If you're planning on attending the national convention this year, why don't you plan on doing some different things? If you think AAVL is just for "old fogies," think again! Most people who have tried our wild, fun-loving group can't believe the fun and great times they have. Let me give you a sneak preview of what the Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss is planning for July 2007!
On Monday, July 2, we will hold our annual luncheon. It's not just the best lunch for your money, but entertainment that will start off your convention week with smiles and laughter. Our guest speaker is none other than our own John Dashney, the famous storyteller extraordinary. I know you won't want to miss it.
On Wednesday, our meeting will be a discussion on marriage. Should I, as a visually impaired person, marry a blind person or a sighted person, especially for the second time around? Well, that should surely stimulate some opinions! Later on Wednesday afternoon we will still be talking that over with a glass of wine and some nibbles. Our annual wine and cheese, raffle and sing- along will be a blast. George Coorey, pianist from Cincinnati, Ohio, will be playing all the songs you know so you can sing along. Perhaps you will win the cash prizes at the raffle!
On Thursday we will be welcoming ACB's newest affiliate, the Human Service Professionals, by presenting the topic of age-related depression. Both the psychological and the sociological angles will be presented. Come and put your thoughts on the subject up for discussion.
We end the week on Friday with our business meeting and "meet the national candidates" session. I truly feel you will enjoy the convention more if you plan to be a part of AAVL and our fun-loving activities. Remember us when you fill out your convention schedule!
Thanks to IVIE program chair Carla Hayes, IVIE has an excellent convention planned during the upcoming ACB convention. IVIE will hold its breakfast, business meeting and elections on Monday, July 2, from 7 to 8:30 a.m. Our breakfast will include: scrambled eggs, bacon, home-fried potatoes, blueberry muffins, orange juice, coffee, decaf and tea. The breakfast ticket price will be $24 pre-registration, $26 on-site.
On Tuesday, July 3, IVIE has invited RSVA and other interested ACB members to attend its program from 1:30 to 4 p.m. This will include a segment on business-building techniques and communication, followed by an entrepreneur round table discussion.
IVIE also invites any ACB members to visit the IVIE Business Expo and check out the products and services of IVIE members and other business owners from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Any interested ACB member can purchase booth space at the Business Expo and sell any products or services. For IVIE members, each booth costs $10; for non-members, the booth price is $25. Please send your check for membership or booth expense to Sila Miller, 2201 Limerick Dr., Tallahassee, FL 32309. Membership in IVIE is only $15 per year (due on July 1) and includes a free listing on the www.ivie-acb.org web site and the ability to join our members-only listserv to exchange ideas. We look forward to seeing many of you!
The RSVA convention will begin on Saturday, June 30, with committee meetings set for 1 to 3 p.m. Chairs will contact committee members for specific times. The RSVA Suite will be open if requested. From 3 to 6 p.m. the RSVA board will meet.
On Sunday, July 1, the RSVA convention program will begin at 9 a.m. and end at 4 p.m. This general meeting will include reports from various states, updates on legislation and advocacy efforts, and business. Since we have had problems completing business on Monday afternoon, some business will be conducted on Sunday afternoon. We are planning to hold a caucus for ACB candidates from 4 to 5 p.m., followed by the RSVA nominating committee. From 10 p.m. to midnight, RSVA will host its annual mixer in the RSVA Suite. This event will be open to all who have purchased tickets.
On Monday, July 2, RSVA will host its luncheon from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Lunch will include the soup of the day, sliced braised beef slow-cooked with potatoes and root vegetables, morel sauce, and chocolate tart with chocolate sauce. There will be a speaker and the RSVA awards ceremony. After the break, from 2:45 to 4:30 p.m., we will wrap up the business meeting. Auction set-up will be at 6 p.m., and the auction will be held from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Karaoke night will take place from 9 p.m. to midnight. Both evening events will have a cash bar.
On Tuesday, July 3, IVIE has invited RSVA to join in its program from 1:30 to 4 p.m. It will include a segment on business-building techniques and communication, followed by a round table discussion about business entrepreneurship. RSVA will hold its casino night from 8 p.m. to midnight. Enjoy the fun and win some prizes!