[Cinci-nfb] Sharing news on our more or less private list that you all need to have

[David Perry]

Hi Deborah and Federation Family,

As a board member of this wonderful Chapter of such a great organization, I support this initiative, and hope that we can work together to show the Staff at Washington Platform and all of the public that we live life just like people who are sighted. This means that we are independent to the best of our abilities, and express appreciation and thanks when assistance is provided. Building relationships and blending in with all of society enables us to live the lives we want!

Warmest regards,

Dave,

Let's go build the Federation!

Proud Perry!
Sharing the Vision of Success and Victory!

David C. Perry,

Sent from my iPhone,

Phone: (513) 470-1122,
Email: daveperry509 at gmail.com

Laborer with the Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired,
Affiliated with the National Industries for the Blind,

Member of the United States Association of Blind Athletes,


Advocate with the World Blind Union, and Teamster's Local 100.

All people have Vision, so may we all see through the eyes in our hearts and abilities!

> On Dec 11, 2015, at 8:59 PM, Deborah Kendrick via Cinci-nfb <cinci-nfb at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Dear Cincinnati Chapter,
> 
> As you all know, we have been blessed for some time by the welcoming attitude of Washington platform, where we hold our monthly meetings.
> 
> More than once, the owner has said to me, “We love NFB.  We love having you here.”
> 
> Typically, restaurants who have a back room large enough for a group such as ours require a payment for the room, a guaranteed dollar amount in sales, and/or a fixed gratuity.
> 
> Washington Platform has never placed any such requirements on us, but have welcomed us with open arms.
> 
> Two days ago, I received a call which embarrassed and saddened me tremendously.
> 
> Essentially, the owner of Washington Platform was questioning whether or not we could return.
> 
> It turns out that he has hired extra servers specifically for our group, and we have not held up our end of the unspoken bond of courtesy and propriety.
> 
> Our November meeting involved people ordering throughout a four-hour period.  Servers reported that some members were rude or condescending to them.  And, most embarrassing of all, some of our members left that meeting without paying their bills. 
> 
> Each of us as individuals and all of us as a chapter of the National Federation of the Blind carry the responsibility of being ambassadors to the public of what it means to be blind.
> 
> We know that blind people are not rude, are not discourteous, and do not leave without paying. 
> 
> I persuaded him to allow us to come on January 23, and allow me time to discuss the matter with our board.
> 
> He graciously agreed, and the board has met. 
> 
> The board decision is, unanimously, that we want to work hard to set the record straight with this business that we are responsible, appropriate citizens, that we pay our bills and, most importantly, that we appreciate the hospitality that has been extended to us. 
> 
> In this spirit, the board voted unanimously to do the following:
> 
> Beginning January 23, we will order lunch at 1:00 p.m.  If you arrive early, order when you arrive, but please try not to arrive sooner than 12:30. 
> 
> It is not required that you order anything, but fellowship is as important as the business we do, so I hope you will come by or before 1:00 PM to share a meal, a beverage, or the company of your fellow Federationists. 
> 
> Next, we are going to suggest to the management that all our members have an 18 percent gratuity added to their tabs.  This eliminates the need to figure a tip, as it will already be included in your check. 
> 
> Again, ordering food or beverage is not required. 
> 
> With lunch beginning at 1:00, all orders will be placed at around the same time, and all tabs paid in a more orderly manner. 
> 
> Next, we will begin the business meeting at 2:00 PM. 
> 
> Finally, some of us on the board plan to meet at the restaurant this week to bring a note of thanks and small gift for the staff. 
> 
> I am sending this information to you on the email list rather than announcing at the party, because the board consensus was that this is our personal business and should  not be broadcast via microphone in a public venue. 
> 
> We owe it to ourselves and the rest of the Federation to work hard as a group to leave a positive impression on businesses who support our efforts. 
> 
> Washington Platform has done so in many ways – not the least of which was contributing a substantial gift in gift card door prizes to us just recently, despite our unfortunate behavior in November. 
> 
> I implore you to join with me in cooperating with the new plan as outlined by our board, to be the most positive self you can be at our January meeting, and to thank servers for the work they do. 
> 
> If you are one who left without paying your bill, don’t tell me.  I do not need to know.  Everyone has moments of stress, transportation anxiety, and all manner of other issues to address.  But, if you are one who did not pay your bill in November, I implore you to make it right with the staff in January. 
> 
> Finally, the board directed me to send this message this evening so that all would be aware of it tomorrow, without having to “air our laundry” so to speak in a public place. 
> 
> I love you all and look forward to our Christmas celebration. 
> 
> Let’s go build the Federation!
> 
> Peace and joy,
> 
> Deborah
> 
> 
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