October Bulletin

Greetings Fellow Federationists,

2013 Convention News
The 2013 annual statewide convention of the National Federation of the Blind of California is upon us. Federationists will gather beginning on Thursday, October 10 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel located at 2001 Point West Way, Sacramento, CA 95815. If you haven’t already made a room reservation, please hurry and get it done by midnight October 1. After that, there is no guarantee that there will be a room in the hotel for you. The hotel has rooms with one queen-sized bed and one king-sized bed left. Room rates are as follows: $89 + taxes per night. You will need a hotel confirmation number in order to complete the convention registration form.
Go to: http://doubletree.hilton.com/en/dt/groups/personalized/R/RLSA-DT-NBF-20131010/index.jhtml?WT.mc_id=POG

If you choose to make your reservations by phone, you’ll need:
Group Name: NFBC – 2013 Convention
Group Code: NBF
Group Dates: 10/10/13 – 10/13/13
Reservations: 800-686-3775 or 916-924-4900

Once you have your hotel reservation, you can purchase convention registration and meal event tickets by going to
http://www.formstack.com/forms/?986187-OKrkn0JGXG

Please be aware that if you do not plan on staying at the hotel, you will still need a hotel confirmation number to complete the NFBC 2013 Convention Registration form online. Use code: 0000 0000. Pre-registration online will cost $100 for: Convention Registration; Diabetes Action Network (DAN) Lunch; Monte Carlo Night; California Association of Blind Students (CABS) Lunch; and the Banquet. Each event ticket can be purchased individually. Prices will go up by $10 at the door. There will be a few meal tickets available at the Registration Table on a first come, first served basis.

We are proud to welcome our national representative, Cathy Jackson, who will deliver the keynote address at the banquet. Cathy will also update us with news from the national office.

The 2013 agenda will be posted to our website and available on the NFBC-Info list serve on October 1.

Drawing for an iPad Mini!
You can purchase a $10 ticket now for an iPad mini Wi-Fi 16GB. Contact your local chapter president or board member to buy tickets and they will be happy to sell them to you for 3 for $20. Drawing will be held at the annual convention banquet. Winner need not be present. Buy tickets now! Click on this link: http://www.formstack.com/forms/?1560761-uA47O5jjNw

Davis Canes and Tails Wine Tasting October 6
This tasting experience explores how flavors and aromas in wine are heightened by figuratively turning off the lights and tasting wines in complete darkness. The program begins with a sensory examination of distinct aromas including a few primary scents generally found in wine. Next, a flight of four Coppola wines are introduced on the palate, each guest busy distinguishing what familiar tastes are being encountered. Tasting in the Dark aims to break down some of the preconceived barriers to wine tasting, while allowing guests to enjoy wine in an uninhibited environment.

Limited Tasting: 1951 Chateau Latour
Patrick May has donated a 62 year-old bottle of Latour wine, which is valued over $2,000 on the open market. The mystery with a wine that old is whether it is turned or if it is amazing. Either way, it will be unique.

Thank you for your participation! All proceeds for both tastings will benefit the National Federation of the Blind of California “Canes and Tails” Chapter of Yolo/Solano County and Accessible Science, which puts on a chemistry camp for the blind. Ticket prices start at $43. In addition, a limited tasting of the the 1951 Chateau Latour is available for $66.09. Make reservations for both event items online at www.tastinginthedark.eventbrite.com or purchase tickets at the Vini Wine Bar, 611 2nd Street in Davis.

Chapter Basket Auction at State Convention
NFBC Chapters have spotlighted theme baskets to bring to the convention for an auction which will be held during the banquet Saturday, October 12. Coordinators Debbie Worstman, President Shasta Cascade Chapter and Karen Steele, member of the Board of Directors request that donations labeled in print and Braille with the value of the basket and the theme. Contact Debbie at debsphilly1@gmail.com and Karen at karenjsteele@yahoo.com so that they can organize labeling and presentation of baskets at the convention.

Door Prizes
Door prizes for the convention should be brought to the hotel and given to Chairperson Rochelle Houston, member of the Board of Directors. Items should be labeled in print and Braille, unwrapped, and given to Rochelle at the convention. Items should be valued at approximately $25 and identified by donor or chapter name.

October is Meet the Blind Month
Chapters are organizing events in local areas to celebrate Meet the Blind Month. Please let me know if your chapter will be participating in a local event to introduce Braille and other resources which the NFB can offer to your local community. Such events as a local Farmer’s Market, church, festivals, or street fair quite often allow non-profit organizations to have a table at a discount or for free. Check with your local Chamber of Commerce to see how the NFB can serve your town.

Mary Willows, President
3934 Kern Court
Pleasanton, CA 94588
(925) 462-8575
mwillows@sbcglobal.net