From the President

Submitted by Trampes Brown

Greetings and happy holidays to each and every one of you. It has been a busy fall in NDAB. We have had numerous events fundraising and planning for the future of our wonderful organization. Many thanks go out to all our members and supporting organizations who make it possible to further the mission of NDAB. You will read much about the diligent efforts of many in this edition of the Promoter. Some of the highlights of the fall are the 3rd annual Sports and Recreation Retreat held once again at Wesley Acres Retreat Center, ongoing survey and planning for our transition with adult summer camp, as well as another successful year celebrating White Cane Safety Day with events in Fargo, Grand Forks, and Minot. As always we have so many dedicated members assisting us to get the word out about life with sight loss, how we live, work and play in our communities, and how to not be left in the shadows of society.

By the time you read this we will have held yet another Dining in the Dark event in Minot, once again showing the general public in a fun way what life with sight loss is like, and hopefully advocating and building relationships to further opportunities for people in our organization. As we get closer to the end of 2021, I hope we can remember and celebrate the great work of our organization even during difficult times and situations. With that said, I hope we can all look to the new year right around the corner with hope and optimism. I know our organization as a whole can continue to accomplish the many things we do as well as possibly introduce new programs, ideas, and opportunities to further enhance the membership to others we may have not even met yet that live each day with sight loss.

I would like to introduce just a few ideas that have been tossed around the organization, as well as a few that bounce around my brain from time to time. None of these are planned, budgeted for, or even need to be acted upon. I would like anyone who likes any of these ideas to really think about how they could help make any of them a possibility to build our organization to become even better in the many years to come for NDAB.

The re-launch of the Family Adjustment Seminar. It has been missed by many who enjoyed attending and helping to facilitate the event. Whether we offer it in the same structure as previously or tweek it a little.
Peer mentorship. I think we can all agree we are a peer-driven organization, and we already mentor one another. However, possibly offering a more structured program to mentor individuals looking for specific mentoring in a topic area, to new members or even just younger members. Having accountability to any program is always key and possibly providing some basic training to mentors would be of benefit.
More opportunities for teens and young adults. We can all recognize our membership is not getting any younger, but the sustainability of our organization is not in question. However, finding ways to offer activities and programs for younger individuals in ND with sight loss holds many potential benefits. It would give them an early introduction into what NDAB can offer, as well as hopefully let them know we are not scary (haha). Introducing them to a peer-supported activity, such as a camp for youth with sight loss here in the state may encourage them to stay involved, help with our efforts, and get them more interested in the many scholarship opportunities through both NDAB and ACB.

Many of you know that my mind never truly turns off, so there are many more possible things we could introduce to our well-established activities in the organization. These are just a few that have been brought up; there are many more. I encourage all of you to bring ideas forward to the board, to other members, or just send me an email or give me a call. I think there are a few basic things we always need to consider when we want to try new things or re-introduce previous programs.

a. Who, what, when, where, and why. I know it is stating the obvious, but a good idea needs some basic questions answered no matter how wonderful it may be in our own minds.

b. Am I willing to do the work? These great ideas will always need time and effort. If you have a great idea, are you as an individual willing to put in the time to make it happen?

c. How will it support the mission of NDAB? We will all have great ideas for things that will be of interest to us personally, but are they supportive of what our organization prioritizes, and will it be something others will want to do as well?\
\
I say these things not to discourage anyone but to simply help streamline how we can make NDAB an even better organization in 2022. I use these same principles while thinking of things that I have a passion for in my own life.

If anyone has any questions or comments please feel free to reach out and express your thoughts and ideas. I hope you enjoy this edition of the Promoter and hearing about all the great things our members are doing across the state.

Happy Holidays and a Blessed New Year to all.

Trampes Brown, President

Just Talking

We will have a variety of informational and entertaining calls through the end of the year.

Just Talking is the third Tuesday of each month from 7- 8 p.m. Please join in on the conversation. Instructions are below.

Zoom Connections:

Link for computer or smart devices

https://zoom.us/j/8452432062?pwd=bXUxUk1DRXNIbkZaM2Rud3lMeXViUT09

Smartphone

One tap mobile

+12532158782,,8452432062#,#

Landline or cell phone

Dial: 1 253 215 8782

Meeting ID: 845 243 2062#

There will be long distance charges unless you call in with a cell phone or home phone with free long distance.

November 16 – Assistive Technology

Whether it's the latest screen magnification software, Braillenotes, or other apps or accessible features for your smartphone, join us for the latest and greatest in the world of assistive technology.

December 21 – An NDAB Holiday: What's in your stocking?

Celebrate the holidays with your friends from NDAB with music, stories, and fun.

To suggest a topic, call 701-389-7982 or email trampes\@ndab.org.

Coffee Chat Book Club with the Browns

Submitted by Trampes Brown and Emily Stenberg Brown

It is almost Coffee Chat Book Club's one year anniversary. The first book club discussion was held on December 16, 2020. We have enjoyed reading and discussing all of 2021's books with you, and we are looking forward to another year's worth of reading! Here are the next few month's selections. We meet the first Wednesday of every month during Coffee Chat at 10 AM and again at 7 PM that same evening. Remember that we love to hear your suggestions. You can email or call either of us with your book ideas. Our contact info is below.

November 3^rd^\

Book: Profiles in Courage by John F. Kennedy\

Available on Audible, Bookshare, BARD, or Talking Book\

DB19762 or DB58855

December 1st

Book: In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash by Jean Shepherd

Note that this book is NOT available on Audible.

DB 48446

January 5^th^

Book: *American Spy *by Lauren Wilkinson

DB 94000

February 2^nd^

Book: *The Answer Is …: Reflections on My Life *by Alex Trebek

DB99678

March 2^nd^\
Discussion of the True Crime Podcast "Blackout"\
Available Free on iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/867-blackout-30717931/

We will be listening to season 1 of this podcast together every Thursday at 7 p.m. during the month of February. Join us on the 3rd, 10th, 17th, and 24^th^. Listen with us or on your own through the free iHeartRadio app.

Synopsis: When modern civilization is upended, what choices will you make? BLACKOUT is an apocalyptic thriller set in a small-town community trying to hold itself together in the dark. BLACKOUT stars and is executive produced by Academy Award® winner Rami Malek and produced by QCode and Endeavor Audio.

Empowering North Dakotans to Take Back Their Independence

Submitted by Aimee Volk, Vision and Independent Living Services Administrator with Vocational Rehabilitation

North Dakota strives to give independence back to individuals with disabilities. North Dakota Vocational Rehabilitation has passionate and dedicated Vision Rehabilitation Specialists (VRS) who work with individuals with visual impairments to remain independent and safe. The Older Individuals who are Blind (OIB) Program has seven VRS who provide comprehensive assessments in the home for those with a vision impairment, 55 year of age or older, not employed, and not residing in a nursing home.

The goal of the OIB program is to improve independence in the home and communities while enhancing the quality of life for those with a visual impairment. Common visual impairments that affect daily living can include macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, retinitis pigmentosa, etc. Our VRS will come into the home and do a comprehensive assessment as they have specialized knowledge and training to work on specific needs and can devise individualized plans as they understand that everyone is unique.

There are easy accommodations such as putting a bump dot on the microwave so someone can independently and safely use the microwave by touch. If you have a loved one who struggles to tell time, the accommodation may be a talking watch or large faced watch. For others it might be adding task lighting and reducing glare that makes all the difference in the world. We will assess to determine the correct strength magnifier to look at mail, card, or labels.

For individuals who want employment or are already employed we also have our Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) employment program that is designed to assist individuals with disabilities meet their career goals, from entry-level to professional. Our VR counselors and VRS work together to find accommodations or assistive technology for individuals to gain or maintain employment.

For more information or if you or a loved one could benefit from our services, please contact Vocational Rehabilitation at (800) 755-2745 or email Aimee Volk at alvolk@nd.gov

Camp News

One Chapter Ends and Another Begins

Submitted by Loris Van Berkom

I never thought that when Olga Neal talked me into taking the job as NDAB Co-Camp Director in 1996 that it would last for 25 years. Olga was my mentor and friend. I knew that I could go to her for help or advice which I did quite often the first few years.

I was blessed to work with two excellent co-camp directors. Leo Brilz and I were a team for only four years until cancer took his life. After his passing, Rick Feldman, on short notice, took Leo's place and we have worked together as a well-oiled team for 21 years. Thank you, Rick!

There are many challenges to deal with as a co-camp director including determining who is eligible to attend camp without actually meeting them in person, finding qualified instructors, coming up with new classes, and then putting the classes and campers in a schedule that will accommodate most everyone. Basket Weaving and Caning classes need someone who is willing to cut out the basket bottoms and dowls and build the stool frames. Other challenges are finding beds in cabins that satisfy campers, and planning activities throughout the week that are fun for everyone. All of these things are the framework that the week is built on, but the people who attend are the most important part of camp. For one week a year, we who have sight loss get to be the majority, refreshed and ready to face the sighted world for the other 51 weeks of the year. So no matter who steps into the role that I am leaving, and no matter how many changes will occur, the magic that happens at camp will continue.

In January of 1998, my last year of teaching, at an all staff in-service at the Williston High School auditorium, I heard a speaker who made a positive impression on my attitude. She said, "Life is change. Growth is optional." Those few words had a huge impact on me. I have never been a fan of change, but it is inevitable, so I have tried to accept it, learn and grow from it, and move forward.

Planning and organizing is part of my DNA, so this job was a great fit for me. Now, it is time to pass it onto the next leader. I hope I can be the mentor that Olga was to me. Thank you for the opportunity to serve NDAB as one of the camp directors! I look forward to attending camp as a camper, ready to embrace change which results in growth.

NDAB Summer Camp 2021\
Submitted by Loris Van Berkom & Rick Feldman, Co-Camp Directors

The 50^th^ annual NDAB Summer Camp was held August 8-15 at the Elks Camp Grassick. We knew that our numbers would be down due to the pandemic. Campers and staff totaled 33. There were five campers who canceled due to various reasons. We welcomed four new campers and two new instructors. The new campers were Lilli Mann from Grand Forks, Emily Zilka from Fargo, Jason Heim from Dickinson, and Gerald Byron from Edinburg. Trampes Brown was a new camper and instructor, and Tim Kachel worked with caning.

The weather was extremely hot at the beginning and the end of camp with some very windy days in between. Several cool nights and mornings enabled better sleeping conditions.

One of our long-time campers ended up leaving us via an ambulance to Bismarck on Sunday night due to extreme heat and dehydration. She was transferred to Fargo and after a few days in the hospital, her granddaughter took her home to Grand Forks. We are very thankful that she is feeling much better.

The classes and instructors were as follows: Caning — Tim Kachel and David McCloud; Basket Weaving — Paula Anundson; Handicrafts — Dawn Freemont and Debra Biel; New Camper 101, Changes, Let's Play, Yoga — Janelle Olson; ND History, Eye Diseases and Viruses, Vaccinations and Immunity — Allan Peterson; Braille and Spanish Language — Lexee Steffan; Personalized Technology — Brant Adams and Trampes Brown; Ukulele — Angie Kokott; Cooking – Zelda Gebhard; Audible Electronic Darts and Sports — Trampes Brown and Susan Jorgenson; Walking and Chair Exercise — Susan Jorgenson; Leisure Time Activities, Orientation and Mobility — Becky Monroe; Lifeguard — Jenny Hunt; Nurse — Kathy Johnson; Co-Directors — Loris Van Berkom and Rick Feldman.

Karlyn Frantsen and Kathy Johnson were in charge of checking in campers and staff on August 8^th^. Everyone had to show proof of either a COVID vaccination or a negative COVID test a week before coming to camp. This was our effort to keep everyone on the campgrounds safe throughout the week and to comply with Camp Grassick's guidelines.

The evenings were filled with activities. Sunday night began with our traditional receiving line followed by a mixer with everyone stating how many years they had attended camp and sharing one golden moment in their life. Rick hosted the Monday night trivia contest as we all enjoyed popcorn made by the Camp Grassick staff. Each member on the winning team received a bag full of golden items. On Tuesday night, Rick hosted blackjack in the Dining Hall and Becky and Paula called bingo in Cabin #7. Wednesday night was filled with the casino night gift exchange, a hayless hayride and a dance with recorded music provided by Nick Pavel. The Thursday evening talent show was hosted by Becky Monroe. The Friday night banquet theme was "Celebrating Fifty Years of NDAB Camp," planned by Missy Miller and Paula Anundson. They surprised Loris by honoring her for her 25 years as co-camp director. The delicious meal consisted of a salad, mashed potatoes and gravy, roast beef, glazed carrots, and cake with black licorice (Loris's favorite) ice cream. A large metal photo print of a beautifully captured Camp Grassick's sunset, taken by Karlyn Frantsen, was hung over the fireplace to commemorate Dan's forty years of service. Janelle, Rick and Dan were banquet speakers. The Jim Geiger Band rounded out the night with great dancing and listening melodies. The Saturday night auction conducted by Rick and Bret Ruff was once again very successful, raising $4,720.

In the past, guests from vision related agencies have been invited to visit our camp midweek. Due to COVID, this was discontinued this year.

Sunday morning devotions, planned by Susan, preceded our final breakfast. Our last good-byes via our receiving line brought closure to our week.

There are so many thanks to extend after such a successful week; it takes the entire group working together to make it happen! Thanks to all of the instructors who spend many hours before camp begins, preparing and then working diligently all week. Thanks to all of the campers who faithfully attended the classes and contributed their personalities into the mix. Thanks to David McCloud for ringing the 7:00 AM bell, to Janelle for her coronet wake-up melodies and leading the flag raising, to those who shared readings each morning, to Kathryn Schmidt for lining up people to lead the table grace for each meal, to Robert Hart for dealing with the sound system, to Missy and Paula for planning the banquet, to Susan for leading devotions Sunday morning, and to all those who hosted the evening activities. Thanks to everyone who faithfully worked hard setting up and tearing down for all of the activities. Thanks to Kathy Johnson and her set-up crew for the auction, to Bret and Rick for conducting the auction, to Carol Kachel for clerking, to Rebecca Anderson and her husband for collecting the money, and to everyone who helped with the auction with their time, talent and money. A special thanks to Jenny for hosting us at the Elks Camp Grassick and to the cooks and kitchen staff for providing such scrumptious meals and snacks along with such great service!

As we ended another great week, we look forward to next summer when we will meet once again on the shores of Lake Isabel to celebrate 51 years of NDAB Summer Camp.

Camp Committee Survey

The Camp Committee, consisting of Missy Miller, Whitney Engbrecht, Lexee Steffan, Helen Baumgartner, and Tony Scherer would like to send you a friendly reminder that we are still accepting your comments and suggestions to assist us in planning future camp sessions. An email with a link to the survey has been sent to those who have an email address on record. If you do not have an email address or need assistance with the survey, please feel free to contact Missy Miller at (701) 298-8091 or Helen Baumgartner at (701) 663-8878. Your input DOES matter and WILL be considered when we begin planning for our 2022 camp session. Thank you very much in advance for taking the time to help us serve you to the best of our ability.

Thank you to the Blue Key Honor Society

A big thank you goes out to the Blue Key Honor Society at NDSU. They hold an annual NDSU Homecoming show and decided this year to donate the proceeds to NDAB. The vice president of the society, Birgen Black, was the member who suggested that NDAB would be a good non-profit organization to receive the funds this year. President Brianna Maddock said that the Homecoming Show was a success with funds totaling over $7,000 was raised the night of the show to go to NDAB. Thank you, Blue Key Honor Society!

Spotlight on New Member, Susan Dahl

Susan Dahl from Mohall, ND, is a new member of NDAB. She graciously agreed to answer a few questions to help current members get to know her. Welcome, Susan!

Where were you born?\

I was born in Woodford Green near London. I followed a GI to the United States and ended up in Fortuna, ND. I now live in Mohall with my husband Ron.

Why did you decide to join NDAB?\
I spent a week at North Dakota Vision Services/School for the Blind in September and loved it. I have thoroughly enjoyed the NDAB Zoom sessions, and I think they do an amazing job. I also wanted to have contact with other people who are in my similar situation with sight loss.

What are your hobbies?\
I enjoy lacemaking, reading, traveling, and watching British detective programs.

Where is your favorite place that you've traveled to?\
I have been to Monte Carlo three or four times with my sister and mother. In fact, we celebrated my mom's 90^th^ birthday on one of our trips. The place in Monte Carlo that fascinates me is the Monte Carlo Oceanographic Society. They have enormous tanks that have sharks, eels, and other sea life; they also have small tanks that hold smaller fish and seahorses.\
I came over here in 1970 so have lived in the United States for longer than any other place, but I plan to go see my relatives for two months in Scotland. We will be able to have Christmas and New Year's Eve together this year.

If you know someone who would like to become a member of NDAB, please contact Ali Engraf at ali@ndab.org or (701) 206-1028.

NDAB Membership Renewal Time

Can you believe, it's that time of year again–time to renew your 2022 NDAB membership, that is! The form for your 2022 NDAB membership renewal will be mailed sometime in December. Along with your renewal form there will be an envelope enclosed for your convenience to mail it back. If you have not gotten your form by January 10th, please contact Ali at (701) 206-1028.

Sports and Recreation Retreat Wrap-up

Submitted by Trampes Brown

On Friday, September 17, eleven participants arrived at Wesley Acres near Dazey, ND, for NDAB's 3^rd^ Annual Sports and Recreation Retreat. This year, for the first time, there were participants under the age of 18. Three students attended with either a parent or a chaperone provided by NDVS/SB.

Brant and Tonya Adams led the retreat this year. Because of the smaller number of participants, the entire group was able to stay in one cabin. On Saturday, attendees traversed the high ropes course, practiced archery, and played a variety of other sports activities. They enjoyed perfect fall weather, but it was unfortunately too windy to kayak. They also did an activity that many had never done before: they practiced lighting matches and candles. While this may seem like a simple activity, it is something that people who are blind are often never given the chance to do. One of the students, Jiry, 16, explained that you use your other senses to help you light a match safely. "You feel the tip that's bigger; that's the part you light. You strike it hard and fast. And you can feel the heat and hear it burning."

The group enjoyed some socializing on Sunday morning before heading home after lunch. We are pleased that the Sports and Rec Committee can report on another successful Sports and Rec Retreat, and that even with a smaller group, all had a great time trying out new activities, meeting new friends, and spending time with old friends.

Ski for Light 2022 — January 23-27

Do you enjoy winter sports but have little opportunity to enjoy skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and a good snowball fight? If you are looking for a winter activity, consider attending the Black Hills Ski for Light event in January 23-27, 2022. This is a weeklong event in Deadwood and surrounding area.

As usual, a charter bus, hosted by NDAB, will depart from Fargo early Sunday morning. Scheduled stops to pick up participants along Interstate 94 will be made and then on to Deadwood. There is plenty of room on the bus and space to store luggage! Make sure to sign-up early and reserve your seat. The bus ticket cost is $20 round-trip. Make your non-refundable $20 check or money order payable to: North Dakota Association of the Blind. Please write Ski for Light Bus in the memo line on your check and mail to NDAB, PO Box 824, West Fargo ND 58078.

The Black Hills Ski for Light event cost in the past has been $200. This includes five nights lodging based upon double occupancy, four lunch meals, one evening meal and a banquet ticket. The payment also includes equipment rental costs. Partial scholarships for those who qualify for financial need may be available. Scholarships must be approved by the SFL Board. In order to receive a scholarship, applicants must be willing to share a room with another Ski for Light participant. please call the BHSFL office at 605-341-3626 to receive a scholarship application. Scholarship applications will be processed on a first-come first-serve basis.

Registration will soon be up on the bhsfl.org website. Amy Osvold, NDVS/SB Rehab Teacher, will be the contact for participants in western North Dakota. She can be reached by calling 701-857-7635 or emailing abrunner\@nd.gov. Pam Haus, NDVS/SB Rehab Teacher, will be the contact for participants in eastern North Dakota. She can be reached by calling 701-795-2719 or emailing phaus\@nd.gov. The instructors may assist with applications, raffle tickets, and answer questions you may have.

The Durward K. McDaniel Ambassador Award from ACB\

Submitted by Zelda Gebhard

Awarded at the banquet held during the 2021 ACB Conference and Convention was the Durward K. McDaniel Ambassador Award to Allan Peterson.

The Durward K. McDaniel Ambassador Award is given in recognition of a blind person who may or may not be a member of a blindness organization but who has, through his or her personal characteristics and activities, unrelated to his/her employment, contributed most to the acceptance and understanding of blind people as capable, contributing members of the community.

Congratulations, Allan! You are most deserving of this national recognition! We are proud of you and what you have achieved through your many volunteer efforts.

NDAB in the State Fair Parade\
Submitted by Evelyn Hildebrand

During the State Fair Parade NDAB was Entry #33. We had young folks do the decorating. President Trampes and his daughter walked the parade route. We had folks clapping as we drove past their group. A vision specialist told our driver he was pleased we were informing the public. We had a few folks ask for information in making contacts in other states, so we did help them also. We started about 9.30 and were done by 1.00. It is absolutely wonderful to hear the comments of those who stayed home and watched or heard it on KX, as we see them in our daily walk.

Members of our NDAB Family

Terrance (Terry) Nelson who owned the Low Vision Store in Minneapolis died on August 25, 2021. Terry is the only person who has ever received Honorary Membership in NDAB. He truly believed in assisting people with visual impairments and blindness through his work at the store.

We extend our deepest sympathy to Elton Faber and family on the death of his dear wife and our NDAB family member, Shereen Faber. Shereen passed away on August 13, 2021. The attributes described in her obituary listed her as outgoing, so courageous, kind, cheerful, and funny. She was an active board member of NDAB and will be missed.

We offer deepest sympathy to NDAB member Carol Johnson on the death of her husband CJ Johnson, also an NDAB member. CJ passed away on September 27^th^ at the age of 71.

Donations July, August, September 2021

Submitted by Rebecca Anderson, Treasurer/Registered Agent

July Donations Total $950.00

Charitable Gaming

Casselton Vets

Mott Gaming

Park River American Legion

Souris Rural Fire Department

August Donations Total $995.00

Memorials

In memory: Helen Arntzen, James Bruins, Shereen Faber, Lyman Landsem

From: Kent & Bonnie Eicholtz, Sheryl Ann Eicholtz Landis,Ann Geske, Daniel & Frances Gilroy, Douglas and Carole Huber,Mona Little, Karla Peterson, Dawn Braaten Salsman, Vicki & Lawrence Stanko, Yvonne Wentz, Dolly Strand, Evelyn Hildebrand,

Sharon & Craig Faber, Steven Ecklund, Gary Pedersen, Keith & Dorothy Davis, Karlyn Frantzen, Carla Braaten Schossow, Belinda H Hair Design, Jill Shoman, Julie Sherwood, Stan and Kathy Larson, Judy and Allan Peterson, Loris Van Berkom, Dave & Laura Langemo, Carol Schmitt, Joyce Bjordahl, Kristen Scheel and Scott Askerooth Charitable Fund

September Donations Total $636.00

Memorials $436.00

In memory of Shereen Faber

From: Diane & Dick Hanson, Bettye Hoff, Faith & Gary Simonson, Leslie Zastre & Peter Ydstie, Christine Fingarson, Mike Astrup, Jenna

Lions $200.00

South Forks Lions

Development Report

Submitted by Allan Peterson

This report serves as a synopsis of our fund-raising efforts with respect to our NDAB Walk for Vision/White Cane Safety Day events and a brief look at our goals for NDAB's involvement in the 2022 Giving Hearts Day Appeal.

At present, we are busily preparing for our 2021 Walk for Vision event, held, simultaneously with White Cane Safety Day. The observation of this Day, established initially by a joint resolution of Congress in 1964, designates October 15 of each year to be celebrated as White Cane Safety Day.

NDAB extends its heartfelt gratitude to North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, Fargo Mayor Tim Mahoney, Grand Forks Mayor Brandon Bochenski, and Minot Mayor Shaun Sipma for officially proclaiming October 15 to be observed as White Cane Safety Day in the State of North Dakota and in the cities of Fargo, Grand Forks, and Minot. Each official has issued White Cane Safety Day proclamations in recognition of the independence that the white cane and guide dog have provided to people who are blind or visually impaired.

In celebration of our NDAB 23^rd^ Walk for Vision, we plan to host 3 events during the week of White Cane Safety Day, they include:

On Sunday, October 10, Walk for Vision Olympics will take place at ND Vision Services, 500 Stanford Road, in Grand Forks from 3:30 — 5 p.m. Participants will be able to try out a variety of accessible sports while wearing a blindfold. A goalball demonstration will be included among the planned activities. Many thanks to Cindy Williams and Emily Stenberg Brown for organizing this event. The Delta Gamma Sorority at the University of North Dakota is providing volunteers to help with this event.
On Friday, October 15, NDAB will host its 23rd Walk for Vision in Fargo. This outdoor, in-person walk will be based at the NDSU Crossroads Lutheran Center, 1201 13th Ave. N. in Fargo. ND Vision Services/School for the Blind Superintendent Paul Olson will be our guest; he will speak about how the white cane is used as an aid for independent travel by people who are blind and visually impaired. Students from the NDSU Campus Lions club will work as volunteers to help us host this event in Fargo.
On Saturday, October 16, Sports in the Dark will be held at Polaris Park, 712 26th Ave NW, in Minot from 3 — 5:30 p.m. Participants will be invited to try out a variety of sports while wearing a blindfold; a goalball demonstration will be included in these festivities. This fun family event features music and food trucks in addition to the accessible games that will be offered.

To help celebrate and promote White Cane Safety Day/Walk for Vision, arrangements were made last year to have a video produced about this event. See White Cane Day video at www.ndab.org or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/NoDakAB/.

The video features Ken Dockter, an orientation and mobility instructor from North Dakota Vision Services/School for the Blind, and Allan Peterson from NDAB.

Notably, the NDAB Walk for Vision serves as one of our major fundraising efforts. In this regard, we have sent a letter to past and potential donors inviting them to again be sponsors of our 2021 NDAB Walk for Vision Appeal.

Thankfully, the Horace Lions Club graciously chose to again be a major sponsor of our 2021 Walk for Vision/White Cane Safety Day Appeal. As they did for our Walk for Vision event in 2020, they have donated $6,250 for this year's Walk. The donation was made with the club's permission that this gift can be used to help establish our NDAB Match Fund for the 2022 Giving Hearts Day Appeal.

In addition, the Blue Key Honor Society at NDSU has chosen to donate the proceeds from their Homecoming Variety Show on October 7^th^ to NDAB. The dollar amount of this donation is unknown at the time of this report.

About NDAB's participation in the 2021 Giving hearts Day Appeal:

Hallelujah! For the sixth consecutive year, North Dakota Association of the Blind will be among those worthy causes that will again benefit from the Giving Hearts Day Appeal! As each year has passed, Giving Hearts Day has become an ever-greater source of income for NDAB.

A fundamental requirement of all Giving Hearts Day participating organizations is that they establish a Match Fund secured in advance of the Appeal. The purpose of the fund is that it be used to challenge donors to match this amount on Giving Hearts Day. It in essence it tells Giving Hearts Day donors that their donations will be matched and therefore doubled, which gives them greater incentive and value for their donation.

Our goal is to secure our Match from a combination of sources — individual donations, Lions clubs, organizations that have charitable gaming licenses, and contributions received from the NDAB Walk for Vision.

Our goal that we've set for NDAB's 2022 Giving Hearts Day Appeal is to raise a total of $30,000. This means that we need to secure a Match Fund that's half of this amount, $15,000. Donors will be challenged to match this amount through donations they make on February 10, 2022.

Just a brief review of the basic guidelines for Giving Hearts donors:

Giving Hearts Day is a one day only, on-line fundraising appeal on Thursday, February 10, 2022. The allowable giving period will begin at 12:01 A.M. that morning and will end at midnight.
To make a secure online contribution on February 10, go to and click on the Giving Hearts Day Donate button and then select North Dakota Association of the Blind from among listed charities. Donations can be made by credit or debit card.
Donations can be made by check prior to February 10. Checks must be dated February 10 and mailed to our treasurer, Rebecca Anderson, P.O. Box 824, West Fargo, ND 58078, Checks should be mailed a week or so before February 10, so they can be received and credited as a Giving hearts Day donation. The checks will be uploaded into the GHD system that day so they can be counted as a part of our total.
All on-line donations on February 10 must be at least $10 to qualify toward the match. All donations are eligible for a tax deduction.

At present we are four months away from February 10. 2022. Please contact me if you would like in some way to participate and help with our involvement with the Giving Hearts Day Appeal, I very much would like to speak with you. If you have any questions or suggestions, contact me at 701-282-4644 or email me at allan.peterson\@ndsu.edu.

Stay tuned for much more to come about the 2022 Giving Hearts Day Appeal.

Legislative Report

By: Allan Peterson and Zelda Gebhard

Every ten years, by law, legislative districts within a state must be evaluated for changes that have happened within their population base. The boundaries of legislative districts are then readjusted and the new boundaries should be based upon the changes that have taken place during the intervening ten years. This is among the many reasons why the census is so very important.

The last readjustment of state legislative district boundaries happened in 2010, when the North Dakota census reportedly had 672,591 residents. The population base in the 2020 census reportedly was 779,094 people. This population increase represents the largest growth within a decade in the state since 1900 — 1910 when the state had grown by 253,910 residents in that ten-year time span.

In the last ten years, the largest growth in the state's population has taken place in the urban centers of Burleigh, Cass, and Williams counties. As a consequence, each of these urban centers are likely to gain a new legislative district. The state legislative district boundaries have been analyzed by an interim legislative committee and a preliminary plan for drawing new district boundaries will be presented to the North Dakota legislature for their determination when they reconvene on November 8^th^ for what is forecast to be a 4-day session. Ideally, each of the 47 state legislative districts should have, as close as possible, the same number of residents, that being approximately 16,575 people. As a consequence of the shifts in population numbers and locations, it's likely that some of the state's rural legislative districts will be even larger than they have been in the past.

Due to the size of North Dakota's population, we have a single federal legislative district which grants us only one member in the U.S. House of Representatives. In total there are 435 federal legislative districts in the nation. Districts are apportioned to each state based upon that state's population size as compared to other states in the nation. Over the last ten years, because some states have grown a larger population base as compared to others, some states will gain federal legislative districts at the expense of others who will lose districts. As a consequence, some states will have more representatives in Congress while others will have less.

The other primary issue that the abbreviated North Dakota Legislative session will attempt to agree upon when they reconvene on November 8^th^ is to determine what should be done with the 1.3 billion in federal money appropriated to North Dakota through the American Rescue Plan enacted by Congress due to the economic slump associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Hopefully, this money will be used judiciously to help the people that have been most seriously affected by the pandemic.

NDAB is a nonprofit organization which promotes the interest of ND residents who are blind and visually impaired. As a nonprofit organization, we welcome donations to help in advancing the cause of persons who are blind and visually impaired.

The Promoter – November 2021

TABLE of CONTENTS