Date and Time
Tuesday, December 8
7:30 p.m. ET
Join Zoom Event
7:30 p.m. ET—Pre-Program Toast
Please join us at 7:30 p.m. ET for a pre-program toast. Dr. Hoby Wedler will open the evening with a fun and interactive pre-program social. Hoby will share the ways the National Federation of the Blind changed his life and taught him that he could live the life he wants. After earning his PhD from UC Davis in organic chemistry, Hoby built a career in sensory design and will share how he trained his palate like someone might train to play guitar, with hours of practice and iteration. With the framing of sensory literacy and non-visual techniques, Hoby will demonstrate two NFB-themed cocktail recipes. We invite you to gather the ingredients and follow along, or join our toast with any favored beverage.
“Live the Life You Want Gin and Tonic”
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. gin
- 5 peppercorns
- 2 whole cardamom pods
- Glass of your choosing filled with ice
- Juice from ½ lime
- Tonic water
Instructions:
- Heat a small pan over medium heat. Once warm, add peppercorns and cardamom pods. Toast, stirring occasionally, until the spices are very fragrant (about 4-6 minutes). Set aside.
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Measure 2 oz. gin into the glass.
- Add the toasted spices to the glass, squeezing the cardamom pods open as you do so. Rub the peppercorns between your fingers to bring out the oils as you add them to the glass.
- Squeeze the ½ lime into the glass and wipe the lime rind around the rim of the glass.
- Fill to top with tonic water. Stir gently. Serve immediately.
“White Cane Russian”
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. vodka
- 1 oz. Kahlua
- 1 oz. heavy cream
- Dash of pumpkin pie spice
- Rocks glass filled with ice
Instructions:
- Add ice to glass.
- Add vodka, Kahlua, and cream to the glass.
- Dash the pumpkin pie spice over the top. Add as much as you want but remember that it does have a strong flavor.
- Stir gently. Serve immediately.
8:00 p.m. ET—Featured Program
Chat with our President and other national leaders, and get a preview of the Federation’s plans for 2021.
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Meeting ID: 773 307 6440
Passcode: 632632
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Dr. Hoby Wedler Bio
Dr. Hoby Wedler is an insightful, disarming, and passionate thinker who loves to bring people together to allow them to see possibilities they previously did not know were possible. He helps you turn your dreams into realities with the heart of a teacher. He has been completely blind since birth. He is a scientist, an entrepreneur, a sensory expert, and is driven by his passion for innovative, creative, and insightful thinking. Hoby is unusually tuned into his surroundings and has frequently chosen to walk the unbeaten paths in life over known territories. In 2016, Hoby earned his PhD from UC Davis in organic chemistry. His fearlessness is infectious, and he has actively paved the way for others to join him in his quest to follow passions both because of and despite any challenges.
In 2011, Hoby founded Accessible Science, a nonprofit organization which leads annual chemistry camps for blind or visually impaired students throughout North America. In the same year, he began opening doors to the world of wine aromas by holding truly blind wine tastings in Francis Ford Coppola’s wineries. He now conducts a wide variety of sensory experiences around the globe. Over the years, Hoby has become a motivational speaker, a mentor, and an educator.
In 2017, Hoby co-founded Senspoint, a creative brand strategy consultancy. In his work, you will find a unique trilogy between sensory awareness, scientific knowledge, and a love for sharing his insights.
Hoby’s numerous initiatives have been recognized by President Barack Obama in 2012 when he was named a Champion of Change for enhancing employment and education opportunities for people with disabilities. In 2016, Hoby was named one of Forbes Media 30 under 30 in the food and drink category. Hoby’s initiatives have touched those whose journeys he successfully guided to new levels of awareness and success.