by Melanie Brunson
You may find it hard to believe, but 2011 will be here sooner than you think. In February of that new year, ACB will once again be holding a series of important meetings, and everyone who is interested in ACB and its legislative agenda should begin making plans to attend at least one of these meetings.
When? Friday, Feb. 25 through Tuesday, March 1, 2011. The midyear meeting of the ACB board of directors will be held on Friday, Feb. 25. Following the board meeting, there will be a meeting of affiliate presidents or their representatives. This will begin on Saturday, Feb. 26 and conclude around noon on Sunday, Feb. 27. The legislative seminar will begin on Sunday afternoon, Feb. 27 and conclude on Tuesday, March 1 with visits to Congressional offices.
Where? The location will once again be the Holiday Inn National Airport, in Arlington, Va. – the same hotel we used last year. Room rates are $119 per night plus tax, for both single and double rooms. This rate will be available beginning Feb. 24 and runs through March 2. It is not too early to make your hotel reservations. Rooms can be reserved by calling either 1-800-holiday, or by calling the hotel directly, at (703) 684-7200. When you call, be certain to mention that you are part of the American Council of the Blind so the hotel will know to give you our room rate.
There are three airports that can be used to get to the hotel, including Washington-Reagan National, Dulles, and Baltimore (BWI). There is a free shuttle that runs between the hotel and Washington-Reagan Airport.
Additional details about registration and programs for these meetings will be made available as they are worked out, but we wanted to allow everyone plenty of time to begin making plans to join us for these meetings. ACB is beginning its 50th year as a leading advocate for people who are blind, and we are hopeful that many of you will help us set our agenda for this historic year and beyond. There will also be a new Congress in session. Your assistance is essential if we are to succeed in getting them to understand and move ACB's legislative agenda forward.
Please make plans to join us. Reserve your room at the hotel early so you don't forget. Then, stay tuned for more exciting details about what will be on the agendas for each event. See you in February!