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Several members of the Central
Connecticut Chapter attended the Washington Seminar. We arrived for the
Great Gathering In on Monday night. We then attended meetings with our
representatives from Tuesday through Thursday. The meetings went quite
well with much advancement having been made on the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement
Act from the previous year. We also introduced a new issue, The Technology
Bill of Rights. The third item was Social Security Disability Insurance
and trying to make the blind able to return to work without losing all
their benefits.
Later in February we attended the "Kids Fair" at the Hartford
Expo center. There are many vendors at this fair helping to educate young
people in many areas of interest. We brailed the children's names on our
NFB alphabet cards in order for them to get an idea how to read Braille.
We also handed out information about the NFB to parents, some of which
had blind children or knew someone who did.
In March Beth Rival and Sandee Kush were at the State Capitol when Governor
Rell signed the proclamation for the Louis Braille Coin. Bookmarks had
been made with a picture of the coin on it and the information needed
to order one. The Braille alphabet was on the other side of the bookmark.
The Central Connecticut Chapter started to promote sales as did all the
chapters in the State. However due to the economic times it was rather
difficult.
In July six members attended the National Convention in Detroit. We all
participated in the 5K Motor City March. Three members raised over $1,000.00
for the March. They were Beth Rival, Charlie Rival, and Maryanne Melley.
This was the third year these members had raised over $1,000.00! Noreen
Grice had a session for attendees at the convention. People could experience
what it felt like to be on different planets. To get an idea what it would
feel like on the planet Venus, Noreen would cover a person in blankets
so they would have an idea how HOT it would be there. Participants also
were able to create tactile planets. It was a great success.
In September Chapter members worked at The Big E and the Berlin Fair.
Braille coins were sold and information about the NFB was handed out.
Beth Rival and Maryanne Melley attended the Oak Hill Golf Tournament were
Esther Levegnale and John Casolo were golfing. We were able to sell some
Braille coins and get some fund raising ideas.
In December chapter members volunteered to wrap books at Borders Books
and Music in Farmington. Once again the economy played a factor in our
donations but it is always a fun experience and some money was made.
Our Christmas party was held at the Wood 'N Tap in Southington. The food
was fabulous and a good time was had by all. The only disappointment was
that we were not able to sit together at one large table. In 2010 we will
make sure that does not happen again!
We look forward to another busy year in 2010 and hope everyone in NFB
of CT has a wonderful year.
Maryanne Melley, Secretary
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