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National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota<br><br>
<div align="center">2019 Annual Convention #NFBMN<br>
October 25–27, 2019<br>
<b>Best Western Plus Kelly Inn<br>
</b>100 4th Avenue South, St Cloud, MN 56301<br>
<b>Ryan Strunk, President</b><br>
National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota<br>
100 East 22nd Street, Minneapolis, MN 55404<br>
(612) 872-9363,
<a href="mailto:president@nfbmn.org">president@nfbmn.org</a><br>
<a href="http://www.nfbmn.org/" eudora="autourl">www.nfbmn.org</a><br>
<b>National Representative: </b><br>
Dr. Marc Maurer<br>
Immediate Past President<br>
National Federation of the Blind<br>
Baltimore, MD<br>
</div>
<br><br>
The National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota 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.<br>
<a name="_Toc22506055"></a>Welcome to the 2019 Minnesota
Convention!<br><br>
<h2><b><a name="_Toc22506056"></a>Registration</b></h2><br><br>
Registration is required to attend and participate in convention
activities. Please consult the times in the agenda for when the
registration desk will be open. <a name="_Hlk22324704"></a>On-site
registration is available for $15, and a limited number of meals are
available at the following rates:<br>
· Family Dinner on Friday evening: $15<br>
· Senior Breakfast on Saturday: $15<br>
· BLIND, Inc. Luncheon on Saturday: $20<br><br>
· Banquet on Saturday evening: $35<br>
Please also ensure we have your most current contact information,
including your e-mail address. If you do not currently receive <i>The</i>
<i>Braille Monitor</i>our national monthly magazineplease let us know,
and we will sign you up.<br>
<br><br>
<h2><b><a name="_Hlk22324823"></a>Social
Media</b></h2><a name="_Hlk22324823"></a><br>
<br>
The Social Media Committee invites you to share your convention
experience with your friends and family to show them how the NFB of
Minnesota is empowering blind people. Post to Twitter or Facebook using
#NFBMN. We love pictures…just remember to add descriptions so everyone
can enjoy them.<br><br>
<h2><b><a name="_Toc22506058"></a>Bake Auction</b></h2><br><br>
<a name="_Hlk22324893"></a>Our largest state fundraiser will again be an
opportunity to show off your culinary talents and sample the food-based
flair of fellow Minnesotans. Even though we call it a bake auction, don’t
worry. You don’t have to bake to take part. In past years we’ve had
homemade candies, snack mixes, and even homemade pickles and jams. If you
can cook it, and it doesn’t have to be refrigerated, Auction Coordinator
Charlotte Czarnecki will land a good price and new home for your
treats!<br>
Please bring donated food <a name="_Hlk22325321"></a>items to the
front-left corner of the room before the start of Saturday’s General
Session. Please also bring your checkbooks and credit cards!<br><br>
<h2><b><a name="_Toc22506059"></a>Door Prizes</b></h2><br><br>
<a name="_Hlk22325195"></a>Prizes will be awarded throughout the
convention. To be eligible, you must be registered and present in the
room when your name is drawn. Donations should be brought to coordinators
Amy Baron, John TeBockhorst, or Tom TeBockhorst in the front-left corner
of the room before the start of Saturday’s General Session.<br><br>
<h2><b><a name="_Toc22506060"></a>Live Streaming</b></h2><br><br>
For those unable to join us in person this weekend, the convention will
be live streamed. Go to the following link, then choose your player:
<a href="https://www.nfbmn.org/stream/">https://www.nfbmn.org/stream/</a>
.<br><br>
<h2><b><a name="_Toc22506061"></a>Childcare</b></h2><br><br>
Childcare will be provided during scheduled meetings and during the
banquet. <br>
· Friday, October 25: 2:30-5:15 PM and 6:45-8:45
PM (Note that childcare is not included during the Friday casual dinner
or pool party.)<br>
· Saturday, October 26: 8:30 AM-5:15 PM and <br>
6:30-10:30 PM<br><br>
· Sunday, October 27: 8:30 AM-12:15 PM<br>
Please keep your cell phone charged and turned to vibrate, as we will
call you if your child needs you. For more information contact childcare
coordinator Briley O’Connor at <br>
(703) 380-8876.<br><br>
<h2><b><a name="_Toc22506062"></a>Raffle</b></h2><br><br>
A 50/50 raffle will be conducted during the convention, and the winner
will be drawn during the banquet. The proceeds will support Community
Shares of Minnesota, which in turn supports the NFB of Minnesota. All
tickets are $2.<br><br>
<h2><b><a name="_Toc22506063"></a>Get on the PAC Plan</b></h2><br><br>
The Pre-Authorized Contribution (PAC) Plan has come to be an increasingly
important part of financing our movement. According to the chairman of
the NFB’s PAC committee, Scott LaBarre, the Federation has raised more
than $10 million over the years through the PAC Plan.<br>
The PAC Plan allows members, affiliates, chapters, and others to give a
regular and automatic donation to the Federation every month. All you
need provide is your checking account, debit card or credit card
information. Because of the costs associated with operating the program,
the minimum donation is $5 per month, yet there is no restriction on how
much you donate. Please sign up at the convention to begin a new PAC
contribution or to make changes to your current contribution. Your
donation will help the blind live the lives we want.<br>
<br><br>
<h1><b><a name="_Toc22506064"></a>Friday, October 25</b></h1><br><br>
2:30–5:00 PMREGISTRATION (POOLSIDE)<br>
Those who pre-registered should pick up meal tickets and agendas. Also,
come chat with <a name="_Hlk22327939"></a>Visit Greater St. Cloud
Convention & Visitors Bureau to learn about nearby attractions.<br>
3:00-8:30 PMNON-VISUAL SKILLS FAIR (SUNWOOD CENTER)<br>
How do I light a candle? Change a diaper? Store a long, straight cane in
a restaurant without tripping anyone? Can I use NFB-NEWSLINE® with my
Amazon Echo? If I can't read prescription bottles anymore, how can I tell
what's what? Come get the answers to these questions and more through
hands-on demonstrations and activities. Whether you've been blind for two
months or 20 years, there's always something to learn. Taey Mack,
Coordinator<br>
3:15–5:00 PMEMPLOYMENT SEMINAR (CONGRESS/SENATE)<br>
Dick Davis and Brian Dulude, Facilitators<br>
<a name="_Hlk22325966"></a>3:15–4:00 PMLET’S GO BUILD THE FEDERATION
(STATE ROOM)<br>
Join us for an open discussion about how we can fundraise and build
membership across the state. Ryan Strunk, Facilitator<br>
4:15–5:00 PMRESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE (STATE ROOM)<br>
Jennifer Dunnam, Chairperson<br>
5:15–6:45 PMCASUAL DINNER (POOLSIDE)<br>
Join your federation family for a fast, casual, and affordable dinner
with a cash bar. We guarantee to have you fed before the start of the
evening sessions.<br>
7:00–9:00 PMANNUAL MEETING OF THE MINNESOTA ASSOCIATION OF BLIND
STUDENTS (STATE ROOM)<br>
Cody Beardslee, President<br>
7:00–9:00 PMGAMES AND CONVERSATION (CONGRESS/SENATE)<br>
9:00–11:00 PMPOOL PARTY (POOLSIDE)<br>
Join the Central Minnesota chapter for a fun evening of snacks and
dessert while splashing around with friends. A cash bar will be
available.<br>
<br><br>
<h1><b><a name="_Toc22506065"></a>Saturday, October 26</b></h1><br><br>
7:00 AMBREAKFAST AND ANNUAL MEETING OF THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE
BLIND OF MINNESOTA SENIORS DIVISION (CONGRESS/SENATE)<br>
Judy Sanders, President <br>
7:30 AM–12:00 PMREGISTRATION (SOUTH LOBBY)<br>
Coffee with bagels and toppings will be available in the back of the
General Session room.<br>
9:00 AM–12:00 PMGENERAL SESSION (STATE ROOM/SUNWOOD CENTER)<br>
9:00 AM, Call to Order<br>
9:05 AM, Opening CeremoniesBeverly Stavrum, President, Central Minnesota
Chapter<br>
9:25 AM, News from Our National OfficeDr. Marc Maurer, Immediate Past
President, National Federation of the Blind<br>
10:05 AM, Ringing the BELL in MinnesotaBriley O'Connor, Coordinator,
NFB-Braille Enrichment for Literacy and Learning Academy,
Minneapolis<br>
10:25 AM, KylesthenicsKyle Hanneman, Fitness Consultant,
Minneapolis<br>
10:30 AM, An Update from the Department of EducationKristin Oien,
Specialist for the Blind/Visually Impaired, Minnesota Department of
Education<br>
10:45 AM, Q&A<br>
10:50 AM, What's Happening at the AcademyJohn Davis, Director, Minnesota
State Academy for the Blind<br>
11:10 AM, News from State Services for the BlindDave Andrews, Chief
Technology Officer, State Services for the Blind<br>
11:40 AM, Why I Am a FederationistCorbb O'Connor, Member,
Minneapolis<br>
11:55 AM, Reports and Announcements<br>
12:00 PM, Adjourn<br>
12:15 PMBLIND, INC. LUNCHEON (CONGRESS/SENATE)<br>
<a name="_Hlk22326933"></a>Please join the students and staff of
Blindness: Learning In New Dimensions (BLIND) Inc. as we celebrate
the progress and accomplishments of our consumer-directed training center
rooted in Federation philosophy. Jennifer Kennedy, Executive
Director<br>
2:00 PM–5:00 PMGENERAL SESSION (STATE ROOM/SUNWOOD CENTER)<br>
2:00 PM, Call to Order<br>
2:05 PM, Presidential ReportRyan Strunk, President, National Federation
of the Blind of Minnesota<br>
2:25 PM, News from Our Braille and Talking Book LibraryCatherine
Durivage, Director, Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library<br>
2:40 PM, Why I Am a FederationistDale Heltzer, Secretary, Rochester
Chapter<br>
2:50 PM, An Update from the National Association of Blind StudentsJohna
Wright, Board Member, National Association of Blind Students<br>
3:05 PM, NFB Training Centers: The Next GenerationJennifer Kennedy,
Executive Director, Blindness: Learning In New Dimensions (BLIND),
Inc.<br>
3:35 PM, KylesthenicsKyle Hanneman, Fitness Consultant, Minneapolis<br>
3:40 PM, Family, Faith, and the Federation: Living the Life I
Want<a name="_Hlk22510314"></a>Kotumu Kamara, English Language Learning
Instructor, BLIND, Inc. <br>
3:50 PM, A Perspective on Supporting Our Deaf-Blind MembersDave Walle,
Member, Rochester<br>
4:10 PM, From Sheltered Employment to Self-Employment: Finding My Part of
the American DreamMichael Colbrunn, Member, Mankato<br>
4:25 PM, The Hard-Scrabble World of Competitive Word PlayNadine
Jacobson, Member, Minneapolis<br>
4:40 PM, Why I Am a FederationistPatricia Maurer, Director of Community
Relations, National Federation of the Blind<br>
4:55 PM, Reports and Announcements<br>
5:00 PM, Adjourn<br>
6:00 PMSOCIAL HOUR AND CASH BAR (CONGRESS/SENATE)<br>
Join us before the banquet for some hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar.<br>
7:00 PMBANQUET (GRAND BALLROOM)<br>
· Invocation<br>
· Introduction of Head Table<br>
· Raffles and Drawings<br>
· Presentation of Awards<br>
o Scholarship Class: Steve Jacobson<br>
o Essay Contest: Kathy McGillivray<br><br>
· Keynote Address: Dr. Marc Maurer<br>
10:00 PM–MIDNIGHTPOST BANQUET SOCIAL AND CASH BAR (GRAND BALLROOM)<br>
<br><br>
<h1><b><a name="_Toc22506066"></a>Sunday, October 27</b></h1><br><br>
For your convenience, we have worked with the hotel to have The Green
Mill Restaurant open early. Service will begin at 7:00 AM for those
wishing to purchase breakfast.<br>
9:00 AMBUSINESS SESSION (STATE ROOM/SUNWOOD CENTER)<br>
Coffee and muffins will be available in the back of the General Session
room.<br>
· Call to Order <br>
· Announcements<br>
· Treasurer’s ReportJennifer Dunnam,
Treasurer<br>
· Reflections on our First ConventionCharlie
Rush-Reese and Arlene Rush, Members, Robbinsdale<br>
· Elections<br><br>
· Reports of Divisions and Committees<br><br>
<h1><b><a name="_Toc22506067"></a>Special Thanks</b></h1><br><br>
The activities of this organization can only succeed with the help and
dedication of many Federationists, and the convention is no
exception. The National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota offers
particular thanks to the Central Minnesota chapter for their hospitality,
and to all of the many Federationists who have worked both out in front
and behind the scenes to make this convention happen. Also, thank you to
the Visit Greater St. Cloud Convention & Visitors Bureau team for
their support with planning the convention and printing
materials.<br><br>
<h1><b><a name="_Toc22506068"></a>NFB of Minnesota Board of
Directors:</b></h1><br><br>
· Ryan Strunk, Minneapolis (President)<br>
· Steve Jacobson, Edina (Vice President)<br>
· Jennifer Wenzel, Bloomington (Secretary)<br>
· Jennifer Dunnam, Saint Louis Park
(Treasurer)<br>
· Dave Andrews, Stillwater<br>
· Cody Beardslee, Minneapolis<br>
· Rob Hobson, Minneapolis<br>
· Sheila Koenig, Minneapolis<br><br>
· Alex Loch, Duluth<br><br>
<h1><b><a name="_Toc22506069"></a>NFB of Minnesota
Chapters</b></h1><br><br>
· At-Large: Dave Andrews, President<br>
· Central Minnesota: Beverly Stavrum,
President<br>
· Metro: Deanna Langton, President<br>
· Riverbend: Christopher Murphy, President<br>
· Rochester: Jan Bailey, President<br><br>
· Twin Ports: Alex Loch, President<br><br>
<h1><b><a name="_Toc22506070"></a>Divisions, Committees, and <br>
Work Groups</b></h1><br><br>
· Convention Bake Auction: Charlotte
Czarnekki
<br>
· Convention Childcare: Briley O’Connor<br>
· Convention Door Prizes: Amy Baron, John
TeBockhorst, and Tom TeBockhorst<br>
· Convention Logistics: Corbb O’Connor<br>
· Convention Sound, Recording, and Streaming: Tim
Aune and Steve
Jacobson
<br>
· Fundraising Committee: Taey Mack,
Chairperson <br>
· Membership Committee: Jan Bailey,
Chairperson <br>
· Minnesota Association of Blind Students: Cody
Beardslee,
President
<br>
· <i>Minnesota Bulletin</i>: Kathy McGillivray,
Editor<br>
· Pedestrian Safety: Pat
Barrett
<br>
· Resolutions Committee: Jennifer
Dunnam<a name="_Hlk22511219"></a>, Chairperson <br>
· Scholarship Committee: Steve Jacobson,
Chairperson<br>
· Social Media: Samantha Flax and Kayde Rieken,
Co-chairpersons<br><br>
· National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota
Seniors’ Division: Judy Sanders, President<br>
<br>
<br>
Ryan Strunk, President<br>
<a href="mailto:president@nfbmn.org">president@nfbmn.org</a><br>
<a href="http://www.nfb.org/" eudora="autourl">www.nfb.org</a><br>
<a href="http://www.nfbmn.org">www.nfbmn.org</a><br>
(612) 872-9363<br>
Live the life you Want.</blockquote></body>
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