 The Freestate News
Vol. 8 Num. 1 Feb. 1, 1997 Monthly
A publication of the National Federation of the Blind of Kansas
 By Cindy Hallenbeck
 The members of the board of directors braved some of the
coldest temperatures of the new year to meet at the Holiday Inn
City Centre in Topeka on Saturday, January 11th.
 We welcomed our new treasurer, Vickie Vermilion, to the group.
We will miss Cliff Ruemmler, but will appreciate Vickie's work and
friendship as we work to make decisions that are in the best
interest of the affiliate.
 The Washington Seminar is looming on the horizon. This is an
important year for us because there has been a major turnover in
the Congress. We selected four people to attend: president Susie
Stanzel, first vice president and national board member Dick
Edlund, Heather Kirkwood, and Billie Melugin.
 Billie Melugin is a student at Wichita State University and
a recent new member in the South Central Chapter. She and Heather
will attend the student division seminar, which is held before the
Washington Seminar.
 THE FREESTATE NEWS was then discussed. Heather Kirkwood, a
recent University of Kansas graduate and journalist, has
volunteered to take on editorship of the newsletter, to make it
more manageable in length, and to give it a "face lift."
 Much of the rest of the meeting was spent reading a document
written by Sanford Alexander, president of the Kansas Association
of the Blind and Visually Impaired. Over the past year, several
work groups have met to come up with ways Rehabilitation Services
could be streamlined.
 This has become an important issue to the blind however because
many of their recommendations lean heavily toward an umbrella
agency. Such an agency would not serve us well.
 It was clear from our study of this document and President
Stanzel's response that we all need to learn a great deal more
about the government process in this state. You will be seeing
 articles in The Freestate News which should help us all understand
better the workings of our state government.
 Two terms are up on the Division of Services for the Blind
Advisory Committee. Consumer groups serve on this committee and
make recommendations as to which members can best serve. The
governor then appoints the positions. We have selected Dick Edlund
and Heather Kirkwood. J. D. Crabbs will be the alternate.
NFB Offers Scholarships to Students
Applications for NFB scholarships are due March 31. Students hoping
to win prizes should apply now.
 Blind students in search of ways to finance post secondary
education may find that the National Federation of the Blind can
help.
 Nationally the NFB is offering 26 scholarships ranging in
value from $3,000 to $10,000 to legally blind students who plan to
pursue post secondary education in the fall of 1997. Students need
not be a member of the NFB to apply.
 The scholarships are not limited to students pursuing college
degrees. Those who plan to enroll in vocational schools also are
 encouraged to apply.
 The National Federation of the Blind of Kansas is also
offering three $1,000 scholarships to students who qualify from
Kansas.
 National scholarship winners must attend the national
convention in New Orleans June 29 to July 6. Winners of the Kansas
scholarships must attend the state convention Oct. 24 to Oct. 26.
 For more information call or write Susie Stanzel, 11905 Mohawk
Lane, Leawood, Kans., 66239 1038, telephone (913) 339 9341.
Hotels Filling Fast for National Convention
 Hotel reservations for national convention are going fast. The
national office reports they expect to fill 1,400 rooms. However,
only 1,100 are currently available.
 Members are being urged to make their reservations now by
calling Tony Cobb at (410) 659 9314. Have your credit card and
travel dates ready. There will be another large convention in town
at the same time, so space could become hard to find.
 Room rates are: $40 single, $42 double $44 triple and
$46 for a quad. A $40 deposit is required.
Notes from President Stanzel
 Plans already are being made for next year's state convention,
reports president Susie Stanzel.
 The convention will be held at the Holiday City Inn Centre in
Topeka Oct. 24 26. Rooms will be $50 a night.
 The board will start planning next year's convention agenda
soon. If you have any new ideas, let your chapter president or a
board member know. Your ideas are welcome.
Schutz Makes Plans to Retire
Erhart to Take Over in the Fall
 By next fall Dr. Richard Schutz, director of the Division of
Services for the Blind, plans to kick back and start enjoying
retirement.
 Suzannah Erhart, who currently administers the Rehabilitation
Center for the Blind and the Kansas Industries for the Blind
facilities in Topeka, has been appointed to take over Schutz's
duties.
 Schutz will help Erhart with the transition and will continue
to help commissioner Cussimanio with special projects.
Upcoming Events
South Central Chapter Meeting Feb. 1.
Johnson County Chapter meeting Feb. 14.
 Deadline for Freestate News articles Feb. 15.
Kaw Valley Chapter meeting Feb. 20.
Kansas NFB board meeting March 29
National Convention June 29 to July 6.
State Convention Oct. 24 26.
 The Freestate News
 Staff
Editor
Heather Kirkwood
Braillist
Cindy Hallenbeck
 The Freestate News is the official publication of the National
Federation of the Blind of Kansas. Subscriptions are available by
writing to: Heather Kirkwood, 2400 Alabama Apt. 109, Lawrence, KS,
66046. Members are invited and non members are encouraged to make
 donations to support the production of The Freestate News.
