ACB Families — Prizes for the Holidays
by Carla Ruschival, President
The annual ACB Families membership drive is under way. Get in on the fun and have a chance to win prizes, just in time for the holidays.
ACB Families is an ACB special-interest affiliate. We hold two Zoom calls each month. Our business meeting, typically on the first Sunday of the month, gives members a chance to participate in planning virtual activities and events. The call on the third Sunday of the month includes a discussion topic, a chance to share tips on a broad range of subjects, or an informative speaker. Past calls have included stretching the family dollar, tech tips, holiday gift ideas, fun and educational Amazon Alexa skills, how to get organized and de-clutter your home, and much more.
ACB Families hosts exciting events at the national ACB Conference and Convention each year. Our Families traditions include our in-person Bingo, virtual campfire, and hybrid breakfast.
No matter who you are or where you live, you can participate in ACB Families. Pay your dues for next year by Nov. 30 and have a chance to win a $25 Visa gift card, one of two $50 Visa cards, a $75 Visa card, and (new this year) a grand prize of a $100 Visa card. Winners will be drawn at our Zoom call on Sunday, December 15.
Dues are just $8 a year. Pay by credit card by calling (502) 897-1472, or make check payable to ACB Families and mail, along with your contact information, to: ACB Families, 148 Vernon Ave., Louisville, KY 40206.
Keep up with what’s happening in ACB Families. Join our email list by sending a blank message to [email protected].
Welcome to our ACB family.
South Dakota Association of the Blind Chose Joy
The 2024 SDAB convention is now history. The theme was “Choose Joy!” We met at Joy Ranch of South Dakota. We did indeed make history, as we had not previously held our meeting at this location. Thanks to the willingness and hard work of Koni Sims, Krystal Stuwe, and several other people who stepped up to plan and arrange this weekend, the convention was a great success with 53 people registered to attend! The weather could not have been more perfect for being at such a beautiful place. The speakers were informative, and the camaraderie was inspiring. On Friday afternoon, our sessions were about technology and about orientation and mobility. Many of us enjoyed seeing the variety of cane tips that are now available. Everyone seems to have his/her preference on the type of cane tip to use.
Later on Friday, it was time to go outdoors to walk around, sit in a rocking chair in front of the building, or go horseback riding. Some of those who rode a horse did so for the very first time! Several of us also enjoyed being in one of two groups who went on a wagon ride.
Pizza from Marco’s Pizza in Watertown was a big hit before the auction. Thanks to Nick Pavel for being such an entertaining auctioneer, and thanks to everyone for bidding and buying. One of the last items to be auctioned was the SDAB Traveling Bear. After Seth and Koni told the bear’s story, Blaine Jemming was the lucky highest bidder at $65. He will tell us the story of the bear at our meeting next year, and someone else will bid and buy it. In total, we brought in $1,670.
Saturday morning included Cary Krumwiede’s inspiring story of life in a wheelchair for the past 30 years. Thanks to the Watertown Lions for grilling hot dogs and hamburgers for our noon meal. The first two hours of the afternoon were again available for being outdoors.
The banquet was delicious, and Jim Hoxie & Joanna Jones demonstrated their program of spreading awareness for children in the Spearfish schools about the white cane and guide dog. Each of us was given a copy of their book, “Grandpa’s White Cane,” so we can help spread the word. One thing that made this convention unique is the fact that everyone had to travel some distance in order to attend. In South Dakota, that can be a challenge. We were able to raise funds through donations and sponsorships, to defray travel costs for those who rode in one of two vans from Sioux Falls to the ranch. The person who traveled the farthest distance to attend was SDAB member Patrick Sheehan, from Silver Spring, Md. He shared valuable information during our session on orientation and mobility, and he also talked about the building codes that help with accessibility. We thank him for his input.
As for the Saturday afternoon business meeting, I believe lots of information was shared, and I hope it was helpful for those who are new to SDAB.
This was an election year for officers as well as two board members for 3-year terms and one board member for a one-year term. I would like to thank the membership for electing me for a second term as president. I will do my best to serve SDAB and try to involve as many of you as possible.
Other election results included: First Vice President: Virginia Miller; Second Vice President: no candidate was brought forward from the nominating committee, and no one was nominated from the floor. Since this is the fund-raising chair, we’ll all have to work a bit harder to help bring in funding for SDAB. Marje Kaiser was elected Secretary, and Bob Smith was elected Treasurer. Two three-year positions were filled by Chelle Hart and Deb Ver Steeg, who had each served one full term and were eligible for a second one. Dave Miller’s resignation opened up a one-year spot on the board, and Mary Carrell was elected to fill it.
One of the suggestions at the business meeting was to assign mentors to new members of SDAB. I think this is a great idea.
Speaking of funding, several of us wore our new South Dakota shirts, made by Blind Girl Designs. These are still available for purchase, and SDAB gets $7 from each item that we buy. Also included are tote bags, aprons, and shirts in various styles and colors. These make great gifts as well. Visit https://blindgirldesigns.com/ for more details.
Now that we’re home and have gotten excited about our organization, let’s keep the momentum going!