[Nfb-editors] The Blind Missourian - October 2014
Robert Leslie Newman
newmanrl at cox.net
Mon Nov 10 21:57:37 UTC 2014
The Blind Missourian
October 2014
National Federation of the Blind
Of
Missouri
"Striving to achieve Equality, Opportunity, and Security for the Blind"
Table of Contents
Blind Pension Is Changing: By Gene Coulter
1
My Perspective of the NFB as a
Sighted Member: By Brittany Berk
2
2014 Walk for Independence: By Shirley Ann Grauel 5
Pumpkin Pie Dust: By Gene Coulter
6
The Singing Grandpa: By Carol Coulter
6
State President Pricilla Ferris and
the Sacred Humanity: By Dave Dillon
9
2015 Scholarship Material: By Shelia Wright
11
Convention Information: By Gene Coulter
16
PLEDGE OF THE
NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND
I pledge to participate actively in the effort of the National Federation of
the Blind to achieve equality, opportunity, and security for the blind: to
support the policies and programs of the Federation and to abide by its
Constitution.
Blind Pension Is Changing
By Eugene Coulter
When I worked for the Family Support Division (FSD), we warned new employees
that if you did not love constantly changing rules and regulations, you
would not like working for the agency. Between the Federal Government, the
state legislature, and the top brass of the agency, it seemed as though
things were in a constant state of flux. The one set of programs that seemed
immune were the programs for blind persons: Blind Pension (BP) and
Supplemental Aid to the Blind (SAB). However, nothing lasts forever since
now these programs are undergoing major changes.
There are three items that everyone should be aware of: two of which effect
both programs and the other only effects BP. First, with office
consolidations and severe staff reductions within FSD, services to blind
recipients have greatly suffered. The Family Support Division plans to
alleviate some of these problems by basing all SAB and BP cases in one
office, possibly the Warrenton office. At least this should give recipients
a specific person to talk with who knows about the programs instead of
calling the toll-free number. The agency hopes to have this in place in the
next few months.
State revenues have not fully recovered from the recession, and as a result
a second change maybe on the way for both programs. The state constitution
provides that if there is a shortfall in property tax revenues that are set
aside for the blind programs that a reduction in all benefits shall be made
in each person's benefit so the fund remains viable. It is not certain that
this will occur, but is very likely and will be the first time in the
history of the fund that such action is required. Recipients will be given
forty-five days notice before a reduction occurs. The reduction will occur
sometime between December of 2014 and April of 2015 and would end in June of
2015 when the fiscal year ends. The sooner the reduction happens the smaller
the monthly amount of reduction would be. For example, if the reduction
occurs in January it might be $20.00, but in April it might be $35.00. There
is no way of knowing at the present time how much the reduction will be, but
likely between $15.00 and $35.00 depending on when the reduction occurs and
most importantly, how big of a shortfall there is in the fund.
The third change affects only the 92.5% of BP recipients who receive
Medicare or are Medicare eligible. As this issue goes to print those persons
may have already received a letter from the Department of Social Services
(DSS) regarding this change. Those BP clients on Medicare need to pay extra
close attention to their mail in the next couple of months and respond
quickly to actions that they may be required to take.
What is the big deal? Blind Pension recipients on Medicare or those who are
Medicare eligible will be required to enroll in Medicare Part D, which is
Medicare's prescription Drug coverage, between October 15 and December 7,
2014. They will have prescription drug coverage through Part D beginning
January 1, 2015. This is not a choice since the State of Missouri is
notifying Medicare that the drug coverage under Blind Pension is no longer a
similar benefit as of December 31, 2014. Recipients will still have Medicaid
(MO HealthNet) but it will become secondary coverage meaning, when a client
goes to the pharmacy they will need to present both their Medicare
Prescription Plan card and their MO HealthNet card. It is important to note
that there will be no increased cost to BP recipients because the State of
Missouri will pay any premium for the Medicare plan, as well as any copays
and deductibles. It is hoped that this will save the state hundreds of
thousands of dollars by shifting the costs to the federal programs. In the
letters that are being sent there will be information for places to turn to
get help in completing the enrollment in a Medicare Part D plan and how to
notify FSD that you have complied with this change. I hope that this
information will alleviate the stress that comes with letters from DSS or
FSD. As always I am available to answer any questions people have to the
best of my knowledge.
My Perspective of the NFB as a Sighted Member
By Brittany Berk
I am a member of the Columbia chapter. This is my third year as a member of
the NFB and my first full year as the chapter secretary. I am always
learning new things about the organization, its members, and its causes.
When I first met Dacia Luck seven and a half years ago, I was eighteen years
old. I had never known a blind person. I had always kind of assumed, as I'm
sure many sighted people do, that being blind was a huge disadvantage in
life. Dacia, and later the NFB, quickly quashed that assumption. Sure, being
blind means doing things differently than sighted people; not better or
worse, just different.
For four years Dacia was really the only blind person I knew. I met a few
people from the NFB, but I did not really get to know them. When I joined
the NFB in 2012, I realized that I had been very ignorant about the blind
community. I had gotten complacent with the way Dacia prefers to do things.
The NFB opened my eyes. I now know that not all blind people prefer sighted
guide and all kinds of other things that I had never thought of before.
When Julie McGinnity asked me to be on this panel, I had no idea what I was
going to say. I have spent a lot of time over the last few weeks trying to
figure it out. I am sure there are things I did not think of that are quite
relevant to my perspective as a sighted member of an organization for the
blind. Every member has a unique perspective on their participation in the
NFB. I will try to explain a little bit about mine.
My first idea on my perspective was that of being a sighted person who does
not drive. But after speaking with Gary Wunder, I realized that it is not
that big of a deal. It is just a shared obstacle.
Another idea I had did end up on my list. That is my perspective as someone
new to the organization. Unlike Dacia and many of you, I did not grow up in
this community. There are times during meetings that someone starts talking
about a topic with which I have little or no familiarity. Before I was
secretary, I would lean over to a long-time member to ask for clarification
or I would ask someone later. But now, as secretary, to make an accurate
record, I will ask for clarification right then. This has led to a greater
understanding of many things related to the NFB. There are still times when
I get completely lost and do not have the opportunity to ask questions. In
that case I will make a note to ask later. For the most part though, people
have been understanding and will explain things to me when I get lost. I
have at times resorted to using the wondrous tool that is Google when I have
been unable to get an answer at a meeting. I am grateful for people's
patience when I come up to them with a list of questions.
I first joined the NFB when Dacia's mom, Cora Underwood, paid my dues. In
all honesty, I joined because of that and because Dacia asked me to; but
that is not why I stayed. I stayed because I believe in the organization,
its members, and its causes. People - some of whom do not know about the NFB
- have asked why I, as a sighted person, participate in the NFB. To those
who know me - and my quirky sense of humor - I say I was Shanghaied, and
they won't let me leave. All joking aside, I tell people it is because the
NFB is a great organization doing great things. It is a cause I believe in
and for which I have found a great passion. I believe that every person,
regardless of vision level, has the right to accessible media, educational
opportunities, jobs, equal pay, etc. I want to help educate the community
about blindness, blind individuals, and issues surrounding blindness. I want
people to know, as I have come to know, that blind and visually impaired
people are only at a disadvantage because the world revolves around people
who are sight-dependent. I know I digressed a bit here, but I want as many
people as possible to know what this organization and its people and causes
have come to mean to me. I think that is an important part of my
perspective.
I recently read an article in the Braille Monitor in which the author, Toby
Olson, wrote about how blindness simulations may not be doing any good in
the sighted world. To quote Mr. Olson, "Participants in disability
simulations experience their adopted disabilities as a series of discoveries
of things they can't do. They can leave the exercise imagining an unbroken
string of those discoveries stretching out for a lifetime." These
participants have no knowledge of a lifetime living with blindness. They do
not have the resources and tools to adapt in the finite space of time during
the simulation. As I have become familiar with the blind community, I have
come to realize that blind and visually impaired people are equally as
capable as sighted individuals to navigate, interact, and succeed in a
sight-centered world.
I really enjoy volunteering with the NFB. I would like to find a way to make
a career out of working in and with the blind community. I am learning not
to be afraid to ask questions. I also enjoy answering questions that others
may have for me. Thank you for accepting me into the organization. I really
have found a home with the NFB and I truly love this organization. Thank
you.
2014 Walk for Independence
By Shirley Ann Grauel
"Green light, Red light!" was bellowed by Debbie Eiffler as those
participants playing the game attempted to be the first one to cross the
finish line. Debbie was this year's chair for the Kansas City NFB chapter
"Walk for Independence," held on September 6, 2014, at Loose Park, in Kansas
City, Missouri. Walkers were greeted by President Ruby Polk. The walk began
promptly at 10:00 AM. Approximately 50 walkers came to partake in either the
1 1/2 or 3 mile walk. Walkers included chapter members, friends, volunteers,
and guests, including those who came with Susie Stanzel from Johnson County,
Kansas. After completing the walk, Jeff Wright graciously went and picked up
the chicken from Price Chopper's. Price Chopper's is one of the walks annual
sponsors. A feast of chicken with all the fixings was had by all! Shirley
"blessed" the entire group with her "knock-knock" "hutch-who" joke. You
could hear some participants cheer, as others began to jeer when someone's
name was drawn for a door prize. Great items were given away like restaurant
gift certificates to places like Out Back or Golden Corral. Gift baskets or
bags were also given as door prizes. During invocation, a moment of silence
was devoted to beloved member Sam Parker who passed away earlier this year.
The chapter donates 2/3 of all pledges earned from the walk to the state
affiliate to further blind educational and awareness programs. As this
year's walk comes to a close, as pledges are being turned in, the chapter is
ready to move on to their next big fundraiser. Would anyone like to buy some
nuts?
Pumpkin Pie Dust
By Eugene Coulter
Six members of the Columbia Chapter gathered at the Food Bank for Central
and Northeast Missouri on the morning of August 13 to volunteer for whatever
tasks they needed done. We spent three very rewarding hours repackaging
frozen individual serving pumpkin pies from cases into bags for the families
they serve. Before it was all done we had packaged over 1,200 individual
pies.
We all put on gloves and either hair nets or baseball caps and went to work.
It was a very efficient assembly line. On one side of the table Eugene and
Carol Coulter bagged pies, while Justin and Dacia Cole did the same on the
other side of the table. Elisabeth Coulter tied the bags shut and Britany
Berk stapled on cooking instructions and an ingredient list. The volunteer
coordinator told us the pies would be a very important treat for some
well-deserving kids as their parents could not even think of providing an
occasional treat like this. This would really make some kid's day.
About an hour into our fun we were quite literally invaded by dozens of
college students from Lincoln University out of Jefferson City. They chanted
and sang having a really good time themselves increasing the decibel level
dramatically! It really felt good to give back to our community and we plan
to do it again in October. There was only one problem that I did not notice
until we got home; I was covered from head to toe with dust from the crust
of the pies, but that was a small price to pay for the great feeling the
experience gave all of us.
The Singing Grandpa
By Carol Coulter
James Moynihan was born May 12, 1944 at the French Hospital in New York City
to James and Norah Moynihan. Norah was a dental technician and James was a
truck driver for Railway Express for sixteen years. Jim has been blind
since birth as a result of Retrolental Fibroplasia. He was born three months
early and weighed two pounds and five ounces; so he was placed in an
incubator where they used too much oxygen, damaging the blood vessel of his
eyes. Jim said he was a fighter and because he kept kicking the rails of his
crib, the nurses called him Tarzan. A year later the couple had another son,
Jeremiah, but sadly the baby died one day later, leaving Jim to grow up as
an only child.
Jim attended Lavelle School for the Blind where he played baseball and
football. He then attended Arch Bishop Malloy High School because Lavelle
only went as far as the eighth grade at that time. While in high school, Jim
was involved in extemporaneous speaking and was on the debate team. He won
several trophies while he was involved with these activities. After
graduating high school in 1962, Jim attended Saint Bonaventure University
and received his undergraduate degree in history. While at St. Bonaventure
Jim continued his involvement in debate and extemporaneous speech, and he
was president of the Foreign Affairs Club. From 1966 to 1969 Jim attended
New York University, where he received a Master's Degree in History. Jim's
final year of school was at Seton Hall, where he received his teaching
certification.
In 1957, at the age of thirteen, Jim appeared on a television show called
Giant Step. This program had children who were experts in certain subjects.
One boy knew all about fish --which is called ichthyology-- and a girl who
was an expert on the Bible. "There was a girl who knew more about baseball
than I ever forgot," said Jim. His field was spelling; he had to spell
words such as auriferous, antidisestablishmentarianism, and insouciance.
The M. C. of this program was Burt Parks, who was the M. C. for the Miss
America Pageant. Jim successfully completed all eight steps, winning a
college scholarship and a trip around the world. He also won a transistor
radio, a set of drums, and televisions for Lavelle School for the Blind. Jim
said, "My parents and I decided to visit Ireland so we could visit my family
since both of my parents were born in Ireland." Jim's father also took him
to Lourdes, a shrine in France where people went to pray for healing. Jim's
father was hoping he would recover his sight. "I told my father I thought I
could see to please him, but of course, I did not recover my sight. Perhaps
I did not have enough faith," Jim said.
Jim has quite an impressive work history. In college he was a door to door
sales man for one summer. He sold products for the blind that he said were
not actually made by the blind but packaged by the blind. After college Jim
taught History and English for two years at St. Joseph High School in
Camden, New Jersey and was also the debate coach. The school closed, so Jim
went to teach at Jonas Salk Middle School in Old Bridge, New Jersey. He
taught History and English there for three years, and it is there that he
became a tenured teacher.
Jim had been married for about two years, and unfortunately things didn't
work out. "Since I was going through a divorce and wanted a job with no
pressure, I quit my teaching job and became a tape checker for Recordings
for the Blind in New York for three years," Jim said. The director said a
man with a Master's Degree in History shouldn't be working there and told
Jim he should be looking for something better. He took the Professional
Administrative Care Exam (PACE) and scored 100%.
Jim got a call from Washington DC and was told he could be hired as a fire
marshal, which involved carrying a gun. "I said since I was blind that would
not be appropriate. I was then offered a job with the National Archives,
which involved climbing up ladders and retrieving files, and said that would
not work," Jim said. He was then offered a job with the Bureau for the
Education of the Handicapped, answering control correspondence from the
White House and Congress. Even though Jim had a Master's Degree and this was
only a GS5 level position, after consulting with a friend, he took the job
so he could get his foot in the door.
Jim then competed for and was selected to participate in the Management
Intern Program, which involved four rotational assignments. He worked for
the Bureau of Hearings and Appeals with the Social Security Administration,
the Clinical Center with the National Institutes of Health, the Office for
Civil Rights in Washington, DC, and the Office of Civil Rights in Kansas
City. Jim held this job from 1980 to 2007 when he retired. He was an Equal
Opportunity Specialist (EOS) investigating civil rights cases involving
complaints based on race, age, sex, and disabilities. "I consider myself
very lucky to have held these positions given the 70 percent unemployment
rate for the blind," Jim said.
Jim met Jana Simms, the love of his life, while doing his internship in the
Kansas City OCR office where Jana was also an employee. He then moved to
Kansas City and the two of them were married on July 26, 1980. They had
their wedding reception at Jim's apartment. Jim discovered that his cousin
Susan had been feeding his guide dog Hogan all sorts of goodies, and to make
matters even worse, her father had been doing the same thing. Jana and Jim
went to the Crown Center Hotel to have a wonderful wedding night, but Hogan
got sick several times, and Jim spent his time cleaning up after Hogan. When
things finally settled down, Jim reports that Jana said, "Honey, I'm so
nervous I just want to watch the Guns of Navarone." "So much for wedding
night festivities," Jim said.
Jim and Jana had two children, James Campbell Moynihan and Jeanene
Livingston. J.C. has a three-year-old boy named Samuel and is expecting his
second child. Jeanene is also pregnant with her first child, which they say
will be a girl. So by next year Jim will be the grandfather of three; a job
he couldn't be happier to have.
Jim and Jana were married for thirty years until she passed away on January
16, 2011. She battled with breast cancer for 15 years which metastasized to
the bones. "She was the love of my life," Jim said. Jim and Jana have both
been very active in the National Federation of the Blind over the years.
Both of them have served on the affiliate board and Jim has served as the
Resolutions Committee Chair for many years.
Besides his work with the NFB, Jim likes to keep busy reading and listening
to baseball and football. He also loves singing in a Barber Shop Quartet.
Jim has been singing in these groups for thirty-eight years. I would bet
that the only thing that he enjoys more than singing is spending time with
his grandchildren.
State President Pricilla Ferris and the Sacred Humanity
By David Dillon
I was active in the National Federation of the Blind's Massachusetts
Affiliate from 1982 -1999. I Served on the state board and was president of
the Boston Chapter from 1989-1999. I served under state President Pricilla
Ferris. She loved me and helped restore my sense of being a human being. She
also helped me through a major mental illness. Pricilla made me come alive.
Through her Catholicism she focused on Christian humanism and the
universality of all faiths. It did not matter to Pricilla whether you were
a man or woman; she cared about the person. There is neither male nor
female, but one in Christ Jesus. At the worst moment of my illness, Pricilla
gave me an assignment to write a history of the Federation and to present it
at the state meeting of the Lions Clubs. I did this with sterling success,
thanks to the love and support she gave me.
Pricilla was a champion of friendship and brought the best out in everyone.
She demonstrated this in her community as well, where she volunteered as an
adult Girl Scout Leader. Pricilla made people feel a part of the NFB by
introducing them to other members. Two people in the federation who Pricilla
introduced me to have become very close friends. There was vice President
Al Sten, who was a visionary advocate of democratic change. The other person
was board member Cathy Falcon from Pricilla's home town of Fall River, MA.
Cathy spent a night listening to my dreams of a better day in Massachusetts,
when blind people would walk tall and be free. Pricilla resigned her
presidency in the 2000's because she was suffering from many physical
disabilities, including severe arthritis; sometimes she had to use a
wheelchair. She mourned the death of some of her friends and the confinement
to nursing homes of others. My wife, Adrienne and I had moved to St. Louis,
and despite her problems Pricilla and I kept in touch. When I had my life
threatening illness in 2011, she kept in touch with me, even though she
herself was in pain. She lavished love on me in abundance. As a result I
gained a new lease on life and recovered. Pricilla lived only a short time
longer and died in honor. Her glory lives on to eternity.
Editor's note:
Pricilla Ferris was a long time member of the national board of directors.
While she was not a Missourian this article reflects the power that one
individual can have on the life of another and how appreciated she is in the
lives of Missourians who knew her.
We often state that the National Federation of the Blind is one big family.
Let us keep this in mind as we build seventy-five chapters and strengthen
seventy-five others. You never know who that one person might be that
touches your heart or gives you the strength you need, or who you might
touch and give that strength to. Let us continue to stretch out our arms
across this great country and support our NFB family.
National Federation of the Blind of Missouri
2015 Scholarship Program
The National Federation of the Blind of Missouri announces our 2015
Scholarship Program. We will be accepting applications from November 1,
2014, to February 1, 2015. We invite all qualified candidates to apply.
Applicants must be legally blind and plan to enroll in a post-secondary
school for the fall of 2015. Applicants should live in Missouri but need not
be a member of the National Federation of the Blind. Scholarships begin at
$500 and are based on merit. We recommend all materials be submitted via
email no later than February 1st, 2015. An application can be downloaded
from our webpage at www.nfbmo.org or obtained through email when requested.
Acknowledgment of applications and documents will be sent upon receipt. So
if you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the
Scholarship Chair.
A complete application consists of the official application form and a
student essay, plus these supporting documents: student transcripts, two
letters of recommendation, a letter from an NFB of Missouri Scholarship
Committee member, and proof of legal blindness from a physician, agency
serving the blind, or school.
In an effective essay the applicant may consider sharing about his or her
life in a way that gives the committee insight into him or her. The essay
should cover the ways in which one lives successfully as a blind person and
describe personal goals for the future. Committee members give the essay a
great deal of attention.
In addition to receiving the monetary award, the scholarship recipients will
attend the convention of the National Federation of the Blind of Missouri,
March 27-29, 2015, at the Sheraton Clayton Plaza Hotel in Clayton, MO. Hotel
accommodations, convention registration, and planned meals during the
convention will be included. We are also happy to help coordinate
transportation to ensure this is not a barrier to our scholarship
applicants. The type of transportation assistance may vary based on what
part of the state the winner will be coming from and available
transportation resources in that community.
Throughout the convention scholarship winners will have an opportunity to
learn about the National Federation of the Blind and network with successful
blind people. In addition, final interviews with the Scholarship Committee
will aid the committee in determining which scholarship each winner will
receive.
You should know that merit scholarships from the National Federation of the
Blind go directly to the winner and should not be considered as a similar
benefit by Rehabilitation Services for the Blind. Therefore, students can
use funds to meet expenses not already covered by other funding sources.
Also, merit scholarships are viewed very favorably when included in a
resume.
The 2015 scholarship form has been developed to increase accessibility when
using technology. It can be obtained as an e-file through leaders of the NFB
of Missouri, educators, or rehabilitation professionals. It can also be
downloaded from the National Federation of the Blind of Missouri's webpage
shown below. If you have any questions about our scholarship program, please
contact:
Shelia Wright
National Federation of the Blind of Missouri
7928 NW Milrey Drive
Kansas City, MO 64152
Phone: 816-741-6402 (home/work)
816-679-5258 (mobile)
Email: NFBMO.SCHOLARSHIPS at GMAIL.COM
Web Page: www.nfbmo.org
NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND
OF MISSOURI
2015 SCHOLARSHIP Program
Scholarships may range from $500 to $2,500.
Applications and all supporting documents should be submitted by February 1,
2015. Student generated documents should be submitted via email at
NFBMO.Scholarships at gmail.com, when possible.
Name (Please include any birth or other names):___________________
Home address:____________________________________________________
Address of lodging at school (if different):__________________________
E-mail address: __________________________________________________
Your Phone number:______________________
Alternative Phone:_________________________
Are you legally blind?______________________
Educational history
Name of institution you are currently attending with location, dates and
class standing (freshman, sophomore):_______________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Current cumulative grade point average at this institution:_________
List other high school(s) and post-secondary institutions attended,
including dates, location, and cumulative grade point
average:______________________________
__________________________________________________________________
ACT or SAT scores (high school seniors only):_______________
Rank in graduating class:____________
Significant honors and awards received:__________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Future plans
College or post-secondary institution to be attended in fall of 2015 with
class standing: (If accepted after application deadline, indicate this and
submit documentation as soon as possible under separate
cover.)_____________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
In what area do you plan to major?________________________________
What are your career goals?____________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Additional documentation
1. Write an essay of no more than 1000 words which introduces you to the
committee.
2. Provide two letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with your
academic performance. These should be sent directly to the Scholarship
Committee Chair.
List the names of your references below:
_________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
3. Provide under separate cover transcripts from your high school and/or the
college(s) you have attended. Although high school transcripts can be
helpful, they are not required for applicants that already have at least 30
college credit hours.
4. Schedule an interview with a member of the scholarship committee.
Request a letter evidencing the fact that you have discussed your
scholarship application with him/her. You may contact Shelia Wright to
learn the name of the appropriate person in your area.
5. Provide proof of legal blindness. This could be from a doctor, school, or
agency whose services are based on legal blindness.
To help us with distribution of application forms in the future, please
indicate how you obtained information about this
scholarship._________________________________________________
Students who are selected to receive a scholarship will be invited, with
assistance from the NFB, to the state convention March 27-29, 2015, in
Clayton, MO. Final interviews determining the awards will take place during
the convention and scholarships will be presented at the banquet on Saturday
evening. Recipients should arrive on Friday morning and plan to participate
in the entire convention. Scholarship winners will receive at least $500.
Winners will be notified by March 1, 2015, to allow students time to make
their convention arrangements.
Applications and all documentation, including letters of recommendation,
must be emailed or postmarked no later than February 1, 2015. For
applications or additional information, please visit www.nfbmo.org or feel
free to contact Ms. Wright.
Shelia Wright
NFB of Missouri Scholarship Committee
7928 NW Milrey Drive.
Kansas City, MO 64152
816-741-6402 (work/home)
816-679-5258 (mobile)
** Email: NFBMO.Scholarships at gmail.com
53rd Annual Convention
National Federation of the Blind of Missouri
Sheraton Clayton Plaza Hotel
7730 Bonhomme Avenue; Clayton, Missouri 63105
314-863-0400
March 27-29, 2015
The Lewis and Clark Chapter welcome you to the Gateway to
the West. Saint Louis was founded in 1763 because of the location on the
Mississippi River, high bluffs and excellent forests. The area has always
been a known place to stop before moving westward. The metropolitan area is
full of history and charm. Residents and visitors experience both the bustle
and excitement of the city and the feel of a small town community. We hope
to welcome you and show you the hospitality and good old fun!
You are invited to share in the celebration from March 26-29, 2015 at the
Sheraton Clayton Plaza Hotel. Room rates are $84.00 a night plus 15.613% tax
for up to four in a room. To make reservations call 314-863-0400 and use
code NFC26A. Also a King Executive Room is available for $114.00 a night and
a one bedroom suite for $124.00 a night plus tax.
The hotel has an indoor swimming pool, fitness center, guest laundry
facilities, in-room coffee makers, luggage storage, beauty salon, business
center, sundeck, and complimentary airport transportation. We have arranged
for complimentary in-room internet service which is normally $9.95 a night
and complimentary self-parking which is normally $14.00 a night. If you wish
valet parking, the cost is $22.00 a night plus gratuity. This is a
smoke-free hotel and a $250.00 cleaning charge will be assessed if evidence
of smoking is found in a guest room. The hotel reserves the right to charge
a refundable first night's deposit at the time of booking a room. Check-in
is 3:00 pm and checkout is at noon.
Alexander's restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch daily and dinner
Friday and Saturday. The Lobby Lounge is available for dinner and beverages
seven nights a week. Both eateries feature American Cuisine.
In addition to the regular uplifting events on Saturday and Sunday, there
will be a full range of activities on Friday. There will be a seminar for
students, parents of blind children, and diabetics. Following the seminars
there will be a board meeting of the affiliate at about 3:00 pm.
Convention registrations post marked on or before March 15, 2015 will be
$15.00. After March 15 the cost to register will be $20.00. Registration
will be open from 5:30 to 8:00 Friday evening and 8:00 to 8:30 Saturday
morning. Hospitality will be open on Friday evening from 5:00 to 11:00.
Sorry, but as usual, the hospitality room will be a smoke free zone. Come
eat, drink, and enjoy the fellowship!
We have several planned meals throughout the weekend at extraordinary
prices. The highlight will be our Saturday banquet for $30.00. We will also
have a planned lunch Saturday for $15.00 and our annual Prayer Breakfast
Sunday morning at a cost of $12.00. This year there will be a luncheon on
Friday for those attending the various seminars, and the cost is $15.00. The
planned meals are open to everyone. Attendees are encouraged to take
advantage of these meals since there are not many other restaurant
facilities nearby. An important note: There will be an additional charge for
meals purchased after the above deadlines therefore the banquet price will
increase to $35.00, lunches to $18.00, and breakfast to $15.00.
We again will be offering child care for those children in need of
supervised care. The cost is $30.00 for the weekend for the first child and
$20.00 for each additional child from the same family. Care will be provided
on Saturday during the morning and afternoon sessions, the evening banquet
until 9:00 p.m., and the Sunday morning session, which will adjourn at 12:00
p.m. Meals are not provided in child care, so parents need to make
arrangements to feed their children. Important: Parents wanting care for
their children must send a request on or before March 6, 2015.
Exhibit space is free to the chapters and divisions of the NFB for
federation fund raising and information distribution and for a cost of
$30.00 to outside exhibitors. Exhibit tables must be reserved before March
15, 2015. If you have door prizes you wish to donate, please contact Door
Prize Chair Stephanie McDowell her Email address is smcdowell_2005 at yahoo.com
to notify her of any donations.
Equality * Security * Opportunity
National Federation of the Blind of Missouri
2015 State Convention Registration Form
Saint Louis March 27 - 29, 2015
Please use one form per residence. Several registrations may be combined on
one check if they are sent in the same envelope. There are separate forms
for child Care and exhibitors.
Registrant Name: ________________________________________________
Second registrant: _________________________________
Street Address: __________________________, Apt.:________
City: ______________________, State: ____, Zip Code: _________
Phone Number: ______________, Email: _____________________
Select preferred agenda format: __ Braille, ___ Print, ___
Electronic
Desired Blind Missourian format: ___Print, ___Email, ___Thumb Drive___None
Desired Braille Monitor format: ___Print, ___Email, ___None
Select the items or events that you would like to purchase below:
*Convention Registration: Preregistration prior to March 15, 2015
Number of registrants: ___ at $15.00
Total: $______
Annual Banquet: ____ tickets needed at $30.00
Total: $______
Friday Luncheon: ____ tickets needed at $15.00 Total: $______
Saturday Luncheon: ____ tickets needed at $15.00 Total: $______
Prayer Breakfast: ____ tickets needed at $12.00 Total:
$______
Total amount enclosed: $______
Add amounts on all forms enclosed and make your check payable to:
NFB of Missouri and please mail to:
Carol Coulter, 1504 Furlong Drive; Columbia MO 65202.
*Registration is $20.00, lunches are $18.00, banquet is $35.00 and breakfast
is $15.00 for registrations postmarked after March 15, 2015.
National Federation of the Blind of Missouri
Convention Child Care Registration
March 28-29, 2015
We will be offering child care for those children in need of supervised
care. The cost is $30.00 for the weekend for the first child and $20.00 for
each additional child from the same family. Care will be provided on
Saturday during the morning and afternoon sessions, the evening banquet
until 9:00 p.m., and the Sunday morning session which will adjourn at 12:00
p.m. Meals are not provided in child care, so parents need to make
arrangements to feed their children. Important: Parents wanting care for
their children must send this request on or before March 6, 2015.
Name of Parent or Guardian: _____________________
Address: ________________________________________
City, State, Zip: ________________________________
Cell Phone: _______________ Home Phone: ________________
Names and Ages of Children: ________________________________________
Special Concerns: __________________________________________________
Number of Children: _____ Total enclosed: $___________
Mail form and Check made payable to NFB of Missouri to Carol Coulter,
Treasurer, 1504 Furlong Drive; Columbia, MO 65202.
National Federation of the Blind of Missouri
Exhibitor Registration
State Convention March 27-28, 2015
The National Federation of the Blind of Missouri is pleased to announce the
opportunity to those interested in renting exhibit space during our 53rd
annual convention at the Sheraton Clayton Plaza Hotel in Clayton. Exhibit
space will be available on a first come basis for March 27 and 28.
Exhibit hours will be from 5:00 until 10:00 pm Friday evening, from 8:00
until 8:30 Saturday morning, and from Noon until 1:30 pm on Saturday.
Exhibit space is free to the chapters and divisions of the NFB for
federation fund raising and information distribution and for a cost of
$30.00 to outside exhibitors, and space must be reserved before March 15,
2015.
Name of Organization: ___________________________
Name of Contact person: _________________________
Address: ________________________________________
City, State, Zip: _______________________________
Phone: ________________ Email: __________________
Items exhibiting: ________________________________
_____Check here if you are a NFB chapter or division and mail in form.
_____check here you are an outside exhibitor and send form and check for
$30.00.
Make checks payable to NFB of Missouri and mail to Carol Coulter,
Treasurer
1504 Furlong Drive Columbia MO 65202
Board of Directors
National Federation of the Blind of Missouri
Officers:
Gary Wunder, President
Julie McGinnity, Recording Secretary
Shelia Wright, First Vice President Dacia Luck,
Corresponding Secretary
Ruby Polk, Second Vice President Carol Coulter,
Treasurer
Board Members:
Eugene Coulter
Gene Fleeman
Gary Horchem
Dan Flasar
Chris Tisdal
Bob Williams
Chris Griggs
Chapter Presidents
Dacia Luck, Columbia Helen Parker,
South Central
Rita Lynch, Jefferson City
Gary Horchem, Springfield
Ruby Polk, Kansas City Bryan Schulz,
St. Louis
Chris Tisdal, Lewis and Clark
Blind Missourian Editor Carol Coulter
Proof Readers Helen Stevens
Shelia Wright
Gary Wunder
NFB of Missouri
1504 Furlong Dr.
Columbia, MO 65202
More information about the NFB-Editors
mailing list