From brianrmiller88 at gmail.com Thu Jul 12 13:14:53 2018 From: brianrmiller88 at gmail.com (Brian Miller) Date: Thu, 12 Jul 2018 09:14:53 -0400 Subject: [NFBV-Alexandria] 2018 Holman prize winners announced Message-ID: <00cf01d419e2$534178d0$f9c46a70$@gmail.com> Dear chapter members, I wanted to share the below announcement with you? Two of this year?s winners are active members of the NFB, and one lives here in the DC area. As some of you might recall, I was honored to serve as a judge again this year ? it was not easy, as there were so many great applications, but I am excited about what Stacy, Conchita, and Red will accomplish. Sincerely, Brian Miller President Greater Alexandria Chapter of the NFB For Immediate Release Prize Rewarding ?Blind Ambition? Announces Three New Winners Will Butler Director of Communications wbutler at lighthouse-sf.org 415.694.7309 July 10, 2018 SAN FRANCISCO LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired?s three Holman Prize recipients will use the $25,000 award to promote blind empowerment in Mexico, complete a dramatic oceanic triathlon, and develop an online community for blind travel. SAN FRANCISCO, CA ? This fall, three exceptional blind individuals will set off around the world on adventures they never imagined possible as the 2018 winners of the Holman Prize for Blind Ambition. The three winners, Stacy Cervenka, Conchita Hern?ndez and Red Szell, were announced Tuesday, July 10, after a rigorous judging process. Each winning project embodies its own sense of adventure and ambition ? whether it takes the winners on a mentally and physically daunting journey or allows them to build and foster something positive in their community. Created to change perceptions and reclaim the concept of ?blind ambition?, the annual $25,000 Holman Prize awards presented by LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired in San Francisco will springboard future generations of blind entrepreneurs, adventurers and ambassadors. In its second year, the Holman Prize is named after the 19th century explorer James Holman (known around the world as ?the blind traveler?) the Holman Prize aims to launch worthy projects that will change the public perception of blindness for years to come. ?We are thrilled to be able to continue the Holman Prize for a second year,? said LightHouse CEO Bryan Bashin. ?These three new prizewinners represent a wide range of ambitions and life experience: from tackling social obstacles to to huge tests of physical and mental fortitude, they reflect the diversity and capability of blind people everywhere.? Last year?s blind prizewinners, are each in the final stages of their 2017 Holman Prize projects. One of the three, Ahmet Ustunel, will finish his project on July 22 when he navigates his kayak independently across the Bosphorus Strait in Turkey without any human guidance. Read more about the blind kayaker (Redbull), the blind baker (the Virginian Pilot), and the blind beekeeper(BBC). _____ Meet the Winners Stacy Cervenka?s project focuses on creating a modern-day tool that James Holman might have put to good use: it?s an accessible travel forum called the Blind Travelers Network geared specifically towards blind users, and shockingly, nothing like it exists. Think Yelp, Trip Advisor, or Cruise Critic ? but designed for the empowerment of a population who wants one thing, more than anything else: information. As a ?founder? of sorts, Stacy is creating a website from her own lived experience, drawing from her own adventures to know what works and what doesn?t for blind travelers. Read Stacy?s Story. Conchita Hern?ndez?s focus comes from her own experience of immigrating to America from Mexico as a 4-year-old, a decision her parents made in hopes of affording better opportunities for their two blind children. She will use the Holman Prize to provide staffing, lodging and scholarships for her unprecedented ?Changing Lives?(Cambiando Vidas) Conference in Guadalajara, Mexico in July 2019. Geared toward families, the conference will offer workshops on white cane travel, braille and daily living. In a place where blind people are openly considered to be a burden, Cambiando Vidas strikes at a deeper insight: you can have the best education in the world, but if your family doesn?t believe in you, you are at a great disadvantage. Read Conchita?s Story. Red Szell?s project is an unprecedented physical feat. He plans to attempt an ?Extreme Triathlon? comprised of a 200-foot abseil followed by a swim through open ocean, a 10-mile ride through a notably hazardous bog-land, and a climb up a 213-foot ocean spire called Am Buachaille off the north coast of Scotland. But more than just a triathlon, Red has a plan to document the whole endeavor, working closely with action-sports adventure videographer Keith Partridge to turn the project into more than just a feat of strength, but a message to other blind people not to give up their passions because of a change in vision. Read Red?s Story. _____ Stacy, Conchita and Red were part of a competitive pool of applicants from every continent (except Antarctica). Applicants are required to upload 90-second YouTube videos to pitch their idea for a dream project with a $25,000 budget, before submitting formal proposals. View all 14 Holman finalists? video pitches. Applications for the 2019 Holman Prize will open in January 2019. The three Holman Prizewinners will fly to San Francisco in September 2018 for a week-long orientation before starting their project year on October 1. Once they land in San Francisco, the winners will not only meet and learn from each other, but they will engage with other blind teachers, technologists and leaders from LightHouse?s extended network. The winners will also create comprehensive plans to document and share their experiences along the way through video, audio, writing and other storytelling mediums. Read more about last year?s winners. The Holman Prize is determined by a prestigious group of judges, nearly all of whom are blind. The prize is a flagship program of the LightHouse for the Blind in San Francisco, who will salute each winner in an annual gala now set for November 29 in San Francisco. Meet the blind judges who picked the winners. About the Holman Prize for Blind Ambition In 2017, San Francisco?s LightHouse for the Blind launched the Holman Prize to support the emerging adventurousness and can-do spirit of blind and low vision people worldwide. This endeavor celebrates people who want to shape their own future instead of having it laid out for them. Created specifically for legally blind individuals with a penchant for exploration of all types, the Prize provides financial backing ? up to $25,000 ? for three individuals to explore the world and push their limits. Learn more at holmanprize.org. About the LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired in San Francisco The LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, which is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in San Francisco, is actively seeking sponsorships and support for the Holman Prize, including donations of equipment for the winner?s projects. To offer your support, contact holman at lighthouse-sf.org. Individuals may donate any amount using LightHouse?s secure form. For sponsorship inquiries, email us or call +1 (415) 694-7333. Will Butler | Director of Communications LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired 1155 Market St., 10th Floor San Francisco, CA 94103 Follow us: Facebook Twitter YouTube Instagram We?re hiring! Join the LightHouse team. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From brianrmiller88 at gmail.com Thu Jul 12 14:07:21 2018 From: brianrmiller88 at gmail.com (Brian Miller) Date: Thu, 12 Jul 2018 10:07:21 -0400 Subject: [NFBV-Alexandria] Host families needed - Fabulous opportunity for the NFB (this is Sarah Blumberg) Message-ID: <012d01d419e9$a6eab120$f4c01360$@gmail.com> Alexandria Chapter members, Please see the below opportunity from Sarah Blumberg. Brian Miller President Greater Alexandria Chapter of the NFB of Virginia From: Sarah Blumberg [mailto:sbbpax at gmail.com] Sent: Wednesday, July 11, 2018 1:38 PM To: Jwh100 at outlook.com Subject: Fabulous opportunity for the NFB (this is Sarah Blumberg) Hi John, I am hoping you wouldn?t mind sending this out to our chapter, the Fairfax Chapter, Alexandria and DC chapters. Thanks! Dear Fellow Federationists: My name is Sarah Blumberg and I?m a board member and the social chair for the PCNFB. I have a fabulous opportunity available for you all to show the world how how competent you all are as blind people and to demonstrate the philosophy of our federation; that blindness does not hold blind people back from reaching their goals and dreams! I have just received employment as a Pax coordinator, an international student esxchange program for high school students. My job is to vet local high schools and families to host students for a year. You as a host family must be able to provide the student with a bed, three meals a day and in your case, show them how to use local public transportation to get to school. You also must be at least ten years older than the student. This is truly a fabulous way to break the boundaries and steroytypes of who and what blind people are and to prove that sight doesn?t have anything to do with being a good parent! If you are interested, please do contact me asap at sbbpax at gmail.com , or via my cell at 202-427-4814. I look forward to speaking with you and to begin the process of vetting you all as host families! Sincerely, Sarah Blumberg PAX Community Coordinator -- Sarah Blumberg PAX Community Cooridnator -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From jrelton at verizon.net Fri Jul 13 14:57:30 2018 From: jrelton at verizon.net (jrelton at verizon.net) Date: Fri, 13 Jul 2018 10:57:30 -0400 Subject: [NFBV-Alexandria] FW: Affordable housing wait list opens after a decade In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <002001d41ab9$d3560950$7a021bf0$@verizon.net> From: Hughes, Melanie Sent: Friday, July 13, 2018 8:55 AM To: undisclosed-recipients: Subject: Fwd: Affordable housing wait list opens after a decade Hi all, please help spread the news: Fairfax, Va. - The Fairfax Redevelopment and Housing Authority has opened its wait list for affordable housing, thanks to a new program called RAD. The Rental Assistance Demonstration Project is a federal program that will allow federal agencies to convert public housing to affordable housing units, stabilizing funding. For the first time in years, the housing authority is able to bring new applicants to the wait list, and finally house those already on it. "There's lots of opportunity in Fairfax County but there are challenges because it's very expensive to live here," said Management Analyst Matthew Graham, "The challenge is making sure that everyone who lives here and works here has a chance to live here and a safe opportunity." The wait list will stay open until July 23. https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/housing/ The FCRHA is excited to announce that the RAD, or Rental Assistance Demonstration, (formerly Public Housing) waitlist will be open from July 10, 2018 at 8:00 a.m. through July 23, 2018 at 11:59 p.m. The pre-application can be completed from any Internet-accessible device. If you have any questions, please visit the RAD waitlist page or call 703-246-5100, TTY: 711. Fairfax County is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in all county programs, services and activities and will provide reasonable accommodations upon request ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Stuck, Denise > Date: Fri, Jul 13, 2018 at 7:42 AM Subject: Affordable housing wait list opens after a decade To: "##DBVI Fairfax (DBVI)" > Affordable housing wait list opens after a decade https://www.localdvm.com/news/virginia/affordable-housing-wait-list-opens-after-a-decade/1299304582 (Via Local DVM) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From brianrmiller88 at gmail.com Sat Jul 14 03:58:41 2018 From: brianrmiller88 at gmail.com (Brian Miller) Date: Fri, 13 Jul 2018 23:58:41 -0400 Subject: [NFBV-Alexandria] Save the date Next Alexandria chapter meeting, July 26, 7pm Message-ID: <024d01d41b26$f44ea910$dcebfb30$@gmail.com> Good evening to the Greater Alexandria Chapter, Our next chapter meeting will be held on Thursday, July 26, from 7:00-9:00pm in the clubhouse of the fabulous Meridian At Eisenhower Station. The address is 2351 Eisenhower Ave, Alexandria, 22314, right across the street from the Eisenhower Avenue metro station on the yellow line. Directions may be found below. As it is summer, our theme will be travel and recreation. A detailed agenda will be sent before the meeting. You will not want to miss this meeting, as we will have several guest speakers, and there will be plenty of opportunity for discussion and fellowship. Bring yourself, bring a friend, bring two friends! See you on July 26! Brian R. Miller, Ph.D. President Greater Alexandria Chapter National Federation of the Blind of Virginia -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From brianrmiller88 at gmail.com Sat Jul 14 13:19:16 2018 From: brianrmiller88 at gmail.com (Brian Miller) Date: Sat, 14 Jul 2018 09:19:16 -0400 Subject: [NFBV-Alexandria] FW: FW: Affordable housing wait list opens after a decade In-Reply-To: <002001d41ab9$d3560950$7a021bf0$@verizon.net> References: <002001d41ab9$d3560950$7a021bf0$@verizon.net> Message-ID: <001e01d41b75$44f816a0$cee843e0$@gmail.com> Alexandria Chapter members, Please see the below time sensitive announcement from Joy Relton about a rare opportunity to get on the waitlist for affordable housing in Fairfax county. Brian Miller President GAC/NFBV From: NFBV-Alexandria On Behalf Of jrelton at verizon.net Sent: Friday, July 13, 2018 10:58 AM To: nfbv-fairfax-bounces at nfbnet.org; nfbv-alexandria at nfbnet.org Subject: [NFBV-Alexandria] FW: Affordable housing wait list opens after a decade From: Hughes, Melanie > Sent: Friday, July 13, 2018 8:55 AM To: undisclosed-recipients: Subject: Fwd: Affordable housing wait list opens after a decade Hi all, please help spread the news: Fairfax, Va. - The Fairfax Redevelopment and Housing Authority has opened its wait list for affordable housing, thanks to a new program called RAD. The Rental Assistance Demonstration Project is a federal program that will allow federal agencies to convert public housing to affordable housing units, stabilizing funding. For the first time in years, the housing authority is able to bring new applicants to the wait list, and finally house those already on it. "There's lots of opportunity in Fairfax County but there are challenges because it's very expensive to live here," said Management Analyst Matthew Graham, "The challenge is making sure that everyone who lives here and works here has a chance to live here and a safe opportunity." The wait list will stay open until July 23. https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/housing/ The FCRHA is excited to announce that the RAD, or Rental Assistance Demonstration, (formerly Public Housing) waitlist will be open from July 10, 2018 at 8:00 a.m. through July 23, 2018 at 11:59 p.m. The pre-application can be completed from any Internet-accessible device. If you have any questions, please visit the RAD waitlist page or call 703-246-5100, TTY: 711. Fairfax County is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in all county programs, services and activities and will provide reasonable accommodations upon request ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Stuck, Denise > Date: Fri, Jul 13, 2018 at 7:42 AM Subject: Affordable housing wait list opens after a decade To: "##DBVI Fairfax (DBVI)" > Affordable housing wait list opens after a decade https://www.localdvm.com/news/virginia/affordable-housing-wait-list-opens-after-a-decade/1299304582 (Via Local DVM) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From brianrmiller88 at gmail.com Wed Jul 18 11:03:55 2018 From: brianrmiller88 at gmail.com (Brian Miller) Date: Wed, 18 Jul 2018 07:03:55 -0400 Subject: [NFBV-Alexandria] FW: [Nfbnet-members-list] Presidential Release now available In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <044f01d41e87$05822320$10866960$@gmail.com> Dear chapter members, In case you didn't see the below. I encourage everyone to take a listen to the presidential release now while its fresh, and bring any questions you may have to the meeting on July 26. Thanks! Brian Miller President Greater Alexandria Chapter of the NFB of Virginia From: NFBNet-Members-List On Behalf Of Danielsen, Chris via NFBNet-Members-List Sent: Tuesday, July 17, 2018 5:46 PM To: nfbnet-members-list at nfbnet.org Subject: [Nfbnet-members-list] Presidential Release now available Dear Fellow Federationists: The latest Presidential Release is now available at www.nfb.org/presidential-releases . A Spanish version and text transcripts in both languages will be available from the same web page as soon as possible. The Presidential Release is a recorded monthly message from President Riccobono that includes news from the national office, important action items, and happenings in our federation family. It is intended to be shared at local chapter meetings. You can download the current release as well as past editions, in English or Spanish, from the above web page. The release is also available as a podcast. You can play it with your favorite podcast application; on your iPhone through the NFB Connect app; and even by asking Amazon Alexa: "Play the Presidential Release podcast." If you're a new chapter leader or just need a refresher, take a moment to read President Riccobono 's article about the release and its purpose in the April 2018 issue of the Braille Monitor. Warmly, Chris Danielsen Christopher S. Danielsen, J.D. Director of Public Relations 200 East Wells Street, Baltimore, MD 21230 (410) 659-9314, Ext. 2330 | cdanielsen at nfb.org Twitter: @rlawyer The National Federation of the Blind is a community of members and friends who believe in the hopes and dreams of the nation's blind. Every day we work together to help blind people live the lives they want. Virus-free. www.avg.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 782 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image002.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 350 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image003.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 372 bytes Desc: not available URL: From brianrmiller88 at gmail.com Sat Jul 21 14:57:32 2018 From: brianrmiller88 at gmail.com (Brian Miller) Date: Sat, 21 Jul 2018 10:57:32 -0400 Subject: [NFBV-Alexandria] FW: Potomac Chapter Fundraising Auction In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <001101d42103$27937260$76ba5720$@gmail.com> Good morning Alexandria chapter members. Please see the below announcement from the Potomac chapter. If you can, I strongly encourage you to support our sister chapter and attend this event. See you soon, and have a lovely, rainy Saturday! Brian Miller President Greater Alexandria Chapter NFB of Virginia Greetings Colleagues: The time for our fund raising auction is rapidly approaching. We plan to raise money to assist with project Rise, advocacy for blind children to receive an appropriate education including Braille, assistance with future NFB of Virginia conventions and other worthwhile projects such as BELL and social media training. To this end, let's obtain items from local businesses for auction or offer an item you can contribute to the cause. If each of us obtains just two or more gift cards or other items from businesses you patronize this will be an extremely successful fund raiser. In a few days, I will send you a copy of our solicitation letter which you may wish to print and present to local merchants. The auction fund raiser is scheduled for August 18, 2018, from 3:00 to 6:00 PM at the Turnberry Towers Condominium in Rosslyn, 1881 North Nash Street, Arlington, Virginia 22209. The $25 cost provides great catered food as well as coffee and ice tea. For those who want something stronger, wine and beer will be available. However, the best reasons to attend, are to enjoy fellowship with your friends and help us raise funds for our important work. What is so exciting about this fundraiser is that you can contribute in two ways. Of course, if you are able to afford to, you can purchase our exciting auction items. Of equal importance, reaching out to local merchants or donating items for auction makes it possible for our chapter to flourish. Even if you are unable to bid, you have the satisfaction of knowing you play a critical role in helping our chapter meet its financial objectives. I am very much looking forward to joining with you on August 18. John Halverson, Ph.D., President Potomac Chapter, National Federation of the Blind -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: Menu.docx Type: application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document Size: 11672 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: 2018 Action Auction Evite.docx Type: application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document Size: 12326 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: Auction Solicitation Letter on Letterhead revised July 15, 2018.docx Type: application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document Size: 25146 bytes Desc: not available URL: From brianrmiller88 at gmail.com Sun Jul 22 22:49:54 2018 From: brianrmiller88 at gmail.com (Brian Miller) Date: Sun, 22 Jul 2018 18:49:54 -0400 Subject: [NFBV-Alexandria] Life is an Adventure, and so too the next meeting of the Greater Alexandria Chapter of the NFBV! Message-ID: <00b301d4220e$4f45fba0$edd1f2e0$@gmail.com> Good evening, This is a reminder that the Greater Alexandria Chapter will meet on Thursday, July 26, at 7:00pm in the club house of the fabulous Meridian At Eisenhower Station, 2351 Eisenhower Ave in Alexandria. Directions from the metro can be found at the bottom of this email. Our theme is travel and adventure! Life as a blind or visually impaired person can be an adventure, whether you're traveling to the far corners of the earth, or to the corner store for a gallon of milk. Our agenda items will offer the opportunity to learn about and discuss strategies and tools for how to maximize our life's adventure. You won't want to miss this interactive and engaging get together. *The Blind Traveler project - Stacy Cervanka, winner of the Holman prize, will talk about her dream of creating a website like Trip Advisor that will allow blind and visually impaired travelers a forum to share their experiences about what works and what doesn't work when out in the world. She will be keen to hear your ideas for how to make this project successful. *TravelEyes International - Denna Lambert will share her reflections after traveling with this UK company that matches blind and sighted travelers for small group adventures. If you've thought about traveling with this organization, you will not want to miss hearing what Denna has to say. *Tech tips - experienced blind and visually impaired travelers will share a few of their favorite apps they always have loaded up when they leave the house. Bring your own ideas and suggestions to share with the whole group. We will also take a few minutes to share some of our favorite moments from the recently concluded NFB national convention in Orlando, Florida. If you come before 7pm, you can grab a slice of pizza, but it's BYOB. That means, Bring your own beverage. Or banjo, if you are musically inclined. Invite a friend, invite two friends, but don't forget to bring yourself! Directions from the Eisenhower Ave metro station to the Meridian: The Yellow line is the only train that comes to Eisenhower Avenue Metro station. If you take the elevator or steps down, simply walk straight ahead to the fare gates and swipe your smart trip card to exit. Once through the fare gates walk forward about 20 feet and turn right to go out the big iron gate - you will pass a bus transfer machine on your right; just past that is the gate. Continue walking straight until you hit the cross walk. Cross the service road/bus lane and you will hit a sidewalk leading left. There are curb cuts on each side of the crosswalk so you know how to line up. Follow that sidewalk with the service road on your left; you are walking toward Eisenhower Ave, so you should hear lots of traffic in front of you. When you reach Eisenhower Avenue, just keep following the sidewalk around to the right as it merges into Eisenhower Ave. Keep walking one block with Eisenhower Avenue on your left, and grass on your right. When you get to the end of that block there is a crosswalk signal button; it will be ticking so you can find it. Push to button to engage the pedestrian crossing signal. Turn to face Eisenhower so you can cross to the other side when the signal starts ticking faster and louder. Cross Eisenhower to the opposite side, and then turn left and walk about twenty feet. The row of glass front doors to the Meridian will be immediately on your right. If you walk past those doors the Subway sandwich shop will be the next door on your right, and there will be outdoor furniture directly in front of you. When you enter the Meridian, the front desk is on your right, and the concierge can let you up to the twenty-fifth floor where the meeting is held. As always, we wish to thank the Meridian at Eisenhower Station for the generous use of the club house for our chapter meeting! -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From brianrmiller88 at gmail.com Thu Jul 26 15:05:06 2018 From: brianrmiller88 at gmail.com (Brian Miller) Date: Thu, 26 Jul 2018 11:05:06 -0400 Subject: [NFBV-Alexandria] Platinum Moments - Harmonizers 70th Anniversary Show In-Reply-To: <7DDA896F-A026-4BDC-85FC-52F8B5E18378@nib.org> References: , <7DDA896F-A026-4BDC-85FC-52F8B5E18378@nib.org> Message-ID: <00b601d424f2$09fabd60$1df03820$@gmail.com> Good morning chapter! Please see the below email with information about the next big Alexandria Harmonizers show on September 8. We will be celebrating our 70th anniversary, and will feature a number of top level a cappella groups as well as the Harmonizers. If interested in tickets, please speak to Aaron Simaneau or myself, as both of us are performing on this show, or, use the link provided below. I apologize that this flyer also includes information about a few other events that have since become history! Thanks for your indulgence! Brian Miller President Greater Alexandria Chapter NFB of Virginia You won't want to miss this one! One Show Only! (The photo above reproduces one of our original logos, in honor of our 70th anniversary.) The Alexandria Harmonizers present Platinum Moments - Our 70th Anniversary Show. ? Saturday, September 8, 4:00 pm at Schlesinger Auditorium in Alexandria. We will be performing some of our most-beloved songs from the past seventy years - as chosen by you, our audience members. Come and see whether your personal favorite made the list! The show will also feature a stellar guest chorus, the Toronto Northern Lights - winners of multiple international medals, including the 2013 gold medal. AND - an amazing guest quartet from Florida, Signature Quartet - 2017 international bronze medal winners and 2018 gold medal contenders! PLUS - a variety of Barbershop Harmony Society and Harmonizer special guests and celebrities - including BHS CEO Marty Monson, as emcee. You will not find a better barbershop show this year anywhere on the east coast - and there will only be one performance. Get your tickets here before it's too late! Buy tickets: https://squareup.com/store/alexandria-harmonizers ? Additionally: This Saturday! The Congressional Chorus presents: SONGS OF THE GALAXIES! Since the dawn of civilization, artists have looked to the sky for inspiration, for solace, and for explanations about our earthly journey and our place in the cosmos and the universe. On June 2nd, join the Congressional Chorus to experience 21st century composers? reflections on the mystery, the grandeur and the boundless expanse of the heavens in a unique musical space odyssey. From canticles of the sun to lunar lullabies, and from stellar songs to paeans to the planets, it will be an evening of celestial and extraterrestrial beauty that will lift your spirit and stir your soul. Join the Congressional Chorus for SONGS OF THE GALAXIES! Saturday, June 2, 7:30 pm National City Christian Church 5 Thomas Circle, WDC ? ? ? ?Tickets? - Songs of the Galaxies ? ? ? Alexandria Harmonizers info at harmonizers.org www.harmonizers.org See what's happening on our social sites: ? ? Alexandria Harmonizers | 1605 Cameron St., Alexandria, VA 22314 Unsubscribe aaron_simoneau at hotmail.com Update Profile | About our service provider Sent by harmonizersnewsletter at gmail.com in collaboration with Try it free today -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: ~WRD000.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 823 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 332 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image002.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 1784 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image003.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 1850 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image004.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 2768 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image005.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 359 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image006.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 1532 bytes Desc: not available URL: From brianrmiller88 at gmail.com Fri Jul 27 18:44:46 2018 From: brianrmiller88 at gmail.com (Brian Miller) Date: Fri, 27 Jul 2018 14:44:46 -0400 Subject: [NFBV-Alexandria] FW: Improvements Coming to King Street Metro! In-Reply-To: <3e5af002d0f37061a505927f2.8d0df8515b.20180727155951.35cb7a21c9.83480f00@mail161.suw101.mcdlv.net> References: <3e5af002d0f37061a505927f2.8d0df8515b.20180727155951.35cb7a21c9.83480f00@mail161.suw101.mcdlv.net> Message-ID: <009b01d425d9$e47dfd20$ad79f760$@gmail.com> Good afternoon, Please see the below important announcement about significant construction and renovation that will impact all of us who use the King Street Metro station. I am hoping to have one of the traffic engineers from the city come talk to the chapter at one of our next meetings. Meanwhile Brace yourselves for substantial disruptions in the coming months and years. Brian Miller President Greater Alexandria Chapter NFB of Virginia From: In A DASH News On Behalf Of In A DASH News Sent: Friday, July 27, 2018 12:00 PM To: brianrmiller88 at gmail.com Subject: Improvements Coming to King Street Metro! KING STREET - METRORAIL STATION ACCESS IMPROVEMENT PROJECT TO BEGIN SEPT 9! On September 9, the City of Alexandria and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) will begin construction on the King Street-Old Town Metrorail Station Access Improvement Project. While the Project will bring many benefits to transit users, there will be significant construction impacts through mid-2020. Safety and access upgrades will include improved pedestrian access and safety; three additional bus bays; improved traffic flow; new designated areas for bikes, shuttles, Kiss & Ride, and carshare vehicles; and improved landscaping, lighting, and aesthetics. The project will occur in two phases. During the first phase, which will last approximately 17 months, bus bays will be relocated to surrounding streets. Other facilities ? including locations for Kiss & Ride, car share and shuttles ? will remain closed for the duration of project construction. During the second phase, the new bus bays will be completed and open, but the Kiss & Ride, car share and shuttle area will remain closed. Starting August 6, preliminary construction will remove the existing metered parking lot and shuttle area within the station. These customers should use the Braddock Road or Eisenhower Avenue Metrorail station. During major construction, starting September 9, please expect the following: * There will be no Kiss & Ride area during construction. All customers who use these areas should use either Eisenhower Avenue or Braddock Road Metrorail stations (Phases 1 and 2). * The existing parking lot and bus loading area will be under construction, except for pedestrian paths to the bus bays (Phase 1). * Bus bays will be temporarily relocated to Diagonal Road, Daingerfield Road, Cameron Street and King Street. Work to build these temporary bays will begin in early August and will affect on-street parking. Wayfinding signs will direct bus riders to their temporary bay (Phase 1). The bus bays will be moved back to the station after Phase 1 is completed. * Pedestrians using the Carlyle pedestrian tunnel will be required to cross Diagonal Road at Duke Street and again at the mid-block crossing (Phase 1). * A temporary pedestrian path will run from the main entrance of the station to the mid-block crosswalk and the bus waiting area at Diagonal Road through the construction area. An additional pedestrian path will be parallel to the Metrorail tracks, near the station, between the main entrance and King Street (Phases 1 and 2). * The MetroAccess van and taxi pick-up and drop-off area will be temporarily relocated to the north side of Cameron Street just east of the north entrance to the King Street-Old Town Metrorail Station entrance at Commonwealth Avenue. Taxis may also use the zone in front of the Embassy Suites Hotel, or Alexandria Union Station (Phases 1 and 2). * There will be no shuttle area within the station, and all local shuttle service must use either Eisenhower Avenue or Braddock Road Metrorail stations (Phases 1 and 2). * Bicycle parking will be provided at the station, and the Capital Bikeshare stations on Diagonal Road and Commonwealth Avenue will remain open throughout the duration of the project (Phases 1 and 2). * Drivers should be aware of increased congestion and limited street parking during project construction. Station users should plan for additional time getting to and from Metro. (Phases 1 and 2). The City provides information on alternate ways of getting around, including walking, biking, and teleworking, through the transportation resource program GO Alex. The Access Improvement Project will not impact train service or cause any station closures. A separate WMATA project to rehabilitate the station platform will affect train service in summer 2019. The City is working with WMATA to coordinate both projects. The Access Improvement Project was approved by City Council in 2012 after several years of study, community input, design, and review by City boards and commissions. Over the past five years, the City has worked closely with WMATA and these stakeholders to finalize the design process. To learn more about the project and what to expect during construction, visit the King Street-Old Town Metro Access Improvement Project webpage. For media inquiries, contact Andrea Blackford, Senior Communications Officer, at andrea.blackford at alexandriava.gov or 703.746.3959. # # # This news release is available at alexandriava.gov/105206. Copyright ? 2017 Alexandria Transit Company, All rights reserved. Thank you for riding DASH! Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 8759 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image002.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 4550 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image003.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 350 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image004.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 332 bytes Desc: not available URL: From brianrmiller88 at gmail.com Fri Jul 27 20:33:50 2018 From: brianrmiller88 at gmail.com (Brian Miller) Date: Fri, 27 Jul 2018 16:33:50 -0400 Subject: [NFBV-Alexandria] FW: Brian, read about Aira's announcements in our Newsroom. In-Reply-To: <1532714337652.bfbe580e-73f7-4dbc-bf01-3bd41899906e@sg01a.hubspotemail.net> References: <1532714337652.bfbe580e-73f7-4dbc-bf01-3bd41899906e@sg01a.hubspotemail.net> Message-ID: <002201d425e9$20cadb40$626091c0$@gmail.com> Good evening, As a follow-up to the questions and concerns raised by several chapter meetings about Aira?s support for VFO issues and work related activities, I thought I would share the below newsletter which has some information, and more importantly, links and resources for getting more specific and detailed assistance. Thanks for coming out last night! I hope everyone enjoyed the meeting who was able to make it. Brian Miller President Greater Alexandria Chapter NFB of Virginia From: Aira Team Sent: Friday, July 27, 2018 2:05 PM To: brianrmiller88 at gmail.com Subject: Brian, read about Aira's announcements in our Newsroom. Hi Brian, The convention season is nearly done for this summer, and we?ve had a lot going on. We have exciting service and product announcements to talk about, like how agents will be available around the clock, as well as Aira Live, Messages, and Aira Access for VFO products. We also talk about what we?re doing to make the Aira app on Android the best it can be, and share some interesting Lyft rideshare information. You can find all this, plus the usual news, reviews, and community chats right here in the Aira Newsroom. Aira Announcements / What?s New? Going 24/7 The time has finally come: Aira is going to be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Which means that, starting July 31, all Explorers will be able to call at any time of the day or night. This is particularly good news for Explorers based in Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, as you will be able to use the service during hours that are much more convenient to you. We strive to make our service more available for all our Explorers, and by expanding our service hours we?re proving our commitment to responding to community needs. We look forward to continuing to serve you ? all day long. As a quick reminder, if you need to contact Aira Customer Care for any reason, their hours of operation are 6 am - 6 pm PDT, seven days a week. Recently announced features Have you tried Aira Messages yet? Visit this page to learn more about how our new messaging feature works. We?ve had hundreds of Live sessions since the Aira Live feature was released. Who knows where you?ll be transported to when listening to a Live session! If you want to learn more about Aira Live visit this page. Now you can receive support with VFO products, such as the JAWS screen reader, thanks to VFO?s collaboration with Aira. Learn more here. Android Updates Aira is committed to providing equal access to our services, whether you use iOS or Android. Though some of our recent features, such as Messages and Live, were launched on iOS, we are planning on making sure they are available on Android. Part of this commitment includes our dedication to application stability. Over the last few months we have been making some significant changes to make sure our Android application is up-to-date and functioning at the highest level, ensuring we can implement Aira?s latest features. We thank you for your patience as we work to create the most efficient and stable app for accessing our service. Did you know? One of our most popular features on the Aira app is the ability to connect your phone to your Lyft and Uber account so that an agent can request and track a ride for you. Sometimes you want to order a ride before you connect with an Aira agent. We get it, you just want help tracking down your ride. However, due to some privacy limitations with Lyft?s Partner API, agents are only able to track your driver when an agent orders the ride on your behalf. We are working with Lyft to change this, but, this is still possible with Uber: you can connect with an agent and track your driver after you have already requested a ride. In the News Aira?s been picked up by mainstream media, and you can read all about it right here. Listen to the Blind Abilities podcast to hear Aira?s CEO discussing the company?s future and what?s on the Horizon: https://blindabilities.com/bapresents/a-conversation-with-aira-ceo-suman-kanuganti-good-things-are-on-the-horizon/. Weren?t at this year?s National Federation of the Blind National Convention? Want to hear what Aira?s CEO had to say in his keynote speech? Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z58XKna5oWw. Aira is featured in a New York Times article about accessibility in travel. https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/25/business/for-disabled-travelers-technology-helps-smooth-the-way-but-not-all-of-it.html Aira Community At the end of June, Aira started a new Groups.io list. For the listserv users out there, this is a great way to join our community while gaining control over the amount of messages you receive. Groups.io also allows you to engage on their website without having to receive so many messages. To join our Groups.io list, simply send a message to aira+subscribe at groups.io or visit http://groups.io/g/aira/join. Have any questions or issues? Contact Customer Care at 800-835-1934 or email support at aira.io . Refer a friend to join Aira and get a discount on your Aira service! Simply choose "Referral" in the More tab in the Aira app to send them an invite. _____ Aira Tech Corp 4225 Executive Square La Jolla, CA You received this email because you are subscribed to The Aira Newsroom Subscription from Aira Tech Corp. Update your email preferences to choose the types of emails you receive. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 332 bytes Desc: not available URL: From jwg at sgendeavors.com Fri Jul 27 18:47:59 2018 From: jwg at sgendeavors.com (Jeremy Grandstaff) Date: Fri, 27 Jul 2018 14:47:59 -0400 Subject: [NFBV-Alexandria] FW: Improvements Coming to King Street Metro! In-Reply-To: <009b01d425d9$e47dfd20$ad79f760$@gmail.com> References: <3e5af002d0f37061a505927f2.8d0df8515b.20180727155951.35cb7a21c9.83480f00@mail161.suw101.mcdlv.net> <009b01d425d9$e47dfd20$ad79f760$@gmail.com> Message-ID: Improvements Coming to King Street Metro! Brian, I wanted to add the Bob and I are working through the Alexandria BPAC group to try to ensure that signage, braille directions, and more communications is done about this as well for the blind community *From:* NFBV-Alexandria *On Behalf Of *Brian Miller *Sent:* Friday, July 27, 2018 2:45 PM *To:* nfbv-alexandria at nfbnet.org *Subject:* [NFBV-Alexandria] FW: Improvements Coming to King Street Metro! Good afternoon, Please see the below important announcement about significant construction and renovation that will impact all of us who use the King Street Metro station. I am hoping to have one of the traffic engineers from the city come talk to the chapter at one of our next meetings. Meanwhile Brace yourselves for substantial disruptions in the coming months and years. Brian Miller President Greater Alexandria Chapter NFB of Virginia *From:* In A DASH News *On Behalf Of *In A DASH News *Sent:* Friday, July 27, 2018 12:00 PM *To:* brianrmiller88 at gmail.com *Subject:* Improvements Coming to King Street Metro! [image: Image removed by sender.] [image: Image removed by sender.] [image: Image removed by sender.] *KING STREET - METRORAIL STATION ACCESS IMPROVEMENT PROJECT TO BEGIN SEPT 9!* On September 9, the City of Alexandria and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) will begin construction on the King Street-Old Town Metrorail Station Access Improvement Project. While the Project will bring many benefits to transit users, there will be significant construction impacts through mid-2020. Safety and access upgrades will include improved pedestrian access and safety; three additional bus bays; improved traffic flow; new designated areas for bikes, shuttles, Kiss & Ride, and carshare vehicles; and improved landscaping, lighting, and aesthetics. The project will occur in two phases. During the first phase, which will last approximately 17 months, bus bays will be relocated to surrounding streets. Other facilities ? including locations for Kiss & Ride, car share and shuttles ? will remain closed for the duration of project construction. During the second phase, the new bus bays will be completed and open, but the Kiss & Ride, car share and shuttle area will remain closed. Starting August 6, preliminary construction will remove the existing metered parking lot and shuttle area within the station. These customers should use the Braddock Road or Eisenhower Avenue Metrorail station. During major construction, starting September 9, please expect the following: - *There will be no Kiss & Ride area during construction.* All customers who use these areas should use either Eisenhower Avenue or Braddock Road Metrorail stations (Phases 1 and 2). - The existing parking lot and bus loading area will be under construction, except for pedestrian paths to the bus bays (Phase 1). - Bus bays will be temporarily relocated to Diagonal Road, Daingerfield Road, Cameron Street and King Street. Work to build these temporary bays will begin in early August and will affect on-street parking. Wayfinding signs will direct bus riders to their temporary bay (Phase 1). The bus bays will be moved back to the station after Phase 1 is completed. - Pedestrians using the Carlyle pedestrian tunnel will be required to cross Diagonal Road at Duke Street and again at the mid-block crossing (Phase 1). - A temporary pedestrian path will run from the main entrance of the station to the mid-block crosswalk and the bus waiting area at Diagonal Road through the construction area. An additional pedestrian path will be parallel to the Metrorail tracks, near the station, between the main entrance and King Street (Phases 1 and 2). - The MetroAccess van and taxi pick-up and drop-off area will be temporarily relocated to the north side of Cameron Street just east of the north entrance to the King Street-Old Town Metrorail Station entrance at Commonwealth Avenue. Taxis may also use the zone in front of the Embassy Suites Hotel, or Alexandria Union Station (Phases 1 and 2). - There will be no shuttle area within the station, and all local shuttle service must use either Eisenhower Avenue or Braddock Road Metrorail stations (Phases 1 and 2). - Bicycle parking will be provided at the station, and the Capital Bikeshare stations on Diagonal Road and Commonwealth Avenue will remain open throughout the duration of the project (Phases 1 and 2). - Drivers should be aware of increased congestion and limited street parking during project construction. Station users should plan for additional time getting to and from Metro. (Phases 1 and 2). The City provides information on alternate ways of getting around, including walking, biking, and teleworking, through the transportation resource program GO Alex . *The Access Improvement Project will not impact train service or cause any station closures.* A separate WMATA project to rehabilitate the station platform will affect train service in summer 2019. The City is working with WMATA to coordinate both projects. The Access Improvement Project was approved by City Council in 2012 after several years of study, community input, design, and review by City boards and commissions. Over the past five years, the City has worked closely with WMATA and these stakeholders to finalize the design process. *To learn more about the project and what to expect during construction, visit the** King Street-Old Town Metro Access Improvement Project webpage .* *For media inquiries, contact Andrea Blackford, Senior Communications Officer, at** andrea.blackford at alexandriava.gov or 703.746.3959.* # # # This news release is available at alexandriava.gov/105206 . [image: Image removed by sender.] [image: Image removed by sender.] [image: Image removed by sender.] [image: Image removed by sender.] [image: Image removed by sender.] *Copyright ? 2017 Alexandria Transit Company, All rights reserved.* *Thank you for riding DASH!* Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list [image: Image removed by sender.] -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... 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Name: image008.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 332 bytes Desc: not available URL: From jwg at sgendeavors.com Fri Jul 27 18:59:01 2018 From: jwg at sgendeavors.com (Jeremy Grandstaff) Date: Fri, 27 Jul 2018 14:59:01 -0400 Subject: [NFBV-Alexandria] Please RSVP by Aug 1-Take advantage of this opportunity to steer the GRT ALX NFBV chapter Message-ID: <3c9fbf59b7ffa6adbeec975717c26831@mail.gmail.com> Hi NFBV Greater Alexandria Chapter Members, A quick reach out to those who attended last night?s meeting and those who weren?t able to attend. Please RSVP by August 1 with a yes or maybe, if you are interested. I have pasted the latest draft agenda below for our upcoming strategic planning retreat, which will help lay-out our chapter strategy for the coming years. It is taking place on Sunday, August 26, from 1PM to 5PM and is probably going to be at the same spot as our chapter meetings (1-2 blocks away from Eisonhower Metro station on the yellow lines) All members are welcome, but we need to be prepared to host you. Therefore, I need anyone who plans to attend, even if you are a maybe, to let us know by August 1. Please respond by August 1 to me directly at jwg at sgendeavors.com with either a yes or maybe, so we get you counted. This is your opportunity to directly collaborate with the board and other members on our chapter?s direction. Thanks, and again, the draft agenda is below: Jeremy Grandstaff, 2VP, NFBV Greater Alexandria Chapter NFBV Greater Alexandria - Strategic Planning Retreat-DraftDate/Time: Sunday, August 26, 1 PM-5 PM Eastern ?PromptlyLocation: same place as chapter meeting??? The purpose of our meeting is to gather as NFBV-greater ALX board members and leaders to: - Gain consensus on a strategic framework for NFBV-Greater ALX, including mission, vision, guiding principles, and priority areas; - Create prioritized and measurable action plans that will guide us toward achieving our overall strategy; and, - Build a more cohesive leadership team to guide our organization to success. Summary Agenda?this is a draft - 12:30: Arrive, grab food, and get connected - 1:00: Welcome, agenda review, how did we get to today? - 1:15: *Telling Our Stories*?*Interactive activity to build commonality around our desires for **NFBV-Greater ALX going forward.* - 2:30: *Opening the Space, Creating Measurable Action*?*to tap into the wisdom of participants and gain consensus on the overall direction for the chapter; to create draft, measurable, and prioritized action plans that will guide us to achieve our overall **direction.* (Open Space to identify and brainstorm around topics; small group activity to create action plans, and all vote to prioritize) - Discussion and action is driven by the question: ?What is the topics, discussions, or areas, that we should take action on in the next three years, to most effectively move our chapter forward?? - 4:50: *Wrapping up, Next steps, evaluation, and Checking out* - 5:00: *Adjourn* Jeremy Grandstaff, Collaboration & Organization Consultant S & G Endeavors : Using Collaboration to Help Clients Create Change and Take Action 614-519-3026 | jwg at sgendeavors.com *Follow us, learn about our clients, and how we can help you create change: * * SGEConnections.TV | SGE Blog | SGE Facebook | SGE Youtube | SGE LinkedIn * *What will 2018 hold for your company or organization? Be sure to contact us for a consult.* *Let s & G help you create the change you want to see!* -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From brianrmiller88 at gmail.com Sat Jul 28 18:03:11 2018 From: brianrmiller88 at gmail.com (Brian Miller) Date: Sat, 28 Jul 2018 14:03:11 -0400 Subject: [NFBV-Alexandria] FW: Metro - Accessibility Update - 7000 Series Trains In-Reply-To: References: +ADw-D782D7BD-2DC3-48CA-951A-D250FFF9AC25+AEA-wmata.com+AD4- Message-ID: <00f601d4269d$3ffe2c10$bffa8430$@gmail.com> Good afternoon! Please see the below important safety announcement about Metro's 7000 series cars. Thanks, and have a great weekend! Brian Miller President Greater Alexandria Chapter NFB of Virginia -----Original Message----- From: Blake, Christiaan P. Sent: Friday, July 27, 2018 4:05 PM To: access Subject: Metro - Accessibility Update - 7000 Series Trains [cid:image001.png at 01D425C3.923A9430] Accessibility Update The Best Ride in the Nation July 27, 2018 7000 Series Railcar Between-Car-Barriers [cid:image002.png at 01D425C3.923A9430] When Metro introduced the 7000-series rail cars, in addition to a number of accessibility enhancements, the trains featured a new dual between-car-barrier (BCB) design. The BCB design included chains (Photo A) and new rubber clamshell BCB?s (Photo B) that alternate between each set of railcars. The original BCB design was fully compliant with the American with Disabilities Act. [cid:image003.png at 01D425C3.923A9430] Photo A ? Chain Barrier [cid:image004.png at 01D425C3.923A9430] Photo B ? Rubber Barrier In September 2016, based on feedback from disability community stakeholders and the regulatory agency, WMATA made the decision to retrofit all 7000-series trains. The planned retrofit involves removing all of the rubber BCBs and replacing them with the chain BCB, which will result in having a chain BCB between all cars on 7000-series trains. At the time of this decision, the retrofit project was expected to be completed within 8-15 months. However, design challenges and a limited supply of parts have caused an unexpected delay in this project, which is now scheduled to be completed by May 2019. WMATA continues to work with its railcar manufacturer in an effort to expedite the completion of this retrofit. Recent Barrier Awareness Initiatives While Metro continues to work with the manufacturer of the 7000-series trains to retrofit the BCBs, the agency is taking several immediate steps to better inform the traveling public about the dual BCBs, and to increase the awareness of the rubber BCBs. Barrier Contrast Metro has begun applying a multi-color contrast (Photo C) to the 7000-series rubber BCBs. The contrast is intended to bring more awareness of the barriers to all customers, but especially for individuals with low vision. The contrast will help customers recognize that the opening is not a door opening, but instead is the space between two railcars. The application of this contrast to all 7000-series rubber BCBs will be completed by mid-August. [cid:image005.png at 01D425C3.923A9430] Photo C ? Multi-Color Contrast on Rubber Barrier Announcements Station Announcements Inside each Metrorail station two safety messages aimed at informing customers about the 7000-series trains are being aired periodically, at least once every 30 minutes each. One message highlights safe boarding through the technique/practice of having customers first ?Find the Floor?, and the second message specifically informs and highlights for customers the dual BCBs found on 7000-series trains, as well as emphasizing the need to ?Find the Floor?. Train Announcements On Sunday, July 8th, operators of 7000-series trains began announcing "This is a 7000-series train" across the external speakers of the trains. This announcement is being made at every station once a train comes to a complete stop. By July 23rd, this announcement was installed as an automated announcement on all 7000-series trains. Please keep in mind that this announcement is only temporary. It will be ended upon completion of the BCB retrofit project. The train announcement is intended to complement the station announcements, and heighten the awareness of all customers, but especially those who are blind/low vision, to the fact that they are about to board a train with dual BCBs. Safety is Metro?s number one priority. While Metro created a BCB design that is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act and passed several safety reviews, we have listened to our customers and stakeholders and are making the changes to the 7000-series BCBs that have been suggested to us. Upcoming Accessibility Advisory Committee Meetings Accessibility Advisory Committee ? Full Committee Meeting September 4, 2018; 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Accessibility Advisory Committee ? Bus & Rail Subcommittee Meeting September 13, 2018; 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Accessibility Advisory Committee - MetroAccess Subcommittee Meeting September 20, 2018; 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. All meetings will be held at Metro?s Headquarters Building 600 Fifth Street, NW Washington DC 20001 All Accessibility AAC and subcommittee meetings are now being streamed live via BlueJeans. Please download the free Bluejeans app. Please contact our office at 202-962-1100 on or near the meeting date to obtain the meeting room number. Please share with others. -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.png Type: image/png Size: 2884 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image002.png Type: image/png Size: 216822 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image003.png Type: image/png Size: 157960 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image004.png Type: image/png Size: 186720 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image005.png Type: image/png Size: 77851 bytes Desc: not available URL: From brianrmiller88 at gmail.com Sat Jul 28 18:04:26 2018 From: brianrmiller88 at gmail.com (Brian Miller) Date: Sat, 28 Jul 2018 14:04:26 -0400 Subject: [NFBV-Alexandria] FW: FW: Improvements Coming to King Street Metro! In-Reply-To: References: <3e5af002d0f37061a505927f2.8d0df8515b.20180727155951.35cb7a21c9.83480f00@mail161.suw101.mcdlv.net> <009b01d425d9$e47dfd20$ad79f760$@gmail.com> Message-ID: <00ff01d4269d$6cb2b8c0$46182a40$@gmail.com> Chapter, Please see Jeremy?s message below about the up-coming construction around the King Street metro. Thanks, Brian Miller President Greater Alexandria Chapter NFB of Virginia From: Jeremy Grandstaff Sent: Friday, July 27, 2018 2:48 PM To: Brian Miller ; nfbv-alexandria at nfbnet.org Subject: RE: [NFBV-Alexandria] FW: Improvements Coming to King Street Metro! Brian, I wanted to add the Bob and I are working through the Alexandria BPAC group to try to ensure that signage, braille directions, and more communications is done about this as well for the blind community From: NFBV-Alexandria > On Behalf Of Brian Miller Sent: Friday, July 27, 2018 2:45 PM To: nfbv-alexandria at nfbnet.org Subject: [NFBV-Alexandria] FW: Improvements Coming to King Street Metro! Good afternoon, Please see the below important announcement about significant construction and renovation that will impact all of us who use the King Street Metro station. I am hoping to have one of the traffic engineers from the city come talk to the chapter at one of our next meetings. Meanwhile Brace yourselves for substantial disruptions in the coming months and years. Brian Miller President Greater Alexandria Chapter NFB of Virginia From: In A DASH News > On Behalf Of In A DASH News Sent: Friday, July 27, 2018 12:00 PM To: brianrmiller88 at gmail.com Subject: Improvements Coming to King Street Metro! KING STREET - METRORAIL STATION ACCESS IMPROVEMENT PROJECT TO BEGIN SEPT 9! On September 9, the City of Alexandria and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) will begin construction on the King Street-Old Town Metrorail Station Access Improvement Project. While the Project will bring many benefits to transit users, there will be significant construction impacts through mid-2020. Safety and access upgrades will include improved pedestrian access and safety; three additional bus bays; improved traffic flow; new designated areas for bikes, shuttles, Kiss & Ride, and carshare vehicles; and improved landscaping, lighting, and aesthetics. The project will occur in two phases. During the first phase, which will last approximately 17 months, bus bays will be relocated to surrounding streets. Other facilities ? including locations for Kiss & Ride, car share and shuttles ? will remain closed for the duration of project construction. During the second phase, the new bus bays will be completed and open, but the Kiss & Ride, car share and shuttle area will remain closed. Starting August 6, preliminary construction will remove the existing metered parking lot and shuttle area within the station. These customers should use the Braddock Road or Eisenhower Avenue Metrorail station. During major construction, starting September 9, please expect the following: * There will be no Kiss & Ride area during construction. All customers who use these areas should use either Eisenhower Avenue or Braddock Road Metrorail stations (Phases 1 and 2). * The existing parking lot and bus loading area will be under construction, except for pedestrian paths to the bus bays (Phase 1). * Bus bays will be temporarily relocated to Diagonal Road, Daingerfield Road, Cameron Street and King Street. Work to build these temporary bays will begin in early August and will affect on-street parking. Wayfinding signs will direct bus riders to their temporary bay (Phase 1). The bus bays will be moved back to the station after Phase 1 is completed. * Pedestrians using the Carlyle pedestrian tunnel will be required to cross Diagonal Road at Duke Street and again at the mid-block crossing (Phase 1). * A temporary pedestrian path will run from the main entrance of the station to the mid-block crosswalk and the bus waiting area at Diagonal Road through the construction area. An additional pedestrian path will be parallel to the Metrorail tracks, near the station, between the main entrance and King Street (Phases 1 and 2). * The MetroAccess van and taxi pick-up and drop-off area will be temporarily relocated to the north side of Cameron Street just east of the north entrance to the King Street-Old Town Metrorail Station entrance at Commonwealth Avenue. Taxis may also use the zone in front of the Embassy Suites Hotel, or Alexandria Union Station (Phases 1 and 2). * There will be no shuttle area within the station, and all local shuttle service must use either Eisenhower Avenue or Braddock Road Metrorail stations (Phases 1 and 2). * Bicycle parking will be provided at the station, and the Capital Bikeshare stations on Diagonal Road and Commonwealth Avenue will remain open throughout the duration of the project (Phases 1 and 2). * Drivers should be aware of increased congestion and limited street parking during project construction. Station users should plan for additional time getting to and from Metro. (Phases 1 and 2). The City provides information on alternate ways of getting around, including walking, biking, and teleworking, through the transportation resource program GO Alex. The Access Improvement Project will not impact train service or cause any station closures. A separate WMATA project to rehabilitate the station platform will affect train service in summer 2019. The City is working with WMATA to coordinate both projects. The Access Improvement Project was approved by City Council in 2012 after several years of study, community input, design, and review by City boards and commissions. Over the past five years, the City has worked closely with WMATA and these stakeholders to finalize the design process. To learn more about the project and what to expect during construction, visit the King Street-Old Town Metro Access Improvement Project webpage. For media inquiries, contact Andrea Blackford, Senior Communications Officer, at andrea.blackford at alexandriava.gov or 703.746.3959. # # # This news release is available at alexandriava.gov/105206. Copyright ? 2017 Alexandria Transit Company, All rights reserved. Thank you for riding DASH! Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 8759 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image002.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 4550 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... 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