Thank you to our loyal, committed NDAB members who attended our state convention, ready and willing to conduct the business of our organization! Thank you to Rebecca for her years of service as our treasurer and willingness to enable a smooth transition for our new treasurer, Dondi Sobolik! Thank you to Janelle who completed her 3-year term as a board director! Congratulations to all who were elected and agreed to serve NDAB.

Concern was expressed at our convention about how to get new members and then how to get more of our members involved. The board will be addressing these issues at our next board meeting on August 3 and will be forming committees to work on solutions. If you are interested in being a part of one of these committees, please contact me. We need your input.

I will leave you with these words that I recently read somewhere.

Watch your thoughts, because they become your words.

Watch your words, for they become your actions.

Watch your action, for it becomes your habit.

Watch your habits, for they become your character.

Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.

Loris Van Berkom
NDAB President

2026 Calendar

August 16 – 23 Summer Camp, Camp Grassick

September 13 – 18 NDVS/SB Adult Training Week*

October 2 – 4 Sports & Rec Retreat, Grand Forks

November 15 – 20 NDVS/SB Adult Training Week*

Coffee Chat is held every Wednesday at 10 a.m. on Zoom.

*Contact Ken at NDVS/SB for more info on Adult Training Weeks at NDVS/SB (kdockter@nd.gov, (701) 795-2724)

NDAB Monthly Book Club

Submitted by Mary Lou Stip

Join us at NDAB Book Club on the first Wednesday of the month at 10:00 a.m. on Zoom. The list of books through 2026 is below. Happy reading!

August 5

Morality for Beautiful Girls by Alexander McCall Smith. DB 57246. Led by Candy Lien.

September 2

The Bridges of Madison County by Robert James Waller. DB 35861. Led by Paula Anundson.

October 7

Cloudy in the West by Elmer Kelton. DB 46448. Led by Carol Marshall.

November 4

The Correspondent by Virginia Evans. DB 129105. Led by Emily Brown.

December 2

A Land to Call Home: Book 3 of the Red River of the North Series by Lauraine Snelling. DB 68095. Led by Christina Powell.

Welcome to Our New Members!

Annabel Zuniga of Hatton, ND

Convention Wrap-up

Submitted by 2026 Convention Committee

The 2026 Convention is now in the books. There were 31 attendees at the Convention this year, which was held Friday, June 5th through Sunday, June 7th at the Spirit Lake Casino & Resort, just outside of Devils Lake.

One highlight of the Convention was, as always, the banquet on Saturday night. We were pleased to present Larry Odegaard from the Fargo Gateway Lions with the Robert John LePage Service Award, as well as honor scholarship recipient Cylee Walton, who sent a video thanking NDAB and sharing her plans to become a TSVI. We also feted Char Feldman, who received her Lifetime Membership from NDAB after being a member for 45 years. The speaker was Kenneth Simien III, who is our ACB Board liaison. He encouraged us to make the most of our lives and our membership and to live with intent. Birthday cake was served to honor NDAB’s 90^th birthday, and trivia from 1936 was shared. You can read more about the weekend in the Convention meeting minutes on page 28.

Thank you to everyone who helped make the Convention a success! See you next year in Fargo, June 11 – 13.

2026 NDAB Award Winners

The following is an excerpt from the nomination letter for the Robert John LePage Service Award winner Larry Odegaard from Fargo Gateway Lions President Rob Lein.

On behalf of the Fargo Gateway Lions, it is my great privilege to nominate Lion Larry Odegaard for the NDAB Robert John LePage Service Award. Larry is a wonderful example of a serving Lion and has a long history of quietly helping people with vision loss. His example of service has inspired others who desire to serve and make a difference for people in need.

Below is information provided by Lion Paul Fleming for Larry Odegaard’s nomination.

Helping everyone feel included is one of Larry’s special traits. It is very evident that Larry has accepted the challenge put forth by Helen Keller – to be “Knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness.”

Larry is a tremendous example of a serving Lion. He is patient, kind, and very personable always. His positive attitude and friendly manner let every interaction be enjoyable. Any one that knows Larry knows he’s a gem! Do you want to be the best Lion you can be? Just watch Larry and follow his example.

On behalf of NDAB, Congratulations, Larry, and thank you for your service as a Lion!

Caption: Linda Odegaard, Mary Lou Stip, Award Winner Larry Odegaard, and Doug Stip.

Save the Weekend for the Fall Sports and Rec Retreat

Submitted by Trampes Brown

A fall Sports & Rec Retreat will be held the first weekend of October in Grand Forks. Some activities will take place at ND Vision Services/School for the Blind. We hope many new participants will join us! Remember that you do not need to be an athlete to participate. These retreats are meant to introduce participants to new activities in a safe and low-pressure environment. Watch your email and our Facebook page for more details.

A Reflection of My Working Career and NDAB

Submitted by Tracy Wicken

After 41 years of working for the State of North Dakota of which 21 of those years was working for ND Vision Services/School for the Blind as an Assistive Technology Specialist and Teacher of the Visually Impaired, I am retiring and becoming, what is stated by Gemini on the computer as a “Seenager” which is a popular blend of “senior” and “teenager”—describing someone who has money, can sleep in, and has zero parental supervision. It sounds great, doesn’t it! I will now go down memory lane a bit.

I started working for Services for the Visually Impaired back in 1985. At the time, SVI was a prevocational program through the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation for adults in North Dakota with vision loss. There were four staff people in that office: an administrator – Ed (Edwin) Christensen, an administrative assistant – Renae Huseby, an Orientation and Mobility Instructor – Corky (Cora) Como, and me as the Communications Instructor. I taught braille reading and writing, typing, handwriting, labelling, and money identification. Technology for the blind was in its infancy, and computers were the size of large pieces of furniture or bigger! People with vision loss came to GF from all across North Dakota for this training and would stay in Grand Forks for 10-12 weeks. I loved the work I was doing there. I was helping people, and I met many people who I am still in contact with today. That is when I became a member and became involved with NDAB. I came to camp and taught Handcraft class for six years and, within that time, served as the Editor of the Promoter.

A number of NDAB members may remember me in my “younger” years. I remember many members of that time that aren’t with us anymore. Ones that come to mind are Leo Brilz, Larry Johnson, Delores Stenvold, Dutch and Millie Kline, Dennis Everson, Olga Neal, and Alan Hagenstein. There are more, but those are the ones I can think of right now. Camp was a lot of fun and full of pranks and hijinks.

In 1991, Services for the Visually Impaired evolved. Ed Christenson and Corky Como retired, and I transitioned into a Vision Rehabilitation Specialist role, working for Vocational Rehabilitation traveling across northeast ND to serve Grand Forks, Nelson, Walsh and Pembina counties. I worked with adults of all ages in the areas of employment and/or independent living, providing instruction with magnification, methods of daily living with little or no sight and anything that would assist that person with living an independent and safe life at home. Once again, I loved the work I was doing in that capacity. I loved the daily impact of the work and building lifelong friendships.

After working 20 years for the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, I started a new chapter in 2005. I was hired as an Assistive Technology Specialist and Teacher of the Visually Impaired at ND Vision Services/School for the Blind. Assistive technology had made great strides since 1985, and computers now had speech capabilities. There were many stand-alone technology devices to assist persons with vision loss function in day-to-day activities. I worked with students and adults of all ages in that capacity for 21 years and enjoyed ALMOST every minute of it…except when technology didn’t work the way you wanted it to, which, I am sure has happened to everyone at one time or another. Here again, the work was a passion and even though there were challenges in all of my employment positions, the clients, students and colleagues I worked alongside made every challenge worth it. I took on the role of Scholarship Chairman for NDAB, and I work to administer scholarship opportunities for qualifying individuals.

I am grateful to have had a working career where I have made a difference in people’s lives and to have had the opportunity to work with many, many knowledgeable and caring colleagues. I have made many friendships and carry them into the coming chapter of retirement life where I can spend more time with family and friends and have a lot of fun!

Pass Me Not, Oh Gentle Savior

Submitted by Janelle F. Olson

I am compelled to write about a reoccurring event I have encountered over the years as a person with sight loss. It most recently happened two times in one week. I am wondering if any of you can relate?

The title of this writing flashed into my head as I sat down at my computer to begin. Let me be perfectly clear. What you are about to read in the next few paragraphs has nothing to do with church, but in thinking of the topic of this piece, I found myself as a six-year old, sitting in the wooden pew in church next to my mother, sisters and grandmother while my father was playing the Hamond organ, seated at the front of the church. Verses of this hymn were being sung by members of the congregation seated all around me. This is such a sweet memory. The title of this hymn just popped into my head as I thought about what I was going to write. What is not so sweet is a current, frequent experience in my life today as a person with sight loss who is always, and I do mean always, “passed by, but not by Jesus,” and how I feel. There is nothing “gentle” going on inside of me when it happens.

Here is how it goes. I am sitting at a full table with others who are seated on both sides of me. We have gathered for some type of meeting or study where a presentation will be given. The leader says she has put information together on the XYZ topic for our reference, and it will be passed out. The stack of paper is then handed to one of my seated tablemates, and around the table it goes, hand to hand, from one person to the next. Granted, print on paper is as useful to me as a parachute with a hole, but hang with me, this is not the point. When my neighbor to the left or right gets the stack, one is peeled off of the top and placed in front of me on the table. At the same time, my hand, like that of a ready runner in a relay race, is open and prepared to receive the stack. As I said, too late. The top sheet is down. I am guessing the passer does not believe I am capable of doing this myself. Next, while the papers to be passed are still being held hostage, what had just been said by the leader was repeated quietly in either my left or right ear, depending on which way the stack is headed. As a point of information, I have no idea why my tablemate thought this was necessary because I had just heard what was said to the group not more than one minute ago as to what we were being given. Finally, with my receiving, hopeful hand still pathetically lingering in the air above the table, the papers are whooshed in front of me to the person sitting on my other side and grabbed. The lean-over happening in front of me to hand them off may include a shoulder press into my body, and more times than not, an unwanted, near face-to-face encounter. The person is usually close enough for me to plant a kiss on their cheek. For those of you wondering, no, I haven’t done so.

As a P.S., I am just remembering that this “passing me by” activity also happens with plates of goodies and the offering plate at church. For clarification, no money is taken out of the plate and handed to me. I guess there is an exception to every rule.

What I want to happen is for the passer to just say, “Here are/is the (fill in the blank).” Nothing more. Nothing less. I can take it from there. Can I make this happen? Probably not. I only have control of my thoughts, emotions and behavior. Pitching a fit will only make me look like a raging lunatic which will give the rest of our community a bad name. Perhaps spreading the word to our sighted neighbors and friends is a start. My hands work fine. My mind is fine. Does this happening rank on the same level as achieving world peace? No, that comparison is ridiculous, but it does matter to me. My wish? Please don’t pass me by.

Bismarck & Other News from Robert Westermeyer

I attended the Fishing Event on June 6, D-Day, at Grainer Bottoms and caught four fish. There was a fish fry after the fishing was done.

The Bismarck Supper Club met at the China Star in May, Rockin’ 50s in June, and Maya’s in July.

If you’re like me, your medication list is not shrinking. Spoken Rx is an audible service that helps print-impaired people manage their own medications safely. A sticker is placed on the bottom of your container which is then set on a platform. Press the button with the raised dot and the information will be read out loud for you. For more information, contact Bismarck CVS at (701) 255-1335 or your local pharmacy.

Looking for a way to help others and monitor your health while laying back and listening to the radio and eating snacks? It’s not as far-fetched as you think. Plasma pheresis is an automated blood collection service that separates various blood components. A perspective donor makes an appointment and is asked a comprehensive list of questions about their health and behavior. It is then followed by a mini checkup that consists of a measurement of pulse, blood pressure, temperature, and hemoglobin. Samples are taken during the donation that checks for cholesterol and certain infectious diseases. Gift cards may also be available for donors. For information on this procedure, contact your local blood collection center.

Caption: Bob proudly shows off one of the fish he caught on June 6.

Williston Wanderings

Submitted by Janelle F. Olson

The warm rays of summer sunshine have finally made its way through spring, into our busy lives. What a gift! We want you to know what has been filling our summer days so far.

Glenn and Susan flew to Iceland at the beginning of July for a few days, and then continued on to Norway where they landed in Bergen. They then boarded a cruise ship sailing to Tromsø and points further north. This was Glenn’s first trip to the home country of his grandparents. Their return date is July 23. Susan says she will not be able to attend camp this year and will miss seeing everyone. I am saying there will be tears. Susan says tears can be a gift as they can get the sad out of us and then we will feel better. She wishes joy to all and sends hugs.

Kathy says that springtime in northwestern ND had its share of too many windy days and no rain. One day the sky was brown with drifting fields and low visibility. Much reference was made to how it must have been in the “dirty 30s.” Seeded fields looked like sand beaches with topsoil blown into the ditches. Many acres of canola needed to be reseeded. She says that the gift of rain that finally arrived in June was an answer to many prayers. And then there’s the gift of running water and electricity which the neighborhood was recently without for a day after a storm took down poles and powerlines. She is thankful for the gift of being able to cook and bake for her three to four guys nearly every day. Kathy shares this very quick and easy recipe for a dessert they like:

“Are You Kidding?” Cake

1 box cake mix – any flavor

3 large eggs

1 21-oz can pie filling

Mix well & put in a greased and floured 9×13-inch pan.

Bake 35 minutes at 350°.

Kathy used spice cake mix with apple pie filling and white cake mix with cherry pie filling which were both very good. She says it’s best to refrigerate if you don’t eat the cake in one sitting!

Carol’s daughter Anna came home over Memorial Day to get her car. Carol and Travis hopped in the car and traveled back to D.C. with her. Carol said it was the longest trip of her life. There are many, many miles between here and there. To get back to Williston, Carol and Travis had to fly, and given her reported experience in the last Promoter with her ears, I asked how it went. She did just fine by chewing gum, swallowing, drinking water and praying. She says time with her kids is a gift. Carol recently lost a dear friend, and her sadness is heavy.

Brenda had an awesome experience on June 20 when she and Susan attended the Medora Musical which was audio described. The describer was the same woman from Fargo who Shereen Faber arranged to describe plays. Brenda was with family at the farm over the 4^th, attending a fireworks show in Watford City and a parade in Arnegard. Her cousin Paul from Nebraska rode up on his motorcycle for a visit. Brenda says friends and family are gifts. She shares the following recipe:

Noodle Pizza Bake

Ingredients:

12 oz bag egg noodles

1 lb. hamburger

15 oz can tomato sauce

Onions, peppers, mushrooms (optional)

1 2-cup package mozzarella cheese

1 package sliced pepperoni

Directions:

Heat oven to 350°.

Grease a 9×13 pan and put noodles on the bottom of the pan.

Brown the hamburger, seasoned to your choice, drain and layer on top of the noodles.

Pour a can of tomato sauce plus one cup of water over the hamburger.

Slice your choice of the optional vegetables and place it on the tomato sauce.

Sprinkle on the cheese.

Place the pepperoni slices on top.

Bake, covered, for 35 to 45 minutes. It is ready when the noodles are cooked.

Loris says very well trained EMTs, 3 young, compassionate, handsome members of the flight crew, an excellent pilot, and a very seasoned cardiologist were the best gifts she received on June 18 when she experienced chest pain due to a partial right coronary artery blockage and was flown to Minot. She returned home a few days later, thankful that a stent now keeps the artery open and knows that cardiac rehab and a heart-healthy diet are a part of her future lifestyle.

Sheryl recently had a three-week visit from her sister Jannet, who lives in Kansas. Their big project was quilt making for 3 of Sheryl’s grandchildren. Tying and binding are now the next steps to complete the work. Lucky grandkids, I say! She is still plagued with leg pain and continues to have a difficult time walking. Her walker keeps her on an upright path. No matter what each day brings, Sheryl says life is a gift.

As for me, I was glad we got to be a part of another “Dining in the Dark” which was held in Bismarck on April 24. I think I have said this before, but I don’t believe we can ever know the impact we collectively have on the diners. They learn about NDAB and maybe get just a slight glimpse into our day-to-day living. Our son headed back to ND the beginning of May to continue working on Jeff’s “magical” garage in preparation for a rummage sale. After he got here, possible work with the Miss ND Pageant and help with Youth Education on Stage, a local children’s theater which he was a part of as a youngster, arose and he decided to extend his stay. So many items, props and other stuff were needed for both venues, and Matt has been able to just pull each item needed out of the garage. While in those instances it feels like Jeff is still here; the reality is at the end of this month, it will be one year since he traveled on. Memories are a treasured gift. They may bring with them smiles, or as Susan said, the gift of tears. Enjoy the rest of the summer and look for your gifts each day.

Fargo/Valley City Area News

Submitted by Doug and Mary Lou Stip

We hope everybody is having a good summer. At this writing, we are in the middle of an extreme heat warning, with 80s and 90s and high humidity.

I am happy to report I am back at work again after a 3 ½ month absence. First, I had a corneal transplant on my left eye at Minnesota Eye Consultants in Blaine, MN on March 4. Surgery was successful and post-ops since then have gone well. We would like to thank Merle and DaLonna Ellefson from our church who helped us with transportation to and from surgery, as well as fellow Gateway Lions Bob Baumann, Darrell Costain, Paul Fleming, and Scott Hildre.

The surgery was a risk, yes, but I can see a little better out of that eye now. Sometimes I feel like a walking ophthalmology textbook with the visual issues I’ve encountered over a lifetime. Even the eye itself looks better. The old cornea was heavily scarred from edema and surgeries to correct a detached retina back in ’08. Stitches are still in place, but I’m also happy to report my next post-op isn’t until April. In the meantime, my next appointment is with Dr. Bergstrom in October. A big thank you also goes out to Dr. Mark Hansen of Minnesota Eye Consultants. Thanks to everyone who accompanied us for your companionship and conversation. Side trips to a Trader Joe’s when possible were always a treat, and we look forward to another one!

Somebody once said, “Life is what happens when you’re making other plans.” An infection flared up while I was on medical leave from surgery. This postponed my return to work even more, and so my first day back wasn’t until June 17.

Meanwhile, we just finished helping the Gateway Lions with the 50th All Star basketball game. This event started in 1977 with a boys’ All Star Game, then later it expanded to both boys’ and girls’ games, pitting Class AA against Class A/B. Thank you, NDAB, for buying an ad, especially to Trampes and Emily Brown for putting it all together. This is the Gateway Lions’ biggest money maker of the year, and we even exceeded our goal of $50,000 in ad sales!

Our Lions award banquet was June 18 at the Sons of Norway. Congratulations to Mary Lou who got a Presidential Award from Club President Rob Lein. The plaque reads: “In recognition of exemplary dedication and willingness to promote the mission of Lionism as a member of Gateway Lions. Thank you for your service.”

Kelly and Linda Clarey have been busy with fishing trips, family gatherings and grandchildren, among other things.

Joe Jordahl is looking forward to camp where he will be teaching a course on meditation.

Greetings from the Ulstads! Vince and Deb have been enjoying summer flowers and gardening and sitting out on their deck. Vince is doing well with his physical therapy twice a week through Sanford Health. He is getting stronger, which is encouraging. Vince’s son and family came for a weekend visit from Lakeville, MN. One of Deb’s sons had a lovely June wedding with many family members and friends attending. Times of babysitting brings a lot of joy to Deb.

Just a note about Ruth Phalen: Heard she’s in a nursing home. She still has her same home phone (772-4546) and cell number (740-7535). She would love to hear from you.

From Valley City: Paula Anundson is also looking forward to camp in August. She found out after her testing that she has Parkinson’s disease.

We close by including a couple of recipes. Both are guaranteed kitchen-tested. The first is from Sharing Our Best, the cookbook our organization published and sold as a fundraiser back in 2003. The second is a dessert recipe Mary has had for many years.

Everson’s Breakfast Pizza

1 8-oz package crescent rolls

1 cup shredded American cheese

1 8-oz package brown-and-serve sausage

1/2 tsp. salt

5 eggs, slightly beaten

3/4 cup milk

1/2 tsp. onion, chopped

1 tablespoon green pepper, chopped

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Press crescent rolls into greased 9 x 13 inch pan. Sprinkle with American cheese. Fry sausage, then put over American cheese. Combine eggs, salt and milk and pour over. Pour rest of ingredients on top of this. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees. (Can use any sausage or bacon. Always cook before spreading over rolls.)

We have tried this one with ham as well. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses and vegetables.

Blueberry Dessert

Crust:

16 graham crackers, crushed

1/4 cup butter, melted

1/2 cup sugar

Mix together and spread in a 9-inch pan.

Filling:

2 eggs

1 8-oz package cream cheese

1/2 cup sugar

Cream together eggs, cream cheese and sugar. Spread mixture over crumbs. Bake at 375 degrees for 15 minutes. Cool completely. Pour blueberry pie filling over the top. Enjoy!

Spotlight on NDAB Member: Lilliann Johnston

We periodically profile an NDAB member. Today, meet Lilliann Johnston of Bismarck, ND.

Tell us about yourself.

My name is Lilliann Johnston, and I live in Bismarck, ND. I grew up near Los Angeles, CA, and decided to trade palm trees for snowdrifts to attend the University of Mary. I ended up sticking around to work as a scientist after graduation, and will soon be heading off to UND for law school. I found out I was visually impaired last year when my optometrist discovered holes in my retina. After conversing with my friends, I learned that they didn’t have the same issues with balance, depth perception, and light sensitivity that I had for as long as I can remember. I also learned that they didn’t see the same “static” in their vision, and I was soon diagnosed by my ophthalmologist with a rare condition called Visual Snow Syndrome. I have very good visual acuity and can drive for now. I still struggle with some aspects of my vision, like navigating crowds, so I use a white cane. So don’t panic if you see me get in the driver’s seat!

What are some of your hobbies?

I’m always busy doing something new and different. I enjoy music and play guitar and piano. I like to birdwatch, and I’ve recently taken up fishing. I probably spend the bulk of my free time engaged in civic involvement. I can’t deny being a little odd.

How long have you been a member of NDAB? Why did you become a member?

I’ve been a member since January of this year. I wanted to connect with and advocate for others with visual impairments.

What is your favorite memory from NDAB events?

I’ve just joined, but I had a blast as a table host at Dining in the Dark. It was great to share my unique experience with visual impairment and hear from others.

What do you consider NDAB’s greatest accomplishment?

NDAB has done a fantastic job creating a network of blind/visually impaired people. As a newcomer/newly diagnosed, I’ve gotten a lot of guidance from NDAB.

Is there anything you think NDAB should add or do differently?

I would like to see NDAB reach out more to the greater disability community in North Dakota in the future. I think great things could come from more collaboration. I’d also love to see more young people and students like me.

Why should someone join NDAB?

Joining NDAB is a great way to connect with, support, and advocate for blind and visually impaired people.

NDAB’s theme this year for Giving Hearts Day and the Convention is “Getting by with a little help.” Who or what helps you live an independent life as a person who is blind or low vision?

I have to say that the best thing that has helped me live independently is my white cane. I thought that because I can technically correct my vision to around 20/20 and can drive, I wasn’t nearly “blind enough” to benefit from a white cane. I was surprised that one was suggested to me by Vision Services. I got mine in December, and the benefit was immediately apparent. I no longer bump elbows and shoulders into things daily, I rarely trip over curbs or drops in the pavement, and I can navigate with ease, and my mind is free from having to intensely concentrate on not running into walls and people. All of which are ideal for living. Sometimes the fear of being judged for being too blind or not blind enough gets to me, and a stubbed toe or stumble helps me get over it and use my cane. I know that there must be many others like me who could greatly benefit from a white cane and other assistive technology. State resources such as Vision Services, Vocational Rehabilitation, and other disability services have also been a great help, as well as my boyfriend Micah, who reminds me that it’s ok to be me, even if that me isn’t the best at seeing.

Caption: Lilliann stands outside giving a peace sign.

Development Director’s Report, Summer 2026

Submitted by Allan Peterson, Development Director

The fundraising beat just goes on, on, and on! NDAB’s next financial year began June 1, 2026, and closes at the end of the day on May 31, 2027.

Financially speaking there is much for which to be thankful. NDAB is on sound financial footing, and we had a fantastic fundraising year last year. In that regard a grateful THANK YOU to all who donated and helped with the effort to make our past year so financially successful. But we cannot afford to rest on our laurels; a new NDAB fiscal year began on June 1st. The challenge now will be to match and improve upon last year’s successes.

Last year’s income review

Fundraising totaled $69,485.89. FYI: Revenue received from Life Enrichment, memorials, dues, and fees were not counted as fund-raising income. Fundraising accounted for approximately 90% of our revenue in fiscal 2025-2026.

For documentation, fundraising is categorized into five separate income streams. Below are the five streams and amounts for the past year:

Walk for Vision = $3,153.95
ND Lion Clubs = $3,968
ND Charitable Gaming = $11,550
Individual & Business Donations = $10,024.32
Giving Hearts Day = $38,789.62.

FYI: The Lions Club category isn’t a true depiction of their support since some of their donations are also included in the NDAB Walk for Vision and Giving Hearts Day.

Several people need to be acknowledged and thanked for their good work that led to our successes during the last fiscal year: Rebecca Anderson for all her work to keep accurate records of donations and sending out timely thank you notes. Zelda and Michelle for maintaining and updating the master donor list. Emily Brown for editing and updating our Facebook account. Kaity Young for editing and maintaining the website for fundraising events. Trampes Brown and David Olson for their work to send Mailchimp messages. Lilly Dunrud, Missy Miller and Brant Adams for their supporting roles. This work accounts for hundreds and hundreds of hours of volunteer effort.

We held two fundraising events during fiscal year 2025-2026. The first was our NDAB Walk for Vision held in conjunction with observance of White Cane Safety Day, and the second was the 90^th NDAB anniversary/birthday party we held in connection with Giving Hearts Day. It is thanks to Rebecca Anderson, Rebecca’s husband Greg Falde, and Judy Peterson, that we can count these as being very successful events that attracted well-earned local media coverage.

Our next fundraising event will be our 2026 NDAB Walk for Vision event held in conjunction with White Cane Safety Day on Thursday, October 15. The challenge will be to make this an innovative and appealing event for potential participants. And mark your calendars: the next Giving Hearts Day will happen Thursday, February 11, 2027.

Finally, a very heartfelt THANK YOU to Rebecca Anderson for her many years of good work as NDAB’s treasurer; she has been my right-hand person, who I have heavily relied on since she became NDAB’s treasurer. Be assured she will be missed. The treasurer’s torch has been passed on to Dondi Sobolik – and I am looking forward to having a similar productive relationship with Dondi.

Legislative & Advocacy Report, Summer 2026

Submitted by Allan Peterson and Zelda Gebhard

A historic anniversary to celebrate and commemorate 250 years ago, when, on July 4, the United States of America declared its independence from Great Britain. It required the hardships of the Revolutionary War, which lasted more than 5 years, and the treaty that ended the conflict in 1783, to ensure the success of our Declaration of Independence. The Constitutional Convention to guide our governing structure met in 1787. The Constitution that they created, and its ratification, was completed by the states in 1788. The first Congress met to begin its work on March 4, 1789. Since then, a nationwide general election has been held every 2 years to decide the composition of Congress, and every 4 years, the Presidency.

The upcoming nationwide general election will be held this fall on November 3. The election will, no doubt, decide the composition of Congress and the direction that our politics will follow until the presidential election that’s held in 2028. We strongly urge and emphasize that each of you need to exercise your right to vote in whatever venue you choose in this fall’s election. Without any hyperbole, this fall’s election may be the most critical one ever held up to this point in time.

In preparation for our advocacy work during the upcoming 70^th North Dakota State Legislative session and 120^th Session of Congress that will convene in January 2027, seven resolutions were considered and adopted by the 2026 NDAB Convention at the Spirit Lake Resort and Casino in Devils Lake on June 6.

The list of resolutions adopted are:

Resolution 2026-01: Addresses the biennial appropriation for North Dakota Vision Services/School for the Blind.
Resolution 2026-02: Addresses the appropriation for the NLS Talking Book Program administrated by the ND State Library.
Resolution 2026-03: Addresses the appropriation for the federal and state appropriation for the Older Blind Program (OIB).
Resolution 2026-04: Addresses the state and federal appropriation for public transportation programs in North Dakota.

In addition, we adopted three resolutions to update the priorities that we discussed with staff in the Offices of ND U.S. Senators Hoeven and Cramer and Congresswoman Fedorchak when we made our visits with them on March 10. A report on the visits we had to those offices was published in this spring’s Promoter.

The list of these 3 resolutions:

Resolution 2026-05: Addresses our support for passage of the Medical Device Non-Visual Accessibility Act.
Resolution 2026-06: Addresses our support for passage of the Website and Software Applications Accessibility Act.
Resolution 2026-07: Addresses our support for passage of the Communications, Video, and Technology Act.

All 3 of these resolutions address the need of people with blindness or low vision to access digital electronic information.

We realize and acknowledge there are very well-founded, ongoing concerns about the loss of support for critical programs and services such as Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security plus the loss of programs and the possible elimination of the U.S. Department of Education and concerns about loss of the gains made in Human and Disability Rights. On behalf of the wider disability community, the North Dakota Disability Advocacy Consortium has communicated these concerns to our North Dakota congressional delegation. Our advocacy for these programs and services needs to continue unabated as well! We must continue to remind our politicians these services are foundational and necessary for the well-being of all people regardless of who they are.

Donations April to June 2026

Submitted by Rebecca Anderson, Treasurer/Registered Agent

Total $11,750.68

Life Enrichment $4,191.20

GHD Stripe Transfer $60.00

Other Donations $108.75

ACB
Bright Funds

Lions $900.00

Leonard Lions
Mapleton Lions
Pettibone Lions
Reeder Lions

Charitable Gaming $700.00

Braddock Lions
Park River American Legion

Memorials $5,790.73

In memory of Donna Hepper: Patrick Becker, Nancy Christiansen, Zelda Gebhard, Tamara Peterson, Nancy Pichardo, Riverview LLP, Janel Schmitz, Loris Van Berkom, Arlene Volk, Jeral Wulf, Donna Hepper Estate

North Dakota Association of the Blind, Inc.
Board of Directors Meeting Minutes

May 19, 2026

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Loris Van Berkom, Lexee Steffan, Rebecca Anderson, Helen Baumgartner, Janelle Olson, Elias Youngblom, Mary Stip, Allan Peterson and Trampes Brown

GUESTS: Michelle Zentz, Gerald Byron, Dondi Sobolik, Doug Puetz, & Zelda Gebhard

CALL TO ORDER: Loris called the meeting to order at 7:30 pm via Zoom. Roll call was taken.

REGULAR AGENDA: Loris read the agenda. Allan made a motion to accept the agenda as read, seconded by Mary. MC

PUBLIC COMMENT: None

BUSINESS AGENDA:

Secretary: On April 3^rd, Trampes made a motion, seconded by Rebecca to approve the March 30^th board minutes. MC On April 13^th, an email was sent out to the board requesting input on the request from Jesse Shirek that NDAB support NFB bringing Newsline to North Dakota. He indicated VR will contribute $25,000. On April 21^st, the majority of the board had responded with a negative response to support this project.

Treasurer: Allan made a motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report for March, seconded by Lexee. MC

Finance: Fundraising since June 1^st totals approximately $68,000 from various sources.

Membership: There are currently 118 paid members.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Dining in the Dark: The event was held on April 24^th, with 64 people in attendance. NDAB provided 11 table hosts and 6 drivers.

Nominations: The updated slate of officers was read. The only changes from the past board meeting are Dondi Sobolik for Treasurer and Gerald Byron for Board Director. Dondi Sobolik is also running for the ACB Delegate.

Sports & Rec: The Spring Retreat was not held due to lack of sufficient registrants. Dates and location for the fall retreat will be scheduled soon.

2026 Convention: Currently 23 people have registered. The weekend schedule was reviewed.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Archiving Talent Shows: The materials to be archived will be brought to Devils Lake to be given to David Olson.

Grandpa’s White Cane: Loris mailed out some books to libraries across the state. Efforts to distribute the books around the state are being made by various people.

Updating Manuals: The Secretary Manual and the Memorandum of Understanding with NDVS/SB Manual will be updated and sent out for review.

NEW BUSINESS:

Proposed Font Change for Government Documents: Secretary of State Marco Rubio made an announcement of the proposed change in font from Calibri to
Times New Roman for the State Departments communications. Janelle made a motion that NDAB sign on to the letter of support from ACB to retain Calibri as the typeface for the State Departments communications, seconded by Allan. MC

ACB Lifetime Membership Contribution: The Next Generation Affiliate is requesting financial support to purchase a lifetime membership for Kenneth Semien, Sr., our affiliate liaison. Zelda informed the board that sufficient funds have been acquired, so additional donations are not needed at this time.

2026 Convention Bills: Rebecca will pay for the board members hotel rooms, so board members need to get other expenses to her at the convention and she will write the checks prior to the end of the convention.

Public Comment: None

NEXT MEETING: Post Convention – June 7, 2026

ADJOURN: Allan made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Lexee. MC The meeting adjourned at 8:35 pm.

Respectfully Submitted, Helen Baumgartner, NDAB Secretary

North Dakota Association of the Blind, Inc. 2026 Convention Minutes

Spirit Lake Casino & Resort – St. Michael, ND

Friday, June 5^th: Registration for the convention was held from 3:00 – 5:00 at Spirit Lake Resort, with a social and a meal following at 6:00. NDAB Trivia was played with facts about some convention attendees used as the Trivia questions.

Saturday, June 6^th: Registration continued at 8:00 am.

Opening Ceremony: The colors were posted by Spirit Lake VFW Color Guard. Lonna Jackson-Street, Spirit Lake Chairperson, welcomed the convention attendees. Mr. Louis Garcia, Spirit Lake Tribe Historian, gave the history of Spirit Lake.

Business Meeting: President Loris VanBerkom called the 89^th Annual NDAB convention business meeting to order at 9:46 am. A motion was made by Allan Peterson to approve the agenda for the convention, seconded by Gerald Byron. MC Rick Vannett, Parliamentarian, read the standing rules. Roll Call was taken with 27 members and 3 guests present.

REPORTS:

President’s Report: Loris reported that delegating duties is her leadership style. She referenced the fundraising and camp committees as examples of committees that operate successfully on their own without her needing to give them direction. The progress of some program activities and manual updates for this past year was shared.

Secretary’s Report: The May 19^th Pre-convention board minutes were read. Mary Stip made a motion to approve the minutes, seconded by Paula Anundson. MC

Treasurer’s Report: Rebecca Anderson shared the financial report for the past year.

Development Director: Allan reported the donations received during the past fiscal year totaled just under $69,500. He thanked those who assisted him in fundraising.

Membership: Lexee Steffan reported there are 121 paid members, of which 51 are visually impaired, 25 are blind and 45 are sighted. There was 1 death in the past year. There are 7 lifetime members and 1 junior member.

Editor: Emily Stenberg Brown reported the number of newsletters distributed in each format. There are 374 Facebook followers.

Camp: Missy Miller reported the results of the 2025 camp session. Tie-dye t-shirts were made by those campers who preferred to make one. There were 5 new campers, with 37 campers in total. She thanked everyone who made the week a success. Camp will be August 16 – 23, 2026. The theme for the banquet this year is “Celebrating our 90^th Birthday.” Camp packets have been sent out.

Legislative & Advocacy: Allan reported visits to the three congressional offices in D.C. were made to request support for 3 issues relating to accessibility for people with vision loss. There are 4 resolutions that he will be presenting to the North Dakota Legislature when it convenes in January 2027.

The meeting recessed at 11:50 am for lunch.

Lunch: Micah Olson, attorney for ND Protection & Advocacy, spoke on the agency’s services. He spoke on employment related issues for people with disabilities interested in going back to work, including issues such as illegal discrimination issues, disability determination requirements, essential functions of a job, questions that can/cannot be asked in a job interview, reasonable accommodations, etc.

Business Meeting Resumes: The Business meeting resumed at 1:23.

Dining in the Dark: Janelle Olson reported the Bismarck Lions Club hosted a DITD event on April 24^th at the Municipal Country Club. Sixty-four diners attended, with 11 NDAB table hosts, of which 2 were first timers. Table hosts and drivers stayed at the Radisson Hotel, paid for by the Lions. Table hosts answer questions of the diners and share information about daily living and NDAB. Janelle thanked those who assisted in making this event a success.

Grandpa’s White Cane: There are a couple of boxes of books left to send out to the schools. It is estimated the books should be out by the end of this calendar year.

Nominations: Janelle read the slate of officers open for election this year.

Life Enrichment: Rebecca reported this program only funded one experience with $802. The annual budget is $5,000. The guidelines were reviewed.

Sports & Rec: The fall retreat will be an urban retreat beginning this fall. Currently, plans are to schedule it sometime in October in Grand Forks. The Spring Retreat will be sometime next summer.

2025 ACB Delegate: Janelle reported on her experience attending the ACB Convention in Dallas. She explained the many changes that have come about since the convention is now hybrid. She shared information on a particular resolution she found interesting, a couple of sessions she attended on JAWS and recruiting new members, her visit to the Exhibit Hall and a tour she took part in. She had to leave the convention one day early due to her husband’s illness. She thanked NDAB for the experience of serving as the ACB Delegate.

Statue of Service: Tracy Wicken updated the convention attendees on the project she started a couple of years ago. NDAB contributed to this statue at last year’s convention. A committee of six has been formed to assist in fundraising. About half of the money has been pledged/donated for the $200,000 project.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Archiving Talent Shows: David Olson will archive the talent shows at $10/cartridge.

NEW BUSINESS:

ACB Accommodations: Gerald made a motion that NDAB pay airfare for a sighted person to attend the ACB Conventions to assist the visually impaired while at the convention, seconded by Janelle. Motion failed. Allan made a motion to refer this motion to the board, seconded by Mary. Allan made a friendly amendment that the board refine the motion and bring it back next year, seconded by Mary. MC

ACB Stipend: Gerald made a motion that the ACB stipend be raised from $300 to $500 beginning with the 2026 convention, seconded by Zelda Gebhard. MC

Proposed Budget: Rebecca read the proposed budget for 2027.

Resolutions: Seven resolutions were read.

Resolution 2026-01: In support of Biennial Appropriation for NDVS/SB A motion was made by Zelda to accept this resolution, seconded by Lexee. MC

Resolution 2026-02: In support of Biennial Appropriation for the Talking Book Program. A motion was made by Mary to accept this resolution, seconded by Doug Stip. MC

Resolution 2026-03: In support of Biennial Appropriation for the OIB Program. A motion was made by Gerald to accept this resolution, seconded by Rick Feldman. MC

Resolution 2026-04: In support of Biennial Appropriation for Public Transit Systems. A motion was made by Janelle to accept this resolution, seconded by Rebecca. MC

Coffee Break: A coffee break was taken at 2:30.

Business Meeting Resumes: The meeting resumed at 3:00.

Resolution 2026-05: In support of the Medical Device Non-Visual Accessibility Act. A motion was made by Missy to accept this resolution, seconded by Zelda. MC

Resolution 2026-06: In support of Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act. A motion was made by Allan to accept this resolution, seconded by Paula. MC

Resolution 2026-07: In support of Communications, Video and Technology Accessibility Act. A motion was made by Carol Schmitt to accept this resolution, seconded by Allan. MC

Meeting adjourned for the day at 3:37 pm.

Awards Banquet: Following the social hour, which began at 6:00 pm, the banquet began at 7:00. Kenneth Semein, Sr. spoke via Zoom on the topic of Living with Intent. Tracy Wicken presented Cylee Walton, a Junior at UND, with the $4,000 NDAB Scholarship and a $2,000 Olga Neal Scholarship. Tracy shared a video of Cylee’s response to receiving the two scholarships. Lexee presented the NDAB Lifetime Membership Award to Char Feldman. Mary presented the Robert John LePage Award to Larry Odegaard of the Fargo Gateway Lions. This concluded the Awards Banquet.

Sunday, June 7^th:

Memorial Service: Mary and Doug led the Memorial Service. Donna Hepper was remembered during this service. Many of her family members attended and shared their memories of Donna, as did several NDAB members.

A coffee break was taken, followed by door prizes.

Business Meeting Resumes: The meeting resumed at 9:10 am with 28 members and 1 guest present.

First Time Convention Attendees: Elias Youngblom made a motion to add a line item to the budget to subsidize the cost of NDAB members who attend the convention for the first time in the amount of $2,000, to pay for all costs of their weekend, seconded by Kaity Young. MC

Proposed Budget: Lilliann Johnston made a motion to include scholarship recipients in the $2,000 first time convention attendees, seconded by Elias. MC Lexee made a motion to approve the 2027 proposed budget with changes, seconded by Rick. MC

Dondi Sobolik made a motion to form a committee to enhance the membership, seconded by Trampes Brown. MC

2027 Convention: Missy reported the convention will be held in Fargo at the Holiday Inn June 11 -13. Room rates are a King room for $145 and a queen room for $155.

2028 Convention: This convention will be held in Bismarck, hosted by Lilliann.

Nominations: Janelle read the slate of officers for this year’s elections.

Election of Officers:

President: The Nominations Committee presented Loris Van Berkom for this office. Allan made a motion that nominations cease and a unanimous ballot be cast for Loris as President, seconded by Mary. MC

Vice President: The Nominations Committee presented Lexee Steffan for this office. Allan made a motion that nominations cease and a unanimous ballot be cast for Lexee, seconded by Paula. MC

Treasurer: The Nominations Committee presented Dondi Sobolik for this office. Allan made a motion that nominations cease and a unanimous ballot be cast for Dondi, seconded by Lexee. MC Dondi Sobolik and Trampes Brown will replace Rebecca Anderson and Deb Johnson as signers on the account at 1^st International Bank and Trust.

Board of Director: The Nominations Committee presented Gerald Byron for this office. Mary nominated Paula from the floor. Gerald was elected for this office.

Editor: The Nominations Committee presented Emily Stenberg Brown for this position. Allan made a motion that nominations cease and a unanimous ballot be cast for Emily, seconded by Brant. MC

ACB Delegate: The Nominations Committee presented Dondi Sobolik to serve as delegate to the ACB Convention in 2027. Allan made a motion that nominations cease and a unanimous ballot be cast for Dondi, seconded by Elias. MC

Alternate Delegate: The Nominations Committee presented Gerald Byron as Alternate Delegate. Allan made a motion that nominations cease and a unanimous ballot be cast for Gerald as Alternate Delegate, seconded by Elias. MC

Loris thanked everyone for attending the convention, Emily and Trampes for hosting, Rick Vannett for his service as Parliamentarian, David and Trampes as mic runners and Rebecca for serving as Treasurer. Allan thanked Janelle for her service on the board and Loris for her great job as President.

Adjourn: Allan made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Lexee. The meeting adjourned at 10:27 am.

Respectfully submitted, Helen Baumgartner, NDAB Secretary

North Dakota Association of the Blind, Inc. Post Convention Board of Directors Meeting Minutes

June 7, 2026

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Loris Van Berkom, Lexee Steffan, Dondi Sobolik, Helen Baumgartner, Elias Youngblom, Mary Stip, Gerald Byron, Allan Peterson and Trampes Brown

CODE OF CONDUCT: The Code of Conduct was signed by all board members.

CALL TO ORDER: Loris called the meeting to order at 10:39.

Dondi and Gerald were welcomed to the board.

ACB Stipend: Lexee made a motion, seconded by Mary to pay Janelle Olson, Allan Peterson, Zelda Gebhard, Gerald Byron and Kaity Youngblom $500 to attend the 2026 ACB Convention. MC

Membership: Lexee made a motion to accept Annabel Zuniga, blind from Hatton, ND as a new member, seconded by Mary. MC

ACB Scorecard: Loris informed the board that she received an email from Cindy Hollis of ACB, asking that the board complete a set of six questions, rating ourselves as a board. Loris will send out the document for the board to review. A meeting date will be set at our next board meeting to complete this document.

NEXT MEETING: August 3, 2026 at 7:30.

ADJOURN: Allan made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Lexee. MC The meeting adjourned at 10:45.

Respectfully Submitted, Helen Baumgartner, NDAB Secretary