[nfbwatlk] The Convention was a *Rousing Success*

[Prows, Bennett (HHS/OCR)]

Well, here it is Monday morning, after another fantastic convention of
the National Federation of the Blind of Washington (state) (grin).

 

Once again this year, the team Federation really stepped up to the
plate, and on the lat weekend of the regular baseball season,
collectively we hit it out of the park. 

 

Jim Gashel, as the national representative showed us how to be totally
mobile, and provide excellent information and support throughout the
convention activities at the same time.

 

As always, Mike chaired an excellent convention.  We heard from the
people in the state that are here to serve the blind, such as Danielle
King from the Washington Talking Book and Braille Library, Louoma Duran,
from the Department of Services for the blind, and Dean Stenehjem from
the Washington State School for the Blind.  WE heard an excellent
presentation of good news activities from Kirk Adams of the Seattle
Lighthouse, and spent part of the Saturday afternoon session discussing
Braille literacy, and certification of teachers to read Braille.  Denise
Mackenstadt's presentation as an Orientation and Mobility Specialist,
and of course a Braillist was right on point, and brought thoughtful
ideas to the forefront of our minds moving forward.

 

We had a different program this year, which was a tremendous success,
judging by the comments from many of the participants.  Mentors were
paired with mentees, (students) and the questions about the NFB and
convention were coming fast and furious all weekend. Denise Mackenstadt
and others including Jedi Moerke were instrumental in making this
activity a success. 

 

The banquet of course was well attended.  We had some drawings at the
banquet by those who were fund raising for chapters, and Bob Sellers was
responsible for pushing the Louie Braille Coin drawing this year, and
did an excellent job of getting the word out about the unique minted
coins.

 

The scholarship committee awarded the Beverly Prows Scholarship to a
Washingtonian who is a freshman at Brigham Young University, Brianna
Leavens.  She's a young lady with tremendous scholastic ability, and a
lot of potential, who was able to fly home to Everett, (near her
parents'
 house), and to be with us at convention and to visit her parents as
well.  Her parents came to the convention by the way, and we all enjoyed
meeting them as well.  Rita Szantay, as scholarship chair once again did
a great job making the presentation.

 

 

Elections were held for a couple of board positions, and Gary
Mackenstadt of Edmonds, and Les Fitzpatrick of Vancouver were elected to
two year terms. 

 

Of course, Dan Frye, and Renee West who are both on the NFB national
staff were with us again this year, since they are Washingtonians if not
physically, in spirit anyway.  They both spoke to the convention.  Renee
brought us all the news about NFB Newsline (r), and many of us heard for
the first time the how tos and wherefores of Newsline in your pocket and
Newsline online.

 

Dan spoke to the convention about his job as Associate Editor of the
prestigious Braille Monitor, our national magazine  He really put a
tremendous perspective on the function of the magazine in the world, and
how our organization's publications are integral to exposing wrong doing
in the field of work with the blind, and in trumpeting the positive work
of those who work with us and affect our lives.

 

We had a new and fun game for attendees on Saturday night, during a
silent auction fund raising event.  The game was based on the TV game
show, the Family Feud.  The mentors were teamed against the mentees.
During the convention, conventioneers were surveyed by the students and
mentors concerning knowledge of blindness, and individual opinions on
various aspects of life as blind people.  The mentors won the game in
the end, but a great time was had by all.  WE even had a few live
auction items at the end of the silent auction.  The organizers of this
event were, Denise Mackenstadt, who brailed the survey questions, and
helped to iron out the logistics, Kris Colcock, Carol Smith and Connie
Utterbach Kaye Burrows, Marci Carpenter, and a cast of thousands who
worked to make the event a fun one.  Ivan Weich kept score, and I tried
my best to sound like Richard Dawson.  That only lasted a minute, and I
gave up and just hosted the game show.

 

So, I've written enough.  I certainly had a *great* time, in and out of
convention official sessions.  (grin.)  Thanks to Art and Nicky
Stevenson, Renee and Aaron Squire from the NFB of Oregon for being there
as well

 

I'm sure others will write about their impressions too.  Now that we
have recharged our batteries, we can move forward to do the work of the
Federation for all blind people.  Great job folks, and, thanks.

 

/s/

Bennett Prows