[Nfb-kzoo] NFB Kalamazoo Chapter Meeting
Tyler and Leanne Merren
tmerren at charter.net
Fri Oct 30 20:50:47 UTC 2009
Ok, I set it up, but it isn't a toll free number. However, if you have free
minutes on your cell phone you can call for free, which is why I chose
Sunday since Ty and I only have cell phones. If anyone doesn't have a cell
phone, I bet we could just 3-way them in. Just give me a call if you need
us to do that. 207-4207
Here is the info for the conference.
Dial: 1-213-289-0500
Access Code: 404393
The conference is scheduled for Sunday, November 1 at 7 PM EST.
Tim and Jackie, I'm sorry you can't join us, but we will definitely keep you
informed about the chapter.
Everyone have a great weekend!
Leanne
----- Original Message -----
From: "Timothy Paulding" <tjpaulding at gmail.com>
To: "'NFB of Kalamazoo Michigan List'" <nfb-kzoo at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Friday, October 30, 2009 4:06 PM
Subject: Re: [Nfb-kzoo] NFB Kalamazoo Chapter Meeting
> That would be www.freeconference.com
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: nfb-kzoo-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nfb-kzoo-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
> Behalf Of Moss, Corda (DELEG)
> Sent: Friday, October 30, 2009 3:53 PM
> To: NFB of Kalamazoo Michigan List
> Subject: Re: [Nfb-kzoo] NFB Kalamazoo Chapter Meeting
>
> Hi Leanne,
>
> I spoke with Chris, so she knows about the possible conference call.
> Faith doesn't work on Fridays, so I called and left a message on her
> voicemail. I also let Ian and Megan know about the conference call as
> they're planning to go to the state convention. Ian works on Sundays,
> but Megan may be able to participate. Are you going to use the same
> conference call service that J.J. used in the past? I think it was
> free, so the price was right! LOL As soon as you have call in
> information, I'll call Faith and Megan and let them know what it is.
>
> Corda
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: nfb-kzoo-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nfb-kzoo-bounces at nfbnet.org]
> On Behalf Of Tyler and Leanne Merren
> Sent: Friday, October 30, 2009 3:14 PM
> To: NFB of Kalamazoo Michigan List
> Subject: Re: [Nfb-kzoo] NFB Kalamazoo Chapter Meeting
>
>
> Corda,
> Can you spread the word to the ladies at the center if they aren't able
> to
> check email today? I'm anxious to hear what people know about state
> convention. Once we set a date, I can finish this paperwork and send it
>
> into the church before their next meeting.
> Thanks,
> Leanne
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Moss, Corda (DELEG)" <mossc at michigan.gov>
> To: "NFB of Kalamazoo Michigan List" <nfb-kzoo at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Friday, October 30, 2009 8:43 AM
> Subject: Re: [Nfb-kzoo] NFB Kalamazoo Chapter Meeting
>
>
>>I think Sunday at 7 would work for me.
>>
>> Corda
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: nfb-kzoo-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nfb-kzoo-bounces at nfbnet.org]
>> On Behalf Of Tyler and Leanne Merren
>> Sent: Friday, October 30, 2009 7:51 AM
>> To: NFB of Kalamazoo Michigan List
>> Subject: Re: [Nfb-kzoo] NFB Kalamazoo Chapter Meeting
>>
>>
>> Hi all,
>> I am so glad to see some discussion about the chapter!
>> Tim and Jackie, I agree with Christine. We totally understand if you
>> cannot hold office, but please join us any time.
>>
>> Tyler and I are thinking that a phone conference might be helpful, to
>> talk about state convention, and also to discuss the date for meetings
>
>> so everyone is on the same page. We are wondering what night would
>> work best
>> for this? Would Sunday evening work for everyone? Times? Maybe 7?
> Let
>> us know. Thanks, Leanne
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "Boone, Christine (DELEG)" <BooneC at michigan.gov>
>> To: "NFB of Kalamazoo Michigan List" <nfb-kzoo at nfbnet.org>
>> Sent: Thursday, October 29, 2009 1:46 PM
>> Subject: Re: [Nfb-kzoo] NFB Kalamazoo Chapter Meeting
>>
>>
>>> OK Jackie and Tim, especially Jackie:
>>>
>>> Now I feel terrible. After re-reading my e-mail, I was much too
>>> hard on you. You know what, I am ok with your decision not to hold
>>> office, in fact, I understand that one, but when you ask to resign
>>> from the chapter as well, it really breaks my heart. We love you and
>
>>> we want to have you as a part of us, even if you can only come once
>>> every few months or so, and even if you cannot give anything to the
>>> chapter effort for a while. You yourself Jackie, and you too Tim, are
>
>>> such fantastic people that you make a huge difference in anything
>>> that
>>
>>> you do. If you came to a meeting even once a quarter, or joined us
>>> on a phone conference once in a while, and just shared some laughter
>>> and your thoughts, how awesome that would be! You inspire others by
>>> what you say and by what you do You know, I do not always agree with
>>> the Federation, and sometimes I get really frustrated with things at
>>> a
>>
>>> state or national level; but having said that, this really is the
>>> best
>>
>>> game in town, as far as blindness and blind people are concerned. I
>>> think that we all run a little short on energy once in a while...and
>>> sometimes it feels like we are always struggling to keep things
>>> together. But the state convention is happening in just over a week,
>
>>> and a new state president will be elected at that time. People will
>>> be gathering from across the state, and there will be a chance to
>>> start on a new and re-energized road for the state organization.
>>> What's more, we are doing alright as a chapter. There are not any
>>> rules that we must have so many members, that we must participate in
>
>>> so many fund raisers and the like. We will need a little while to
>>> get
>>
>>> on our feet, and then we can worry about those things. Right now, we
>>> need to work toward critical mass.
>>>
>>> We have some newly interested people, and with each new face we add
>>> new energy and we continue to change the face of the old NFB that
>>> was,
>>
>>> for whatever reason, so unpopular with folks around here.
>>>
>>> Could we please all just try to hang in? Jackie AND Tim, we are
>>> OK...no, we are delighted to have you as members and friends, no
>>> strings attached! Please?
>>>
>>> Warmest Regards,
>>> Christine
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: nfb-kzoo-bounces at nfbnet.org
>>> [mailto:nfb-kzoo-bounces at nfbnet.org]
>>> On Behalf Of Jacalyn Paulding
>>> Sent: Thursday, October 29, 2009 11:45 AM
>>> To: NFB of Kalamazoo Michigan List
>>> Subject: Re: [Nfb-kzoo] NFB Kalamazoo Chapter Meeting
>>>
>>> Hi Everyone,
>>>
>>> I would just like to say that Christine is 100% correct. I owe the
>>> group an apology for my absences. The only thing I can say is that I
>
>>> e-mailed at the beginning of the semester to say that I have class on
>
>>> Monday night,
>> with
>>> that being said it was completely my fault that I did not think
>>> about, or notify Tyler and Leanne that I would not be able to attend
>>> on that Thursday
>>> either.
>>>
>>> I will not go into any detail, but suffice it to say both my personal
>
>>> and academic life has been extremely difficult for the past few
>>> months
>>
>>> and to be
>>> completely honest with the group I do not have the energy or time to
>> put
>>> into the chapter at this time. I apologize to everyone. I genuinely
>> do
>>> care
>>> about people who are blind, as well as each of you individually.
>>> With all of that being said I would like to humbly submit my
>>> resignation at
>> this
>>> time
>>> from both the position of VP and the chapter. I will continue to
>>> help as I can, but my heart just cannot be in it at this time.
>>>
>>> Thanks so much Tyler and Leanne for all of your effort. I look
>>> forward to hearing great things about the future and progress of the
>>> chapter.
>>>
>>> Sincerely,
>>> Jacalyn Paulding
>>>
>>> On Thu, Oct 29, 2009 at 11:30 AM, Boone, Christine (DELEG) <
>>> BooneC at michigan.gov> wrote:
>>>
>>>> OK, I am going to write my honest thoughts here, but before doing
>>> that,
>>>> I want to say that I know I have been guilty of missing meetings,
>>>> forgetting meetings, failing to call and probably a host of other
>>>> unhelpful things. I am at least as much to blame as is anyone, and
>>>> Tyler and Leeann have given the most amazing effort. I want to
>>>> thank
>>
>>>> and commend you both for that!
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> As for Dave Andrews' comment, I must agree.
>>>> I had a really hard time getting this last chapter meeting into my
>>> mind.
>>>> I tried to come on the Thursday before, and completely forgot on the
>
>>>> real day, when we were at the Rehab conference. Even more
>>>> important,
>>
>>>> Megan and Ian both tried to come on our usual Monday, and they
>>>> called
>>> me
>>>> from down town at 6:30 that night.
>>>> Megan tried again on that wrong Thursday, along with Corda and me.
>>>> I
>>
>>>> say this to let you know that we do care and we did put forth
>>>> effort...it was just mistimed. Ian and Megan would be tremendous
>>>> new
>>
>>>> members if we could get them. I know that I was the one who had
>>>> asked about another day besides Monday, but maybe we should not have
>
>>>> made
>>> that
>>>> change so quickly.
>>>>
>>>> For my part, I will commit to dragging my butt to our meetings,
>>> whenever
>>>> they are. I do not always reach my e-mails on time, so the same
>>>> time
>>
>>>> same station could be good.
>>>>
>>>> I also think that we need to elect a new VP, as our current VP has
>>>> not been in attendance for many months. I know that she is really
>>>> busy
>>> with
>>>> school, but still, this leaves the whole burden on Tyler and
>>>> Leeann.
>>>>
>>>> That's my say, for now.
>>>>
>>>> Christine
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>> From: nfb-kzoo-bounces at nfbnet.org
>>>> [mailto:nfb-kzoo-bounces at nfbnet.org]
>>>> On Behalf Of David Andrews
>>>> Sent: Thursday, October 29, 2009 1:18 AM
>>>> To: NFB of Kalamazoo Michigan List
>>>> Subject: Re: [Nfb-kzoo] NFB Kalamazoo Chapter Meeting
>>>>
>>>> I am not in your chapter -- and this is probably none of my business
>>>> -- but I will say it anyway. I have observed that periodically you
>>>> change the time and/or place of your chapter meeting, or cancel it.
>>>> While the desire to do this is understandable with a small chapter
>>>> it
>>
>>>> also creates problems and doubt. I think that you will be better
>>>> off, in the long run having one time and one place, and not changing
>
>>>> it. People can then count on it, and build it into their schedules
>>>> ahead of time.
>>>>
>>>> You will never find a time that meets everybody's needs, so
>>>> consistency is the solution.
>>>>
>>>> Dave
>>>>
>>>> At 11:01 AM 10/28/2009, you wrote:
>>>> >Hi all,
>>>> >I'm not sure exactly what happened with communication on this list.
>>
>>>> >It seems like Tyler gets some messages that I never see and vice
>>>> >versa... Unfortunately, I think communication has been the biggest
>>>> >problem with our chapter. We got off to such an awesome start last
>
>>>> >year, and lately we have had people expressing interest in
>>>> >attending
>>
>>>> >our meetings. I feel bad about dropping the ball when people have
>>>> >been inquiring. There is no other chapter nearby for them to join,
>
>>>> >as far as I know. Tyler and I were rather frustrated after this
>>>> >past
>>
>>>> >meeting, which, did not happen because not one person showed up.
>>>> >Tyler and I would have had to have a meeting by ourselves. We were
>
>>>> >not aware that there was a conference that week that 3 of our
>>>> >chapter members would be attending. When Tyler sent out the
>>>> >message
>>
>>>> >to reschedule October's meeting, maybe the question should have
>>>> >been
>>
>>>> >asked whether or not the 22 worked for everyone else. But the date
>
>>>> >was mentioned and nobody ever said that they would not be able to
>>>> >make that date. With a chapter this small, every member's
>>>> >attendance is very important. There were a couple of people who
>>>> >asked a lot of questions, but said that they could not make it this
>
>>>> >time but would try to come in November. I'm glad they didn't
>>>> >choose
>>
>>>> >this month to come check us out. For Tyler and me, we have
>>>> >attended
>>
>>>> >several meetings where we were not able to move forward with
>>>> >anything because quarum was not met. We pay $20 out of pocket for
>>>> >a babysitter each time, and we live on a very tight budget. We
>>>> >have mentioned these things before, and all we have asked is that
>>>> >you communicate with us if you are not going to be able to make a
>>>> >meeting so we know what to expect, and can reschedule if necessary.
>
>>>> >I, personally, would be very sad to see this chapter dissolve, but
>>>> >if nobody is willing to commit at this time, then maybe that is
>>>> >best, and I will have to contact those who have been inquiring and
>>>> >tell them that our chapter will not be meeting any more. However,
>>>> >I am still willing to try to make it work with anyone else who is
>>>> >willing to work for the good of the blind people in this area. I
>>>> >think that a meeting once a month is not that difficult for most of
>
>>>> >us to put on our calendars, for all the good that it can do for our
>
>>>> >community. I never turned in the paperwork to the church, because
>>>> >we were uncertain of the status of our chapter, so I still have it
>>>> >here waiting to be turned in. I had planned to put us down for
>>>> >every 3rd Thursday, to avoid Tyler's trips as much as possible
>>>> >(which seem to take place on the 2nd Thursday of most months), and
>>>> >the 4th Thursday which ends up being a holiday for the next 2
>> months.
>>>> >
>>>> >On another note, I would like to attend convention with my
>>>> >children,
>>
>>>> >but I don't know where the hotel is and how I would go about
>>>> >arranging transportation for 4 of us. Tyler will be at a goalball
>>>> >training camp, so it's just the kids and me. My room arrangements
>>>> >are set, it's just transportation that I have not arranged. Thanks,
>
>>>> >Leanne
>>>> >
>>>> >----- Original Message ----- From: "Tyler merren"
>>> <twmerren at gmail.com>
>>>> >To: "NFB of Kalamazoo Michigan List" <nfb-kzoo at nfbnet.org>
>>>> >Sent: Thursday, October 22, 2009 7:36 PM
>>>> >Subject: Re: [Nfb-kzoo] NFB Kalamazoo Chapter Meeting
>>>> >
>>>> >
>>>> >>NFB Chapter,
>>>> >>Faith, I'm sorry that you were unable to make the meeting;
>>>> >>however,
>>
>>>> >>below is posted my original message, which clearly states that the
>
>>>> >>meeting was postponed to October 22 at 6:30pm and was sent on
>>> October
>>>> 7.
>>>> >>
>>>> >>"This seems to be the tune that we all have stuck in our heads
>>>> >>lately, but the meeting for tomorrow will be postponed due to the
>>>> >>fact that our diligent, yet busy secretary has not yet gotten in
>>>> >>in
>>
>>>> >>the paperwork to the church, and is also sick, so that eliminates
>>>> >>our house as a meeting ground. We will postpone the meeting until
>
>>>> >>Thursday October 22 @6:30pm. This is still 2 weeks before
>>>> >>convention, so we should still have time to make some plans."
>>>> >>
>>>> >>I wouldn't worry about it too much though as no one showed up to
>>>> >>the meeting tonight anyway. This has become a problem for Leanne
>>>> >>and I, since most of the time we have a babysitter set aside, and
>>>> >>it is very much not worth it if we can't even have a meeting,
>>>> >>which
>>
>>>> >>has been the situation the last several times. We have talked,
>>>> >>and
>>
>>>> >>it seems to me that in light of the current situation, we cannot
>>>> >>commit ourselves to a chapter that is in this position. I am
>>>> >>certainly not blameless for the chapters status, if anything it
>>>> >>was
>>
>>>> >>my responsibility as the president to make the chapter progress,
>>>> >>yet with my family, school, Goalball, and all the others, it seems
>
>>>> >>that I haven't been able to give the chapter the sunshine and
>>>> >>water
>>
>>>> >>that it needs to grow. I will let this e-mail hang for a week, if
>
>>>> >>at that time, no one has stepped up to say that this chapter
>>>> >>should
>>
>>>> >>not be dissolved, and that they would have the time and will to
>>>> >>take the mantle, then I will call the chapter officially dissolved
>
>>>> >>at that point and will give my report to Fred.
>>>> >>
>>>> >>This chapter has done some great stuff, we did the Goalball
>>>> >>demonstration, the pizza party, we volunteered at the tournament
>>>> >>and got a few projects off the ground. We seemed to start off
>>>> >>strong, but some where along the line things started to putter
>>>> >>out.
>>
>>>> >>Any thoughts on this would be appreciated as well. I had great
>>>> >>times with you guys, and so I hope that nearer or farther, the
>>>> >>chapter will be reestablished and go strong.
>>>> >>
>>>> >>I will not leave the projects we were involved in to flounder, so
>>>> >>I
>>
>>>> >>will follow up with the Library Project, and I believe that JJ
>>>> >>will
>>
>>>> >>still work with the busing system for the desired changes we
>>>> >>sought
>>>> there.
>>>> >>
>>>> >>I hope this finds everyone well, and I hope to hear from you,
>>>> >>Tyler
>>
>>>> >>Merren
>>>> >> ----- Original Message ----- From: Meadows, Faith (DELEG)
>>>> >> To: NFB of Kalamazoo Michigan List
>>>> >> Sent: Thursday, October 22, 2009 7:56 AM
>>>> >> Subject: Re: [Nfb-kzoo] NFB Kalamazoo Chapter Meeting
>>>> >>
>>>> >>
>>>> >> Hello, I am sorry I will not make it to the meeting. I am
>>>> >> unable
>>> to
>>>> get
>>>> >> a ride. If you could, please send me a reminder at least two
>>>> >> days
>>>> in
>>>> >> advance so I may be able to schedule metro van. Original
>>>> Message-----
>>>> >> From: nfb-kzoo-bounces at nfbnet.org
>>>> [mailto:nfb-kzoo-bounces at nfbnet.org]
>>>> >> On Behalf Of Tyler merren
>>>> >> Sent: Wednesday, October 21, 2009 9:49 PM
>>>> >> To: NFB of Kalamazoo Michigan List
>>>> >> Subject: Re: [Nfb-kzoo] NFB Kalamazoo Chapter Meeting
>>>> >>
>>>> >>
>>>> >> Hey everyone,
>>>> >> Here is the agenda for tomorrow, we'll see you then.
>>>> >>
>>>> >> Tyler Merren
>>>> >> President of the NFB of Kalamazoo
>>>> >> ----- Original Message ----- From: Tyler and Leanne Merren
>>>> >> To: Nfb-kzoo at nfbnet.org
>>>> >> Cc: teresaarndt at yahoo.com
>>>> >> Sent: Wednesday, October 21, 2009 1:17 PM
>>>> >> Subject: [Nfb-kzoo] NFB Kalamazoo Chapter Meeting
>>>> >>
>>>> >>
>>>> >> Hi everyone,
>>>> >> I apologize for the late message. I've been out of town for
>>>> several
>>>> >> days and I'm trying to get my head back on straight...
>>>> >> Our meeting for this month is scheduled for tomorrow evening,
>>>> October
>>>> >> 22. We do not have confirmation from the church yet, so we will
>>>> plan to
>>>> >> meet at our house tomorrow at 6:30 PM. For those who are taking
>>> the
>>>> >> bus, if you can try to arrive at 6 that will allow us to get
>>> started
>>>> at
>>>> >> 6:30, as the bus gets here at just past the half hour and it's
>>> still
>>>> a 5
>>>> >> minute walk from the stop.
>>>> >> Snacks will be provided.
>>>> >> Again if anyone needs to bring children please let me know.
>>>> >> We
>>>> look
>>>> >> forward to meeting with you all tomorrow evening.
>>>> >> Leanne Merren
>>>> >> Chapter Secretary
>>>>
>>>>
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