From michaelgkasey at verizon.net  Wed Apr  2 11:31:12 2014
From: michaelgkasey at verizon.net (Michael Kasey)
Date: Wed, 02 Apr 2014 07:31:12 -0400
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] Roommate need for 2014 National Convention
Message-ID: <000801cf4e67$0d8064f0$28812ed0$@net>

Ad for Roommate for 2014 NFB Convention in Orlando, FL:

I am a non-smoking 47 year old male seeking a male roommate for the upcoming
2014 NFB Convention in Orlando, FL.  Currently, I have a room reservation at
the Rosen Centre starting on Monday June 30, 2014 and leaving on Monday July
7, 2014.  I am looking for a roommate that can help me share the hotel room
costs for the majority - if not all - of the nights of the reservation.  If
interested please call/email Bernie

at: Cell (540)846-9518 or Email: BernardWerwie at yahoo.com.

 

***END OF AD***

 

 

 

 


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. You can have the life you want;
blindness is not what holds you back.

 



From fschroeder at sks.com  Fri Apr  4 14:25:16 2014
From: fschroeder at sks.com (Fredric Schroeder)
Date: Fri, 4 Apr 2014 10:25:16 -0400
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] Fwd: FFF Walk
References: <054A99007307F6498A9953E7C663C581CC8AE7CE@MB08.fcps.edu>
Message-ID: <7083A253-B31D-4558-B85C-43D86CAD5C78@sks.com>




Begin forwarded message:

> From: "Alsado, Deborah A" <daalsado at fcps.edu>
> Date: April 3, 2014 at 3:26:21 PM EDT
> To: "fschroeder at sks.com" <fschroeder at sks.com>
> Cc: "Fregelette, Nicole C." <NCFregelette at fcps.edu>, "Owensby, Sarah" <seowensby at fcps.edu>
> Subject: FFF Walk
> 
> Hi Fred,
> I hope you are well.  I am just touching base with you.  Here?s the flyer.  Please do your best to spread the word to increase participation.  We will need the money/checks/t-shirt sizes by next Thursday as we have to place the shirt order by Friday, April 11th.   You can send the money with Sarah or mail us checks. 
>  
> We are anticipating about $250.00 to cover our costs.  The balance will go to the NFB.
>  
> Thanks for your help.  We are looking forward to representing the NFB and spreading the good work your organization is doing for the visually impaired.  Please let me know if you have questions/concerns.  See you on the 26th.
>  
> Sincerely,
> Debbie
>  
>  
> Good morning all, below is information about the 5K run to benefit the NFB. The deadline to register is next week. Please attend if you can and encourage your friends and family to join in as well. Thanks, 


From michaelgkasey at verizon.net  Sat Apr  5 09:01:48 2014
From: michaelgkasey at verizon.net (Michael Kasey)
Date: Sat, 05 Apr 2014 05:01:48 -0400
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] New Baby in Reed home!
Message-ID: <000c01cf50ad$b01d53b0$1057fb10$@net>

>From Jessica Reed, Vice President

Fredericksburg Area Chapter NFBV

 

John and I are very proud to announce the birth of our daughter, Lila Jane
Reed. She was born at 10:41 PM on March 31 and weighed 7 lbs. 10 oz. She and
I are both doing very well, or as well as can be expected.  we will let
everyone know when we will be accepting visitors, as of yet we have our days
and nights mixed up. Prayers for my continued recovery would be greatly
appreciated!

Jessica

 

 


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. You can have the life you want;
blindness is not what holds you back.

 



From tracy.soforenko at gmail.com  Tue Apr  8 02:32:30 2014
From: tracy.soforenko at gmail.com (Tracy Soforenko)
Date: Mon, 7 Apr 2014 22:32:30 -0400
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] 1 week left to apply for the 2014 McDonald
	Fellowships to National Convention
Message-ID: <075601cf52d2$ca5176e0$5ef464a0$@gmail.com>

Hi,

 

Please be reminded that the deadline is April 15 for Virginia's McDonald
Fellowship program. Make this the year you attend your first NFB convention.

Individuals are encouraged to apply for both the National program and this
Virginia specific program.

 

2014 McDonald Fellowships to National Convention

 

The 2014 NFB National Convention is a remarkable experience you do not want
to miss. The convention will be even better because you were there to
attend.  Many of those who have attended our national NFB  convention are
amazed at how seeing, meeting, and interacting with over 3000  other blind
and low vision convention attendees has literally changed their  lives. They
not only experience how the problems of vision loss can be overcome, but
they also experience the confidence that can come with it. 

 

Robert and Marian McDonald selflessly contributed to our Virginia affiliate
to further the progress and better the lives of those who are blind,
visually impaired, and low vision in Virginia. In their honor, we recognize
the personal benefits that come to people who attend a national convention
for the first time. In their memory, the National Federation of the Blind of
Virginia (NFBV) continues their legacy of education and empowerment to
Virginia's blind citizens. 

 

We anticipate awarding fellowships to assist each fellowship recipient in
covering the cost of attending our 2014 NFB National Convention to be held
in Orlando, FL, from July 1 - July 6. Please note: The banquet ends late in
the evening on Sunday, July 6 and fellowship winners are expected to attend
the banquet so return travel must occur on Monday, July 7 or later. This
event will take place at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando Florida.

 

Consistent with our original goals, the  McDonald Fellowship program was
established in 1998 in order to: a)  assist those who have never attended a
convention of the National Federation of  the Blind (NFB) before, or b)
those who have not attended in years and wish to come to a convention again.

 

Details on financial assistance for all others are provided at the bottom of
this message.

 

We will link each of our fellowship winners up with mentors who will assist
them in getting the most out of their national convention experience. As
part of the Fellowship application requirements, McDonald Fellowship winners
are asked to attend the entire NFB convention and address our 2014 NFB of
Virginia state convention. 

Deadline for applications for the McDonald Fellowship is April 15, 2014.
Winners will be announced May 15, 2014. 

 

Your application should be in the form of a letter delivered via electronic
mail.  There is no specific form for the application.  We simply ask that
applicants write a brief letter of application outlining their reasons why
they should be considered for a Fellowship.

Your letter must include:

A)      Name, Address, phone and email contact information 

B)      Chapter or connection  With the affiliate

C)      How you will benefit from the experience

D)     How you have participated with your chapter or the affiliate in the
past year

E)      Any other pertinent details

 

In addition, you are required to contact your Chapter President or an
affiliate Board Member for a letter of recommendation. Letters of
recommendation are due by Sunday, April 20, 2014.

 

E-mailed applications or questions about the Fellowship program should be
sent to Tracy Soforenko, Chairman, McDonald Fellowship Committee, by e-mail
at tracy.soforenko at gmail.com or by phone at 202 285-4595.

 

As agreed at the January 2014 NFBV Board Meeting, All others requesting
financial assistance should reach out first to their chapter presidents for
financial assistance. Requests to chapter presidents should be made by April
15, 2014. If the chapter cannot provide sufficient support to enable the
individual to attend, requests should be forwarded to NFBV President
Schroeder no later than May 15, 2014.

 

 

Make 2014 the year you attend the national convention.

 

 

Tracy Soforenko

McDonald Fellowship Chair

tracy.soforenko at gmail.com

202 285-4595 (mobile)

703 522-8182 (home)



From tracy.soforenko at gmail.com  Tue Apr  8 02:36:14 2014
From: tracy.soforenko at gmail.com (Tracy Soforenko)
Date: Mon, 7 Apr 2014 22:36:14 -0400
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] 1 week to Apply: The 2014 Kenneth Jernigan
	Convention Scholarship Fund
Message-ID: <077b01cf52d3$5039b510$f0ad1f30$@gmail.com>

Hi Virginia Federationists:

Please see below for the details on the 2014 Nationwide program for
encouraging people to attend the National convention in Orlando,  Florida.
Virginians are encouraged to apply for both the National program and the
statewide McDonald Fellowship program. Details on the McDonald Fellowship
were just sent out. 

Please note the deadline is April 15 and your application needs to include a
letter from President Schroder to so don't wait until the last minute to ask
him for a recommendation.

.


 


The Kenneth Jernigan Convention Scholarship Fund


by Allen Harris

>From the Editor: Allen Harris is the chairman of the Kenneth Jernigan Fund
Committee and was one of the people who came up with the idea of honoring
our former president and longtime leader by establishing a program to
promote attendance at the national convention, where so much inspiration and
learning occur. Here is Allen's announcement about the 2014 Kenneth Jernigan
Convention Scholarship Fund Program:

Have you always wanted to attend an NFB annual convention but have not done
so because of the lack of funds? The Kenneth Jernigan Convention Scholarship
Fund invites you to make an application for a scholarship grant. Perhaps
this July you too can be in the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando, Florida,
enjoying the many pleasures and learning opportunities at the largest and
most important yearly convention of blind people in the world.

The three biggest ticket items you need to cover when attending an NFB
national convention are the roundtrip transportation, the hotel room for a
week, and the food (which tends to be higher priced than at home). We
attempt to award additional funds to families, but, whether a family or an
individual is granted a scholarship, this fund can only help; it won't pay
all the costs. Last year most of the sixty grants were in the range of $400
to $500 per individual. 

We recommend that you find an NFB member as your personal convention mentor,
someone who has been to many national conventions and is able to share
money-saving tips with you and tips on navigating the extensive agenda in
the big hotel. Your mentor will help you get the most out of the amazing
experience that is convention week.

Who is eligible? 
Active NFB members, blind or sighted, who have not yet attended an NFB
national convention because of lack of funding are eligible to apply.

How do I apply for funding assistance?
1. You write a letter giving your contact information, and your local NFB
information, your specific amount requested, and then explain why this is a
good investment for the NFB. The points to cover are listed below.

2. You contact your state president in person or by phone to request his or
her help in obtaining funding. Be sure to tell the president when to expect
your request letter by email, and mention the deadline.

3. You (or a friend) send your letter by email to your state president. He
or she must add a president's recommendation and then email both letters
directly to the Kenneth Jernigan Convention Scholarship Fund Committee. Your
president must forward the two letters no later than April 15, 2014.

Your letter to Chairperson Allen Harris must cover these points:

*	Your full name, and all your telephone numbers and label them--cell
phone, home, office, other person (if any).
*	Your mailing address and, if you have one, your email address.
*	Your state affiliate and state president; your chapter and chapter
president, if you attend a chapter.
*	Your personal convention mentor and provide that person's phone
number.
*	Your specific request: 

Explain how much money you need from this fund to make this trip possible
for you. We suggest you consult with other members to make a rough budget
for yourself.

The body of your letter should answer these questions: 

How do you currently participate in the Federation? Why do you want to
attend a national convention? What would you receive; what can you share or
give? You can include in your letter to the committee any special
circumstances you hope they will take into consideration.

When will I be notified that I am a winner? 
If you are chosen to receive this scholarship, you will receive a letter
with convention details which should answer most of your questions. The
committee makes every effort to notify scholarship winners by May 15, but
you must do several things before that to be prepared to attend if you are
chosen.

1. Make your own hotel reservation. If something prevents you from
attending, you can cancel the reservation. (Yes, you may arrange for
roommates of your own to reduce the cost.)

2. Register online for the entire convention, including the banquet, by May
31. 

3. Find someone in your chapter or affiliate who has been to many
conventions and can answer your questions as a friend and advisor.

4. If you do not hear from the committee by May 15, then you did not win a
grant this year.

How will I receive my convention scholarship?
At convention you will be given a debit card or credit card loaded with the
amount of your award. The times and locations to pick up your card will be
listed in the letter we sent you. The committee is not able to provide funds
before the convention, so work with your chapter and state affiliate to
assist you by obtaining an agreement to advance funds if you win a
scholarship and to pay your treasury back after you receive your debit or
credit card.
            
What if I have more questions? For additional information email the
chairman, Allen Harris, at <kjscholarships at nfb.org> or call his Baltimore,
Maryland, office at (410) 659-9314, x2415.

Above all, please use this opportunity to attend your first convention on
the national level and join several thousand active Federationists in the
most important meeting of the blind in the world. We hope to see you in
Orlando.

 



From mwroane at mindspring.com  Tue Apr  8 15:43:45 2014
From: mwroane at mindspring.com (Mark W. Roane)
Date: Tue, 08 Apr 2014 11:43:45 -0400
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] Fw: Benefit Concert for the Braille Circulating
	Library
Message-ID: <6229611BCBD84AE79E1276290B5359D3@LapTop>


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Melody L. Roane" <lindseym1 at verizon.net>
To: "Mark Roane" <mwroane at mindspring.com>
Sent: Monday, April 07, 2014 7:53 PM
Subject: Benefit Concert for the Braille Circulating Library


> Hello Richmond chapter members,
>
>
>
> I am sending this e-mail to remind you of the benefit concert for the 
> Braille Circulating Library on Sunday, April 27.  If you would like to 
> purchase tickets, they are ten dollars apiece.  Please see below for more 
> information.  Mark and I hope to see all of you there.  It will be a great 
> way to give back to our community.  If you would like further information, 
> please feel free to call me at 262-7057.
>
>
>
> Thanks.
>
>
>
> Richmond's First Baptist Church will host singer/songwriter Ken Medema in 
> concert on Sunday, April 27, at 7:00 p.m.  The church is located in the 
> Fan District of Richmond at the corner of Monument and The Boulevard. 
> Tickets are $10 each, and all proceeds from the concert will benefit the 
> Braille Circulating Library at 2700 Stuart Avenue in Richmond.  If you 
> would like to purchase tickets for the concert, you may purchase them 
> online at fbcrichmond.org
>
>
>
> Here is Ken's biographical information:
>
>
>
> For four decades, Ken Medema has inspired people through storytelling and 
> music.  Though blind from birth, Ken sees and hears with heart and mind, 
> custom designing every musical moment of his performance with brilliant 
> improvisation that defies description.  With an ever-growing circle of 
> followers around the world, Ken's artistry and imagination have reached 
> audiences of 50 to 50,000 people in 49 United States and in more than 15 
> countries on four continents.
>
>
>
> From the time he was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1943, Ken has been 
> unable to see with his physical eyes.  His sight is limited to 
> distinguishing between light and darkness and seeing fuzzy outlines of 
> major objects.  "As a kid I was not widely accepted," he says, "and I 
> spent a lot of time by myself.  Because I have lived with some degree of 
> being different all my life, I have some sympathy for people who have been 
> disenfranchised, whether they have been disabled or politically oppressed 
> or whatever."
>
>
>
> Music early became a major component of Medema's life.  "I started banging 
> on the piano when I was five years old," he says, "making up crazy little 
> fantasies on my mom's piano.  When I was eight years old my parents got me 
> a wonderful teacher who taught me the classics with Braille music and 
> taught me to play by ear."  His teacher also taught him to improvise. 
> "Every time I learned a piece my teacher would tell me, 'Now, you 
> improvise in that style.'  So music became a second language."
>
>
>
> Medema studied music therapy at Michigan State University in Lansing, 
> where he concentrated heavily on performance skills in piano and voice. 
> He worked as a music therapist in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and then returned 
> to Michigan State for a master's degree.
>
>
>
> Today, Medema performs in a wide variety of venues, from local 
> congregations to charity fund-raisers, to high school and university 
> campuses, to denominational youth gatherings, to universally televised 
> religious programs, to corporate conventions, to annual assemblies of 
> national organizations.
>
>
>
> The Braille Circulating Library is pleased to partner with First Baptist 
> Church to present Ken Medema in concert and is grateful for the 
> opportunity to publicize its ministry.
>
>
>
> For eighty-nine years, the Braille Circulating Library has been producing 
> Christian materials to empower blind and vision-impaired individuals to 
> participate in their churches and to access Christian publications.  The 
> Braille Circulating Library is in need of updating and repairing its 
> Braille and audio production equipment.  Currently, First Baptist Church 
> and the Braille Circulating Library are collaborating to produce the 
> baptist hymnal, Celebrating Grace, which will be available to churches 
> around the country who may have blind and vision-impaired members who want 
> to participate in worship services by singing hymns from the hymnal.
>
>
>
> If you would like further information about the Braille Circulating 
> Library or the concert at First Baptist Church, please let me know.
>
>
>
> Have a great day!
>
>
>
> Melody
> 




From fschroeder at sks.com  Mon Apr 14 09:18:40 2014
From: fschroeder at sks.com (Fredric Schroeder)
Date: Mon, 14 Apr 2014 05:18:40 -0400
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] Seeking male room mate for	National Convention
Message-ID: <006001cf57c2$87267470$95735d50$@sks.com>

A member from Rhode island is seeking a room mate. Please read below.

Thanks.

 

Hi:

My name is Rui Cabral, I am in my mid 30's and I am from Rhode Island.

I am interested in splitting costs with the right convention room mate.

I already have the room booked, so no worries there.

I am looking for a male between the ages of 25-50 who prefers to do most of
their partying outside the room.

In other words, I would like to share a room with a person, not an
entourage.

 

If you have any questions, I can be reached at goldwave at cox.net

 

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From michaelgkasey at verizon.net  Thu Apr 17 12:20:04 2014
From: michaelgkasey at verizon.net (Michael Kasey)
Date: Thu, 17 Apr 2014 08:20:04 -0400
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] Visit Volunteers for the Blind on April 26 during
 Walk with the Blind in Fredericksburg
Message-ID: <001201cf5a37$5fd01fd0$1f705f70$@net>

Dear Members and Other Friends,

 

Volunteers for the Blind (VFB) my 501 C 3 (non-profit tax exempt) business,
is on Caroline Street, a block from the end of the route our chapter will
walk April 26.

Normally, VFB is a service organization.  That entire weekend however,
especially the morning of our chapter's fund raising walk, VFB will be one
of many Caroline Street vendors.  We will hold one of our periodic fund
raising s.  I will give half the money from the sale to the Fredericksburg
NFB chapter as my contribution to its annual fund raising walk.

 

In addition, I will prepare two letters to be given at the walk as door
prizes.  Each person who receives one of these two letters will be entitled
to $25 of merchandise available at fund raising for sale in VFB's office.

Sale merchandise will include baked goods and handmade items.  The craft
items will include baskets, jewelry, adult hats and scarves as well as some
extremely appealing baby clothes.  Pam Ehrmann, one of our chapter members,
made some of the jewelry and almost all the baskets.  Marion Walensky, the
grandmother of a little boy who is blind, knitted the coasters.  Many of the
necklaces available came from Janet Caron, an NFB member from Connecticut
and Florida, who was legally blind.  I think of these pieces as her memorial
collection because just a few years ago, less than a month before the
national convention where she always sold her jewelry, she died at the age
of 79.  Many of us who knew he always thought she was much younger.  The
rest of the jewelry came from my Uncle jack who is well into his eighties.

He is retired and lives with his wife in las Vegas.  Many people find it
amusing to hear I have a real Uncle jack who lives in Las Vegas.  Uncle
jack's All Uncle Jack's items are reasonably priced and, I am told,
especially attractive in terms of color as well as texture.  All reasonably
priced.  My senior board member, member, who is a retired art teacher, says
Uncle jack's necklaces are especially attractive in terms of color.

Christopher Ehrmann and Kaitlynn Jordan, VFB's interns as well as two of our
Fredericksburg chapter members,  made Braille price tags for all the jewelry
as well as many of the knitted/crocheted items.  

 

If it is cold, I will have hot spiced cider available in a croc pot.  If it
is warm, I will have cold cider in our little refrigerator.

 

I cordially invite everyone on the walk to stop in, even if you don't buy
anything.  If you have any questions, please feel free to call me either at
home at 540 899 7747 or at VFB, 540 899 8847.  Even when I am not at one
location or the other, both numbers have voicemail which I monitor
frequently.  Despite being less than 10 minutes apart by car, my office and
hem are on separate Verizon grids and have totally different telephone
systems.  Do not Please do not give up if you call the office.  The
voicemail connected with this more antiquated system takes 10 rings before
it intercepts calls.  

 

I eagerly look forward to visiting with as many of you as possible April 26
at 1101 Caroline Street.  Our office is the first door on the left.  Anyone
who wishes to bake something, or contribute crafts items for the sale, is
welcome to do so.  Since VFB is 501 C 3, we can provide you a receipt for
tax purposes.

 

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. You can have the life you want;
blindness is not what holds you back.

 



From michaelgkasey at verizon.net  Thu Apr 17 14:08:39 2014
From: michaelgkasey at verizon.net (Michael Kasey)
Date: Thu, 17 Apr 2014 10:08:39 -0400
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] 3rd Paddle with the Blind June 21
Message-ID: <000001cf5a46$8b033ed0$a109bc70$@net>

Mark your calendar and sign up for the 

3rd annual Paddle with the Blind in historic Fredericksburg

Saturday, June 21 beginning at 10 am

 

The event is free, yet you must reserve  a boat(s)

 

Contact Michael Kasey at michaelgkasey at verizon.net

 

The Virginia Outdoor Center will provide Kayaks, canoes, paddles and life
preservers.

Please bring a picnic lunch.  More details to follow.

 

The event is at:

Motts Run Reservoir Recreation Area
Motts pier

6600 River Rd.

This 860-acre natural area including the 160-acre reservoir, is a haven for
fishing, boating canoeing, hiking and picnicking. It also serves the
residents of Fredericksburg and parts of Spotsylvania County with drinking
water. You may bring your own boat (ELECTRIC MOTORS ONLY) to launch on the
lake, or fish from the banks. Fee charged for fishing and boat launching. No
swimming, horseback riding, biking of any kind, or all-terrain vehicles
permitted. The park has jon boats and canoes available for rental, picnic
grills and tables, and over 4 miles of hiking trails. 

Motts Reservoir is OPEN Thursdays - Mondays April 1 - October 31 from 7:00am
- 7:00pm; the Reservoir is CLOSED on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. If the weather
is questionable, call before coming (540) 786-8989.

 

 


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. You can have the life you want;
blindness is not what holds you back.

 

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From michaelgkasey at verizon.net  Thu Apr 17 20:06:51 2014
From: michaelgkasey at verizon.net (Michael Kasey)
Date: Thu, 17 Apr 2014 16:06:51 -0400
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] Member of the Board of Directors for the disAbility
 Resource Center appointed
Message-ID: <000901cf5a78$952aa8d0$bf7ffa70$@net>

I am pleased to announce that Bernie Werwie has been appointed to the Board
of Directors of the disability Resource Center in historic Fredericksburg!

 

He follows others from our chapter in serving on the Board:

Michael Kasey

Marilee Kenlon

Angie Matney

Melvin Padgett

 

Congratulations to Bernie.  We believe he will represent our interest well.

 

Michael Kasey

President

Fredericksburg Area Chapter NFBV

 

 


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. You can have the life you want;
blindness is not what holds you back.

 



From tracy.soforenko at gmail.com  Tue Apr 22 13:03:04 2014
From: tracy.soforenko at gmail.com (Tracy Soforenko)
Date: Tue, 22 Apr 2014 09:03:04 -0400
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] Seeking female Roommates for National Convention
Message-ID: <0aee01cf5e2b$3323e9b0$996bbd10$@gmail.com>

Female, 23, looking for 3 to 4 female roommates between the ages of 20-25. I
am a non-smoker. I will be arriving in Orlando between the dates of June 30
and July 1.

 

If interested, please feel free to contact me through email at:

 

keke.davis91 at gmail.com

 

Thank you.



From michaelgkasey at verizon.net  Tue Apr 22 22:48:15 2014
From: michaelgkasey at verizon.net (Michael Kasey)
Date: Tue, 22 Apr 2014 18:48:15 -0400
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] Braille Spanish/English Dictionary available
Message-ID: <000001cf5e7c$f2e5b610$d8b12230$@net>

we have a 27-volume Braille Spanish-English, English-Spanish Dictionary that
needs a new home.  

If interested, contact 

Vicki Moffitt (gregorym at va.metrocast.net)

 


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. You can have the life you want;
blindness is not what holds you back.

 



From fschroeder at sks.com  Thu Apr 24 17:17:27 2014
From: fschroeder at sks.com (Fredric Schroeder)
Date: Thu, 24 Apr 2014 13:17:27 -0400
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] May 3 Board Meeting Agenda
Message-ID: <043f01cf5fe1$11e16c20$35a44460$@sks.com>

National Federation of the Blind of Virginia

Meeting of the Board of Directors

Saturday, May 3, 2014

11:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M.

 

Location: Assembly Room

Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Vision Impaired

401 Azalea Avenue, Richmond, VA 23227. 

 

I.                    Call to Order

 

II.                 Roll Call and Introduction of Guests

 

III.               Approval of Minutes from the January 20, 2014 meeting of
the Board of Directors

 

IV.              Treasurer's Report

 

V.                 "What's In It For Me?" How to Inspire People to
Participate in your Event, Tracy Soforenko

 

VI.              BELL Program Update, Sandy Halverson

 

VII.            Virginia AER Conference and the NRMA, Mark Roane and Tracy
Soforenko

 

VIII.         Report on the 2014 Richmond Seminar, Michael Kasey and Tracy
Soforenko

 

IX.              Report on the 2014 Washington Seminar, Jennifer Kennedy

 

 X.                NFBV 2014 State Convention

 

XI.              NFBV 2015 State Convention

 

XII.            2014 National Convention

 

  A.         Coordinating Shuttle Busses at Convention

  B.         Jernigan Fund drawing tickets

  C.         Alaska Aurora Borealis Fund Raffle

  D.         Independence Market volunteers

  E.          Virginia Table and Products to Sell

  F.          McDonald Fellowship Winners (McDonald and Jernigan Mentoring)

  G.         Virginia Caucus

  H.         Door Prizes

  I.            Contributions

         1. White Cane Fund

         2. tenBroek Fund

         3. SUN Fund

 J.     Other Possible Contributions

   K.        NFB Camp

   L.       Kenneth Jernigan Fund

 

           XIII.     Committee and Division Updates:

 

   A.     Student Division Update, Sarah Patnaude

   B.     At-Large Chapter Update, Rick Holley

   C.     Membership Committee Activities, Mary Durbin

   D.     Scholarship Committee, Jennifer Kennedy

   E.      Fundraising Committee

   F.      Green Drop Program

  G.     Car Donation Program, Mark Roane

  H.     Affiliate Communications, John Bailey

   I.        NewslineR, John Halverson

  J.       Rehabilitation Services Advocate, Stewart Prost

 

          XIV.    Other Business

 

          XV.     Date and Location of Next Board Meeting

 

I

 

On Thu, Apr 24, 2014 at 1:04 PM, Fredric Schroeder <fschroeder at sks.com>
wrote:

National Federation of the Blind of Virginia

Meeting of the Board of Directors

Saturday, May 3, 2014

11:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M.

 

Location: Assembly Room

Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Vision Impaired

401 Azalea Avenue, Richmond, VA 23227.  

 

I.                    Call to Order 

 

II.                 Roll Call and Introduction of Guests

 

III.               Approval of Minutes from the January 20, 2014 meeting of
the Board of Directors

 

IV.              Treasurer's Report

 

V.                 "What's In IT For Me?" How to Inspire People to
Participate in your Event, Tracy Soforenko

 

VI.              BELL Program Update, Sandy Halverson

 

VII.            Virginia AER Conference and the NRMA, Mark Roane and Tracy
Soforenko

 

VIII.         Report on the 2014 Richmond Seminar, Michael Kasey and Tracy
Soforenko

 

IX.              Report on the 2014 Washington Seminar, Jennifer Kennedy

 

X.                 NFBV 2014 State Convention

 

XI.              NFBV 2015 State Convention

 

XII.            2014 National Convention

 

A.         Coordinating Shuttle Busses at Convention

B.         Jernigan Fund drawing tickets

C.         Alaska Aurora Borealis Fund Raffle

D.         Independence Market volunteers

E.          Virginia Table and Products to Sell

F.          McDonald Fellowship Winners (McDonald and Jernigan Mentoring)

G.         Virginia Caucus

H.         Door Prizes

I.            Contributions

1. White Cane Fund

2. tenBroek Fund

3. SUN Fund

J.    Other Possible Contributions

K.    NFB Camp

L.      Kenneth Jernigan Fund

 

XIII.     Committee and Division Updates:

A.     Student Division Update, Sarah Patnaude

B.     At-Large Chapter Update, Rick Holley

C.     Membership Committee Activities, Mary Durbin

D.     Scholarship Committee, Jennifer Kennedy 

E.      Fundraising Committee 

F.      Green Drop Program

G.     Car Donation Program, Mark Roane

H.     Affiliate Communications, John Bailey

I.        NewslineR, John Halverson

J.       Rehabilitation Services Advocate, Stewart Prost

 

XIV.    Other Business

 

XV.      Date and Location of Next Board Meeting

 



From tracy.soforenko at gmail.com  Tue Apr 29 02:51:57 2014
From: tracy.soforenko at gmail.com (Tracy Soforenko)
Date: Mon, 28 Apr 2014 22:51:57 -0400
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] 2014 Virginia General Assembly Success: Registry of
	Blind Virginians Eliminated and Continued Progress on
	Literacy assessments for Blind & Low Vision Students
Message-ID: <072d01cf6355$fca2c750$f5e855f0$@gmail.com>

Hi Virginia Federationists,

 

This was a very good year for blind Virginians in the Virginia General
Assembly.

In our 2014 Legislative Agenda, we focused on two areas:

 

a)      Eliminate the Registry of Blind Virginians - I am pleased to share
that the Registry of blind Virginians maintained by DBVI has been
eliminated. HB 664 passed the House in January and the Senate in February.
Support was unanimous for Eliminating the Registry of Blind Virginians.

 

b)       Literacy Assessment for Blind Students  that is research based and
provides objective results- Very few bills pass in their first year. We
introduced identical bills in the House and Senate. After a series of
adjustments to address concerns raised in committees, our adjusted bills
proceeded. In the House, the bill passed the Elementary and Secondary
Education Committee and was referred to the House appropriations committee
and tabled due to concerns about the $200,000 in funding required for
developing a web site and training for teaching teachers how to conduct
objective assessments. The identical bill passed the Senate Education and
Health, Senate Finance and the entire senate unanimously. It was then passed
to the  House education committee and passed the Education committee
unanimously, and then died again in House Appropriations.

 

We can be proud of the work we completed together in the 2014 Virginia
Legislative Session.

 

When you meet legislators throughout the Commonwealth as they campaign for
the 2014 Election, share how important valid literacy assessments are for
blind and low vision students. It is important that they know our commitment
continues past the legislative session.

 

If you have ideas you would like us to consider, please bring them to our
attention.

 

Tracy Soforenko 

Second Vice President, NFB of Virginia

202 285-4595

Tracy.soforenko at gmail.com



From tracy.soforenko at gmail.com  Wed Apr 30 03:22:38 2014
From: tracy.soforenko at gmail.com (Tracy Soforenko)
Date: Tue, 29 Apr 2014 23:22:38 -0400
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] Join Potomac Chapter for 5/17 Spring Social and
	Auction, (Fabulous items for auction listed below
Message-ID: <08ce01cf6423$70d5da90$52818fb0$@gmail.com>

The Potomac Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind (PCNFB) announces a smashing Spring Event!!!  This is PCNFB?s very first Spring Social and Auction.  A revised list of auction items follows this note.

 

Date:  Saturday, May 17, 2014 

Time:  3:30 to 6:30pm

Cost:  $25.00 (heavy hor d?oeuvres, dessert and non-alcoholic drinks) BYOB 

Location:  Community Room at Turnberry Tower 

                             1881 N. Nash Street, Arlington, VA  22209

 

Please RSVP to Mary Ann Kessler by May 8, 2014.  

Telephone:  703 241 9517 or e-mail at mak910w at verizon.net.

 

The cost to attend is $25.00 which includes a terrific menu of delicious foods, hors d?oeuvres, dessert and non alcoholic drinks.  You may BYOB if you wish to have beer or wine. You may pay at the door or the May PCNFB meeting or send checks to our Treasurer, Sean McMahon at 850 N. Randolph St. Apt. 904, Arlington, VA 22203. 

 

This event will be hosted by Billie Ruth and Alan Schlank in the Social Room of the gorgeous Turnberry Tower Condo Complex at 1881 N. Nash St., Arlington.  .    

 

After we have had a chance to socialize and enjoy the good food and drink, Jacki Brown will begin her self-styled, fun-filled auctioneer banter.  A partial list of items to be auctioned is listed below.

 

We hope that all of you will be able to attend this warm and enjoyable event where our goal is to socialize with friends and neighbors and to raise funds for the important work of our organization, such as braille enrichment, diabetes education, employment programs, and various legislative efforts. 

 

Please direct any questions and RSVP?s to Mary Ann Kessler at 703 241 9517 or to mak910w at verizon.net.

 

Thank you,

PCNFB President, Tajuan Farmer

And the PCNFB Ways and Means and social Committees 

 

April 28 Revised LIST OF AUCTION ITEMS:

Bonus #31.    ONE WEEK STAY AT THE ROYAL ISLANDER  LA PLAGE HOTEL IN ST. MAARTEN FROM SUNDAY, AUG. 31 to SUNDAY, SEPT. 7, 2014.  This is on the Dutch side of the island and about a mile from the airport. This is a one-bedroom with fold-out couch in the living area -sleeps 4. It is equipped with a full kitchen (European-style small cooking area with refrigerator, and utensils.)  It is located on the 1st floor with one door taking you to the beach and the other to the pool. It is within close walking distance of many restaurants and the Maho casino.  You would need to arrange to get there, but what a vacation you will have once your arrive! Places like this rent well over $250/day.  The bidding will start at $500 and go up by increments of $50.  If you are interested, you can look up the general information on line at  <http://www.royalislander.com> www.royalislander.com and highlight La Plage.

 

1.         Vintage rose quartz cloisonn? necklace.

2.         Gold framed floral numbered print. Magnolia Blossom. 32? by 38?.

3.         $40.00 certificate.  Thirsty Bernie?s Sports Bar and Restaurant, Arlington (Arl.)

4.         $50.00 certificate. Unleashed by Petco.   Pet supplies and preventive care plus a bonus gift.  Various locations. 

5.         Haircut and blow- dry by master stylist, Kenny   Gull.  Kenny?s Hair Salon.  Arl.

6.         Two pounds of Starbucks Arabica whole bean coffee.

7.         $20.00 certificate. Oriental Gourmet, Arl.

8.         $25.00 certificate. Taqueria Mexican Restaurant & Bar. Various locations.

9.         Two $50.00 certificates. Westover Market, Arl.

10.       Two certificates for $15.29 each  Ghin Na Ree Thai Restaurant

11.       Three $10.00 certificates to Pentagon Row Harris Teeter.  

12.       Two $25.00 debit cards.  Chaps Sports Bar.  Pentagon Row and other.

13.       Two $25.00 gift cards.  SINE Irish Pub and Restaurant. Various locations.

14.       Two certificates for Sunday Brunch for Two at Ireland?s Four Provinces.   Falls Church.

15.       Massage from Massage Envy Spa. Falls Church.

16.       Facial from Massage Envy Spa.   Falls Church. 

17.       Manicure/Pedicure. Present Nail Spa.   Falls Church.

18.       Luxurious spa basket by Beverly Coney.

19.       Handcrafted beaded necklace by Bonnie Vobis.

20.       Homemade specialty cake by Darron Denmark. 

21.       Four course Italian dinner for six hosted by the Kesslers. 

22.       $15.00 certificate Tutti Frutti Frozen Yogurt. Arl.

23.       $50.00 certificate. Pie Tanza Restaurant.  Arlington or Falls Church.

24.       Three $10.00 certificates.   Harris Teeter, Harrison Street, Arl.

25.       Gift basket from Trade Routes in Westover   $65.00 value.  Arl.

26.       Wild Birds Unlimited. Monthly supply of bird food for 12 months. Arl.

27.       $50.00 gift card.  Front Page restaurant, Arl.

28.       Mary Kay Cosmetics basket valued at approximately $70.00.    Dance Perfume and lotion, make-up bag and a teddy bear. 

29.       $25.00 certificate.  Elevation Burger, Arlington (Arl.) 

30.       One hour massage by Healing Touch Massage Therapy Services Certificate, Alexandria 

31.  See above.

32.  Tracy and Sharon Soforenko will host a dinner for six at their home.  Menu will be Modern American Cuisine

 

 



From fschroeder at sks.com  Wed Apr 30 11:41:44 2014
From: fschroeder at sks.com (Fredric Schroeder)
Date: Wed, 30 Apr 2014 07:41:44 -0400
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] Assistance With Accessible Home Appliance Petition
	(was) FW: [Nfbnet-members-list] FW: statement
In-Reply-To: <002a01cf63d5$a6c9f170$f45dd450$@net>
References: <002a01cf63d5$a6c9f170$f45dd450$@net>
Message-ID: <001601cf6469$2aaba770$8002f650$@sks.com>

The following note comes from Nancy Yeager. It deals with an important
effort to get manufacturers of home appliances to build in accessibility
features.

 

+++++

 

Make appliances accessible for the blind. - Sign the Petition

 

I don't know how you feel about signing on-line petitions.  I am, however,
asking you to consider signing this one.

 

For several years, the National Federation of the Blind has been working on
the issue of accessible home appliances and other consumer electronics.
U.S. senators and Congressional Representatives have proposed supporting
legislation on  this issue.  To date, however, while a number of senators
and legislators have supported the legislation, none of the bills have yet
been passed into law.  So, we are reaching out to our families, friends and
co-workers - people who know us and who know how important independence is
to us as blind people.  We want the opportunity that you already have - The
opportunity to pourchase home appliances and other electronics that we can
operate.  It is incredibly frustrating, for example, to await delivery of a
new washer and dryer, only to find, after the installer sets up our new
machines that they have touch screens or panels.  Before we can use the
washer and dryer for their intended purposes - doing laundry - we must first
obtain sighted assistance   to add Braille or other tactile cues to the
touch panel.  In the petition mentioned above, we are asking manufacturers
to build audio and/or tactile cues into their appliances during production.

 

We need your help.  Please join this campaign to make home appliances and
other consumer electronics accessible to blind people and those with limited
vision.  Please go  to: http://chn.ge/1iwZ2GM

 

I, along with other blind Americans, thank you for your effort on our
behalf. 

   

Nancy Yeager



