[Massachusetts-NFB] Introduction

Sat Aug 1 00:32:53 UTC 2026

Good evening Scott Greenblack, 
  How are you? My name is Pam Kalinoski. I was born blind and prematurely. I have struggled with many other disabilities over the years, some of which I've overcome through exercise and medication. I grew up in Malden, MA, moved to Reading, MA, and from there, made a home in North Reading. This condo is easy to get around. It has 2 bathrooms. I have my own room. There's also a parlor, a kitchen, and a dining room, along with a driveway for visitors and a one-car garage. Stairs lead up to the only floor. 
  My hobbies are reading, listening to music, talking to people, emailing, texting, going out for walks and out to eat with my family, and writing and sharing info, including recipes. I don't cook, though. I live with my mother. My brother and sister have families. I'm so happy for them. I heard about the NFB through a christian friend who is sighted but wears hearing aids. One of my pals, who introduced me to her, is now deceased. He had cancer. Along the way, he did a lot for the community. He was sighted also. Speaking of which, I'm a very strong advocate for inspiring people with disabilities, as I'm totally blind myself. I've written to and called  my Senator and Congress people about various issues. They have thoroughly enjoyed hearing from me and knowing that I keep up with the latest NFB news. I have an app on my phone called NBB Newsline. I'm fluent with other technology, such as my DA2 digital player and EReader, which I use to read books. I love making new friends and am very friendly. I look forward to hearing from you. Thanks for writing. With any questions, email me here, or text or call 781-922-0800. By the way, are you the new President taking Shara's place? Shara Winton used to be the President. 
With warm regards, 
Pam Kalinoski    
Sent from my iPhone

> On Jul 31, 2026, at 8:01 PM, Scott via Massachusetts-NFB <massachusetts-nfb at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Dear Members of the National Federation of the Blind of Massachusetts,
> 
> My name is Scott Greenblatt, and I wanted to introduce myself as one of the newest members of your community. My family and I recently settled in Andover, and I felt it was important to reach out—not simply to say hello, but to begin what I hope will become lasting friendships and meaningful connections.
> 
> Looking back, life has carried me along a winding path. I grew up and spent most of my life in Florida before my wife and I moved to New York, where our three wonderful sons were born. We eventually returned to Florida, believing that was where the next chapter of our lives would unfold. Last yyearwe moved to Phoenix, Arizona, embracing another new beginning. Now, through life’s ever-changing currents, we have found ourselves in Massachusetts. If my years have taught me anything, it is that we rarely choose every turn in the road, but we always choose how we walk it.
> 
> I have been blind since I was seventeen years old after a car accident changed the direction of my life in an instant. For many yyyears viewed blindness as something I simply had to overcome. Over time, however, my perspective evolved. I came to realize that blindness is neither the defining tragedy nor the defining triumph of my life. It is simply one thread woven into a much larger tapestry. Like every challenge we encounter, it has become a teacher—one that has encouraged resilience, patience, humility, and a deeper appreciation for the many ways people experience the world.
> 
> That outlook has shaped the path I now follow. I have become deeply devoted to the study of Taoist philosophy, Stoicism, Tai Chi, and Qigong. These practices have taught me that strength is often quiet, balance is dynamic rather than static, and true progress comes not from forcing life in a particular direction but from learning to move with wisdom, purpose, and compassion. I have found that healing begins not only with the body but with the mind, the spirit, and the relationships we build with one another.
> 
> This calling has led me to study massage therapy and traditional Chinese healing arts. My hope is to become a skilled healer who helps others discover greater health, peace, and confidence in themselves. I believe every person has something valuable to offer, and I continue to see myself as both a student and a teacher—always learning, always growing.
> 
> One lesson that has remained constant throughout my life is that independence does not mean walking alone. Communities matter. They remind us that while each of us travels our own path, we do not have to travel it in isolation. That is one of the reasons I wanted to reach out to the National Federation of the Blind. I would love the opportunity to learn from your experiences, share my own, volunteer where I can, and become an active part of the vibrant blind community here in Massachusetts.
> 
> I am grateful for the work the National Federation of the Blind has done to empower blind people to live the lives they choose. I look forward to meeting many of you, hearing your stories, and discovering the ways we can encourage and inspire one another in the years ahead.
> 
> Thank you for welcoming me into your community. I hope our paths cross soon.
> 
> With warm regards,
> 
> Scott
> 
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