IFB Beat – Week of December 5, 2022

News to Know

Retirement Celebration for David Horton – Winston-Salem, NC Facility

Join us on Thursday, December 8 to extend best wishes to David on his retirement from CEO!

A reception will be held in the cafeteria, from 2pm – 3:30pm for manufacturing employees to stop by to enjoy coffee and treats with David. Breaks will be extended from 15 min to 30min. There will be a photo for signing and offering words of congrats, so get your special thoughts together!

To ensure manufacturing employees have enough time, we’re asking our administrative employees to drop-in later, from 3:30 – 5pm. Our board chair, Erik Cobham, can join during this time to lead a special thanks to David at 4pm.

Let’s all show up and let David know we appreciate his long-standing dedication to our mission. If you’re not at the Winston-Salem Facility, but would like to include a note of appreciation, please email it to Anastasia Powell at apowell@ifbsolutions.org.

Winston-Salem Employee Mattress Sale

IFB Solutions is clearing out inventory of commercial mattresses – this is a great opportunity to purchase a mattress made by your colleagues at a great price. Supplies are extremely limited and are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and holds cannot be made. View the complete listing and details here.

To purchase: stop by the workstation (cubicle) of Mendy Hunt in the customer service area or call 336-245-5646. Payment is due at time of purchase, and mattresses must be picked up from the IFB Solutions Warehouse at 6180 Indiana Avenue on Thursdays in December (no delivery or disposal of old mattresses available).

Available items:

Universal Bed Frame for All Sizes ($25)
TWIN Boxspring ($99), Commodore Mattress ($150), and Extra Firm Mattress ($175)
FULL Commodore Mattress ($175), Standard Firm Mattress ($175), and Extra Firm Mattress ($175)
QUEEN Boxspring ($99) and Standard Firm Mattress ($185)
KING Standard Firm Mattress ($225) and Extra Firm Mattress ($275)

Mattress descriptions:

Commodore: pillow top (can be rotated, but not flipped) with qulited ticking in “Toast” color. 3″ foam topper for comfort.
Standard Firm: traditional innerspring (can be flipped) with quilted ticking in “Toast” color. 1.5″ of foam is built in for comfort.
Extra Firm: same as standard, but with firmer springs.

Questions? Call Mendy Hunt at 336-245-5646 or email at mhunt@ifbsolutions.org (note purchases cannot be made over email). For full details, see flyer here: http://ifbsolutions.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/IFB_WS_EmployeeMattressSale_Flyer_FINAL_12-4-22.pdf

IFB Solutions Staff Campaign

IFB Solutions Employees,

As the holiday season continues, we wanted to share ways that IFB positively impacts the lives of children and adults who are visually impaired. We send this message to present you with the opportunity to give hope and inspiration so that together we can impact many more. Many of our employees are a testament to the life-changing opportunities IFB provides and are committed to paying it forward.

“I give to the Staff Campaign because I see myself in each of the children, because that was me growing up. I do it for the kids.” – Luis Quiles.

“IFB Solutions empowers me to strive for greatness. Because of them, I have a newfound independence and for the first time I feel like I am part of something big and exciting. I see a very bright future at IFB Solutions.” – Josh Snowden.

“IFB Solutions has changed my life powerfully. Working for this company has changed the path of my life from the negativity I saw growing up, to a positive brighter future. They gave me a chance, and for that I am grateful.” – William Fractichelly.

WHY: To raise funds to sustain employment and training of our employees and our community services:

Training for IFB employees, employee support groups and activities, transportation, medical assistance, and community outreach.
Low vision assistance at Community Low Vision Centers in Little Rock, Asheville, and Winston-Salem.
Specialty low vision tools and equipment to children with unique vision needs at no cost through the Focus on Literacy program.
S.E.E. After School program at Tracy’s Little Red Schoolhouse and in Charlotte.

HOW: There are different ways You can participate in the annual Staff Campaign 2023:

Fill out and sign an attached payroll deduction form by December 5, 2022.
Donate with cash or check.
Donate online at https://ifbsolutions.org/donate/

All donors, who donate $20 or more will receive a water bottle sponsored by Salem Benefits Group (IFB’s benefits broker.) We also encourage you to ask your family to participate in the Staff Campaign, a family member will get an IFB water bottle, and you will automatically be entered into the drawing to have a chance to win a poncho liner on December 22.

As always, donating to IFB Solutions Staff Campaign is not mandatory, but rather your philanthropic choice! Join us and be a part of this movement. If you miss those meeting listed above, our development team will be reaching out to schedule a one-on-one meeting with you in December.

Thank you for caring and for making a difference!

Programs and Services

See what S.E.E. is Doing!

SEE student next to Christmas Tree with gingerbread man ornament

S.E.E. After School Winston is celebrating Christmas around the world. Our first stop is Germany where the tradition of the Christmas tree started. It is also the place to eat some gingerbread and listen to “O Tannenbaum.” We put up our Christmas tree and hung up a gingerbread boy and girl to begin our journey.

SEE student with work-in-progress cranberry and popcorn garland

S.E.E. After School Winston made a Christmas tree garland. The schoolhouse Christmas tree needed a garland, so S.E.E. student Brandon helped string popcorn and cranberries to drape over the branches.

Adult Support Group Meetings:

Monday, December 5 AAA Committee meeting from 12:00-1:00 in TADS Room.
Tuesday, December 6 VIPS Club meeting from 12:00-1:00 in TADS Room.
Wednesday, December 7 RP support group meeting from 12:00-12:45 in TADS Room.
Thursday, December 8 Sight Adjustment support group meeting from 12:00-12:45 in TADS Room.

Community Low Vision Center

CLVC Item of the Week:

image of Google Audio Bluetooth Speaker

Google Audio Bluetooth Speaker for $69.95 and up. Wireless Music Streaming, Rich, full sound. Room filling sound with 30-watt woofer, tweeter, and tuning software. Cranks out powerful punchy music to fill your room.

CLVC December Item of the Month:

Image of Alexa Echo Show

Echo Show 10, Up to $240. Alexa can show you even more – With a 10.1″ HD screen that is designed to move with you, video calls, recipes, and shows are always in view. The speakers deliver premium, directional sound.

Insider Corner

New Song from Oryan Battis

Oryan Battis is back with another song, “Sky Walking’”. From his clear intention on developing his music skills, known as “music over everything,” he’s been able to ascend toward his greatness. Support a fellow coworker’s craft by listening here.

Comcast’s Large Button Voice Remote Features Accessible Design – Net

Shared by: Kim Shoffner

Comcast recently unveiled a new TV remote designed with accessibility features, including voice control technology, large backlit buttons, and increased font size. The Large Button Voice Remote features Comcast’s voice control technology, which lets people use voice commands to change channels, search for shows and get recommendations on what to watch. There’s also an accessibility shortcut button that enables features like closed captions and audio description.

The remote is designed to be easier to navigate because of its large backlit buttons and high contrast colors. All the buttons also feature larger font size to make them easier to read.

The physical design should also make handling the remote easier. There’s a removable wrist strap, as well as a battery compartment with a rubber pull tab and “press to slide” battery cover to make changing batteries easier. The remote is elevated with a flat back, which helps with stability when it’s used on a flat surface like a wheelchair tray or with other assistive devices.

X1 and Flex customers can request a remote for free through Comcast’s Accessibility Support Center. There’s also a support option in American Sign Language.

Comcast says its design team worked alongside the disability community to test and refine the remote.

“Technology can help level the playing field for people with disabilities,” New Horizons CEO Carol Fitzgerald said in a statement. “When companies like Comcast design products and experiences with accessibility at the forefront, they not only create better products for everyone, but they also help to unlock more independence for millions of people with disabilities.”

End of Year!

We’ve made it to the last month of 2022. Hopefully, your goals were accomplished, new friendships/partnerships were established, and you enjoyed as much as possible. This is the best month of the year. I’m not saying this due to it being my birthday month, or the fact people love to go broke providing gifts, but it’s a time to reflect on the past eleven months. Now that you’ve reflected, made faces, created excuses for goals you forgot existed, what’s your game plan for 2023?

Yes, it’s your choice to not set goals, not test your skills or learn new ones, not bring more inspiring people into your life, not take calculated risk, and be the same person this time next year. However, that’s boring. This life was designed for growth. You are not in the same baby body from birth, you’ve grown. So why not continue the process?

Have something to say, share, or bring my attention to? Send an email to fharding@ifbsolutions.org and I’ll see you next time.

Faith Harding
Bridging Gaps to Connect Family

Community Connections

Kaleideum North Festive Family Friday!

December 9, 6-9 pm

Join us for an annual tradition of live holiday music, crafts celebrating holidays around the world, and not one, but TWO Santa’s! Make reindeer food, explore a sensory room, and check out a holiday laser show. JK Woodworked Creations, LLC, will also be on site with DIY decorating for holiday ornaments for just $1 each. And CiCi’s Pizza will be selling pizza by the slice and in a dinner package.

Get your tickets early and save! Tickets are $5 per person online and $7 at the door. The Museums for All price of $3 per person will be available at the Welcome Desk the night of the event.

2022 Christmas without Lights – Raleigh, NC

Mystery Night, Insightful Visionaries Fundraising Event

December 17, 2022 | 6-9pm

Holiday Cheer, Food, Great Entertainment, & Vendors

Admission: $10 general admission, $20 VIP seating
Transportation: $30, first come first served. Seating is limited.

The Royal Banquet and Conference Center
3801 Hillsborough St #109,
Raleigh, NC 27607

“Christmas without Lights” is an awe-inspiring holiday showcase and holiday celebration that has become an annual tradition by Insightful Visionaries, Inc. Through the “Spirit of Collaboration” with other non-profits and local organizations, the event represents a cooperative effort to share the spirit of Christmas by giving back to the disabled community.

Experience Christmas through the eyes of people with disabilities. The imagination is limitless, and when communicated through the sounds of holiday music and cheer we share with friends, family and community, the Christmas Spirit is priceless!

This year we are excited to partner with The Disability Awareness Council (TDAC).
Join us in celebration with:
• Storytelling by Shannon Garner and Tracker (Star Guide Dog!)

• Special Guest Singer/Entertainer Randie Forne
• Special Christmas Music by Maestro Darryl Eaton
• Holiday Songs by Lawrence Carter, Donnie Best & others
• Musical Entertainment by Band: Abbushi, Arif, and Zaslow

You may also visit our websites at https://www.insightfulvisionairies.org and/or https://www.triangledac.org.

Join us for this great annual event!!! If interested contact Brenda Neal or Shonn Redmond.

HR & Opportunities

Winston-Salem – Mobile Mammography Unit

On January 24^th & 26^th 2023 the Mobile Mammography Unit will be here for mammogram screenings. Please contact Benefits Administrator, Ciara Frenette at cfrenette@ifbsolutions.org or X5644 by Friday, December 23^rd to sign up.