[Nfbf-l] Florida's own Braille coin launch

[Judith Hamilton]

Sherrill:

What are they going to do with the coin?  Since it is pretty pricey, and
Florida has ethics laws on "gifts."  Will it be displayed publicly? or
"shared" amongst the respective Vision Caucus staffs?

Judy




> [Original Message]
> From: Sherrill O'Brien <sherrill.obrien at verizon.net>
> To: NFBFL <nfbf-l at nfbnet.org>
> Date: 3/28/2009 6:19:37 PM
> Subject: [Nfbf-l] Florida's own Braille coin launch
>
> Hello all,
>
> I realize many of you already know about our Tallahassee ceremony to
> celebrate the launching of the Louis Braille coin, but for those of you on
> the list who weren't there, I just wanted to tell you that we did our part
> at the Tallahassee Seminar to publicize the beautiful and unique coin and
> its mission to raise money to fund Nfb literacy programs.  We were several
> times thwarted in our efforts but certainly not defeated!
>
> When we were unable to procure a gubernatorial proclamation, since  the
> Dept. of Education had already obtained one  proclaiming Jan. as Braille
> Literacy Month, we decided to present a Louis Braille coin to Kurt Kelly,
> who is head of Florida's Vision Caucus.  Kristi Bowman at the National
> office actually had one shipped overnight to our Wingate Hotel in
> Tallahassee!  We also were sent press kits in the same manner.  Sabrina
> Deaton contacted the press, and the local ABC station came out to do an
> interview with both her and Betty McNally,  focusing on the issues we were
> taking to our legislators.
>
> Only a couple hours before we were to make the presentation to Rep. Kelly,
> his office called to say he was very sick with a fever and had to leave. 
So
> at the last minute we were able to contact Rep. Frishe, another member of
> the Vision Caucus, who is a representative from Pinellas County.  He
> graciously stepped in and accepted the coin on behalf of Rep. Kelly.  This
> took place in Rep. Kelly's office.  Many of our members came for the
> presentation.  I read a statement telling why Braille is important, and
why
> it is urgent that action be taken to raise the literacy level of our blind
> children, and also the Braille competency of their teachers.
>
> The local ABC newscast did a brief story on all this during the 11:00 P.M.
> news.  NPR was represented at our ceremony, but I haven't as yet found any
> coverage.  One reason for this may be that they were diligent in covering
> the news about the coin when it was unveiled last summer at our National
> convention.
>
> We presented this coin only hours after the coin launch in Baltimore!
> Unfortunately, we didn't get to pass it around, since we were sent a
"proof"
> the serious collecttors' coin which isn't supposed to be handled.
>
> Both Rep. Frishe, and Rep. Kelly's staff were very touched by our
> thoughtfulness.
>
> I haven't as yet ordered a coin, but I intend to do it soon.  I sent
> information out earlier this week to you about pricing and ordering. 
These
> coins will sure make memorable birthday or Christmas presents.  I'll stop
> the commercial now and go back to listening to the basketball game.
>
> Sherrill
>
>
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