Page 2 - The Shores of Jupiter - November '22

Page 2, The Shores

Deadline for the December ‘My White Cane Means Freedom’

Issue is Nov. 14

Mail or email to: – One Man’s Incredible Story In
Bill Thompson, 18583 Lake Bend Drive
Celebration Of White Cane Day, Oct. 15
billthompsonsoj@gmail.com

The Shores of Jupiter White Cane Day is a national observance in the United
States, celebrated on Oct. 15 of each year since 1964. The
website: date is set aside to celebrate the achievements of people who
are blind or visually impaired and the important symbol of
www.theshoresofjupiter.org blindness and tool of independence, the white cane.
Lighthouse teaches many students of all ages how to use the
white cane during orientation and mobility (O&M) training.
One such student is 59-year-old Benny Johnson from
Fort Pierce.
Disclaimer Benny’s story is one of incredible determination and of
Copy appearing herewith may not be the viewpoint one who beat the odds. It begins just over five years ago
of The Shores Board of Directors or its newsletter editor. when he worked throughout Europe in the robotics industry.
Nor should responsibility be assigned for accuracy or While home in Florida on vacation he became incredibly ill
validity or articles contributed by residents or other with a strange undiagnosed infection which caused him to
articles chosen by the publisher or the editor. lose his right leg. He spent 66 days in the hospital and still
no diagnosis, even from a CDC infectious disease doctor.
He went home, with no job and no family to help him.
Realtime Property Management After months of rehabilitation, he got a prosthetic leg and
of South Florida LLC learned to walk all over again. One afternoon about four
months later Benny experienced one of the most terrifying
Beth White, RPA, LCAM, President/CEO moments of his life – “Just like that, the lights went out, I
bwhite@realtimepm.com • (561) 763-0086 lost my vision in my left eye. Of course, the doctors had no more importantly she taught me how to keep my head on
idea why this happened, they attributed it to the “super bug”
straight!”
140 Intracoastal Drive, Ste. 403 I somehow contracted. And then one week later, bam, the Now, a few years later he realized he needed more help
Jupiter, FL 33477 other eye went out – just like that! After days of retreat and with orientation and mobility training and Curt entered
depression and no idea what to do I flat out decided – I’m his life. “He has taught me how to safely and confidently
not going out like this – if death wants me, it better have navigate my surroundings as I am very unstable still due
its running shoes on!” to the prosthetic. I now can go almost anywhere, my white
The Shores Of Jupiter Homeowners Benny went to YouTube to figure out what to do next, but cane is my constant companion – sort of like my girlfriend,
Association Inc. with a prosthetic leg and no sight, he was tired of running I can’t imagine my life without it. I am at peace with my
Board Of Directors, Committee into things and realized he needed more help than YouTube. blindness and now I want to make the world a better place.
He enrolled in a school for the blind in Daytona Beach, and It is a miracle I am still alive and now I want to pay it back
Board Of Directors: once he came home, he reached out to Lighthouse. by teaching others how to interact with blind people and
David Lindley, President ................................. 743-5522 “I was blown away about how much you guys at make their businesses accessible for all. My ultimate goal
Art Cummings, Vice President........................ 743-0047 Lighthouse cared – it started with Diane who taught me is to get back to work and serve as an ambassador between
Bill Thompson, Secretary ............................... 762-1832 numerous skills to help me be more independent, but the sighted and blind world!”
Barry Parker, Treasurer ............................785-320-1745
John Hornyak, Director ............................561-512-2237
Sal Greco, Director ..................................561-602-6397 Jupiter Senior Softball League
Brian Martin, Director .................................... 448-6998
Architectural Control Committee:
Andrea Paralta, Chair ...................................... 748-3463 By Mike Richman Penna Drive, beginning
Emily O’Mahoney, Vice Chair ........................ 747-9048 Registration is under way for the Jupiter Senior at 8:30 a.m. They are
Brian Martin ................................................... 448-6998 Softball Association’s (JSSA) 2023 season and new expected to move to
Compliance Committee: players of all skill levels are welcome and encouraged Jupiter Community Park
Art Cummings, Chair ...................................... 743-0047 to sign up. after renovations that
Lakes And Parks Committee: The slow-pitch softball program is open to persons are under way there
David Lindley, Chair ....................................... 743-5522 55 and over and those who register will be included are completed. The
Landscaping And Irrigation Committee: in pickup games and have an opportunity to develop senior softball program
Emily O’Mahoney, Chair ................................ 747-9048 their skills in preparation for the Winter League that is sponsored by the
Crimewatch Committee: launches in January 2023 and runs through March. nonprofit Jupiter Senior
Bill Thompson, Chair ...................................... 762-1832 “We want people to come out and experience the Softball Association in
Welcoming Committee: joy and camaraderie of playing ball with other like- cooperation with Jupiter’s
Barry Parker, Co-Chair ............................785-320-1745 minded players,”” said JSSA Commissioner Paul Parks and Recreation
Kristi Parker, Co-Chair ................................................... Storch. He noted also that the league’s three division Department.
Sylke Lopez format accommodates players of all abilities, “from Registration can be
Infrastructure recreational play to very competitive and everything made online at www. JSSA Commissioner Paul
David Lindley, Chair ....................................... 743-5522 in between.” leaguelineup.com/jssa. Storch
Communications and Newsletter Editor: Games are every Monday, Wednesday and Friday For more information
Bill Thompson, Chair ...................................... 762-1832 morning at Maplewood Community Park, 1720 Tony contact Gary Newman at (917) 623-0791.
Events & Social Media Committee:
Barry Parker, Co-Chair ............................785-320-1745
Kristi Parker, Co-Chair ...................................................
Francesca Brown Peripheral
Tracey Lavoll
Sylke Lopez
Anais Maristany-Diaz Neuropathy?
Dena Martin
Realtime Property Management of South Florida LLC:
Beth White ...................................................... 763-0086 FREE Consultation
bwhite@realtimepm.com
for Acupuncture

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