In This Issue

Secretary. 8

Director 9

Seaquest Aquarium Activity. 12

Empower Your Independence with the Utah Council of the Blind. 15

Thriving Through Action – Utah Council of the Blind State Training Conference 2024. 17

Introducing Regina Mitchell 21

Snowflake Boutique. 24

Activities Calendar 25

Ogden Association of the Blind Activities. 25

Board of Directors Meetings. 26

The UCB Buzz. 27

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 21, 2024. Reservations are required so that we can have enough food for everyone. 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, September13th. 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 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 13th, 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.

Since we have the exact number of candidates as we have open board positions, the only vote will be for president. For this reason, those wishing to vote by absentee ballot may accomplish this by phone or email. Simply call or email the business office at 801-245-9264 or utahblind@gmail.com no later than Thursday, September 19th, and indicate your name and the name of the candidate for whom you wish to cast your vote for president. (The candidate who is not elected president will become a director unless they decline to serve.)

Membership Verification: In order to vote at the annual business meeting a member's dues for 2024 must be paid no later than September 13, 2024, by 5:00 p.m. 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.

Nominations

President

Anna Jeffery (incumbent)

Dear Members of the Utah Council of the Blind,

It is with a deep sense of commitment that I announce my candidacy for re-election as President of the Utah Council of the Blind. My name is Anna Jeffery, and I have had the honor of serving as your president for many years. In this role, I have dedicated myself to advocating for our community, enhancing our programs and cheering each other on in our unique situations.

During my time, we have accomplished significant milestones together. We have successfully advocated for policy changes that have improved our programs and essential services for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. We have expanded our Skills Development Program, ensuring that more people in our community receive the support they need. Additionally, we have strengthened our partnerships with other organizations, amplifying our collective voice and impact.

However, our work is far from complete. There are still many challenges ahead, and I am eager to continue working with you to address them. My vision for the future includes further expanding our advocacy efforts, increasing our programs, and continuing to build a strong supportive community where every member feels valued and empowered.

I am deeply committed to listening to your concerns and ideas, and to representing your interests with dedication and integrity. By working together, we can achieve even greater success.

It would be an honor to continue serving as your president, and I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. I ask for your support and your vote so we can keep advancing our mission and making a positive difference in the lives of individuals who are blind or visually impaired in Utah.

Thank you for your consideration and for your continued trust in my leadership.

Warm regards.

Sandy England

Hello to members of the Utah Council of the Blind. My name is Sandy England, and I am a candidate for UCB Board President for next year. I have been a member of UCB for about 30 years and have served in many capacities: board member, vice president, committees (fund-raising, activities, Christmas party, annual training conference), ACB convention delegate, chair of successful fund-raising projects (PJs for Kids, Easter baskets, Christmas Stockings).

I enjoy helping the blind and working for equal opportunities for all, and I do as much as I can to help make UCB a great organization.

In my work in customer service most of my life I have developed skills that help me to communicate with and serve others. I am dedicated to helping our organization grow and provide programs and services that will benefit many of our state’s residents.

I will appreciate your support and vote in our upcoming election.

Secretary

Jeana Nielsen (incumbent)

Hello UCB Members,

My name is Jeana Nielsen. I am currently the secretary of the UCB, and am running for another term as secretary. I have enjoyed my role as secretary and in participating in the organization as much as possible. I believe in the UCB and the importance it plays in the lives of the blind and visually impaired. I want to continue to be a part of its work. Thank you for your vote.

Director

Dennie Clark (incumbent)

I would like to nominate myself, Dennie Clark, to be on the UCB Board of Directors. I have served on the board for two years now and love doing it and being a part of the board. I also have been assistant supervisor of the Skills Development Program. I just like being able to help any way I can. Love working on committees to plan and help with activities and training meeting. Over all I just like being a part of UCB, and I feel being on the board is just doing my part.

Thank you.

Sandra Ruconich (incumbent)

I have been on the board of the Utah Council of the Blind (UCB) for the past several years and definitely believe in what the UCB and the ACB (American Council of the Blind) stand for. For approximately a year and a half I was UCB's executive director and have also been Utah's delegate or alternate delegate to the national ACB convention at least three times recently. In addition, I have served as president of AER, the professional organization that teaches and counsels blind and visually impaired children and adults throughout the U.S. and Canada, as well as being president of this organization in both Kentucky and Utah.

As my contribution to the UCB board during the next two years, I'd like to write a series of articles about ways to deal with difficult aspects of blindness such as how to ask for rides without alienating possible drivers and how to find and take advantage of opportunities to give as well as to receive.

I want to be part of helping to create UCB's future for the next several years and ask for your vote in order to do so. Thanks for reading and considering my candidacy statement.

Mindi Larson (former director)

Hello UCB,

My name is Mindi Larson. I am running for a board position. I have already served one term, and I have really enjoyed it. Last December I was the chairman of the Holiday Party. I learned a lot and am grateful to have had help from many people to make it a success. I have been on the Buzz Committee and the Fiftieth Anniversary Committee. This year I am on the Holiday Party Committee. I am also helping to find donations for the UCB Conference. I have enjoyed being on the UCB board. I love to see everyone in their committees work together and help each other where help is needed.

I am currently going back to school. I am working on a Professional Studies Degree. I also enjoy painting, reading, singing, traveling, learning, going to concerts, museums, swimming, festivals, going to fun places with my little girl, thrifting, and (I don’t care what people think of me, so I touch everything at the store that I want to.) Haha!

I am a firm believer in trying new things, even if I am afraid or worried, more likely than not, I am always glad that I tried. I encourage everyone to come to the amazing activities that the UCB offers, mingle with people, and learn about others who have similar challenges as you do.

Thank you.

Seaquest Aquarium Activity

You are invited to the Utah Council of the Blind Seaquest Activity at Layton Hills Mall on Saturday, August 10th, 11:00 a.m.

Please meet at the entrance at 10:45 a.m. so that we can enter as a group.

Special admission for our group is $13.00 per person. Regular admission is $18.99. It must be pre-paid by August 2nd to receive the group rate; call the UCB office at 801-245-9264 to pay and make your reservation. Admission fee is non-refundable.

Enjoy fun for the whole family. Please bring your own guide with you.

The Group will enter Seaquest at 11:00 a.m., and you are free to roam and explore the whole day. There is no time limit.

Tokens to feed the animals and fish are $2.00 each and can be purchased at Seaquest. Hand-feed over 1000 exotic animals from around the world.

Special experiences you might enjoy besides general admission are as follows. Please note, special experiences require reservations ahead of time. To reserve a special experience please call Seaquest at 801-940-5024 or book online for August 10th at www.visitseaquest.com/utah.

1. Sloth Interaction: Be transported to the Amazon jungle where you get to hang out with Flash, the two-toed sloth in this ultimate interaction! $49.99 Time slots are every hour.

2. Snorkel with Stingrays: Getting into tropical waters to snorkel with stingrays, sharks, and tropical fish is a fantastic experience. Time slots are 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. $69.99.

3. Ultimate Safari Bundle: Includes The Reptile & Bird Safari and 3 Marine Feedings. $59.99 Time slots are every 30 minutes.

4. Reptiles of Extraordinary Size Safari: Pet a large tortoise, feed the sunbathing lizards, or hold one of the longest snakes on earth at Seaquest. $39.99 Time slots are every 30 minutes.

5. Bird Safari: Come fly away with our Bird Safari Adventure. $24.99 Time slots are every 30 minutes.

6. Asian Otter Interaction: Meet and participate in an interactive feeding with Seaquest’s charming otter friends, Chip and Dale. $24.99. Time Slots are every hour.

7. Crested Porcupine: Get Prickly with Quilliam the African Crested Porcupine! $24.99 Time slots are every hour.

8. Fishy Kisses: Enjoy warm serenity under the sea! Sit back and relax as the fishy kisses rejuvenate your skin. Insert your feet in warm fish tanks. $19.99. Time Slots are every hour.

9. Kinkajou Interaction: The Kinkajou interaction at Seaquest is one of our most popular animal interactions. $9.99 Time Slots are every hour.

Empower Your Independence with the Utah Council of the Blind

Are you or a loved one adjusting to life without sight? The Utah Council of the Blind is here to support you with our innovative Skills Development Program. Our experienced blind team leads will come to your home and provide personalized hands-on training and provide you with services and resources to help you regain your independence and confidence.

Our Program Offers:

Safe Cooking Techniques

Assistive Technology Training

Home Management Skills

Personalized Support

Receive one-on-one guidance tailored to your specific needs and goals.

With the Utah Council of the Blind Skills Development Program you're not alone. Our team understands your challenges and is dedicated to helping you live a full, independent life.

Take the first step towards independence and empowerment. Contact us to learn more about our Skills Development Program and schedule your in-home training session.

Visit www.utahblind.org or call 801-245-9264 to get started.

Utah Council of the Blind: Empowering Lives, One Skill at a Time.

Thriving Through Action – Utah Council of the Blind State Training Conference 2024

By Anna Jeffery

Date: November 1 -2, 2024

Location: Davis Conference Center
1651 N 700 W
Layton UT 84041

Price: $50 – includes registration, Friday lunch, Friday evening ice cream social, Saturday lunch, and banquet

Lodging Accommodations: Hilton Garden Inn
762 W Heritage Park Blvd
Layton UT 84041
Phone: 801-416-8899
This beautiful hotel is connected to the conference center and is holding a block of rooms for us at the rate of $107 plus tax per night. Amenities include indoor pool and whirlpool, fitness center, restaurant which serves breakfast and dinner, room service, and free WiFi. Connecting rooms are available.

For reservations in the UCB block, be sure to reserve directly with the hotel. Some members have reserved through other booking services and run into terrible problems when they did not receive appropriate rates and found the hotel could neither adjust the rates nor cancel the reservation.

Other Nearby Lodging Options (across the street from the Hilton Garden Inn):

Best Western Plus Layton Park located at 798 W 1425 N, Layton, UT 84041 is $98 plus tax per night for Thursday, October 31st, through Saturday, November 2nd. They have an indoor pool and hot tub, weight room, and free breakfast included. Reservations 801-896-0271.

Candlewood Suites Layton located at 755 Heritage Park Blvd, Layton, UT 84041 is $112 plus tax per night for Thursday, October 31st, through Saturday, November 2nd. Rooms have kitchenettes. No breakfast is served, but they do have a mini convenience store inside. No Swimming pool. There is a weight room. Reservations 385-446-8788.

Home 2 by Hilton located at 803 Heritage Park Blvd, Layton, UT 84041 is $98 plus tax per night for Thursday, October 31st through Saturday, November 2nd. Rooms have kitchenettes. There is a pool, hot tub, and a weight room. Free breakfast. Reservations 801-820-9222.

Transportation: Midtown Trolley is a free UTA transportation service that stops at both the Clearfield and Layton Front Runner stations as well as just in front of hotel and conference center when coming from Clearfield and just across the street to the east of the hotel when coming from Layton.

The Utah Council of the Blind is proud to invite you to its highly anticipated state training conference themed “Thriving Through Action.” This empowering event is set to inspire, educate and equip all attendees with the tools needed to excel in all aspects of life.

Highlights will include presentations and demonstrations from local scholars, a published author, professional chef, accessible gamer, martial artist, and cardio enthusiast who will be highlighting cycling, running and rock climbing.

Children are welcome! On Friday we will provide activities that children will enjoy in a supervised space. They can look forward to a professional storyteller, sensory activities, described movie, and more!

Whether you are a member of the blind community, a family member, caregiver, or ally, the Utah Council of the Blind welcomes you. The conference focuses on people from all walks of life who are passionate about empowerment, positive quality of life, and advocacy. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a transformative experience that celebrates resilience, fosters growth, and encourages action.

To register, please call our office at 801-245-9264 Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Introducing Regina Mitchell

As we look forward to our 2024 state training conference, Thriving Through Action, we would like to highlight one of our presenters. You will be able to enjoy Regina Mitchell‘s inspiring and motivational presentation as well as get a taste of her expertise during her demonstration. She has provided us with her bio, and we are looking forward to this experience. Don’t forget to mark your calendars for November 1 and 2, 2024. You can now reserve your hotel room and start making arrangements for this unforgettable conference.

Regina Mitchell is a classically trained chef and hospitality professional who holds degrees in Culinary Science, Psychology and Neuroscience.

In 2023, Regina expanded her education at Harvard Medical School in Culinary Health Education, as a Culinary Coach.

With a 30-year-plus culinary career, working both nationally and globally under the tutelage of master chefs, celebrity chefs, and restaurateurs, Regina developed team building "Culinary Experiences" for Fortune 500 corporate executives and would later work in hospitality with MGM Resorts in Las Vegas, Nevada.

In 2012, Regina was diagnosed with bilateral panuveitis, causing an 80% loss of eyesight. This great loss moved Regina to return to school, attending the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). During her junior year, she was introduced to BlindConnect Mobility Training Center, where she gained blindness skills. Regina has also connected with several organizations encouraging blind Americans to live their fullest possible lives. These communities have been life changing experiences, providing a place of acceptance, belonging, empowerment, and a space for her voice to be discovered and developed.

As a philanthropist and advocate, Regina highlights the overwhelming inequities and accessibility challenges of blind Americans. Her culinary skills inspire blind and low vision individuals to overcome barriers in the kitchen through non-visual information, a greater awareness of the other senses, descriptive language, accessible appliances and safe kitchen tools. As a passionate culinary educator, Regina teaches cooking sessions in person and virtual to all levels.

Regina enjoys being married, chasing sunsets, Sunday afternoon toast and tea with her beloved husband, Stan!

Cook! Cook Something! Cook Something Delicious!

Snowflake Boutique

By Sandy England

There will be a boutique this year at the annual Holiday party on December 7, 2024. This is just a reminder to give you time to get ready to display your handmade articles, etc. We know it takes time to make things. There will be more information as time comes nearer to the date. Tables this year will be $7 for the blind, and we will have tables available for a few sighted people at $15. We will also be selling Christmas stockings. If you want to reserve them, please call the UCB office. There will be items for you to buy at the UCB table also. Please come and enjoy yourself, for it will be a great time for all!

For more information watch upcoming newsletters.

Activities Calendar

August 2, 2024, 5:00 p.m. – deadline for Seaquest Activity reservations

August 10, 2024, 10:45 a.m., Layton Hills Mall – Seaquest Aquarium Activity

September 9, and September 11, 2024, tentative – Utah State Fair – watch for updates

September 21, 2024, 10:00 a.m., DSBVI – Annual Business Meeting

November 1-2, 2024, Davis Conference Center – Statewide Training Conference – watch for updates

December 7, 2024, 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., DSBVI, – Holiday Celebration – watch for updates

Ogden Association of the Blind Activities

August 21, 2024 – OAB Ceramics Class at Hillside Senior (Hope) Center, 5051 South 2000 West, Roy, UT, 3:30 - 6:30 p.m.

September 14, 2024 – OAB monthly meeting, Hillside Senior (Hope) Center, 5051 South 2000 West, Roy, UT 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Staff of the University of Utah’s Moran Eye Center will present program.

October 12, 2024 – OAB Halloween Bingo Party, Hillside Senior (Hope) Center, 5051 South 2000 West, Roy, UT, 1:00 - 3:00 p/m. Prizes not only for Bingo winners, but for those wearing the most unique costumes.

November 9, 2024 – OAB monthly meeting, Hillside (Hope) Center, 5051 South 2000 West, Roy, UT, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

November 16, 2024 – OAB annual Thanksgiving Dinner at the Golden Corral, 988 Washington Blvd, Ogden, UT, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

December 14, 2024 – OAB Christmas Party, Roy Hillside (Hope) Center, 5051 South 2000 West, Roy, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

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.

August 1, 2024, 4:45 p.m. – Board Meeting – Zoom

October 12, 2024, Saturday, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. – Budget and Training Meeting (by invitation only)

January 2, 2025, 4:45 p.m. – Board Meeting – Zoom

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 (or an additional format), please call the UCB business office at 801-245-9264 or send an email to utahblind@gmail.com and let us know.

To submit materials for publication, email them to utahblind@gmail.com or mail to UCB Buzz, PO Box 1415, Bountiful, UT 84011-1415.

Stay Connected

Donate to the UCB: Click Here