The UCB Buzz
A publication of
Utah Council of the Blind
November 2024
For the latest news updates, check out the website at utahblind.org
and follow us on Facebook and/or join our email list.
E-mail us at utahblind@gmail.com
For credit card payments, to make reservations, or for other business,
call the business office at 801-245-9264.
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
Teddy
Bears Make the Best Friends!
Thriving
Through Action Takeaway Information
Special
Thank You to David Dodds!
Davis
County Transportation Options
It is time, once again, to renew your membership in the Utah Council of the Blind. Dues payments are due on January 1, 2025. Following is a list of information for inclusion on a membership application. Please send the included information along with your check made out to UCB for the appropriate amount to:
Utah Council of the Blind
PO Box 1415
Bountiful UT 84011-1415
To
pay by debit/credit card, please call the UCB office at 801-245-9264. Office
hours are 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday-Friday.
Name
Address
Mobile phone
Birthdate
Preferred format for UCB correspondence (P = large print, B = Braille, A = audio cd, E = email)
Preferred format for ACB (national) correspondence (P = large print, B = Braille, D = digital cassette, E = email)
Vision Status (B = totally blind, L = legally blind, V = visually impaired, S = sighted)
Annual dues are $10.00 for adults or $5.00 for junior members under 18 years of age.
Lifetime memberships are available on a sliding scale as follows:
$250 for those under 50 years of age
$200 for those 50-59 years of age
$150 for those 60-69 years of age
$100 for those 70-79 years of age
$50 for those 80 years of age and over
By Cordie Weed
Theme: Holiday Bells
When: Saturday, December 7, 2024
Where: Division of Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired, 250 N 1950 W, Salt Lake City, UT
Time: 11:00 am to about 1:00 pm
Cost: $10 per person (3 years old and under are free)
Reservations and payments: must be received at the UCB office at 801-245-9264 no later than November 20, 2024. We must have reservations in order to have enough food for everyone.
Cracker Barrel is catering our meal, which is chicken, mashed potato with gravy, green beans, and biscuits. There will also be dessert. We will have entertainment and Santa.
When you make your reservation, please include:
Your name
Your phone number
How many in your party
Names and ages of children 11 years old and under
Any special accommodation, such as dietary restrictions, asl interpreters, etc.
Checks and reservation information may be mailed to: PO Box 1415, Bountiful, Utah 84011-1415. For debit or credit card payments, please call the UCB office at 801-245-9264.
By Jeana Nielsen
We will be having
a bigger and better boutique for all at the annual holiday party this year on
Saturday, December 7. The time for the boutique will be 9:00-11:00 a.m. and
will reopen after lunch for all the shoppers until 2:00 p.m. Plan your
transportation accordingly so that you don’t miss out on these great deals.
Shop ‘til you
drop at the UCB table featuring: fantastic backpacks with many different
goodies inside, including play packs, snack packs, and an emergency
preparedness pack (these backpacks are new); children’s jackets, household
items, baby blankets, jewelry, toys, purses, and many, many surprises for the
whole family. We will have a credit card station and a cash station that will
also accept checks.
Patrice Carrillo
will have her one-of-a-kind Amigurumi crochet animals, hand-crafted jewelry,
and ornaments. Ray Wright will be bringing his beautiful pens, ice cream
scoops, etc. Kira Larkin will be bringing her beautiful bracelets, crocheted
items, and snowman soup, etc. Mindi Larson will be bringing her delicious
fudge. Sandy England will have her decorated, lighted glass blocks, cloth
wreaths, and tasty canned goods. Michelle Hendriksen will have popcorn balls
and popcorn treats. Patrice Carillo will have her wonderful, handmade crocheted
animals, other crocheted items, purses, etc. The ceramics class will be selling
their colorful ceramic and wood items, etc. Karl Smith will have some exciting
items to show. Reminder to all vendors: You are in charge of setting up
and taking down your items, overseeing your money, and if needed, bring someone
with you to assist. It is not too late to reserve a table. Call Kate at
the UCB office at 801-245-9264. Members are $5 per table. Non-members are $10
per table.
Along with the
boutique, look for the bake sale, with many yummy items. Also, don’t forget the
Teddy Bear with gift card drawing, which will be located by the bake sale. There
will be two bears for the drawing. Don’t forget our fundraising Christmas
Stockings. They will be located at the UCB table.
This will be an
enjoyable time for all. You will be pleasantly surprised! For further
information call Kate at the UCB office.
By Jeana Nielsen
We will be having our bake sale fundraiser at the Holiday Party Boutique. For all you cooks out there, we would appreciate your contribution of your yummy homemade baked goods. Even if you don’t bake, look for sale items, and bring them out for the bake sale. This is one of our favorite fundraisers, and we need your help this year. Please mark the item so we know what it is. We will take almost anything that tastes good! Cakes, cookies, brownies, lemon bars, cupcakes, muffins, candies, sweet bread, pies, etc. Your items need to be wrapped. Please indicate if there are nuts and what kind and if it is sugar free. Thank you!
Teddy Bears make the best friends because...
They don’t tell you that you have bad breath
They never borrow money
They never beat you at checkers
They don’t complain when you eat potato chips in bed
They don’t laugh at your clothes
They never borrow your favorite sweater
They don’t outgrow you intellectually
They don’t eat all your chocolate chip cookies
They are never disloyal, critical, or ungrateful
They don’t interrupt when you’re talking
They never tell you that you’re too fat
They don’t eat all the popcorn at the movies
They don’t get jealous of your other friends
They don’t tell you how to drive
They don’t hog the bathroom
They don’t embarrass you at parties
They never leave dirty socks on the floor
They don’t get sick
They never say “I told you so”
They aren’t noisy and they don’t have fleas
They listen to all of your problems
They are always ready to give you a hug
They always love you … just the way you are
This year we will have two Teddy Bears with gift cards for a drawing to be held at the Holiday Celebration on December 7th. First place is a large brown bear with a $45 gift card for the Texas Roadhouse. Second place bear is a medium one with a gift card to the Black Bear Diner for $25. Tickets will be $2 each or 3 for $5.00. You can call the UCB office and give Kate your credit card or at the Holiday Celebration we will be there, and you can either pay by cash, check, or credit card. For a free chance to win, write your name, address, and phone number on a card and mail it to: UCB, PO Box 1415, Bountiful UT 84011-1415.
This is a Fund Raiser for the Utah Council of the Blind and we’d love your support on this.
Thank you,
Sandy England
By Sandy England
The children hung their Christmas stockings with care!
Get your Christmas stockings for that special person or a neighbor, friend, family, or your pet. Call Kate at the UCB office 801-245-9264. We do accept credit cards. This year they are bigger and better and include many surprises. They are $15 each. Please tell us the gender, female or male, and age. The deadline for ordering stockings is 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 3rd. You can pick these up at the holiday party on December 7th.
The Utah Council of the Blind and See's Chocolates are pleased to bring you nothing but delicious chocolatey goodness this holiday season. Choose from their famous decadent truffles to mixed chocolates, mint patties, or peanut brittle. Funds raised will benefit the blind community through the programs and services offered by the Utah Council of the Blind. The deadline for orders is December 6th. Order online, and ship directly to your home.
https://www.yumraising.com/secure/utahcot_utah_council_of_the_blind87/Sansye5035/candy
Our dear friend and lifetime supporter, Dero Gertsch passed away on October 28, 2024, after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Dero was the beloved husband of Leslie Gertsch and the father of our current Executive Director, Kate Balzly. He spent his entire marriage helping and supporting Leslie in her leadership within the Utah Council of the Blind, and he continued to support the organization throughout his life.
Returning to our Savior to be with his eternal companion, Dero R. Gertsch passed away on October 28, 2024, while in the care of his loving children. Dero leaves behind his four children, thirteen grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Dero is preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin Carl and Theresia Bertram Gertsch, his wife Leslie H. Gertsch, his daughter, Kerri Ann Gertsch (2 1/2 years old), his son in law James Schofield, and his brother Steven Gertsch.
Dero was born on June 6, 1951, in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was raised in Bountiful, Utah as one of four children of Benjamin and Theresia Gertsch, with his sister and two brothers.
Dero attended Viewmont High School and later graduated from Utah Technical College with a degree in Auto Mechanics as well as a Doctor of Motors student citation.
Dero met his wife Leslie through a mutual friend, and they were soon married March 27, 1975. The following year they were sealed for time and all eternity on March 28th. That day they were accompanied by his parents where Dero was also sealed to his parents, Benjamin and Theresia.
Dero and Leslie worked together and, with the help of family members, built their dream home. There they raised their five children Kathryn Elayne Schofield Balzly (Marshall) (Jim Schofield, deceased), Samuel Benjamin Gertsch (Kristine), Kerri Ann Gertsch (age 2 1/2, deceased), Alexander Dero Gertsch, and Elora Theresia Gertsch.
Having many interesting hobbies, Dero shared his love of geology with his family over the course of his adult life, enjoying many family trips comprised of rock hounding in remote places. Dero loved and cared for animals and taught all of his children how to properly catch rattle snakes, along with raising and showing 4-H farm animals, too.
As a skilled builder and mechanic, Dero’s passion for cars could often be seen at their home, where he taught each of his children to be mechanical at different levels and how to care for their own cars. Dero was a “jack of all trades” and could mill or machine parts in his garage. Dero also found joy in serving others in the community and church with his many talents. We can't forget his sense of humor. He was always willing to laugh at life even if he was the only one laughing.
Dero was the eyes of his beloved wife for forty-four years. He dedicated much of his time and marriage to Leslie’s endeavors and service to the Utah Council of the Blind. As a quiet supporter and duty to serving the deaf and blind, Dero received an award for outstanding service to the blind community, the Sarah Talmage award for lifetime service award and the Council’s highest award, the Leslie H. Gertsch Memorial Leadership Award.
Even in the end, Dero’s long-suffering battle with advanced Parkinson’s did not dull his outlook and faith in his loving Heavenly Father’s plan. He was not one to complain much about his decline and proudly endured to the end. His positive outlook and presence will be missed.
A memorial service to honor Dero will be held at the LDS Chapel located at 800 W. 1500 S. in Woods Cross, Utah, on Saturday, November 23rd, 2024 at 12:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Utah Council of the Blind. Donations may be sent to: UCB, PO Box 1415, Bountiful, UT 84011-1415.
Those who did not attend the UCB Statewide Training Conference on November 1st and 2nd missed a great experience. There were activities and information for everyone. We’re sharing a bit of takeaway information here:
If you are interested in taking classes from Master Chris, you can find all the information on his website: Shao-linslc.com
Chinese Shaolin Center
Traditional Kung Fu and Tai Chi
Beginner Class Times:
Monday through Thursday
Tai Chi: 6:00 pm
Kung Fu: 6:30 pm
Saturday
Kung Fu 1:00 pm
Becky Andrews offers a couple of resources you may be interested in. Check them out at:
www.resilientsolutionsinc.com
daringsisters.org
You can also email her at becky.lcmhc@gmail.com
If you are interested in reading Macy Lewis’s books, they are on Amazon and soon to be available through the Utah State library and NLS BARD. Titles include:
Killing Casanova
Gia Giraffe and the Zoo Adventure
Christmas Across Time
The Hindsight of Faith
Shattered Hearts
Imprisoned Hearts
Fevered Hearts
Nina Nebula and the Space Adventure
Nigel and the Festival of Flames
Octie Octopus and the Ocean Adventure
Weathering the Storm
More information about Macy and her books is available at https://freshinkgroup.com/author/macylewis
If you would like to try more rock climbing, check out The Front Climbing Club. They offer adaptive climbing classes on the first Saturday and third Friday of each month. Their website is: https://thefrontclimbingclub.com/slc/
Would you like to learn more tips and tricks from Regina Mitchelle? She hosts a virtual cooking class. You can sign up for the class by sending her an email at chfrdm@gmail.com.
Can’t get enough gaming? Here is a list of Juanita's favorite audio games.
Blindfold Games
Developer, Marty Schultz
Audio Game Hub
Developer Sonar Interactive
Dice World
Developer AppA11y
FruitPot 2
Developer Guappa Desarrollo Integral SL
Pocket Reality
Developer James Senter
Evelyn's Farm
Developer James Senter
Lost Vault
Developer Kamil Rykowski
Path of Adventure
Developer Jordin Kee
Do
you want to get your hands on more accessible games and hold a game night with
your friends. Check out Sarah, Steve and Maeve’s website where you can order
all the fun:
https://www.unicornsodadesignstudio.com/shop/games
Are
you interested in trying out any of the Ogden Valley adaptive sports
opportunities? Visit their website and see if anything interests you:
https://ogdenvalleyadaptivesports.org/
Did you feel a sense of relaxation and meditation with Jenni Thompson? She can help you find a sound bath experience near you. Contact her by text or call 801-390-7863.
The Utah Council of the Blind gives a special thank you to David Dodd for standing in for Becky Andrews, who had a death in her family, preventing her from participating in the statewide training conference held November 1st and 2nd. David gave a wonderful presentation, staying with the Becky’s theme of “Thriving Through Movement”. Since he was only asked to present on the day of the conference, his information was not in the program, so following is information we appreciate his sharing with us:
Hello all, this is David,
I am reaching out in regard to my private practice in the Murray Utah area. I am a blind therapist who used to be sighted. I have a rare degenerative eye disease known as retina pigmentosa. I feel this gives me a unique access point into the visually impaired community and their families/relationships. I have first-hand experience of what trauma and grieving can do to not only an individual, but also with a relationship/family dynamic that correlate to it. My hopes are to create awareness that there is someone out there that understands in a unique way who conducts therapy unsighted. If you know of anyone or are struggling yourself and feel I could be a fit for your life or someone in your life, please pass this info around and have them reach out.
Warmest
Regards,
David Dodds LCSW
(385) 481-7672
Or contact me via Website:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/david-dodds-murray-ut/1240538
Transportation
Options in the Bountiful/South Davis Area: Runabout Shuttle Inc. accepts the
UCB white cab coupons for service. To book a ride call 801-298-0300. For white
coupons, please call the UCB office at 801-245-9264.
Rides 4 Health is a curb-to-curb non-emergency transportation service provided to seniors 60 and older living in Davis County, and not able to drive. Appointments for service must be within the county. No fee is charged for the ride but a suggested contribution of $5.00 per trip is appreciated.
Rides 4 Health can take you to:
Doctors Offices
Dentist Offices
Physical & Occupational Therapy
Hearing & Vision Appointments
To be eligible clients must:
Be of Age 60+
Be unable to drive
Be able to get to the curb without driver assistance
Contact us to schedule a ride at least 3 business days in advance. Call: 801-525-5061. Time slots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Our over-stock of Salt Lake Yellow Cab Coupon scrip presents an opportunity for eligible cab users. In order to lower our inventory, we are making these coupons booklets available in unlimited quantities as long as supplies last. They are in $20.00 booklets for a purchase price of $10.00. Please add $5.00 per order for postage. Because of the situation, these purchases are non-refundable. To take advantage of this opportunity, call the UCB business office at 801-245-9264.
From Sandy England
1 can pumpkin (29 oz)
4 eggs
1 can evaporated milk (I always substitute with 1 1/4 cup of regular milk and don’t notice a difference)
1 1/2 cups of sugar or honey
1 t. ginger
2 t. cinnamon
1/2 . salt
1 yellow cake mix
1 cup chopped nuts
1 cup melted butter
Mix first 7 ingredients and pour into ungreased 9×13 cake pan. Sprinkle dry cake mix over pumpkin (drizzle butter over mix). Sprinkle with nuts. Bake at 350 degrees for one hour.
This “cake” is so good topped with cool whip!
(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.)
December 7, 2024, 9:00
a.m.-2:00 p.m., DSBVI, – Holiday Celebration and Related Events (Cordie Weed,
chair)
February
1, 2025, Stop the Bleed – watch for updates (Anna Jeffery, chair)
March
15, 2025, Emotional and Mental Resilience Activity – watch for updates (Sandy
England, chair)
April
2025, Easter Egg Hunt and Easter Basket Fundraiser – watch for updates (Kate
Balzly, chair & Legacy Pioneers, sponsors)
May
10, 2025, Story Telling Activity – watch for updates (Kira Larkin, chair)
May
2025, Lunch in the Park, Ephraim – watch for updates (Dennie Clark, chair)
July
4-11, 2025, Dallas, TX, ACB National Convention – for more information check
out https://acbconvention.org
September
8 and 10, Utah State Fair – watch for updates (Kate Balzly, chair)
September
20, 2025, 9:00 a.m., UCB Annual Business Meeting, DSBVI
October
25, 2025, Time TBD, Spooktacular Halloween Party Fundraiser – watch for updates
(Kate Balzly, chair)
November
7-8, 2025, “Living a Happy and Satisfying Life” Statewide Training Conference –
watch for updates (Mindi Larson, chair)
November 26, 2025, History of the Blind –
watch for updates (Kira Larkin, chair)
December 6, 2025, Holiday Celebration, DSBVI
– watch for updates (Cindi Vega, chair)
September 19, 2026, 9:00 a.m., UCB Annual
Business Meeting, DSBVI
December 5, 2026, Holiday Celebration, DSBVI
– watch for updates (Shelly Hendriksen, chair)
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.
January 2, 2025, 4:45
p.m.
March
6, 2025, 4:45 p.m.
August
7, 2025, 4:45 p.m.
October
2, 2025, 4:45 p.m. – Budget and Planning Meeting (by invitation only)
January 8, 2026, 4:45
p.m.
Anna Jeffery, President
Donni Mitchell, Vice President
Jeana Nielsen, Secretary
Vicki Flake, Treasurer
Sandy Ruconich
Sandy England
Dennie Clark
Kira Larkin
Shelly Hendriksen
Mindi Larson (effective 1/1/2025)
Kate Balzly, Executive Director
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.
We always appreciate hearing from our readers and receiving your contributions. To submit materials for publication, email them to utahblind@gmail.com or mail to UCB Buzz, PO Box 1415, Bountiful, UT 84011-1415
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