Hello everyone,
We will be having our VIP Summer picnic at my house on June 17, at 1:30pm...please bring your favorite picnic goodies & share with the group...Our swimming pool is ready for those who wish to go swimming so bring your suit or you can play games with those who wish to sit out of the water. We played a fun game last time & I think we will do that again!
Hope to see each of you here.
If you have any questions, please call me or email me!
Thanks!
Your friend,
Dee Dee
VIP Christmas
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Friday, June 6, 2008
Fw: Legislation Alert regarding quiet cars
From: Deanna DeGraaff
Sent: Tuesday, May 20, 2008 4:41 PM
To: Undisclosed-Recipient:;
Subject: Legislation Alert regarding quiet cars
Subject: Legislation Alert regarding quiet cars
|
Subject: Urgent - Immediate Action Requested FYI. The following Legislative Alert regarding HR 5734 was posted by NFB's Government Programs Specialist. He is requesting immediate action by those who support the bill for quiet car legislation. Fellow Federationists: I wanted to let you know the latest on our Quiet Cars legislation, HR 5734. We currently have thirty Members of the House of Representatives listed as cosponsors, and Congressmen Towns and Stearns have sent a letter to Congressman John Dingell, Chair of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, asking for hearings on this bill. We must increase our cosponsor support on this legislation to show Chairman Dingell that this issue is important to members of the House. The Members of Congress will be leaving for the Memorial Day recess on Friday May 23rd. I would like us to have fifty cosponsors before the recess starts, so I am urging you to call your member of Congress and ask him or her to join as a cosponsor of HR 5734. You can be connected to your member of Congress by calling the capitol switchboard at (202) 225-3121. I have included a news article and a link below, which shows exactly why this legislation is needed. Thankfully there were no serious injuries in this case. I have also included a list of the thirty cosponsors on the bill. Thank you all in advance for your work on this important matter. Please contact me with any questions you may have. Sincerely, http://www.kare11.com/news/ts_article.aspx?storyid=510106 - Where you will also find a video. Boy hit by hybrid car; mom says he didn't hear it coming It was something that had never occurred to Jane Flannigan, until she got the call Sunday that her eight-year-old son had been hit by a car while biking with a friend. Owen Erickson was not badly hurt, though he did end up on the hood of the car. But when the car's driver moved his Toyota Prius from the street to the curb, Flannigan noticed something. "I saw the car, but I could not hear anything," she recalled about the hybrid vehicle which was operating on battery power at the time. "It is totally silent." That's when it dawned on Flannigan, Owen never heard the Prius before he cut in front of it. "Bikers, runners, anybody out on the street, I think it's a huge safety issue," she said. She's not the only one. Last month legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives that could eventually require hybrids to emit a minimum amount of noise. It's a priority piece of legislation for the National Federation of the Blind, which believes Hybrids pose a real threat to those who rely on noise from cars to keep themselves safe. "These quiet cars that are very difficult to hear in the normal flow of everyday outdoor activity play a safety hazard," says Jennifer Dunnam, president of the NFB's Minnesota affiliate. "Blind people depend on their hearing to know what the traffic is doing." Toyota has not taken a position on the legislation, but is aware of the concerns behind it. "We do have to step back and take a look," said John Hanson, Toyota's national manager of environmental, safety and quality communications. The Prius ranks third among Toyota models in sales, behind Camry and Corolla, according the Hanson. Flannigan doesn't blame the driver of the Prius for running into her son, since Owen biked out in front of his car but she does cut her son some slack. "We're conditioned to hear car noises," she says. "This is a big safety issue." **** |
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Sunday, May 4, 2008
Topic: Meet & Greet time!
When: May 13, 2008
Time> 1:30 - 3:30pm
Where: Dee Dee's home, 815 West French Ave, Temple
We will have snacks & play our favorite games. Please plan to join us for a relaxing time while we make time to catch up on each other lives. You can bring your favorite snacks & games to play or just relax.
Hope to see each of you here!
If you have any questions or need further information, please contact me at this email address or give me a call!
Time> 1:30 - 3:30pm
Where: Dee Dee's home, 815 West French Ave, Temple
We will have snacks & play our favorite games. Please plan to join us for a relaxing time while we make time to catch up on each other lives. You can bring your favorite snacks & games to play or just relax.
Hope to see each of you here!
If you have any questions or need further information, please contact me at this email address or give me a call!
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Fw: Press Release: Nonprofit Launched to Bring Free Accessibility Worldwide
From: Deanna DeGraaff
Sent: Wednesday, March 05, 2008 5:56 AM
To: Undisclosed-Recipient:;
Subject: Press Release: Nonprofit Launched to Bring Free Accessibility Worldwide
Free Accessibility Worldwide
I thought we may try this out again when zoomtext runs out ......and it's free!
NEWS RELEASE
Media Contact:
Janelle Schulenberg
Tacet Consulting
612-720-1068
Nonprofit Launched to Bring Free Accessibility Worldwide
The AIR Foundation committed to 'accessibility is a right'
Orlando, Florida – January 31, 2008 – The AIR Foundation, a nonprofit organization headquartered in Minneapolis, Minn. was announced today at a press conference held during the Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) 2008 National Conference at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida. The mission of the foundation is to promote universal accessibility so that every blind and low-vision person in the world has access to digital information over the Internet and Worldwide Web.
The foundation's executive director, Art Schreiber, also announced that the organization's first offering will be free usage of a Web 2.0 accessible screen reader. The product is provided through an exclusive license in perpetuity granted to The AIR Foundation from Serotek Corporation, the leading provider of Internet and digital information accessibility software and services. The screen reader is called SA To Go and is powered by Serotek's award-winning System Access software which provides immediate text to speech, magnified visual, and Braille access to digital information presented through the Web or other means, while the user is directly connected to the Internet. The software does not remain resident on the user's computer when the connection to the Internet is interrupted or terminated. Users can obtain access to the free software by calling 877-369-0101 or visiting www.AccessibilityIsaRight.org.
"The basic tenet of The AIR Foundation is that accessibility is a fundamental human right, regardless of financial or geographic constraints" said Art Schreiber, executive director of The AIR Foundation, "by allowing the blind and visually impaired to have equal access to computer and Internet information through the free use of an advanced screen reader like SA To Go, we have already taken great strides toward our mission."
The AIR Foundation will solicit funds and contract development of product enhancements including availability in other languages. The organization's first priority is to make SA To Go available in Mandarin Chinese.
"SA To Go is highly intuitive and requires minimal training to use," said Serotek CEO, Mike Calvo, "the user not only has access to information displayed on Web pages, but to Web-based applications such as Internet telephone service, and to applications resident on the host computer. The user can also access PDF files, fill out forms, and otherwise interact with information with the same facility as a sighted person."
The AIR Foundation will operate through the generosity of organizations donating their time, expertise, and funds. It invites other nonprofits, assistive technology vendors, mainstream hardware and software companies and anyone interested in promoting accessibility as every person's right, to align with the AIR team.
The AIR Foundation
The AIR Foundation is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to advocate, teach, and deliver information accessibility tools. We focus on the accessibility needs of blind and low-vision people. Our mantra is "accessibility is a right" and we work with corporations and agencies worldwide to deliver free accessibility to all. For more information, call 877-369-0101 or visit www.AccessibilityIsaRight.org.
Serotek Corporation
Serotek Corporation is a leading technology company that develops software and manufactures accessibility solutions. Committed to the mission of providing accessibility anywhere, Serotek launched the first online community specifically designed to meet the needs of people with disabilities. Since then, Serotek has introduced several powerful, affordable solutions that require minimal training and investment. For more information, visit www.serotek.com.
###
Fw: Press Release: Nonprofit Launched to Bring Free Accessibility Worldwide
From: Deanna DeGraaff
Sent: Wednesday, March 05, 2008 5:56 AM
To: Undisclosed-Recipient:;
Subject: Press Release: Nonprofit Launched to Bring Free Accessibility Worldwide
Free Accessibility Worldwide
I thought we may try this out again when zoomtext runs out ......and it's free!
NEWS RELEASE
Media Contact:
Janelle Schulenberg
Tacet Consulting
612-720-1068
Nonprofit Launched to Bring Free Accessibility Worldwide
The AIR Foundation committed to 'accessibility is a right'
Orlando, Florida – January 31, 2008 – The AIR Foundation, a nonprofit organization headquartered in Minneapolis, Minn. was announced today at a press conference held during the Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) 2008 National Conference at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida. The mission of the foundation is to promote universal accessibility so that every blind and low-vision person in the world has access to digital information over the Internet and Worldwide Web.
The foundation's executive director, Art Schreiber, also announced that the organization's first offering will be free usage of a Web 2.0 accessible screen reader. The product is provided through an exclusive license in perpetuity granted to The AIR Foundation from Serotek Corporation, the leading provider of Internet and digital information accessibility software and services. The screen reader is called SA To Go and is powered by Serotek's award-winning System Access software which provides immediate text to speech, magnified visual, and Braille access to digital information presented through the Web or other means, while the user is directly connected to the Internet. The software does not remain resident on the user's computer when the connection to the Internet is interrupted or terminated. Users can obtain access to the free software by calling 877-369-0101 or visiting www.AccessibilityIsaRight.org.
"The basic tenet of The AIR Foundation is that accessibility is a fundamental human right, regardless of financial or geographic constraints" said Art Schreiber, executive director of The AIR Foundation, "by allowing the blind and visually impaired to have equal access to computer and Internet information through the free use of an advanced screen reader like SA To Go, we have already taken great strides toward our mission."
The AIR Foundation will solicit funds and contract development of product enhancements including availability in other languages. The organization's first priority is to make SA To Go available in Mandarin Chinese.
"SA To Go is highly intuitive and requires minimal training to use," said Serotek CEO, Mike Calvo, "the user not only has access to information displayed on Web pages, but to Web-based applications such as Internet telephone service, and to applications resident on the host computer. The user can also access PDF files, fill out forms, and otherwise interact with information with the same facility as a sighted person."
The AIR Foundation will operate through the generosity of organizations donating their time, expertise, and funds. It invites other nonprofits, assistive technology vendors, mainstream hardware and software companies and anyone interested in promoting accessibility as every person's right, to align with the AIR team.
The AIR Foundation
The AIR Foundation is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to advocate, teach, and deliver information accessibility tools. We focus on the accessibility needs of blind and low-vision people. Our mantra is "accessibility is a right" and we work with corporations and agencies worldwide to deliver free accessibility to all. For more information, call 877-369-0101 or visit www.AccessibilityIsaRight.org.
Serotek Corporation
Serotek Corporation is a leading technology company that develops software and manufactures accessibility solutions. Committed to the mission of providing accessibility anywhere, Serotek launched the first online community specifically designed to meet the needs of people with disabilities. Since then, Serotek has introduced several powerful, affordable solutions that require minimal training and investment. For more information, visit www.serotek.com.
###
Sunday, March 2, 2008
March VIP Meeting
When: March 10, 2008
Time: 1:30 - 3:30pm
Where: Temple Public Library, third floor board room
Topic: Volunteer Programs
Guest Speakers: Trish Oppermann (Odyssey Hospice Care & Cynthia Russell from CTLC (Churches touching lives for Christ)
We want to take the focus off of what we can't do & put it on what we CAN do....please try to attend this very informative meeting! We will have 2 great speakers & we can learn how we can make a difference in someone else's lives.
Hope to see you there!
For more information, please contact....
Deanna M. DeGraaff @ 778 - 5073
Time: 1:30 - 3:30pm
Where: Temple Public Library, third floor board room
Topic: Volunteer Programs
Guest Speakers: Trish Oppermann (Odyssey Hospice Care & Cynthia Russell from CTLC (Churches touching lives for Christ)
We want to take the focus off of what we can't do & put it on what we CAN do....please try to attend this very informative meeting! We will have 2 great speakers & we can learn how we can make a difference in someone else's lives.
Hope to see you there!
For more information, please contact....
Deanna M. DeGraaff @ 778 - 5073
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Marge's final day by; Deanna degraaff
Hello my dear faithful friends,
Please let me begin by saying thank you so much for all of your love & prayers thru our families situation. They have been felt & appreciated by all of us.
Marge's final day began early...both Walt & Blade took a break at 6am to go home & get a bath & grab something to eat before heading back over to sit with Marge. Walt said his mom had a Ok night & between waking up every 3 hours to turn her over so no bed sores would occur, putting more meds on her to make her comfortable, and then making sure she was breathing Ok, they had not gotten much sleep....I went back over at 8 am after trying to get Walt to eat a few bites of breakfast...he did manage a few bites this time....Walt & Blade had set up the recliner on one side of her bed & another chair on the other side so no matter which way she was turned, someone could sit by her & hold her hand...we brought over Christian CD's to play for her & I think that relaxed her more...I have one CD that plays all of the songs our church used to sing & She loved to sing along with that CD, so I kept playing that one over & over for her...along with me singing also.....I felt like we were singing together at church again....Walt decided he needed to go to church to be closer with the Lord & some how he felt closer to his mom at the same time...I did not want to leave Marge's side, so I decided to stay home & Walt, Patty & Phil all went together...this was a good time for brothers & sister to be together...Marge & I had our own private service at home....it was the best 2 hours I have ever spent & will cherish them forever....Patty & Walt came home after the service & Sabrina, the hospice nurse was already there with me. Together Sabrina & I turned Marge over & had gotten her settled when Sabrina noticed Marge had developed a fever, so she had given her some meds to help lower it, but again, this was another step in the decline...she was going to give Marge a sponge bath with Patty's help so I took that opportunity to go home & make some lunch for everyone...I had been away for less then 20 minutes before Phil came over to my house to say Marge had passed away...in Patty's arms...right after her bath...Patty, Walt & Phil were all with her...she passed away at 1:44 this afternoon. Now she is at total peace & suffering no more...I am sure her husband, her sister & her mother will be celebrating in heaven with her....the family is grieving & we will make the funeral arrangements tomorrow & we will let those who are close enough to come details on when & where.
I see the wonderful gift the Lord has given to me...I asked the Lord if there was any way possible to let Marge stay long enough to get thru Walt's birthday & to please not take Marge on Patty's birthday either & he granted me that miracle...I pray Walt & Patty will realize the gift he has given to them by the beautiful day he called her home...it was cloudy this morning when I went over to Marge's...it felt like it wanted to rain & I thought the angels would start to cry...however, when I came out to go next door, the sun was shining so pretty & it was a gorgeous day outside..temperatures in the 70's...a beautiful spring day....I knew the Lord was smiling on us...I could feel his love in the air....he gave us a special gift when he made Marge & he gave us a final one when he took her home on this beautiful day. She is now at peace & one day we will see her again!
Again, I thank each & everyone of you who prayed for us....you are all loved very much!
May God bless you & your families.
Love from the DeGraaff family
Please let me begin by saying thank you so much for all of your love & prayers thru our families situation. They have been felt & appreciated by all of us.
Marge's final day began early...both Walt & Blade took a break at 6am to go home & get a bath & grab something to eat before heading back over to sit with Marge. Walt said his mom had a Ok night & between waking up every 3 hours to turn her over so no bed sores would occur, putting more meds on her to make her comfortable, and then making sure she was breathing Ok, they had not gotten much sleep....I went back over at 8 am after trying to get Walt to eat a few bites of breakfast...he did manage a few bites this time....Walt & Blade had set up the recliner on one side of her bed & another chair on the other side so no matter which way she was turned, someone could sit by her & hold her hand...we brought over Christian CD's to play for her & I think that relaxed her more...I have one CD that plays all of the songs our church used to sing & She loved to sing along with that CD, so I kept playing that one over & over for her...along with me singing also.....I felt like we were singing together at church again....Walt decided he needed to go to church to be closer with the Lord & some how he felt closer to his mom at the same time...I did not want to leave Marge's side, so I decided to stay home & Walt, Patty & Phil all went together...this was a good time for brothers & sister to be together...Marge & I had our own private service at home....it was the best 2 hours I have ever spent & will cherish them forever....Patty & Walt came home after the service & Sabrina, the hospice nurse was already there with me. Together Sabrina & I turned Marge over & had gotten her settled when Sabrina noticed Marge had developed a fever, so she had given her some meds to help lower it, but again, this was another step in the decline...she was going to give Marge a sponge bath with Patty's help so I took that opportunity to go home & make some lunch for everyone...I had been away for less then 20 minutes before Phil came over to my house to say Marge had passed away...in Patty's arms...right after her bath...Patty, Walt & Phil were all with her...she passed away at 1:44 this afternoon. Now she is at total peace & suffering no more...I am sure her husband, her sister & her mother will be celebrating in heaven with her....the family is grieving & we will make the funeral arrangements tomorrow & we will let those who are close enough to come details on when & where.
I see the wonderful gift the Lord has given to me...I asked the Lord if there was any way possible to let Marge stay long enough to get thru Walt's birthday & to please not take Marge on Patty's birthday either & he granted me that miracle...I pray Walt & Patty will realize the gift he has given to them by the beautiful day he called her home...it was cloudy this morning when I went over to Marge's...it felt like it wanted to rain & I thought the angels would start to cry...however, when I came out to go next door, the sun was shining so pretty & it was a gorgeous day outside..temperatures in the 70's...a beautiful spring day....I knew the Lord was smiling on us...I could feel his love in the air....he gave us a special gift when he made Marge & he gave us a final one when he took her home on this beautiful day. She is now at peace & one day we will see her again!
Again, I thank each & everyone of you who prayed for us....you are all loved very much!
May God bless you & your families.
Love from the DeGraaff family
Monday, February 4, 2008
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Our First VIP Meeting for 2008!
When: January 7, 2008
Time: 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Where: Temple Public Library, Third Floor Board Room, Temple Public Library
Topic: Planning our 2008 calendar for the VIP's!
I hope each & everyone will attend this meeting to help plan the year's events for our group. WE need input & suggestions on what you would like to do this year as a group.
Hope to see each & everyone there!
If you have any questions or further information, please contact,
Deanna M. DeGraaff at 778 - 5073 or this email address
Time: 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Where: Temple Public Library, Third Floor Board Room, Temple Public Library
Topic: Planning our 2008 calendar for the VIP's!
I hope each & everyone will attend this meeting to help plan the year's events for our group. WE need input & suggestions on what you would like to do this year as a group.
Hope to see each & everyone there!
If you have any questions or further information, please contact,
Deanna M. DeGraaff at 778 - 5073 or this email address
Thursday, December 6, 2007
next Temple Transit Transportation Meeting
The next Temple Transit Transportation Meeting will be held at the temple Public Library on December 12 at 2pm in the Board room on the third floor. Hope we can have a great turn out at this meeting!
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