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

[Sherri]

And you did a terrific job Sherrill.
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Sherrill O'Brien" <sherrill.obrien at verizon.net>
To: "NFBFL" <nfbf-l at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Saturday, March 28, 2009 6:19 PM
Subject: [Nfbf-l] Florida's own Braille coin launch


> 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
>
>
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