AS EYE SEE IT

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Greetings to all! By Keith Bundy

It's hard to believe that another convention of the South Dakota Association of the Blind has come and gone. This year's convention was, as usual, inspiring and enjoyable. We want to say a big thank you to all who made it a big success and sorry to those of you couldn't make it. We look forward to an exciting year as SDAB continues to support and advocate for those who are blind and visually impaired. We also want to take this opportunity to wish each of you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous 2006. We also wish you safety as you celebrate the holiday season.

Thank You! By Dawn Brush

Thank you to everyone who assisted in some way with the successful SDAB convention held at the Ramkota in Watertown. Many hands made for light work for the chairperson and more fun for all. For those of you who were unable to stay for the Saturday night banquet and entertainment provided by Sarah and Marlin Olson, words cannot adequately express the fun you missed. They provided three hours of GREAT singing, stories, and laughter. Now it's on to planning for the 2006 convention to be held in Aberdeen. Please send your suggestions for the program and entertainment to me.

CONVENTION NOTES Thanks to the work of Dawn Brush, Chelle Hart, Keith Bundy and everyone who worked so hard to pull off a GREAT event.

THANK YOU to: Watertown Mayor Paul Fox for welcoming us to the Watertown.

Steve Hart and Keith Bundy who provided a fun-filled auction and to everyone who donated or purchased items at the auction. It was a BLAST!

the Clark Lions Club for making a donation to purchase the pizza for the Friday night activities.

everyone who donated door prizes.

those who took the time to share information in the exhibitor area: Scanacan - Pat & Vern Ferguson; Gadgetry Program - Brenda Fish; Dakota Low Vision Aids - LeeAnn and Ed Pinkman; and Dakotalink - Ted Carroll and Terry Miller.

the speakers who updated us, including: Shiloh Oorlog, June VanAsch, Steve Hart, Jane Mundschenk, Amy Scepaniak, Christine Moore, Bob Smith, Dr. Marjorie Kaiser, Dawn Backer, Gaye Mattke, Dr. Eleanor Haney, Connie Sullivan, Mary Sjerven, Brian Pendergast, and Karen Duenwald.

Mary Sjerven for being our Master of Ceremony during the banquet and to Jack Hogarth who paid “big money” for her at the auction.

“Karaoke Krooner” – Marlin and Sara Olson who provided great entertainment.

Steve Hart and Dawn LaMee for running such a smooth registration.

EVERYONE who attended and EVERYONE who helped out in anyway!!!!!

Convention Comments: It was great to see everyone again. I would like to say "hats off" to Dawn Brush for a GREAT convention! This convention had the most informative speakers. There were so many things I didn't know about organ donation. I found out I needed to eat so much spinach for healthier eyes, and the fact I wish I could be a puppy raiser but I would have to move closer to New York. For those that missed the banquet, you will never know how great the entertainment was. I could have listened to them for another two hours. What an Elvis! Boy, did we do a great job competing with the Big Band and Adult Prom next door! I think SDAB should give themselves a pat on the back. Mary Sjerven

Relocation By Gaye Mattke

The clock is ticking and we’re working on finalizing plans for relocation of the SD Rehabilitation Center for the Blind to the dormitories at the SD School for the Deaf (SDSD). A draft lease has been received from the Board of Regents and will be finalized in the very near future. Once the lease is in place, the Department of Human Services will present remodel/construction plans to Maureen Schloss, Superintendent at SDSD, and Bill Van Den Hemel, Business Manager at SDSD for approval of remodeling plans. There are many advantages to the new location. The building is more than 20 years newer than the current location so the facility is modern and has more than adequate space to meet our consumers’ needs. The location is convenient and on a bus route. We are also looking forward to working with the SDSD to collaborate on services and activities where appropriate. Of course, there are also some hurdles to overcome since the facility was built as a dormitory, we will need to remodel to make the space more conducive to provide blindness skills training and vocational services. We are waiting for plans from the Office of State Engineers and then will proceed with remodeling. Until the plans are in place, we are not able to have definite timelines for the move. We will keep you updated on progress and are looking forward to a grand opening celebration some time this spring!

Key Chain Fundraiser The Association is still selling talking thermometer key chains for $10 each. If you would like to purchase one or are interested in selling some, contact Linda Biffert at 605-627-5608.

Ski for Light The 27^th Annual Black Hills Regional Ski for Light event will be held at Deer Mountain and nearby Deadwood, January 23-26, 2006. Over 100 people who are blind, visually impaired, and physically disabled individuals, along with an equal number of volunteer guides and assistants take part in skiing and recreational activities. Cost to participants includes five nights lodging (double occupancy), noon meals, two evening meals, awards banquet, ski equipment, and local transportation. For more information contact: Black Hills Ski for Light, PO Box 3707, Rapid City, SD 57709: 605-341-3626.

Thank you: Several participants of Ski for Light would like to thank SDAB for the generous donation to help pay for the rental of the bus for trip. With the rising gas prices we hope more people will ride the bus and find out how much fun it is. If anyone needs information about riding the bus, contact Jeanne Olson at 274-7032 or Virginia Miller at 428-3651. The bus travels down Interstate 90, but that could change if requests are received from the central part of the state. It does pick up people in Chamberlain, Pierre, and Gregory.

State Library News By Dan Boyd

The South Dakota Department of Education and the State Library have contracted with Mary Bushing, Library Consultant to work with all State Library staff and the board of the State Library in conducting an evaluation of existing programs and services and in developing a new mission and plan that will address the future activities of the State Library. Just as the State Library encourages public libraries to engage in a planning process and to focus their efforts in those areas identified as priorities, so too the State Library must consider their future activities and services in light of a changing environment and the changing information needs within the state. Our goal is to have a plan in place by July 1 to guide the next few years of State Library development. The project has begun and I am writing to ask for your participation and thoughtful contributions as we work our way through the evaluation and planning process. If you are contacted and asked to participate in a focus group conference call (no more than one hour long), please make time in your busy schedule to help us by responding to questions and addressing issues that will be outlined for you. If you do not participate in a conference call, I encourage you to consider attending one of eight open meetings that will be held around the state in February. These meetings will be held at the public library in Pierre, Rapid City, Chamberlain, Vermillion, Aberdeen, Watertown, Sioux Falls and a meeting in Faith via the DDN. Dan Boyd, Director, Information Services, SD State Library, dan.boyd@state.sd.us

SBVI Update By Eric Weiss

The Division of Service to the Blind and Visually Impaired is proud to announce the most recent addition to their staff. Cherie Gerry began employment as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor at the Sioux Falls office on November 9. She replaced Linnea Strande who retired after eight years with the Division.

Scholarships The American Council of the Blind will present more than two dozen scholarships and awards to outstanding students in 2006. All legally blind, full-time students admitted to academic and vocational training programs at the post-secondary level for the 2006-07 school year are encouraged to apply for one of these scholarships. Part-time students who are working full-time are also invited to apply for the John Hebner Memorial Scholarship. A cumulative grade point average of 3.3 is generally required, but extenuating circumstances may be considered for certain scholarships.