[Nfbf-l] final, final copy of 2018 agenda

[Miranda Kilby]

Greetings Federation family,
I apologize for sending out the wrong copy. Pasted below and attached is our final copy. Thanks
 

 
​
 
2018 STATE CONVENTION 
​
 
Friday through Monday, May 25 - 28, 2018
 
 
Hilton Tampa Airport Westshore
2225 North Lois Avenue
Tampa, F
Florida 33607
Phone: 813-877-6688
 
 
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.

 Important Convention Information
 
You must be registered for the Convention to WIN door prizes and to qualify for the hotel’s special convention rates!
 
Door prizes will be awarded at general sessions and at the banquet. You must be PRESENT in the session or on approved National Federation of the Blind of Florida business to receive a door prize.
 
Please turn in auction baskets and door prizes at the NFB of Florida Registration Desk in the Pre-function Foyer Friday, May 26th from 4:30 – 6:00 pm.
 
Exhibit Hall – Bay Shore Ballroom
Rafael Fernandez, Coordinator
Hours of operation:
Friday, May 26th: 5:00 to 10:00 pm
Saturday, May 27th: 12 Noon to 6:00 pm
Sunday, May 28th: 12:00 Noon to 5:00 pm
Please Note: This agenda is subject to change at any time without notice.

Schedule of Convention Events
Friday, May 25th
 
4:00 pm to 6:30 pm​NFB of Florida Convention Registration
​Pre-function Foyer
​Gloria Mills Hicks, Treasurer, NFB ​ofFlorida
 
6:00 pm to 10:00 pm ​Meet and Greet 
​Gasparilla Ballrooms 3 and 4 
​Come and meet Federationist you know and those you don’t know.
 
5:00 pm to 10:00 pm ​Exhibit Hall 
​Bay Shore Ballroom 
 
6 PM to 7 PM​Blind Parents Meet and Greet
​Room 112, Hospitality Room
​Facilitator: Nicole Fincham-Shehan, Coordinator, NFBF of Blind Parents
​Are you a blind parent? Come and meet and share ideas with other blind parents across the state of Florida.
 
 


7:00 pm to 7:50 pm ​NFB of Florida Resolutions Committee
​Gasparilla Ballrooms 1 and 2  
​Merry Schoch and Camille Tate, Co-Chairs, NFB of Florida Resolutions Committee
 
8:00 pm to 9:00 pm ​NFB of Florida Board Meeting 
​Gasparilla Ballrooms 1 and 2  
​Denise Valkema, President, NFB of Florida 
​Join us for our open board meeting andmeet our NFB OF Florida 2018 Scholarship Winners!
 
9:00 pm to 10:00 pm​Mingle with the State Affiliate
​Gasparilla Ballrooms 3 and 4 
​Come and meet the Board of Directors of the National Federation of the Blind of Florida. 
 
10:00 PM to 11:00 PM​Student Social 
​Room 112, Hospitality Room
​Come and mingle with students from allover Florida. 
 
 
 
​​

Saturday, May 26th
 
7:00 am to 8:30 am ​NFB of Florida 2018 Scholarship Breakfast 
​Gasparilla Ballroom 4 
​Facilitator: Paul Martinez, Chair, NFB of Florida Scholarship Committee
​NFB of Florida Scholarship Committee and 2018 Scholarship WINNERS ONLY
 
8:00 am to 8:55 am ​NFB of Florida Convention Registration 
​Pre-Function Foyer
​Gloria Mills Hicks, Treasurer, NFB of Florida
 
General Session
9:00 am to 12:00 Noon
Gasparilla Ballrooms 1 and 2 
 
9:00 am​Call to Order 
​Denise Valkema, President, NFB of Florida 
 
9:05 am ​Invocation
​Lois Ann Sorensen, Master of Divinity Student at Luther Seminary, Parish Deacon, Grace Lutheran Church, Tampa


9:10 am ​NFB Pledge and the Pledge of Allegiance
​Carol Dean, Secretary, Suncoast Chapter
​Scott Wilson, Treasurer, Suncoast Chapter 
 
9:15 am ​Official Greeting
​Presentation of Proclamation 
​Honorable Luis Viera,
​Chair, Pro-Tem, Tampa City Council
 
9:20 am​Roll Call of Chapters 
​NFB of Florida Chapter Presidents or delegates 
 
9:30 am ​President's Report 
​Denise Valkema, President, NFB of Florida
 
9:50 am ​Report from our National Movement
​Pam Allen, First Vice President, National Federation of the Blind, President, NFB of Louisiana
 
10:20 am ​Florida parents of Blind Children  
​Cherice Togun, President, Florida Parents of Blind Children 
 


10:25 am ​Climbing motherhood as a Blind Parent
​Nicole Fincham-Shehan, coordinator, NFB of Florida Blind Parents Group
 
10:30 am ​“I have the Fever” 
​Alicia Kilby, Vice president, SuncoastChapter ​
 
10:35 am ​Braille and Talking Book Library
​James Woolyhand, Bureau Chief, Florida Braille and Talking Book Library
 
10:50 am ​Preparing for a storm
​Marcus Martin, Division Director, Emergency Preparedness and Recovery, Hillsborough County Emergency Management 
 
11:10 AM​U.S. Senator Report
​Marco Rubio, United States Senator, Florida
 
11:30 am ​Spotlight on Adaptive Technology 
​Exhibitor’s Showcase 2017! 
 
11:55 am ​Announcements
 
12:00 noon​Adjourn


12:00 noon to 1:00 pm​Lunch Break 
 
 
12:00 noon to 12:50 pm​NFB of Florida Convention Registration 
​Pre-function foyer  
​Gloria Mills Hicks, Treasurer, NFB of Florida
 
12:00 noon to 6:00 pm​Exhibit Hall 
​Bay Shore Ballroom 
 
12:15 pm to 6:00 pm​Hospitality 
​Room 112
 
12:00 noon to 12:50 pm ​Chapter and Division Secretaries Working Lunch 
​Tampa Bay Room
​Facilitator: Sylvia Young, Secretary, NFB of Florida
 
 
 
​​

Saturday General Interest Seminars
1:00 pm to 4:50 pm
 
1:00 pm to 2:50 pm​NFB of Florida Deaf-Blind Division Meeting
​Gasparilla Ballrooms 1 and 2 
​Emily Taylor-Snell, Deaf Blind Project Coordinator, Florida and Virgin Islands Deaf Blind Collaborative  
Come and learn some of the best resources for deaf-blind persons in Florida and abroad;what are the best practices for communicating as a deaf blind person;socialization vs. isolation, and so much more! 
Alicia Betancourt, President, Florida Deaf Blind Division
Florida Deaf Blind Division business meeting and elections.
 
1:00 PM to 1:45 PM​Legislation Committee
​Gasparilla Ballroom 4 
​Merry Schoch and Camille Tate, Co-Chairs, NFB of Florida Legislation Committee
Join us for updates on our National and State legislative priorities. Learn about our future goals as an affiliate.
 
2:05 PM to 2:50 PM​Come Relief the Tension of Convention 
​Gasparilla Ballroom 4
​Merry Schoch, License Clinical Social worker, Ray of Sunshine Empowerment Services LLC

Come learn ways to reduce stress and anxiety. The first 25 people through the door will receive a free therapeutic gift sponsored by Merry Schoch.
 
1:10 pm to 1:45 pm​Apple Tips and Tricks
​Gasparilla Ballroom 3
​Rafael Fernandez, Board member, NFB of Florida 
The wonderful thing about technology is, it’s always evolving. Join us in a brief showcase of iOS, learn the newest features along with a short Q and A regarding the platform. 
 
2:05 pm to 2:50 pm​Appetizing APPS
​Gasparilla Ballroom 3
​Scott Wilson, Treasurer, Suncoast Chapter
We will be showcasing and demonstrating apps that are voice over friendly. Vorail, a voice only social media, several new GPS apps, and a little bit more for everyone, even the gamer in you.
3:10 pm to 4:50 pm​Staying Safe in the Storm! Timely Tips for you and your Dog.
​Florida Association of Guide Dog Users
​Gasparilla Ballroom 4
​Marcus Martin, MS, Division Director Emergency Preparedness and Recovery Hillsborough County Office of Emergency Management


Do you want crucial advice for keeping you and your dog safe this hurricane season? Interested in accurate information on flying with your guide dog? Curious about the latest from some guide dog schools and possibly winning a cash prize? It’s all happening at the FLAGDU seminar.
Sherrill O’Brien, President, Florida Association of Guide Dog Users
Florida Association of Guide Dog Users Annual Meeting 
 
3:10 pm to 3:50 pm​Senior Concerns Group
​Gasparilla Ballroom 3
​Gloria Mills Hicks, Chair, NFB of Florida Seniors Concerns Group 
Come one, come all! We are open to all ages. We will be discussing technology and some time to stretch and exercise.
 
4:05 pm to 4:50 pm​Become a Power User with Windows 10 and JAWS 2018
​Gasparilla Ballroom 3
​Jorge Hernandez, Board Member, NFB of Florida
Come and take a peek at JAWS 2018 and Windows 10 enhanced features. An intuitive session to assist you in navigating Windows 10, browsing techniques and JAWS 2018 commands. 
 
 
 
5:00 pm to 7:00 pm​​Dinner - On Your Own

7:00 pm to 10:00 pm ​We are Family Trivia Party and Auction 
​Gasparilla Ballroom 
​Steve Blum, Host
Come and interact with your federation family with a fun game of Trivia. In addition, tickets for the auction will be sold at the beginning of the party, and this will be your last chance to win one of our amazing baskets. There will be a cash bar at this event.
 

Sunday, May 27th
 
 
7:30 AM to 8:30 AM​Presidents and Vice Presidents meeting
​Gasparilla Ballroom 4
 
8:00 am to 8:50 am ​Registration (Final Opportunity!)​
​Pre-function foyer
​Gloria Mills Hicks, Treasurer, NFB of Florida 
 
General Session
9:00 am to 12:00 noon
Gasparilla Ballrooms 1 and 2 
 
9:00 am ​Call to Order 
​Denise Valkema, President, NFB ofFlorida 
 
9:05 am ​Invocation  
​James Johnson, Member, Florida State Wide Chapter
9:10 am ​Florida Association of Guide Dog Users Report 
​Sherrill O’Brien, President, Florida Association of Guide Dog users 


9:15 AM​Guide Dog Uber Project Report
​Merry Schoch, Chair, Uber Project 
 
9:20 am ​Rehabilitation Center Update 
​Ed Hudson, Bureau Chief, Florida Division of Blind Services Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired
 
9:35 am ​Deaf-Blind Division Report 
​Newly Elected FDBD Board Members
 
9:40 am ​Legislation Update 
​Merry Schoch and Camille Tate, Co-Chairs, NFB of Florida Legislation Committee 
 
9:50 am ​Why I am a Federationist
​Jeanette Torres, Board Member, Tampa Bay Chapter
 
10:00 am ​NFB Training Center 
​Pam Allen, Director, NFB Louisiana Center for the Blind 
 
10:15 am ​Division of Blind Services Report 
​Robert Doyle, Director, Florida Division of Blind Services ​


10:35 am ​Ring, Ring its BELL Time 
​Kimberly Banks, Coordinator, NFB of Florida Braille Enrichment for Literacy and Learning 
 
10:45 am ​“How I Slam it”
​Alyssa Mendez, Prior Youth Slam Attendee
10:50 am ​NFB-Newsline® Report 
​Russ Davis, Chair, NFB of Florida Newsline® 
 
10:55 am ​NFB-Newsline® Marketer Report
​Sherri Brun, Marketer, and NFB of Florida Newsline®
 
11:00 am ​“It Takes a Village to Transform Dreams into Reality and FIMC-VI is in Your Village”
​Kay Ratzlaff, Supervisor, Florida Instructional Materials Center for the Visually Impaired.
 
11:15 AM​PAC Plan Report 
​Jorge Hernandez, Chair, NFB of Florida PAC Plan Committee
 


11:20 AM​Fundraising Report 
​Paul Martinez, Chair, NFB of Florida Fund Raising Committee
 
11:25 AM​NFB of Florida Committee to Empower Underserve Populations Report 
​Marilyn Baldwin, Chair, Committee to Empower Underserved Populations
 
11:30 am ​KNFB Reader Update 
​Jorge Hernandez, KNFB Reader
 
11:35 am ​Communications Committee Update 
​Miranda Kilby, Chair, NFB of Florida 
 
11:40 am ​Announcements
 
11:45 am ​Adjournment 
 
12:00 noon to 1:00 pm​Lunch Break 
 
12:00 noon to 12:50 pm ​Chapter and Division Treasurers Working Lunch 
​Tampa Bay Room
​Facilitator: Gloria Mills Hicks, Treasurer, NFB of Florida 
 


12:00 noon to 5:00 pm​Exhibit Hall 
​Final Opportunity!​​​
​Bay Shore Ballroom
 
 
Sunday General Interest Seminars 
1:00 pm to 4:50 pm 
 
1:00 pm to 2:45 pm​"Independence Starts in the Home" Florida Parents of Blind Children  
​Gasparilla Ballroom 4
​Pam Allen, Executive Director, Louisiana Center for the Blind, First Vice President, National Federation of the Blind
​Kay Ratzlaff, Supervisor, Florida Instructional Materials Center for the Visually Impaired.
Come learn about the important components of the Expanded Core
Curriculum and how to plant seeds of independence in your child’s home and school environments to ensure our blind children grow into independent skillful blind adults.
 
1:00 pm to 2:45 PM​Know Before You Go 
​Gasparilla Ballrooms 1 and 2
​Facilitator: Nicole Fincham-Shehan, West Palm Beach Chapter 
Come and learn tips on being an informed paratransit user.

1:00 pm to 2:50 pm​NFB 101 
​Gasparilla Ballroom 3
​Facilitators: Kathy Davis, Past President, NFB of Florida and Dan Hicks, Immediate Past President, NFB of Florida  
Come and learn the history of the National Federation of the Blind.
 
3:10 PM to 3:45 PM​​NFB Book Club
​Gasparilla Ballroom 3
​Facilitator: Camille Tate, Board Member, NFB of Florida
Are you new to the National Federation of the Blind? Would you like to learn your NFB philosophy? Come and join our book club and discussion group. We will be going over the speech, “The Role of the Blind in a Democratic Society” by Dr. Jacobus Tenbroek. All speeches can be found at nfb.org.
 
4:05 PM to 4:50 PM​NFB-Newsline® 
​Gasparilla 3 Ballroom
​Facilitator: Russ Davis, Chair, NFB of Florida Newsline® 
Join us for a fun fill 101 on Newsline. Learn what’s new and how navigating is easy.  Not a subscriber? Get signed up for free, and have your questions answered. 


3:00 pm to 4:50 pm ​NFBF Committee to Empower Underserved Populations
​Gasparilla Ballroom 4
​Facilitator: Marilyn Baldwin, Chair, NFBF Committee to Empower Underserved Populations
Alicia Betancourt, RICSW, Senior Rehabilitation Specialist, Florida Division of Blind Services
The goal of this Seminar is to discuss the different types of mental health disabilities, and to help people locate resources for themselves or others living with mental illness including depression and opioid abuse. There will also be a short business meeting of the Empowerment committee.
 
 
 

Convention Banquet
7:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Gasparilla Ballroom
 
 
7:00 pm ​Call to Order and Remarks 
​Denise Valkema, President, NFB of Florida  
 
7:05 pm ​Welcome and Introductions
​Lauren Blum, Master of Ceremonies
 
7:10 pm​Invocation 
​James E. Young, Board Member, Tallahassee Chapter
 
7:15 pm​Introduction of Head Tables 
​Lauren Blum, Master of Ceremonies
 
7:30 pm​Keynote Address 
​Pam Allen, First vice President, National Federation of the Blind, President, NFB of Louisiana 
 
8:20 pm ​Presentation of 2018 NFB of Florida Scholarship Winners
​Paul Martinez, Chair, NFB of Florida 2017 Scholarship Committee

8:50 pm ​Pledges, Presentations and Announcements 
 
9: 25 PM ​Special Recognition Awards
​Sylvia Young, Chair, Special Awards Committee
 
9:45 pm ​Adjournment

Monday, May 28th
 
7:00 am ​Nominating Committee  
​Tampa Bay Room 
​Delegates only
​Miranda Kilby, Chair, Nominating Committee
 
 
General Business Session
8:00 am to 11:00 am
Gasparilla Ballrooms 1 and 2
 
8:00 am ​Call to Order 
​Denise Valkema, President, NFB of Florida 
 
8:02 am ​Invocation 
​Marilyn Baldwin, Vice President, Central Florida Chapter
 
8:05 am ​Memorial Day Observance TBA
 
8:20 AM ​Treasurer’s Report ​
​Gloria Mills Hicks, Treasurer, NFB of Florida 
 


8:30 am ​Nominating Committee Report 
​Miranda Kilby, Chair, NFB of Florida Nominating Committee
 
8:35 am ​Elections 
​Denise Valkema, President, NFB of Florida 
 
9:55 am ​Resolutions Committee Report 
​Merry Schoch and Camille Tate, co-Chairs, Resolutions Committee
 
10:15 am ​Florida Association of Blind Students (FABS) Report 
​Newly Elected FABS Board Members
 
10:20 am ​Final Remarks 
​Pam Allen, First Vice President, National Federation of the Blind, President, NFB of Louisiana 
 
10:30 am ​Announcements
 
10:35 am ​Adjournment

National Federation of the Blind of Florida
Officers and Board of Directors

Denise Valkema, President
Paul Martinez, First Vice President
Miranda Kilby, Second Vice president 
Sylvia Young, Secretary
Gloria Mills Hicks, Treasurer
Board Members:
Tekesha Saffold
Jorge Hernandez
Camille Tate
Rafael Fernandez
 
The National Federation of the Blind of Florida thanks the Suncoast Chapter and the Tampa Bay Chapter, the 2018 Events Committee, and everyone else for their dedication and hard work organizing the 2018 state convention.  On behalf of the National Federation of the blind of Florida, we thank you for joining us at our 2018 state convention.  We would like to acknowledge all our sponsors for their generous donations which made the 2018 state convention a great success, as well as everyone who contributed to the development process. The NFB OF FLORIDA also extends our appreciation to President Mark Riccobono and the Jernigan Institute for all of their support throughout the year.  We look forward to continuing to work with all of you in 2018. 
Let’s Go build the Federation!
Sincerely,
Denise Valkema, President
National Federation of the Blind of Florida

Chapters, Divisions, Committees, and Groups
Presidents:
State Affiliate - Denise Valkema, (305) 972-8529, president at nfbflorida.org
 
Chapters:
Greater Broward - Jake McEntyre, (954) 946-4148, jmac1920 at yahoo.com
Central Florida - Sherry Brun, (407) 898 6024,
flmom2006 at gmail.com
Greater Daytona Beach - Joshua Espinal,(407) 534-0160, joshua.espinal at everest.edu
Gainesville - Judy Hamilton (352) 373-7806, jrhamilton51 at earthlink.net
Greater Jacksonville - Marita Winston (904) 323-8597, marita.winston60 at gmail.com
Melbourne-Space Coast - Camille Tate, (321) 372-4899, Ctate2076 at att.net
Miami - Jorge Hernandez, (305) 877-2311, jdh6 at bellsouth.net
Palm Beach - Tekesha Saffold, (561) 707-4799, tnsaffold82 at gmail.com
Polk - Joe King, (863) 293-5648, joenkitty at earthlink.net
State-Wide - Paul Martinez (813) 390-5720, paul09ms at gmail.com
Suncoast - Lauren Blum, (352) 584-0795, laurenblum79 at gmail.com
Tallahassee - Jada Christie, (850) 766-9378, emeraldpink15 at gmail.com
Tampa Bay - Miranda Kilby, (352) 942-0417,mbkilby at gmail.com
Treasure Coast - Tamika Butts (772) 708-3749, tamika_butts at aol.com
Divisions:
Deaf Blind - Alicia Betancourt (386) 589-7324, licib85 at gmail.com
Florida Guide Dog Users - Sherrill O’Brien (813) 935-0474, sherrill.obrien at verizon.net
Parents of Blind Children - Cherice Togun(407) 257-7637, chericeflemingtogun at hotmail.com
 
Committees/ Groups:
Blind Parents of Children - Nicole Fincham-Shehan (410) 493-4461, nicoledfincham at yahoo.com
Empowerment - Marilyn Baldwin (407) 293-0565, commMDB at aol.com
Senior Concerns – Gloria Mills Hicks (813) 340-9750, Glorianfb at irescuetax.com
Students - Rafael Fernandez (305) 903-6299,rafael.fernandez0617 at gmail.com
Bell Academy - Kimberly Banks (404) 259-2651, Kimberlybanks1984 at gmail.com
Legislation - Merry Schoch, (813) 523-6573, merrys at verizon.net
             Camille Tate, (321) 372-4899,Ctate2076 at att.net
Book Club - Camille Tate, (321) 372-4899,Ctate2076 at att.net
Newsline - Russ Davis, (904) 993-8433,Russell at radiorusty.com
 
 




-- 
Miranda b. Kilby
Ph: (352)942-0417