[nfbmi-talk] NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF MARYLAND convention agenda

[Larry Posont]

CONVENTION AGENDA

FORTY-SEVENTH ANNUAL CONVENTION OF THE
NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF MARYLAND

CAROUSEL HOTEL AND RESORTS
OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8–SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2013
NATIONAL REPRESENTATIVE: SCOTT LABARRE

THE NATIONAL FEDERATION
OF THE BLIND PLEDGE:

I pledge to participate actively
in the efforts of the
National Federation of the Blind
to achieve equality, opportunity,
and security for the blind;
to support the policies and programs of the Federation;
and to abide by its Constitution

Melissa Riccobono, President
1026 East 36th Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21218
(410) 645-0632
president at nfbmd.org
NFB of Maryland Web site: www.nfbmd.org

“Greetings”
from the Officers and Board of Directors

Officers:

Melissa Riccobono, President, Baltimore
Debbie Brown, First Vice President, Rockville
Barry Hond, Second Vice President, Baltimore
Judy Rasmussen, Secretary, Kensington
Shawn Jacobson, Treasurer, Olney

Members of the Board of Directors:

Darlene Barrett, Columbia
Michelle Clark, Springdale
Shahinaz Gadalla, Rockville
Melissa Lomax, Gwyn Oak
Sharon Maneki, Columbia
Maurice Peret, Baltimore

The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland, an affiliate of the
National Federation of the Blind, is a nonprofit organization of blind
persons, their families, and their friends. We promote equal
opportunities for the blind. We provide advocacy services for the
blind, special training programs for parents of blind children, job
referrals and placements for the blind, public education programs, and
scholarships to blind students, and we help the newly blind to acquire
special techniques for maintaining productive lives.

Committees of the
National Federation of the Blind of Maryland

Anna Freysz Cable Award Committee
Debbie Brown, Chairman

Convention Child Care
Teresa Graham, Chairman

Convention Hospitality Committee
Wilma Smith, Chairman

Convention Registration Committee
Sonia Little, Chairman

Deaf-Blind Concerns Committee
Janice Toothman, Chairman

Distinguished Educator of Blind Children Award Committee
Sharon Maneki, Chairman

Door Prize Committee
Darlene Barrett, Chairman

Guide Dog Committee
Janice Toothman, Chairman

Jennifer Baker Award Committee
Susan Baker, Chairman

Kenneth Jernigan Award Committee
Dr. Marc Maurer, Chairman

Nominations Committee
Chris Danielsen, Chairman

PAC Plan Committee
Mark Riccobono, Chairman

Resolutions Committee
Anil Lewis, Chairman

Scholarship Committee
Judy Rasmussen, Chairman

SUN, Jernigan Fund, and tenBroek Memorial Fund Auction
Michael Gosse, Chairman

Youth Activity Committee
Melissa Lomax, Trudy Pickrel, and Dan Wenzel, Co-Chairmen


Chapters and Divisions of the
National Federation of the Blind of Maryland

At Large Chapter
Mike Bullis, Coordinator • (410) 645-0632
Monthly meetings second Thursday via conference call

Baltimore County Chapter
Ruth Sager, President • (410) 602-9030
Monthly meetings fourth Thursday

Central Maryland Chapter
Darlene Barrett, President • (410) 997-9664
Monthly meetings first Tuesday

Delmarva Chapter
Danielle Earl, President • (443) 359-5882
Monthly meetings second Saturday

Greater Baltimore Chapter
Chris Danielsen, President • (410) 659-9314, ext. 2330
Monthly meetings third Saturday

Greater Cumberland Chapter
Jason Adkins, President • (301) 759-3232
Monthly meetings fourth Thursday

Maryland Association of Blind Students
Melissa Lomax, President • (410) 608-6118

Maryland Parents of Blind Children
Trudy Pickrel, President • (301) 387-4182

National Harbor Chapter
Michelle Clark, President • (301) 583-8585
Monthly meetings fourth Saturday

Senior Issues Division
Ruth Sager, President • (410) 602-9030

Sligo Creek Chapter
Debbie Brown, President • (301) 881-1892
Monthly meetings second Saturday

TriCounty Chapter
Nikki Tippett, President • (443) 262-5020
Monthly meetings third Saturday


JOHN T. McCRAW SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
The John T. McCraw Scholarship Program, named in honor of the late
long-time president of the National Federation of the Blind of
Maryland and the undisputed leader of Maryland’s blind community, has
been established to promote post-secondary educational opportunities
and superior rehabilitation training for Maryland’s blind students.

High School Graduates—The recipients may use these scholarships to
defray the cost of educational expenses incurred at any post-secondary
institution.

Youth and Seniors—Middle school and high school students, as well as
seniors experiencing vision loss, may use these scholarships to defray
the cost of rehabilitation training provided by any qualified
rehabilitation agency for the blind.


BRAILLE SPECTATOR
The Braille Spectator is published for members of the National
Federation of the Blind of Maryland and others who share an interest
in the work of this organization.  Free subscriptions (in print) can
be obtained upon request. The Braille Spectator can also be read on
the Web at http://www.nfbmd.org or can be listened to on the local
channel of NFB-NEWSLINE®.

STAY CONNECTED AND INFORMED!
Please follow the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland on
Twitter! Visit http://www.twitter.com/NFBMD to receive affiliate news
and updates.

Friend the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland on Facebook!
Search for NFB Maryland.

Stay connected with your fellow Maryland Federationists by joining our
state e-mail listserv. This list allows you to receive affiliate and
national announcements, and also to start and participate in
discussions regarding blindness and blindness issues. To sign up,
visit http://www.nfbnet.org, click on “Join or drop NFB mailing
lists,” then on “NFBMD,” and follow the instructions.

Visit us online at http://www.nfbmd.org.

ABOUT THE CAROUSEL

The Carousel Beachfront Hotel is located at 11700 Coastal Highway,
Ocean City. Coastal Highway, the main route through Ocean City, runs
from north to south. Cross streets are numbered; numbers increase as
you travel north.

Entering the lobby of the Carousel from the main entrance, Coastal
Highway is behind you and the famed Ocean City beach is directly ahead
of you. Off the lobby, the front desk is on your right and elevators
are on your left.

Walking through the lobby towards the beach, you will enter the
Carousel’s Atrium after passing through a set of double doors. Turning
left, as soon as you enter the Atrium, the Ice Rink is on your right.
The Delaware, Washington, Maryland, and Virginia rooms (in that order)
are on your left, and the Game Room is straight ahead of you. Turning
right at the end of the Ice Rink, and proceeding toward the beach, you
will come to the Seasons Oceanfront Restaurant and the Bamboo Lounge
located at the far left corner of the Atrium.

Again entering the Atrium, straight ahead of you is the Brass Ring
Bistro, featuring hand-dipped as well as soft serve ice cream, ice
cream bars, popcorn, cotton candy, as well as a variety of candy
including Swedish Fish, Gummy Bears, Jelly Bellies, and Trail Mix.
This is also where you can get a variety of breakfast options
including Seattle’s Best Coffee, Krispy Kremes, bagels, cereal, etc.
Walking to the back of the Brass Ring Bistro, then turning left with
the Ice Rink on your left, is another way to get to the Seasons
Restaurant and the Bamboo Lounge.

Starting again at the main entrance to the Atrium, and walking
straight ahead, the Ice Rink will be on your left and the Indoor
Swimming Pool, Whirlpool, Exercise Room and Sauna, Restrooms, the
Pennsylvania Room, and the Gift Shop will all be to your right.

Combine pleasure with business at the Carousel Hotel and Resort. Enjoy
breakfast, lunch, or dinner in the Seasons Restaurant, a casual
oceanfront dining room, open from 7:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.

Snacks and sandwiches are also available in the lounge. To accommodate
the convention, the lounge will open at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday if you
wish to purchase a sandwich for the ride home. The buses will leave
shortly after adjournment, so don’t delay.

The Carousel’s extensive recreational facilities include an Indoor
Swimming Pool, Exercise Room, and Ice Rink. Sink into the Whirlpool
and relax in the Sauna after a workout or spend the afternoon
strolling along the beach.

Additional Notes from the Carousel
Wi-Fi Password for Hotel Rooms: Carousel

Wi-Fi Password for Condominiums: Carouselcondo

No smoking in the rooms or on the balcony. Designated smoking
locations are in the front of the hotel, or outside the Beach Access
doors.


The Carousel Hotel asks any guide dog user to use the dog relief area,
located across 118th Street near the hotel’s parking garage. To get to
this area, exit the hotel through the front door and turn right. Go to
the corner and cross 118th Street. Approximately five feet from the
corner on the left side there are rocks and dirt for dog relief, and
also bags and a garbage can for disposing of waste. If you need
assistance finding this area, please ask at the front desk, and one of
the hotel staff members will be happy to show you where to go.

If there is anything we can do to make your stay more pleasurable,
please feel free to reach out to a member of our friendly staff by
dialing “0” on your room phone. It is our pleasure to have you as our
guest. Enjoy your stay at the Carousel Oceanfront Hotel and
Condominiums.

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
Facing towards Coastal Highway outside the main entrance, on the same
side and to the right of the hotel on Coastal Highway, is The Crabcake
Factory, which is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Facing towards Coastal Highway outside the main entrance, across the
street and to the right will be Burger King, Food Lion, Dunkin
Donuts/Baskin Robbins, Rippons Seafood, CVS drug store, a WaWa’s,
Dolle’s fine candies, Julie’s Fine Dining, Whiskers Pub, No. 1 Chinese
Restaurant, Hubba’s Pit Beef Seafood, Billy’s Subs, and 7-11.

Across the street and to the left will be The Greene Turtle, Superemo
Cheesesteaks, and Pizza Togos. Past the Green Turtle, to the left in
the Gold Coast Mall, are a Super Fresh, Rite Aid, Candy Kitchen, Three
Brothers, and a movie theatre.

All of these things are within two blocks from the right, and from the left.

Ocean City is loaded with many fine restaurants and interesting
attractions. You will be having such a grand time at our convention,
however, that you will most likely not have time to enjoy any of them.
If you do wish to leave the hotel, and use paratransit transportation,
call (410) 723-1606 or (410) 723-1607.

REGISTRATION
Registration and packet pickup for the convention will be held outside
the Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware Rooms in the Atrium on Friday
from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.; on Saturday from 8:00 to
8:40 a.m. and 12:00 noon to 12:15 p.m.; and on Sunday from 8:30 to
8:50 a.m.

Registration fee: $20.00
Banquet: $40.00
Senior Issues Division and Parents Division Luncheons: $18.00

Banquet Ticket Exchange will be held Saturday, 1:20 to 2:00 p.m.,
outside Maryland and Virginia Rooms.  Turn in banquet tickets to
reserve seating at a specific table.  Banquet Ticket Exchange is
necessitated by the large number of persons attending the banquet.

All persons taking advantage of the reduced room rates offered by the
Carousel Hotel and Resort for this convention are required to register
with the convention and to pay the registration fee of $20.00.

DOOR PRIZES
Darlene Barrett is the chairman of the Door Prize Committee.  Many of
you have been hard at work gathering fabulous door prizes for this
convention.  Please turn in your door prizes to Darlene as soon as
possible.  You must be registered for the convention and present when
your name is called in order to win a door prize.  Door prizes will be
awarded during the general sessions on Saturday and Sunday and during
the convention banquet.

CHILDREN’S FUN FAIR (CONVENTION CHILD CARE)
All child care (for children ages 6 weeks to 9 years) will take place
in the Washington Room. Hours are: Friday, 9:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and
1:00-6:00 p.m.; and Saturday, 8:30 a.m.-10:00 p.m. (lunch and dinner
will be provided).  Parents should contact Trudy Pickrel for details.

ROOM CHARGES

You may charge meals, phone calls, and incidentals to your room by
presenting a credit card to the front desk when checking in. The hotel
levies additional charges on all phone calls made from your room.
These charges are your responsibility. Please take care of these
charges when you check out of your room on Sunday.

HOTEL CHECK OUT AND LUGGAGE HANDLING
On Sunday, you must check out of your room before 12:30 p.m.

If you are leaving the Carousel by NFB of Maryland bus, please bring
your luggage to the Delaware Room between 7:30 and 9:00 a.m. Sunday,
where it will be tagged and held for storage until 12:00 noon, when
buses will be loaded.  Since buses will be making more than one stop,
we need your luggage early so that it can be identified for the
correct drop-off location.  Please be sure that your luggage is
clearly labeled with your name, address, and telephone number.

TRANSPORTATION
If you came to the Carousel Hotel and Resort on transportation
provided by the NFB of Maryland, you should expect to return on the
same vehicle that brought you here.  However, some changes may be
necessary to accommodate one-way passengers.  Please pay careful
attention to transportation updates made during the Sunday morning
general session.

HOSPITALITY
Stop by the Hospitality Suite, Room 612, for refreshments and
fellowship Saturday morning from 7:00 to 8:35 a.m. and Sunday morning
from 7:00 to 8:50 a.m.

FRIDAY NIGHT HOSPITALITY, GREAT GAMES,
AND “BLOCKEY” EXTRAVAGANZA!
Join us at 8:00 p.m. on the overlook above the Ice Rink for
hospitality, game play, and our first ever “Blockey” Extravaganza!
Bring your favorite card or board game, and teach and challenge others
to play with you. (Some card and board games will be provided for
those who wish to play but were unable to bring their own games.)

At 8:30 p.m., the Ice Rink will be completely turned over to the NFB
of Maryland for blind hockey (“blockey.”) From 8:30-9:30 p.m.,
children from 3 to 13 will hone their skills on ice skates and try to
score goals the “blockey” way. Then, from 9:30-10:30 p.m., convention
attendees ages 14 and up will have their turn on the ice. No “blockey”
or ice-skating experience is necessary! There will be plenty of
experienced skaters to help you learn, and “blockey” experts will be
on hand to explain the rules of the game. Skate rental is required,
and costs $4 per person.

Not sure “blockey” is your speed? No problem! You can play games with
your friends all night long, and there will be “blockey” commentary,
including color commentary provided by our National Representative,
Scott LaBarre, so you will not miss any of the athletic, inspired, and
possibly hilarious action on the ice!  Complimentary snacks and
beverages will be provided.

FUNDING THE MOVEMENT
Donations and pledges to the NFB of Maryland will be taken during the
banquet.  The affiliate is in desperate need of funds at this time.

PAC Plan
A PAC Plan pledge form is included in this booklet for your
convenience.  Please use it to join the PAC Plan or increase your
monthly PAC pledge.  Please see Mark Riccobono at the PAC table during
general sessions Saturday and Sunday in order to join the PAC Plan or
increase your pledge.

The Braille agenda includes a print copy of the PAC Plan pledge form.

SUN, Jernigan Fund, and
Jacobus tenBroek Memorial Fund Auction
Our auction for SUN, the Jernigan Fund, and the Jacobus tenBroek
Memorial Fund will take place spontaneously throughout the convention.
 Bring your auction items to Michael Gosse as soon as possible.  Be
ready to bid at any time on that must-have item!

Jacobus tenBroek Legacy Society
Help build a future full of opportunity for the blind by becoming a
member of the Jacobus tenBroek Legacy Society. Your legacy gift to the
National Federation of the Blind can be made in the form of a will or
living trust, an income-generating gift, or by naming the NFB as a
beneficiary of a retirement plan or life insurance policy. You can
also become a member of the Jacobus tenBroek Legacy Society by making
a legacy gift to the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland (or
other state affiliate).  By committing to support an NFB affiliate,
your gift will benefit both local and national programs, as all
bequests made to affiliates are split evenly with the NFB national
treasury. In addition to having the satisfaction of contributing to
the future success of the NFB’s mission, tenBroek Legacy Society
members will also receive a specially-designed thank you gift and
other benefits. For additional information about the Jacobus tenBroek
Legacy Society, please contact Lou Ann Blake at the NFB Jernigan
Institute by e-mail at lblake at nfb.org or by telephone at (410)
659-9314, extension 2221.

Text2Give
The NFB Text2Give program is a fundraising effort focused on improving
education and technology for blind Americans and supporting other NFB
initiatives.  The Text2Give program enables anyone with a cellular
telephone to give a $10 contribution by text message, on the spot. The
contributions will go to the NFB Imagination Fund, which supports the
education, technology, and research projects of the NFB Jernigan
Institute, as well as programs conducted by the fifty-two affiliates
and over seven hundred local chapters of the Federation.  The
Imagination Fund helps provide innovative programs that encourage
blind youth to participate in scientific careers and help seniors to
adjust to vision loss. By encouraging friends, family, and others to
text the word BLIND to 85944, you can help raise critical funds for
NFB programs at the local, state, and national levels.

Text to Pledge
Want to give more or less than $10 to support the National Federation
of the Blind? Please text your name and the amount you would like to
pledge to 41444.

Help Drive Change!
The National Federation of the Blind is now accepting vehicle
donations! To donate a vehicle of any kind, please call
1-855-659-9314, or visit http://www.carshelpingtheblind.org.

Arrangements will be made to tow your vehicle at no cost to you. You
will receive a receipt for your tax-deductable donation. Each vehicle
donated is worth approximately $500.

Don’t have a vehicle to donate yourself? No problem. Please pass the
word to family and friends about this new initiative and help drive
change with the National Federation of the Blind!

Convention Sponsor
Vanda Pharmaceuticals has been working on education and awareness for
Non-24-Hour Disorder, a serious circadian rhythm disorder highly
prevalent in people who are totally blind. To learn more and sign up
for information you can visit www.Non-24.com or call toll-free 24/7
1-855-856-2424. Stay tuned mid-November for the launch of the Non-24
Share More Campaign in which we will donate $24 to the NFB for each
person that signs up via our toll free number and mentions the NFB.
Additionally, this campaign will allow you to share with friends and
family to spread the word about Non-24.

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF MARYLAND
Forty-Seventh Annual Convention
AGENDA

FRIDAY, November 8

9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. “Your Child’s Road to Independence Begins with
You”: A Conference for Parents and Teachers (Part 1)

9:30-10:00 a.m. Registration

10:00 a.m. Conference Begins
Sponsored by the Maryland Parents of Blind Children (MDPOBC). Part one
of this conference addresses the role of the MDPOBC, opportunities for
summer learning and fun for blind youth, advocating for your child
when creating an IEP, and access technology.
Trudy Pickrel, President, Maryland Parents of Blind Children; McHenry, Maryland
Delaware Room

 9:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Children’s Fun Fair (Convention Child Care)
Teresa Graham, Coordinator; Ellicott City, Maryland
Washington Room

1:00-6:00 p.m. “Your Child’s Road to Independence Begins with You”: A
Conference for Parents and Teachers (Part 2)
 Sponsored by the Maryland Parents of Blind Children, part two of this
conference will cover promoting independence through age appropriate
expectations, a demonstration of new technology to create tactile
graphics, and more.
Trudy Pickrel, President, Maryland Parents of Blind Children; McHenry, Maryland
Delaware Room

1:00-6:00 p.m. Children’s Fun Fair (Convention Child Care)
Teresa Graham, Coordinator; Ellicott City, Maryland
Washington Room

1:00-6:00 p.m. NFB-NEWSLINE® Demonstration, Survey, and Contest
Find out what’s new with NFB-NEWSLINE®! It’s not just for your
telephone anymore!  Peruse job listings, store ads, and international
publications!
Enroll in the drawing for $50 cash by participating in the
NFB-NEWSLINE® survey.  Contest ends before Saturday morning session.
Maryland Room					

1:00-6:00 p.m. Technology Exhibits
Try your skill at identifying features of star clusters; touch
three-dimensional photographs; give your feedback on an accessible
voting machine; check out the latest offerings from a variety of
companies and organizations who provide technology and services for
the blind.
Maryland Room

1:00-4:00 p.m. Convention Registration and Packet Pick-up
Outside Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware Rooms

1:00-3:30 p.m. Reading for Pleasure and Education: Hands-on
Demonstrations of BARD Mobile, the NFB-NEWSLINE® App, Read2Go, iBooks,
and more!
Bring your own iDevice, Android phone, Victor Stream II, or other
reading device for hands-on practice with various apps used for
reading different types of materials. Or, come and learn about what
types of reading are possible on different devices.
Virginia Room

1:00-3:00 p.m. Student Pool Party!
Sponsored by the Maryland Association of Blind Students, this party
will give students ages 10 and up a chance to interact, network, and
have tons of fun!
Melissa Lomax, President, Maryland Association of Blind Students; Gwyn
Oak, Maryland
Swimming Pool

1:00-2:15 p.m. Primerica 75 Minute Challenge: Financial Wellness Seminar
Learn useful and easy tips for saving money every day. Don’t bring
your checkbook or credit card; this seminar is absolutely free!
Quizzes and door prizes will be only part of the fun.
Tony and Marie Cobb; Catonsville, Maryland
Pennsylvania Room

 1:30-3:30 p.m.  iPhone Drop-In Session: A Seminar for Seniors
With the help of blind instructors, seniors will explore the basics of
the iPhone or other iDevices. Hands-on help and demonstrations will be
available; seniors should bring their own iPhones or other iDevices.
Ruth Sager, President, Senior Issues Division, National Federation of
the Blind of Maryland; Pikesville, Maryland
Room 611

1:30-3:30 p.m. Journaling 101
Discuss journaling, nonfiction, and creative writing with an
enthusiastic journaler and writer.
Amy McGarrah; Baltimore, Maryland
Room 610

2:30-3:30 p.m.  A New Day in Health Care: What Resources Do I Need?
Join presenters from the Maryland Healthcare Exchange to learn what
types of plans are now available to you.
Pennsylvania Room

2:30-3:30 p.m. Deaf-Blind Concerns
Join Janice Toothman to discuss concerns, resources, and new
opportunities for the deaf-blind of Maryland.
Janice Toothman, Chairman, Deaf-Blind Concerns Committee, National
Federation of the Blind of Maryland; Baltimore, Maryland
Room 612

4:00-5:00 p.m.  Board of Directors Meeting
Everyone is encouraged to attend!
Pennsylvania Room

5:00-6:00 p.m. Convention Registration and Packet Pick-Up
Outside Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware Rooms

5:00-6:30 p.m. Maryland Association of Blind Students Business Meeting
Melissa Lomax, President, Maryland Association of Blind Students; Gwyn
Oak, Maryland
Pennsylvania Room

5:00-6:00 p.m. What Are the Federation and State Convention All About?
A gathering for first-time convention attendees.
Chris Danielsen, President, Greater Baltimore Chapter, National
Federation of the Blind of Maryland; Baltimore, Maryland
Virginia Room

5:30-8:30 p.m. Ice Follies: Ice Skating for the Adventuresome
This is a great opportunity to practice for “Blockey!”
$4.00 per person, includes skate rental.
Ice Rink (Atrium)

7:00-8:30 p.m. Parents and Children Unite
Sponsored by the Maryland Parents of Blind Children, this gathering is
for families with blind children, and also for blind parents and their
children. A great time for networking, exchanging information, and
general fellowship.
Trudy Pickrel, President, Maryland Parents of Blind Children; McHenry, Maryland
Delaware Room

7:30 p.m. National Federation of the Blind of Maryland Resolutions
Committee Meeting
Anil Lewis, Chairman; Baltimore, Maryland
Maryland Room

8:00 p.m.-Midnight   Hospitality, Great Games, and “Blockey”
Play card and board games with your fellow convention attendees. Join
us on the ice and play a game of “blockey.” Or, just listen to the
“blockey” commentary and cheer for your favorite athlete.
Master of Ceremonies: John Berggren; Baltimore, Maryland
Complimentary snacks and beverages will be provided.
Atrium Overlook

SATURDAY, November 9

7:00-8:35 a.m.  Hospitality
Room 612

7:15-8:00 a.m. 2013 BELL Reunion for Students and Parents
Room 611

7:30-8:30 a.m. Let’s Make Our Voices Heard: A Meeting for Guide Dog
Users and Those Interested in Guide Dogs
Join in valuable discussions about issues faced by guide dog users in Maryland!
Janice Toothman, Chairman, Guide Dog Committee, National Federation of
the Blind of Maryland; Baltimore, Maryland
Room 610

8:00-8:55 a.m. Convention Registration and Packet Pick-up
Outside Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware Rooms

8:00-8:45 a.m. Cane Walk for Parents and Children
Room 611

8:30 a.m.-10:00 p.m.  Children’s Fun Fair (Convention Child Care)
Teresa Graham, Coordinator; Ellicott City, Maryland
Washington Room

General sessions will be held in the Maryland and Virginia Rooms.

MORNING SESSION

9:00 a.m.  Call to Order, Invocation, and Convention Announcements

9:15 a.m. Report from the National Office
Scott LaBarre, President, National Federation of the Blind of
Colorado; Denver, Colorado

9:45 a.m.  Let’s Be Pack Rats: Get on the PAC Plan Today!
Mark Riccobono, Chairman, NFBMD PAC Plan Committee; Baltimore, Maryland

9:55 a.m.  All of the News from DORS
Sue Schaffer, Director, Office of Blindness and Vision Services,
Division of Rehabilitation Services, Maryland State Department of
Education; Columbia, Maryland

10:10 a.m. Questions and Discussion

10:15 a.m. A Long-Time Federationist Tells His Story
Tom Bickford; Silver Spring, Maryland

10:30 a.m. Wake Up and Pay Attention: An Update from Vanda Pharmaceuticals
Annie Gallagher, Advocacy and Outreach Associate Manager, Vanda
Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Washington, D.C.

10:45 a.m. Questions and Discussion

10:50 a.m. Attention All Students!: A New College Prep Program Has
Come To Maryland!
Instructors and Students from the College Prep Program offered by
Blind Industries and Services of Maryland

11:05 a.m. Simplify Your Life: How Getting Rid of Your Clutter Can Help the NFB
Joanne Wilson, Director of Affiliate Development, Office of the
President, National Federation of the Blind; Baltimore, Maryland

11:15 a.m.  The Maryland State Library for the Blind and Physically
Handicapped: The View from a New Director
Nancy Pack, Director, Maryland State Library for the Blind and
Physically Handicapped; Baltimore, Maryland

11:30 a.m. Questions and Discussion

11:35 a.m. The Maryland Healthcare Exchange: All You Need to Know
Katherine C. Gunby, Program Coordinator, Lower Shore Health Insurance
Assistance Program, Worcester County Health Department; Salisbury,
Maryland

11:50 a.m. Questions and Discussion

11:55 a.m.  Reports and Resolutions

12:00 p.m. Adjourn

12:00-12:15 p.m.  Convention Registration and Packet Pick-up
Outside Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware Rooms

12:00-1:45 p.m.  Luncheon—The Education of Blind or Visually Impaired Students
For parents, students, and teachers of blind students.
Trudy Pickrel, President, Maryland Parents of Blind Children, National
Federation of the Blind of Maryland; McHenry, Maryland
Pennsylvania Room

12:00-1:45 p.m.  Luncheon—Reclaiming Independence after Vision Loss
For seniors and others facing vision loss.
Ruth Sager, President, Senior Issues Division, National Federation of
the Blind of Maryland; Pikesville, Maryland
Delaware Room

12:00-1:45 p.m. Financial Literacy for Students
Presented by Anthony and Marie Cobb; Catonsville, Maryland
Room 612

1:20-2:00 p.m.  Banquet Exchange
Outside Maryland and Virginia Rooms


AFTERNOON SESSION

2:00 p.m. Call to Order

2:05 p.m.  Earning Our Keep: The Blind at Work
Conrad Austen, Former Government Affairs and Insurance Intern,
Financial Services Round Table; St. Mary’s City, Maryland
Mary Fernandez, Paralegal, Brown, Goldstein, and Levy; Baltimore, Maryland
Robyn Hughs, Docent, Jewish Museum of Maryland; Baltimore, Maryland
Tina Gross-Jones, Licensed Realtor, Celebrity Associates Real Estate
Services (CARES); Baltimore, Maryland

2:45 p.m. Questions and Discussion

2:50 p.m. Hello: Information on an Accessible Phone, and Eligibility
for a Free Cell Phone
Robert Felgar, General Manager, Odin Mobile; Rockville, Maryland

3:05 p.m. Questions and Discussion

3:10 p.m. What Does the PARCC Assessment Mean for Our Blind Children?
Lauren McLarney, Governmental Affairs Specialist, National Federation
of the Blind; Baltimore, Maryland
Sharon Maneki, Advocacy Chair, National Federation of the Blind of
Maryland; Columbia, Maryland

 3:30 p.m.  Questions and Discussion

3:35 p.m. Building the Future for Blind Children in a Variety of Ways:
The Maryland School for the Blind
Karen Frank, Assistant Principal, Maryland School for the Blind;
Baltimore, Maryland

3:50 p.m.  Questions and Discussion

3:55 p.m.  NFBMD Presidential Report: Reflections on the Past Year
Melissa Riccobono, President, National Federation of the Blind of
Maryland; Baltimore, Maryland

4:20 p.m. Changing Lives and Creating Smiles Every Day: An Update from
Blind Industries and Services of Maryland
Fred Puente, President, Blind Industries and Services of Maryland;
Salisbury, Maryland

4:35 p.m.  Questions and Discussion

4:40 p.m.  If Maryland is Truly to Be Excellent, the NFBMD Will Need to Help!
Mark Riccobono, Director, Jernigan Institute, National Federation of
the Blind; Baltimore, Maryland

4:50 p.m.  Reports and Resolutions

5:00 p.m.  Adjourn

6:00 p.m.  Reception and Cash Bar
Atrium

7:00 p.m.  Forty-Seventh Annual Convention Banquet
Master of Ceremonies: Mark Riccobono, Executive Director, Jernigan
Institute, National Federation of the Blind; Baltimore, Maryland
Keynote Banquet Address: Scott LaBarre, President, National Federation
of the Blind of Colorado; Denver, Colorado
Scholarships and Awards
Pennsylvania Room

After Banquet  Student Division “Games and Social”
Everyone is a student!
Delaware Room

SUNDAY, November 10

7:00-8:50 a.m.  Hospitality
Room 612

7:00-8:45 a.m.  Board Meeting, Maryland Parents of Blind Children
Trudy Pickrel, President, Maryland Parents of Blind Children; McHenry, Maryland
Washington Room

7:30 a.m.  Luggage Collection (for bus passengers only)
Delaware Room

8:00-8:30 a.m.  Nonsectarian Devotions
Lloyd and Judy Rasmussen, Sligo Creek Chapter, National Federation of
the Blind of Maryland; Kensington, Maryland
Maryland and Virginia Rooms

8:30-8:50 a.m.  Registration
Outside Maryland and Virginia Rooms

MORNING SESSION

9:00 a.m.  Call to Order and Invocation

9:05 a.m. A Tribute to Veterans

9:15 a.m. I Hear Morning BELL Ringers: The 2013 BELL Programs
Carlton Walker, Lead Instructor, Baltimore BELL Program, and
President, National Organization of Parents of Blind Children; Bowling
Springs, Pennsylvania
2013 Baltimore and Glendale BELL Students

9:30 a.m. Affiliate Elections

9:45 a.m.  The Future Is Bright: Youth Share Their Experiences in
Awesome Summer Programs
Steve Lin, Blind Industries and Services of Maryland Independence 101
Chris Nusbaum, Louisiana Center for the Blind STEP Program
Nia Phipps, Blind Industries and Services of Maryland Independence 101

10:15 a.m.  Resolutions

10:45 a.m. NFB-NEWSLINE®: The Possibilities Are Endless!
Jason Polansky, Senior, Catoctin High School; Thurmont, Maryland
Jesse Hartle, Fantasy Sports Guru; Lutherville, Maryland
Nijat Worley, Manager of Marketing and Outreach for Sponsored
Technologies, National Federation of the Blind; Baltimore, Maryland

11:15 a.m.  Questions and Discussion

11:20 a.m. Nature and the Great Outdoors: It’s Not Just for the Birds!
Donna Posont, Student Naturalist; Dearborn, Michigan

11:35 a.m.  Questions and Discussion

11:40 a.m.  Business Meeting

12:00 p.m.  Adjourn

Message of Thanks

	Thank you to all of those who answered the call and made this
convention such a big success.  This includes those who spoke on
panels and individually; worked in the child care room; helped with
the sound system, convention recording, and convention streaming;
planned and ran Friday seminars; worked hospitality; helped with the
new member gathering; worked with blind tweens and teens; and helped
in any other ways I am forgetting.  This convention would not have run
so smoothly without all of your assistance.

I would very much like to thank our National Representative, Scott
LaBarre, for providing a national perspective at this convention, and
sharing his wit, “blockey” color commentary, and other talents with
us.

In addition, I would like to thank the National Federation of the
Blind of Maryland Board of Directors for all of their support,
guidance, and willingness to help over the past year.  Our affiliate
is growing in so many ways, and without our teamwork this growth would
not be possible.  As always, a special thank you to Sharon Maneki for
all of her work, especially on convention details.  Sharon works
tirelessly for the NFB of Maryland every day, and I am truly grateful
for all of the wisdom, organization, insight, experience, and humor
she brings.

	I would also like to thank all of the members of the affiliate who
volunteered for projects, gave input and suggestions, and helped in so
many other ways, large and small, to make our affiliate strong and
vibrant.  I look forward to many opportunities to work with all of you
in new and exciting ways in the upcoming years.  Remember, there are
always jobs to be done; please do not hesitate to volunteer your time
and talents!

	The NFB of Maryland is truly blessed to have Mary Ellen Thompson
working with us.  Thank you, Mary Ellen, for all of the wonderful
services you have given so willingly over the past year.  You have
done everything from driving to destinations near and far, reading
documents simple and complex, changing diapers, game playing, helping
with BELL and toy inventory . . . and the list goes on.  You have even
cut up about a million peppers for snacks for Austin, Oriana, and
Elizabeth. Knowing how you feel about peppers, this is truly a
testament to how willing you are to put personal feelings aside for
the good of the Federation. I could not do all that I do without your
expert help. My family and I thank God for you every day, and we, and
the NFB of Maryland, are so blessed to have you working with and for
us.

	Last, but certainly not least, thank you at least five hundred times
(one hundred times for each of my years as president) to my husband,
Mark, and our children, Austin, Oriana, and Elizabeth. Mark, each year
only gets busier! Thank you for supporting my work in every way,
giving such sound advice, being so eager to help, and making me always
look beyond this moment to the possibilities of the future.  Austin,
Oriana, and Elizabeth, thank you for always being ready to make me
laugh and smile, and for being willing to play games and give me hugs
and cuddles when I need a break.

	It is an honor to be the president of the National Federation of the
Blind of Maryland.  I look forward to another year of service with
excitement.

Melissa Riccobono, President
National Federation of the Blind of Maryland