Winter
2015
BISM RALEIGH DIVISION CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING
By ROB ENNAMORATO
Blind Industries and Services of Maryland (BISM) Raleigh Division held its Grand Opening celebration on
December 4, 2014 and it was a wonderful success! The Grand Opening featured distinguished guest speakers,
including State Representative Rosa Gill (33rd District-Dem.), U.S Senator Richard Burr’s Field
Representative Betty Jo Shepheard, NIB Vice President Marie-France Vareilles, and BISM Chairman of the
Board of Trustees Don Morris. BISM President Frederick J. Puente was the Master of Ceremonies.
The event included a stellar performance of the National Anthem by BISM Joint Base Andrews BSC associate
Keith Tyson and also included a ribbon cutting, light refreshments, and tours of the Raleigh manufacturing
facility provided by Raleigh associates. Associates from other BISM locations also participated in the Grand
Opening activities.
The BISM Raleigh Division is located at a beautifully refurbished building on 2100 Harrod Street, Raleigh,
NC 27604 and currently employs 131 people, 73 of whom are blind or visually impaired. BISM Raleigh
Division cuts and sews a variety of textile products for the Federal Government and public entities, including
the J-List Bag for the U.S. Army, the Ripstop Airmen Battle Uniform (RABU) for the Air Force, the MOLLE
backpack strap, and pillows.
“Like” Blind Industries and Services of Maryland on Facebook
BISM GOLF CLASSIC MOST SUCCESSFUL IN NINE YEAR HISTORY
By ROB ENNAMORATO
The 9th annual BISM Pro-Invitational Golf Classic took place on September 25-26 and was a success on all
levels: the weather conditions were perfect, the course at Suburban Club in Pikesville was great, and all of the
participants were in good spirits. The most impressive aspect of the Golf Classic was the amount of money
raised due to the generosity of sponsors and golfers. The BISM Golf Classic netted $98,757, the largest
amount raised in the history of the event! The funds raised directly benefit the Rehabilitation department’s
youth summer programs Work To Independence and Independence 101. A special thanks to S.P. Richards Co.,
who was the Presenting Sponsor of the event and has shown unwavering support to BISM throughout the
history of the event. Congratulations to the Low Gross team of Dan Pezold, Sean Messick, Wade Tetsuka,
Scott McHenry and PGA pro Dirk Schultz (138), and the Low Net team of Heath Maughon, Bill Gaffney, Don
Moore, Tony Falasco and PGA pro David Hutsell (105).
TEAM BISM SHINES AT BALTIMORE RUNNING FESTIVAL
By ROB ENNAMORATO & RENE ALONSO
TEAM BISM turned out in full force on October 18 for the 14th annual Baltimore Running Festival. TEAM
BISM had a record number of 176 participants and netted approximately $10,000! We had runners/walkers,
including 48 blind and visually impaired people of all ages, take part in the Marathon, Half-Marathon, Team
Relay, 5K, and Kids Fun Run.
This is a great event to promote BISM within the Baltimore community and to show how independent and
accomplished blind people are. TEAM BISM was located in the Charity Team area during the festival and
participants received food, drinks, and a TEAM BISM running shirt. The funds raised by TEAM BISM
benefit our Rehabilitation department programs. We would like to thank all of the TEAM BISM participants,
sponsors, and volunteers for making this year’s Baltimore Running Festival an awesome experience!
BISM ASSOCIATE OF THE YEAR, NIB AWARD NOMINEES ANNOUNCED
By ROB ENNAMORATO
At the January Board of Trustees meeting, President Fred Puente
announced the 2014 BISM Associate of the Year. Congratulations
to Baltimore associate Randy Dull for winning this prestigious
award! Randy received a check, a trophy, and a certificate. Randy
was selected from the Division Associate of the Year Winners for
2014: AbilityOne BSCs: Johnny Crenshaw; Baltimore Production:
Randy Dull; Rehabilitation: Nikki Jackson; Salisbury Production:
Eun Suk Cho; Cumberland Production: Molly Arnold; Corporate
Administration: Frank Lhotsky; and Raleigh Operations: Annie
McGee.
The BISM nominees for the National Industries for
the Blind (NIB) 2015 awards were also announced.
The Peter J. Salmon Direct Labor Employee of the
Year award nominee is Cumberland associate Mark
Durst, and the Milton J. Samuelson Career
Achievement award nominee is Baltimore associate
Dezman Jackson. Mark and Dezman will represent
BISM at the NIB conference this fall.
(Top right) 2014 Associate of the Year Randy Dull (center) with BISM Chairman of the Board Don Morris (left) and BISM President Frederick J.
Puente. (Above) BISM NIB award nominees Mark Durst (left) and Dezman Jackson (right) with Don Morris.
ASSOCIATE OF THE QUARTER WINNERS FOR 3RD AND 4TH QUARTERS
Congratulations to the BISM Associate of the Quarter award winners for the 3rd Quarter of 2014 (bottom left):
AbilityOne BSCs: Christopher Reed; Rehabilitation: Shirley Riffle; Baltimore Production: Gwen Thomas;
Corporate Administration: Melody Kohlhaus; Salisbury Production: Christine Tucker; Cumberland
Production: Doug Easton; Raleigh Operations: Cristal Montufar-Villanueva.
Congratulations to the winners of the BISM Associate of the Quarter award for the 4th Quarter of 2014
(bottom right): AbilityOne BSCs: Jim Gray; Rehabilitation: Nikki Jackson; Baltimore Production: Frances
Black; Salisbury Production: Frances “Muffin” Copper; Cumberland Production: Molly Arnold; Raleigh
Operations: Annie McGee.
SENIORS STUDENTS BRING CHEER TO RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE
By ALYCIA BREITSCHWERDT
The Seniors Achieving Independent Living (SAIL) students spread
holiday cheer by teaming up with Ronald McDonald House for a
second consecutive year. SAIL students and staff purchased items
and filled 36 stockings with toys and treats purchased at various
stores. Students put into practice the different skills they learned
during their training, and these shopping experiences showed the
seniors how they could regain their independence while touching
the lives of others. On December 18, SAIL students filled the van
with stockings. During the trip to the Ronald McDonald House,
students and staff sang Christmas carols. When we arrived at the Ronald McDonald House, students carried
the stockings inside and Lauren welcomed us. The students and instructors filled each cubby with a stocking
and Lauren talked to the group about the mission of the Ronald McDonald House. Lauren was so excited
about the work the seniors had done, and the great day ended with a group photo of Lauren, the students and
staff. Special thanks to all of the associates who supported this giving back mission with gifts for the
stockings. Our support and love brought cheer to many sick children and their families.
SALISBURY CELEBRATES HOLIDAYS WITH HOLIDAY FAIR AND BY GIVING BACK
By AMY CROUSE & DANIELLE EARL & MOLLY BARNES
On December 6, the Salisbury Training Center for Blind Seniors held its second annual Holiday Fair. The
event was well-attended and attracted vendors such as Mary Kay, Avon, local craftsmen, and SAIL
participants. The work of regional crafters included homemade quilts, wreaths, and candles, while SAIL
members contributed baked goods and other items. The Holiday Fair raised over $500 and all of the funds
benefited the center’s blind senior rehabilitation programs.
Salisbury SAIL students were in high gear with Giving Back Christmas projects! Gift bags were assembled
and delivered to Genesis Nursing Home on December 11; Non-perishable food items were donated and
delivered to a Food Bank on December 16; Donations of pet food, pet toys, and supplies were collected for the
SPCA and delivered on December 17; and clothing items were donated to homeless shelters on December 18.
CORE PROGRAM STUDENT ENJOYS CHRISTMAS TREE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
By DAVE BALTISBERGER
I have cut down many Christmas trees before but I have never done it
under sleep shades, which made for an exciting experience. On December
8, BISM CORE students cut down a Christmas tree at the Mt. Carmel
Christmas tree farm. The staff at Mt. Carmel taught us what trees live
longer, the differences between short and long needles, and the types of fir
trees. Picking the right tree was the most difficult part of the experience
and finding a tree that was tall, full, and one that everybody agreed on took
one hour. We picked a Concolor Fir for its pleasant citrus scent and the
fact that it is a rare tree on the East Coast! I was apprehensive about cutting down the tree with a handsaw but I
remembered all the things I was working on in wood shop, and said to myself “You got this!” My classmates
and I took turns learning how to line the saw up with the tree. Within minutes, the tree was cut down!
REHABALITATION PROGRAMS HONOR RECENT GRADUATES
The Seniors Achieving Independent Living (SAIL) program has celebrated graduations at
both our Baltimore and Salisbury locations in recent months.
Congratulations to Baltimore SAIL students Gene Coley
(pictured right with Ruth Sager and Shirley Riffle), who
graduated on September 8, and Karen Person (pictured left)
who graduated on September 24.
Salisbury senior staff and students celebrated Theo
Roberts’ graduation from the SAIL program on November
12 (pictured right with Danielle Earl and Amy Crouse).
Theo was well-liked in the program and mastered the skills of blindness while in training.
She also called BISM President Fred Puente on a bluff and got Fred to prepare her
graduation meal for 16 people!
Congratulations to Andrea Washington on graduating from BISM’s CORE Program on
December 17. This young lady did it all while in the
CORE program, from attending two semesters of
college to working as a counselor for BISM’s Youth
Program. Ms. Washington will be volunteering as she continues her
college career studying elementary education. We are certain Andrea will
succeed and hope she stays in touch with us. BISM wishes all of the
Rehabilitation program graduates the best of luck in all future endeavors!
GOSPEL NIGHT EXTRAVAGANZA INSPIRES AND ENTERTAINS
By AMY CROUSE
Salisbury’s Rehabilitation department would like to thank all of the supporters
who attended our 6th annual Gospel Night Extravaganza on October 10 at Christ
United Methodist Church in Salisbury. The fundraiser included a wonderful
congregation filled with generous people and fantastic musicians and vocalists
who performed superbly all evening! We want to thank Christ United Methodist
Church for providing us with technical support and advertising. Through the
offering and awesome baked goods and crafts supplied by students, staff and
associates, the Salisbury Training Center for Blind Seniors raised $1,600!
HOLIDAY PHOTO GALLERY
(From left) Ft. Knox BSC associates decorated the store; Cumberland’s Russell Rummer brought in cakes and cookies for associates; and
the Baltimore Activities Committee collected food donations for the non-profit Southwest Emergency Services.
January
Douglas Easton—Cumberland
1
Kumari Gurung—Raleigh
1
Robert Taylor—Cumberland
31
Lois Wilson—Salisbury
6
Rosa Ortiz-Lebron—Salisbury
31
Maurice Peret—Baltimore
8
February
Wayne Williams—Salisbury
8
Linwood Wallace—Raleigh
9
Larry Hargrove—Raleigh
1
Susan Adkins—Baltimore
1
James Odom—Baltimore
2
Teresa Krynock—Cumberland
1
Anthony Rodriguez—Salisbury
10
10
Lilly Ballard—Salisbury Cut.
3
William Robinette—Baltimore
1
E. Lee Nicol—Baltimore
Steven Allen—Baltimore
3
Miriam Reyes Velazquez—Raleigh
2
Allen Justis—Dover BSC
11
11
Kimberly Dibba—Raleigh
4
Tim Hammett—JBAB BSC
2
Marva Robinson—Raleigh
Jack Grizzel—Baltimore
5
Kimberly Utley—Dover BSC
3
Sabrina Lankford—Salisbury
11
13
Jonathan Isler—Raleigh
5
Larry Overton—Raleigh
3
Melinda Barnes—Dover BSC
Lucrecia Minchala—Salisbury
5
Susan Coleman—Salisbury
3
Suann Groton—Salisbury
13
14
Ruth Hairsine—Baltimore
5
Sheila Pyles—Cumberland
5
Elizabeth Moyer—Baltimore
Darnell Crudup—Raleigh
8
Tanesha McLeod—Baltimore
5
Enma Sarien-Noriega—Salisbury
14
14
Susan Youssef—Raleigh
9
Donna Wagner—Baltimore
6
Eun Suk Cho—Salisbury
Valteri Ghurtskaia—Salisbury
9
Rafael Rodriguez—Salisbury Cut.
6
Lisa Gancos—Dover BSC
14
Michael Backstrom—Andrews BSC
10
Mark Durst—Cumberland
8
Mona Harper –Cumberland
14
14
Alton Foskey—Salisbury Cut.
11
Angela Hankerson—Salisbury
9
Randolph Dull—Baltimore
Gamal Sorial—Raleigh
12
Brandon Nave—Cumberland
9
Gerardo Vasquez—Raleigh
15
15
Amy Crouse—Salisbury
14
Melissa Lindsay—Baltimore
9
Regina Drew—Cumberland
Crystal Johnson—Raleigh
14
Shametress Collins—Salisbury
9
Diana Montiel Martinez—Raleigh
16
16
Bobbi Jo Bradshaw—Cumberland
15
Frances Black—Baltimore
11
Stacy Jarman—Salisbury
Cristal Montufar-Villanueva—Raleigh
15
James Boris—Dover BSC
11
Curtis Larmore—Salisbury
17
17
18
Ana Reyes De Garcia—Raleigh
16
Ira Nelson—Baltimore
13
Jeannie Morris—Cumberland
Tonya Billard—Cumberland
16
Lisa Snow—Cumberland
13
Gilbert Thomas—Raleigh
Karen Swauger—Cumberland
19
Susan Valentine—Cumberland
19
George Shockley—Salisbury
20
Hazel Edgerton—Raleigh
20
Nam Park—Salisbury
20
Timmy Patterson—Cumberland
20
Etta Everette—Ft. Knox BSC
21
Anthony Shields—Baltimore
23
Amera Ibrahim—Raleigh
24
Mervat Abdelshahid—Raleigh
24
Terry Slacum—Baltimore
24
Thomas Tyree—Baltimore
24
Glenn Brown—Salisbury Cut.
25
Anh Nguyen—Salisbury
26
Deanna Mooney—Ft. Knox BSC
26
Andre Sconion—Aberdeen BSC
27
Jason Adkins—Cumberland
27
Stephen Grier—Baltimore
27
Kathryn Carpenter—Raleigh
29
Cynthia Morales—Baltimore
30
Sabrina Hutchison—Ft. Knox BSC
30
Shanelle Hillard—Baltimore
31
Barbara Williams—Salisbury Cut.
17
Bennie Dunlap—Raleigh
14
Rose Jones-Harris—Salisbury Cut.
18
Dorothy Elliott—Salisbury
14
Leroy Flowers—Baltimore
19
Fermin Kelly-Baret—Salisbury Cut.
15
Scott Walters—Baltimore
19
Bibiana Whitaker—Raleigh
20
Clarence Freeman—Baltimore
20
Glenda Daniels—Cumberland
20
Keith Tyson—Andrews BSC
20
Jennifer Bopp—Baltimore
22
Peggy Hogan—Ft. Knox BSC
20
Karly Prinds—Baltimore
25
Sandy Swyers—Salisbury Cut.
21
Jill Barbon—Salisbury
26
Jennifer Applegate—Edgewood BSC
22
Maria Nunez—Raleigh
26
Keith Bradley—Raleigh
23
Marina Nunez-Rodriquez—Raleigh
26
Robert Fink—Edgewood BSC
23
Andrew Green—Baltimore
27
Tracy Arnold—Baltimore
24
Chester Carnes—Cumberland
27
Candis Edwards—Raleigh
25
Jerry Hutt—Salisbury
27
Kenneth Armstrong—Baltimore
25
Lanny Downey—Raleigh
26
Arhea Lazzelle—Baltimore
March
Ericka Hayes—Raleigh
1
27
Walter Rice—Salisbury
1
Hee Shin—Salisbury
27
Lida Montenegro—Raleigh
2
Chae Sparrow—Salisbury
28
Ruth Borgmann—Aberdeen BSC
4
Xiying Wang—Salisbury
28
Thomas Williams—Baltimore
4
Dongmei Zhu—Salisbury
29
Laqonta Sutton—Raleigh
5
Janice Jones—Raleigh
29
Liam Lindsay—Baltimore
5
Kathleen Manos—JBAB BSC
31
Leila Ghurtskaia—Salisbury
6
BISM’s Big Bash -
March 28 - 6-10 pm - Call Danielle at 410-845-2348 or visit www.bism.org for tickets
HR CORNER:
CUSTOMER SERVICE
EXCELLENCE
By TONY WARNER
Customer Service excellence
can be hard to define - it often
falls into the “know it when I
see it” category of vague, but
important distinctions. A new
book “Legendary Service”
focuses on an employee at a
large discount store who
strives to put into practice the
ICARE customer service
model. The five elements of
this ICARE model are:
Ideal Service: The focus is on
consistent day-to-day
customer service, with
employees striving to meet
customer needs because they
truly believe that service is
important.
Culture of Service: Cr eates
the environment in which
employees are inspired to
focus on the customer and are
accountable for carrying out
the company's service vision.
Attentiveness: A thor ough
understanding of customers
and their preferences.
Responsiveness: Knowing
how best to respond to
customers needs.
Empowerment: Employees
having the freedom to
implement their company's
service vision.
The ICARE model has
become part of BISM’s
everyday credo!
CUSTOMER SERVICE HAS NEW NAME AND NEW AT TITUDE
By SUSAN ADKINS
The new BISM Customer Care
Specialists team aims and succeeds
in giving customers high quality
service!
Our recipe for success consists of
Ruth Hairsine and her special
greeting “How can I make you
smile?”, Natalie Langston handling
orders for the water department,
and Jamie Whitwood, Kevin
Mason, Susan Adkins, and our newest CCS Amy Herstein taking janitorial
and paper orders. The transformation has been made possible under the
positive direction of our manager Terry Slacum. Come and visit us in the
Baltimore location with our new Carolina blue shirts!
THE WELLNESS CORNER: NEW YEAR, NEW YOU
By DONNA CLARK, R.N.
As the New Year gets underway, all of us will be hearing more and more
about Wellness. Wellness is an active process of making choices toward a
more successful existence. There are simple things you can do each day to
kick start your commitment to a healthier you:
Weight: Weight gain is due to eating mor e calor ies than you bur n off.
Know what is in the food you eat and read food labels. Avoid saturated fats
and trans fats.
Exercise: Star t out slow and wor k up r epetitions one to two weeks at a
time. Check with your doctor before you begin a strenuous routine. Find an
exercise tool/machine/video/gadget that interests you and stick with it. Keep
moving at work with deskercises.
Get Plenty of Rest: Sleep needs var y fr om individual to individual but
the National Sleep Foundation advises that, for an adult over 18 years old, 79 hours per night is optimal.
Good Health Habits Make a Difference: See your doctor on a r egular
basis. Keep your appointments and get the testing the doctor requests. Take
your medicine as directed and maintain a positive mental attitude.
Decrease or Avoid Stress in Your Life: Find ways that wor k for you to
lower your stress levels at work and at home. Do breathing exercises during
times of stress to maintain proper levels of oxygen in your body.
Practice Safety at Home and at Work: Avoid r isky behavior s such as
speeding, driving intoxicated, or taking unnecessary chances in your life. Try
to avoid falls and learn to fall without hurting yourself.
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
BISM Beverage
888-928-3767
www.bism.org
www.supereaglesupply.com
Wint er 20 15
CATCHING UP
Baltimore Activities Committee “Adopts” Two Families For Holidays
The Baltimore Activities Committee “adopted” two local families from the
surrounding community for the holiday season and associates donated
hundreds of dollars in gifts and money to the needy families.
Baltimore Activities Committee Announces New Officers
New officers for the Baltimore Activities Committee were chosen by
associates votes on December 19: President-Jamie Whitwood; Vice President
-Chris Jones; Secretary-Heather Rankin; and Treasurer-Liz King.
Senior Services Hosts Braille Teachers Luncheon at LBPH
BISM Senior Services staff hosted a
Volunteer Braille Teachers Luncheon on
November 5 at Library for the Blind and
Physically Handicapped (LBPH) to
honor BISM’s volunteer Braille teachers
who provide no-cost Braille literacy
classes at LBPH for adults who want to
learn Braille. All volunteers are past
students of BISM’s Seniors Achieving Independent Living (SAIL) program.
BISM SAIL Alumni Receive Prestigious Awards at NFBMD Convention
Alumni of Baltimore’s SAIL program Sandra Burchette and Karen Crosby
each received the prestigious Anna Freysz Cable Award from the National
Federation of the Blind of Maryland at their State Convention in November.
Salisbury Senior Center Hosts DORS 85th Anniversary
The Salisbury Senior Center hosted the Maryland Division of Rehabilitation
Services (DORS) 85th Anniversary event on October 16. The event included
local dignitaries, DORS management, and BISM associates and students.
BISM NIB Award Nominees Attend National Conference
National Industries for the Blind (NIB) held their National
Conference in October and recognized BISM’s 2014 Peter
J. Salmon Direct Labor Employee of the Year Award
nominee Angela Meredith and Milton J. Samuelson
Career Achievement Award nominee Keith Tyson.
Senior Support Group Celebrates 3rd Anniversary
Keith Tyson with Ms.
Virginia at conference
Thirty members of Baltimore SAIL Senior Support Group came together on
October 3 for a day of celebration, music, good food, entertainment, and
fellowship. The support group is a great way for seniors losing vision to stay
connected, enjoy fun activities, continue life-learning through educational
lectures and guest speakers, make new friends, and stay active!