[Nfbc-info] 2014 Convention Wrap-up

[Mary Willows]

Hello All:

I trust everyone got home safe and sound last night.  I want to take this
opportunity to express my personal feelings about the 2014 convention of the
National Federation of the Blind of California.

 

That was the bomb!  I had so much fun this year meeting so many new people
and seeing the enthusiasm from all of our leaders and members.  Our theme
was CHANGE (Creating Hope through Advocacy and New ideas with Gratitude and
Enthusiasm) and I believe we did just that.

 

Congratulations to all of the newly elected officers and Board members.
Rochelle Houston, Treasurer; Carmen Weatherly, one year term vacated by
Rochelle; New members of the Board of Directors, Bryan Bashin, Jim Barbour
and Lisamaria Martinez.

 

I want to thank Melissa Sanders who has served as our Treasurer for the past
four years.  Melissa has always been there to make sure that our bills are
paid in a timely manner with grace and enthusiasm.  Also, thanks to Kia
Vaca, who has also served on our Board of Directors for the past four years.
Kia will continue to co-ordinate our BELL Program in southern California.
Michael Hingson has promised to continue working on our legislative efforts
in both the state and national arenas.  Henry (Hoby) Wedler is focusing on
his last two years of his doctoral program at UC Davis.  He will continue to
spread our message of love, hope and determination.  His life was changed by
the National Federation of the Blind and he promises to help change the
lives of young people wherever he goes.

 

Our national representative this year was Anil Lewis, Executive Director of
the Jernigan Institute.  Anil always makes meetings informative and fun.
His keynote address at our annual banquet rallied so much joy and enthusiasm
that everyone stayed until 10:30 and raised $1500.00 on our auction baskets.
In addition, we signed up nine new members on the Pre-authorized Check (PAC)
Plan.

 

Finally, I want to thank my sister in God, Ever Lee Hairston.  Without Ever
Lee's undying help and support I could not have gotten through the past few
months.  She allowed me to do my job and I thank her with gratitude and
enthusiasm.

 

You can listen to the recordings of the convention events at our website
thanks to Brian Buhrow and Jim Barbour.  Go to 

www.sixdots.org and click on 2014 audio.

 

Sincerely,

Mary Willows

 

 

The National Federation of the blind 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.

 

National Federation of the Blind of California (NFBC)

3934 Kern Court

Pleasanton, CA 94588

925-462-8575

 

Thank you,

Mary Willows, President NFBC

 <mailto:mwillows at sbcglobal.net> mwillows at sbcglobal.net