[Blindtlk] New Jersey State Affiliate Convention Agenda
David Andrews
dandrews at visi.com
Thu Nov 3 07:48:06 UTC 2011
The 35th Annual State Convention
National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey
Celebrating 20 Years of Parents of Blind Children
Whosit logo
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Crowne Plaza Hotel
36 Valley Rd., Clark, NJ 07066
November 11, 12, 13, 2011
Joseph Ruffalo, President
973-743-0075
nfbnj at yahoo.com
www.nfbnj.org
www.blindchildren.org
www.thruoureyes.org
Convention activities will be broadcast live in audio and video
Friday, November 11
Live Reporting: 1:00 – 3:00 pm
WCTC Radio NJ Today
Listen on 1450 AM or www.wctcam.com
Saturday, November 12
Program: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Banquet: 8:30 pm. to conclusion
Listen or watch live at <http://www.thruoureyes.org>www.thruoureyes.org
Smartphone or JAWS access at
<http://m.thruoureyes.org>http://m.thruoureyes.org
Also broadcasting on Twitter, Facebook,
uStream.tv, Justin.tv, and blogtalkradio.com
The National Federation of the Blind is
changing what it means to be blind.
Mission Statement
The National Federation of the Blind is an
organization where the blind and interested
sighted persons can come together to plan and
carry out programs to improve the quality of life
of the blind; to provide a means of collective
action for parents of blind children; to promote
the vocational, cultural, and social advancement
of the blind; to achieve the integration of the
blind into society on a basis of equality with
the sighted; and to take action which will
improve the overall condition and standard of
living of the blind. The Federation works toward
the removal of legal, economic, and social
barriers to full participation by blind people in
all aspects of community life. The National
Federation of the Blind is an organization of the
blind speaking for themselves.
The National Federation of the Blind Pledge
I pledge to participate actively in the efforts
of the National Federation of the Blind
to achieve equality, opportunity, and security
for the blind; to support the programs and
policies of the Federation; and to abide by its constitution.
Spotlight on NFB of NJ
Established in 1976, the National
Federation of the Blind of New Jersey is an
affiliate of the National Federation of the
Blind, the oldest and largest organization of and
for the blind/visually impaired in the United
States. Our eight chapters and eight divisions
provide invaluable information and resources to
blind/visually impaired people throughout the
state. Chapters meet monthly; divisions hold
events at various times throughout the year. Why
not join a divisionthe Association to Promote
the Use of Braille, Diabetes, Guide Dog Users,
Merchants, Parents of Blind Children, Students,
Seniors, and Technology. We would welcome your participation.
Tune into Thru Our Eyes, our internet
audio and video program featuring issues and
information pertaining to blindness at
<http://www.thruoureyes.org/>www.thruoureyes.org.
For state, chapter, division, and committee news,
visit our website <http://www.nfbnj.org>www.nfbnj.org.
Subscribe to the Sounding Board
Get our state newsletter, the Sounding Board,
conveniently delivered to your email inbox. To
subscribe, send a message with the words
subscribe Sounding Board in the subject line to
<mailto:beatrice.oliveti at gmail.com>beatrice.oliveti at gmail.com.
You can access the audio version of the Sounding
Board at www.nfbnj.org, www.thruoureyes.org, and on Newsline.
Funding Our Movement
Donations to the National Federation of the Blind
of NJ are tax deductible. Mark
a special date in honor of or in memory of a
loved one with a gift to the NFB of NJ.
Platinum Sponsor of the 2011 State Convention
ADVANCED DIABETIC SOLUTIONS, Lawrenceville, GA
Contact information for speakers can be found on the last page of the agenda.
FRIDAY, NOV. 11, 2011
MAKE A DIFFERENCE SEMINARGrand Ballroom
9:00 am–6:00 pmRegistration Open
MAKE A DIFFERENCE Seminar/Convention registration: $15
Box lunch can be purchased in Grand Ballroom: $13
9:00 am–6:00 pm Exhibit Hall OpenWashington Room
10:00–11:30 am Looking Good Without Looking WorkshopAdams Room
Fashion, beauty, and personal
style for men, women, and teens.
Johanna Baccan, Makeup Diva
12:00 pm Welcome to the MAKE A DIFFERENCE Seminar!Grand Ballroom
Joseph Ruffalo, President, NFB of NJ; National
Board Member, NFB; Program Manager, Puerto Rican
Assoc. for Human Development, Inc.
12:10 pm How YOU Can Make a Difference
Ever Lee Hairston, National Board Member; VP, NFB of California
12:20 pm Advanced Diabetic Solutions, Convention Platinum Sponsor
Edward “EJ” McKenna, Account Manager, ADS
12:45–2:45 pm Technology: How? What? Why?
Michele Chaney, President, Technology Division
Find out about the BookSense, Victor Reader,
iPhone, and apps that blind people are using
every day, such as EyeNote, LookTell Money Reader, AroundMe, vizwiz, & more.
1:00–4:00 pm POSSIBILITIES SeminarJefferson Room
Carol Castellano,
Pres, Parents of Blind Children-NJ
Topics include Braille, mobility, brand-new
technology, education, the role of the
Commission, advocacy, social skill, music
3:00–4:00 pm Diabetes Division Workshop & MeetingGrand Ballroom
Vincent
Chaney, President, Diabetes Division
4:00–4:45 pm Division Meetings
Merchants DivisionJefferson Room
Anna DeSantis, President
NJ Association to
Promote the Use of BrailleMadison Room
Mary Jo Partyka, President
Student DivisionAdams Room
Evelyn Valdez, President
Seniors DivisionGrand Ballroom
Jane Degenshein, Chairperson
PLEASE RETURN TO THE GRAND BALLROOM AFTER DIVISION MEETINGS
4:50 pm Wrap-Up and Door Prizes
Joe Ruffalo, Pres., NFB of NJ
5:00–6:00 pm Visit the Vendors in the Exhibit AreaWashington Room
Registration Open
7:00 pm Resolutions Committee MeetingJefferson
Mary Jo Partyka, Chair
All are welcome.
8:00–11:00 pm Talent Showcase, Music and
Dancing, Special
Activities, Horse
Racing, and much moreGrand Ballroom
Hosted by Parents
of Blind Children-NJ and NFB of NJ
Jane Degenshein &
Holly Miller, Hosts
Cash Bar
Vendors will be available in the Exhibit HallWashington Room
at the following times:
Friday 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday 7:45 am – 8:45 am
12:00 pm – 1:45 pm
NOTE: Breakfast will be served from 6:45 – 8:30
am on Saturday morning in the Jefferson Room for
those registered in the hotel. Bring your breakfast coupon.
SATURDAY, NOV. 12, 2011
Note: We will be audio and video recording and broadcasting the Convention.
6:45–8:30 am Breakfast for those registered in
the hotel Jefferson Room Bring your coupon!
7:00–8:30 am NJ Assoc. of Guide Dog Users
Division Breakfast
Meeting Adams
Room; Vincent Chaney, President; Special
Guest Assemblyman Robert Schroeder
7:45 am Registration and Exhibit Hall Open
8:45 am Child Care Opens
9:00 am Welcome, Call to Order
Joseph Ruffalo, President, NFB of NJ
Annmarie Cooke, Member, At-Large Chapter
9:10 am Invocation
Carl & Mindy Jacobson
9:15 am Opening Ceremonies
Host Division, Parents of
Blind Children-NJ; Carol Castellano, President
9:25 am Introduction of Scholarship Class of 2011
Jerilyn Higgins, Chair
9:30 am Presidential Report
Joseph Ruffalo, President, NFB of NJ
10:00 am National Update: Working Together to Make a Difference
Ever Lee Hairston, National
Board Member; VP, NFB of California
10:40 am Library Update: Is Outspoken Speaking?
Adam Szczepaniak, Director,
NJ Talking Book & Braille Center
11:00 am Possibilities
Carol Castellano, President,
Parents of Blind Children-NJ
11:20 am Imagination Fund
Evelyn Valdez, Chair; Evelyn
Valdez, Jerilyn Higgins, Joe Ruffalo
11:40 am The PAC Plan
Ryan Stevens, Chair
11:50 am Platinum Sponsor: Advanced Diabetic Solutions
Edward “EJ” McKenna, Regional Representative, ADS
12:00 pm Adjourn
12:00–2:00 pm LunchReminder: You must have a lunch ticket.
Network with Vendors
1:00-1:45 pm Technology Division MeetingAdams Room
Michele Chaney, President
1:00–1:45 pm POBC-NJ MeetingGrand Ballroom
Carol Castellano, President, POBC-NJ
Ever Lee Hairston, NFB National Representative
1:45 pm Child Care Reopens
Note: We will be audio and video recording and broadcasting the Convention.
AFTERNOON SESSION
2:00 pm Call to Order
2:05 pm A Teacher Takes a Hand, Opens a Mind, Touches a Heart
Agnes Allen, Emily Fusco, Granddaughter, Holly Westefeld
2:30 pm POBC-NJ: Helping Families & Kids for 20 Years!
Carol Castellano, President,
POBC-NJ; Barbara
Cheadle,
President Emerita, National Organization of
Parents of Blind
Children; Holly Miller, Board Member, POBC-NJ, NOPBC
3:00 pm The Governor Speaks Up on Behalf of the Blind
David Paterson, former Governor, NY; host, WOR Radio
3:30 pm Adventures on the Quad
Shafeka Hashash, Mark Colasurdo,
Students, NFB Scholarship Recipients
3:50 pm Colorado Center for the Blind: Opportunities for Youth & Adults
Wayne Marshall, Counselor,
CCB; Steve Patton, Cane Travel
Instructor, CCB; Melissa Lomax, Jeremy Capati, Students
4:10 pm We Rode into History
Joe Ruffalo, President, NFB of
NJ; Hank Miller, Brian Woolbert, Students
4:25 pm Senior Possibilities
Joe Ruffalo, Pres., NFB of
NJ; Jane Degenshein, Senior
Division; Tyrone Mance, Member
4:40 pm NFB of NJ Past, Present, Future
Sharon Maneki, NFB of MD;
Rick Fox, NFB of NJ; Evelyn Valdez, Student Division
4:55 pm Announcements
5:00 pm Adjourn
6:45–11:00 pm BanquetGrand Ballroom
Note: We will be audio and video recording and
broadcasting parts of the Banquet.
Master of CeremoniesNicky Gacos
InvocationJerry Moreno
Banquet Address– Ever Lee Hairston, NFB National Representative
Presentation of ScholarshipsJerilyn Higgins, Scholarship Chair
NFBNJ Scholarships
Rose and Joseph Ruffalo, Sr. Scholarship Announcement
Auction
SUNDAY, NOV. 13, 2011
Morning Devotions will be held from 7–7:30 am on Sunday in the Adams Room.
7:45 am BreakfastGrand BallroomBring your breakfast coupon.
9:00 am–12:00 pm Program and Business MeetingGrand Ballroom
Invocation, Rebecca Irvin
Roll Call of Chapters and Divisions
Leadership/Building
MembershipSeminarKathy Rawa, Lydia Keller, Jane Degenshein
Funding Our MovementJoe Ruffalo, Lynn Reynolds
ResolutionsMary Jo Partyka, Chair
Legislative ActionLynn
Reynolds, Legislative. Coord., NFB of NJ
The Importance of Public
RelationsEver Lee Hairston, Tara Carty, Rick Fox
Committee Reports
Elections
National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey
Officers
President – Joseph Ruffalo
1st Vice President – Jerilyn Higgins
2nd Vice President – Mary Jo Partyka
Secretary – Beatrice Oliveti
Treasurer – Tom Ferry
Board Members
Dan Facchini
Lynn Reynolds
Ryan Stevens
Evelyn Valdez
Linda DeBerardinis
Michele Chaney
Chapters and Divisions
At Large
Chapter Joe
Ruffalo 973-743-0075
Capitol
Chapter Mary Jo Partyka 609-888-5459
Central
Chapter Jerilyn Higgins 973-239-8874
Cumberland/Salem Chapter Ann
Jordan 856-696-3905
Garden State Chapter Ed
Godfrey 856-848-6372
Northeast Chapter Dan
Facchini 201-906-8655
Northern
Chapter Rebecca Irvin 973-732-6559
Ocean County
Chapter Michael Halm 732-370-1797
Diabetes
Division Vincent Chaney 732-251-8650
Merchants Division Anna
DeSantis 732-462-4604
Parents of Blind Children-NJ Carol Castellano 973-377-0976
NJ Assoc. of Blind Students Evelyn Valdez 908-803-4891
NJ Assoc. to Promote
Braille Mary Jo Partyka 609-888-5459
NJ Assoc. of Guide Dog Users Vincent Chaney 732-251-8650
Senior
Division Jane Degenshein 973-736-5785
Technology
Division Michele Chaney 732-251-8650
NFB National Divisions
For a list of national divisions and committees, please visit www.nfb.org.
Blindness can be reduced to a physical nuisance once the blind person
learns and uses the proper techniques and skills of blindness.
Our thanks to the NFB of NJ Northeast Chapter’s Thru Our Eyes, the
WTOE radio network, and WCTC for broadcasting the Convention.
Thru Our Eyes is sponsored by a grant from the NFB Imagination Fund.
We thank Carol Castellano, Michele Chaney, and Jerilyn Higgins
for their help on this agenda.
Exhibitors
PLATINUM SPONSOR
Advanced Diabetic Solutions
Edward “EJ” McKenna
1576 Atkinson Rd.
Laurenceville, GA 30043
888-377-6382
emckenna at advanceddiabeticsolutions.net
BRONZE SPONSORS
ABI See Inc.
Ilana Voleman
20 Main Street
Suite G2
Acton, MA
978-635-0202 x15
ilana at abisee.com
C-Tech
Chuck Cohen
2 N Williams St.
Pearl River, NY 10965
800-228-7798
DeWitt & Associates
Rick Fox
700 Godwin Ave
Midland Park, NJ 07432
201-447-6500
rick at 4dewitt.com
The Seeing Eye Inc.
Pat McKenna, Esq.
Outreach Specialist
973-539-4425 x 1777
pmckenna at seeingeye.org
CONVENTION SUPPORTERS
HIP
Susan Vanino
131 Main Street
Suit 120
Hackensack, NJ 07601
201-996-9100
NJ Commission for the Blind & VI
Pamela Gaston
153 Halsey Street 6th Floor
PO Box 47017
Newark, NJ 07101
973-648-3333
pamela.gaston at dhs.state.nj.us
NJ Talking Book & Braille Center
Adam Szczepaniak
2300 Stuyvesant Ave
Trenton, NJ 08618
800-792-8322
aszczepaniak at njstatelib.org
Safeguard Marketing
Charles Solomon
P.O. Box 541
Cliffside Park, NJ 07010
201-840-5443
sageco at earthlink.net
SW Unlimited, LLC
Sherlock Washington
81 Ortley Ct.
Matawan, NJ 07747
732-290-1677
sherlock at swunlimited.com
Contact Information
Johanna Baccan 201-934-6937 24kjo at optonline.net
Tara Carty 973-650-4438 sugarfreet at gmail.com
Carol Castellano 973-377-0976 blindchildren at verizon.net
Michele Chaney 732-251-8650 msc732 at optonline.net
Vincent Chaney 732-251-8650 vgc732 at optonline.net
Barbara Cheadle 410-747-3472 BACheadle at msn.com
Jane Degenshein 973-736-5785 jdegen16 at comcast.net
Rick
Fox 201-447-6500 rick at 4dewittassociates.net
Ever Lee Hairston 323-654-2975 ever.hairston at gmail.com
Jerilyn Higgins 973-239-8874 jdhiggins3 at verizon.net
Rebecca Irvin 973-732-6559 rirvin14 at optonline.net
Lydia Keller 856-696-3518 ljkfly1950 at verizon.net
Sharon Maneki 410-715-9596 nfbmd at earthlink.net
Wayne Marshall 303-778-1130 X233 wmarshall at cocenter.org
Edward “EJ” McKenna 888-377-6382 emckenna at advanceddiabeticsolutions.net
Steve Patton 303-778-1130 spatton at cocenter.org
Kathy Rawa 973-216-8757 karmedtrans at aol.com
Lynn Reynolds 732-599-7420 lhr1827 at optonline.net
Joseph Ruffalo 973-743-0075 nfbnj at yahoo.com
Adam Szczepaniak 800-792-8322 aszczepaniak at njstatelib.org
Ryan Stevens 856-858-3518 rysteve at comcast.net
Evelyn Valdez 908-803-4891 tweetybaby19 at comcast.net
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