The UCB Flier

A publication of
The Utah Council of the Blind
January 2009

Note: For users of JAWS, hitting h will take you to the beginning of the next article.

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
Get Involved
2009 College Scholarships, students with parents with disabilities
CCLVI Scholarship Announcement
ACB Scholarships
UCB Scholarships
Credit Reports in Braille
UCB Credit Union annual meeting
Swim Party
Breakfast Casserole
Free Offers from National Braille Press
Legislative Reception
Cab Coupon Program
Membership
T Shirts
Cruise The Mexican Riviera
New Choral Group
Owners of Dog Guides
Utah Connection Use
Funding Efforts
UCB Programs
UCB Needs Old Electronics
2009 Happenings Books
Symphony Tickets
Newsletter Submissions
Ogden Association of the Blind
Donated Braille Books
Ceramics Class
2009 Goalball
Think About Volunteering

PRESIDENTS MESSAGE

Hello UCB Members! I hope that everyone had a happy and safe holiday season. My holidays were quiet and peaceful. I had an opportunity to visit friends and family members I haven’t seen for a while; and experienced joy in watching my little nephews excitedly await Christmas day. I am sure that 2009 will have happy times and will bring forth many challenges we all need to be concerned about. We are experiencing quite a few changes: A new president of our country; new legislatures; the conversion from analogue to digital TV, ACB offices moving to Virginia, to name a few. Times are difficult now with the budget short fall in our state and country, which may impact programs we depend on: businesses letting go of employees and closing down, less fund raising resources available to help our organization, etc. Yet, I also feel that a new year brings a fresh start: new faith, another chance to look at what is valuable in life, and to look at and prioritize any existing commitments we have, and to renew the dedication to those commitments. In 2009, it is vital that we all stick together, reach out a helping hand by advocating for the needs of our fellow members and friends among the disabled community. Take the time to read and/or listen to ACB’s Braille Forum, and The UCB Flier, The Connection, attend UCB activities and public hearings, etc. so that you can be informed on updates. It is important to be able to work together so that our voices can be heard about issues which will impact all of us!

Also, by the way, we still have some committee positions we need to fill; so, please call or email any Board member or committee chair if you would like to participate.
Thank you! Cindi Vega, President

Get involved

Good afternoon friend of the disability community, We're contacting you a little earlier than usual this year because we need you, your family, and your friends, to start contacting your elected officials in preparation for the 2009 session of the Utah State Legislature. We need you to contact your senator and representative, and members of the Health and Human Services Joint Appropriations Sub-Committee, and ask them to do everything they can to protect services critical to individuals with disabilities and those who support them.

During a Legislative Special Session in September, the Departments of Health and Human Services found several ways to reduce spending on medically necessary services, home and community-based supports, and mental health care without a substantial impact to health and safety.

Unfortunately, the economy has continued to worsen and the state may have no choice but to make further cuts which will have a real and negative impact on the lives of Utah's most vulnerable residents.

In his budget for the upcoming year, Governor Huntsman proposes a 7% reduction in spending, while protecting some critical health and human services programs with one-time money from the rainy day fund. Even so, his proposal removes all 263 state-only funded individuals from DSPD services.

Legislative leadership has chosen an even more drastic approach, requiring a 15% across-the-board cut for all state agencies. Consequently, eligibility for Medicaid could be reduced through the elimination of the spend down and the Medicaid Work Incentive program, as well as the lowering of the eligibility threshold for aged, blind, or disabled individuals from 100% to 75% of the federal poverty level (reducing eligibility from $867 to $650 based on gross monthly income). It is also possible that the physical disabilities and acquired brain injury waivers could be eliminated if a 15% reduction is enacted. Finally, a portion of the lowest need individuals in the community supports waiver could lose services.

As for mental health, a significant portion of more than 40,000 adults and children may lose access to mandated services. Around 3,000 uninsured or under-insured adults and children could also lose access to medically necessary treatment. Additionally, up to 3,300 children with severe emotional disturbances in state custody may lose state funding for treatment. Finally, the Utah State Hospital could lose a portion of its 182 adult beds, putting further pressure on the already overburdened Local Mental Health Authorities.

Legislative leadership is determined to have the budget, including the 15% cut, ready for consideration on January 26th, (the first day of the legislative session). In order to make that possible, they have asked the appropriations committees to meet three times before the beginning of the session. Obviously, as advocates for those with disabilities, we have our work cut out for us.

In addition to the accelerated timeline, the legislature as a whole, and the Health and Human Services Joint Appropriations Sub-Committee in particular, has several new members who have yet to be educated about the needs of individuals with disabilities and their families. Therefore, we are asking you, your family, your friends, your neighbors, and your coworkers to contact your senator and representative, and members of the Health and Human Services Joint Appropriations Sub-Committee between now and the middle of January to share your story. Let them know how important services are to you and your family. Tell them how services have made a difference in your life (e.g. improved behaviors, work, and family staying together, etc.). Ask them to ensure that Utah's limited resources are spent as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible before making any cuts. Please also ask them to encourage their colleagues to engage in an open process during which each program, service, and line item in the budget is prioritized with an eye toward protecting the state's most vulnerable residents. Only with the most complete picture in hand should they establish an overall dollar or percentage target and a strategy for meeting it, if necessary. Let your legislators know they will have your support if they support a "human budget" which puts "people first"

To find your representative, please visit: House District Maps/State.htm and House members Table To find your senator, please visit: Senate District map and Senate membership For more information and to find out how to become involved, please contact any of the following:
Kris Fawson at (801) 243-1066
Joyce Dolcourt at (801) 718-3013
Claire Mantonya at (801) 533-3965
Andrew Riggle at (801) 363-1347
Thank you for your interest and support. We look forward to working with you during the session and beyond.
Joyce Dolcourt, Vice-Chair, Legislative Coalition for People with Disabilities, (801) 718-3013

2009 College Scholarships for Students with Parents with Disabilities Announcement

Note: All application materials must be completed and postmarked by Monday March 16, 2009.
Through the Looking Glass and its National Center for Parents with Disabilities and their Families are pleased to announce new scholarships specifically for high school seniors and college students who have parents with disabilities. These scholarships are part of Through the Looking Glass’ new federal grant (New National Center for Parents with Disabilities and their Families). Please note that these are new awards and have different application procedures than in the past. There are two separate scholarship awards, and each has separate eligibility requirements:

1. High School Seniors. To be eligible, a student must be a high school graduate (or graduating senior) by Summer 2009, planning to attend college in Fall 2009 and have at least one parent with a disability. Five separate $1000 awards will be given out in Fall 2009. Individuals may submit only one application per award period.

2. College Students. To be eligible, a student must be currently enrolled in a college or university, be 21 years of age or younger as of March 16, 2009, and have at least one parent with a disability. Five separate $1000 awards will be given out in Fall 2009. Individuals may submit only one application per award period.

Selection criteria for all scholarships include academic performance, community activities and service, letters of recommendation and an essay describing the experience of growing up with a parent with a disability. These Scholarships are also part of a research study on young adult children of parents with disabilities. As explained in the Consent Form in the Application, you may be willing to participate in an optional survey about young adult children of parents with disabilities. The additional information you submit on this survey will not affect your scholarship chances and will not be disclosed to anyone outside the project researchers; all identifying information will be removed. If you consent to participate in this optional survey, we will email you the survey after we have received your completed application.
Thanks, Scholarships Coordinator,
Through the Looking Glass, The National Center for Parents with Disabilities and their Families
2198 Sixth Street, Suite 100,
Berkeley, CA 94710,
(800) 644-2666 (voice)
(800) 804-1616 (TDD/TTY),
FAX: (510) 848-4445
Web site: Looking Glass

CCLVI Scholarship Announcement

The Council of Citizens with Low Vision International (CCLVI) will award three scholarships in the amount of $3,000 each to full-time entering freshmen, undergraduate and graduate college students who are visually impaired, maintain a strong GPA and are involved in their school/local community.
Applications may be submitted beginning January 1st, 2009 and all materials must be received by March 1st, 2009. Scholarship monies will be awarded for the 2009 - 2010 academic year. To read the scholarship guidelines and complete an on-line application, please visit: CCLVI Web Site and click on the "Scholarship' link. Applications will be available to submit on-line until March 1st at 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time.
Questions may be directed to CCLVI at (800) 733-2258.
We look forward to receiving your application materials!

ACB Scholarships

The 2009 ACB scholarship application is now available at www.acb.org The application will be available online until March 1 at 11:59 pm Eastern standard time.

UCB Scholarships

The Utah Council of the Blind will be accepting applications for Scholarships beginning February 1, 2009. If you have an interest in applying, please check out the application online at: UCB Poulson Family Scholarship If you would like a hard copy application, please call the connection and leave your name, address and phone number at the end of the message. Information with instructions will be mailed to you.

Credit Reports in Braille

Annual credit reports are now available in Braille, Large Print and Audio formats for consumers who are blind or visually impaired. On-line versions are designed to meet the web accessibility standards set forth in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. Under federal law each person is entitled to one free report every year from each of the three national credit reporting agencies. Information on how to order alternative format reports or obtain an accessible credit report on line is available by going to the Accessible Credit Report Announcement (Please feel free to share or link to this post.)
The three credit reporting agencies -- Equifax, TransUnion and Experian have worked hard to meet the deadlines set forth in the agreement negotiated by the American Council of the Blind (ACB), the California Council of the Blind (CCB) and individual blind consumers. This agreement was reached using Structured Negotiations. Please email Laynie Feingold or call Linda Dardarian's toll-free number at 1-800-822.5000 with any questions or concerns.

UCB Credit Union annual meeting

The UCB Credit Union will have their annual dinner and business meeting on February 27, 2009 at DSBVI at 6:PM. Please call for reservations, 801-220-0800, leave your name and the number of people in your party attending. You must make reservations to be fed.

Swim Party

On Saturday, January 17, 2009, The Davis County Recreation Center’s swimming pools will be reserved for persons who are visually impaired along with their friends and families. The party will run from 7 to 9 p.m. The cost will be $5.00 per person aged 13 and above and $2.50 for kids 12 and younger, this will include food. The pools include a lap pool, a dive pool, and a lazy river pool with 2 water slides. We'll also be able to use the sauna and the hot tub! The address is 150 W 600 N, Bountiful, UT. For reservations, ( you must have reservations), call 801-792-6359.

Breakfast Casserole

This is a tasty breakfast or brunch casserole for a busy day. Serve this casserole with fresh or warm fruit for an easy and satisfying breakfast.

Ingredients:

6 large eggs
1 3/4 cups milk
4 slices bread, torn or 3 croissants, sliced and torn into 1-inch pieces
8 to 12 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
10 to 15 sliced grape tomatoes or 2 small tomatoes, diced
1 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

Heat oven to 350°. Butter a 2-quart baking dish. Whisk eggs with milk in a bowl and set aside. Arrange torn bread over the bottom of the buttered baking dish. Sprinkle with the bacon pieces and tomato slices. Top with Cheddar cheese then pour the egg mixture evenly over the top. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until puffy and lightly browned. Serves 4 to 6.

Free Offers from National Braille Press

Phone: toll-free (800) 548-7323 or (617) 266-6160 ext 20. Or order any of our books online at Braille Press Publications To mark Breast Cancer Awareness month, National Braille Press offers a new free booklet in braille or PortaBook: For Women Facing Breast Cancer, By American Cancer Society Free in braille or PortaBook. This booklet from the American Cancer Society covers some of the many questions you will have if you or someone close to you has been diagnosed with breast cancer. It explains mammograms, biopsies, cancer staging, treatment options, and breast reconstruction, and also covers how to join clinical trials and where to find emotional support. Since so many details cannot be contained in one small booklet, each section has a list of questions that you might ask your doctor or nurse. Please note that this free book is limited to one per customer. Order the book at: NBP Free Offer

After Diagnosis: Prostate Cancer, Understanding Your Treatment Options, By American Cancer Society Free in braille or PortaBook. Prostate cancer can often be treated successfully, especially when it's found early. This booklet from the American Cancer Society gives you general information about prostate cancer, the tests your doctor may order, treatment options, and common side effects as well as other resources for more information. You can use this book as a reference or resource, or read it all at once for an overview. Either way, having the good information in this booklet will help you make the best possible choices. Order your copy and find other health-related books at: Free offer

Did you know you can get one free month - that's 4 issues - of our news magazine "Syndicated Columnists Weekly?" There's no obligation, just try out four issues at no cost! "SCW" gives you access to the editorial pages of the most respected newspapers and websites in the country, such as "Wall Street Journal," "New York Times," "Washington Post," "Boston Globe," "Chicago Tribune," "Salon.com," and many others. Each week you will receive a 36-page braille weekly newspaper that contains the best editorials appearing that week, written by syndicated columnists - many of whom have won the Pulitzer Prize for journalism. Spend your commute time reading the paper, too! For your free four-week trial subscription, call or email our Customer Service Department: Call (800) 548-7323 or (617) 266-6160 ext 20, or email orders@nbp.org

Legislative Reception

On February 3, from 4 to 6 p.m. the Legislative Coalition for People with Disabilities will be holding its reception for advocates to meet their Legislators at the Rotunda of the Capitol. Everyone is invited and encouraged to speak to their own Senators and Representatives about attending to meet with them. It is a great time to speak to other Legislators about your issues. Since refreshments will be served you need to make reservations by calling (801) 463-1592 and speak to Trish or e-mail at trouse@usilc.orgl. The UCB will have lists of the Legislators and their committees in Braille. Call to order yours. You must request a print copy if that is what you need from the capitol. You know this is going to be a tough year with all the cuts. Medicaid is threatened as well as services to the blind. See you there.

Cab coupon Program

As most of you know, the UCB offers $100 worth of cab coupons a month for only $50 to anyone who needs an emergency form of transportation. This service is available in St George, Provo, Salt Lake City, Davis County and Ogden. Cab Companies in Logan have agreed to provide this service, but to date no one seems to use this service much so verify the service before you use it. Coupons can be purchased by mail by sending your check and information about which company you wish to use to 1120 Topaz Dr. SLC 84116.

As you know Elaine Hall has volunteered to handle our Cab Coupon Program for many years. We are extremely grateful to her for the many hours she has donated on our behalf. Unfortunately for us, she and Dennis are moving to Idaho soon and we will need a new volunteer to do this job. If you know someone, or if you can do the job please call (801) 292-1156 and discuss the responsibilities of the job. For the present, Elaine will continue to be at the Blind Center on Wednesdays from 3:30 p.m. to sell the coupons or you may continue to do the exchange by mail until further notice in this news letter.

Membership

As you are surely aware, it is time to pay your membership for 2009. It is important that you send it in quickly so that we can complete our membership drive and report our numbers to the American Council of the Blind. Thank you to all of you who sent yours in so promptly. It makes our job much easier to have your information for services in 2009. If you have questions about the benefits of joining please call the Utah Connection and leave a message or call (801) 292-1156 and this information will be shared. The Cab Coupon Program is available to all people who are blind living in Utah, but membership is required for the Mileage Reimbursement Program and for the Reader program. Call to learn more. Don't let your membership lapse and lose this newsletter.

T-shirts

The UCB still has a few T-Shirts available with the picture of the race car with a guide dog running by it and the driver hanging on to the leash. It says Designated Driver and Utah Council of the Blind. These shirts sell for $10 plus shipping. We still have sizes large and 3 X. Call the Utah Connection to order yours.

Cruise The Mexican Riviera!

Arrangements have been made with Around the World Travel to host a group of persons with vision impairments, along with any friends and family members, on a trip to the Mexican Riviera aboard the Carnival Splendor, January 10, 2010. To hold your spot, just contact Steve and pay $25 per person. Then you have nearly a year to make payments on the cruise! And, payments made toward the cruise are fully refundable up until October 19, 2009. Prices vary, depending on how many persons you have in your cabin as well as on what kind of cabin you select. But, the following example will give you an idea of prices for the most economical package. For a family of four sharing an inside cabin with the least expensive option, the price would be as follows. The first two passengers in the cabin would pay $300.00 + $290.67 taxes & fees), which makes the cost $590.67 per person. If you add two more passengers to your cabin, they would each pay $150.00 + $227.67 (taxes & fees) which equals $377.67 per person. Using these figures, the total price for four people would be $1936.68. Now divide this total cost by four, for four passengers, and the cost per person is $484.17. This works out to be $69.16 per day, per person for your meals, lodging, and entertainment! Airfare, optional shore excursions, and gratuities are not included. We will be watching for airfare as the airlines release their schedules. If you have any questions or want to check some pricing, please don't hesitate to call Steve at Around the World Travel, 801-292-9494 or Toll Free 888-292-9493.

New Choral Group

A new choral group for singers who are blind or visually impaired is being formed. For more information, call Brawny Jensen at 801-803-1514 or Kyle Woodruff at (801) 232-0053.

Owners Of Dog Guides

Persons who have dog guides or are interested in obtaining a dog guide and are interested in meeting together on a regular basis are invited to call Sharon Zenger at 503-319-9205.

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. We encourage your use. Please call this number as much as you want. Things change constantly and this will be reflected in the information put on the Connection Line. To encourage your use we will enter your name in a drawing for prizes when you use this number to get information. Everyone that does anything for the UCB does it as a volunteer. Sometimes assignments become overwhelming. We’re trying to find ways to make information more accessible and faster for response. You’re encouraged to ask questions and leave your name at the end of the connection message. This will automatically enter your name for the drawing. This will also help relieve some of the demands on volunteer time. As mentioned in the last newsletter we’re encouraging people to get involved in the work of the UCB. Your time is wanted for any interest you might have to help. Please contact the connection number in the heading above and let us know where you might be willing to help.

Funding Efforts

We think this is a good time to mention that our organization is always in need of funding. 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. 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 Programs

Many of you take advantage of the programs of the UCB; Cab Coupons, Driver/Guide program, Reader Program, Ceramics, Braille Transcription, Activities and Educational activities, the newsletter, and the Utah Connection. If these programs are useful, please send a letter letting us know how the program helps you. We need these letters to get more funding. We would also be pleased to tell you about these programs if you have questions. Call the Connection and leave your question and a name and number so we can call you back.

Send your letters to:
1301 W. 500 S.
Woods Cross, UT 84087.
And, thank you for your help.

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.

2009 Happenings Books

Once again the UCB will have Happenings books for $20 each. . They will be available at the UCB office when you pick up your cab coupons or you can have them mailed for an additional $5. Remember these books are only available for a short time and are great because they offer discounted services and vacation specials along with dining opportunities for buy-one-get-one free. Just eat out twice and you’ve paid for the book and helped the UCB at the same time. Get your friends to buy one too and then you can double date. Order yours by calling the Utah Connection, visit the office on Wednesday or call (801) 292-1156. Remember, Buy a book and all money comes back to support all the efforts of the UCB in providing you with the services you enjoy. You can’t beat such a great investment!

Symphony Tickets

The thrill of the Symphony is made possible again this year by a generous donor. 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.

Shubert’s Unfinished 01-31-09
The Inextinguishable 02-07-09
Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto 1 02-21-09
Keith & Olga 02-28-09
An Evening in Vienna 03-07-09
An Evening of Adventure 03-28-09
A Hero’s Life 04-11-09
Rach 2 with Jon Kimura Parker 04-18-09
Keith Concludes Mahler 04-25-09
Tchaik’s Big 5 05-09-09
Keith’s Finale 05-30-09

If you have an interest in participating please call Linda Collins at 801-296-1400, or email symphony2009@live.com to have tickets sent to you as the performances become available. 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.

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 2nd Saturday of each month at the Deaf/Blind School in Ogden at 1:PM. There are no meetings in July and August. Any questions or membership information please call Sandy Gibson at 801-732-8900.

The OAB membership meeting is planned for January 10th at the ABC Mandarin, 5260 South 1900 West, Roy, Utah at 1:PM. Your $5.00 membership dues will include dinner.

February 11th will be a descriptive movie, (Pillow Talk), at the Deaf/Blind School at 7:PM. Hot chocolate, popcorn, and cookies will be served. There’s no charge for this activity.

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.

Donated Braille Books

D Christiansen passed away and his family brought by a large selection of braille books. They are all religious books, including some volumes of the Bible. The rest consist of books from the LDS faith. If you know of anyone who would like them, please call the Connection and let us know.

Ceramics Class

DSBVI is starting the new Ceramics Class to meet on Wednesdays from 1 to 4:PM. Everyone visually impaired or blind is invited to attend. This class has been such a success and offers wonderful instruction at all levels of experience. There has been a need for awhile to expand and we are asking if you know someone who would have an interest in volunteering time on Wednesdays to help their efforts which would be greatly appreciated. Please call the Connection and leave information for contact.

2009 Goalball

We're excited about another season of fun and physical activity with the kids. Last year more than 80 students throughout Utah participated in UFB's goalball program and we hope to have that many or more again this year.

For a list of goalball practices dates and times contact those noted below. If you have any questions about practices please contact Tony Jepson (801-209-8492) or Jalayne Engberg at (801-427-1911). Many of the teachers are also holding practices in other locations in the state and you can contact any of them for details.

UFB's State Youth Goalball Tournament is for all players ages 6-18 who qualify. All younger players and those who need some modifications to the rules will compete in Division Two. No hard throwers are allowed in this division; however, there are some qualifying standards that players must meet in order to compete at the tournament. These new standards will help all players improve their skills, and provide for a more enjoyable tournament for everybody.

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 comfort 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, Terrilynn Pomeroy and Linda Collins. The Executive Director is Leslie Gertsch. What a job they do. Call the connection if you can help.

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