The 1983 State Convention of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland--our 17th--was held in Gaithersburg at the Marriott Hotel on the weekend of October 14 through 16, and what a Convention it was. Approximately 150 enthusiastic Federationists were on hand to participate in planning sessions, general business sessions, special meetings, and, of course, hospitality.
Serious Convention activities got under way on Friday evening with registration, the meeting of the State Board of Directors, and the Resolutions Committee. (The Resolutions adopted by the Convention are reprinted in the December issue of the Braille Spectator.)
The Saturday morning session opened with a bang. Montgomery County Executive, Charles Gilchrist welcomed us to Gaithersburg. Mr. Gilchrist read a proclamation which he had issued designating the month of October as National Federation of the Blind month in Montgomery County. He concluded by reading a proclamation from Governor Harry Hughes setting aside October as "National Federation of the Blind Month" in Maryland. (Governor Hughes, who was unable to be present, requested that Mr. Gilchrist present this proclamation.) The Mayor of Gaithersburg also joined us to extend his greeting.
Highlights of the morning session included discussions on the Bill Morgan walk, the Maryland Vending Program, and the Governor's Office for Coordination of Services to the Handicapped. Chris Harvey, a blind stock broker, presented an excellent presentation. He described how he does his job using a "talking terminal." He also told us yet another chapter in the deplorable old story of Maryland rehabilitation for the blind. He pointed out that he is successfulnot because of but in spite of the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. As usual, they tried to discourage him from doing what he wanted to do.
Lunch time brought two important meetings--the students and the vendors. Betty Couch clearly has the vendors on the move- seventy-five persons attended the vendors luncheon. (See the Vendors Chapter article printedin the December issue of the Braille Spectator).
Peggy Pinder, our national representative, kicked off the
afternoon session with her national report. She brought us up to date on the tremendous progress that the organized blind movement is making throughoutthe country.
Other importantitems included an update of the Paul Flynn case by Paul Flynn and Marc Maurer, and a great presentationby Virginia Glynn, another blind person employed in a non traditional occupation. Virginia is a physical therapist at Deershead State Hospital in Salisbury. Both Virginia and Chris Harvey are clear evidence of the fact that we are breaking down the ancientbarriers of myth and prejudice.
Our convention banquets are always high points, and this year was no exception. Marc Maurer served well as Master of Ceremonies, and Peggy Pinder's address was outstanding. In addition, Margaret Thompson of Baltimore presented the "Barbara Johnson Award" to Audrey Hedrick of Cumberland. Dr. Jernigan and Jim Omvig received the prizes as top associate getters in the state.
Several state legislators joined us for the banquet. We were delighted to have the opportunity to present our "Legislative Service Award" to Delegate Elijah Cummings for the work hedid insponsoring our1983 amendment to the ModelWhite Cane Law.
While our Sunday morning session dealt largely with internal organizational matters and resolutions,this session, too, had a tremendous highpoint: we increased our Maryland PAC contribution by almost two hundred dollars ($200.00) per month. Of equal significance is the fact that nine new members were signed up. Although we still have some distance to go before our goal is met, it is clear that more and more of our members are recognizing our responsibilities to make this commitment and that we are truly on the move.
Three Board positions were up for election. They were filled by Al Saile of Gaithersburg, Dick McBee of Hagerstown, and Pat Winebrenner of Frostburg.
The enthusiasmand renewed spirit gained at the Convention will sustain us for the new year. We are ready for the work on state and national legislation, our "Day in Annapolis," the March on Washington,· fundraising events, civil rights cases, and the strengthening of our affiliate. Truly, WE KNOW WHO WE ARE AND WE WILL NEVER GO BACK.