The Blind Missourian
                                       December 2017

Table of Contents

Reflecting on the Past as Our Kansas City Chapter 
    Moves Forward by Ruby Polk                                                  1

What I like about BELL by Shianne Ramsey                               2

The BELL Program by Anna Koepke                                          3

The Missouri Braille Enrichment for Literacy and Learning 
   Academy: A Summarization by Richard K. Tienter                  3

Dear Parents, Educators, and Program 
   Directors, by Shelia Wright                                                 4

THE NEW Nationwide BRAL Contest 
   IS HERE! By Patti Chang                                                            4

National Federation of the Blind of Missouri
       2018 Scholarship Program by Julie McGinnity                       5

Ways to Financially Help Sustain the National 
   Federation of the Blind by Patti Chang                                       7

56th Annual Convention information and 
   Forms by Gene Coulter                                                               8

PLEDGE OF THE
NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND

I pledge to participate actively in the effort 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.
Reflecting on the Past as Our Kansas City Chapter Moves Forward
by: Ruby Polk

Hello National Federation of the Blind of Missouri members and friends. After better than a quarter of a century, I am retiring from holding office in the NFBMO Kansas City Chapter. I have had the opportunity to serve in many capacities, but my two stents as president of the Kansas City Chapter have been the most challenging. I have had the privilege to serve as president of the Kansas City Chapter from 2001-07 and again from 2013-17. Since I decided to retire and not seek re-election, the Kansas City Chapter will be moving on to the next generation. I think that a transition of this nature lends itself to reflections and I wanted to share mine with my federation family. 
 
My journey started out in the NFB under President Roy Zuvers, and I had the opportunity to work with several chapter presidents throughout the years. I first came to explore the Federation at the recommendation of Tezzie Wells and Shelia Wright when I started losing my sight from glaucoma. I had recently relocated to Kansas City from the San Francisco-Oakland Bay area with my late husband after graduating from San Francisco State University. I was like most people who were losing sight, not believing that I was really blind. I soon learned that there were different degrees of blindness and that I was in the loop.
 
After coming to an understanding of our NFB philosophy, my main goal was to be the best that I could be and to never let blindness hold me back. This new understanding drew me to become more active in the National Federation of the Blind.
 
I loved to participate in all facets of the organization. State conventions and legislative seminars were my best way to experience how blind people do what they do. The national conventions are the ultimate way to meet people on a national level. I have always said that the blindness movement is top priority because it effects issues that can be overcome through unity. 

I am thankful and grateful to God and to all who have helped me as a member of the Missouri Affiliate. Our immediate past President Gary Wunder, Tom Stevens, Jeremiah Wells, and Sandy Halverson are a few of the pioneers who have helped me and others along the way to support the NFB. A couple of years ago, I stepped down as second vice president of the NFB of Missouri Affiliate, and now I will be passing the torch on the chapter level. Although I will not be holding the torch, I will still be in the circle of light as a resource and an encourager just as many of you have been to me.

Some have asked what retirement will look like. I continue to transcribe Braille materials as a contractor for the City of Kansas City and the State of Missouri. I have two children who have given me many grandchildren whom I cherish. I also continue to be actively involved in church and the ministry opportunities that I am called to do. I appreciate all of you and thanks so much for everything. Blessings, Ruby.

Editor’s note: Here are some articles from our BELL children. Unfortunately, this year I was unable to participate in the BELL Program so I asked the staff to have the children write a little article and I would publish it in the Blind Missourian for them. Here are three submissions from the students. Hopefully I can put a few more in the next issue as well.

What I like about BELL
by Shianne Ramsey

I was born blind. I am 7 years old. I can read and write Braille on my Perkins Braille Writer and on a Focus 40; it has 40 Braille cells. The Focus 40 does not do regular Braille it has pens that pop up when you type. I also take BELL Academy lessons to help build up my Braille skills. BELL stands for Braille Enrichment Literacy and Learning. It lasts two weeks.

I want to tell you about the time that we went to the History Museum. It was fun.
We got to do an experiment and I love experiments!  We got to learn about steam boats. We got to go in the club house and see the puppet theater. I was a gargoyle and my friend Salome was a bunny. The kids got to touch a big wooden steam boat and when we were done I sat down on the outside edge of a fountain and dipped my hands in and felt it.

The BELL Program
by Anna Koepke

	The NFB (National Federation of the Blind) started a program called the BELL Program. BELL stands for (Braille Enrichment Literacy and Learning). BELL is fun because we do kind of like school. We do reading, writing, slating, music, and relaxing. What I mean by relaxing is mindful stretching, and walking.
	When we read we read for fun, things like Amelia Bedelia and The Surprise Shower. When we write we sometimes play games with our writing lessons. We played a game called Facts About Me. We wrote statements and put them in envelopes. Then we picked cards and answered the statements.
	When we do music, we do recorders and I love that. Our music teacher taught us songs about BELL. The songs are songs we also played on our recorders. It was fun. The songs are called “BELL Academy Is Fun” and “If I Had a Letter”.

The Missouri Braille Enrichment for Literacy and Learning Academy:
A Summarization
by Richard K. Tienter

Richie Teinter is a 12-year-old blind Seventh Grader at Crestview Middle School in Ellisville, Missouri. I have been going to BELL (Braille Enrichment for Literacy and Learning) Academy for 4 years and is it something to look forward to or what? In the past, we’ve gone on field trips to the Magic House, a fire station, a farmer’s market, McDonalds, an ice cream shop, and the History Museum! One year, one of the staff volunteers at BELL had us write down some rules on the Braille Code. Another time, we got in to groups and devised inventions to make life easier on the blind.

This year, 2017, we played a game called Facts About Me, in which 8 unfinished statements are written down on index cards and put in an envelope. Then we walked around answering the statements of other players orally. If you know any blind child in Missouri aged 4-12, go to NFB.ORG or talk to the State BELL Coordinator, Debbie Wunder. Whoever you’re registering will sincerely appreciate your efforts! 

Dear Parents, Educators, and Program Directors
 
The National Federation of the Blind of Missouri is excited to announce that a new nationwide Braille Readers Are Leaders Contest is gearing up and that the NFB of Missouri has made arrangements to offer this program to every young Braille reader in Missouri interested in participating. There is no cost to the Missouri participants or their school districts. The NFB of Missouri is committed to assuring that blind and visually impaired children have opportunities to learn and develop Braille literacy skills. We also know it is beneficial to present fun and positive programs that foster a love for reading. 
 
The reading period begins December 15, 2017. Below are the details about the contest. All necessary forms can be found online at nfbmo.org. Please share this information with all that can benefit and enjoy participating in this Braille contest.
 
Shelia Wright, President
National Federation of the Blind of Missouri
7928 NW Milrey Drive, Kansas City, MO 64152
Phone: 816-741-6402 (Home)
816-679-5258 (Mobile)
Sbwright95@gmail.com or President@nfbmo.org
www.nfbmo.org
 
The National Federation of the Blind is a community of members and friends
who believe in the hopes and dreams of the nation's blind. Every day we work
together to help blind people live the lives they want.

THE NEW Nationwide BRAL Contest IS HERE!
by Patti Chang

 The National Federation of the Blind of Illinois, in partnership with the National Association to Promote the Use of Braille (NAPUB), now offers its first annual nationwide Braille Readers Are Leaders contest open to kids in all states, grades K-12. Contestants compete to read the most Braille pages, going against other kids in similar grades across all participating states. The contest runs for six weeks, encouraging kids to be proud of their Braille reading ability and to work to improve their skills - while possibly winning prizes in the process. 
A thumbnail sketch of the contest: 
•	For each student who enters, a certifying official (parent, teacher, etc.) must fill out and submit a registration form. This can be done as early as November 15, 2017 and as late as February 1, 2018. 
•	Kids enter in one of five grade categories: K-1, 2-3, 4-5, 6-8, & 9-12. 
•	Participants record Braille pages read between December 15, 2017 and February 1, 2018 on a reading log. 
•	The certifying official must submit the completed reading log form by February 10, 2018. 
•	Prizes in each grade category are: first, $25; second, $15; third, $10. 
•	Every contestant, whether a winner or not, will receive a “goodie bag” of Braille-related items at the end of the contest. 
•	To get the complete contest rules, registration form, and the reading log form, visit the website, http://www.nfbofillinois.org/nationwide-bral-contest. 
•	Both the registration form and the reading log form can be submitted by email as attachments to Deborah Stein at dkent5817@att.net. Please put Nationwide BRAL in the subject line. 

In addition to awards in the five grade categories, the Kelly Doty Award is given to a student who has met unusual challenges in order to learn and read Braille. Such challenges include, but are not limited to, having other disabilities in addition to blindness or being an English language learner.

If you have questions, contact the contest administrator: Deborah Stein, dkent5817@att.net (please put Nationwide BRAL in the subject line), phone 773-203-1394

National Federation of the Blind of Missouri
2018 Scholarship Program
by Julie McGinnity
                                                            
The National Federation of the Blind of Missouri announces our 2018 Scholarship Program. We will be accepting applications from November 1, 2017 to February 20, 2018. We invite all qualified candidates to apply. Applicants must be legally blind and plan to enroll in a post-secondary institution for the fall of 2018. Applicants should live in Missouri, but need not be a member of the National Federation of the Blind. Scholarships begin at $500 and are based on merit. This year we invite applicants to submit all information and documents online. All application materials must be received by February 20, 2018 through the online form, except for letters of recommendation. These should be sent to the email address found below. Acknowledgment of applications and documents will be sent upon receipt. If you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the Scholarship Chair. 

A complete application consists of the official application form and a student essay, plus these supporting documents: student transcripts, two letters of recommendation, a letter from an NFB of Missouri Scholarship Committee member, and proof of legal blindness. 

In an effective essay the applicant may consider sharing about his or her life in a way that gives the committee insight into him or her. The essay should cover the ways in which one lives successfully as a blind person and describe personal goals for the future. Committee members give the essay a great deal of attention.

In addition to receiving the monetary award, the scholarship recipients will attend the convention of the National Federation of the Blind of Missouri, April 6-8, 2018, at the Capital Plaza Hotel in Jefferson City, MO. Hotel accommodations, convention registration, and planned meals during the convention will be included. We are also happy to help coordinate transportation to ensure this is not a barrier to our scholarship applicants. The type of transportation assistance may vary based on what part of the state the winner will be coming from and available transportation resources in that community. 

Throughout the convention, scholarship winners will have an opportunity to learn about the National Federation of the Blind and network with successful blind people. In addition, final interviews with the Scholarship Committee will aid the committee in determining which scholarship each winner will receive.
You should know that merit scholarships from the National Federation of the Blind go directly to the winner and should not be considered as a similar benefit by Rehabilitation Services for the Blind. Therefore, students can use funds to meet expenses that other funding sources do not cover. Also, merit scholarships are viewed favorably when included on a resume.

The 2018 scholarship form has been created to give our applicants a convenient, accessible experience in filling out the application using access technology. The application can be found on the NFB of Missouri website. If you have any questions about the application, please contact the scholarship chair.

Julie McGinnity, Chair
Scholarship Committee
National Federation of the Blind of Missouri
Phone: 314-610-7740 
Email: scholarship@nfbmo.org
Web Page: www.nfbmo.org

Ways to Financially Help Sustain the National Federation of the Blind
by Patti Chang

The National Federation of the Blind has two programs that offer you the opportunity to financial help sustain our organization. They are the Legacy Society and our Vehicle Donation Program.

Dream Makers Circle:
You can help build a future of opportunity for the blind by becoming a member of our Dream Makers Circle. Your legacy gift to the National Federation of the Blind or the National Federation of the Blind of Missouri can be made in the form of a will or living trust, an income generating gift, or by naming us as the beneficiary of a retirement plan, IRA, pension, or a life insurance policy. You can designate a specific amount, a percentage, or list NFB as one of several beneficiaries. For additional information, please contact Patti Chang at (410) 659-9314, extension 2422 or at pchang@nfb.org.
 
Vehicle Donations Program:
The National Federation of the Blind uses car donations to improve the education of blind children, distribute free white canes, help veterans, and so much more. We have partnered with Vehicles for Charity to process donated vehicles. Please call toll-free (855) 659-9314, and a representative can make arrangements, or you can donate online by visiting www.nfb.org/vehicledonations.
56th Annual Convention
National Federation of the Blind of Missouri
Capitol Plaza Hotel
415 West McCarty Street; Jefferson City, Missouri 65101
573-635-1234
April 5-8, 2018

The Jefferson City Chapter would like to welcome you to the 2018 convention of the National Federation of the Blind of Missouri. We are a thriving chapter and are working hard to make this a great convention for everyone.

When you arrive in Jefferson City, you are greeted by the majestic Missouri River, tree-lined bluffs, and, who could forget, the State Capitol. There are many historical buildings and sites in Jefferson City, including the State Capitol, the Supreme Court, the Governor’s Mansion, and the historic prison.

Amtrak stops in Jefferson City, with trains coming from St. Louis and Kansas City twice daily. We also have Uber and Lift available as well as Checkered Cab.

We look forward to seeing all of you April 5-8, 2018 in America’s most beautiful small town.

Come share in the celebration from April 5-8, 2018 at the Capitol Plaza Hotel. Room rates are $89.00 a night plus 14.725% tax for up to four in a room. To make reservations call 573-635-1234. The Capitol Plaza is conveniently located in downtown Jefferson City.

The hotel has an indoor swimming pool, fitness center, pet friendly, free parking, free Wi-Fi, a business center, and a 24-hour gift shop. This is a smoke-free hotel. Hotel Check-in is 4:00 PM and checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Located in the stunning atrium of the Capitol Plaza Hotel Jefferson City, Park Place is considered one of the best downtown restaurants in Jefferson City. For a quick meal, a snack, or your favorite cocktails and beverages, visit the Fountain Court Lounge, also located in the hotel’s atrium featuring appetizers, sandwiches a variety of cocktails, and an impressive wine list. Room service is available after 4:00 pm daily.

This year we are pleased to present a showing of the movie, “Do You Dream in Color.” Check your agenda for showtime. 
There will be a wide range of activities on Friday including a seminar for families of blind children and a special event for students that evening. The Board of Directors will meet at 1:15 PM Friday. Convention registrations post marked on or before March 27, 2018 will be $15.00 after which the cost will be $20.00. Registration will be open on Friday morning from 8:15 to 9:00 and from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM and again on Saturday morning from 8:00 to 8:30.

Hospitality and Exhibits will be open on Friday evening from 5:00 to 10:00. 

We have several planned meals throughout the weekend at extraordinary prices. The highlight will be our Saturday banquet for $35.00. We will also have a planned lunch Friday and Saturday for $15.00 each and our annual Prayer Breakfast Sunday morning at a cost of $12.00.  The planned meals are open to everyone. Attendees are encouraged to take advantage of these meals since there are not many other restaurants easily accessible. An important note: There will be an additional charge for meals purchased after the above deadline, therefore the banquet price will increase to $40.00, lunches to $18.00, and breakfast to $15.00.

We again will be offering child care for those children in need of supervised care. Exhibit tables will be available again this year. Please see the appropriate forms for more information. If you have door prizes to donate, please contact Door Prize Chair Nina Theroff 573-330-7682, gooberzoiebug@gmail.com to notify her of any donations.

National Federation of the Blind of Missouri
2018 State Convention Registration Form
Jefferson City, April 5-8, 2018 

Please use one form per residence. Several registrations may be combined on one check if they are sent in the same envelope. There are separate forms for child care and exhibitors.
Registrant Name: ________________________________________________
Second registrant: _________________________________               
Street Address: __________________________, Apt.: ________
City: ______________________, State: ____, Zip Code: _________
Phone Number: ______________, Email: _____________________ 
Select preferred agenda format: 	__ Braille, ___ Print, ___ Electronic
Desired Blind Missourian format: ___Print, ___Email, ___Thumb Drive, __None
Desired Braille Monitor format: ___Print, ___Email, ___Thumb Drive
Select the items or events that you would like to purchase below:
*Convention Registration: Preregistration prior to March 27, 2018
Number of registrants: ___ at $15.00 		                    Total: $______
Annual Banquet: 	    ____ tickets needed at $35.00          Total: $______
Friday Luncheon:       ____ tickets needed at $15.00         Total: $______
Saturday Luncheon:   ____ tickets needed at $15.00         Total: $______
Prayer Breakfast:	    ____ tickets needed at $12.00 	Total: $______
                                                Total amount enclosed:   $______
*For registrations postmarked after March 27, 2018 please adjust amounts as follows: registration - $20.00, lunches - $18.00, banquet - $40.00, and breakfast - $15.00. Add amounts on all forms enclosed and make your check payable to: NFB of Missouri. Please mail to: Carol Coulter, 1504 Furlong Drive, Columbia, MO 65202.  	

National Federation of the Blind of Missouri
Convention Child Care Registration
April 7-8, 2018

We will be offering child care for those children in need of supervised care. The cost is $30.00 for the weekend for the first child and $20.00 for each additional child from the same family. Care will be provided on Saturday during the morning and afternoon sessions, the evening banquet until 9:00 PM, and the Sunday morning session which will adjourn at 12:00 PM. Meals are not provided in child care so parents need to make arrangements to feed their children. Important: Parents wanting care for their children must send this request on or before March 15, 2018.

Name of Parent or Guardian: _____________________
Address: ________________________________________
City, State, Zip: ________________________________
Cell Phone: _______________ Home Phone: ________________
Names and Ages of Children: ________________________________________
Special Concerns: __________________________________________________
Number of Children: _____ Total enclosed: $___________
Mail form and Check made payable to NFB of Missouri to Carol Coulter, Treasurer, 1504 Furlong Drive; Columbia MO 65202. 

National Federation of the Blind of Missouri
Exhibitor Registration State Convention April 6-7, 2018

The National Federation of the Blind of Missouri is pleased to announce the opportunity to those interested in renting exhibit space during our 56th annual convention at the Capitol Plaza Hotel in Jefferson City. Exhibit space will be available on a first come basis for April 6 and 7. 
Exhibitors are welcome for a cost of $35.00. Sponsorship opportunities are also available for an additional cost. Contact Eugene Coulter at  escoulter@centurytel.net for additional information. Exhibit space is free to the chapters and divisions of the NFB for federation fundraising and information distribution. Exhibit hours will be from 5:00 PM until 10:00 PM Friday evening, from 8:00 until 8:30 Saturday morning, and from noon until 1:30 PM on Saturday. All space must be reserved before March 27, 2018. 

Name of Organization: ___________________________
Name of Contact person: _________________________
Address: ______________________________________
City, State, Zip: _________________________________
Phone: ________________ Email: __________________
Items exhibiting: ________________________________
_____Check here if you are a NFB chapter or division and mail in form.
_____check here if you are a non-NFB exhibitor and send form and check for
          $35.00.
          Make checks payable to NFB of Missouri and mail to Carol Coulter, Treasurer 1504 Furlong Drive Columbia, MO 65202

Board of Directors
National Federation of the Blind of Missouri

Officers:
Shelia Wright, President			           Julie McGinnity, First Vice President 
Gene Fleeman, Second Vice President           Dacia Cole, Recording Secretary
Erin Magoon, Corresponding Secretary         Carol Coulter, Treasurer

Board Members:
Eugene Coulter 		Roger Crome	                      Jenny Carmack
Amy Wilson		          Chris Tisdal		 	            Melissa Kane
Daniel Garcia	          President Emeritus, Gary Wunder

Chapter Presidents
Debbie Wunder, Columbia                  		   Helen Parker, South Central
Melissa Kane, Jefferson City	        		   Ben Vercellone, Springfield
Ruby Polk, Kansas City          			   Chris Tisdal, Lewis and Clark	  
Roger Crome, Mineral Area Chapter                Dan Keller, Show-Me State Chapter
Amy Wilson, Old Drum Chapter

Blind Missourian Editor Carol Coulter
Proof Readers Helen Stevens, Shelia Wright, and Gary Wunder
Read by Elisabeth Coulter                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

FREE MATTER FOR THE
BLIND AND PHYSICALLY
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NFB of Missouri
1504 Furlong Dr.
Columbia, MO  65202