1507 Kent Street, Utica, NY

(315)797-2233 • www.cabvi.org

New CABVI logo:Polishing the brandThe Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired is getting a make-

over.

A team of volunteers, in concert with marketing professionals, has been

working since mid-July, 2011 on polishing the CABVI brand. The first result

of their work is shown in the new agency logo featured prominently in the

masthead of this edition of Focus.

Matt Sisti, a member of the CNY Vision Foundation Board of Directors, chairs

the Marketing Workgroup. “The agency is referred to in many ways in the

community: ‘the blind association,’ ‘the Central Association for the Blind,’ and

of course the full agency title.

“But this terrific organization is becoming more known and frequently referred

to by its initials C-A-B-V-I. We felt we could build our brand polishing efforts

from there.”

The new logo keeps a stylized version of the eye that’s been a prominent part

of CABVI’s image for decades. MPW Marketing developed the new logo in

consultation with the Marketing Workgroup and the CABVI Board of

Directors. CABVI is an approachable and progressive organization said Matt

Wilson, president of MPW Marketing. “It was our goal to create an updated

logo that reflected that personality.

"We feel this new logo using the lowercase ‘cabvi’ acronym helps support a

more human and friendly brand."

In the coming months, CABVI will roll-out a new version of its website,

cabvi.org. Volunteers serving on the Marketing Workgroup, in addition to Mr.

Sisti and Mr. Wilson are emeritus CABVI president & CEO Don LoGuidice,

Ed Welsh, chair of the CABVI Board of Directors, Mindy Barstein, chair of the

CNY Vision Foundation Board, Mike Misiaszek, chair of the C.A.B.

Foundation Board, past CABVI Board chair Paul Drejza, Linda Garcia of Eye

Associates of Utica, and Virginia Enea.

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ABILITYONE CHAMPION

CABVI APPOINTMENT TO

FEDERAL COUNCIL

3

LEGACY GIVING

4

ARMSTRONG TOURNAMENT

SAVE THESE EVENT DATES

5

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION THANKS

BOARD PROFILE: MARIE BORD

6

PROMOTIONS

7

TRIBUTE GIFTS

8

CALLING ALL ARTISTS

The new CABVI logo is on the left while the old logo, introduced in

1995, is on the right.

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Rep. Hanna named AbilityOne ChampionRepresentative Richard Hanna, who serves Central New

York’s 24th Congressional District, recently received

recognition as an AbilityOne Congressional Champion.

The award from National Industries for the Blind and

National Industries for the Severely Handicapped,

recognizes Mr. Hanna for his commitment to improving

the lives of Americans who are blind or have other

significant disabilities. The AbilityOne Program, through

private agencies like CABVI, provides training and

employment for people with disabilities.

CABVI President & CEO, Rudy D’Amico, thanked

Mr. Hanna for supporting AbilityOne and ensuring

employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

“An AbilityOne Champion promotes the growth of

opportunities for economic and personal independence for

people who are blind or have other severe disabilities.

Mr. Hanna personifies that mission in words and deeds.”

An AbilityOne Champion is an elected federal

policymaker who has demonstrated support for the

AbilityOne Program and for related community-based

not-for-profit agencies in his or her district or state through congressional actions.

Vincent Salatino, CABVI Vice President of

Operations, joined Congressman Hanna and Rick

Sebastian, President and CEO of Human

Technologies Corporation of Utica at the February

28 presentation of the AbilityOne Congressional

Champion award. Mr. Hanna joins five other

members of New York’s current congressional

delegation as AbilityOne Champions.

Director of Rehabilitation named to regional federal council

CABVI Director of Rehabilitation, Kathy Beaver, has accepted an appointment to the

Technical Assistance and Continuing Education (TACE) Center Regional Advisory

Council.

Ten TACE Centers exist across the country. Region 2 includes New York, New Jersey,

Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Their purpose is to support training centers

that serve either a Federal region or another geographical area and provide for a broad

range of training activities that focus on the training needs of vocational rehabilitation

personnel.

Ms. Beaver’s nomination to the TACE Region 2 council came from the New York

State Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped. “I am privileged to have

been selected to serve on the TACE Advisory Council,” Ms. Beaver said. “I look

forward to having a positive impact on future training opportunities offered to

rehabilitation professionals.”

CABVI President & CEO, Rudy D’Amico, believes Ms. Beaver’s participation on the council helps meld the TACE

goals with the mission of CABVI. “This unique partnership of academic, government, and community, supports the

mission of the state and federal rehabilitation program - to enhance employment outcomes, independence and quality

of life for people with disabilities.”

TACE Centers are funded by the Federal Rehabilitative Services Administration. The Centers have the resources of

the nationwide TACE network to help each participating agency improve its organizational performance

and ultimately improve employment outcomes for consumers with disabilities.

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A special to Focus by Andrew K. Ward, Esq.

As an Estate Planning Attorney, my job is to guide my clients through the

complicated worlds of taxes, family issues, and preparing their legacy.

Most people think that the tax issues are the most difficult part of that

job. The fact is, helping clients to make decisions on their family, and

the legacy they wish to leave, takes up a lot more time and effort.

Tax rules are complex but they are the same for everyone. Our families,

and the mark on society that we wish to leave behind, changes from

family-to-family and from person-to-person inside the family.

So what can you do to create a plan that works, not only to minimize

taxes on the assets you leave, but to assure that the people and

organizations that you care for are remembered as you wish?

A tool that often accomplishes all of these goals is a Charitable Trust.

When used correctly, a Charitable Trust can:

• minimize or eliminate estate taxes,

• create a charitable legacy that could assist in the funding of

programs and services you care about for decades

after your passing,

• create a substantial, often tax free, inheritance for your loved ones.

How? When a Charitable Trust is established, and there are several

different forms of such a trust, you make a gift into that trust of assets,

often stocks or other investments. For that gift, you get a deduction, similar to the one you would receive if you had made a

gift directly to charity. The difference is that the Trust holds the gift, and reinvests it in other (or even the same) investments.

At that point, the difference in the type of trust controls the next step.

When a Charitable Remainder Trust is used, the terms of the trust dictate that a percentage of the assets in the trust are

distributed to you every year. The trust creates a stream of income and that stream can be used in several ways, including

creating a plan that replaces the gift you made with a life insurance plan that pays out (tax free) to your family and loved ones

upon your death. The amount of this insurance can often exceed (sometimes double or triple) the original gift you made.

Then, also upon your death, the charity of your choice, like CABVI, receives the balance of the assets in the trust.

You receive a tax deduction and the ability to diversify highly appreciated assets today. You create an income stream for

yourself during your life. You leave a tax free gift to your family when you pass. You can leave a legacy gift to charity that

can shape and secure its mission going forward.

A second type of Charitable Trust is a Lead Trust. The first steps in this trust are the same as its counterpart, as you gift assets

into the trust and receive a corresponding tax deduction. The difference is that the money distributed from the trust during

your life (or the term of the trust) is directed to the charity. At the end of the term, the remaining assets go as you direct, often

to your family, but it can also be directed to charity.

While the common purpose of these trusts is tax planning, the results allow you to leverage assets, leaving a legacy that

benefits your family and loved ones, in addition to supporting the work of CABVI.

Charitable planning is complex, but when created with a thoughtful process, the results are incredibly powerful.

Charitable Giving: Good for Society,

Good for Your Favorite Charity and Good for You

CABVI is deeply grateful to each and every donor for their thoughtful commitment to the future

financial well being of our agency. For more information about how you can leave a lasting legacy to

CABVI please call Steve Gannon, Director of Development at (315) 797-2233.

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Save these datesCall 315-797-2233 or email steveg@cabvi.org for information

13th Annual

Norman E. Bramley

Memorial Golf

Tournament

September 15, 2012

Hidden Valley Golf

Club, Whitesboro, NY

Captain & Crew

www.bramleygolf.com

Friends and family of Jim Armstrong raise funds to

support CABVI and Hospice and Palliative CareThe friends and family of Jim Armstrong held a golf tournament September 24, at Pine Hills Golf Course in Frankfort, to

benefit the services provided by CABVI and Hospice and Palliative Care. Mr. Armstrong served five years as the Vice

President of Administration for CABVI before succumbing to a rare form of cancer in November 2010.

Twenty foursomes participated in the event. Proceeds exceeded $4,000.

The tournament’s organizing committee would like to thank the events sponsors: J-Kay Lumber, Ford, English Financial, Bo-

Mar Armstrong Builders, Gates Cole Insurance, Judge Michael Dwyer, Nimey’s Auto Sales & Service, Roadway Auto, Brian

Murphy, Mr. Armstrong’s grandchildren, and

the Benjamin, Davis, Macaulay, Tasion,

and Tebsherany Families.

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Board Member Profile: Marie BordFor five decades an executive from the Bank of Utica has served as a member

of CABVI’s Board of Directors. Roger Sinnott, President and CEO of the bank

chaired the board in the late 1960s and early 1970s. His son Tom continued the

family tradition until a few years ago.

“When Tom’s term on the board came to an end,” said Marie Bord, Senior Vice

President of Operations for the Bank of Utica, “they came to me to keep the seat

in the ‘family’.”

Marie’s been employed by the bank for 38 years demonstrating a deep

commitment to Utica and the Mohawk Valley. That commitment holds true for

the CABVI Board on which she is the Secretary.

“I’ll always remember the tour of the agency we received as new board

members,” Marie’s eyes widening as she described the experience. “After the

orientation we walked through Central Industries and talked to the workers in

the factory. The employees inspired me - so many people with vision loss making so many quality products.

“And the organization! With the services and all the manufacturing, it is all so well organized. I have learned a lot. I

am amazed by CABVI.”

Marie is an avid golfer but she won’t share her handicap. “My friends and I play to have fun.” She

crochets, bakes and shares her life with her husband “of decades” Ken. They have a daughter,

Christine, who runs her own celebrity-themed website.

Thanks to the Community Foundation of Herkimer

and Oneida CountiesEmployees of CABVI

recently joined Lauren

Bull, Chair of the

Community Foundation

of Herkimer and

Oneida Counties,

Margaret O’Shea, the

foundation’s President

& CEO, and Jan

Squadrito, Senior

Program Officer to say

thank you for the

foundation’s long and

generous support. Over

the last decade the

Community Foundation

has funded renovations

to the Turnbull Low

Vision Center,

construction of the

Occupational Therapy

Suite and the Contact

Center, among others.

Holding the banner thanking the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida

Counties for years of dedicated support (l-r): Rudy D’Amico, President & CEO of CABVI,

Lauren Bull, Margaret O’Shea, Jan Squadrito, and Mary Monahan, CABVI Public

Relations and Development Specialist. CABVI framed the photo and presented it to Mrs.

O’Shea to hang in the foundation’s offices.

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Steve Niermeyer, who

has worked in the Central

Industries division of

CABVI for the past 11

years, has been promoted

to the position of

Director of

Manufacturing.

Mr. Niermeyer has a

strong background in

business management

and his duties include

overseeing on time

delivery of products and

services, labor

certifications and finding new and different ways to

improve production flow. “I am thrilled and excited

about my new position with CABVI and will continue to

ensure that we are the best we can be,” said

Mr. Niermeyer.

Mr. Niermeyer is a resident of Mohawk. When he’s not

hard at work he enjoys hunting, fishing and golf.

Promotions

Bob Adams

Suvad Dizdarevic

As a 15-year employee of

CABVI, Suvad

Dizdarevic has been

promoted to the position

of Production Manager.

Mr. Dizdarevic is a

graduate of Mohawk

Valley Community

College and has his

degree in business

management. Upon

completion of two more

classes, he will also have

a degree in accounting.

In this new position,

Mr. Dizdarevic is in charge of production, inventory

levels and ordering necessary supplies. “As the new

Production Manager at CABVI, I am happy to have the

opportunity to grow and ensure the overall success of the

Central Industries division.”

Mr. Dizdarevic resides in North Utica and is a big fan of

basketball and the NBA.

CABVI President and CEO Rudy D’Amico is pleased to announce the following promotions.

After 12 years of

dedicated service to our

agency, Bob Adams has

been promoted to the

position of Director of

the Base Supply Centers.

Mr. Adams has a strong

background in both

business and logistics

management and is

tasked with such

responsibilities as

increasing BSC revenue,

creating new government

business and expanding

the sales territory. “I find my new position to be very

rewarding. I am thankful to have such an opportunity and

I greatly welcome the new challenge,” Mr. Adams said.

In his free time, Mr. Adams enjoys spending quality time

with his grandchildren and tending to the family garden.

Mr. Adams and his family live in Rome.

Steve Niermeyer

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November 5, 2011 - February 21, 2012

Effie Aldridge Adams

Mary ClementsRudy and Anne D’Amico

Annie BossoneSammy and Annie Foods

Lloyd E. BullGeorge F. AneyRudy and Anne D’Amico

Paulina Calenzo

John L. Calenzo

Mary CarusoRoberta A. Delmonte

Erna Clauss

James and Elise DeaneJames and Ruth KernanAllan and Esther Sheppard

Jack CofanoJames CarloRudy and Anne D’Amico

Rudolph C and Jennie D’AmicoHoward and Ann Carey

Enrico Della Gala

Rudy and Anne D’AmicoPaul DestitoMary Ann Rizzo

Loreta DiRaimo

Aldo Diraimo

A. P. DonatoRudy and Anne D’Amico

Basil Endean

Linda and Raymond Allen

Joan K. FranklandRudy and Anne D’AmicoMr. and Mrs. James RooneyJoseph and Patricia Urban

Connie GaetanoSusan Q. BawarskiDrs Sidney J. Blatt and Susan M. BlattMr. and Mrs. Dennis BojdakBR Johnson, Inc.Broadway Theatre League of UticaBull Bros IncJohn and Elizabeth CalogeroCharles A. Gaetano Construction Corp.

Gifts in Memory James and Margaret CliffordRudy and Anne D’AmicoMr. and Mrs. Elis J. DeLiaDonald and Marie DiOrioLuca and Gina EspositoMr. and Mrs. John M. FehlnerKeith and Cara FenstemacherRalph and Danyse FuscoRichard and Constance GriffithTodd and Jennifer HuttonMrs. Theo LaffertyJane H. LazurAlan and Connie LeistDonald and Pat LoGuidiceJames and Katherine LyonsRobert and Sharon MacLeodMarch AssociatesJames and Kim MarscherOmar and Judith MassoudMr. and Mrs. Gregory McLeanJames and Mary Liz MusaNBT BankDr. Kenneth D. NovakLaura E. O’DonnellDr. Cynthia J. ParlatoF. Eugene and Loretta RomanoGary D. ScalzoLarry and Kathy ScharfStrategic Financial Services, LLCKenneth and Eleanor Thayer

Lucille Gallo

Rudy and Anne D’Amico

Mary Lou GrahamMarytheresa BalutisHelen Chomin

Bill HurleyAmerican Legion Aux. Post #1376Remi CharleboisDella DaPranoMary R. FerraiolaLuke RaianoWilliam and Betty ReeseFrancis T. Roy

Robert W. Hurley

James and Sheila Roselli

Frances KenefickAnna M. MarcoRonald and Sharon Smith

Thelma KitchenNathan and Christine BunkoffBetty Grow

Edmund Lasek

Dr. Cynthia J. Parlato

Salvatore LicariRudy and Anne D’Amico

John L. Matt

Vincent and Ann Salatino

John T. McKennanMatthew and Julie Sisti

William Motel

Tania A. Motel

Phyllis PattengillBrian and Lee Ann Dubiel

Rose Marie PicenteRudy and Anne D’Amico

Joseph StromickGrace M. BurtonAdrian and Marie LanziLucille RicciLorraine Stromick-Ciccotti

Roger SwartfiguerJohn and Constance Griffin

Eugene TonnsRaymond Tonns

Hazel P. WimettPatricia Blood

William WolfeLaura E. O’Donnell

Scarlett WoolverMary ClementsRudy and Anne D’Amico

Gifts in HonorMargaret Buckley

Christopher J. Salatino

H. Thomas ClarkF. Eugene and Loretta Romano

Don Dawes

Christopher J. Salatino

Evon ErvinChristopher J. Salatino

John and Joan Esper

John and Mary Walrath

Barry GoodwinChristopher J. Salatino

Louis LaPolla

Christopher J. Salatino

Kenneth NovakEye Associates of Utica, P.C. - Staff

Cynthia J. Parlato

Eye Associates of Utica, P.C. - Staff

8

Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired507 Kent StreetUtica, NY 13501

Address Service Requested

Rudy D’AmicoPresident and CEO

DIRECTORSEdward P. Welsh, ChairKenneth C. Thayer, Vice ChairGen. Richard Evans, USA Ret., TreasurerMarie Bord, SecretaryMargaret G. Brown, CPARichard DewarPaul DrejzaHon. Ralph J. EannaceJoseph Gale, M.D.Shawn KellyHon. Michael J. MisiaszekCynthia J. Parlato, M.D.Col. Paul A. Steves, USA Ret.Thomas P. Webb, O.D.

EMERITIMark H. Elias, M.D.Mrs. Robert H. Fearon, Jr.Charles A. GaetanoMrs. Emlyn I. GriffithMrs. James P. O’DonnellRobert A. Payne, Sr.Julius Perillo

C.A.B. FOUNDATIONMichael J. Misiaszek, Esq., ChairFred Sadallah, Vice ChairWilliam L. Corrigan, Secretary/TreasurerPondra Bowen-KitchenSteve CaterRay O’BrienBart RasmusEdward P. WelshMichael Wicks, Ph.D.

EMERITIRemi CharleboisJim Robinson

CNY VISION FOUNDATIONMindy S. Barstein, ChairpersonGary D. Scalzo, Vice-ChairmanTammy Puchalski, TreasurerDebbie Kessler, SecretaryAndrew Cleary, MBAPaul DrejzaRalph ImundoBarry SinnottMatthew SistiEdward P. Welsh

NONPROFIT

ORGANIZATION

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

UTICA NY

PERMIT NO. 324

Current newsletters and annual reports are available in Braille, on disk, audiocassette or onour website cabvi.org. If you prefer to receive future editions of our publications in oneof these alternative formats, call CABVI at (315)797-2233.

Established in 1929, CABVI is a not-for-profit agency that serves people who areblind or visually impaired, from newbornsto the elderly, generally free of charge.Our staff of professionals offerscomprehensive vision rehabilitation,employment and technology services,personally tailored to people with visualimpairments. Our mission is to assistpeople who are blind or visuallyimpaired achieve their highest levelsof independence.

Focus, the Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired’s newsletter, is published three times a year by the Public Relations Department at the Central Association for the Blind and

Visually Impaired, 507 Kent Street, Utica, NY 13501. Volume 18, Issue 1. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Focus, Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired,

507 Kent Street, Utica, NY 13501.

(315) 797-2233 . (877) 719-9996