The Minnesota Memo
Fall 2025
A quarterly publication of The American Council of the Blind of Minnesota. The views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily the position of the American Council of the Blind of Minnesota. They are the views of the article’s author.
Product and service information is provided as a resource only, and not as an endorsement of a particular product or service.
EDITORIAL COMMITTEE
Nicky Schlender Editor
E-mail: kb0ouf@pcdesk.net
Jennifer Dubbin
E-mail: lyndidog@comcast.net
Michael Lauf: Web Administrator
E-mail: info@myeffectivesolutions.com
Phone numbers of note:
SSB main number:
(651)539-2300
ACBM:
(612) 223-5543 Leave Message
Apple support for people with disabilities
(877) 204-3930
Microsoft support for people with disabilities
(800) 936-5900
Comcast Support for Persons with Disabilities
(855) 270-0379
Instacart For Seniors and Persons With Disabilities
844-981-3433
Amazon’s Accessibility Customer Service
888-283-1678
Audible Support:
888-283-5051.
American Airlines Special Assistance
800-237-7976
AT&T
National Center for Citizens with Disabilities (NCCD)
866-241-6568
Delta Airlines Disability Services
1-404-209-3434
HP Accessibility Support
888-259-5707
Samsung Accessibility
972-761-7123
For general support in the U.S. contact Samsung at: 800-726-7864 by text or voice.
T-Mobile Accessibility
833-428-1785
United Airlines Accessibility Desk
800-228-2744
Verizon Wireless National Accessibility Center
888-262-1999
TSA Cares
(855) 787-2227
Contact them at least 48 hours prior to your flight.
Table of Contents
President’s Message
By Ken Rodgers
Birthdays
By Nicky Schlender
Advocacy, Advocacy, Advocacy
By Ken Rodgers
A Ride to Remember
By Kelly Carver
NLS News
3 ingredient banana mug cake microwave banana bread
By Ken Rodgers
Rhubarb Cake
By Jennifer Dubbin
Independent Visually Impaired Entrepreneurs ONLINE Business Expo
By Ardis Bazyn
Officers and Board of Directors
Standing Committee Chairs
President’s Message October 2025
By Ken Rodgers
Hello ACBM members and friends,
A Note from the Porch… Normally, I’d be kicking off this month’s newsletter with a nod to crisp fall air and cozy sweaters. But as I write this from my screened-in porch, I’m still soaking up the warmth—and I’m not complaining! Every extra sunny day feels like a little gift before winter settles in.
That said, we all know the cold is on its way, and with it comes the holiday season. Whether you celebrate with joy or brace yourself for the bustle, the holidays will be here before we know it.
A Gentle Reminder in a noisy World… It’s hard to ignore how polarized things feel lately. There’s so much information flying around, often with extremes that make it tough to sort fact from fiction. So here’s my simple message for the season: take good care of yourself—and if you can, reach out to someone else. It’s tempting to stay tucked away in our own cozy corners, avoiding conflict and keeping things quiet. But staying connected, even in small ways, can make a big difference.
Connection doesn’t have to be Complicated. A quick email to check in, a short text to say “hi,” a phone call, or even an invitation to walk around the block—these little gestures go a long way. They’re not just good for others; they’re good for you too. We’re wired to thrive in community, and even the
smallest connection can lift spirits on both ends.
I get it—it’s easier to stay curled up at home. But connection doesn’t have to mean stepping far outside your comfort zone. Sending a message while sitting in your favorite chair still counts. So, I invite you to join me in a small pledge this season: make one meaningful connection. It might be just what someone needs—and you might be surprised by how good it feels.
Wishing you warmth, peace, and a joyful holiday season ahead!
Birthdays:
By Nicky Schlender
This quarter is very busy with many birthdays. Hapy birthday to everyone!
Mike Hally: October 2
Nicky Schlender: October 4
Pat Dewey: October 7
Steve Robertson: October 12
Janet Dickelman: October 22
Gary Boettcher: November 9
Bonnie Robertson: November 20
Marilynn Highland: November 22
Marian Haslerud: December 4
Advocacy, Advocacy, Advocacy
By Ken Rodgers
When you encounter an accessibility feature that is not working or is broken in Minneapolis, it is critically important it get reported. Things like Accessible Pedestrian Signals, broken sidewalks and/or pedestrian ramps that need repairs:
The Public Works Department at the City of Minneapolis simply does not have the resources to go out and check each APS, pedestrian ramp or sidewalk that may be broken or need repair. The City depends upon the public to report these. Below is a handy summary of how to report issues with APS’s, pedestrian ramps and broken sidewalks in the City of Minneapolis. It is really simple and only takes a few minutes. The City then makes this a priority to fix as soon as possible but they can’t fix anything if they don’t know something is broken.
You can contact the City to get non-emergency information or report a non-emergency issue. They are here to help.
Call 311. Use the automated call routing system to get answers 24 hours a day.
You can:
• Connect in your preferred language.
• Say a word or use your phone’s keypad to get answers to common questions.
• Get connected to an agent trained to answer your question.
Call 311 or 612-673-3000
Get tips for using the automated system phone and laptop
• Email 311
You can email us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We will respond Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Email Minneapolis 311
• Text 311
You can also text us a short question any time.
Learn how to text 311
• Get the 311 mobile app
Report neighborhood issues on the 311 mobile app 24 hours a day.
• Download for Android
• Download for iPhone
• Use TTY
311 Agents are equipped with computer-based technology that enables hearing-impaired individuals to easily communicate with the City using their TDD/TTY devices.
Call TTY 612-263-6850
It is our responsibility to report any accessibility issue that we encounter as soon as possible. This becomes a priority to repair as quickly as possible once it is reported. This report is also followed by the City’s ADA team to follow up and make sure it gets repaired and doesn’t fall through the cracks.
We all have responsibility to keep our city fully accessible. Please do your part by reporting any accessibility issue you encounter!
Editor’s Note:
This next article is by a potential ACBM member who has been to several meetings.
A Ride to Remember
By Kelly Carver
This past July I rode on the back end of a tandem bicycle behind my friend Ken for 410 miles across Iowa. It was over the span of a week. It was for the RAGBRAI. If you’re using a screen reader, it may have just been thrown for a loop by that acronym. It’s pronounced “ragbry”. It stands for the Register’s Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa (Register as in the Iowa Register newspaper). It’s an annual bike ride started 52 years ago, with the route changing every year. With over 15,000 riders completing a segment or dedicated to going the entire distance, it’s the oldest, longest and largest recreational bike ride in the world. And I saw none of it… because I’m blind from Retinitis Pigmentosa. But my other senses sure got their fill.
As we rode, I could feel the rhythm from our synched pedaling and hear the drone of the wheels on the pavement. The breeze touched the sweat on my skin,
and I felt it even more as my muscles pushed into the headwinds over the first four days. On the afternoon of our third 70-mile day, I felt the relief from the airflow as the heat index reached 105ºF with the steaminess boosted by “corn sweat”, a phrase referring to the additional humidity lifting off the acres upon acres of corn fields we rode past. That was a busy day for the sag wagon as over 450 riders opted to trailer their bikes enroute and hop on board. It ended with a violent 1am thunderstorm that dropped nearly 4” of rain, dampening the interior our tent as well as the spirits of some fellow campers who called it quits. Each night we’d set up a tent that became a soggy sauna, stuck to our camping mattresses, and before dawn, we’d pack up our belongings saturated by the heavy morning dew, haul our gear bags to a transfer point where they’d be loaded onto trucks and driven to the next stop, wolf down a power bar and hit the road. So why, you might be asking yourself, would I choose to suffer like this? Because it truly was fun. Each day the route took us through three or four small towns showcasing their own particular flare for hospitality. I’d hear live music performed by local musicians
or DJs anchoring the festive mood. Laughter and conversation mingled with aromas from the food vendors wafting through the air. I tasted an endless smorgasbord of food and drink served by ecstatic locals primed to sell to fuel riders up: homemade pie, breakfast burritos, pork chops on sticks, fruit smoothies, beer, on and on. Who knew that after 13 miles of early morning riding Sloppy Joe’s at 7am could taste so good. The jumbo hot dog on a jumbo
bun topped with crushed ripple potato chips and topped again with mac & cheese was, well, over the top, but went down without a fuss. Swarming in like locusts on wheels for the day, much would get devoured before the masses moved on to the next town.
Sounds were all around us even on the road. For safety, and to help avoid any awkward moments, I wore a vest identifying me as Blind. It seemed to inspire those around us, attracting numerous encouraging comments from passing riders or those we passed which often turned into lengthy conversations as we rode along. Riders were sharing tunes from their Bluetooth speakers, we’d either be passed or roll past a wide-ranging medley of sounds throughout the day.
Though rock standards prevailed, my ears picked up on jazz, electronica, rap and even classical music drifting by. Most heard band: Lynyrd Skynyrd. Most heard song: Guns n’ Roses’ “Sweet Child of Mine”. A multitude of red-winged blackbirds also accompanied us for many miles with their roadside singing.
After arriving in Guttenberg on the final day, we followed tradition by dipping our front tire into the Mississippi as the finale, and then took a dip
ourselves to cool down and celebrate the achievement.
I also met a handful of other blind riders from around the country on the backs of their tandems. The camaraderie was immediate and exciting. We spent plenty of time together, swapping stories from the ride and getting to know one another. We were all having a full-on experience, challenging ourselves, and for that matter, our riding partners with a trip none of us will soon forget. Will any of us do it again? Given the enthusiastic hugs and farewells,
count on it.
NLS News
from the Communication Center preview report
BARD 2.0 Office Hours
NLS Patron Engagement Section is offering a new program to assist patrons using the new BARD 2.0 website. BARD 2.0 Office Hours will be held each Tuesday night from 7-8 p.m., starting September 16, 2025, and ending November 25, 2025. Each session will be informal in structure, specifically designed to assist patrons as they learn and use the new BARD website.
Sessions will not begin with a presentation and will not be recorded. Questions will be addressed on a first come, first served basis. NLS staff will share their screen reader sound as they answer patron questions and demonstrate features.
The Zoom link for BARD 2.0 Office Hours will remain the same for each session.
Other programming opportunities offered by the NLS Patron Engagement Section is available on their website.
BARD Mobile app for Fire OS
NLS is releasing version 2.5.6 of the BARD Mobile app for Fire OS, which includes many important updates, including integration with BARD 2.0 and BARD alerts improvements. The version is available in the Amazon Appstore.
3 ingredient banana mug cake microwave banana bread
By Ken Rodgers
Banana Mug Cake Ingredients
You only need these three simple ingredients to make this microwave banana bread (you probably already have all of these things in your kitchen):
An egg
A banana
1 to 2 tablespoons Flour
That’s it!
3 ingredient banana mug cake microwave banana bread
Tips for Making the Best 3-Ingredient Banana Mug Cake
In a small mixing bowl, mash your banana with the back of a fork.
You don’t have to spend forever on this, but you don’t want any big chunks of banana; you want it mashed well.
3 ingredient banana mug cake microwave banana bread
I recommend putting your microwave-safe mug onto a plate to catch any spills that might happen.
Cook time with depend on the size of your mugs and your microwave wattage.
Start with 60 seconds, and add 15 second increments until cooked.
Because the egg is the only leavener (there isn’t any baking powder or baking soda), this easy mug cake will not be as fluffy or cake-like.
Feel free to add 1/2 tsp of baking powder, but then this won’t be a 3-ingredient banana mug cake anymore. 🙂
3-Ingredient Banana Mug Cake Variations
To make a gluten-free version, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour.
You could also try this super popular recipe for healthy banana bread in a mug. It’s made with almond flour, so it’s high protein too!
You could also sub the regular flour for an equal amount of oat flour or whole wheat flour.
NOTE: Coconut flour doesn’t work well in this healthy banana mug cake recipe.
If you would like this microwave banana mug cake sweeter, you can add a tablespoon of sugar: coconut sugar, maple syrup, regular sugar, etc.
If you add a liquid sweetener, you might need to add a little more cook time to this mug recipe.
You could also sprinkle the top of the batter with chocolate chips before you cook it.
Peanut butter chips are a nice addition too and go well with the banana flavor!
You can top with vanilla ice cream or chocolate spread (like Nutella).
What are you waiting for? Let’s make this easy banana bread recipe!
Rhubarb Cake
By Jennifer Dubbin
2 eggs
1 cup sour milk
½ cup butter
2 tsp. baking powder
½ tsp. cinnamon
¼ tsp. nutmeg
½ tsp. salt
2 ¼ cup flour
1 cup white sugar (add an extra ½ cup for a sweeter cake)
½ cup brown sugar
2 cups diced rhubarb
Bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes.
Makes a 13×9 pan.
Independent Visually Impaired Entrepreneurs ONLINE Business Expo
By Ardis Bazyn
November 15, 2025
IVIE is offering a great opportunity to blind or visually impaired business owners/entrepreneurs. When you join in our Online Business Expo shopping experience,
you can tell the audience about your business, describe your products and services, pass on contact information, and allow participants to ask questions.
For IVIE members, the fee for presenting for fifteen minutes is $10, for a half hour is $20, or for an hour is $30. Not an IVIE member? Then, the fee for presenting is an additional $15 — $25 for fifteen minutes, $35 for a half hour session, or $45 for an hour session. Nonmembers have the option of having $15 of the payment used to pay IVIE dues for 2026.
All those participating in the call, whether presenting or not, will use the same Zoom information to connect. The date and time is November 15, 2025, from 11:30 am to 6 pm Eastern.
The deadline for purchasing a time slot to give a presentation is November 1, 2025. To purchase a time slot or ask questions, send an email to
info@ivie-acb.org
with your request to exhibit. Please send your business name, product line, your telephone number, and your email address. You will be sent an online business expo registration form which will include a link for payment and additional information. If you wish to attend the IVIE Online Business Expo and listen to this unique shopping experience, there is no cost. However, if you are not on the IVIE email list or the ACB-conversation email list, please
send an email to register so we can send you the Zoom call details. Send the request to
info@ivie-acb.org