[NFBNJ] Jerilyn Higgins Letter of resignation

Mon May 1 04:32:00 UTC 2017

Joe, Jerilyn is the best!!!!! Love you! Linda

-----Original Message-----
From: joe ruffalo via NFBNJ <nfbnj at nfbnet.org>
To: nfbnj <nfbnj at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Mon, May 1, 2017 12:11 am
Subject: [NFBNJ] Jerilyn Higgins Letter of resignation

Greetings to all!

I have provided my thoughts pertaining to Jerilyn Higgins’s resignation effective as of May 1, 2017 as a member in the National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey.
It is with much regret and much happiness that I accept her resignation and hope the members in Florida provide a home in the Florida Federation for Jerilyn to share her knowledge.

My comments and Jerilyn’s resignation letter follows.

We care. We share. We gro. We make a difference!
The words above are part of my signature block however, the words highlight Jerilyn Higgins, a true friend to me and to all members that she introduced the gift of the Federation.
Jerilyn cared when she introduced me to the Federation. I didn’t want any part of the organization. Jerilyn was persistent by contacting me for six months as she cared with her experience with the Federation and she knew that I needed what the Federation offered. Thanks Jerilyn.

We shared many times via emails and phone, together at meetings, chapter functions, editing the Sounding Board, reviewing applicants for the state scholarships, attending national and state conventions, participating at Washington Seminars, presentations, conferences, workshops, , the Leadership, Education, Advocacy and Determination teen program, working together with the Senior Community Independent Living Services program for seniors, and  working as partners with Jerilyn baking and providing me with cookies and cheesecakes. Jerilyn, thanks for sharing.

We have grown as members, friends and colleagues as we were always willing to take a chance to grow as individuals and as leaders in the Federation. We grew by discussing all possibilities and outcomes, weighed the potential outcomes and provided opportunities to our members to grow and to think outside the box. Jerilyn, thanks for providing growth to me and many others.

We make a difference as we participated in numerous phone calls to inform many that being part of the Federation will and has made a difference in many lives.  Jerilyn, thanks for making a difference!
I will express my thoughts to you from your friends and the family of Federationists with the following words.
Thanks for all you have done, are doing and continue to do to change what it means to be blind!
The members of the NFBNJ will be honoring you at the 41st state convention this fall and details will be forthcoming.

Jerilyn, I and all that you have touched with the gift of the Federation will miss you in New Jersey however, you are only a phone call, email and flight away!
Enjoy your time in Florida and be prepared for visitors!
Judy and I are checking potential dates during the winter months.
With Much Love and Respect,

We care. We share. We grow. We make a difference
Joe Ruffalo, President 
National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey 
973 743 0075
nfbnj1 at verizon.net
www.nfbnj.org
Your old car keys can be keys to literacy for the blind.
Donate your unwanted vehicle to us by clicking 
www.carshelpingtheblind.org 
or call 855 659 9314

***

Subject: Letter of resignation

Dear President Ruffalo and my NFB family, 

Please accept my sincere appreciation and many thanks for all the opportunities and challenges you have given me through the last thirty years. It has been an honor to serve the blind community of New Jersey. 

My first encounter with the NFB was the national convention in 1987.  I traveled with three other members of the NJ affiliate to Phoenix, Arizona. The experience was amazing. I never saw so many people who were blind in one place.  They were from all walks of life, going on their way independently. The speeches were enlightening, encouraging, empowering and unforgettable. Seeing so many competent blind people living a prosperous, independent life changed the way I thought about my blindness.  The speeches were inspiring; the exhibit hall was full of all the technology and other items of interest that you could ever imagine. That is not all; there were tours you could take to experience the local area. 

When I returned to New Jersey, I immediately joined my local chapter. I couldn’t keep all the new information I learned to myself, I had to share it with other people who are blind. The positive attitudes, the fact that it is respectable to be blind and that blindness is only a characteristic, it does not define us. From volunteering for the first Youth Slam to working in the NJ BELL Academy, it was all such a pleasure to be able to share the good news of the NFB. In the last thirty years, I have held every position on the Board except the presidency.  

The best president any affiliate could have is Joseph Ruffalo. He goes above and beyond for the blind people of New Jersey.  I am also taking credit for finding him.  It took me a while to get him to attend an NFB meeting, but when I see good potential I can't let it go. So when I hear him asking over and over again where are my sesame cookies, or my chocolate coconut cheesecake, I have no one but myself to blame.

I will miss co-editing the Sounding Board, chairing the Scholarship Committee, experiences at the Washington Seminar, and the Divisions I enjoyed so much. 

In 1999 the Central Jersey Chapter was established. We were a small team of Federationists who reached out to Middlesex and the surrounding counties to all people who are blind to improve our lives.  There is nothing like a chapter to learn about blind issues, problem solving, and for sharing information and ideas. We are a family and are there to help each other. It was my pleasure to be president since the beginning of this chapter.  I will miss everyone and wish everyone the very best!

I will be moving to Florida, I would love to keep in touch with everyone.  My email address is: jerilynhiggins at gmail.com

Respectfully, 

Jerilyn Higgins

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