[NFBNJ] Spanish committee Minutes June 7 and Agenda August 2 Conference Call 8:00 PM

[joe ruffalo]

Greetings to all!
Please review and share with others.
See below.

We care. We share. We grow. We make a difference
Joe Ruffalo, President
National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey
973 743 0075
nfbnj1 at verizon.net
            www.nfbnj.org
Your old car keys can be keys to literacy for the blind.
Donate your unwanted vehicle to us by clicking
www.carshelpingtheblind.org
or call 855 659 9314

****
Greetings!

Please review the following minutes from the Spanish Committee's prior 
conference call as well as the agenda for the upcoming meeting scheduled for 
Wednesday, August 2, 2017, at 8:00 pm. If you know of others that could be 
interested in attending the call, please invite them to join us and we will 
add them to our database.  Let’s focus on Building the Federation with 
courage and determination, working together as a team to achieve our goals 
for the Spanish committee!
Rosa Santiago
National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey
Chair, Spanish Committee
201 892 6946
rosa.santiago901 at gmail.com

Spanish Committee Minutes for June 7 2017

The National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey
Spanish committee Conference Call
June 7, 2017
8:00 PM


1. Call to order at 8:09 pm with the following in attendance:
Joe Ruffalo, President, NFBNJ
Rosa Santiago, Chair, Spanish Committee
Dan Facchini, North Jersey Chapter president
Monique Huerera
Jorge Olvarez
Mario Olvarez
Beatrice Oliveti
Maria Rosales
Joslin Santiago
Tony Santiago
Ivis Treho
Martha Webber

1.    The motion to except the minutes was made by Joe ruffalo.
Seconded by Tony Santiago.
Discussion: All voted favorably

2. Overview of the goals, purposes and objectives were highlighted by
Rosa. Joe provided a summary of the affiliates educational and outreach
programs.

Old Business
3. Joe provided the raising expectations philosophy of the NFB. He also 
discussed the importance of reading a kernel book story that can be 
discussed during conferences.  Many of
these books can be located on the national website at
http://www.nfb.org
In addition, literature featuring and highlighting the organization is in 
Spanish at the National Center in Baltimore, Maryland.
Much items, devices and information can be located by calling the NFB at
410 659 9314
and ask to speak to a staff person at the Independence Market.
In upcoming meetings, we will highlight a story for reading and discussion.

4. Newsline was briefly discussed and is a free service that enables the 
user to obtain over 400 publications via the phone or computer. This service 
also has Many Spanish publications available.
If you don't have this free service, please contact Jane Degenshein, 
President of the Senior and Technology Divisions of the NFBNJ and 
Coordinator of Newsline
for the affiliate.
Contact Jane Degenshein at:
Phone: 973-736-5785
Email: jdegen16 at comcast.net
Note; in addition, Newsline offers weather updates, grocery and retail 
flyers, television listings and outreach to jobs.

5. Mark Ricobono’s Presidential Monthly Message was heard in Spanish. A 
follow-up discussion on the highlights of April’s release was considered. 
All releases are available on Newsline and on the national website in 
English and Spanish.  Joe encourages all to listen to the monthly messages 
as the
information provides an overview of national, state, local and personal 
information and upcoming events.
https://nfb.org/images/nfb/audio/podcast/presidential-releases-es/pr460_spanish.mp3
After the presidential release, points were discussed about the success that 
the NFB has had in passing laws or bills that help further the education and 
independence of the blind. You can email the president of NFB to be part of 
the legislation team.

New Business
6. First Spotlight member Dan Facchini, president of the Northeast chapter 
was selected to join us on our next conference call on August 2, to share 
his life experiences as a blind individual.
7. Rosa spoke about the quote and how important it is that the Spanish 
committee start setting small goals that can be accomplished.

Round the Phone
The quote on the outset was discussed, and callers were asked to express how 
they felt about it. They were also asked to share what goals and objectives 
they would like to see accomplished with the Spanish committee.

Rosa thanked Beatrice Olivetti for translating during the Spanish committee 
conference call.

Meeting was adjourned at 9:50 PM.



AGENDA FOR CONFERENCE CALL SCHEDULED ON August 2, 2017

Date:  Wednesday, August 2, 2017
Time:  8:00 PM
Conference call phone number:  605 468 8005
Code:  460994pound

Roll call.

1.    Minutes

2.    A brief overview of the Spanish committee.

3.    Quote of the month.
“God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage 
to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. - 
Reinhold
The conference call will center on this quote.

4.    Spotlight member: Dan Facchini
Dan is a business owner, president of the North East New Jersey chapter, 
president of the guide dog division and state board member of the National 
Federation of the Blind. He will speak about his blindness and the 
challenges he had to overcome in order to succeed in his life today. You 
will learn about some of the obstacles he had to face throughout his life, 
and the decisions he needed to make in order to help him develop the courage 
to accept the things he could not change, and move forward to believe in and 
take action towards the things he could.

5.    Presidential release for June should be listened to and a brief 
discussion will follow during the conference call. Check it out here:
https://nfb.org/images/nfb/audio/podcast/presidential-releases-es/pr462_spanish_0.mp3

Old Business
6.    A recommended Kernel book was asked to be read. “To Touch the 
Untouchable Dream” can be found here:
https://nfb.org/Images/nfb/Publications/books/kernel1/kern15tc.htm
We will briefly consider points of this book...
7.    Any questions about newsline or any outreach programs can be discussed 
during this time.

New Business
8.    National Convention highlights.
a.    An overview of the best features of the convention will be discussed 
by Rosa.
b.    President Joe Ruffalo will share his main points on the convention 
that can benefit everyone present.

9.    A fund raiser is scheduled for Saturday, September 9, from 10 A.M., to 
2:00 P.M. at Stop N Shop. 160Kingsland Road, Clifton. All are welcome to 
help raise funds for the Spanish committee. Let’s work together as a team to 
begin helping blind Spanish individuals achieve independence.

10.    A possible meeting place for the Spanish committee is being 
established and we can discuss if the location will be feasible for everyone 
to get to. It is Access Link accessible so there should be no problem 
getting there. More information about this will be provided during the 
August 2, conference call. So make sure you join us to find out the details.

Round the phone
This is a great opportunity to ask questions or share comments that can help 
with future conferences. We look forward to hearing your thoughts and ideas 
on what things you would like to see done in the Spanish committee that can 
empower Spanish blind individuals and parents of blind children. Please 
email me any thoughts you may have and I will be sure to bring the topic up 
during the conference call.

Adjournment

P.S. If anyone knows someone who would like to listen in on the Spanish 
committee conference call, or is interested in being part of this committee, 
please let me know and I will send a form to them as well as telephone them 
so that I can get to know them. Thank you and I look forward to welcoming 
you all to our next meeting. There is a lot of great information coming your 
way that I hope you will all enjoy and benefit from.

With respect and love,

Rosa Santiago, Spanish Committee Chair
National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey
Phone:  201.892.6946
Email: rosa.santiago901 at gmail.com