[NFBMD] January Minute Message

[nfbmd]

January 2018 Minute Message.

 

Fellow Federationists:

 

Happy New Year to all! I hope it will be a happy and successful year for
each of us individually and for the Federation as well.

 

Annapolis Begins.

The 2018 session of the Maryland General Assembly began on January 10.  As
usual, we visited all 188 Delegates and Senators during the first full week
of the session. Many thanks to the 60 people who attended this function.
This year we hope to restore the secret ballot to disabled voters; establish
a remote access information service for deaf-blind individuals; strengthen
enforcement of accessibility procurement requirements and protect the
$250,000 appropriation in the Governor's budget for the Center of Excellence
in Nonvisual Access (CENA) to Education, Public Information, and Commerce.
To read the fact sheets about each issue go to  <http://nfbmd.org/advocacy>
http://nfbmd.org/advocacy.

 

Washington Issues.

On January 30, Maryland will join Federationists from throughout the country
on Capitol Hill to let Congress know about the priorities for blind
Americans.  The four issues that we will discuss are: opposition to HR 620
ADA Education and Reform Act; Ratification of the Marakesh Treaty;
Cosponsorship and passage of HR 1734 Access Technology Affordability Act;
and Cosponsorship and passage of companion bills S 2138/HR 1772 Accessible
Instructional Materials in Higher Education Act.  To read the fact sheets go
to  <https://nfb.org/washington-seminar> https://nfb.org/washington-seminar.

 

Basket Bingo is coming.

Would you like to win over $4,000 in prizes? Would you like to play 23 games
of BINGO? Snacks and raffles will also be available. Buy your tickets early
because we always sell out.

We are busy arranging and filling baskets. We need financial contributions
to help with these purchases. Please let us know whether you would like to
sponsor a basket for $100. All contributions of any amount are welcome.

 

Rideshare testing reporting is easier than ever.

If you use a service animal, or, ride with someone who does, don't forget to
let NFB know your experiences when using Uber or Lyft. Ashley Alvey is the
new NFBMD coordinator for this project. She reports that it is very easy to
fill out the survey during or after your trip by using the NFB Connect App
on your smart phone. Here's how it's done: 

1. On the top left corner of the screen, you will find a button that says,
Menu button. Double tap Menu. 

2. After double tapping on menu, at the top left corner of the screen, you
will see Home. 

3. Swipe to the right once and you will see Fast Facts. Double tap Fast
Facts. 

4. You will swipe right until you see, Rideshare Survey. Double tap
Rideshare Survey. 

5. Lastly, swipe to the right. When you see First Name, this is where the
form begins and this is where you put in the information for the survey. 

If you have any questions, email Ashley at
<mailto:ashleyalvey1994 at gmail.com> ashleyalvey1994 at gmail.com.

 

Do you feel lucky?

The NFBMD spring raffle is underway. During the month of May, you have the
opportunity to win $50 Sunday through Friday, or $100 on Saturday. Purchase
a 3-digit number raffle ticket for $5. You will be the only one who has this
number. Between now and February 10, you may request a specific number from
Melissa Riccobono and pay the $5. You might want to request your birthday,
your anniversary, or some other significant number. After February 10,
tickets will be available from chapter presidents and you will not
necessarily be able to get the specific number you want. If you want to buy
or sell tickets, please contact Melissa Riccobono at
<mailto:melissa at riccobono.us> melissa at riccobono.us . Help us sell all 1,00
tickets!

 

New fundraiser for BELL.

Once again, we will be holding three Braille Enrichment, Literacy, and
Learning (BELL) academies in Maryland. To raise money for these programs,
there will be a recital and sing-along starring Melissa Riccobono. This
afternoon of music will take place on Sunday, March 25 at 3:00 pm at the
Jernigan Institute. Tickets will be $10 in advance or $15 at the door. Stay
tuned for more information.

 

A Sad Note.

Ken Canterbery, who was a member of the Board of Directors in the 1990's and
one of the early Presidents of the Baltimore County Chapter died on January
9, 2018.  If anyone wishes to send a sympathy card to his wife, Gloria,
contact me off list and I will provide you with her address.  

 

Important Dates for 2018

January 29th - Meeting in Washington DC at the Holiday Inn at the Capitol.

January 30th - Visit to Maryland Congressional Delegation in Washington.

February 1st - National Braille Readers are Leaders contest ends.

February 3rd - Regional Braille Challenge for K-12 students at the Maryland
School for the Blind.

March 9th - Basket Bingo at The Lodge, 2832 9 Mile Circle, Catonsville, MD.

March 24th - Board of Directors Meeting, 9:30am. Location to be Announced. 

March 25th - Recital and Sing-A-Long, benefiting BELL Academy, Jernigan
Institute, 200 East Wells Street, Baltimore, MD.

March 31st - Deadline for National Scholarship Applications.

April 15th - Deadline for NFBMD Scholarship Applications. 

June 2nd - Board of Directors Meeting. Location to be announced.

July 3-8th - NFB National Convention, Orlando, FL.

August 4th - Annual Crab Feast, Columbus Gardens, Baltimore, MD.

November 9-11th - Annual State Convention, Carousel Hotel, Ocean City, MD. 

 

 

Sharon Maneki, President

National Federation of the Blind of Maryland

410-715-9596

 

The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland 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.

 

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