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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#467886" vlink="#96607D" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>CLARK COUNTY CHAPTER<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>SEPTEMBER 2026 MEETING<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>•Meeting called to order on September 12 2026 at 10:03 AM PDT<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>•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.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>•The secretaries report was moved for acceptance by Cory and seconded by Betty. The report was approved. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>•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. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>•Doug tremble gave a fundraising committee report. Arrangements for the Wine and Cheese event took place. Kaye sold 21 tickets. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>•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. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>•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 17<sup>th</sup>. More information to follow and finalize at October meeting. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>•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. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>•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. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>•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. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>•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.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>•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. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>•President Higley conducted “Chapter chat”<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>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. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>•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. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>•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.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>•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<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>•In the absence of Don no Presidential release was played.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Don Mitchell, Secretary<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="mailto:Donmi1949@gmail.com">Donmi1949@gmail.com</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>360.281.0187<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>