Tuesday, March 3, 2020

So Much News In Your Latest Blind Coloradan Blog

National Federation of the Blind of Colorado logo including the tagline Live the life you want

Writer, aggregator Kevan Worley.

Contributing editor Dan Burke.

Here is what you need to know



Registration is Now Open!

National Federation of the Blind of Colorado invites you and all of your family and friends to participate in our 3rd annual NFBCO 6 Dot Dash and family fest Sunday morning, May 31. The blind beer tasting is back! The walking and running course begins on the beautiful grounds of our Colorado Center for the Blind in the heart of Littleton, Colorado.

Stay tuned for special guests, promotions, news about sponsors, volunteer opportunities, vendors, and more.

 Blind and visually impaired runners, guides, and sighted runners along the Mary Carter Greenway Trail during the 1st annual NFBCO 6 Dot Dash 5K in 2018


Congratulations to NFBCO Leader Gary Van Dorn.


Gary keeps all of us moving onward and upward. Sunday, March 1 Gary participated in the Fight for Air Climb (Run the Republic).

Aurora Chapter Leader Curtis Chong Speaks at Optimist Club of Aurora.





Curtis Chong addresses the Optimist Club at Village Inn February 19, 2020.


Curtis spoke about the National Federation of the Blind to the Optimist Club of Aurora on Wednesday, Feb 19 at the Village inn on Iliff.  They provided breakfast so he was in fine voice. 

Club members asked probing questions about Curtis, our voting legislation and how best to include blind people.  Kernel books were handed out to the members.  

Peggy Chong had spoken to the club in January about the history of the blind of Colorado, handing out our curtesy rules of blindness.

Note:  Public Speaking to organizations such as Optimists, Lions, Rotary, and other community and church groups is a great way to spread our message and to build the National Federation of the Blind.  
If your chapter members speak to organizations post about them.


NFBCO Announces Special New Rideshare Hotline.


Guide dog handlers who rely on Uber and Lyft know that being turned down by drivers still occurs all too often. The National Federation of the Blind legal team needs data from rideshare service customers who use guide dogs. It is important that we provide a full picture of the challenges we face and the good experiences we have. 

You can now report your rideshare experiences directly through the survey tool.  And, now, you can call to report your experience at 303-778-1130 ext. 219. Just leave your name and number and someone from our Colorado Association of Guide Dog Users will get right back to you.

It is important that Lyft and Uber know about the experiences we are having here in Colorado. We look forward to hearing from you!

NFBCO Member and Entrepreneur Pipi Adams Brings Her Unique Knowledge of Essential Oils to a Special Seminar.


We received the following from Maureen Nietfeld, President, NFBCO Sports and Rec Division:

Get your essential oil roll on!!!
March 21st, 1 p.m. till 3 p.m.
Learn about different essential oils. Learn how aromatherapy can provide many great health benefits. Learn the different ways to implement aromatherapy into your life.

Make your very own essential oil roll-on that you will get to take home!

For this class you must RSVP by March 14 to ensure there will be enough supplies for everyone
We are also asking for a five-dollar donation to offset the cost of supplies. If you cannot afford the five dollars, please do not let this be a barrier because all are welcome.

RSVP to Maureen, maureenbassmaster@gmail.com, or text 215-353-7218.

This class will be held at the Colorado Center for the Blind at 2233 W. Shepherd Avenue, Littleton, CO.

We will be learning all of this valuable information from Pippy Adams so please don’t miss this great opportunity!!

Braille Challenge, Shark Dissections, and Latin Dance. It’s Always Something.


In January, CCB partnered with CSDB for Braille Challenge at both campuses.

On February 21st, dozens of blind kids, teachers, and blind role models picked up goggles and scalpels to participate in our shark dissection led by our partners at Arapahoe Community College.

On February 15, our Sports and Rec Division sponsored Latin dance taught by Moises Hinojosa. The calendar is always full for blind people in Colorado who want to live the lives they want. NFBCO is always here to help.

 

New NFBCO Chapter Comes to Poudre Valley.


Over the years, the National Federation of the Blind has had chapters lead by wonderful members in the Fort Collins area. “It’s time to re-establish our Poudre Valley presence,” said Scott LaBarre, President, National Federation of the Blind of Colorado.

If you have blind family or friends in the valley of Loveland and Fort Collins areas, we would love to meet them. Over the next few weeks members of our team will be spending time in the area and we will have an official chapter organizing meeting on Tuesday, March 31. We will assemble between 5-5:30 to meet new folks and consider the philosophy, mission, and organization of the National Federation of the Blind. The happening will take place at Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St, Fort Collins, CO. There will be light refreshments.

To RSVP or to lend a hand, for more info or to introduce us to blind folks in the area leave a message at 303-778-1130 ext. 219. Or be in touch with Ileen Gallegos, ileenshere@gmail.com.

The meeting will adjourn no later than 7 p.m.

 

Interested in Contributing Your Time and Leadership?


Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind Seeks Committed, Energetic Colorado Citizens for Service on CSDB Board of Regents.  


We received the following from Diane Taylor, School/Community Liaison, Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind:

COLORADO SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF AND THE BLIND (CSDB) BOARD is looking for two volunteer Board members to oversee the programs for Colorado families with children, who have deafness, blindness or deafblindness, who attend CSDB and/or receive Outreach services, throughout the state.

What does the CSDB Board of Trustees do? The Board, appointed by the Governor of Colorado, is responsible for the development of policy and for the employment/evaluation of the Superintendent. The Board is also responsible for providing oversight to the operations of the school. Board members act as ambassadors throughout the community and state representing CDSB, its mission and vision, to a variety of stakeholders. The Board meets once a month, during the school year, with additional appearances to school events, upon request.

If you are interested in contributing your time and leadership, apply for the position at https://www.colorado.gov/governor/boards-commissions  (choose "Deaf and Blind").

Want to explore this opportunity, but you have a few questions?  Please contact Jacky Skinner, (719) 578-2102 or jskinner@csdb.org.

Colorado Springs Chapter to Hold Annual Election Saturday March 14.


Attend the next Colorado Springs chapter meeting on March 14 at the Garden Ranch YMCA. We gather around 9:30 and Jeanette brings down the gavel at 10. Annual dues are only 5 bucks. So, pay up and vote and run for an office to serve the blind of our community if you are so inclined.

Remember that dues-paying members are entitled to their National Federation of the Blind membership coin. Carry it with you proudly.

Blind Entrepreneur Joanne Franklin Experiences Her First Transaction and Pledges Chapter Contributions.



Headshot of Joanne Franklin, Keller Williams real estate agentThere was celebration at the home of the Franklin family last week. Joanne and Brian are both real estate agents. They are also active in our Colorado Springs NFBCO chapter. Joanne has recently completed all of the arduous requirements, earning her Colorado Real Estate License. Like all industrious businesswomen, she is on a quest for customers. Although not specializing in serving people with disabilities, she suggests that her life experience, knowledge, and networks make her an extraordinary fit for readers of this blog interested in buying or selling a home.  And she will donate $200 from every closing between now and end of year to our local chapter. Congratulations Joanne!

If you have any referrals for Joanne, please email jfranklintx@msn.com, and she will be in touch!

Making Memories by Kevan Worley.

As we announce the opening of registration for our 3rd annual NFBCO 6 Dot Dash, I reflect that although we have only had 2 of these Spring events, they are rich with memories for me. Last year, when "This Land is Your Land", performed by the band Stray Dog, began to echo across our beautiful CCB campus I got chills. For me this was a moment in time that perfectly reflected who we are. 

Do you have favorite NFBCO 6 Dot Dash memories? What memories do you plan to make at our race in 2020? Post your comments here.

 

That’s It for This Edition of the Blind Coloradan.

Forward, always Forward!

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