[Nfbc-info] Thank you for a wonderful convention

[Mary Willows]

Hello All:
I want to take this opportunity to thank all of the people who helped make 
the convention another successful one.  Jim Barber and Brian Buhrow, you 
guys are the best.
I want all of you to know that these two guys (and Nancy Allen, the pink 
shirt lady) walk into a situation where they have to size up a room, set up 
the recording equipment, do the sound checks and have everything ready to go 
when we enter a room and begin a meeting.  I don't think these guys ever eat 
or sleep at a convention. And they don't get paid a dime.  They do it 
because it is important to them that we havea legacy in California.  We 
appreciate all that you do for us.

Also, let us thank Cheryl Thurston and 1161, Rochelle Houston for the great 
job they did as the door prize queens.  I always loved that job.  It makes 
you feel like Santa all weekend long.  They did a great job.

Speaking of which, Joe Ruffalo, without a doubt made it a memorable 
convention.  He was funny, philisophical and sincere abouteverything he said 
and did with us.  He even walked with us on Saturday for White Cane Day.  We 
appreciate all that you do for us too.  We will have the Italian stallion 
back anytime.

As usual, Tiffany and her volunteers covered registration seamlessly.  I 
know they are on top of every thing when I don't hear from them at all and 
this year I hardly heard from them on the front line.  Thank you Tif.

Also, this is the first year that Robert Stigile chaired the resolutions 
committee.  Your many years of experience showed, Robert.  The resolutions 
committee is in good hands.

And of course all of the behind the scenes volunteers that help to make 
everything run smoothly.  Darryl Thurston, Frank Burnette, Tish Anderson and 
Ashley Manosh.  We couldn't accomplish what we pulled off this weekend 
without you.

I don't want to overlook  Whozit (Cal Sanders) Dick Steele,and Idrisa 
Berkley.  They too, are always there to make sure things run smoothly. 
Thank you.

And to all of our speakers, entertainers and NFB characters.  Every 
convention adopts an identity of its own and this one will be remembered as 
the "stroke" convention.


Mary Willows, President
National Federation of the Blind of California
mwillows at sbcglobal.net