[Akron-Talk] Reminders from State President

[Dave Bertsch]

Some info from Richard Payne, even a comment about Akron.

The 73rd National Federation of the Blind of Ohio (NFBOH)
Annual State Convention is here.
"Obstacles are Opportunities"  The NFB is  an instrument of change.

The NFB was founded on the guiding principles that blind people have an inalienable right to independence, that blind people have equal capacity, and that only blind people themselves can legitimately speak for the blind community. These principles have continually permeated the membership and structure of our ever-growing organization.

Well NFBO family, the weather is changing, and it is convention time. I must say that this time of the year is my favorite, but the convention and the holiday season makes it even better.

By now You should have already made arrangements for your room at the DoubleTree hotel. If not,  let's get those reservations booked. The deadline to make reservations for the rooms will be a "hard date" of October 11 2019. That means you will find it easy to get a room, but our cutoff date is the 11 of October and they will charge you a tremendous amount more for a room. Chapter presidents please help our members by encouraging and being available as a resource

Chapter Presidents and Division leaders, you should have by now submitted 1: your Gavel Reports, 2: Affiliate dues and 3: the name of who will serve on the Nominating Committee. However, if you are not providing your report to be considered for the Gavel Award,  you should have sent your report to me.  Also, Eric and I should receive the name of who will serve on the nominating committee. The fees for chapter and division dues, which is a flat rate of $10 and $1 per member should   be sent to Sherry Ruth no later than one week before the State Convention. Please take note of this, because if your Chapter or Division is late,  there will be a fine of $25 as a penalty charged; and your members will not have an opportunity to vote.

Moreover, the cutoff date for online Preregistration is October 24, 2019. Therefore, Registration will begin and cost an additional $5 more, and box lunches will not be sold on site at the convention. Incidentally, Sheri and I will have a third meeting with the hotel this afternoon; in fact, it is 3:19 PM right now and the meeting is at 3:30 pm.

The Cleveland chapter had a great event this weekend and if you have been paying attention to the emails you know all about it.  Eric and Shelli were in attendance also, this gave us a look at some possible training opportunities and motivated us even more. When new people lose sight, it is very important that they come in touch with confident blind people. The seminar was called "Adjusting to Blindness" An Introductory Seminar for the Newly Blind. There were six sessions offered, the Introduction to the NFB and its Philosophy, Braille Instruction, O&M, Assistive Devices, Accessibility and Group Discussion. Also, I am aware of the work that the Greater Akron chapter is accomplishing as well. They organized a fundraiser that included NFB literature this weekend, and Dave and Pat tells me that it was a success. That new chapter is moving fast! Do not tell them that I admitted that, so they won't stop.

Sheri and her members have also been posting to the list with updates about fundraising and their outreach seminar, which should be coming up as well. The Cincinnati chapter continues to be a resource to many, and I cannot wait to hear about new members and partnerships that were develop.

I know that the Columbus chapter and Springfield along with the Lorain County and Miami Valley Chapters also have made partnerships, welcomed members and made efforts to spread the word in their communities as well. The work of the Federation is ongoing, and I am proud of where Ohio is moving with the efforts of providing education, mentorship and awareness about "what it means to be blind". Soon and very soon, we will hear more great news at the 2019 State of Ohio Convention.

We are at our best when the heart beet of the family is heard and in sink. The Nfb has always helped our own. Moreover, you know that October is meet the blind month; so, it will be great to hear all about the wonderful events that our family has kicked off. We celebrate all over the world and demonstrate that we can work and play along in society.

Just a reminder that the Community Service Committee is requesting that everyone participate in their mission of providing community service. They are providing a donation to the Ohio State School for the Blind. Please bring hats, gloves, scarves, and or mittens. Red or Blue are the school colors and sizes range from K through 12th grade. There will be a box for you to drop these items in at the Convention.

One of the aspects of the Convention that I am excited about is having our young people present. Our BELL kids and students and young adults' attendance will be up this year. So, please ensure that our young people have a great time. We want to assure the parents that we have activities for all members of their family. Ohio, welcome, engage and orientate them throughout the weekend.

The agenda is almost finished and unless we have unforeseen problems again you should see it very soon. I know you have been waiting but remember that the agenda is very important, but your attendance means so much. Together we can mentor train and transfer dreams into reality. Stay tuned and let's keep building the federation.

Richard Payne,  President
National Federation of the Blind of Ohio

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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