Call to Convention
June 9-11, 2017
You are cordially invited to attend the 2017 convention of the North Dakota Association of the Blind. “Spice Up Your Life” is the theme of the 81st annual convention. We are coming to the city of Devils Lake where many fishing tournaments are held!
The convention will be held on Friday, June 9 through Sunday, June 11 at The Great American Inn and Suites, located on HWY2 on the south side, across from Home of Economy, at 1116 Highway 2 East, Devils Lake, ND 58301.
A block of rooms has been reserved at a rate of $71.50 per night. Deadline for room reservations is May 1. For reservations, call #701-662-4001 and ask for a room for the “NDAB Convention” as soon as possible. Each room has a refrigerator, microwave, coffee pot and hair dryer. Note: There are no elevators in this 2-story hotel. A limited number of volunteers will be available to initially help locate both meeting and hotel rooms and assist during scheduled coffee breaks.
To help defray convention expenses: If you are attending the convention for the first time be sure to mark your registration form and your name will be included in a random drawing for two $250 stipends. There will also be a drawing for up to ten members to receive $100. In order to qualify for either of the drawings, your registration form needs to be marked as to your interest and returned by May 20. Notification of drawing results will be made so you can finalize your convention plans.
Spice Up Your Life
Our theme, “Spice Up Your Life” encourages us to make the most of our opportunities!
Provisional Agenda
(subject to change—final agenda will be available at registration)
Friday, June 9
1 p.m. Registration begins
2 p.m. Pre-Convention Seminar—Cathy Bryce, Vocational Rehabilitation, Devils Lake Dept. Of Human Services
2:30 p.m. “Healthy Eating” by Sara Laite, NDSU Extension Nutrition, Devils Lake
3 p.m. Stan Mosser, Minot, ND
3:30-4 p.m. Vendor Introductions
4 p.m. Executive Board Meeting
4-6 p.m. Vendor Display
6 p.m. Dinner sponsored by the Devils Lake Lions Club
7-9 p.m. Vendor Display continues
7 p.m. New Member Orientation facilitated by Mary Stip, NDAB Vice President
9-10 p.m. Social time in the hospitality room
Saturday, June 10
8 a.m. Registration begins
8:30 a.m. Presentation of Colors, Pledge and Invocation.
Welcome by Devils Lake Mayor Dick Jonson
Greetings by NDAB President Zelda Gebhard
Business Meeting, President Zelda Gebhard presiding
Roll Call of Members Present
Secretary and Treasurer’s Report
Committee Reports
10:15 a.m. Coffee Break
10:45 a.m. Meeting Resumes
11:30 a.m. Tourism and Economic Development, Susan Kenner
Noon Legislative Luncheon, Allan Peterson, facilitator
1:30 p.m. Meeting Resumes
Old Business
New Business
2:45 p.m. Coffee Break
3:15 p.m. Meeting Resumes
4:30 p.m. Meeting adjourns
5:30 p.m. Social Hour/Awards Recipients Reception
6 p.m. Banquet, speaker Diane Peyerl
Sunday, June 11
8 a.m. Memorial Service, Pastor Bruce Dick of Bethel Evangelical Free Church
8:45 a.m. Coffee Break
9 a.m. Meeting resumes
Roll Call of members present
Election of Officers
Selection of 2019 Convention Site
Noon- Convention adjourns
Marco’s Pizza is located on sight for your enjoyment in dining
Lunch available for delivery from Pizza Ranch (665-6565) or Pizza Hut (662-7100)
Registration
You must return your completed convention registration form and payment by May 20. Rooms must be reserved by May 1.
The NDAB and hotel staff cannot be held responsible to administer medications or provide assistance with personal care. If you need such assistance, please plan to attend the convention with a family member or attendant. Come and journey with us as we “Spice Up Our Life” in Devils Lake and beyond!
Carol Schmitt, Convention Chair
Grace Sharbano and Carmen Suminski, Committee members