[NFBNJ] A sincere thank you to the affiliate for the recognition at the state convention

[Linda Melendez]

*Request for distribution by Janie Degenshein, NFBNJ Board of Directors and
President  Senior snd Technology Divisions *

After a few weeks  of recollection and reflection, I am still in shock over
the wonderful recognition I received at the banquet.
The transforming dreams award now proudly is displayed in my kitchen under
my favorite poem by Ralph Waldo Emerson titled Success.
that reads. . .
To laugh often and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people
and the affection of children;
To earn the appreciation of honest critics
and endure the betrayal
of false friends;
To appreciate beauty;
To find the best in others;
To leave the world a bit better, whether by
a healthy child, a garden patch
or a redeemed social condition;
To know even one life has breathed
easier because you have lived;
This is to have succeeded.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
and now the tribute to me is underneath that and I will share the intro and
plaque wording here as well.
NFBNJ Raising Expectations Award
Saturday, November 12, 2022
The National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey’s Raising Expectations
award is given to Federationist who have provided our organization
dedicated service over many years. Additionally, persons who win this award
must express our positive attitude toward blindness not only with their
words, but with their lives. They should be a role model and mentor to
blind and sighted alike. Tonight’s award recipient more than meets these
qualifications.
Our recipient began her involvement with our movement in 1993, when she
assisted her daughter, Rachael, to edit the Sounding Board, our affiliate’s
newsletter. In partnership with Trisha Ebel, and then Jerry Moreno, she
co-hosted monthly Internet radio shows, where they encouraged a positive
outlook on blindness and life.
Our recipient spent her professional career as a certified music educator,
so It’s not surprising that she has encouraged us all, through the years to
fill our conventions with singing. I especially remember Can Do.
She has been the president of our Seniors Division since its founding in
2010, and president of our Technology Division since 2013. These are two of
our most dynamic and productive organizations in our affiliate, due to her
leadership. She serves on our affiliate’s board of directors, and on the
board of our National Senior Division. For many years, she has led a CBVI
support group called ECHO (Eyes Closed, Hearts Open).
She and her husband, Larry, who have been married 43 years, have 3
daughters and 4 grandchildren, all avid basketball fans. It is safe to say
that her family has been the light and love of her life.
This catalog of dedication and service commands our respect. What inspires
our love and gratitude is how tonight’s recipient makes everyone she meets
feel welcomed and cherished and loved, whether in a group or individually.
It’s hard to describe, but most of you know exactly what I mean.
So, without further ado, let me present the winner of our Raising
Expectations award for 2022, Jane Degenshein.
Plaque
National Federation of the Blind
New Jersey
Live the life you want
You make it happen!
Presents the RAISING EXPECTATIONS AWARD to
Jane Degenshein
In Recognition of Invaluable Contributions to the Quality of Life of the
Blind of NJ and the Nation
Your contribution is measured not in steps, but in miles;
Not by individual experiences, but by the impact you have had on the lives
of the blind.
Whenever we have asked, you have answered.
We call you our colleague with respect.
We call you our friend with love.
Together, with love, hope, and determination, we transform dreams into
reality.
November 12, 2022
>From the grateful members of the NFBNJ
***
And so, with the holiday season on the horizon, I am grateful everyday and
wanted to thank all the members of our beautiful affiliate and hope that I
can continue to make our members smile, laugh and sing their own moments of
awe!
Keep Smiling,
Janie Degenshein
Happiness isn't having what you want, but wanting what you already have!

-- 

Warmly,
Linda Melendez, President
National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey
732-421-7063
president at nfbnj.org
*www.nfbnj.org* <http://www.nfbnj.org/>
*Facebook: **https://m.facebook.com/NFB-NJ-353099574776238*
<https://m.facebook.com/NFB-NJ-353099574776238>

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