The UCB Flier

A publication of
The Utah Council of the Blind
February 2009

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The UCB is a member of Community Shares

For the latest news updates call:

The Utah Connection at 299-0670 or 1-800-273-4569 (You may also leave your message at the end of the announcement.)

In This Issue

President's Message
Cab Coupon Program
UCB Annual Birthday Party
Easter Egg Hunt
UCB Credit Union Annual Meeting
ACB National Convention
Scholarships
Mexican Riviera Cruise Reduced
Upcoming Election
Utah Connection Use
Fund Raising
UCB Needs Old Electronics
Symphony Tickets
Newsletter Submissions
Great Exchange Day
Community Interests
Ogden Association of the Blind
Socializing Classes
Medication Alerts
Think About Volunteering

Presidents Message

Dear UCB Members:
It seems like the month of February is busy. Both the National Congress and our local legislature are in session. We are always on the look-out to find out what is going on in these sessions. Some of the issues impact us and we need to be able to contact our local and National Senators and representatives to advocate for the needs of our community. If you would like to help us by writing letters, or by contacting Senators and/or Representatives in your local and National Districts, Please let us know. We also work hard at putting these issues on the Connection and in the Flier.

The American Council of the Blind will be holding its Affiliate President’s Conference and Legislative Seminar in Washington DC. I will be attending both of these meetings. I will let you know what happens in those meetings. In addition, our business meeting is coming up. Please look for details in upcoming Fliers. We are still looking for people to help us with committees; particularly for the nominating committee. Leave us a message on the Connection, or call me. Until next time, stay warm and healthy in this cold, brisk winter season.
Cindi Vega

Cab Coupon Program

As you all know, Elaine Hall is moving and Nancy Kirkpatrick has taken over her job.  She will be at the Division of Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired on Wednesdays and will be mailing out the coupons.  However, all checks are to be mailed to the UCB address, 1301 W. 500 S. Woods Cross, UT 84087.  Questions and corrections need to be brought to Nancy because she has all the records.  Call her at (801) 634-3676.

For those who have questions about the UCB Transportation program, read this information and you’ll understand the Cab Coupon Program.  All blind or visually impaired people are allowed to purchase cab coupons for half price up to $100 worth a month. This means for $50 you may have $100 cab coupons to use as you see fit.  These can be used at any time as long as the cab company is still in business. The UCB has contracts with two cab companies in St. George, Taxi USA and Quality Cab. Yellow and City Cab in Salt Lake City, Wasatch and Runabout in Southern Davis County, Triangle Cab in northern Davis County and Yellow Cab in Ogden.  Cache Valley Cab has also agreed to accept the coupons, but no one has used them in a very long time so call before you order a cab to be certain they are still agreeing to accept the coupons.

As a small change to better serve  everyone, the UCB has decided to allow the full $100 worth of coupons to blind members of a household 16 years of age and older.  Formerly, only $150 was allowed per household.  However, each person must request their own coupons to save confusion.  We hope this helps everyone.

When you order your cab coupons by mail, it is helpful if you can enclose the funds to have the coupons mailed back to you or equivalent postage.

UCB Annual Birthday Party

    This being a special year for Patti Matej, her 50th birthday, she suggested that we might consider having an annual birthday party for everyone on or around the birthday of the founding of the UCB. Feeling that this was a good suggestion we decided to have the first annual birthday party on March 7th. The UCB will be having a party to celebrate everyone's birthday and we thank Patti for her suggestion. Our president, Cindi Vega, was extra excited because the celebration will fall during her birthday too.  This Celebration will begin at 10:30 a.m. at the Division of Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired, 250 N. 1950 W. Salt Lake City.  At 11:00 a.m. everyone will be entertained by Irish dancers from Provo. They may even have something to teach us. Lunch will then be served followed by games, prizes and a chance to try your hand at Table Tennis.  The cost of the party is $5 a person.  Send your money and reservations to 1301 W. 500 S. Woods Cross, UT. 84087 by March 5th.  Prizes will be given to recognize some special birthdays. We plan on ending at 2:30 PM. Celebration time, come on and let's party.

Easter Egg Hunt

    On March 28, Quest Pioneers and the UCB will be sponsoring an Easter Egg Hunt for all Children with sight loss and their families.  Siblings are invited to participate with blindfolds while everyone searches for beeping eggs. The hunt will begin at 10:00 a.m. and will last until 12:00 p.m. at the Division of Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired, 250 N. 1950 W. Salt Lake City. There will be food and prizes.  Reservations are required so that there will be enough food for everyone. To Reserve call Connie at (801) 266-2184 or (801) 292-1156.  In case of bad weather the hunt will be moved inside.

UCB Credit Union Annual Meeting

    It’s that time again! February 27 6:00 p.m. at the Division of Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired 250 N. 1950 W. Salt Lake City, the UCB Credit Union will be having its annual Meeting. A free dinner will be served followed by the business meeting. There will be lots of prizes and good food.  To make your reservations leave your name and the number in your party on the UCB Credit Union phone (801) 220-0800.  You must reserve to eat, but all members are invited to the business meeting. See you there.

ACB National Convention

    This year, the ACB Convention will be held in Orlando, Florida, the first week of July.  Cindi Vega, our president will be acting as the UCB official delegate.  An alternate delegate will be sent as well.  You are invited to make application for this position by sending a letter of your qualifications as a representative of the organization, your experience with the UCB, how you would represent it, and a commitment to attend all meetings.  A report on the convention to the board as well as an article for publication in the newsletter will be required. The UCB will sponsor the individual who can offer the most to promoting its interests and goals. We look forward to hearing from you.  Send your letters of interest to 1301 W. 500 S. Woods Cross, UT, 84087 or give them directly to Cindi Vega.

Scholarships

Remember that the Poulson Family and Freebairn scholarships will be awarded in May at the business meeting.  All applications must be submitted by April 15th.  You may find the application on the web at www.acb.org/Utah. Scholarships will start at $1,000 and go up from there.  Send all of your information to 1301 W. 500 S. Woods Cross, UT 84087.  Some parts of the information required can be e-mailed. Call (801) 292-1156 for directions on e-mail.

Mexican Riviera Cruise Reduced

There has been a price reduction on the 7 Day Mexican Riviera Cruise aboard the Carnival Splendor, January 10, 2010.  The $63.00 fuel charge for the first and second guest will no longer be applicable; the base fare for all categories has been reduced as well. We have a Category 4B, which is an inside cabin with no window starting at $270.00 for the first and second guests. A Category 6B, is an outside cabin with a window starting at $390.00 for the first and second guests. A Category 8B, is an outside cabin with a private balcony starting at $560.00 for the first and second guest. If your party is going to be larger than two guests and you’re sharing one cabin, the price for the third and fourth guest has been reduced to, Category 4B, $100.00, Category 6B, $130.00, Category 8B, $160.00. Please keep in mind that these prices do not include government taxes and fees or airfare, and that passports are required. For everyone who has already signed up, prices have been automatically adjusted to the lower price. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to call. If you’re interested in signing up, a $25.00 deposit per person is required. This deposit is fully refundable until final payment is due on Oct. 20, 2009. The next payment of $250.00 per person is due on Aug. 11, 2009. This is also refundable until the October 20th date. You can contact Steve at Around the World Travel with any questions at 801-292-9494 or Toll Free 888-292-9493. Thank you!

Upcoming Election

At UCB's annual business meeting on May 15, 2009, we will hold elections for officers and board members.  This year, the terms of President and Secretary will be up for election. Also, three positions on the board of directors will need to be filled.  Members of the Council have the opportunity to run for a position on the board or to nominate someone else for the opportunity. Nominations must be written and must be received by March 15, 2009.  A nomination should be approximately 200 words long and should include the candidate's qualifications, goals, and experiences that will enhance the functionality of the board.

To submit a nomination for yourself or for another individual, send your letters to the UCB address: Utah Council of the Blind, 1301 W 500 S, Woods Cross, UT, 84087

Utah Connection Use

The Utah Connection, 299-0670 or 1-800-273-4569 is the resource we offer to keep you updated frequently with information concerning activities and interests of our community. We encourage your use and hope that you’ll call this number often. Things change constantly.

The work that’s done at the UCB is strictly voluntary. We depend on everyone that can offer services of any kind to do what they can to help. Sometimes the work can seem overwhelming. We’re constantly looking for ways to make things better and more efficient. Everyone working together makes work light. If you have services you can offer for the good of the organization please give us a call on the connection.

Fund Raising

We’re looking for ideas for fund raising. If you can help in this areaa please let us know. Our organization is always in need of funds to meet the demands of the programs we offer. Everyone is aware of the economy and we’re feeling the crunch of those who have supported us in the past having to cut back and consider other options.

If you or someone you know has a car they would like to donate, please contact the connection and let us know.

There are many ways you, your family and friends might consider helping us raise needed funds to maintain the programs we offer. Donations by mail or phone are always encouraged, and gifts of stock or matching gifts, bequests, beneficiary designations, and gifts in kind do much to help the needs we support. All these options are available and we’re a very worthy cause.

Remember, everything done by the Utah Council of the Blind is done voluntarily. No one receives a pay check. All money goes to support the services you receive. If you appreciate those services help us to spread the word and encourage donations.

UCB Needs Old Electronics

    The UCB has the opportunity to receive money for its programs by collecting old electronics.  The following list describes what we need:
• Cell Phones
• Ink Jet Printer Cartridges
• Laptop Computers
• Apple iPods
• Digital Cameras
• Digital Video Cameras
If you have any of these items you no longer need and wish to donate please call the Utah Connection or (801) 292-1156 and we’ll tell you how your donation can help the UCB.  Thank you.

Symphony Tickets

The thrill of the Symphony is made possible again this year by a generous donor. This donor is known to attend the concerts himself and is aware when tickets are not used. Please if you request these tickets, use them or give them up to someone waiting on standby. We have tickets available on a first come first serve basis. Each blind or visually impaired individual may have a ticket and another for an escort to the limit of what’s available. This is going to be a great season and the following Symphony’s are available. One available is the equivalent of a pair of tickets.

Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto 1 02-21-09 standby only
Keith & Olga 02-28-09 one available
An Evening in Vienna 03-07-09 standby only
An Evening of Adventure 03-28-09 one available
A Hero’s Life 04-11-09 two available
Rach 2 with Jon Kimura Parker 04-18-09 one available
Keith Concludes Mahler 04-25-09 one available
Tchaik’s Big 5 05-09-09 one available
Keith’s Finale 05-30-09 one available

If you have an interest in participating please call Linda Collins at 801-296-1400 or email, symphony2009@live.com. Confirmation of use is made the week of the concert. Standby positions are filled in the order they are received and according to cancellation. Arrangements can be made to have tickets at the will call window if this will be more accommodating.

Newsletter Submissions

If you have articles and information you’d like to see in this newsletter, please send them to symphony2009@live.com. You’re welcome to put the information on the Connection Line as well. It will get to the person who needs it. There is limited space available so not everything can be published but those things that concern our population will receive priority.

"Great Exchange Day"

Mark your calendar and remember this date. An exchange or sale of VHS, DVD, talking books, large print or Braille books, music, etc is going to happen as a fund raiser for the UCB. This will take place on the 25th of April at the Division of Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired, 1950 W 250 N in Salt Lake City.

Invite everyone you know and check us out from 11:AM till 4:PM. There will be food, of course at a low price. This event will be $3.00 for those with advance reservations and $5.00 for those admitted at the door with no reservation. Individuals who would like to sell or exchange what they have may purchase a table for the price of $20 in advance and $30 on a space available basis at the door. If you have the above items, but do not wish to participate by selling them at your own table, the UCB is accepting donations to help with our fund raising efforts and would appreciate any consideration of offering them to our table. Of course, cash donations are always accepted as well. Contact Leslie Gertsch at 292-1156 or Sandy England at 282-1905.

COMMUNITY INTERESTS, Ogden Association of the Blind

The Ogden Association of the Blind would like everyone to be aware of their calendar for the year 2009. Everyone is invited to attend the activities they have planned. Monthly meetings are held on the second Saturday of each month at the Deaf/Blind School in Ogden at 1:PM. There are no meetings in July and August. For answers to any questions or for membership information please call Sandy Gibson at 801-732-8900.

March 20th or 21st the group will go to a rodeo at the Golden Spike Arena. The cost of this event is $8.00 in advance or $10.00 at the door. 7:30PM is the time for this activity and additional information will follow in Newsletters to come.

April 25th the Tulip Festival is planned at Thanksgiving Point.

May 23rd will be an activity at the National Ability Center in Park City.

June 24th a swim and picnic at the Crystal Hot Springs above Brigham City.

September 26th the Great Salt Lake Boat Trip is planned.

October 19th the Terrace Playhouse will entertain members or we’ll visit the Candy Cane Factory.

November will be the Thanksgiving Dinner no date is set at this time.

December we’ll have a Christmas Party and maybe the Lights of Temple Square. Details will be forthcoming.

Socializing Classes

Classes are being held on a regular basis for socializing and fun at the School for the Deaf and Blind in Ogden at 6:30 PM. Connie Joy is in charge and can be reached at 801-621-2849 for details. The schedule is listed below. All supplies needed for these classes are furnished free of charge.

Feb 26th, Obtaining and Using a Guide Dog

Mar 12th, Social Skills

Mar 26th, Safely Making a Salad

Apr 9th, Easter Craft

Apr 23rd, Resources Available on the Computer

May 14th, Home Repairs

May 28th, Indoor Gardening

Jun 11th, Spring Craft

Jun 25th, What’s Available in the Freezer Section

Medication Alerts

I urge you to review the list of medicines with PPA and avoid these medications. All drugs containing PHENYLPROPANOLAMINE are dangerous. You may want to try calling the 800 number listed on most drug boxes and inquire about a REFUND. Please read this CAREFULLY. Also, please pass this on to everyone you know. STOP TAKING anything containing this ingredient. It has been linked to increased hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding in brain) among women ages 18-49 in the three days after starting use of medication. Problems were not found in men, but the FDA recommended that everyone (even children) seek alternative medicine.

The following medications contain Phenylpropanolamine:
Acutrim Diet Gum Appetite Suppressant
Acutrim Plus Dietary Supplements
Acutrim Maximum Strength Appetite Control
Alka-Seltzer Plus Children's Cold Medicine Effervescent
Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold medicine (cherry or orange)
Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold Medicine Original
Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold & Cough Medicine Effervescent
Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold & Flu Medicine
Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold & Sinus Effervescent
Alka Seltzer Plus Night-Time Cold Medicine
BC Allergy Sinus Cold Powder
BC Sinus Cold Powder
Comtrex Flu Therapy & Fever Relief
Day & Night Contac 12-Hour Cold Capsules
Contac 12 Hour Caplets
Coricidin D Cold, Flu & Sinus
Dexatrim Caffeine Free
Dexatrim Extended Duration
Dexatrim Gelcaps
Dexatrim Vitamin C/Caffeine Free
Dimetapp Cold & Allergy Chewable Tablets
Dimetapp Cold & Cough Liqui-Gels
Dimetapp DM Cold & Cough Elixir
Dimetapp Elixir
Dimetapp 4 Hour Liquid Gels
Dimetapp 4 Hour Tablets
Dimetapp 12 Hour Extentabs Tablets
Naldecon DX Pediatric Drops
Permathene Mega-16
Robitussin CF
Tavist-D 12 Hour Relief of Sinus & Nasal Congestion
Triaminic DM Cough Rel!ief
Triaminic Expectorant Chest & Head
Triaminic Syrup ! ! Cold & amp;am p; Allergy
Triaminic Triaminicol Cold & Cough

I just found out and called the 800# on the container for Triaminic and they informed me that they are voluntarily recalling the following medicines because of a certain ingredient that is causing strokes and seizures in children:
   Orange 3D Cold & Allergy Cherry (Pink)
 3D Cold & Cough? Berry
 3D Cough Relief Yellow 3D Expectorant
   They’re asking you to call them at 800-548-3708 with the lot number on the box so they can send you postage for you to send it back to them, and they will also issue you a refund. If you know of anyone else with small children, PLEASE PASS THIS ON. THIS IS SERIOUS STUFF...!!!

To confirm these findings, please take time to check the following: http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/infopage/ppa/

Think About Volunteering

The Utah Council of the Blind, as you know is a volunteer organization. All our efforts are made to improve the lives of those who are visually impaired or blind. It takes many people working together to accomplish all the things we do. Everyone is appreciated for each piece they’re able to add to the program. The board works very hard trying to represent every aspect of people’s lives and would like to hear from you. We are presently in need of people who have time to participate in a phone tree. This is nice easy work that can be done from the comforts of your own home.

This is the time for our legislative efforts to show. Budget cuts will be drastic this year and we need to be able to let our representatives know why our concerns are more important than other things that will be brought before them to consider.

We’re looking for people who have an interest in activities that can be organized to get us out and moving, energized in living and seeing those things around us. Take the helm if you’re a leader or let us know if you have a desire to serve on a committee. There’s something for everyone. The friendships that are made and the good times that are had, support all the reasons we volunteer. There is nothing comparable to the feeling you receive when you reach out to help others with a heart willing to serve, with no idea of what would have to come back to you for your efforts. We especially appreciate the efforts of the board members. When you’re around them, share a warm fuzzy, and tell them you appreciate the things they do in your behalf.

The board serving presently is, Cindy Vega, Sandy England, Vicki Flake, Tammi Hansen, Belva Frandsen, Mike Smith, Kira Larkin, and Grace Goff. Other people that support the board are the VISTA volunteers, TeriLynn Pomeroy and Linda Collins. The Executive Director is Leslie Gertsch. What a job they do. Call the connection if you can help.

Valentine Sugar Cookies

1/2 cup shortening
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
4 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/4 cup milk (or enough to make moist enough to handle)
Sift dry ingredients. Blend shortening and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla. Add dry ingredients. Add milk to correct consistency. Divide dough into thirds and form into balls. Roll each portion of dough between two sheets of waxed paper to 1/4 inch thick. Cut into heart shapes. Place on greased cookie sheets. Bake 9 minutes at 325 degrees or until beginning to brown. Do not overcook, let cool, then frost.

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