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2007 GCB State Convention Highlights
By Robin Oliver and Linda Cox
The 2007 GCB state convention held in Duluth at the Marriott at Gwinnett Place hotel, opened on Thursday with registration and field trips. Later that evening, we enjoyed a reception and then ended the night with the auction which raised over $500 for the scholarship fund. Thank you to Carle Cox, our auctioneer.
Many on Thursday enjoyed a field trip to the Georgia Aquarium. It included being able to touch stingrays, hammer head sharks and star fish.
Friday's sessions were informative and helpful and the information can be used at the chapter level. The two meetings were on grant writing and mentoring. In the grant writing workshop, members learned from Pat Johnson how to collect pertinent information and write grants. In the mentoring workshop led by NFB of Georgia president, Anil Lewis, and assisted by Ms. Thelma Godwin, GCB members learned about all that is involved in the IEP process and were encouraged to become involved in the mentoring program with the elementary and high school children who are blind and visually impaired.
Following these sessions was the awards luncheon with speaker, Dick Edwards, a volunteer with GARRS. Chapter presidents awarded loving cups and certificates of appreciation to their members.
That afternoon, there was a tour to GARRS (Georgia Radio Reading Service). Thank you to Phil Jones, April Kline and GARRS staff and volunteers for the wonderful visit to your office. It was fascinating to observe the process of how it all comes together. We enjoyed a stop at the famous Mary Mac's Tea Room on the way back to Duluth.
On Friday night, the annual talent show was held. Someone set off the fire alarm during the first performance, and we were asked to evacuate the hotel. That brought on a little excitement, but no fire erupted. We stayed in the parking lot for about an hour. After some delay, the show went on. Never a dull moment at a GCB convention! Phil Jones decided not to have one winner this year because the talent was all so amazing and everyone enjoyed all of the performers.
We had the LIONS Breakfast on Saturday morning and then a session on civil disobedience and one about Medicare Part D presented by Laurie Graffo. Braille readers were impressed to receive braille copies of the handout.
The next session was one of the highlights of the convention presenting the YAPPERS. There were four participants this year, and all speeches were interesting and welll presented. Patricia Cox coordinated this year’s Youth Activity Program. The winner of the YAP Speak-Off is Adam Malyala who spoke about Helen Keller and the impact she had on his life.
After lunch, the general business meeting was in session. Among some of the business covered was next year’s convention. It was finally decided to change the time of the state convention to the first full weekend in November and to hold it on Friday through Sunday. Plans are being made to try and hold the convention in Columbus. The final details will be discussed and voted on at the October 20th GCB board meeting.
The banquet and Black and White Ball was held Saturday night. Thank you to Keith Morris, Anne Martin and Vicki Ganger for the musical entertainment prior to our dinner. Three awards were presented: The Gerald Pye Community Service Award was given to Mr. Bob McGary of the Greater Hall County Chapter, the Rhoda W. Walker Award was given to Mrs. Jerrie Ricks of the East Georgia Chapter, and the President’s Diamond Award was given to Ms. Valerie Thomas of the Savannah Chapter. Stephens County chapter members awarded five scholarships this year. We thank them for their dedication to this program.
The guest speaker was Mr. Michael Hingson. Mr. Hingson and his guide dog, Rosselle, escaped the World Trade Center attack on September 11th. His topic for the evening was Trust and Teamwork, Keys to Survival.
The art auction raised over $1200.00. Valerie Thomas and Marsha Farrow coordinated all of the art. The auction was hosted by comedian Tommy Futchfrom Laughing Matters and audio described by Kay McGill. Thank you to everyone who helped with this new fund raiser.
Sunday morning was the devotion and memorial service remembering Eugene Crawford of the South Metro Chapter and June Trice of the Macon Chapter.
The closing board meeting was held via conference call the following week. Georgia Blind LION, Bill Holley, was sworn in as its new president; the upcoming fundraiser on October 6 was discussed; and it was decided to hold the October board meeting on its regular time, Saturday, October 20.
We had over 15 exhibitors this year; thank you for taking the time to share your products with us.
Thank you to everyone that attended the convention this year. Your support was greatly appreciated.
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