[NFBP-Jigsaw] NFB of PA's June 2023 Monthly Digest
Stacie Leap
stacie.leap at gmail.com
Sat Jun 3 02:46:59 UTC 2023
Hello everybody!
Welcome to our June 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.
Special Note: There will be no July 2023 monthly digest as a lot of us will
be in Houston, Texas for the 2023 National Convention!
1. A Message from our State Affiliate President
Hello everyone!
We are now in the month of June and things are really happening! We are
continuing our conversation with BBVS, so if there are any concerns, please
let me know! On June 8th, the next OVR Board meeting will be held via
Zoom. Contact information will be available shortly.
Registration for the National Convention is closed and we are waiting
impatiently for the 2023 Agenda!
I hope to see many of you in Houston!
Lynn Heitz
President, National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania
president at nfbp.org
*2. 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:
*3. Member Spotlight” Harriet Go *
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!
Harriet Go serves our state affiliate as our secretary. She is also the
President of the Keystone Chapter. Considered quite hilarious, she shows
off her comedic styles at our meetings and social functions. She is
proclaimed to be the number 1 best seller of M&M’s. Make sure you do not
leave any lying around because she will start selling them! Full of energy,
she is taking on the role of Kids Camp Director at our 2023 National
Convention in Houston, Texas. This definitely requires bouts of energy and
patience that she learned as at her current job as elementary school
teacher for the School District of Philadelphia. She is always willing to
have a conversation so if you get a chance to meet her in-person, introduce
yourself and say “Hello!”
*4. 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, June 3, 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, June 3, 2023 at 10:15AM ET
Coffee with the State President and Board
This monthly discussion meeting brings everybody together to get to know
the state affiliate board members and the happenings within the state’s
divisions, chapters, and advocacy efforts.
Wednesday, June 7, 2023 at 7PM ET.
* Greater Berks Chapter Monthly Meeting *
A monthly meeting for those who live in the Greater Berks County of
Pennsylvania
Friday, June 9, 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, June 10, 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, June 12, 2023 at 6PM 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, June 14, 2023 at 6PM ET
* Capital Area Chapter Monthly Meeting*
a monthly meeting for those who live in the Greater Harrisburg area.
Saturday, June 17, 2023 at 10 AM ET
* Erie County Chapter Monthly Meeting *
a monthly meeting for those who live in Erie County Pennsylvania.
Saturday, June 17, 2023 at 2PM ET
* Blind Parents Group Monthly Meeting *
a monthly meeting for blind parents, grandparents, and their supporters
Saturday, June 17, 2023 at 7PM ET
*Pennsylvania Organization of Parents of Blind Children (PAOPBC) Monthly
Meeting *
a monthly meeting for parents of blind children and their supporters
Tuesday, June 20, 2023 at 11 AM ET
*Pittsburgh Chapter Monthly Meeting *
A monthly meeting for those who live in the Greater Pittsburgh area.
Wednesday, June 21, 2023 at 6PM 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, June 24, 2023 at 10 AM ET
* Brandywine Valley Chapter Monthly Meeting*
a monthly meeting for those who live in the Brandywine Valley.
Saturday, June 24, 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, June 24, 2023 at 4pm ET
* Pennsylvania Association of Blind Students (PABS) Monthly Meeting*
a monthly meeting for blind students of all ages and their supporters.
Monday, June 26, 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, June 28, 2023 at 7:30PM ET
*5. 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.
*6. National Convention 2023 *
*Our national convention will take place from July 1-6, 2023 in Houston,
Texas. *
*Online registration for the 2023 National Convention is closed. Do not
worry, you can still register for convention when you are there in-person;
however, prices will be $5 higher and will cost $30 per person. Banquet
tickets will still be $70. More information on the convention including
hotel reservations, agenda, and registration to the Career Fair, Kid Camp
Day Care, and the NOPBC Conference can be found at www.nfb.org/convention
<http://www.nfb.org/convention> *
*There are also different tours and a baseball game that you can purchase
tickets for. *
*1. Tours to Space Center Houston will cost $35.00 per person, regardless
of age. There are three tour opportunities. The price includes both the
tour ticket(s) and roundtrip transportation.*
*2. The tour of the Houston Museum of Natural Science, which includes an
exhibit by 3-D Photo Works of King Tut's sarcophagus. This touchable piece
will provide visitors with all kinds of information about the boy king.
Tours of all exhibits will be led by docents. The museum would like
feedback regarding ways to make the museum more accessible, and we will
send everyone who attends a brief survey following the tour so you can
offer comments. The tour price for this event is $37.00, regardless of age.
Like the Space Center Houston tour, the price includes both the tour
ticket(s) and roundtrip transportation.*
*3. On July 7, the Houston Astros will play the Seattle Mariners, at Minute
Maid Park A.K.A the Juice Box. The game will begin at 7:10 PM, and there is
a plan to take a group of Federationists to that game.*
*All tour information and game information can be found at the NFB of
Texas’s website <https://www.nfbtx.org/news/59> *
*7. Special Shout-Outs! * *Birthday Wishes *
The National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania would like to wish all
those who were born in June a very happy birthday!
*Thank you, Dad!*
The NFB of PA would also like to extend our gratitude to all fathers and
father figures! Thank you for all your hard work, perseverance. Love, and
support! Happy Father’s Day!
Speedy Recovery to Lyvette Byrd!
Greater Philadelphia Chapter’s Board Member Lyvette Byrd had a series of
surgeries and have been in the hospital since May 15th. We wish her to get
well soon and have a complete and speedy recovery!
Well wishes to Gloria Nathan-Cherry
Greater Philadelphia Chapter’s Board Member Gloria Nathan-Cherry had
surgery in late May and is recuperating at home. We would like to extend
our well wishes and also wish her a speedy and complete recovery!
Get Better Joseph Powell!
We would also like to extend our well wishes and a complete and speedy
recovery to Greater Philadelphia Chapter’s member Joseph Powell as he
recuperates at home from the surgery he had in May!
Congratulations to Lily Asadullina!
We want to congratulate Keystone Chapter’s member Lily on the birth of her
first-born Aria Eva! Welcome to the world Aria and we wish you nothing but
wonderful and amazing things as you grow and bond with your family members
and friends!
*8. Fundraisers * *Blind Parents Group T-Shirts Fundraiser *
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 . Stacie will also have some
t-shirts available at the 2023 national Convention to those wish to
purchase it there!
*9. 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
OVR State Board of Vocational Rehabilitation Quarterly Meeting
Thursday, June 8, 2023
10 a.m.to 2:30 p.m.
Break: noon – 12:30 p.m.
This meeting will be held virtually via Zoom. The public is invited to call
in to this meeting using the
following information:
Webinar ID: 822 3300 7808
Passcode: 787610
Or One tap mobile:
US: +16469313860,,82233007808#,,,,*787610# or
+19292056099,,82233007808#,,,,*787610#
Or Telephone:
Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
US: +1 646 931 3860 or +1 929 205 6099 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 305 224
1968 or +1
309 205 3325 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 507 473 4847 or +1 564 217 2000 or +1
669 444
9171 or +1 669 900 6833 or +1 689 278 1000 or +1 719 359 4580 or +1 253 205
0468 or
+1 253 215 8782 or +1 346 248 7799 or +1 360 209 5623 or +1 386 347 5053
Webinar ID: 822 3300 7808
Passcode: 787610
CART and sign language interpreters will be available during this meeting.
Disability Pride Week 2023
The week of June 5-10, 2023, there will be a lot of events in honor of
Disability Pride Week. You Can register via the Google Form registration
page
<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc2-WpJgQxA4kqJG6Tx-6aL6UitzY7mBkZemmaO2ETdtsGdmg/viewform>
. Our own Keystone Chapter’s member Esther Gillyard will be performing on
June 10, 2023 at 3pm ET.
Events are as follows:
June 5: Disability Pride Kick Off at City Hall: flag raising, live music by
Johnny Crescendo, Ben & Jerry's ice cream giveaway, and guest speakers
include Deputy Secretary of ODP Kristin Ahrens, Disability Pride PA's Board
Chairperson Chuck Horton, and Director of LGBT Affairs Celena Morrison,
City Rep Sheila Hess, and more
June 6: Karaoke Block Party at Inglis Innovation Center 2-6 PM
June 7: Microaggressions Workshop with Artist Wendy Elliott-Vandivier @2 pm
June 8: Exploring Nature on the Trail @11-1 PM on the Delaware River Trail
June 8: Meet & Mingle with Liberty Resources at TBD 5-8 PM
June 9: A Laughing Lunch (more details to follow)
June 10: Parade kick off at City Hall's North Apron at 11 AM
(approcimately4 blocks) Festival begins at 1600 Ben Franklin Parkway at 11
AM with live music on the hour at 12, 1, 2, and 3 PM; and resource tables,
fun activities for all ages, food trucks, and community!
Disability Pride PA encourages all people to participate in its programs
and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have
questions, please call them at (267)621-1480 or email them at
info at DisabilityPridePA.org at least 10 days in advance of your
participation.
*John Jon Awareness Walk *
Our member Lyvette Byrd is putting on her 2nd Annual John Jon Awareness
Walk on Saturday, July 15, 2023 from 8AM to 10AM ET 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 can be found at the For the Byrds Consulting
website <http://www.forthebyrdsconsulting.org/>.!
*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. There will be guest speakers, and live
entertainment. There will be an in-person option as well as a Zoom option.
For more information or to register, please visit the For The Byrds
Consulting website <http://www.forthebyrdsconsulting.org/>.
*10. 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.
*11. 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
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