The four day weekend in April, 2005, with many of us working at the CPTV Science Fair in the Hartford Expo Center, was fun for all. We showed technology and Brailled children's names as the schools streamed through, very curious about Braille. Some special requests were "To Tom Love, Sandy", or "Mom, I love you". We even had some low vision students pass by.

In May I put together poster boards of blind people living and enjoying their day-to-day lives. Canoeing, horseback riding, waterskiing, working in Washington D.C., blind people together with their canes or guide dogs beside them.

This display was put up in the State Capital for the month of May of 2005. We accompanied this with informational folders for the legislators and a continental breakfast. We had talks from the Transportation Department and also talked about accessible voting machines.

Next, the photo display was put up in the Neat Market Place in Hartford for all to see for 6 months.

Two vans drove down and visited the Jernigan Institute. We were welcomed with much hospitality and had a tour of the library, science and math rooms, the ball room with pianos, and also, the great kitchen staff. We drove down to the bay and enjoyed shopping and dinner.

In September we traveled to The New England Eastern States Exposition (the Big E) in Massachusetts, which has a Connecticut state building. Our table was set up right at the front door next to the Governor's table. We handed out many Kernel books, and Brailled names on alphabet cards. There were good conversations with many people who have a friend or a family member with low vision. Sierra, my guide dog, wagged her tail all the time!

Of course there is always terrific food at the Big E. Lobster roll from Maine, Vermont maple syrup, …should I go on?

In November we had a successful convention and Scott LaBarre, a blind lawyer and president of the Colorado affiliate, was our national representative. Our main speaker was the Secretary of State of CT, Susan Bysiewicz. It was a great weekend for all.

We wound up the year with Christmas parties and look forward to the Washington Seminar as always.

For more information, E-mail us at: info@nfbct.org