From Anne and Martin Kelly, County Kildare, Ireland:

As Matilda Ziegler's gift to blind people around the world reaches the grand old age of 100, here is an Irish/Scottish perspective on it (Anne is from Scotland).

Neither of us remembers how we first heard of the magazine; it was a good number of years ago. We have found it entertaining, informative, and a conduit for bringing blind people from all parts of the world together.

What an opportune time for this celebration: 2007 just happens to be the International Year of Equal Opportunity! The Matilda Ziegler Magazine can be very proud of its contribution to reducing inequalities and providing unparalleled opportunities for blind people in a world without borders. Beside the valuable information shared in its wideranging articles, the Ziegler empowers people particularly by generating and encouraging lively debate.

Since we discovered this means of communicating around the globe, some facets of our lives have been altered fundamentally. By publishing our reflections on the Americans with Disabilities Act in Readers Forum in August 2005, the Ziegler opened up a new line of communication for us: We are networking with likeminded individuals on a regular basis.

If Matilda Ziegler were still with us, we believe the Ziegler community would be unanimous in their appreciation of her gift. Her farseeing philanthropic gesture 100 years ago has undoubtedly stood the test of time. Blind folk around the world are reminded of Matilda Ziegler's contribution to society each month when the magazine drops into their mailboxbe it traditional or electronic.

Here's a Scottish wish for the Ziegler: Lang may yer lum reek!Long may your chimney smoke! (Because if your chimney is smoking, you must be alive and stoking the fire.)