By Peggy Chong

There is a new division in the National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota.  It is the National Organization of Parents of Blind Children, formed at the Parents Seminar held Saturday, May 7, 1994 at our new headquarters.  The President is Barbara Schultz, Vice President is Sandy Jacobson, Treasurer is Tom Kiel, Secretary is Nadine Jacobson, and Board Member is Penny Langland.

The seminar was co‑sponsored by BLIND Inc., State Services for the Blind and the NFB of Minnesota.  Families from all around the state came for a full day of activities.  For the parents, there were presentations and small group discussions.  Speakers included:

Richard Davis, Assistant Commissioner, Department of Economic Security, State Services for the Blind

Sharon Duffy and Jennifer Dunnam, instructors at BLIND Inc.

Barbara Cheadle, Editor of Future Reflection, the NFB national newsletter for parents

Mrs. Cheadle spent several days talking with parents about the Federation and the benefits of forming a division here in Minnesota.

But the fun did not stop there.  Parents were encouraged to bring their children.  Lori Anderson had put together a great group of volunteers who planned many activities for the blind children and their siblings.  In the morning, they baked cookies and then served them to all the participants at lunch.  Most of the youngsters spent a great deal of time exploring the mansion.  One young man who wants to be a janitor when he grows up was fascinated by the boiler room.  Small groups took turns playing at the park on the next block.