[CCCNFBW] September chapter meeting minutes

[donmi1949 at gmail.com]

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND

CLARK COUNTY CHAPTER

SEPTEMBER 2026 MEETING

 

.Meeting called to order on September 12 2026 at 10:03 AM PDT

.Members present: Chris Higley (President), Kris Colcock, Doug
Tremble(treasurer), Beth Greenberg, Tresa Freeby, Norman Larkin, Arren,
Betty Fitzpatrick, Sharon, Cory Grandstaff (Vice-President), Peat Masterson,
Vicky, Tim.

.The secretaries report was moved for acceptance by Cory and seconded by
Betty. The report was approved. 

.Treasurers report was presented by Doug Tremble. Current balance $585.08.
We paid a one time membership fee to the Columbia credit union of $10.00 for
our new account. Approval of report by Betty and seconded by Cory. The
report was approved. 

.Doug tremble gave a fundraising committee report. Arrangements for the Wine
and Cheese event took place. Kaye sold 21 tickets. 

.Cory Grandstaff presented an engagement report: No dates for Washington
State School for the Blind events have been set, but some of the events we
have discussed include: An ice-cream social event: karaoke event: A obstacle
course event: Cory will place these events on the Open Recreation schedule
for the 2026-27 school year. Cory will announce schedule for future
engagement committee meetings. 

.We discussed possible Bline equality achievement activities for the month
of October. No solid plans were made, but looked at some kind of chapter
event on October 17th. More information to follow and finalize at October
meeting. 

.President announced that there are going to be five new positions available
on the C-tran Community Advisory Committee in 2027. New applications are due
by October 12, 2026. Applications available on C-tran website. New positions
are: Two at large positions, blind representative position, environmental
community position, Business owner position. Chapter members are encouraged
to apply. The committee meets once each month. Committee members receive a
free bus pass while serving on the committee. Doug Tremble focused on the
many contributions our chapter members have made to this committee over the
years. 

.Cory Grandstaff gave some impressions of the, just passed, national
convention in Austin Texas. 2500 persons attended. Many people excited about
the opportunity  to learn about autonomous transportation systems
demonstrated during the convention. As always the number of exhibitors in
the exhibit hall was impressive. Next year we will return to Austin. Kriss
Colcock talked about the Good Map app she used during the convention in the
exhibit hall.  Kriss talked about the wide variety of  information available
at the NFB national convention. 

.Washington State convention: Cory talked about this year's state
convention. It will be held the last weekend in February 25-28 2027 at the
Seatack at the Hilton Doubletree. 

.Kris Colcock talked about the Washington State BELL program (Braille
enrichment for Literacy and learning). This program is run in cooperation
with the Oregon affiliate. It is held on the Washington state school for the
blind campus. This year 8 kids participated. The program focuses on all
phases of life. Reading and writing Braille, daily living skills and this
year horse riding and barbecuing on a charcoal grille.

.Washington seminar was briefly discussed. Dates and arrangements are not
yet sett. Washington Seminar is an event where members travel to Washington
DC and visit legislators and talk about selected issues and legislative
bills with national legislators. 

.President Higley conducted "Chapter chat"

We began with a discussion about white cane construction materials. This is
a personal decision but  because the feel of the cane is slightly different
with each type a time of practice is necessary to develop a preference.
Strengths and weaknesses were pointed out.  The Glide mobility device was
introduced. 

.Kris Colcock presented information on the State Rehab Counsil. This is a
group that works with and over-see the activities of the Washington Rehab
services for the blind. They are looking for persons to work with the group.
Members are encouraged to contact President Higley or Chris Colcock if you
have interest in working with this group. The Committee meets quarterly via
zoom. Members are required to serve on some kind of a sub committee as a
part of the committee work.  

.Cory Grandstaff  conducted a philosophy discussion surrounding our
responsibilities when using technology to protect the privacy of others in
your environment. This is a new concern because information may be saved to
the cloud as apart of AI processing. When does this become invasion of
privacy? Things to think about and be aware of in this new world of
technology. This is a time of pioneering and laws and morals have not been
thoroughly worked out. We need to try and be respectful of others and
respect the viewpoints of those around us.

.With no further business It was requested that a motion be made to close
the meeting. Betty Moved and the meeting was adjourned at 11:20 AM PDT

.In the absence of Don no Presidential release was played.

Don Mitchell, Secretary

Donmi1949 at gmail.com <mailto:Donmi1949 at gmail.com> 

360.281.0187

 

 

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://nfbnet.org/pipermail/cccnfbw_nfbnet.org/attachments/20261006/3f15636f/attachment.htm>