“WCB, PAVING THE WAY”
CONVENTION BULLETIN, 2018
Washington Council of the Blind
Now is the time to make your plans to join other blind and visually impaired friends, old and new, who like you, are “Paving the Way”. The annual convention of the Washington Council of the Blind will take place November 1st through 3rd, at the Crown Plaza Seattle Airport, hosted by the South King Council of the Blind. This fun-filled, educational, and impactful weekend will boast presentations on such topics as: advocacy, employment, recreation, exercise, hobbies, technology, community involvement and safety. Truly something for everyone!
HOTEL INFORMATION:
Crown Plaza Seattle Airport
17338 International Blvd
Seattle, Washington 98188
Reservations: 800-996-8916
Rates
Room rates at the Crown Plaza will be $99 plus tax (based on double occupancy) and includes complimentary WIFI, airport shuttle, and parking. To get this special rate, be sure to call by October 15 and mention Washington Council of the Blind.
REGISTRATION
Complete the official registration form:
Electronically at http://wcbinfo.org/wcb-convention-2018-registration-form or
over the phone by calling 800-255-1147 and leave a message. Someone will return your call to assist you.
No matter which option you choose, each person must register individually. Registration will not be complete until payment is received in full.
We will be offering three levels of registration rates. The early bird pricing will be available through September 15, preregistration rates will be in affect September 16 through October 15, and registration will be at full price from October 16 until Friday, November 2. So be sure to register early!
Registration Costs
Early Bird up to September 15th
Registration Only $35.00
Registration plus Friday or Saturday (Breakfast and Lunch) $65.00
Registration plus banquet only $65.00
Registration with Meal Package (up to 5 meals) $110.00
Preregistration September 15 to October 15
Registration only $50.00
Registration plus Friday or Saturday (breakfast and lunch) $75.00
Registration plus banquet only $75.00
Registration with Meal Package (up to 5 meals) $125.00
Registration after October 15 and onsite
Registration only $75.00
Registration plus Friday or Saturday (Breakfast and Lunch) $100.00
Registration plus banquet only $100.00
Registration with Meal Package (up to 5 meals) $150.00
Registration forms must be submitted by the dates indicated above in order to receive the described rates. Registrations received after October 15 cannot be picked up until Friday morning November 2, 2018.
EXPECTATIONS, CANCELLATIONS, AND REFUNDS
Before finalizing your registration, everyone is required to read and accept the “Expectations for Those Attending WCB Sponsored Events” and the “Cancellations and Refunds” policies. So please be sure to read these carefully.
FIRST TIMERS
If you have been a WCB member prior to May 1, 2018 and have not previously attended our state convention while a member of WCB, you are eligible to apply for a first-timer scholarship. If chosen, you will receive hotel accommodations for three nights based on double occupancy and registration with meal package. Letters of application should include: information about yourself, your involvement in your chapter and community, and why you believe you’ll benefit from attending this event. Your submission should be emailed to Meka White at mekawh@gmail.com and received no later than August 31, 2018. If you need assistance, you may call Meka at (360) 689-1678.
NOMINATIONS
During our business meeting elections will be held for 2nd vice president, secretary, and three board of director positions. All incumbents may run for their respective positions except for Carol Brame, who is completing her final term as a director. If you are interested in being considered for any of these positions, please email a letter of intent summarizing your activities in WCB, your local chapter and community, as well as any other information that would qualify you for the position you seek. This will help the committee to get to know you. Your letter of intent must be received no later than October 15, 2018. Email this information to Berl Colley, Chair, Nominating Committee, at blc0901@comcast.net or call 360-438-5783.
REGISTRATION/INFORMATION DESK
The registration/information desk will be open throughout convention: 2:00 pm-5:00 pm on Thursday, 7:00 am-noon on Friday, and 7:00 am-noon on Saturday. Lori Allison will be scheduling two hour shifts. Volunteers are needed and appreciated. This is an enjoyable opportunity to meet and greet friends old and new. To sign up, please contact Lori at lori.allison2002@gmail.com or call 253-227-4543.
Volunteers
In order to make this convention stress free and a fun event, several volunteers will be needed to assist in the public areas of the convention. If you are interested in volunteering for this years’ convention, contact Holly Turri at holly.turri9@gmail.com
Or call 360-594-2779.
EXHIBITS
This year, the exhibit hall will be open on Friday, November 2nd from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (closed during the noon hour for lunch). It will be bigger and better than ever, showcasing many adaptive technology items and other varied products and services. Once again this year, Carol Brame is working diligently to provide a variety of displays. If you have suggestions or questions please contact her at wcb.exhibits@gmail.com or call 360-509-9835.
Multi-Raffle
This year, instead of a silent auction, we will hold a multi-raffle. All items donated will be placed in the raffle with a goal of ten fabulous packages. Chances will be sold for $5 each and the buyer chooses which prize package to place their chance in to try and win. This is a raffle so you can purchase as many tickets and put them in any or all packages. The tickets can be purchased with Lisa George during scheduled hours. Donated items will be accepted at Convention Registration on Thursday, November 1, from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm and on Friday morning, November 2, until noon. If you have any questions contact Lisa George at lmwgeorge@yahoo.com or call 816-668-5345.
DOOR PRIZES
Always a highlight, during all general sessions, the awards luncheon, and banquet, door Prizes will be given out. Winners must be present to win. Door prize donations will be accepted at Convention Registration on Thursday, November 1, from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm and on Friday, November 2, until noon. Be sure items are marked with the name of the donor so proper acknowledgement can be made. Please contact Shannon Curry to let her know what you’ll be bringing, shannon@flightintofantasy.com, or 785-840-7477.
TECHNOLOGY TRAINING
Once again, Al Yardly, Access Technology Specialist, will be with us on Friday, November 2 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, providing one-on-one trainings on iPhone, screen reading and screen magnification software, and the Microsoft Office suite. These are free of charge and must be scheduled in advance. If interested, contact Al directly, accesstechnology@q.com or 253-223-2069.
SHOWCASE OF TALENT
On Friday evening members will gather to enjoy a wide variety of entertainment from all across our beautiful state. We’re all your friends, so feel free to participate. Sign up on the convention registration form; acts must be family friendly and no more than four minutes in length. Contact Alan Bentson with the title, instrument to be played, whether using a CD, etc., at a.bentson@comcast.net or call 360-943-9778
GDUWS BREAKFAST AND LUNCH
Guide Dog Users of Washington State holds its annual business breakfast and lunch concurrently with the WCB Convention throughout Saturday. At the breakfast business meeting, Officers are elected, board positions filled, and the course for the next year is charted. During lunch, join fellow guide dog handlers for a wonderful meal and an interesting and entertaining speaker.
HOSPITALITY
At the end of every busy day, come unwind, socialize, and relax over adult beverages, snacks, and great conversation with your old and new friends in our hospitality room. This is definitely the place you’ll want to be each night, but for sure on Saturday night, when karaoke will be offered for the first time.
PRECONVENTION BOARD MEETING
On Thursday evening, come observe and learn more about the operations of the governing body of the Washington Council of the Blind. Witnessing so many people working toward positive goals is an experience not to be missed.
CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS
Frank Cuta chairs this year’s Constitution and Bylaws Committee. If you have amendment suggestions, please contact Frank at frank@cuta.net or call 509-967-2658. This committee will meet directly following the Thursday evening preconvention board meeting and is open to everyone.
RESOLUTIONS
The Resolutions Committee, chaired by Deb Lewis, will meet Thursday evening following the preconvention board meeting. Resolutions must be submitted electronically, in a workable state, prior to that meeting. Deb can be reached at deb@lewissound.net or call 206-434-6480. The Resolutions Committee meetings are open to all interested individuals. Those submitting a resolution should be at the meeting during the time their resolution is being discussed.
BUSINESS MEETING
The course of the work done in 2018 by the Washington Council of the blind will be charted at the business meeting. Every member is encouraged to actively participate in this most important part of our journey. Elections, resolutions, amendments to the constitution and bylaws, our annual budget and other decisions will be considered and made by the members present and voting.
SCHOLARSHIP RECEPTION
The scholarship reception takes place before the banquet on Saturday November 3rd. It is an excellent opportunity to meet and celebrate with our honored scholarship recipients up close and personal.
BANQUET
On Saturday evening, the convention will culminate with our banquet. Featured at this mealtime will be the banquet address by our national guest, Tony Stevens, the presentation of scholarships, and WCB external awards, and winners of the Multi-Raffle will be announced.
We look forward to Paving the Way with you from November 1-3, 2018 at the Crown Plaza Seattle Airport!
Cindy Van Winkle
Chair, 2018 WCB Convention Committee
wcbconvention@gmail.com or call 360-689-0827