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THE EDITOR'S LOG
by A. P. MANEKI
With this issue the Spectator turns two news leaves-- a new editor and a new by monthly publication schedule.
In my new capacity, I extend greetings to all of you,
.and bid fond but sad farewell to ex-editor Mary Hartle who has returned to her native Minnesota. The best of luck to you, Mary, in your future endeavors.
This time, let me comment briefly on editorial policies. For the most part, articles of timely interest will be solicited from members of the National Federation of the Blind, and anyone wishing to submit material for publication is invited and encouraged to do so. Due to severe space limitations, please make contributions as brief as possible.
Articles should be sent to me at my address printed on the
. cover. Comments pro or con on material published in this newsletter are always welcome. I reserve the right to edit for brevity but not for content or point-of-view, all articles selected for publications.
Reports from chapter presidents of the affiliate will be a regular feature. Reports from chairmen from statewide committees will be published when appropriate. Following a long established tradition, the column Spektor and "Specs" will be reserved for announcements and items of human interest.
.Letters to the editor will be published occasionally, and sometimes contributions will be solicited from outside the
affiliate.
I wish to thank everyone assisting me with the pro- duction of the newsletter, without which I could accomplish little. I will be introducing and recognizing their assistance in future issues. It is with pleasure, honor, and a sense of challenge that I accepted the editorship of this newsletter.
AFFILIATE HOLDS SPRING CONVENTION: MEMBERS MEET WITH LEGISLATORS
The first spring convention of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland was held in Annapolis from Thursday, March 17th thru Saturday, March 19th. The major convention activity took place on Friday when members met with state legislators to discuss pending legislation of interest to the blind of'. Maryland
THURSDAY NIGHT
National Federation of the Blind members began arriving at the convention center, the Annapolis Hilton Inn. An informal meeting was convened to review plans for the next days activity. Three issues were of concern-support of legislation
-
to supplement SSI payments; support of state Randolph-Shepard legislation and opposition to Joint Resolution 76, call-i g for establishment of a commission dominated by agency.
participants to study problems of the blind in Maryland. / Position papers were read and discussed.
FRIDAY
According to plan teams of National Federation of the Blind members assembled and descended upon legislative halls. Appointments had been made earlier with some of the Delegates and Senators, impromptu meetings were held with others or with staff members, and in any event our position papers were left at all offices.
FRIDAY NIGHT BANQUET
Senator Meyer Emanuel, Prince Georges County, Senator
Clarence Mitchell, Baltimore City,, Delegate CharlesBlumenthal, Prince Georges County, and Mayor John Apostle, Annapolis, were honored guests. Senator Emanuel was awarded a plaque for distinguished service to the blind of Maryland.
Ralph Sanders delivered the principle address. Remarks were
' made by Mike Hingson, Al Maneki, Lloyd Rasmussen, and John Mccraw. Everyone shared in a delightful evening.
SATURDAY BUSINESS SESSION
After salutary remarks the morning session began with a panel disc;mssion on the previous days legislative activity and suggestions for improvement. Plans for our charter flight to
New Orleans was discussed. There was a presentation by Al
Miller of the State Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. A motion was passed for this organization to work with the library to secure a larger state appropriation so that better library services may be rendered.
AFTERNOON SESSION
Ralph Sanders reported on matters from the National Office. He called for continuing support of Dr. Andrew S. Adams by writing President Carter. He urged members to join the PAC Plan, and asked readers of the braille edition of the Monitor to use the recorded edition. A panel discussion on vending facilities was led by John Mccraw, Art Segal, Merchants Divi- sion, NFB, Ed Naff, Veriders Chapter, NFB, and Ralph Sanders,
Blind Industries and Services of Maryland, participated. They discussed among other issues the importance for all
blind vendors to take a stronger interest in all National Federation of the Blind activities. Remarks were deliveredby Joe Worthington, president of the New Jersey affiliate and by Ted Young, president of the Pennsylvania affiliate.
President John Mccraw appointed Lloyd Rasmussen to chair the Committee on Research and Development. The meeting adjourned after chapter and committee reports were presented.
CHAPTER NEWS
BALTIMORE by Willie J. Thompson
The Greater Baltimore Chapter of the NFB or
Md. held its meeting on Saturday, February 19, 1977. A total of fifty-eight people attended including five new members. Our chapter has been selling candy for approximately one month. A total of $445.00 was collected at the meeting from individual sa1es.
Concern was expressed about a new schedule of rates proposed by the telephone company. Mr. Donald Morris was charged with attending the scheduled public hearing on the matter.
Some drivers for the Mass Transit Authority are still insisting that blind people take the seats specified for the handicapped. A call will be made to the MTA reminding them that a directive (written last year) is not being followed. All drivers now working and all newly trained drivers were supposed to receive this memo stating that blind people have the right to sit wherever they wish.
Our March meeting was canceled due to the convention. Our next meeting will be held on April 16, 1977.
CUMBERLAND chapter by Jearl Conrad
The Greater Cumberland Chapter is proud to say it has two new members; Beverly Lowary, an employee of BISM and Gary Nash. Gary is a local Disc Jockey with WCBC radio.
We will have nine members of our chapter at the convention in New Orleans.
EASTERN SHORE by Knowles Hovington
We are pleased to announce that Barbara William joined our chapter on March 28 and we are looking forward to an ever-expanding membership.
On March 18 and 19, six of our members traveled to Annapolis to visit with members of the state .General Assembly and add impact to the positions adopted by the state officials. They also enjoyed attending the Spring convention on Saturday.
In an effort to help our program financially, Mrs. Elsie Taylor sponsored a Sunday Musical at her church and raised over $200 of which $55 was sent to the state affiliate.
Congratulations to Elsie on her fine work.
NFB candy sales to date total 366 boxes and are growing daily.
HAGERSTOWN by Mary Georgia Norford
Some of us had the travel bug. Mrs. Marshall spent twoweeks in Pennsylvania with her son and his family and she had a fine time with her grandchildren. The Smiths had a surprise trip to Florida and had a fine time.
Our meetings are very well attended but this may be
, because we have transportation and we meet in the daytime. We exchange ideas and some of our experiences are quite funny.
We are trying to think of some small item to sell but have not decided yet. ( Editors Note: How about candy).
ANNAPOLIS Membership building is the prime concern.
Proximity to the legislature has motivated a "watch Dog” Movement. Legislative matters are carefully monitored and reported.
SLIGO CREEK Chapter
SLIGO CREEK Chapter members have been speaking to elementary school children in the
Montgomery County area about blindness and have been well received.
A candy sale is in Progress and a membership drive is being pursued.
The VENDORS
The new regulations have been handed down from HEW.Although they will probably benefit vendors on the national level there is some doubt as to how much good will come to Mary and vendors.
Meetings are held on the third Friday of each month at Blind Industries and Services at 7:00 p.m.
Committee REPORTS
SCHOLARSHIP committee ANNOUNCES GRANTS AVAILABLE by Gary Hackenstadt, Chairman
The Scholarship Committee has completed work on a new scholarship application. These should be ready for distribution by April 1977. Chapter presidents as well as other interested persons will receive applications for distribution to prospective recipients. The deadline for filing applications is July 15, 1977. In addition to blind high school seniors, blind undergraduate and graduate college students, as well as blind persons involved in vocational training programs are eligible. Two $250 scholarships will be given this year. Recipients will be notified during August.
Five $100 grants to assist persons in financial need to attend the MFB convention this July will also be awarded.
Members interested in making application should write a letter to:
Gary Mackenst St
554 S. Wickham Road
Baltimore, Maryland 21229
Deadline for application is May 15, 1977. Letters may be in Braille, print or on tape. This committee, with the consultation of John Mccraw will select the recipients! In each letter the applicant should outline the reasons why she/he needs and deserves a grant.
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE SETS IMMEDIATE GOALS by Judy Sanders, Chairperson
At the last convention, this committee met to formulate plans for the near future. We .decided to undertake two projects.
Our first goal is to form a statewide student division on April 23, 1977 in Baltimore: An exact location has not yet been determined. Membership is open to any blind high school or college student or to any other person who has a particular interest in the affair of blind students. This division will not only undertake those projects of interest to blind students but will support all activities of the National Federation of the Blind.
Our next effort will be to form a chapter in the Gaithersburg area. This should be accomplished in May. We have already begun to gather a list of prospective members. If
you know of any blind person living in that area please pass that information to a member of this committee.
Although we have an official membership committee, it is the responsibility of every Federationist to spread our message and increase our ranks. If you wish to make use of our literature please contact:
Ray Lowder
5420 Force Road
Baltimore, Maryland 21206
Ph: 583-9039
Joe Bardari
5046 Clifton Avenue
Baltimore, Maryland 21207
Ph: 448-0210
Let’s all help our affiliate to be the biggest and best in the nation.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Saturday, April 2, 1977: Legislation to supplement SSI has passed the Senate and we are anticipatiing developments in the House. Randolph-Shepard legislation has been withdrawn because of unfavorable amendments made in committee. Legislative Counsel during the summer for further study.
Joint House Resolution 76 has passed the second reading in committee and we are awaiting further developments.
PUBLIC RELATIONS Committee UPDATE:
by Ray Lowder, Chairman
We wrote letters to Channel 13, thanking them for playing our spots. I received a phone call from them. If you should hear any of the spots on radio or TV please contact that station by letter or telephone.
The state convention in Annapolis was covered by reporters
from the Baltimore Sun. '
SPEKTATORS SPECS
Reservations are now being taken for the charter flight to New Orleans. Total cost is $155. Deadline for reservations is May 1, 1977. For complete details contact John McCraw or other state officers.
Volume I, Number 2
THE BRAILLE SPECTATOR
Publication of the National Federation of the Blind Of Maryland
A. P. Maneki, editor
Alfred P. Maneki, editor
The Braille Spectator
9736 Basket Ring Road, Box 17 Columbia, Maryland 21045
Address Correction Requested