THE OBSERVER

Spring 2022 Edition

Vol. 75, No. 2

Jocelyn DeHaas & Tonya Mhoon, Editors

Michael Mhoon, Narrator

Montana Association for the Blind

1802 W. Park

Anaconda, MT 59711

(406) 442-9411

The mission of the Montana Association for the Blind is to promote the social and economic self-sufficiency of blind and low vision Montanans through the facilitation of quality education, learning, training and employment services and opportunities, and to foster a positive understanding of blindness.

Our vision is of a Montana in which blindness is perceived and understood to be an ordinary and respectable part of life, and in which the skills and tools of blindness are readily available to all who may benefit from them. We envision an environment in which blind and low vision Montanans have ample and equal opportunities to learn, to achieve, and to contribute in our homes, communities, state, and nation.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Contents

.. 2

PRESIDENT’S REPORT.. 3

BOARD MEETING SUMMARY.. 4

SUMMER ORIENTATION PROGRAM... 4

ANNUAL CONVENTION.. 5

Dining in the Dark.. 6

ELECTIONS. 6

MEMORIAL LOAN PROGRAM/ELDER BLIND LEASE LOAN PROGRAMS. 6

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE.. 7

MAY IS ULTRAVIOLET AWARENESS MONTH.. 7

TIPS N TRICKS CORNER.. 8

FROM THE PEN OF PENWELL. 10

NEW BACKPACK FOR INDEPENDENT NAVIGATION.. 11

LEGACIES. 12

CHAPTER NEWS. 13

Montana Shares Raffle.. 19

Editor’s Note: 23

The MAB is a member of Montana Shares and receives a nice sum of money each year based on donations through workplace giving and other fundraising.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Greeting MAB members and friends,

With seasons comes change and I know I always enjoy the spring when birds are singing, the snow is melting and the warmth is always inviting. Speaking of change, have you checked out the redesigned website for MAB: www.mabsop.org? MAB also has social media presence on FaceBook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube and wait, there is more. MAB now has a channel on NFB Newsline. With creating something new, that means we have so many opportunities for you to get involved.

Almost every chapter is now meeting again including our newly formed Missoula Chapter. Lisa Chamberlain is the president and despite just kicking off the group, they want to be an active group. If you need to know who to contact for your area, check out the web site or call the state office at (406) 442-9411. We also have lots of fundraisers happening from Dining in the Dark, raffles, restaurant give backs, bake sales, a benefit concert and of course the ability to donate monthly through PalPal on the web site. All fundraising goes to support the programs within MAB, and we couldn’t do it without your help.

Speaking of programs, we realize that transportation is a barrier and at the April state board meeting, we will be discussing a proposed transportation option for members. We need to think outside of the box, and I am so excited that the Billings chapter has worked with Residential Support Services (RSS) to get members to meetings. Do you have suggestions or ideas for transportation? Please get in touch with a chapter or connect with your state board so we can connect others to improving how we live for independence.

In closing, we know we have a long way to go and as an organization we are not perfect. Please give patience and grace to what we are doing and help encourage others through the process of how vision loss has impacted them.

Humbly your president,

Todd Fahlstrom

BOARD MEETING SUMMARY

The board met in Bozeman on January 8^th and 9^th. The board unanimously approved the application from the Zoo Town (Missoula) Chapter to become part of the MAB. A committee is working on revisions to the Chapter Charter. The website launch was March 1^st. A budget was approved by the board. The board also approved SOP in Billings this year. Jocelyn DeHaas presented the board with fiscal policies – these are required by the constitution & bylaws. Except for one minor change, the board approved the fiscal policies. A motion was made that any program being presented to the board should be presented in writing with a budget attached at least 14 days prior to the event. This was passed by the board. The Memorial Loan/Elder Blind Lease programs will now require a co-signer for all loans. Todd Fahlstrom requested a fundraising committee with Ken McCulloch and Jocelyn on it. Anyone else who wants to join the committee is welcomed to. Each board member will endeavor to do fundraising with the goal of raising the money that we need.

SUMMER ORIENTATION PROGRAM

We are busy planning and getting ready for the SOP 2022 in Billings. We are excited about all of the support we have been getting from the Rimrock (Billings) Chapter. As this will be our second year at Rocky College, we better know what to expect and were able to ask for some different accommodations than last year. We will still have the quad dorm rooms, but we will have what we missed most last year – our own assembly/break room in which we can gather in for breaks, assemblies, and evening activities. There are several people who are working right now to fill up our calendar of assemblies and activities. The teaching staff is almost all set now, and we have begun to accept students who have their completed applications into us. If you, or someone you know, might be interested in coming, please contact Rhonda immediately for an application. Her number is 406-442-9411. Space is filling up quickly!

In addition, I’d like to thank the Board of Directors of the MAB and the SOP Advisory Committee for all of the support and work they have put in to make SOP 2022 a success! This program represents the biggest expense that MAB has, but it is also the crown jewel of our programs that helps us fulfill our mission statement. The program does not rest solely on my shoulders, but on the work of those who were director before me, the Board of Directors, the advisory committee, staff, students, and local support. Thank you all!

Jocelyn DeHaas

mabdirector@mabsop.org

ANNUAL CONVENTION

We hope you are Looking Forward to the annual convention. The Helena Chapter is busy, busy, busy planning the next September 9 – 11. The convention will be held at the Double Tree Inn in Helena. The theme of the convention is: Looking Forward, Looking Back!

Dining in the Dark

Our Dining in the Dark fundraiser set for May 6^th has been canceled for this year. We will plan one for the future! Stay tuned.

ELECTIONS

It is never too early to talk about elections – before you know it, summer will be here, and you will be faced with a ballot for the District Representative in your area. Whose name will be on the ballot? Could it be your name? The District Representatives serve a two-year term on the board. They attend board meetings over the phone, Zoom, or in person. At board meetings, they are important members who help shape the future of the MAB. In addition, they convey ideas from the chapters to the board and news from the board back to the chapters. If you are interested in running or know someone in your area who might be a good candidate, please contact Linda Lay at: 406-531-7904. We also need more people to serve on this committee, please let Todd know.

MEMORIAL LOAN PROGRAM/ELDER BLIND LEASE LOAN PROGRAMS

The MAB has two programs to provide no-interest loans to individuals for equipment or education to help them to have a more independent and fulfilling life. The Memorial Loan Program provides loans to people below the age of 55, while the Elder Blind Lease/Loan Program provides loans to people who are over 55. These are available to legally blind MAB members. The deadlines to apply for a loan are January 1^st, April 1^st, July 1^st, and October 1st. Please call the MAB office at: 406-442-9411 for an application or information.

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE

The MAB has some used equipment that was returned to us. We would like to sell it to pass savings on to you and to help the MAB. We have several CCTVs - three Merlins, a SmartView Extend, an Enhanced Vision, and an Acrobat. These are several years old, but they are still in fine working condition, and for sale at a low cost. We also have an older model CCTV by Optilec that we will give to someone who needs it. If you are interested, call Ken at: 406-556-7103.

MAY IS ULTRAVIOLET AWARENESS MONTH

Prevent Blindness has designated May as Ultraviolet Awareness Month. Ultraviolet light is the invisible radiation from the sun. The sun’s radiation gives us both sunlight and heat. Ultraviolet rays, or UV rays, a third type of radiation. It causes sunburn and also damage your eyes.

The effect over time of UV rays can cause a lot of eye problems. UV rays fall into two types – they are UV-A and UV-B rays. UV-A affects the central vision by damaging the macula at the back of the eye. UV-B rays affect the front of the eye as the cornea and lens absorb most UV-B rays. These are very bad over time for one’s sight!

You don’t need to be looking at the sun for damage to occur. These UV rays also bounce up from the ground, from water, snow, sand, and bright surfaces. I think we all know how bright sunlight reflecting off the water or snow can be. UV rays even are present on cloudy days.

So, how do we protect ourselves from these harmful rays? A hat or cap can block some of the UV rays, but the best protection is eyewear that are UV-blocking. Many types of eyewear including prescription glasses and contacts have a UV coating applied to them. These clear coatings are not too expensive to have applied and do not get in the way of seeing clearly. Sunglasses that are 100% UV-A and UV-B blocking are great as well. Not all sunglasses offer this protection, however. Make sure to check the UV ratings before you purchase them. Sunglasses that wrap around to prevent UV rays from coming in from the side or bottom are most protective. Most importantly, don’t forget to wear them!

TIPS N TRICKS CORNER

Spring is supposed to be here, but it can't make up its mind. After a long cold winter, it is time for Spring Cleaning, so in this edition we are going to cover some alternative skills when cleaning and organizing
our living spaces.

Organization is a best friend. When we go to do a cleaning project, our supplies should be stored in the same place and a safe area every time. They should be marked with our choice of labeling, such as, Braille, large print or an electronic label maker.

CLEANING TASKS:
1. SURFACES: Flat surfaces may be cleaned by spraying the cleaner on the cloth and then wiping the surface. Place items sitting on the surface on a tray to keep from knocking them over. Clean the section beside the tray then move the tray to the next area. This tray can be used as a locating boundary for the surface cleaned. Dusting flat surfaces can be done the same way. Dust each item before placing on the tray, then return item to clean area. Hold lamps and other items with one hand while dusting with the other hand.
2. FLOORS: When vacuuming, sweeping, or mopping floors use boundaries, such as a chair, small carpet, or wall, to identify the section where you are working. Keep the vacuum cord behind you to keep from running over the cord. Change the boundaries to do the next section. A sponge broom or Swiffer mop is good to use when sweeping hard floors. It keeps the dust and dirt from flipping around making it easier to locate and put in the dustpan.
3. WINDOWS, MIRRORS: When washing windows and mirrors use an up and down and back and forth pattern concentrating on the corners as reference points.
Spray the cleaner on the surface or towel and then wipe the area. Touch lightly to check to see if surface is clean.
4. CLEANING ITEMS: The containers of treated dusting cloths, window wipes, and disinfected wipes are very handy for spot cleaning.
5. PLUG INS: Here is a tip when plugging anything into an outlet. The outlet, if installed correctly, always has the wide slot on the left. Check your plug and turn the prongs so the wide prong is at the left. Now place
your index finger to the left of the wide slot using it as a guide to plug in the item.
6. REMEMBER: if you hate cleaning, there is always a cleaning service for hire!

I sure hope these tips are helpful!

Have a wonderful summer and don't forget about the MAB Summer Orientation Program - SOP!!! Hopefully you will attend and learn more about dealing with blindness and acquire more skills to handle our lives as blind people.

Written by Sharon Henderson

ORGANIC BUG SPRAY RECIPE:

1 Gallon water
2 small bottles hydrogen peroxide
2 Tablespoons dish soap

This spray can be used on outdoor plants and areas to control many different
kinds of bugs.

Sharon Henderson

FROM THE PEN OF PENWELL

Hello,

Rather than doing a normal travel article, I thought that I would request that each of you send the tips and tricks associated with travel that you feel are most important, and I will compile them and publish them in a future issue of the Observer.

Your tips and suggestions/hacks may be for air travel, bus travel, adventure travel, etc. For instance, when I would canoe the wild and scenic of the Missouri, I had certain things that I always made sure I had with me. In the Himalayas in India, I always make sure that I have at least 1 of my trekking poles with me. When flying, there are other things that I always do to make things easier.

When Hadley travel talk did a discussion group on travel hacks for easier travel, I actually put together a list that was over a page long with different items such as having a travel scale to weigh my luggage before going to the airport.

I think that each one of us have certain things we use and certain procedures we use to make things easier for us.

Please send your ideas to dexterpenwell@msn.com

Wishing you happy and safe travels,

Dexter Penwell

NEW BACKPACK FOR INDEPENDENT NAVIGATION

University of Georgia researchers have created a new technology to help blind individuals or people with low vision navigate independently. What’s the tech? A backpack utilizing Intel’s artificial intelligence software, a GPS module, and a 4K camera.

The lead researcher, Jagadish K. Mahendran specializes in computer vision for robots. He came up with the idea while talking to a friend who is visually-impaired about daily problems she faces. “And I was struck: For the past few years, I’ve been teaching robots how to see things while there are people who cannot see things and need help,” Mahendran said.

About the backpack: The computer sees through an AI camera that can be embedded in a vest or fannypack to view the wearer’s surroundings. It then works with the laptop or computer in the backpack to notify the wearer of signs or obstacles via Bluetooth earbuds.

The spatial camera can read signs, detect crosswalks, see changes in elevation, and detect potential obstacles. The Bluetooth earphones connect the wearer to the computer, alerting them of said obstacles or hazards. Also, the user can talk to the computer via the earphones.

Because of the built-in GPS, the computer can even provide the wearer with location information.

Don’t rush to Amazon just yet.

The as-yet-unnamed backpack was revealed on March 24, 2021, and still has a lot of development and testing ahead of it. Unfortunately, it could be years before this tech is readily available. The next step is for the project to raise funds and get more testing underway. It is nice to know, though, that this technology is in development.

LEGACIES

Have you remembered the Montana Association for the Blind in your will? If so, please let us know so that we can properly thank you. If you have not, please consider helping us continue to foster independence and a positive future for the blind and low vision people of Montana.

CHAPTER NEWS

Remember, everyone loves to read about what has been happening in the chapters – secretaries & presidents please get your next report in to Jocelyn around July 1^st.

Anaconda

The Anaconda Chapter had its first in-person meeting since COVID started. We introduced our new Vice President and new Secretary. We had a nice meeting. We spoke about the Dining in the Dark event, the upcoming SOP. We thought about how to promote the Anaconda Chapter. We had a great meeting and are looking forward to upcoming meetings and events our chapter.

Tonya Mhoon
Anaconda Secretary

Big Sky (At-Large) Chapter

The At-Large Chapter did not submit a report. For information on when meetings are held by telephone, contact John Snowberger at 406-823-9292.

Bozeman Chapter

Our book club continues to thrive. In December we met at MacKenzie River Pizza to read poetry and eat Pizza. We have new times and days for the book club as well as new titles for the year. The schedule and titles will be published in the BMAB newsletter. The craft club met in October and November to make decorations for our Christmas party. We made snowmen and gift card holders. On December 4 we participated in the Bozeman Christmas stroll. We had 6 Delta Gamma members helping to set up our booth. We had a fire pit but only had a virtual fire due to high winds. We handed out 96 candy canes with information tags. We actually ran out of candy canes! We received $15 in the donation jar. Our Christmas party was on December 14 at the senior center. We had chicken alfredo. After lunch we went upstairs to the meeting room for a party. The tables were nicely decorated with greenery and ribbons. Our party organizers, Naughty and Nice Elves (Sharon Snowberger and Marjorie Gregg) entertained us with games and door prizes. Benny McCracken told us the story of the history of St. Nicholas.

We are offering the Todd Family Memorial scholarships again this year. Details are on the MAB web site. President Todd Fahlstrom is continuing the Zoom social hour. He will be offering it only once a month for now. Our coin wishing well is back in the Gallatin Valley Mall. If you are in Bozeman at the mall stop by and have some fun with coin races. In February our guest speaker was Sarah from Movers and Shakers of Montana. They are a new business that specializes in helping seniors organize, downsize, and move. In March our program was about Befrienders and RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program). Both organizations provide wonderful services for seniors Our book club continues to thrive. For March and April we are reading Eragon.

Christi Small, Secretary

Butte Silverbow Chapter

We met by telephone conference call on April 1^st. We had our elections – Vicky King will continue as President, Chuck Laib as Vice President, and Bob Brooks as Treasurer. Eric Hyatt will become the secretary. We talked about Dining in the Dark. We also planned our Easter Dinner, It has been so long since we have been able to get together and Easter is a perfect reason. We will meet at Perkins for a turkey dinner on April 22^nd.

Vicky King, Vice President

Capital City (Helena)

The Capital City Chapter was fortunate to be able to meet in person in January, February, and March. Only a few members attended in January since COVID cases were surging but we welcomed new member Pat Trafton. President Vicky Greaney gave a brief overview of MAB history and spoke about the upcoming state convention we will host September 9-11. Vice-President Jacob Krissovich acquainted us with the MAB's social media and encouraged us to use it to get our message out. The MAB's website will have tabs for each chapter so information can be posted there, too. Contact Jacob for all your media needs.

Planning the convention and fundraising for it have occupied most of our meeting time. Ed Worrell from the Great Falls Chapter has volunteered to help us. Thanks, Ed! Our major fundraiser will be a Fun Run which is tentatively scheduled for May 21st. All chapters are invited to participate, details are still being worked out so check Facebook and mabsop.org for updated information.

In March, Jacob told us about changes to the Capital Transit system. Fixed route service was interrupted by COVID and is being replaced by "dial a ride" type service that can be scheduled the same day. Previously, rides had to be scheduled at least a day in advance which many found inconvenient.

We lost long time MAB member Wilma Carlson in March. Wilma attended SOP in 2008. She was a fervent MAB and SOP supporter, helping to serve meals at the SOP for as long as she was able. Wilma was 93.

Our meeting dates and places are in flux. For years we met at Touchmark where several of our members live, but COVID (again!) disrupted that norm so we continue to search for a new home. In February and March, we had evening meetings at the DoubleTree Hotel where the convention will be held. Call Vicky at 406-458-9433 for current meeting information.

Lynnette Curtis, Treasurer

Great Falls Chapter

The Great Falls chapter has begun meetings again the 2^nd Friday of every month at 1:30 pm at the library and the 4^th Wednesday of every month at 7 pm on Zoom. So far, these double month meetings help catch more folks that can’t always make it to one or the other. So, until further notice this will be the normal for meetings.

Our chapter has begun talks on some events to start taking on this year other than the usual we do every year like the Christmas Stroll with a bake sale. We are looking to keep White Cane Day as an event for this year and years to come as well. We are also looking to set up booths at Alive at 5, which is a music night on Central, and an information booth at the Farmers Market. Some other events we are considering are a crafts fair to share our artistic talent as people who are blind, visually impaired, or low vision. If we pull this off, we are looking to have the art to be entered into the live and or silent auctions at the next convention. And on the note of art, we think that those who do art at SOP should look to donating at least one art item for auction, it’s just a thought and suggestion. We are also thinking about a disability awareness interactive event where we get able-bodied individuals to come to a sort of seminar to learn about disabilities (especially blind) and actually interactively participate by going under blindfold for a part of it. We have many other great ideas.

Chandra Scheshy, District Representative

Polson Chapter

Although our chapter is still here, we haven't had a meeting since COVID hit. We hope to gather together for a meeting soon though and get back on a schedule. We sure appreciate all that everyone does at the state level!

Una Rose Graham, Secretary

Rimrock Chapter (Billings)

In January the chapter started selling tickets for the MAB Rimrock Chapter 4th Annual Fundraising Raffle. Tickets are $10 and the prizes are as followed: 4th prize: Chromebook 4, 3rd prize: Ninja Foodi Indoor Grill with Smokeless Grilling and four additional functions, 3rd prize: IRobot Roomba 676, and Grand Prize: 65’ 4K UltraHD Magnovox Roku TV. Raffle drawing is May 1 at 3PM at the American Legion (1540 Broadwater Avenue) in Billings. Contact Staci Huff at 406-545-8905 for raffle inquires.

On March 12, 2022 the chapter participated in the Downtown Billings Association St. Patrick's Day Parade. Stacie's truck was decorated with chapter banners, gold & green tinsel, small 'pots of gold', and shamrocks. Participants either rode in or walked behind the truck as they waved and cheered to the crowd. Thank you to the participants and supporters. Special thanks to Breezy for driving the truck!

On April 14, 2022 a Community Impact Fundraiser will be held at the Heights Pizza Ranch (1327 Main Street, Suite 6) in Billings from 5PM to 9PM. The chapter will receive 20% of sales the organization brings in and all tips given during the four-hour event. To receive the 20% a customer MUST state to the employee during purchase they are there to support the Rimrock Montana Association of the Blind. Dine-in, carryout, and delivery sales are eligible (no third-party purchases). Volunteers will be busing tables and talking with customers about our organization. If you want to volunteer or more information, please contact Tina at 406-543-9972. There will also be a bake sale and the Easter Bunny will be available from 6PM to 8PM for pictures!

The chapter ordered polo shirts for members to wear during MAB activities. Interested in a shirt or other item with the MAB logo and name on it from Image’ N That Embroidery in Billings. Contact Doug Robinson at 406-217-2857 or email us at our new email rimrockmab@gmail.com.

We are excited that SOP will be at Rocky Mountain College again this year. We look forward to SOP joining us in the 4th of July parade in Laurel, MT and for other activities while they are in town from June 13 to July 8.

Our guest speaker for the April meeting is Larry Ketchem, an Information and Referral Specialist with LIFTT. Our guest speaker for the May meeting will be a representative from Eagle Mount and the MAB Rimrock 2022 Election results will be announced. Please contact Brian Evans at 406-860-9103 for transportation information to our monthly meetings. The Rimrock chapter meetings are the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 7PM at the American Legion in Billings, MT.

Tina Christensen-Wright, Secretary

Zoo Town Chapter (Missoula)

The Missoula Chapter kicked off their first meeting on February 24^th. It was well attended, and members seem excited to see the MAB represented in the Missoula Valley.

We are having an ongoing conversation and brainstorming for fundraising ideas and we’ve got some great things brewing so stay tuned to hear more details!

On April 22^nd we will be holding our first in person activity. With a little help from the Five Valleys Audubon Society, we will be going on a birding expedition. The Audubon Society will educate us on identifying birds through their calls while giving us a visual description of what birds look like, their migration pattern, and their favorite habitats.

Some of us have met in person, and there are still some members that haven’t been able to meet face-to-face, so we are all very excited to get to share the same space again!

Lisa Chamberlain, President

Montana Shares Raffle

Montana Shares Raffle Helps the MAB!

Inside this newsletter are raffle tickets for the 28^th annual Montana Shares Raffle. Buy tickets and help the MAB by supporting Montana Shares, a partnership of nonprofits working together to improve the quality of life in communities across Montana.

The member groups of Montana Shares address issues such as health care, sustainable living, children and families, the humanities and the arts, justice, wildlife habitat, women’s needs, and animal welfare. They work together to bring each other’s important messages to audiences in public presentations as part of the Montana Shares workplace giving campaigns.

Take a moment to look over the raffle ticket and the many different prizes you could win. Your donation will help Montana Shares in its work to support the MAB and other member groups.

To enter the raffle, return the tickets on the flyer, along with a check before September 16^th, 2022 to:

Montana Shares, P.O. Box 883, Helena, MT 59624.

Thank you for your support of Montana Shares and MAB.

Editor’s note: The next two pages are not accessible to screen readers. They are sent from Montana Shares and contain the description of prizes and raffle tickets. If you are listening to this recording or using a screen reader, and you would like tickets, please contact Rhonda at the state office: 406-442-9411.

To Access an accessible flyer to download: Click Here