Oil Valley Chapter of the Pa. Council of the Blind

03/14/2019

Due to time constraints and the broad dispersal of our Members, our Chapter will not be able to participate in the PCB Yearly Lottery Raffle this Year. HOWEVER, we do encourage those who have supported us with this in the past, as well as those who are new to following our Organization, to purchase your Tickets directly from the PCB. The following was taken directly from the PCB's Network News Bulletin:
Get Your Raffle Ticket Soon!
The PCB Calendar Raffle is a six-month-long opportunity to win cold, hard,
cash. Each day, from April 1 through September 30, a winner will be
determined based on the Pennsylvania evening Pick 3 number. During that
period we give away six holiday prizes of $125, special prizes of $75 on
the first and fifteenth of each month, and $30 for each other day. Tickets
for all 183 opportunities to win are only $20. To purchase a ticket,
contact the PCB office at 877-617-7407 today or ask one of our local
chapters about a ticket.
We thank you for your support, and will try and do better for next Year..

02/28/2019

If you, or someone you know, has applied or received services from the BBVS in the past 5 Years, then this may be of interest to you!
The PCB is conducting a Survey on the services provided by BBVS at
pcb1.org/survey
They will also be drawing for Amazon Gift Cards from among the participants.. For more information:
Facebook: PACounciloftheBlind

PCB’s mission is to promote independence and opportunity for people who are blind or visually impaired. Please help us make sure Pa residence with vision loss have access to appropriate blindness r…

08/01/2018

Greetings! I first need to start with an apology.. because I have not been making much of a digital presence here.. I THOUGHT it would be more like my own page, and.. it is not! BUT.. I will continue to see what I can do to address that in the future! And now.. on to what's new with the OVC! I am very excited to inform you, that on August 3rd, we will be making an appearance at the Northwest Bank in Franklin, Pa, while doing some fund raising! We will have several Members there selling both Meat Sticks AND First Aid Kits! For those of you who have noticed us there before, you know that the First Aid Kits are new, and we will be taking both paper orders, as well as having several Kits there for immediate sale, for those of you who just cannot wait.. So.. if you want to know more about us.. need a First Aid Kit.. have a hankerin' for some tasty Meat Sticks.. or just want to stop by and chat.. roll on in on Friday, August 3rd!

01/30/2018

PCB- A Peer Network for All Impacted by Vision Loss

Network news

Announcements are separated by ** for easier navigation.

Upcoming Discussion Calls
Call 605-475-4715 with unlimited long distance
Call 844-844-0414 for toll-free participation
Entry Passcode: 815419 #

Overcoming Life Changes
January 30 at 8 p.m.
Change can challenge anyone of us from time to time. Whether you are dealing with decreasing vision, losing some hearing, or finding getting around more difficult, these life changes can cause stress emotionally while you seek a new way to cope with this new reality. The Vision Loss Resource Team invites you to join this call for a frank and open discussion on how life changes have affected you.

“Tails” of Travel
February 15 at 7:30 PM
Traveling with a dog guide can take some extra planning and problem solving. Join PCB peers for a furry good time trading tips and “tails” about traveling with a dog guide. Our discussion wouldn’t be complete without talking about Delta’s proposed changes to their service animal policy.

Cupids’ Arrow: Hit or Miss?
February 22 at 8 PM
Join the Vision Loss Resource Team for peer sharing on finding love and keeping it thriving. Learn from the experiences of our peers in finding “connections” in this new era and learn from others how they have made love last. How has vision loss or blindness been a factor in finding your love and how has it been an element of your lasting relationship.

Advocacy for All: Shared Ride Services
February 28 at 3 PM
Our guest speaker for PCB’s first Advocacy for All Call will be Toby Fauver, PennDOT’s deputy secretary of multimodal transportation. Join the call to learn more about PA’s shared ride transportation program and how we can have a voice in our area’s service provision. Mr. Fauver will address your questions and gather your feedback. He’ll also speak about Amtrak station access efforts. If you use paratransit services, you won’t want to miss this unique opportunity to discuss your systemic concerns with such a high-ranking changemaker.
**

Join PCB 1-2-3
Become a member of the PCB peer network for only $10 per year for an individual. Special memberships are also available for youth, businesses, and community organizations. Membership is as easy as 1-2-3. 1. Click here: https://tinyurl.com/PCBNetworkMembership 2. Complete and submit the form. 3. Pay your membership online.
**

Opportunities for All Abilities
It takes a corps of dedicated individuals with a variety of skills, knowledge, and personality types to keep PCB striving toward its mission. Some peers volunteer on teams while others work independently on projects. All of us volunteer from home at our leisure. If you’ve been looking for a new volunteer opportunity that’s accessible, rewarding, and valued, you’ve found the place; PCB. Our network leaders welcome the opportunity to match you with a volunteer assignment that meets your interests and availability. Give our President, Sue Lichtenfels a call at 412-480-9696 or email her at mailto:[email protected] explore PCB’s many volunteer offerings.
**

ACB Scholarship Opportunities
The American Council of the Blind (ACB) awards over $45,000 in scholarships each year to students who are blind or visually impaired. To be eligible, students must be legally blind in both eyes, maintain a 3.3 GPA, and be involved in their school/local community. Scholarship winners also win a trip to the ACB Conference and Convention where they meet other students who share the same life experiences; create lasting friendships; and network with individuals who understand the challenges of visual impairment and who can provide mentoring. The scholarship application deadline is February 15, 2018. For instructions and more details, visit http://acb.org/scholarship2018-application.
**

Where Discovery and Innovation Meet
On Friday, March 23 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Carnegie Mellon University, the Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services’ Pittsburgh office will host a STEM career showcase. This youth focused event will introduce students to STEM careers and inspire them to follow their dreams. Key speakers will include: Brett Humphrey, Microsoft Software Design Engineer and Denna Lambert, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. Carnegie Science Center Fab Lab will assist students with 3D projects. Space is limited and participants must pre-register. There will also be several dynamic breakout sessions. To register, or for more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/yacc2vjy.


If you know of individuals with vision loss who would enjoy or benefit from PCB’s peer network, please tell them about PCB. They can subscribe to PCB’s free announcement list by sending an email to [email protected].




Address: 931 N Front St. Suite B, Harrisburg, PA 17102
Phone: 717-920-9999 or toll free 877-617-7407
website: www.pcb1.org
Facebook: PACounciloftheBlind
Twitter:
PCB Announce Line: 773-572-6314









Copyright © 2018 PA Council of the Blind, All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
PA Council of the Blind
931 N Front St
Suite B
Harrisburg, Pa 17102

Add us to your address book

01/09/2018

PCB- A Peer Network for All Impacted by Vision Loss

Network news

Joining Just Got Easier
PCB has launched an online membership form that makes it easy and convenient for new and renewing members to be a part of Pennsylvania’s only peer network for people impacted by vision loss. Click here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSccLr9yT5GRRHhjs1RnxC_-LskozlyopA47r2CjhTdJ9lQ1pQ/viewform?usp=sf_link

To make sure you have 2018 access to:
• Lively and informative discussion calls
• A conference weekend packed with useful presentations, exciting entertainment and fellowship opportunities
• Access to mentors with vision loss from across the state and around the country
• Endless opportunities for personal and professional development
• News that impacts you provided in many accessible formats
• A support system standing beside you to improve access and inclusion
• An oasis of peers who truly get what living with vision loss is like

Conference at Your Fingertips
While you may have to wait another nine months to experience the comradery and acceptance that make the PCB annual conference atmosphere so special; access to the conference audio archives is now at your fingertips. Check out our most recent conference’s informative and enjoyable presentations by visiting pcb1.org/conference-audio-2017/. And then, start saving and planning to join us in Pittsburgh, October 18-21, when the 2018 PCB Conference and Convention presents, “Sowing the Seeds to Success”.

Calendar Raffle Rings in the New year
Once again in 2018 PCB will run its six-month calendar raffle. It’s a fabulous opportunity for our chapters to share in the fundraising. Tickets sell for just $20 and offer participants 183 opportunities to win. That means, there are cash prizes of $125 on six holidays, $75 on the 1st and 15th of each month, and $30 every other day. From April 1 through September 30, 2018, when your ticket number matches the PA Lottery Evening Daily Number, you win! Contact the PCB office at 877-617-7407 to order tickets for your chapter to sell or for yourself to purchase.

Upcoming January Discussion Calls
Call 605-475-4715 with unlimited long distance
Call 844-844-0414 for toll-free participation
Entry Passcode: 815419 #

Bring Your Favorite… Gadget!
January 10 at 7:30 p.m.
Who doesn’t have a favorite gadget that is easy to operate, saves time, and makes one or more tasks more manageable? Perhaps you have a toy, a game, or a device you can’t live without. Whether it’s no-tech, low-tech, or high-tech; an old reliable stand-by or your new best friend; we know you’ve got a favorite go-to gadget or gismo that you want to tell us all about.

PCB Open-House
January 15 at 7:30 p.m.
Learn about what’s going on within the organization. Find out how you can get involved in volunteering. Ask questions and make suggestions. This is an opportunity for everyone’s voice to be heard and to openly share with one another.

Overcoming Life Changes
January 30 at 8 p.m.
Change can challenge anyone of us from time to time. Whether you are dealing with decreasing vision, losing some hearing, or finding getting around more difficult, these life changes can cause stress emotionally while you seek a new way to cope with this new reality. The Vision Loss Resource Team invites you to join this call for a frank and open discussion on how life changes have affected you.

If you know of individuals with vision loss who would enjoy or benefit from PCB’s peer network, please tell them about PCB. They can subscribe to PCB’s free announcement list by sending an email to [email protected].

Address: 931 N Front St. Suite B, Harrisburg, PA 17102
Phone: 717-920-9999 or toll free 877-617-7407
website: www.pcb1.org
Facebook: PACounciloftheBlind
Twitter:
PCB Announce Line: 773-572-6314

11/29/2017

Give while Gift-Giving this Holiday Season
Amazon offers a plethora of gift ideas and deals for holiday shoppers. If you are shopping at Amazon, please be sure your gift-buying gives back to PCB. The Amazon Smile Foundation will donate .05% of all eligible purchases to PCB. And it’s not just for the holidays, it’s year-round on your every-day purchases too. Simply click on this link
smile.amazon.com/ch/23-1445635 and log-in to your Amazon account to make sure you’re purchases benefit PCB.

Note: In the event that that link is inactive, you can type that into your Address Bar..

When you shop at AmazonSmile, Amazon will donate to Pennsylvania Council Of The Blind. Support us every time you shop.

10/25/2017

Venango County Association for the Blind

The Venango County Association for the Blind is having a Pepperoni Fundraiser. These are Hormel Pepperoni sticks that are approximately 2 lbs and about 2 ft long. They make great gifts and can be sliced and frozen for quick snacks or Pizza making all year round. The cost is $10 per stick and orders are being taken through November 9th and will be available for pick up on November 16th after 3 pm. Cash can be paid ahead, but must be provided at pick up.

Proceeds go toward general operation funds which help to provide quality services to the blind and visually impaired in Venango, Clarion and Forest Counties! Call to order yours today! 814-676-1876

10/23/2017

I know, I know.. I'm a little behind with my posts, so.. time to play catch up! The 2017 Franklin Applefest was a success! In fact, we have already been discussing ideas for next year! I will follow this post up with the winners of our Raffles.. and would like to thank everyone who participated! We thank you for your support and in helping us to make a difference in the lives of the Blind and Visually Impaired in our Community! We could not do it without all of you! Also a big thanks to those who gave us their time, and energy, and helped work the tent for the weekend! Also a big thanks to the Vennango County Association for the Blind, our partner in all of this.. for allowing us to share space to help inform the public of who we are, and what we do!

09/30/2017

Applefest is almost upon us, so time is getting short... Don't miss out on our Raffles! We have something for everyone.. for the Golfer in your life, we have our Cross Creek Resort Raffle: Sunday Brunch for 2 as well as 18 holes of Golf for 2, with Golf Cart rental included! Tickets are only $5! AND.. who does not like food?! We will also have our Dinner for a Week Raffle! First place is a collection of 7 Gift Cards and Certificates for 7 (count 'em, 7!) different area Restaurants! And our second prize will be several Gift Cards for some of the local Pizza Shoppes, as well as a $10 Gift Certificate for Eat N Park! Both Raffles will be drawn the evening of October 8th, but we will be selling tickets throughout Applefest! For more information on Applefest, you can visit: http://www.franklinareachamber.org Hope to see you there!

© Copyright 2017 Franklin Area Chamber of Commerce. All Rights Reserved. Site provided by GrowthZone - powered by ChamberMaster software.

09/19/2017

The Oil Valley Chapter is committed to helping blind and visually impaired members of our community achieve their personal goals for independence. We are excited to announce that we will be awarding our very first Idevices for Independence phone, to a visually impaired member of our community.
Blind and visually impaired individuals have relied on technology for many years to increase there level of independence. In the past the assistive devices were large and cumbersome and extremely expensive. It meant having 10 different devices to do 10 different things. The cost for these devices usually ranging $2,000 - $3,000 each. Which is unaffordable to many of the people who need them the most. Some examples are document readers, barcode scanners, screen readers, color identifiers and light detectors just to name a few.

Today, thanks to the increasing availability of smartphones and tablets which have the ability to download apps to perform many different tasks using one device. The technology has become much more affordable and portable. These devices have built in screen readers and magnification, as well as hundreds of accessible apps created specifically for the blind and visually impaired. Some examples are currency identifiers, GPS, Document readers, live assistance from a sighted volunteer. Color identifiers, barcode scanners, digital book players, and many more.

Although, the technology is much more affordable it still remains out of reach to those who can't afford it. The purchase of a new phone and apps can easily be more than someone on a limited income can afford. We at OVC are passionate about assisting others, and have seen the impact that this technology has made in our own lives. We hope to give opportunity, accessibility, and in-dependance one phone at a time.
The average cost of providing a phone with accessible apps is approximately $405.
* New Iphone 6 $214.
* KNFB Reader $99 (Take a picture of document or mail And it is read aloud)
* Nearby Explorer $79. (GPS and Navigation App for the Blind)
* Digit Eyes $9.99 (barcode scanner and reader)
We wil also install a number of free apps on the devices.
* Tap Tap See (describes scenes, objects and colors from a picture that is taken)
* Be My Eyes (live video assistance from a sighted volunteer)
* Money Reader (identifies currency)
* LookTell Voice Over Tutorial (teaches user how to use the built in screen reader on the iphone)
And several more...

Please contact us

If you would like to help us in our efforts and have an older model phone or tablet that is still in good working condition that you would like to donate.

if you would like to donate funds towards the purchase of apps or a new phone .

if you are blind or visually impaired, and would like to be considered for our idevices for independence program.

09/12/2017

Hear ye! Hear ye! We here at the OVC, have just unleashed something that is sure to satisfy!
DINNER FOR A WEEK RAFFLE
TICKET PRICE $5
1st prize winner will receive:
7 gift certificates or gift cards that can be redeemed at local restaurants.
Note: They do not all have to be redeemed in a week.
Yellow Dog Lantern $25
The Kelly Hotel $25
Country Grub $25
Hoss’s Steak House $20
Bob Evans $20
Bella Cucina $20
Benjamin’s Roadhouse $20
Total Value $165
2nd prize winner will receive: 4 gift certificates
Pizza Hut for 1 large pizza
Leonardo’s Restaurant for 1 large pizza
Fox’s Pizza Den 1 large pizza
Eat’n Park Restaurant $10 gift certificate
Get 'em while they're hot! If interested you can call me at the above number, call me at 927-5252, or e-mail us!