VENDORSCOPE

WINTER 2010 – VOLUME 42 – ISSUE # 1 
Purpose of the Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America
The purpose of this national organization is to bring together blind persons engaged in the operation of vending facilities, and individuals and groups supporting the goals and objectives of this organization, its members, and the Randolph-Sheppard vending facility program, in order to;
A: Provide a continuing forum for the expression of the views of licensed blind vendors, trainees, retired blind vendors, and blind employees participating in, or affected by the Randolph-Sheppard vending facility program;
B: Protect the interests of blind persons engaged in the operation of vending facilities under the Randolph-Sheppard program;
C: Promote the expansion and improvement of the Randolph-Sheppard program and the economic benefits and employment opportunities for blind vendors throughout the United States; and
D: Assist in promoting the purposes of the American Council of the Blind through affiliation with that organization.
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Bequests
If you or a friend would like to remember the Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America in your will, you can do so by employing the following language; “I give devise and bequeath unto the Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America, a nonprofit charitable organization in the USA, the sum of $--- (or ‘---‘) to be used for its worthy purposes on behalf of blind persons.”
If your wishes are more complex, you may have your attorney communicate with the executive office for other suggested forms.
THE VENDORSCOPE
A PUBLICATION OF
THE RANDOLPH-SHEPPARD VENDORS OF AMERICA
(Copyright 2010 by Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America)
PRESIDENT: CHARLES GLASER, GEORGIA
 
RSVA Executive Office
Terry Pacheco
2629 Henderson Avenue
Silver Spring, MD 20902
301-806-4948
RSVABiz@verizon.net 
 
 
RSVA National Office
Kim Venable
940 Parc Helene Drive
Marrero, LA 70072-2421
504-328-6373
800-467-5299
Kim.Venable@att.net 
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PUBLICATION COMMITTEE
CHAIR: Janet Wetmore, (IL)
Hazel Harmon, (CA)
THE VENDORSCOPE provides a forum for issues of interest concerning the Business Enterprise Program for the Blind. Editorials, columns and articles appearing in this publication are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of RSVA’s board of directors. Furthermore, editorials, columns and articles appearing in THE VENDORSCOPE do not constitute policies or recommendations of the organization unless otherwise stated. All submissions are welcome and will be considered for publication.
 __________________________________________________
Printed by: HORIZONS for the BLIND
Crystal Lake, IL 60014
www.horizons-blind.org  815-444-8800

TABLE OF CONTENTS
STRENGTH IN NUMBERS
By: Charles Glaser, President
FROM THE DESK OF THE CHAIR
By: Janet Wetmore, Publications Committee Chair
OFFICE REPORT
By: Kim Venable
REMEMBERING LARRY JONES
By: John Gordon
SAGEBRUSH
By: Ardis Bazyn, Secretary
A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU
By: Terry Pacheco
RSVA ANNUAL CONVENTION
By: Ardis Bazyn, Secretary
CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS COMMITTEE ANNOUNCEMENT
By: Ardis Bazyn, Secretary
RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE ANNOUNCEMENT
By: Ardis Bazyn, Secretary
SEEKING AWARDS NOMINATIONS
By: Bob Matuszak, Awards Committee Chair
LEGISLATIVE SEMINAR AND BEA REPORT
By: Ron Eller, Legislative Committee Chair
CALIFORNIA: PAVING A TWO-WAY STREET
By: David Hanlon, Ways and Means Committee Chair
NEW TRANS FAT BAN
By: S. Scott Beizaie, Esq.
NAMA SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE BULLETIN: CONGRESS PASSES CALORIE DISCLOSURE IN VENDING
Reported by: Dan Sippl, National Accounts Chair
BLIND CAFÉ OWNER TRIUMPHS IN LIGHT OF CHALLENGES
By: Trey Williams
WHAT’S NEW
By: Ardis Bazyn, Secretary

STRENGTH IN NUMBERS
By Charles Glaser, President
There is an old saying that there is strength in numbers and it is true. This is nowhere more evident than in the Randolph-Sheppard community. There are over twenty-five hundred blind business people managing successful businesses of all sizes in our program. So, how does RSVA and how do we as blind business people use our strength? How should we use it? And what can we do to increase our strength?
RSVA joined other organizations in forming the BEA, to show our strength in Washington. We publish a quarterly magazine to keep blind vendors informed of events that may require us to show our strength. We continue to forge relationships to build strength and buying power across our industry. RSVA has a national convention and The Sagebrush Conference, where this year’s attendees had an opportunity to talk one on one with the Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration, the Chairman of the Board of the National Automated Merchandising Association and other leaders of our industry. RSVA shows its strength by sending representatives to legislative seminars and industry conferences.
These are all valuable components of the big picture. In the new economic world we are going to have to do more to protect our program and increase our profitability. We should be more proactive in using our strength by getting in front of the curve on legislative issues, by using our buying power to increase our profits, and by strengthening our affiliations whether they are external or within our own organization.
Not all challenges to our program start in Washington. But, often we do not find out about them until they reach congressional offices. Now, more than ever before, it is important for us to know what is going on at the state level. One example is commercializing of rest areas. We are aware that some state legislatures are considering resolutions to congress proposing that federal law be changed to permit federal interstate highway rest areas to expand food service beyond vending. This is the type of activity where national advocates must work with there state counterparts to protect our jobs.
Clearly efforts are being made on every level to protect our program and increase our income.
We can do better. Modern technology gives us the ability to communicate better and faster. Communication is one of the cornerstones to solidifying our strength. That is why RSVA is making a concerted effort to capture every blind vendor’s contact information. The buck may stop at the top but it starts at the grassroots.

FROM THE DESK OF THE CHAIR
By: Janet Wetmore
This Winter issue of The Vendorscope for 2010, has been the most difficult to compile and publish. Four years ago, I volunteered to take on the challenge of Publications Chairperson, and I have enjoyed motivating and encouraging all of you to become interested and involved with this publication. It doesn’t seem possible that it has been this long. The time has literally flown by and many personal events have taken place since becoming involved, including the passing of family members as well as close friends. In the last issue of The Vendorscope, I included in my From the Desk of the Chair article a brief mention of my dear friend, Larry Jones, passing away in November of last year.
I have delayed in writing this article because of my need to communicate my feelings and thoughts of Larry to you. I have found it more difficult than I originally thought it would be. John Gordon has put into words his memories of Larry, and has mentioned that he (John) could have said so much more. All who were in attendance at the Sagebrush Training Conference had the opportunity to attend the tribute to Larry Jones that my husband, Joe, and I presented. Even with John’s article and the tribute, there is so much more to say about Larry Jones. Larry was one of the first blind vendors I met when I became a manager in the BEP in Illinois. Larry and I lived in the same geographical area of Illinois and he provided me with much encouragement to get involved. Larry served as an elected member of the Illinois Committee of Blind Vendors and was the Budget Chairman at that time in 1994. He asked me to serve on his committee, and that marked the beginning of my volunteerism.
Larry proved to be a great mentor. He prepared me to be Budget Committee Chair, knowing well in advance that he would nominate me to run for the elected committee.
A wonderful friendship developed from our common interests, and it continued to grow as the years passed by. Little did I know that Larry nominated me as “Vendor of the Year” in 2004, an RSVA award I received in Birmingham, Alabama.
Larry Jones had a special knack for acknowledging and promoting individuals who looked promising, as contributors towards the good of all. This is a leadership quality that not many possess.
I have a bottle of wine in my wine rack that Larry and Pat Jones gave Joe and me at the RSVA convention a few years ago. It was a wine that was auctioned at the fund raiser that is conducted every year. Larry bid a generous amount and gave it to me. This bottle of Marlyn Merlot will stay in my wine rack forever as a reminder of Larry and Pat’s generosity towards all.
For the last two years, my husband, Joe, and I have lived in Highland, Illinois only a few minutes from Larry and Pat. We were able to enjoy many great times together socially. I wish there could have been so many more. There is a void left in the Illinois blind vendor community with Larry gone.
I realize as I continue to age, that I will lose more friends as long as I am still on this earth. I also realize each time I lose someone that time may be shorter than I think, and I should get my personal life in order. I have made the decision to take some time off from my volunteer responsibilities and, consequently, will not be running for the RSVA Board this July. Additionally, I will also be resigning from the position as Chair of the Publications Committee. I know that there are many persons within the RSVA membership capable and willing to fill these positions, if they choose. I am going to take the time I need to get my house in order. Thank you for your understanding.
Editorial Note: We wish to thank Jan for her commitment, guidance, and leadership during her term as Chair of the RSVA Publications Committee. Jan championed the idea that RSVA should have an annual award given to a person who submitted the best article each year to The Vendorscope. This award goes to someone who provides an article but is not a member of the Board of Directors or the Publications Committee. We urge readers to send in articles to this publication. Contact the Publications Committee for more information.

OFFICE REPORT
By Kim Venable
Editor's Note: If anyone would like to include a memorial or their get-well wishes in The Vendorscope, please contact Kim Venable. All of your much-needed donations can be sent to the RSVA National Office. Please note that the National Office has moved from Terrytown to Marrero; 940 Parc Helene Drive, Marrero, LA 70072. Phone: 504-328-6373, 800-467-5299, Fax: 504-328-6372. E-mail: kim.venable@att.net
  
Get Well Wishes from RSVA
RSVA wishes you a speedy recovery and great health in the future.
Charles Carroll - Alabama
 
In Memoriam
It is with deep sorrow that we make the following announcements. We would like to extend our condolences to all of their family and friends. I can assure you that all who knew and loved them will sorely and deeply miss them both.
California
Joe Roofener
 Illinois
In memory of Mr. Lawrence (Larry) Jones, who passed away on November 21, 2009. When RSVA changed their Constitution and Bylaws for paid life membership, Larry was the first one in line with his $1,000.00 check! Even in his death, he honored RSVA. In lieu of flowers, he requested donations be sent to the RSVA Durward K. McDaniel Legal Fund. RSVA honored Larry at our 2010 Sagebrush Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada. His wife Pat and daughter Sherri were in attendance to accept the award in his memory. Donations received in Larry’s memory from the following people are greatly appreciated:
Andrew, Dorothy, David, James, Josiah & Abigail Crawford, Vandalia, IL
Audrey & Wayne Apperson, Foosland, IL
Bcer Engineering, Arvada, CO
Bonnie & David Fischer, Trenton, IL
Bonnie & Terry Camardelle, Marrero, LA
Betty & Larry Hutson, Park Forest, IL
Brenda & Thomas Rankin, Trenton, IL
Edward J. Birmingham, Oak Forest, IL
Evelyn & Charles Kuhn, Trenton, IL
Gary Gaylord, Park Forest, IL
Glenn F. Blackford, Elkville, IL
Jackie & Robert Roelfs, Rantoul, IL
James Flick, O'Fallon, IL
Janet & Joe Wetmore, Highland, IL
Janet & Marlin Tatum, Springfield, IL
Jeanne & Neil Boulanger, Trenton, IL
Joanne & Terry King, Punta Gorda, FL
Judith & David Crawford, Vandalia, IL
Judy & Rick Mareci, Paxton, IL
Joseph Crawford, Vandalia, IL
Kerber, Eck & Braeckel: Debbie Ringer, Janet Marks, Janet Jennings
Kim & Tom Venable, Westwego, LA
Mary & Craig Chamberlain, Bloomington, IL
Mary Grace & Alexis Stuckwisch, Vandalia, IL
Mary Lou & Raymond Washburn, Oklahoma City, OK
Nancy & Thomas Dempsey, Rolling Meadows, IL
Pauline & Raymond Bruce, Fairfield, IL
|Phyllis & Billy Herring, Trenton, IL
Stice Inc, Inc.: Irene & Ted, Mt Vernon, IL
Strategic Compliance Solutions, Arlington Heights, IL
Susan, Nikki and Jaina Crawford, Vandalia, IL
Vicki Fagerstorm, Des Plaines, IL
Ardis Bazyn and Kevin Berkery, Burbank, CA
Larry was one of the great champions for the blind. They do not make people with his passion anymore. The blind vendor community is losing many of our great people.
We must all remember each of them and find comfort in the thought that we will meet them again at our new location. We must also pick up the torch and continue to work in their honor and in their memory, for RSVA.
Donation Acknowledgements
RSVA would like to thank the following members for their support. It is a pleasure to see our members so dedicated to our cause. Remember RSVA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and all donations are tax deductible. 
Arizona: Robert Kunau
Missouri: Kathy Ungaro-Nelson
New Jersey: Harry Eberle
Oklahoma: Mary Lou & Raymond Washburn
Ohio: Leonard Johnson
Durward K. McDaniel Legal Fund
Arizona: Gerald Carthy
Arizona: James Farley
Florida: Charles Hackney
Missouri: Kathy Ungaro-nelson
Oklahoma: Mary Lou & Raymond Washburn
 RSVA Lifetime Membership, Presidents Council
This is our most honorable individual membership bestowed upon those most philanthropically disposed individuals. Lifetime memberships may be attained with a one-time contribution of $1,000.00 or more. If you are interested in becoming a life member and/or perhaps you would like to honor someone else with an RSVA Lifetime Membership, please contact Kim Venable at the RSVA National Office at 504-328-6373 or 800-467-5299.

Remembering Larry Jones
By: John Gordon
It is difficult to put down on paper all of the thoughts I have compiled in my head about Mr. Larry Jones. I knew Larry Jones for around 27 years. We have been through both good and bad times together. Ongoing dialog is what he loved best, and he could talk and work through problems better than any person I have ever known. He embraced the philosophy that you can catch more bees with honey than you ever can with vinegar.
As a new Vendor in my early 20’s, being mentored by people like Larry Jones, I was often confused in board meetings when he would exchange niceties with people who were our obvious adversaries. I would walk out of the meeting and be so confused. I would bring this to the attention of other Board Members, who would shrug me off while laughing as they told me that I just didn’t understand. Larry was so great at getting people around him to embrace his ideas. Even when I would start off having a totally opposite opinion, he would somehow have the ability to both convince me and then have me embrace the idea as my own.
In his earlier years as a vendor, he loved the political arena and carousing with certain legislators. There were so many things that can be credited to the legacy of Larry Jones. Two specific ones come to mind. First was the motion he made many years ago that enabled the program to buy their first vending machines. It was also his determination to secure vending sites on all interstate rest area facilities, when so many other people were telling him it was impossible.
Over the years he served me and other people in such different capacities. There were countless vendors who would share with me the fact that they had been counseled by Larry Jones. In some cases, they were having serious issues surrounding alcoholism. Larry and I at times would talk in depth for days, if not months straight. This was back in the days of our fight to keep the Visually Handicapped Managers of Illinois (VHMI), the Nominee Agency, alive.
Once in a great while, and not nearly often enough, we would take a few moments to inquire with one another about our personal lives and families. He was so proud of his wife and children and the tremendous support they had been to him over the years. At National Conferences, nobody ever just said ‘Larry Jones’; instead, they always referred to “Larry and Pat Jones”. The two were inseparable.
Larry Jones was the driving force and main reason why most of our blind vendors remain as RSVA members today. Larry Jones made sure that RSVA was part of our identity by promoting the national organization on a regular basis.
Larry Jones was a great communicator, not only in the work place, but in his personal life, as well. I recently asked his wife if he was the same great communicator with her over the years as he was with all of us. I was surprised when she told me that he was. He was always a great encourager to our newer blind vendors. At our Statewide Conventions over the years, he and his wife, Pat, often took the opportunity to grab one of them by the shoulder and invite them to have lunch or coffee with them.
As the years have gone by, time has changed people… but Larry Jones was surely one of the last of the true gentleman. Larry Jones and I worked together for many years. Over the years there were many disagreements over policy issues. You would be surprised to know that Larry at times would be mad enough at me to exchange some very colorful words which were always followed by a hang up. The true gentleman he was though, those feelings would pass too, and a few days later we would call one another and it was like our little fight had never even happened.
Larry was responsible for helping me through some very difficult times in my own life. One time while in opposition with our own governors’ office and demanding attention, we all marched on the state capital. All of us adorned black armbands in protest. Of course, right there with us was none other than Larry, his wife Pat, and their children.
The night I attended Larry Jones’s wake, Pat told me that when she got out of the car and was walking in, she put her arm out for him once again, as she has so many times before. I guess habits in life are hard to break, and I am sure Larry Jones will be missed dearly by so many people. My last conversation with Larry was one of a very personal nature, similar to those we didn’t have nearly often enough. It was maybe the first time we spoke only of eternal things, and what we would face next after we pass from this world. He seemed both resolved to that fact and also ready to face the next life.
At death’s door, he was still more concerned about Pat and his family than he was about himself. I hope we never forget people like Larry Jones and what he has meant to all of us.

SAGEBRUSH 2010
By Ardis Bazyn
The 2010 Sagebrush conference was another great experience for those that attended. There was a good blend of great speakers, excellent sponsors and exhibitors, lively sessions, as well as time to socialize with friends and colleagues from across the country. Speaker and conference activities are summarized in the following paragraphs.
The Sagebrush conference began on Monday, January 25, 2010. After Terry Pacheco and Charlie Glaser, from RSVA, welcomed the participants, Katherine Yonkers (the Director of the Nevada Business Enterprises Program) and Rick Kuhlmey (President of the Nevada Council of the Blind), welcomed everyone to Las Vegas. All participants introduced themselves. At final count, I believe we had over 30 states represented.
As moderator, Dan Sippl (RSVA National Accounts Chair) introduced the first speaker, Jim Brinton, Chairman of the Board of the National Automated Merchandising Association (NAMA) He spoke on the topic of  Partnerships in Business, outlining how varied organizations of business owners can work together to make all members more successful. Mitch Pomerantz, President, American Council of the Blind, then gave an update on “ACB News”. He highlighted the court case ACB had just won with the Social Security Administration. Now, the SSA is required to send all documents, currently sent to beneficiaries, in specialized format, i.e. Braille, data CD, or print letters followed with a phone call. (More about this in the  What’s New? column later in this publication.) He also talked about the upcoming ACB Board of Directors and President’s meetings and ACB Legislative Seminar being held in Washington, D.C.
He finished by telling members to call in on his regular “office hours” if they want to give him their ideas or just to get in touch any time.
Dan then introduced Janis Stevenson, a Business Development Advisor with the Nevada Small Business Development Center. She spoke about the business resources they had available. She said they worked with small business owners on writing business plans, types of business entities, marketing strategies, and accounting methods. She said participants could contact her with any questions. She also said most states have similar Small Business Centers managed by SBA. Her contact information is: 702-895-4270 or e-mail: janis.stevenson@unlv.edu  The website is: www.nsbdc.org
Dawn Feichtman, Marketing Manager for A&A Uniforms, next made a presentation on Dressing for Success. She explained how much more professional vendors and their staff would look wearing uniforms. She told about the various types of uniforms they sold: a wide range of aprons, short and long sleeved shirts, jackets, and pants. She also described the types of logos, embroidery, screen printing and fabrics they handle. They also can sell some marketing items. If you are interested in more details, she can be contacted at 702-251-1971, or e-mail her at aauniformlv2@lvcoxmail.com
Participants enjoyed the Welcome Reception Monday evening. On Tuesday, the day started with a buffet breakfast. As moderator, Ron Eller (RSVA Legislative Chair) introduced Suzanne Mitchell, the VR Program Specialist, Rehabilitation Services Administration from Washington, DC. She reported on happenings within RSA. Next Ron introduced Catriona Macdonald, the President of Linchpin Strategies LLC., also from Washington, DC. She gave a legislative/regulations update. She talked about possible implications of the current health bill in Congress and a regulation that would force vending companies to label machines with ingredients of all products. She also highlighted some of the state issues especially regarding the closing of roadside rest areas, mostly due to budget constraints. Then, Robert Humphreys, Esq., RSVA’s attorney, gave updates on recent arbitrations.
Ron then introduced Rajaunnda Gandy, Georgia B.E.P. Administrator, to facilitate a panel of administrators to give reports about BEP around the country. The afternoon moderator was Janet Wetmore, RSVA Publications Chair. Ruth Abrahms from the United States Post Office and Bill Lewis, from National Vending, gave a report on opportunities available in the Post Office. Mike Lee, President, L & S Services, then asked vendors to report on their various states, positives and negatives. This session is always appreciated by all. Each state represented, had an opportunity to share what’s going on in their state. Charlie ended the afternoon with discussion on a “White Paper” that the BEA is working on. He asked for suggestions to add to it -- what we’d like to see changed in BEP.
On Wednesday, after another buffet breakfast, Ardis Bazyn, RSVA Secretary, was moderator. She introduced Leslie Swartz from PepsiCo. She spoke about Merchandising to sell and Setting up Displays. She gave suggestions on how to make presentations in your machines that would encourage customers to purchase more products. Ardis then introduced Janet Wetmore to facilitate a tribute to Larry Jones: In Loving Memory. Joe described photos on the screen to participants. They included many photos of RSVA and IL events. Several in attendance reminisced about working with Larry. Next, Ardis introduced Mark Breen, LIC. Limited Securities Representative, who spoke on Investing in Today’s Economy. He suggested that vendors should think about a diversified IRA or 401K type of program. Ardis then introduced Brian Murphy & Dave Bender from Crane Merchandising Systems, who spoke about Green Marketing. Then, Emory Austin, Sponsored by PepsiCo, gave a presentation on The Impulse Buyer. She told many humorous and touching stories to illustrate the topic.
On Wednesday afternoon, the Exhibitor Showcase was held. Lots of door prizes were donated by our exhibitors. Vendors enjoyed visiting the exhibitors while partaking of good conversation and refreshments. It was a great time to see what’s new and network with suppliers. We appreciated all of our sponsors and exhibitors for sharing their company materials and showing their products and services.
On Thursday, a continental breakfast was served. Filo Tu, a Sagebrush Committee member, moderated. He introduced Ardis Bazyn, Bazyn Communications from Burbank, CA. She spoke on Marketing Your Business More Effectively. Filo then introduced Commissioner Lynnae Ruttledge, who is from the Rehabilitation Services Administration.
She spoke on New Beginnings at RSA. She admitted she was brand new and had lots to learn about RS issues. She said Suzanne Mitchell was helping her to learn all the intricacies of the program.
Filo then introduced Sean Dunne from Astor and Black Custom Outfitters. He did his part of the topic of Dressing for Success. He mentioned the various types of custom suits their company could design for those interested. They can work with men and women. Next, Mike Barclay from Southern Foods talked on the topic New Trends in Food Service Marketing.
The annual Sagebrush Luncheon & Presentations was held on Thursday. Charles Glaser was the Emcee. The keynote address was given by Sgt. Matt Eversmann, of Black Hawk Down. He was sponsored by Cantu Services. He told about his dangerous mission that was portrayed in the movie. Then, Bob Matuszak gave the awards presentations. This year there was a new award created for the “Employee of the Year”. It is called the Yvonne Morris Award, after Kim Venable’s mom who worked for Terry and Roy Camardelle for years. The award was given for the first time to Pat Jones. She had worked with her husband for over forty years. Bob also presented the George Arsnow Award to Janice Foster from Louisiana. This award is given to a first time attendee who has been in the BEP Program for two years or less.
After the luncheon, Teaming Partners Mike Barclay from Southern Food Service and Joe Blackstone from Blackstone Consulting answered a Q&A that was given to them before this session. The session was called  New Ventures for a Different Economy. They answered questions ranging from what types of partnerships they have or are willing to have, what experience is necessary to be a military vendor, what responsibilities the partners have, and much more.
On Friday, January 29th, Business Education Annual Training (BEAT) was presented by Cantu Services, Inc. Topics covered were: Government Contracting Issues, by Doris Lackey/Debbie Moss; Human Resources Hot Topics, by Debbie Moss / Doris Lackey; Leadership 101 (Back to Basics, by Mike Sweeney and Money Talks – Financials and Audits, by Diane Hanson. (See the BEAT article in the Spring issue of The Vendorscope).

A Very Special Thank You To Our Sagebrush 2010 Sponsors!
Cantu Services ¨
Pepsico
American Service Contractors
Southern Foodservices
Blackstone Consulting, Inc.
National Vending
Superior Services
You will be reading much more about these fine companies in future issues of The Vendorscope.

RSVA Annual Convention
By: Ardis Bazyn, Secretary
The American Council of the Blind Conference and convention dates are July 9-17. The Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America Convention will begin on Saturday, July 10 with our pre-convention board meeting at 3 p.m. and conclude on Tuesday night, July 13 with our annual casino night. Come early and stay late so you can take in all the great tours, workshops and other events that make convention week special.
Tours are not all set as of this date, but some incredible and unique venues are being considered. Imagine the thrill of visiting the home of architect Frank Lloyd Wright! When asked what could be touched, the guide said, “You can touch everything; that’s why we aren’t a museum.” Other great possibilities will have you stuffing your own bear at America’s only plush animal factory, learning how brass bells are cast, practicing your blackjack skills at a casino, riding in a Venetian gondola, visiting a candy factory and stepping back 250 years in firefighting history.
The popular city tour will be back, and day-long trips to the Grand Canyon, Sonora and much more are being explored.
The hotel for ACB and RSVA from July 9 -17 is the Phoenix Downtown Sheraton. Room rates are $89 plus tax. Make reservations by calling 800-325-3535. Be sure to say you are with the American Council of the Blind. There are many restaurants in the area around the hotel.
The RSVA schedule includes our pre-convention board meeting at 3 p.m. on Saturday. On Sunday, we are planning a great program including legislative updates and panels of vendors sharing what is happening in their states. Besides our mixers Saturday and Sunday nights, where we can network with other vendors, we’ll have our annual luncheon on Monday with award presentations followed by our business meeting. On Monday evening, we’ll enjoy our annual auction followed by karaoke. On Tuesday, we’ll have our affiliate presidents’ luncheon where the board and presidents can meet. Our finale is our ever-popular casino night.
RSVA is pleased to join with the National Alliance of Blind Students (NABS) again this year in sponsoring a luncheon honoring the 2010 ACB Scholarship Winners on Sunday, July 11. Tickets will be available on your convention pre-registration form as an additional purchase. This is a wonderful opportunity for those of us at the convention to meet and talk with some of today’s brightest young visually impaired men and women, and introduce them to the Randolph-Sheppard Program. Why not consider attending the luncheon. See you all in Phoenix!

Constitution and Bylaws Committee Announcement
By: Ardis Bazyn, Secretary
In compliance with the RSVA Constitution, any proposed amendment(s) must be published at least 30 days before the business meeting in which it is voted upon. This means, it would have to be placed in the next edition of  The Vendorscope. Any current bylaw can be amended during the annual convention provided it is read at a meeting prior to the one where a vote is taken. Constitutional amendments need to pass by a two-thirds (2/3) vote. Any bylaws presented at the convention need to be passed by a majority vote.  
If you have any constitution or bylaw changes to present, or if you wish to serve on this committee, please call Ardis Bazyn, 818-238-9321 or e-mail: abazyn@bazyncommunications.com

Resolutions Committee Announcement
By: Ardis Bazyn, Secretary
If you have any resolutions you wish to have considered at the next national convention, please call Ardis Bazyn regarding your submission at 818-238-9321 or e-mail abazyn@bazyncommunications.com

 
SEEKING AWARDS NOMINATIONS
By: Bob Matuszak, Awards Chair
Each year RSVA shows its appreciation to a few select people for their dedication to the preservation and growth of the Randolph-Sheppard Program throughout the United States. The people selected to receive recognition for their outstanding service are nominated by you, our members. The Awards Committee asks you to take a few moments of your time to think of people you know that are contributing to our success. Please help us honor those who unselfishly give of their time, position, and expertise by placing that special person's name in nomination for one of our awards. Listed below are the criteria for each of the three awards presented by RSVA at our annual convention.
Please take advantage of this opportunity to show your appreciation to a person who you think has made a difference. Nominations are due no later than June 1. Please send your nominations to the RSVA Awards Committee Chair, Bob Matuszak, at tgcenter@aol.com  with a copy to kim.venable@att.net  You can also mail a hard copy to the RSVA National Office, Attention: Kim Venable, 940 Parc Helene Drive, Marrero, LA 70072-2421. Contact the national office if you need more information.
The Jennings Randolph Service Award will be presented to someone outside of the Randolph-Sheppard Program who has given his or her time and energy to Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America and for his or her service to blind vendors, but is not an active vendor.
The Vendor of the Year award is presented to an RSVA member who has been an active member for at least five years and has given his or her time and energy to Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America and for service to blind vendors.
The Don Cameron Advocacy Award is presented in memory of Don Cameron for his many years of service for blind vendors especially in the areas of communication and legislation. This award consists of three benchmarks that must be met. (1) The nominee must be, or have been, a member of RSVA for at least five years, (2) the nominee must have been a blind vendor for at least twenty years and (3) the nominee must have been seeking to improve the goals of RSVA, as well as promoting blind awareness in their community, state, and nation.

Legislative Seminar And BEA Report
By: Ron Eller, Legislative Committee Chair
The 2010 ACB Legislative Seminar was well attended by members of the RSVA board and vendors from other ACB affiliates. The two primary issues this year were safety and accessibility.
First was the Pedestrian Safety Act of 2009, HR 734, which contains language that would have Congress mandate the auto industry to come up with a sound that would be emitted by quiet cars, which would be readily identified by a blind person. At the writing of this article, we have 206 members of the house as co-sponsors for HR 734.
The second issue deals with the Twenty-first Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2009. We are asking Congress to support language that would make it possible for a blind person to be able to access on-screen menus and have audible on-screen emergency warnings that are now scrolled at the bottom of the screen during regular programming without audio description. We continue to ask Congress to mandate that the TV and Motion Picture industry produce programming and movies with audio description.
Other vendors and I went to Capitol Hill, met with Representatives and Senators and asked that the Randolph-Sheppard priority be protected to preserve the best and most effective jobs program for blind people.
BEA Updates
From June 9 through June 12, RSA will sponsor the 2010 Randolph-Sheppard Training and Leadership Conference. To minimize travel and other costs, the BEA will hold its annual Fly-In on June 9. Join us to educate Congress about the opportunities created by the Randolph-Sheppard Act! Plan to travel to Washington on Tuesday, June 8 and attend a legislative briefing and Hill meetings on the 9th. We have a block of rooms set aside at $149 per night in the Hyatt Regency Crystal City in Arlington. The hotel is minutes from Reagan National Airport and offers easy access to metro and downtown D.C. To make your room reservation, please call 888 421-1442. Rooms must be reserved by May 18. To register for the conference or for more information visit: http://www.regonline.com/builder/site/Default.aspx?eventid=812918 
Although court decisions have made it clear that full food service contracts belong in the competitive realm subject to the Randolph-Sheppard priority, increasingly they are being recommended for the Procurement List (or broken up so that pieces can be contracted with AbilityOne). The BEA believes that all full food service contracts should be competed, subject to the priority and that any Randolph-Sheppard contract that included DFA portions, even if those portions were subcontracted to AbilityOne, cannot be split up. The BEA is fighting to ensure that the Randolph-Sheppard priority and no poaching provisions are upheld. If you hear of a full food service contract that is being proposed for the Procurement List – even if it is not currently a Randolph-Sheppard contract – let us know!
SLAs: please consult with the BEA before agreeing to place full food service contracts, or some part of current full food service contracts, on the Procurement List.
In January, Randolph-Sheppard champion Senator Chris Dodd announced that he would not run for re-election and Randolph-Sheppard champion Representative Neil Abercrombie announced that he would step down from Congress in February, to run for Governor. The good news: there are hundreds of other potential champions in Congress just waiting to be identified and educated! Through both grassroots and national efforts, we will find Senators and Representatives to carry the banner in the future. We offer our sincere thanks to both of these public servants for their commitment to equal opportunity and we will miss their presence in the halls of Congress.
With tight state budgets, we expect to see an increase in the number of states proposing to privatize rest areas along state highways. So far in 2010, Georgia, Mississippi, Virginia and Washington have introduced privatization legislation, with others still to follow. It is crucial for blind entrepreneurs and SLA’s to educate state Departments of Transportation and state legislators about the impact of privatization on opportunities for blind business owners.

CALIFORNIA: PAVING A TWO WAY STREET
BY: David Hanlon, Chair, Ways & Means Committee
 With the unfortunate decline in the growth of the Randolph-Sheppard program over the years nationally, we have all experienced frustrations and challenges within our state vendor policy committees. One of the greatest issues in California has been communication between the policy committee and the Department of Rehabilitation BEP program. I have done my share of criticism of the BEP because it has been difficult to communicate and work to develop policy with the bureaucrats.
The following is a written approach for “Active Participation”, which is mandated by the Randolph-Sheppard law. This document was developed by the California Vendors Policy Committee along with the BEP policy makers. This is a step-by-step tool that is designed to enable both the Vendors Policy Committee and the BEP to be accountable and to walk the same street together towards goals that are necessary and essential to managing our program.
To ensure that both parties will drive on the two-way street, managing the essentials to make the program strong again, the document is signed by both the Program Manager and the Chair of the Vendors Policy Committee and it is to be read to the delegates and BEP stakeholders at the beginning of each term, thereby ensuring the document format will be followed. Our committee implemented this document this term and we will let you know how this is working. Please read the following document and see if this may work for your Vendors Policy Committee in your state.
Active Participation
Internal Guidelines for Active Participation
Section 1: Intent
This document outlines the process whereby mutually agreed upon active participation in decision-making takes place between the CVPC and its Subcommittees and the Department of Rehabilitation’s Business Enterprises Program (BEP). The purpose of this process is to encourage and help facilitate cooperation between the Vendor community and BEP, in order to ensure vendors actively participate in program decision-making. As such, this shall be a process whereby all parties have ample opportunity to express their views.
(A) The purpose of this document is to ensure compliance with the Welfare and Institutions Code 19638, which reads as follows:
Code 19638. Committee of license blind vendors, biennial election, responsibilities and actions, contracts for professional services.
(B) The director shall insure that the participation of the committee of blind vendors is, at a minimum, equal to that required by section 107 B-1 of Title 20 of the United States Code.
The responsibilities and actions of the committee of blind vendors shall include, but not be limited to:
1) Participation, with the Department, in major administrative decisions and policy and program development. Any implementation of changes in administrative policy or program development, that is within the discretion of the Department, shall occur only after review by this committee of license blind vendors.
Section 2: Issues To Be Submitted To The CVPC
The following issues shall be submitted to the CVPC at the earliest stages possible, so the CVPC shall have sufficient time to review and provide informed input. This is done to meet the provisions of the Bagley-Keene Open Meetings Act. When The Department submits issues, upon request by the Chairperson of the Committee, the Department shall clearly state its opinion and rationale, based and supported by citation of law or code.
(A) Any decisions, policies, practices, regulations or procedures, in accordance with Welfare and Institution Code 19638, that the Department plans to implement which will impact the recruiting or the selection of vendor trainees, or the training program in general.
(B) Any decisions, policies, practices, regulations or procedures, in accordance with the Welfare & Institution Codes, that the Department plans to implement, which will have an impact on the BEP facilities, set aside funds, Vendor’s rights and or welfare, operations, benefits, upward mobility, the future of the Program or any programmatic alterations of standards or any services provided by the BEP for the Vendors.
Section 3: Guidelines for Communications
Program Manager’s Report
(A) This report shall be presented by the Program Manager or his or her designee during every regularly scheduled CVPC meeting. It shall include all current activities, financial and facilities updates, the most up to date program decisions, and ideas and plans that the Department is contemplating for the future.
(B) A complete copy of the Program Manager’s report must be forwarded to the CVPC Delegates and all licensed blind vendors a minimum of 10 working days prior to any regular CVPC meeting. This is to allow the Delegates time to familiarize themselves with the report
(C) The program manager will forward by e-mail or by written correspondence, to the Chair of CVPC or in the event of meetings with the Executive committee will address any issues that must be dealt with before the CVPC regular meeting and, in turn, the Chair shall properly inform all Delegates and forward copies of the issues to the appropriate subcommittee chairpersons within 2 working days.
Section 4: Required Reports
The Department will provide the following reports to the CVPC in the timetable indicated below:
These reports must be accurate and current in order for CVPC to assist in providing an informed input.
Program Manager’s quarterly report , 10 days before the CVPC meeting
Biennial report of State facilities, once every two years in January of the even numbered year.
Annual Report of Federal Facilities each year in January. (This space reserved for future reports).
Section 5: Subcommittee Structure and Functions with DOR Representatives
(A) In addition to the Chairperson and members of the subcommittee, it is vital that each subcommittee has at its disposal the BEP program manager or his or her designee, as the Department’s liaison. These liaisons must be informed and knowledgeable about the Department's position on issues being discussed in the subcommittee and authorized to fully disclose and engage in substantive discussion. For this process to work most effectively, they must participate in each subcommittee meeting that pertains to the project.
 
(B) The Department’s participation may not be required by some Subcommittees, such as Grievance, Legislative, etc. Or under special circumstances requested by the chair of the subcommittee. Also the subcommittees may engage in some preliminary prep work without the department’s presence.
(C) Upon completion of each project, the chair of the subcommittee shall send a copy of the agreed-upon project document to all CVPC Delegates with enough time for their review and input.
(E) The draft of each project finalized in the subcommittee shall be mutually endorsed by each of the Chairpersons of the subcommittees, and the Department’s liaison, in order to confirm clear understanding and commitment to the project.
This “endorsement” means that both the subcommittee and the Department’s liaison are requesting the CVPC and the Department to endorse the project.
Section 6: Recommendation and Negotiation Process
(A) It is the responsibility of the DOR and the Vendor Committees, to provide accurate and timely responses to the issues, raised by both parties during the active participation process, in order to expedite in reaching mutually acceptable outcomes.
(B) DOR and the Vendor Committees must keep each other informed and updated in a timely manner, as they do their separate work on a particular issue. Each party will provide updates even if no progress has been made since the last update. These updates must not exceed 7 days or a mutually agreed-upon time frame.
(C) In agreeing to time schedules, it is recommended both parties err on the side of overestimating due dates and completion times.
(D) To help prevent confusion or misunderstanding, communications should always be in writing.
(E) Continued communication is critical to this shared process. Repeated failure to provide updates and/or inaccurate responses by either party shall be considered a subversion of the process.
(F) Issues and projects will be reviewed and recommended to the CVPC and the DOR in the following formats:
Completed project – Agreed
This means that the subcommittee and the Department liaison have agreed upon the complete terms and the content of the project document. In this situation both sides will endorse the document. The Chair of the subcommittee shall present the completed mutually endorsed document for the project to the CVPC. The presence of Departmental representatives or liaisons to the CVPC meeting is recommended in order to confirm their understanding of the issues and commitment to the project and to clarify any issues or concerns that the CVPC Delegates may have
When the project is approved the CVPC in agreement with the Department, will negotiate a commencement date for the project’s implementation.
The approved project will be submitted to the Department, by a motion through a majority vote of the Committee.
Completed project Compromised
This means that the subcommittee and the representatives of the Department cannot agree on some of the issues of the project. Under these circumstances, the subcommittee will table that specific project until the next subcommittee meeting to provide a “consultation break”.
During the “consultation break” the Chair of the subcommittee may consult with the Executive committee and/or other Delegates. The Department’s liaison shall consult with the Department, in order to find an acceptable solution to resolve the parties’ differences.
The “consultation break” will be of a duration maximum of 7 days or a time, mutually agreed upon by the CVPC subcommittee and the DOR liaison.
At the end of each subcommittee meeting, the Chairperson of the subcommittee must confirm the date for the next meeting.
In each step of the negotiations full information disclosure shall be provided to the Executive Committee and all delegates for their input.
The subcommittee will meet as many times as necessary, or until all avenues have been exhausted, or an agreement acceptable to the CVPC and the Department has been reached. The Chairperson of the subcommittee and the Representative of the Department will endorse the final document.
The mutually endorsed, completed project document will be presented to the CVPC. This will be done, preferably in the presence of the Department’s authorized representative or liaison, that participated in those negotiations.
If at any time during discussions, one or both parties recognize that discussions are no longer productive, they can withdraw from the discussions and within 7 working days, inform the other party in writing of their rationale for non-agreement and the suspension of discussions.
Incomplete resolution - Not agreed
This means that an impasse has been reached and the subcommittee and the Department are not able to reach an agreement
The subcommittee chairperson will present the project to the CVPC chairperson for additional instructions.
In this situation, both parties must inform each other in writing within 7 working days, of their intention to withdraw and state the rationale for their disagreement. The issue shall be tabled, and suspension of the discussions may take place.
Section 7: Continuity Guarantee Process
The CVPC Chairperson shall disseminate, and have this document read aloud, and have it entered it into the record at the first meeting of each new Committee’s term. The Program Manager or his or her official representative, along with the CVPC Chairperson, shall endorse this document. The signed document shall become a part of that meeting’s minutes.
This action will serve to reconfirm the Department and CVPC’s commitment to the active participation process and to ensure that all parties are completely aware of these guiding principles.
Alterations or updates of this document must be submitted in writing, and shall be attached to this document. After amending, this document shall again be ratified by the CVPC Delegates, through a majority vote, and counter signed by the Department’s representative.
A copy of this document with any updates or changes must be kept with the CVPC’s Executive Secretary as well as with the Program Manager’s office.
Section 8: Acceptance and Agreement
Ratification of this mutual agreement shall be signified in accordance with; CVPC’S bylaws article 2, section 1-H, by the CVPC’s majority vote to accept these guidelines and sending their approval forward to DOR in the form of a motion. DOR will signify its acceptance by supporting the motion and by signing this document.
Section 9: Failure to Follow Process
In the event that CVPC or BEP believe the active participation process is not being honored as described, or is possibly being subverted by either party, the Deputy Director shall, within 5 working days from the written request, call for a meeting between the Chair of the CVPC and the BEP Program Manager. If a resolution, and clear understanding, cannot be reached, a meeting of the CVPC Executive Committee with the DOR Director shall take place within 10 working days from the written request.
In the event that all of the above attempts to reconcile differences, with clear understandings, have reach final impasse, the CVPC will inform the Department in writing within 15 working days, of their reasons for, and their intention to, pursue their legal remedies.
Signed: --------------------------------Roy Harmon, Chair,California Vendors’ Policy Committee
Signed:---------------------------------Deb Meyer, Program Manager, Business Enterprises Program
Date: March 10, 2010

NEW TRANS FAT BAN
By: S. Scott Beizaie, Esq.
As with most things, California took the lead in the battle against artificial trans fat in foodservice and in 2008, enacted legislation which bans the use of artificial trans fats in restaurants and other retail-level food facilities. Portions of this law went into effect on January 1, 2010, with portions set to go into effect on January 1, 2011. A similar ban has applied to public schools in the state since July 1, 2009.
Commencing January 1, 2010, no oil, shortening, or margarine containing artificial trans fat for use in spreads or for frying, except for the deep frying of yeast dough or cake batter, may be stored, distributed, served, or used in the preparation of any food within a food facility in California. Commencing January 1, 2011, no food of any kind containing artificial trans fat may be stored, distributed, served or used in the preparation of any food within a food facility in California. There is an exception for food sold or served in a manufacturer’s original, sealed package. For example, individually packaged items like jams, jellies, mayonnaise and ketchup, which an operator may serve or make available to patrons, would be exempt from the provisions of the rule.
A food is considered to contain artificial trans fat if the food contains vegetable shortening, margarine, or any kind of partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, unless it’s governmentally mandated nutritional label lists the trans fat content as less than 0.5 grams per serving. Additionally, the new law requires, as of January 1, 2010, that every food facility maintain on its premises, the governmentally mandated nutritional label for any food or food additive which contains, or is, fat, oil, or shortening, for as long as such item is stored, distributed, served or used in the food facility in the preparation of food within the facility.
It is important to note that the fact that a particular food or additive may not have a governmentally mandated nutritional label, does not exempt its storage, distribution, service, or use. It is the responsibility of the restaurant operator to maintain documentation (of ingredients) concerning the item on its premises. It is also the ultimate responsibility of the restaurant operator to comply with the trans fat ban.
While there does not appear to have been major enforcement action concerning this rule yet, and it is too early to tell how aggressively the rule will be enforced, violation of the rule will carry a fine of not less than $25 and not more than $1,000 per violation.
S. Scott Beizaie is a Senior Counsel in the Los Angeles office of Holland & Knight LLP, an international law firm with approximately 1,100 attorneys in 23 offices worldwide. Beizaie, who is a member of the firm’s Japan Practice Group, devotes a significant portion of his practice to representing restaurateurs and restaurant companies, including Nobuyuki Matsuhisa (Matsuhisa, Nobu), David Myers (Sona, Comme Ça), and Darden Restaurants, Inc. (Red Lobster, Olive Garden), and can be reached at scott.beizaie@hklaw.com.

NAMA SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE BULLETIN: CONGRESS PASSES CALORIE DISCLOSURE IN VENDING
Reported by Dan Sippl
As has been widely reported by NAMA, included in all federal healthcare reform legislation, was language which requires calorie disclosure in vending. Congress passed this legislation on Sunday evening, March 21, and President Obama signed the legislation into law Tuesday, March 23, 2010. The legislation will require vending machine operators with more than 20 machines, to post calorie information for food and beverage products sold through vending machines.
The vending language is as follows. In general, in the case of an article of food sold from a vending machine that does not permit a prospective purchaser to examine the Nutrition Facts Panel before purchasing the article or does not otherwise provide visible nutrition information at the point of purchase; and is operated by a person who is engaged in the business of owning or operating 20 or more vending machines, “the vending machine operator shall provide a sign in close proximity to each article of food or the selection button, that includes a clear and conspicuous statement disclosing the number of calories contained in the article.”
At this point, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has one year to propose regulations and implementation requirements.
Those regulations will be finalized through a formal rulemaking process and FDA must make quarterly reports to Congress on its progress. NAMA will have a seat at the table. Vending machines will not be required to label food or beverages until FDA finalizes the regulations, which will take at least 12 months, and potentially 18 months.
Our coalition has already talked with the Congressional staff about their support for our positions:
a. Flexibility in how we disclose.
b. Potential support for one "menu" for a bank of machines.
c. Implementation time, to reduce costs.
d. Legal protection for mistakes in stocking the machine.
NAMA has been working for several years on the federal and state nutritional disclosure issues. We are working now to impact the proposed vending regulations as set forth above. We are continuing our contacts with allies, industry partners, administration officials and with Members of Congress. NAMA and the industry are viewed favorably on the issue of obesity and nutrition thanks to our very successful Fit Pick program. We anticipate this will provide us an opportunity to address implementation of the proposed legislation.
Please let us know if you have any questions, and we will keep you informed as the rule writing process begins. We will also provide updates during our legislative sessions during the NAMA One Show. Be assured that your team is effectively working to represent our industry on this costly issue. National Automatic Merchandising Association: 20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 3500, Chicago, IL 60606. Phone: 312-346-0370, 312-704-4140.Copyright © 2009 NAMA. All Rights Reserved.

Blind CafÉ owner Triumphs In Light of Challenges
By Trey Williams
Note: Louisiana Press Release September 11, 2009, contact: Trey Williams 225-342-6700
In less than two years, Janice Foster, a Baton Rouge business owner who is legally blind, went from being a cafeteria worker to achieving more than $100,000 in gross sales at her restaurant, Vittles Cafe’, which is a Randolph-Sheppard food service facility.
Foster lost her sight more than nine years ago as a result of diabetes. She also underwent a successful kidney and pancreas transplant. Refusing to allow her vision loss and medical condition to keep her from a love of cooking, she took a job working in a cafeteria.
This full-service cafeteria located inside of the Louisiana Workforce Commission building in Baton Rouge, was a Randolph-Sheppard facility managed by Herbert Reado, who is blind and the current President of Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of Louisiana. Five months into the job, Foster realized that she wanted more for herself and family. Reado encouraged Foster to utilize the services of Louisiana Rehabilitation Services (LRS) the same way he did, so she could start her own business.
Foster took Reado’s advice and completed the Randolph-Sheppard Business Enterprise Program administered by LRS, an agency under the Department of Social Services (DSS) which provides citizens who are blind with training and self-support, to own and operate a business.
“The Randolph-Sheppard program serves as a resource to Louisiana citizens who are visually impaired, like Janice Foster, on their paths to independence and entrepreneurship,” said DSS Secretary Kristy Nichols. “Foster is a great example of determination and has overcome many challenges in her life to successfully accomplish what others dream of, doing what they enjoy while earning a salary.”
In August, Foster celebrated the one-year anniversary of her restaurant, Vittle’s Cafe’. Since opening the restaurant, Foster’s sales have surpassed LRS’ benchmark of $25,000 in net sales for a Randolph-Sheppard vendor. Vittles Cafe’ is located inside the Louisiana Department of Agriculture in Baton Rouge.
The restaurant serves the building’s 450 state employees. Foster employs at least one employee, who most of the time is a family member. The cafe’ is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Randolph-Sheppard vendors manage a wide variety of food-service operations, including cafeterias, coffee and snack shops, vending machine locations, highway rest area vending sites and retail facilities in federal, state and government buildings and military sites. In Louisiana, there are currently 87 Randolph-Sheppard vending facilities that employ more than 400 employees and achieve more than 15.4 million dollars in gross sales.
Since 1936, the Randolph-Sheppard Act has provided a means for tens of thousands of American citizens who are blind or visually impaired, to earn a living, competing as both employees and entrepreneurs in a field that otherwise would be virtually inaccessible to them.
Eligibility for the Randolph-Sheppard Business Enterprise Program is based upon an individual with a significant visual disability, qualifying for vocational rehabilitation services. For more information or to apply for service, contact LRS Executive Director for Blind Services, Kevin Monk, at 225-219-2943 or kmonk@dss.state.la.us
 (Note: Janice received RSVA’s George Arsnow Award last year and was with us at Sagebrush 2010. Congratulations Janice!)

WHAT’S NEW?
By: Ardis Bazyn, RSVA Secretary
 (To submit items for this column, please send information to Ardis Bazyn, 2121 Scott Road, Number 105, Burbank, California 91504 or e-mail abazyn@bazyncommunications.com  The appearance of any items in this column does not imply any endorsement by the RSVA Board or the Publications Committee.)
TECHNOLOGY TO USE ON THE JOB
HumanWare Victor Reader Stream CD Edition 
HumanWare has released a new model of its Victor Reader Stream portable DAISY, MP3 player and voice recorder. Victor Reader Stream CD Edition combines the VR Stream and a special CD player accessory.
Stream CD Edition is perfect for people who do not have a personal computer. It is the easiest way to transfer a DAISY book on CD onto one single, portable audio playback device without the use of a computer. With the Stream CD Edition, there is a solution. It is ideal for readers who listen to DAISY CD books and do not use a Computer. It is easy to use. Just attach the CD drive to the Stream, load the CD book, and press a single button to copy it to the Stream. A short “Getting Started” audio book explains the steps and plays automatically when you power on the Stream CD Edition. The Stream CD Edition has the full feature set of the standard Stream, so if users want to go beyond just listening to their DAISY CD books, they can enjoy other types of books and music and even use the voice recorder. All documentation and tutorials are supplied on the SD card.
The package includes one VR Stream with all the usual accessories (rechargeable battery and charger, ear buds, USB cables, documentation CD and a 2gb SD card) and one VR Stream CD player accessory especially designed to be used with the Stream. The CD player accessory is also available for purchase by existing Stream users who may not have a computer and are relying on others to transfer their CD DAISY books. Only the CD player supplied by HumanWare should be used as other CD drives are not electrically compatible and can damage the Stream. For more information about these or other HumanWare products, please visit us at www.humanware.com/streamcd   or call 800-722-3393 or 925-680-7100.
Mobile Speak 4
Code Factory has introduced Mobile Speak 4, a screen reader for anyone who wishes to enhance his/her use of a mobile phone. Mobile Speak 4 is cross-platform: you can move your license between Symbian and Windows Mobile phones. Mobile Speak 4 is touch: you can use touch screen phones such as the Nokia N97, the HTC Touch Pro 2, and many others, with traditional keyboard shortcuts, as well as touchscreen gestures and commands. Mobile Speak 4 is multi-voice: you get three high quality voices from Acapela or Loquendo for the price of one. Mobile Speak 4 supports the latest devices running on the latest operating systems, Windows Mobile 6.5 and Symbian S60 5th Edition. On Symbian, Mobile Speak 4 also brings support for Quickword: www.quickoffice.com/  to edit and read documents by character, word, sentence or paragraph, as well as for Fring: www.fring.com/default.asp  to make VOIP calls and chat on instant messaging. On Windows Mobile, Mobile Speak 4 brings new Internet Explorer support which will allow you to navigate by headings, links, forms, etc. You can search for text, and even add bookmarks to web pages.
More features can also be expected; such as a backlight option to save battery power, the possibility to stop Mobile Speak while reading, a privacy mode to use the phone with a locked static background image, and more. To consult the full list of supported devices, take a look at the following website: www.codefactory.es/en/phoneslist.asp?id=342   
Download Mobile Speak 4 at: www.codefactory.es/en/downloads.asp?id=347 
And try it for 30 days for free. Everyone can try it, new users as well as existing users who have already used a version, whether full or trial, of a past version of Mobile Speak. To learn more visit: www.codefactory.es/en/page.asp?id=402 
 If you are already a user of Mobile Speak and wish to upgrade to Mobile Speak 4, contact your distributor to purchase an upgrade license. In addition to all the improvements and new features of Mobile Speak 4, if you purchase an upgrade to Mobile Speak 4, you will also get Mobile Magnifier, Mobile DAISY Player, Color Recognizer, and the Games for free. To consult the complete list of Code Factory’s official distributors, visit: www.codefactory.es/en/page.asp?id=351 
To learn more about Mobile Speak 4, visit them at: www.codefactory.es/en/products.asp?id=318 
To read more about Code Factory, check out: www.codefactory.es
 SOCIAL NETWORKING SITE INFO 
FaceBook Alternatives
Social networking sites seem to be the way many people connect today. For those with visual impairments, facebook.com can be quite daunting. Alternative sites that may be easier to use are: light.facebook.com and m.facebook.com.
Social Networks E-mail List
There is a list for blind people on social networks. Subscribe and post your questions. The address is sn-subscribe@raineemusic.com  and then reply to the confirmation request.
 LinkedIn for Blind Users
If you are interested in learning about social networking sites, you can read a book that tells you about three popular ways to connect with people. Social Networking and You: Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn for Blind Users was written by Anna Dresner from the National Braille Press. It is available in Braille, eBraille, text, and DAISY formats, for $12.00. Whether you want to start a job search with LinkedIn contacts, want to “tweet” your friends, or find old friends on Facebook, social networking sites are the place to be. It seems like everyone these days is spending at least some of their time on social networking sites.
If you're not participating, you may feel left out - and it doesn't help that none of these sites were designed with blind users in mind! But what exactly do Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn have to offer? How do you get started on them? What about issues of privacy? This book is designed to help you learn about these three social networking sites so that you can decide which, if any, you wish to join.
 Anna Dresner gives you enough information to get started; she describes how these sites work right now and gives you some idea about the sorts of things you can do on them. Anna offers commands and strategies for navigating these sites with screen readers, and includes pointers for handling specific situations using JAWS, Window-Eyes and System Access, and VoiceOver on the Mac.
 Note: The DAISY version of this book will work with any version of FSReader, which comes free with every installation of JAWS. You can read the full table of contents for this book, or you can order it at www.nbp.org/ic/nbp/SOCIAL.html 
 
To order a book, send payment to: NBP, 88 St. Stephen St., Boston, MA, 02115-4302 or call and charge it toll-free 800-548-7323 or 617-266-6160, ext 20. Order any books online at: www.nbp.org/ic/nbp/publications/index.html 

HEALTH HELPS
Cleaning for a Reason
If you know any woman currently undergoing chemo please pass the word
to her that there is a cleaning service that provides FREE housecleaning one time per month, for four months while she is in treatment.
All she has to do is sign up and have her doctor fax a note confirming the treatment. Cleaning for a Reason will have a participating maid service in her zip code area arrange for the service.
Visit http://www.cleaningforareason.org   This organization serves the entire USA and currently has 547 partners to help these women.
 Free or Low-Cost Prescription Drugs 
If your health insurance doesn't cover your medications, there are several organizations that may help you get the prescription medication you need. Many local drugstores located inside of grocery stores are trying to bring in customers by offering free antibiotics. To find a local drugstore near you participating in this offer for free antibiotics, you will have to call all of the grocery store drugstores in your area. Many grocery store clubs will send out a post card with this offer so keep your eye on the mail. Sign up with all of the grocery store clubs in your area to get these offers. Some of these offers are only good for club members.
Visit the Partnership for Prescription Assistance website. You will be directed to the prescription drug assistance programs that fit your personal needs based on eligibility. For more information on this program, call 888-477-2669 or visit their website at www.pparx.org 
Your doctor may have free medicine samples. Ask him/her for generic prescriptions when possible. Not all generic drugs are as good as their name brand counterpart but many of them are. Many insurance companies will offer reduced co-payments for generic drugs that may be more affordable. Your doctor may also have coupons for free prescription drugs from the drug manufacturer or may be able to sign you up for free prescription drug programs. Check out the following websites for other relevant information: www.ehow.com/how_5291486_prescription-low-cost-prescription-medication.html   and www.needymeds.com 
These websites provide coupons, patient assistance program applications, and information on discount pharmacy programs. They don't charge for their service and you can check on state specific programs, disease specific or by brand or generic name of a medication. You can also click through to the actual application in many cases. They also have listings of health clinics in some areas of the country.
The needymeds website provides links directly to the pharmacy-based programs as well as the applications. The samples you may be able to get will hold you over until the PAP (Patient Assistance Program) etc. application can be processed.
To qualify for extra help from Medicare drug programs, people must meet certain resource and income limits. The new Medicare law eases requirements for Medicare prescription assistance in two ways.
First, it eliminates the cash value of life insurance as a resource. Second, it eliminates the assistance people receive from others to pay for household expenses, such as food, rent, mortgage or utilities, from counting as income. There also is another important “twist” in the law. The application for extra help can now start the application process for Medicare Savings Programs -- state programs that provide help with other Medicare costs. These programs help pay Medicare Part B (medical insurance) premiums. For some people, the Medicare Savings Programs also pay Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) premiums, if any, and Part A and B deductibles and co-payments. To learn more about the extra help program and to view the new TV spot featuring Chubby Checker, go to: www.socialsecurity.gov/extrahelp 
 
Format Change Notice for SSI/ SSDI Recipients
If you have a visual impairment that substantially limits your ability to see, and require materials in an accessible format in order to participate in these programs, you may request a format change for all documents communicated to you through the Social Security Administration. If you are blind or visually impaired and either receive benefits yourself under Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or you receive benefits as a representative payee for someone else, you can ask the Social Security Administration to send you notices in another format, even if they have not notified you of this option. In fact, people who have visual impairments can request information in alternate formats at the time they apply for any benefits from the Social Security Administration.
If you already receive benefits, you should have already been contacted by the Social Security Administration. The change was implemented after the case, American Council of the Blind v. Astrue, recognized that you have the right under federal law (Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act) to ask for notices and other information about your benefits from SSA in a format in addition to print. This notice would have told you how to ask for your preferred format.
If you already have chosen to get your notices by means of a telephone call, you should have received a call that read this notice to you by February 1, 2010. By law, SSA must always consider your requested preferred format. SSA automatically grants requests for the formats listed below:
1. Standard print notice by first class or certified mail, or
2. Standard print notice by first class mail and a follow-up telephone call to read the notices to you within five business days of the date you get the print notice, or
3. Standard print notice and Braille by first class mail (delivery began April 15, 2010), or
4. Standard print notice and a Microsoft Word compact disc by first class mail (delivery began April 15, 2010). The compact disc may be used on a computer that has the software needed to access Word, but not in an audio CD player.
To select one of the formats SSA automatically provides, please contact SSA through one of the following ways: Visit the web site at www.socialsecurity.gov/notices   and follow the steps provided or call us at 877-708-1776. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may call the SSA TTY number at 800-325-0778 or write or visit your local Social Security office. If the formats listed above do not work for you, you may ask for another format. To ask for another format, please call 800-772-1213 so that SSA can begin processing your request. SSA will consider your request and decide if they can provide it, according to court-approved guidelines. If SSA decides against your request, they will send you the reasons in writing and the method of appealing the decision.
SSA will request personal information (such as your name, e-mail address, Social Security number, or date of birth) only as necessary, to administer the programs.
When you request a preferred notice format, SSA will ask you for personal information to verify who you are and to ensure that SSA correctly processes your request. SSA 65 will use the information you provide only for those purposes or as otherwise permitted by law.
SSA does not ask you to send personal information by e-mail to request a preferred notice format. SSA does not ask you for credit card information to request a preferred notice format.
MISCELLANEOUS 
Free Federal Cell Phone 
If a household receives state or federal assistance (food stamps, HUD, Medicaid, Social Security Disability, free lunch program, TANF, etc.) they qualify for one free cell phone. The cell phone comes with 50 free minutes each month (number of minutes depends on the state) and rollover for any unused minutes. Households have the ability to purchase more minutes. The phone service includes voice-mail, call waiting, caller ID, and nationwide long distance. Check out https://www.reachoutmobile.com/   or call the toll free number 877-870-9444.
This SafeLink service is funded through the Universal Service Fund, which is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company and is an independent, not-for-profit corporation set up by the Federal Communications Commission. The USF is sustained by contributions from telecommunications such as long distance companies, local telephone companies, wireless telephone companies, paging companies, and payphone providers. The companies often charge customers to fund their contributions in the form of a universal service fee you might see on your monthly phone bill. The fund is then parceled out to companies that create programs, such as SafeLink, to provide telecommunications service to rural areas and low-income households.
Book Talk List
Do you like to read? Do you like to discuss what you've read? Join the Book Talk List. It’s called Booktalk. Discussion includes anything relating to books and issues for the visually impaired or blind. Topics include: how you read books, preference of Braille or audio, devices used, reviews of books you've read and enjoyed, asking questions about ones you haven't and why, and comments on your favorite authors or the characters they create and or series they write.
Anything to do with books is acceptable. You will receive a warm courteous welcome. The only rule is the one that applies to any public forum, that you respect the views of others. There are two ways you can join. You can write to blindman@sdf.lonestar.org  and you will be added to the list. You can also send a blank e-mail to book_talk-subscribe@jammerman.net  and answer the confirmation request.
Page By Page
Page by Page, presented by the National Library of Canada, is a bilingual site that can be accessed in both English and French. In addition to being entertaining, it emphasizes the creativity that goes into developing children's literature. You'll follow 2 books, Zoom Upstream by Tim Wynne-Jones and School by Ginette Anfousse, from the inception of the story idea through finding the ideal illustrator, the printing cycle and then finally 'to market. There are lesson plans to aid educators and parents to help children understand the writing process.
This site is geared toward children's books, but it just might steer your budding novelist or yourself on the path to writing the great American novel! Check it out: http://epe.lacbac.gc.ca/100/200/301/lac-bac/page_by_page-ef/www.lac-bac  
 
Tandem Cycling Website
 A great resource on tandem cycling that offers the ability to search for stokers and pilots has recently been released. Go to: www.bicyclingblind.org   To maximize the search feature, it is necessary to enter your zip code while completing your user profile. The closest stoker or pilots (your choice) will be listed by closest zip codes. Additional information can be provided in your profile specifying what kind of cycling you enjoy, and filters can be used in the search to find matching pilots or stokers. For instance, you can search for a pilot who is a mountain biker. You can also define whether you need a pilot who has a tandem available as well as other relevant information.
 Motel-Hotel Scam
Watch out for this scam. You arrive at your hotel and check in at the front desk. When checking in, you give the front desk your credit card (for all the charges for your room).
You get to your room and settle in. Someone calls the front desk and asks for Room 620, which happens to be your room. Your phone rings in your room. You answer and the person on the other end says the following: “This is the front desk. When checking you in, we came across a problem with your credit card information. Could you please read me your credit card number and verify the last 3 digits on the reverse side of your credit card.”
You might give this person your information, since the call seems to come from the front desk. It is a scam, of course, and not the front desk.
They ask for a random room number, and then ask you for credit card information and possibly other information, sounding so professional that you might think you are talking to the front desk. If you ever encounter this problem on your vacation, tell the caller that you will go down to the front desk to clear up any problems. Then, go to the front desk and ask if there was a problem. If there was none, inform the manager of the hotel that someone called to scam you of your credit card information acting like a front desk employee.

RSVA COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS
STANDING COMMITTEES
Awards: Robert Matuszak (GA) 404-681-5257 (work) 404-680-1705 (cell) kanashi@aol.com 
Constitution & By Laws: Ardis Bazyn (CA) 818-238-9321 abazyn@bazyncommunications.com 
Convention: Hazel Harmon (CA) 760-419-0717 hazeljharmon@gmail.com 
Credentials: Terry Camardelle (LA) 504-416-8392, rsvaterry@juno.com 
Finance & Budget: Terry Camardelle (LA) 504-416-8392, rsvaterry@juno.com 
Legislative: Ron Eller, (NC) 828-726-0025, mreller1@charter.net 
Membership: John Gordon (IL) 312-491-0752, ICBV@sbcglobal.net 
Publication: Janet Wetmore (IL) 847-456-4193 janwetmore@charter.net 
Public Relations: Hazel Harmon (CA) 760-419-0717 hazeljharmon@gmail.com 
Resolutions: Ardis Bazyn (CA) 818-238-9321, abazyn@bazyncommunications.com 
Ways & Means: David Hanlon (CA) 858-610-0825 d_hanlon@san.rr.com

AD HOC COMMITTEES
Bingo: Terry Camardelle (LA) 504-347-7876, rsvaterry@juno.com 
Legal: John Gordon (IL) 312-491-0752, ICBV@sbcglobal.net 
National Accounts: Dan Sippl (WI) 715-839-8591 (home), 715-839-8591
(work) 715-828-9088 (cell), sippl@charter.net 
 Oasis Project/Roadside Rest Areas: Roy Harmon (CA) 760-419-0885 reharmon@gmail.com 
Planning: Ardis Bazyn (CA) 818-238-9321 abazyn@bazyncommunications.com 

Randolph Sheppard Vendors of America Membership Application
YEAR FIRST JOINED__________
NEW MEMBER________ RENEWAL________
 HOME
First Name ___________________Last Name____________________
Address____________________________________________________
City_________________________State_________________________
Zip Code_____________________Phone________________________
Fax__________________________Email_________________________
 
BUSINESS
Business name______________________________________________
Work Address_______________________________________________
Work City_____________________Work State____________________
Work Zip Code_________________Work Phone___________________
Cellular_______________________Beeper_______________________
 
MEMBERSHIP
(Please Check One)
Regular Member: Dues $10.00. Any legally blind person who manages or is an employee in a facility.
Associate Member: Dues $10.00. Any interested person, business or organization wishing to support the aims and goals of R.S.V.A.
Life Member: Free, retired, 5-year member nominated by state affiliate. Or any member in good standing wishing to become a Life Member for a one time donation of $1,000.00.
Corporate Member: Any business or organization wishing to support the goals of R.S.V.A. Please contact the national office for details.
Vendor ____ Spouse____
Member Profile
Administrator____Employee____
 Other___________________________________________________
 Blind______ Partial______ Sighted______
 
VENDORSCOPE
Large Print______ Duplicate______ (Do not send)______Cassette______ E-mail______
 
BRAILLE FORUM
Large Print______Cassette______Braille______Disk______
 
DONATIONS
Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America $__________________
Durward K. McDaniel Memorial Fund $___________ A legacy of legal support
SIGNATURE____________________________ DATE / / /
 Dues are due January 1st, delinquent March 1st of each year.
 Please mail this form with your check made out to:
RSVA National Office
Terry Camardelle, Treasurer
940 Parc Helene Drive
Marrero, LA 70072-2421
Phone: 504-328-6373 Toll-Free: 800-467-5299
Fax: 504-328-6372 E-mail: Kim.Venable@att.net 

RSVA OFFICERS
Charles Glaser, President
6124 Windsong Way
Stone Mountain, GA 30087
770-925-1822 (home/work/fax)
678-521-2976 (cell)
cglaser@bellsouth.net

 
Warren Toyama, 2nd
Vice-President
1255 Nuuanu Ave, Apt E-1102
Honolulu, HI 96817
808-521-6213 (home)
808-833-4026 (work)
808-861-1308 (fax)
808-783-4463 (cell)
toyamaj005@hawaii.rr.com

 
John Gordon, 1st Vice President
P.O.Box 5538
Chicago, IL 60680
312-491-0752 (work)
312-663-0752 (fax)
312-217-0752 (cell)
ICBV@sbcglobal.net

 
Terry Camardelle, Treasurer
1029 Parc Helene Drive
Marrero, LA 70072
504-347-7826 (home)
504-416-8302 (work/cell)
rsvaterry@juno.com

 
Ardis Bazyn, Secretary
500 South 3rd Street, Apt H
Burbank, CA 91502-1476
818-238-9321 (home/work/fax)
818-209-8684 (cell)
abazyn@bazyncommunications.com

 
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Charles L.Carroll (AL) 205-280-7581 (home), 251-533-9812 (work/cell) cc3054@bellsouth.net 
Ron Eller (NC) 828-726-0025 (home), 828-291-2003 (cell) mreller1@charter.net 
David Hanlon (CA) 858-277-7964 (home), 858-610-0825 (work/cell) d_hanlon@san.rr.com 
Robert Matuszak (GA) 404-681-5257 (work), 404-680-1705 (cell) kanashi@aol.com 
Rick Petersen (OK) 405-577-2331 (home), 405-713-1825 (work) 405-818-9129 (cell), hannah.petersen@sbcglobal.net 
Dan Sippl (WI) 715-839-8591 (home), 715-839-8591 (work) 715-828-9088 (cell), sippl@charter.net 
Myles Tamashiro (HI) 808-626-0535 (home), 808-326-2888 (work) 808-284-6744 (cell), Tamashirm006@hawaii.rr.com
Janet Wetmore, (IL) 847-456-4193 (cell), janwetmore@charter.net