[NFBV-Announce] Member to Member, let's get to know each other!

[jackibruce6 at gmail.com]

Hey NFB Family and Friends,

 

Welcome to another edition of getting to know our members! Today, we'll get
to know more about Karin Jernberg and Joe Gatzek. Last time we learned about
Jenny Blinsmon; she's heard from Leader Dogs and has been accepted into
their program! Congrads, Jenny!

 

Karin Jernberg: 

 

Karin comes to us via Cleveland, Ohio. She has been a Member since 2016. She
has belonged to the Fairfax and Greater Alexandria Chapters and is currently
a member of the Potomac Chapter ; she is also a Member of the Seniors
Division. 

 

Karin has been active in many aspects of our NFBV. She has been on the
Potomac Board of Directors, she has worked with our RISE Students,
participated in Career Fairs, she has come out for white cane days and a
technology fair in Potomac. She has attended National and State Conventions
in person and virtually. During the Pandemic, she whole heartedly
contributed to zoom calls in many of our NFB Affiliate's.

 

When Karin is hanging out in her free time, she is an avid reader and a
member of the Potomac Book club. She loves to cook and experiments with many
vegan recipes, I've snagged a few from her, YUMMIE! Karin may be glimpsed
singing and dancing in her kitchen, don't tell. 

 

Karin and her fur baby, Bliss, can be seen walking around the neighborhood
and having doggie playdates, just for fun! 

 

Karin has discovered Braille and has participated in the Braille Readers are
Leaders Competition for the last three years! She started by reading 20
minutes per day reading children's books and now reads adult books for hours
at a time, what determination! She recently completed a two week stint at
VDBI where she learned some new techniques and was evaluated; she will now
be working with a representative from VDBI to further her A. T. and Braille
skills! Always learning, way to go Karin! 

 

Karin has been adapting to her blindness by learning from other NFB Members
such as Sandy Halverson, who taught her how to knit non visually. Karin says
"I know I can do everything I want to do. I learn new skills everyday and
have had the pleasure of teaching and empowering other blind members!"

 

She is a valued member of the Membership Committee; she is one of the
facilitators of our new Journey thru blindness zoom, starting on Monday,
February 10th from 7 thru 9 PM on our affiliate's zoom! Check it out.  

 

she wants to get to know you! Karin says "We're all walking each other home.
I have a lot of learning to do, and I don't want to stop. I'll continue to
get help along the way and helping others on the path. Through personal
stories or their skills, everyone has something to teach me and I hope I
have things to share as well. I hope to be as generous  to others as I've
been given." 

 

Joe Gatzek:

 

Joe is a native; he was born in Richmond and grew up in Waynesboro Virginia.
He was and still is a bit of a rascal! Joe spent some time at the Hargrave
Military Academy before graduating from Waynesboro High School. Joe is a
computer wiz, he received his preliminary training from J. Sargent Reynolds
and his Associate Degree from ECPI. He worked in, out and all around
computers for 15 years before changing careers and working in construction.
Joe has done electrical , HVAC, and plumbing work. He's a Mister Fix It and
he says "If I can't fix it, I'll break it, LOL."

 

Joe is an active member of our Richmond Chapter, and a member of our Seniors
Division. He worked, hard, at our last State Convention! He was there,
almost as much as I was, in registration! He helped make the rookie roundup
fun and very successful. Joe could be seen guiding people to various
meetings, always with a smile on his face and a lilt in his step. Caring,
thoughtful and always willing to help are ways people describe Joe, I agree!

 

Joe attended one of our Silver Bells weekends, he says "I learned so many
non visual ways to do everyday things, I enjoyed it very much and I wear my
learning shades around the house and when I'm out and about! It's an
experience I would recommend to everyone 55 years and older."

 

He loves animals, especially dogs, he dog sits for his sister and brother in
law whenever they go away. He has a Yorkie Poo named Ruby, she's an older
lady and has Joe wrapped around her paw. If the dogs in his life could talk,
they'd call him the cookie man, no he doesn't spoil any of them at all LOL. 

 

Did I mention, Joe is a computer geek?! He likes to tinker with computers
for fun and entertainment too. He also likes watching funny court cases on
You Tube. He's into music as well; he's learning to play the drums and he
listens to music, all the time and all types. "I don't really get into Rap;
I like it better when the musicians sing, not just talk." Joe is a social
creature, he enjoys being with people learning from them and hanging out. If
he had an all expenses covered trip, he would go to Europe. He'd want to see
the history and eat! Joe says he's a foodie and will try, almost, any food.
Brave man!

 

Don't be surprised to get a phone call from Joe! He wants to get to know our
NFB Members more and maybe even plan a social event with you!

 

Peace,

 

Jacki Bruce

 

Corresponding Secretary NFBV

mailto:jackibruce6 at gmail.com

tel:(757)291-1789

 

Membership Chair

mailto:membership at nfbv.org

tel:(757)354-4170

 

Find us on Facebook @NationalFederationoftheBlindofVirginia

Find us on Instragram @nfbofvirginia

Subscribe to our Youtube: NFB Virginia

www.nfbv.org <http://www.nfbv.org/> 

STRONGER TOGETHER!

 

 

 

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