The UCB Buzz
A publication of
Utah Council of the Blind
December 2025
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Utah Council of the Blind
PO Box 1415
Bountiful UT 84011-1415
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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
PresidentÕs End-of-Year
Message
Come Early To Our Holiday
Party
Holiday Bake Sale and
Request for Contributions
Drawings To Look Forward To
At the Holiday Party
Handcrafted
Holiday Gifts from Wright Turn Only
Legacy West Pioneers Ð
Teresa Lobato, Connie Stone, Dale Lobato, Larry Lamper
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Filled
Muffins with Streusel Topping
As we come to the close of another year, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for your dedication, service, and support of the Utah Council of the Blind. Together, we have accomplished meaningful work and created opportunities that strengthen our community in lasting ways.
We kicked the year off with an accessible ÒStop the BleedÓ certification activity. This hands-on, potentially life-saving training was adapted with accessibility first, ensuring every participant could meaningfully learn and practice emergency skills. This was a milestone moment for our organization and an example of what we can accomplish when we prioritize independence and safety for all.
One of our greatest successes this year was our Easter Basket Fundraiser. Thanks to the generosity and teamwork of our members and volunteers, we surpassed our fundraising goals and were able to expand programs that directly benefit blind and visually impaired individuals across Utah. Your enthusiasm and willingness to step in, whether assembling baskets, making deliveries, or contributing financially, made all the difference.
Once again, the Utah State Fair did not disappoint, providing our community with thrills, amazement, and fun as we gathered together to experience all that our state is proud of.
We also hosted a wonderfully successful Halloween carnival filled with accessible games, laughter, and community connection. It was inspiring to see families, friends, and members come together to celebrate in an environment designed intentionally with accessibility and inclusion in mind.
Our annual statewide training conference, which centered on emotional resilience, was equally impactful. In a world that can feel heavy at times, creating space to learn, grow, and strengthen one another emotionally has never been more important. Attendees left empowered, connected, and reminded that resilience is not something we build alone Ð itÕs something we build together.
As we look toward the upcoming year, we invite your continued partnership. To keep these programs thriving and to expand our services, we are seeking donations, grant opportunities, and support from businesses and individuals who believe in our mission. Whether you can offer financial help, community connections, or simply share our message with others, your contribution matters.
Finally, I encourage each of you to remain engaged with and supportive of the Utah Council of the Blind. Your presence strengthens our community. Your voice guides our direction. And your support ensures that blind and visually impaired Utahns continue to have access to essential tools, programs, and opportunities that promote independence, confidence, and connection.
Thank you for making this year extraordinary. I look forward to all we will accomplish together in the year ahead.
Anna Jeffery
By Shelly Hendricksen
You are invited to the UCB Annual Holiday Celebration.
When: December 6th
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Where: Division of Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired (a.k.a. the Blind Center), 1950 W 250 N, Salt Lake City, UT 84116
Price: $10 per person
Reservations due: December 2nd; please call Kate at 801-245-9264 and include names and gender of any children 11 and under.
We will have Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus there to give a present to each child and then they will come and meet each and every one of us!
Dinner will be provided by Cracker Barrel, and we will have the Mountain Ridge High School Madrigals with Kelly DeHaan, conductor come sing to us. There will also be goodie bags.
Come and do some Christmas shopping at our annual bake sale and Christmas bazaar provided by the Utah Council of the Blind.
Hey everyone! Come early to our Annual Holiday Party on December 6, 2025. Starting at 9:30 a.m. we will be passing out a special treat to the early birds. Come and shop Ôtil you drop at the UCB table and get a wonderful snack at our Bake Sale! This will be an enjoyable time for all. If you have not ordered your Christmas Stocking, please call Kate at the UCB office, where she will take your order, and you can pick them up at the Holiday Party! DonÕt forget the drawings for two great gifts. These will be located at the UCB table or at the bake sale.
See you there!
If you donÕt like going shopping, then come to our UCB table at our annual Holiday Party on December 6th. We will be open from 9:30 a.m. until lunch is served and after the party festivities until 2:00 p.m. Kate has really outdone herself this year. There will be many surprises, plus you might find that special gift you have been looking for Ð items for everyone and every age. This way you donÕt have to go from store to store. There will be a large variety of things available, including clothes, shoes, baby things, kitchen things etc. We will accept checks, cash and credit cards. You can shop before lunch and after the party is over. Make sure you allow enough time to look over all we have this year.
The UCB table is also where you can obtain tickets for the drawings. Tickets need to be purchased before and after lunch only.
Everyone loves bake sales! We would appreciate it if you would contribute goodies to our holiday bake sale on December 6th at our holiday party. Cookies, brownies, cakes, pies, popcorn balls, caramels, lemon bars, rice crispies treats, cupcakes, sweet breads, or any other treats are all appreciated. Please wrap and label the item so it can be identified. (It is also helpful if you indicate if the item contains nuts, and if so, what kind.) You can bring your contribution when you come to the party. This is a fundraiser for the Utah Council of the Blind. Did you know you can buy and freeze most baked items? They can be defrosted when you want to eat them or give them away. Any questions, you may call Sandy England at 801-634-8002. Looking forward to seeing what everyone will bring!
This year we will have a drawing for two wonderful baskets. A Texas Road House basket has a $20 gift card, a gift card for fried pickles, a bag of peanuts, and a bottle of steak sauce. We also have a basket from Great Harvest Breads. This Basket has a wonderful assortment of their baked goods, etc. Each basket is different, so we donÕt know which one we will get; however, it will be fresh and baked that day. Come and take a look, and, if you like, you can purchase tickets by calling Kate or at the Holiday Party on December 6th. The tickets will be $2 each or 3 for $5.00. For a free ticket ask Kate at the table. You wonÕt get to pick which basket you get. We all love the Texas Road House with their steaks, barbecue ribs, chicken, etc., and donÕt forget those wonderful rolls. Great Harvest breads, sandwiches, sweet bread, etc. are great tasting also.
So, come and get your tickets and enjoy the party!
This year at our Holiday Party we are doing something different. So, we wonÕt have vendors. We are looking for another activity in which you can come and sell your items. I would like to know who would be interested in this. Tell me what you would sell and how many tables you might need. I have not planned this event yet. We are just thinking about it for next year. This would be for anyone who makes things and technology for the blind. If you are not blind and want to join us it would cost a little more.
You can call Sandy England at 801-634-8002 with any questions.
By Ray Wright
"Where everything I create is handcrafted with vision, not sight."
The Christmas season has always been one
of my favorite times of year Ñ a time for giving, sharing, and celebrating the
people who mean the most to us. As you search for that perfect, meaningful
gift, I invite you to take a look at my collection of
hand-turned wooden creations. Each piece is made with care, pride, and purpose
Ñ the kind of gift that tells a story and warms the heart.
These one-of-a-kind items make perfect
presents for the hard-to-buy-for person or the one who seems to have
everything.
The Long White Cane Pen
IÕm
especially proud to share my newest design Ñ The Long White Cane Pen Ñ
created in honor of the blindness community. Like so many of us, I use my white
cane every day, and it stands as a symbol of freedom, independence, and pride.
I wanted to capture that same spirit in a pen that celebrates who we are.
Each pen measures approximately 8 inches
long and features:
A
silver tip
A
long white metal shaft
A
handle made from African Blackwood
A cord extending
from the end, completing the authentic look
The Long White Cane Pen isnÕt just a writing instrument Ñ itÕs
a meaningful reminder of strength, confidence, and identity.
Offered now at an introductory price
of $30.00, it makes a thoughtful Christmas gift or a personal keepsake to
show your pride in being blind.
More Handcrafted Creations
Beyond the Long White Cane Pen, I create
a wide variety of hand-turned wooden and deer antler items, including:
Pens
of many styles and designs
Seam
rippers
Consecrated
oil vials
Pizza
cutters
Ice
cream scoops
Bottle
stoppers
Secret compartment
keyrings
Essential oil keyrings
É and much more!
Each item is designed with love and care.
I believe pens arenÕt just for writing stories Ñ they
can tell stories too. Every creation has its own personality, and IÕm always happy to take custom orders to make
something truly special for you or someone you love.
From My Workshop to You
For those of you who donÕt
know me, my name is Ray Wright. I went totally blind from Retinitis
Pigmentosa, but that hasnÕt stopped me from
creating art through woodturning. Every piece I make is shaped by touch, guided
by imagination, and filled with heart Ñ truly handcrafted with vision, not
sight.
This Christmas, give a gift thatÕs made to be cherished Ñ a gift that comes from the
hands, heart, and hope of someone who believes that vision isnÕt
about sight, but about seeing with purpose.
For a complete list of items and prices,
please contact me:
wrightturnonly@gmail.com
Text or call:
801-560-9866
From my workshop to your home Ñ Merry
Christmas and warm wishes from Wright Turn Only, where every creation tells a
story.
Eagle TaxiÐTaxi Las Aguilas LLC has contracted with the Utah Council of the Blind to transport blind individuals. The Company will accept the UCB white cab coupons for cab fare. Their website is eagletaxi-taxilasaguilas.com. The dispatch number is 801-982-1010.
They also offer an app to book a ride. Search in your App store under Eagle TaxiÐTaxi Las Aguilas. It works like Uber and Lyft. The app icon is orange and yellow.
Behind strong leaders in the blindness community are often sighted partners who work alongside them to support their efforts on behalf of people who are blind or visually impaired. At our statewide training conference, we honored a few of these individuals with Sarah Talmage Awards:
This wonderful lady was literally born into the Utah Council of the Blind family. From the time she was a very young child, she gave whatever service she was able, whether it was acting as a sighted guide, helping serve meals, working on setting up for events and cleaning up afterward, or anything else that was asked of her. As she grew older, she helped with more complex assignments, like caring for younger children and planning and carrying out activities for them.
She has always done reading for her mother and often other people who are blind. As the Council grew in complexity, her involvement in helping grew as well. As her capabilities increased, she took on more and more complicated tasks, such as helping with grant writing, designing brochures, producing annual reports, etc.
As an adult, her involvement with the UCB has continued to expand. Eventually, she took on a good deal of the bookkeeping, and did a great deal of grant writing on her own. She played ever increasing roles in the production of publications and designing materials for our website and social media.
With LeslieÕs passing, this individual took on most of her responsibilities, and was given the title of chief operating officer. She worked closely and efficiently with the new executive director and the officers and directors of the UCB to see that all our programs and services continued smoothly. A few years later she was asked to assume the role of executive director herself and continues to serve in that position.
It is our distinct honor to present the Sarah Talmage Award for lifetime service to Kate Balzly.
The Legacy West Pioneers of Utah (a group which has worked under other names through the years) has provided many decades of service to the Utah Council of the Blind as well as many others throughout Utah and Wyoming. Every year for all of those decades they have provided an accessible Easter Egg Hunt and barbeque for our children of all ages, which is always great fun, and for which we are eternally grateful. They do the set-up, food service, organizing activities, and clean-up, and charge us not a dime; and they are wonderfully delightful people with whom to work.
Through the years, they have also provided us with some of the most fun adult activities we have participated in. They shared their supply of audible sports equipment, such as beeping baseball, a horseshoe toss, volleyball, etc.
For all their years of service supporting the programs of the Utah of Council of the Blind, we are pleased to present this Outstanding Service Award to the Legacy Pioneers of Utah.
This gentleman worked alongside his wife in service to the Ogden Association of the Blind for several decades. Through the years, he provided a variety of services to the organization, most recently acting as treasurer among other tasks.
We always see him at the entrance to every activity, checking people in, taking fees, giving directions, and answering questions. He shows up regularly in our email inboxes keeping us up to date with OAB newsletters and important informational updates.
For all your years of service, Joe Stillwell, husband of the late Kathy Stillwell, we are pleased to present this Sarah Talmage Award.
This lady married into a challenging relationship, and not only rose to the challenge, but raised the bar. She is multi-talented and can do virtually anything.
She uses her wide variety of skills to provide amazing amounts of service to various organizations and individuals. When she attends an activity, and she attends many, she never needs to be asked to help, she is quick to see what is needed and immediately jumps in to take care of it. She keeps in touch with community members and, along with her husband, provides caring service, whether the need is just a sympathetic visit, a meal, or even help with moving Ð nothing is too small or too large.
For her generous sharing of her talents and her caring service, we are pleased to present this Sarah Talmage Award to Sandy Gibson, wife of Bill Gibson.
When this gentleman married, he had a vision of life taking care of his legally blind young wife. Little did he imagine the wild ride on which she has taken him. But he has definitely risen to his circumstances with alacrity and grace.
He is a person who is always willing to help and has the skills to be able to do this in many ways. Whether it is making props or assembling equipment for activities or obtaining supplies for programs, he is your man. He seems to thrive on hard work and is happy to take care of tasks that others find cumbersome. He can work independently, a rare and invaluable skill, but is also a great team player.
He always stays calm, even in stressful situations, and can step in and get things done when others are ineffectual. He is great at making other people feel heard and important and helping them feel good about themselves. He is the ideal peace maker and often sets aside his own preferences in order to create a pleasant experience for others.
In gratitude for his many years of sharing his skills and wonderful personality on our behalf, we present this Sarah Talmage Award to Paul Jeffery, husband of Anna Jeffery.
* * *
The most prestigious of UCBÕs volunteer recognitions, The Leslie H Gertsch Memorial Leadership Award, was presented to the following individuals:
This great lady has spent the majority of her adult life volunteering her time and talents in the service of blind and deafblind residents of Utah.
She has served on the boards of directors of the Utah Council of the Blind, the UCB Credit Union and various organizations of people who are blind, deaf or deafblind, and was instrumental in organizing several groups and developing programs to serve these populations.
She worked with the Legislative Coalition for People with Disabilities for many years, spending countless hours supporting legislation, educating legislators, and advocating for all people with disabilities.
Realizing through personal experience the special challenges of people who are deafblind, she envisioned the support service program, advocated with Representative Gerry Buttars to sponsor it through the State Legislature, and worked with him to draft and present the necessary legislation. She then organized a massive lobbying effort to get the legislation passed. The following year, she had to go through the process all over again to change the legislation from a year-to-year to an on-going program.
In recent years, she continues to provide support and training for people who are blind or deafblind, and does so on a completely volunteer basis.
It is our great pleasure to present the highest award of the Utah Council of the Blind, the Leslie H Gertsch Memorial Leadership Award, to Cordie Weed for her lifetime of exemplary service and leadership.
This brilliant and talented individual has served and provided leadership to the blind community for several decades, serving in the leadership of the Association for the Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER); the Council for Exceptional Children, Division for the Visually Impaired (CEC, DVI); the Braille Authority of North America (BANA); the Guide Dog Users Group; the American Council of the Blind; and the Utah Council of the Blind, among others.
This person is an expert in many areas, including Braille, technology, music, computer skills, to name just a few; and shares her talents freely and widely. She is a highly sought after speaker and trainer, and always uses these opportunities to educate both individuals who are blind and the general public on the importance of instilling skills of independence in people who are blind, especially blind children and newly blind adults. She strongly promotes the values of the Utah Council of the Blind in encouraging the earliest possible training in Braille. use of the wide variety of technology, daily living skills, and orientation and mobility skills to support maximum independence.
When the Utah Council of the Blind lost its long-time executive director, this wonderful person stepped forward and took on that position as a volunteer, serving for several years until a suitable replacement could be identified. As busy as she is, she always finds time to provide help when her services are needed.
We are pleased to present the Leslie H Gertsch Memorial Leadership Award to Dr. Sandy Ruconich.
From Sandy England
When I was a young turkey, new to the coop,
My big brother Mike took me out on the stoop.
Then he sat me down, and he spoke real slow,
And he told me there was something I had to know.
His look and his tone I will always remember,
When he told me of the horrors of ... Black November.
"Come about August, now listen to me,
Each day you'll get six meals instead of just three.
And soon you'll be thick, where once you were thin,
And you'll grow a big rubbery thing under your chin.
And then one morning, when you're warm in your bed,
In'll burst the farmer's wife and hack off your head.
Then she'll pluck out your feathers so you're bald and pink,
And scoop out your insides and leave you lying in the sink.
And then comes the worst part" he said not bluffing,
"She'll spread your cheeks and pack your rear end with stuffing".
Well, the rest of his words were too grim to repeat,
I sat on the stoop like a singed piece of meat.
I decided on the spot that to avoid being cooked,
I'd have to lay low and remain overlooked.
I began a new diet of nuts and granola,
High roughage salads, juice and diet cola.
And as they ate pastries, chocolates and crepes,
I stayed in my room doing Jane Fonda tapes.
I maintained my weight of two pounds and a half,
And tried not to notice when the bigger birds laughed.
But 'twas I who was laughing, under my breath,
As they chomped and they chewed, ever closer to death.
And sure enough when Black November rolled around,
I was the last turkey left in the whole compound.
So now I'm a pet in the farmer's wife's lap,
I haven't a worry, so I eat and I nap.
She held me today, while sewing and humming,
And smiled at me and said "Christmas is coming..."
By Sandy England
These pumpkin muffins are made extra-special with a vanilla cream cheese filling and delicious streusel topping.
8 ounces regular or reduced fat (Neufchatel) cream cheese, room temperature
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
3 large eggs
1 cup canned pumpkin
1/2 cup canola oil
2 teaspoons vanilla
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 tablespoons soft butter
2 to 3 tablespoons chopped walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts
Line 18 muffin cups with paper baking cups or grease and flour the muffin cups. Heat oven to 375¡.
Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Beat until smooth; set aside.
Muffins: In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 2/3 cups of flour, 1 cup brown sugar, 1 cup granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Add eggs, pumpkin, oil, and 2 teaspoons vanilla. Beat until well blended.
Topping: In a small bowl, combine the 1/3 cup flour, 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, butter, and nuts. Work together with a fork or fingers.
Fill muffin cups about one-third full with the muffin batter, then put about 1 tablespoon of cream cheese mixture in the center of each. Top with about 1 more tablespoon of the pumpkin batter, or until cups are about 3/4 full. Sprinkle muffins with streusel topping. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until firm.
Makes 16 to 18 pumpkin muffins.
December 6, 2025, 9:30 a.m. Ð 2:30 p.m., Holiday
Celebration, DSBVI
February 7, 2026, Sourdough Activity Ð DSBVI Ð Watch for updates (Jenni
Thompson)
March 21, 2026 Ð Easter Egg Hunt (In
conjunction with Easter basket fundraiser and Easter boutique) Ð DSBVI Ð Watch
for updates (Legacy West Pioneers, Kate Balzly and
Sandy England)
April 18, 2026, 1:00-2:30 p.m. Smart Glasses Activity Ð Zoom Ð Watch
for updates (Sandy Ruconich)
May 2, 2026 Ð Exploring the World of Bees Ð DSBVI Ð Watch for updates
(Anna Jeffery)
May 9, 2026, 12:00-2:00 p.m., Luncheon in Sanpete Ð Watch for updates
(Dennie Clark)
July 24-31, 2026, American Council of the Blind Convention, St. Louis,
Missouri
September 14 and 16, 2026, Utah State Fair Ð Fairpark Ð Watch for
updates (Kate Balzly)
September 18-19, 2026 Ð Statewide Training
Conference, Logan Ð Watch for updates (Juanita Gentry and Anna Jeffery)
September 19, 2026, Annual Business Meeting Ð Watch for updates
November 7, 2026, Craft Day Ð DSBVI Ð Watch for updates (Kira Larkin)
December 5, 2026 Ð Holiday Celebration ÒPolar ExpressÓ Ð DSBVI (Cordie
Weed)
Christmas Boutique and Bake Sale Ð UCB Only (Kate Balzly
and Sandy England)
Members are invited to attend meetings of the Board of Directors. Meetings are held via Zoom. To be placed on the agenda or attend a meeting, email utahblind@gmail.com or call 801-245-9264.
January 8, 2026, 4:45 p.m.
April 9, 2026, 4:45 p.m.
June 4, 2026, 4:45 p.m.
October 1, 2026, 4:45 p.m., attendance by invitation only
January 7, 2027, 4:45 p.m.
Anna Jeffery, President
Donni Mitchell, Vice President
Jeana Nielsen, Secretary
Vicki Flake, Treasurer
Sandy Ruconich
Sandy England
Dennie Clark
Kira Larkin
Shelly Hendriksen
Mindi Larson
Kate Balzly, Executive Director
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Address:
Utah
Council of the Blind
PO
Box 1415
Bountiful UT 84011-1415