edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
The announcement of products and services in this column does not represent an endorsement by the American Council of the Blind, its officers, or staff. Listings are free of charge for the benefit of our readers. “The ACB E-Forum” cannot be held responsible for the reliability of the products and services mentioned. To submit items for this column, send a message to [email protected], or phone the national office at 1-800-424-8666, and leave a message in Sharon Lovering’s mailbox. Information must be received at least two months ahead of publication date.
Holiday Cards from Hadley
Hadley Institute for the Blind and Visually Impaired’s annual holiday cards are available through Dec. 15th. The card shows a quiet winter scene, with a pair of ice skates hanging over a snow-topped wooden fence. Just beyond, a frozen lake reflects the brilliant winter sunset in hues of blue, purple, orange and plum above a tree line of pines in the distance. Snowflakes fall quietly from the sky; one skate has been embossed. The greeting reads, “Wishing you peace, happiness and the spirit of the season” in both print and braille. The artwork was done by Terri B. Webb of Georgia.
Cards are available in packs of 25. To view the card, or for more information, visit https://hadleyhelps.org/holiday_card.asp, or call Hadley at 1-800-323-4238 and ask for the Holiday Card desk.
NBP Holiday Cards
National Braille Press also has holiday cards available. This year’s theme is “Comfort and Joy.” The front has the words “comfort and joy” in red print and braille below a cozy small cabin nestled among snow-covered trees, under a starry sky. The cabin is decorated with festive holiday lights. Inside, the greeting reads, “May the spirit of the season fill your heart and home” in in green print and braille. These cards are available in packs of 10.
For more information, contact National Braille Press at 1-800-548-7323, or visit www.nbp.org/ic/nbp/publications/index.html.
New Bosma Brand
Bosma Enterprises recently added the Good Works commercial brand, which will expand the organization’s health and safety products into the commercial retail market. The first product to launch is Good Works Ice Melter. It consists of a blend of sodium chloride, potassium chloride, calcium chloride and magnesium chloride, making it possible to melt through ice in temperatures as low as -16F. The blue granules begin melting ice on contact. The ice melt is packaged in a 10-pound shaker jug.
For more information, call 1-800-362-5463, or send an email to [email protected].
ACB Member Releases Memoir
“Breaking Barriers: Working and Loving While Blind” is ACB member Peter Altschul’s memoir, which was released recently. Altschul focuses on a 30-month period in his life, beginning with his fifth guide dog, a Labrador named Jules, and ending with his move from his urban bachelor lifestyle in Washington, D.C., to committed family man in Columbia, Mo. Along the way, he describes his unique professional journey as customer service rep, trainer of New York City taxi drivers, mediator between pro-life and pro-choice activists, and workplace diversity specialist — all done with the assistance and companionship of five guide dogs. He also writes about his upbringing, his relationship with music, and the unexpected deaths of his stepmother and father.
The book is available through iUniverse.com and Amazon.com.
New from National Braille Press
Looking for a fun 2019 calendar? The Peanuts gang is back with its annual “Happiness Is …” calendar. The braille is included on clear plastic labels that go right over the print pages. It also includes a sheet of 120 full-color stickers to mark birthdays, appointments, and other important days.
Another new children’s book is “Lemonade in Winter” by Emily Jenkins and G. Brian Karas. It’s a print-and-braille book for ages 5 to 9, and features two young entrepreneurs, Pauline and John-John. One winter day, they decide to have a lemonade stand. They gather their money, go buy supplies, and make lemonade, limeade, and lemon-limeade. Will they get any customers? Read and find out!
For more information, contact National Braille Press at 1-800-548-7323, or visit www.nbp.org/ic/nbp/publications/index.html.
Sierra Regional Ski for Light
Sierra Regional Ski for Light will hold its 3-day cross-country ski/snowshoe event March 9-11, 2019. Come one, come all and enjoy a fun-filled weekend in the lovely Sierras at Tahoe Donner in California. No experience is necessary. For all details and applications, visit www.srsfl.org.