[Nfb-editors] Ohio's- "The Buckeye bulletin," Winter-Spring (new)

[Robert Leslie Newman]

Here is the 19 page, 7,016 word Winter-Spring 2011 "The Buckeye Bulletin"

Winter/Spring 2011

 

Buckeye Bulletin

A publication of the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio

Barbara Pierce, Editor

237 Oak Street

Oberlin, OH 44074

bbpierce at pobox.com

http://www.nfbohio.org

(440) 775-2216

Sylvia Cooley, Production Editor

Dr. J. Webster Smith, President

(800) 396-6326 (NFBO Office)

jwsmithnfb at frontier.com

P.O. Box 458, Athens, OH 45701-0458

Voice of the Nation's Blind

 

            The National Federation of the Blind of Ohio is a 501 (c) 3
consumer organization comprised of blind and sighted people committed to
changing what it means to be blind. Though blindness is still all too often
a tragedy to those who face it, we know from our personal experience that
with training and opportunity it can be reduced to the level of a physical
nuisance. We work to see that blind people receive the services and training
to which they are entitled and that parents of blind children receive the
advice and support they need to help their youngsters grow up to be happy,
productive adults. We believe that first-class citizenship means that people
have both rights and responsibilities, and we are determined to see that
blind people become first-class citizens of these United States, enjoying
their rights and fulfilling their responsibilities. The most serious
problems we face have less to do with our lack of vision than with
discrimination based on the public's ignorance and misinformation about
blindness. Join us in educating Ohioans about the abilities and aspirations
of Ohio's blind citizens. We are changing what it means to be blind.

            The NFB of Ohio has fourteen local chapters, one for at-large
members, and special divisions for diabetics, merchants, students, seniors,
parents of blind children, guide-dog users, and those interested in Braille.
This semi-annual newsletter is produced in large print and on CD and is
circulated by email. For information about the National Federation of the
Blind of Ohio or to make address changes or be added to the mailing list,
call (440) 775-2216 or email bbpierce at pobox.com. For information about
NFB-NEWSLINE, our free digitized newspaper-reading service, call (866)
391-0841. Local NEWSLINE numbers are: 330-247-1241 (Akron), 330-409-1900
(Canton), 513-297-1521 (Cincinnati), 216-453-2090 (Cleveland), and
614-448-1673 (Columbus)

 

Table of Contents

 

 

>From the President's Desk

by J. Webster Smith

 

2010 Convention Report

by Deborah Kendrick

 

NFB of Ohio Awards Presented at the 2010 Convention

by Barb Fohl

 

The Blind Driver in Daytona

by Eric Duffy

 

Editor's Musings

by Barbara Pierce

 

The Million-Dollar Seminar

by Beth Debus

 

2011 NFB of Ohio Committee Assignments

 

A Briefcase, a Shirt, and a Spark

by Carol Akers

 

Buckeye Briefs

 

Activities Calendar




PHOTO CAPTION: J. Webster Smith

>From the President's Desk

by J. Webster Smith

 

            As I write this, we have just returned from the Washington
Seminar, which was held the week of January 31st. It was a good meeting, and
I always feel more empowered and connected as a citizen after this event. It
has also caused me to do some thinking about politics and political
campaigns. I have always loved politics, and I have fond memories of many
political discussions around my family dinner table. In fact I've always had
an uncanny ability to predict the outcome of elections. Since 1994 I've had
the pleasure of teaching a class entitled Communication and Campaigns at
Ohio University in the School of Communication Studies. Additionally I've
published a book in this area and taught several hundred students, several
of whom are consultants to some of the most prominent politicians today.

            As I look back, I do wish I hadn't taught some people because
they are presently working with people and on issues that I would probably
not support. I recognize that my love for politics is probably not the most
popular hobby. In fact, I often hear people express their deep loathing for
political campaigns and politicians. They say, "They are all crooks, and it
really doesn't matter who gets into office anyway." For this column I would
like for you to consider why we should care about the political process and
consider that it really does matter who gets in.

            First, campaigns have really changed over the years. There was a
time when what we know as campaigning did not involve individuals
crisscrossing the country and twenty-hour days of nonstop events and travel.
In fact, many presidents were elected while simply sitting on their front
porches. The idea was that people would come to their homes to hear them
speak. Many of those candidates were chosen by party bosses in smoke-filled
rooms, and the general public had very little input. The first so-called
primaries did not occur until 1896, and even as recently as 1960 there
weren't even ten significant primaries in that historic election. As many of
you know, all of that has now changed. Candidates have to go out and meet
the people and find out what they are thinking, or at least they make an
attempt to do so. Blind people need to be in those audiences, and we need to
make our concerns known to our representatives.

            The Congress was out of town this year during the Washington
Seminar, and in fact they have announced that they want to spend more time
in their home districts. These will be great opportunities for us to invite
them to our chapter meetings and other events. It should also make it easier
for us to reiterate and reinforce a particular message by visiting their
district offices as well. Given our financial constraints, it will be
necessary for us to make our Washington Seminar delegation smaller, and we
may have to limit our time in Washington even more to save on hotel cost.
Therefore, it will be necessary for us like never before to take advantage
of the political process when the representatives are in their home
districts.

            Second, campaigns and elections have consequences. I remember
someone asking me what I thought about the chances of Barack Obama in 2008.
I said that I thought that he had the potential to really shake up the
political arena. What an understatement that turned out to be. Remember the
November 2010 elections? Believe me, they will have profound consequences
both nationally and statewide. For example, a new RSC executive director has
been appointed because a new administration is in the governor's office. All
of this is new to that agency, and its future impact is yet undetermined. It
always makes a difference who wins and who loses, because we need as many
supportive candidates as we can for our issues.

            Despite my love of politics, I too get tired of the political
ads and posturing. Ultimately I know that who eventually wins the next
election will make a big difference. The NFB has always understood this and
thus has tried to be out front of the political process and willing to rally
support for issues ranging from Social Security to the Pedestrian Safety
Enhancement Act. Let me be clear here: most campaigns are constituent
driven, and things tend to get done by those that show up and make the most
noise. We cannot afford to sit idly by and let someone else do it for us. We
must continue to be active in the political process, so we are thinking
about ways of influencing our state legislature in a more public and
organized manner this year. Do any of you believe that the Tea Party
movement did not have and does not continue to have a profound impact on the
current political climate? 

            Finally, the right candidate can make a difference. Historically
many laws have been passed when a particular issue touched a single
representative personally. We need to find candidates who will take our
issues, if not personally, at least seriously and to cultivate champions who
could ultimately help us to make significant contributions for the blind and
visually impaired community. At the Washington Seminar this year we were
addressed by two senators and a former governor. I must tell you there was a
certain energy and expectation when they spoke. We need more blind and
visually impaired people to consider participating in politics because in
some ways this may be the only way that many of our issues will get the
consideration they deserve. 

            One of the strengths of this movement has been its willingness
to understand and use the political process to make life better for the
blind and visually impaired all over the world. We have been very active in
our state as well, and it is my hope and goal to make us even more
politically active in coming years so that we can get our piece of the pie.
So, while we may not like the way campaigns are run now, we need to
understand that they are here to stay. If we are going to get our share of
the pie, we will have to be visible, vigilant, and vocal at every level of
the political process.

 

PHOTO CAPTION: Deborah Kendrick

2010 Convention Report

by Deborah Kendrick

 

            The sixty-fourth annual convention of the National Federation of
the Blind of Ohio offered a slightly new format in an improved though
familiar hotel, and spirits were consistently high. For the first time the
board met at noon on Friday, November 5, in a cost-saving measure. President
J.W. Smith conducted the meeting with his usual efficient blend of warmth,
humor, and efficiency. 

            In addition to a successful membership seminar and various
committee meetings, participants could examine technology products and
consignment table items being sold in the exhibits room or wander down the
hall to participate in a research project on Website navigation being
conducted by a Wright State doctoral student. The NFB philosophy seminar
was, as usual, a true highlight of the afternoon. The energetic discussion
was led by NFB Second Vice President Ron Brown, who was serving as national
representative for the convention, and NFB of Ohio President Emerita Barbara
Pierce. Should we take advantage of discounted or waived ticket prices just
because we are blind? Does a blind person's skipping the line at an
amusement park send a negative message? Opinions were varied and lively and
frequently sparked new topics for consideration within the realm of what it
means to be blind.

            Friday evening featured a session on fundraising strategies led
by Dr. David Lucas, School of Communication Studies, Ohio University. Other
Friday night activities were the annual meeting of the nominating committee
and, of course, hospitality. 

The plenary session of the 2010 NFB of Ohio convention was called to order
by President J.W. Smith at 9:00 a.m. Ron Brown, our national representative,
set the tone with his moving account of the Indiana child whose family had
to fight for his right to use an NFB long cane. He encouraged members to
support the Blind Driver Challenge in Florida, reminded us of the importance
of Washington Seminar, and encouraged everyone to attend the national
convention July 3 to 8 in Orlando. 

            Will Reed from the Ohio Library for the Blind and Physically
Disabled was warmly welcomed. Also welcome was his announcement that all
patrons should have their new digital Talking Book players by Spring 2011. 

            Becky Keller, a cane travel instructor from Blind Industries and
Services of Maryland, provided a vivid and appealing description of the
training provided by BISM. Students live in offsite apartments, traveling to
and from the agency daily by public transportation. Blindness training
covers everything from independent travel and computer skills to cooking,
shopping, and employment preparation. Students participate in daily seminars
focusing on the blindness philosophy of the NFB, and training typically runs
from seven to nine months. 

            Dan Conners, director of the Bureau of Services for the Visually
Impaired, brought the heartening news that the agency has hired consumer
specialists (individuals who have received services from either BSVI or its
counterpart, BVR) around the state to act as advisors in service delivery.
Mark Seifarth, legislative liaison for the Ohio Department of Developmental
Disabilities, gave his typically energetic and entertaining update on the
changing legislative picture in Ohio. 

            Attorney Arnold Shaheen delivered a thoughtful commentary,
reflecting on advocacy from his perspective as both lawyer and parent of an
adult daughter who is visually impaired. (Natalie Shaheen is an education
program specialist in the Jernigan Institute.) 

            In President J.W. Smith's annual report he stressed that, while
the affiliate's financial situation is the most dismal it has been in years,
the affiliate is comprised of tough people who will weather tough times as
required. In keeping with the convention's theme, The Day After Civil
Rights, Barbara Pierce delivered a thought-provoking address, reinforcing
the importance of reading our national publication. Dr. Tiffany Wild shared
information concerning the new program certifying orientation and mobility
instructors which has been launched at Ohio State University, and Lee Martin
of the Indiana NFB affiliate recounted his personal claim on civil rights
after deeply troubling employment discrimination. Tracy Parks rounded out
the day's program with a lighthearted collection of reflections on her
diminishing vision and her life as a photographer. 

            Throughout the weekend various divisions and committees met as
well-including blind seniors, Parents of Blind Children, students, and
others. At the annual meeting of NAPUB, the National Association to Promote
the Use of Braille, Barbara Pierce was elected to be the new president. At
the seniors' lunch, Hermine Wiley, an advocate for people with hearing loss,
presented information and sources to consider when selecting a hearing aid.

            The Saturday evening awards banquet was, as usual, a splendid
celebration of the weekend and one another. The joy of having Bruce Peters
among us once again was underscored by his even better than usual job as
master of ceremonies. Ron Brown's banquet address was poignant, personal,
and yes even brief! Award presentations by Barb Fohl included more than one
surprise, and we all welcomed our two scholarship winners, Sandra Sommers,
winner of the Jennica Ferguson Memorial Scholarship, from North Canton, and
Brittany Foor from Amherst, winner of the NFB of Ohio Scholarship. (See
elsewhere for details of the awards details.) 

            Sunday morning's memorial service touched us all, as we
remembered well-known and lesser-known members of the NFB of Ohio family.
Ron Williamitis, of course, was in our thoughts throughout the entire
convention as the Ron Williamitis shirt and bag were passed with
considerable spirit and jocularity from person to person at $10 a transfer. 

            Elections were held, and the nominating committee's slate of
candidates was elected as follows: president, Dr. J.W. Smith; first vice
president, Eric Duffy; second vice president, Barb Fohl; secretary, Shelbi
Hindel; treasurer, Sherry Ruth; and board members, Crystal McClain and Bruce
Peters. 

            The convention adjourned at noon. The Columbus Ramada Plaza and
Conference Center Hotel is to be congratulated on its best effort yet to
serve our organization, and we can all look forward to a new facility when
we meet next year In Dayton. 

 

 

 

PHOTO CAPTION: Barb Fohl

NFB of Ohio Awards Presented at the 2010 Convention

by Barb Fohl

 

            Editor's Note: Presenting affiliate awards is an important part
of state business. It is a clear way of encouraging and thanking members and
chapters who understand what the affiliate stands for and work to further
our goals and improve the lives of blind Ohioans. Awards are presented
during the annual banquet, the highpoint of each year's convention. This
year Barb Fohl, chair of the Awards Committee, presented two awards on
Saturday evening, November 6. Here is her report:

 

            The National Federation of the Blind of Ohio presents awards
only when they have been earned, so we don't always present the Ruth Garwood
Award, which is given to a sighted person who has provided outstanding
service to the state affiliate. The award commemorates the efforts of the
devoted sister of our treasurer for eleven years in the seventies and early
eighties, Ivan Garwood. Ruth's support and assistance enabled Ivan to do an
exemplary job maintaining our financial books despite deaf-blindness. 

PHOTO CAPTION: Carol Akers holding her award certificate

            This year we honored the newly elected president of the Ohio
Parents Division, Carol Akers. Carol has been an active member of the NFB
for twenty years and has been involved at all levels of the organization:
chapter, state affiliate, and the National Organization of Parents of Blind
Children. She has missed only one national convention, the year her father
died. She has been a driver to Washington Seminars and national conventions,
has worked tirelessly on hospitality events and fundraising efforts, and is
a regular attendee at affiliate board meetings. Carol's message when
counseling new parents is that, if their child's only disability is
blindness, he or she can without doubt live a full and productive life. 

            After presenting the Ruth Garwood award, I announced some
changes in the Gavel Award Contest this year, including a $50 prize to the
chapter and division Gavel Award winners along with the usual gavel and
plaque. I am pleased to report that the competition was serious and more
chapters competed than in recent years. Our Chapter Gavel Award winner for
2010 was our brand new NFB of Springfield chapter. They promote the NFB by
highlighting events from the national presidential releases. While members
are golfing, at dialysis, etc., they answer questions about blindness and
invite people to come to their chapter meetings. They also share our
philosophy by making presentations at elementary schools-reading and writing
Braille, demonstrating cane technique, and distributing Braille alphabet
cards to audiences.

            Their civic activities include the following: one person is a
member of the Committee to Aid the Blind in their community and has spoken
in favor of legal housing rights to the Fair Housing Administration. And one
member marched in the 2010 Tournament of Roses Parade and was seen and heard
on TV, radio, and print promotionals to raise funds for that trip.

            In order to promote friendly competition, encourage chapters and
divisions to work hard, and recognize them for outstanding achievement, the
Awards Committee announced last summer that, if we found that a chapter had
engaged in an original or outstanding activity during the past year, we
would give the chapter a check for $25, a certificate of achievement, and an
opportunity to describe the activity to the convention. We decided that two
chapters had engaged in original activities this year and presented them
with their awards at the general session on Sunday morning. The Capital
Chapter sent out email letters to raise funds. The Lorain County chapter
arranged to have the NFB logo, chapter contact information, and a brief
message printed on 4,000 Drug Mart Pharmacy bags in order to promote the
organization.

            We hope that the activities of this year's award recipients will
inspire chapters across the state to redouble their efforts to be the NFB's
tangible presence in their communities. We also encourage divisions to get
busy promoting the NFB's understanding of the opportunities available to
blind Ohioans when we work together to change what it means to be blind.

 

PHOTO CAPTION: Mark Riccobono driving on the Daytona Speedway

The Blind Driver in Daytona

by Eric Duffy

 

            Editor's note: Eric Duffy is first vice president of the NFB of
Ohio. He attended the Blind Driver Challenge at the Daytona International
Speedway on January 29. Here is his report:

 

            It was in the year 2000 that the blind-drivable car was first
mentioned by NFB President Marc Maurer. Of course there were many skeptics,
many who scoffed at the idea and said it could never be done. Some just
asked why--why would we sink our hard earned money into the impossible? Why,
when there are so many other pressing problems to be solved for the blind,
are we putting our time, energy, and resources into a car that more than
likely won't benefit any of us? Most sighted people surely laughed at the
idea.

            But I was among those who asked why not? Why not dream big? Why
not dare to dream about the blind doing something no one thought could be
done? After all, we were building a major research institute. Why not shoot
for the moon? How many people laughed at John F. Kennedy when he said by the
end of the decade we will put a man on the moon and bring him home again
safely? I believed that our work on the car would bring about revolutionary
technology for the blind and the rest of the world, much in the way the
space program did.

            Early Friday morning, January 28, I left the frozen tundra of
Columbus bound for the sunny skies of Daytona Beach. Upon arriving in
Orlando, I walked out the door of the airport to take the shuttle to Daytona
Beach, and, when I did not get blasted with a gust of cold air, I had to
remind myself of where I was. I was in Orlando, the home of the Magic
Kingdom. But for me and the blind of the nation, the real magic was going to
happen at the Daytona Speedway the next day. 

            When I arrived at the hotel, I began joking with some of the
folks in the lobby. Some were Federationists, and others were not. But it
occurred to me that the guy who was perfectly confident and comfortable
joking around in a crowd of total strangers is not the same guy who joined
the National Federation of the Blind in 1984. As I walked to my room with a
hotel employee, I asked him where I could get some oysters. He said, "Well
there's a place across the highway and a ways down. Maybe you could give me
an order, and I could pick it up for you later." That would be the safest
thing. Of course I did not give him an order, and he did not pick it up for
me later. He seemed to be a nice man, and I know he just wanted to be
helpful. But I had a feeling he did not offer this service to nondisabled
guests. 

            Both my stomach and my GPS told me not to run across the highway
and walk that little way to the Oyster Bay restaurant. So, after unpacking,
I stopped at the ATM machine and then called a taxi. The ATM was accessible.
This is something I attributed to the work of the National Federation of the
Blind. 

            Having allowed both my hunger and my craving for fresh oysters
to overcome hard-learned lessons from the past, I did not bother to call the
Oyster Bay to see if it was opened. So of course, when I arrived at my
destination, a sign read "Reopen tomorrow." 

            I asked the cab driver where else I could go to get oysters. He
said, "I'll take you to the Oyster Bar. I've never been in there myself, but
I've taken a lot of customers there." Upon arriving at the Oyster Bar, I
paid my fare and went inside. Immediately a lady asked what she could get
for me. I said I wanted an oyster sandwich. There was some nervous laughter
followed by silence. Then she said, "You can't get that here, we don't serve
food. This is just a bar." After a little more give and take, she ran out
the door and caught the cab driver before she got away. Needless to say, I
did not end up having oysters that day. 

            What does all this have to do with the blind driving a car?
Nothing and everything. After having some hot wings and a drink, I decided
to walk to a Walgreens that my GPS told me was near by. I picked up some
Coke and a few things I had forgotten at home, and I walked back to the
hotel. Again I realized that, even in my first few years of college, I would
not have walked around a strange city by myself. I have grown a lot over the
years, and I have done so because of the National Federation of the Blind.
If I have grown, so have other members. If we have grown individually, then
it stands to reason that we have grown collectively as an organization. I
now have higher expectations for myself. I dream bigger now than I did
twenty-seven years ago, or for that matter five or ten years ago. So does
the National Federation of the Blind-another reason for the car. 

            Friday evening we came together for a prerace meeting. It was
then that we learned that Mark Riccobono would be the blind driver. I had
done a great deal of speculating about who the driver might be up to that
point, and I was glad that Mark was on my list of possible drivers. As
President Maurer introduced him, he said that Mark did not have a driver's
license, but that he had thought about encouraging him to go to the
Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). In true Federation spirit, the crowd
broke into a chant of "NFB to the DMV." 

            Mark then talked about his experience with the car and how he
had become the blind driver at Daytona. He talked about taking his wife and
children for a spin. Of course that touched me and many others in the
room-another reason for the car. We were given instructions about when and
where to catch the buses to go to the track the next morning. We then
received Blind Driver Challenge shirts, and the evening concluded. 

            On the way to the track I heard an affiliate president
counseling a blind teenager and his parents. This was one of many times that
day I felt proud to be a member of the National Federation of the Blind. 

            As I sat in the stands waiting for the big moment, it occurred
to me that we really did have a strong presence at the track. I also thought
that, if all Mark did was to drive around the track, it would be historic,
it would be noteworthy, but it wouldn't be enough. We soon learned that
there would be much more. Kevan Worley was in the booth with the announcers
for the Rolex 24 race taking place later that day. They discussed our work
on the car, what was about to happen, and the significance of it all in the
lives of the blind and on society as a whole. 

            The energy of the crowd was high as they described each event.
The collective voice of the NFB was heard as Mark approached our section of
the grandstands. It all came together for me when the announcers talked
about Mark avoiding boxes that were tossed out of a van. Then he passed the
lead van. Mark Riccobono, the blind driver, took the lead at the Daytona
International Speedway. The NFB had a booth in the Sprint Fan Zone. Steve
Brand represented us in a chili cook-off. We had a press conference, and
there was much more to do at the track that day. 

            The evening concluded with pizza, salad, cookies, and a cash
bar. We got to hear from President Maurer; Dennis Hong, the professor from
Virginia Tech University whose students have been working with us on the
car; and the blind driver himself. This was a celebration befitting our
accomplishment. 

            I am proud to have been a part of this historic event. It is my
hope that the Wright State Research Institute, for which I am now working,
will be a part of future development with the vehicle. We will hear much
more about the blind-drivable car in the Braille Monitor and at the national
convention in Orlando. Let the staff of the Jernigan Institute know what you
would like to see us work on in the future. Let's dream big and work
together to build a great future for the blind of the United States and the
world.

 

 

PHOTO CAPTION: Barbara Pierce

Editor's Musings

by Barbara Pierce

 

            At its January meeting the affiliate board of directors made a
decision that would have been very difficult if it had not been so obviously
necessary. After more than two decades of providing remarkably generous
assistance to Ohioans who want to attend the national convention but find
the expense too much for them, the board voted to limit the assistance to
any one person to no more than $500. In some cases less assistance will be
awarded. This decision will require a significantly revised application
process, and it should make applying to the Jernigan Fund more attractive to
Ohioans attending their first convention since that fund provides stipends
of about $600. For more information about applying to the Jernigan Fund, see
the current issue of the Braille Monitor, where you will find Allen Harris's
article about the application process right before the recipes.

            For the past two years we have been warning members at every
opportunity that our funding was shrinking and that we were all going to
have to address the problem of finding ways to raise money for the affiliate
if we are to continue to provide the services that we have always offered.
Now our thrift program is completely closed down, and we have managed to
spend most of the fund reserves we had amassed. Like the state of Ohio, we
cannot spend money we do not have, so we are having to cut back radically.

            We are looking at even more severe cutbacks unless we solve the
problem of finding and undertaking alternative fundraising efforts. Chapters
must form the habit of contributing funds to the state organization from
their own fundraising projects. Moreover, when the affiliate embraces
statewide fundraising projects, chapter and division members must realize
that all of us are going to have to join in to make the efforts a success.
This has never been easy for us to do. Historically many chapters have
thought that they have done their part when their members buy a few tickets
themselves. But we are all going to have to step up and take tickets or
items to sell and then go out and sell them.

            The Fundraising Committee will do its best to introduce
attractive projects that members across the state will be able to work on
and feel good about the quality of the product. But the bedrock truth is
that, if we do not all recognize our personal responsibility to fund our
movement, we really will have no movement to fund.

            All of us know how much good the NFB does for all blind people,
and particularly the newly blind. Especially in these days of shrinking
services from BSVI, our ability to reach out to the people who need our help
is more necessary than ever. If you have ideas for lucrative fundraising
projects, please pass them along to Eric Duffy, who chairs the Fundraising
Committee. If you know of other possible sources of funding, President Smith
needs to know about them immediately. You can always find our leaders'
contact information at our newly accessible Website, <www.nfbohio.org>. We
can and will meet this crisis, but it will take us all to do it.

 

 

The Million-Dollar Seminar

by Beth Debus

 

            Editor's Note: Recently affiliate presidents were asked to
appoint someone to serve as the Imagination Fund coordinator in their
states. Building this fund is the primary way that NFB members help to fund
our organization. Of course we make personal contributions and help our
chapters and affiliates to raise money, some of which gets passed on to fund
the programs of the organization as a whole. But, historically, blind people
have not been known for our deep pockets. The people around us generally
have a lot more money than we do, and inviting them to contribute to our
work just makes sense if we really intend to make a difference in the lives
of blind people.

            Those who work with fundraising at our national office have set
a goal of raising a million dollars this year through the Imagination Fund.
All of the state coordinators were invited to Baltimore for a weekend
seminar at the National Center. Beth Debus was the Ohio participant in that
seminar. This is what she reports:

 

            William Arthur Ward once said, "If you can imagine it, you can
achieve it. If you can dream it, you can become it." When we arrived at the
million-dollar seminar, we were all asked why we were there. I responded,
"To learn all I can about how to help raise a million dollars and teach what
I've learned to everyone in Ohio." During the seminar I realized that I
wasn't there only to learn how other people have raised thousands of
dollars; I was there to help change what it means to be blind. 

            The Imagination Fund is the tool the NFB created to allow
Federationists to raise money for the organization in their home communities
and among their families and friends-in other words, tapping funding sources
outside the NFB and its members. It was started in 2004 to fund the work of
the NFB Jernigan Institute as well as state affiliates and local chapters.
The work paid for by the Imagination Fund encompasses research, technology,
and educational projects, including making the study of science and math a
real possibility for blind children through summer science academies,
promoting Braille literacy through the Braille Readers Are Leaders Contests
and Braille books, providing hope for seniors losing their vision through
resource fairs, helping state affiliates and local chapters to promote
programs and provide information that will educate the blind, advancing
technology helpful to the blind through such projects as the blind driver
challenge, creating a state-of-the-art library on blindness, training and
inspiring professionals working with the blind, providing parents critical
information for educating their blind children, and mentoring blind people
trying to find employment. Projects are developed by listening to what blind
people want and making it happen

            Those who commit themselves to raising money for the Imagination
Fund are called Imaginators. Becoming an imaginator is simple. Go to
<www.raceforindependence.org> and click on the Become an Imaginator link.
You will find a number of online tools to help you invite your friends,
family members, and neighbors to make contributions. You can import your
personal email address book and send out sample letters. You will find
fundraising ideas and help creating your own personal Webpage. In addition
the Independence Market at the National Center for the Blind can mail you
other Imagination Fund materials including text-to-give cards, donor book
marks, and brochures. You can contact me at <mbdebus at yahoo.com> for help
using the online tools. She can help you sign up as an Imaginator and can
answer your questions about this important program for changing what it
means to be blind. 

One person asking for donations won't change the Federation, but with your
help hundreds of blind people across the country will change the Federation.
How much can you raise? You'll never know unless you make the ask. Join me
in the race!

 

 

2011 NFB of Ohio Committee Assignments

 

            Editor's Note: At the first board meeting each year the
president traditionally makes committee assignments for the coming year with
the advice and consent of the board. Here are the appointments to the 2011
affiliate committees along with the committee charges:

 

DEAF-BLIND COORDINATORS: Delcenia Brown, Lisa Hall, and Deanna Lewis

            Charge: To provide assistance and information to those who are
in this unique community and to serve as a vehicle to foster a positive
relationship for the deaf-blind community.

 

AWARDS COMMITTEE: Barb Fohl (chair), Debbie Baker, Paul Dressell, Eric
Duffy, Colleen Roth, William Turner, and Kathy Withman

            Charge: To oversee the awards process, to provide information
and feedback when necessary, and to make reasonable judgments about NFBO
awards.

 

CONSTITUTION COMMITTEE: Shelbi Hindel (chair), Annette Anderson, and Colleen
Roth 

            Charge: To make sure that all NFBO constitutions are in
compliance with the state and national constitutions, both philosophically
and rhetorically.

 

CONVENTION PLANNING AND ARRANGEMENTS COMMITTEE: Mary Pool and Sheri Albers
(co-chairs), Carol Akers, Susan Day, Gus White, and Kathy Withman

            Charge: To assist in the planning and functioning of our state
and national conventions and to provide additional assistance in the
selection process of state convention sites. 

 

FINANCING THE MOVEMENT COMMITTEE: Sherry Ruth (chair), Annette Anderson (SUN
coordinator), Paul Dressell (PAC coordinator), and Mary Pool (Jernigan Fund
coordinator)

            Charge: To make members aware of these specific organizational
fundraising opportunities and to implement strategies to increase
participation. 

 

FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE: Eric Duffy (chair), Carol Akers, Susan Day, Mark
McClain, Jerry Purcell, William Turner, and Kathy Withman

            Charge: To investigate additional opportunities to increase NFBO
resources and to implement effective fundraising strategies and programming.


 

LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE: Eric Duffy (chair), Sheri Albers, Debbie Baker, Eric
Burghardt, Susan Day, Cheryl Fischer, and Shelby Hindel

           Charge: To increase the visibility and viability of the
organization in the state legislature. 

 

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE: Richard Payne and William Turner (co-chairs), Stefanie
Claytor, Kyle Conley, Beth Debus, Everett Gavel, Macy McClain, and Gloria
Robinson

            Charge: To implement effective strategies to recruit, retain,
and reinvigorate the members of the NFB of Ohio. 

 

PERSONNEL COMMITTEE: J.W. Smith (chair), Eric Duffy, Barb Fohl, Shelbi
Hindel, Crystal McClain, Barbara Pierce, and Sherry Ruth

            Charge: To oversee and manage the personnel matters of the
organization.

 

PROMOTION AND PUBLICITY: Susan Day (chair), Sheri Albers, Everett Gavel,
Deborah Kendrick, Bruce Peters, Barbara Pierce, and Wanda Sloan

            Charge: To promote and publicize NFB-O programs and events and
to acquire as much positive publicity as possible for such activities. 

 

RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE: Paul Dressell (chair), Robert Campbell, Barb Fohl,
Deborah Kendrick, and Shivaji Kumer

            Charge: To oversee the submission process and to write and
distribute clearly articulated and philosophically sound resolutions. 

 

SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE: Barbara Pierce (chair), Beth Debus, Deborah Kendrick,
Bob Pierce, and William Turner

            Charge: To conduct the affiliate scholarship program and to
develop and implement effective strategies to increase the visibility of the
program and increase participation. 

 

WEBSITE OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE: Barbara Pierce (Chair), Eric Duffy, Everett
Gavel, Deborah Kendrick, and Zaheer Sheikh

            Charge: To facilitate the development and maintenance of our
Website and other related technological outlets.

 

 

A Briefcase, a Shirt, and a Spark

by Carol Akers

 

            Editor's Note: During convention sessions this year the
proceedings were interrupted periodically by the conspicuous passing of a
large Hawaiian shirt and a backpack stuffed with papers. Every time a new
person donned these items, the person handing them over contributed $10 to
the affiliate treasury in memory of longtime Federationist Ron Williamitis,
who died suddenly of a heart attack in September. It became a badge of honor
to be seen wearing the shirt and pack, and at one time or another all of the
state's leaders took their turns. This is the way Parent Division President
Carol Akers described the effort to honor Ron:

 

            It takes only a spark to get a fire going, and some of those
sparks can fire up great ideas. One such spark flared during the fall board
meeting as a way to remember someone who will never be heard in our meetings
and conventions again. Ron Williamitis was committed to our cause, and it
was his booming voice that could be heard above all others proclaiming
"Hear, Hear!" when he agreed with the point being made. Wouldn't he be
pleased to learn that he had a unique place in our convention this year and
know that his personality was still with us while raising funds for Ohio? So
Ron, if you're listening, the Hawaiian shirt and bulky briefcase that we all
recognized as your presence and your voice at convention was heard to the
tune of $500.

 

 

Buckeye Briefs

 

The following divisions and chapters have conducted elections at the
convention or since:

 

            At-Large Chapter: president, Colleen Roth; vice president, Barb
Fohl; secretary/treasurer, Tracey Sinkovic.

 

            Ohio Association of the Senior Blind: president, Barb Fohl; vice
president, Colleen Roth; secretary, Paul Dressell; treasurer, Judy Cook; and
board member, Debbie Baker.

 

            Ohio Association of Guide Dog Users: president, Deanna Lewis;
vice president, Debbie Baker; secretary/treasurer, Anne Marble; and board
members, Annette Anderson and Kathy Withman. This is a brand new division
that actually received its charter at the January board meeting.

 

            Diabetes Action Network: president Wanda Sloan; vice president,
Barb Fohl; secretary, Susan Day; treasurer, Karen Noles; and board member,
Jeanette Wade.

 

            Parents of Blind Children Division: president, Carol Akers; vice
president, Ruth Boggs; secretary, Crystal McClain; treasurer, Mark McClain;
and board members, Jim and Cindy Conley.

 

            National Association to Promote the Use of Braille of Ohio:
president, Barbara Pierce; vice president, Debbie Baker; secretary, Barb
Fohl; and treasurer, Paul Dressell.

 

            The Springfield chapter will host a voter registration drive on
Saturday, March 19, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Registrants should come to
the Social Room in Hillman Manor at the Springfield Masonic Community, 2655
W. National Road. We will provide the Automark accessible voting machine for
those who wish to become familiar with the process of voting independently
using text-to-speech capability. We will distribute the Blind Voters Guide
to those who need it and will provide assistance for those who need help to
complete their voter registration forms. We will distribute our contact
information for the Springfield chapter and literature introducing the
National Federation of the Blind. For further directions to the Masonic
Community, or for answers to other questions about the day, please contact
Debra Baker, Springfield chapter president, 937 471-5193.

 

PHOTO CAPTION: The Dressells' great grandson

            We are delighted to report that Aiden James Edward Dressell was
born at 12:15 p.m., Friday, December 24, 2010. He weighed in at seven pounds
eleven ounces and is twenty-and-a-half inches long. He is Bernie and Paul
Dressells' first great-grandson. Congratulations to all the Dressells!

 

 

Activities Calendar

March 19, Springfield Voter Registration Drive

March 31, National Federation of the Blind scholarship deadline

April 9-12, NFB Leadership and Advocacy in Washington Program for middle
school youth

May 1, NFB of Ohio scholarship application deadline

May 15-22, White Cane Recognition Week

July 3-8, National Federation of the Blind annual convention, Orlando,
Florida

October, Meet the Blind Month

October 15, White Cane Safety Day

November 1, Beginning of the Braille Readers Are Leaders contest

November 4-6, National Federation of the Blind of Ohio annual convention,
Holiday Inn Dayton Mall

 

 

 

 

Robert Leslie Newman

President, Omaha Chapter NFB

President, NFB Writers' Division

Division Website

 <http://www.nfb-writers-division.org> http://www.nfb-writers-division.org

Personal Website-

 <http://www.thoughtprovoker.info> http://www.thoughtprovoker.info