BALTIMORE, Md. - The National Federation of the Blind (NFB), the nation's leading advocate for Braille literacy, announced recently that Frater Terry Bradshaw (Beta-Zeta, Louisiana Tech Univ.), Hall of Fame NFL quarterback, current football analyst and co-host of FOX NFL Sunday, will serve as a National Ambassador for Braille literacy. As an ambassador, Frater Terry will help advance the NFB's Braille Readers are Leaders campaign, a national initiative to promote the importance of reading and writing Braille for blind children and adults. The Braille Readers are Leaders campaign kicked off in July of 2008 with the unveiling of the design of a commemorative coin to be minted in 2009 in recognition of the two hundredth anniversary of the birth of Louis Braille (1809-1852), the inventor of the reading and writing code for the blind that bears his name.

Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said: "The National Federation of the Blind is pleased to have Terry Bradshaw as part of this historic initiative to bring Braille literacy to all of the blind children and adults in America who need it. As one of the most popular personalities in America, Terry Bradshaw's impact as a national spokesperson for Braille literacy will surely be huge. There can be no doubt that the ability to read and write Braille competently and efficiently is the key to education, employment, and success for the blind. Despite the undisputed value of Braille, however, only about 10 percent of blind children in the United States are currently learning it. Society would never accept a 10 percent literacy rate among sighted children; it should not accept such an outrageously low literacy rate among the blind. The Braille Readers are Leaders campaign, with the support of influential Americans like Terry Bradshaw, will reverse the downward trend in Braille literacy and ensure that equal opportunities in education and employment are available to all of the nation's blind."

Frater Terry Bradshaw said: "I am honored and pleased to serve as a National Ambassador for the Braille Readers are Leaders campaign. I strongly believe in the importance of literacy for everyone, and I am excited to help make a difference in the lives of blind children and adults throughout the country."

Adapted from a PR Newswire Release. If you would like to see your chapter news here, contact Director of Communication Tom McAninch.

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - One of the most anticipated leadership programs of Tau Kappa Epsilon has launched an online registration system. The 2008 Regional Leadership Conferences saw a record number of attendees - 659 versus 500 in 2006, our previous high since the program was re-introduced in 2002. In addition, a new site was announced bringing the total number of RLC locations to five.

Register Now for an Early Bird Discount.

"The Regional Leadership Conference was a great experience that gave me an opportunity to learn more about the leadership skills I need to work on and develop," said Frater Michael Russell (Delta-Nu, Northwest Missouri State University). "I can implement all of these tools for the benefit of my chapter, but even more importantly myself. I was also able to share and learn with fraters from across the country which I wouldn't be able to do anywhere else."

If you were unable to make any of the RLC's, you certainly don't want to miss this opportunity to share in the spirit of brotherhood in 2009! Register Now .

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In an open letter to the United States Congress, Frater Willie Nelson (Nu-Xi, Stephen F. Austin State Univ.) urged them to help in the prevention of Hepatitis C. Hepatitis C is a blood-borne infectious disease that is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV), affecting the liver. The infection is often asymptomatic, but once established, chronic infection can cause inflammation of the liver (chronic hepatitis). This condition can progress to scarring of the liver (fibrosis), and advanced scarring (cirrhosis). In some cases, those with cirrhosis will go on to develop liver failure or other complications of cirrhosis, including liver cancer.

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is spread by blood-to-blood contact. No vaccine against hepatitis C is available. The symptoms of infection can be medically managed, and a proportion of patients can be cleared of the virus by a course of anti-viral medicines. Although early medical intervention is helpful, people with HCV infection can experience mild symptoms, and consequently do not seek treatment. The open letter from Frater Willie is below.

"If you were given the opportunity to save a life, would you? Well, here is your chance. My friends and I represent the growing number of citizens who are concerned about the global threat posed by the Hepatitis C Virus.

We ask that you bring your attention to the Hepatitis C Epidemic Control and Prevention Act [S 1445/HR 2552]. Hepatitis C is the most common chronic blood-borne viral infection here in the United States, where it is five times more prevalent than AIDS. Conservatively estimated, four to five million Americans are chronically infected with this deadly virus, and well over half of them don't know it.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that the death rate from HCV-related liver disease will triple by the year 2010. No other disease is expected to increase its burden as rapidly in the coming decade. At least 30,000 new infections occur annually. Yet most Americans and many doctors remain uninformed about this disease, which has been nicknamed "the silent killer" by the medical community. Many won't realize they are sick until they have sustained significant liver damage, while others can live their life with no distinct symptoms, unaware of the potential they have to spread the virus. No vaccine is available to prevent chronic Hepatitis C, but medications are available to cure Hepatitis C in up to 50% of people treated. According to a recent report from the National Institutes of Health, Hepatitis C is a national epidemic without financial resources. Simply put, this has got to change.

If you could be a part of helping bring awareness to this hidden epidemic, would you? YOU CAN. You can co-sponsor the Hepatitis C Epidemic Control and Prevention Act [S 1445/HR 2552], which amends the Public Health Service Act and directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish, promote, and support a comprehensive prevention, research, and treatment program for the Hepatitis C Virus. Whether or not we are infected, this disease affects us all. We are confident that you care about the health of your constituents, and that you will do everything you can to expedite this important Bill. Please don't put this off. There isn't time. Sincerely, Willie Nelson"

Adapted from a www.willienelson.com News Release. If you would like to see your chapter news here, contact Director of Communication Tom McAninch.

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - Airports, Train Stations and highways will all be packed soon with Fraters scrambling to get home for the Thanksgiving Holiday. Let us be mindful that this day exists to bring together friends and family to one table for a meal. John Fitzgerald Kennedy once said, "As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." As men of Tau Kappa Epsilon, we are reminded of the principles set out by our Founders. We thank them this day for having the foresight to create such a dynamic and revolutionary organization. Take a moment to thank volunteers and all Fraters who help make your chapter thrive.

What is the Thanksgiving Holiday all about? Why do we celebrate? What is the history behind it?

Before the establishment of formal religions many ancient farmers believed that their crops contained spirits which caused the crops to grow and die. Many believed that these spirits would be released when the crops were harvested and they had to be destroyed or they would take revenge on the farmers who harvested them. Some of the harvest festivals celebrated the defeat of these spirits.

Harvest festivals and thanksgiving celebrations were held by the ancient Greeks, the Romans, the Hebrews, the Chinese, and the Egyptians.

The United States

In 1621, after a hard and devastating first year in the New World the Pilgrim's fall harvest was very successful and plentiful. There was corn, fruits, vegetables, along with fish which was packed in salt, and meat that was smoke cured over fires. They found they had enough food to put away for the winter.

The Pilgrims had beaten the odds. They built homes in the wilderness, they raised enough crops to keep them alive during the long coming winter, and they were at peace with their Native American neighbors. Their Governor, William Bradford, proclaimed a day of thanksgiving that was to be shared by all the colonists and the neighboring Native American Indians.

The custom of an annually celebrated thanksgiving, held after the harvest, continued through the years. During the American Revolution (late 1770's) a day of national thanksgiving was suggested by the Continental Congress.

In 1817 New York State adopted Thanksgiving Day as an annual custom. By the middle of the 19th century many other states also celebrated a Thanksgiving Day. In 1863 President Abraham Lincoln appointed a national day of thanksgiving. Since then each president has issued a Thanksgiving Day proclamation, usually designating the fourth Thursday of each November as the holiday.

Canada

Thanksgiving in Canada is celebrated on the second Monday in October. Observance of the day began in 1879.

To all Fraters, Happy Thanksgiving from the Offices of the Grand Chapter. We are thankful for all of our volunteers, staff, and members throughout the world.

If you would like to see your chapter news here, contact Director of Communication Tom McAninch.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Frater Robert Byrd (Alpha-Pi, George Washington Univ.) is celebrating a birthday. Senator Byrd turned 91 years old on Thursday.

The man who has served the longest in the U.S. Senate was receiving 'Happy Birthday' wishes from everywhere to mark the day.

In a statement, U.S. Senator Jay Rockefeller said the following:
"For half a century, West Virginia has had Senator Byrd leading us uphill and for that, our state is truly blessed. As the longest-serving Senator in American history, Senator Byrd will be written about in history books for decades to come. His longevity is something that continues to move me. And it's something that speaks to the core of who Robert C. Byrd is: he's a man who stands up and fights for what he knows is right, and a man who never, ever gives up.

"But as incredible as his Senate career has been, when one tells the story of Robert C. Byrd, there's one special part that unquestionably can't be left out - his beloved wife, Erma.

"Calling her 'the wind beneath this Byrd's wings,' Senator Byrd will tell you that Erma was the reason he reached his goals. With a presence that he describes as quiet yet strong and reassuring, Erma was his soul mate - his best friend and his confidant. From a fiddle-playing young man, to a history-making American icon, she loved him, and supported him all the way.

"I want to wish Senator Byrd a happy 91st birthday and thank him for his unswerving faith in West Virginia. May he celebrate many more."

The Offices of the Grand Chapter extend a heartfelt Happy Birthday to Frater Byrd.

Adapted from West Virginia MetroNews. If you would like to see your chapter news here, contact Director of Communication Tom McAninch.