by Alfred P. Maneki
The Fourteenth Annual Convention of the NFB of Maryland was held the traditional last weekend in October, this year, on the 24th, 25th, and 26th at the Sheraton Hotel in Washington.
In many respects, this was our finest convention. We were honored to have two national officers with us, President Jernigan, who gave the national report and Ralph Sanders, who presented a stimulating banquet address.
On Saturday, we heard from Phillip Holmes, representing Governor Hughes, Senator Victor Cushwa, Second Legislative District, and Anne Stocket, State Department of Human Resources.
While Senator Cushwa has been a staunch supporter of the organized blind in Maryland, this was our first contact with Mr. Holmes and Miss Stocket. Mr. Holmes heard our resolution expressing dissatisfaction with the Governor’s office for Coordination of Services to the Handicapped and our resolution calling for a single state agency for the blind. It was clear to everyone that both Mr. Holmes and Miss Stocket have much to learn about blind people and our movement.
Mrs. Walhoff moderated a most interesting panel on membership in the NFB, why people join and why people continue to belong. Participants related personal experiences which offered remarkable insight on this topic.
Our 1980 banquet featured a stirring and insightful address by Ralph Sanders. In addition, we remembered the long years of dedicated service by our retiring Treasurer, Georgia Myers, with the presentation of a service award.
Members contributed over $2,000 during our annual banquet to cover the cost of our upcoming legislative program.
Several distinguished guests attended our banquet including an aide to Congresswoman Beverly Byron, whose district includes the Hagerstown area.
The Sunday morning business meeting opened with a special tribute in honor of a long time and loyal Federationist, Ralph Thompson, who passed away on October 7, 1980. We offered our heartfelt sympathy to the Thompson family and will sorely miss our dear friend, Ralph Thompson.
A thorough treatment of fundraising activities and the importance of funding our movement was also given Sunday morning. As a result of the PAC appeals which followed this discussion, fifty-five Marylanders are enrolled in the PAC plan contributing $2,250 per month, a national record for dollars contributed.
Board member, Al Saile gave us a description of his job discrimination case against the Department of Labor and the assistance rendered by the NFB. This case has now been brought to a successful conclusion with Al Saile receiving a promotion and several thousand dollars in back pay.
The following officers and Board members were elected:
Willie Thompson – Vice President, Jim Ovig – First Vice President, Ted McKean, Second Vice President, Lloyd Rasmussen – Secretary, Al Maneki – Treasurer, Nancy Painter and Brenda Williams – Board Member (2 years), David Weaver – Board Member (1 year).
This was an excellent convention and Federationists went away with a renewed dedication to our cause.