Attention, cosmic enthusiasts! On May 4th, we invite you on an interstellar journey to delve into the captivating world of the Solar Sun. This activity promises to be an enlightening experience, celebrating the marvels of our solar system and its radiant star.

Discover the fascinating secrets of our sun, its mesmerizing phenomena, and the crucial role it plays in our universe.

Experience, by either audio or visual means, the sun's dynamic features, from sunspots to solar flares, guided by our seasoned astronomers from the University of Utah.

Engage in hands-on, tactile displays to help bring to life the science behind our celestial parent, the Sun.

Ignite your curiosity and deepen your understanding of the fiery heart of our solar system. Whether you're a seasoned astronomer or just beginning your cosmic journey, this event promises something stellar for everyone.

Prepare to be dazzled by the wonders of the Solar Sun on this special day. Together, let's celebrate the cosmic magnificence that lights up our universe. May the 4th be with you as we embark on this enlightening astronomical adventure!

See you among the stars!

Art Night with the UCB

The UCB will be having an Art Night to exhibit pieces of art made by the blind community. This is open to the public. There is no charge to come and stroll through the exhibits. Art pieces may be purchased from various artists. The event will be Friday, May 17th, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the DSBVI, 250 N 1950 W, Salt Lake City (location subject to change, so watch the website, utahblind.org, for a possible update).

Taylorsville Temple Open House for Persons with Disabilities

From Sylvia Bernert

The Taylorsville Temple will be holding tactile tours on Saturday, April 20th at 7:30 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. They need to keep these tours separate from the public tours and need to hold them before and after the general open house. This is why we're limited on times for tour availability. They are asking that you bring a sighted guide/companion with you. Please contact Sylvia Bernert via text or call at 801-656-7528. You can also email her at: sylverwings1@gmail.com Please indicate which tour time you're interested in and how many people will be attending with you. Thanks! We look forward to seeing you on the 20th!

Special Tour of the Layton Temple

From Cordie Weed

Hello everyone,

We have an opportunity to go on a special tour of the Layton temple on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at 8:00 a.m. You may bring a sighted guide with you. You will need to be there at least fifteen minutes before 8:00.

I need to have a count of all those who are planning on being there no later than May 4th. You can email me at grandmacordie@q.com.

State Training Conference – Hold the Date

When: November 1st – 2nd

Where: Davis Conference Center
1651 N 700 W, Layton, UT

Join us at the Utah Council of the Blind's State Training Conference for a transformative experience! Get ready for captivating presentations and empowering demonstrations that go beyond mere existence to inspire action and ignite potential. Don't miss out on the opportunity to do more than just exist – be part of something extraordinary.

Giving Back to Our Community

From Anna Jeffery

We have the opportunities to give back to our communities. Here are a couple.

Empty Rolls for Animal Shelters

Have you ever wondered what to do with those empty paper towel rolls or toilet paper rolls? Instead of tossing them away, consider donating them to animal shelters. These humble cardboard cylinders have endless possibilities when it comes to enriching the lives of shelter animals.

From creating toys and puzzles to providing nesting materials for small animals, these empty rolls can make a big impact. By donating your empty rolls, you're not only reducing waste but also providing enrichment and comfort to animals awaiting their forever homes.

Gather empty paper towel rolls, toilet paper rolls, or any other similar cardboard rolls.

Drop off your donations at the Utah Council of the Blind office at DSBVI on Wednesdays. Donation boxes will be available for your convenience.

Beanies for Those in Need

Winter can be harsh, especially for those without adequate shelter or warmth. That's why we're also collecting knitted or crocheted beanies to distribute to those in need. A simple beanie can provide much-needed warmth and comfort during the cold winter months.

Whether you're an experienced crafter or just picking up knitting needles, crochet hooks, or round looms for the first time, your handmade beanies can make a difference in someone's life. Every stitch is a symbol of care and compassion for those facing the challenges of winter without proper protection. Knit or crochet beanies using your favorite patterns and yarns.

Drop off your handmade beanies at the Utah Council of the Blind office at DSBVI on Wednesdays. Donation boxes will be available for your convenience.

Together, we can make a positive impact in our community. Whether it's by donating empty rolls for animal shelters or crafting beanies for those in need, every contribution matters. Your generosity can bring warmth and comfort to those who need it most.

Thank you for your support and compassion.

For more information or inquiries, please contact the Utah Council of the Blind office at 801-245-9264.

*Note: All donated items will be distributed to local animal shelters and individuals in need within our community.*

Thanks to Legacy West Pioneers for a Great Easter Activity

The Easter Egg Hunt and Luncheon activity was a great success. A special thanks to Legacy West Pioneers for generously putting this event on for all to enjoy. Many participated in searching for beeping eggs, and in return they received plastic eggs filled with candy. All ages participated. Observing from the sidelines, I think there might have been just as many blind adults as kids on the field. Lots of smiles to go around. Those who were sighted joined in the fun with blindfolds to experience what it is like to be blind. The Easter Bunny greeted those coming and going. The luncheon was served inside; it was a hot dog lunch with chips, drinks, veggies, and cookies.

Additional Easter Baskets were sold as part of the Easter Basket Fundraiser.

Spotlight from Hale Center Theater

From Anna Jeffery

Commendations to Hale Center Theater for its generous spotlight of the Utah Council of the Blind. The renowned theater's acknowledgment has shed light on the remarkable work carried out by our organization.

In a heartwarming display of community support, Hale Center Theater, known for its exceptional audio described productions and commitment to community engagement, recently showcased UCB in its latest production's program, drawing attention to the organization's mission, accomplishments, and ongoing efforts.

As the curtains close on another successful production at Hale Center Theater, the lasting impact of their acknowledgment of Utah Council of the Blind continues to resonate through our shared commitment to enriching lives and fostering community spirit. A big thank you Hale Center Theater for choosing the Utah Council of the Blind to spotlight.

Thanks to Sponsors

Sandy England deserves recognition for her outstanding efforts in gathering donations for the Easter baskets. Those who sponsored the Easter Basket Fundraiser are as follows. Please show your support to these wonderful donors.

Costco Wholesale

Jim's Family Restaurant

Texas Roadhouse

Megaplex

Raising Canes

McDonalds

Golden Corral

Black Bear Diner

Maria's Mexican Restaurant

La Puenta Mexican Restaurant

Dee's Family Restaurant

Reams Food Stores

Leatherby's

Flake Pies

Culver's

Crown Burger

Great Harvest Bread Co.

CAL Ranch

Wing Nuts

Papa Murphy's Pizza

Spud Taddos Restaurant

Tracy Aviary

Crumbl Cookie

Thanks to the volunteers who also donated items and their time to make the fundraiser a success.

A special thank you to James Pratt of Vernal. James donated 10 Easter Baskets to be given out at the Annual Easter Egg Hunt. Thank you for thinking of your fellow blind friends and brightening their day.

Thanks to the Marriner S. Eccles Foundation for the generous grant for the Subsidized Transportation Program. They are to be commended for the years of support helping the blind of Utah be able to be active participants in their communities.

Thank you to the Herbert I. and Elsa B. Michael Foundation for the generous grant towards the Adaptive Technology Grant Program. This grant will allow those seeking assistance in purchasing adaptive technology to live more independently.

eBook by UCB Member

Eagles Don't Eat Worms, by Linda Kudlik and Jack Weyland available by request only. Please call the UCB Office at 801-245-9264 to receive a downloadable copy. Copyright laws apply.

Bio Bonds Legislation

From Dan Day

Utah Council of the Blind,

Back in July 2022, we spoke about a bill called Bio Bonds. At that time, we were hoping that Senator Romney might be a Senate co-sponsor, but we were not able to move the bill forward at that time. Recently, the bill has been introduced into the House, and I’m forwarding the message below to you in case you would like to help advocate for the bill. The message below that I sent to the Orlando FFB chapter is self-explanatory, but please don’t hesitate to reach out to me with any questions, and please feel free to share this message with anyone who may want to help advance science and medicine.

Warm regards,
Dan
(321) 263-9608

Supporters of Scientific and Medical Research,

There is an exciting opportunity for you to help advance scientific and medical research that spans many diseases, including cancer, heart disease, and blindness and requires minimal effort. A bi-partisan bill has been introduced into the U.S. House of Representatives, H.R. 7539, the Long-term Opportunities for Advancing New Studies for Biomedical Research Act, otherwise known as Bio Bonds. FFB began the effort to get this bill passed many years ago. The original bill was called Eye Bonds and covered only eye research, but has now been expanded to cover a very wide scope of diseases. In this age of Washington gridlock, it is rare to have broad, bi-partisan support for anything, but this bill is an exception. I hope, after reading this message, you will share it with all those you know who have an interest in advancing science and medicine.

The concept is quite simple. Government loans are made available to organizations involved in medical research that have received approval by the FDA to proceed with clinical trials. To be clear, the research must hve progressed to the point where the FDA has approved an application for human clinical trials. Furthermore, organizations that apply must show proof that they can repay the loan, regardless of the success of the trial, making this bill low impact to tax payers. Also, organizations with “deep pockets,” such as large bio-techs and pharmaceuticals, are not eligible for these loans. They are targeted toward promising research from organizations that otherwise will not have the funding to proceed to clinical trials.

How can you help? We need everyone who supports this legislation to contact their representatives and ask for their support. Because 2024 is an election year, this request is time sensitive. We need the House to vote on it before a new House is sworn in during January 2025. The steps are pretty easy. Below is some sample text to use in an email to your representatives, plus a URL to find your representative by your zip code. Again, this legislation provides important funding to find treatments for many diseases in addition to blindness.

You can read more details describing the bill at https://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressmen-bishop-and-fitzpatrick-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-support-fda-cleared-research-into-treatments-and-cures-for-disease

Here are the steps that worked for me to send an email to my representative:

To find your representative and the link to send an email to the representative, go to this URL: https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative

At the above URL, enter your zip code and click on the Find tab.

If the page that comes back for your representative looks the same as mine, you can then follow these steps:

On the left side of the page that opens, you should see a picture of your representative. Below the picture, you should see two icons, with one of them being an envelope. Click on the envelope.

On the page that opens, enter your address and click Go To Next Step.

Enter your name on the next page AND click on Go to Next Page.

Enter your contact info and click on Go to Next page.

Enter your phone number and click Next Page.

On the next page, select Health as the issue and enter the text for your message. Here is some sample text that you can copy and customize as you wish:

Dear Rep. [Last Name],

As a constituent in your district, I urge you to support H.R. 7539, the Long-term Opportunities for Advancing New Studies (LOANS) for Biomedical Research Act, which authorizes a loan program for clinical trials that have received FDA clearance and are focused on boosting development of much-needed treatments and cures for a broad range of conditions including cancer, heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and blinding eye diseases such as glaucoma and macular degeneration.

The LOANS Act addresses this gap in investment by creating a unique financial instrument that would mobilize the financial capital of long-term investors to provide low interest loans to companies at the cutting edge of developing treatments and cures across the spectrum of disease and disability. Importantly, these loans would have minimal impact on taxpayers, because they must be repaid by the therapy developer.

H.R. 7539 is very important to me because several members of my family and I have a blinding eye disease for which there is currently no treatment.

Thank you for considering support for this critical legislation.

Sincerely,
Your name
Address
Phone and/or e-mail

Together, we can make a difference!

Thanks, and warm regards,
Dan Day,
President, Orlando Chapter
Foundation Fighting Blindness
321-263-9608

Activities Calendar

May 4, 2024, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., DSBVI – U of U Sunshine Symposium

May 17, 2024, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., DSBVI – Art Stroll – check website for potential venue change

June 8, 2024 – Games Activity – watch for updates

July 5-12, 2024, Jacksonville, Florida – American Council of the Blind Annual Conference and Convention

August 10, 2024, tentative – Seaquest Aquarium Activity – watch for updates

September 9, and September 11, 2024, tentative – Utah State Fair – watch for updates

September 21, 2024, 10:00 a.m., DSBVI – Annual Business Meeting

November 1-2, 2024, Davis Conference Center – Statewide Training Conference – watch for updates

December 7, 2024, 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., DSBVI, – Holiday Celebration – watch for updates

Board of Directors Meetings

Members are invited and encouraged to attend meetings of the Board of Directors. Meetings will typically be held on the first Thursday of selected months at 4:45 p.m. via Zoom. To be placed on the agenda or attend a meeting, e-mail utahblind@gmail.com or call 801-245-9264.

June 6, 2024, 4:45 p.m. – Board Meeting

August 1, 2024, 4:45 p.m. – Board Meeting

October 12, 2024, Saturday, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. – Budget and Training Meeting (by invitation only)

January 2, 2025, 4:45 p.m. – Board Meeting

Board of Directors and Management

Anna Jeffery, President

Donni Mitchell, Vice President

Jeana Nielsen, Secretary

Vicki Flake, Treasurer

Sandy Ruconich, Director

Sandy England, Director

Kira Larkin, Director

Shelly Hendriksen, Director

Dennie Clark, Director

Mindi Larson, Director

David Jordan, Director

Kate Balzly, Executive Director

The UCB Buzz

The UCB Buzz is available in large print, Braille, audio CD, and by e-mail. If you would prefer to receive your newsletter in a different format, please call the UCB business office at 801-245-9264 or send an e-mail to utahblind@gmail.com and let us know.

We are always looking for articles, book reviews, or interesting tidbits of information from our readers or other interested persons. You may e-mail any articles you wish to submit to utahblind@gmail.com; send Braille, print, or audio to UCB Buzz, PO Box 1415, Bountiful, UT 84011-1415. Please allow extra time for processing Braille, print, or audio.

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Bountiful UT 84011-1415 AND DISABLED