The UCB Buzz

A publication of

Utah Council of the Blind

September 2025

For the latest news updates, check out the website at utahblind.org, follow us on Facebook, and/or join our email list.

Contact Information:

E-mail us at utahblind@gmail.com

Call our business office at 801-245-9264

Mailing address:

Utah Council of the Blind

PO Box 1415

Bountiful UT 84011-1415

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 (or an additional format), please call or email and let us know.

We always appreciate hearing from our readers and receiving your contributions. Please send them to us via the contact information above.

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 Reminder 3

Save the Date – Statewide Training Conference. 3

Heartfelt Thanks. 4

Utah State Fair 5

UCB Spooktacular Halloween Carnival 5

The Stockings Were Hung by the Chimney with Care. 6

Activities Calendar 7

Board of Directors Meetings. 8

UCB Board and Management 8

Annual Business Meeting Reminder

The Annual Business Meeting of the Utah Council of the Blind will be held by Zoom at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 20, 2025. Reservations are required. Please call the business office at 801-245-9264 or email utahblind@gmail.com with your name, the names of others in your party, and your telephone number and email address, no later than 5:00 p.m. Thursday, September18th.

All voting will be done utilizing the ballot included in the Annual Business Meeting mailing. Should you need help completing the ballot, feel free to contact the business office for assistance. You may leave a voicemail message with your vote; please be sure to include your name along with your votes.

Save the Date – Statewide Training Conference

Mark your calendars for this year’s training conference. It will be held on November 7^th and 8^th at the Embassy Suites in South Jordan, Utah. The address is 10333 South Jordan Gateway. This year’s theme is “Be Empowered by Creating Your Own Happiness.” We will have awesome speakers, fun activities, and of course DOOR PRIZES! The cost is $60 per person. That includes two lunches and a banquet dinner. There is a Trax station behind the hotel. For those staying in the hotel, they have a complimentary breakfast. A discount code for rooms will be coming soon. Everyone come, learn something new, and have a great time.

Heartfelt Thanks

By Kate Balzly

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the many foundations that have stood beside us in empowering Utah's Blind and Visually Impaired Community. George S. and Dolores Dore Eccles Foundation, and Rocky Mountain Power Foundation for the Subsidized Transportation Program, Sorenson Legacy Foundation, and Williamsen Family Foundation for the Skills Development Program.

Utah State Fair

By Kate Balzly

Utah State Fair for you and your guide. Only $1.00 per person.

Enjoy entertainment, carnival rides, food, shopping, exhibits, and farm animals.

You may choose to attend on Monday, September 8, at 5 pm or Wednesday, September 10, at 10 am. Please RSVP at 801-245-9264. It is required that we meet and enter as a group at the discounted rate. For those meeting on Monday, please come to the north State Fair parking lot. We will meet at the ticket booth in the middle. For those coming on Wednesday, please enter the north parking lot and head towards the stadium ticket booth west of the parking lot.

UCB Spooktacular Halloween Carnival

Saturday, October 25th, at the Blind Center

Carnival games for all ages

Bounce House

Food

Halloween Costume Contest

More information to come

The Stockings Were Hung by the Chimney with Care

By Sandy England

Yes, it is that time of year again! We all love Christmas, and Christmas stockings have always been part of it. This year we have fuzzy red/white and green/white stockings. Get your order in right away so you can get one of these really nice stockings. The cost is $16. Please include age and if it is for a male or female. Children love stockings – to investigate them and to be surprised by all the goodies and items inside. Think about your favorite neighbor, friend, family member or co-worker. What a wonderful way to say thank you to someone special who helped you with something this year. To order call Kate at the UCB office: 801-245-9264.

Activities Calendar

(Dates and details are subject to change, so be sure to watch your newsletters for updates. Also, we’re always looking for help, so if you’d like to volunteer to serve on any of the committees for these activities, please let us know.)

September 8 and 10, Utah State Fair – watch for updates

September 20, 2025, 10:00 a.m., UCB Annual Business Meeting, Zoom

October 25, 2025, Time TBD, Spooktacular Halloween Party Fundraiser – watch for updates

November 7-8, 2025, “Being Empowered by Creating Your Own Happiness” Statewide Training Conference – watch for updates

November 26, 2025, History of the Blind – watch for updates

December 6, 2025, Holiday Celebration, DSBVI – watch for updates

Board of Directors Meetings

Members are invited 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, email utahblind@gmail.com or call 801-245-9264.

October 2, 2025, 4:45 p.m. – Budget and Planning Meeting (by invitation only)

January 8, 2026, 4:45 p.m.