[Community-Service] Community-Service Digest, Vol 154, Issue 9
LyVette Byrd
forthebyrdsconsult at gmail.com
Sat Dec 31 12:45:01 UTC 2022
👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 I’m applauding each and every one who sacrifices time talent
and treasure putting this newsletter together. I confess I haven’t read all
of them (life) but when I have moments I can go back and I am encouraged by
what was reported. Keep up the good work.
On Sat, Dec 31, 2022 at 7:04 AM <community-service-request at nfbnet.org>
wrote:
> Send Community-Service mailing list submissions to
> community-service at nfbnet.org
>
> To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/community-service_nfbnet.org
> or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
> community-service-request at nfbnet.org
>
> You can reach the person managing the list at
> community-service-owner at nfbnet.org
>
> When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
> than "Re: Contents of Community-Service digest..."
> Today's Topics:
>
> 1. Re: ? ? ? Please show some love for OUR OUTTA SIGHT
> Newsletter Team! You guys rock!!! (Bacon Fish)
> 2. Re: ? ? ?? Please show some love for OUR OUTTA SIGHT
> Newsletter Team! You guys rock!!! (cmkries at comcast.net)
>
>
>
> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> From: Bacon Fish <rashetabunting at gmail.com>
> To: Community Service Discussion List <community-service at nfbnet.org>
> Cc:
> Bcc:
> Date: Fri, 30 Dec 2022 10:31:55 -0500
> Subject: Re: [Community-Service] 🫰 🫰 🫰 Please show some love for OUR
> OUTTA SIGHT Newsletter Team! You guys rock!!!
> Great newsletter. Who do we contact to submit articles ?
>
> On Dec 20, 2022, at 10:37 PM, Jeanetta price via Community-Service <
> community-service at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>
> I must admit, this newsletter is popping!! A great huge Texas THANK YOU to
> all who contributed your time, story, and most of all service. CSD is
> growing and glowing on purpose. Tis the season to spread joy, love, and
> happiness by sharing our newsletter with your friends and family. Join
> our movement of serving beyond the six dots. Don’t procrastinate, get
> involved today!
>
> Many blessings,
> Jeanetta
>
> On Dec 20, 2022, at 2:13 PM, Maggie Stringer via Community-Service <
> community-service at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>
>
> *“Beyond the Six Dots”*
>
>
> National Federation of the Blind Community Service Division
>
> December 2022 Quarterly Newsletter
>
> We use a white cane, slate & stylus, and screen readers in between,
>
> We read from the left, write from the right, and will tap tap onto any
> scene.
>
> We want our communities to know what we’ve got, a commitment to serve,
>
> Beyond the Six Dots!
>
>
> *12 DAYS OF CSD SERVICE*
>
> Written by Carol King-Ries, NFB of Delaware
>
> It seems like it has only been a few months since we last celebrated the
> Winter holidays of Hanukkah, Winter Solstice, Christmas, and Kwanza, but a
> year has gone by like a flash and here we are again in the season of light,
> joy, and peace. As the Community Service Division (CSD) Newsletter team
> discussed this issue of the newsletter, we began to talk about how many
> people struggle during the holiday season. This can be due to many reasons
> such as grief, loneliness, depression, and stress. We thought it would be
> a good idea to incorporate 12 days of service into the CSD holiday season.
> I know that you are probably thinking that you do not need another thing to
> add to your busy holiday life but hear me out. If it does not bring joy,
> light, and peace to your life, and to those you are serving, do not do it!
> Also, you do not have to do 12 days. You can do 8 days (Hannukah), 7 days
> (Kwanza), or 1 day (Winter Solstice), or any amount that you choose, it is
> up to you. Below you will find 12 ideas that are free, or low cost that
> you can provide to members of your community during this holiday season.
> Tune up for the song…. On the first day of service, the CSD gave to me….
>
> *Idea #1: Send a thinking of you card to someone you know that has lost a
> loved one this year. *
>
> We all know of someone who has lost a loved one this year. This will let
> them know that you have not forgotten about them.
>
> *Idea #2: Call a person in your local chapter who you have not talked
> with in a while.*
>
> Sometimes, people think that if they are not actively engaged in a group,
> they do not matter to the group. Dispel that thought with a phone call.
> This may disband isolation for someone.
>
> *Idea #3: Give a small gift to a child whose parent may be incarcerated,
> deployed in the military, or hospitalized and cannot be home for Christmas.*
>
> This will let the child know that they are not alone, and someone nearby
> is thinking of them. Please get the permission of the local
> parent/guardian first.
>
> *Idea #4: Share a meal with a Senior Citizen that lives alone.*
>
> This could be a meal that you make or purchase. The idea that someone is
> thinking of them and spending time with them may make their day.
>
> *Idea #5: Offer to be a holiday greeter at your local Senior center*
>
> Buy some candy canes and some bells and stand at the door or front desk
> with a big smile and Happy Holidays on your lips. Make someone’s day
> better.
>
> *Idea #6: Volunteer to gift wrap for organizations that give Christmas
> gifts to kids and families.*
>
> Even with my sight loss, I am one of the best gift wrappers around.
> Organizations need this skill this time of year, and it will add to
> someone’s Christmas cheer.
>
> *Idea #7: Play Braille games with a neighbor’s kids while they get things
> done around the house.*
>
> If you do not know Braille, play tactile games. The kids may be
> fascinated by the Braille, and the parent/guardian will have the time to
> get something done with less stress.
>
> *Idea #8 Pack simple bag lunches and hand them out to the homeless*
>
> This could be as simple as a sandwich, bag of chips, and a piece of
> fruit. This will require someone to help you find a group of people who
> are homeless, however, that person may gain from the experience as well.
>
> *Idea #9: Share a song with someone who needs encouragement*
>
> I wish that we could send the Popcorn King, Marvin, around to make people
> smile with his singing; but since we cannot, we can share a song via
> YouTube. Friends have started doing this with me, and it has been fun to
> share and to smile. I do it via cellphone, but it can also be done via
> email.
>
> *Idea #10: Bake a batch of cookies and share them with someone who is
> alone *
>
> This can be slice and bake cookies, or those you make from scratch, or buy
> from your grocer’s bakery. It is truly the sweet thought that counts.
>
> *Idea #11: Stream a holiday movie with someone*
>
> You can invite them to your house, or take the popcorn, candy and DVD to
> their house and enjoy the movie together. It can be a classic such as “A
> Miracle on 34th Street”, or a contemporary classic like “The Preacher’s
> Wife”.
>
> *Idea #12: Send Christmas cards to people who are in Nursing homes,
> rehabilitation hospitals, or group homes.*
>
> These are people who may not get cards. Send them some cheer via the USPS.
>
> Please use these ideas or come up with your own. The Community Service
> Division (CSD) would love to hear what you did to brighten someone’s
> holidays.
>
> Happy holidays to all, and a Happy New Year!
>
> *DID SOMEONE SAY, POPCORN?*
> *Pop Right To The Top!*
> *March 3rd to March 7th*
> The NFB COMMUNITY SERVICE DIVISION is proud to announce the dates for our
> next mouth-watering, flavorsome, kernelicious POPCORN FUNDRAISER! That’s
> right, we’ve brought back the Double Good greatness, and our NFB CSD
> Willing Workers are diligently working-hard to setup a PopTastic popcorn
> store near you!
> Mark your calendars to start shopping on Friday, March 3rd at 12PM, and
> don’t stop until every bag has been sold by Tuesday, March 7th at 12PM
> EST!
>
> We know the time is short, but these explosive flavors are popping out
> with greatness! As a matter of fact, we believe your pantry is feeling
> empty right now! It needs to know all about Butter Believe It, White
> Cheddar Go Getter, Little Kettle That Could, and more!
>
> Proceeds gained from this fundraiser will support the efforts of the
> federation in addition to help promote the Community Service Division
> projects. With that being said, get your mouse clicks and finger taps ready
> because we’re going to POP RIGHT To The TOP, CSD Style!
> Please contact Gloria Nathan-Cherry “The Popcorn Lady” for more
> information at, (215)-971-6650.
> If you listen very, very closely, you can almost hear the sizzles and
> crackles of the hot oil. Double Good Gourmet has turned up the heat and is
> ready for the CSD fundraiser to start cooking in service!
>
>
> *WORDS FROM THE ORIGINAL*
> Written by Marvin K Griffin, Senior
>
>
> They say a nickname is something someone else gives to you…. Well, they
> call me the popcorn king AKA Captain kernel. my real name is Marvin K
> Griffin, Senior and I guess I better share with you the reason why I was
> given my nicknames. I have been a full-fledged participant in the double
> good popcorn fundraiser for the Community Service Division of N F B for the
> last two years. I don’t mean to sound like a braggard, but I have managed
> to be the top seller in both campaigns as well, having contributed over
> $5500 in combined popcorn sales! now, my purpose today is not to sit here
> and boast about what I’ve done, because I do believe that what was done was
> accomplished as a collective by our entire group of popcorn store
> fundraisers and I am very proud of the work that we all did together, I
> anticipate absolute greatness going forward with the group that we have had
> in addition to the new recruits that we’ve had a chance to bring on board
> to our division. my purpose, today is to share my experience, and to give a
> little bit of insight into why I have had the positive results from the
> fundraiser. although I don’t plan to give away all of my secrets lol, I
> will give three steps that I think will be valuable tools for everyone
> going forward as we continue to endeavor in raising funds for our division.
> Step one no you’re focus group. I’d like to use a comparison to a garden
> for the steps, and we can treat the focus group just like we would treat
> the fertile soil for a garden. One of the most important things you can do
> with a fertile soil is to make sure that it has the right composition.
> Otherwise, you will see no harvest! and when it comes to people, one of the
> things that I choose to look at, is whether or not, these folks are warm to
> the conversation when I present what I’m doing. it’s very important to not
> spend too much time with folks who give you the I don’t know; are they will
> get back with me later type responses. These types of folks are the ones
> who, will more than likely will not give to the fundraiser, so it’s most
> important not to waste all of that precious time in that 4-day period
> Leaning on folks who aren’t really going to give you the results you’re
> looking for. another thing included in this first step is to make sure that
> you revisit the same supporters from previous events because that is where
> you create your base. to build upon from year to year. step 2 plant the
> seed.
> I can remember when I first started gardening, and I planted my first
> seeds, and after a few days, I expected to see sprouts, but nothing
> happened. I had to reach out to one of my gardening buddies, and I
> discovered that my problem was that my seed was buried too deep within the
> soil, and it would never sprout at that level. Hmmm…. That’s interesting
> right? The seed needed to be placed in the proper position. In this
> instance, the seed for us as popcorn store fundraisers is actually our
> sales pitch.! Sometimes the pitches may take 5 minutes and others may take
> a few seconds believe it or not. All it takes is a little practice while
> including your top selling points. Remember, the more people you talk to
> actually gives you a great chance to tailor your pitch to each individual
> supporter. And before you know it those sales will grow just like my
> kingdom lol!
> Finally step 3 water the garden!
> We live in a time where information flows into our minds, phones, and on
> our computers and it is super easy for a 4-day fundraiser to slip off the
> radar of our supporters. The remedy for this problem is pleasant
> persistence. You got to water your garden my loyal subjects! Go back and
> remind those supporters who gave you a firm yes because sometimes they
> simply forget. Oftentimes I send a personalized reminder text. I try to
> keep these humorous too, after all we aren’t trying to twist arms, right? A
> bit of wit goes a long way!
> Lastly my friends, the Original popcorn king, captain kernel and whatever
> other monikers I receive will mean nothing without good people to share
> them, with. so, I hope what I have written in this article will help all
> who join us to become kings and queens on the CSD popcorn team!! Ladies and
> gents, the OPK bids you farewell, work your gardens friends and, we’ll see
> you all in March!!!
>
>
>
> *REPRESENT YOUR STATE*
>
> *Reaching Hearts, Changing Lives; Reflections From The Buckeye State*
>
> Written by Delcenia Brown, NFB Ohio
>
> Recently, the NFB of Ohio Community Service Division partnered with City
> Mission for their 2022 annual affiliate service project. Delcenia Brown and
> Joann Williams, along with several other dedicated members focused on
> collecting the City Mission’s most needed and requested items.
>
> “The city mission empowers men, women, and children in crisis to overcome
> their unique, complex path to homelessness. Since 1910 the city mission of
> Cleveland has provided the basic needs of food, shelter, and clothing to
> those in crisis.
>
> Although I have never stayed at the City Mission, I do Remember a time of
> homelessness and a time in my own life where it was a struggle to make ends
> meet, have money for transportation and to keep warm. So, It was an easy
> decision to ask the Community Service Division to partner with the City
> Mission of Cleveland.
>
> After the members of Ohio’s Community Service reviewed the list of items
> that were needed, we voted to contribute to the most needed items. Which
> were twins’ sheets, twins’ blankets and all-day bus passes to assist
> individuals to get to interviews and/or work. Well Ohio members, family &
> friends really stepped up to the call. We were able to collect $400 for
> all-day bus passes and several large boxes filled with twin sheets sets and
> blankets. I was excited and happy to see the turn out. Knowing that
> winter is approaching The Community Service Division of Ohio, and that we
> were able to assist in reaching hearts & changing lives of those in
> crisis in Cleveland, brought joy to my heart. It warmed my heart to know we
> assisted in the basic needs and gave hope to an individual.”
>
> *“There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting
> people up.” *
>
> *THE BEST GIFT*
>
> Need to brush up on your holly jolly LOL-inducing humor around the
> holidays? We’ve got the best gift in town, the gift of joy!
>
> *Question*: What do grapes sing at Christmas?
>
> *Answer*: 'Tis the season to be jelly! 🎵🎶🎼
>
> *“Don’t think about it, laugh about it!”*
>
> *BRAILLE IS SUCH A BLESSING*
>
> *International World Braille Day, January 4th*
>
> Written by Colleen Roth, NFB Ohio
>
> Today, audiobooks and the products that play them, like Amazon’s Alexa and
> Apple’s iPhone, are more popular than ever. This has raised an important
> question: In the age of audio-recorded literature and accessible
> technology, is braille still necessary? Colleen Roth would jump up and down
> and shout, YES, yes, yes!!!!
>
> “Braille is such a blessing; it is absolutely necessary!”
>
> Just as sighted readers have their preferences between paperback, digital
> and, yes, audiobooks, so too do sight impaired readers, and many of them
> simply prefer braille.
>
> “In late August I was given a Romeo 25 Embosser by the Catholic Diocese in
> Toledo, Ohio. It produces Braille on 1 side of the page. This was the
> beginning of my embossing journey as a service to Catholic Dioceses in
> Ohio, and chapters and divisions within the Ohio affiliate.
>
> Since I have started this service project, I have been blessed to emboss
> materials such as liturgies, prayer group materials, chapter and division
> constitutions, membership list, state convention auction, materials for
> ordination of priests and deacons, and the list goes on.
>
> I truly love Braille and will continue to provide this embossing service
> for those in need. Further information along with my contact information is
> provided below within the resource section of the newsletter.”
>
> Thank you for your service, Colleen! And anyone that has had an
> opportunity to spend time with you, undoubtably knows your love and passion
> for Braille literacy.
>
> We hope everyone will join CSD on January 4, 2023 to honor Louis Braille’s
> 214th birthday, and celebrate the awareness of the importance of braille
> as a means of communication in the full realization of the human rights for
> blind and visually impaired people. After all, it was Helen Keller who
> said, “the blind is as indebted to Louis Braille, the eponymous inventor of
> the tactile reading system, as mankind is to Gutenberg and his printing
> press.”
>
> *"Braille is knowledge, and knowledge is power”*
>
> *ANSWER THE CALL*
>
> *National MLK Day of Service, January 20th*
>
> *Taking place each year on the third Monday in January, the Martin Luther
> King, Jr., Day of Service (MLK Day) is the only federal holiday that is
> also designated by Congress as a national day of service – a “day on, not a
> day off.” Participation in service activities has grown each year as more
> Americans are encouraged to provide meaningful change in their
> communities. Whether service meets a tangible need, such as fixing up a
> school or senior center, builds a sense of community or mutual
> responsibility. In a pandemic environment, service can take on the form of
> sending a meal through a meal delivery service, serving as a virtual
> mentor, or donating money to a charitable cause to help those who lack
> basic essential items.*
>
> *No matter the choice, service empowers individuals, strengthens
> communities, bridges barriers, creates solutions and moves us closer to Dr.
> King’s vision of a beloved community. It breaks down barriers by bringing
> people from different backgrounds together and it benefits those who choose
> to serve. Coretta Scott King said, “The greatest birthday gift my husband
> could receive is if people of all racial and ethnic backgrounds celebrated
> the holiday by performing individual acts of kindness through service to
> others.”*
>
> *As stewards of America's lands and natural resources, the work we do at
> DOI epitomizes Dr. King’s belief in the power of service, as expressed in
> his legendary quote, “We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality,
> tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects
> all indirectly.” In keeping with Dr. King’s example, let us embrace the
> belief that our destiny is shared and accept our obligations to each other,
> future generations and the American people by strengthening the bonds that
> hold together the most diverse Nation on earth. Each one of us can help
> answer his call by pledging to love and serve.*
>
> *Which brings us to one incredible and humble man within our federation
> that was recently recognized for answering the King’s pledge, as the 28th
> annual winner of their Martin Luther King Freedom Award!*
>
> *The Indiana Civil Rights Commission, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Indiana
> Holiday Commission, Indiana Black Expo, Inc., AFSCME Local 725, and the
> State of Indiana awarded NFB Newsline Indiana Director, Lee Martin, Senior
> the Freedom Award.*
>
> *The Freedom Award is granted to individuals or projects whose major
> societal*
>
> *influence includes breaking down barriers that have divided us in the
> past*
>
> *and/or building ongoing relationships that foster respect, understanding,*
>
> *and harmony in our community. And there is no one more deserving of this
> award than our very own, Lee Martin!*
>
> *“Everybody can be great. Because anybody can serve. You don’t have to
> have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and
> your verb agree to serve. You don’t have to know the second theory of
> thermodynamics in physics to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A
> soul generated by love.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.*
>
> *RESOURCES*
>
> *Braille Technology Throughout the Ages: A Special Event for World Braille
> Day*
>
> by The Braillists Foundation
>
> In addition to our collaboration with Sight and Sound Technology, we are
> pleased to present an evening panel discussion for World Braille Day
> focusing on braille technology: its past, present and future. We will be
> joined by historians, people working in the braille technology industry
> today and developers of the next generation of braille hardware and
> software.
>
> The event will take place on Wednesday 4 January at 7:00 PM, and you will
> need to register in advance. This is a separate registration link to both
> our regular Masterclasses and the event with Sight and Sound. Please email:
>
> help at braillists.org, if you have difficulties completing the form.
>
> Register for the World Braille Day evening event here:
>
>
> https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZModO-oqDwiGNDeirVP5hgN9eeND2PY5_Eh
>
>
> To join by phone, please use these details:
>
> Phone number: 0131 460 1196
>
> Meeting ID: 875 3606 7824
>
> Passcode: 123456
>
>
> *Embossing Projects*
>
> Colleen Roth, NFB Ohio is willing to provide embossed materials for those
> in need. Projects that are 300 pages or less are free. Projects that are
> more than 300 pages will include a paper cost. All projects will be shipped
> Free Matter For The Blind, unless the person wants to pay for faster
> shipping. All materials will be embossed in English Braille American
> Edition. To discuss Braille projects, please contact Colleen at (419)
> 661-9171.
>
> *EDITOR’S NOTES*
>
> We want to feature you in our next issue! Write about your personal
> experience with your community service project and submit the article by
> the first of the month.
>
> We also want to help promote your community projects and state affiliate
> events. Share your calendar with Beyond The Six Dots and we will feature
> your events in the ‘Represent Your State’ section of our next issue.
> Contact our editor to submit your calendar events and featured articles.
> (The editor may edit the Length and/or wording of your article.)
>
>
> *NFB Community Service Division*
>
> www.facebook.com/communityservicedivision/
>
> President Jeanetta Price
>
> Email: price.jeanetta at gmail.com
>
> Mobile: (409) 344-1005
>
> Newsletter Editor: Maggie Stringer
>
> Email: Ravensfan784 at gmail.com
>
> Mobile: (443) 750-0070
>
> *ONE MINUTE MESSAGE*
>
> The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the
> characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the
> expectations of blind people because low expectations create obstacles
> between blind people and our dreams. We are survivors!
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Community-Service mailing list
> Community-Service at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/community-service_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> Community-Service:
>
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/community-service_nfbnet.org/price.jeanetta%40gmail.com
>
> _______________________________________________
> Community-Service mailing list
> Community-Service at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/community-service_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> Community-Service:
>
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/community-service_nfbnet.org/rashetabunting%40gmail.com
>
>
>
>
>
> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> From: <cmkries at comcast.net>
> To: "'Community Service Discussion List'" <community-service at nfbnet.org>
> Cc:
> Bcc:
> Date: Fri, 30 Dec 2022 13:57:41 -0500
> Subject: Re: [Community-Service] 🫰 🫰 �� Please show some love for OUR
> OUTTA SIGHT Newsletter Team! You guys rock!!!
>
> Maggie Stringer is the Newsletter editor. She would be the best person to
> talk with about submitting articles.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> *From:* Community-Service <community-service-bounces at nfbnet.org> *On
> Behalf Of *Bacon Fish via Community-Service
> *Sent:* Friday, December 30, 2022 10:32 AM
> *To:* Community Service Discussion List <community-service at nfbnet.org>
> *Cc:* Bacon Fish <rashetabunting at gmail.com>
> *Subject:* Re: [Community-Service] 🫰 🫰 🫰 Please show some love for OUR
> OUTTA SIGHT Newsletter Team! You guys rock!!!
>
>
>
> Great newsletter. Who do we contact to submit articles ?
>
>
>
> On Dec 20, 2022, at 10:37 PM, Jeanetta price via Community-Service <
> community-service at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>
>
>
> I must admit, this newsletter is popping!! A great huge Texas THANK YOU to
> all who contributed your time, story, and most of all service. CSD is
> growing and glowing on purpose. Tis the season to spread joy, love, and
> happiness by sharing our newsletter with your friends and family. Join
> our movement of serving beyond the six dots. Don’t procrastinate, get
> involved today!
>
>
>
> Many blessings,
>
> Jeanetta
>
>
>
> On Dec 20, 2022, at 2:13 PM, Maggie Stringer via Community-Service <
> community-service at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>
>
>
> *“Beyond the Six Dots”*
>
>
>
> National Federation of the Blind Community Service Division
>
> December 2022 Quarterly Newsletter
>
> We use a white cane, slate & stylus, and screen readers in between,
>
> We read from the left, write from the right, and will tap tap onto any
> scene.
>
> We want our communities to know what we’ve got, a commitment to serve,
>
> Beyond the Six Dots!
>
>
>
> *12 DAYS OF CSD SERVICE*
>
> Written by Carol King-Ries, NFB of Delaware
>
> It seems like it has only been a few months since we last celebrated the
> Winter holidays of Hanukkah, Winter Solstice, Christmas, and Kwanza, but a
> year has gone by like a flash and here we are again in the season of light,
> joy, and peace. As the Community Service Division (CSD) Newsletter team
> discussed this issue of the newsletter, we began to talk about how many
> people struggle during the holiday season. This can be due to many reasons
> such as grief, loneliness, depression, and stress. We thought it would be
> a good idea to incorporate 12 days of service into the CSD holiday season.
> I know that you are probably thinking that you do not need another thing to
> add to your busy holiday life but hear me out. If it does not bring joy,
> light, and peace to your life, and to those you are serving, do not do it!
> Also, you do not have to do 12 days. You can do 8 days (Hannukah), 7 days
> (Kwanza), or 1 day (Winter Solstice), or any amount that you choose, it is
> up to you. Below you will find 12 ideas that are free, or low cost that
> you can provide to members of your community during this holiday season.
> Tune up for the song…. On the first day of service, the CSD gave to me….
>
> *Idea #1: Send a thinking of you card to someone you know that has lost a
> loved one this year. *
>
> We all know of someone who has lost a loved one this year. This will let
> them know that you have not forgotten about them.
>
> *Idea #2: Call a person in your local chapter who you have not talked
> with in a while.*
>
> Sometimes, people think that if they are not actively engaged in a group,
> they do not matter to the group. Dispel that thought with a phone call.
> This may disband isolation for someone.
>
> *Idea #3: Give a small gift to a child whose parent may be incarcerated,
> deployed in the military, or hospitalized and cannot be home for Christmas.*
>
> This will let the child know that they are not alone, and someone nearby
> is thinking of them. Please get the permission of the local
> parent/guardian first.
>
> *Idea #4: Share a meal with a Senior Citizen that lives alone.*
>
> This could be a meal that you make or purchase. The idea that someone is
> thinking of them and spending time with them may make their day.
>
> *Idea #5: Offer to be a holiday greeter at your local Senior center*
>
> Buy some candy canes and some bells and stand at the door or front desk
> with a big smile and Happy Holidays on your lips. Make someone’s day
> better.
>
> *Idea #6: Volunteer to gift wrap for organizations that give Christmas
> gifts to kids and families.*
>
> Even with my sight loss, I am one of the best gift wrappers around.
> Organizations need this skill this time of year, and it will add to
> someone’s Christmas cheer.
>
> *Idea #7: Play Braille games with a neighbor’s kids while they get things
> done around the house.*
>
> If you do not know Braille, play tactile games. The kids may be
> fascinated by the Braille, and the parent/guardian will have the time to
> get something done with less stress.
>
> *Idea #8 Pack simple bag lunches and hand them out to the homeless*
>
> This could be as simple as a sandwich, bag of chips, and a piece of
> fruit. This will require someone to help you find a group of people who
> are homeless, however, that person may gain from the experience as well.
>
> *Idea #9: Share a song with someone who needs encouragement*
>
> I wish that we could send the Popcorn King, Marvin, around to make people
> smile with his singing; but since we cannot, we can share a song via
> YouTube. Friends have started doing this with me, and it has been fun to
> share and to smile. I do it via cellphone, but it can also be done via
> email.
>
> *Idea #10: Bake a batch of cookies and share them with someone who is
> alone *
>
> This can be slice and bake cookies, or those you make from scratch, or buy
> from your grocer’s bakery. It is truly the sweet thought that counts.
>
> *Idea #11: Stream a holiday movie with someone*
>
> You can invite them to your house, or take the popcorn, candy and DVD to
> their house and enjoy the movie together. It can be a classic such as “A
> Miracle on 34th Street”, or a contemporary classic like “The Preacher’s
> Wife”.
>
> *Idea #12: Send Christmas cards to people who are in Nursing homes,
> rehabilitation hospitals, or group homes.*
>
> These are people who may not get cards. Send them some cheer via the USPS.
>
> Please use these ideas or come up with your own. The Community Service
> Division (CSD) would love to hear what you did to brighten someone’s
> holidays.
>
> Happy holidays to all, and a Happy New Year!
>
> *DID SOMEONE SAY, POPCORN?*
>
> *Pop Right To The Top!*
>
> *March 3rd to March 7th*
>
> The NFB COMMUNITY SERVICE DIVISION is proud to announce the dates for our
> next mouth-watering, flavorsome, kernelicious POPCORN FUNDRAISER! That’s
> right, we’ve brought back the Double Good greatness, and our NFB CSD
> Willing Workers are diligently working-hard to setup a PopTastic popcorn
> store near you!
>
> Mark your calendars to start shopping on Friday, March 3rd at 12PM, and
> don’t stop until every bag has been sold by Tuesday, March 7th at 12PM
> EST!
>
> We know the time is short, but these explosive flavors are popping out
> with greatness! As a matter of fact, we believe your pantry is feeling
> empty right now! It needs to know all about Butter Believe It, White
> Cheddar Go Getter, Little Kettle That Could, and more!
>
> Proceeds gained from this fundraiser will support the efforts of the
> federation in addition to help promote the Community Service Division
> projects. With that being said, get your mouse clicks and finger taps ready
> because we’re going to POP RIGHT To The TOP, CSD Style!
>
> Please contact Gloria Nathan-Cherry “The Popcorn Lady” for more
> information at, (215)-971-6650.
>
> If you listen very, very closely, you can almost hear the sizzles and
> crackles of the hot oil. Double Good Gourmet has turned up the heat and is
> ready for the CSD fundraiser to start cooking in service!
>
>
>
> *WORDS FROM THE ORIGINAL*
>
> Written by Marvin K Griffin, Senior
>
>
>
> They say a nickname is something someone else gives to you…. Well, they
> call me the popcorn king AKA Captain kernel. my real name is Marvin K
> Griffin, Senior and I guess I better share with you the reason why I was
> given my nicknames. I have been a full-fledged participant in the double
> good popcorn fundraiser for the Community Service Division of N F B for the
> last two years. I don’t mean to sound like a braggard, but I have managed
> to be the top seller in both campaigns as well, having contributed over
> $5500 in combined popcorn sales! now, my purpose today is not to sit here
> and boast about what I’ve done, because I do believe that what was done was
> accomplished as a collective by our entire group of popcorn store
> fundraisers and I am very proud of the work that we all did together, I
> anticipate absolute greatness going forward with the group that we have had
> in addition to the new recruits that we’ve had a chance to bring on board
> to our division. my purpose, today is to share my experience, and to give a
> little bit of insight into why I have had the positive results from the
> fundraiser. although I don’t plan to give away all of my secrets lol, I
> will give three steps that I think will be valuable tools for everyone
> going forward as we continue to endeavor in raising funds for our division.
> Step one no you’re focus group. I’d like to use a comparison to a garden
> for the steps, and we can treat the focus group just like we would treat
> the fertile soil for a garden. One of the most important things you can do
> with a fertile soil is to make sure that it has the right composition.
> Otherwise, you will see no harvest! and when it comes to people, one of the
> things that I choose to look at, is whether or not, these folks are warm to
> the conversation when I present what I’m doing. it’s very important to not
> spend too much time with folks who give you the I don’t know; are they will
> get back with me later type responses. These types of folks are the ones
> who, will more than likely will not give to the fundraiser, so it’s most
> important not to waste all of that precious time in that 4-day period
> Leaning on folks who aren’t really going to give you the results you’re
> looking for. another thing included in this first step is to make sure that
> you revisit the same supporters from previous events because that is where
> you create your base. to build upon from year to year. step 2 plant the
> seed.
>
> I can remember when I first started gardening, and I planted my first
> seeds, and after a few days, I expected to see sprouts, but nothing
> happened. I had to reach out to one of my gardening buddies, and I
> discovered that my problem was that my seed was buried too deep within the
> soil, and it would never sprout at that level. Hmmm…. That’s interesting
> right? The seed needed to be placed in the proper position. In this
> instance, the seed for us as popcorn store fundraisers is actually our
> sales pitch.! Sometimes the pitches may take 5 minutes and others may take
> a few seconds believe it or not. All it takes is a little practice while
> including your top selling points. Remember, the more people you talk to
> actually gives you a great chance to tailor your pitch to each individual
> supporter. And before you know it those sales will grow just like my
> kingdom lol!
>
> Finally step 3 water the garden!
>
> We live in a time where information flows into our minds, phones, and on
> our computers and it is super easy for a 4-day fundraiser to slip off the
> radar of our supporters. The remedy for this problem is pleasant
> persistence. You got to water your garden my loyal subjects! Go back and
> remind those supporters who gave you a firm yes because sometimes they
> simply forget. Oftentimes I send a personalized reminder text. I try to
> keep these humorous too, after all we aren’t trying to twist arms, right? A
> bit of wit goes a long way!
>
> Lastly my friends, the Original popcorn king, captain kernel and whatever
> other monikers I receive will mean nothing without good people to share
> them, with. so, I hope what I have written in this article will help all
> who join us to become kings and queens on the CSD popcorn team!! Ladies and
> gents, the OPK bids you farewell, work your gardens friends and, we’ll see
> you all in March!!!
>
>
>
> *REPRESENT YOUR STATE*
>
> *Reaching Hearts, Changing Lives; Reflections From The Buckeye State*
>
> Written by Delcenia Brown, NFB Ohio
>
> Recently, the NFB of Ohio Community Service Division partnered with City
> Mission for their 2022 annual affiliate service project. Delcenia Brown and
> Joann Williams, along with several other dedicated members focused on
> collecting the City Mission’s most needed and requested items.
>
> “The city mission empowers men, women, and children in crisis to overcome
> their unique, complex path to homelessness. Since 1910 the city mission of
> Cleveland has provided the basic needs of food, shelter, and clothing to
> those in crisis.
>
> Although I have never stayed at the City Mission, I do Remember a time of
> homelessness and a time in my own life where it was a struggle to make ends
> meet, have money for transportation and to keep warm. So, It was an easy
> decision to ask the Community Service Division to partner with the City
> Mission of Cleveland.
>
> After the members of Ohio’s Community Service reviewed the list of items
> that were needed, we voted to contribute to the most needed items. Which
> were twins’ sheets, twins’ blankets and all-day bus passes to assist
> individuals to get to interviews and/or work. Well Ohio members, family &
> friends really stepped up to the call. We were able to collect $400 for
> all-day bus passes and several large boxes filled with twin sheets sets and
> blankets. I was excited and happy to see the turn out. Knowing that
> winter is approaching The Community Service Division of Ohio, and that we
> were able to assist in reaching hearts & changing lives of those in
> crisis in Cleveland, brought joy to my heart. It warmed my heart to know we
> assisted in the basic needs and gave hope to an individual.”
>
> *“There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting
> people up.” *
>
> *THE BEST GIFT*
>
> Need to brush up on your holly jolly LOL-inducing humor around the
> holidays? We’ve got the best gift in town, the gift of joy!
>
> *Question*: What do grapes sing at Christmas?
>
> *Answer*: 'Tis the season to be jelly! 🎵🎶🎼
>
> *“Don’t think about it, laugh about it!”*
>
> *BRAILLE IS SUCH A BLESSING*
>
> *International World Braille Day, January 4th*
>
> Written by Colleen Roth, NFB Ohio
>
> Today, audiobooks and the products that play them, like Amazon’s Alexa and
> Apple’s iPhone, are more popular than ever. This has raised an important
> question: In the age of audio-recorded literature and accessible
> technology, is braille still necessary? Colleen Roth would jump up and down
> and shout, YES, yes, yes!!!!
>
> “Braille is such a blessing; it is absolutely necessary!”
>
> Just as sighted readers have their preferences between paperback, digital
> and, yes, audiobooks, so too do sight impaired readers, and many of them
> simply prefer braille.
>
> “In late August I was given a Romeo 25 Embosser by the Catholic Diocese in
> Toledo, Ohio. It produces Braille on 1 side of the page. This was the
> beginning of my embossing journey as a service to Catholic Dioceses in
> Ohio, and chapters and divisions within the Ohio affiliate.
>
> Since I have started this service project, I have been blessed to emboss
> materials such as liturgies, prayer group materials, chapter and division
> constitutions, membership list, state convention auction, materials for
> ordination of priests and deacons, and the list goes on.
>
> I truly love Braille and will continue to provide this embossing service
> for those in need. Further information along with my contact information is
> provided below within the resource section of the newsletter.”
>
> Thank you for your service, Colleen! And anyone that has had an
> opportunity to spend time with you, undoubtably knows your love and passion
> for Braille literacy.
>
> We hope everyone will join CSD on January 4, 2023 to honor Louis Braille’s
> 214th birthday, and celebrate the awareness of the importance of braille
> as a means of communication in the full realization of the human rights for
> blind and visually impaired people. After all, it was Helen Keller who
> said, “the blind is as indebted to Louis Braille, the eponymous inventor of
> the tactile reading system, as mankind is to Gutenberg and his printing
> press.”
>
> *"Braille is knowledge, and knowledge is power”*
>
> *ANSWER THE CALL*
>
> *National MLK Day of Service, January 20th*
>
> *Taking place each year on the third Monday in January, the Martin Luther
> King, Jr., Day of Service (MLK Day) is the only federal holiday that is
> also designated by Congress as a national day of service – a “day on, not a
> day off.” Participation in service activities has grown each year as more
> Americans are encouraged to provide meaningful change in their
> communities. Whether service meets a tangible need, such as fixing up a
> school or senior center, builds a sense of community or mutual
> responsibility. In a pandemic environment, service can take on the form of
> sending a meal through a meal delivery service, serving as a virtual
> mentor, or donating money to a charitable cause to help those who lack
> basic essential items.*
>
> *No matter the choice, service empowers individuals, strengthens
> communities, bridges barriers, creates solutions and moves us closer to Dr.
> King’s vision of a beloved community. It breaks down barriers by bringing
> people from different backgrounds together and it benefits those who choose
> to serve. Coretta Scott King said, “The greatest birthday gift my husband
> could receive is if people of all racial and ethnic backgrounds celebrated
> the holiday by performing individual acts of kindness through service to
> others.”*
>
> *As stewards of America's lands and natural resources, the work we do at
> DOI epitomizes Dr. King’s belief in the power of service, as expressed in
> his legendary quote, “We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality,
> tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects
> all indirectly.” In keeping with Dr. King’s example, let us embrace the
> belief that our destiny is shared and accept our obligations to each other,
> future generations and the American people by strengthening the bonds that
> hold together the most diverse Nation on earth. Each one of us can help
> answer his call by pledging to love and serve.*
>
> *Which brings us to one incredible and humble man within our federation
> that was recently recognized for answering the King’s pledge, as the 28th
> annual winner of their Martin Luther King Freedom Award!*
>
> *The Indiana Civil Rights Commission, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Indiana
> Holiday Commission, Indiana Black Expo, Inc., AFSCME Local 725, and the
> State of Indiana awarded NFB Newsline Indiana Director, Lee Martin, Senior
> the Freedom Award.*
>
> *The Freedom Award is granted to individuals or projects whose major
> societal*
>
> *influence includes breaking down barriers that have divided us in the
> past*
>
> *and/or building ongoing relationships that foster respect, understanding,*
>
> *and harmony in our community. And there is no one more deserving of this
> award than our very own, Lee Martin!*
>
> *“Everybody can be great. Because anybody can serve. You don’t have to
> have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and
> your verb agree to serve. You don’t have to know the second theory of
> thermodynamics in physics to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A
> soul generated by love.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.*
>
> *RESOURCES*
>
> *Braille Technology Throughout the Ages: A Special Event for World Braille
> Day*
>
> by The Braillists Foundation
>
> In addition to our collaboration with Sight and Sound Technology, we are
> pleased to present an evening panel discussion for World Braille Day
> focusing on braille technology: its past, present and future. We will be
> joined by historians, people working in the braille technology industry
> today and developers of the next generation of braille hardware and
> software.
>
> The event will take place on Wednesday 4 January at 7:00 PM, and you will
> need to register in advance. This is a separate registration link to both
> our regular Masterclasses and the event with Sight and Sound. Please email:
>
> help at braillists.org, if you have difficulties completing the form.
>
> Register for the World Braille Day evening event here:
>
>
> https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZModO-oqDwiGNDeirVP5hgN9eeND2PY5_Eh
>
>
>
> To join by phone, please use these details:
>
> Phone number: 0131 460 1196
>
> Meeting ID: 875 3606 7824
>
> Passcode: 123456
>
>
>
> *Embossing Projects*
>
> Colleen Roth, NFB Ohio is willing to provide embossed materials for those
> in need. Projects that are 300 pages or less are free. Projects that are
> more than 300 pages will include a paper cost. All projects will be shipped
> Free Matter For The Blind, unless the person wants to pay for faster
> shipping. All materials will be embossed in English Braille American
> Edition. To discuss Braille projects, please contact Colleen at (419)
> 661-9171.
>
> *EDITOR’S NOTES*
>
> We want to feature you in our next issue! Write about your personal
> experience with your community service project and submit the article by
> the first of the month.
>
> We also want to help promote your community projects and state affiliate
> events. Share your calendar with Beyond The Six Dots and we will feature
> your events in the ‘Represent Your State’ section of our next issue.
> Contact our editor to submit your calendar events and featured articles.
> (The editor may edit the Length and/or wording of your article.)
>
>
>
> *NFB Community Service Division*
>
> www.facebook.com/communityservicedivision/
>
> President Jeanetta Price
>
> Email: price.jeanetta at gmail.com
>
> Mobile: (409) 344-1005
>
> Newsletter Editor: Maggie Stringer
>
> Email: Ravensfan784 at gmail.com
>
> Mobile: (443) 750-0070
>
> *ONE MINUTE MESSAGE*
>
> The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the
> characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the
> expectations of blind people because low expectations create obstacles
> between blind people and our dreams. We are survivors!
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Community-Service mailing list
> Community-Service at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/community-service_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> Community-Service:
>
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/community-service_nfbnet.org/price.jeanetta%40gmail.com
>
> _______________________________________________
> Community-Service mailing list
> Community-Service at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/community-service_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> Community-Service:
>
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/community-service_nfbnet.org/rashetabunting%40gmail.com
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Community-Service mailing list
> Community-Service at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/community-service_nfbnet.org
>
--
LyVette E. Byrd
For The Byrd's Consulting
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://nfbnet.org/pipermail/community-service_nfbnet.org/attachments/20221231/a2b3125b/attachment.html>
More information about the Community-Service
mailing list