October 2011 Bulletin

On October 3, 2011, In Chapters, Events, Grants and Scholarships, Monthly Bulletins, News & Updates, By nfbcal

The National Federation of the Blind of California Convention is Coming!

This year, our national representative is Mr.  Joe Ruffalo, President, National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey and a member of the NFB Board of Directors.  Joe is a blind veteran andfounder of “Thru Our Eyes”.  An on-line radio program on which Joe interviews leaders of the NFB.  Joe is a dynamic speaker and fundraiser.  I know he will enrich and enhance our convention.  You can hear his keynote address at the banquet on Saturday, October 15, at 7:00 P.M.  For more information, read on. 

Where?  Hilton Newark/Fremont.  Located at 39900 Balentine Drive, Newark, CA, 94560.  At the corner of I 880 and Stevenson Blvd.  Just three miles from the Fremont BART station.

For hotel Reservations, call:  (510) 490-8390.  Be sure to say that you are with the National Federation of the Blind of California to get the reduced rate.
You will need a hotel confirmation number to pre-register on line and take advantage of discounted hotel and registration prices.
Room Rates:  $85.00 per night.  Plus10% tax.  Singles, Doubles, Triples and Quads Until October 6.

Convention Pre-registration:  www.sixdots.org/events
$95.00 until October 6, 2011.

Pre-Registration Package includes:  One ticket to a live improve comedy show called “Made Up Theatre” on Friday, October 14 at 8:00 P.M.  If purchased separately it will cost $15.00.
One convention registration for $15.00.
One banquet.  If purchased separately it will cost $40.00.
One Diabetes Action Network (DAN) lunch on Saturday, October 15.   If purchased separately it will cost $25.00.
One Chapter Interaction breakfast on Sunday, October 16 at 7:30 A.M.  If purchased separately it will cost $25.00.

If you wait until you get to the convention to register, all of these events and meals will cost you a total of $120.00.  So pre-register now!

October 2011:   Meet the Blind Month

Meet the Blind Month is our nationwide campaign to increase awareness of and support for the National Federation of the Blind (NFB). During the entire month of October, affiliates and chapters throughout the country will be joining forces to spread the message that the NFB is the voice of the nation’s blind and that blind people are the best resource for learning about vision loss, blindness, and rehabilitation. This year, as part of Meet the Blind Month, a challenge will be implemented: to organize innovative and creative events in local communities. We welcome all chapters and affiliates to join in the challenge to develop the most unique event.

White Cane Day Walk for Independence:

This year we will celebrate October 15, White Cane Day, with a public education Walk for Independence.  Anyone interested in carrying signs announcing the freedom and independence which blind people enjoy thanks to the signing of the White Cane Law are welcome to join us.  We will leave the hotel at 10:30 A.M. to walk two blocks up Balentine and return to the hotel by noon for the Diabetes Action Network luncheon.  Signs will be available upon exiting the hotel.  Bring your walking shoes and help us to celebrate independence.  We will also have a few signs to inform the public of our opposition to the payment of subminimum wages to blind sheltered workshop workers.

Chapter Baskets for Auction:

This year, at our banquet, Saturday evening, several chapter baskets will be auctioned off to the highest bidder.  This fundraising event will be lively and rewarding.  Our Mistress of Ceremony, Ever Lee Hairston will call out the items in theme baskets which have been donated by chapter members from all over the state.  So far, we have wine lovers basket; coffee lovers; tea lovers; technology; chocolate lovers; German; and SF bay area collections are just a few on the list.  If your chapter is interested in putting together a basket, all you have to do is pick a theme and members will bring donated items for the basket.  Chapter Presidents will present them at the banquet.  Let’s see how creative your chapter can get. 

iPhone 5 Drawing:

A statewide drawing will be held at the banquet for an iPhone 5.  Tickets are available from chapter presidents for $5.00 each.  Winner need not be present.  If you need tickets, let me know.

California Association of Blind Students Bowl a thon:

Sponsor sheets will be available on our website for the November 5, 2011 Bowl a thon.  Throughout the state CABS members will accept donations and sponsorship for this fundraising event.  Support your local student and sponsor them while they rack up the bowling pins.  Proceeds will benefit Chemistry Camps and Youth Slam participants.

Pathfinders Chapter Netbook drawing:

On Thursday, October 20, 2011, the members of the Pathfinders Chapter (Los Angeles) will draw a lucky ticket for the winner of a Toshiba Netbook.  The drawing will be held at the chapter meeting.  Tickets are available from members or call President Rochelle Houston at (323) 807-0300 or e-mail rhouston58@gmail.com.  Tickets are $5.00 a piece or three for $10.00.  The winner need not be present.  Pathfinders Chapter meetings are held on the third Thursday of every month at the WLCAC Senior Center, 10957 South  Central Avenue, Los Angeles.  The drawing will be at their October meeting.

Guidinglights Chapter 20th Anniversary Celebration:

Save the Date.  Come join the Guiding Lights chapter in celebration of our 20TH year
anniversary. The celebration will take place on December 10/2011 from
2:00PM-5:00PM at Truxton’s Restaurant, 8614 Truxton Ave. Stay tuned for more
information or call President Geraldine Croom at (323) 418-7211.

Quote:  “The right of access to public accommodations and common carriers is a civil right. It is a basic right indispensable to participation in the community, a substantive right to which all are fully and equally entitled.”  By Dr. Jacobus tenBroek

Mary Willows, President
39481 Gallaudet Drive Apt. 127
Fremont, CA 94538
(510) 248-0100
mwillows@sbcglobal.net

 
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NFB National Convention Reflections, Part 1

On July 16, 2010, In Events, Grants and Scholarships, News & Updates, Stories, By nfbcal

The year 2010 and the National Convention was awesome! The California Affiliate honored me with a scholarship to attend the National Convention in Dallas, Texas this year and as a Rookie I can honestly say it was overwhelming, but many of you already knew this would happen. I was assisted by Angela Fowler, who was patient with me and who continues to answer all the questions I have about everything. I am truly thankful for her presence and patience. I am also thankful for the California Affiliate’s gatherings and encouragements.

There were many things to listen to and many more hands on displays of new technology as well as old. Much of it was truly amazing to me. I enjoyed all of it. The one thing that struck me as the most astonishing thing though was the people. There were so many blind, partially blind, sighted, or friends and family of the blind in attendance and everyone was cheerful. There were over 2400 people there. I discovered, that for me, the most impressive thing about this convention was that here, in this place, I was no different from anyone else. In this environment, I was normal. I didn’t have anyone telling me how odd I was or how different I was or even how strange it was that I was who I was. I was myself. One of many in a sea swelling with pride for the present and hope in for what the future would bring.

I was encouraged, supported, and included in whatever I wanted. My life has always revolved around reading. My parents encouraged me to use my sight to read and so it’s what I know. One of the biggest fears I’ve had is the thought that I would soon be unable to read regular written print. At National Convention I discovered that I need no longer be fearful of the loss of this skill. I met the author of the McDuffy Reader, who was patient and explained why I should start with basics to me. I am also truly thankful to a first grade girl who was reading at one of the booths and upon her recommendation; I bought my first Braille book. Reading now has a different feel for me and I have begun that process with encouragement and enthusiasm. Having been able to touch and explore such items as the new technology of note-takers I now know there are ways for me to be an active reader and participant without feeling left out or stupid. I have also discovered a passion for the use of Braille and will continue to explore and advocate for its continued use in the future.

Sincerely,

Launa George

 
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2011 NFBC Scholarships Available!

On June 25, 2010, In Grants and Scholarships, News & Updates, By nfbcal

The National Federation of the Blind of California annually awards several scholarships to qualified blind students pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies in order to achieve an academic degree. This opportunity is also available to high school seniors preparing to enter undergraduate programs.

This year, scholarships include the Julie Landucci Scholarship, Lawrence “Muzzy” Marcelino Memorial Scholarship, Gerald Drake Memorial Scholarship, LaVyrl “Pinky” Johnson Memorial Scholarship. Scholarship amounts vary from two to five thousand dollars. This application covers all of these awards.

Eligibility Requirements Are:

  1. Applicant must be legally blind. Include a proof of blindness letter from either your Doctor, Rehabilitation Counselor, or your Disabled Students Office at your college.
  2. The applicant must be a full time student in the Fall of 2011 and show proof of enrollment.
  3. Applicant must submit transcripts from all colleges showing a G.P.A. of 3.0 or higher.
  4. Winners must attend the NFB of California Convention in Newark/Fremont, CA, October 13-16, 2011. Expenses will be paid for your transportation, your portion of the hotel room, convention registration and banquet tickets.
  5. Completed applications and all required documents must be postmarked by September 15th, 2011. All documents will be uploaded to the Scholarship form. They are the proof of blindness, Unoficial transcripts, proof of enrollment, and 3 letters of recommendation. Graduating high school students should submit a high school transcript and proof of enrollment for the Fall.

Click here to complete the scholarship application online

 
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