From tracy.soforenko at gmail.com  Sat Jun  3 17:02:44 2017
From: tracy.soforenko at gmail.com (Tracy Soforenko)
Date: Sat, 3 Jun 2017 13:02:44 -0400
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] Virginia Caucus at the 2017 National Convention -
 Tuesday 7/11 at 10:00 PM
Message-ID: <034801d2dc8b$382cf140$a886d3c0$@gmail.com>

Fellow NFB of Virginia members

 

As you know, each year the Virginia affiliate holds a caucus at the national
convention. This year we will be meeting on Tuesday evening, July 11 from

10:00 PM to 11:00 PM. The caucus will be held in Wekiwa 6 in the Rosen
Shingle Creek Hotel.

Highlights of the meeting include:

*	Introduction of our McDonald Fellowship & Jernigan Scholarship
Winners: Michael Kitchens, Gerald Meredith, Portia Baskerville, William
Werwie, Brandon Shuttleworth
*	Introduction of our national Scholarship Finalist: Efose Oriaifo 
*	Banquet ticket exchange so you can sit with your fellow Virginians
at the banquet
*	Update on the Virginia Table and our product sales
*	Update on BELL and youth programs
*	Update on Uber & Lyft Monitoring program, and
*	Great fellowship with friends from across Virginia and some guests
from across the country.

 

Please bring your questions and we will be glad to address them. The caucus
will be better because you joined us.

 

Tracy Soforenko

President, National Federation of the Blind of Virginia

202 285-4595

Tracy.soforenko at gmail.com <mailto:Tracy.soforenko at gmail.com> 

 

 



From markwroane at gmail.com  Tue Jun  6 14:33:09 2017
From: markwroane at gmail.com (Mark W. Roane)
Date: Tue, 6 Jun 2017 10:33:09 -0400
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] Male roommate sought for national convention
Message-ID: <000f01d2ded1$d1efcad0$75cf6070$@gmail.com>

Good morning all,

A male Virginian, who has a room reserved in the convention hotel, is
seeking another male to share the room for the week at this years
convention.  If anyone is interested, please contact me at
markwroane at gmail.com <mailto:markwroane at gmail.com>  and I will connect you.

See you all in Orlando.

Mark Roane

 



From jsorozco at gmail.com  Wed Jun  7 00:24:08 2017
From: jsorozco at gmail.com (Joe Orozco)
Date: Tue, 6 Jun 2017 20:24:08 -0400
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] Don't Cancel Your Room Reservation for National
Message-ID: <000001d2df24$61177670$23466350$@gmail.com>

Hello Fellow Virginians,

If you have a reservation at the Rosen Shingle Resort and cannot make the
convention for whatever reason, please do not cancel your room. I got stuck
at an overflow and will be glad to pay your deposit so that you do not lose
any money. I'm posting here first in an attempt to help out someone in my
affiliate before attempting to procure a room on the main property from
elsewhere in the organization. After the reservation is transferred, I will
transfer the amount of your deposit via PayPal or check, whatever is most
convenient. Please write to jsorozco at gmail.com if interested. Thanks in
advance.

Regards,

Joe

--
AlphaComm Strategies: Your Message, Our Mission
www.AlphaCommStrategies.com/

Musings of a Work in Progress:
www.JoeOrozco.com/






From tracy.soforenko at gmail.com  Wed Jun  7 02:57:30 2017
From: tracy.soforenko at gmail.com (Tracy Soforenko)
Date: Tue, 6 Jun 2017 22:57:30 -0400
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] The Vigilant - June 2017
Message-ID: <025101d2df39$ce00e220$6a02a660$@gmail.com>

The Vigilant - June 2017

 

Joe Orozco, Editor

 


>From the President's Desk


 

The Virginia affiliate is always driving great innovation and energy. This
past month has been no exception, and we  look forward to keeping up the
momentum in the weeks to come.

 

First, the Student Summer  Blowout, a leadership seminar designed to foster
leadership among student divisions in the Northeast, just completed with 10+
Virginians representing the largest contingent   Of students. Our thanks go
out to VABS President, Robert Parsons, and his board for cultivating the
greatest blindness student organization here in the commonwealth.

 

Second, the 2016 Virginia Leadership Fellows are meeting with President
Riccobono and other national leaders from June 15-16 at the National Center.
Our Fellows will have a unique opportunity to learn more about our
organization's history and expand their leadership skills that will prove
beneficial to the longevity of our local chapters and state divisions.

 

That following weekend, June 17, I look forward to meeting with the
Peninsula and Tidewater Chapters. No doubt the occasion will be an excellent
time for fellowship and provide a great exchange of information to help
further grow the affiliate.

 

Of course, we are all looking forward to the National Convention in Orlando
from July 10 through July 16. If you are a first time guest at the
convention, please do take advantage of the activities set up for convention
rookies to get the most out of what the event has to offer.

 

As you know, we are very interested in working hard to empower blind
children and youth. Later this summer we will be gearing up for two Braille
Enrichment for Literacy & Learning (BELL) Academies, scheduled to start July
31. Also, as mentioned at the May Board of Directors meeting, we are working
on establishing a new program for transition (14-22) age students to teach
self-advocacy, career readiness, independent living and other career skills.

 

Finally, we are reintroducing an affiliate newsletter to make you aware of
exciting events around the commonwealth. This newsletter is for your
benefit. If you have ideas for future issues, I invite you to share them
with us so that we can make this a valuable publication for all.

 

Yours in service,

 

Tracy Soforenko, President

National Federation of the Blind of Virginia

 


A Word From the Editor


 

My aim in leading this publication is to provide everyone a succinct recap
of activities that affect our membership in Virginia. Hopefully the
information will be brief, useful, and not repetitive. In coming months it
might be worth posting the newsletter to our website with fancier headers
and hyperlinks. For now, I thought it best to get the news out, less talking
and more doing and whatnot. If your chapter or division has an announcement
it would like included in future issues, please note we will aim to publish
the newsletter on the first Monday of the month. It would be ideal if you
could submit your announcement no later than the last day of the preceding
month to ensure your information is included. Questions? Concerns?
Contributions? Please send them to: 

jsorozco at gmail.com <mailto:jsorozco at gmail.com> 

 

 

Respectfully,

 

Joe Orozco

 


This Month's Inspiration


 

The following excerpt is from the Braille Monitor January/February 2002 and
was written by Carlos Servan, then president of the NFB of Nebraska
affiliate:

 

"However, throughout this time I always remembered that "Freedom cannot be
given; it must be taken." As you can see, we can determine our own future. I
am a Federationist because of who I am and what I have accomplished. I
started out with little or no expectations and absolutely no self-esteem and
became aggressively determined and assertive. I completed my bachelor's
degree, my master's in administration, and a law degree within seven years
and graduated with distinction and honors. In addition, while attending
school, I also worked for the Center for the Blind and was active in my
community and my family. We of the NFB are seeking complete integration of
the blind into society, and in order for us to accomplish this objective,
the general public must become aware of the capabilities of the blind."

 

To read the article, Why I am a Federationist, in its entirety, visit:

https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm02/bm0201/bm020114.htm

 

 


Coming Events


 


The Potomac Chapter, NFBV Spring Auction


 

When: Saturday, June 10; 2:30 PM - 6:30 PM

 

Where: Turnberry Towers Party Room, 1881 N. Nash Street, Arlington, Virginia

 

Description: Come experience our spirited auctioneer, Jackie Brown, as she
convinces us that we really need each auction item - and, of course, someone
in the room always has to have it. Even if shopping isn't your thing, with
your $25 admission payable at the door, you will still enjoy yourself at the
auction. There will be much fellowship, laughter, and Oh yes, the food! Back
by popular demand is Rob Latson's Catering Company. Reservations will be
accepted until Thursday evening, June 8.

 

For additional details, contact:

 

Sarah Blumberg, Social Chair

Email: sarahblumb at gmail.com <mailto:sarahblumb at gmail.com> 

Phone: 202-427-4814

 


The NFB of DC & The NFB of MD National Harbor Chapter's Crab Feast


 

When: Saturday, June 24; 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

 

Where: Bladensburg Waterfront Park, 4601 Annapolis Rd., Bladensburg, MD

 

Description: This is a feast you won't want to miss! Courtesy of our
neighboring affiliates. There will be door prizes and a 50/50 raffle. The
cost is $50.00 and gets you crabs, fried fish, fried chicken, barbeque
chicken, potato salad, corn, baked beans & salad. Music by DJ Double M.

 

For additional details, contact:

 

Shawn Callaway, NFB DC President

Email: callaway.shawn at gmail.com <mailto:callaway.shawn at gmail.com> 

 

Phone: 202-352-1511

 


NFB of Virginia Exhibit Table at the NFB National Convention


 

When: Tuesday, July 11 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Wednesday, July 12 8:30 AM - 5:00
PM; Thursday, July 13 12:00 PM - 1:45 PM and 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM; and Friday,
July 14 12:00 PM - 1:45 PM. Set up will be on Monday, July 10 from 12:00 PM
to 4:30 PM, and the tear down will take place on Friday, July 14 from 6:00
PM to 8:00 PM.

 

Where: Exhibit Hall (check agenda for location)

 

Description: As we approach the final weeks before we unite with our
federation family from around the country and surrounding areas, you are
kindly reminded that the Virginia table will be operating in the exhibit
hall. Everyone attending the convention is encouraged to sign up to work a
two-hour shift at this year's Virginia table, home of our Federation-famous
Virginia peanuts. Please email your name, dates and times of availability,
and contact phone number below.

 

For additional information, contact:

 

Robert Parsons, Coordinator

Email: rob.parso3389 at gmail.com <mailto:rob.parso3389 at gmail.com> 

 

Phone: 804-200-3275

 


Virginia Caucus at the NFB National Convention


 

When: Tuesday, June 11; 10:00 PM - 11:00 PM

 

Where: Wekiwa 6 in the Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel

 

Description: Come meet our McDonald Fellowship and Jernigan Scholarship
finalists as well as our National Scholarship finalist. Participate in our
banquet exchange. Learn about the happenings across our various affiliate
programs and enjoy fellowship with other Virginians and guests from across
the country.

 

For additional details, contact:

 

Tracy Soforenko, NFB of Virginia President

Email: tracy.soforenko at gmail.com <mailto:tracy.soforenko at gmail.com> 

 

Phone: 202-285-4595

 


Other Items of Interest


 

The following items may be of interest to blind Virginians, but our
inclusion of these announcements do not constitute endorsement.

 


Update to NVDA


 

NVDA 2017.2 brings full support for audio ducking in the Windows 10 Creators
Update; fixes for several selection issues in browse mode, including
problems with select all; significant improvements in Microsoft Edge
support; and improvements on the web such as indication of elements marked
as current (using aria-current).

 

Read more:

http://bit.ly/2rGuhue

 

 


Accessible Environmental Information Application Survey


 

Sendero seeks input to a survey that will supposedly contribute to the
design of a user friendly and effective indoor wayfinding application.
Responders can enter for a chance to receive a non-subscription license for
Seeing Eye GPS. This study is part of a two-year project in which Sendero
and partners are attempting to develop an indoor wayfinding application.
The project, entitled, an Accessible Environmental Information Application
for Individuals with Visual Impairments, is funded by a federal grant from
the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation
Research (NIDILRR).

 

Read more:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/IndoorNav

 

Tracy Soforenko

President, National Federation of the Blind of Virginia

202 285-4595

Tracy.soforenko at gmail.com <mailto:Tracy.soforenko at gmail.com> 

 

 



From richard43manor at gmail.com  Sat Jun 10 17:42:54 2017
From: richard43manor at gmail.com (Rick Holley)
Date: Sat, 10 Jun 2017 13:42:54 -0400
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] June At Large Chapter Meeting
Message-ID: <59155D7A1AA643CEB920927AE6427AE5@LENOVO0A00C700>

Greetings to one and all.

Date: June 13 
Time: 8 PM
Tele. Conf. No.: 877-394-5901
Passcode: 6149670
Subject and Speaker: National NFB Meeting, Patrick Johnson
Subject 2: Thoughts about getting older and more blind: Rick Holley

Come and join in the fun.

Rick Holley

From john_bailey17 at hotmail.com  Sat Jun 10 23:11:37 2017
From: john_bailey17 at hotmail.com (John Bailey)
Date: Sat, 10 Jun 2017 23:11:37 +0000
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] Have your vision loss therapy questions answered at
 our next FX chapter meeting June 15.
Message-ID: <DM5PR15MB1849D674574910BCC772317A8FCF0@DM5PR15MB1849.namprd15.prod.outlook.com>

Have your vision loss therapy questions answered at our next FX chapter meeting June 15.
                                Join us for our June 15, 2017 meeting at the Red Hot and Blue in Fairfax

Where:
Red Hot and Blue
4150 Chain Bridge Rd,
Fairfax, VA

When:
6:30 pm (order dinner) till 8:30 PM
Thursday night in the meeting room at the top of the stairs to the left.

Program:
We are truly pleased to announce that our program for this meeting will be for nearly everyone who is or knows a vision impaired person.
Dr.  Suleiman Alibhai, O.D  will be our guest and will discuss the latest developments in vision therapy and some of the newer forms of technology that are available to enhance the capabilities of blind and visually impaired consumers. Dr. Alibhai is an expert in the field and is a sought after speaker on the subject of vision loss prevention, vision therapies', and adaptive technology. Dr. Alibhai,  usually charges to speak. But, as a favor to our chapter, he will freely share his wealth of knowledge with us this evening only. So, you will want to be there.

Again, we are meeting at the Red hot and Blue and this evening's program is for anyone with questions having to do with anything having to do with vision.

Want more info? Contact John Bailey at john_bailey17 at hotmail.com or via phone at 703.994.2040
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From tracy.soforenko at gmail.com  Sun Jun 11 23:50:01 2017
From: tracy.soforenko at gmail.com (Tracy Soforenko)
Date: Sun, 11 Jun 2017 19:50:01 -0400
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] Virginia Association of Blind Students (VABS)
 Announcements
Message-ID: <010801d2e30d$710c57c0$53250740$@gmail.com>

From: Robert Parsons [mailto:rob.parso3389 at gmail.com] 



Greetings Virginia Federationists

 

I hope all is well. I am writing to inform you of some very important
announcements from the student division that can serve as a testament to the
budding leaders that the affiliate has and the work they are putting in to
increase student participation. 

 

1.	Successful Students Summer Blowout: Last weekend was the student
seminar at the Jernigan Institute. In total, there were 48 students that
attended a weekend filled with networking, encouragement, and paradigm
shifts. There were 10 students from Virginia in this group, some of them new
to the Federation, that got a firsthand introduction to our philosophy and
bond by some of the most effective leaders in the Federation. The students
pulled from each other, shared in situations that affect them, and most of
all look to the future with a bit more clarity. Alongside VABS, the student
divisions of Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, North Carolina,
and Massachusetts were all present and able to make this seminar a success. 
2.	VABS List Serve is Live: After along hiatus, the board could work
with Dave Andrews and Jernigan Institute staff to resurge the Virginia
association of Blind Students email list serve. We have added over 30 new
students and parents of blind students to this email list and have already
began actively using it. If there are any students that need to register,
please sign up by visiting www.nfbnet.org <http://www.nfbnet.org>  and
looking for the VABS link. If you were already a VABS list serve user,
please resume using the service. To post, simply send the email to
vabs at nfbnet.org <mailto:vabs at nfbnet.org> . 
3.	VABS Inclusion Program: On the heels of a successful seminar and
being reinvigorated with the excitement that the Federation family brings to
the table, VABS will be following a growing movement that its contemporaries
are taking part in. The National Association of Blind Students has promoted
the student divisions of all 52 affiliates to begin grooming the leaders of
our affiliates early. In the age of high school and college students serving
of chapter and affiliate boards in the present, it would be only right to
prepare the youth for this leadership experience. Therefore, the Virginia
Association of Blind Students will be opening membership and events up to
middle school students in the seventh and eighth grade. We hope that access
to a network of fellow students will make the transition from middle to high
school a smooth one while concurrently shaping our future Federation leaders
in the process. 
4.	VABS "Win for aa Week" Sweepstakes: The Virginia Association of
Blind Students will be fundraising at National Convention. In this "Win for
a Week" sweepstakes, the board members and student attendees of VABS will be
running a 50/50 raffle each day of convention. There will be a winner pulled
at 11pm every night of convention. If you are interested in winning anytime
convention week, simply located a VABS member and purchase your ticket(s).
Tickets are $5 a piece or 3 tickets for $10. There is no cap for the
sweepstakes and we will sell tickets up until 11pm. If your name is pulled,
a VABS member will contact you, find you, and shower you with monetary
bliss. For more information, speak to Robert Parsons, Andrea Perry, or
Kinston Walker either at the Caucus or in the hotel.

 

 

I hope you share this information with all students and parents you come
into contact with and look forward to connecting with you in the future.

 

Blessings

Robert E. Parsons Jr.

President, Richmond Chapter

President, Virginia Association of Blind Students

National Federation of the Blind of Virginia

Randolph Macon College '18 

Phone: 804 200 3275

"Without struggle, there is no progress." -Frederick Douglass

 



From tracy.soforenko at gmail.com  Mon Jun 12 01:38:49 2017
From: tracy.soforenko at gmail.com (Tracy Soforenko)
Date: Sun, 11 Jun 2017 21:38:49 -0400
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] NABS Student Mentoring at the 2017 national
 Convention - Deadline June 15
Message-ID: <015301d2e31c$a413b4b0$ec3b1e10$@gmail.com>

Are you a student attending the 2017 NFB National Convention?

The National Association of Blind Students (NABS) will be running a student
mentoring program for convention attendees. If you are new to convention and
want to tap our great network of blind students, please ask to be paired
with   a mentor. If you are an experienced student leader, consider asking
to serve as a mentor.

I was unable to find the link on the web site.

All requests for mentors or volunteering to serve as a mentor should be sent
to NABS President Kathryn Webster at

 

Nabs.president at gmail.com <mailto:Nabs.president at gmail.com> 

 

deadline is June 15.

 

Tracy Soforenko

President, National Federation of the Blind of Virginia

202 285-4595

Tracy.soforenko at gmail.com <mailto:Tracy.soforenko at gmail.com> 

 

 



From markwroane at gmail.com  Mon Jun 12 16:52:28 2017
From: markwroane at gmail.com (Mark W. Roane)
Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2017 12:52:28 -0400
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] FW: June 12 NFBV Membership Meeting
In-Reply-To: <000a01d2e38c$6f74d520$4e5e7f60$@verizon.net>
References: <000a01d2e38c$6f74d520$4e5e7f60$@verizon.net>
Message-ID: <003f01d2e39c$471cd180$d5567480$@gmail.com>

 

 

From: Sandy Halverson [mailto:sandyh50 at verizon.net] 
Sent: Monday, June 12, 2017 10:59 AM
To: 'Mark Roane' <markwroane at gmail.com>
Subject: June 12 NFBV Membership Meeting

 

At our last NFBV board meeting, it was announced that the next meeting of
our membership committee would take place Monday, June 12.  To encourage as
many participants as possible, we will begin at 8 PM tonight, Monday, June
12.  Conference call and code numbers are below.

 

605-475-4000

 

164097

 

 



From chrisvinson1 at gmail.com  Wed Jun 14 21:38:01 2017
From: chrisvinson1 at gmail.com (Chris Walker)
Date: Wed, 14 Jun 2017 17:38:01 -0400
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] Fwd: [NFBV-Richmond-Announce] Register for a Shift
 for the Virginia Table
In-Reply-To: <007301d2e48a$6857a5c0$3906f140$@gmail.com>
References: <007301d2e48a$6857a5c0$3906f140$@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <CAJnU-TkuAKv137GOe_D81_iODXRXjj8uJqf1Diw+RGszUOyOJQ@mail.gmail.com>

Greetings Virginia Federationists



We are getting so close to the National Convention that I wanted to take
this time to remind all of those who are going to please take the time to
sign up for a shift to work the Virginia table. This year, our table will
be selling our infamous Virginia peanuts and earbuds for listening
pleasure. Our affiliate is blessed to have such enthusiastic volunteers to
work this table in the exhibit hall every year and I hope that you all will
bring that enthusiasm with you to sunny Orlando.



To sign up for a shift for the Virginia table, please send me an email at
rob.parso3389 at gmail.com and let me know what shift you are interested in
working. Shifts are two hours long and I will do my best to accommodate
everyone?s needs, but this is on a first come, first erve basis. The agenda
is now live for the convention, so please take time to look over it and
assure that your preferred shift is within the time space of important
meetings or presentations that you want to be present for.



The exhibit hall hours:



July 10: 12pm-4:30pm (Set up)

July 11: 9am-5pm

July 12: 8:30am-5pm

July 13: 12pm-1:45pm| 7pm-9pm

July 14: 12pm-1:45pm| 6pm-8pm (Break Down)



Note: Anyone that wants to register for the set up or break down sessions
is welcomed to email me with that as your preferred shift. I look forward
to seeing all of you in Orlando.



Best



Robert E. Parsons Jr.

President, Richmond Chapter

President, Virginia Association of Blind Students

National Federation of the Blind of Virginia

Randolph Macon College '18

Phone: 804 200 3275 <(804)%20200-3275>

"Without struggle, there is no progress." -Frederick Douglass


From john_bailey17 at hotmail.com  Sat Jun 17 21:27:44 2017
From: john_bailey17 at hotmail.com (John Bailey)
Date: Sat, 17 Jun 2017 21:27:44 +0000
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] Fairfax Chapter "Bridges the Gap" in vision loss
 education
Message-ID: <DM5PR15MB18494C4C302795709500F1EA8FC60@DM5PR15MB1849.namprd15.prod.outlook.com>

At our June 15, 2017 meeting, our guest speaker was Dr. Suleiman            Alibhain who is very well known in our community. Dr. Alibhain runs a local low vision clinic which assists those with vision loss to find the tools to enable them to achieve their goals.

Dr. Alibhain spoke about "Bridging the Gap" between those who are sighted and those with vision loss. He said that there is a lot of misunderstanding on both sides and the outcome leads to confusion and disappointment.

Dr. Alibhain reminded the several representatives of low vision organizations who were there for his presentation, that information is the best weapon against ignorance and that we all play a role in making the transition from full sight to low vision as easy and empowering as possible.

We wish to thank Dr. Alibhain for taking the time to come and speak to us. Here is a link to a short video of Dr. Alibhain talking about some of the points he wanted to make during the evening.
https://youtu.be/sPLsPCEkFjk

The Fairfax Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of Virginia meets the third-Thursday of every month. For information about meeting locations, contact John Bailey at john_bailey17 at hotmail.com<mailto:john_bailey17 at hotmail.com>



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From john_bailey17 at hotmail.com  Sun Jun 18 17:12:00 2017
From: john_bailey17 at hotmail.com (John Bailey)
Date: Sun, 18 Jun 2017 17:12:00 +0000
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] How do blind people grill hotdogs? A video tutorial
Message-ID: <DM5PR15MB18495E6BFC18460CD56555D78FC70@DM5PR15MB1849.namprd15.prod.outlook.com>

To see the video, click the link below.
https://youtu.be/QiQ7OmG05tI

Cooking outdoors on a grill is just like cooking indoors for the blind. Unfortunately, too many people think that lack of vision must keep you from life's activities like cooking. But, that isn't true and I will show you how.

Grilling outdoors on a gas grill is actually very easy if you follow a few safety tips that are really easy and worth learning. In this video, I will demonstrate those safety techniques showing just how much fun being independent can be. The only supplies I will need today are a gas grill, tongs, hotdogs, and a rounded bowl to bring the cooked food back to the dining table.

One of the first things you must remember that will save you a lot of pain and a trip to the emergency room is to use your tongs as an extension of your hand. For example, use the tongs to find the handle of the grill in order to open and close it. Use your tongs to 'feel around' the grill top to find the food you are cooking. And, finally, use your tongs to move the food from the grill top to a plate. If the only contact between the grill and you are the tongs, you are set to have a great time cooking outdoors.


Liked the tutorial? Please share it with your friends.

The Fairfax Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of Virginia meets the third-Thursday of every month. For info on our next meeting's time and location, contact John Bailey at john_bailey17 at hotmail.com<mailto:john_bailey17 at hotmail.com>





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From tracy.soforenko at gmail.com  Sat Jun 24 13:27:10 2017
From: tracy.soforenko at gmail.com (Tracy Soforenko)
Date: Sat, 24 Jun 2017 09:27:10 -0400
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] Interested in the Foreign Service or Living Outside
 the US - Attend 7/22 Fredericksburg Chapter Meeting
Message-ID: <01c501d2eced$95ced490$c16c7db0$@gmail.com>

From: Holly Frisch [mailto:Holly at volunteersfortheblind.org] 
Fredericksburg Chapter president

 

Learn from a fascinating trailblazer who opened the door for blind people to
serve in the Foreign Service  and has lived outside the US for many years.

 

It required an act of Congress to compel the Department of State to accept
foreign service officers who are blind.  Ramie Rabby, one of the first two
of these officers, will be the guest speaker at the July 22 meeting of our
Fredericksburg Chapter.  He is an  eloquent, dynamic speaker with a long and
fascinating history to relate.  His topics will include hhis experience with
the foreign service, extensive international travel background and life in
Israel where he currently resides.

 

We want to extend an invitation to all our neighboring chapters an anyone
interested in a career in the Foreign Service.  

The meeting will be held at the Fredericksburg Library in downtown
Fredericksburg. It is a short cab ride from the Fredericksburg Amtrak
station.

Space is limited to 25 so please RSVP to let us know you are coming and
reserve your space.

 

If you are interested in attending, it would be extremely helpful and
appreciated if you would please contact me either by phone, in person or
through email.  Our meeting will begin at 10:00 and end at noon.  Ramie most
graciously agreed to come all the way from New York, where he is visiting
before returning to Israel, to talk with us.  I urge you not to miss this
opportunity to hear what I know will be an outstanding presentation.  To
reserve space for yourself, family, friends and fellow chapter  members, you
can always email me at holly at volunteersfortheblind.org
<mailto:holly at volunteersfortheblind.org> .  You can also contact me either
at home, 540 899 7747 or at work, 540 899 8847.  Even if I am not there,
despite the large number of rings, my answering machines at both locations
work, and I check them regularly.  Thank everyone in advance for doing your
part to make this one of our most successful programs.

 

Holly Frisch 

Holly at volunteersfortheblind.org 
Fredericksburg Chapter president

 

 



From jsorozco at gmail.com  Tue Jun 27 02:17:24 2017
From: jsorozco at gmail.com (Joe Orozco)
Date: Mon, 26 Jun 2017 22:17:24 -0400
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] Connecting a Visiting Student
Message-ID: <007401d2eeeb$840d8710$8c289530$@gmail.com>

Hello all,

The week after convention, a student from LCB will be visiting the area to
complete one of her graduation requirements. She is interested in both
professional development and site seeing. In terms of the former, she is
interested in working in the national security field. I will bring her into
the Bureau to meet with various people, but if any of you have contacts to
blind people working at one of the other intelligence agencies, I would be
appreciative if you could help make a connection. I don't pretend to know
everyone there is to know and want to make sure she is exposed to as many
contacts as possible. She is also interested in hitting some popular
landmarks, doing some shopping, and checking out local restaurants. If you
live in or near Arlington and are available to show our guest around between
Sunday, July 16 and Wednesday, July 19, please contact me off list. The
student is looking at making this area her home in the future. It would be
great to introduce her to some good Virginia hospitality from fellow
Federationists.

Thanks,

Joe

--
AlphaComm Strategies: Your Message, Our Mission
www.AlphaCommStrategies.com/

Musings of a Work in Progress:
www.JoeOrozco.com/






From tracy.soforenko at gmail.com  Thu Jun 29 02:22:28 2017
From: tracy.soforenko at gmail.com (Tracy Soforenko)
Date: Wed, 28 Jun 2017 22:22:28 -0400
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] Register for an Open Shift for the Virginia Table
In-Reply-To: <001701d2f02f$74135980$5c3a0c80$@gmail.com>
References: <001701d2f02f$74135980$5c3a0c80$@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <023201d2f07e$8e2439d0$aa6cad70$@gmail.com>

From: Robert Parsons [mailto:rob.parso3389 at gmail.com] 
Greetings Federation Family

 

We are less than two weeks away from our family reunion down in sunny
Orlando, Florida and I am excited to see everyone at the Rosen Shingle Creek
in July. I wanted to impress upon our membership and affiliate the
importance of our presence at the Virginia table this year. As most of us
are aware of, the Virginia affiliate has a table every year at the exhibit
hall during national convention. It is here that our members can make new
friends, network, and of course, fundraise for our affiliate. As in recent
years, we will be selling our famous Virginia peanuts for the attendees of
the exhibit hall. In addition, we will be selling high quality Maxell ear
buds. importantly, our Virginia peanuts are only famous because of the
charm, dedication, and influence that our membership applies during the
exhibit hall. It is the words, personalities, and overall jovial
representation of our affiliate that entices the individuals in the hall to
purchase items at our table. Without each of you, our fundraising efforts
would not be the same. With this being stated, I urge all members to
consider registering for a shift at the Virginia table this year. There are
still a few spots open for members that want to enjoy the connections and
opportunities to service our affiliate on a national level. Each shift is 2
hours long and there are 2 people assigned to a shift. Only through our
diligence, friendliness, and ability to connect with the public will we see
success this year. Please review the open shifts below and consider
registering with me by Sunday, July 2, 2017 for me to fashion a complete
schedule for the affiliate. 

 

Tuesday, July 11, 2017

11am-1pm: 1 spot

1pm-3pm: 2 spots

3pm-5pm: 1 spot

 

Wednesday, July 12, 2017

 

12:30pm-2:30pm: 2 spots

2:30pm-4:30pm: 2 spots

 

Thursday, July 13, 2017

 

7pm-9pm: 1 spot

 

Friday, July 14, 2017

 

12pm-1:45pm: 2 spots

 

Please feel free to message me your desired shift at rob.parso3389 at gmail.com
<mailto:rob.parso3389 at gmail.com> . I look forward to connecting with you all
in Orlando. 

 

Blessings

 

 

 

Robert E. Parsons Jr.

President, Richmond Chapter

President, Virginia Association of Blind Students

National Federation of the Blind of Virginia

Randolph Macon College '18 

Phone: 804 200 3275

"Without struggle, there is no progress." -Frederick Douglass

 



From markwroane at gmail.com  Fri Jun 30 01:22:32 2017
From: markwroane at gmail.com (Mark W. Roane)
Date: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 21:22:32 -0400
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] Room available in convention hotel
Message-ID: <001701d2f13f$5a423dd0$0ec6b970$@gmail.com>

A fellow Virginian has a room in the convention hotel that he no longer
needs.  If anyone is interested in acquiring this room, please reach out to
Emanuel at:

(434) 378-2686
finnell04 at aol.com <mailto:finnell04 at aol.com> 





From tracy.soforenko at gmail.com  Fri Jun 30 02:34:19 2017
From: tracy.soforenko at gmail.com (Tracy Soforenko)
Date: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 22:34:19 -0400
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] Holman Prize winners announced
In-Reply-To: <00e901d2f0cb$4425f010$cc71d030$@gmail.com>
References: <00d801d2f0ca$76b0bd40$641237c0$@gmail.com>
	<00e901d2f0cb$4425f010$cc71d030$@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <005c01d2f149$60c92fb0$225b8f10$@gmail.com>

From: BrianMiller [mailto:brianrmiller88 at gmail.com] 



Good morning!

 

I just wanted to share the below press release, which I've also attached,
announcing the three winners of the inaugural Holman Prize. I was honored to
serve as a member of the committee that selected the winners. This is just
year one, so I encourage everyone to start dreaming of the adventure they'd
like to take, and start working on those applications for next year! 

 

Sincerely,

 

Brian Miller

President, Greater Alexandria Chapter of the NFB

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Blind Ambition: International Award for Visually Impaired Adventurers
Announces First Three Winners

The LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired Announces First 'Holman
Prize' Winners from Uganda, the United States and the United Kingdom



Image: Ojok Simon, Penny Melville-Brown and Ahmet Ustunel, from left to
right, are the winners of the first-ever Holman Prize for Blind Ambition,
awarded by The LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired in San
Francisco.

SAN FRANCISCO - June 29, 2017 - This fall, three exceptional blind
individuals will set off around the world on adventures they never imagined
possible, thanks to a new award called  <http://www.holmanprize.org/> The
Holman Prize for Blind Ambition.

Created by the  <http://www.lighthouse-sf.org/> LightHouse for the Blind and
Visually Impaired in San Francisco to honor "blind ambition" in all its
forms, the annual $25,000 awards will spring-board future generations of
entrepreneurs, adventurers and ambassadors in the blindness community.

 <http://lighthouse-sf.org/blog/announcing-the-2017-holman-prize-finalists/>
With over 200 applicants from 27 countries, The Holman Prize saw stiff
competition in its first year. All applicants were required to upload
90-second YouTube videos to pitch their idea for a dream project with a
$25,000 budget, and later asked to submit formal proposals.

The three winners,
<http://lighthouse-sf.org/blog/meet-ahmet-ustunel-blind-kayaker-and-holman-p
rizewinner/> Ahmet Ustunel,
<http://lighthouse-sf.org/blog/meet-penny-melville-brown-blind-baker-and-hol
man-prizewinner/> Penny Melville-Brown, and
<http://lighthouse-sf.org/blog/meet-ojok-simon-blind-beekeeper-and-holman-pr
izewinner/> Ojok Simon, were announced Thursday morning after a rigorous
judging process that narrowed down the applicants to eleven highly
competitive finalists. Each winning project embodies its own sense of
adventure and ambition - whether it takes the winners around the world or
allows them to build and foster social impact in their immediate community.

Named after the  <https://www.holmanprize.org/jamesholman/> 19th century
explorer James Holman (known around the world as "the blind traveler") The
Holman Prize aims to launch worthy projects that will change the public
perception of blindness for years to come.

"We are thrilled to support these three individuals," LightHouse CEO Bryan
Bashin noted Thursday with the announcement. "They are all incredibly
ambitious in different ways, and their projects will have a real effect on
the way blindness is perceived globally. I think about Ahmet's
determination, Penny's cultural savvy, and Ojok's entrepreneurial spirit -
this is what blindness looks like today. These three will change minds about
what blind people can accomplish."

The 2017 Holman Prize Winners

The Three Holman Prizewinners will fly to San Francisco in September 2017
for a week-long orientation before starting their projects on October 1.
Once they land in San Francisco, the winners will not only meet and learn
from each other, but they will engage with other blind teachers,
technologists and leaders from LightHouse's extended network. The winners
will also create comprehensive plans to document and share their experiences
along the way through video, audio, writing and other storytelling mediums.

Ahmet Ustunel's project has a clear, unprecedented goal: to kayak solo,
without eyesight, from Europe to Asia. With potential for a dramatic climax
and high stakes, Ustunel's proposal to cross the 3-mile Bosphorus Strait
caught the attention of the Holman Prize Committee and proved to be a
compelling and unprecedented undertaking. By training in California and
working to develop a suite of non-visual guidance technology to thrive on
his own in the water, Ustunel hopes to join the ranks of other great blind
outdoor heroes such as Erik Weihenmayer, Lonnie Bedwell and others.

Learn more about Ahmet.
<http://lighthouse-sf.org/blog/meet-ahmet-ustunel-blind-kayaker-and-holman-p
rizewinner/> 

 

Penny Melville-Brown has a project with a universal focus: food. With a deep
belief in the power of food to connect people, Penny's project is a bid to
claim a place at the stove for blind chefs everywhere. Penny's intentions
are less about competition and perfection and more about connecting with
others through culture and shared experience. Maybe she's the blind Julia
Child - or the blind Anthony Bourdain - either way, as Penny documents her
travels and successes in her series, "Baking Blind," the world will follow
along with her.

Learn more about Penny.
<http://lighthouse-sf.org/blog/meet-penny-melville-brown-blind-baker-and-hol
man-prizewinner/> 

 

Ojok Simon will take on a drastically different kind of project than his
fellow winners. Simon seeks to raise employment rates for blind and
partially sighted individuals in rural regions of his home country of
Uganda. His method? Teach them a very specialized and somewhat unlikely
skill: beekeeping. For decades, Simon has been a passionate beekeeper
finding ways to tend bees in nontraditional and non-visual ways. Simon wants
to impart his warm attitude and entrepreneurial spirit on other blind
individuals in Africa and abroad, rather than seeing them relegated to
poverty and reliance on charity.

 
<http://lighthouse-sf.org/blog/meet-ojok-simon-blind-beekeeper-and-holman-pr
izewinner/> Learn more about Ojok.

 

Interviews and images available upon request. 

 

Holman Honorees:
<http://lighthouse-sf.org/blog/announcing-the-2017-holman-prize-finalists/>
Meet this year's finalists. 

 
<http://lighthouse-sf.org/blog/holman-committee-meet-the-blind-judges-select
ing-our-inaugural-prizewinners/> Meet the blind judges who picked the
winners.

 

Support the Holman Prize <http://www.holmanprize.org/donate> 

The LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, which is a 501(c)(3)
nonprofit organization based in San Francisco, is actively seeking
sponsorships and support for the 2018 Holman Prize, including donations of
equipment for the winner's projects. To offer your support, contact
<mailto:holman at lighthouse-sf.org> holman at lighthouse-sf.org. Individuals may
donate any amount using  <https://secure.qgiv.com/for/thp> LightHouse's
secure form. For sponsorship inquiries, email us or call +1 (415) 694-7333.

About LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Founded in 1902, San Francisco's LightHouse for the Blind and Visually
Impaired promotes the independence, equality and self-reliance of people who
are blind or have low vision. LightHouse offers blindness skills training
and relevant services such as access to employment, education, government,
information, recreation, transportation and the environment. LightHouse also
pursues the development of new technology, encourages innovation, and
amplifies the voices of blind individuals around the world. To receive
services, volunteer or make a donation, visit  <http://lighthouse-sf.org/>
lighthouse-sf.org.

 

Press contact:

 

Will Butler, Director of Communications

+1 (415) 855-1642

press at lighthouse-sf.org <mailto:press at lighthouse-sf.org> 

 

 

 

 

 

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From tracy.soforenko at gmail.com  Fri Jun 30 02:41:34 2017
From: tracy.soforenko at gmail.com (Tracy Soforenko)
Date: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 22:41:34 -0400
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] NFB Student Leader & former National Center Intern
 seeks house/apartment share in Arlington/Alexandria/Falls church area
Message-ID: <008601d2f14a$63ddf450$2b99dcf0$@gmail.com>

From: Hindley Williams [mailto:hbwilliams16 at gmail.com] 

Hello All,
My name is Hindley Williams. I am a recent college and Colorado Center for the Blind graduate who is looking for housing in the D.C. area, including the cities like Arlington, VA and Silver Spring, MD that are just outside of the Capitol. I will be starting a job in D.C. in July, and am looking to move in mid-late July/August. I would be open to sharing an apartment or house with room mates, and am also happy to rent a room from someone who would be willing. I do not have a service animal, do not have any allergies or issues with animals in the home, and would like to live somewhere near public transit (preferably the metro, but I can be flexible).
Please feel free to contact me via email at hbwilliams16 at gmail.com, or you can call my cell phone at (443) 823-0867 if you have any questions or leads for me. Please feel free to distribute this message to anyone you may know who could possibly be willing to assist me.
Thank you for your time and for any assistance you can provide.
All Best,
Hindley

--
Hindley Williams
hbwilliams16 at gmail.com
(443) 823-0867




From tracy.soforenko at gmail.com  Fri Jun 30 03:12:07 2017
From: tracy.soforenko at gmail.com (Tracy Soforenko)
Date: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 23:12:07 -0400
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] Male seeking convention room share at convention
 with a few roommates
Message-ID: <00a101d2f14e$a8a78660$f9f69320$@gmail.com>

One of our first time Jernigan Scholarship winners, Brandon Shuttleworth,
didn't secure a room for convention. Ideally, he would like to share a room
with a few guys to keep expenses down. If you have any ideas, please reach
out to Brandon at

shuttleworthb01 at gmail.com <mailto:shuttleworthb01 at gmail.com> 

or via phone at 

 

443 851 6862

Brandon will be at convention from July 10 and departing July 16. 

 

Tracy Soforenko

President, National Federation of the Blind of Virginia

202 285-4595

Tracy.soforenko at gmail.com <mailto:Tracy.soforenko at gmail.com> 

 

 



