The Utah Council of The Blind

UCB Annual Business Meeting

The Annual Business Meeting of the Utah Council of the Blind will be held by Zoom at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 19, 2026.

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, September 17th.
All voting will be done utilizing the ballot at the end of this mailing. You may return the completed ballot by mail to:
UCB Elections
PO Box 1415
Bountiful UT 84011-1415
or by email to:
utahblind@gmail.com
The completed ballot must reach the UCB business office no later than 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 17th.
Attendance at the Zoom meeting is not required in order to vote.
Candidates for President (unopposed, no vote needed)

Anna Jeffery

Dear Members of the Utah Council of the Blind,
It's that time again—election season! Don't worry, there won't be any campaign commercials interrupting your favorite TV show or awkward knocks at your door. Just one letter from someone who truly loves serving this organization.
For those who may not know me, I'm Anna Jeffery, and I am excited to announce my candidacy for re-election as President of the Utah Council of the Blind.
Serving as your president has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. Over the years, we've laughed together, solved problems together, celebrated victories together, and occasionally discovered that technology has a mind of its own.
Together, we've accomplished a lot. We've expanded our Skills Development Program, grown our subsidized transportation program, strengthened partnerships across the state, and continued advocating for services that make a real difference in the lives of people who are blind or visually impaired. None of this happened because of one person. It happened because of an amazing team of members and volunteers who care deeply about each other and our mission.
I don't think we're finished yet.
There are still more doors to open, more people to reach, more programs to strengthen, and yes ... probably a few more meetings than any of us would like! Thankfully, we've proven that even meetings can be enjoyable when they're filled with good friends and good ideas.
If re-elected, I'll continue working to expand our programs, strengthen our advocacy efforts, build new partnerships, and make sure every member knows they belong and that their voice matters.
One thing I've learned over the years is that the Utah Council of the Blind isn't just an organization—it's a family. Families encourage each other, celebrate successes, lend a hand during challenges, and sometimes gently remind each other where they left their white cane. That's what makes this organization so special.
So, I'm asking for your support and your vote. Together, let's keep moving forward, keep making a difference, and keep proving that vision isn't measured by eyesight—it's measured by determination, service, and the willingness to help others succeed.
Thank you for your friendship, your trust, and your willingness to serve alongside me. It would be an honor to continue serving as your president.
With gratitude (and hopefully your vote!),
Anna Jeffery
Candidate for Secretary (unopposed, no vote needed)

Jeana Nielsen

My name is Jeana Nielsen. I am running for Secretary of the Utah Council of the Blind. I have been secretary for the organization since the beginning of 2022, and served as a general board member in the previous year. I believe that the UCB is an important organization, and I would like to continue to be involved in their work.
Thank you for your vote.

Candidates for Director (unopposed, no vote needed)

Dennie Clark

Dear Nominating Committee,
I respectfully submit my name for re-election to the Board of Directors of the Utah Council for the Blind. I remain committed to supporting the Council’s mission and advocating for individuals who are blind or visually impaired.
I would be honored to continue serving and working with fellow board members to strengthen our organization and serve our members.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Dennie Clark

Mindi Larson

My name is Mindi Larson. I am running for a board of directors position with the UCB. I have been on the board for a few years now. I have loved meeting new people. I have also loved working with and getting to know other board members. I have chaired the 2023 Christmas party; I was the chair for the 2025 training conference; and I have helped with other tasks within the UCB. I have enjoyed helping others and being an active part of the blind community.
Thank you,
Mindi Larson

---

Interview with Anna Jeffery on VoyageUtah

Just wanted to let you know that the article is now live on VoyageUtah!

Here's the link:
Go To VoyageUtah Article

---

Listen to UCB Interview, 2023

---

The Utah Council of the Blind, also known as UCB, is a membership organization made up primarily of blind and visually impaired individuals who seek to improve the lives of people with various degrees of vision loss. We are a state affiliate of the American Council of the Blind (ACB), which gives us a national voice, yet allows us to be independent in creating our own goals, programs, along with keeping and using donations within the State of Utah. The UCB is recognized by the IRS as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation, which allows donations to our organization to be tax deductible. Our members pay a small annual fee, but we primarily depend on grants, private donations, and small fundraising events throughout the year to provide the funding for our many programs and activities.

Our organization uses over 90% of all income solely for our programs, with less than 10% spent on administrative costs. With that in mind, in order to keep our overhead costs down, all of our board members and our executive director work on a volunteer basis. We also have a large need for volunteers to complete various tasks, from office work, driving, reading mail, helping with getting large mailings ready to send, and soliciting donations to assist with setting-up, running, and taking down of activities.

Smith's Rewards

First, you must have a Smith's rewards card. If you do not have this card, ask for one at a checkout or service desk when you are at Smith's. For those of you who use your rewards cards to earn gasoline discounts, be aware that the Community Rewards do not affect those discounts at all. You will still be able to accumulate fuel points as before.

Second, you must have registered the card online. To do this, go to www.smithsfoodanddrug.com, follow the link to register and fill out the form with your email address, a password you create, your home store, etc.
To assign the UCB as your charitable organization: