By Steve Jacobson

(Editor’s Note: The following was presented as part of a panel for parents of blind children at a Career Day for Blind Youth on April 27, 2019 sponsored by State Services for the Blind and the Minnesota Department of Education.

While Steve is specifically challenging parents here, I love the way he consistently teaches all of us to have high expectations of ourselves.)

By Kyle Hanneman

(Editor’s Note: Kyle wrote this piece for our Metro chapter essay contest last fall. I know numbers of us have appreciated his get-down-to-business approach to fitness and the practical instruction he provides. As you’ll see, Kyle is not afraid to go after what he wants, even if it means kicking some doors to get it.)

By Natasha Jerde

(Editor’s Note: Natasha Jerde, director of Minnesota State Services for the Blind, presented the following remarks to keep us in the know about all of the ways SSB is pivoting to continue providing services to Blind Minnesotans. We value our ongoing partnership!)

Good morning everyone,

I’m Natasha Jerde, and I am the Director of State Services for the Blind.

(Editor’s Note: This thorough report will give you a good idea of the many informative and fun moments at our 2020 virtual spring convention, especially if you weren’t able to be there. We hope all of you will join us for our fall virtual convention.)

By Ryan Strunk

(Editor’s Note: Our state president gave the following report on Saturday morning at our spring convention held virtually on Zoom. Even though we could not be with each other in person, the energy and excitement in the room were obvious as Ryan Strunk recounted our many recent achievements and inspired us to keep moving forward in the days ahead.)

(As I read through the stories in this issue, I am struck by how we in the Federation use creative problem-solving in order to live the lives we want. I don’t want to give too much away, but I think you’ll be inspired to try some new things in your own life after reading about how David Andrews cooks on the grill, how Steve Jacobson climbs on the roof of his house, and how Kyle Hanneman masters judo. Enjoy!)

Volume 87, Number 2, Summer 2020
A Publication of the
National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota, Inc.
100 East 22nd Street
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55404
Voice: (612) 872-9363
Website: www.nfbmn.org
Ryan Strunk, President
e-mail president@nfbmn.org 
Kathy McGillivray, Editor
E-mail gilgal63@gmail.com
 

Exciting times are coming in NFB conventions.  Keep these in mind as you plan your activities throughout the coming year.

The Semiannual NFB of Minnesota Convention will be held on April 21 at the NFB of Minnesota headquarters at 100 E. 22^nd St. in Minneapolis.  Members will receive a letter with details about a month before the convention, and the letter will be on our website at www.nfbmn.org.

By Judy Sanders, Secretary

Excitement was building as Federationists came from all over Minnesota to gather in New Ulm at the Holiday Inn on September 29, 2006 for the annual convention of the National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota.  People who arrived for the Friday activities were treated to a variety of opportunities that were fun, educational and productive.

By Jean Martin, Director, Minnesota Resource Center for the Blind, Faribault.

(Editor’s Note:  This presentation was given at the National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota annual convention on September 30, 2006.)

Good morning!  Thank you for inviting me to share information about the educational service delivery of students who are blind or visually impaired in Minnesota.