Good Morning Federation Family: It is with profound sadness that I write to inform you of the passing of a great friend and colleague in the movement, Jim Omvig, early this morning, April 27th. Jim has been an instrumental part of the Federation past and present, and he was also a friend and driving force at the Iowa Department for the Blind. His work in both of these arenas is well documented. His love for the Federation, passion for the welfare of the blind, and drive to see blind people live the lives they want will be truly missed. As I receive more information, I will pass it on. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Sharon and the rest of the family during this time. There is so much that could be said about Jim, and there will be time for that. For now, let's remember him as a friend, mentor, and brother in the movement always! Scott Van Gorp, President National Federation of the Blind of Iowa Phone: 515-720-5282 Email <mailto:svangorp at nfbi.org> <http://www.nfbi.org/> Website <https://www.facebook.com/National-Federation-Of-the-Blind-Of-Iowa-372681823 082570/posts> Facebook <https://twitter.com/nfb_iowa> Twitter Live the life you want. The National Federation of the Blind of Iowa is a community of members and friends who believe in the hopes and dreams of the nation's blind. Every day we work together to help blind people live the lives they want Edward C. Bell, Ph.D., CRC, NOMC, Director, Professional Development and Research Institute on Blindness Louisiana Tech University 600 Mayfield Ave / 210 Woodard Hall PO Box 3158 Ruston LA 71272 Office: 318.257.4554 Fax: 318.257.2259 <mailto:ebell at latech.edu> ebell at latech.edu <http://www.pdrib.com> www.pdrib.com ************* "I am somehow less interested in the weight and convolutions of Einstein's brain than in the near certainty that people of equal talent have lived and died in cotton fields and sweatshops." -- Stephen Jay Gould