[Ohio-talk] Fw: Buckeye Update for July 14, 2010

[Dr. Smith]

Dr. J. Webster Smith
President National Federation of the Blind of Ohio
P.O.BOX 458 Athens, Ohio, 45701-0458
Phone Number - 740-592-6326 
"Changing What it Means to be Blind"
----- Original Message ----- 
From: Dr. Smith 
To: jwsmithnfb at verizon.net 
Sent: Wednesday, July 14, 2010 3:27 PM
Subject: Buckeye Update for July 14, 2010


When I stepped out of the airport in Columbus after returning from the convention in Dallas I felt as if the humidity was just as bad here as it was there! I understand that for the next few days it's going to be hot and humid again so try to stay cool if you can. 

 

Convention Highlights

About 47 of us officially registered for the convention in Dallas this year and our consistent enthusiasm and energy, I believe, compensated for our small numbers. The highlight of our caucus this year was when we were able to speak with our brother Bruce Peters on a speakerphone and it was clear that he missed us just as much as we were missing him. He sounded very good and brought smiles to all of our faces. He promised us that he was planning on attending the September board meeting in Columbus, and here's wishing and praying that he will be able to do so.

 

Once again, we had excellent results from our candy sales and special thanks should go to Richard Payne and Carol Akers for overseeing this project. We will end up making about $400 in profits as a result of all of our efforts. Thanks to all of you that sold candy this year. The absence of Paul Dressell made all of our jobs more difficult. In addition to thanking Richard and Carol, I want to once again thank Crystal McClaine for her willingness to do whatever she could to make my job easier and to ensure that our affiliate ran smoothly. We are truly blessed to have such a committed individual and I don't want to ever take her for granted. I also appreciate the fact that Susan Day checked in with me for each session to see if I needed anything, and there were several times when she brought me something to drink or eat and I was so grateful for her gracious hospitality. I am often reminded that people don't really have to do anything for any of us and so the smallest gesture is much appreciated. I think it is indicative of the love and respect we have for one another in Ohio.

 

Speaking of being blessed, by now you should all know that our own President Emerita Barbara Pierce was the recipient of the prestigious TenBroek Award at the banquet this year. This is probably the highest honor any member can receive from our organization and I know you will agree with me when I say they couldn't have chosen a more excellent recipient. Congratulations boss!

 

I had a pre-banquet gathering in my room this year and I'd like to make this an annual event, as long as I am president, both at our national and state conventions, so please keep it in mind. In general, I was pleased with both the attendance and the enthusiasm from our delegation, but I believe we can do even better next year in Orlando, Florida. 

 

Columbus Meeting

On July 12, Eric Duffy, Cheryl Fischer, and myself met with two key senators in an effort to secure more stable funding for NEWSLINE. I think it was a good first step in our campaign because they asked good questions, which allowed us to provide effective responses, which can only prepare us for future similar meetings. Let me be clear, it is now or never as far as having NEWSLINE in Ohio is concerned. We must find a way to get it in the 2011 biennial budget. So keep your fingers crossed and be prepared to do all that you can to help us reach this goal. I will keep you posted about future meetings of this sort and will let you know when your assistance may be needed to ensure a successful campaign. Cheryl Fischer is doing an excellent job as our coordinator, and it was clear to me in the meeting that her presence and intelligence serves us well in this capacity.

 

Looking Ahead

Once again, it is time to start thinking about Gavel Award Reports. So chapter and division presidents should look out for the necessary materials you will need to ensure that you can submit the best reports possible. Let's try to increase our involvement and enthusiasm for the Gavel Award process this year, please! 

 

Our fall board meeting will be held on September 18 in Columbus, Ohio, and I will give you the exact location and details about lunch in the not-too-distant future. The time will be the same, from roughly 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. 

 

Remember that October is Meet the Blind Month, and I hope that we are all thinking about appropriate activities that will positively publicize our affiliate in general and local chapters specifically. In keeping with our theme for the year, it would be great to have as many collaborative efforts as possible for at least some of these activities. 

 

Finally, it is time to start planning for our 64th state convention to be held at the Ramada Plaza Hotel in Columbus. The dates for this year will be November 5th through the 7th, and remember the board meeting will not be until sometime that Friday afternoon in an effort to save some hotel costs. I would like the theme this year to be, "The Day After Civil Rights," based, of course, on the title of Dr. Jernigan's last banquet address. Convention assistance information will be circulated in a timely manner, and if you have particular agenda items to be considered for this year, you should let me know as soon as possible.