By Lori Peglow

Message from the CMC President

A Tribute to an NFB Member

Earlier today, prior to the writing of this article, I had the privilege of attending a funeral service for Alice Kalash, one of our CMC members.  It was a beautiful service for a wonderful woman of the faith.  The message delivered by the pastor was based upon the text of 1 Corinthians 13:12, “For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face.  Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.”  This very fitting text is very apropos for those of us with visual impairment.  Loss of vision can be a burden when it comes into our life, at whatever age it comes.

No matter how long the duration of our life, what really matters is whom we are dedicated to, and the donation we make in life.  Alice had a life of 86 years.  That which was most impressive was her heart.  A heart dedicated to her Lord Jesus Christ, and as a result, she gave loving service and time dedicated to her family, to her church, and to others including the Central Minnesota Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind.

Two years ago, at age 84, Alice participated in the NFB of Minnesota Walk for Opportunity in the Twin Cities.  There she walked 5K with one of her daughters.  After a life-long career as a registered nurse, Alice enjoyed giving of herself to others in many ways, including hand-knitting afghans which were beautifully crafted by using the aid of a visual tech in order to get the stitches right, producing a beautiful finished product.

Largely who or what we have given our heart to determines the donation we make in life.  A dedicated heart to God is a productive one in life, no matter in what circumstances we find ourselves.  Walking a 5K at age 84 for the NFB was a tremendous accomplishment.  However, backing that service in witness was the sure hope she had because of her faith in her Lord Jesus. 

As members of the NFB, we have a tremendous mission of love and service.  However, that mission becomes even more beautiful when our heart is stayed on the One whose love created us and redeemed us for all eternity.  As we focus on the tasks before us, may we be strengthened by the last verse of 1 Corinthians 13:13, “And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”  God's blessings to all!          

Have a great month!  Rev. Ron Mahnke, CMC President

Meet Members of the CMCNFB

Marvin Zastrow

Marvin was born in Long Prairie into a family of second-generation Minnesota farmers in 1930, the depression decade.  Growing up the second of seven children in a farming family, he quickly learned about responsibility and work ethic.  At home, the expectation was that no one quits until everything is done.

His vision difficulties began in childhood.  He was born with double vision and his right eye never fully developed.  This made growing up a challenge at times because people tended to think he was stupid instead of understanding he perhaps had a handicap.

In spite of his vision challenges, he had a normal childhood, earning a bachelor’s degree from St. Cloud State.  He was drafted into the Marine Corp, learned to shoot left-handed, and achieved recognition as a sharp-shooter — pretty good for a guy who was visually challenged.  After the Marine Corp, he began a teaching career starting in Edmore, North Dakota, and finally to Little Falls, the city that became home.  During this time, he married and was blessed with three children, a girl and two boys.  As a teacher, he attended two national education conventions and served on the central Minnesota education board of directors.  In 1967, he had the honor of being assigned to the committee that revised and updated the English curriculum for the state.  After 37 years of teaching English, and a few other subjects along the way, he retired in 1990. 

Besides teaching, he was involved in church work, the Morrison County Fair board and the city library board.  For church, he directed choir for 34 years, served as a church officer, attended three synod conventions and served as a synod reconciler for eight years.  

While all these events transpired and life was moving forward, he was diagnosed with glaucoma when he was just 33 years old.  Between 1990 and 2006, he had 22 eye surgeries, including a number of cornea transplants, and was one of the first people at the University of Minnesota to get an artificial cornea.

No vision difficulties and eye surgeries kept him from his hobbies of fishing, gardening and card playing.  Card club was a regular event during retirement until he couldn‘t see to play any longer.  He has always enjoyed reading and music, especially classical music.  During retirement, he taught himself to bake with specialties of rye bread and raisin-filled cookies.

The day before his 80^th birthday in 2010, an aneurysm in his optic nerve made everything go dark.  Now, he is still an avid reader by way of listening to Talking Book Radio and books on CD.  He is more confident in getting around and if someone says let’s go he is usually willing and ready.  And, he has three young grandsons that keep him on his toes when they come to visit.  It still rings true today, you can’t quit until everything is done.

Upcoming Events

The CMNC NFB will hold their annual fund raising Brat Sale August 9 and 10 at Cashwise East.  Sales start at 11 A.M. and continue until 6 P.M.

Virden Memorial Scholarship

We want to say Thank You to the family of Andy Virden for starting the Andy Virden Memorial Scholarship.  Andy Virden, born in 1927, was blind by the time he reached his teen years.  But that didn’t hinder his desire for an education.  He was the first in his family to receive a college education, earning his Bachelor of Science degree in history and social science, in 1950.  He was also one of the first blind students to graduate from Saint Cloud State Teacher’s College.  Andy was active in civic affairs and for many years was president of the Central Minnesota Chapter of the NFB of Minnesota.  In 2011, at the age of 83, a driver struck and killed Andy crossing a street in his neighborhood.

The Andy Virden Memorial Scholarship was established in October 2012.  A $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to a student attending St. Cloud State University who is involved in community service and is visually impaired or the child of a visually impaired parent.  To inquire about the scholarship, please contact Robert Beumer at SCSU at 320-308-3716.

To contribute to the scholarship fund visit www.stcloudstate.edu/foundation/waystogive.