ACB of Ohio Seeks Nominees
The ACB of Ohio is seeking nominations for its annual awards. There are five awards:
The Ambassador Award is presented to a member of ACBO who has contributed significantly to the organization.
The Ken Morlock Award is presented to a blind or visually impaired individual who has improved the quality and equality of life for those who are blind and visually impaired.
The Media Award is presented to an individual who has portrayed the blind or visually impaired community in a positive manner through media, such as newspaper articles, TV news segments, advertisements or commercials. Nominations for this award must be accompanied by an appropriate example of the nominee's work.
The Ruth Davidson Award is presented to a sighted individual who has improved the quality and equality of life for those who are blind or visually impaired.
The Employer of the Year Award will be presented to an employer in Ohio who has employed individuals who are blind or visually impaired and has made appropriate accommodations in the workplace.
The deadline for nominations is September 2, 2002. Send your letters of nomination in print or on tape to: James O. Norman, ACBO Awards Chairperson, 1341 Warren Dr., Brunswick, OH 44212.
Rocky Mountain Guide Dog Users
by Christine A. Hutchinson
It is my great pleasure to introduce to you Rocky Mountain Guide Dog Users. This affiliate of Guide Dog Users Inc. (GDUI) will serve the needs of guide dog users in Colorado and the Rocky Mountains. Our goal is to serve all guide dog teams seeking a supportive environment where they can gain skills to educate their community; enjoy recreation among fellow guide dog users; network among other guide dog users to solve problems that might occur; and to create legislation that protects and maintains the integrity of the working team. Because Colorado is such a large state and transportation is an issue for all blind and visually impaired individuals, we plan to hold only two meetings a year; however, between these meetings we will work in our respective communities to make a difference. We will communicate either by e-mail or the telephone during these times as well so all members are always up to date on the latest with Rocky Mountain Guide Dog Users (RMGDU).
We are planning a camp-out weekend with puppy raisers and guide dog users in the state within the next few months. If you are interested in assisting with the planning or would like to attend, contact one of the individuals listed below. You may contact the following board members for further information or if you would like to become a member of RMGDU. Annual dues for RMGDU are $15. We hope as an affiliate we can serve the guide dog community of Colorado with pride.
President: Christine Hutchinson, e-mail [email protected].
Vice President: Leonard Decker, e-mail [email protected].
Treasurer/Secretary: DeAnna Noriega, e-mail [email protected].
Board members: Janelle Edwards and Amy Johnson.
Newsletter editor: Linda Yacks, e-mail [email protected].
Thanks from Alabama
by David Trott
The Alabama chapter of ACB has experienced some wonderful things this spring. At the time of our spring convention, Dan Martinez visited with us, and spoke at the convention. It was a wonderful experience to have him with us, and his presence at our convention was much appreciated.
Last week national President Chris Gray was with us as speaker at the graduation exercises at the Alabama School for the Blind. Our seniors really enjoyed Mr. Gray, and we can certainly say that he was a hit with them. While in Talladega, he was a welcome visitor at Alabama Industries for the Blind, as well as the guest of honor at a reception for him which was sponsored by the Alabama chapter of ACB jointly with the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind.
Alabama is most grateful for both these visits, and proud to have had both these men play a part in our activities.
SCLC-VIVA Turns Two
On July 13, 2002, the South Carolina Low Country Chapter of VIVA will celebrate our second anniversary. We currently have 21 members, and have accomplished many of our goals in these two years. The chapter has distributed health care packages to homeless veterans, and is currently working with a local association for the blind to set up computer training for veterans. Chapter members have toured a Confederate submarine, the aircraft carrier Yorktown, worked at a low vision fair, and more. In June the chapter enjoyed a picnic with the ACB chapter at the Charleston Air Force base, with singing and guitar picking and fun.
And in October, the "No See 'Em Drive Golf Outing" will be held at the Shadowmoss Plantation Golf Club in Charleston. This is golf for all who have loved the game and may think they can't play anymore. Come on out and have some fun on October 9. For more information, call or write Don Kopp, 134 Toura Lane, Charleston, SC 29414; phone (843) 763-0785, or e-mail [email protected].
ACB of Maryland Celebrates New Chapter
ACB of Maryland is pleased to announce the formation of the Maryland Area Guide Dog Users (MAGDU). The next meeting of MAGDU will be held at the ACB of Maryland convention, which will take place at the Holiday Inn in Cumberland, Md. from October 4-6, 2002. For more information about MAGDU, contact its treasurer, Jane Sheehan, at (301) 598-2131 or [email protected]. For more details about the state convention, contact Butch Arnold at (410) 254-1972 or [email protected].