AS EYE SEE IT

Don’t forget to pay your membership dues!

Greetings from SDAB Presidents By Chelle Hart

Hello to all SDAB members and friends! As we enter another holiday season, we hope that everyone is doing well. The weather certainly has been doing its part to move us quickly and pleasantly through the fall months. It was great to see so many of you at our annual state convention in September. Thanks to Dawn Brush and the program committee for a wonderful job on planning. It was a unique and successful idea to have the banquet and auction on Friday evening. SDAB made almost $800 from the auction. SDAB does a great job at planning and hosting a convention each year. However as co-president of this organization, I would like to suggest that we make a bigger effort to work together in promoting our name and view-points between conventions. Everyone can help. Elsewhere in this newsletter is a list of committees put together by Keith and myself. If you do not see your name on that list and do wish to help, please contact one of us. If you do see your name on that list, please contact the chair-person of that committee with ideas and discuss a time for your group to get together. We need involvement from all SDAB members. SDAB needs to update its by-laws. The by-laws (last updated in 1997) are on SDAB's website. We are asking all members to go to the site and review the by laws and, please contact either Keith or myself with suggested changes. If this organization wants to continue functioning as a viable voice of the blind in South Dakota, we all need to work together and take ownership of our organization. At the business meeting in September, members indicated that it would be helpful to have a face to face meeting to complete our brochure. It has been in the working stage for some time now. We had planned to bring people together this fall, but did not work out for everyone. We are hoping to schedule a workday in January or February at the latest. In the meantime, if you have ideas for the brochure, send them to Dawn LaMee. Another way that members can become more involved is to check the website more regularly. Charleen Meyers does a great job at maintaining the site and is always looking for information to include. If you have ideas, please send them to her at sharleenm@sio.midco.net. If you haven't yet done so, take a look at our site at SD-SDAB.org and give us feedback on what you would like included to make it even more appealing to the blindness community. Last but not least, please have a happy Holiday Season and the best New Year ever!

Thank You! By Dawn Brush

Thank you to everyone who assisted in any way with the successful SDAB Convention held at the Ramkota in Aberdeen. Many hands made for light work for the chairperson and more fun for all. Now it's on to planning for the 2007 Convention.

Convention Notes: Thanks to the work of Dawn Brush (#2), Dawn LaMee (#1) Chelle Hart, Keith Bundy, and everyone who worked so hard to pull off a GREAT event.

THANK YOU to:

Aberdeen Mayor Mike Levsen for welcoming us to the Aberdeen.

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 speakers who updated us, including: Dawn LaMee, Eric Vetter, Dr. Marjorie Kaiser, Dan Boyd, Gaye Mattke, Dean North, Jack Hogarth, Sandy Neyhart, Virginia Miller, Terry Miller, Ardell Fiedler, Chris Nelson, Keith Bundy, Susan VanDover, Brenda Fish, Linda Biffert, Steve & Chelle Hart, Chelsey White, Christine Moore, and Dawn Friedrichsen.

Mark Krogstrand for being our “Master of Ceremony” during the banquet and to Jack who paid “big money” for him at the auction.

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

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

“Together We Can” Award

The “Together We Can” Award was presented to the Aberdeen Mayor's Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities during the Convention in September. The Committee was recognized for promoting a Barrier-Free Community where everyone has access to the same services and employment opportunities through compliance with the ADA.

2007 Governor’s Awards Nominations The Boards of Vocational Rehabilitation and Service to the Blind and Visually Impaired will sponsor the Governor’s Awards Luncheon to recognize employment of people with disabilities. The luncheon will be held on March 6, 2007 at the Best Western Ramkota Inn in Pierre in conjunction with the Mid-Winter Conference. December 15 is the deadline for nominations. Awards will be given for the following: 2007 Outstanding Citizen with a Disability, 2007 Outstanding Employee with a Disability , 2007 Outstanding Public Personnel Award , 2007 Outstanding Employer of the Year Award , 2007 Distinguished Service Award. Information can be found at: http://www.state.sd. us/dhs/drs/ or by calling 1-800-210-0143.

Thank You SDSBVI Principal Mark Krogstrand accepting a check from Chelle Hart for the donation to the “Teen Center’ from the Betty Auch’s Memorial to commemorate Betty and Arnie Auch dedication to the blind and visually impaired citizens of South Dakota.

Congratulations By Eric Weiss

Larry Wheeting on his award for “Outstanding Businessman” that was presented at the 2006 Mayor's Awards Luncheon in Aberdeen in October. In addition to his successful self employment venture, Larry's experiences and knowledge have made him a great addition to the Board of Service to the Blind and Visually Impaired. Larry hopes that his involvement with the Board will help outreach efforts so that people with visual impairments have access to the services offered by SBVI.

Updates from the Center By Dawn Backer

Happy Holidays from the SD Rehabilitation Center for the Blind; I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season. With the new year just around the corner we have started the planning process for Transition Week, which will be held July 22–July 27, 2007 in Sioux Falls. We will have a variety of activities for students, including tours of businesses as well as evening activities. More details will be coming in future months. I am pleased to announce the hiring of Taryn Sietsema for the position of Home Management Instructor. She has experience working with adults doing training presentations and independent living for the Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging in Willmar, MN. We were also fortunate to hire Lori Block for the vacant clerical position. Lori also recently moved to Sioux Falls from Fairbury, Nebraska and brings a wealth of information. They will both be wonderful assets to the center. The SD Rehabilitation Center for the Blind provides learning opportunities through various programs to assist individuals who are blind or visually impaired or have other disabilities to overcome barriers to personal fulfillment. If you or someone you know is having difficulty finding employment or living independently, contact one of the district offices of SD Service to the Blind and Visually Impaired for additional information about how you can attend training at the Rehabilitation Center for the Blind. Service to the Blind and Visually Impaired, Aberdeen office: 800-439-3417, Pierre office: 800-873-8500, Sioux Falls: 800-265-9679, Rapid City: 800-439-8861.

Elected to Board of Trustees

The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) announced the election of a new, prominent trustee to its national board: Marjorie Kaiser, Ed.D., Superintendent of the South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired. "Marjorie Kaiser is a preeminent leader in the education of children who are living with vision loss," said AFB President and CEO, Carl R. Augusto. "With her dedication to ensuring the success of young people who are blind and visually impaired, she is an excellent addition to AFB's board." "Throughout her professional career, Marjorie has been a strong advocate for quality educational programs for students in the blind and visually impaired community," said Richard J. O'Brien, Chair of AFB's Board of Trustees and Managing Director of Summit Asset Management. "AFB will benefit immensely from her commitment to expanding the possibilities of people living with vision loss." For the past two decades, Marjorie Kaiser has served as the Superintendent of the South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired. She is committed to providing students who are living with vision loss with the necessary skills and education to live independently and remain active in their families, schools, and communities. Mrs. Kaiser previously served as the President of the Council of Schools for the Blind (COSB) and currently sits on the Board of Trustees for the National Agenda Steering Committee and the National Accreditation Council for Agencies serving the Blind and Visually Impaired. Ms. Kaiser earned her Ed.D. from the University of South Dakota in 1999, an MS. from Northern State University in1986, and her BS. from St. Cloud State University in 1970.

Summer Reading Program By Mary Sjerven

First place winners in the Governor's Summer Reading Program received plaques on August 5 at the School for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Aberdeen. This is the 17th year of the program, which is open to students ages 7 to 15 that read books on recorded cassette or Braille format. Participants are registered with the South Dakota Braille and Talking Book Library. The Braille and Talking Book Library is a program of the South Dakota State Library. Services are for the visually impaired and those who have a physical challenge that does not allow them to read standard print. For more information, contact the State Library at 1‑800‑423‑6665.

Annual Membership Business Meeting Ramkota Inn, Aberdeen, SD September 23, 2006

Keith Bundy called the meeting to order. Chelle Hart served as secretary and took minutes. In the interest of time the membership in attendance adopted rules for keeping discussions down to individual speeches of 3 for and 3 against an issue presented before the group. Jim Madsen, from the Sioux Falls group, asked for the floor. He and others from Sioux Falls have put together an idea to help support a bus for Ski for Light, picking up people on the east side of the state and transporting them to the event each year. With the increase in the cost of gas, at the present time it would cost each participant $200 a person to support the bus ride to the Hills. Much discussion ensued. Jim stated that the Sioux Falls group had already approved this idea. They have begun writing letters (using SDAB’s name) to secure funding. Some objection was raised because the Board had not been notified before SDAB’s name was used in the fund-raising. The legality of the activity was questioned because the Sioux Falls group is not an actual chapter with an official charter. They do not pay dues or report to the State SDAB organization. Jim told the membership that he was not asking for money or support, but was informing those in attendance of what he and others from Sioux Falls were doing. It was recommended the Board’s concerns will need to be taken back to the local Sioux Falls group. Minutes from the 2005 annual Business Meeting were approved as read. Treasurer’s report given by Steve Hart was approved as read. Steve indicated he would like to locate all CDs at the same financial institution and to look into getting the best interest rate. A motion was made to give the Treasurer the ability to make decisions in SDAB’s best financial interest. Motion carried. Quarterly Meetings: The Board would like to reinstate the quarterly meetings with the Director of SBVI to help keep the lines of communication open between our organization and the State Agency. Volunteers include Leighton Meyers, Linda Biffert, Dawn Srstka, Virginia Miller, Dawn Brush, Charleen Meyers, and Deb VerSteeg. Keith will set up the meetings and select from those who volunteered. The suggestion was made that the first quarterly meeting take place with Secretary Hofer and Director Mattke and to take place before the legislative session begins. The CraftAbility Fair was discussed. Virginia stated that it was successful again this year. We need more vendors. Virginia and her assistants are looking into a different location (possibly the VFW) and hosting it in the fall right before the Holidays begin. Virginia stated that we still need more involvement from members outside the local area. State Plan Meeting: Chelle reported that in 2006 SDAB once again hosted the SBVI State Plan meeting at the new Rehab Center in May. She stated that most of the attendees were agency staff. As members of SDAB, we should try to help more consumers attend those meetings. Because lunch was provided with the open house celebration, SDAB was asked only to supply lemonade and rides home for some consumers. Descriptive Videos: A motion was made that SDAB once again budget money to purchase descriptive videos for the entertainment and education of students at the Rehab Center and the School for the Blind and Visually Impaired. The motion carried. Dawn Brush will take care of this. She wasn’t sure if movies had been ordered last year or not. If not, each facility will get two movies to cover both years. Volunteer Tea: As in this past, SDAB will help sponsor the “Volunteer Tea” at the State Library. $350 was budgeted. Chelle & Steve Hart attended the event in the past to represent SDAB. Chelle indicated she will check with the State Library to see how much is really needed to support the event and that amount will be put into the 2007 budget and sent to the Library before the celebration. Lions: Dawn Brush attended the State Lions Convention earlier this year. She reported on her conflict with members of the Lions Foundation. It appeared to her that their mission has changed to focus more with the deaf community. After much discussion, those in attendance decided to send a letter through the Lions magazine that would thank the Lions and the Foundation for their work with the blind and encourage Lions’ Clubs to continue their support, not only for the prevention of blindness, but also for South Dakotans who have already lost vision.

Donations: A discussion took place on donations SDAB makes to assist other organizations. A motion passed to once again send a $25 donation to SDSBVI’s Foundation. Chelle requested funds be placed in the budget to provide lunch for a Peer Support Meeting in Mitchell. She is sure it will be less than $30 and will give the receipts to the Treasurer. The Membership approved this request. A motion carried to join the Coalition of Citizens with Disabilities and the SD Braillists as supporting members. A statement was made that SDAB should be notifying others about the support and assistance provided to other organizations of and for people with disabilities. A motion carried to include on the website and in the newsletter information about the activities SDAB supports. This will let the public know that SDAB is an active, viable organization of blind and visually impaired consumers and informs readers how SDAB expends its funds. Budget Committee: A budget will be completed for the coming year. All agreed that last year’s group did a fine job. The same individuals (Keith Bundy, Steve Hart, Linda Biffert and Deb VerSteeg) will develop a budget in the next month or two.

Teen Center: Mark Krogstrand, Principal of the School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, made a request to the SDAB Board. The School is putting together a recreational room for teens. They would like to purchase The Power Showdown Game developed for the blind and visually impaired. The game is similar to air hockey and ping pong and it costs $2,800. Mr. Krogstrand is soliciting funds from a number of organizations. The recommendation from SDAB’s Board is to donate $700 to cover one-fourth of the game’s cost. A motion was made and passed by those in attendance to use the funds raised for Betty Auch’s Memorial to increase SDAB’s donation to $1,000. SDAB will continue to collect donations for this memorial fund and make up the difference for an even $1,000. A request will be made for a plaque commemorating Betty and Arnie Auch for their dedication to the blind and visually impaired citizens of South Dakota. SDAB’s Secretary is requested to send a letter of thank you to Arnie Auch for his and Betty’s dedication to SDAB. The letter will also inform him of the memorial that is being collected and given to the School for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Betty’s name.

ACB: A discussion was held regarding the American Council of the Blind. Steve and Chelle Hart gave a short report on their attendance to the National Convention in Jacksonville. In 2007 the Convention will be in Minneapolis and members are encouraged to attend. A motion was carried to set aside $500 to support a member to attend the midyear Affiliate Presidents’ meeting. Chelle Hart represented SDAB last year. Brochure: SDAB still needs to complete its brochure and update the by-laws. Discussion took place about the expense of having the brochure done professionally. The important thing is to get it done. A motion carried to have a face-to-face meeting of the Board to work specifically on these two areas. Dates were discussed, and though nothing was definitely set, it could take place as early as November. Resolutions: A discussed was held about resolutions. It was agreed that we need to be a stronger voice. Resolutions will be drafted by the new Resolutions Committee and sent out as soon as possible. The reports from SBVI staff indicated that we need to reiterate and strong for our belief in a separate agency for the blind in the state of South Dakota. We need to come up with some facts and figures to show that citizens served through separate state agencies are more readily employed and able to live more independently. Mary Sjerven offered to find some data to use in a resolution of this type. Once drafted this resolution would be sent to the Governor Rounds, Secretary Hofer, and the Director of SBVI, Gaye Mattke. Another resolution will deal with the safety of blind travelers. The creation of silent cars is beginning to make orientation & mobility difficult for people with low or no vision. Another topic being sent to the Resolutions Committee is descriptive telecasting, by encouraging the cable companies to make the necessary changes to allow verbal descriptions and announcements to be accessible by people who are blind and visually impaired. Scholarship: The Board of SDAB has decided to choose its own scholarship winner for the Delbert K. Aman Scholarship. A committee will be put together to draw up the procedure in selecting a winner each year for the $500 scholarship. In the past, this scholarship was awarded by the ACB Scholarship Committee. Unfortunately, it has not been drawing many applicants. We hope this committee will have more students applying for the award. Elections: All officer positions expired. All current officers are eligible to run for another term. The slate presented by the Nominating Committee included: Keith Bundy and Chelle Hart as co-chairs; Linda Biffert as first vice; Virginia Miller as second vice; Lerae Olesen as secretary; and Steve Hart as treasurer. A motion was made to elect the slate of officers presented by the Nominating Committee. The motion carried. Two 3-year Board member terms had also expired. These were the positions held by Jack Hogarth and Julia Kleinschmit. Nominating Committee presented the names of Jack Hogarth and Jim Madsen to fill the Board positions. Jack Hogarth was elected by acclamation. Sharleen Meyers was also nominated for the remaining board opening. She was elected for the position. Both Jack and Sharleen will serve a 3-year term. Convention Site: A brief discussion took place on a convention site for 2007. One suggestion was to hold the State Convention west river to try to reactivate those members. Another suggestion was made that we look at holding our convention at the same time as the “Dare to Dream” Conference put on by the Coalition. Brookings, Flandreau, and Madison were also discussed as possible locations. As the new chair of the Program/Social Committee, Linda Biffert will take all of these suggestions into consideration. The Board will make the final decision, and it will be included in the newsletter. A motion was passed to adjourn the annual business meeting. Respectfully Submitted, Chelle Hart, Acting Secretary

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 Brenda Fish at the Gadgetry Program.

Learning through touch Written by newspaper staff and published in the Dell Rapids Tribune

“You can have a ride. You can go. Ride. Ride. Ride,” reads Marcus Van Dam, a first-grader at Dell Rapids Elementary School. Marcus, a seven-year-old, reads with his fingertips. He is learning Braille. Is it hard? “No,” Marcus said, shaking his head, “Because I’m smart,” he added with a mischievous giggle. His teachers Diane Reiff and Virginia Miller (SDAB Member) smile, nodding in agreement. “He’s learning quickly,” Miller said. She works with Marcus at the school each day and has worked with the visually impaired for more than 18 years. “He has a good sense of touch,” she added, “Marcus and I get along well.” Marcus underwent surgery last spring to remove a brain tumor. While the surgery successfully removed the tumor, it caused Marcus to lose his eyesight. Marcus is back in class and will be expected to learn the entire first grade curriculum, his teachers say. He will be allowed extra time, though, as he learns Braille and time for his schoolwork to be adapted to meet his needs. “I’ll tell you he is a remarkable child,” Reiff, Marcus’ first grade teacher, said. “He is such a good communicator.” Marcus works closely with Miller through the regular school day in Reiff’s classroom. Miller aids his instruction using hands-on activities and modified schoolwork. Marcus’ focus includes the basic subjects such as reading and math. Using stickers with a raised edge in the form of a circle representing apples on a worksheet and numbers in Braille, Marcus is learning to add. “Two plus one is three,” Marcus said, figuring out the mathematical Problem on the worksheet in front of him through touch. Braille embossed tape is used on many of his worksheets. With Miller’s help, he is learning to write Braille with a Braille writer and to read and comprehend tactile books in Braille. “I really like teaching Braille,” said Miller, “And the creativity to adapt everyday things.”

Things such as a map of the United States Miller modified using puff paint to outline each state so Marcus can navigate it with his fingers to learn about geography. At the end of the month, Marcus will leave school briefly to go back to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester to see if a tumor is growing back. A small spot on an MRI Marcus had over the summer bears further investigation. Marcus, however, is nonplussed. He is all boy, Miller said, saying Marcus climbs, plays and tries everything. In gym class, instructor Ryan Robb, has tied a rope with taped areas so Marcus can run knowing where to stop using the rope as his guide. Always the adventurer, Marcus is excited, too, about an upcoming trip. Where? “To the South Pole,” Marcus said, “Just kidding.” After Christmas Marcus and his family are actually going to “Disney World!” Marcus said. Marcus’ dream trip is being granted by the Make-A-Wish foundation. Janice Sutera, program services director at Make-A-Wish, said Marcus’ paperwork is “Hopping through the approval stages to the fun part where he’ll be very soon going off to Florida to meet Mickey and Minnie.” Jan. 1-7, 2007, the family will be staying at “Give-Kids-The-World” a place Sutera calls a “magical place in itself.” “There are big surprises for the family,” Sutera said, not wanting to give away all Marcus and his family will see and do in Florida. “The mission of Make-A-Wish is to grant the wishes of children ages two-and-half to 18 who have been diagnosed with a life threatening medical condition,” Sutera explains. In the fiscal year ending Aug. 1, 2006, Make-A-Wish had granted 60 wishes statewide, 13 in the Sioux Falls region. Marcus and his family are the recipients of the wish while a trio of volunteers interviewed Marcus on where or what his wish was. Then, there are wish granters, Sutera, explained, individuals and businesses who donate money to make kids’ wishes come true. “It’s a wonderful thing,” Sutera said, “People helping people.” Learn more about Make-A-Wish at www.wishsd.org or by calling 605-322-7068.

Yahoo Group A Yahoo Group of former students at the School for the Blind and Visually Impaired has been created to allow everyone to keep in touch. Subscribe or look at the archives by going to sdsbvi-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

News and Notes

Happy Birthday to Deb VerSteeg who had a milestone birthday on October 5th. (The number rimes with nifty.)

Our Thoughts and Prayers go out to Peg Bundy on the recent passing of her mother.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the following families and friends on the passing of some very special people.

Jeanette Elizabeth “Betty” Auch of Sioux Falls passed away on September 7, 2006 at the age of 80. She moved to Gary, SD where she taught at the School for the Blind. Betty was united in marriage with Arnold Auch on May 30, 1951. They moved to Sioux Falls where Betty taught at Emerson Elementary School and retired in January 1962. Grateful for having shared her life are her husband, Arnold Auch, Sioux Falls; two sons, Dr. David A. Auch and his wife, Teri, Watertown, and Roger F. Auch and his wife, Michelle, Sioux Falls; four grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends. Betty was a wonderful lady!

Karen Mayry of Rapid City passed away on November 28, 2006 at Rapid City at the age of 64. At the age of 11, Karen was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, which defined the rest of her life. Due to her constant determination and positive attitude in coping with her diabetes, blindness, and other health problems, Karen became one of two founders of the Diabetes Network of the National Federation of the Blind and the State President of the South Dakota affiliate of the NFB, a position she held for 25 years. Karen is survived by her husband Marshall, Rapid City and a brother, David R. Anderson; special niece Gail Wagner, and several other nieces and nephews.

White Cane Safety Day Proclamation

Our Nation believes in the promise of all our citizens, and we must work to ensure that the opportunities of America are more accessible to every person. Many Americans who are blind or visually impaired use white canes to enable them to enjoy greater mobility, engage in productive work, and participate fully in all aspects of life. On White Cane Safety Day, we celebrate the many achievements of Americans who are blind or visually impaired, and we recognize the white cane as an important symbol of their determination and independence. My Administration remains committed to removing barriers that confront Americans with disabilities. Since we launched the New Freedom Initiative 5 years ago, we have worked to improve access to community life, expand educational opportunities, strengthen training and employment services, and promote the development of technology for people with disabilities. We are building on the progress of the Americans with Disabilities Act and working to make America a place where all citizens have the opportunity to realize their full potential. The Congress, by joint resolution approved on October 6, 1964, as amended, has designated October 15 of each year as "White Cane Safety Day." NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim October 15, 2006, as White Cane Safety Day. I call upon public officials, business leaders, educators, librarians, and all the people of the United States to join as we work to ensure that the benefits and privileges of life in our great Nation are available to Americans who are blind or visually impaired, and to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twelfth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the Independence of the United States of America. George W. Bush

Ski for Light The 27th Annual Black Hills Regional Ski for Light event will be held at Deer Mountain and nearby Deadwood, January 22-27, 2007. 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 Gaye Mattke, Division Director of Service to the Blind and Visually Impaired (SBVI) presented Dawn LaMee with a plaque for her years of service on the Board of SBVI. Dawn served on the Board since August of 2000 and represented SDAB on the Board. Note from Dawn: Thanks to everyone associated with the Board for “putting up with me”, it was always interesting.

Membership

We realize how IMPORTANT our supporters are, and would like to recognize the following that have graciously contributed to our organization since the last newsletter was published.

Regular Members:

Dawn LaMee Tm Luke Jackie Campbell Rochelle Hart

Duane Sundberg Deb Versteeg Joyce Brush Mary Sjerven

Jack Hogarth Virginia Miller Dean Gross James/Sherri Zuber

Bridget Fuller Peg Bundy Sue Lemus Meagen Lembcke

Erwin Wiese Keith Bundy JoMarie Laughlin Larry Wheeting

Nancy Kelsey Ed & LeeAnn Pinkman Louis Brush Dawn Brush

Mark Krogstrand Jane Mundschenk Steve Hart Marje Kaiser

Linda & Tom Biffert Steve Kelsey James Madsen Dawn Srstka

Ron Sjerven Leighton Meyers Sharleen Meyers David/Kathy Miller

Associated Members: $10 - $24

Sustaining Members: $25 - $99

Gregory Lions Club

Support Members: $100 or more

2007 SOUTH DAKOTA ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND

Mailing address: PO Box 1622, Sioux Falls SD 57101-1622

Website: www.sd-sdab.org

Co Presidents: Rochelle Hart: 820 S. Juneau Lane, Sioux Falls SD 57106 605-332-6059

Keith Bundy: 420 SW 1st Street, Madison SD 57042 605-256-5215

Past-President: Linda Biffert, 505 East 6th Street, Volga SD 57071 605-627-5608

1st Vice President: Linda Biffert, 505 East 6th Street, Volga SD 57071 605-627-5608

2nd V-Pres: Virginia Miller, 805 Dakota Avenue, Dell Rapids SD 57022 605-428-3651

Secretary: Lerae Olesen, 2500 S. Dakota Ave. Apt 102, Sioux Falls SD 57105 605-978-9267

Treasurer: Steve Hart, Treasurer, 820 S. Juneau Lane, Sioux Falls SD 57106 605-332-6059

Newsletter: Dawn LaMee, 1702 Prospect Ave. #A3, Aberdeen SD 57401 605-226-3211

Gadgetry Program: Brenda Fish, 1101 N. Garfield, Sioux Falls SD 57104 605-336-9534 1-888-584-7440

Board of Directors

Jack Hogarth, 1243 Washington Street #105, Denver CO 80203 (2009) 303-832-1156

Sharleen Meyers, PO Box 91105, Sioux Falls, SD 57110 (2009) 605-359-2388

Deb VerSteeg: 2505 South Willow Avenue, Sioux Falls SD 57105 (2007) 605-331-2131

JoMarie Laughlin: 5021 East Charleston Drive, Sioux Falls SD 57110 (2007) 605-360-2737

Ed Pinkman, 1115 Northview Lane, Aberdeen SD 57401 (2008) 605-225-0940

Mary Sjerven: 208 North Jackson Avenue, Pierre SD 57501 (2008) 605-224-4183

Committees

By-Laws/Resolutions: Keith Bundy (Chair), Chelle Hart, and Don Michlitsch

Membership: Dawn LaMee (Chair), Linda Biffert, Lerae Olesen, Dawn Brush

Nominations: Dawn Brush (Chair), Leighton Meyers, Deb VerSteeg, Mary Sjerven

Fund Raising: Virginia Miller (Chair), Jim Madsen, Sharleen Meyers, Jack Hogarth, Linda Biffert

Scholarship: Chelle Hart (Chair), Virginia Miller, Steve Kelsey, Dawn Brush

Gadgetry: Dawn Brush (Chair), Brenda Fish, Ginny Miller, Chelle Hart

Budget: Steve Hart (Chair), Keith Bundy, Deb VerSteeg, Linda Biffert

Legislative: Keith Bundy (Chair), Linda Biffert, Sharleen Meyers, Marje Kaiser

Program/Social: Linda Biffert (Chair), Peggy Bundy, Dawn Brush, Dawn LaMee

Awards: Mary Sjerven (Chair), JoMarie Laughlin, Lerae Olesen