THE
PROMOTER
November 2011
Page Contents
1
Michelle’s
Meanderings
2
Gebhard
Greetings
Letters to the Editor
3
NDAB
Board Meeting Minutes – 11-06-11
4
Impact
of Change
7 Black Hills Regional Ski for Light
8 Talking Book and Braille Program
9 Candy’s Corner
11 NDAB Summer Camp 2011
13 North Dakota’s Camp Grassick – A
Special Place for Many
14 NDAB Family News
Bismarck Area News
15 Fargo Area News
16 Grand Forks Area News
17 Minot Area News
18
In Memory
Shorty Petitt
19 Olga Knutson
20 Lynn Dwight Hanson
21 Leo Marttila
23
F-M Theater Vet Provides Description of Performances for Blind
25
Blind Americans Equality Day
27
Legislative Report – fall 2011
28
About the American Council of the Blind
Consider a Gift to NDAB
Michelle’s
Meanderings
Greetings
NDAB Members;
Thank
you so much for the opportunity to attend the 50th ACB Conference
and Convention in Reno, NV. The week was both educational and a once in a
lifetime experience. I managed to do as much as possible with very little
sleep. Wish you all could have attended!
One
important topic that was emphasized during the president’s meeting was for
affiliates to consider offering a stipend to scholarship recipients to attend
the ACB Conference and Convention. The goal of providing the additional stipend
is to not only defray their personal costs but for us to attain younger members
and educate our future leaders. I believe this is an item to consider for
discussion during new business at the 2012 NDAB Convention in Bismarck.
Remember
the surveys you completed back in June?
The University of Mary College students have completed a strategic plan
from those comments and much research.
Fifteen graduate students presented their findings on Saturday afternoon
at Summer Camp. We are fortunate enough to have a NDAB member with experience with
strategic planning and a PhD in Education. Her name is Sandra Parsons of
McVille. She has agreed to help in our next step by reviewing the plan and
developing both short and long term goals. Sandra, thank you so much for
volunteering to share your knowledge and expertise!
A
new computer program, a new Haven cell phone, or experiencing a new significant
sight loss could all result in the need for additional special skills training.
The upcoming Adult Week offered by North Dakota Vision Services/ School for the
Blind will be held March 18 through the 23rd. Contact Amy Osvold at 257-7634 if
you live in the western part of the state or alternatively Jessie Shirek at 795-2731
if you live in the eastern portion of ND for more information. It is an opportunity
not to miss!
The
possible closing of several post offices has been in the news lately. This may
be due to tough economic times or the increased use of automatic billing and
use of e-mail messages instead of letters. Regardless, NDAB will need to look
over its use of “free matter” in our communications with the membership and
ensure we obey the postal regulations. In order to aid us in this process when
membership renewals come out in January, don’t forget to indicate if you are
visually impaired, blind, or sighted. You
are not entitled to receive mail “free matter” if you are sighted. Make
sure your mailing address is correct and include an e-mail address if you are a
computer user before sending back your renewal form to Helen. You can save NDAB
postage fees if you are sighted and get your newsletter by email instead of
large print.
Unfortunately,
the Family Adjustment Seminar in Fargo was cancelled this year due to the death
of Olga Knutson. Janelle, Loris, Kathy and Karlyn; my sympathy is with you all
regarding the loss of your mother. The FAS board meeting is rescheduled for
November 6th at 7:00 PM via teleconference. Please, contact one of
the board members or myself if you have an issue to be placed on the agenda of
our January meeting.
Take
care and enjoy the upcoming holidays.
Gebhard
Greetings
A
sincere apology to all of you for a much delayed issue of the November Promoter. This fall has been hectic with an extra busy
time at my job because of the early sign up dates for Medicare Part D
insurance; a full family life with four children, eight grandchildren and
Steven’s and my aging parents; plus commitments at church, bible study and
AWANA.
This
full, but exhausting, schedule leaves me little time for anything else. I am still struggling with an autoimmune
disease which leaves me with a low white count.
So, it seems I catch whatever I am exposed to. Therefore, I have no choice but to try and pace
myself and get adequate sleep and rest or I get sick. There are simply not enough hours in the
day! It couldn’t be that I am getting
slower as I get older, could it? Thank
you for your patience and understanding.
In
this issue, you will read about the sadness of lost loved ones, and joys like
the birth of a new baby, about the excitement surrounding change, and the
frustration and hope that is our future.
Please
take time to read this Promoter and then I encourage you to reach out to one
another through a visit, phone call, letter or email. Communication is what keeps all of us
connected.
May
you have a blessed Christmas and New Year!
Zelda
Gebhard, Editor
Letters to the Editor
I was wondering if you
would put the following information in the Promoter as some of the ladies at
camp wanted this information on my cart with wheels that I would bring with me
to the auction sale. Here is the info on how they can get a cart like
that.
Walter Drake Company at 1-800-525-9291
or e-mail at
Item: 303208 for $39.00
14 1/2 inches wide, 16
1/2 inches high; canvas cart on two wheels
Carol Schmitt
Blindness
A writing submitted by Deloris Stenvold
When you meet me, please don’t be ill at
ease. It will help us both if you will
remember these simple rules of courtesy.
I am an ordinary person, just blind. You don’t need to raise your voice or address
me as if I were a child. Don’t ask my
spouse what I want: “Cream in the coffee?” Ask me.
If I am walking with you, don’t grab my
arm. Let me take yours. I’ll keep a half-step behind, to anticipate
curbs and steps.
I want to know who’s in the room with
me. Speak when you enter. Introduce me to the others. Include children, and tell me if there’s a cat
or dog. Guide my hand to a chair. The door to a room, cabinet or a car left
partly open is a hazard to me.
I don’t want pity. But don’t talk about the “wonderful
compensations” of blindness. My sense of
smell, touch or hearing did not improve when I became blind. I rely on them more and, therefore, may get
more information through those senses than you do – that’s all.
If I’m your house guest, show me the
bathroom, closet, dresser, window and the light switch. I like to know if the lights are on.
I’ll discuss blindness with you if you’re
curious, but it’s an old story to me. I
have as many other interests as you do.
Don’t think of me as just a blind
person. I am just a person who happens
to be blind.
NDAB BOARD
MEETING MINUTES 11-6-11
Held via teleconference
PRESENT:
Paula Anundson, Helen Baumgartner, Richard Feldman, Susan Jorgenson, Mark
Kueffler, Milissa Miller, Allan Peterson, Loris VanBerkom, Michelle Zentz
GUESTS:
Janelle Olson, Sandra Parsons
CALL TO
ORDER: President Michelle called the meeting to order at 7:07pm.
Missy made a motion to approve the agenda, seconded, and carried.
SECRETARY
REPORT: Pre and Post Board Meeting Minutes were revised and approved via e-mail
on 6/24/11. Convention Minutes revised and approved via e-mail on 7/3/11.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Susan will send out three sympathy cards on November 7th to William Pettit
Family, Olga Knutson Family and to Dianne Giessinger.
TREASURER
REPORT: Helen gave the current balance as $28,168.55. It was noted
that American Century Investment funds were down.
COMMITTEE
REPORTS:
Membership:
William "Shorty" Pettit died September 23, 2011. New members
are Sherry DeFrancesco of Grand Forks and Gerald Byron of Edinburg. Total
as of 11/6/11 is 180 members.
Financial:
Allan is working on solicitation letters to be sent to Lion's Clubs and
charitable gaming sights.
Strategic
Planning: President Michelle asked Sandra Parsons to be chair.
Sandra has reviewed the report completed by University of Mary graduate class.
She asked questions for us to think about. Sandra will be drafting a
questionnaire for the board members to define next steps for NDAB. Michelle
will send her the board’s contact information.
Family
Adjustment Seminar: The October 15, 2011 FAS was cancelled due to the
passing of Olga Knutson. There was discussion on the future of FAS; noting
lower attendance in past years. Janelle will plan the next one for
October 2012 in Fargo.
Sports and
Recreation: Jessie Shirek reports the bus will begin at Grand Forks since
11 to 12 signed up from there. No action needs to be taken regarding any
additional transportation costs.
BUSINESS
MEETING:
1. Sunday,
January 8, 2012 at 7pm will be the next teleconference meeting.
2. A
NSF check from an April 2011 donation resulted in a bank cost to NDAB for
$12.00. It was motioned by Rick not to seek reimbursement from the donor.
Seconded and carried.
3.
Impact Giveback listing has been completed.
4.
Missy reports there are enough membership cards available for 2012.
5.
Susan made a motion not to have NDAB display at the AT EXPO in Fargo this
fall. Seconded and passed.
6.
Resource brochures were updated 7-12-11, paid for by DVR. Allan has a box
of them available for distribution.
7. NDAB brochure is in progress.
Allan and Missy will send original notes to Helen for a final draft ASAP.
8.
Code of Conduct Policy: Discussion tabled until January 8th for possible
revision of policy.
9.
NDAB Investment Policy: Mark is working on it; Helen and Allan are
also to be included in completion of task.
10.
Loris made a motion that part-time students may be considered for the $500
scholarships. Seconded and passed.
11.
Dianne Giessinger will assist Connie Springsted with PR Committee.
12.
Discussion occurred regarding convention planning. Loris will upgrade the
manual.
13.
Postal regulations on free matter were discussed. Changes will be made to
applicable manuals regarding Free Matter regulations.
14.
Possibility of NDAB Calendar 2013 tabled for now. Must have consent from
persons shown in photographs.
15.
Walk-a-thon dates will be either April 21 or April 28, 2012.
ADJOURNMENT:
9:30pm
Submitted
by: Susan Jorgenson
Approved
by board via e-mail; December 8, 2011
IMPACT OF CHANGE
By Jessie L. Rayl
from Argosy University
Views
of Change
Change represents various things to each
individual person. It may be viewed by
some as a time of opportunity and growth for an organization. Still for others, change may represent danger
or threat –to them personally or to the organization itself.
Every change we encounter in life can be
viewed this way – either to represent danger or opportunity (E7033, Argosy
University Online lecture). Change
itself is not the issue. The changes may
be positive or negative.
Change itself is not the problem. It is the way in which leaders of the
organization present the change, and support members through that change may be
the problem. The members’ views of
change may be the problem. “It is the
reaction to change that causes problems” (E7033 Online Lecture). .
A
belief system is defined as “strongly held opinions that determines our
perceptions of various aspects of life” (E7033 Online lecture). People have various backgrounds and
experiences which set their belief system about the present conditions and
change in an organization.
Effects
of Change
The effect of change
may be positive or negative. When
positive change occurs, it should be intended to create growth and opportunity
for the organization. It should be based
on positive factors and the overall question of; will this change promote
growth and opportunity for the organization?
If a change is based
on negative views or ideas (e.g., power for the individual or leader) and that
change cannot be determined to present growth and opportunity for the
organization, it will likely continue to have a negative impact on the
organization.
“People have varying
perspectives on the same process because of their position in the organization
and their belief systems” (E7033 Online Lecture). Those perspectives are important in
determining their understanding of the change process and their expectations of
the outcome as a result of that change.
Getting
Through the Change
Leaders who understand the change process and
the impact it has on them, and the members of the organization, will have a
better opportunity to make smooth transitions through the changes they wish to
accomplish. In an organization, the perspective change is often determined by the
leaders and/or members overall reaction to the change. Because of that, it is essential for leaders
to make changes with careful consideration:
· How will this change impact the organization?
· Does it create opportunity and growth for the
organization?
· What is the impact of the change on all who are affected?
Leaders
need to identify who will be affected in the change, and understand that
“change is a team process” (E7033, online lecture).
“Change
facilitators lead and support change within the organization” (E7033, online
lecture). . The key elements to this are:
· Understanding and communicating the change
· Planning the change
· Implementing and monitoring change
· Evaluating the change
(E7033, online lecture).
At
every step, the change facilitators play various roles in assisting the change
process. The facilitators must realize
that each change is viewed by each person as either positive or negative.
Leaders
also need to recognize the stakeholders who will be affected by that
change. Who are the
stakeholders? In an organization, the
people who are affected by that change, either positively or negatively, are
the stakeholders. This may include the leaders,
members of the organization, and the community at large.
There
are various levels of change. The
personal level is an essential part to understand. The change creates feelings for each
individual including fear, anxiety, excitement, enthusiasm, dread, hope,
despair and loss, inadequacy and powerlessness, and power. Leaders understand this process and must be
certain to have open dialogue with all members, create fresh opportunities for
them and psychological support.
At
the structural level, change may create a destabilization in relationships and
roles which may lead to chaos and dysfunction for the organization. Leaders or management of the organization
need to focus on realigning and renegotiating policies.
At
the political level, change causes conflict among the groups, often creating
new winners and losers of the election.
An organization needs to create an arena in which issues can be
negotiated. It is essential to support
the leaders who were not re-elected or appointed. They should be provided emotional support and
opportunities for continued growth and support of the organization.
At
the emotional level, “change creates loss of meaning and purpose” (E7033,
online lecture.) There is actual grief
for the old ways and grief requires healing.
“People
can move positively toward new ways only when they are able to detach
themselves completely from old ways” (E7033, online lecture.)
“The
task of the leader is to get his people from where they are to where they have
not been” (Henry Kissinger; E7033 Online lecture). Leaders who understand the reason for change,
the elements of change and the impact of change are more likely to make this
happen –in a positive way.
Black Hills Regional
Ski for Light 2011
Submitted
by: Dave Sundeen and Jesse Shirek
It’s time to start
thinking about signing up for the 33rd annual Black Hills regional Ski for
Light event! It is an excellent opportunity to experience downhill, cross
country skiing, and snowshoeing. The dates for this year’s event are: registration
on Sunday January 22nd, skiing the week of Monday Jan. 23rd
through Thursday January 26th with the banquet taking place Thursday
evening and hotel check-out Friday morning January 27th. If you
would like to visit with a yearly participant about the event, you are
encouraged to contact Dave Sundeen
at 701-847-3139.
In previous years, a
bus has been chartered to the annual event and we would like to do so again
this year. We would like to send out a special thank-you to Judy’s Leisure
Tours, in cooperation with Schuck Bus Company, for arranging the charter bus
for departure from various communities in North Dakota. The bus will depart
Sunday January 22nd and return on Friday January 27th. It
is an excellent opportunity to sit back, relax, visit, sleep and leave the
driving to an expert. There is room for participants, volunteers and space to
store your luggage. Sign-up early to reserve a seat on the bus, tickets for the
bus will cost $15 round-trip and part of the $15 will be used to ensure a
reservation on the bus. Make your non-refundable check or money order payable
to: North Dakota Association of the Blind and mail to Helen Baumgartner,
Treasurer, NDAB, 402 12th Ave NW, Mandan, ND 58554.
Black Hills Regional
Ski for Light has e-mailed or mailed out applications for the program. The cost
for the event for one week is $200. This includes five nights lodging based
upon double occupancy, four lunch meals, one evening meal and a banquet ticket.
The $200 also covers all equipment rentals. Please note that the Black Hills
Regional Ski for Light may be providing partial scholarships for those who
qualify for financial need. To obtain an application for a scholarship please
contact Tracy Perdue at 605-341-3626. All scholarships must be approved by the
Ski for Light board. Please note that in order to receive a scholarship you
must be willing to share a room with another Ski for Light participant. The
application deadline for this year is November 30th. All applications will be
processed on a first-come first-served basis, so you are encouraged to get your
application in as soon as possible.
Jesse
Shirek, Vision Rehabilitation Specialist working with adults, is assisting with
coordination of the event between NDAB and North Dakota Vision Services; he may
be contacted at 1-800-421-1181 or e-mailed at jshirek@nd.gov. Please contact
Jesse for assistance with applications, raffle tickets, bus transportation from
North Dakota or any other questions regarding the event. Black Hills Regional
Ski for Light 2012 will be a great place to connect with old friends and give
you the opportunity to make some new ones. We hope to see you there!
Talking
Book and Braille Program
The
National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) – the
Library of Congress’ talking-book and Braille program – will celebrate 80 years
of helping visually impaired and physically handicapped individuals enjoy
reading their favorite books and magazines.
This
free library program brings reading materials in digital audio and Braille
formats straight to the homes of persons from preschoolers to
centenarians. Books on digital
cartridge, digital talking-book players and Braille books are sent to patrons
via the U.S. mail at no cost to users.
People who sign up with the program also have the option of downloading
books and magazines over the internet in audio or Braille format.
“Talking
books offer a wonderful opportunity for anyone who cannot use regular print
materials because of blindness or a physical handicap,” says NLS Director Kurt
Cylke. “For 80 years this service has
been a priceless gift.”
The
NLS collection of more than 400,000 titles of bestsellers, classics, biographies,
romance, and other genres delights even the most selective readers. Magazine-lovers enjoy free subscriptions to
more than 40 periodicals in audio format, including Consumer Reports, National
Geographic, and Sports Illustrated for Kids, and 30 periodicals in audio
format, including Consumer Reports, National Geographic, and Sports Illustrated
for Kids, and 30 periodicals in Braille, such as Ladies Home Journal,
ESPN: The magazine and the New York
Times Large-Print Weekly.
The
NLS program also keeps pace with the latest book titles, adding 2,500
annually. Patrons learn of new releases
through two bimonthly magazines, Talking Book Topics and Braille Book
Review.
Patrons
are served locally through a national network of cooperating libraries. Beginning with just 19 libraries in 1931, the
NLS network today includes113 libraries throughout the United States and its
territories. Congress appropriates funds
annually to the Library of Congress for the NLS program, while regional and
sub-regional libraries receive financial support from federal, state, and local
sources.
U.S.
residents and citizens living abroad whose blindness or physical handicap makes
reading regular printed matter difficult may be eligible to participate in the
audio and Braille books program. By law,
priority is given to U.S. military veterans.
Those interested in learning more or signing up may call 888-NLS-READ or
visit www.loc.gov/nls/.
Candy’s
Corner
Have you ever been in the process of giving a talk or presentation, and
you really wished you knew how many minutes there were remaining in your
allotted time? You could always wear a Braille watch, but some people find them
difficult to use. Here is a gadget that will allow you to check the time without
letting everyone in the room know that you are doing so. It is called the
ZeitGeist Talking Time Machine. This small device (smaller than a TV remote
control) is lightweight and battery-operated. It has many functions, including
a stopwatch, countdown timer (even a 7-day timer), several alarms, choice of
alarm sounds, and more. At a price of approximately $100, this device does not
fit into everybody’s budget, but if you give lots of presentations, or are a
teacher, it may be worth the price to you. With the Zeitgeist, a small earphone
can be connected to the device and the time can be discreetly checked
periodically with just the press of a button. I have also used the timer
function when walking on the treadmill. It can be suspended around the neck by
a lanyard, which is provided. The ZeitGeist is available from the American
Printing House for the Blind, www.aph.org, or call 1-800-223-1839.
As many of you know, the National Library Service is in the process of
making many books from its collection available in the new Digital Talking Book
format. Searching through the new titles that become available in this format
each week, I have come across some books that were published a few decades ago,
but that are timeless in their appeal. Here are two of them that I have read
and enjoyed recently:
"Northern Nurse,"
by Elliott Merrick, is the true story of the author’s wife, a nurse from
Australia who came to the frontier of Labrador to work as a medical missionary
for two years. The doctor that Kate was
supposed to have assisted became ill and needed to return to “civilization” for
surgery and was unable to return before the settlement was closed in for the
long Arctic winter. Kate was the only medical professional available for
hundreds of miles around. She was forced to extract teeth, deliver babies, and
even perform surgery, often without the “luxury” of electricity, running water,
or other amenities. She had to travel to her patients' homes on dogsled and on
foot. Her story is truly riveting!
“Karen,” by Marie Killilea, is
another true story about a girl who was born in 1940 weighing less than two
pounds. It is not very unusual to hear about babies that small being saved
nowadays, but at that time it was not that common for such tiny “preemies” to
live. Karen did live, but soon her parents realized that something was not
quite right with Karen. They took her from doctor to doctor, around the
country, until they were given a diagnosis: Karen had cerebral palsy. It is
fascinating to learn what few resources were available for parents and children
with CP in those days. Karen’s parents had to perform much of her therapy
themselves, and had to construct much of the special equipment she needed. This
is a heart-warming story of love and courage. The sequel to this book, which
continues Karen’s story, is called “With Love, From Karen,” and is also
available in DTB format.
I got this recipe from a colleague of mine, Deb Johnsen. It is a favorite
in my household!
Lemon Supreme Pound
Cake
One package lemon cake mix
1 4-oz. package instant lemon pudding mix
½ cup oil
4 tablespoons lemon juice in a 1-cup measuring cup; fill rest with water
4 eggs
Blend all ingredients in a large bowl. Beat for two minutes. Pour into a
greased and floured bundt pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 45-55 minutes. Cool
before inverting and removing.
Glaze: Whisk together 1 cup
powdered sugar and 2-1/2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Thicken as desired and
pour over cake.
NDAB
Summer Camp 2011
The
NDAB Summer Camp 2011 was held August 7-14 at The Elks Camp Grassick with a
total of 52 campers and staff. The three new campers were Sherry DeFrancesco
and Andrew McCloud from Grand Forks and Kathryn Schmidt from Fargo. We welcomed
the help of Jessica Nelson from Minot and Brian Daby from Portland, Oregon, two
UND interns. The weather was perfect with the exception of a couple of thunder
storms Thursday night and Friday afternoon.
The
classes and instructors were as follows: Caning - Mike Hoeppner, Lawn Chair
Macramé – Helen Baumgartner, Machine Knitting – Linda Oyloe, Basket Weaving –
Paula Anundson & Dave Sundeen, Round Loom Knitting Crocheting & Covered
Clothes Hangers – Connie Springsted, Handicrafts & Computer – Jesse Shirek,
Computer – Kathy Larson, Strike Up the Band – Janelle Olson, North Dakota
History & Source of Services – Allan Peterson, Bread Basics – Zelda Gebhard, Living with
Vision Loss & Leisure Activities – Nancy Kracl, Dance, Yoga & New
Camper Orientation – Janelle Olson & Mark Kueffler, Sports – Jessica Nelson
& Brian Daby, Walking – Susan Jorgenson, Chair Exercise – Dennis Nez, Low
Vision 2 & Mobility Instructor – Becky Monroe. David McCloud assisted in
Caning and Machine Knitting as well as taking over the morning bell ringing.
Life Guard Rachael Cederstrom kept us all safe for the second year at the water
front and Karlyn Frantsen took great care of us in her 21st year as our camp
nurse.
The
evenings were filled with various activities. The banquet theme this year was
“Easter”, so that theme was carried throughout the week. Sunday night began
with our receiving line followed by a mixer that involved different shapes,
sizes & types of Easter eggs with the word “hunt” and a variety of
meanings. Rick Feldman hosted the Monday night trivia contest with questions
furnished by Shereen Faber and popcorn made and served by Dan Mimnaugh and
staff. The winning team members each received a large, insulated water jug. On
Tuesday night, Linda Oyloe hosted Black Jack in the Rec Hall and Becky called
Bingo in Cabin 7. The casino gift exchange and a hay ride began the Wednesday
night activities and ended with a camp fire with singing led by Andrew McCloud.
Mark Kueffler hosted the talent show Thursday night which was followed by ice
cream floats in the Dining Hall. The “Easter” themed banquet Friday night
chaired by Janelle Olson was based on the word “HOPE,” which stood for the
following: H – Here in this place, O – Others have gone before, P –
Possibilities are abundant, E – Everyone is blessed. We all left the banquet
filled with HOPE! The Jim Geiger Band completed the evening with great
listening and dancing music. Rich Fadness conducted the Saturday night auction
which netted a total of $5622 to help defray camp expenses.
Some
of us missed the auction due to circumstances beyond our control. Janelle took
a fast ambulance ride into Bismarck Saturday night. She had a very severe
infection that could have caused long-lasting consequences, but thank goodness,
she recovered. Kathy, Linda and Loris spent the evening in the emergency room
with Janelle until she was admitted into Med Center One and her husband got to
Bismarck. She was released the following Monday and recuperated at home the
next two weeks.
On
Wednesday, we welcomed visits from Paul Olson from NDSV/School for the Blind in
Grand Forks and Julie Follette who was doing an O & M internship with Paul.
Also visiting was Rebecca Anderson Falde, a vision rehab specialist from Fargo.
Allan Peterson also invited guest speakers from different agencies Tuesday
through Thursday for his Source of Services class.
Once
again, Rachael was busy recording the week’s activities with the video camera
Olga Neal gave to us last year for camp in memory of husband Don. Mark Kueffler
sold sets of two DVD’s from our 2010 camp activities. All of the proceeds were
donated to NDAB.
The
week ended much too soon Sunday morning after devotions by Susan Jorgenson,
followed by a great breakfast of fruit and caramel rolls. Our final good-bye’s
via our receiving line brought closure to our week.
There
are so many thanks to extend after such a successful week because it takes the
entire group working together to make it happen! Thanks to all of the instructors who spend
many hours before camp begins preparing and then working diligently all
week. Thanks to all of the campers who
faithfully attend the classes and contribute their personalities into the mix. Thanks to Janelle for waking us up in the
morning with coronet melodies and to Janelle & Andrew for leading the flag
raising, to Angie Marciniak and Melissa Petersen for holding the dining hall
doors open as we went in and out for each meal and evening activity, to Linda
for sharing readings each morning, to the NDAB concert & marching band for
sharing musical talents as they marched parade style up and down the hill, to
Bev Austin for lining up people to lead the table grace for each meal, to Zelda
and her Bread Basics students for all of the delicious bread they shared for
meals and for the auction, and to all those who hosted the evening
activities. Thanks to everyone in the Big Boys Club who faithfully
worked hard setting up and tearing down for all of the activities. Thanks to Irene Nelson and her set up crew
for the auction, to Rich Fadness for conducting the auction and to everyone
else who helped with the auction with their time, talent and money. A special thanks to Dan for so efficiently
and graciously hosting us at the Elks Camp Grassick and to the cooks and
kitchen staff for providing such scrumptious meals and snacks along with such
great service!
It
was a good week but we missed those who weren’t able to attend this year due to
health reasons. Our week together is so magical and we must all work to
encourage new people to experience it with us.
Submitted
by Loris Van Berkom & Rick Feldman
North Dakota's Camp Grassick - A Special Place for Many
By: Wendy Reuer,
INFORUM
DAWSON,
N.D. – Brandy Bakke was a little nervous about sending her
daughter
to camp for the first time. Bakke soon
found that Camp Grassick, a camp for adults and children with special needs,
more than lived up to its promise that campers will have fun and make
friendships that last a lifetime.
Bakke
said the positive impacts she saw in her daughter after the
two-week
camp were immense. “I thought it was one
of the most amazing things for her. She completely transformed from the two
weeks she was there,” Bakke said. “All
of her different diagnoses, they were able to work with.” But it wasn’t just
the camp that made a difference to her 9-year-old
daughter,
Rosie; Bakke said it is the camp’s longtime director, Dan
Mimnaugh.
It is Mimnaugh’s involvement and passion for the camp that
many
say is what sets it apart. “He truly,
honestly, is in it for the kids. That’s who he is, is that camp,” Bakke said.
“I’ve never seen a director participate like him.”
The
Camp Grassick property, which sits next to Lake Isabel, is home to
32
buildings, including dorms, a dining hall, staff living quarters and
group
meeting halls. It’s located near Dawson, which is about 150 miles
west
of Fargo.
>
Camp
Grassick is owned and operated by Elks of North Dakota. The
property
hosts six camp sessions through the summer each year.
Throughout
the sessions, campers may focus on therapy and learning
sessions,
but they also enjoy activities such as hayrides, pontoon
rides,
campfires and swimming in Lake Isabel.
“It
is unique because it is not just a recreational camp; it’s a therapy camp,”
Mimnaugh said. The camp serves about 80 to 120 adults through nine-and-a-half
weeks, Mimnaugh said. More than 2,300
adults have attended Camp Grassick over the years, about 322 from Cass County.
“Some
of the (campers) return year after year, which is nice because
you
see them progress,” he said.
Camp
Grassick was founded in the 1920s as an anti-tuberculosis center.
It’s
named for Dr. James Grassick, who served on the state tuberculosis
board
through the state Department of Human Services. The Elks of North
Dakota
purchased the camp in 1947, and the group has operated it since then.
Among
the camp sessions offered is a one-week camp for adults, which is
open
to anyone between the ages of 21 and 65. A two-week therapy camp for children
ages 7 to 15 is scheduled for kids who do not need as
close
supervision as those who attend a later three-week therapy camp.
The
shorter therapy camp mostly focuses on group activities and usually
>attracts
about 45 campers. Bakke’s daughter attended the two-week camp. Bakke said her
daughter’s social skills increased greatly, and the girls Rosie camped with
remain in touch. She said her daughter is already accepted to attend the camp
next year, and Mimnaugh ensured the new friends will again bunk together.
Rosie
liked the camp so much that Bakke’s 6-year-old son, Brandon,
plans
to attend next summer. Bakke said that as a first-time parent of
a
camper, Mimnaugh made sure to help quell any anxieties. “He was really amazing; I would call and
email and ask how she was doing, and he encouraged parents to ask for updates
on his kids,” Bakke said.
A
one-week camp for the blind through the North Dakota Lions and the
North
Dakota Association for the Blind has been held at Camp Grassick
for
the past 39 years. “They’re out here for
recreation,” Mimnaugh said. “They can lead active and complete lives, even in
total darkness.”
It’s
not only campers who find the camp extraordinary, but those who
have
worked on staff as well. Throughout the summer, the camp employs about 40
staff, many of whom are college students studying related counseling fields,
Mimnaugh said.
Al
Schoepp applied to work as a counselor after graduating college.
“I
had known about Camp Grassick for quite a while but was not prepared
for
what I would experience,” he said. “It was a life-changing experience.”
Scheopp’s
job was to help wake the campers up in the morning and get
them
ready for the day. “It was wonderful to get to know the campers and the things
they taught me on how everyone is special,” Schoepp said. “By the time camp
ended it was emotional for me to watch them go. The friends I made and the life
lessons I learned will never leave me.”
NDAB
Family News
Bismarck Area News - by Mavis Anderson
Things
are becoming more normal since the Mighty Mo is back within its banks and
Mother Nature is painting in her autumn palette.
The
Meetin’ and Eatin’ group held their summer picnic in September and of course
they had plenty of food. They plan to
meet at Pizza Ranch in October.
Camp
attendees from Bismarck were Donna, Marie, Denise, Bob and Elsie with Helen
attending from Mandan.
Bob
attended the Tesoro Fishing Day and although he didn’t catch any fish, he had a
good time. Now that the swimming pool has
been restored to use in his apartment, he enjoys swimming whenever he
likes.
Lynn
Hanson who spent much of his summer in the hospital in Minneapolis returned
back to Bismarck.
Our
condolences to the Sisters Four and their families on the passing of their
mother, Olga Knutson.
Fargo Area News – by Shereen Faber
Greetings NDAB Members....What a beautiful fall we have had. But, by the time this newsletter gets out,
who knows? I missed getting my Fargo news in last issue. So now I have a little
catching up to do. We have had a lot of good plays this spring and summer.
First there was "Rent". No one in the play was over 19 years old.
They absolutely did a phenomenal job! In July, our Trollwood performers did
"The Music Man," and I tell you there’s nothing like a great musical,
outdoors at our new amphitheater. In September we had "Chicago,"
which Mark and Shanna Kueffler and Allan and Judy Peterson took in. I hear from
them that it was, of course, wonderful. Then we had "The Roger Maris
Story," as it was 50 years since his 61st home run. In October there will
be Agatha Christie’s "Mouse Trap," and I am looking forward to seeing
this one.
Well, anyone who was at camp this summer knows that it was a great
week weather-wise, and, as always, great to see the old bunch and meet new
ones. Janelle put on an awesome banquet with Easter as the theme. For as sick
as this girl was she did one amazing job! It was one for the memory books.
After such a rough go at it, I was happy to hear about her fairly quick
recovery.
On October 22nd Candy and Terry Lien and their daughter, Becky,
left for a 2-week vacation for London, England. What an exciting trip! We will be very anxious to hear about it when
they return. Ruthie Poer had a 3-day stay in the hospital with pneumonia and asthma
attack. She is on the mend. Hope she is feeling much better by now.
We are back to having our Insight Support Groups. Our speaker for
our first meeting in September talked about emergency escape routes in different
situations and had a lot of interesting and useful information. Our speaker in
October was someone from AARP. I was not able to attend this meeting but wish I
could have because I qualify for this age group now.
Kathy Johnson and I went to Grand Forks in September to see Olga
Neal. We went to Perkins for lunch and back to Olga's for dessert. We had a
wonderful day of visiting with lots of laughs.
The beginning of September my parents and I made a trip to
Minneapolis as my brother Bruce and his oldest daughter Gabrielle flew in from
Thailand. It was a very short visit with Bruce as he left the next day on his
travels to the east coast. Gabrielle came back to Fargo with us and will be
staying with my parents till January 4th. It is so great to have her here and
will be her first time experiencing the snow and winter.
In conclusion, I want to wish everybody Happy Holidays - Thanksgiving,
Christmas and New Year. Keep warm and
safe everybody!
Grand Forks Area News
- by
Ruth Phalen
Fall
is in the air (tonight, I’m thinking winter).
I hope all of you have enjoyed the nice weather we had until last
week. I don’t know when it’s been as
windy as it has been here but it seems to make everything more extreme.
Of
course, the big thing that has gone on since the last Promoter is Summer
Camp. It was great as usual. Thank you to all who give so much of their
time and talent to make it a great experience.
Two of the new campers were from Grand Forks; Sherry DeFranesco and
Andrew McCloud. David McCloud, a long-time
camper and assistant, convinced his brother to come this year. We welcome them and thank them for helping
keep us on our toes and keep things evolving.
Tom Capes was able to come from Texas this
year and be with us. This also gave him
a chance for a good visit with his family here.
Olga
Neal made our travel arrangements but was not able to attend because of health
problems. We hope she will be able to
join us for other activities.
Irene
and Lyle Nelson were back for the summer and provided some of the
transportation. They have gone south for
the winter already. The snow birds are
in the process of leaving but most of us brave the North Dakota winter with all
its snow and cold!!!
Our
Senior Support Group is back in session again after taking the summer off. We meet the 2nd Tuesday of the
month at 1:00 at the Senior Center. The
core group stays about the same but we also have welcomed new members. In September, Tracy Wicken, our leader,
brought the group who were participating in that week’s session at North Dakota
Vision Services/School for the Blind.
Our speaker was Libby Kathman, Resources Coordinator for the Senior
Center and she talked about help available through this service. Information on health insurance, particularly
Medicare Part D, along with other services they can help us access was given.
The
October meeting speakers were Dale Bergman, Transportation Superintendent, and
Alison Rood, Mobility Manager, from the City Area Transit. They talked about the services available with
the city bus, Dial-a-ride, and Senior Rider.
Those of us who use these services frequently were particularly
interested in hearing about any changes contemplated. We were able to ask questions and express our
views and they promised to be back when changes are implemented. Again, we got a lot of good information.
I
was asked many times about Rom Thielman.
She was not able to make it to camp because of schedule conflicts. I see her quite often and can tell you she is
doing well and hopes to be with us next year.
The
holidays will have passed before another issue is published and we will be
dealing with the white stuff outside.
Stay active, enjoy your families and take care. Happy Holidays.
Minot Area News - by Connie Springsted
Well,
Minot continues to work on homes, businesses and infrastructure. Next year at this time, I am sure we will
still be making this same statement.
Continue to hold the city up in your prayers.
Now,
for some great news – Carol Schmitt became a first-time grandmother on
September 26, 2011. Jason and Elaine
Schmitt from Devils Lake had a daughter, Sydney Jo who weighed 8 lbs. 15 oz and
was 20 inches long. Elaine had a
C-section so has to recover from major surgery plus childbirth. Congratulations to the Schmitts.
Now,
some sad news – we lost William “Shorty” Pettit in September. His obituary is included in this
newsletter.
In
Marilyn Nelson’s and Shirley Brennan’s building, they had a water problem with
about 4 inches on the main floor where their apartments are. Now Marilyn and Shirley are in a 2nd
floor, two-bedroom apartment until who knows when.
On
September 15, ten of the NDAB members met to say farewell to Tammy Winn. Her brother was to drive her to Anchorage,
Alaska. They planned to start their
week-long trip on the 17th. I
haven’t heard about the trip. Maybe some
of you with computers have. Her new
address is: Tammy Winn, 800 East Diamond Blvd., 3-131 PMB #273. Anchorage,
AK 99515, ph #701-342-7254 with a new email:
tammylynn226@yahoo.com.
Talked
to Lynne Klisk in Colorado to tell her about Shorty. She’s enjoying great fall weather just like
we are.
I
saw some NDAB members at Hostfest. They
say the crowd was less, but I thought there were still too many people in some
areas. I saw many free stages and then
paid to see the Gaithers.
I
hope all of you are enjoying the great days of fall. It may be wet and ugly outside by the time
you are reading this, but at least we had a few nice days.
In Memory
Retired
Master Sergeant William Silas “Shorty”
Pettit, Jr.68, Minot, died on Friday, September 23, 2011 in a Minot
hospital.
Shorty
was born May 28, 1943 in San Antonio, Texas to William Sr. and Phynetta
(Oldham) Pettit. He was raised and educated at the Pythian Home Orphanage in
Weeatherford, Texas.
Shorty
enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1961 and was stationed at Salina,
Kanas. He married Sharon Daniel on September 5, 1963 in McPherson, KS. They
made their home in the Salina area and in Little Rock, Arkansas from 1965 until
1967. They also lived at various Air Force Bases throughout the world including
Duluth, MN, and Wiesbaden, Germany from 1970 until 1975. He also served a tour
in Vietnam from 1967 – 1968 at Tan Suiute.
The
family moved to Minot in 1975 where Shorty worked at John Moses Regional Air
Force Hospital as an EMT, floor supervisor, and superintendent. Shorty
retired from the Air Force in October of 1983 as a Master Sergeant.
Following his retirement, he became an insurance agent working for a variety of
insurance companies until retiring in 1996 due to health reasons. They
had continued to make Minot their home. Sharon died on April 15, 2011.
Shorty
was a former member of Hope Lutheran Church, Surrey and was very active with
the Boy Scouts of America for 36 years. He was a member of the Disabled
American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Vietnam Veterans, Eagles Aerie and
Minot Area Life Underwriters. He loved to hunt and fish.
Shorty
is survived by his children: Keith (Tressa) Pettit of Detroit, William
“Bill” (Diane) Pettit III of Bismarck, and Alycia Dawn Pettit of Minot; nine
grandchildren: Chantel and Kelsey Pettit, Michael and Jessica Wretling,
Josh Pettit, Shea Woodward, Abbey, Jaden and Jordan Schmidt; two great
grandchildren: Calli Jo and Avrianna.
Shorty
was preceded in death by his parents, wife and sister: Phynetta Clark.
Memorials
are preferred to the North Dakota Association for the Blind or the American
Cancer Society.
Olga Knutson,101, a longtime Williston resident, passed away Saturday morning,
October 8, 2011, at the Bethel Lutheran Home in Williston, ND.
Olga Catherine Eide Opedahl Knutson was born the second of four children at the
Marmon homestead April 20th, 1910 to parents, Lars and Marit Eide, and became a
child of God through baptism. When she was five years old, the family moved to
Wildrose where she spent her childhood years. She was confirmed in Norwegian at
Grace Lutheran Church in 1925. She graduated from Wildrose High School in '29,
from Minot State College in '31 and taught at rural schools in Williams and
Divide Counties. In 1941 she married S. Bryan Opedahl and lived in Hebron, ND,
until his sudden passing three months later. While working in the dry goods
department at the Williston Co-op Market, she met Olaf Knutson. They were
united in marriage at First Lutheran Church on March 23, 1944. For over twenty
years, they made their home northwest of Williston, on the land homesteaded by
Olaf's mother. In 1965 they moved into the Bethel Lutheran Home Administrator's
house, and six years later they built a home where they resided together until
Olaf's passing December 5th, 2000. Olga continued to live there until she moved
into Bethel in the spring of 2006.
Throughout her children's grade school years, Olga was always home to greet her
four girls after school, and many times, the smell of fresh bread met them at
the door. She loved gardening and she had a raspberry patch that produced very
well. She kept a spotless house, milked cows, taught Sunday school at St. Luke
Lutheran Church of rural Williston and was superintendent for years. She was an
avid reader, wrote news for the local newspaper, cooked delicious meals and
helped with homework. She and her family traveled throughout the US as well as
many foreign countries, including Norway. Her lifetime membership in the Sons
of Norway Bjarne Lodge demonstrated her Norwegian heritage pride. She spoke,
read and translated Norwegian and frequently corresponded with family in
Norway. Olga sang with the Sweet Adeline’s, the Festival '76 group, the
Norwegian Quartet, and the church choir, and performed with the Bjarne Lodge
Sons of Norway Folk Dancers. In later years, favorite pastimes were working
crossword puzzles, watching the Minnesota Twins and playing along with TV game
shows including Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune. She enjoyed sewing, and was a
charter member of the Gloria Dei Quilters, meeting every Tuesday morning at the
church, helping to sew over 8,000 quilts. Delivering weekly church bulletins to
members unable to attend Sunday morning services was one of her favorite tasks
to do every Friday afternoon which she did for years. She looked forward every
day to her forenoon coffee company Shirley Lyson, her wonderful neighbor and faithful
friend. Olga loved to "bake and take" to shut-ins and friends, or to
a home where a loved one had just passed away. Olga would tell you that above
all else, the most important things in life are faith in God, love for your
family, and service to others.
Olga is survived by her daughters: Karlyn (Elton) Frantsen, Voltaire, ND, Kathy
(Stan) Larson, rural Williston, Loris Van Berkom, Williston, Janelle (Jeff)
Olson, Williston; grandchildren: Kammy (Lance) Johnson, KaLonny (Chris) Short,
Ray (DeAnna) Frantsen, Krissy (Matt) Siebuhr, Bryan (Dana) Larson, Darrel
(Jana) Larson, Angie (Cory) Branson, Greg (Audrey) Larson, Londa (Steve)
Wagner, Chad (Shannon) Sinness, Matthew Olson; 29 great-grandchildren;
son-in-law: Lon Sinness, Sebring, FL; sister-in-law: Marion Raad, Tioga; four
nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands; sisters: Ellen (Oliver)
Role and Margit (Oscar) Lysne; brother: Leif (Irene) Eide; sisters-in-law:
Gudrun Knutson, Lillian Alspach, Eleanor Overvold, and Helene Hagen;
brother-in-law: Olaf Opedahl; son-in-law: Bob Van Berkom; two nieces and one
nephew.
Olga's daughters thank the Bethel Pine View staff for providing a loving,
caring home for their mother and her family as she lived out her final earthly
life.
Lynn Dwight Hanson, 58, died Nov. 21,
2011, after complications originating from a pituitary tumor removed in 2001.
Services were held at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 28, at Parkway Funeral Service
Chapel, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck, with the Rev. Harvey Friez officiating.
Burial was in the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan.
Lynn
was born Oct. 25, 1953, in Dickinson, to Melvin and Evelyn Hanson. Lynn
attended school in Bismarck, graduating from Bismarck High School in 1971. Lynn
was born with a love for the outdoors. After attending the School of Forestry
in Bottineau, he moved to Kodiak, Alaska and worked in a cannery. In 1981, Lynn
returned to Bismarck and opened “Roughrider Hardwoods,” a custom woodworking
and exotic hardwoods shop. In 1984, Lynn sold his portion of the business.
Lynn
loved Montana and moved back to Bozeman to finish up his fisheries and wildlife
management degree. Lynn worked in Pierre, S.D. for the Fisheries and Wildlife
Services (FWS), then moved to Vero Beach, Fla. and worked for Sweeney
Hardwoods. Around the mid-’90s Lynn was determined to obtain his masters and
moved back to Bozeman, Mont. There his research and focus was on the pallid
sturgeon. In 1998, Lynn landed a temporary job as a fisheries biologist in
Leavenworth, Wash.
His
life suddenly changed. Lynn became totally blind after being diagnosed with a
pituitary tumor and ultimately Addison’s disease. In July 2000, Lynn signed up
at the V.A. Hines Rehabilitation Center for the Blind in Chicago. Lynn found a
grant position for the disabled and once again achieved his desire to work for
the FWS in Pierre.
Lynn
attended Community Bible Church in Pierre, which became the cornerstone of his
life.
In
2006, Lynn traveled to New York, where he trained with his new friend and guide
dog, “Portia,” a rambunctious, loving yellow lab. Lynn began to cane several
baskets and stands and had his friend, John at Roughrider Hardwoods, cut oak
legs and dowels for him.
In
April 2011, Lynn became ill, until Nov. 21 when he left to be with his sweet
savior, Jesus.
Blessed
to have shared his life are his mother, Evelyn Hanson, Bismarck; three
brothers, Gregory Hanson (Debbie), Bismarck, Brian Hanson, Sioux Falls, S.D.,
and Mark Hanson (Jennifer), Georgetown, Tenn.; two sisters, Diane Kadrmas
(Curt) and Valerie Hanson, both of Bismarck; along with eight nieces and
nephews and four great-nieces and great-nephews.
Lynn
was preceded in death by his father, Melvin Hanson; two uncles, Marvin and
Harold Hanson; and two infant nephews.
Special
thanks to Lynn’s dear, loving friend Dick Veal, who also unfortunately lost his
eye sight and who Lynn could count on to get him through computer
troubleshooting, cutting massive numbers of wood legs and dowels for caning
projects; Tim and Meredith who were with Lynn years ago in Alaska and the Coast
Guard as well as the numerous times they spent with Lynn in Minneapolis
hospitals reading the Bible and comforting and cheering him up; First Free
Evangelical Church, where Lynn was baptized; and the Rev. Harvey Friez and the
Community Bible Church in Pierre, S.D., so highly spoken of by Lynn.
No
memorials please, instead, please take someone you know who can’t do it alone,
fishing, hunting, out to eat, shovel their driveway or buy them some flowers.
Mass of Christian Burial for Leo Marttila, 94, Frederick, SD was
Thursday, December 1, 2011 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Westport, SD.
Burial was at Wayside Cemetery, Frederick with Military Rites by the Lynn G.
Peterson American Legion Post #273 of Frederick.
Memorials are preferred to Sacred
Heart Catholic Church in Westport, SD or the Savo Cemetery Fund.
Leo passed away Sunday, November
27, 2011 at Avera St. Luke's Hospital, Aberdeen. Blessed be his memory.
Leo Marttila was born on June 26,
1917 on the Marttila Family Century farm near Frederick, South Dakota to Frans
and Helmi Mary (Hirvaskari) Marttila. He attended rural school in Savo Township
and then worked on the farm. Leo entered active duty in the United States Army
on March 20, 1941 and served in the European Theater as a Radio Communications
Tech. He received his Honorable Discharge on December 31, 1945 and returned to
farm with his brothers, Arnold and John. Leo also worked with Bierman Hatchery
and Feed and then returned to Frederick, where he was employed as a mail carrier
for 28 years, before retiring at the age of 70.
Leo was united in marriage to
Hilma Peldo. She passed away from cancer. On January 3, 1975 he married Lillian
M. (Wagener) Dosch at Aberdeen, SD. They then moved into Frederick. Leo and
Lillian shared over 36 years of marriage before she passed away on July 14,
2011. Leo continued to make Frederick his home until the time of his death.
Leo was a member of Sacred Heart
Catholic Church in Westport. He was also a 50-year Charter Member of the
Frederick American Legion and a member of the V.F.W. Leo served as City Mayor
and was on the Town Council for many years. He also volunteered with the local
fire department. Leo loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter. He found
enjoyment in music and was a member of the Aberdeen Barbershop Choir.
Surviving Leo are his step-sons,
Tom (Maria) Dosch, Al (Rosie) Dosch and David Dosch, all of Frederick, SD; and
three step-grandchildren, Darren Dosch of Frederick, Dalton Dosch of Sioux
Falls, SD and Erin (Jamal) Fannoun of Amman, Jordon; and one sister, Helen
Kolehmainin of Portland, OR.
Leo was preceded in the death by
his parents; his first wife, Hilma; his second wife, Lillian; three brothers,
Arnold, Matt and John; and six sisters, Edna Ida, Verna, Helmi, Eva and Sylvia.
Delicious
White Bread
5-6
cups all purpose flour
3
T. sugar
2
tsp salt
2
pkg. active dry yeast
2
cups water
1/4
cup oil or shortening
1
T. margarine or butter, melted
In
large bowl, combine 2 cups flour, sugar, salt and yeast; mix well. In small
saucepan, heat water and oil until very warm, (120 to 130 degrees) Add warm
liquid to flour mixture; blend at low speed until moistened. Beat 3 minutes at
medium speed. By hand, stir in additional 2 1/2 to 3 cups flour until dough
pulls cleanly away from sides of bowl.
On
floured surface, knead in 1/2 to 1 cup flour until dough is smooth and elastic,
about 5 minutes. Place dough in greased bowl; cover loosely with greased
plastic wrap and cloth towel. Let rise in warm place (80 to 85 degrees) until
light and doubled in size, 45 to 60 minutes.
Grease
two 8x4 or 9x5-inch loaf pans. Punch down dough several times to remove all air
bubbles. Divide dough in half; shape into loaves. Place in greased pans. Cover;
let rise in warm place until dough fills pans and tops of loaves are 1 inch
above pan edges, 30 to 35 minutes.
Heat
oven to 375 degrees. Uncover dough. Bake 40 to 50 minutes or until loaves sound
hollow when lightly tapped. Immediately remove from pans; place on wire racks.
Brush with melted margarine.
This
recipe was received from the Marttila family at the request of Zelda Gebhard
and printed in memory of Lillian Marttila and the many loaves of bread she
baked for the NDAB Summer Camp Auctions.
F-M
Theater Vet Provides Description of Performances for Blind
By Marino Eccher,
INFORUM 12-13-11
FARGO
– There’s a fireplace in one corner of the stage, a doorway in the other and a
tea set on a table. Out front, three women sit together, doing needlework and
crocheting. Shereen Faber, 56, can’t see any of it.
There’s
a fireplace in one corner of the stage, a doorway in the other and a tea set on
a table. Out front, three women sit together, doing needlework and crocheting.
Shereen
Faber, 56, can’t see any of it. She’s been blind since age 22, when a diabetic
condition damaged her retinas. When she goes to the Fargo-Moorhead Community
Theatre, she can’t read the “Little Women” sign on the marquee or pick out the
faces of familiar actresses.
But
on this Friday night, she takes her seat, as she does for every play here, and
lets Karla Pederson paint a picture in her mind’s eye.
“She
just describes everything – what the set looks like, what’s on the set, the
characters and their costumes,” Faber says. “She’s almost on the edge of being
a perfectionist.”
Faber
is among the half-dozen people who take in the area’s theater scene through
Pederson’s voice. It’s an arrangement that began about 12 years ago when the
FMCT acquired listening equipment and held a workshop to train people to
describe shows for visually impaired patrons.
Pederson,
a volunteer and actor for the theater at the time, took the training. Since
then, she’s described perhaps 10 shows a year at venues around town, along the
way forging a close bond with her patrons. “They have given me much more than I
have ever given to them,” she says.
For
Faber, Pederson rekindled a long-dormant pastime. Before she lost her sight,
Faber was a theatergoer. Afterward, she fell out of the habit. “I just kind of
lost interest,” she says. “I never really gave it a thought.” Now, she’s always anxious to find out what the
next show will be, and rarely misses one, whether it’s FMCT, Trollwood or
another venue.
Pederson
generally follows wherever Faber goes, finding a quiet place to describe the
performance on a closed radio channel. She
fills in the visual details most people take for granted: gestures, physical
comedy, entrances and exits. Sometimes, she sets up unique or unusual sound
effects ahead of time – such as the opening and closing of a metal box – or preps
listeners for a specific action with a keyword.
Pederson
says the hardest part is deciding what’s important and what to ignore. “You
can’t tell them everything,” she says. In
her first show as a describer, listeners told her she was overwhelming them
with information. Now, she’s more circumspect.
She
prepares by seeing a show a few times in its final week of rehearsals, taking
mental notes and trying to commit key parts of her description to memory. Some
plays, heavy on dialogue and static scenes, are relatively straightforward.
Others, like musicals, have a dizzying number of moving parts to account for –
dance numbers, for instance. “I can’t be talking over the whole song and
telling them the exact moves,” Pederson says. “There’s no point. That would
kind of ruin it.”
In
spite of those stumbling blocks, Faber says shows are immeasurably more
enjoyable with Pederson than without her. She didn’t realize how marked the
contrast was until she went to “Away in the Basement” at the Fargo Theatre over
Thanksgiving weekend without Pederson’s aid. “Boy, did I miss Karla,” she says.
“I felt a little empty.”
And
when Pederson flubs a description or has to correct herself, her listeners have
a good-natured take: “You could tell us anything, Karla,” they quip. “How would
we know?”
Allan
Peterson, another of Pederson’s patrons, has advocated for broader access to
audio description services for the blind for theater, movie and television
programming. He’s a board member of the American Council for the Blind. “It makes all the difference in the world,”
says Peterson, 68. “It allows a person to understand what is happening.” He lost his sight more than three decades ago
to degenerative eye disease.
He
likens the experience of hearing an audio description to listening to an audio
book, with Pederson filling in the role of the narrator. On occasion, she slips
in behind-the-scenes trivia about the actors or production the broader audience
doesn’t know.
Listening
services aren’t available everywhere. In fact, the FMCT and the Guthrie Theater
in Minneapolis are the only two theaters in the Dakotas and Minnesota that have
audio description equipment on hand, Pederson said. When she describes shows
elsewhere, the FMCT sends the equipment with her.
The
theater is looking for about $3,400 in funding to expand its audio description
capacity and replace aging technology.
Scott
Brusven, the FMCT’s director of theater, says Pederson opens up the
organization’s work to people who might otherwise shy away. “If you don’t have your sight, you might not
think, ‘Well, I can go to this and enjoy it,’ ” he says. “Anyone who wants to
access a production should be able to have that access.”
On
occasion, Pederson, a founding member of Tin Roof Theatre Company, is
unavailable to describe a show because she’s acting in it. Once, she tried to
pull double duty, hustling between a bit part on stage and her microphone.
She’s
also training a backup. Maggie Olson, a Minnesota State University Moorhead
student who’s worked and volunteered at the FMCT, filled in for one show last
fall and will do so again in the spring. Olson, 27, has listened in on
Pederson’s descriptions from the theater’s lighting booth. “If you shut your
eyes, you could see everything she was saying,” she says.
Like
any good storyteller, Pederson does her best to show rather than tell. She
won’t say a character looks angry or nervous – instead, she’ll talk about
clenched fists or restless tics. She wants the patrons to be able to interpret
the rest for themselves, just like any other audience member. “You’re just
supposed to tell them the facts,” without any editorializing, she says.
But
now and then, she adds a personal touch. On her 50th birthday, Pederson
described “Rebel Without a Cause” for Faber at the Fargo Theatre. Like many
older films, the 1955 classic had ample breaks in dialogue during which
Pederson could set the scene (in modern movies, she says, near-constant chatter
makes it hard to get a word in edgewise).
During
one quiet spot, the camera settled on heartthrob James Dean, and Pederson
couldn’t help giving Faber an extra detail to relish: “I just said, ‘Oh my
goodness, is he beautiful,’ ” she said.
This
article contained a photo with the following caption: Karla Pederson,
right, has been doing audio description for Shereen Faber for 12 years at the
Fargo-Moorhead Community Theatre. Faber is among the half-dozen people who take
in the area’s theater scene through Pederson’s voice.
Blind Americans Equality Day
President,
Barack Obama, signed a proclamation declaring October 15, 2011 as Blind
Americans Equality Day.
“Generations
of blind and visually impaired Americans have dedicated their passion and
skills to enhancing our national life -- leading as public servants, penning
works of literature, lending their voice to music, and inspiring as champions
of sport. On Blind Americans Equality Day, we celebrate the achievements of
blind and visually impaired Americans and reaffirm our commitment to advancing
their complete social and economic integration.
My
Administration is dedicated to ensuring Americans with disabilities have every
opportunity to reach their full potential. Last year, I signed the Twenty-First
Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act to set new standards that
enable people living with disabilities to access broadband, digital, and mobile
innovations. To help level the playing field for employment, we are working to
improve the Federal Government's compliance with Section 508 of the
Rehabilitation Act.
Making
electronic and information technology 508 compliant will give applicants with
disabilities a fair chance and allow employees with disabilities to use
necessary tools while on the job. By taking these steps, my Administration
reaffirms its pledge to openness by making sure that people with disabilities
can better access all the information the Federal Government has placed online.
This
year also marks the 75th anniversary of the passage of the Randolph-Sheppard
Act. For decades, the legislation has provided openings for blind Americans to work
as vendors on Federal property, creating meaningful entrepreneurial
opportunities and enabling them to contribute to our economy. These jobs have
enriched the lives of those participating in the Randolph-Sheppard program and
enhanced public understanding of blindness for those who have interacted with
the program's vendors.
Though
we have made progress in the march to equality for the blind and those with low
vision, there is still more work to be done. In addition to improving access to
technology and employment opportunities, this January, I signed the Pedestrian
Safety Enhancement Act. This landmark legislation requires electric and hybrid
car manufacturers to add sounds to alert all pedestrians to the presence of
these unusually quiet vehicles. These provisions will help increase the safety
and independence of blind and visually impaired Americans.
By
joint resolution approved on October 6, 1964 (Public Law 88-628, as amended),
the Congress designated October 15 of each year as "White Cane Safety Day"
to recognize the contributions of Americans who are blind or have low vision.
Today, let us recommit to forging ahead with the work of perfecting our Union
and ensuring we remain a Nation where all our people, including those living
with disabilities, have every opportunity to achieve their dreams.
NOW,
THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do
hereby proclaim October 15, 2011, as Blind Americans Equality Day. I call upon
public officials, business and community leaders, educators, librarians, and
Americans across the country to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies,
activities, and programs.”
Legislative Report – fall 2011
By Zelda Gebhard
It
is my turn to report on what is happening legislatively that is of concern to
those of us who are blind or visually impaired.
You
all know that getting a bill written, passed and signed are “battles won” but
the “war” is not over at that point. What do I mean by that? How does the law get interpreted and put into
action?
This is an update on the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement
Act concerning the hybrid or “quiet car”.
Congress saw a need, with a little convincing from many including ACB
(yes, Allan and I got in on that too), a law was written, passed and signed but
as of yet hasn’t been implemented. The
“how to accomplish” is often just as time consuming as any other part of the
process. The law which was signed by our
President on January 5, 2011 stated in part “minimum level of sound emitted from a motor vehicle that is
necessary to provide blind and other pedestrians with the information needed to
reasonably detect a nearby electric or hybrid vehicle operating at or below the
cross-over speed…”
When the law was passed and signed,
the clock started ticking. They were given 48 months to conduct a study to
determine what the sound should sound like and how loud it would need to be to
meet the law’s requirements.
Recently,
this information was posted on the ACB leadership list serve concerning the
study:
“Researchers
concluded the best solution was to ensure that electric and hybrid vehicles
emit the same sound as vehicles with an internal combustion engine. They
determined the sound should change as the car speeds up and slows down – to
give pedestrians and other motorists even better audio clues about how the
vehicle is moving. How to get that manufactured sound? Researchers suggested
actual recordings of conventional cars, or a digitally reproduced alternative.
As for how loud those added sounds should be? The suggested decibel level has
yet to be determined.. ." What
happens next? You guessed it, another
study will be conducted.
This
means hybrid electrics and electric cars will be just as deadly as today's
vehicles, no more nor less. As for implementation, the article goes on to
state:
“..
.By law, the government must start its final rule-making by next summer, with a
final rule in place by January 2014. Makers of electric and hybrid vehicles
will have three years to phase in the noise requirements. By September of 2017,
all new hybrid and electric cars will have to turn up the decibels."
We
live in a time of instant gratification.
Our world is filled with microwaves, cell phones, fax machines and
more. We don’t have to wait on much of
anything except maybe a law to make a change in our world. I am gradually and painfully learning that
the legislative process is a slow and difficult one. Perhaps we are fortunate that our justice
system is not given the task of enforcing laws that were hastily and poorly interpreted.
For
now, we have to be patient and wait until 2017 when the new hybrid cars will
make some noise to let us know they are coming.
Until then be extra careful as our streets and parking lots fill with
more and more of the “quiet” cars.
About the
American Council of the Blind (ACB)
The American
Council of the Blind is the largest consumer-based organization of blind and
visually impaired Americans advocating for the rights of blind Americans.
Comprised of more than 70 affiliates across the United States, the organization
is dedicated to making it possible for blind and visually impaired Americans to
participate fully in all aspects of American society. For more
information, visit www.acb.org; write to American Council of the Blind, 2200
Wilson Blvd., Suite 650, Arlington, VA 22201; phone (202) 467-5081; or fax
(703) 465-5085.
Consider a Gift to
NDAB
Donations help us provide advocacy
and support, encourage self-sufficiency, offer information on blindness and
accessibility issues to community members and organizations, and work with
state and national legislators to encourage promotion of relevant bills and
laws that will further enable blind and visually impaired people to be
productive, functioning individuals. The need within our community is
tremendous, and with your help we can continue to be a resource for those with
visual impairment.
To learn more about NDAB,
visit us online at www.ndab.org or call
(701) 298-8091