More 2010 NFBK State Convention

Upcoming 2010 NFBK State Convention
By Cathy Jackson, President, National Federation of the Blind of Kentucky

I want to personally invite you to attend the 63rd annual State Convention of the National Federation of the Blind of Kentucky the weekend of September 24, 25 and 26, 2010 at the Holiday Inn Hurstbourne, 1325 S. Hurstbourne Parkway, Louisville, Kentucky.

Room rates are $84.00 per night plus tax. When calling to make your reservation be sure to let the operator know that you are with the NFB of Kentucky in order to guarantee our rate. Reservations must be made no later than September 3rd. After this date our block of rooms will be released. I urge you to heed this warning since the Equestrian Games are being held during this same time and hotel rooms even as far west as Louisville are at a premium. You should call the hotel directly at 502-426-2600.

Financial assistance will be available for those who have never received assistance from NFBK to attend a state convention. Tonia Gatton, Charles Allen and John Glisson have been appointed to deal with these matters. There is an application form that must be completed and returned to any of the committee members by Monday, August 23rd.

Pre-registration is the name of the game. This system is convenient for everyone involved especially our treasurer, Ranelle. The cost of events is as follows: registration $10, luncheon and open board meeting $15, and banquet $20. Make checks and money orders payable to NFB of Kentucky and mail to, Ranelle Mackey, 202 Manor House Lane, Frankfort, KY 40601. Be sure to include names of all persons for whom you are purchasing registrations and meal tickets. Ranelle must have your form and payment by Wednesday, September 15th. Those who miss this deadline will pay: $5 extra for registration and meals. A pre-registration form appears at the end of this article.

A registration table will be open on Friday from 5:00 to 7:00 PM and again on Saturday morning from 8:00 until 8:45 AM. Those who have pre-registered will need to stop by to pick up their packets. Those who have not registered should do so during these times.

We are planning exhibits for Friday afternoon and Evening. At this time we have commitments from the American Printing House for the Blind, Lab Computer and ????. You will want to make time in your schedule to browse around the booths to see the latest equipment and visual aids available to the blind.

The NFB of Greater Louisville is sponsoring the Friday evening social. The event will be held outdoors in the courtyard, weather permitting.

We will be providing child-care during all general sessions, the luncheon and the banquet. There is no cost to parents for this service. There will be space provided on the registration form for you to enroll your child(ren). Please do not overlook this portion of the form since it is imperative that we have an accurate count so that we can provide the best care possible for our little ones. Sandra Williams is coordinating this activity and is exploring several creative ideas to make sure the youngsters have an enjoyable day.

The 2010 NFBK convention will call to order promptly at 9:00 AM, Saturday, September 25th. The format of our convention will look pretty much like it has in years past. Our morning session will feature guests who are involved in the field of education and rehabilitation for the blind. The agenda is beginning to take shape, but we do not have firm commitments from our speakers yet.


Our afternoon session will begin at 2:00 PM with a report from our national representative, Scott LaBarre. Then we will proceed with legislation, resolutions, election of officers and any business that needs to be brought before the assembly.

Everyone will be attending our annual banquet, so you don’t want to be left out. The members of the NFBK know how to work hard, but we also know how to have a good time. The banquet is the perfect place to relax and enjoy. Nickey Pearl, President of the Louisville Chapter, will be our Mistress of Ceremonies. If you remember the 2008 banquet, Nickie had us all in stitches with her “factoids”. Scott LaBarre will deliver the banquet address. You will just have to wait to see who receives our scholarships and other NFBK awards.

NFBK’s Divisions play an important part in our organization’s success and represent several special interest groups. Divisions which choose to meet during convention weekend will be announcing the times for those various meetings as convention time draws nearer. Stay tuned for that information.

Pamela Glisson is Chair of our Resolutions Committee. If you have a resolution you would like presented you should contact her at pglisson@independenceplaceky.org or by phone at 859-335-9282. Pamela is very astute regarding these matters.

George Stokes will chair the Awards Committee. Contact him at kd4ckt@bellsouth.net or by phone at 502-875-3111.

Nickie pearl has asked me to remind you to contribute door prizes. Bring items for both men and women. If you aren’t sure what to donate I have just one word for you, cash.

For the fifth year now we are sponsoring the reverse raffle. This is such an important fundraiser because the profits go directly toward paying convention expenses. The cost of a raffle ticket is $10 and you just might be the lucky winner of $500 first prize, or $250 second prize. As if this isn’t enough, the first name drawn and every twenty-fifth name thereafter will receive $25. Tickets will be sold up until we begin drawing names at the Friday night social.

If you have any questions about the convention or any of the activities please give me a call at 502-366-2317 or email me at cathyj@iglou.com. I look forward to seeing you at the convention.
Pre-Registration Application
NFB of Kentucky State Convention
September 24, 25 & 26, 2010

This application should be completed and returned to Ranelle Mackey, 202 Manor House Ln., Frankfort, KY 40601 no later than Wednesday, September 15, 2010. Make your check or money order payable to NFB of Kentucky.



REGISTRATION ($10.00) TOTAL
Number_______ $________
Name(s)____________________________________________________________ Address_____________________________________________________________City________________________________
State, Zip___________________________
Phone______________________________

LUNCHEON ($15.00)
Number¬¬¬________ $_________

BANQUET ($20.00)
Number_________ $__________

CHILDCARE
Child(s) Name-------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Parent’s Name___________________________

RAFFLE TICKETS ($10.00)
Number Sold_________ $__________

DONATION $__________

TOTAL ENCLOSED $__________