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
<
> 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