The President's Corner
by Jim Jirak
Welcome to the March edition of the ACBN Quarterly Newsletter. As I begin what is my final remarks as president, I do so one week removed from the Super Bowl and eight days removed from the first ever postponement of an NCBVI Board of Commissioners meeting resulting from 9.2 inches of snow. Nevertheless, the weekend was spent getting caught up on important matters for ACB National as well as the CCLVI special interest affiliate.
With just a few weeks until the ACB state convention in Fremont, it is hoped that not only have you received the registration materials and perused it thoroughly, but also you've reserved your room. As per the mailing, registrations postmarked on, or prior to, March 30 receive the discounted registration fee of $40. Registrations postmarked after that date will be assessed a $10 late registration fee, or $50. Please pay special attention to the inserts and the member's only raffle and respond accordingly.
As a friendly reminder, the convention is scheduled for the weekend of April 20-22 at the Clarion Inn. Room rates are $69 plus applicable taxes. Hotel accommodations must be made by March 30, 2012 to receive the discounted room rate. Only pending space availability within the hotel will reservations be taken at the discounted rate after that date. For those outside the Omaha and Fremont area, please call (800) 743-7666. If you happen to reside in the Fremont and Omaha metro area, please call (402) 727-1110. Be sure to mention ACBN to receive the correct pricing structure. Your working convention committee consisting of Ann, Sherryl, Kenda, Paul, Howard & Janis, with input and guidance from your president, have worked tirelessly to ensure this convention is unique and memorable. The convention theme is unique in and of itself and based around the presentation given by Julie Johnson, chair of NCBVI's Commission Board. One time national president Chris Gray will be this year's national representative. His remarks promise to be enlightening and informative. And like last year, the convention will be streamed live over ACB Radio World. Hope to see many in Fremont April 20, 21 & 22.
Looking back over the past 6 years of my presidency, we've had our struggles and successes. Some board meetings were contentious and some decisions weren't easily made. However, all board action and deliberation was done with the best interest of the American Council of the Blind of Nebraska in mind.
I am pleased to announce that over the past few years, ACBN has introduced the call blasting feature, which provides quick and timely updates statewide with one recorded phone call reaching the membership simultaneously. Additionally, this organization took part as a vender at the July 2007 Families Connecting with Families Conference at the Hilton Omaha. Not only did Mark & I pass out trinkets, but we also gained a member. Paulette, Mark, Carol and I, in April 2010, met with Ann Boyle and Mark Breiner from the Public Service Commission at the downtown Spaghetti Works in Omaha, to discuss cab service related issues for blind and visually impaired customers. Resulting from that meeting, a "taxi wrights and responsibilities" document was created and is now available on our website. We took part in the May 2010 NCBVI sponsored Older Blind Conference in Kearney and raffled off talking prescription pill bottles, gave away rubber jar openers and magnets with the ACBN logo affixed on the items and gained members. In March of last year, we were invited to present to the center student clients about the benefits of membership in our organization. Mark & I used this opportunity to define what a consumer group is and how consumer groups differ from service providers. We also used a similar format when presenting to the WAGES clients in June and anew chapter was formed in Fremont. In august, we wrote our first check for board insurance. That same month, after a year of planning, Ann, Terry, Sharon, their son Chris, Bob Riley, Mark, Sherryl & I took part in the Midwest Leadership Conference in St. Louis, with ACBN taking a leadership role in budget development, program planning, processing registration requests for the fifty plus participants and with moderating the Friday evening and Saturday event activities. Several members have consistently been present at NCBVI Commission Board meetings. We've successfully challenged the notion of "innocent 'til proven guilty" with regard to NFBN's unsuccessful law suit of Outlook Nebraska and the request that NCBVI staff keep the litigation in mind when referring clientele for employment. We questioned the tactics of the Federation when they requested of the NCBVI Board of Commissioners blind support of LB149, the Braille bill, during a public commission board meeting when the majority of commissioners weren't familiar with its contents. ACBN has also been successful in avoiding an audit request made by the same organization over our now defunct transportation program. Your leadership has also questioned the effectiveness of the structured discovery rehabilitative process and has requested supporting data to bolster the argument that this methodology is not outside the main stream. Because experts have advised data does not exist and ACB should conduct the research, look for our study to be released soon. Mark & I also presented, via telephone November 1, to teachers of the visually impaired about ACBN. And finally, in May of this year, Mark & I will be representing us at NCBVI's Living the Full Life Conference in Kearney.
In short, the American Council of the Blind of Nebraska has become visible and taken a more active role in ensuring blind and visually impaired residents have the services needed to become as independent and as effective in society as possible. Citizens are now starting to take note there is more than just one national blindness consumer group in this state. It is the responsibility of each member to do his or her part in promoting the organization and encouraging those they meet to become familiar with our purpose, vision and mission ... "people first - causes second." With this motto and philosophy, and a united membership standing up for what's right, together there isn't anything that can't be accomplished for the good of blind Nebraskans. Make no mistake that while I'm not going anywhere, rest assured that I will continue to be an active member. Lastly, I thank you for the opportunity to serve as president and wish my successor well.
Before concluding, I wish to take a moment of personal privilege and extend to Nancy Flearl, on behalf of the membership of this organization, our deepest sympathy on the loss of her mother in late February. Glennie, Kristal, my parents and I made the trip to Lincoln for the memorial service. Please know, Nancy that the thoughts and prayers from your colleagues, clients whom you serve and friends within the American Council of the Blind of Nebraska are with you during this difficult time.
Finally, Sister Mary Katherine entered the Monastery of Silence. The Priest said, "Sister, this is a silent monastery. You are welcome here as long as you like, but you may not speak until directed to do so."
Sister Mary Katherine lived in the monastery for 5 years before the Priest said to her, "Sister Mary Katherine, you have been here for 5 years. You may speak two words."
Sister Mary Katherine said, "Hard bed."
"I'm sorry to hear that," the Priest said, "We will get you a better bed."
After another 5 years, Sister Mary Katherine was summoned by the Priest. "You may say another two words, Sister Mary Katherine."
"Cold food," said Sister Mary Katherine, and the Priest assured her that the food would be better in the future.
On her 15th anniversary at the monastery, the Priest again called Sister Mary Katherine into his office. "You may say two words today."
"I quit," said Sister Mary Katherine.
"It's probably best," said the Priest, "You've done nothing but complain since you got here."
Until the convention in April, be good to one another and remember that a loving heart is the truest wisdom.