[PACapitalChapter] January 2024 Monthly Digest of the NFB of PA!
Stacie Leap
stacie.leap at gmail.com
Thu Jan 4 01:49:48 UTC 2024
Hello everybody!
Welcome to our January 2024 monthly Digest: a monthly newsletter of the
National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania!
The events and information listed below 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 nfb.stacie at gmail.com by the 27th of the month so it can be added
to our calendar for the following month.
Editor’s Note
Hello all:
I do apologize that December 2023’s edition never came out. I was
experiencing some hardships and had to remove myself from certain
obligations. Thank you to those who checked up on me and kept me in their
thoughts and prayers.
On a happier note: the Monthly Digest is one year old! We started this
monthly newsletter in January 2023 and it was such a pleasure sharing all
of this information with everybody! I have received so many emails with
positive feedback and I am glad that people are reading this newsletter.
That was a fear of mine: that people would not read this newsletter and
just delete it. However, I am happy to hear that people are engaging with
the newsletter. Thank you all!
- Stacie Leap
For those using screen readers, you can use your heading navigations to
skip around the email.
A Message from our State Affiliate President
Dear Members and Friends,
Happy New Year! It was wonderful spending time with you at our recent State
Convention in November 2023. We had record registration, record attendance
at the Banquet and the Possibilities Fair and an overflowing Exhibit Hall.
The feedback I have received about the programming has been overwhelmingly
positive.
Thank you to the many hands, hearts and minds that went into putting this
together!!!
Looking forward to wonderful things in 2024!
Sincerely,
Lynn Heitz
President, National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania
president at NFBOfPA.org
*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 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 Subscribe
<https://calendar.google.com/calendar/ical/7jgal0nrodbmg61a8aar0o3i2g%40group.calendar.google.com/public/basic.ics>
and go through the steps to subscribe:
*Member Spotlight: David Goldstein*
Each month, we will highlight someone within our affiliate. The goal is to
allow us to learn about other members within the affiliate. We hope you
enjoy this little spotlight!
David Goldstein was recently elected to the position of 1st Vice President
of our state affiliate during our 2023 State Convention! He is also the
Treasurer of the Keystone Chapter and Treasurer of the Pennsylvania
Association of Blind Merchants. He also is one of the hosts of White Canes
Connect, our official state affiliate podcast. In addition, he is also our
web coordinator of our new affiliate website: www.nfbofpa.org. If you do
not think that is enough, he is the President of Digital Graphics Design,
LLC. David is a father of two adult children and a dog dad to Ziggy, a
golden retriever. He is into technology and has his own podcast, I CANT C
U, where he chronicles his life and the different activities, he is
involved in. In his own words, “I CANT C U seem like a long sentence but it
is only 7 letters. It is like blind people for dummies.” If you ever get a
chance to meet David, do not forget to say, “Hello!”
*Calendar of Events*
The following events are also on our Google calendar with the Zoom
information or meeting location. If anyone within a chapter, division, or
group see any errors or misinformation, please contact Stacie Leap at
nfb.stacie 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.
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. This meeting is typically held
the 1st Wednesday of the month. For more information, please contact State
President Lynn Heitz at president at nfbofpa.org
Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at 7:30 PM ET.
*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 This meeting is
typically held on the 1st Saturday of the month.
Saturday, January 6, 2024 at 10 AM ET
*Deaf Blind Division Monthly Meeting*
a monthly meeting for those who consider themselves to be Deaf Blind and
their supporters. This meeting is typically held on the 2nd Monday of the
month. For more information, please contact Division President Chris
Westbrook at westbchris at gmail.com
Monday, January 8, 2024 at 6 PM 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. This
meeting is typically held on the 2nd Wednesday of the month. For more
information, please contact Division President Pamela Baquero at
oneblindhippie at yahoo.com
Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at 6 PM ET
*Greater Berks Chapter Monthly Meeting*
A monthly meeting for those who live in the Greater Berks County of
Pennsylvania This meeting is typically held on the 2nd Friday of the month.
For more information, please contact Chapter President Rosemary Freedman at
dogguide.winston at icloud.com
Friday, January 12, 2024 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. This meeting is typically held on the 2nd Saturday of
the month. For more information, please contact Chapter President Cheryl
Frazier at cherylnfrazier at yahoo.com
Saturday, January 13, 2024 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. This meeting is typically held
on the 2nd Saturday of the month. For more information, please contact
Chapter President Harriet Go at goharriet00 at hotmail.com
Saturday, January 13, 2024 at 10:15AM ET
*Happy Valley Chapter Monthly Meeting *
A monthly meeting for those who live in or surrounding State College,
Pennsylvania. This meeting is typically held on the 2nd Saturday of the
month. For more information, please contact Chapter President Michelle
McManus at michelleandremy at gmail.com
Saturday, January 13, 2024 at 1 PM ET
Diabetes Action Network (DAN) Group Monthly Meeting
A monthly meeting for those who have diabetes, pre-diabetes, or at risk for
developing diabetes. This group typically meets on the 3rd Monday of the
month. For more information, please contact Group Chair Christine Palmer at
tinybuchanan1204 at gmail.com
Monday, January 15, 2024 at 7 PM ET
*Pennsylvania Organization of Parents of Blind Children (PAOPBC) Monthly
Meeting*
a monthly meeting for parents of blind children and their supporters This
meeting is typically held on the 3rd Tuesday of the month. For more
information, please contact Division President Emily Gindlesperger at
vp2 at nfbp.org
Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at 1 PM ET
*Pittsburgh Chapter Monthly Meeting*
A monthly meeting for those who live in the Greater Pittsburgh area. This
meeting is typically held on the 3rd Wednesday of the month. For more
information, please contact Chapter Revitalizing Team Members Emily
Gindlesperger at vp2 at nfbp.org or Denice Brown at dbrown8827 at aol.com
Wednesday, January 17, 2024 at 6 PM ET
*Capital Area Chapter Monthly Meeting*
a monthly meeting for those who live in the Greater Harrisburg area. This
meeting is typically held on the 3rd Saturday of the month. For More
Information, please contact Chapter President Jason Polanski at
jaedpo96 at gmail.com
Saturday, January 20, 2024 at 10 AM ET
*Erie County Chapter Monthly Meeting*
a monthly meeting for those who live in Erie County Pennsylvania. This
meeting is typically held on the 3rd Saturday of the month. For more
information, please contact Connie Scheu at conniej1250 at gmail.com
Saturday, January 20, 2024 at 2 PM ET
*Blind Parents Group Monthly Meeting*
a monthly meeting for blind parents, grandparents, and their supporters
This meeting is typically held on the 3rd Saturday of the month. For more
information, please contact Group Chair Stacie Leap at Stacie.leap at gmail.com
Saturday, January 20, 2024 at 7 PM ET
*Pennsylvania Association of Blind Students (PABS) Monthly Meeting*
a monthly meeting for blind students of all ages and their supporters. This
meeting is typically held on the 4th Monday of the month. For more
information, please contact Division President Simon Bonenfant at
sbonenfant2 at gmail.com
Monday, January 22, 2024 at 7 PM ET
*Blind Seniors Group Monthly Meeting*
a monthly meeting for those who are seniors or almost seniors as well as
their supporters. This meeting is typically held on the 4th Wednesday of
the month. For more information, please contact Group Chair Connie Scheu at
conniej1250 at gmail.com
Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at 7:30 PM ET
*Brandywine Valley Chapter Monthly Meeting*
a monthly meeting for those who live in the Brandywine Valley area of PA.
This meeting is typically held on the 4th Saturday of the month. For more
information, please contact Chapter President Lynn Heitz at
president at nfbofpa.org
Saturday, January 27, 2024 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. This meeting is typically held on the 4th
Saturday of the month. For more information, please contact Chapter
President Denice Brown at dbrown8827 at aol.com
Saturday, January 27, 2024 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. This meeting is typically held on the 4th
Saturday of the month. For more information, please contact Division
President Becca Weber at weberbecca630 at gmail.com
Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 4 pm ET
*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 as well
as some guest hosts. It features interviews with our PA members as well as
interviews and resources for the blind community. The monthly digest is
also on the podcast for those who wish to hear a human’s voice instead of a
screen reader. 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.
*State Convention 2023 *
We had our state convention in November 2023 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
Here are some highlights!
- We had 28 people register for our Senior Possibilities Fair.
This was our 2nd year having it at the convention and this was our highest
number of registrants!
- 10 people attended the state convention as a first timer!
Welcome to our NFB of pA family!
- A total of 125 people registered for the convention!
- We had our state board elections and the following people have
been elected:
o President: Lynn Heitz
o 1st Vice President: David Goldstein
o 2nd Vice President: Emily Gindlesperger
o Secretary: Harriet Go
o Treasurer: Brian Mackey
o Board Director: Denice Brown
o Board Director: Kirk Hunger
o Board Director: Michelle McManus
Diabetes Action Network (DAN) Group formed in Pennsylvania!
We are delighted to have a new group join our NFB of PA family! This group,
Diabetes Action Network (DAN), aims to educate and provide peer support for
those living with diabetes or for those who are at-risk for developing
diabetes. The group plans to meet quarterly on the 2rd Monday of the month
at 7PM ET. For more information, please contact the Group Chair Christine
Palmer at tinybuchanan1204 at gmail.com
Washington Seminar 2024
At our Washington Seminar, members of the National Federation of the Blind
convene to learn about and advocate for legislative initiatives that will
improve the lives of blind Americans.
Dates: Monday, January 29 through Thursday, February 1, 2024
Location: Holiday Inn Washington Capitol – National Mall
550 C Street, SW
Washington, DC 20024
If you want more information on what the NFB of PA is doing in regards to
Washington Seminar, please contact our Legislative Director Emily
Gindlesperger at vp2 at nfbp.org
For more information on Washington Seminar, please visit
www.nfbofpa.org/washington-seminar
*Shout-Outs and Announcements!* *Birthday Wishes*
The National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania would like to wish all
those who were born in December & January a very happy birthday!
*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
financial 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 nfb.stacie at gmail.com
*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.
*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.nfbofpa.org
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