[il-talk] {Disarmed} Blackhawk Chapter Newsletter For January

[Robert Gardner]

HAWK TALK

 

The monthly newsletter of the Blackhawk Chapter,

National Federation of the Blind of Illinois

 

 

January 5, 2012

Editor:  Nancy Gardner

Contact Info:  Robert Gardner, President

 (309) 755-8085

 rngard1061 at mchsi.com

 

Happy New Year to all!  We hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and a great start to the New Year. Start out the New Year right by coming to our January 14th chapter meeting.  We'll warm you up with interesting information, conversation, friendship, and tasty refreshments. Come join us!

 

THIS MONTH'S MEETING

Our meeting will be held on Saturday, January 14, at 1:30 PM, at the South Moline Township Center at 637 17th Avenue in East Moline.

Our program this month will feature a review of our upcoming Blackhawk Chapter happenings for 2012.  

Also, has someone sighted come up to you and asked, "So, how did you become blind?"  We will read an article about this issue, then discuss our personal perspectives on questions like that, and our responses to them.  

 

LAST MONTH IN REVIEW

 

Last month we had our annual Blackhawk Chapter Christmas party  on Saturday, December 10th at Christ United Methodist Church in East Moline.  A big "Thank you!" to everyone who helped to make the evening a success. We had lots of good food, fellowship, door prizes, entertainment, and silent auction items. It was a wonderful night with about 42 people attending. We missed those of you who were unable to come.

A special door prize, a large fruit basket, was donated by Kathy Crooks.  It was won by Kevin Hildebrandt's mom, Marsha.  We also had a 50-50 raffle which was won by Andy Gardner. 

One of the highlights of our Christmas party was the special musical program featuring the Christ United Methodist Church's Bell Choir. We really enjoyed the beautiful music that they played. Some brave souls from our chapter volunteered to play with them on one song.  We not only listened to music, but we learned about the bells and the playing of the bells.  We all had a great time!

 

MEMBERSHIP

Now is the time to pay your dues for 2012 if you haven't already done so.  It's easy and fairly painless to join the Blackhawk Chapter or to renew your membership.  All you have to do is bring $2 to a chapter meeting, or mail that amount to:  Lois Montgomery, 3527-12th Avenue, Moline, IL  61265.  Where else can you find such a BARGAIN!  Plan to join right away!!!!!

 

BIRTHDAY CORNER

 

The following members will be celebrating birthdays: 

         January    3  Deb Endrizzi 

                   12   Alfonso Ayew-ew

         February   6   Patrick Olson

9    Don Carey

13      Donna Miles

17      Kathy Girkin

17  Josh Mitton

28      John Abbott

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

 

February 5 - 9:  Washington Seminar.  Members of the NFB will journey to Washington D.C. to discuss issues important to the NFB with their representatives in congress.  Nine people from the NFB of Illinois will attend, including two from the Blackhawk Chapter - Patrick Olson and Bob Gardner.

February 11 :  February Chapter Meeting  

 

RECIPE CORNER

Please submit your favorite recipes.  You can give written recipes to me at the chapter meetings, send them email (address in letterhead), or mail them to me at: P.O. Box 191, Hampton, IL 61256. Thanks! Nancy

 

 

THIS IS A RECIPE FOR MAKING 4 GIFT-SIZE PORTIONS, BUT COULD BE MADE JUST TO KEEP AT HOME IN A QUART CONTAINER OR OTHER AIR TIGHT CONTAINER.  SOUNDED LIKE JUST THE TICKET FOR THE CHILLY WEATHER WE'VE BEEN HAVING!  NANCY  (TAKEN FROM  FamilyFun.com)

 

 

BEST HOT COCOA MIX

 

          

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·Rated by 464 members

The secret ingredient in this mix is the mini chocolate chips, which melt when combined with the boiling water and give the cocoa an extra-rich flavor. The recipe makes enough for four gift-size portions, each of which can be measured into a small plastic bag and tucked into a cup or mug filled with mini marshmallows, candy stick stirrers, and a spoon. Wrap each filled gift cup in cellophane and don't forget to include a tag with the following instructions: "Spoon 3 or 4 generous tablespoons of cocoa mix into your cup (depending on the size), add boiling water, and stir well."

 

 

 

 

Ingredients :

 

  a.. 2 cups nonfat dry milk powder 
  b.. 3/4 cup sugar 
  c.. 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
  a.. 1/2 cup mini semisweet chocolate chips 
  b.. 1/2 cup powdered nondairy creamer 
  c.. 1/8 teaspoon salt
 

 

Instructions :

 

1.         Measure all of the ingredients into a mixing bowl and whisk them until they are evenly blended.

2.         Store the mix in a tightly covered container at room temperature until you're ready to package it. Makes about 4 cups of mix.