Hello Federationists!! This brief correspondence is to let all of you know about the state convention held in Waterbury on the weekend of November 5, 6, and 7th. For those of you who were there it will bring back fond memories, and for those of you who missed the event you will be ready to sign up for next year's convention! This year, the convention had the theme "Marching into the Millennium". What exactly did marching into the millennium mean? First, it meant having a wild weekend in Waterbury to celebrate all of the accomplishments of the NFB and NFBCT since the beginning of time. Second, it meant planning and going forth into the future until the end of time, or at least until the next millennium arrives!

So, now you are all curious about the weekend, right? To begin with, lunch was served at the Waterbury Marriott's fine restaurant. For those red meat lovers, there was a three-meat sandwich with all of the fixings and desert. This was perfect for all of those who traveled to Waterbury for the JOB seminar. The JOB seminar was more informal this year and the topics were stimulating and provided food for thought. A description of life at Louisiana Center for the Blind, and the importance of developing good alternative techniques were discussed. The second speaker was Seymour Shlakman who addressed many different issues about preparing yourself for the job market. The final speaker was Stephen Benson, NFB national representative from Illinois, and he discussed the strategy and importance of networking.

Next, the lighter side of the convention began. At 7:00 pm the social was on its way. There were hot and cold hors d'oeuvres, a cash bar and a great band. This was the time for meeting old friends and making new ones. For those of you who missed it, Tim Cooper tore up the dance floor! Tim is currently compiling a list for next year's dance partners! And Ricky Corey showed the band some rhythm when he hit the drums. By 11:00 pm the festivities ended.

Rise and shine! It was a bright and beautiful Saturday and what a better way to begin the day than to come down to the meeting room and register for the convention. Lucia Lee and Louis Pape were at the registration table making sure all received their meal tickets and convention agendas. Balloons were everywhere!! Betty Woodward set off the convention with the president's address. The convocation and sermon followed by Father George White. Bill Fasulo, a Waterbury alderman, gave the mayor's welcome. Next, Seymour Shlakman, the deputy executive director from New Jersey's Commission for the Blind gave an enlightening review and projection of how the rehabilitation system works for and develops programs with the blind consumers of New Jersey. If it weren't for Newark, I would want to move there! Following the enlightening commentary, there was a presentation given by Kenneth Tripp, former director of BESB. Ken Tripp gave a report on how BESB is structured. Lisa Backus and Brian Sigman were the next speakers and they covered the vocational rehabilitative services at BESB. Stephen Benson kept the discussion quite lively. The last speaker of the morning was Carol Taylor from the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped in Rocky Hill. Ms. Taylor always gives an enthusiastic presentation and she informed the convention attendees of what is planned for the library in the future. Lynn Golden presented several door prizes during the morning session.

For those who couldn't attend the social the night before, lunch was a welcomed time where new friendships were forged and old ones rekindled. The afternoon session began with an enthusiastic discussion-involving advocacy for our rights by Mary Alseph, disabilities coordinator for the city of Waterbury. A great, positive alliance was forged between the NFB and Mary. We truly learned from each other's experiences in advocacy. What a great way to start the afternoon!! Next Dr. Randolph Kinkaide spoke about the field of low vision and his quest to get Medicare to cover expenses related to vision services such as orientation and mobility instruction and rehabilitation teachers teaching tasks of daily living skills in the home. Dr. Kinkaide came to understand some of the issues that blind people face at the ophthalmologist's office as well as in every day life. Now, many of you know Dave Brandolini. Dave was as informative as ever about all of the current topics and advances being made in technology. Dave stayed an additional two hours answering everyone's questions in the literature room. Now, Dave is ready for a vacation. The final presenter was Charlie Collins. Charlie's tale of his acceptance of blindness and his life accomplishments was truly heartwarming and inspirational for all to hear! If any one wants to go to his store, Vision Dynamics in Cheshire, just to play a game of solitaire or try some new equipment, his invitation was truly sincere!

A few more door prizes were given and the special interest groups met all over the hotel. From the reports given all were lively! There were meetings on Braille Literacy, the Diabetes Action Network, National Association of Blind Students of Connecticut, K9 Users, and Parents of Blind Children. The meeting of the afternoon to attend, as reported by Mr. Bob Burke, was the music interest group. The topics ranged from music to politics and they even decided to supply the music for next year's social! The musicians for next year include Bob, Tim Cooper, Ricky Corey and Rich Westhaver. Boy, are we going to rock!!

Next it was time for the banquet. Maureen Carr was the mistress of ceremonies for the evening. There was too much food and great conversation. Christine Boisvert made potpourri pots for each banquet attendee to remember the evening. Chris, thank you for your efforts and hard work all weekend long. After dinner, we were granted the pleasure of listening to an elegant speech prepared and given by Stephen Benson. Mary Brunoli then presented the Braille Readers Are Leaders award to Molly Brainerd, and a more adorable and motivated student could never be found! Congratulations Molly!!

Following this presentation, Betty Woodward presented an honorary award to Mary Brunoli acknowledging her years of dedication to Braille literacy and hard work for the federation. For those of you who weren't there, a beautiful combination Braille and print plaque was given to Mary. Congratulations and thank you for your years of diligence and determination in improving Braille literacy Mary!

The next awards presented were the academic scholarships bestowed by Bruce Woodward. There were three fine recipients this year. They were Karen Quigley, Michael Matis, and last but not least, Jennifer Barrow. Congratulations to all of the recipients, you are the future leaders of America and the NFB!! The last set of awards presented was the personal advancement awards. The recipients of these awards were Donna Balaski, Ricky Corey, Marina Eastham, Renate Di Pietro, Joyce Kane and Rich McGaffin. Bruce Woodward, Carolyn Dodd and Lynn Golden were the presenters of these awards and all of the recipients have great goals and much to contribute to the world. Congratulations to all of the award recipients and show the world the NFB is changing what it means to be blind!

The final event of the awards presentation was unplanned and a pleasant surprise. The John A. Coccomo Foundation, Inc. presented the organization with two very generous checks. The foundation's bequest was for $15,000, presented by the foundation's board members Dennis McCormack, Joan Frenette, Angelina McGillivray, and Cathy Roche. Then, Ms. McGillivray added her own donation of $5,000. These friends of ours are genuine believers in the work of the National Federation of the Blind and our philosophy. We are the blind speaking for ourselves and we give a resounding heartfelt thank you to both the Coccomo Foundation and Angelina McGillivray

The last event of the evening was the raffle of the Type n' Speak. Charlie Collins of Vision Dynamics to help defray the cost of the weekend donated the generous prize of $1,500.00. The winner of the Type n' Speak was John Padilla of the Stamford chapter and winner of the $100.00 gift certificate was Lisa Heberger of the Southern Connecticut Chapter. Congratulations to both winners and a sincere thanks you to Charlie!! The last event of the evening took place in Suzanne and Rich Westhaver's room; much engaging conversation took place until the wee hours of the morning.

The final day of the convention was also exciting. The general business meeting took place and congratulations are in order to Louis Pape and John Padilla for being reelected as members of the board. The last event of the convention was to see who would be taking the money tree's leaves home. Well, no one will be doing that since Annie Orr held the winning ticket and not only donated the tree's shedding back to the organization but matched the winnings as well!! Due to Annie's warm and generous thoughts for the NFB, an additional $350.00 will be added to the Capital Campaign fund for the NFB's national center. Annie, once again, the members of the NFBCT resound a heart felt thank you for your generosity!!

Thank you to the NFBCT for the support and assistance in running this grand weekend. All of those who attended seemed to enjoy themselves and express an NFB comraderie. What a beautiful way to conclude the millennium!!!

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