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.

Editorially Speaking

This is the most important issue of the Buzz that we put out in any year. In this issue we will tell you how to attend the Annual Business Meeting, held this year on September 16, run some suggested amendments to our bylaws, and include the candidates’ statements from people who wish to run for the Board of Directors. I hope you take some extra time and read these sections a second time before you decide whom to vote for as a member of the Board of Directors.

And I hope that you yourself will consider running for a position on our Board of Directors, because this is a statewide organization, and through Zoom we are able to reach out more conveniently and include members not just from the Salt Lake and Ogden areas. It’s going to be up to all of us to make this organization grow.

Tom Mitchell

UCB Annual Business Meeting

The Annual Business Meeting of the Utah Council of the Blind will be held at the Division of Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired, 250 N 1950 W, Salt Lake City, UT at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 16, 2023. 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, no later than Friday, September 8th, by 5:00 p.m. When you make your reservation, please indicate whether or not each person in your party is a member of the UCB, whether each person uses large print or braille, any dietary restrictions you or a member of your party may have, and if you will need an asl interpreter, assistive listening device, or any other accommodation.

If you wish to attend and participate in the meeting by Zoom link, you must register by phone or email as above no later than Friday, September 8th, by 5:00 p.m. It is important that you give us your name and the names of any others who will be participating with you. It is also critical that you give us an email address so that we can send you the link to join the meeting.

Those wishing to vote by absentee ballot may request this by phone or email as above. Please be sure to give us a current address and let us know whether you would like your ballot in large print or braille. Absentee ballots should be requested no later than September 1, 2023 before 5:00 p.m.

Membership Verification: In order to vote at the annual business meeting a member's dues for 2023 must be paid no later than September 8, 2023. If you have any questions about your membership status, please contact us at (801) 245-9264 or via e-mail at utahblind@gmail.com to check your status.

Proposed Bylaws Amendments

ARTICLE IV: ELECTIONS AND TERMS OF OFFICE

Section 4.2. … Any member of the organization may nominate themself or another qualified member by submitting a written statement of one to two pages concerning the qualifications of the nominee. …

Suggested Amendment: … Any member of the organization may nominate themself or another qualified member by submitting a written statement of not more than one page concerning the qualifications of the nominee. Should more than one statement be received for an individual, the Election Committee shall determine which one statement to publish, giving priority to one personally written by the individual…

ARTICLE VI: COMMITTEES

Section 6.1. The Executive Committee shall consist of the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Executive Director…

Suggested Amendment: The Executive Committee shall consist of the President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer…

ARTICLE VII: MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS, APPLICATIONS AND EXPULSIONS

Section 7.2. Dues shall be paid annually in such amounts as fixed by the Board of Directors… The Board of Directors may grant honorary, non-voting memberships. Any member may purchase lifetime membership in the organization by making a one-time payment of twenty-five times the currently prevailing adult membership dues.

Suggested Amendment: Dues shall be paid annually in such amounts as fixed by the Board of Directors… The Board of Directors may grant honorary, non-voting memberships and may set one-time dues amounts for purchase of lifetime membership in the organization.

ARTICLE VIII: MEETINGS OF THE ORGANIZATION

Section 8.2. Regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held at least ten months of the year. A majority of the Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum.

Suggested Amendment: Regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held as often as necessary to carry on the business of the organization, but not less than quarterly. A majority of the Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum.

UCB Board Candidate Nominations

Vice President

Donni Mitchell (Incumbent)

I would like to run again for the Board of Directors of the Utah Council of the Blind as Vice-President.

I have been a member for more than 20 years. I have served in the past on the auction committee of the ACB.

I get my greatest satisfaction from helping people at our functions or passing out things to people or other assignments. I also don't mind helping to set up tables and chairs or taking things down after our functions, though I realize that a position on the board doesn't call for a lot of that kind of service. I feel that I have a skill for listening, and an ability to use common sense in helping with decisions. Though I admit that I don't often seem to have original ideas, I always carry out any assignment given to me. I would like to see us work together, so that the UCB can continue to grow and make a difference, and I want to be a part of making that difference.

I still have a lot to offer the Council and would like to continue serving on the Board as your vice-president.

Sandy England

Please note: Sandy England is currently a director and has one more year remaining on her term of office. Therefore, if she is not elected as vice president, she will not need to be voted on for a director position, but will automatically serve the balance of her current term.

Members of the Utah Council of the Blind:

My name is Sandy England. I am running for Vice-President. I have been a member for many years (about 30-35). I have been on many committees and have chaired many of them. I have overseen the Christmas party and our training conferences at times. I help with our Fund-raising activities. I love working with the blind and try to do all I can to make sure we serve one another. I will fight for our rights, and in fact I have worked with several of my employers to help improve working conditions for the blind. I love our programs and would like to see if I can help in any way to continue them or to add to them.

I will appreciate your vote.

Thank you,
Sandy England

Kira Larkin

Hello, Fellow UCB Members,

My name is Kira Larkin. I am running for the position of Vice President for the Utah Council of the Blind. I have been a member of the UCB for about 21 years. I started in the student group that the UCB had, and then moved up to the main part of the UCB.

During my time in the UCB, I have been a board member, planned and helped out with activities, and am now the head of the Braille Committee. I have also been a teacher for the blind in our Teacher/Trainer Team Training Program.

I have a deep respect for the UCB. Being blind since I was almost two, I understand most blindness problems, and am willing to help and listen to all who want me to know what they would like to see the UCB do and become. I have many ideas that I would like to share with the UCB Board if I become Vice President, or even if I am voted in as one of the Board Members.

I know the times are becoming worse and things are getting rough in the world. I want the UCB to become a better organization which is focused on helping the visually impaired and blind people of Utah. I would like to have the UCB be a safe place where persons with visual problems can come for help and assistance with blindness issues. I hope that you share my outlook, and will consider me for Vice President of the UCB.

Thank you, and best wishes to all.

Treasurer

Vicki L. Flake

Fellow UCB Members,

Please accept this letter as an indication of my desire to run for the office of Treasurer for an additional term. I have been involved with the Utah Council of the Blind almost since its inception and believe strongly in the principles it was created to uphold. It is my desire to do everything in my power to see that people who are blind enjoy a maximum level of independence, including participating in their communities and government at every level.

It is also my desire to have more people who are blind or visually impaired actively participating in the day to day operations of the UCB: serving on committees; attending board meetings; helping with calling committees, membership drives, fund raising activities, public awareness campaigns, representation on public committees, etc.

This organization is only as strong as its members make it. I challenge each of you, my fellow members, to join me in finding a way to participate in carrying on the work of our great organization.

Thank you for your consideration,
Vicki L Flake

Director

Shelly Hendriksen (Incumbent)

Dear UCB Membership,

My name is Shelly Hendriksen, and I have been on the UCB Board of Directors for 2 years. In that time, I have been an active participant in various committee’s including:

Chairman of the Elections Committee 2022

Publication Committee 2022-2023

Fundraising Committee 2021-2022

Christmas Committee 2021

Holiday Committee 2023

Bylaws Committee 2023

I have also written several articles regarding the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in the Buzz Newsletter.

I am putting my name in for your consideration to be re-elected to the board of directors. I am asking for your vote in this upcoming election. I will continue to come to UCB events and serve wherever is needed.

Sincerely,
Shelly Hendriksen

David A Jordan

David Jordan received a degree in accounting from the University of Utah in 1970.

David learned Nemeth code in 1997 to help blind friends in college math classes. From 2009 to 2011 he worked as a braille transcriber at the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind. In 2012 he was certified as a braillist by the Library of Congress.

In 2010 he commenced a project to enhance mathematics instruction for the blind in the primary grades. In 2013 he received copyright for a short work on doing addition on the Perkins brailler, and in 2020 he received copyright for a book on doing arithmetic in braille. He is working on a second edition of this book.

In 2016 David joined the Utah Council of the Blind. He is now a life member.

Indoor Picnic and Bingo at DSBVI

Saturday, July 29, 2023, 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. – Indoor Picnic and Bingo at DSBVI

Come join in the fun with the Utah Council of the Blind at an indoor BBQ picnic and bingo to be held at the Blind Center, Saturday, July 29th, from 11:30 am - 2 pm.

We will have hamburgers with all the fixings, potato salad, chips, veggies, and dessert.

The cost is $5.00 per plate.

Please RSVP at the business office at 801-245-9264 by July 26th and tell us how many are coming. See you there!

The Utah State Fair Day with the UCB

Choose from Monday, September 11th, meeting at 5:00 pm. at the north gate inside the parking lot or Wednesday, September 13th, meeting at 10:00 am at the gate on the northwest part of the fair park near the stadium.

Entrance is $1.00 each for you and your guide. Please bring cash. The UCB must pay for the entire group to enter the fair and then you are free to explore.

Wednesday offers free rides and a carnival show between 10 am-12:00 pm

Monday has had in the past, buy-one-get-one-free wristbands for the carnival rides.

Please show up with a guide.

Please arrange your own transportation to and from the event.

Hope to see you there.

Any questions please call the office 801-245-9264

The Utah Council of the Blind Presents

A Spooktacular Halloween Carnival Fundraiser for all ages.

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.

A Sign That You Are Sabotaging Your Inner Peace

From “Feedspot”

Posted on July 12, 2023, by Erin Falconer

You worry too much

Worrying is part of human nature and proof that we set ourselves to specific standards and principles in life. It also keeps us on our toes and helps in our quest for self-improvement. Other times, it simply means we care about our jobs, relationships, health, etc.

Worrying is good in a way, but when we worry too much, we know that something else is happening. Excessive worrying and harboring negative thoughts are stressful, and chronic stress puts a greater demand on our bodies to cope.

According to the Harvard School of Public Health website, chronic stress increases our need for oxygen, energy, and nutrients. It disrupts sleep and even causes central adiposity because of the increased secretion of cortisol, our primary stress hormone that favors belly fat formation.

Worrying takes so much from us, yet it does not change a thing. The resulting frustration, insecurities, and self-doubt can lead us to self-destructive behavior and sap our inner peace.

If you are constantly anxious about things, see if you can do something about them. Actions have a far better chance of improving situations than worrying or engaging in self-criticism can. If the cause of your worry is beyond your control, let go of it. Shun your inner critic, bombard yourself with self-affirmations, and slowly rebuild your inner peace.

Mexican Chocolate Chip Cookies

Donni Mitchell found this recipe while taking a cooking class at DSVBI, and it was given to her by Jim Reed.

Ingredients

1 stick (4 ounces) unsalted butter

4 ounces good-quality unsweetened chocolate, coarsely chopped

1 cup packed light brown sugar

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

2 large eggs

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.

In a heatproof bowl set over simmering water, melt the butter and chocolate together, whisking until glossy and smooth. Alternatively, the butter and chocolate can be melted in the microwave (in a microwave-safe bowl) in 25-second increments, whisking between each interval. Cool the chocolate mixture to room temperature.

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or a hand-held mixer), beat the brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla extract and eggs on low speed until well combined. Pour in the cooled chocolate and continue to mix until the ingredients are evenly distributed.

In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, cinnamon, chili powder, baking soda, salt and cayenne pepper. Add the dry ingredients to the chocolate batter and mix on low speed until just combined and no visible flour remains. Fold in the chocolate chips with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon.

Working in two batches, scoop 12 balls of dough (preferably using a small ice cream scoop with a spring handle, about 1 1/2 tablespoon size) onto a parchment-lined sheet pan, leaving at least 1 1/2 inches of space between each cookie. Bake the cookies, one pan at a time, for approximately 14 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through cooking time. The cookies should be puffy and still fairly soft when removed from the oven.

Immediately slide the cookies, still on the parchment paper, onto a wire cooling rack. Cool just a bit before serving, 5 to 10 minutes. Cookies can be stored in airtight container for up to three days, but I prefer them on the day they are baked.

General UCB Information

The UCB Buzz

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.

Board of Directors and Management

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

Monica Youngdell, 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

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

2023 Meeting Schedule and Calendar

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, August 3, 2023, 4:45 p.m. – Board Meeting

Friday, September 1, 2023, 5:00 p.m. – deadline for absentee ballot requests

Thursday, September 7, 2023, 4:45 p.m. – Board Meeting

Friday, September 8, 2023, 5:00 p.m. – deadline for Annual Business Meeting reservations and payment of 2023 dues for voting privileges

Saturday, September 16, 2023, 10:00 a.m. – Annual Business Meeting at DSBVI

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, location TBD (by invitation only)

Saturday, October 14, 2023, Halloween Party, watch for updates

Thursday, November 2, 2023, 4:45 p.m. – Board Meeting

Saturday, December 2, 2023, time TBD – Holiday Celebration at DSBVI – watch for updates

Spring 2024, tentative new timeframe for Statewide Training Conference – watch for updates

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