January 2012 Bulletin

On January 2, 2012, In Chapters, Events, Monthly Bulletins, News & Updates, Stories, By nfbcal

To be read at all chapter meetings:

I hope all of you have had a very happy new year and made lots of resolutions which you have no intention of keeping.  I am.

“Everything you’ve done in life- the good, the bad- have all brought you to this moment.  Someone out there obviously wants you to do something significant, right now.  That person is you.”  Chris Lee

San Francisco Chapter Receives Certificate of Honor –

We are so proud of the accomplishments of the San Francisco Chapter over the past month.  The following is the text from the document issued and signed by Mayor,

Ed. Lee.  The original framed certificate hangs in the home of the San Francisco Chapter President, Eric Holm.

“Whereas, on behalf of the City and County of San Francisco, I am pleased to recognize  and honor the National Federation of the Blind, San Francisco Chapter.  The hard work and dedication of this organization continues to raise awareness towards combating common misunderstanding and the lack of information about our blind community.  As the largest collective action, national organization of consumer blind persons in the nation with well over 50,000 members, the National Federation of the Blind has diligently worked to provide programs for the increasing number of people who losetheir vision each year.  I commend Eric Holm, President of the San Francisco Chapter and all those whose tireless efforts will continue to benefit many for generations to come.  Best Wishes for your Holiday Party Fundraiser and all your future endeavors.

Therefore I have herewith set my hand and caused the Seal of the City and County of San Francisco to be affixed.  Edward M Lee, Mayor”

On a personal note, the Holiday Party was a blast.  The auction was a success.  I now own a beautiful large picture of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Chemistry Camp is Coming-

Again this year, the National Federation of the Blind of California and the California Association of Blind Students will host a weekend of fun and learning at the Enchanted Hills Camp in Napa, California.

Chemistry has been considered one of those subjects in school which blind students should not participate actively in with their peers.  Hoby Wedler, founder and coordinator of Chemistry Camp is determined to teach blind students that chemistry is not only accessible but, it is actually fun to do.

On May 4, 5 and 6, 2012, fifteen junior high school and high school students will learn adaptive techniques for titrating chemicals, mixing esters and other activities which will increase their self-confidence and self-advocacy when taking Science classes.

Applications will be made available on our website, www.nfbcal.org by the end of the month.  Keep watching for announcements and spread the word to Teachers of the Visually Impaired and Rehabilitation Counselors to make recommendations for participants.  The application deadline is March 20, 2012.

Leadership in Advocacy Program in Washington D.C.-

Twenty four Blind students, ages twelve to sixteen or grades six to nine, will be accepted for the National Federation of the Blind LAW 2012 Program.  The students will have a unique opportunity to explore the inner workings of our country’s government, its history and its culture.  In addition they will learn about the history of the organized blindness civil rights movement, how resolutions are passed and how blindness legislation is created, participants will become familiar with advocacy work for blind individuals and available resources for blind students and adults.  All accepted students must be accompanied by a parent/guardian, teacher, or blind/low-vision mentor from their home state.  Interested students should apply by going to www.nfb.org/LAWProgram.  The deadline is February 1, 2012.

NASA is looking for Students with Disabilities for Summer Internships-

Summer internships run for ten weeks from early June through early/mid August.  If you know any blind students interested in Science, Technology, Engineering or Math careers, and will be at least a university freshman in the fall with a minimum GPA of 2.8, encourage them to go to the website, http://intern.nasa.gov for more information or call Ken Silberman at (301) 286-9281.    

2012 NFB Writing Contest-

The Writers Division annual youth and adult writing contest is open for submissions from January 1 to April 1, 2012.  Students up to eighteen years old are judged on creativity, writing on topics such as poetry and fiction, and quality of Braille.  Adults (eighteen and older) can submit work that includes poetry, fiction, non-fiction and stories for youth.  Guidelines are available at www.nfb-writers-division.net.

California Youth Coordinator Needed-

We are looking for a young, energetic leader who has an interest in working with NFB youth programs.  The Youth Coordinator will become knowledgeable about NFB youth oriented programs and be willing to help spread the word and make recommendations for participants.  Interested persons should contact President Mary Willows at (510) 818-1641.

At Large Chapter Meetings-

The California affiliate has found it beneficial to develop an At Large Chapter for people who are living in areas of California which are not easily accessible to regular monthly chapter meetings.  The At Large Chapter meets by conference call on the second Thursday of each month at 7:00 P.M.  Every month we meet new blind people who need our help and support.  Join us at the next At Large Chapter meeting which will be held on Thursday, January 12, 2012. at (712) 432-0175 pass code 184220.

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

 
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December 2011 Bulletin

On December 2, 2011, In Chapters, Events, Monthly Bulletins, News & Updates, Stories, By nfbcal

To be read at chapter meetings:

Happy holidays, fellow Federationists. The month of December is always filled with excitement and anticipation for the season and new year. This year is certainly no different. On behalf of the Willows family, I wish all of you a safe and blessed holiday. Remember, no matter where you go or how you celebrate this year, you are never alone. We all carry each other as we go through this journey called life.

Vote for the Meet the Blind Month Favorite Event:
Tell your friends and family about the NFB Meet the Blind Month Challenge and let them vote for the event they feel best meets the spirit of the Meet the Blind Month campaign. Our very own Beach Cities Chapter is among the nominees. Juliette Cody and chapter members are shown surfing with children. Let us support them with a vote at the Meet the Blind Month Challenge website.

The Guiding Lights Chapter Celebrates Twenty Years of Service:
Please join President Geraldine Croom and the members of the Guiding Lights Chapter on Saturday, December 10, 2011, as they celebrate twenty years of service to the blind community in Los Angeles. All are invited to Truxton’s Restaurant, at 2:00 P.M. located at 8611 Truxton Avenue in Los Angeles. The cross street is Manchester.
To make reservations, please call chapter President Geraldine Croom at (323) 418-7211.

The National Federation of the Blind of California San Francisco Chapter Celebrates at Pier 39:
On Saturday, December 17, 2011 at 12:00 P.M. until 2:00 P.M. the San Francisco Chapter will hold a Holiday Party and Fundraising Event. President Eric Holm promises to host everyone who can get there to entertainment and food galore from seven of the renowned restaurants on Pier 39. The gala event will be held on the second floor of the “Aquarium of the Bay” in the Farallon Room located on the Embarcadero. Tickets may be purchased in advance on our website for $40.00. This will include live entertainment, wine from many of the Napa wineries and all kinds of good food. You may also purchase a ticket at the door for $50.00.

For more information and tickets go to www.nfbcal.org or www.sixdots.org.

Chemistry Camp is Coming:
We are beginning to collect names of interested high school age students who would like to learn how to break through their own barriers. Held at the end of April, this three day working weekend will show young blind students that they are equal to sighted peers. Henry Wedler, PhD candidate, will demonstrate how chemistry can be done by a blind person. I recommend that you start looking around for eligible teenagers and forward the names to me, President Mary Willows. More information will follow next month.

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

 
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San Francisco Holiday Party

On November 17, 2011, In Chapters, Events, Monthly Bulletins, News & Updates, By nfbcal

National Federation of the Blind of California, San Francisco Chapter
Annual Holiday Party Fundraiser

Eric Holm, President of the San Francisco Chapter said, “This party also builds awareness of people who are blind. We are changing the perception of what it means to be blind in the San Francisco Bay Area.”

Guests will enjoy award-winning wines from Sonoma Valley, exquisite beer from the Broken Drum Brewery in Marin County, delicious food from many of the Pier 39 Restaurants, an exciting Live Auction, goodie bags filled with Pier 39 merchandise and a whole lot of fun! Jamie Clark, singer and song writer, will provide the entertainment and sing songs from his last two albums.

Public speaker and New York Times Best Selling author, Michael Hingson, will speak and do a signing of his book, Thunder Dog, The True Story of a Blind Man, His Guide Dog, and the Triumph of Trust at Ground Zero.

When:    December 17th
Where:   The Aquarium of the Bay at Pier 39 – Aquariums Farallon room
               San Francisco, CA
Time:     12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Ticket Price: $40 – Pre Register & $50 – At the Door
Pre Register: Online

A portion of the proceeds from the event will fund local programming and the special Fund-A-Need will send teens to Chemistry Camp, a program that gives blind people the opportunity to tackle the very visual subject of organic chemistry.

“The real problem of blindness is not the loss of eyesight. The real problem is the misunderstanding and lack of information which exist. If a blind person has proper training and opportunity, blindness is merely a physical nuisance,” Holm said.

If you prefer to mail your check of $40 made out to The National Federation of the Blind of California San Francisco Chapter (NFBC SF), P.O. Box 150592 San Rafael, CA 94915

The National Federation of the Blind is recognized as the largest collective action, national organization of consumer blind persons in the US, with well over 50,000 members. Since 1940, we have diligently worked and provided programs for the increasing number of people who lose their vision each year. In order to assist them to become fully pro-active, and productive tax-paying, citizens, just as our sighted colleagues are, we hold an annual Holiday Fundraiser to raise needed capital to reach our goals.

For more information please contact: Grant Raeside by phone at (707) 548-0452 or send him an email.

 
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November 2011 Bulletin

On November 2, 2011, In Braille, Chapters, Events, Monthly Bulletins, News & Updates, By nfbcal

2011 State Convention
Once again, the National Federation of the Blind of California came together in convention assembled to consider current issues facing the blind in our state. We passed resolutions which call upon the Department of General Services to work with the Department of Rehabilitation to make decisions which will enhance employment opportunities for blind clients and employees. In addition, we brought attention to the Department of Education and asked them to adhere to the agreement with the Department of Justice to ensure that textbooks and materials for all students in California be accessible to the blind. Also, the California State Librarian is being asked to discontinue distributing equipment such as the Nook which is not accessible to us.

The big issue this year is our re-authorization of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. We call upon every entity that currently possesses a Special Wage Certificate from the US Department of Labor, to immediately surrender their Special Wage Certificate and to adopt a business model to values each of their employees with disabilities by paying them the Federal minimum wage or higher. We invite Congress to pass the Fair Wages for workers with disabilities Act of 2011, HR 3086.

Along with all of the hard work we managed to get in a little fun time with the “Made Up Theatre” improv comedy group.

On Saturday, October 15, we celebrated White Cane Day with a public education “Walk for Independence” outside the hotel. We walked for about a mile carrying signs and chanting. Our signs brought attention to the value of the white cane or guide dog to achieve independence. Occasionally, there were signs asking for support of the Fair Wages for Workers with Disabilities Act of 2011.

Joe Ruffalo was our national representative and did he stir up the crowd at the banquet. He and Mistress of Ceremonies, Ever Lee Hairston conducted an auction during the banquet. Chapters donated baskets of goodies which had a theme. The students brought a basket with everything you need to pull an “All-nighter” basket. They had things like coffee and a thumb drive, slate and stylus and ear buds to listen to your e-books. Fun was had by all.

Bid for Excellence, national on line auction:
It is open for bidding starting today. Visit www.nfb.org/bid to see the items which are up for bid. 100 percent of the winning bids will support the work of the NFB. The Bid for Excellence runs through December 5, 2011. Individual auctions will begin throughout the five weeks. New items will be added so check back often.

NFB Scholarships are now available:
The NFB Scholarship Program for 2012 will begin on-line the first week of November. If you know a blind high school senior or college student who will be attending college in the fall of 2012, they can go to scholarships@nfb.org and fill in an application.

Braille Readers are Leaders Contest:
Starting November 1, 2011 and ending on January 4, 2012 students can compete for ribbons, cash prizes and an all expenses paid trip to the 2012 national convention in Dallas, Texas. Teams of two to five participants are welcome to compete in both the K-12 and adult contests. Register at www.nfb.org/BRAL . The adults will also compete for cash prizes, national recognition and bragging rights.

To All Kaiser Permanente Patients Who are Blind:
The Disability Rights Advocates would like to talk to any blind patients who have experienced barriers in Kaiser programs, services, and facilities. If you have been unable to access Kaiser’s website or to get important information in alternative formats, such as medical forms, prescriptions and educational materials please e-mail Kaiser@gdblegal.com. Or call 866-723-1494.

Guiding Lights Chapter Celebration:
On December 10, 2011, the Guiding Lights Chapter will celebrate twenty years of service to the Los Angeles area. Come join them at the Truxton’s restaurant at 8614 Truxton Avenue, Los Angeles from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

California Association of Blind Students Bowl-A-Thon:
Hoorah! The Bowl-A-Thon has been changed to any and all northern California bowling alleys. Visit your favorite lanes and raise funds to support the students. The southern California location is still AMF Beverly Lanes located at 1201 Beverly Boulevard, Montebello, California, 90640. Bowling will begin at 11:00 a.m. and end at 1:00 p.m. Sponsor forms can be found at http://www.facebook.com or better yet call CABS President Angela Fowler at (530) 902-0987.

San Francisco Chapter Holiday Party and Fundraiser:
San Francisco Chapter President Eric Holm would like to extend an invitation to share camaraderie, great food, fine wines, live music and an auction to be held at one the most picturesque venues in San Francisco. . The event will be held on December 17, 2011 at the Aquarium of the Bay, Pier 39, San Francisco. Festivities will begin at 12:00 p.m. and end at 2:00 p.m. Watch the nfbc-info list for more information or go to our website at www.sixdots.org.

Roselle wins the American Dog Hero of the Year Award:Michael Hingson and Roselle will be on the PBS stations on Friday, November 4, 2011. Consult your local listing to watch the dog who assisted Michael escape the 78th floor of World Trade Center 1 on September 11, 2001.

Before I end this months Bulletin, I would like to thank all of the people who helped make the 2011 convention a success. If you would like to contact one of our board members, their contact information is as follows:

First Vice-President, Robert Stigile, rstigile@sbcglobal.net
Second Vice-President, Ever Lee Hairston, ever.hairston@gmail.com
Secretary, Shannon Dillon, shannonldillon@hotmail.com
Treasurer, Melissa Haney, frommissy2u@yahoo.com”>
Board Members:
Kia Vaca, chuyandkia@gmail.com
Jana Littrell, janadlittrell@sbcglobal.net
Jason Holloway, jrholloway@earthlink.net
Karen Steele, karenjsteele@yahoo.com
Michael Hingson, info@michaelhingson.com
Tiffany Manosh, tmanosh@gmail.com
Rochelle Houston, rhouston58@gmail.com

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

 
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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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