The Jacksonville chapter met twice during the summer.  Plans are being discussed with having the membership drive in the fall for our October disability awareness month.  Also another idea that was discussed was to increase dues to $25.00 a year using the extra $10.00 for a research and development program.   Since it is also coming on NAPH’s 50th anniversary Don Adams would like to get some of the sports teams to give us lower price tickets for attending their events.  At the same time he would promote the programs or games on his Radio Show.

Even though we have a limited number of members, we have all been busy in various activities with promoting disability awareness in the community and in our churches.  On one Sunday Don’s pastor had the National Federation of the Blind participate in their Sunday worship which, indeed, was well received within the church community.  Don has also tried to attend several Mayor’s Disability Council meetings to fight to keep this council going for the city’s disabled.  Unfortunately, it has been combined with the Veterans Affairs group which we feel will lose vision for some of the disabled population.

Alan Strecker has been busy during the summer doing his National Treasurer’s job while Trish (his wife) celebrated her 30th anniversary of working for Anheuser-Busch.  Through her involvement with the diversity committee at the brewery, she has been able to promote more awareness of disability in the community and also was able to participate in a disability forum with other corporations last fall.

As long as we are spared from the hurricanes and Florida storms, JAX chapter of NAPH are all looking forward to the coming year for continued growth and enthusiasm in its members and surrounding community as we celebrate our 50th anniversary.

Respectfully submitted,

Trish Strecker

Secretary, JAX NAPH