Photo Report – NOPBC Anniversary Dinner

The beautiful centerpieces at the twenty-fifth anniversary dinner of the National Organization of Parents of Blind Children, a division of the National Federation of the Blind, symbolized the accomplishments of the past and the hopes for the future. Created by Texas parent leader, Lety Flores, the colorful flowers in full bloom, the watering can, and the packet of seeds said it all.

The centerpieces graced twenty tables at the anniversary dinner on Sunday night, June 29. The tables sat twelve, and the room was packed--you do the math.
Photo courtesy of Bobby Cunningham

The menu included entrées to please adults and kids. Here, Kendra Holloway (GA) digs into her kid-friendly menu of chicken tenders and mac’n cheese.

Despite a packed room, the buffet lines moved quickly thanks to the efficient hotel staff and our own registration crew. 

The friendly, unhurried atmosphere encouraged many kids, such as this young girl, to practice blindness skills at the buffet table under the tutelage of parents or blind mentors.

Photo courtesy of Bobby Cunningham

Texas POBC leaders (left to right), Sally Thomas, Kim Cunningham, Lety Flores, and Laura Weber, were excellent and gracious hostesses for the evening; they helped guests find seats, assisted when needed in the buffet line, and generally helped everyone have a good time.

Photo courtesy of Bobby Cunningham

Susan Ford (MO), the founding president of the NOPBC and one of the writers of its constitution, speaks to the dinner crowd about our early history.
Photo courtesy of Bobby Cunningham

Carol Castellano (right) presents the Dan Ryles Memorial Award to Ruby Ryles (left). 

Abraham Nemeth, inventor of the Nemeth Braille Code for mathematics, enjoys a cup of coffee before the Twig Awardees are called to the front for the presentations.
Photo courtesy of Bobby Cunningham

Carrie Gilmer (at the microphone), prepares to present the twenty-six As the Twig is Bent award medallions. Behind her (right to left) are award winners Carol Castellano, John Cheadle, Susan Ford, Marty Greiser, Sandy Halverson, Joy Harris, and Allen Harris. Carrie, the Master of Ceremonies for the celebration, also chaired the Twig Award Committee.

Barbara and John Cheadle smile as they accept their Twig awards.

Barbara Pierce, OH (left); Joanne Wilson, MD (center photo); Doris Willoughby, CO (center); and Mary Ellen Jernigan, MD (right) beam as they accept their Twig medallions from Carrie Gilmer. Mary Ellen Jernigan also accepts the award posthumously for Dr. Kenneth Jernigan, whose unwaivering support was essential for the establishment of the NOPBC.

Serena Cucco is entranced by the final program item: a PowerPoint presentation by Carrie Gilmer and her husband, Phillip Richardson, called “Keeping the Faith.” Scenes and people from the past and present flash by as we hear the recorded voice of Dr. Jernigan speaking to parents at the NOPBC organizational meeting on July 2, 1983, at the convention in Kansas City, MO.

Photo courtesy of Bobby Cunningham

The finale to the program and dinner is the grand entrance of the anniversary cake--well, cupcakes to be exact. Formed into the shape of the number 25, the red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting sport a candle each. After the candles are lit, the Twig award winners are invited to step up and help blow them out.

After the dinner and the program, parents and kids are invited to stay for Family Hospitality. Ashleigh Chamberlain, VA, (center), takes advantage of this opportunity to compare canes with her new friend.
Photo courtesy of Bobby Cunningham