associated with problems in and around the eyes. When it occurs, it is known as “thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy”. The socket in which the eyes are located can be affected by inflammation; fluid and white blood cells can collect in the tissues behind and alongside the eyes causing swelling. This swelling pushes the eyes forwards so that they bulge, the blood vessels around the eyes open wide making them look red and angry and the eyelids pull back. All this makes it very hard to close the eyes properly. The front windows of the eyes (the corneas) can't be protected adequately and roughness or even ulcers can form. These can become infected, and may heal leaving scars.</div> <div> As well as pushing the eyes forwards, the swelling of these tissues behind and alongside the eyeballs increases the pressure inside the eyes in at least three ways: firstly, simply by pressing on the back of each eyeball, secondly, by making the tissues less elastic so that when the little muscles alongside the eyes try to contract and move the eyes from one position to another (an essential part of being able to see efficiently) they have to pull against tight resistance and thirdly, the pressure inside the veins around the eyes goes up. It is into these veins that the fluid from inside the eyes drains, so if the venous pressure rises, so does the upstream eye pressure. Eye pressures can fluctuate widely, with maximal pressures reaching even into the 40 - 50 mm Hg range.</div> <div> Such pressures can lead to damage to the optic nerve fibres in precisely the same way as in any other glaucoma. This type of glaucoma is known as “secondary”, because we can identify a cause for the eye pressure elevation.</div> <div> Treatment is at two distinct levels. Both general health and eye health need to be assessed and managed independently but simultaneously. General practitioners and endocrinologists assess the status of the thyroid gland function and treat as needed to achieve a normal level of thyroid hormone and to eliminate inflammation. Other health problems like high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol and sugar intolerance (diabetes or a tendency to diabetes) must be identified and controlled. This is especially important if steroid type drugs need to be taken by mouth, as they can increase blood pressure (as well as eye pressure) and predispose to diabetes. If they are used to reduce inflammation in the tissues around the eyes, by decreasing the tissue swelling, they can improve the eye situation and eye pressure dramatically. As always in medicine, one needs to maximise the benefits from drugs or techniques, and minimise possible side effects.</div> <div> Management of the eyes involves using particular types of anti-glaucoma drops to reduce eye pressure and other steps such as strong lubricants to protect the front surface of the eyes and to achieve comfort for the patient. Raising the head of the bed by placing blocks of wood or bricks under its legs can reduce the swelling around the eyes as well. Sometimes stronger measures become necessary, such as (often temporarily) sewing the outer parts of the upper and lower eyelids together (lateral tarsorrhaphy) or even surgically decompressing the tissues behind the eyes. Most useful amongst the anti-glaucoma drops are usually those that come from the classes of beta-blockers, alpha-2 agonists or carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. Miotics and laser trabeculoplasties seldom work.</div> <div> In extreme situations, glaucoma drainage surgery may be needed. This carries more risks than usual, and particular steps are taken by the surgeon to minimise complications and to maximise the chances of successful pressure control.</div> <div> Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy is usually a self-limiting condition - although it can take some years to abate. The aim is to preserve vision until it does so. For a good outcome, care of the cornea and the optic nerve are equally important, along with optimal general health. If this can be achieved, the outlook is usually good.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Lighter End</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Baptising Drunks</B></div> <div> An Irish man was stumbling through the woods, totally drunk, when he came upon a preacher baptizing people in the river.   He proceeded to walk into the water and bumped into the preacher.</div> <div> The preacher turned around and, though almost overcome by the smell of alcohol, asked the drunk, “Are you ready to find Jesus?   The drunk answered, “Yes, I am”.</div> <bR> <div> So the preacher grabbed the drunk and dunked him in the water.   Then her pulled him up and asked him, “Brother have you found Jesus?”   The drunk replied, ”No, I haven't found Jesus!”</div> <bR> <div> The preacher, shocked at the answer, dunked him into the water again, for a little longer.   Then again, he pulled him out and asked, “Have you found Jesus my brother?”   The drunk again answered, “No, I haven't found Jesus.”</div> <bR> <div> By this time the preacher was at his wits end so he submerged the drunk once more, and held him down for about 30 seconds until he began kicking his arms and legs, whereupon he pulled him up.</div> <bR> <div> The preacher again asked the drunk, “For the love of God have you found Jesus?”</div> <div> The Irishman wiped his eyes and caught his breath and finally said to the preacher, “Are you sure this is where he fell in?”</div> <bR> <div> As promised last month, here once again are the dates from the Notice Board at the  beginning of this newsletter - very few of them this time.</div> <div>      </div> <div>                                       <B><U>Noticeboard</U></B></div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="1" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="726" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 57 WIDTH="118"><div> DEC  6</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="78"><div> SAT</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="72"><div> 12.00</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="433"><div> CBS Christmas Party, Rm at the Griffin Centre </div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 30 WIDTH="118"><div>   “  </div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="78"><div> FRI</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="72"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="30" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="72" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> CBS closes for Christmas Holiday</div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 30 WIDTH="118"><div> JAN  19</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="78"><div> MON</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="72"><div> 10.00</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="433"><div> CBS re-opens</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 57 WIDTH="118"><div> FEB  3</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="78"><div> TUES</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="72"><div> 12.30</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="433"><div> Social Lunch for Seniors in Rm 1 at the Griffin Centre</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 30 WIDTH="118"><div>   “   13</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="78"><div> FRI</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="72"><div> 10.00</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="433"><div> Friday Group</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 30 WIDTH="118"><div>   “   18</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="78"><div> WED</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="72"><div> 10.00</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="433"><div> Shop n Cook A</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 30 WIDTH="118"><div>   “   20</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="78"><div> FRI</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="72"><div> 10.00</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="433"><div> Shop n Cook B</div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> Your<FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT>next newsletter will be at the beginning of February 2009.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>CANBERRA BLIND SOCIETY</B></div> <div> <B>RECIPE CLUB NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2008</B></div> <bR> <div> <B><U>Christmas Recipes</U></B></div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7019000000000.png" HEIGHT="27" WIDTH="27" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Three-Ingredient Fruit Cake</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7019000000000.png" HEIGHT="27" WIDTH="27" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Christmas Cookies:</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7019000000000.png" HEIGHT="27" WIDTH="27" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Reindeer Biscuits and Lemon Stars</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7019000000000.png" HEIGHT="27" WIDTH="27" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Nutty Reindeer Nibbles</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7019000000000.png" HEIGHT="27" WIDTH="27" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Chocolate Bark</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7019000000000.png" HEIGHT="27" WIDTH="27" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Chocolate Orange Fudge</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7019000000000.png" HEIGHT="27" WIDTH="27" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Cinnamon Twigs</div> <bR> <div> Christmas is approaching fast.  If you haven't done your Christmas shopping yet, perhaps these recipes will give you some ideas for quick and easy presents for your friends and family.  Don't forget to make some extra for yourself!</div> <bR> <div> Happy Christmas!</div> <bR> <div> See you at the next Shop and Cook </div> <div> Wednesday 18th or Friday 20th February 2009.</div> <bR> <div> Judy Hackett</div> <div> Senior Outreach Officer</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <U>THREE INGREDIENT FRUIT CAKE</U></div> <bR> <div> <U>Ingredients</U></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7019000000000.png" HEIGHT="27" WIDTH="27" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">1kg mixed dried fruit</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7019000000000.png" HEIGHT="27" WIDTH="27" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">600ml carton chocolate milk</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7019000000000.png" HEIGHT="27" WIDTH="27" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">2 cups self-raising flour</div> <bR> <div> <U>Method</U></div> <bR> <div> 1. Place fruit and milk in a bowl; cover with cling wrap.  Chill overnight to soften fruit.</div> <div> 2. Preheat oven to 180C/160C fan forced.</div> <div> 3. Grease and line a 22cm round cake pan with baking paper (extend paper above the pan).</div> <div> 4. Stir flour into fruit until well combined.  Spoon into pan and smooth the surface.</div> <div> 5. Bake for 1 1/4 hours or until a skewer inserted at the centre comes out clean.</div> <div> 6. Cool for 5 minutes in pan before turning out onto a wire rack to cool completely.  Store in airtight tin.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <U>CHOCOLATE ORANGE FUDGE</U></div> <bR> <div> <U>Ingredients</U></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7019000000000.png" HEIGHT="27" WIDTH="27" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">2 x 200g bars milk cooking chocolate</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7019000000000.png" HEIGHT="27" WIDTH="27" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">395g can condensed full cream sweetened milk</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7019000000000.png" HEIGHT="27" WIDTH="27" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">1/2 cup pecans or walnut pieces, chopped</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7019000000000.png" HEIGHT="27" WIDTH="27" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">2 tsp grated orange rind</div> <bR> <div> <U>Method</U></div> <div> 1. Line a 20cm square cake pan with baking paper.</div> <div> 2. Melt chocolate with condensed milk in microwave.  (Cook on MEDIUM for 1 minute.  Stir and cook for 30 seconds on MEDIUM.  Stir and cook for 30 seconds at a time until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth).</div> <div> 3. Stir in nuts and orange rind.</div> <div> 4. Pour mixture into prepared pan and spread with spatula.  Tap pan on bench to level fudge.</div> <div> 5. Chill in fridge until firm, and then cut into squares.  Store in a plastic container, covered, in the fridge.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <U>CHRISTMAS COOKIES</U></div> <div> <U>REINDEER BISCUITS AND LEMON STARS</U></div> <bR> <div> <U>Cookie Ingredients</U></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7019000000000.png" HEIGHT="27" WIDTH="27" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">125g butter (1/2 pack)</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7019000000000.png" HEIGHT="27" WIDTH="27" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">1/4 cup castor sugar</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7019000000000.png" HEIGHT="27" WIDTH="27" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">1 cup plain flour</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7019000000000.png" HEIGHT="27" WIDTH="27" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">1/2 cup cornflour</div> <bR> <div> <U>Method</U></div> <div> 1. Preheat oven to 180C.</div> <div> 2. Line a baking tray with baking paper.</div> <div> 3. Cream the butter and sugar in a bowl until light and fluffy.</div> <div> 4. Gradually beat in sifted flour and cornflour.</div> <div> 5. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes (kneading makes the cooked biscuit crisp).</div> <div> 6. Roll pastry on a lightly floured board (place 4 knives with similar thickness handles around the dough to use as a guide for rolling the pastry to an even thickness).</div> <div> 7. Press a cookie cutter into the dough.  Leaving the cutter in place, slide a spatula under the cutter, lift and transfer the cookie to the baking tray.  Repeat until you have used all of the dough.</div> <div> 8. Bake for 10-12 minutes.  Lift onto wire rack to cool.</div> <bR> <div> <U>REINDEER BISCUITS</U></div> <bR> <div> <U>Ingredients</U></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7019000000000.png" HEIGHT="27" WIDTH="27" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Cookie dough (see previous page)</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7019000000000.png" HEIGHT="27" WIDTH="27" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Small pretzel twists</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7019000000000.png" HEIGHT="27" WIDTH="27" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Small Choc Buds</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7019000000000.png" HEIGHT="27" WIDTH="27" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Glace cherries</div> <bR> <div> <U>Method</U></div> <div> 1. Cut cookies using large 8cm circle cookie cutter or large honey bear cutter (squash sides slightly to elongate the head).  Place on baking tray before decorating.  If using circle cutter, push in opposite sides of cookie slightly to make oval shape.</div> <div> 2. Place two pretzels at the top of the head to form antlers.  Place two choc buds below the antlers for the eyes and a cherry at the bottom of the oval for the nose.  When you are happy with the arrangement press them half-way into the dough.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <U>CINNAMON TWIGS</U></div> <bR> <div> <U>Ingredients </U>(Makes about 40 twigs)</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7019000000000.png" HEIGHT="27" WIDTH="27" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">1 sheet ready-rolled frozen butter puff pastry, just thawed</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7019000000000.png" HEIGHT="27" WIDTH="27" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">2 tbsp castor sugar</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7019000000000.png" HEIGHT="27" WIDTH="27" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">1/2 tsp ground cinnamon</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7019000000000.png" HEIGHT="27" WIDTH="27" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">1 egg white, lightly whisked</div> <bR> <div> <U>Method</U></div> <div> 1. Preheat oven to 200C.</div> <div> 2. Line a baking tray with baking paper.</div> <div> 3. Combine sugar and cinnamon in a bowl.</div> <div> 4. Remove plastic sheet from pastry.  Fold sheet in half.  Unfold and cut along the fold line.</div> <div> 5. Brush one piece of pastry with egg white and sprinkle with sugar mixture.</div> <div> 6. Cut a finger-width strip across the short edge (use a paddle-pop stick as a guide).  Gently twist the strip into a spiral and place on the baking tray.</div> <div> 7. Repeat for the remaining pastry.</div> <div> 8. Bake in oven for 12 minutes.  Transfer to a wire rack to cool.</div> <bR> <div> <U>Tips</U></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7019000000000.png" HEIGHT="27" WIDTH="27" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Tie 3-4 twigs together to make a small bundle.</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7019000000000.png" HEIGHT="27" WIDTH="27" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">You can store these pastries in an airtight jar for up to 3 days.</div> <bR> <div> Source: <A HREF="http://www.taste.com.au" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.taste.com.au"><U><U>www.taste.com.au</U></U></A></div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <U>NUTTY REINDEER NIBBLES</U></div> <bR> <div> <U>Ingredients</U></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7019000000000.png" HEIGHT="27" WIDTH="27" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">1/2 cup walnut pieces</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7019000000000.png" HEIGHT="27" WIDTH="27" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">1/2 cup macadamia nuts</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7019000000000.png" HEIGHT="27" WIDTH="27" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">1/2 cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds)</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7019000000000.png" HEIGHT="27" WIDTH="27" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">1 tbsp maple syrup</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7019000000000.png" HEIGHT="27" WIDTH="27" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">1/2 tsp ground cinnamon</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7019000000000.png" HEIGHT="27" WIDTH="27" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">1/2 cup craisins (dried cranberries)</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7019000000000.png" HEIGHT="27" WIDTH="27" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">1/2 cup dried mango, chopped</div> <bR> <div> <U>Supermarket Guide</U></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7019000000000.png" HEIGHT="27" WIDTH="27" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Dried fruits and nuts are usually located next to flour.</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7019000000000.png" HEIGHT="27" WIDTH="27" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Maple syrup is located with chocolate sauce (for ice cream).  I used Greens Sugar Free Maple Flavoured Syrup.</div> <bR> <div> <U>Method</U></div> <div> 1. Preheat oven to 160C.</div> <div> 2. Line a baking tray with baking paper.</div> <div> 3. Combine walnuts, macadamias and pepitas in a bowl.</div> <div> 4. Add maple syrup and cinnamon and stir to combine.</div> <div> 5. Spread the mixture over the lined tray and bake for 20 minutes. Set aside for 30 minutes to cool.   Add craisins and mango and stir.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Back to</B><FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#CC0033" FACE="Arial" > </FONT><FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Canberra Blind Society (Inc.)"><U><B><U>Canberra Blind Society Home Page</U></B></U></A></FONT></div> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>