[Massachusetts-NFB] IMPORTANT UPDATE: Police cadets for travel for Central Square Senior Center meeting

[Mary]

Hi all:

 

In this case, I do think the decision as to whether to ask for this service should have been taken as a chapter, and not been undertaken by an individual. There are legitimate philosophical issues underlying the question, and we may be reinforcing public perceptions of our helplessness by asking for escorts to walk approximately a block to get from the T station to the senior center. Also, while in theory no one needs to use this service, in practice it’s often difficult to gracefully refuse assistance that others have been told they’re supposed to give. 

 

I’m also a little curious about the plan itself. Helen, you said the group at Starbucks would cross the street to meet the group at the CVS. If they’re the Starbucks and CVS I’m thinking of, this would require the Starbucks group to go out of their way to get to the CVS group. Is there a reason why the two groups should meet before getting to the senior center? Personally, I find it easier to cross Prospect Street on the Starbucks side, and then cross Mass. Ave., thereby not going anywhere near the CVS.

 

Thank you,

 

Masha

 

 

From: Massachusetts-NFB <massachusetts-nfb-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Helen Kobek via Massachusetts-NFB
Sent: Monday, November 7, 2022 2:08 PM
To: Amalia Alexandre <amaliaalexandre310 at gmail.com>
Cc: Helen Kobek <helenkobek1 at gmail.com>; NFB of Massachusetts E-mail List <massachusetts-nfb at nfbnet.org>
Subject: Re: [Massachusetts-NFB] IMPORTANT UPDATE: Police cadets for travel for Central Square Senior Center meeting

 

Hi, Amalia,

Glad it's fine with you. And no one needs to make use of it. I didn't need to be an NFB official or even a member to ask my city Police to create protection for a group. 

The Senior Center is going to be instituting a monthly public meeting at the Senior Center to discuss safety, offer reports, create conversation about safety in that area and for all seniors throughout the city of Cambridge. 

Warmest wishes and safe travels to everyone. 

Amalia, I don't think we have met, but perhaps we one day will.

Kindest regards,

Helen

 

 

 

                                 

 

 

 

 

On Mon, Nov 7, 2022 at 10:02 AM Amalia Alexandre <amaliaalexandre310 at gmail.com <mailto:amaliaalexandre310 at gmail.com> > wrote:

I’m ok with it and i will see you next week

 

On Mon, Nov 7, 2022 at 9:31 AM Helen Kobek via Massachusetts-NFB <massachusetts-nfb at nfbnet.org <mailto:massachusetts-nfb at nfbnet.org> > wrote:

Hi, folks,

I've heard back from Community Relations Police. They have run this quickly up the flagpole to the Commissioner and the following is in process, to be confirmed: 

Two uniformed Police cadets (unarmed, unbadged) will be positioned at 5:30 pm, as follows: One in front of Starbucks, and one in front of CVS. The Starbucks group will cross the street and pick up the group in front of CVS, and head down at 5:40 to the Senior Center. The cadets will go back to the T meeting locations, sweeping to see if there are late-comers who might wish escort. At 7:45pm the same cadets will meet the group, escort back to the T stops, in reverse order, and go to both stations. I will have the names of the cadets to post here before the meeting, and we are just asked to let the police know of cancellations for any reason.

 

I wish to be clear that I don't assume everyone will want to make use of it. I also want to be clear that this option - if it's available - is not to be degrading of anyone's blindness. The option can be discussed by the chapter if you feel led next week. (I felt an urgency on this until I realized it's not until next week, so there's some space to range this.) If NFB decides not to have this option, that's fine, too. I know that NFB has a strong sense of independence. 

 

If anyone is annoyed with me for being protective, that's fine. LOL.

 

I will confirm here when it's a done deal, but, given how quickly it was run up to the Commissioner, I trust it's done. They will have a meeting to visit all of this this afternoon. I'm grateful to the police for being so quick and respectful.

 

Kindest regards, yours in blindness (smiling)

Helen




 

 

 

                                 

 

 

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