In addition to being an organization focused on consumer advocacy for blind people and promoting a positive philosophy of blindness, the National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota is also a family.  Here is a new column we will print from time to time, containing items that would not normally be sent out on our membership listserv but which are noteworthy and of interest to members.  Did you or a Federationist you know get a new job?  Go on a major trip?  Win an award?  Have a child?  Something else important to you?  If you have news you would like shared in this column, send it to the editor, Tom Scanlan, and he will pass it along.  Here’s the news for this issue:

On December 13, 2011, Al Spooner and May Vang were married in a small ceremony among family and friends.  Our congratulations and best wishes to the Spooners.

We are also happy for Zach Ellingson, who recently became engaged to be married to Jenny Caito.

We said “Happy Birthday” to Tom Scanlan early in December.  He was born on Pearl Harbor Day, so this was a special birthday for him.

Speaking of birth, Steve and Kallie Decker are expecting the arrival of a new little Decker in April of 2012.  We look forward to celebrating with them!

In somewhat old news, a whole bunch of Federationists have moved to new residences within the last six months (most of them during the summer).  These included Jean Rauschenbach, Judy Sanders, Jennifer Dunnam, Rob Hobson, Al Spooner, Sharon Monthei, George Wurtzel, and more.  That’s a lot of packing!

It is likely that we’ve missed some noteworthy news here.  If so, feel free to send it along for the next column.  A happy and blessed new year to all.