[PABS] NFB of PA's April 2024 Monthly Digest
Stacie Leap
stacie.leap at gmail.com
Wed Apr 3 17:43:26 UTC 2024
Hello everybody!
Welcome to our April 2024 monthly Digest: a monthly newsletter of the
National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania!
The events and information listed below will be within the National
Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania as well as any pertinent
information from the National Federation of the Blind and the Pennsylvania
blind community.
If you or anyone you know have any upcoming events or information that can
pertain to the blind community in Pennsylvania, please send them to Stacie
Leap at nfb.stacie at gmail.com by the 27th of the month so it can be added
to our calendar for the following month.
For those using screen readers, you can use your heading navigations to
skip around the email.
Volume 2, Issue 3
*A Message from our State Affiliate President*
Happy April Fellow Federationists!
The NFB of PA is getting many requests to participate in Outreach events
around the Commonwealth. If you know of an event happening in your
community, please reach out to participate. These are wonderful
opportunities to share information about the NFB.
We are working on reserving a bus to assist individuals to attend the 2024
State Convention in Erie. If you are interested in reserving a seat on the
bus, here’s how to do it:
If you are not connected with a local Chapter or Division, you can send a
$25 non-refundable check to NFB of PA, 108 Parkview Drive, Phoenixville,
PA 19460. Checks should be made payable to: NFB of PA and need to be
received by May 1, 2024.
If you are connected with a Chapter or Division, please reach out to your
Chapter or Division President.
Remember, April showers bring May flowers! So, do not be afraid of
raindrops!
Sincerely,
Lynn Heitz
President, National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania
president at NFBOfPA.org
Google Calendar Links
The National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania also has a Google
Calendar that can be viewed either through the web or subscribed to your
calendar apps.
You can View our Google Calendar
<https://calendar.google.com/calendar/embed?src=7jgal0nrodbmg61a8aar0o3i2g%40group.calendar.google.com&ctz=America%2FNew_York>
However, if you wish to subscribe to the calendar and get the events on
your calendar apps, please Subscribe
<https://calendar.google.com/calendar/ical/7jgal0nrodbmg61a8aar0o3i2g%40group.calendar.google.com/public/basic.ics>
and go through the steps to subscribe:
Member Spotlight: Jason Polanski
Each month, we will highlight someone within our affiliate. The goal is to
allow us to learn about other members within the affiliate. We hope you
enjoy this little spotlight!
Jason Polanski serves our state affiliate as one of their board of
directors as well as the Chapter President of the Capital Chapter. He is in
the Young Adult Ministry at Mechanicsburg Brethren in Christ Church. He
works as an Unemployment Compensation Claims Interviewer for the Department
of Labor and Industry within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. He loves
trying new and different cuisine at restaurants throughout the Greater
Harrisburg area. His love for music also provides him opportunities to
attend various concerts in his area. Whenever you encounter him at our
state convention, do not forget to say, “Hello!”
Calendar of Events
The following events are also on our Google calendar with the Zoom
information or meeting location. If anyone within a chapter, division, or
group see any errors or misinformation, please contact Stacie Leap at
nfb.stacie at gmail.com
The below information is correct as of the first week of the month. The
information is most up-to-date on the Google Calendar so please check back
periodically to ensure the right information.
*Coffee with the State President and Board*
This monthly discussion meeting brings everybody together to get to know
the state affiliate board members and the happenings within the state’s
divisions, chapters, and advocacy efforts. This meeting is typically held
the 1st Wednesday of the month. For more information, please contact State
President Lynn Heitz at president at nfbofpa.org
Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at 7:30 PM ET via Zoom.
Greater Philadelphia’s Bake Sale & Auction
Come support the Greater Philadelphia Chapter in their bake sale and
auction. There will be bake goods ranging from pies, cakes, cookies, banana
pudding, and so much more! There will also be an auction with a lot of
amazing items! For more information, please contact Chapter President
Denice Brown at dbrown8827 at aol.com
Friday, April 5, 2024 from 1 PM to 4 PM ET.
Park Towers Apartment (4001 Conshohocken Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19131)
Jigsaw Chapter monthly Meeting
a monthly meeting for those who do not have a local chapter in their
geographical area. This is our at-large chapter Meetings This meeting is
typically held on the 1st Saturday of the month. For more information,
please contact Chapter President David Miller at
David.miller at zoominternet.net
Saturday, April 6, 2024 at 10 AM ET via Zoom.
Deaf Blind Division Monthly Meeting
a monthly meeting for those who consider themselves to be Deaf Blind and
their supporters. This meeting is typically held on the 2nd Monday of the
month. For more information, please contact Division President Chris
Westbrook at westbchris at gmail.com
Monday, April 8, 2024 at 6 PM ET via Zoom.
Pennsylvania Association of Blind Merchants (PABM) Monthly Meeting
a monthly meeting for those who are or wish to be involved with the
Business Enterprise Program, entrepreneurship, and their supporters. This
meeting is typically held on the 2nd Wednesday of the month. For more
information, please contact Division President Pamela Baquero at
oneblindhippie at yahoo.com
Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at 6 PM ET via Zoom.
Greater Lehigh Valley Chapter Monthly Meeting
A monthly meeting for those who live in the Greater Lehigh Valley region of
Pennsylvania. This includes Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, and the
surrounding areas. This meeting is typically held on the 2nd Saturday of
the month. For more information, please contact Chapter President Cheryl
Frazier at cherylnfrazier at yahoo.com
Saturday, April 13, 2024 at 10 AM ET.
Denny's (1871 Catasauqua Road, Allentown, PA)
Keystone Chapter Monthly Meeting
a monthly meeting for those who live in the Greater Philadelphia area. This
is one of two local chapters in the Greater Philadelphia area. The other
chapter is the Greater Philadelphia Chapter. This meeting is typically held
on the 2nd Saturday of the month. For more information, please contact
Chapter President Harriet Go at goharriet00 at hotmail.com
Saturday, April 13, 2024 at 10:15AM ET, both in-person and zoom.
Penn Museum (3620 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104)
Happy Valley Chapter Monthly Meeting
A monthly meeting for those who live in or surrounding State College,
Pennsylvania. This meeting is typically held on the 2nd Saturday of the
month. For more information, please contact Chapter President Michelle
McManus at michelleandremy at gmail.com
Saturday, April 13, 2024 at 1 PM ET.
Webster’s Bookstore & Café (133 East Beaver Avenue, State College, PA
16801)
Pittsburgh Chapter Monthly Meeting
A monthly meeting for those who live in the Greater Pittsburgh area. This
meeting is typically held on the 3rd Wednesday of the month. For more
information, please contact Chapter Revitalizing Team Members Emily
Gindlesperger at vp2 at nfbp.org or Denice Brown at dbrown8827 at aol.com
Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at 7 PM ET via Zoom.
Piano Bar 2024
Sit back, relax, and listen to music performed at the annual Piano Bar
fundraiser by supporters of our Pennsylvania Organization of Parents of
Blind Children. Angelina Angelcyk and Eddie Salcido will show off their
skills via piano while John Dowling and Carl Smith will play their guitars!
Suggested donations of $5. For more information, please contact PAOPBC
President, Emily Gindlesperger, at vp2 at nfbp.org
Friday, April 19, 2024 from 7 PM to 9 PM ET via Zoom.
Capital Area Chapter Monthly Meeting
a monthly meeting for those who live in the Greater Harrisburg area. This
meeting is typically held on the 3rd Saturday of the month. For More
Information, please contact Chapter President Jason Polanski at
jaedpo96 at gmail.com
Saturday, April 20, 2024 at 10 AM ET.
Tony Morrero’s (1723 Green Street, Harrisburg, PA 17102)
Greater Berks Chapter Monthly Meeting
A monthly meeting for those who live in the Greater Berks County of
Pennsylvania This meeting is typically held on the 3rd Saturday of the
month. For more information, please contact Chapter President Brian Mackey
at bmackey88 at gmail.com
Saturday, April 20, 2024 at 10 AM ET.
West Lawn Wyomissing Hills Library (101 Woodside Avenue, West Lawn, PA
19609)
Erie County Chapter Monthly Meeting
a monthly meeting for those who live in Erie County Pennsylvania. This
meeting is typically held on the 3rd Saturday of the month. For more
information, please contact Connie Scheu at conniej1250 at gmail.com
Saturday, April 20, 2024 at 2 PM ET via Zoom.
Blind Parents Group Monthly Meeting
a monthly meeting for blind parents, grandparents, and their supporters
This meeting is typically held on the 3rd Saturday of the month. For more
information, please contact Group Chair Stacie Leap at Stacie.leap at gmail.com
Saturday, April 20, 2024 at 7 PM ET via Zoom.
Pennsylvania Association of Blind Students (PABS) Monthly Meeting
a monthly meeting for blind students of all ages and their supporters. This
meeting is typically held on the 4th Monday of the month. For more
information, please contact Division President Simon Bonenfant at
sbonenfant2 at gmail.com
Monday, April 22, 2024 at 7 PM ET via Zoom.
Blind Seniors Group Monthly Meeting
a monthly meeting for those who are seniors or almost seniors as well as
their supporters. This meeting is typically held on the 4th Wednesday of
the month. For more information, please contact Group Chair Connie Scheu at
conniej1250 at gmail.com
Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at 7:30 PM ET via Zoom.
Brandywine Valley Chapter Monthly Meeting
a monthly meeting for those who live in the Brandywine Valley area of PA.
This meeting is typically held on the 4th Saturday of the month. For more
information, please contact Chapter President Lynn Heitz at
president at nfbofpa.org
Saturday, April 27, 2024 at 10 AM ET
Greater Philadelphia Chapter Monthly Meeting
a monthly meeting for those who live in the Greater Philadelphia area. This
is one of two local chapters in the Greater Philadelphia area. The other
chapter is the Keystone Chapter. This meeting is typically held on the 4th
Saturday of the month. For more information, please contact Chapter
President Denice Brown at dbrown8827 at aol.com
Saturday, April 27, 2024 at 10 AM ET
Park Towers Apartment (4001 Conshohocken Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19131)
Pennsylvania Association of Guide Dog Users (PAGDU) Monthly Meeting
a monthly meeting for those who have or are considering getting a guide dog
as well as their supporters. This meeting is typically held on the 4th
Saturday of the month. For more information, please contact Division
President Becca Weber at weberbecca630 at gmail.com
Saturday, April 27, 2024 at 4 pm ET via Zoom.
White Canes Connect Podcast
Did you know that the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania has
a podcast? It is hosted by members David Goldstein and Lisa Bryant as well
as some guest hosts. It features interviews with our PA members as well as
interviews and resources for the blind community. The monthly digest is
also on the podcast for those who wish to hear a human’s voice instead of a
screen reader. You can listen to it wherever you listen to podcasts.
Listen on Apple Podcasts
<https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/white-canes-connect/id1592248709>,
Spotify <https://open.spotify.com/show/1YDQSJqpoteGb1UMPwRSuI>, Amazon Music
<https://www.amazon.com/White-Canes-Connect/dp/B08K5B6683/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=white+canes+connect&qid=1636149501&qsid=139-0343126-3565115&s=audible&sr=1-1&sres=B08K5B6683,B07P88N4RS,B008U2QT28,B00MFS7BT8&srpt=WALKING_STICK>
, IHeartRadio
<https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-white-canes-connect-89603482/>,
and on Twitter
@PABlindPodcast <https://www.twitter.com/pablindpodcast>. Contact White
Canes Connect at whitecanesconnect at gmail.com if you have any show ideas or
wish to be on the podcast.
2024 State Leadership Seminar – Recap
Our NFB of PA’s Leadership Seminar took place from Friday, March 8 until
Sunday, March 10, 2024 in State College, PA. Leaders from our state
affiliate came together and finetune their leadership skills, collaborate
on state-wide committees and initiatives, and build the National Federation
of the Blind. We had over 20 people in attendance and split up into the
following state-wide committees: Fundraising, Finance, Outreach,
Technology, and Membership. The following people were appointed as
committee chairs:
Finance: Emily Gindlesperger
Fundraising: Emily Gindlesperger
Membership: Denice Brown
Outreach: Michelle McManus
Technology: David Goldstein
We would like to extend our congratulations and gratitude to the
above-mentioned individuals for stepping up and taking further leadership
roles in strengthening our PA State Affiliate!
For more information about the Leadership Seminar or about the newly formed
state-wide committees, please contact State President Lynn Heitz at
president at nfbofpa.org
State Convention 2024
The 2024 Convention of the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania
will be held November 7 through 10, 2024, at the Ambassador Banquet &
Conference Center in Erie, PA.
Ambassador Banquet & Conference Center
7794 Peach Street
Erie, PA 16509
Hotel Information
Although registration is not up, you can still book your hotel stay!
You can choose your hotel room at four different locations:
1. Hilton Garden Inn Erie
2225 Downs Drive
Erie, PA 16509
(814) 866-1390
Room Rate: $109.00 plus tax
2. Courtyard Erie
7792 Peach Street
Erie, PA 16509
(814) 860-8300
Room Rate: $109.00 plus tax
3. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Erie
8101 Peach Street
Erie, PA 16509
(814) 217-1100
Room Rate: $99.00 plus tax
4. Country Inn & Suites Erie
8050 Peach Street
Erie, PA 16509
(814) 866-5544
Room Rate: $99.00 plus tax
Charter Bus to State Convention
There will be a charter bus picking up convention attendees and take them
to the State Convention in Erie, PA. The bus route will start in
Philadelphia and travel to Allentown and State College before heading to
Erie. The bus will leave early Wednesday morning to head to the convention
and will leave Sunday afternoon to return home. A nonrefundable deposit of
$25 is required for all who wants to take the bus. This deposit needs to
be made to your chapter or division treasurer by May 1, 2024. More
information on full price of the tickets will be made available as
information is received.
Diabetes Action Network: Knowledge is Sweet Seminar
Dates: April 26 - 27, 2024
Location: Hilton Airport - St. Louis MO
Registration Form (PDF): https://nfbmo.org/filedepot_download/249/190
Questions?
Contact: Debbie Wunder (President) at debbiewunder at charter.net or Call or
Text: 537-268-6989
Shout-Outs and Announcements! Birthday Wishes
The National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania would like to wish all
those who were born in April a very happy birthday!
Thank You Brian Mackey – resignation as NFB of PA’s Treasurer
On Friday, March 8, 2024, during our 2024 State Leadership Seminar, Brian
Mackey stepped down as our State Treasurer. He has been treasurer of our
affiliate since 2019. We would like to thank him tremendously for all his
hard work and dedication as our affiliate treasurer. Brian is not stepping
away from our state affiliate though! He will be working on revitalizing
the Greater Berks Chapter as their newly elected President!
Congratulations to Michelle Bernetskie, Interim State Treasurer
As mentioned above, Brian Mackey stepped down and the State Board of
Directors has appointed Michelle Bernetskie as the Interim Treasurer. She
will remain our Treasurer until our elections at the State Convention in
November 2024. We would like to congratulate Michelle in her new role!
Welcome to the State Board of Directors!
Good Luck to Denice Brown & Kim Stanley – Hot Chocolate Walk/Run
Grater Philadelphia Chapter President Denice Brown and member Kim Stanley
will be participating at the Hot Chocolate Walk/Run
<https://venturesendurance.enmotive.com/events/register/2024-hot-chocolate-run-philadelphia>
in Philadelphia, PA. They will be doing a 5K route on Saturday, April 6,
2024. We wish them good luck, strength, and endurance during this event!
Fundraisers I Love This Bar: Piano Versus Guitar!: Piano Bar 2024
Sit back, relax, and listen to music performed at the annual Piano Bar
fundraiser by supporters of our Pennsylvania Organization of Parents of
Blind Children. Angelina Angelcyk and Eddie Salcido will show off their
skills via piano while John Dowling and Carl Smith will play their guitars!
Suggested donations of $5. For more information, please contact PAOPBC
President, Emily Gindlesperger, at vp2 at nfbp.org
Title: I Love This Bar! Piano versus Guitar!
Date: Friday, April 19, 2024
Time: 7 PM - 9 PM ET
Location: Zoom
Price: Suggested donation $5
the Piano Bar Registration
<https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=X4UVB3TLWL8WJ> deadline is
April 15, 2024. Hurry and get your tickets ASAP!
Greater Philly Chapter’s Bake Sale & Auction
The bake sales are back! Indulge in your sweet tooth cravings! Purchase
baked goods from the Greater Philadelphia Chapter at their bake sale in
Philadelphia! As you feast on the delicious goodies, bid on some items at
our auction! This
Date: Friday, April 5, 2024
Time: 1 PM to 4 PM ET
Location: Park Towers Apartment, 4001 Conshohocken Avenue, Community Room,
Philadelphia, PA 19131.
Blind Parents Group T-Shirts Fundraiser
The t-shirts come in either black with white letterings or white with black
letterings. Both shirts say “I Support #BlindParents” with the NFB of PA
Logo and “Blind Parents Group” at the bottom. Funds raised will start a
financial fund to assist blind or visually impaired parents and their
family through financial life hardships. To purchase a t-shirt, please
contact Stacie Leap at nfb.stacie at gmail.com
Braille Carnival Event for Saint Lucy School for Children with Visual
Impairments
The Keystone Chapter will be hosting a Braille Carnival for the students at
Saint Lucy School for Children with Visual Impairments. The event will take
place on Friday, April 19, 2024 in Philadelphia, PA. For more information,
please contact Chapter President Harriet Go at goharriet00 at hotmail.com
Keystone Chapter T-Shirts
The Keystone Chapter is planning to sell their 2024 t-shirts! IT is a red
t-shirt with the NFB of PA’s Keystone Chapter logo. T-shirts prices are the
following: small to XL are $20 and sizes 2XL to 4XL are $25. For more
information, please contact Keystone Chapter Treasurer David Goldstein at
david at icantcu.com
Dancing in the Dark! Dancing in the Light!
The Greater Lehigh Chapter joyously invite you to a night of dancing, fun,
and enlightenment! Attend their 5th Annual Fundraiser, "Dancing in the
Dark, Dancing in the Light"
Date: Friday, October 11, 2024
Cocktails begin at 5PM
Location: Bethlehem Hotel (437 Main Street, Bethlehem, PA)
Price: $85
For more information, please contact Jennie Jones at (908) 391-8375
Panera Bread Fundraiser – hosted by the Capital Chapter
The Capital Chapter has $25 gift cards from Panera Bread for sale. Funds
raised will benefit the chapter in logistical and outreach efforts. For
more information, please contact Chapter President, Jason Polanski at
jaedpo96 at gmail.com
Other External Events
The below events are not a part of the National Federation of the Blind or
the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania; however, we feel that
it might benefit the Pennsylvania blind community. If you have an event
that you want to add to this newsletter, please send it to Stacie Leap at
nfb.stacie at gmail.com by the 27th of the month so it can be placed in the
following month’s digest.
Community Conversation: Pedestrian Safety and Traffic Signaling with the
Streets Department and the Mayor’s Commission on People with Disabilities
Monday April 22, 2024
11am-12pm via Zoom
Please join members of the City of Philadelphia’s Mayor's Commission on
People with Disabilities and leaders from our Streets Department for a
Community Conversation on Pedestrian Safety and Traffic Signaling. There
will be a time for residents to provide feedback and comments related to
pedestrian safety during the event.
ASL and automatic captions will be provided, if you require additional
reasonable ADA accommodations, please email Khalia.Jackson at phila.gov by
April 15, 2024.
Register for the Community Conversation: Pedestrian Safety
<https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAoceCoqDMoH92PwGCBbYzV6BngEA-VLlsB?mc_cid=b9005c3d39&mc_eid=bf56a86ce3#/registration>
Support Quitrina Townes at the Walk MS Philadelphia
Greater Philadelphia Chapter Board Member Quitrina Townes has formed a team
for the Walk MS Philadelphia! The event will be on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at
the Art Museum. If you are available, please join her team, “Team Trina”,
and support by walking with her and other people! Register for the Walk
MS Philadelphia
<https://events.nationalmssociety.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.event&eventID=1820>
ASAP!
Luncheon at Pera Turkish Cuisine - Blind Social Club
The Blind Social Club is a group for blind and visually impaired adults to
come together to socialize with their peers and engage in various
activities (socials) in Philadelphia. Our social for April will be lunch at
Pera Turkish Cuisine located at 944 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
19123, where we will "discover new tastes and inspired recipes from Turkey
cuisine." We will meet on Wednesday, April 24 at 12:00pm. If you would like
to attend, please RSVP by Friday, April 19, 2024 at 5:00pm. To RSVP or for
more information, please contact Simone at blindsocialclub at gmail.com or
215-868-4292. Restaurant Menu Link: https://peraphiladelphia.com/menu/
Hire Musicians LLC Presents: Simon’s and Jeremy’s Jazz Extravaganza!
Our Pennsylvania Association of Blind Students (PABS) President Simon
Bonenfant will be performing jazz music on Thursday, April 11, 2024! This
event is sold out on EventBrite so unfortunately, if you could not secure a
ticket, you will miss out! Fortunately though, Simon will be performing at
a sold out event! Congratulations and good luck at the event!
Prevention Meets Fashion - Denim Day Event
Date: Saturday,
Time: 1 PM - 3PM
Location: TBD
About the event:
Come out to decorate denim patches for Sexual Assault Awareness Month
(SAAM) and Denim Day to have a collective discussion on what Denim Day and
SAAM means to you. This is a safe, affirming event where our goal is to
destigmatize these types of conversations and to hear from communities such
as Black, Indigenous, people of color communities, LGBTQ+, non-binary, and
disabled communities. Far too often these communities get left out of the
conversation about sexual assault and violence.
About Denim Day:
Denim Day started with a 1992 Italian Supreme Court ruling. An 18 year old
girl was raped by her 45 year old driving instructor. When this case was
brought to the court, it was overturned by the justices because the 18 year
old girl’s jeans were too tight for the 45 year old rapist to take off
himself. The justices believed this meant the girl had to help him take her
jeans off, implying consent. The following day, the women in the Italian
Parliament came to work in jeans in solidarity. This gained attention in
other countries, including the United States. Now Denim Day is recognized
on the last Wednesday of April every year where people wear denim clothing
to raise awareness on sexual assault and violence.
The event is FREE but registration
<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdLyZZkCIBLG9FBDKiGab6NH7F7PzJ1xNdQfzcxHXVxLCq8Jg/viewform>
is required.
Faith and Spiritual Affairs 17th Annual Conference: “RI\SING ABOVE:
Empowering Youth to Heal from Trauma and Violence”
Thursday, April 25, 2024
8AM to 4PM
DoubleTree Hotel (237 S Broad Street, Phila PA 19107)
Registration
<https://www.bhten.com/faith-and-spiritual-affairs-17th-annual-conference-rising-above-empowering-youth-to-heal-from-trauma-and-violence-doubletree-by-hilton-hotel-philadelphia-center-city-thursday-apri/>
ends April 18, 2024
3rd Annual Women’s Business Expo
Join Collaboration Over Competition for their 3rd Annual Women's Business
Expo! Featuring amazing vendors, great conversation, dynamic speakers and
round table facilitators, music, incredible networking opportunities, food,
raffle baskets, giveaways and so much more!
Date: Saturday, July 27, 2024
Time: 12 PM - 4 PM ET
Location: Montgomery Mall, 2nd level (230 Montgomery Mall, North Wales, PA
19454)
RSVP for the Women's Business Expo
<https://www.collabovercomp.org/event-details/3rd-annual-womens-business-expo-secure-the-bag-sis>
The Seven Wonders of the World: Purple House Project PA's GALA 2024
Christine Brunson, a member of the Greater Philadelphia Chapter, is
celebrating 7 years of her non-profit, Purple House Project PA!!!!
Purple House Project is Celebrating 7 years of Strengthening, Empowering
and Transitioning individuals impacted by Intimate Partner Violence. This
event will allow us to continue to bring awareness to these issues in the
community, as well as support the healing process, eliminate barriers, and
celebrate the journey. Come Celebrate with Us!!!
Date: Saturday, August 17, 2024,
Time: 5 PM to 9 PM ET
Location: Discovery Center (3401 Reservoir Dr, Philadelphia, PA 19121)
Early Bird Prices End April 30, 2024.
Individual Ticket, Early Bird: $77
Individual Ticket, after April 30: $100
Couples Ticket, Early Bird: $140
Couples Ticket, after April 30: $180
Table of 8, Early Bird: $550
Table of 8, after April 30: $700
Purchase your tickets to the Purple House Project PA’s Gala
<https://www.purplehouseprojectpa.org/event-details/purple-house-project-gala-2024>
now!
Heart To Home - House Warming Baskets
Heart To Home, a 501(c)3 organization, offers house warming baskets for
individuals newly housed in the last six months, have a housing voucher, or
is considered low-income. House Warming Baskets may include pots and pans,
other small kitchen essentials, bathroom essentials such as towels, shower
racks, cleaning products, small decors, blankets, etc. Referrals can be
accepted by reaching out to Marielle at 215-437-3368. Heart To Home also
accepts gently used household essentials for donations towards house
warming baskets.
Introductory Level Ballet Classes
Dark Room Ballet is offering free Saturday Introductory Level Classes for
individuals with no ballet experience. The class introduces students to
necessary anatomical concepts like turnout, torso stability, foot
sensitivity and mobility, sightless balancing, and the use of a taped floor
for orientation. To register and learn more about this class and other
offerings from Dark Room Ballet, call 929-367-0025 or email
info at darkroomballet.com
Accessible Pharmacy Services Diabetes Prevention Program
This program is fully funded by insurance. Past clients lowered their risk
of developing type 2 diabetes by 58% after completing this one-year
program. For questions and to sign up, contact Lifestyle Coaches Lynn Heitz
at 215-208-7582 or Mary Ann Grignon at 570-807-1276, or email
info at AccessiblePharmacy.com
Philadelphia Blind Hockey
Our program is completely free. We are a USA Hockey sanctioned, nationally
recognized program.
Whether you have never ice skated before or you are the next Future NHL
player, we have the opportunity waiting for you!
Philadelphia Blind Hockey works to ensure that every individual who is
blind or partially sighted has the opportunity to participate in the
parasport of Blind Hockey.
For more information, please check out their website:
https://www.philadelphiablindhockey.com/
National Convention
Our national convention is coming up in July! It will take place from July
3 until July 8, 2024 in Orlando, Florida. For more information on all
things convention related, please visit www.nfb.org/convention
Registration opened March 1, 2024. Registration fees are $25 and the
banquet tickets are $75.
To register for the convention, please visit www.nfb.org/registration
Kid Camp at National Convention
NFB Camp is a childcare option offered during our national convention for
children ages six weeks to twelve-years-old, both blind and sighted. On the Kid
Camp website <https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/nfb-camp>,
you can find out the schedule, register your child, and pay for the camp.
Kenneth Jernigan Scholarship for First-Time National Convention Attendees
The Kenneth Jernigan Convention Scholarship provides funding support to
National Federation of the Blind members who want to attend a national
convention for the first time. The deadline to apply is April 15, 2024. To
find out eligibility requirements, deadlines, and how to apply, please
visit the Kenneth Jernigan Scholarship Website
<https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/kenneth-jernigan-convention-scholarship>.
National Federation of the Blind Convention Ally Network
Please complete the form
<https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/convention-ally-network>
to request support from the Convention Ally Network or to volunteer as an
ally during the 2024 National Convention of the National Federation of the
Blind. The goal of this network is to help to facilitate participation in
the convention and to ensure support for someone who is fearful of
harassment or discrimination.
The National Federation of the Blind is committed to fostering inclusion
and providing opportunity for members, prospective members, friends,
supporters, and anyone interested in our community to attend our National
Convention. Prominent civil rights organizations representing marginalized
groups, including racial minorities, immigrants, and the LGBTQ+ community,
issued travel advisories in 2023 for the state of Florida because of
recently enacted laws and policies that affect these groups and,
consequently, affect our members as well. While we could not move the 2024
National Convention, we are organizing the Convention Ally Network to aid
people who plan to attend convention and who would like to request support.
Please note this network does not include financial assistance.
An ally is a person who is informed and understanding of diverse,
marginalized identities; affirms their experience and rights; and chooses
to challenge discrimination. This network will include:
Training and virtual planning meetings prior to convention for allies and
community members.
Coordination between allies and community members during the week of
National Convention (July 3 to July 8) that may include accompaniment from
the airport to the convention venue and back to the airport. Specific
activities will be determined upon review of needs and requests.
This network is not intended to replace the communications and connections
attendees should have with leaders, affiliates, divisions, and groups
regarding the national convention.
NAGDU Convention Sponsorship for Guide Dog Users
The National Association of Guide Dog Users Convention Sponsorship
<https://www.nagdu.org/sponsorship> provides funding support to assist
guide dog users who want to attend the NFB national convention in person.
This year, NAGDU is sponsoring two guide dog users with $500 each to assist
with the costs of attending the NFB national convention.
23RD Annual Rehabilitation and Orientation & Mobility Conference
July 3, 2024
Rosen Centre | Orlando, Florida
Come participate in the only national conference focused on Structured
Discovery teaching and education for the blind. Presentations and breakout
sessions will cover the following:
* Learn about the various professional certifications,
partnerships,
and opportunities offered by the NBPCB.
* Explore the fundamentals of technology and how they might be
implemented in Structured Discovery teaching.
* Share ideas and network in multiple rehabilitation
disciplines,
including Braille, home management, cane travel, and assistive technology.
* More topics and agenda items to come!
Registration opens April 1st, 2024
Registration is $100 before June 15, $115 after that date.
NFB Pledge
I pledge to participate actively in the efforts 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.
NFB Message
The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the
characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the
expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles
between blind people and our dreams.
Many thanks to everybody for all they do within the Federation!
Thanks!
the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania team
www.nfbofpa.org
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