August Bulletin

Dear Fellow Federationists,

“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 live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back.”

2014 is The Year of Change
The National Federation of the Blind has passed a new milestone. On July 6 at the close of the banquet, Mark Riccobono became president of the nation’s largest organization of blind people. We are sorry to see Marc Maurer pass the torch but excited to see what Mark Riccobono does with it. Listen to the highlights of the national convention on the August – September Braille Monitor.

Celebration of the life of Jim Willows
I want to thank all those who sent condolences and flowers to the memorial service held on June 28, 2014 to honor Jim Willows. After a long struggle with lung cancer, Jim succumbed to the disease on June 22 with family, friends, and the dog at his side at home in Pleasanton, California. The memorial service embodied the life of a man who was committed to public service. Friends from Jim’s childhood flew out to share memories of their friend. Representatives from the lab, education, rehabilitation, and community service at church all took turns celebrating the life of a man who made a difference. Federationists travelled from all over the state to honor his memory with a message of unity. The message was repeated over and over that Jim was a person who could cross the aisle and bring unity to whatever cause he led.

2014 State Convention
The 2014 Convention of the National Federation of the Blind of California will be held on October 9 through 12 at the Embassy Suites South located at 1440 East Imperial Avenue, El Segundo, CA 90245. Call (310) 640-3600 to make your reservations. Convention registration, banquet and a luncheon will cost $75. Please watch for announcements on the NFBC-Info List.

CABS Got Talent
Do you have an amazing talent that you are just itching to show off? Then enter the California Association of Blind Students first annual talent show. All musicians, poets, singers, and actors are welcome. Upload a 1-3 minute clip of yourself showing off your talent to sendspace or youtube, then send the link via email to Roselyn Perez at rp1rules@gmail.com

The Orange County Chapter will Meet
Rob Kaiser has secured a new location for the Orange County Chapter. All are invited to attend on August 9, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. The location is Emerald Court 1731 W.W. Medical Center Drive, Anaheim, CA 92801. Call or email Rob ASAP. His phone number is (847) 989-0768 and his email is rcubfank@sbcglobal.net.

River City Chapter Baseball Fundraiser
The River City chapter is teaming up with the Sacramento River Cats for two great games of Baseball! For every ticket sold the chapter will receive a portion of the sales. This is a great fundraiser for the chapter. Please distribute to all your friends, family and anyone who might be interested.

Saturday August 16th
Game Starts @ 7:05
Sacramento River Cats vs Oklahoma City Redhawks Post Game Fireworks

To purchase Tickets:
Go to www.rivercats.com/gamelink
Select River City Chapter of NFBC
Promo Code RCCNFBC

If you have any question please contact Tiffany Manosh, President of the River City Chapter. We look forward to seeing you all at the ball park for two great games of baseball.

Discover You in San Francisco
Join the National Federation of the Blind of California San Francisco Chapter and the San Francisco Lighthouse for the Blind on August 23, 2014 for an action-packed day. Become empowered, define your future, discover you! Speakers will address topics such as: recreational opportunities for blind people in the San Francisco Bay Area; employment and technology. RSVP now to Lisamaria Martinez at lmartinez217@gmail.com or (510) 289-2577.

Currency Reader Program
Starting September 2, 2014, NLS patrons or folks who want to become an NLS patron can call 1-888-657-7323 to pre-register to get a currency reader when the National program rolls out in January 2015. For more information before September 2, 2014 call The Bureau of Engraving and Printing at 844-815-9388. The currency reader is a small pocket-size device which announces the denomination of paper money. The device is free to the blind. It is well worth taking the time to pre-register to participate in the program.

Mary Willows, President
National Federation of the Blind of California (NFBC)
3934 Kern Court
Pleasanton, CA 94588
mwillows@sbcglobal.net