The
UCB Buzz
A publication of
Utah
Council of the Blind
Summer
2026
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,
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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
Learn About Bees With Local
Beekeeper Derk Phelps!
UCB Expands Transportation
Support for Members
Save the Date: Utah Council
of the Blind 2026 State Training Conference
Registering for the
Conference
Chocolate Bunnies, Baskets
and All Kinds of Goodies
Thanks for a Great Zoom
Activity
WHO: Anyone who is blind or visually impaired
WHAT: A friendly meet and greet to connect and build community
WHEN: May 9th
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
LOCATION: Community Center
42 North 100 West, Ephraim, Utah
WHAT TO EXPECT:
Meet new people
Share experiences
Build a support network
Light lunch provided
Tour of pioneer homes
Learn about the history of Ephraim
RSVP BY APRIL 30TH:
Dennie Clark
435-340-1730
dennieclark57@gmail.com
We look forward to
seeing you there!
invites people who are
blind or visually impaired to a special dress rehearsal event of É
VerdiÕs La traviata
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
Doors open at 5:30 pm
Presentation begins promptly at 6:00 pm
Opera starts at 7:00 pm
The Capitol Theatre, 50 W. 200 S. Salt Lake City
ItÕs a timeless tale of love, sacrifice, and heartbreak. VerdiÕs La traviata takes you deep into the world of Violetta, a glamorous Parisian courtesan who falls for the charming Alfredo. Their passionate romance is tragically challenged by social expectations and personal sacrifice, proving that not all love stories have a happy ending Ñ but theyÕre unforgettable stories all the same. With some of VerdiÕs most beautiful and iconic music (including the famous ÒSempre liberaÓ and ÒBrindisiÓ), La traviata has everything opera lovers crave Ñ fiery emotions, gorgeous arias, and a plot that pulls at your heartstrings. (Runtime: Approximately 3 hours)
Content Advisory: Parental guidance suggested. Some content may not be suitable for a younger audience. Romantic elements and mature themes.
Note: This exciting event is offered free of charge to people with visual impairment, plus a driver. At 6 PM, Utah OperaÕs Artistic Director and Opera Educational Manager will describe the opera, staging composer, costuming and sets. Props from the stage and costume samples will be available to touch and inspect up close. Then, enjoy the production with braille supertitle scripts and headsets to describe the action on stage.
Reservations are required. Please RSVP by Monday, May 4 Moran Eye Center-Stephen 801-585-2213
Online registration available at: https://utahopera.org/events/2026/24471/
Digital versions of the supertitle scripts and synopsis will be emailed to registered attendees one week before the event. If you would like to read the braille supertitle script in advance of this event, the Library for the Blind can print a copy for you, beginning May 1. Call 801-715-6789 to order one.
University of Utah Health
Moran Eye Center
Utah Opera
May 30, 2026,11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
DSBVI, 250 N 1950 W, Training Centers East and West
Salt Lake City, UT
The Utah Council of the Blind is
excited to offer a unique, hands-on learning opportunity for our members! Local
beekeeper, Derk Phelps, will be joining us on May 30, 2026 for an engaging and
educational presentation all about the incredible world of bees.
Derk will explain the benefits bees
bring to our environment, the remarkable process behind honey production, and
what goes into maintaining healthy beehives. His presentation will be
accessible, fun, and filled with fascinating insights.
This activity is free of charge, but
space is limited, so please be sure to register before May 23 to reserve your
spot.
Beginning June 1, the Utah Council of the Blind (UCB) is excited to announce an increase in transportation support for its members. This enhanced benefit is designed to encourage program participants to support the organization in helping individuals who are blind or visually impaired maintain independence and access their communities more easily.
Members who participate in the transportation program will now receive an additional $10 each month in Uber, Lyft, or local cab coupons. That means participants will pay $50 and receive a total of $110 in ride credits each month Ñ providing even greater value and flexibility for essential travel. Non-members will, of course, still be able to pay $50 and receive a total of $100 in ride credits each month.
Becoming a member of UCB is simple and affordable. Annual membership is just $10 and includes affiliation with the American Council of the Blind, UCBÕs national affiliate organization. Members benefit from receiving updates and information from both organizations, along with access to discounts on events, activities, tours, and training conferences.
To join, individuals can call the UCB office at 801-245-9264. During registration, basic information will be collected, including name, mailing address, level of visual impairment (such as totally blind, visually impaired, or legally blind), and preferred format for communication. Members may choose to receive correspondence in large print, email, or audio CD.
Lifetime memberships are also available, with pricing based on age.
The Utah Council of the Blind remains committed to empowering individuals through increased access, resources, and community connection. This expanded transportation benefit is just one more way the UCB is working to support independence and improve quality of life for its members, as well as all blind and visually impaired residents of Utah.
VISION BEYOND SIGHT:
UNLOCKING YOUR POTENTIAL
The Utah Council of the Blind is excited to announce its upcoming State Training Conference, scheduled for September 11Ð12 in Logan, Utah. This yearÕs event will take place at the Beautiful Riverwoods Conference Center, 635 Riverwood Parkway Logan Utah.
The conference will include an informational update from the Utah State Library for the Blind, along with an entertaining author trivia game where attendees can compete for prizes.
Technology enthusiasts can look forward to a technology fair, complete with vendors and opportunities to explore new assistive tools and devices.
A representative of Guide Dogs for the Blind will give an update including more information about their new facility and how they are adding orientation and mobility to their training repertoire. Along with this report will be a chance to meet other guide dog users and ask questions.
In an exciting new partnership, the conference will feature activities led by Common Ground Outdoor Adventures, an accessible outdoor adventure program. Participants will have the opportunity to try out archery as well as one additional hands-on activity that will be announced soon.
Staying Friday night? Get ready to kick back and have a blast with accessible games, great company and a chance to win awesome prizes. Of course, donÕt forget the ice cream!
Registration for the conference is $60, and there will be no partial registration options. The fee includes:
Conference admission
Two box lunches
One evening reception
One banquet meal
SpringHill suites has available rooms blocked at a special rate for attendees at a rate of $179 per night plus tax.
Hotel rooms must be booked before August 14th. Any rooms booked and needing to be canceled must be canceled before August 4th or you will be charged the full room price.
All suite accommodations include:
In-suite microwave and a mini fridge
Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi and smart TVs
Complimentary daily hot breakfast
Complimentary parking and zero resort fees
Outdoor patio attached to indoor swimming pool
Indoor heated swimming pool and hot tub
Fully equipped fitness center
To book your room you may select the following link, which will take you to an accessible web page where you can choose the exact dates, how many guests will be staying in a room and pay for your stay.
Book your group rate for Utah Council of the Blind (https://app.marriott.com/reslink?id=1772497085597&key=GRP&app=resvlink)
You may also call the hotel sales coordinator, Abby, at her direct line (435) 750-9395. She is happy to help you with booking a room or answer any questions you might have. Be sure to tell her you are with the Utah Council of the Blind, so she can be sure to get you the discounted price.
Upon request The Utah Council of the Blind will provide transportation from the Blind Center to the conference. This service will be provided each day of the conference and there will be a $5.00 charge each way per person.
More details, including the final activity lineup, will be shared soon. Attendees are encouraged to mark their calendars and prepare for two days of learning, connection, technology exploration, and fun.
By Adra Menasian
Happy Spring to all! This is my favorite time of year. The air smells crisp and clean. The warm sunshine on my face is welcomed with a smile. I can hear the birds singing and the bugs buzzing. The flowers outside make something bloom inside of me. I hope that you all have the opportunity to be around flowers this Spring.
Flowers are very powerful in many ways. They can enhance and uplift your mood.
Giving flowers can be just as rewarding as receiving them.
Humankind cannot survive without plants. Flowers connect us to nature. Flowers reduce stress and anxiety.
Flowers relax, energize and inspire. Flowers can trigger happy emotions. Flowers heighten feelings of life satisfaction. Flowers can affect social behavior positively. Flowers are important for our eco system. Some flowers have medicinal use. Some flowers are even edible. Flowers improve air quality. Flowers promote relaxation and reduce tension. Floral scents stimulate brain activity. Flowers feed birds, bees, and butterflies. Planting and growing flowers can provide endless benefits experiencing a sense of accomplishment and mindfulness. Flowers symbolize love, peace and unity
Flowers bring me such joy and I hope they find their way into your life bringing you happiness and smiles. April Showers Bring May Flowers!!!
By Sandy England
First, thank you all for supporting our Easter Basket Fund Raising. As usual, the baskets were darling and full of wonderful things. We heard from many of you with great compliments, such as ÒWow, how did you know I like milk chocolate Easter bunnies?Ó, ÒAll the great gifts with my favorite drink and snackÓ, ÒHope the Easter Bunny comes again next year and brings me another wonderful basketÓ. Another man, when picking up his baskets, said ÒThese are beautiful and heavy with all kinds of candies, treats and even drinks. Let me know when they go on sale next year.Ó These are just a few comments among many others. We would like to thank those who donated money and candy. Also, many thanks to Salt Lake City Costco and West Valley Costco, McDonalds, Papa JohnÕs Pizza, Shake Shack, Black Bear Diner, and JimÕs Restaurant. Their donations were great this year.
We would like to tell all of you that you can pre-order your Easter Baskets and Christmas Stockings now! Just call Kate, and then you wonÕt have to remember to do this when the time arrives. We strive in all we do with the Easter Baskets and Christmas Stockings to make them special and great! In case you have never seen our Baskets or Stockings they are much better than you can buy in a store with more items for the price you are paying.
So, what are you waiting for? If you would like to help or donate please let Kate or Sandy England know.
Hats off and many thanks to Sandy Ruconich for a most educational and enjoyable Zoom activity regarding smart glasses. Sandy provided excellent information, then collaborated with Anna Jeffery to provide another userÕs point of view. We also had several audience members who contributed excellent information and came up with some really good questions.
One of the takeaways was a suggestion for how to keep up with advancements in technology and training resources for users. A listserv that Sandy highly recommends is Tech-VI Listserv. David Goldfield gathers a lot of information about adaptive and mainstream technology and sends many messages to this mailing list. Many of these messages appear in Tidbits but many more do not, so youÕll be certain to get even more tech information. To subscribe, send a blank message to: tech-vi+subscribe@groups.io.
In researching the exact information to locate this listserv, I came across a treasure trove of information at toptechtidbits.com. They provide a good deal of information in their own newsletter, and if you follow the Directories link on their home page, it takes you to links for directories of apps, games, listservs, podcasts, and You Tube videos.
April 30, 2026 Ð deadline for reservations for Meet and
Greet in Ephraim
May 4, 2026 Ð deadline for reservations for Utah Opera
May 6, 2026, 5:30-10:00 p.m. Ð Utah Opera dress rehearsal
of La Traviata Ð Capitol Theatre, 50 W 200 S, Salt Lake City
May 9, 2026, 12:00-2:00 p.m., Meet and Greet in Ephraim Ð
Community Center, 42 N 100 W, Ephraim (Dennie Clark)
May 23, 2026 Ð deadline for reservations for The Buzz on
Bees
May 30, 2026, 11:00 am-1:00 pm Ð The Buzz on Bees Ð DSBVI
(Anna Jeffery)
July 24-31, 2026, American Council of the Blind
Convention, St. Louis, Missouri
August 14, 2026, deadline for hotel reservations for Statewide
Training Conference
September 14 and 16, 2026, Utah State Fair Ð Fairpark Ð
Watch for updates (Kate Balzly)
September 11-12,
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.
June 4, 2026, 4:45 p.m.
October 1, 2026, time and location to
be determined, attendance by invitation only
January 7, 2027, 4:45 p.m.
Anna Jeffery, President
Sandy Ruconich, Vice President
Jeana Nielsen, Secretary
Vicki Flake, Treasurer
Sandy England
Dennie Clark
Shelly Hendriksen
Mindi Larson
Adra Menasian
Kate Balzly, Executive Director
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