[Akron-Talk] FW: buckeye update

[Dave Bertsch]

Please read, some great updates on all that's going on from our state president

NFB of Ohio, by now most of you are aware that Dayton and its surrounding areas; just went through a serious and distressing storm. When I woke up that night, I heard a loud roaring sound and thought that someone must have been playing some type of loud music. The thought never came to me that it would be a tornado. As an Arkansas native from the south, we had a tornado that wiped out half of the town where I resided. What was left in that area were  just trees and some scattered houses.  Like here in Dayton, it was quite devastating. As I approached my  bathroom window that night, I immediately recognized the sound. This is why I have an appreciation of offering everyday thanks for the morning. Similarly, thanks to Barbra for initiating through OhioTalk that we are offering a grant to assist those who may be in crisis, due to the impact of the tornado. I am not Shure if we have others that may need help, but it is great to know that the NFB is available.

Last week, the Springfield Chapter  organized a fundraising concert hosted by Mother Stewart's Brewing Company with the musical partnership of Six Cents and  Federationist, JW Smith. The event was spectacular! Consequently, it is events, such as this that gives me an opportunity to be among new members in our Federation family. Moreover, I encourage Chapters to communicate with Springfield members who arranged this event and see if they can develop this type of partnership with a similar entity.

I would like to thank Suzanne Turner for conducting the Greyhound testing  project. The Ohio Affiliate received $400.00 for her efforts. This was a secret shopper testing program and it was very important to see  how greyhound customer service agents would assist the blind when purchasing tickets via the telephone.

Cassandra Jones has confirmed that we have  several applications for the 2019 NFBO Scholarship Program. When the winners are chosen, we will put that message out far and wide. Thanks to all of you that have sent letters of recommendations. I am excited with the new applicants who have completed the process.

The state convention will be coming around before you know it.  You can start reserving your room now! The 73rd Annual State of Ohio Convention will be held on November    1st, 2nd and 3rd, 2019, at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Columbus-Worthington Hotel, 175 Hutchinson Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43235. Call (614) 885-3334 And reserve your room. The total cost of a double or king room for one night is $104.60 with breakfast and Wi-Fi included.

Dear Chapter Presidents,
It is finally here! What's that you say? The new member form is up and running! For any new members who have not been listed on your membership spread sheets  for this year and moving forward, please fill out the new member form located at https://www.nfb.org/civicrm/newmember/form/.

As a friendly reminder, during the April Leadership Weekend, several members said they would send one hundred dollars to the affiliate to help defray the cost. I think that you should understand that just saying you are committed is one thing but in the old days they would say "put your money where your mouth is." That may not be the best way to say it, but you should understand! Several members have donated time and money, so you know that this is not directed toward you. However, please send your donations and try to encourage others to do so.

In addition, Chapters are also encouraged to help with the door prize contribution that the affiliate will be giving at the 2019 National Convention. You should send a check to Sherry Ruth made out to the NFBO and put door prizes in the memo.

Those who are receiving assistance from the First Timers Grant from the Kenneth Jernigan Fund should have already got notice by now one way or another.  However, if you did not receive notification, they probably did not contact you. But, I received a notice that seven Ohio members of the Affiliate were recipients in aiding them with attending the 2019 national convention. Note! All who will attend the National Convention will have an opportunity to sale candy as one of our fundraisers. We need everyone to assist with the endeavor. Also, please contact Sheri Albers if your Chapter or Division will be selling items in the Exhibit Hall and who will work the table.

Those who have applied for the state assistance for the National Convention, should by now have talked to me.  Please be patient as we are working out those arrangements.  Nevertheless, if you do not know where you stand, please contact me off list.

Finally, we are now in the season when most Chapters have outings, such as, picknicks or some other activities that promote fellowship; which leads to the growing of our membership. Those types of events are very important. It allows us to get to know each other even better and new members can feel like they also have a chance to be more involved. One of the National initiatives is to grow the membership. So, I am counting on us all to assist with this effort.

This has been a very busy start of our year and I am Shure that more exciting things will be coming along soon. So, thank you Ohio for a productive six months in 2019. I am looking forward to the remaining months of doing the Federation's work!

Although, I could write more, but stay tuned!

Richard Payne,  President
National Federation of the Blind of Ohio
937-396-5573or 937/829/3368
Rchpay7 at gmail.com
The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back



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