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--></style></head><body lang="EN-US" link="blue" vlink="purple"><div class="WordSection1"><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><a href="http://www.nfbco.org/"><span style="color:blue;text-decoration:none"><img border="0" width="241" height="142" id="Picture_x0020_1" src="cid:image001.png@01CC3190.ADCE4590" alt="NFBCO"></span></a><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:48.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The Blind Coloradan</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center;line-height:normal"><span style="mso-ignore:vglayout;position:absolute;z-index:1;left:0px;margin-left:-3px;margin-top:33px;width:737px;height:4px"><img width="737" height="4" src="cid:image002.png@01CC3190.ADCE4590"></span><span style="font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Newsletter of the National Federation of the Blind of Colorado</span><span style="font-size:48.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal">
<span style="font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Vol.1, No.1 July 2011</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal">
<span style="font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center;line-height:normal"><u><span style="font-size:22.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Scott C. LaBarre</span></u><span style="font-size:22.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center;line-height:normal"><i><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">NFB of Colorado President</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">2233 W. Shepperd Avenue</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Littleton, CO 80120</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Phone: (303) 778-1130</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center;line-height:normal"><a href="mailto:slabarre@nfbco.org"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">slabarre@nfbco.org</span></a><span class="MsoHyperlink"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center;line-height:normal"> </p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center;line-height:normal">
<span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center;line-height:normal"><u><span style="font-size:22.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Kevan Worley</span></u><span style="font-size:22.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center;line-height:normal"><i><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Editor</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">1837 S. Nevada Avenue</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">PMB 243</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Colorado Springs, CO 80905</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Phone: 1-866-543-6808</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center;line-height:normal"><a href="mailto:kevanworley@blindmerchants.org"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">kevanworley@blindmerchants.org</span></a><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal">
<u><span style="font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">A Letter From the Editor</span></u></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Dear Reader,</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal">
<span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">From time to time throughout the history of the National Federation of the Blind of Colorado we have had a newsletter. Often, we have not. We have always had exciting news to report and ideas to share. Unfortunately, limited resources, shifting priorities, the inclination of members, or the demands of the moment meant that there have been times without a newsletter. We were busy changing the world. We did not always take the time to report the monumental and far reaching work we were doing to improve the lives of real people. This month, we are proud to re-launch <i>The Blind Coloradan</i>. It will again be exciting to spread the good news, to educate the public, and work to close any information gap so as to ensure that we link our members in common cause.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal">
<span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">I am sure that you have heard the old hackneyed philosophical conundrum, “If a tree falls in the forest but there is no one there to hear it, does it make any noise?” (Something for our blind scholars to ponder… if they wish). Although we have not always had a newsletter, the evidence of the dramatic impact of our united effort on behalf of the blind and their families is clear and beyond dispute. We have made a great deal of noise. With this new publication, we will have a megaphone over which to amplify, explain, and proclaim our history, our philosophy, our ideas, events, and intentions. Perhaps the sound has not traveled as far and wide as we would have wished. But, the blind, the society, and the establishment have felt the impact. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal">
<span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Over our long history, we have chopped down many a proverbial tree and built many a new possibility. To be sure, we have been making a joyful noise. We need to broadcast it louder and farther. We have been singing with one voice on the picket line, in the courtroom, and in the classroom. We have sung many a song of freedom and independence with families gathered around kitchen tables. We have been singing for ourselves and future generations online, at City Hall, and at the state Capitol. We have discovered the truth about blindness for ourselves and we have told these truths to power. The NFB of Colorado has been singing out with determination to ensure blind seniors get the services that they so richly deserve. This affiliate has lifted our voices high on behalf of parents, job seekers, and those who are deaf/blind. We sing for the teachers and rehabilitation counselors who try their very best to influence a system which all too often dismisses their knowledge and spirit. It has been a consistent chorus for advocacy and activism; a progressive voice of optimism and opportunity.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal">
<span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">At the June 3<sup>rd</sup> meeting, the Board of Directors of the National Federation of the Blind of Colorado decided that we must have a newsletter. They asked me to pull together a publication which would inform our members and reach out to others. As they noted, “There is always so much going on.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal">
<span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The blind are active in business, education, sports and recreation, community, politics and worship. We have our digital natives and those who wish we were. Early in the second decade of the twenty-first century we continue to be in the forefront of rehabilitation, training, and education through philosophy and practice. We have an opportunity driven attitude. We are an inclusive organization. We are open to partnerships and collaboration. Still, we know who we are. We need to be telling that story.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal">
<span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">This new publication<i>, The Blind Coloradan</i>, will endeavor to tell of the pitfalls that we face, the perils that we prevent, the actions we take, the foes we vanquish, the friends that we enjoy, and the progress we make. We want you to be in the know, informed and involved. Please take advantage of this forum. It will be a catalyst for discussion and agenda setting. When the blind of our state raise their collective voice for quality vocational rehabilitation services, self-empowerment, or better education we want you to know about it. As we work to reform or rescind the Colorado Commission for Individuals who are Blind or Visually Impaired, it will be discussed here. When the Colorado Center for the Blind (a program of the National Federation of the Blind) surpasses another milestone, we want you to celebrate with us. When we think up successful strategies to help get blind people into good jobs or find funding to bring services which help blind seniors, we will catalog these accomplishments on these pages. When we hold forums, retreats, conventions, Board meetings, fundraisers, organizing efforts, and ‘Days at the Capitol’ you will know about them. When the affiliate is buzzing, you will read about it. When we take action to change what it means to be blind in Colorado and the nation, we will be writing about it in <i>The Blind Coloradan</i>.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal">
<span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">What kind of noise is your Chapter making?</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal">
<span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">What log jams have you removed from the path to quality life for yourself or others?</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal">
<span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Who is making a difference?</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">What victories are there to celebrate?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal">
<span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">What is the buzz?</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Tell us.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal">
<span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Submit your articles. On these pages we will sing louder than ever in unity about our philosophy and initiatives. We will detail our setbacks and each forward step. We may stretch and mix our metaphors but we will try not to exaggerate our successes or mix the message. It will be the positive message of the National Federation of the Blind. So, please send us the news from your corner of the Centennial State. If I don’t know it, I can’t print it. I will do what I can to aggregate and get it out. Remember that I too am a volunteer. In addition to the work that I love in the Federation I have a job, a wife, a family, and community activities to enjoy. I will attempt to bring some order to the announcements, editorials, and articles you submit. Deadline for the August issue is July 25<sup>th</sup>. Email ideas, announcements or articles to </span><a href="mailto:kevanworley@blindmerchants.org"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">kevanworley@blindmerchants.org</span></a><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">. Only electronic submissions accepted. No need to cut down trees. Thank you and keep the faith.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal">
<span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">At Your Service,</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""><img border="0" width="177" height="41" id="Picture_x0020_2" src="cid:image003.jpg@01CC3190.ADCE4590"></span><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Kevan Worley</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal">
<span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Aggregator & Contributor</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal">
<u><span style="font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">From the Desk of the President</span></u></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><u><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""><span style="text-decoration:none"> </span></span></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In each <i>Blind Coloradan</i> I will offer my thoughts, encourage your feedback, and announce new initiatives. As <i>The Blind Coloradan</i> is being re-born, I am doing some work on behalf of the National Federation of the Blind in Geneva, Switzerland. I will arrive home as spring turns to summer and we anticipate another exciting annual convention of the National Federation of the Blind. In this month’s issue I do want to take a moment to remind everyone about our all new, very exciting content-rich website. I am pleased to announce that the new NFB of Colorado website is up and running. Please visit it at <a href="http://www.nfbco.org">www.nfbco.org</a> and let us know what you think. Special word to chapter and division leaders: Please let us know your upcoming events, chapter meeting, special meetings, fundraising events or whatever, and we will put them up on the web. We will be adding content constantly and we look forward to your thoughts about what should go up. I want to thank Julie Hunter and her committee for sticking with the process and thank them in advance for all the work they will continue to do. Soon we will be adding audio from state conventions and we will put Ray McGeorge's oral history of the NFB of Colorado on the site. Additionally, we intend to host online meetings and seminars on the site. This is truly an exciting time of growth and accomplishment. I look forward to seeing many of you at the National Convention in Orlando.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal">
<span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Scott LaBarre</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">President</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal">
<span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><u><span style="font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Ringing the Bell for Braille</span></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal">
<i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">‘Braille Enrichment, Literacy, and Learning’</span></i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> is an exciting program for children. The program was developed by the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute. This summer the Program expands to Colorado. Diane McGeorge will direct the program. Michelle Chacon is the lead Braille teacher. It is a two week program beginning July 25<sup>th</sup> and ending August 5<sup>th</sup>.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">BELL is all about making Braille fun and accessible for kids ages 4-12. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal">
<span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">For information or to apply contact Diane McGeorge at (303) 321-4268 or by email at <a href="mailto:rmcgeorge@comcast.net">rmcgeorge@comcast.net</a>.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal">
<u><span style="font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""><span style="text-decoration:none"> </span></span></u></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal">
<u><span style="font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Hold the Presses!!! Breaking News!!!</span></u></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal">
<span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The NFB of Colorado is proud to announce that we have added a brand new chapter to our family. On June 21<sup>st</sup>, we formed the MileHigh chapter. The MileHigh chapter elected the following officers and board members:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal">
<span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">President-Gary VanDorn.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Vice president-Jim Gashel.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Secretary-Monique Melton.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal">
<span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Treasurer-Nehemiah Hall.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Board members-Wayne Marshall and Sharon Buchan.</span></p>
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<span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">We salute Nehemiah Hall and Brenda Mosby for their hard work in getting this chapter going and thanks to Brenda for providing the ‘Residents Room’ at her condo building, Brooks Towers. The regular meeting of the chapter will be held the third Wednesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the Brooks Towers. Welcome “MileHigh” and we look forward to building the Federation with you! </span></p>
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<u><span style="font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Federation People Make a Difference :</span></u><span style="font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> </span><i><span style="font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Who is Kimberley Johnson?</span></i><span style="font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""></span></p>
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<span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Kimberley Johnson (a Colorado native) first learned about the Colorado Center and the NFB at the NFB's National Convention that was held in Denver in 1989. After working as the ‘Childcare Supervisor’ at that convention Diane McGeorge, Executive Director of CCB, told Kimberley she would make a great Federationist and asked her to apply for a ‘Daily Living Skills’ position. After eight years in that position, Kimberley moved to ‘Student Coordinator’, and finally to the positions she holds today as ‘Director of Career and Student Services’. </span></p>
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<span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">One of Kimberley's favorite things is the fact her three sons married extraordinary ladies and they all have remarkable kids, all of whom live in the Denver metro area. Thanksgiving and summer barbecues are family favorites! In addition, gardening, reading, and listening to music are some favorite activities she enjoys. Kimberley also takes a lot of pride in helping design and implementing the Center gardens. </span></p>
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<span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Kimberley still loves her life at the Colorado Center. Even after twenty two years she remains excited about the atmosphere of wonder and delight, as each day brings a new element of joy, sorrow, hilarity, or discovery as individuals come together to knit a beautiful tapestry that is the National Federation of the Blind Colorado Center.</span></p>
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<u><span style="font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Federation Partners Make a Difference: </span></u><i><span style="font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Diane McGeorge pays a brief tribute Dr. Ken Schmidt, long time Federation friend and partner</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">By: Diane McGeorge<u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal">
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<span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Kevan asked me to write a piece about Dr. Ken Schmidt who recently retired from the Colorado Department of Human Services, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Ken and I first met in the mid 1970’s when he came to Colorado from Texas to work for a gentleman that none of you will remember. That's what happens when you've been around as long as I have. I would never want to sound "old" or anything like that, let's just say that I have been around to see a lot of DVR folks come and go.</span></p>
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<span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Ken and I worked together on a number of projects, not the least of which has been the Colorado Center for the Blind (CCB). I told Ken early in our acquaintance that I felt we needed a rehabilitation center that would present challenges to students and build confidence in them as blind people. Ken was one of the very few people in the traditional rehabilitation system who understood what I was saying and who helped us get our start. I tell everybody that if it had not been for his faith in our dream we may never have survived. Ken believed in our model, and urged counselors to send us students to give us a start. We turned out the kind of graduates of which all of us could be proud. Ken was proud of them too! </span></p>
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<span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">I was so proud when we had the opportunity to host Ken's retirement party in March. Ken wanted to have his party at our Center and we felt it was a wonderful way to thank him for all of his help over the years; particularly in the very beginning when few people believed in us. Ken’s wife, Judy, made this event easy for us by planning all the catering, and making all the arrangements, but it was our "house" they all came too, and we greeted them with gladness.</span></p>
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<span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Ken is truly the type of person who understands what rehabilitation should be. He was not afraid to take a chance on us, and what a wonderful thing he did for hundreds of blind people!!!</span></p>
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<span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Ken is not gone---that's for sure. He is going to enjoy retirement but I know we will continue our close working relationship, but more importantly our long friendship. </span></p>
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<span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">At a recent state Convention, the NFB of Colorado presented Ken with an award for his excellent service to blind people. Ken, we're proud to know you and I am proud to call you my dear friend. </span></p>
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<span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><u><span style="font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">National Federation of the Blind of Colorado Congratulates our 2011 Scholarship Class</span></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">By: Buna Dahal (NFB of Colorado Scholarship Chair)</span></p>
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<i><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Meet our scholarship finalists for 2011. The NFB of Colorado congratulates five outstanding scholars from the state of Colorado. We look forward to sharing knowledge, experience and fellowship with them.</span></i></p>
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<b><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Cody Bair</span></b><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">, Greeley</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal">
<span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In the fall of 2011 Cody will begin his college education as a freshman at the University of Northern Colorado. Cody plans to major in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting.</span></p>
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<b><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Samantha Barrasso</span></b><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">, Aurora </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal">
<span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Samantha is studying Music Education & Vocal Performance. She is in her junior year at the University of Denver.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal">
<span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><b><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Amelia Dickerson</span></b><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">, Boulder</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Amelia is a graduate student at the University of Colorado in Boulder studying education. She is highly qualified to teach Math and Science.</span></p>
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<b><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Marcus Hernandez</span></b><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">, Pueblo </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal">
<span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Marcus is hard at work earning his Masters in History from the Colorado State University in Pueblo.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal">
<span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><b><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Antonio Rozier</span></b><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">, Littleton </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Antonio will be a freshman at Arapahoe Community College. Antonio is looking to specialize in Computer Information Systems.</span></p>
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<span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">We look forward to welcoming these scholars to our national and state conventions. Let’s make them feel very welcome! Students, congratulations!</span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><u><span style="font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">NFBCO Proudly Announces National Scholarship Winner</span></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">By: Scott LaBarre</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal">
<span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">One of the great honors that Julie Deden, our State Treasurer, and I have is to serve on our National Scholarship Committee. Each year approximately 500 applicants apply for one of thirty national scholarship awards which range in value from $3,000.00 to $12,000.00.</span></p>
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<span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">It is with great pride that we are able to announce that Christine Daniels is one of the thirty national winners. Chrissy, as she is known, is a second year PhD student at the University of Denver studying Cellular and Molecular Biophysics. Ultimately, she plans to become a research scientist in this area of academic pursuit and a professor as well. In 2010, Chrissy graduated from our Colorado Center for the Blind and credits our philosophy and training with giving her the ability to pursue a field where very few blind people have been allowed to enter. Congratulations Chrissy and we wish you the best of luck in Orlando as you compete for one of the big awards! </span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><u><span style="font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Finding Cool Stuff at National Convention</span></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">By: Gary Wunder</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal">
<span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">For those of you planning to bring your favorite portable reading device to National Convention, pay close attention to the <i>Braille Monitor</i> in May and June! In May we featured a very thorough description of the hotel that was written by Mrs. Jernigan. The June issue features a large list of restaurants (most having a telephone number and a website address). Whether your device of preference has a braille display or synthetic speech, the fact that the <i>Monitor</i> is available in text or audio should make taking these lists with you a snap.</span></p>
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<u><span style="font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Imagine This…</span></u></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><u><span style="font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""><span style="text-decoration:none"> </span></span></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><i><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Can You Imagine Colorado Affiliate Finishing Near the Top of the Imagination Fund Rankings? Here is what Boulder Chapter President Maryann Migliorelli has to say about it:</span></i></p>
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<span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">We have been given a wonderful opportunity for a matching challenge donation of up to $5,000.00 for funds that we raise in the <i>Race for Independence</i>, either as individuals or by our team effort. </span></p>
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<span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In order to meet our challenge goal, we have created the ‘Mile High Imaginators’ team which we would love for you to join; or you may raise your contributions individually.</span></p>
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<span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The funds you help raise for this worthy effort will be used to further the programs of the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute: the Blind Driver Challenge, Youth Slam, Braille Education through Literacy and Learning, and many others, as well as assisting divisions and affiliates like ours with projects of interest and impact throughout the country.</span></p>
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<span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Please join me as one of the ‘Mile High Imaginators’ by registering at:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal">
<a href="http://www.raceforindependence.org"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">www.raceforindependence.org</span></a><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">. Remember, every dollar you raise by the end of June will be matched, so you are raising twice as much by acting quickly. If you wish to support our team directly, please go to <a href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/goto/milehighimaginators">www.raceforindependence.org/goto/milehighimaginators</a></span></p>
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<span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Please contact me if I may be of assistance at: 303-499-9125 or by e-mail at <a href="mailto:mrsmigs@migliorelli.org">mrsmigs@migliorelli.org</a></span></p>
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<span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Thank you for your participation in our Race for Independence challenge.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal">
<span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><u><span style="font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""><span style="text-decoration:none"> </span></span></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><u><span style="font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The Wenzel Brood says “Hello!” </span></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><u><span style="font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""><span style="text-decoration:none"> </span></span></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><i><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">From time to time in these pages, we will bring you updates about some of our favorite people. Whether they live in Colorado or whether they left us a decade ago. This month, we check up on Federation leaders who will always be a part of our Colorado affiliate. They provided extraordinary leadership for the NFB and our Colorado Center and we hope that we can lure them back someday.</span></i></p>
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<span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The Wenzel Brood is: </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Dan Wenzel, aka: Dad, Mr. Wenzel, Dan, Center Director, and blues fan.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Jennifer Wenzel, aka: Mom, friend, volunteer, advocate, and adventurer.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Roland Wenzel, 12 years old, aka: Middle school student, musician, traveler, Bronco Fan, aspiring pilot, and lawn boy.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Stephen Wenzel, 9 years old, aka: Fourth grader, homebody, reader, challenge program student, opinionated, and conscientious worker. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">And </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal">
<span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Tanner, 7 yrs old, aka: Second grader, social butterfly, artist, determined, sensitive, and actor. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal">
<span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">They also own two cats and two frogs</span><span style="font-size:14.0pt"> </span><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><u><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""><span style="text-decoration:none"> </span></span></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In February of 2001 the Wenzel’s moved from Colorado to Wisconsin so Dan could accept a position at the Wisconsin Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired (WCBVI). After working for WCBVI in a couple of different capacities, Dan was named the Director in July of 2006. Dan currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Council of Schools for the Blind (COSB). He was also honored to serve as president of the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) of Wisconsin for three years and served on the National Board of Directors for two years. His wife, Jennifer, is a stay at home mom who cares for their three children. She has worked from home as a Braille proof reader. Now that the kids are older, Jennifer is contemplating what her next career move will be. She is the secretary of the NFB of Wisconsin and the NFB of Wisconsin, Rock County Chapter. Jennifer was named Madison Elementary School PTA Volunteer of the Year for 2010-2011. </span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Three for Three- Tidbits to get to know the Wenzel Kids:</span></b></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><b><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Roland:</span></b><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> Participated in District music competition, where he performed solo. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">He has his first job, mowing a neighbor’s lawn. Upon seeing a former student of Dan’s walking at the bus transfer station without a cane, an upset Roland exclaimed, “She doesn’t have a Cane! Nothing! None! Nowhere!”</span></p>
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<b><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Stephen:</span></b><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> He was accepted to the School District of Janesville Challenge Program, which is a program for gifted students. In addition to reading, Stephen likes almost any science experiment, especially the ones he can set up independently. When the family hosted a blind exchange student a couple of years ago Stephen professed to be unhappy about her staying with them. Yet, if she fell behind them on outings Stephen would stay with her so she did not get separated. (No sighted guide from this kid).</span></p>
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<b><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Tanner:</span></b><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> His art project (a mask) was displayed at the Hilldale Mall in Madison. The family went on a cruise in December and Tanner initiated a friendship with a Grandma at the next table. Now she is pen pals with all three children. A couple years ago a lady snidely commented to Jennifer that she was lucky to have her kids to take care of her because she was blind. Tanner jumped in and exclaimed, “I don’t take care of my Mommy; she takes care of me! I love you mommy!” The logic of a five year old trumped the low expectations and misconceptions of the abilities of the blind by some of the public. We would expect nothing less from a child raised by our dear friends and colleagues, Dan and Jennifer Wenzel.</span></p>
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<u><span style="font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Hats off to Broadway…Hats off to the Colorado Center for the Blind</span></u></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal">
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<span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Each year CCB hosts a special night of theatre, dining, and fun. If you have attended them in the past, you know how fun they are. These evenings are important fundraisers. This musical tribute will be performed on Saturday, August 27<sup>th</sup> by Littleton Town Hall actors and singers. Food, drinks, music, and a live auction will be the highlights of this great event. Tickets are $40. All proceeds go to the Colorado Center for the Blind’s children’s and youth programs. Your donation helps a blind child get a cane, learn to read Braille and learn that blindness is just a characteristic of who they are. This musical may have a smaller budget than Spider-Man.20 currently trying to run on Broadway, but, we are pretty sure that no characters will fall on you. </span></p>
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<span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">For information, to contribute auction items, or to provide corporate sponsorship please contact Jennifer Stevens, Director of Community Development at 303-778-1130.</span></p>
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<span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><u><span style="font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">It is Summer at the Center</span></u></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">“Summertime and the livin’ is easy, catfish are jumpin’…” Or so the song goes. Clearly, George and Ira Gershwin have never been to the CCB during summer. If they had, the song might go like this, “Summer time and the hubbub’ is humming.” The only kids catching fish may have been the kids who attended the “Confidence Camp.” This unique camp for blind children ages 5-12 concluded on Friday, June 17<sup>th</sup>. The kids worked on Braille, cooked quesadillas and the ever popular macaroni & cheese, and wrote a play all by themselves! They also went fishing. They went to Lollipop Park and visited “Beyond Sight.” “Beyond Sight” is a store in Littleton, CO which sells access technology products to the blind. Trina Boyd-Pratt directed the program again this year. Michelle Chacon was the lead teacher with Esha Mehta and Taryn Galow rounding out the staff. I am sure that we will read more about the kids’ “Confidence Camp”<i> </i>experiences<i> </i>in issues to come.</span></p>
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<i><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Wait! There’s more!..“The Hubbub’ is humming” as the Colorado Center for the Blind summer programs are in full swing.</span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal">
<span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><b><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">"Initiation to Independence”</span></b><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> middle school program begins on July 18<sup>th</sup> and runs through August 5<sup>th</sup>, 2011. This is a three-week residential program for students aged 12-14. In addition to the core classes, this is an opportunity for this age group to live in apartments with other students and a counselor, getting real world experiences in their home away from home. Students will meet successful, working adults in order to learn about various professions. These students are excited to have so many new experiences. </span></p>
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<b><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">"Earn and Learn"</span></b><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> high school program began on June 10<sup>th</sup>, 2011 and runs through August 5<sup>th</sup>. This eight-week residential program serves students ages 14-18. Not only do these students take the core classes, but they have the opportunity to participate in exciting, paid work experiences. The CCB works to match students with jobs they find both interesting and challenging. It is exhilarating for the students to get their first paycheck. </span></p>
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<b><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">“College Summer for Success"</span></b><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> also began on June 10<sup>th</sup>, 2011 and runs through August 5<sup>th</sup>. This comprehensive eight-week residential program will fully prepare each student to handle all aspects of a university or vocational program. Participants will have instruction on using readers and Disabled Students Services, applying for scholarships, and meeting and talking with blind adults who have gone through the college experience. Several college instructors will work with students on developing alternative techniques in order to take courses including math, statistics, and sciences. </span></p>
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<span style="font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><u><span style="font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Denver Chapter</span></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">By: Brent Batron</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal">
<span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The next Denver Chapter Meeting is the annual picnic. The picnic will take place on July 30<sup>th</sup> from 10 am – 2 pm. There will be a short chapter meeting lasting about an hour followed by good food, fellowship, and games for kids of all ages. This year’s picnic will be held in conjunction with Colorado Parents of Blind Children and the Colorado Center for the Blind’s mentoring program, Blind Link. The picnic will be held at the Colorado Center for the Blind. The Denver Chapter will be providing the meat, sides and drinks and we are asking members to bring a dessert like cookies and other easy to divide desserts to eliminate the necessity to cut and otherwise time consuming items. Come have fun and bring family and friends.</span></p>
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<span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In August we will be marching in the Western Welcome Week Parade with the Center and we will be hosting an education booth on Main Street. There will be no official chapter meeting. </span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><u><span style="font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Blind Buzz</span></u><u><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""></span></u></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><i><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Blind Buzz</span></i><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> is a monthly column which will have announcements, notes, <i>vignettes, profiles, assertions, snap-shots, rumors, innuendo, and observations. Blind Buzz is solely responsible for the content. </i></span></p>
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<i><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">What’s happening? Blind Buzz wants to know.</span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal">
<span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Pueblo Chapter tells the <i>Buzz</i> that they will have the NFB of Pueblo Chapter meeting on Saturday, July 9<sup>th</sup> from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at the Wesley United Methodist Church. On August 13<sup>th</sup> the Pueblo Chapter is hosting their annual picnic from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Wesley United Methodist Church. The address for the Wesley United Methodist Church is 85 Stanford Avenue, Pueblo, Colorado. We will have more <i>Buzz</i> about the Pueblo Chapter in next month’s issue.</span></p>
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<span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In 2009 and early 2010 our affiliate was lucky to have one of our long time members, Chris Foster, doing some organizing and public relations. Chris traveled the state. He spoke to numerous organizations about the NFB. Although Chris held this position for a brief time before he returned to school, he made an important difference. In the summer of 2011 we note that he is still making a difference. We note that he has triumphed over medical challenges and kept his 4.0 GPA alive. Chris is working at the Colorado Center for the Blind summer program. <i>Blind Buzz</i> thinks Chris will be a great role model for our young people. These blind kids won’t have a better role model and friend than Chris Foster! He will head to the National Convention with the Center crew. <i>Blind Buzz</i> says, “Kudos Chris!”<br>
<br></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">What a nice tribute Diane McGeorge paid to Dr. Ken Schmidt earlier in these pages. During his long career in rehabilitation he found ways to confront the bureaucracy. “Low key” did not mean without passion about the things that mattered to Ken. He always acted when it counted. A man who cares; Ken is an avid outdoorsman. He loves to deer hunt with buddies. Ken Schmidt, what a guy!</span></p>
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<span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The Colorado state convention will be held at the Double Tree in Denver from November 3rd through November 6<sup>th</sup>. The room rate for this great convention is $89.00. </span></p>
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<span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Jeanette Fortin is the Colorado Spring Chapter President. She says that the Chapter will be holding a picnic on August 13<sup>th</sup>. The picnic will be from 12-3 p.m. (Or conclude when everybody leaves). The location has yet to be announced. Further details will follow in the August <i>Blind Coloradan </i>if the editor gives me the space.</span></p>
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<span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Sources tell <i>Blind Buzz</i> that Scott and Anahit LaBarre and Kevan and Bridget Worley will have dinner at the home of Lieutenant Governor Joe Garcia and his wife Claire on Sunday, June 26<sup>th</sup>. We are told that Mrs. Garcia is an extraordinary cook. It will be an honor for our colleagues to teach our Lieutenant Governor all about the National Federation of the Blind. Perhaps the <i>Buzz</i> will get more details about the dinner. If we do, we will share it in the next issue.</span></p>
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<span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The Buzz hears the blind of Colorado, (in or out of the NFB) whispering about the future of the Colorado Commission for Individuals who are Blind or Visually Impaired. Apparently, votes were taken in direct violation of rules prescribed by the legislation authorizing the Commission. Perhaps the NFB was prescient when it passed resolutions at recent State Conventions indicating serious misgivings about the structure and performance of the Commission. There seems to be little doubt that the Commission will sunset in 2012. Blind Buzz says, “Sweet Dreams!”</span></p>
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<span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">If you attend the upcoming annual convention of the NFB in Orlando, Florida the<i> Buzz</i> wants to hear about your experiences. Send us the details. Your friends and colleagues will want to read of your exploits. Not your X-ploits.... We have heard stories about these conventions.</span></p>
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<span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">This summer, Nijat Worley is working as an intern in the Washington D.C. office of </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal">
<span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers. She is a Republican representing the fifth district of Washington. Nijat tells the <i>Buzz</i> that he is doing more than making copies or running for coffee. In fact, one of his memos was the background piece on which the Congresswoman relied when formulating her position on an issue. Nijat is treasurer of the National Association of Blind Merchants. This fall he will begin his senior year at the University of Colorado in Boulder. He is majoring in Political Science and International Affairs, with a minor in Russian.</span></p>
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<span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In the next issue, we will highlight the work and the reflections of Eddie Thieszen-Culp. You will enjoy reading about his life, career and his insight about the meaning of the National Federation of the Blind.</span></p>
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<span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Blind students of Colorado and students around the nation are speculating about the upcoming student elections in Orlando. Stay tuned. It should be an interesting election.</span></p>
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<span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Hey, Hey! Why not sell on EBay!!! The NFB has partnered with EBay to offer training for blind people interested in developing businesses on EBay or making EBay a hobby. If you have questions, or if you wish to register, please email Mary Ellen Gabias at </span><a href="mailto:mgabias@nfb.org"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">mgabias@nfb.org</span></a><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">. </span></p>
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<span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Create the <i>Buzz</i> at <a href="mailto:blindbuzz@nfbco.org">blindbuzz@nfbco.org</a>.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal">
<span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">“The joy of your spirit is the indication of your strength.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson</span></p>
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<span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">That’s the <i>Buzz</i> this month.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><u><span style="font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Building Business Opportunities with a BLAST</span></u><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><i><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">BLAST, Business Leadership and Superior Training may be for you!</span></i></p>
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<span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Take advantage of early bird registration now and receive concentrated business education. For more than a decade the National Association of Blind Merchants, a division of the National Federation of the Blind, has provided education and networking at a national conference for the blind who operate small Randolph-Sheppard businesses. In Colorado there are about forty of these businesses which are managed under the Colorado Business Enterprise Program. These annual three day BLAST conferences are attended by around 500 blind entrepreneurs. The BLAST conference was held in Denver in 2005 and again in 2007. Our current Governor, John Hickenlooper, was Denver’s mayor in 2007. He gave an address at the BLAST Leadership Breakfast. The Colorado Center for the Blind and our affiliate played an important support role in operations and hosting. </span></p>
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<span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In 2011 BLAST expands to become BLAST+. Much of the program will be focused on the creation and expansion of businesses in addition to or outside of the Randolph Sheppard system. There will be training from the NFB Jernigan Institute. Training will be provided by the University of New Orleans-Center for Entrepreneurship. Speakers such as former New York Governor, David Patterson, Colorado’s own mountain climber, Erik Alexander and Dave Ramsey will be featured. You may know that Erik Alexander climbed Mount Everest with fellow Coloradoan Eric Weihenmayer. Mr. Weihenmayer was the first blind person to summit Mount Everest. The expedition was underwritten by the NFB. </span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><u><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Save The Date</span></u><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">: Wednesday, September 21<sup>st</sup> to mid-day Saturday, September 24<sup>th</sup>, 2011. Rooms can be booked now. Simply call the Nashville Airport Marriott (615-889-9300), tell them that you are booking for the National Association of Blind Merchants, BLAST+. Rooms are available at the low rate of $114.00 per night plus applicable taxes. The entire conference will be an event from which everyone involved in blind entrepreneurship will benefit. BLAST+ registration inclusive of all activities and training materials will cost $200.00 with a $50.00 discount for early registrations made prior to August 15th, 2011. Registration fee may exclude some tours and events held outside of the hotel conference center. To register for BLAST+ please call 1-866-543-6808 or online at <a href="http://www.blindmerchants.org">www.blindmerchants.org</a>. It is important that we reach and teach blind people who have an interest in business. </span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal"><a name="_GoBack"></a><u><span style="font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">From the Editor</span></u></p>
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<span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Thanks to Carol Elzi, Lisa Bonderson, Lorinda Riddle, Jennifer Stevens, Kimberley Johnson and Rachel Gallow for their valuable contributions to this month’s <i>Blind Coloradan</i>. Errors, assumptions, or omissions should be brought to the attention of the editor who will likely blame <i>Blind Buzz</i> for any mistakes. Thanks for reading <i>The Blind Coloradan</i>, July 2011.</span></p>
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