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California Council of the Blind
California Council of the Blind

Empowerment Through Advocacy

2019 Annual Conference and Convention Announcement

June 5-9, 2019

“Believe & Achieve”

Judy Wilkinson, President

California Council of the Blind
2143 Hurley Way, Suite #250
Sacramento, CA 95825
916-441-2100 800-221-6359

Local Conference and Convention Host:
Fresno Chapter, Sarah Harris, President

Location:
DoubleTree by Hilton
Fresno Convention Center
2233 Ventura Street Fresno, CA 93721

Reservations: 559-268-1000

Dear Friends:

You are cordially invited to attend the annual Conference and Convention of the California Council of the Blind, June 5-9, 2019 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Fresno Convention Center. The 2019 CCB Conference and Convention will be a truly unique experience for CCB members, guests, and the greater Fresno area community, as CCB celebrates its 85th anniversary. This announcement serves as an overview of Conference and Convention activities. In addition, the CCB Happenings will include details about convention events and logistics. More detailed information will be provided in the Conference & Convention Program.

With Every Good Wish,
Judy Wilkinson, CCB Board President

We would like to thank the following Conference and Convention sponsors:

Energy Upgrade California – Investor level
Vanda Pharmaceuticals – Investor level
Sprint Communication – Sustainer level
Cruise Automation – Sustainer level
Rosen, Bien, Galvan & Grunfeld LLP – Contributor level

We would also like to express our appreciation to the local Host Committee and the many local sponsors.

Our thanks also to the individual sponsors: $100 gold; $50 silver; $25 bronze.

For your convenience, a textual description of the hotel floor plan will be included in the Conference and Convention Program.

Conference and convention room rates are $135 for Classic kings and Two Queens, tax included. These room rates will apply Wednesday June 5, 2019 to Monday June 10, 2019. In order to obtain the Conference room rate, reservations must be made by May 22, 2019. If you have not made your reservations, please do so immediately by calling 559-268-1000 or via the hotel website
http://doubletree.hilton.com/en/dt/groups/personalized/F/FATCCDT-COB-201…

When making your hotel reservation via telephone, please mention that you are attending the California Council of the Blind Conference and Convention in order to receive the convention rates. If you need an ADA room, please request at the time of making a reservation.

You are required to cancel your reservation no later than 6PM 24 hours before your scheduled day of arrival. Failure to do so will result in forfeiture of one night’s cost.

Attendees pay their own account upon departure. When reservations are made, you must present a valid credit card. The hotel may require an upfront deposit of a certain amount to cover expenses which if not used, will be refunded at checkout. Complimentary free parking will be provided for all hotel guests only.

You may pre-register for the Conference and Convention online at THIS LINK
or by calling the CCB office at 916-441-2100 or 800-221-6359 until May 31, 2019 at 4:00 PM. MasterCard, Visa, Discover and American Express cards accepted.

Donations of door prizes should be brought to the CCB Registration Table. Contributions and donations to the CCB may be presented at the banquet.
We truly appreciate all donations, both large and small!

If you require vegetarian meals, assistive listening devices for general sessions or other special accommodations, please state your needs on the pre-registration form or contact the CCB office no later than June 3, 2019.

Wednesday, June 5, 2019

8:00 PM – 11:00 PM Enjoy a get-together with President Wilkinson, President’s Suite.

Thursday, June 6, 2019

9:00 AM — 5:00 PM Registration. Pre-registration packets can be picked up at the CCB Registration Table in the Lobby.

1:00 PM — 4:00 PM Technology Committee Meeting, sponsored by Sprint, Andrea DeKlotz, Chair. Gamers Gathering: Join other game enthusiasts and share your favorite computer and/or smartphone pastimes. Also explore today’s multiple ways to access books.

3:30 PM — 4:30 PM Credentials Committee Meeting, Frank Welte, Chair.

5:30 PM – 9:00 PM CCB Board Meeting and Dinner, President, Judy Wilkinson. All are welcome and encouraged to attend this event. Enjoy a good meal and learn more about the CCB.

9:00 PM Nominations Committee Meeting, Frank Welte, Chair.

9:00 PM – 1:00AM Welcome to Fresno Party, sponsored by Vanda Pharmaceuticals, Sarah Harris, Fresno Chapter President, CCB Hospitality Suite.
The local Host Committee is planning a fantastic Welcome to Fresno Party, sponsored by Vanda Pharmaceuticals for Thursday evening and other exciting activities for Friday and Saturday evenings. There will be a no-host bar all three evenings. There will be something for everyone, so stay tuned for more details in CCB Happenings!

Friday, June 7, 2019

9:00 AM — 5:00 PM CCB Registration
Name badges are available at the Registration Table. Please wear your badge at all times during the Conference and Convention. Your badge must contain an orange dot for voting.

Exhibits will be on display from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

7:00 AM — 8:30 AM CCB Women’s Breakfast. “How do we pamper ourselves.” Women will share their tips and tricks for treating themselves to the pampering that keeps them going each day.

8:00 AM CCB Resolutions Committee. Gabe Griffith and Jeff Thom, Co-Chairs.

9:00 AM — 10:15 AM Braille Revival League of California (BRLC) Business Meeting, Mike Keithley, President.
Topics to be announced.

10:30 AM — 11:45 AM California Library Users of America (CLUA) Bonnie Rennie, President.
One of the highlights of our meeting will be an update from a representative of the Fresno Sub-regional Talking Book Library. Speaker TBA.

9:00 AM — 11:00 AM Committee on Access and Transportation, Eugene Lozano, JR., Chair.
You won’t want to miss a panel on the motorized scooter issue, and representatives from Cruise Automations, Inc., talking about the future of autonomous vehicles.

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Blindness and Sleep issues, Leslie McNeil, Vanda Pharmaceuticals, Regional Sales director for California.

12:00 PM — 1:15 PM BRLC/CLUA Luncheon.
Frank Welte will present on The Media and Accessible Design Laboratory at the San Francisco Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, which produces tactile maps, 3D models, braille transcription and audio recordings. This presentation will mainly focus on the design and production of tactile graphics. Samples will be available to touch.

12:00 PM – 1:15 PM Recreation and Fitness Luncheon, sponsored by Vanda Pharmaceuticals, Sarah Harris Moderator. “Get Moving CCB!!”
Whether you are a fitness fanatic, or someone just starting on your fitness journey, this is the lunch for you. Come and join your fellow CCB members to talk fitness and recreation. This will be an open discussion for members to share tips, and ideas of how to stay fit and healthy in today’s fast-moving world.

1:30 PM — 4:05 PM First CCB General Session, Judy Wilkinson, CCB President presiding.
This session will feature local dignitaries, a message from the CCB president, discussions of autonomous vehicles, a dynamic motivational speaker on promoting CCB, and a special tribute to Cathie Skivers.

4:15 PM Constitution & Bylaws Committee, Gabe Griffith Chair.

4:15 PM Committee on Access & Transportation, Eugene Lozano, Jr, Chair.

4:15 PM Welcome to First Timers Meeting, Vivian Younger, Membership Committee Chair.
CCB Membership Committee invites new attendees, Members At Large and those who have not attended a CCB Convention recently to participate in the First Timer’s Seminar. We encourage questions regarding convention activities, member benefits, and support and participation in fun interactive activities.

5:30 PM — 6:45 PM CCB Happy 85th Birthday Dinner.
Share your thoughts on what CCB has meant during its 85 years.

7:00 PM, Second CCB General Session, Gabe Griffith, CCB First Vice President presiding.
This session will include remembrance of members who have passed in the prior year, a report from Jeff Thom, ACB Board member, a governmental affairs report from Jeff Thom and Sylvia Reese, introductions of convention sponsors, and CCB elections.

Hospitality, hosted by the Fresno Chapter will be open from the close of the General Session to 1:00 AM, including more Birthday celebrations and leftover cake!

The Resolutions Committee will meet at the close of the General Session.

Saturday, June 8, 2019

9:00 AM — 3:00 PM CCB Registration.

9:00 AM — 2:30 PM Exhibits will be on display.

7:00 AM — 8:30 AM Membership Breakfast, Vivian Younger, Chair.
CCB members will be encouraged to share their successful accomplishments in a sighted world. Strategies for maintaining a positive approach within our organization will be presented.

8:30 AM – 10:00 AM Golden State Guide Dog Handlers (GSGDH) Business Meeting, Alice Turner, President.

10:15 AM – 12:00 PM (GSGDH) program.
We will have a presentation from a veterinarian on alternative treatments for guide dogs, including acupressure and supplements.

9:15 AM — 10:15 AM California Council of Blind Students Business Meeting, Robin Patche, President.

9:30 AM – 11:00 AM “Vision Workshop”-Three keys to accelerating your results, presented by Kelly Eagan.
In 1853, Henry David Thoreau wrote his famous essay called “Walden”, which contains a hidden code for prosperous living. During this dynamic Vision workshop, you will unlock this code so that you can harness your life’s purpose and the prosperity you deserve.

10:30 AM – 12:00 PM “Why We Take Charge”, Veronica Hernandez, Fresno Chapter, moderator.
This program will introduce parents of blind children, as well as local educators, to a panel of successful blind adults who have navigated the public-school system as children with vision loss and discuss challenges they faced and how they overcame obstacles. Parents and educators will have the opportunity to ask questions and gain a better understanding of future possibilities for their child/student.

12:00 PM — 1:15 PM (GSGDH) Luncheon, sponsored by Rosen, Bien, Galvan and Grunfeld LLP, Alice Turner, President.
We invite all to join the (GSGDH) luncheon, sponsored by Rosen, Bien, Galvan and Grunfeld LLP to visit with friends and share your stories about self-advocacy. We will also be announcing the lucky winners of the first (GSGDH) Silent Auction. All are welcome.

12:00 PM – 1:15 PM Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of California Luncheon, Paul Patche, JR, President.

1:30 PM Third CCB General Session, Ardis Bazyn, CCB Secretary Presiding.
In addition to an update on rehabilitation issues from Department of Rehabilitation Director, Joe Xavier, we will take up the newly proposed bylaws for the California Council of the Blind.

4:30 PM Auction Committee meeting: Andrea Deklotz and Chris Fendrick, co-Chairs.

4:30 PM Governmental Affairs Committee, Alice Turner and Ardis Bazyn, co-Chairs.

4:30 PM — 6:00 PM Scholarship winners’ reception, Christy Crespin, CCB Scholarship Committee Chair.
This reception is being held to thank the CCB Scholarship donors, honor the 2018-2019 recipients, and spend time with the CCB Scholarship Committee and CCB Board members. Meet and congratulate our CCB Scholarship winners!

6:00 PM No Host “Attitude Adjustment Hour”.

7:00 PM the CCB Banquet.
Join us for a lively evening of entertainment: in addition to awards and other presentations, the banquet will feature the next best thing to Elvis himself.

If needed, the CCB Resolutions Committee will meet directly after the Banquet.

Hospitality will be open from the close of the Banquet to 1:00 AM.

Sunday, June 9, 2019

7:30 AM Devotional Services.

8:30 AM Fourth General Session: Judy Wilkinson, CCB president presiding.
We will conduct assorted items of CCB business. This includes the treasurer’s report, voting on resolutions, and if need be, completing our business with respect to the newly proposed CCB bylaws. The convention will adjourn no later than noon.

Advertising in the Conference and Convention program is available at the following prices:

Full Page ad $150.00; 1/2 Page ad $75.00: 1/4 Page ad $50.00; Two Line Ad $20.00.

Call the CCB office, (800)-221-6359, to place your Ad or for information on other options.

California Council of the Blind 2019 Annual Conference and Convention – Plated Meals

Plated Meal for Thursday, June 6

  • CCB Board Dinner
    Cedar Plank Salmon: Roasted Salmon with Lemon Basil Hollandaise Sauce, served with Caesar Salad, Rosemary Infused Red Roasted Potatoes, Vegetables, Rolls and Butter, Coffee, Iced Tea and Water.
    Dessert: Lemon Cake

Plated Meals for Friday, June 7

    • CCB Women’s Breakfast
      New Mexico Green Chili Breakfast Burrito: Warm Tortilla Filled with Scrambled Eggs, Sausage, Mild Green Chili, Cheddar & Monterey Jack Cheese, Breakfast Potatoes, Basket of Assorted Breakfast Pastries & Breads.

 

    • BRLC/CLUA and Recreation and Leisure Lunches
      Valley Trio Salad: Chilled Greens Crowned with Walnut Chicken Salad, Homemade Tuna Salad, Seafood Salad & Garnished with Vine Ripened Tomatoes.Vegetarian Option: Fresno Cobb Salad

 

  • CCB 85th Birthday Dinner
    Valley Salad
    A Combination of Romaine & Spinach Leaves with Diced Tomato, Sliced Mushrooms & Garlic CroutonsChicken Oscar: Boneless Breast of Chicken Sautéed & topped with Crab Meat, Asparagus & Creamy Hollandaise Sauce. Served with Valley Salad, Rice Pilaf Vegetables, Rolls and Butter, Coffee, Iced Tea and Water.

    Vegetarian Option: Roasted Portabella Mushroom Ravioli: Roasted Portabella Mushroom Ravioli, topped with Southwestern Cream Sauce and Pine Nuts served with Green Beans.

    Dessert: Mocha Mousse

Plated meals for Saturday June 8

  • CCB Membership Breakfast
    The Traditional Breakfast: Fresh Scrambled Eggs, Crispy Bacon & Sausage Links, Breakfast Potatoes, Basket of Assorted Breakfast Pastries & Breads.Vegetarian Option: Quiche
  • (GSGDH) and RSVC Lunches
    Cashew Chicken Stir-Fry: Tender Pieces of Chicken Sautéed with Soy Sauce, Fresh Garlic, Cashews, Julianne of Carrots, Celery, Ginger, & Scallions. Served with Steamed White Rice and Garnished with Sainfun Noodles.Vegetarian Option: Lasagna
  • CCB Banquet
    Stuffed Pork Loin: Pork Loin Stuffed with Wild Mushroom Stuffing Sliced & Served Raspberry Chipotle Glaze or Rosemary Sauce. Served with Caesar Salad, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Vegetables, Rolls and Butter, Coffee, Iced Tea, and Water.Vegetarian Option: Grilled Portobello Mushroom Stack.

    Dessert: German Chocolate Cake

Click here to go to the online 2019 CCB Conference and Convention Registration form.