[NFBV-Announce] Member to Member, let's get to know each other!

Tue Apr 29 23:36:27 UTC 2025

Hey NFB Family and Friends,

Welcome to another edition of Member to Member! Today we're going from the
past to the present.we'll get to know Corlis Jones, the 1st President of the
Greater Williamsburg Chapter and Mike Lengyel, its current President.,

Corlis started as a member of the Peninsula Chapter in 1988, Althia Pittman,
another long time member, asked her to attend a chapter meeting. Corlis was
the Secretary for the chapter. She went to conventions, was involved with
fundraising and educating, especially young people, about the NFB. She fell
in love with the NFB, its mission, values and how it changes people's lives,
because of these factors and the fact she and her husband live in
Williamsburg, Corlis decided to start the Greater Williamsburg Chapter in
2004.

She and "T", William, her husband did just that!

At the public library, one evening, she, T  and a couple of others started
sharing our mission! Corlis says "I wasn't good with public speaking, I'm
shy. Charlie Brown, the Affiliate President at the time, assured me we'd do
this together! And we did. T and I went to everything spreading the word,
health fairs, Lions and other organizations meetings, senior living
facilities, where and when ever there was an opportunity. It took  time and
effort, the chapter grew." 

Corlis would like to see the chapter getting back into the community and
doing things together. "We did more educational speaking and spreading our
mission than we do now. We also got together socially more often. I'd like
to see our chapter get back to those things again" Corlis says wistfully.

"When I went to my first National Convention, in Philly in 2001, I was awe
struck, amazed overwhelmed, and knew I was home".  She says she interacted
with so many blind people who were doing their thing and moving right along.
"It gave me hope and confidence and helped me to believe I could do this, I
could live as a blind person and have a good life! Being with the elders,
the people who changed laws and made it acceptable to be blind was freeing
for me." Corlis particularly enjoyed seeing the children with their small
white canes, she has held that experience in her heart and has made it a
point to educate and encourage our young people.

Corlis was born and raised in Croaker. She is the oldest of 8, 5 borthers
and 2 sisters. She and William "T" got married in 1984. Corlis says her
twins were 3, her daughter was 11 and son was 16 when she lost her sight.
She was encouraged by T, her family and friends to get training so she
attended Richmond Center; she learned home management, childcare, and
mobility which gave her the strength and courage to take care of her family.
When her kids got older, Corlis went back to Richmond to learn more
mobility, to learn Braille  and computer skills. Corlis is an avid reader,
she likes going to plays and being with her family. 

We've learned about the beginnings of the Greater Williamsburg Chapter with
Corlis. Now, let's fast forward to now with Mike.

Mike will celebrate his 3 year anniversary with our NFB Family in May.Mike
has been the chapter's Vice President, has been involved in fund raising and
education, especially in the Williamsburg Schools, and he's been to 3 State
Conventions.

He would like to see the chapter out in the community more. "we are here,
we've invaded and we're taking over! Our community should know this."Mike
chuckles.

Mike grew up   in Youngstown Ohio. He has 1 brother and 2 sisters. He is the
2nd oldest. He graduated from Youngstown state University with a degree in
Engineering. He was recruited in 1990 by The Shipyard to be an Construction
Supervisor on a carrier. So  he made the trek to Virginia.  

He met his wife, "the love of my life", Dana in 1993. They met through
mutual friends. Together they have one son, Brandon.

With tears in his voice, Mike recalls favorite memories."I saw my beautiful,
almost wife, walking down the aisle, I was so in love! I was worried she
wasn't going to show up." "When my son was born, I was in the delivery room.
I knew we were having a boy, Dana didn't. I was there, I saw my son being
born!!. The next day, I brought Dana breakfast. Won't ever forget those two
days."

Mike is a Mr. Fix it, he does all sorts of home repairs. He is a big sports
fan. When I asked which sport, he replied, enthusiastically, ALL OF THEM!
Mike thinks his NFB Family would be surprised to know he's a perfectionist,
"everything has to be right" he proclaims. Mike wants to take his family to
Mt. Rushmore; it's one of his bucket list items.

Mike is currently attending the Richmond Center. He is learning Braille,
home management, mobility, and computer skills. He wants to be the best
version of himself he can possibly be!

Thanks Corlis and Mike! It's been great getting to know you both better.
Come back next week and meet more of your fellow members.

Peace,

Jacki Bruce

Corresponding Secretary NFBV

mailto:jackibruce6 at gmail.com

tel:(757)291-1789

Membership Chair

mailto:membership at nfbv.org

tel:(757)354-4170

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www.nfbv.org <http://www.nfbv.org/> 

STRONGER TOGETHER!

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