American Council of the Blind of Colorado (ACBCO)

ACBCO 2010 Annual Convention

by Linda Yacks for the Sixth Sense Newsletter

It was really early when several of us gathered at the train station in Denver and boarded the train bound for Glenwood Springs.  What a fun time we had on the train.  It was a great opportunity to gab with old friends and make some new ones.  I particularly enjoyed spending time with Dr. Reeves, a new board member, and Mitch Pomerantz who is President of ACB.  The ACBCO group had a whole car to ourselves on the way up, so we could move around freely and change seats to visit.

We checked into the Hotel Colorado and many of us gathered in the bar for more chatting and drinks.

We were welcomed on Friday by Bruce Christensen Mayor of Glenwood Springs.  We heard a panel discussion by resource experts, and Geoff Ames updated us on transportation and the ADA.  Dr. Reeves described the eye and discussed several eye diseases, treatments, and scientific breakthroughs.  We also heard from a low-vision specialist in Glenwood Springs, talked about grief and loss with Charlie Watson, and spent time hearing from the Board of Directors with opportunity for questions and answers.

For me, one of the highlights of the weekend was Bob Askey.  Those of us who read via talking books, know his magnificent voice.  He told us stories about his life and read a little something for us.  He is a very friendly person and hung around for a bit after he was finished to shake hands and give hugs.

The banquet speaker this year was our President of the ACB national board of directors, Mitch Pomerantz.  He gave us some updates from the national office. Mitch had some very complimentary things to say about ACBCO. It was a great opportunity for Mitch to get to know our members, board, and staff.  He made himself very available to all of us.  Thanks Mitch for coming.

It was great to meet the members of the new chapter in Glenwood Springs.  We are all very excited to spread our wings to the western slope.  We thank the Western Slope Chapter for their hospitality and hard work.

One of the things I found interesting about the group of attendees was that many of them are new to ACBCO and some old friends attended that we haven’t seen for a while.  If you missed this convention, you missed a fun and informative time.  Start saving your change for next year and plan to join us.