[Colorado-talk] message from Scott LaBarre

[Lisa Bonderson]

Greetings:

 

I must first begin with some sad news.  Julie Hunter's father passed away late last week.  She and her husband, Bob, have traveled to Cleveland for the services.  Julie is our long time parent leader.  Please keep her and her family in your thoughts and prayers.

 

John Batron, a member of our Denver Chapter and father to our Denver Chapter President, Brent Batron, is in the hospital and underwent bypass surgery today.  This wasn't expected and I don't have a report about how the surgery went at this time.  Please keep John, Brent, Ena, and their whole family also in your thoughts and prayers.  

 

Now, let me turn to some other news.    Our state convention is fast approaching.  I am pasting below an earlier message we sent out regarding the Convention.  You will observe that we had originally stated that online registration would be available by today.  Well, like most things computer, we have run into some glitches.  I am told, though, that we should have the online system up and running by the end of the week.  Preregistration will end by October 25th.  You can, however, reserve your hotel room online.  Go to www.nfbco.org and follow the links to this year's convention and then follow the link to the DoubleTree.  For those anxious to preregister this week, you can call Lisa Bonderson and she will fill out the form with you over the phone and take your credit card information.  When our system goes live, she will enter your data at that point.  Please call 303 504-5979.  

 

One question that I have fielded often thus far is whether a person has to purchase all meals to attend the convention.  The answer is no.  Our form will allow you to pick and choose which luncheons etc you attend.  Of course, we encourage attendance at all events, particularly our highlight banquet on Saturday evening, November 7th.

 

Thank you for your attention to this message.  I look forward to seeing you in November!



**** Previous Announcement



NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF COLORADO

55TH ANNUAL CONVENTION


CELEBRATING LOUIS BRAILLE'S 200TH BIRTHDAY

and

BRINGING FREEDOM TO THE BLIND THROUGH LITERACY


          Please join us for the 55th Annual Convention of the National Federation of the Blind of Colorado starting Thursday, November 5 and lasting through November 8 at the Doubletree Hotel Denver, 3203 Quebec Street.  

           Click here for link to the Doubletree Hotel Denver room reservations page for the NFBCO or call 303 321-3333.  All room reservations should be made directly through the DoubleTree's website link for the NFBCO or by calling.  Reservations must be made by September 28, 2009.  Room rates are $84.00 a night.   

           The Convention will kick off with the 5th annual Seniors Possibilities Fair and first ever Youth Fair, Thursday morning, November 5.  We have also been calling this a Fair for All, because there is no generation gap when it comes to the pressing issues facing the blind of all ages.  Hundreds of blind/visually impaired seniors and youth, their friends, family, and related professionals will learn about services, products, and possibilities available to them. In addition to the customary room full of exhibitors and service providers and a luncheon featuring a keynote address, this year's Fair will include breakout sessions targeted to specific topics and groups.  

           General Convention sessions will start Friday morning, November 6 and last through noon on November 8.  Several breakout sessions will occur, concentrating on special topic areas and interest groups.  

           Two-hundred years after the birth of Louis Braille, we will reflect on the importance of Braille literacy as an integral part of our march towards first-class citizenship.  We will also hear from agencies serving the blind.   Other topics of importance to the blind such as transportation, information technology, and employment will be addressed.  

           Political leaders will visit the Convention and share their hopes for the future as we share ours with them.  Dozens of exhibitors will have their wares on display starting on Thursday, November 5 and throughout the weekend.  The Convention will also feature several fun and highly interactive social events, brought to us by our host chapter, the National Federation of the Blind of Denver.  

           Stay tuned for more Convention details.  Online registration will be begin on September 14 and last through October 25.  

           The total convention package, including registration fees, three luncheons, receptions, and the banquet will be $85.00 through October 25 and $110.00 after October 25 or at the door.  

           Please contact NFBCO president Scott LaBarre at 303 504-5979 or slabarre at nfbco.org if you would like to be an exhibitor or if you would like more details generally.