[Nfb-seniors] Our Senior Newsletteer

[Estelle Shukert]

Colorado Center For The Blind LogoNFB LogoSeptember, 2015SENIORS IN CHARGE NEWSLETTERConnecting Blind Seniors Across Colorado 
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!61st ANNUAL STATE CONVENTIONOCTOBER 29 – NOVEMBER 1
The 61st Annual State Convention will kick off Thursday evening, October 29, in beautiful Colorado Springs, Colorado.  The fun will continue all weekend long with exhibitors, informative presentations, seminars, and much more!  Join the largest gathering of blind men and women in Colorado to make a difference in the lives of the blind across the state!  Our very special guest and national representative will be Mark Riccobono, President of our national organization.NOTE:  Exhibitors will be demonstrating their products on Friday and Saturday.   THE NFBCO CONVENTION HOTEL:  Antlers Hilton Colorado Springs  at 4 South Cascade, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903. The original Antlers opened its doors in 1873 and is located in the historically significant and trendy area of downtown Colorado Springs. The Antlers Hilton hotel is just one block from the major downtown area of Tejon Street. HOTEL ROOM RATES:    The NFBCO room rate is $89 a night.  There is no limit on room occupancy.  Reservations MUST be made by Tuesday, September 22. To reserve your room by phone call:  (866) 299-4602 or call the hotel directly at (719) 955-5600 extension 409 and mention that you are with the National Federation of the Blind of Colorado. To reserve your room online use the following link:http://www.hilton.com/en/hi/groups/personalized/C/COSCSHF-NFB15-20151029/index.jhtml?WT.mc_id=POG Pre-registration fees:  BEFORE October 19$20 registration$20 Friday luncheon$20 Saturday luncheon$35 Saturday banquetTotal:  $95.00Registration fees AFTER October 19$25 registration$25 Friday luncheon$25 Saturday luncheon$40 Saturday banquetTotal:  115.00 (Save $20.00 and pre-register!) Check our Web site at www.nfbco.org<http://www.nfbco.org>  or contact Lisa Bonderson at lkb at labarrelaw.com<mailto:lkb at labarrelaw.com> for more information about convention registration, or contactScott C. LaBarre, President, Phone: (303) 504-5979slabarre at labarrelaw.com<mailto:slabarre at labarrelaw.com> The 2015 drawing will be held on October 31, 2015 at 8:00 p.m. at the Antlers Hilton Colorado Springs located at 4 S. Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80903. See the article titled “RAFFLE TICKETS” below to get information on how to enter the drawing. This raffle is registered with the Colorado Secretary of State and fully complies with all state regulations. NFBCO Raffle License NO. 2015- 09551.             ⌘ ⌘ ⌘ ⌘ ⌘ ⌘ ⌘ ⌘ ⌘ ⌘
NATIONAL CONVENTION WAS AMAZING!By Judith Hollyhead 
On July 4-11, 2015 I was offered the opportunity of a lifetime. I was off to Orlando, FL for the National Federation for the Blind (NFB) 75th convention. I had never been to a convention. I had no idea of what was going to happen, I had a lot of apprehension.
It was amazing how everything fell into place. My roommate was Phyllis Chavez. The room we shared was on the 16th floor. It had a magnificent view of Orlando! We could also see the convention center and it is a beautiful building. After we settled in, that’s when the fun began. 
One question we had was, where were all these different rooms we were to go to? Fortunately we had many helpful people called U.P.S. who were available and willing to guide us wherever we needed to go. Even in the event of encountering rude people theses helpers maintained their cheery attitudes and still stayed helpful. I was really impressed. 
I attended several enjoyable seminars. I learned something very valuable in the Senior Seminar. Not all states do for their seniors like our state does for us. They’re on “hold.” It made me appreciate our fearsome leaders and all they obtain and acquire for us. They really care for our well-being!
There were also some seminars that made me wonder why I had to attend; such as the Resolutions Seminar. However, it was still very informative. In this session, the committee voted on the new laws and informed us of the new 27 resolutions that were to be discussed. In the General Session we were given the opportunity to vote on these new resolutions. If you disagreed, then you were given the opportunity to “speak your mind.” Next, each state voted for or against the resolutions. That is when I understood why I had to attend the Resolutions Seminar; it prepared me for the General Session. In the end, our results were: 26 passed and one denied.
The banquet was something else to see. Everyone was dressed in their finest attire. The speeches were like no other I have ever heard. I witnessed President Maurer passing the gavel to the new president, Mark Riccobono. This was even more personalized by the fact that Phyllis and I were given the opportunity to go up to the presidential suite. We met the new president and the first lady in person. She is extremely down to earth. We talked about being a grandmother and their new house as if we had been old friends.
I met many delightful people and got to know more of the people who are on the staff here. My goodness, they’re just like us and are fun to be with. One of my favorite memories is of this one lady from Georgia. Her granddaughter will be attending our school. I ran into her several times and on one occasion she said to me, “I am still looking!” Now I thought, “What is she looking for?” She told me, “Why, a man for you.” All I could do was laugh. I can’t remember her name, because I met so many wonderful people, so I ended up calling her “Miss Georgia.” I hope when she comes out here with her granddaughter, I will be able to see her again. 
All in all it was a wonderful experience and an enlightening one. I am so thankful that I was given this chance to attend. It was an amazing experience. I am so glad I went. Are you wondering if I’ll go next year? You betcha! The good lord willing and the creek don’t rise, I’ll be there!You ready for another adventure with the pushy old lady Phyllis?
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RAFFLE TICKETS
The 2015 Colorado Center for the Blind raffle is underway!  This year, the top prize is $2500 cash; the second place prize is $1000 cash, and third place is $500 cash.  Not too shabby!  And isn’t cash something we can all use? 
The drawing for winners will be conducted at the CO NFB State Convention at 8:00 p.m., to be held in Colorado Springs on October 31, 2015.  Winners need not be present to win.
Tickets are on sale for $10 each or 3 for $20.  How about buying some tickets for your family (great gifts for grandchildren) or friends?  Wouldn’t it be great if someone you “gifted” with a raffle ticket won the grand prize?  They might just share the winnings with you.
Or, just buy a ticket or 3 for yourself—that’s ok too!  Talk with anyone at the Center if you are interested in purchasing tickets.   Or, tickets can be purchased on-line at http://www.nfbco.org/amazing-colorado-raffle.
If you purchase online, be sure to include the name of either a division, chapter, or group (hint: CCB Senior Group) so they receive credit, because the group that sells the most also gets a cash prize.
The proceeds from ticket sales will go toward supporting the scholarship program of the NFB of Colorado, which opens the door for more blind students to be able to attend college.
If you would like to sell some tickets for the Center, it would be very much appreciated too.  The top ticket seller will also receive a prize—a free trip to the CO NFB State Convention!            ⌘ ⌘ ⌘ ⌘ ⌘ ⌘ ⌘ ⌘ ⌘ ⌘
IN MEMORIAMAmelia Ann Ashley Batron(Wife of John Batron)April 13, 1948 - August 27, 2015
These words were written on Facebook on August 28th by Dan Burke regarding Brent Batron:“On the phone tonight he talked with Julie and I about how much his Mom loved the Federation, how she drove both he and John all over Maine to organize and attend chapter meetings. She loved the Colorado Center for the Blind, and she was a faithful attendee at Denver Chapter meetings. Now she's at peace.  Please keep John and Brent and Ina and the kids in your thoughts and prayers.”
Written by Brent Batron:Last night at a few minutes after 8pm, my mother, Amelia Batron,passed away. She had been suffering for a long time and had been in hospice for the last month. There were rainbows in the sky which Ena explained to the kids as "Angels hugging Grandma", there was also a very bright and nearly full moon which symbolized a calmness and then Gavin, Sienna and Olivia were able to locate the brightest star in the sky, right above our house, which they know to be Grandma watching over them. My dad was with her at the time of her passing as he has been through all of her struggles over the past few years but especially being at her side over the past year. We are all sad but excited for her to be able to move to the next stage of her existence and we know that she is now at peace. She has been a wonderful mother, wife and the most loving Grandmother to her 5 grandchildren. Mom we love you -- Brent, Ena, Gavin, Sienna, Noah and Roman.
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MORE HELP FOR OLDER ADULTS WITH LOW VISION
The Hadley School for the Blind has begun the Low Vision Focus program to promote independent living for adults with any vision impairment. There are 10 audio lessons on CDs, each approximately 30 minutes long. The CDs are free!
The lessons will help you learn new alternative techniques to help you in your daily activities, such as:  kitchen tasks, home modifications, going out, tactile marking, looking your best and others.  To sign up for the program, please call the Hadley School toll free number:  1-855-830-5355.
       
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WE CAN ALL HELP THE COMMUNITY!
The seniors at the Colorado Center for the Blind, have begun a new project.  We want to do our share in helping our community!
We are collecting needed items for a shelter for battered women. The shelter is located in Aurora and provides a 30-day residential program for women and their children who are fleeing domestic violence.  They also provide confidential emergency housing, nonresidential counseling and resource information, a 24 hour Crisis Line, and a court advocacy program.  Their needs at the shelter include clothing, basic household items such as soap, towels, batteries, brooms, diapers, bedding, combs and brushes, etc.
At the Center, the seniors and others bring one or two items when they attend a class or meeting, and we have a volunteer who will deliver the items to the shelter for us.
Maybe you can also find a way to give back to your community.  We are all in need at different times in our lives, and it feels good to be on the giving end when we are able to do so!              ⌘ ⌘ ⌘ ⌘ ⌘ ⌘ ⌘ ⌘ ⌘ ⌘SCHOLORSHIP WINNERS!
The NFB of Colorado has awarded scholarships to two Colorado students:            Justine (JJ) Aragon is from Evans and is going to school at UNC in Greeley. She is studying English Secondary Education with a teaching licensure.            Cerridwyn Nordstrom is from Penrose and is going to school at CSU in Fort Collins. She is studying Pre-Vet Zoology and Music Performance playing the French Horn.            Two graduates of the Independence Training Program at the Colorado Center for the Blind, have been awarded scholarships from the National Federation of the Blind:            Sarah Meyers, from Indiana is studying Mental Health Counseling at Wesleyan University.            Liliya Asadullina  is from Philadelphia and is studying Integrative Health at Metro University in Denver.Congratulations to these hard working students!!               ⌘ ⌘ ⌘ ⌘ ⌘ ⌘ ⌘ ⌘ ⌘ ⌘
WAYNE’S WORD
Wayne Marshall is a mobility instructor at the Colorado Center for the Blind who inspires everyone with his positive outlook.  He has a unique talent for providing words of wisdom and encouragement.  In fact, the senior group has come to expect him to have a new thought-provoking idea on a weekly basis and he hasn’t failed us yet!  Below is a recent “Word of Wisdom” from Wayne, followed by excerpts of the discussion that followed amongst the senior group.  What thoughts and perspectives come to mind as you consider these words?  How can you apply the ideas to your life?
“The purpose of life is to live a life of purpose”
Serving others can provide a sense of purpose;  for example, collecting books to send overseas to children who don’t have access to reading material for learning or simply the enjoyment of reading.  A purpose takes the focus off of ourselves and away from the attitude of “it’s all about me.”
Our purpose changes during the phases of our lives.  As a child our purpose might be to go to school and obtain an education. Then it’s working at a job, or raising children, and later our purpose might be to care for aging parents, or find some type of service to give back to others.  Our purpose might be carried out in ways we are not even aware of, just by showing up in our everyday lives and being present for those around us.
Being able to receive help is the other half of giving.  In order to know how to give, a person needs to also learn how to receive, and this might take a long time to learn.When we give back, or give out to others, it comes back to us—we get blessed too.  We can’t escape suffering in life.  But after we go through it, we end up with a pearl.
Some seniors feel they have no purpose in life.  By just being who we are to our family and friends—such as being a grandparent to our grandchildren—can have more influence on the lives of others than we realize.


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WEDDING CELEBRATION
On Saturday, June 13, 2015, Wayne Marshall and Madelyn Marie were married in a ceremony at Sterne Park near the CO Center for the Blind.  Wayne and Madelyn met at CCB, where Wayne works as an Orientation and Mobility specialist  for seniors and ITP students.   Madelyn joined CCB as a volunteer but now works with the senior program.  It didn’t take long for Wayne to notice her and look forward to the days when Madelyn was at the Center.  Madelyn felt sure she didn’t want to get married again, but getting to know Wayne changed her heart on that matter!
In a break from the usual rainy weather we had been having, the day was sunny and the temperature just right.  The setting was lovely, with Wayne and Madelyn reciting their vows at a bridge that passed over a tranquil pond at the park. 
The vows were traditional wedding vows, which Madelyn and Wayne both recited into a microphone to allow everyone to hear their words.  It was very touching, with a few sniffles heard amongst the crowd in attendance.
After the ceremony, everyone returned to the Center where the gym was decorated for the reception, and a huge and enjoyable party followed.  Attendees enjoyed drinks, pasta and salads, and of course, wedding cake.  Duncan Larsen, Director of Senior Services contributed her famous carrot cake, which was decorated with fresh flowers. The tables were decorated with framed “words of wisdom”, as this is what Wayne is known for, and Madelyn visited each table to read aloud the words for all in the room to hear.  She might have mentioned more than once that Wayne is a wonderful man!
Near the end, inhibitions were let go and the dancing began.  Ken Parkens represented the seniors well when he hit the dance floor with his daughter, Laurie.
Thank you Wayne, for allowing us to be a part of your special day, and best wishes to you and Madelyn for a very happy life together!
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UBER AS A TRANSPORTATION OPTION
Have you heard of the transportation service called “Uber”? This is a transportation option that is growing in cities all around the world, including most major cities in the USA.   It is similar to a taxi service, but with a few key differences.  First, local drivers use their own personal cars to provide rides to customers, rather than the traditional “yellow cab” utilized by a taxi cab company.   
The drivers are screened through a background check including any criminal records and past driving records.  The vehicles must meet certain standards and be no older than 11 years old.  Most cars are ordinary sedans, but special requests are available too, such as an SUV or luxury vehicle.  Also, according to their web site, Uber covers every rider from the start to the end of the ride with a $1 million dollar liability insurance policy.
To request a ride, customers contact a local driver by using an app on their smart phone.  Before you submit your request, you will know how long it will take for the driver to pick you up. A driver shows up at your location to take you directly to your destination.
While waiting for the ride, customers are provided with the driver’s name, type of car, and license plate number to help ensure you get into the correct car.  You can call or text in case additional communication is necessary.   For example, you can give the driver instructions on where to meet you: “I am waiting on the bench in front of the theater”.
Payment is made easy by using a credit card or setting up an account through Pay Pal.  No cash is exchanged—including no tips.  Your payment method is set up when you open your account with Uber, so you don’t have to provide that information every time you request a ride. 
Uber claims that their service is 40% less than the cost of taxi service.  A typical ride of about 20 minutes is usually between $10.00 and $20.00.  Also, if you are sharing a ride with friends who also have an Uber account, you can request that the fare be split between riders. 
Since Uber does cost more than some modes of transportation, it may not be practical for everyday use. It can, however, be a great solution if you need to travel at a time or place when buses are not the best option, such as late in the evening, or when the weather conditions are not so favorable, or if your bus doesn’t show up and you don’t have time to wait for the next one—Uber to the rescue!
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SENIOR GROUP ACTIVITIES
The CCB Senior Group isn’t just about coffee, cookies and discussion.  We like to get out and be active too.  Over the summer the group has enjoyed several activities including:
Hiking:  The group took a morning hike along the Mary Carter Greenway in Littleton, which runs beside the Platte River.  It was a sunny and warm day and we had some great exercise, as well as practice using canes in a new setting.  After we returned from the “wilderness”, we celebrated our return to civilization by visiting McDonalds for some ice cream.
Grilling:  We practiced our grilling skills by cooking up some burgers and hot dogs on a grill located on the front lawn of the Center.  Some individuals wore sleep shades while learning techniques for grilling.  Group members contributed a variety of side dishes and desserts and we had a big feast—eating is one activity we all enjoy!
Coors Brewery:  The Senior Group had a full day of travel from the Center to Golden for a visit to Coors Brewery.  We went by light rail, and for many of us, it was the first time to experience traveling the W-line all the way to Golden.  From the light rail station we utilized Call-N-Ride to shuttle to Coors Brewery, where we had a walking tour of the facility.  The beer-making smells were atrocious to some and delightful to others!  At the end of the tour, free samples of beer were offered—up to three 8-ounce glasses could be selected from the full Coors line-up.  Then, in a jovial mood, we headed off to lunch in downtown Golden, which is in walking distance from the brewery.  Most of the group enjoyed burgers and fries at “Bob’s Atomic Burgers”, while a few salad eaters chose to visit “Snarf’s” instead.  Then, we headed back to Littleton via light rail once again.  A great day for everyone!         ⌘ ⌘ ⌘ ⌘ ⌘ ⌘ ⌘ ⌘ ⌘ ⌘  GOOD HUMOR CLUB
 Blind singer Stevie Wonder and professional golfer Jack Nicklaus are in a bar. Nicklaus turns to Wonder and says, "How is the singing career going?" Stevie Wonder says, "Not too bad, the latest album has gone into the top 10, so all in all I think it is pretty good. By the way how is the golf?" Nicklaus replies: "Not too bad, I am not winning as much as I used to but I'm still making a bit of money. I have some problems with my swing but I think I've got that right now." "I always find that when my swing goes wrong I need to stop playing for a while and think about it, then the next time I play it seems to be all right," says Stevie. "You play golf!?" asks Jack. Stevie says, "Yes, I have been playing for years." "But I thought you were blind; how can you play golf if you are blind?" Jack asks. "I get my caddie to stand in the middle of the fairway and he calls to me. I listen for the sound of his voice and play the ball towards him, then when I get to where the ball lands the caddie moves to the green or further down the fairway and again I play the ball towards his voice," explains Stevie. "But how do you putt?" Nicklaus wondered. "Well," says Stevie, "I get my caddie to lean down in front of the hole and call to me with his head on the ground and I just play the ball to the sound of his voice." Nicklaus says, "What is your handicap?" "Well, I play off scratch," Stevie assures Jack. Nicklaus is incredulous and says to Stevie, "We must play a game sometime." "Wonder replies, "Well, people don't take me seriously so I only play for money, and I never play for less than $100,000 a hole."Nicklaus thinks it over and says, "OK, I'm up for that. When would you like to play?""I don't care - any night next week is OK with me!” says Stevie.
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WEEKNIGHT SKILLET LASAGNA RECIPE
1 pound lean ground beef1 jar of spaghetti sauce1  2/3 cups water¼ cup Kraft Zesty Italian Dressing2 green peppers3 cloves minced garlic12 lasagna noodles broken into 4 pieces or your favorite pasta1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Brown meat in a large saucepan and drain.  Add next 5 ingredients and mix well.  Bring to a boil and stir in noodles.  Cover and cook on medium-low heat 10 to 15 minutes or until noodles are tender, stirring occasionally.  Remove from heat and sprinkle with cheese.  Cover and let stand 5 minutes or till cheese is melted.
⌘ ⌘ ⌘ ⌘ ⌘ ⌘ ⌘ ⌘ ⌘ ⌘ Would You Like to Win a Braille Chocolate Bar?
            For each issue of our newsletter, we have a drawing for a braille chocolate bar! If you have contacted the Colorado Center for the Blind or any of our members, about the Senior Newsletter, with questions, comments, suggestions, articles or even complaints, you can be entered in the drawing. Be sure to tell the person you speak to or contact, that you would like to be included in the Braille chocolate bar drawing!This issue’s winner is:RAY DEMOSSCongratulations!!
**For questions about senior services, please contact:Duncan Larsen, Director of Senior Servicesdlarsen at cocenter.org(303) 778-1130 X2262233 W Shepperd AveLittleton CO 80120