From jose.martinez07 at gmail.com Thu Sep 1 19:47:12 2011 From: jose.martinez07 at gmail.com (Jose Martinez) Date: Thu, 1 Sep 2011 14:47:12 -0500 Subject: [Nfbsatx] NFB September Update Message-ID: Welcome to your September report. The last month was quite a month for the San Antonio Chapter as we made history! For the first time a chapter of the NFB has started a Braille class, and has made tremendous strides to become a resource to the San Antonio community. In this coming month we are going to be meeting back at the bordon building. 4241 E. Piedras For our September meeting on Saturday the 17 from 1:00 to 2:30 pm. Preparations continue to be taken for our meet the blind month events and once something is set we will let you know. Hope to see you all at our meeting this month. Best A. Z. President From jose.martinez07 at gmail.com Sun Sep 11 05:40:37 2011 From: jose.martinez07 at gmail.com (Jose Martinez) Date: Sun, 11 Sep 2011 00:40:37 -0500 Subject: [Nfbsatx] NFB SA chapter meeting Message-ID: NFB Monthly Chapter Meeting Come join the NFB local chapter at this months meeting at our temporary location! Date: Saturday, September 17, Time: 1:00 to 2:30 pm Location: Bordon Building 4241 E. Piedras (At the corner of Centerview and E. Piedras) Agenda, ? Local and national updates, ? Discussions on blindness related issues ? Committee row call, ? Presentation on the NFB community service group project The National Federation of The Blind is the voice of the nation?s blind and leader in blindness related projects such as The Blind Driver Challenge. For more information go to: WWW.NFBSATX.ORG From sara.litzler at gmail.com Mon Sep 12 16:21:15 2011 From: sara.litzler at gmail.com (Sara Litzler) Date: Mon, 12 Sep 2011 11:21:15 -0500 Subject: [Nfbsatx] reminder Message-ID: Hello to all on be half of the funreasing team Denise has ask me to send this email out to all. A reminder if you all can bring the five dollars for the raffle baskit please at this months meeting Saturday September 17th. thank you Sara From pdonahue2 at satx.rr.com Mon Sep 12 19:35:56 2011 From: pdonahue2 at satx.rr.com (Peter Donahue) Date: Mon, 12 Sep 2011 14:35:56 -0500 Subject: [Nfbsatx] September Presidential Release Message-ID: <000301cc7183$3154fe90$9e010b43@yourfsyly0jtwn> Good afternoon everyone, To insure you hear the September 2011 Presidential Release in its entirety you will find the link below: http://www.nfb.org/images/nfb/Audio/pr/PR398.mp3 Our national office works very hard to produce these every month. It's our responsibility to be sure they're played in their entirety during local chapter and division meetings. There was content on last month's presidential release that would have been of benefit to the new people who attended their first chapter meeting. We have no right to prevent them from learning about services like the Blio E-book reader. Jim Gashel demonstrated it on the last presidential release. He also does a demonstration on this month's release in connection with the announcement about the availability of Mike Hingson's book "Thunder Dog" now available in the Blio Bookstore. I've known Mike Hingson for many years and want people to be aware of the availability of Thunder Dog from all sources including Blio. Our presidential releases are a great way for spreading the word. Our literature including our presidential releases are intellectual property of the National Federation of the Blind. Altering its content in any way opens us up to the possibility of legal action something I and others don't want to see happen to our chapter. Dr. Maurer and I have discussed this matter in the past. He has discussed it with me personally and during a seminar I attended at our national center in 2008 that was held for our Webmasters. Having presidential releases played at local chapter meetings is a long-standing tradition in this movement. When I joined the organization in 1976 presidential releases were always played during chapter meetings. Like Dr. Maurer Dr. Jernigan kept us informed about what the organization was doing around the country and what we could do in our community to further the work of the federation. At no time were these releases ever altered just because of time constraints. If we need more time for the meeting to be able to play the presidential releases please arrange for it Mr. President. I recall that we had 30 minutes after the last meeting took place time that could have been used to play the last presidential release in its entirety. Anyway enjoy the unadulterated version of this month's Presidential Release. Let's hope that what you hear by following the link above is what's played at Saturday's meeting. This kind of thing must stop! All the best. Peter Donahue "Will you come and awake our lost land from its slumber And her fetters we'll break, links that long are encumbered. And the air will resound with hosannas to greet you On the shore will be found gallant Irishmen to greet you." Will You Come to the Bower Traditional Irish Folk Song From jose.martinez07 at gmail.com Tue Sep 13 16:17:50 2011 From: jose.martinez07 at gmail.com (Jose Martinez) Date: Tue, 13 Sep 2011 11:17:50 -0500 Subject: [Nfbsatx] September Presidential Release In-Reply-To: <000301cc7183$3154fe90$9e010b43@yourfsyly0jtwn> References: <000301cc7183$3154fe90$9e010b43@yourfsyly0jtwn> Message-ID: First of all, thank you Peter for sending us the direct link to the presidential release. Now this way individuals have another great opportunity to get a hold of this product. Now as to why the presidential release is edited down a little bit for our chapter meetings. You are correct that the presidential release has been a long time tradition in the federation chapter meetings, but at no time has there ever been a rule saying that they have to be played at all. So to state that changing or modifying the recording may bring us problems, is a bit outlandish and childish. Our national center puts out materials for us to use at our own discretion in order to get the message of the federation across to as many people as possible. We have been doing this for a while with the understanding that we have new individuals coming out to learn about the chapter and the organization and listening to a 20 minute presentation from someone they do not know talking about things that are not familiar to them yet may turn them away. So a little edited form of the release is presented to introduce the federation?s doings on a national level and other very important information. We also make sure that everybody knows that these presidential releases are available to all to listen to and download at their own time in the full form. The leadership and the majority of this chapter agrees on what steps are being taken, if you have an issue with how things are ran at our chapter, please make sure to bring the issue up in the proper forum for discussion! Thank you A. Z. President On 9/12/11, Peter Donahue wrote: > Good afternoon everyone, > > To insure you hear the September 2011 Presidential Release in its > entirety you will find the link below: > > http://www.nfb.org/images/nfb/Audio/pr/PR398.mp3 > > Our national office works very hard to produce these every month. It's > our responsibility to be sure they're played in their entirety during local > chapter and division meetings. There was content on last month's > presidential release that would have been of benefit to the new people who > attended their first chapter meeting. We have no right to prevent them from > learning about services like the Blio E-book reader. Jim Gashel demonstrated > it on the last presidential release. He also does a demonstration on this > month's release in connection with the announcement about the availability > of Mike Hingson's book "Thunder Dog" now available in the Blio Bookstore. > I've known Mike Hingson for many years and want people to be aware of the > availability of Thunder Dog from all sources including Blio. Our > presidential releases are a great way for spreading the word. > > Our literature including our presidential releases are intellectual > property of the National Federation of the Blind. Altering its content in > any way opens us up to the possibility of legal action something I and > others don't want to see happen to our chapter. Dr. Maurer and I have > discussed this matter in the past. He has discussed it with me personally > and during a seminar I attended at our national center in 2008 that was held > for our Webmasters. > > Having presidential releases played at local chapter meetings is a > long-standing tradition in this movement. When I joined the organization in > 1976 presidential releases were always played during chapter meetings. Like > Dr. Maurer Dr. Jernigan kept us informed about what the organization was > doing around the country and what we could do in our community to further > the work of the federation. At no time were these releases ever altered just > because of time constraints. If we need more time for the meeting to be able > to play the presidential releases please arrange for it Mr. President. I > recall that we had 30 minutes after the last meeting took place time that > could have been used to play the last presidential release in its entirety. > > Anyway enjoy the unadulterated version of this month's Presidential > Release. Let's hope that what you hear by following the link above is what's > played at Saturday's meeting. This kind of thing must stop! All the best. > > Peter Donahue > > "Will you come and awake our lost land from its slumber > And her fetters we'll break, links that long are encumbered. > And the air will resound with hosannas to greet you > On the shore will be found gallant Irishmen to greet you." > Will You Come to the Bower > Traditional Irish Folk Song > > > _______________________________________________ > Nfbsatx mailing list > Nfbsatx at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > Nfbsatx: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org/jose.martinez07%40gmail.com > From pdonahue2 at satx.rr.com Tue Sep 13 19:13:49 2011 From: pdonahue2 at satx.rr.com (Peter Donahue) Date: Tue, 13 Sep 2011 14:13:49 -0500 Subject: [Nfbsatx] September Presidential Release References: <000301cc7183$3154fe90$9e010b43@yourfsyly0jtwn> Message-ID: <002701cc7249$44a0f500$9e010b43@yourfsyly0jtwn> Hello A.Z. and everyone, I dare you to tell Dr. Maurer that these concerns are childish and such! The how point in playing these releases is so folks come to know our national president and understand what we're doing to improve the lives of our nation's blind. Other businesses and organizations distribute similar communications that are distributed/played during their local, national, and World gatherings with both old timers and new recruits present. I too was once new and never complained when I came to chapter meetings and sat through the playing of the presidential release. I figured that this is a part of the program and I'm to take it or leave it. Hmmm. I didn't know that this had a name "Informed choice" back in 1976. None the less I got used to hearing the presidential releases and looked forward to hearing them whenever we met. Back then no one ever suggested that playing presidential releases in their entirety would turn prospective members away. Rather it was the opposite and needs to remain that way now and in to the future. There's nothing childish about a long-standing tradition those of us who have been in the organization for years intend to fight to protect. Peter Donahue ----- Original Message ----- From: "Jose Martinez" To: "San Antonio Texas Chapter Mailing List" Sent: Tuesday, September 13, 2011 11:17 AM Subject: Re: [Nfbsatx] September Presidential Release First of all, thank you Peter for sending us the direct link to the presidential release. Now this way individuals have another great opportunity to get a hold of this product. Now as to why the presidential release is edited down a little bit for our chapter meetings. You are correct that the presidential release has been a long time tradition in the federation chapter meetings, but at no time has there ever been a rule saying that they have to be played at all. So to state that changing or modifying the recording may bring us problems, is a bit outlandish and childish. Our national center puts out materials for us to use at our own discretion in order to get the message of the federation across to as many people as possible. We have been doing this for a while with the understanding that we have new individuals coming out to learn about the chapter and the organization and listening to a 20 minute presentation from someone they do not know talking about things that are not familiar to them yet may turn them away. So a little edited form of the release is presented to introduce the federation?s doings on a national level and other very important information. We also make sure that everybody knows that these presidential releases are available to all to listen to and download at their own time in the full form. The leadership and the majority of this chapter agrees on what steps are being taken, if you have an issue with how things are ran at our chapter, please make sure to bring the issue up in the proper forum for discussion! Thank you A. Z. President On 9/12/11, Peter Donahue wrote: > Good afternoon everyone, > > To insure you hear the September 2011 Presidential Release in its > entirety you will find the link below: > > http://www.nfb.org/images/nfb/Audio/pr/PR398.mp3 > > Our national office works very hard to produce these every month. It's > our responsibility to be sure they're played in their entirety during > local > chapter and division meetings. There was content on last month's > presidential release that would have been of benefit to the new people who > attended their first chapter meeting. We have no right to prevent them > from > learning about services like the Blio E-book reader. Jim Gashel > demonstrated > it on the last presidential release. He also does a demonstration on this > month's release in connection with the announcement about the availability > of Mike Hingson's book "Thunder Dog" now available in the Blio Bookstore. > I've known Mike Hingson for many years and want people to be aware of the > availability of Thunder Dog from all sources including Blio. Our > presidential releases are a great way for spreading the word. > > Our literature including our presidential releases are intellectual > property of the National Federation of the Blind. Altering its content in > any way opens us up to the possibility of legal action something I and > others don't want to see happen to our chapter. Dr. Maurer and I have > discussed this matter in the past. He has discussed it with me personally > and during a seminar I attended at our national center in 2008 that was > held > for our Webmasters. > > Having presidential releases played at local chapter meetings is a > long-standing tradition in this movement. When I joined the organization > in > 1976 presidential releases were always played during chapter meetings. > Like > Dr. Maurer Dr. Jernigan kept us informed about what the organization was > doing around the country and what we could do in our community to further > the work of the federation. At no time were these releases ever altered > just > because of time constraints. If we need more time for the meeting to be > able > to play the presidential releases please arrange for it Mr. President. I > recall that we had 30 minutes after the last meeting took place time that > could have been used to play the last presidential release in its > entirety. > > Anyway enjoy the unadulterated version of this month's Presidential > Release. Let's hope that what you hear by following the link above is > what's > played at Saturday's meeting. This kind of thing must stop! All the best. > > Peter Donahue > > "Will you come and awake our lost land from its slumber > And her fetters we'll break, links that long are encumbered. > And the air will resound with hosannas to greet you > On the shore will be found gallant Irishmen to greet you." > Will You Come to the Bower > Traditional Irish Folk Song > > > _______________________________________________ > Nfbsatx mailing list > Nfbsatx at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > Nfbsatx: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org/jose.martinez07%40gmail.com > _______________________________________________ Nfbsatx mailing list Nfbsatx at nfbnet.org http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for Nfbsatx: http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org/pdonahue2%40satx.rr.com From braille at satx.rr.com Tue Sep 13 21:48:32 2011 From: braille at satx.rr.com (Mary Donahue) Date: Tue, 13 Sep 2011 16:48:32 -0500 Subject: [Nfbsatx] September Presidential Release and Announcing My Candidacy References: <000301cc7183$3154fe90$9e010b43@yourfsyly0jtwn> Message-ID: <979428284BE04793B53FDE9FC8196BAF@valuedcf71de43> -Hello A.Z. and everyone, I was quite shocked that we couldn't hear the full Presidential Release, and especially, because there were new people at the meeting. For one thing, the evening before, I was trying to get material together for the opening Braille class session, so I never listened to the release, and then to find out that we had to hear an edited version? I was not particularly pleased. I guess now is as good a time as any to announce my running for Chapter president. I have served in almost every office in past Chapters except president, and I feel up to the challenge in 2012. If I am elected, the presidential releases will get played in their entirety. I guess what upset me the most was that new people were there and eventually joined. Suppose parents had been there? What would have happened then? Just some food for thought I might all add that the release sounded better through Pete's sound system than on Bryan's player, and more than one person commented about that. Thank you for lending me your minds. Mary Donahue ---- Original Message ----- From: "Jose Martinez" To: "San Antonio Texas Chapter Mailing List" Sent: Tuesday, September 13, 2011 11:17 AM Subject: Re: [Nfbsatx] September Presidential Release First of all, thank you Peter for sending us the direct link to the presidential release. Now this way individuals have another great opportunity to get a hold of this product. Now as to why the presidential release is edited down a little bit for our chapter meetings. You are correct that the presidential release has been a long time tradition in the federation chapter meetings, but at no time has there ever been a rule saying that they have to be played at all. So to state that changing or modifying the recording may bring us problems, is a bit outlandish and childish. Our national center puts out materials for us to use at our own discretion in order to get the message of the federation across to as many people as possible. We have been doing this for a while with the understanding that we have new individuals coming out to learn about the chapter and the organization and listening to a 20 minute presentation from someone they do not know talking about things that are not familiar to them yet may turn them away. So a little edited form of the release is presented to introduce the federation?s doings on a national level and other very important information. We also make sure that everybody knows that these presidential releases are available to all to listen to and download at their own time in the full form. The leadership and the majority of this chapter agrees on what steps are being taken, if you have an issue with how things are ran at our chapter, please make sure to bring the issue up in the proper forum for discussion! Thank you A. Z. President On 9/12/11, Peter Donahue wrote: > Good afternoon everyone, > > To insure you hear the September 2011 Presidential Release in its > entirety you will find the link below: > > http://www.nfb.org/images/nfb/Audio/pr/PR398.mp3 > > Our national office works very hard to produce these every month. It's > our responsibility to be sure they're played in their entirety during > local > chapter and division meetings. There was content on last month's > presidential release that would have been of benefit to the new people who > attended their first chapter meeting. We have no right to prevent them > from > learning about services like the Blio E-book reader. Jim Gashel > demonstrated > it on the last presidential release. He also does a demonstration on this > month's release in connection with the announcement about the availability > of Mike Hingson's book "Thunder Dog" now available in the Blio Bookstore. > I've known Mike Hingson for many years and want people to be aware of the > availability of Thunder Dog from all sources including Blio. Our > presidential releases are a great way for spreading the word. > > Our literature including our presidential releases are intellectual > property of the National Federation of the Blind. Altering its content in > any way opens us up to the possibility of legal action something I and > others don't want to see happen to our chapter. Dr. Maurer and I have > discussed this matter in the past. He has discussed it with me personally > and during a seminar I attended at our national center in 2008 that was > held > for our Webmasters. > > Having presidential releases played at local chapter meetings is a > long-standing tradition in this movement. When I joined the organization > in > 1976 presidential releases were always played during chapter meetings. > Like > Dr. Maurer Dr. Jernigan kept us informed about what the organization was > doing around the country and what we could do in our community to further > the work of the federation. At no time were these releases ever altered > just > because of time constraints. If we need more time for the meeting to be > able > to play the presidential releases please arrange for it Mr. President. I > recall that we had 30 minutes after the last meeting took place time that > could have been used to play the last presidential release in its > entirety. > > Anyway enjoy the unadulterated version of this month's Presidential > Release. Let's hope that what you hear by following the link above is > what's > played at Saturday's meeting. This kind of thing must stop! All the best. > > Peter Donahue > > "Will you come and awake our lost land from its slumber > And her fetters we'll break, links that long are encumbered. > And the air will resound with hosannas to greet you > On the shore will be found gallant Irishmen to greet you." > Will You Come to the Bower > Traditional Irish Folk Song > > > _______________________________________________ > Nfbsatx mailing list > Nfbsatx at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > Nfbsatx: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org/jose.martinez07%40gmail.com > _______________________________________________ Nfbsatx mailing list Nfbsatx at nfbnet.org http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for Nfbsatx: http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org/braille%40satx.rr.com From ccgarcia2005 at yahoo.com Tue Sep 13 22:54:37 2011 From: ccgarcia2005 at yahoo.com (Cindy Garcia) Date: Tue, 13 Sep 2011 15:54:37 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Nfbsatx] September Presidential Release Message-ID: <1315954477.47000.yint-ygo-j2me@web112617.mail.gq1.yahoo.com> what is rong with leaving the meetings the way they were. I would like to know, because I was under the impression that the playing of the Pr was not very boring, or long at all. I never found the Pr to be tedious, even when I was a new member. It is like reading my dayly news paper, except it is monthly. I like to listen to the release around others so we may all share in the joys and sorrows, and everything new that happens in the nfb. yes, I have the option to listen to it on my own however, I believe that fellowship is the first way anyone, new or old build in respect for our organization as a whole. It was an insult to me when i realized that the Pr was edited down. I wonder, why such a thing was done, when there was enough time to cover everything on the agenda. I know for certin, that when elections arive in january, I will be sure to nominate a president who will be dependable, and stick to their guns where the agenda is concerned. If a recording will not be given some respect, it is my belieff, that disrespect also comes to those who did the recording. if disrespect is what we strive to do, then we should just play our music players, and Ipods loud while the meeting is going on because of the simple fact that noone in their right mind will want to listen to that chatter about things noone will know about. what is the point of coming to the meeting then? Presentations of any sort, need to be given the upmost attention. Anyone who gives a presentation, works very hard: even before the thought of presenting comes in to play. Then, there is the act of the presenting itself. what is the point of presenting?Why present something noone will listen to.? I will tell you this answer now, if I may. A presentation occurs because we as the presenter, have no right to presume that we know how every person's mind works. It is not our responsability as the presenter, to care about what the minds of our listeners are doing, or if they even stay focused. We the presenter, need to consintrate on the task at hand, and that task is informing our audiences. When people attend our chapter meetings, they are coming to view our live presentations of what the Nfb truly is all about. If we cut things out, and assume things, how does that look to the organization to whom we are presenting? All I am saying here, is that by cutting things and presuming to know how everyone thinks, is not only disrespectful, and insulting, but it is a disrespect of anonymity. If I have it my way, thmy anonymity will not be disrespected. I will say now to Peater and Mary Donahue, thank you for bringing this to our attention. It is my hope, that this insulting act will not happen again. I'm sure if the president of the United States were to shorten his speaches to the american people, we would not take that kindly will we not? On Tue Sep 13th, 2011 2:13 PM CDT Peter Donahue wrote: >Hello A.Z. and everyone, > > I dare you to tell Dr. Maurer that these concerns are childish and such! >The how point in playing these releases is so folks come to know our >national president and understand what we're doing to improve the lives of >our nation's blind. Other businesses and organizations distribute similar >communications that are distributed/played during their local, national, and >World gatherings with both old timers and new recruits present. I too was >once new and never complained when I came to chapter meetings and sat >through the playing of the presidential release. I figured that this is a >part of the program and I'm to take it or leave it. Hmmm. I didn't know that >this had a name "Informed choice" back in 1976. None the less I got used to >hearing the presidential releases and looked forward to hearing them >whenever we met. > > Back then no one ever suggested that playing presidential releases in >their entirety would turn prospective members away. Rather it was the >opposite and needs to remain that way now and in to the future. There's >nothing childish about a long-standing tradition those of us who have been >in the organization for years intend to fight to protect. > >Peter Donahue > > > >----- Original Message ----- >From: "Jose Martinez" >To: "San Antonio Texas Chapter Mailing List" >Sent: Tuesday, September 13, 2011 11:17 AM >Subject: Re: [Nfbsatx] September Presidential Release > > >First of all, thank you Peter for sending us the direct link to the >presidential release. Now this way individuals have another great >opportunity to get a hold of this product. Now as to why the >presidential release is edited down a little bit for our chapter >meetings. > > You are correct that the presidential release has been a long time >tradition in the federation chapter meetings, but at no time has there >ever been a rule saying that they have to be played at all. So to >state that changing or modifying the recording may bring us problems, >is a bit outlandish and childish. Our national center puts out >materials for us to use at our own discretion in order to get the >message of the federation across to as many people as possible. > > We have been doing this for a while with the understanding that we >have new individuals coming out to learn about the chapter and the >organization and listening to a 20 minute presentation from someone >they do not know talking about things that are not familiar to them >yet may turn them away. So a little edited form of the release is >presented to introduce the federation?s doings on a national level and >other very important information. We also make sure that everybody >knows that these presidential releases are available to all to listen >to and download at their own time in the full form. > > The leadership and the majority of this chapter agrees on what steps >are being taken, if you have an issue with how things are ran at our >chapter, please make sure to bring the issue up in the proper forum >for discussion! > > > >Thank you > >A. Z. >President > > > > > > >On 9/12/11, Peter Donahue wrote: >> Good afternoon everyone, >> >> To insure you hear the September 2011 Presidential Release in its >> entirety you will find the link below: >> >> http://www.nfb.org/images/nfb/Audio/pr/PR398.mp3 >> >> Our national office works very hard to produce these every month. It's >> our responsibility to be sure they're played in their entirety during >> local >> chapter and division meetings. There was content on last month's >> presidential release that would have been of benefit to the new people who >> attended their first chapter meeting. We have no right to prevent them >> from >> learning about services like the Blio E-book reader. Jim Gashel >> demonstrated >> it on the last presidential release. He also does a demonstration on this >> month's release in connection with the announcement about the availability >> of Mike Hingson's book "Thunder Dog" now available in the Blio Bookstore. >> I've known Mike Hingson for many years and want people to be aware of the >> availability of Thunder Dog from all sources including Blio. Our >> presidential releases are a great way for spreading the word. >> >> Our literature including our presidential releases are intellectual >> property of the National Federation of the Blind. Altering its content in >> any way opens us up to the possibility of legal action something I and >> others don't want to see happen to our chapter. Dr. Maurer and I have >> discussed this matter in the past. He has discussed it with me personally >> and during a seminar I attended at our national center in 2008 that was >> held >> for our Webmasters. >> >> Having presidential releases played at local chapter meetings is a >> long-standing tradition in this movement. When I joined the organization >> in >> 1976 presidential releases were always played during chapter meetings. >> Like >> Dr. Maurer Dr. Jernigan kept us informed about what the organization was >> doing around the country and what we could do in our community to further >> the work of the federation. At no time were these releases ever altered >> just >> because of time constraints. If we need more time for the meeting to be >> able >> to play the presidential releases please arrange for it Mr. President. I >> recall that we had 30 minutes after the last meeting took place time that >> could have been used to play the last presidential release in its >> entirety. >> >> Anyway enjoy the unadulterated version of this month's Presidential >> Release. Let's hope that what you hear by following the link above is >> what's >> played at Saturday's meeting. This kind of thing must stop! All the best. >> >> Peter Donahue >> >> "Will you come and awake our lost land from its slumber >> And her fetters we'll break, links that long are encumbered. >> And the air will resound with hosannas to greet you >> On the shore will be found gallant Irishmen to greet you." >> Will You Come to the Bower >> Traditional Irish Folk Song >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Nfbsatx mailing list >> Nfbsatx at nfbnet.org >> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org >> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for >> Nfbsatx: >> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org/jose.martinez07%40gmail.com >> > >_______________________________________________ >Nfbsatx mailing list >Nfbsatx at nfbnet.org >http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org >To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for >Nfbsatx: >http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org/pdonahue2%40satx.rr.com > > >_______________________________________________ >Nfbsatx mailing list >Nfbsatx at nfbnet.org >http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org >To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for Nfbsatx: >http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org/ccgarcia2005%40yahoo.com From braille at satx.rr.com Wed Sep 14 01:30:46 2011 From: braille at satx.rr.com (Mary Donahue) Date: Tue, 13 Sep 2011 20:30:46 -0500 Subject: [Nfbsatx] September Presidential Release References: <1315954477.47000.yint-ygo-j2me@web112617.mail.gq1.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <5D0880A1F73A41B097F5C4B8EC55C057@valuedcf71de43> Hi Cindy, You go, girl! I agree wholeheartedly. More people need to voice their concerns about playing the presidential release in its entirety. What better way to announce my campaign for Chapter president? Mary Donahue ----- Original Message ----- From: "Cindy Garcia" To: Sent: Tuesday, September 13, 2011 5:54 PM Subject: Re: [Nfbsatx] September Presidential Release > what is rong with leaving the meetings the way they were. I would like to > know, because I was under the impression that the playing of the Pr was > not very boring, or long at all. I never found the Pr to be tedious, even > when I was a new member. It is like reading my dayly news paper, except it > is monthly. I like to listen to the release around others so we may all > share in the joys and sorrows, and everything new that happens in the nfb. > yes, I have the option to listen to it on my own however, I believe that > fellowship is the first way anyone, new or old build in respect for our > organization as a whole. It was an insult to me when i realized that the > Pr was edited down. I wonder, why such a thing was done, when there was > enough time to cover everything on the agenda. I know for certin, that > when elections arive in january, I will be sure to nominate a president > who will be dependable, and stick to their guns where the agenda is > concerned. If a recording > will not be given some respect, it is my belieff, that disrespect also > comes to those who did the recording. if disrespect is what we strive to > do, then we should just play our music players, and Ipods loud while the > meeting is going on because of the simple fact that noone in their right > mind will want to listen to that chatter about things noone will know > about. what is the point of coming to the meeting then? Presentations of > any sort, need to be given the upmost attention. Anyone who gives a > presentation, works very hard: even before the thought of presenting comes > in to play. Then, there is the act of the presenting itself. what is the > point of presenting?Why present something noone will listen to.? I will > tell you this answer now, if I may. A presentation occurs because we as > the presenter, have no right to presume that we know how every person's > mind works. It is not our responsability as the presenter, to care about > what the minds of our > listeners are doing, or if they even stay focused. We the presenter, need > to consintrate on the task at hand, and that task is informing our > audiences. When people attend our chapter meetings, they are coming to > view our live presentations of what the Nfb truly is all about. If we cut > things out, and assume things, how does that look to the organization to > whom we are presenting? All I am saying here, is that by cutting things > and presuming to know how everyone thinks, is not only disrespectful, and > insulting, but it is a disrespect of anonymity. If I have it my way, thmy > anonymity will not be disrespected. I will say now to Peater and Mary > Donahue, thank you for bringing this to our attention. It is my hope, that > this insulting act will not happen again. I'm sure if the president of the > United States were to shorten his speaches to the american people, we > would not take that kindly will we not? > > On Tue Sep 13th, 2011 2:13 PM CDT Peter Donahue wrote: > >>Hello A.Z. and everyone, >> >> I dare you to tell Dr. Maurer that these concerns are childish and >> such! >>The how point in playing these releases is so folks come to know our >>national president and understand what we're doing to improve the lives of >>our nation's blind. Other businesses and organizations distribute similar >>communications that are distributed/played during their local, national, >>and >>World gatherings with both old timers and new recruits present. I too was >>once new and never complained when I came to chapter meetings and sat >>through the playing of the presidential release. I figured that this is a >>part of the program and I'm to take it or leave it. Hmmm. I didn't know >>that >>this had a name "Informed choice" back in 1976. None the less I got used >>to >>hearing the presidential releases and looked forward to hearing them >>whenever we met. >> >> Back then no one ever suggested that playing presidential releases in >>their entirety would turn prospective members away. Rather it was the >>opposite and needs to remain that way now and in to the future. There's >>nothing childish about a long-standing tradition those of us who have been >>in the organization for years intend to fight to protect. >> >>Peter Donahue >> >> >> >>----- Original Message ----- >>From: "Jose Martinez" >>To: "San Antonio Texas Chapter Mailing List" >>Sent: Tuesday, September 13, 2011 11:17 AM >>Subject: Re: [Nfbsatx] September Presidential Release >> >> >>First of all, thank you Peter for sending us the direct link to the >>presidential release. Now this way individuals have another great >>opportunity to get a hold of this product. Now as to why the >>presidential release is edited down a little bit for our chapter >>meetings. >> >> You are correct that the presidential release has been a long time >>tradition in the federation chapter meetings, but at no time has there >>ever been a rule saying that they have to be played at all. So to >>state that changing or modifying the recording may bring us problems, >>is a bit outlandish and childish. Our national center puts out >>materials for us to use at our own discretion in order to get the >>message of the federation across to as many people as possible. >> >> We have been doing this for a while with the understanding that we >>have new individuals coming out to learn about the chapter and the >>organization and listening to a 20 minute presentation from someone >>they do not know talking about things that are not familiar to them >>yet may turn them away. So a little edited form of the release is >>presented to introduce the federation?s doings on a national level and >>other very important information. We also make sure that everybody >>knows that these presidential releases are available to all to listen >>to and download at their own time in the full form. >> >> The leadership and the majority of this chapter agrees on what steps >>are being taken, if you have an issue with how things are ran at our >>chapter, please make sure to bring the issue up in the proper forum >>for discussion! >> >> >> >>Thank you >> >>A. Z. >>President >> >> >> >> >> >> >>On 9/12/11, Peter Donahue wrote: >>> Good afternoon everyone, >>> >>> To insure you hear the September 2011 Presidential Release in its >>> entirety you will find the link below: >>> >>> http://www.nfb.org/images/nfb/Audio/pr/PR398.mp3 >>> >>> Our national office works very hard to produce these every month. >>> It's >>> our responsibility to be sure they're played in their entirety during >>> local >>> chapter and division meetings. There was content on last month's >>> presidential release that would have been of benefit to the new people >>> who >>> attended their first chapter meeting. We have no right to prevent them >>> from >>> learning about services like the Blio E-book reader. Jim Gashel >>> demonstrated >>> it on the last presidential release. He also does a demonstration on >>> this >>> month's release in connection with the announcement about the >>> availability >>> of Mike Hingson's book "Thunder Dog" now available in the Blio >>> Bookstore. >>> I've known Mike Hingson for many years and want people to be aware of >>> the >>> availability of Thunder Dog from all sources including Blio. Our >>> presidential releases are a great way for spreading the word. >>> >>> Our literature including our presidential releases are intellectual >>> property of the National Federation of the Blind. Altering its content >>> in >>> any way opens us up to the possibility of legal action something I and >>> others don't want to see happen to our chapter. Dr. Maurer and I have >>> discussed this matter in the past. He has discussed it with me >>> personally >>> and during a seminar I attended at our national center in 2008 that was >>> held >>> for our Webmasters. >>> >>> Having presidential releases played at local chapter meetings is a >>> long-standing tradition in this movement. When I joined the organization >>> in >>> 1976 presidential releases were always played during chapter meetings. >>> Like >>> Dr. Maurer Dr. Jernigan kept us informed about what the organization was >>> doing around the country and what we could do in our community to >>> further >>> the work of the federation. At no time were these releases ever altered >>> just >>> because of time constraints. If we need more time for the meeting to be >>> able >>> to play the presidential releases please arrange for it Mr. President. I >>> recall that we had 30 minutes after the last meeting took place time >>> that >>> could have been used to play the last presidential release in its >>> entirety. >>> >>> Anyway enjoy the unadulterated version of this month's Presidential >>> Release. Let's hope that what you hear by following the link above is >>> what's >>> played at Saturday's meeting. This kind of thing must stop! All the >>> best. >>> >>> Peter Donahue >>> >>> "Will you come and awake our lost land from its slumber >>> And her fetters we'll break, links that long are encumbered. >>> And the air will resound with hosannas to greet you >>> On the shore will be found gallant Irishmen to greet you." >>> Will You Come to the Bower >>> Traditional Irish Folk Song >>> >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Nfbsatx mailing list >>> Nfbsatx at nfbnet.org >>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org >>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for >>> Nfbsatx: >>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org/jose.martinez07%40gmail.com >>> >> >>_______________________________________________ >>Nfbsatx mailing list >>Nfbsatx at nfbnet.org >>http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org >>To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for >>Nfbsatx: >>http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org/pdonahue2%40satx.rr.com >> >> >>_______________________________________________ >>Nfbsatx mailing list >>Nfbsatx at nfbnet.org >>http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org >>To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for >>Nfbsatx: >>http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org/ccgarcia2005%40yahoo.com > > > _______________________________________________ > Nfbsatx mailing list > Nfbsatx at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > Nfbsatx: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org/braille%40satx.rr.com From jose.martinez07 at gmail.com Wed Sep 14 02:21:30 2011 From: jose.martinez07 at gmail.com (Jose Martinez) Date: Tue, 13 Sep 2011 21:21:30 -0500 Subject: [Nfbsatx] September Presidential Release In-Reply-To: <1315954477.47000.yint-ygo-j2me@web112617.mail.gq1.yahoo.com> References: <1315954477.47000.yint-ygo-j2me@web112617.mail.gq1.yahoo.com> Message-ID: If someone felt disrespected or insulted for a decision that was made by the leadership of this chapter, then I believe there are proper channels that can be taken to ensure that that does not happen. It is really not ment to be taken personal, because decisions are made for the betterment of the chapter. So it is an overall decision! I am very excited to see how this chapter finishes out the year strong. Thank you A. Z. President On 9/13/11, Cindy Garcia wrote: > what is rong with leaving the meetings the way they were. I would like to > know, because I was under the impression that the playing of the Pr was not > very boring, or long at all. I never found the Pr to be tedious, even when I > was a new member. It is like reading my dayly news paper, except it is > monthly. I like to listen to the release around others so we may all share > in the joys and sorrows, and everything new that happens in the nfb. yes, I > have the option to listen to it on my own however, I believe that fellowship > is the first way anyone, new or old build in respect for our organization as > a whole. It was an insult to me when i realized that the Pr was edited down. > I wonder, why such a thing was done, when there was enough time to cover > everything on the agenda. I know for certin, that when elections arive in > january, I will be sure to nominate a president who will be dependable, and > stick to their guns where the agenda is concerned. If a recording > will not be given some respect, it is my belieff, that disrespect also > comes to those who did the recording. if disrespect is what we strive to do, > then we should just play our music players, and Ipods loud while the meeting > is going on because of the simple fact that noone in their right mind will > want to listen to that chatter about things noone will know about. what is > the point of coming to the meeting then? Presentations of any sort, need to > be given the upmost attention. Anyone who gives a presentation, works very > hard: even before the thought of presenting comes in to play. Then, there is > the act of the presenting itself. what is the point of presenting?Why > present something noone will listen to.? I will tell you this answer now, if > I may. A presentation occurs because we as the presenter, have no right to > presume that we know how every person's mind works. It is not our > responsability as the presenter, to care about what the minds of our > listeners are doing, or if they even stay focused. We the presenter, need > to consintrate on the task at hand, and that task is informing our > audiences. When people attend our chapter meetings, they are coming to view > our live presentations of what the Nfb truly is all about. If we cut things > out, and assume things, how does that look to the organization to whom we > are presenting? All I am saying here, is that by cutting things and > presuming to know how everyone thinks, is not only disrespectful, and > insulting, but it is a disrespect of anonymity. If I have it my way, thmy > anonymity will not be disrespected. I will say now to Peater and Mary > Donahue, thank you for bringing this to our attention. It is my hope, that > this insulting act will not happen again. I'm sure if the president of the > United States were to shorten his speaches to the american people, we would > not take that kindly will we not? > > On Tue Sep 13th, 2011 2:13 PM CDT Peter Donahue wrote: > >>Hello A.Z. and everyone, >> >> I dare you to tell Dr. Maurer that these concerns are childish and >> such! >>The how point in playing these releases is so folks come to know our >>national president and understand what we're doing to improve the lives of >>our nation's blind. Other businesses and organizations distribute similar >>communications that are distributed/played during their local, national, >> and >>World gatherings with both old timers and new recruits present. I too was >>once new and never complained when I came to chapter meetings and sat >>through the playing of the presidential release. I figured that this is a >>part of the program and I'm to take it or leave it. Hmmm. I didn't know >> that >>this had a name "Informed choice" back in 1976. None the less I got used to >> >>hearing the presidential releases and looked forward to hearing them >>whenever we met. >> >> Back then no one ever suggested that playing presidential releases in >>their entirety would turn prospective members away. Rather it was the >>opposite and needs to remain that way now and in to the future. There's >>nothing childish about a long-standing tradition those of us who have been >>in the organization for years intend to fight to protect. >> >>Peter Donahue >> >> >> >>----- Original Message ----- >>From: "Jose Martinez" >>To: "San Antonio Texas Chapter Mailing List" >>Sent: Tuesday, September 13, 2011 11:17 AM >>Subject: Re: [Nfbsatx] September Presidential Release >> >> >>First of all, thank you Peter for sending us the direct link to the >>presidential release. Now this way individuals have another great >>opportunity to get a hold of this product. Now as to why the >>presidential release is edited down a little bit for our chapter >>meetings. >> >> You are correct that the presidential release has been a long time >>tradition in the federation chapter meetings, but at no time has there >>ever been a rule saying that they have to be played at all. So to >>state that changing or modifying the recording may bring us problems, >>is a bit outlandish and childish. Our national center puts out >>materials for us to use at our own discretion in order to get the >>message of the federation across to as many people as possible. >> >> We have been doing this for a while with the understanding that we >>have new individuals coming out to learn about the chapter and the >>organization and listening to a 20 minute presentation from someone >>they do not know talking about things that are not familiar to them >>yet may turn them away. So a little edited form of the release is >>presented to introduce the federation?s doings on a national level and >>other very important information. We also make sure that everybody >>knows that these presidential releases are available to all to listen >>to and download at their own time in the full form. >> >> The leadership and the majority of this chapter agrees on what steps >>are being taken, if you have an issue with how things are ran at our >>chapter, please make sure to bring the issue up in the proper forum >>for discussion! >> >> >> >>Thank you >> >>A. Z. >>President >> >> >> >> >> >> >>On 9/12/11, Peter Donahue wrote: >>> Good afternoon everyone, >>> >>> To insure you hear the September 2011 Presidential Release in its >>> entirety you will find the link below: >>> >>> http://www.nfb.org/images/nfb/Audio/pr/PR398.mp3 >>> >>> Our national office works very hard to produce these every month. >>> It's >>> our responsibility to be sure they're played in their entirety during >>> local >>> chapter and division meetings. There was content on last month's >>> presidential release that would have been of benefit to the new people >>> who >>> attended their first chapter meeting. We have no right to prevent them >>> from >>> learning about services like the Blio E-book reader. Jim Gashel >>> demonstrated >>> it on the last presidential release. He also does a demonstration on this >>> month's release in connection with the announcement about the >>> availability >>> of Mike Hingson's book "Thunder Dog" now available in the Blio Bookstore. >>> I've known Mike Hingson for many years and want people to be aware of the >>> availability of Thunder Dog from all sources including Blio. Our >>> presidential releases are a great way for spreading the word. >>> >>> Our literature including our presidential releases are intellectual >>> property of the National Federation of the Blind. Altering its content in >>> any way opens us up to the possibility of legal action something I and >>> others don't want to see happen to our chapter. Dr. Maurer and I have >>> discussed this matter in the past. He has discussed it with me personally >>> and during a seminar I attended at our national center in 2008 that was >>> held >>> for our Webmasters. >>> >>> Having presidential releases played at local chapter meetings is a >>> long-standing tradition in this movement. When I joined the organization >>> in >>> 1976 presidential releases were always played during chapter meetings. >>> Like >>> Dr. Maurer Dr. Jernigan kept us informed about what the organization was >>> doing around the country and what we could do in our community to further >>> the work of the federation. At no time were these releases ever altered >>> just >>> because of time constraints. If we need more time for the meeting to be >>> able >>> to play the presidential releases please arrange for it Mr. President. I >>> recall that we had 30 minutes after the last meeting took place time that >>> could have been used to play the last presidential release in its >>> entirety. >>> >>> Anyway enjoy the unadulterated version of this month's Presidential >>> Release. Let's hope that what you hear by following the link above is >>> what's >>> played at Saturday's meeting. This kind of thing must stop! All the best. >>> >>> Peter Donahue >>> >>> "Will you come and awake our lost land from its slumber >>> And her fetters we'll break, links that long are encumbered. >>> And the air will resound with hosannas to greet you >>> On the shore will be found gallant Irishmen to greet you." >>> Will You Come to the Bower >>> Traditional Irish Folk Song >>> >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Nfbsatx mailing list >>> Nfbsatx at nfbnet.org >>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org >>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for >>> Nfbsatx: >>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org/jose.martinez07%40gmail.com >>> >> >>_______________________________________________ >>Nfbsatx mailing list >>Nfbsatx at nfbnet.org >>http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org >>To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for >>Nfbsatx: >>http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org/pdonahue2%40satx.rr.com >> >> >> >>_______________________________________________ >>Nfbsatx mailing list >>Nfbsatx at nfbnet.org >>http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org >>To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for >> Nfbsatx: >>http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org/ccgarcia2005%40yahoo.com > > > _______________________________________________ > Nfbsatx mailing list > Nfbsatx at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > Nfbsatx: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org/jose.martinez07%40gmail.com From pdonahue2 at satx.rr.com Wed Sep 14 02:34:03 2011 From: pdonahue2 at satx.rr.com (Peter Donahue) Date: Tue, 13 Sep 2011 21:34:03 -0500 Subject: [Nfbsatx] Presidential Releases Message-ID: <000301cc7286$c53dfd60$9e010b43@yourfsyly0jtwn> Good evening everyone, If you want us to finish the year on an up note don't let this happen again! There are other members, including a former state president who are very outraged about this and feel the same way we do. One thing you could do is in the agenda specifically mention the playing of the presidential release. The line could read something like: "Presidential release. A message from the President of the National Federation of the Blind." People will know to expect to hear a message from dr. Maurer and others and will come to regard it as a regular agenda item and will look forward to hearing it at each meeting. All the best. Peter Donahue From metter54 at gmail.com Wed Sep 14 23:38:30 2011 From: metter54 at gmail.com (Mary Etter) Date: Wed, 14 Sep 2011 18:38:30 -0500 Subject: [Nfbsatx] September Presidential Release In-Reply-To: References: <1315954477.47000.yint-ygo-j2me@web112617.mail.gq1.yahoo.com> Message-ID: Good Evening at this present time I do not have access to my email so I have someone else doing this for me. I have been a member of numerous organizations political, social and charitable. And I have NEVER seen or heard such childish and juvenile behavior that I am now seeing with in this organization. First and foremost, this chapter has gathered to spread information about the blind and to teach. And also to to fight for the rights of the blind. And that is on a local level. Yes we need to know what is going on at a national level, and as of late we are getting the releases and we are learning what is being done on the national level. Now because of ONE incident in which we did not hear the full release it has been made into a firestorm. The only disrespect that is out there is the disrespect of individuals towards the President of the chapter and unprofessional behavior. As far as I am concerned this matter is closed to public opinion. If it needs to be discussed, the individual will discuss it in private with the President and the Board. For those that do not know me, understand me well, I do not deal with juveniles and unprofessional people. Good evening to you all Athalie Malone On Tue, Sep 13, 2011 at 9:21 PM, Jose Martinez wrote: > If someone felt disrespected or insulted for a decision that was made > by the leadership of this chapter, then I believe there are proper > channels that can be taken to ensure that that does not happen. It is > really not ment to be taken personal, because decisions are made for > the betterment of the chapter. So it is an overall decision! I am very > excited to see how this chapter finishes out the year strong > > Thank you > > A. Z. > President > > > On 9/13/11, Cindy Garcia wrote: > > what is rong with leaving the meetings the way they were. I would like to > > know, because I was under the impression that the playing of the Pr was > not > > very boring, or long at all. I never found the Pr to be tedious, even > when I > > was a new member. It is like reading my dayly news paper, except it is > > monthly. I like to listen to the release around others so we may all > share > > in the joys and sorrows, and everything new that happens in the nfb. yes, > I > > have the option to listen to it on my own however, I believe that > fellowship > > is the first way anyone, new or old build in respect for our organization > as > > a whole. It was an insult to me when i realized that the Pr was edited > down. > > I wonder, why such a thing was done, when there was enough time to cover > > everything on the agenda. I know for certin, that when elections arive in > > january, I will be sure to nominate a president who will be dependable, > and > > stick to their guns where the agenda is concerned. If a recording > > will not be given some respect, it is my belieff, that disrespect also > > comes to those who did the recording. if disrespect is what we strive to > do, > > then we should just play our music players, and Ipods loud while the > meeting > > is going on because of the simple fact that noone in their right mind > will > > want to listen to that chatter about things noone will know about. what > is > > the point of coming to the meeting then? Presentations of any sort, need > to > > be given the upmost attention. Anyone who gives a presentation, works > very > > hard: even before the thought of presenting comes in to play. Then, there > is > > the act of the presenting itself. what is the point of presenting?Why > > present something noone will listen to.? I will tell you this answer now, > if > > I may. A presentation occurs because we as the presenter, have no right > to > > presume that we know how every person's mind works. It is not our > > responsability as the presenter, to care about what the minds of our > > listeners are doing, or if they even stay focused. We the presenter, > need > > to consintrate on the task at hand, and that task is informing our > > audiences. When people attend our chapter meetings, they are coming to > view > > our live presentations of what the Nfb truly is all about. If we cut > things > > out, and assume things, how does that look to the organization to whom we > > are presenting? All I am saying here, is that by cutting things and > > presuming to know how everyone thinks, is not only disrespectful, and > > insulting, but it is a disrespect of anonymity. If I have it my way, thmy > > anonymity will not be disrespected. I will say now to Peater and Mary > > Donahue, thank you for bringing this to our attention. It is my hope, > that > > this insulting act will not happen again. I'm sure if the president of > the > > United States were to shorten his speaches to the american people, we > would > > not take that kindly will we not? > > > > On Tue Sep 13th, 2011 2:13 PM CDT Peter Donahue wrote: > > > >>Hello A.Z. and everyone, > >> > >> I dare you to tell Dr. Maurer that these concerns are childish and > >> such! > >>The how point in playing these releases is so folks come to know our > >>national president and understand what we're doing to improve the lives > of > >>our nation's blind. Other businesses and organizations distribute similar > >>communications that are distributed/played during their local, national, > >> and > >>World gatherings with both old timers and new recruits present. I too was > >>once new and never complained when I came to chapter meetings and sat > >>through the playing of the presidential release. I figured that this is a > >>part of the program and I'm to take it or leave it. Hmmm. I didn't know > >> that > >>this had a name "Informed choice" back in 1976. None the less I got used > to > >> > >>hearing the presidential releases and looked forward to hearing them > >>whenever we met. > >> > >> Back then no one ever suggested that playing presidential releases in > >>their entirety would turn prospective members away. Rather it was the > >>opposite and needs to remain that way now and in to the future. There's > >>nothing childish about a long-standing tradition those of us who have > been > >>in the organization for years intend to fight to protect. > >> > >>Peter Donahue > >> > >> > >> > >>----- Original Message ----- > >>From: "Jose Martinez" > >>To: "San Antonio Texas Chapter Mailing List" > >>Sent: Tuesday, September 13, 2011 11:17 AM > >>Subject: Re: [Nfbsatx] September Presidential Release > >> > >> > >>First of all, thank you Peter for sending us the direct link to the > >>presidential release. Now this way individuals have another great > >>opportunity to get a hold of this product. Now as to why the > >>presidential release is edited down a little bit for our chapter > >>meetings. > >> > >> You are correct that the presidential release has been a long time > >>tradition in the federation chapter meetings, but at no time has there > >>ever been a rule saying that they have to be played at all. So to > >>state that changing or modifying the recording may bring us problems, > >>is a bit outlandish and childish. Our national center puts out > >>materials for us to use at our own discretion in order to get the > >>message of the federation across to as many people as possible. > >> > >> We have been doing this for a while with the understanding that we > >>have new individuals coming out to learn about the chapter and the > >>organization and listening to a 20 minute presentation from someone > >>they do not know talking about things that are not familiar to them > >>yet may turn them away. So a little edited form of the release is > >>presented to introduce the federation?s doings on a national level and > >>other very important information. We also make sure that everybody > >>knows that these presidential releases are available to all to listen > >>to and download at their own time in the full form. > >> > >> The leadership and the majority of this chapter agrees on what steps > >>are being taken, if you have an issue with how things are ran at our > >>chapter, please make sure to bring the issue up in the proper forum > >>for discussion! > >> > >> > >> > >>Thank you > >> > >>A. Z. > >>President > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >>On 9/12/11, Peter Donahue wrote: > >>> Good afternoon everyone, > >>> > >>> To insure you hear the September 2011 Presidential Release in its > >>> entirety you will find the link below: > >>> > >>> http://www.nfb.org/images/nfb/Audio/pr/PR398.mp3 > >>> > >>> Our national office works very hard to produce these every month. > >>> It's > >>> our responsibility to be sure they're played in their entirety during > >>> local > >>> chapter and division meetings. There was content on last month's > >>> presidential release that would have been of benefit to the new people > >>> who > >>> attended their first chapter meeting. We have no right to prevent them > >>> from > >>> learning about services like the Blio E-book reader. Jim Gashel > >>> demonstrated > >>> it on the last presidential release. He also does a demonstration on > this > >>> month's release in connection with the announcement about the > >>> availability > >>> of Mike Hingson's book "Thunder Dog" now available in the Blio > Bookstore. > >>> I've known Mike Hingson for many years and want people to be aware of > the > >>> availability of Thunder Dog from all sources including Blio. Our > >>> presidential releases are a great way for spreading the word. > >>> > >>> Our literature including our presidential releases are intellectual > >>> property of the National Federation of the Blind. Altering its content > in > >>> any way opens us up to the possibility of legal action something I and > >>> others don't want to see happen to our chapter. Dr. Maurer and I have > >>> discussed this matter in the past. He has discussed it with me > personally > >>> and during a seminar I attended at our national center in 2008 that was > >>> held > >>> for our Webmasters. > >>> > >>> Having presidential releases played at local chapter meetings is a > >>> long-standing tradition in this movement. When I joined the > organization > >>> in > >>> 1976 presidential releases were always played during chapter meetings. > >>> Like > >>> Dr. Maurer Dr. Jernigan kept us informed about what the organization > was > >>> doing around the country and what we could do in our community to > further > >>> the work of the federation. At no time were these releases ever altered > >>> just > >>> because of time constraints. If we need more time for the meeting to be > >>> able > >>> to play the presidential releases please arrange for it Mr. President. > I > >>> recall that we had 30 minutes after the last meeting took place time > that > >>> could have been used to play the last presidential release in its > >>> entirety. > >>> > >>> Anyway enjoy the unadulterated version of this month's Presidential > >>> Release. Let's hope that what you hear by following the link above is > >>> what's > >>> played at Saturday's meeting. This kind of thing must stop! All the > best. > >>> > >>> Peter Donahue > >>> > >>> "Will you come and awake our lost land from its slumber > >>> And her fetters we'll break, links that long are encumbered. > >>> And the air will resound with hosannas to greet you > >>> On the shore will be found gallant Irishmen to greet you." > >>> Will You Come to the Bower > >>> Traditional Irish Folk Song > >>> > >>> > >>> _______________________________________________ > >>> Nfbsatx mailing list > >>> Nfbsatx at nfbnet.org > >>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org > >>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > >>> Nfbsatx: > >>> > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org/jose.martinez07%40gmail.com > >>> > >> > >>_______________________________________________ > >>Nfbsatx mailing list > >>Nfbsatx at nfbnet.org > >>http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org > >>To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > >>Nfbsatx: > >> > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org/pdonahue2%40satx.rr.com > >> > >> > >> > >>_______________________________________________ > >>Nfbsatx mailing list > >>Nfbsatx at nfbnet.org > >>http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org > >>To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > >> Nfbsatx: > >> > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org/ccgarcia2005%40yahoo.com > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > Nfbsatx mailing list > > Nfbsatx at nfbnet.org > > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org > > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > > Nfbsatx: > > > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org/jose.martinez07%40gmail.com > > _______________________________________________ > Nfbsatx mailing list > Nfbsatx at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > Nfbsatx: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org/metter54%40gmail.com > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From metter54 at gmail.com Thu Sep 15 00:05:32 2011 From: metter54 at gmail.com (Mary Etter) Date: Wed, 14 Sep 2011 19:05:32 -0500 Subject: [Nfbsatx] September Presidential Release In-Reply-To: References: <1315954477.47000.yint-ygo-j2me@web112617.mail.gq1.yahoo.com> Message-ID: To All NFB San Antonio Chapter Members: I have been reading the onslaught of emails that have come across my inbox. And I can only say that I am highly insulted by the way members have chosen to conduct themselves. I have stood in the background for sometime, and watched the Backbiting that has been going on and have kept my mouth shut. Several members of this chapter seem to have lost sight as to what we are all about. I as a sighted person have stood in the trenches, for the rights of the Blind and several other disabled groups. I know that there is a great amount of work to be done, and yet I see an implosion occurring in what should be and could be a very strong organization. And some members are using their political agenda to take precedence over our true calling. The correct forum should have been to bring these concerns to the board members. Fellow Member; Please let's get back on the right track. Education, Information, Working to gain and protect the Rights of Our Blind Family. Thank you for your time and I can only Pray that our membership will turn their attention to our TRUE work. On Wed, Sep 14, 2011 at 6:38 PM, Mary Etter wrote: > > Good Evening at this present time I do not have access to my email so I > have someone else doing this for me. > > I have been a member of numerous organizations political, social and > charitable. And I have NEVER seen or heard such childish and juvenile > behavior that I am now seeing with in this organization. First and > foremost, this chapter has gathered to spread information about the blind > and to teach. And also to to fight for the rights of the blind. And that is > on a local level. Yes we need to know what is going on at a national level, > and as of late we are getting the releases and we are learning what is > being done on the national level. Now because of ONE incident in which we > did not hear the full release it has been made into a firestorm. The only > disrespect that is out there is the disrespect of individuals towards the > President of the chapter and unprofessional behavior. As far as I am > concerned this matter is closed to public opinion. If it needs to be > discussed, the individual will discuss it in private with the President and > the Board. For those that do not know me, understand me well, I do not deal > with juveniles and unprofessional people. > > Good evening to you all > Athalie Malone > > > > On Tue, Sep 13, 2011 at 9:21 PM, Jose Martinez wrote: > >> If someone felt disrespected or insulted for a decision that was made >> by the leadership of this chapter, then I believe there are proper >> channels that can be taken to ensure that that does not happen. It is >> really not ment to be taken personal, because decisions are made for >> the betterment of the chapter. So it is an overall decision! I am very >> excited to see how this chapter finishes out the year strong >> >> Thank you >> >> A. Z. >> President >> >> >> On 9/13/11, Cindy Garcia wrote: >> > what is rong with leaving the meetings the way they were. I would like >> to >> > know, because I was under the impression that the playing of the Pr was >> not >> > very boring, or long at all. I never found the Pr to be tedious, even >> when I >> > was a new member. It is like reading my dayly news paper, except it is >> > monthly. I like to listen to the release around others so we may all >> share >> > in the joys and sorrows, and everything new that happens in the nfb. >> yes, I >> > have the option to listen to it on my own however, I believe that >> fellowship >> > is the first way anyone, new or old build in respect for our >> organization as >> > a whole. It was an insult to me when i realized that the Pr was edited >> down. >> > I wonder, why such a thing was done, when there was enough time to cover >> > everything on the agenda. I know for certin, that when elections arive >> in >> > january, I will be sure to nominate a president who will be dependable, >> and >> > stick to their guns where the agenda is concerned. If a recording >> > will not be given some respect, it is my belieff, that disrespect also >> > comes to those who did the recording. if disrespect is what we strive to >> do, >> > then we should just play our music players, and Ipods loud while the >> meeting >> > is going on because of the simple fact that noone in their right mind >> will >> > want to listen to that chatter about things noone will know about. what >> is >> > the point of coming to the meeting then? Presentations of any sort, need >> to >> > be given the upmost attention. Anyone who gives a presentation, works >> very >> > hard: even before the thought of presenting comes in to play. Then, >> there is >> > the act of the presenting itself. what is the point of presenting?Why >> > present something noone will listen to.? I will tell you this answer >> now, if >> > I may. A presentation occurs because we as the presenter, have no right >> to >> > presume that we know how every person's mind works. It is not our >> > responsability as the presenter, to care about what the minds of our >> > listeners are doing, or if they even stay focused. We the presenter, >> need >> > to consintrate on the task at hand, and that task is informing our >> > audiences. When people attend our chapter meetings, they are coming to >> view >> > our live presentations of what the Nfb truly is all about. If we cut >> things >> > out, and assume things, how does that look to the organization to whom >> we >> > are presenting? All I am saying here, is that by cutting things and >> > presuming to know how everyone thinks, is not only disrespectful, and >> > insulting, but it is a disrespect of anonymity. If I have it my way, >> thmy >> > anonymity will not be disrespected. I will say now to Peater and Mary >> > Donahue, thank you for bringing this to our attention. It is my hope, >> that >> > this insulting act will not happen again. I'm sure if the president of >> the >> > United States were to shorten his speaches to the american people, we >> would >> > not take that kindly will we not? >> > >> > On Tue Sep 13th, 2011 2:13 PM CDT Peter Donahue wrote: >> > >> >>Hello A.Z. and everyone, >> >> >> >> I dare you to tell Dr. Maurer that these concerns are childish and >> >> such! >> >>The how point in playing these releases is so folks come to know our >> >>national president and understand what we're doing to improve the lives >> of >> >>our nation's blind. Other businesses and organizations distribute >> similar >> >>communications that are distributed/played during their local, national, >> >> and >> >>World gatherings with both old timers and new recruits present. I too >> was >> >>once new and never complained when I came to chapter meetings and sat >> >>through the playing of the presidential release. I figured that this is >> a >> >>part of the program and I'm to take it or leave it. Hmmm. I didn't know >> >> that >> >>this had a name "Informed choice" back in 1976. None the less I got used >> to >> >> >> >>hearing the presidential releases and looked forward to hearing them >> >>whenever we met. >> >> >> >> Back then no one ever suggested that playing presidential releases >> in >> >>their entirety would turn prospective members away. Rather it was the >> >>opposite and needs to remain that way now and in to the future. There's >> >>nothing childish about a long-standing tradition those of us who have >> been >> >>in the organization for years intend to fight to protect. >> >> >> >>Peter Donahue >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >>----- Original Message ----- >> >>From: "Jose Martinez" >> >>To: "San Antonio Texas Chapter Mailing List" >> >>Sent: Tuesday, September 13, 2011 11:17 AM >> >>Subject: Re: [Nfbsatx] September Presidential Release >> >> >> >> >> >>First of all, thank you Peter for sending us the direct link to the >> >>presidential release. Now this way individuals have another great >> >>opportunity to get a hold of this product. Now as to why the >> >>presidential release is edited down a little bit for our chapter >> >>meetings. >> >> >> >> You are correct that the presidential release has been a long time >> >>tradition in the federation chapter meetings, but at no time has there >> >>ever been a rule saying that they have to be played at all. So to >> >>state that changing or modifying the recording may bring us problems, >> >>is a bit outlandish and childish. Our national center puts out >> >>materials for us to use at our own discretion in order to get the >> >>message of the federation across to as many people as possible. >> >> >> >> We have been doing this for a while with the understanding that we >> >>have new individuals coming out to learn about the chapter and the >> >>organization and listening to a 20 minute presentation from someone >> >>they do not know talking about things that are not familiar to them >> >>yet may turn them away. So a little edited form of the release is >> >>presented to introduce the federation?s doings on a national level and >> >>other very important information. We also make sure that everybody >> >>knows that these presidential releases are available to all to listen >> >>to and download at their own time in the full form. >> >> >> >> The leadership and the majority of this chapter agrees on what steps >> >>are being taken, if you have an issue with how things are ran at our >> >>chapter, please make sure to bring the issue up in the proper forum >> >>for discussion! >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >>Thank you >> >> >> >>A. Z. >> >>President >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >>On 9/12/11, Peter Donahue wrote: >> >>> Good afternoon everyone, >> >>> >> >>> To insure you hear the September 2011 Presidential Release in its >> >>> entirety you will find the link below: >> >>> >> >>> http://www.nfb.org/images/nfb/Audio/pr/PR398.mp3 >> >>> >> >>> Our national office works very hard to produce these every month. >> >>> It's >> >>> our responsibility to be sure they're played in their entirety during >> >>> local >> >>> chapter and division meetings. There was content on last month's >> >>> presidential release that would have been of benefit to the new people >> >>> who >> >>> attended their first chapter meeting. We have no right to prevent them >> >>> from >> >>> learning about services like the Blio E-book reader. Jim Gashel >> >>> demonstrated >> >>> it on the last presidential release. He also does a demonstration on >> this >> >>> month's release in connection with the announcement about the >> >>> availability >> >>> of Mike Hingson's book "Thunder Dog" now available in the Blio >> Bookstore. >> >>> I've known Mike Hingson for many years and want people to be aware of >> the >> >>> availability of Thunder Dog from all sources including Blio. Our >> >>> presidential releases are a great way for spreading the word. >> >>> >> >>> Our literature including our presidential releases are >> intellectual >> >>> property of the National Federation of the Blind. Altering its content >> in >> >>> any way opens us up to the possibility of legal action something I and >> >>> others don't want to see happen to our chapter. Dr. Maurer and I have >> >>> discussed this matter in the past. He has discussed it with me >> personally >> >>> and during a seminar I attended at our national center in 2008 that >> was >> >>> held >> >>> for our Webmasters. >> >>> >> >>> Having presidential releases played at local chapter meetings is a >> >>> long-standing tradition in this movement. When I joined the >> organization >> >>> in >> >>> 1976 presidential releases were always played during chapter meetings. >> >>> Like >> >>> Dr. Maurer Dr. Jernigan kept us informed about what the organization >> was >> >>> doing around the country and what we could do in our community to >> further >> >>> the work of the federation. At no time were these releases ever >> altered >> >>> just >> >>> because of time constraints. If we need more time for the meeting to >> be >> >>> able >> >>> to play the presidential releases please arrange for it Mr. President. >> I >> >>> recall that we had 30 minutes after the last meeting took place time >> that >> >>> could have been used to play the last presidential release in its >> >>> entirety. >> >>> >> >>> Anyway enjoy the unadulterated version of this month's >> Presidential >> >>> Release. Let's hope that what you hear by following the link above is >> >>> what's >> >>> played at Saturday's meeting. This kind of thing must stop! All the >> best. >> >>> >> >>> Peter Donahue >> >>> >> >>> "Will you come and awake our lost land from its slumber >> >>> And her fetters we'll break, links that long are encumbered. >> >>> And the air will resound with hosannas to greet you >> >>> On the shore will be found gallant Irishmen to greet you." >> >>> Will You Come to the Bower >> >>> Traditional Irish Folk Song >> >>> >> >>> >> >>> _______________________________________________ >> >>> Nfbsatx mailing list >> >>> Nfbsatx at nfbnet.org >> >>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org >> >>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for >> >>> Nfbsatx: >> >>> >> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org/jose.martinez07%40gmail.com >> >>> >> >> >> >>_______________________________________________ >> >>Nfbsatx mailing list >> >>Nfbsatx at nfbnet.org >> >>http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org >> >>To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for >> >>Nfbsatx: >> >> >> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org/pdonahue2%40satx.rr.com >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >>_______________________________________________ >> >>Nfbsatx mailing list >> >>Nfbsatx at nfbnet.org >> >>http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org >> >>To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for >> >> Nfbsatx: >> >> >> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org/ccgarcia2005%40yahoo.com >> > >> > >> > _______________________________________________ >> > Nfbsatx mailing list >> > Nfbsatx at nfbnet.org >> > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org >> > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for >> > Nfbsatx: >> > >> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org/jose.martinez07%40gmail.com >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Nfbsatx mailing list >> Nfbsatx at nfbnet.org >> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org >> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for >> Nfbsatx: >> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org/metter54%40gmail.com >> > > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From braille at satx.rr.com Thu Sep 15 01:10:51 2011 From: braille at satx.rr.com (Mary Donahue) Date: Wed, 14 Sep 2011 20:10:51 -0500 Subject: [Nfbsatx] September Presidential Release References: <1315954477.47000.yint-ygo-j2me@web112617.mail.gq1.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <12A19DB6A9E2408D82AFE36CB0995EA1@valuedcf71de43> Hello Athalie and everyone, I've been in this organization at the national level for almost 31 years. Four of those years, I was a member of the Wisconsin affiliate. Where I lived, at that time, there was no Chapter. There were two of us in the state affiliate in the same town, and we shared Presidential Releases back and forth when they were on cassette tape. As I said in my previous message, if I am elected president in January, I will make sure the whole Presidential Release is played in its entirety, and I will identify it in the monthly agenda. Mary Donahue ----- Original Message ----- From: Mary Etter To: San Antonio Texas Chapter Mailing List Sent: Wednesday, September 14, 2011 6:38 PM Subject: Re: [Nfbsatx] September Presidential Release Good Evening at this present time I do not have access to my email so I have someone else doing this for me. I have been a member of numerous organizations political, social and charitable. And I have NEVER seen or heard such childish and juvenile behavior that I am now seeing with in this organization. First and foremost, this chapter has gathered to spread information about the blind and to teach. And also to to fight for the rights of the blind. And that is on a local level. Yes we need to know what is going on at a national level, and as of late we are getting the releases and we are learning what is being done on the national level. Now because of ONE incident in which we did not hear the full release it has been made into a firestorm. The only disrespect that is out there is the disrespect of individuals towards the President of the chapter and unprofessional behavior. As far as I am concerned this matter is closed to public opinion. If it needs to be discussed, the individual will discuss it in private with the President and the Board. For those that do not know me, understand me well, I do not deal with juveniles and unprofessional people. Good evening to you all Athalie Malone On Tue, Sep 13, 2011 at 9:21 PM, Jose Martinez wrote: If someone felt disrespected or insulted for a decision that was made by the leadership of this chapter, then I believe there are proper channels that can be taken to ensure that that does not happen. It is really not ment to be taken personal, because decisions are made for the betterment of the chapter. So it is an overall decision! I am very excited to see how this chapter finishes out the year strong Thank you A. Z. President On 9/13/11, Cindy Garcia wrote: > what is rong with leaving the meetings the way they were. I would like to > know, because I was under the impression that the playing of the Pr was not > very boring, or long at all. I never found the Pr to be tedious, even when I > was a new member. It is like reading my dayly news paper, except it is > monthly. I like to listen to the release around others so we may all share > in the joys and sorrows, and everything new that happens in the nfb. yes, I > have the option to listen to it on my own however, I believe that fellowship > is the first way anyone, new or old build in respect for our organization as > a whole. It was an insult to me when i realized that the Pr was edited down. > I wonder, why such a thing was done, when there was enough time to cover > everything on the agenda. I know for certin, that when elections arive in > january, I will be sure to nominate a president who will be dependable, and > stick to their guns where the agenda is concerned. If a recording > will not be given some respect, it is my belieff, that disrespect also > comes to those who did the recording. if disrespect is what we strive to do, > then we should just play our music players, and Ipods loud while the meeting > is going on because of the simple fact that noone in their right mind will > want to listen to that chatter about things noone will know about. what is > the point of coming to the meeting then? Presentations of any sort, need to > be given the upmost attention. Anyone who gives a presentation, works very > hard: even before the thought of presenting comes in to play. Then, there is > the act of the presenting itself. what is the point of presenting?Why > present something noone will listen to.? I will tell you this answer now, if > I may. A presentation occurs because we as the presenter, have no right to > presume that we know how every person's mind works. It is not our > responsability as the presenter, to care about what the minds of our > listeners are doing, or if they even stay focused. We the presenter, need > to consintrate on the task at hand, and that task is informing our > audiences. When people attend our chapter meetings, they are coming to view > our live presentations of what the Nfb truly is all about. If we cut things > out, and assume things, how does that look to the organization to whom we > are presenting? All I am saying here, is that by cutting things and > presuming to know how everyone thinks, is not only disrespectful, and > insulting, but it is a disrespect of anonymity. If I have it my way, thmy > anonymity will not be disrespected. I will say now to Peater and Mary > Donahue, thank you for bringing this to our attention. It is my hope, that > this insulting act will not happen again. I'm sure if the president of the > United States were to shorten his speaches to the american people, we would > not take that kindly will we not? > > On Tue Sep 13th, 2011 2:13 PM CDT Peter Donahue wrote: > >>Hello A.Z. and everyone, >> >> I dare you to tell Dr. Maurer that these concerns are childish and >> such! >>The how point in playing these releases is so folks come to know our >>national president and understand what we're doing to improve the lives of >>our nation's blind. Other businesses and organizations distribute similar >>communications that are distributed/played during their local, national, >> and >>World gatherings with both old timers and new recruits present. I too was >>once new and never complained when I came to chapter meetings and sat >>through the playing of the presidential release. I figured that this is a >>part of the program and I'm to take it or leave it. Hmmm. I didn't know >> that >>this had a name "Informed choice" back in 1976. None the less I got used to >> >>hearing the presidential releases and looked forward to hearing them >>whenever we met. >> >> Back then no one ever suggested that playing presidential releases in >>their entirety would turn prospective members away. Rather it was the >>opposite and needs to remain that way now and in to the future. There's >>nothing childish about a long-standing tradition those of us who have been >>in the organization for years intend to fight to protect. >> >>Peter Donahue >> >> >> >>----- Original Message ----- >>From: "Jose Martinez" >>To: "San Antonio Texas Chapter Mailing List" >>Sent: Tuesday, September 13, 2011 11:17 AM >>Subject: Re: [Nfbsatx] September Presidential Release >> >> >>First of all, thank you Peter for sending us the direct link to the >>presidential release. Now this way individuals have another great >>opportunity to get a hold of this product. Now as to why the >>presidential release is edited down a little bit for our chapter >>meetings. >> >> You are correct that the presidential release has been a long time >>tradition in the federation chapter meetings, but at no time has there >>ever been a rule saying that they have to be played at all. So to >>state that changing or modifying the recording may bring us problems, >>is a bit outlandish and childish. Our national center puts out >>materials for us to use at our own discretion in order to get the >>message of the federation across to as many people as possible. >> >> We have been doing this for a while with the understanding that we >>have new individuals coming out to learn about the chapter and the >>organization and listening to a 20 minute presentation from someone >>they do not know talking about things that are not familiar to them >>yet may turn them away. So a little edited form of the release is >>presented to introduce the federation?s doings on a national level and >>other very important information. We also make sure that everybody >>knows that these presidential releases are available to all to listen >>to and download at their own time in the full form. >> >> The leadership and the majority of this chapter agrees on what steps >>are being taken, if you have an issue with how things are ran at our >>chapter, please make sure to bring the issue up in the proper forum >>for discussion! >> >> >> >>Thank you >> >>A. Z. >>President >> >> >> >> >> >> >>On 9/12/11, Peter Donahue wrote: >>> Good afternoon everyone, >>> >>> To insure you hear the September 2011 Presidential Release in its >>> entirety you will find the link below: >>> >>> http://www.nfb.org/images/nfb/Audio/pr/PR398.mp3 >>> >>> Our national office works very hard to produce these every month. >>> It's >>> our responsibility to be sure they're played in their entirety during >>> local >>> chapter and division meetings. There was content on last month's >>> presidential release that would have been of benefit to the new people >>> who >>> attended their first chapter meeting. We have no right to prevent them >>> from >>> learning about services like the Blio E-book reader. Jim Gashel >>> demonstrated >>> it on the last presidential release. He also does a demonstration on this >>> month's release in connection with the announcement about the >>> availability >>> of Mike Hingson's book "Thunder Dog" now available in the Blio Bookstore. >>> I've known Mike Hingson for many years and want people to be aware of the >>> availability of Thunder Dog from all sources including Blio. Our >>> presidential releases are a great way for spreading the word. >>> >>> Our literature including our presidential releases are intellectual >>> property of the National Federation of the Blind. Altering its content in >>> any way opens us up to the possibility of legal action something I and >>> others don't want to see happen to our chapter. Dr. Maurer and I have >>> discussed this matter in the past. He has discussed it with me personally >>> and during a seminar I attended at our national center in 2008 that was >>> held >>> for our Webmasters. >>> >>> Having presidential releases played at local chapter meetings is a >>> long-standing tradition in this movement. When I joined the organization >>> in >>> 1976 presidential releases were always played during chapter meetings. >>> Like >>> Dr. Maurer Dr. Jernigan kept us informed about what the organization was >>> doing around the country and what we could do in our community to further >>> the work of the federation. At no time were these releases ever altered >>> just >>> because of time constraints. If we need more time for the meeting to be >>> able >>> to play the presidential releases please arrange for it Mr. President. I >>> recall that we had 30 minutes after the last meeting took place time that >>> could have been used to play the last presidential release in its >>> entirety. >>> >>> Anyway enjoy the unadulterated version of this month's Presidential >>> Release. Let's hope that what you hear by following the link above is >>> what's >>> played at Saturday's meeting. This kind of thing must stop! All the best. >>> >>> Peter Donahue >>> >>> "Will you come and awake our lost land from its slumber >>> And her fetters we'll break, links that long are encumbered. >>> And the air will resound with hosannas to greet you >>> On the shore will be found gallant Irishmen to greet you." >>> Will You Come to the Bower >>> Traditional Irish Folk Song >>> >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Nfbsatx mailing list >>> Nfbsatx at nfbnet.org >>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org >>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for >>> Nfbsatx: >>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org/jose.martinez07%40gmail.com >>> >> >>_______________________________________________ >>Nfbsatx mailing list >>Nfbsatx at nfbnet.org >>http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org >>To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for >>Nfbsatx: >>http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org/pdonahue2%40satx.rr.com >> >> >> >>_______________________________________________ >>Nfbsatx mailing list >>Nfbsatx at nfbnet.org >>http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org >>To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for >> Nfbsatx: >>http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org/ccgarcia2005%40yahoo.com > > > _______________________________________________ > Nfbsatx mailing list > Nfbsatx at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > Nfbsatx: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org/jose.martinez07%40gmail.com _______________________________________________ Nfbsatx mailing list Nfbsatx at nfbnet.org http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for Nfbsatx: http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org/metter54%40gmail.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ _______________________________________________ Nfbsatx mailing list Nfbsatx at nfbnet.org http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for Nfbsatx: http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org/braille%40satx.rr.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From pdonahue2 at satx.rr.com Thu Sep 15 15:17:25 2011 From: pdonahue2 at satx.rr.com (Peter Donahue) Date: Thu, 15 Sep 2011 10:17:25 -0500 Subject: [Nfbsatx] Presidential Releases References: <1315954477.47000.yint-ygo-j2me@web112617.mail.gq1.yahoo.com> <12A19DB6A9E2408D82AFE36CB0995EA1@valuedcf71de43> Message-ID: <006d01cc73ba$93b9a430$9e010b43@yourfsyly0jtwn> Good morning everyone, I've been a member for 35 years first in Massachusetts and in Texas. I'm a charter member of the Massachusetts Association of Blind Students (MASS-ABS.) I was a member of three chapters Brockton where I lived, Cambridge, and the Neshoba Valley Chapter which served the Leomonster-Fitchburgh Area. At every chapter meeting and during the MASS-ABS Meetings the presidential releases were always played and played in their entirety. When I moved to Texas in 1981 I became a member of the Austin Chapter and later the San Antonio Chapter when we moved here in 1981. Just as was true in Massachusetts the presidential release was played at all chapter meetings in its entirety. If Dr. Jernigan learned that chapters weren't playing presidential releases or their content was being altered the chapter/division in question could count on hearing from him. The conversation wouldn't be pleasant! Likewise Dr. Maurer has continued to urge all NFB chapters to play the complete presidential release during their meetings. He has made his disatisfaction with chapters who don't play them known on several past presidential releases and has worked to make them more appealing and informative for members old and new. Check out the archive of presidential releases at: http://www.nfb.org/nfb/Presidential_Releases.asp?SnID=1645679548 If organizations like the NAACP, the UIL, and others learned that presentations from their national leadership weren't shared at local group meetings or their content was altered to satisfy someone's hidden agenda their members would be just at outraged! Would they be considered being childish? If Dr. King prepared written or recorded messages for members of the civil rights movement to be shared among members and supporters and the contents of his presentations were altered or not shared with others he too would be just as angry. The groups in question would most likely consider taking legal action against those who withheld or abused such presentations. Would they consider him being childish. So it is with the NFB. Our national office works hard to produce these presidential releases each month to keep members around the country informed as to the latest NFB news, to inform members of new products and services they may wish to utilize, announce up-coming events, and of course to give us a laugh or two when the release concludes. Had this not happened last month this thread never would have appeared on this list. Just as it is with material distribuyted by other groups and organizations we need to insure its proper discemination and to protect our intellectual property from abuse within and outside of the organization. All the best. Peter Donahue From pdonahue2 at satx.rr.com Thu Sep 15 15:42:13 2011 From: pdonahue2 at satx.rr.com (Peter Donahue) Date: Thu, 15 Sep 2011 10:42:13 -0500 Subject: [Nfbsatx] September Presidential Release References: <1315954477.47000.yint-ygo-j2me@web112617.mail.gq1.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <009901cc73be$0a55aff0$9e010b43@yourfsyly0jtwn> Hello again everyone, I'll insert my comments in your text and will mark them with the letter R: ----- Original Message ----- From: "Mary Etter" To: "San Antonio Texas Chapter Mailing List" Sent: Wednesday, September 14, 2011 6:38 PM Subject: Re: [Nfbsatx] September Presidential Release Good Evening at this present time I do not have access to my email so I have someone else doing this for me. I have been a member of numerous organizations political, social and charitable. And I have NEVER seen or heard such childish and juvenile behavior that I am now seeing with in this organization. R. Be careful what you call childish behavior. This concern was raised by at least two members on list with a combined membership of 66 years. First and foremost, this chapter has gathered to spread information about the blind and to teach. R. Something our presidential releases when used properly do a wonderful job of when it comes to spreading the federation's message wherever they're played. I know because Mary and I have witnessed it for ourselves. And also to to fight for the rights of the blind. And that is on a local level. R. I believe you meant to say: "And also to to fight for the rights of the blind. And that is on a local, state, and national level." Our name says it all. We are not the San Antonio Federation of the Blind. Rather we are the National Federation of the Blind of Texas, San Antonio Chapter. This naming convention was adopted in the 1970s to make it clear that while there are local NFB chapters in most major cities throughout the country together they make up a national movement called the "National Federation of the Blind." Yes we need to know what is going on at a national level, and as of late we are getting the releases and we are learning what is being done on the national level. Now because of ONE incident in which we did not hear the full release it has been made into a firestorm. R. A fire storm with a long and proud history. If presidential releases are edited we're not getting all of the news of the federation and our members are not being given information they could benefit from. The BLIO E-Book Reader was developed by the NFB and Raymond Kurzweil. The organization has had along oworking relationship with Kurzweil and over the years together we pioneered reading technology that has given us access to a wealth of printed material we could never have access too in the past. That's very important to let the blind community know about. That part of the August Presidential Release wwas removed denying our members especially the new folks the chance to hear about a product that would give them greater access to printed material. The only disrespect that is out there is the disrespect of individuals towards the President of the chapter and unprofessional behavior. As far as I am concerned this matter is closed to public opinion. If it needs to be discussed, the individual will discuss it in private with the President and the Board. For those that do not know me, understand me well, I do not deal with juveniles and unprofessional people. R. This has all ready happened. A.Z. and I had private discussions in the past concerning the playing of presidential releases at chapter meetings and I have e-mail messages to prove it. This discussion can be ended by this not happening again in the future. Good evening to you all Athalie Malone On Tue, Sep 13, 2011 at 9:21 PM, Jose Martinez wrote: > If someone felt disrespected or insulted for a decision that was made > by the leadership of this chapter, then I believe there are proper > channels that can be taken to ensure that that does not happen. It is > really not ment to be taken personal, because decisions are made for > the betterment of the chapter. So it is an overall decision! I am very > excited to see how this chapter finishes out the year strong > > Thank you > > A. Z. > President > > > On 9/13/11, Cindy Garcia wrote: > > what is rong with leaving the meetings the way they were. I would like > > to > > know, because I was under the impression that the playing of the Pr was > not > > very boring, or long at all. I never found the Pr to be tedious, even > when I > > was a new member. It is like reading my dayly news paper, except it is > > monthly. I like to listen to the release around others so we may all > share > > in the joys and sorrows, and everything new that happens in the nfb. > > yes, > I > > have the option to listen to it on my own however, I believe that > fellowship > > is the first way anyone, new or old build in respect for our > > organization > as > > a whole. It was an insult to me when i realized that the Pr was edited > down. > > I wonder, why such a thing was done, when there was enough time to cover > > everything on the agenda. I know for certin, that when elections arive > > in > > january, I will be sure to nominate a president who will be dependable, > and > > stick to their guns where the agenda is concerned. If a recording > > will not be given some respect, it is my belieff, that disrespect also > > comes to those who did the recording. if disrespect is what we strive to > do, > > then we should just play our music players, and Ipods loud while the > meeting > > is going on because of the simple fact that noone in their right mind > will > > want to listen to that chatter about things noone will know about. what > is > > the point of coming to the meeting then? Presentations of any sort, need > to > > be given the upmost attention. Anyone who gives a presentation, works > very > > hard: even before the thought of presenting comes in to play. Then, > > there > is > > the act of the presenting itself. what is the point of presenting?Why > > present something noone will listen to.? I will tell you this answer > > now, > if > > I may. A presentation occurs because we as the presenter, have no right > to > > presume that we know how every person's mind works. It is not our > > responsability as the presenter, to care about what the minds of our > > listeners are doing, or if they even stay focused. We the presenter, > need > > to consintrate on the task at hand, and that task is informing our > > audiences. When people attend our chapter meetings, they are coming to > view > > our live presentations of what the Nfb truly is all about. If we cut > things > > out, and assume things, how does that look to the organization to whom > > we > > are presenting? All I am saying here, is that by cutting things and > > presuming to know how everyone thinks, is not only disrespectful, and > > insulting, but it is a disrespect of anonymity. If I have it my way, > > thmy > > anonymity will not be disrespected. I will say now to Peater and Mary > > Donahue, thank you for bringing this to our attention. It is my hope, > that > > this insulting act will not happen again. I'm sure if the president of > the > > United States were to shorten his speaches to the american people, we > would > > not take that kindly will we not? > > > > On Tue Sep 13th, 2011 2:13 PM CDT Peter Donahue wrote: > > > >>Hello A.Z. and everyone, > >> > >> I dare you to tell Dr. Maurer that these concerns are childish and > >> such! > >>The how point in playing these releases is so folks come to know our > >>national president and understand what we're doing to improve the lives > of > >>our nation's blind. Other businesses and organizations distribute > >>similar > >>communications that are distributed/played during their local, national, > >> and > >>World gatherings with both old timers and new recruits present. I too > >>was > >>once new and never complained when I came to chapter meetings and sat > >>through the playing of the presidential release. I figured that this is > >>a > >>part of the program and I'm to take it or leave it. Hmmm. I didn't know > >> that > >>this had a name "Informed choice" back in 1976. None the less I got used > to > >> > >>hearing the presidential releases and looked forward to hearing them > >>whenever we met. > >> > >> Back then no one ever suggested that playing presidential releases > >> in > >>their entirety would turn prospective members away. Rather it was the > >>opposite and needs to remain that way now and in to the future. There's > >>nothing childish about a long-standing tradition those of us who have > been > >>in the organization for years intend to fight to protect. > >> > >>Peter Donahue > >> > >> > >> > >>----- Original Message ----- > >>From: "Jose Martinez" > >>To: "San Antonio Texas Chapter Mailing List" > >>Sent: Tuesday, September 13, 2011 11:17 AM > >>Subject: Re: [Nfbsatx] September Presidential Release > >> > >> > >>First of all, thank you Peter for sending us the direct link to the > >>presidential release. Now this way individuals have another great > >>opportunity to get a hold of this product. Now as to why the > >>presidential release is edited down a little bit for our chapter > >>meetings. > >> > >> You are correct that the presidential release has been a long time > >>tradition in the federation chapter meetings, but at no time has there > >>ever been a rule saying that they have to be played at all. So to > >>state that changing or modifying the recording may bring us problems, > >>is a bit outlandish and childish. Our national center puts out > >>materials for us to use at our own discretion in order to get the > >>message of the federation across to as many people as possible. > >> > >> We have been doing this for a while with the understanding that we > >>have new individuals coming out to learn about the chapter and the > >>organization and listening to a 20 minute presentation from someone > >>they do not know talking about things that are not familiar to them > >>yet may turn them away. So a little edited form of the release is > >>presented to introduce the federation?s doings on a national level and > >>other very important information. We also make sure that everybody > >>knows that these presidential releases are available to all to listen > >>to and download at their own time in the full form. > >> > >> The leadership and the majority of this chapter agrees on what steps > >>are being taken, if you have an issue with how things are ran at our > >>chapter, please make sure to bring the issue up in the proper forum > >>for discussion! > >> > >> > >> > >>Thank you > >> > >>A. Z. > >>President > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >>On 9/12/11, Peter Donahue wrote: > >>> Good afternoon everyone, > >>> > >>> To insure you hear the September 2011 Presidential Release in its > >>> entirety you will find the link below: > >>> > >>> http://www.nfb.org/images/nfb/Audio/pr/PR398.mp3 > >>> > >>> Our national office works very hard to produce these every month. > >>> It's > >>> our responsibility to be sure they're played in their entirety during > >>> local > >>> chapter and division meetings. There was content on last month's > >>> presidential release that would have been of benefit to the new people > >>> who > >>> attended their first chapter meeting. We have no right to prevent them > >>> from > >>> learning about services like the Blio E-book reader. Jim Gashel > >>> demonstrated > >>> it on the last presidential release. He also does a demonstration on > this > >>> month's release in connection with the announcement about the > >>> availability > >>> of Mike Hingson's book "Thunder Dog" now available in the Blio > Bookstore. > >>> I've known Mike Hingson for many years and want people to be aware of > the > >>> availability of Thunder Dog from all sources including Blio. Our > >>> presidential releases are a great way for spreading the word. > >>> > >>> Our literature including our presidential releases are > >>> intellectual > >>> property of the National Federation of the Blind. Altering its content > in > >>> any way opens us up to the possibility of legal action something I and > >>> others don't want to see happen to our chapter. Dr. Maurer and I have > >>> discussed this matter in the past. He has discussed it with me > personally > >>> and during a seminar I attended at our national center in 2008 that > >>> was > >>> held > >>> for our Webmasters. > >>> > >>> Having presidential releases played at local chapter meetings is a > >>> long-standing tradition in this movement. When I joined the > organization > >>> in > >>> 1976 presidential releases were always played during chapter meetings. > >>> Like > >>> Dr. Maurer Dr. Jernigan kept us informed about what the organization > was > >>> doing around the country and what we could do in our community to > further > >>> the work of the federation. At no time were these releases ever > >>> altered > >>> just > >>> because of time constraints. If we need more time for the meeting to > >>> be > >>> able > >>> to play the presidential releases please arrange for it Mr. President. > I > >>> recall that we had 30 minutes after the last meeting took place time > that > >>> could have been used to play the last presidential release in its > >>> entirety. > >>> > >>> Anyway enjoy the unadulterated version of this month's > >>> Presidential > >>> Release. Let's hope that what you hear by following the link above is > >>> what's > >>> played at Saturday's meeting. This kind of thing must stop! All the > best. > >>> > >>> Peter Donahue > >>> > >>> "Will you come and awake our lost land from its slumber > >>> And her fetters we'll break, links that long are encumbered. > >>> And the air will resound with hosannas to greet you > >>> On the shore will be found gallant Irishmen to greet you." > >>> Will You Come to the Bower > >>> Traditional Irish Folk Song > >>> > >>> > >>> _______________________________________________ > >>> Nfbsatx mailing list > >>> Nfbsatx at nfbnet.org > >>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org > >>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > >>> Nfbsatx: > >>> > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org/jose.martinez07%40gmail.com > >>> > >> > >>_______________________________________________ > >>Nfbsatx mailing list > >>Nfbsatx at nfbnet.org > >>http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org > >>To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > >>Nfbsatx: > >> > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org/pdonahue2%40satx.rr.com > >> > >> > >> > >>_______________________________________________ > >>Nfbsatx mailing list > >>Nfbsatx at nfbnet.org > >>http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org > >>To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > >> Nfbsatx: > >> > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org/ccgarcia2005%40yahoo.com > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > Nfbsatx mailing list > > Nfbsatx at nfbnet.org > > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org > > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > > Nfbsatx: > > > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org/jose.martinez07%40gmail.com > > _______________________________________________ > Nfbsatx mailing list > Nfbsatx at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > Nfbsatx: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org/metter54%40gmail.com > -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- _______________________________________________ Nfbsatx mailing list Nfbsatx at nfbnet.org http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for Nfbsatx: http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org/pdonahue2%40satx.rr.com From pdonahue2 at satx.rr.com Thu Sep 15 15:46:17 2011 From: pdonahue2 at satx.rr.com (Peter Donahue) Date: Thu, 15 Sep 2011 10:46:17 -0500 Subject: [Nfbsatx] Correction References: <1315954477.47000.yint-ygo-j2me@web112617.mail.gq1.yahoo.com><12A19DB6A9E2408D82AFE36CB0995EA1@valuedcf71de43> <006d01cc73ba$93b9a430$9e010b43@yourfsyly0jtwn> Message-ID: <00dd01cc73be$9bc2d800$9e010b43@yourfsyly0jtwn> Hello again everyone, Just a minor correction. We moved to San Antonio in 1989. Peter Donahue ----- Original Message ----- From: "Peter Donahue" To: "San Antonio Texas Chapter Mailing List" Sent: Thursday, September 15, 2011 10:17 AM Subject: [Nfbsatx] Presidential Releases Good morning everyone, I've been a member for 35 years first in Massachusetts and in Texas. I'm a charter member of the Massachusetts Association of Blind Students (MASS-ABS.) I was a member of three chapters Brockton where I lived, Cambridge, and the Neshoba Valley Chapter which served the Leomonster-Fitchburgh Area. At every chapter meeting and during the MASS-ABS Meetings the presidential releases were always played and played in their entirety. When I moved to Texas in 1981 I became a member of the Austin Chapter and later the San Antonio Chapter when we moved here in 1981. Just as was true in Massachusetts the presidential release was played at all chapter meetings in its entirety. If Dr. Jernigan learned that chapters weren't playing presidential releases or their content was being altered the chapter/division in question could count on hearing from him. The conversation wouldn't be pleasant! Likewise Dr. Maurer has continued to urge all NFB chapters to play the complete presidential release during their meetings. He has made his disatisfaction with chapters who don't play them known on several past presidential releases and has worked to make them more appealing and informative for members old and new. Check out the archive of presidential releases at: http://www.nfb.org/nfb/Presidential_Releases.asp?SnID=1645679548 If organizations like the NAACP, the UIL, and others learned that presentations from their national leadership weren't shared at local group meetings or their content was altered to satisfy someone's hidden agenda their members would be just at outraged! Would they be considered being childish? If Dr. King prepared written or recorded messages for members of the civil rights movement to be shared among members and supporters and the contents of his presentations were altered or not shared with others he too would be just as angry. The groups in question would most likely consider taking legal action against those who withheld or abused such presentations. Would they consider him being childish. So it is with the NFB. Our national office works hard to produce these presidential releases each month to keep members around the country informed as to the latest NFB news, to inform members of new products and services they may wish to utilize, announce up-coming events, and of course to give us a laugh or two when the release concludes. Had this not happened last month this thread never would have appeared on this list. Just as it is with material distribuyted by other groups and organizations we need to insure its proper discemination and to protect our intellectual property from abuse within and outside of the organization. All the best. Peter Donahue _______________________________________________ Nfbsatx mailing list Nfbsatx at nfbnet.org http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for Nfbsatx: http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org/pdonahue2%40satx.rr.com From ccgarcia2005 at yahoo.com Thu Sep 15 19:34:19 2011 From: ccgarcia2005 at yahoo.com (Cindy Garcia) Date: Thu, 15 Sep 2011 12:34:19 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Nfbsatx] reminder Message-ID: <1316115259.58089.yint-ygo-j2me@web112620.mail.gq1.yahoo.com> Hi Sara, I was rereading this email, and I wondered if you had any ideas, as to how I might go about getting the money to the FR committee? Can you think of a way I might be able to get the money to you guys electronicly? I forgot about it when your mom was here, therefore I didn't take money out of the ATM machine. If you do not have any ideas, don't stress about it. I do not want you to feel as if i forgot about the fundraising basket entirely. Please get back to me as soon as you are free. It might be best, if you email me, because I have tons of work to do, so I may not answer my cell phone. It was so nice to visit with you and your mom yesterday by the way. Take care of yourself, I love you my sweet, kind friend. Sincerely Cindy Garcia, On Mon Sep 12th, 2011 11:21 AM CDT Sara Litzler wrote: >Hello to all on be half of the funreasing team Denise has ask me to >send this email out to all. >A reminder if you all can bring the five dollars for the raffle baskit >please at this months meeting Saturday September 17th. >thank you >Sara > >_______________________________________________ >Nfbsatx mailing list >Nfbsatx at nfbnet.org >http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org >To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for Nfbsatx: >http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org/ccgarcia2005%40yahoo.com From sara.litzler at gmail.com Thu Sep 15 20:32:09 2011 From: sara.litzler at gmail.com (Sara Litzler) Date: Thu, 15 Sep 2011 15:32:09 -0500 Subject: [Nfbsatx] reminder In-Reply-To: <1316115259.58089.yint-ygo-j2me@web112620.mail.gq1.yahoo.com> References: <1316115259.58089.yint-ygo-j2me@web112620.mail.gq1.yahoo.com> Message-ID: On 9/15/11, Cindy Garcia wrote: Ok Cindy if you can not give it on Saturday on Wednesday when we go over to the house you and Marvin can give the money then if Marvin is going to give and again it is five dollars we all are asking for. > Hi Sara, > I was rereading this email, and I wondered if you had any ideas, as to how I > might go about getting the money to the FR committee? Can you think of a way > I might be able to get the money to you guys electronicly? I forgot about it > when your mom was here, therefore I didn't take money out of the ATM > machine. If you do not have any ideas, don't stress about it. I do not want > you to feel as if i forgot about the fundraising basket entirely. Please get > back to me as soon as you are free. It might be best, if you email me, > because I have tons of work to do, so I may not answer my cell phone. It was > so nice to visit with you and your mom yesterday by the way. Take care of > yourself, I love you my sweet, kind friend. > > Sincerely > Cindy Garcia, > > On Mon Sep 12th, 2011 11:21 AM CDT Sara Litzler wrote: > >>Hello to all on be half of the funreasing team Denise has ask me to >>send this email out to all. >>A reminder if you all can bring the five dollars for the raffle baskit >>please at this months meeting Saturday September 17th. >>thank you >>Sara >> >>_______________________________________________ >>Nfbsatx mailing list >>Nfbsatx at nfbnet.org >>http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org >>To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for >> Nfbsatx: >>http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org/ccgarcia2005%40yahoo.com > > > _______________________________________________ > Nfbsatx mailing list > Nfbsatx at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > Nfbsatx: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org/sara.litzler%40gmail.com > From bryan-baldwin at att.net Thu Sep 15 22:08:12 2011 From: bryan-baldwin at att.net (Bryan Baldwin) Date: Thu, 15 Sep 2011 17:08:12 -0500 Subject: [Nfbsatx] September Presidential Release In-Reply-To: References: <1315954477.47000.yint-ygo-j2me@web112617.mail.gq1.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <004b01cc73f3$f61ec2c0$e25c4840$@att.net> Hello everyone I just sat down last night and read all the emails going back and forth. I was really praying about what I needed to say without slinging mud. Mary Etter and Athalie have said it best. If you have an issue about something like the presidential release then request time to meet with the board. Don't come on here and sling mud or use this list to push your personal agendas. Thanks for your time and see you on Saturday. Bryan From: nfbsatx-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nfbsatx-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Mary Etter Sent: Wednesday, September 14, 2011 7:06 PM To: San Antonio Texas Chapter Mailing List Subject: Re: [Nfbsatx] September Presidential Release To All NFB San Antonio Chapter Members: I have been reading the onslaught of emails that have come across my inbox. And I can only say that I am highly insulted by the way members have chosen to conduct themselves. I have stood in the background for sometime, and watched the Backbiting that has been going on and have kept my mouth shut. Several members of this chapter seem to have lost sight as to what we are all about. I as a sighted person have stood in the trenches, for the rights of the Blind and several other disabled groups. I know that there is a great amount of work to be done, and yet I see an implosion occurring in what should be and could be a very strong organization. And some members are using their political agenda to take precedence over our true calling. The correct forum should have been to bring these concerns to the board members. Fellow Member; Please let's get back on the right track. Education, Information, Working to gain and protect the Rights of Our Blind Family. Thank you for your time and I can only Pray that our membership will turn their attention to our TRUE work. On Wed, Sep 14, 2011 at 6:38 PM, Mary Etter wrote: Good Evening at this present time I do not have access to my email so I have someone else doing this for me. I have been a member of numerous organizations political, social and charitable. And I have NEVER seen or heard such childish and juvenile behavior that I am now seeing with in this organization. First and foremost, this chapter has gathered to spread information about the blind and to teach. And also to to fight for the rights of the blind. And that is on a local level. Yes we need to know what is going on at a national level, and as of late we are getting the releases and we are learning what is being done on the national level. Now because of ONE incident in which we did not hear the full release it has been made into a firestorm. The only disrespect that is out there is the disrespect of individuals towards the President of the chapter and unprofessional behavior. As far as I am concerned this matter is closed to public opinion. If it needs to be discussed, the individual will discuss it in private with the President and the Board. For those that do not know me, understand me well, I do not deal with juveniles and unprofessional people. Good evening to you all Athalie Malone On Tue, Sep 13, 2011 at 9:21 PM, Jose Martinez wrote: If someone felt disrespected or insulted for a decision that was made by the leadership of this chapter, then I believe there are proper channels that can be taken to ensure that that does not happen. It is really not ment to be taken personal, because decisions are made for the betterment of the chapter. So it is an overall decision! I am very excited to see how this chapter finishes out the year strong Thank you A. Z. President On 9/13/11, Cindy Garcia wrote: > what is rong with leaving the meetings the way they were. I would like to > know, because I was under the impression that the playing of the Pr was not > very boring, or long at all. I never found the Pr to be tedious, even when I > was a new member. It is like reading my dayly news paper, except it is > monthly. I like to listen to the release around others so we may all share > in the joys and sorrows, and everything new that happens in the nfb. yes, I > have the option to listen to it on my own however, I believe that fellowship > is the first way anyone, new or old build in respect for our organization as > a whole. It was an insult to me when i realized that the Pr was edited down. > I wonder, why such a thing was done, when there was enough time to cover > everything on the agenda. I know for certin, that when elections arive in > january, I will be sure to nominate a president who will be dependable, and > stick to their guns where the agenda is concerned. If a recording > will not be given some respect, it is my belieff, that disrespect also > comes to those who did the recording. if disrespect is what we strive to do, > then we should just play our music players, and Ipods loud while the meeting > is going on because of the simple fact that noone in their right mind will > want to listen to that chatter about things noone will know about. what is > the point of coming to the meeting then? Presentations of any sort, need to > be given the upmost attention. Anyone who gives a presentation, works very > hard: even before the thought of presenting comes in to play. Then, there is > the act of the presenting itself. what is the point of presenting?Why > present something noone will listen to.? I will tell you this answer now, if > I may. A presentation occurs because we as the presenter, have no right to > presume that we know how every person's mind works. It is not our > responsability as the presenter, to care about what the minds of our > listeners are doing, or if they even stay focused. We the presenter, need > to consintrate on the task at hand, and that task is informing our > audiences. When people attend our chapter meetings, they are coming to view > our live presentations of what the Nfb truly is all about. If we cut things > out, and assume things, how does that look to the organization to whom we > are presenting? All I am saying here, is that by cutting things and > presuming to know how everyone thinks, is not only disrespectful, and > insulting, but it is a disrespect of anonymity. If I have it my way, thmy > anonymity will not be disrespected. I will say now to Peater and Mary > Donahue, thank you for bringing this to our attention. It is my hope, that > this insulting act will not happen again. I'm sure if the president of the > United States were to shorten his speaches to the american people, we would > not take that kindly will we not? > > On Tue Sep 13th, 2011 2:13 PM CDT Peter Donahue wrote: > >>Hello A.Z. and everyone, >> >> I dare you to tell Dr. Maurer that these concerns are childish and >> such! >>The how point in playing these releases is so folks come to know our >>national president and understand what we're doing to improve the lives of >>our nation's blind. Other businesses and organizations distribute similar >>communications that are distributed/played during their local, national, >> and >>World gatherings with both old timers and new recruits present. I too was >>once new and never complained when I came to chapter meetings and sat >>through the playing of the presidential release. I figured that this is a >>part of the program and I'm to take it or leave it. Hmmm. I didn't know >> that >>this had a name "Informed choice" back in 1976. None the less I got used to >> >>hearing the presidential releases and looked forward to hearing them >>whenever we met. >> >> Back then no one ever suggested that playing presidential releases in >>their entirety would turn prospective members away. Rather it was the >>opposite and needs to remain that way now and in to the future. There's >>nothing childish about a long-standing tradition those of us who have been >>in the organization for years intend to fight to protect. >> >>Peter Donahue >> >> >> >>----- Original Message ----- >>From: "Jose Martinez" >>To: "San Antonio Texas Chapter Mailing List" >>Sent: Tuesday, September 13, 2011 11:17 AM >>Subject: Re: [Nfbsatx] September Presidential Release >> >> >>First of all, thank you Peter for sending us the direct link to the >>presidential release. Now this way individuals have another great >>opportunity to get a hold of this product. Now as to why the >>presidential release is edited down a little bit for our chapter >>meetings. >> >> You are correct that the presidential release has been a long time >>tradition in the federation chapter meetings, but at no time has there >>ever been a rule saying that they have to be played at all. So to >>state that changing or modifying the recording may bring us problems, >>is a bit outlandish and childish. Our national center puts out >>materials for us to use at our own discretion in order to get the >>message of the federation across to as many people as possible. >> >> We have been doing this for a while with the understanding that we >>have new individuals coming out to learn about the chapter and the >>organization and listening to a 20 minute presentation from someone >>they do not know talking about things that are not familiar to them >>yet may turn them away. So a little edited form of the release is >>presented to introduce the federation's doings on a national level and >>other very important information. We also make sure that everybody >>knows that these presidential releases are available to all to listen >>to and download at their own time in the full form. >> >> The leadership and the majority of this chapter agrees on what steps >>are being taken, if you have an issue with how things are ran at our >>chapter, please make sure to bring the issue up in the proper forum >>for discussion! >> >> >> >>Thank you >> >>A. Z. >>President >> >> >> >> >> >> >>On 9/12/11, Peter Donahue wrote: >>> Good afternoon everyone, >>> >>> To insure you hear the September 2011 Presidential Release in its >>> entirety you will find the link below: >>> >>> http://www.nfb.org/images/nfb/Audio/pr/PR398.mp3 >>> >>> Our national office works very hard to produce these every month. >>> It's >>> our responsibility to be sure they're played in their entirety during >>> local >>> chapter and division meetings. There was content on last month's >>> presidential release that would have been of benefit to the new people >>> who >>> attended their first chapter meeting. We have no right to prevent them >>> from >>> learning about services like the Blio E-book reader. Jim Gashel >>> demonstrated >>> it on the last presidential release. He also does a demonstration on this >>> month's release in connection with the announcement about the >>> availability >>> of Mike Hingson's book "Thunder Dog" now available in the Blio Bookstore. >>> I've known Mike Hingson for many years and want people to be aware of the >>> availability of Thunder Dog from all sources including Blio. Our >>> presidential releases are a great way for spreading the word. >>> >>> Our literature including our presidential releases are intellectual >>> property of the National Federation of the Blind. Altering its content in >>> any way opens us up to the possibility of legal action something I and >>> others don't want to see happen to our chapter. Dr. Maurer and I have >>> discussed this matter in the past. He has discussed it with me personally >>> and during a seminar I attended at our national center in 2008 that was >>> held >>> for our Webmasters. >>> >>> Having presidential releases played at local chapter meetings is a >>> long-standing tradition in this movement. When I joined the organization >>> in >>> 1976 presidential releases were always played during chapter meetings. >>> Like >>> Dr. Maurer Dr. Jernigan kept us informed about what the organization was >>> doing around the country and what we could do in our community to further >>> the work of the federation. At no time were these releases ever altered >>> just >>> because of time constraints. If we need more time for the meeting to be >>> able >>> to play the presidential releases please arrange for it Mr. President. I >>> recall that we had 30 minutes after the last meeting took place time that >>> could have been used to play the last presidential release in its >>> entirety. >>> >>> Anyway enjoy the unadulterated version of this month's Presidential >>> Release. Let's hope that what you hear by following the link above is >>> what's >>> played at Saturday's meeting. This kind of thing must stop! All the best. >>> >>> Peter Donahue >>> >>> "Will you come and awake our lost land from its slumber >>> And her fetters we'll break, links that long are encumbered. >>> And the air will resound with hosannas to greet you >>> On the shore will be found gallant Irishmen to greet you." >>> Will You Come to the Bower >>> Traditional Irish Folk Song >>> >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Nfbsatx mailing list >>> Nfbsatx at nfbnet.org >>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org >>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for >>> Nfbsatx: >>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org/jose.martinez07%40gmail .com >>> >> >>_______________________________________________ >>Nfbsatx mailing list >>Nfbsatx at nfbnet.org >>http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org >>To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for >>Nfbsatx: >>http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org/pdonahue2%40satx.rr.c om >> >> >> >>_______________________________________________ >>Nfbsatx mailing list >>Nfbsatx at nfbnet.org >>http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org >>To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for >> Nfbsatx: >>http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org/ccgarcia2005%40yahoo. com > > > _______________________________________________ > Nfbsatx mailing list > Nfbsatx at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > Nfbsatx: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org/jose.martinez07%40gmail .com _______________________________________________ Nfbsatx mailing list Nfbsatx at nfbnet.org http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for Nfbsatx: http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org/metter54%40gmail.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From pdonahue2 at satx.rr.com Sat Sep 17 17:51:41 2011 From: pdonahue2 at satx.rr.com (Peter Donahue) Date: Sat, 17 Sep 2011 12:51:41 -0500 Subject: [Nfbsatx] Braille Class Session One Now Available Message-ID: <002201cc7562$75432040$9e010b43@yourfsyly0jtwn> Hello everyone, While I'm nursing a nasty case of diarrhea and battling with sleepless nights largely due to the whether I finally put up the archives from our first Braille class session. A recording of the class orientation is available on our Web site along with supplementary material and links that were mentioned during the first session. The direct link to this page is: http://www.nfbsatx.org/braille_class/session1.shtml If anyone finds resources not mentioned please let me know so I can add those links to that page. All the best for a great meeting. Peter Donahue "Will you come and awake our lost land from its slumber And her fetters we'll break, links that long are encumbered. And the air will resound with hosannas to greet you On the shore will be found gallant Irishmen to greet you." Will You Come to the Bower Traditional Irish Folk Song From jose.martinez07 at gmail.com Mon Sep 19 16:56:53 2011 From: jose.martinez07 at gmail.com (Jose Martinez) Date: Mon, 19 Sep 2011 11:56:53 -0500 Subject: [Nfbsatx] Fwd: [NFBT] State Convention 2011, Who's Coming?? Message-ID: ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Kimberly Aguillard Flores Date: Mon, 19 Sep 2011 10:44:04 -0500 Subject: [NFBT] State Convention 2-11, Who's Coming?? To: members at nfbtx.org Dear Federation Friends, As you know, our 2011 state convention is set for the weekend of November 11-13, in lovely Austin Texas. The time to make your hotel reservations and pre-register is now!! This year the convention will be packed with dynamic division meetings, exciting exhibits, and gratifying general session gatherings, featuring a year's worth of accomplishments and updates. There will also be opportunities for brainstorming and networking to build future opportunities and programs across the affiliate. Many individuals are working hard to make this a meaningful, memorable, and energetic convention, so please do us a favor and pre-register soon! Also, help us spread the word about this vibrant gathering of blind people. visit our website to pre-register: http://www.nfbtx.org/content/2011-nfbt-state-convention If you have always wondered what a state convention is all about, but never attended, I welcome you to take a chance and join with us. If you have any questions, please email me at kflores at nfb-texas.org. All the best, Kimberly Flores NFBT President _______________________________________________ Members mailing list Members at nfbtx.org http://nfbtx.org/mailman/listinfo/members_nfbtx.org From braille at satx.rr.com Fri Sep 23 09:16:31 2011 From: braille at satx.rr.com (Mary Donahue) Date: Fri, 23 Sep 2011 04:16:31 -0500 Subject: [Nfbsatx] Community Service Membership Call on Sunday, October 2 Message-ID: Good morning everyone, There will be a general membership call sponsored by the NFB in Community Service Group on Sunday, October 2, at 7:00 P.M. We will be talking about the various committees and the upcoming project for the national convention. I will stay on the line if any of you plan to join the call. More information will be coming closer to the date of the call. Thank you. Mary Donahue, List Moderator -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From braille at satx.rr.com Thu Sep 29 09:21:40 2011 From: braille at satx.rr.com (Mary Donahue) Date: Thu, 29 Sep 2011 04:21:40 -0500 Subject: [Nfbsatx] Fw: [Community-service] membership meeting Message-ID: Good morning all, See the message below from Darien Smith about the Community Service membership call on Sunday. If any of you want to call in, I'll be on for the leadership call an hour earlier, but can stay on for the membership call if any of you are interested in calling in. Mary Donahue, List Moderator and Co-Chair, Community Service CORPS Committee ----- Original Message ----- From: "Darian Smith" To: "Community Service Discussion List" Sent: Thursday, September 29, 2011 12:35 AM Subject: [Community-service] membership meeting > Hello all, > > On behalf of the community Service group, I would like to invite > you to join us for our october membership call. > The Call will take place on Sunday, October 2at 8p.m. ET (5p.m. Pt) > the call in information will be as follows > 218.339.3600 > pass code 808277 > > We will talk about the goals of this group but will have a main > discussion centering around meet the blind month and how the > country-wide effort compares to the community service movement in how > the blind view themselves. > We look forward to having you! > BEst, > Darian > -- > Darian Smith > > "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that > matter." > - Martin Luther King, Jr. > > _______________________________________________ > Community-service mailing list > Community-service at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/community-service_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > Community-service: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/community-service_nfbnet.org/braille%40satx.rr.com >