[Nfbf-l] Florida's own Braille coin launch

[Sherrill O'Brien]

Hello all,

I realize many of you already know about our Tallahassee ceremony to
celebrate the launching of the Louis Braille coin, but for those of you on
the list who weren't there, I just wanted to tell you that we did our part
at the Tallahassee Seminar to publicize the beautiful and unique coin and
its mission to raise money to fund Nfb literacy programs.  We were several
times thwarted in our efforts but certainly not defeated!

When we were unable to procure a gubernatorial proclamation, since  the
Dept. of Education had already obtained one  proclaiming Jan. as Braille
Literacy Month, we decided to present a Louis Braille coin to Kurt Kelly,
who is head of Florida's Vision Caucus.  Kristi Bowman at the National
office actually had one shipped overnight to our Wingate Hotel in
Tallahassee!  We also were sent press kits in the same manner.  Sabrina
Deaton contacted the press, and the local ABC station came out to do an
interview with both her and Betty McNally,  focusing on the issues we were
taking to our legislators.

Only a couple hours before we were to make the presentation to Rep. Kelly,
his office called to say he was very sick with a fever and had to leave.  So
at the last minute we were able to contact Rep. Frishe, another member of
the Vision Caucus, who is a representative from Pinellas County.  He
graciously stepped in and accepted the coin on behalf of Rep. Kelly.  This
took place in Rep. Kelly's office.  Many of our members came for the
presentation.  I read a statement telling why Braille is important, and why
it is urgent that action be taken to raise the literacy level of our blind
children, and also the Braille competency of their teachers.

The local ABC newscast did a brief story on all this during the 11:00 P.M.
news.  NPR was represented at our ceremony, but I haven't as yet found any
coverage.  One reason for this may be that they were diligent in covering
the news about the coin when it was unveiled last summer at our National
convention.

We presented this coin only hours after the coin launch in Baltimore!
Unfortunately, we didn't get to pass it around, since we were sent a "proof"
the serious collecttors' coin which isn't supposed to be handled.

Both Rep. Frishe, and Rep. Kelly's staff were very touched by our
thoughtfulness.

I haven't as yet ordered a coin, but I intend to do it soon.  I sent
information out earlier this week to you about pricing and ordering.  These
coins will sure make memorable birthday or Christmas presents.  I'll stop
the commercial now and go back to listening to the basketball game.

Sherrill