June 2018 Minute Message

Fellow Federationists:

 

Orlando, Here We Come!

 

I hope everyone is getting ready for the National Convention, July 3-8, in

Orlando. Here are some special notes concerning the participation of the

Maryland affiliate. The Maryland caucus will be held on Wednesday, July 4th,

at 9 pm in Suwannee Room 11. We need workers and buyers at the Maryland

table in the Exhibit Hall. The table number is D5. As usual, the affiliate

will sell instant lottery tickets, which gives you a chance to win from $2

to $20. Since you get your money immediately, you will be able to purchase

other items at the table, such as snacks. The Maryland Association of Blind

Merchants will be selling raffle tickets to a week's trip to Las Vegas, the

Baltimore Chapter will be selling water koozies and the Maryland Association

of Blind Students will be selling some surprise items. 

 

Please take time to welcome and assist the many Maryland members who will be

attending convention for the first time.  We want the convention experience

to be a great one for all attendees.  Sometimes convention can become

overwhelming or stressful.  If anyone becomes ill, feels anxious or

frustrated, please call Ronza Othman or me.  Ronza's cell number is

708-829-0523.  My cell number is 410-241-9012.  The National Convention is

part family reunion, part building relationships and networking and part

reenergization.  Let's make the most of it!

 

Let's Vote

 

Many thanks to everyone who made our June 14th informational protest a great

success.  Over 60 people attended and we had excellent social media

coverage.  Unfortunately, we have to put up with the loss of our secret

ballot during this primary election.  However, we should still exercise our

right to vote.  To read ballot information before casting your vote, go to

the local channel of NFB Newsline.  Early voting is from June 14 through

June 21.  Election day for the primaries will be on June 26.  We will

continue to demand our right to a secret ballot until it becomes a reality.

 

Actions Needed

 

Parents should sign up their children for one of our three BELL programs

quickly.  Go to:

https://nfb.org/bell-student-application-form.

  The staff

at all three programs are busy planning activities that will be both fun and

educational.  Your children will gain new friends and will learn from blind

adult role models.  BELL is one of the most important activities of our

affiliate. 

 

Tickets for the annual crab feast…

Tickets for the annual crab feast on August 4 are now available.  The cost

is $55 on or before July 28 or $60 after July 28.  Place:  Columbus Gardens,

4301 Klosterman Ave., Baltimore, MD (off 8400 block of Belair Rd.).  Time: 6

to 11 pm.  This event will benefit the John T. McCraw Scholarship Program.

Enjoy all you can eat:  steamed crabs, pit beef, & ham; plus a buffet of

entrees including shrimp creole and mild and spicy sausage, sides, salad,

cakes plus Yuengling, Bud, and Coors Light on Tap as well as carbonated

beverages and coffee.  You may purchase tickets online at www.nfbmd.org

http://www.nfbmd.org

>  or from the crab feast committee.  For further

information contact Steve Brand at

steve at ayst.net <mailto: steve at ayst.net> .

 

use Amazon smile

Since this is the season of anniversaries, weddings and graduations, be sure

to use Amazon smile and choose NFBMD for your charity when you purchase that

special gift.    Go to

http://smile.amazon.com/ch/52-1301033.

  Happy Fathers

Day to all the dads!

 

Important Dates for 2018

 

June 23- MABM Networking Mixer, 3pm-6pm. Flavor Restaurant, 15 East Centre

Street, Baltimore, MD 21202.

 

July 3-8 - NFB National Convention, Orlando, FL.

 

July 16-27- NFB Bell Academy in Salisbury, MD. 

 

July 29 - August 4 - NFB EQ for blind high school students. Go to:

http://www.blindscience.org/nfbeq.

 

 

 

July 30-August 10 - NFB Bell Academies in Baltimore and Glenn Dale, MD.

 

August 4 - Annual Crab Feast, Columbus Gardens, Baltimore, MD.

 

August 10-12 - Southeast Regional Seminar for Blind Students, 200 East Wells

Street, Baltimore, MD.

 

October 5 - Maryland Candidates for Governor Forum on Disabilities,

1:30-3:30pm, Hyatt Regency Baltimore Inner Harbor Hotel, 300 Light Street,

Baltimore, MD.

 

October 15 - National White Cane Awareness Day.

 

November 9-11 - Annual State Convention, Carousel Hotel, Ocean City, MD.

 

Sharon Maneki, President

 

National Federation of the Blind of Maryland

 

410-715-9596