[KeyStoneChapter] National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania's May 2023 Monthly Digest

[Jan Lattuca]

stacie, I didn't know about your pneumonia until now, and am sorry for
the setback.  Glad, though, that you are taking it easy.  You have
been a very busy bee, I know, so glad that you are rethinking things a
bit.

Jan Lattuca

On 5/5/23, Stacie Leap via KeyStoneChapter <keystonechapter at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> Hello everybody!
>
> Welcome to our May 2023 monthly Digest: a monthly newsletter of the
> National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania!
>
> During the first few days of the month, we will start sending out our
> calendar of events. These events will be within the National Federation of
> the Blind of Pennsylvania as well as any pertinent information from the
> National Federation of the Blind and the Pennsylvania blind community.
>
> If you or anyone you know have any upcoming events or information that can
> pertain to the blind community in Pennsylvania, please send them to Stacie
> Leap at stacie.leap at gmail.com by the 29th of the month so it can be added
> to our calendar for the following month.
>
>
>
> For those using screen readers, you can use your heading navigations to
> skip around the email.
>
>
> 1. Google Calendar Links
>
> The National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania also has a Google
> Calendar that can be viewed either through the web or subscribed to your
> calendar apps.
>
> You can view the calendar without subscribing to it and view it on your web
> browser by clicking: View our Google Calendar
> <https://calendar.google.com/calendar/embed?src=7jgal0nrodbmg61a8aar0o3i2g%40group.calendar.google.com&ctz=America%2FNew_York>
>
> However, if you wish to subscribe to the calendar and get the events on
> your calendar apps, please click Subscribe
> <https://calendar.google.com/calendar/ical/7jgal0nrodbmg61a8aar0o3i2g%40group.calendar.google.com/public/basic.ics>
> and go through the steps to subscribe:
>
>
> 2. Member Spotlight” Emily Gindlesperger
>
> Each month, we will highlight someone within our affiliate. The goal is to
> allow other members to learn about other members within the affiliate. We
> hope you enjoy this little spotlight!
>
>
>
> Emily Gindlesperger serves as our affiliate as the 2nd Vice President. She
> was also nominated to be our Legislative Director and 2023 Convention
> Chair. As Legislative Director, she is the lead on our Washington Seminar
> events where a group of people talk and advocate to our federal legislators
> on issues affecting our Pennsylvania blind community.  She is also the
> President of the Pennsylvania Organization of Parents of Blind Children
> (PAOPBC). She sits with other parents at IEP meetings in order to ensure
> the best accommodations for blind children. A mother of two, enjoys baking
> cookies and making soup. She likes to network with other people at the
> annual state convention so if you get a chance to meet her, do not forget
> to say “Hello!”
>
>
> 3. Calendar of Events
>
> The following events are also on our Google calendar with the Zoom
> information. If anyone within a chapter, division, or group see any errors
> or misinformation, please contact Stacie Leap at stacie.leap at gmail.com
>
>
>
>  The below information is correct as of the first week of the month. The
> information is most up-to-date on the Google Calendar so please check back
> periodically to ensure the right information.
>
>
> Jigsaw Chapter monthly Meeting
>
>   a monthly meeting for those who do not have a local chapter in their
> geographical area. This is our at-large chapter.  Meetings
>
> Saturday, May 6, 2023 at 10 AM ET
>
>
> Deaf Blind Division Monthly Meeting
>
>  a monthly meeting for those who consider themselves to be Deaf Blind and
> their supporters.
>
>  Monday, May 8, 2023 at 6PM ET
>
>
> Pennsylvania Organization of Parents of Blind Children (PAOPBC) Monthly
> Meeting
>
>  a monthly meeting for parents of blind children and their supporters
>
>  Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at 11 AM ET
>
>
> Pennsylvania Association of Blind Merchants (PABM) Monthly Meeting
>
>  a monthly meeting for those who are or wish to be involved with the
> Business Enterprise Program, entrepreneurship and their supporters.
>
>   Wednesday, May 10, 2023 at 6PM ET
>
>
>   Greater Berks Chapter Monthly Meeting
>
> A monthly meeting for those who live in the Greater Berks County of
> Pennsylvania
>
> Friday, May 12, 2023 at 10 AM ET
>
>
> Greater Lehigh Valley Chapter Monthly Meeting
>
> A monthly meeting for those who live in the Greater Lehigh Valley region of
> Pennsylvania.  This includes Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, and the
> surrounding areas.
>
> Saturday, May 13, 2023 at 10 AM ET.
>
>
> Keystone Chapter Monthly Meeting
>
>   a monthly meeting for those who live in the Greater Philadelphia area.
> This is one of two local chapters in the Greater Philadelphia area. The
> other chapter is the Greater Philadelphia Chapter.
>
> Saturday, May 13, 2023 at 10:15AM ET
>
>
> Pittsburgh Chapter Monthly Meeting
>
> A monthly meeting for those who live in the Greater Pittsburgh area.
>
> Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at 6PM ET
>
>
>   Capital Area Chapter Monthly Meeting
>
>   a monthly meeting for those who live in the Greater Harrisburg area.
>
>   Saturday, May 20, 2023 at 10 AM ET
>
>
> Greater Philadelphia Chapter Monthly Meeting
>
> a monthly meeting for those who live in the Greater Philadelphia area. This
> is one of two local chapters in the Greater Philadelphia area.  The other
> chapter is the Keystone Chapter.
>
> Saturday, May 20, 2023 at 10 AM ET
>
>
>   Erie County Chapter Monthly Meeting
>
>   a monthly meeting for those who live in Erie County Pennsylvania.
>
> Saturday, May 20, 2023 at 2PM ET
>
>
>   Blind Parents Group Monthly Meeting
>
>   a monthly meeting for blind parents, grandparents, and their supporters
>
>   Saturday, May 20, 2023 at 7PM ET
>
>
>   Pennsylvania Association of Blind Students (PABS) Monthly Meeting
>
>   a monthly meeting for blind students of all ages and their supporters.
>
>   Monday, May 22, 2023 at 7PM ET
>
>
>   Blind Seniors Group Monthly Meeting
>
>   a monthly meeting for those who are seniors or almost seniors as well as
> their supporters.
>
>   Wednesday, May 24, 2023 at 7:30PM ET
>
>
>   Brandywine Valley Chapter Monthly Meeting
>
>   a monthly meeting for those who live in the Brandywine Valley.
>
>   Saturday, May 27, 2023 at 10 AM ET
>
>
>   Pennsylvania Association of Guide Dog Users (PAGDU) Monthly Meeting
>
>   a monthly meeting for those who have or are considering getting a guide
> dog as well as their supporters.
>
>   Saturday, May 27, 2023 at 4pm ET
>
>
> 4.  White Canes Connect Podcast
>
>  Did you know that the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania has
> a podcast? It is hosted by members David Goldstein and Lisa Bryant. It
> features interviews with our PA members as well as interviews and resources
> for the blind community. You can listen to it wherever you listen to
> podcasts.
>
> Listen on  Apple Podcasts
> <https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/white-canes-connect/id1592248709>,
> Spotify <https://open.spotify.com/show/1YDQSJqpoteGb1UMPwRSuI>, Amazon
> Music
> <https://www.amazon.com/White-Canes-Connect/dp/B08K5B6683/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=white+canes+connect&qid=1636149501&qsid=139-0343126-3565115&s=audible&sr=1-1&sres=B08K5B6683,B07P88N4RS,B008U2QT28,B00MFS7BT8&srpt=WALKING_STICK>
> , IHeartRadio
> <https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-white-canes-connect-89603482/>,
> and on Twitter
> @PABlindPodcast <https://www.twitter.com/pablindpodcast>. Contact White
> Canes Connect at whitecanesconnect at gmail.com if you have any show ideas or
> wish to be on the podcast.
>
>
> 5. National Convention 2023
>
> *Registration is now open for the 2023 National Convention. Tickets are $25
> and banquet tickets are $70. The convention will take place in Houston,
> Texas from July 1-6, 2023. Hotel information and registration links are at
> *
> *www.nfb.org/convention* <http://www.nfb.org/convention>
>
>
> 6. Special Shout-Outs! Birthday Wishes
>
> The National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania would like to wish all
> those who were born in May a very happy birthday!
>
>
> Thank you, Mom!
>
> The NFB of PA would also like to extend our gratitude to all mothers and
> mother figures! Thank you for all your hard work, perseverance. Love, and
> support! Happy Mother’s Day!
>
>
> Congratulations to Cheryl Frazier!
>
> We would like to congratulate Cheryl Frazier for being nominated as the
> President of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chapter at their April 2023 meeting.
> She previously served the role of Vice President! Congratulations!!!
>
>
> A Message from Stacie Leap
>
> “Hello Federation family! Thank you to everybody for all your well wishes,
> positive thoughts, and prayers as I went through a big medical emergency. I
> ended up with a bad case of pneumonia that ended up affecting a lot of my
> already existing health conditions. I am slowly regaining my health and
> slowly taking on responsibilities. This past month has helped me reflect on
> my health and I will be taking more time focusing on my health instead of
> pushing it off to the side. I thank those who called, texted, and showed up
> to help. I really, really, really appreciate all of you!”
>
>
> 7. Fundraisers PAOPBC Chocolate Fundraiser
>
> The Pennsylvania Organization of Parents of Blind Children ended their
> Sarris Chocolate fundraiser and would like to thank everybody who helped
> make the fundraiser a success!
>
>
> Community Service Division to bring their boxes of love service project to
> national convention!
>
> The National Federation of the Blind Community Service Division will
> participate in a service project on Sunday, July 2, 2023. We are partnering
> with The Ronald McDonald House in Houston, Texas.
>
> Our division’s goal is to fill 100 Bags of Love. The items we need to
> collect are below:
>
> ·        Individual variety snacks (Chips, Crackers, Cereal/Granola Bars of
> any kind)
>
> ·        Ramen noodles
>
> ·        Shampoo/Conditioners
>
> ·        Toothbrushes/Hair Brushes
>
> ·        Toothpaste
>
> ·        Disinfectant Wipes
>
> ·        Ziploc Bags of all sizes
>
> ·        wet wipes
>
> ·        mouthwash
>
> ·        lotion
>
> ·        bath towels or sponges
>
> ·        hand sanitizer
>
> ·        razors
>
> ·        deodorant (all types)
>
> ·        body wash (bars or bottle)
>
>
>
> These brand-new products can be trail or any size.  Also, if you plan to
> mail your products to our division president, they will need to be mailed
> by Wednesday, May 31, 2023. If you have questions, please contact Jeanetta
> Price at 409-344-1005.
>
>
>
> Mailing Address
>
> Jeanetta Price
>
> 8035 San Bruno Street
>
> Beaumont, Texas 77708
>
>
> Blind Parents Group T-Shirts Fundraiser
>
> The Blind Parents Group still has some t-shirts left over from our
> fundraising efforts at the state convention. The t-shirts come in either
> black with white letterings or white with black letterings. Both shirts say
> “I Support #BlindParents” with the NFB of PA Logo and “Blind Parents Group”
> at the bottom. Funds raised will start a scholarship fund to assist blind
> or visually impaired parents and their family through financial life
> hardships. To purchase a t-shirt, please contact Stacie Leap at
> stacie.leap at gmail.com
>
>
> 8. Other External Events
>
> These events are not hosted or sponsored by the NFB or the NFB of PA.
> However, we think these might be good resources for those living in
> Pennsylvania. If you have any events that you wish to be in our monthly
> digest, please email Stacie Leap at stacie.leap at gmail.com
>
>
> SEPTA Advisory Council Meeting Postponed
>
> The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority typically holds monthly
> advisory council meetings to the public; however, meetings are postponed
> until further notice. There was a May meeting scheduled but it was
> canceled. Please see the letter sent to the Advisory Council and public.
> This was sent out in February 2023.
>
> Good afternoon, SAC members and general public,
>
> I regret to inform you that the February 9, 2023, SAC meeting is
> canceled. SEPTA must complete an internal investigation regarding the
> conduction of SAC meetings.
>
>
>
> SAC meetings will resume upon SAC chairs and SEPTA coming to a resolution
> on their internal issues. We apologize for any inconvenience this may
> cause.
>
>
>
> Sincerely,
>
>
>
> The SAC chairs
>
>
> John Jon Awareness Walk
>
> Our member Lyvette Byrd is putting on her 2nd Annual John Jon Awareness
> Walk on Saturday, July 15, 2023 at the John Heinz Wildlife Refuge Park in
> Philadelphia, PA. It is to raise awareness about people with different
> abilities and to honor their advocates. More information and registration
> coming soon!
>
>
> Liberty Resources’ Blind/Low Vision Support Group
>
> Our members Karen Rose and Simone Cooper partner up with Liberty Resources
> to hold a weekly virtual support group at Liberty Resources. The aim is to
> share resources and provide support to those experiencing blindness or low
> vision. Meetings are weekly on Tuesdays from 1pm to 2pm ET via Zoom. You do
> not need to live in Philadelphia to attend these meetings, this is open to
> all in Pennsylvania! For more information or to sign-up, please email
> Latoya Maddox at LatoyaMaddox at libertyresources.org
>
>
> Vision Thru Art
>
> Vision Thru Art is a weekly sculpture class for blind and visually-impaired
> artists that has been running at Allens Lane Art Center for more than 30
> years. Our dedicated faculty, staff and volunteers help the students
> express their inner vision through a variety of media including clay, wood,
> mosaic, stone and other mixed materials. The students are encouraged to
> work at their own pace while enjoying the easy-going social atmosphere of
> the class. In 2014, Allens Lane Art Center made the class completely free
> for all the students including free art supplies each year.
>
> *Location:* The Fluhr Studio - (downstairs back studio accessible by rear
> entrance). Many of the students use Para-transit to get to the class.
> Service dogs are of course welcome.
>
> *Day/Time:*  Wednesday, 10:30 am – 12:30pm and Friday 10:30 am – 12:30pm.
>
> *Fees:* There are no fees for this class.
>
> *Registration:* Contact by phone (215-248-0546) or by
> https://allenslane.org/vision-thru-art/
>
>
> Women Healed For A Purpose 2023 Conference!
>
> Our member Lyvette Byrd is hosting her 2nd Annual Women Healed For a
> Purpose Conference under her business, For The Byrds Consulting, LLC. The
> mission of the conference is to equip and restore the community through a
> faith-based initiative that we hope will strengthen women holistically;
> mind, body, and spirit.
>
> We are women Living Interdependently in support of Family, Friends, and our
> Fellow neighbors to Educate and Empower our community. The event will be on
> Saturday, October 28, 2023. More details about the event will come at a
> later date!
>
>
> 9. NFB Pledge
>
> I pledge to participate actively in the efforts of the National Federation
> of the Blind; to achieve equality, opportunity, and security for the blind;
> to support the policies and programs of the Federation; and to abide by its
> constitution.
>
>
> 10. NFB 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.
>
>
>
> Many thanks to everybody for all they do within the Federation!
>
>
>
> Thanks!
>
> the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania team
>
> www.nfbp.org
>