1998 was a great year for our newly nominated employee of the year, Jeff Tucker. He married Melissa Stafford in June and later was recognized as the 1999 Russell G. Broaddus Employee of the Year at our banquet in December. When asked about receiving this award, Jeff replied that "first off, it was a big surprise" and an "honor" to receive this recognition. Jeff has shown that doing your best and being a team player are winning attributes both in and outside of work.

Jeff has been very much a part of the team working primarily in our pillow department for most of his ten years of service. Why does Jeff like working at the Raleigh Lions Clinic? Jeff matter-of-factly states that he truly enjoys the people that he works with. He considers his co-workers "good friends and they are able to get along and work together well".

Jeff's wife, Melissa is employed with Holiday Inn Reservation Center in Cary. Away from work, both Jeff and his wife are members of the Raleigh Outlaws Bowling League. Fellow employees, Judy Eason, Ricky Stanley and Albert Roberson also help make up the team of forty regular members who complete against other visually-impaired teams across the state. Whenever Jeff can, he participates in the Mid-Atlantic Tournament in Wilmington, Delaware in August yearly and the National Tournament held Memorial Day weekend in hosting cities. Jeff was even a member of the Raleigh outlaws when his team won first place in the Buffalo National Tournament. On a good night, Jeff acknowledges that he bowls between 100-150. In addition to bowling, Jeff is an avid beepball player with the Raleigh Rockets.

Congratulations, Jeff and much continued success this year!

The Raleigh Lions Clinic has accomplished many achievements in the past several years with the help of our 1999 Russell G. Broaddus Employee of the Year, Allen Simms. As Director of Administration, Allen Simms has been instrumental in getting all three military base supply stores off the ground and continues to oversee financial operations of not only the Raleigh Lions Clinic but the military supply stores. Ask anyone who works with Allen and you may hear about his dedication in putting the company first and tremendous drive and energy in anything he sets out to do.

Allen admits that he was shocked and speechless when recognized for this award. Later, Allen expressed that he felt very honored since "there were so many other dedicated employees at the clinic. It is a day that I will always remember", Allen remarked. He considers working at the clinic as worthwhile because of "our mission to provide employment and training for visually-impaired
persons. Very few companies provide the opportunity to watch an individual develop and achieve their potential".

Allen has been married to his wife, Beth for six years. In addition to her employment through an attorney's firm, Beth is a volunteer for Hospice of Wake County. Allen has been a member of the Raleigh (Host) Lions Club since 1991. Both Allen and his wife especially enjoy spending time with their nieces and nephews, listening to comedians, and movies.

As an avid sports fan, Allen follows college and professional football. He has always been a huge Notre Dame (and NCSU) fan. He had a chance in the early 1970's to see Joe Montana travel to UNC, coming off the bench to lead Notre Dame to a 21-14 victory in Chapel Hill. Allen has attended celebrity golf events like the Jimmy V and Duke Children's Classic. He enjoys watching the sports celebrities and collecting autographs. Some of the autographs collected are Yogi Berra (former N.Y. Yankees), Gale Sayers (former Chicago Bears) and Jim Taylor (former Greenbay Packers). Outside of work, Allen replies, "it's a great way to spend the day".

Congratulations to . . .
Irene Goodson for being the recipient of the Governor's Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service. Mrs. James Hunt presented the Governor's award to honor Irene for her volunteer work in the South Park Community. Irene led a group of south park citizens in improving the quality of living in the neighborhood. During this special awards program on December 7th, Irene Goodson was one of eight recognized statewide (out of 100 nominees).

1999 Social Security Update:
The allowable monthly earnings (substantial gainful activity) is $1,110.00 for people who are blind and receive SSDI. This is the monthly limit that social security allows a blind person to earn when receiving social security disability insurance (SSDI). Please remember that earnings do not include certain impairment - related work expenses. Asset limits for determining SSI eligibility continues at $2,000.00 for an individual and $3,000.00 for a couple.

NIB News:
National Industries for the Blind (NIB) publishes a quarterly newsletter that is available. The winter 1999 issue of Opportunity highlights the 60th anniversary conference that was held in St. Louis, Missouri. Should you be interested in reading this issue, tape and print versions are on loan at the front office.

Congratulations for Years of Service:

July
Virginia Morgan (21) Albert Roberson (18)
Michael Howard (RLCB Eagle Mart, Fort Campbell) (1)
Jo Stevenson (RLCB Eagle Mart, Fort Campbell) (1)
Marie Jackson-Atkins (RLCB Eagle Mart, Fort Campbell) (1)

August
Bobby Greene (13) Angela Hodge (4)

September
J.W. Wells (27) Allen Simms (17) David Martin (7)
Rosa Whitaker (13) Jeff Tucker (10) Irene Goodson (15) Georgia Moore (11)

October
Leslie Connor (23) Barbara McMillan (13) Douglas Brame (10)
Brad Bender (3) Odiss McGee (7) Ann Smith (15)

November
Cynthia Hinton (8) Marjorie Conyers (12)
Queen Newkirk (4) Elfido Morales (10)

December
Cherry Combs (15) Henry Godard (4) Tina Turnage (3)
Walter Webb (17) Debbie Grice (4) Linda Edwards (12)
Dan McAlister (6)

January
Robert Hinton (11) Martha McNeill (11)
Vicki Bradley (6) Annie Johnson (13)

February
Judy Eason (15) Linda Sanders (4)
Shirley Edwards (21) Raine Pierce (9)
Julius McNair (15) Linwood Wallace (5) Melaney Stein (3)

March
Charles Tillman (7) Dolores Hartlage (11)
Darnell Crudup (7) James Hinton (12)
James Crowell (11) Billy Barnhill (28)
Tommie Legrand (7) Alice Kelly (19)

April
Tammy White (1) Sharen Robinson (13)
Audrey Register (3) Irma Acuna (13)
Carolyn Whitley (4) Mary Evans (15)
David Mazurowski (RLCB SSSC, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base) (1)
Charles Leathers (RLCB SSSC, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base) (1)