The UCB Buzz
A publication of
Utah Council of the Blind
October 2023
For the latest news updates, check out the website at utahblind.org
E-mail us at utahblind@gmail.com
For credit card payments, to make reservations, or for other business,
call the business office at 801-245-9264.
Disclaimer
Articles and announcements included in this publication
are presented for your information and interest. They reflect the opinions of
the respective authors and are not necessarily endorsed by the UCB.
In This Issue
Annual
Business Meeting 2023 Presidents Message
UCB
Holds its 2023 Annual Business Meeting
A
Spooktacular Halloween Carnival Fundraiser for all ages.
Congratulations,
Sandy England
Board
of Directors and Management
2023
Meeting Schedule and Calendar
Dear members and friends of the Utah Council of the Blind,
I apologize for not being with you in person. I had to make the difficult decision on where my time would be most needed today. My youngest son, Ezra, is competing in his last mountain bike race of the season Today. He is hoping to finish in the top five. He has been working very hard to get to this point. As his mom, I want to be there for him if he makes it or if he does not. Like many of you, family is very important to me, and I appreciate that about the friends I have made in the UCB.
As I address you Today, I want to emphasize that the Utah Council of the Blind is about so much more than existing. It’s about thriving, growing, and making a meaningful impact on the lives we serve.
We are capable of achieving greatness, pursuing our passions, and contributing in our personal lives and our communities.
In the Utah Council of the Blind, as we do more than exist, we can focus on our individual strengths and bring to the council positive energy and fresh ideas. We can excel, inspire, and create a brighter future for ourselves and our upcoming generations.
As we move forward, let our actions reflect our commitment to the Utah Council of the Blind.
At this very moment, as I cheer on my son and his hard efforts, I also cheer you on to be brave, make a difference, and share your efforts with us.
Thank you for being a part of this journey. I look forward to working alongside each one of you in whatever capacity you choose.
By Tom Mitchell
The Utah Council of the Blind held its annual business meeting on Saturday, September 16, 2023, at the Division of Services for the Blind and Visually-Impaired. Though short, the meeting was well-organized and ran smoothly. Donni Mitchell, UCB vice-president, presided, due to the absence of our president, Anna Jeffery, who had an important family commitment.
The meeting began at 10:15. The minutes for the 2022 Business meeting, provided by UCB Secretary Jeana Nielsen, were read by Vicki Flake, and, with one change, were accepted.
The Treasurer’s Report was presented by Vicki Flake.
Elections were then conducted by Elections Committee Chair Cindi Vega. Three candidates for the office of vice-president, Donni Mitchell, (Incumbent), Sandy England, and Kira Larkin, were voted on by the members. Voting was done by secret paper ballots, and the winner was Donni Mitchell, who will be serving her third term as vice-president. Sandy England will continue serving her present term on the UCB Board of Directors. Shelly Hendriksen and Kira Larkin were re-elected to new terms on the board, and David Jordan of Brigham City Utah was elected to his first term.
Following the elections, the Sarah Talmage award was presented to Mrs. Peggy Rohrer, an employee of DSBVI’S Deaf-Blind Program for her years of service as an SSP for deaf-blind people in the Salt Lake and Ogden areas.
George Youngdell wished the organization to thank his wife, Monica, for her work while on the UCB Board of Directors. Several people spoke up her excellent service, and expressed their hope that she might be able to return again to the board.
The
meeting ended at approximately 11:30 am with an excellent lunch donated by
Chick-fil-A.
*******
The Utah Council of the
Blind Presents
Saturday, October 14th, 2023
From 12:00 pm-4 pm
Held at the Blind Center at 250 North 1950 West, Salt Lake City
New
Additions this year are Sno Cones, a Jumbo Connect Four, and Ice Cream
Desserts.
Carnival Participation is $10.00 for ages 11 and up, and $8.00 for 10 and younger.
Includes Pizza, Hot Dogs, Chips, Cotton Candy, Sno Cones, Nachos, Chips and Salsa, Caramel Apples, Popcorn, One Ice Cream Dessert (Additional Desserts will be $1.00 each), Hot Chocolate, Punch, and Water.
Games and Activities such as a Bounce House, Bubble Balls, Bingo, Costume Contest, Fishing Pond, Ring Toss, Jumbo Jenga, Jumbo Connect Four, Balloon Animals, Have your Fortune told, Face Painting, Fishing Pond, Find the Skeleton Sensory games, Prizes, Candy and more.
While Supplies Last.
You may prepay for the Carnival by calling the UCB Office at 801-245-9264 or pay at the door cash/check/credit card. Reservations are appreciated.
Sponsors:
Little Caesar’s, Costco, Smith’s, and generous donations from individuals.
By Mindi Larsen
Mark your calendars for our annual Holiday
Celebration. It will be on December 2, 2023, from 11:00-2:00. The cost will be
$8 per person. This year’s theme is “Winter Wonderland”. We will have a delicious
holiday dinner, as well as prizes, a photo area, singing and a boutique. We
will also have a Santa for children ages 11 and younger. So, please bring your children
and grandchildren. We will need to know their names, their ages, and if they
are boys or girls. We would like to have the children’s information by November
20, 2023. Please call the UCB office at 801-245-9264 to make payments. Let them
know how many people will be coming with you, and if you are bringing children.
Payments for the dinner must be made by November 26.
Also, the
boutique will be open before and after the Holiday Celebration. The boutique
hours will be from 9am-11am and from 1:30pm-2:30pm. Bring cash and a bag to
take your purchases home with you.
Christmas is just around the corner and the UCB will have a boutique at the Holiday Luncheon party. There will be items for everyone. Vendors are welcome to rent a table for just $5.00. The boutique will be open from 9 am-11 am before the Holiday Luncheon Party and also from 1:30-2:30 pm. There will be volunteers to help describe items of interest. Items from holiday decor, household goods, unique gifts, clothing, games and toys, UCB T-shirts, baked goods, and more. Vendors, please call the office at 801-245-9264 to reserve your table.
$15.00 Each
Perfect gift for anyone, even your furry
friends.
Items/Goodies will be age-appropriate and gender-neutral. Please specify child, teen, adult, cat, or dog. Stockings will be available for pick up at the Utah Council of the Blind Holiday Party, Saturday, December 2nd from 9am-2:30pm Held at the Blind Center, 250 North 1950 West, Salt Lake City.
Orders need to be in by November 27th.
Order yours today at the UCB office 801-245-9264
Donations for this fundraiser are appreciated.
Tickets sold at $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00
You may prepay for your tickets or buy them at the Holiday Party.
Teddy bears make the best friends. They are always ready to give you a hug. They always love you … just the way you are.
Two
Jumbo Bears are up for grabs.
1 3-foot bear with $20.00 Leatherby’s Gift Certificate
1 2-foot bear with $25.00 Black Bear Diner Gift Certificate.
First Name drawn may pick a bear of choice. Must be present to receive item.
A special thanks to Black Bear Diner and Leatherby's for their donations.
This is Peggy Rohrer. I would like to thank you very much for my Sarah Talmage Award.
I was very surprised, shocked, WOW! Not a dream. Reality! I appreciate the honor of such an amazing gift.
Many
Thanks,
Peggy Rohrer
Congratulations to Sandy England for winning two first-place blue ribbons at the Utah State Fair for her beautiful ceramic pieces: one for a brown dog, and one was for a mixed dark and light brown cat. The ceramics class, provided by the UCB, is held on Wednesdays at the DSBVI from 10am-2pm. If you are interested in participating, please contact Gerrie Mills, the artist-teacher at 801-803-8070. This class is funded by the Salt Lake Arts Council, the Lawrence T. Dee Foundation, and a grant from the VIRF Trust Fund.
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 tommit60@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.
Anna Jeffery, President, Skills Development Program Supervisor
Donni Mitchell, Vice President, Ceramics Board Liaison
Jeana Nielsen, Secretary
Vicki Flake, Treasurer
Sandy Ruconich, Director, Executive Director
Sandy England, Director, Awards Committee Chair
Kira Larkin, Director, Braille Committee Chair, Ceramics Class Liaison
Shelly Hendricksen, Director, Scholarship Committee Chair
Cindi Vega, Director, Election Committee Chair
Dennie Clark, Director, Skills Development Program Assistant Supervisor
Mindi Larson, Director, Holiday Celebration Committee Chair
David Jordan, Director Elect
Kate Balzly, Chief Operating Officer
Aunilie Hathaway, Membership Committee Chair
Tom Mitchell, Publications Committee Chair
Matt Barnhill, Adaptive Technology Committee Chair
JD Seely, Community Projects Chair
Members are invited and encouraged to attend meetings of the Board of Directors. Meetings will typically be held the first Thursday of each month 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.
Thursday, October 5, 2023, 4:45 p.m. – Board Meeting
Saturday, October 7, 2023, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. – Budget and Training Meeting, Zoom (by invitation only)
Saturday, October 14, 2023, 12:00-4:00 pm – Halloween Party at DSBVI
Thursday, November 2, 2023, 4:45 p.m. – Board Meeting
Saturday, December 2, 2023, time TBD – Holiday Celebration at DSBVI – watch for updates
Saturday, April 13, 2024, tentative – Statewide Training Conference – watch for updates
Sign
up for our newsletter: Click Here
Stay
Connected:
Donate to the UCB: Click Here
Utah Council of the Blind FREE
MATTER
PO Box 1415 FOR
THE BLIND
Bountiful UT 84011-1415 AND
DISABLED