Spring
2015
BISM’S BIG BASH FUNDRAISER MIXES FUN WITH GENEROSITY
By AMY CROUSE & DANIELLE EARL
A great time was had by all at the 7th annual BISM’s Big Bash fundraiser, which was held on March 28 at the
Mardela Springs Fire Company. The live music provided by MP Steel (Tom and Donna Clark) and DJ Papa D
(Dan Woytowitz) had everyone dancing, moving and grooving! The Mardela Women’s Auxiliary and
Volunteer Fireman prepared the most wonderful chicken, baked ziti, vegetables, and desserts!
Our ticket auction prize baskets were so jam-packed with prizes that attendees could not believe the generosity
of our donors. The cupcake 50/50 auction was fun and the gift wheel had everyone cheering as many super
gifts were available for each winner to choose from. There was high activity at the blackjack and dice games
and players were excited that volunteer firemen and women were working the tables for us again this year.
Due to so many generous donations and the success of our raffles, we raised in excess of $9,400 for the
Salisbury Training Center for Blind Seniors. The Big Bash has proven to be our most lucrative fundraiser
because of monetary support from the Ocean City Elks, Salisbury Lions, the American Legion and Rotary
business leaders. Many individuals and several businesses also gave us checks during this fundraising season.
Our students and rehab staff collected fantastic donations for our raffles and giveaways, and we had terrific
volunteers which made this year’s fundraiser legendary. We always have a fantastic time at BISM’s Big Bash!
We want to thank the Mardela Springs Volunteer Firemen and women, BISM management, rehab staff and
students, community organizations, local businesses, families, friends, and supporters for all their help and
participation this year. This event would not happen without the support from so many kind, talented, and
generous people! The Salisbury Training Center for Blind Seniors has greatly benefitted from this outpouring
of love and friendship!
“Like” Blind Industries and Services of Maryland on Facebook
NEW FUNDRAISING TEAM
JOINS BISM
By SCOTT WALTERS &
PHILLIP MASON
Scott Walters
joined Blind
Industries and
Services of
Maryland in
November 2014 as
Phillip Mason (left) and
the new Director Scott Walters
of Fundraising and
Outreach. Walters has nearly 30 years
experience working for several
nonprofits throughout the country. Prior
to joining BISM, Walters was the Chief
Development Officer of MAP
International based in Atlanta and he led
the national Arthritis Foundation’s
strategic marketing program for years.
Phillip Mason joined the Development
Department as the Grant Writer in
September 2014. Phillip attended
Wisconsin School for the Visually
Handicapped and earned a Bachelors in
Sports Management from Cardinal
Stritch University.
FUNDRAISING DEPARTMENT HOSTS OPEN HOUSE
By SCOTT WALTERS
Approximately 50 community leaders from throughout the
Baltimore area attended BISM’s Open
House on April 24 at our Baltimore
headquarters. The Open House was
hosted by the Fundraising and Outreach
department to help enlarge our network
of friends, supporters, and key
stakeholders. We were honored to have
Maryland Delegate Terri Hill take part
in the Open House.
Attendees were treated to lunch and
goody bags filled with items produced
within the Baltimore plant and literature
about our blind training programs.
BISM President Frederick J. Puente and associates Nikki Jackson
and Johnna Harrison spoke about all that BISM has to offer, and
Director of Fundraising and Outreach Scott Walters encouraged
the attendees to consider volunteering for BISM, donating to the
cause or becoming future customers. Tours of the Baltimore
production and rehabilitation divisions were given by BISM
associates.
The Fundraising and Outreach department will host several more
Open Houses at other BISM operations including Cumberland and
Salisbury, MD and Raleigh, NC. For more information about
future Open Houses, email Scott Walters at [email protected].
SENIOR SERVICES HOSTS COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS FOR BLIND SENIORS
By SHIRLEY RIFFLE
BISM Senior Services has presented numerous one-day Community Workshops
around the state over the past few months. What is a Community Workshop? It is
a traveling, group skills training event that brings BISM services into local
communities for seniors losing vision. Seniors are taught a customized selection
of Technology, Financial Independence, Life Skills, Cooking, Cane Travel,
Braille, Adapted Devices and Diabetes Management!
We’ve recently served over 60 senior citizens losing vision from the following
counties: Prince George’s, Montgomery, Howard, Frederick, Cecil, Charles,
Baltimore County, and Baltimore City. Recent workshop host sites have included
Independence & Information for the Blind in Hyattsville; Florence Bain Senior
Center in Columbia; Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (LBPH) in
Baltimore City; and Charlestown Retirement Community in Catonsville.
CONGRATULATIONS TO REHAB PROGRAM GRADS
By STEPHEN POLACEK & SHIRLEY RIFFLE
The entire BISM organization would like to congratulate the following graduates of BISM’s Rehabilitation
training programs for adults (CORE) and seniors (SAIL):
Ebony Sapp graduated from the CORE Program on January 7. She just finished her first semester of college
while in training and she’ll be continuing her education with the help of DORS.
Kim Valko graduated from BISM’s CORE and College Prep program on January 14. Kim really came out of
her shell and became a confident individual who knows what she wants to do. She’ll be continuing her
education and seeking a degree in Education with the goal of becoming a teacher.
The Seniors Achieving Independent Living (SAIL) program has been busy this Spring with three graduations!
Francoise Maceus, who graduated on March 11, was a nurse prior to her vision loss and plans on working
with seniors in local nursing homes. She continues to enjoy travel to Canada and plans on attending BISM
Senior Support Group meetings and activities at her local NFB chapter.
Ernest Morris, who graduated March 11, was a funeral home employee for 32 years prior to his vision loss
and plans to resume work with a local funeral home. Ernest maintains his 32-foot boat and actively continues
woodworking in his home wood shop. He is a regular participant in the BISM Senior Support Group.
Annie Sinkler, who graduated on March 26, had four generations of her family in attendance at the graduation
ceremony. Annie’s plans include continuing Braille studies at BISM-sponsored classes at the Library for the
Blind and attending BISM Senior Support Group meetings.
(From left): Ebony Sapp (right) with CORE instructor Jennifer Bopp; Kim Valko (right) with CORE instructor Anica Zlotescu; SAIL graduates
Francoise Maceus (left) and Ernest Morris; Annie Sinkler (center) with SAIL coordinators Ruth Sager (left) and Shirley Riffle.
ASSOCIATE OF THE QUARTER WINNERS
A big congratulations to all of the winners of the BISM Associate of the Quarter award for the 1st Quarter of
2015: Rehabilitation - Anica Zlotescu; Cumberland Production - Autumn Buckley; Salisbury Production Glenn Brown; Baltimore Production - Linwood Boyd; AbilityOne BSCs - Peggy Hogan; and Raleigh
Production - Linwood Wallace.
BISM’S WALL OF RECOGNITION
Blind Industries and Services of Maryland’s Wall of Recognition honors associates who are celebrating
an anniversary of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, or 35 years of employment at BISM during the year of 2015. The
entire organization congratulates the following associates for their dedicated service and commitment
to BISM!
35 YEARS
Larry Richardson—Baltimore
Johnna Harrison—Baltimore
Glenda Daniels—Cumberland
Stacey Johns—Cumberland
25 YEARS
Richard Brown—Salisbury Cutting
Holly Engler—Aberdeen BSC
Tammy Humbertson—Cumberland Nicole DiSeta—Aberdeen BSC
5 YEARS
Maria Ramos—Baltimore
Ashley Goodin—Ft. Knox BSC
Goldie Stanley—Salisbury
Marion Garrison—Cumberland
Thomas Pruitt—Salisbury
George Shockley—Salisbury
Stephen Brafford—Cumberland Kenneth Hurst—Salisbury
William Jones—Baltimore
Lilly Ballard—Salisbury Cutting Michael Backstrom—Andrews BSC
Alycia Breitschwerdt—Baltimore
20 YEARS
10 YEARS
Rodney Serisis—Baltimore
Frederick Puente—Baltimore
Charles Jackson—Baltimore
Maurice Peret—Baltimore
Ruth Sager—Baltimore
Charlese Anderson—Baltimore
Fermin Kelly-Beret—Salisbury Cutting
15 YEARS
Kathleen Niskey—Salisbury
Paul Messick—Salisbury Cutting Dioiris Kelly—Salisbury Cutting
Liam Lindsay—Baltimore
Elizabeth King—Baltimore
Thomas Wright—Baltimore
Kirke Messick—Salisbury Cutting Philip Cheek—Cumberland
Rene Alonso—Baltimore
Barbara Shrieves—Salisbury
Shannon Grant—JBAB BSC
Kelly Robinson—Baltimore
Robbie Johnson—Cumberland
Melissa Lindsay—Baltimore
Richard Murray—Aberdeen BSC Judy Bosler—Ft. Knox BSC
Edward Lancaster—Ft. Knox BSC Christopher Reed—Dover BSC
Connie Wallace—Salisbury
Christopher Spalt—Aberdeen BSC Brittany King—Baltimore
Chae Sparrow—Salisbury
Shaun Sheeder—Baltimore
Shanelle Hillard—Baltimore
Rosa Purnell—Salisbury
Glenn Brown—Salisbury Cutting
Steven Allen—Baltimore
Sabrina Lankford—Salisbury
Paul Scruggs—Baltimore
Natalie Langston—Baltimore
SUPER EAGLE SUPPLY HONORED BY MILFORD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
On April 17, the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Milford, DE (CCGM) celebrated their 25th anniversary
with an Awards and Volunteer Appreciation Dinner and Dance at the Milford Senior Center. At the event,
CCGM announced the winners of the 2015 “10 of the Best” awards.
This year the nominees for Non-Profit Organization of the Year were Milford School District, People’s Place
and Super Eagle Supply/BISM. All of these organizations provide services throughout Milford to citizens who
are in need. We are proud to announce that Super Eagle Supply, the e-commerce division of BISM, was the
winner! Congratulations to the Super Eagle Supply team of Kevin Gillespie, Bill Kendall, Rachel Workman,
and Erica Hedden!
Pearl Franko—Raleigh
28
1
Gustavo Melendez—Raleigh
29
Rosa Purnell—Salisbury
1
Rosenda Hahner—Salisbury
2
John Grizzel—Baltimore
30
Alycia Breitschwerdt—Baltimore
1
Robert McMahan—Baltimore
2
Ebony Johnson—Raleigh
1
Xinh Nguyen—Salisbury
2
Christine Tucker—Salisbury Cutting
1
Jessica Brasseal—JBAB BSC
1
Susan Paulikowski—Salisbury
2
Courtney Keys—Cumberland
3
Joongeui Kim—Salisbury
2
Shelia Scarborough—Salisbury Cutting
2
Linda Schaffer—Salisbury
3
Stanley Wafford—Ft. Knox BSC
2
Tavaris Johnson—Raleigh
2
Phillip Mason—Baltimore
3
James Barnes—Cumberland
3
April
Deborah Nack—Salisbury Cutting
May
June
Joseph Stefursky—Salisbury
3
Dilywamh Rosa-Rivera—Salisbury
5
Thelma Floyd—Raleigh
4
Judyth Beckward—Cumberland
4
Terri McLean—Raleigh
5
Agnes Wilkins—Salisbury
4
Johnna Harrison—Baltimore
4
David Morrow—Dover BSC
6
Mark Winchester—Baltimore
4
Thomas Owens—Baltimore
4
Marshall Wilkins—Raleigh
6
Gary Miller—Cumberland
6
Hyekyung Kim—Salisbury
5
Terri Sculla—Baltimore
6
Lester Johnson—Raleigh
7
Rob Ennamorato—Baltimore
5
Nikos Daley—Baltimore
7
Melissa Stott—Cumberland
7
Christopher Reed—Dover BSC
5
Denise Burton—Raleigh
7
Sarah Baebler—Baltimore
7
Michael Windows—Dover BSC
6
Kelly Robinson—Baltimore
8
Samuel Neal—Raleigh
7
Jacqueline Gainey—Raleigh
6
Tracy Nowland—Ft. Knox BSC
8
Michael Peery—Baltimore
9
Shih Wu—Salisbury
9
William Price—Baltimore
9
Barry Councill—Aberdeen BSC
9
Nathaniel Greene—Baltimore
9
Tom Haderman—Baltimore
11
Maribel Sanchez—Raleigh
10
Joseph Carter—Raleigh
12
Cynthia Reynolds—Salisbury
11
Melody Kohlhaus—Baltimore
11
Sean Kennedy—Reston BSC
13
Jeffrey Tucker—Raleigh
12
William Kendall—Dover BSC
12
Justin Shroyer—Baltimore
14
Mei Wu Yao—Salisbury
13
Yolanda Payton—JBAB BSC
15
Tina Batchelder—Salisbury Cutting
14
Louis Ghobrial—Raleigh
14
Clarice Hayward—Salisbury
15
Jamie Tran—Salisbury
15
James Crowell—Raleigh
15
Janice Diggs –Raleigh
16
Carla Glenn—Raleigh
16
Anthony Smith—Cumberland
16
Paul Doyle—Raleigh
16
Sean McAteer—Cumberland
16
Sanela Hotic—Edgewood BSC
16
Elizabeth King—Baltimore
17
Hyoun Park—Salisbury
16
Kenny Merritt—Baltimore
16
James Ritchie—Ft. Knox BSC
17
Christine Koch—Cumberland
16
Carla Coates-Hutchinson—Baltimore
17
Jacques Beauvoir—Salisbury
17
Erica Hedden—Dover BSC
16
Beulah Evans—Raleigh
18
John Ballard—Salisbury Cutting
18
Malcolm Crumpler—Raleigh
16
Herbert Everett—Raleigh
18
Josephine Matthews—Salisbury
18
Albert Newman—Baltimore
18
Maureen Hott—Cumberland
18
Shalanda Adams—Raleigh
18
Tracy Duffy—Raleigh
19
Zahia Najm—Raleigh
18
Andrea Johnson—Baltimore
21
Brittany King—Baltimore
20
Carrie Fleetwood—Salisbury Cutting
20
Wellington Snow—Cumberland
23
Charles Jackson, Jr—Baltimore
20
David Bouchard—Baltimore
21
Young Kwon—Salisbury
23
William Sheffield—Aberdeen BSC
20
Kirke Messick—Salisbury Cutting
21
Sherry Dean—Cumberland
24
Rebecca Sexauer—Salisbury
21
Tony Warner—Baltimore
22
Gregg Kalifut—Baltimore
24
Ahmad Janbaz Bandegan—Raleigh
22
Christopher Spalt—Aberdeen BSC
22
Michael Stegmaier—Cumberland
24
Brian Fredrickson—Dover BSC
22
Hue Tran—Salisbury
22
Soon Ja Kim—Salisbury
24
Mark McLean—Raleigh
23
Michael Garnto—Baltimore
22
Goldie Stanley—Salisbury
25
Delmor Adkins—Cumberland
24
Rim Brooks—Raleigh
22
Kathleen Jones—Salisbury
26
Hae Kim—Salisbury
24
Ramona Ramsey—Cumberland
26
Soon Shin—Salisbury
26
Jerome Jones—Raleigh
24
Jessica Stevey—Cumberland
27
Stephen Ray—Cumberland
26
Charles Jackson—Baltimore
25
Kenneth Hurst—Salisbury
27
William Jones—Baltimore
28
Edward Lancaster—Ft. Knox BSC
25
Margaret Blume—Cumberland
31
Odiss McGee—Raleigh
28
Roger Plummer—Cumberland
26
Amy Lechliter—Cumberland
31
Thomas Cole—Baltimore
29
Rose Fosque—Salisbury Cutting
26
Nicole Helwig—Baltimore
31
Michael Freeman—Raleigh
29
Gregory Hodges—Raleigh
27
Steven Hairsine—Edgewood BSC
30
REHAB STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN BOWL-A-THON FOR GOOD CAUSE
By MELISSA LOMAX
On April 18, several rehabilitation staff and students participated in
the Maryland Parents of Blind Children Bowl-A-Thon: Striking out
Illiteracy. Some of the funds generated from this event will help buy
supplies for three Braille Enrichment through Learning and Literacy
(BELL) programs in this state, including one at the BISM Salisbury
plant! BISM staff and students formed two teams: BISM Fiya,
captained by Liz Moyer, included Rehab staff Dezman Jackson, Nikki
Jackson, Sarah Baebler, Karly Prinds, and CORE student Joy
Mistovich. The Caneables, captained by Melissa Lomax, included CORE students Juan Carter, Fatumata
Boiro, Waqas Sheikh, and Shelita Henery along with prospective CORE student, Terry Hall.
Out of the 11 participating teams, the Caneables took second place with CORE’s newest student, Juan Carter,
receiving the highest score on the team. Due to Shelita Henery’s previous experience working at a bowling
alley, she was able to remove the bumpers from the lane, a move that contributed to Caneables success. All
Bowl-a-Thon participants received a medal, and members of the Caneables team received a trophy. Overall,
the event was very fun and it enabled several students to experience their first time bowling as a blind person.
WELLNESS CORNER: HEALTH AND FITNESS MONTH
By DONNA CLARK, R.N.
The month of May is “Global Employee Health and Fitness Month.” We cannot stress enough the importance
of taking care of your body. Here are four easy steps for making your summer active and healthful:
Step #1: Exercise
The weather is warmer, which makes summer a great time to exercise. After all, now you won't have to battle
icy paths or freezing wind. Feel free to experiment until you find a way to exercise that is fun for you.
According to MyPlate, exercise can reduce your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol,
stroke, and Type 2 diabetes.
Step #2: Stock up on Fruits and Veggies
One great way to find fresh fruits and vegetables is by visiting a local farmers' market. At these markets, you
can often try samples, talk with farmers about the best way to prepare the foods, and get recommendations
about new foods that you might like. You can also get wonderful produce at most supermarkets. According to
MyPlate "Eating a diet rich in vegetables and fruits as part of an overall healthy diet may reduce risk for heart
disease, including heart attack and stroke, and it may also protect against certain types of cancers."
Step #3: Steer Clear of Empty Calories
MyPlate asserts "Solid fats and added sugars add calories to the food but few or no nutrients. For this reason,
the calories from solid fats and added sugars in a food are often called empty calories." A few empty calories
are fine, but the key is moderation. Have a small portion of a treat or find a more healthy alternative.
Step #4: Stay Hydrated!
Hydration is especially important in the hot summer months, even more so if you're going to be active and
exercising.
UPCOMING EVENTS
BISM Cumberland’s annual Blind
Bowl fundraiser will take place
Saturday, May 30 at 12 noon at
White Oak Lanes in Cumberland!
Experience firsthand how people
who are blind enjoy everyday
activities such as bowling using
alternative techniques. The cost is
$10 per person. Contact Roger
Williamson at 240-803-2091 or
[email protected] for ticket
sales and information.
Applications are being accepted for
BISM’s SILVER Retreat for legally
blind seniors 55 and over with a
strong desire for independence. The
free retreat is taking place June 912, and includes life skills training,
social activities, product demos, and
peer support. Hotel and meals are
also included! For more
information, contact Ruth Sager at
410-737-2649 or [email protected].
BISM REHAB ASSOCIATE HONORED
BISM Rehabilitation Director of Specialized
Programs Shirley Riffle received the
Excellence in Direct Service in
Rehabilitation Award on February 26 from
the DC/MD Association for Education and
Rehabilitation (AER).
Sue Schaffer, DORS’ Director of the Office
for Blindness and Vision Services,
presented Shirley with a plaque and gave a
very moving tribute with some fun
anecdotes. Shirley was gracious and very
supportive of her BISM team in her thank
you speech. We are proud to have Shirley as
a member of our Rehabilitation department!
Sign up now to be part of
TEAM BISM’s Charity Team
at the Baltimore Running
Festival on October 17! For
event info, registration forms,
and sponsorship
opportunities, contact Rene
Alonso at 410-299-6628 /
[email protected] or Phillip
Mason at 410-737-2661 /
[email protected].
CORE STUDENTS LEARN TO SEE THROUGH SOUND
By MAURICE PERET
On February 19-20, the CORE Rehabilitation
Department hosted Mr. Daniel Kish,
Executive Director of World Access for the
Blind, an international training program. Kish
is a Perceptual-Navigation Specialist,
Developmental Psychologist, and a renowned
expert in the accelerated approach to teaching
echolocation that he calls “FlashSonar.”
Mr. Kish conducted a seminar on February 19 with CORE staff
on the principles of FlashSonar, a method by which blind
travelers use a tongue click to emit powerful echoes that can
help increase their spatial and environmental awareness. On
February 20, CORE students and staff travelled with Daniel
Kish to a nearby indoor facility to practice what they learned.
The entire training event was captured on film by an Australian
based film company and incorporated into a documentary.
Instructors David Bouchard and Melissa Lomax were
prominently featured in the documentary.
Shirley Riffle poses with award (above left); Wilmer Eye
Institute’s Jim Deremeik, Shirley Riffle, and DORS’ Sue
Schaffer (above right).
The feedback from the presentation was unanimously positive,
and it was agreed on that the concepts Mr. Kish presented
added a new and exciting dimension to the tools students and
staff can use to navigate their environments. The Baltimore
Rehabilitation students and staff extend their hardiest gratitude
to Mr. Daniel Kish for this valuable and educational workshop.
T H E BI S M G RAP EV I N E
BISM CONTACT
INFORM ATION
Baltimore Headquarters
3345 Washington Blvd.
Baltimore, MD 21227
410-737-2600
Cumberland
322 Paca St.
Cumberland, MD 21502
301-724-4111
Salisbury
2240 Northwood Dr.
Salisbury, MD 21801
410-749-1366
Salisbury Cutting
1303 Old Ocean City Rd.
Salisbury, MD 21804
410-749-4305
BISM-Raleigh
2100 Harrod St.
Raleigh, NC 27604
919-516-9320
AbilityOne BSC Stores
Aberdeen 410-297-4950
DIA JBAB 202-562-1790
DIA Reston 703-390-9221
Dover 302-736-3506
Edgewood 410-676-0564
Ft. Knox 502-942-9690
JBAB 202-561-6245
JB Andrews 301-599-0316
Spring 2015
CATCHING UP
BISM Sales Department Expands
In our continuing quest to increase sales and expand the reach
of our company, Ken Barnett (top right) was promoted to the
newly created position of Vice President of Sales and
Marketing. Ken has been with BISM for more than 15 years
where he built our Base Supply Center (BSC) program
literally from the ground up. Rene Alonso (middle right) has
been promoted to Director of AbilityOne Products. Rene, who
has worked at BISM for 10 years, was previously Marketing
Director for the BSCs. Jason Williams (bottom right) recently
joined the AbilityOne Sales team as a Sales Associate. Jason
successfully completed BISM’s Management Trainee
program.
Baltimore SAIL Students Get Into The Easter Spirit
Baltimore SAIL seniors combined fun with skills
building as they participated in an Egg Hunt using
non-visual techniques to discover hidden, prizefilled plastic eggs. One delighted senior
announced: “I haven’t done this for 50 years, and
it was so much fun!”
Walk At Work Program Announces Winners
The winners of the Walk at Work program were announced in February.
Congratulations to the following associates: Michael Adkins - Baltimore
(over 3 million steps); Ruth Hairsine - Baltimore (over 2 million steps); Rene
Alonso - Baltimore (over 1.5 million steps). Associates from all divisions
took part and 15 associates accomplished over 750,000 steps!
Former Associate’s New Employer Makes Donation To BISM
BISM Beverage
Former BISM Baltimore accounting associate
Maureen Sweeney presented a donation check
for $1,000 to the Rehabilitation CORE program
from her new employer Emergent BioSolutions
at the January Board of Trustees meeting.
888-928-3767
Public Speaking Seminar for CORE Students
www.bism.org
www.supereaglesupply.com
Baltimore CORE staff and students gathered for a public speaking seminar in
January presented by TALLSmall Productions. The informative seminar
covered public speaking topics such as removing filler words, using the right
points to prepare a speech, and the importance of body language when
conveying a message. Staff and students learned a lot during the seminar and
had fun taking part in exercises that implemented newly acquired skills.