<html xmlns:v="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" xmlns:m="http://schemas.microsoft.com/office/2004/12/omml" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40"><head><meta http-equiv=Content-Type content="text/html; charset=us-ascii"><meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 15 (filtered medium)"><style><!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Helvetica;
panose-1:2 11 6 4 2 2 2 2 2 4;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;}
@font-face
{font-family:Calibri;
panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{margin:0in;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;}
a:link, span.MsoHyperlink
{mso-style-priority:99;
color:#0563C1;
text-decoration:underline;}
span.EmailStyle17
{mso-style-type:personal-compose;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
color:windowtext;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
--></style><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapedefaults v:ext="edit" spidmax="1026" />
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapelayout v:ext="edit">
<o:idmap v:ext="edit" data="1" />
</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>From Christine Grassman, Recording Secretary, National Federation of the Blind of Virginia<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Christine Grassman <a href="mailto:cfgrassman@icloud.com">cfgrassman@icloud.com</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>NFB of Virginia Affiliate Board Meeting Minutes</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>August 5, 2023 via Affiliate Zoom</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>Attending: 42</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>Delegates: 18</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>President Tracy Soforenko called the meeting to order at 1:00 PM. Christine Grassman, Recording Secretary, presented the minutes from the May 13 board meeting, which were taken by Sandy Halverson in Christine’s absence. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>The report was accepted as amended after the balance date for the Treasurer’s report was amended to April 30. Tracy indicated that we would dispense with motions to accept and seconds and ask for people to indicate via raised hand or unmuting if they had questions or opposed adoption of reports. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>Mark Roane, Treasurer, presented the Treasurer’s report. As of July 31, 2023, the balance of our general checking account was $22,103.75 and our VPAD account balance was $36,357.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>Mark Roane reminded chapters that pledges were due by August 31.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>Museum of the Blind People’s Movement:</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>Patty Chang joined us to present and to answer questions about the museum. There will be fully inclusive, highly interactive exhibits. Exhibits will be modular; there will be in-person and virtual attendance. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>The museum will not be merely a library or archive.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>The Innovation Gallery will highlight things such as inventions by blind individuals (cruise control) and how inventions for blind people (scanners) are now impacting the lives of all in a positive way. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>We do not want to borrow money for the museum. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>Working with Prime Access Consulting and Thinks Well to create a creative museum spaces. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>Affiliates have the opportunity to pledge over ten years. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>Several attendees asked questions regarding how to ensure that if the affiliate donated money, how to protect against other programs and initiatives being short-changed. There were also questions about how long the museum project had been under discussion. Others asked how we are ensuring inclusivity and whether we are consulting with other disability organizations . Patty indicated that when members and affiliates donate to the project, it demonstrates buy-in so that we can apply for grants elsewhere. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>There was a motion for a vote of the delegates to pay $5000 per year for ten years. The motion carried with 13 votes. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>The Board then voted on whether to adopt various policies which were provided to membership prior to the meeting and were reviewed. These included the Youth Protection Policy; Whistleblower Policy; Conflict of Interest Policy; Records Management policy. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>All were accepted; two board members indicated that going forward, the Whistleblower Policy required a specific process. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>Transparency and Accountability: The IRS requires that all donations of $250 or more to a nonprofit must be acknowledged by the recipient. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>President Soforenko discussed that the affiliate is registered as a 501(c)3) organization, but our chapters and divisions are not. As a result, there are safeguards that are put in place with respect to donations. This is why donations should be made to the affiliate when chapters have fundraisers; the affiliate can then donate money back to the chapter for programs and initiatives. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>Because it might look strange if board members are given grants by the affiliate, going forward they will need to gather receipts and submit them for reimbursement. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>When receiving donations, dues, etc., chapters and divisions can use PayPal, Square, or Stripe, but may not use Venmo or Cash App, which do not have sufficient controls in place. President Soforenko also cautioned that chapters should not use a debit card; they are too risky. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>President Soforenko acknowledged the difficulty of running virtual meetings and acknowledged Jacki and Colin. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>Scholarship Committee: Jimmy Morris gave the Scholarship Program report. The flyer has been sent out via email and is on the NFBV web site. We need to recruit and have a strong advertising campaign. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>Bell Academy: Sandy Halverson gave the report on the Bell Academy for Louise Walch. 14 children attended to build stronger cane, Braille, and daily living skills. it took place over six days and was overseen by Jodi Nicholson and a small core of volunteers. Highlights included watching families make connections, post-Bell Academy outreach, and parents networking with each other.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>The cost was $6100, and particular thanks go to the Chesapeake Bay Lions, and Rusty and Steve Thomas for their generosity.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>Silver Bells: Sandy Halverson gave an update on the Silver Bells program. We have been awarded $100,000 from DBVI; we are awaiting receipt. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>There will be a Silver Bells reunion dinner at state convention; more information is forthcoming. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>Project Rise: Joe Orozco provided an update regarding Project RISE. Joe thanked the employers who provided placements for students, the Halversons for the use of their home for Project Rise activities, President Soforenko for his support, Jacki and Julia for help with coordinating, And Alicia Hiller for stepping up as the Project Rise team is rebuilt. Treasurer Mark Roane was </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>thanked for handling the accounting and billing. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>Because Ally Kelso will be attending college, there will be a proposal that is forthcoming for continuing with the GUIDE program for younger blind students; there are hopes that younger students will take part in the state convention. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>NFBV State Convention: The convention will take place from November 2-5 at the Double Tree in Williamsburg, Virginia. The convention will be in person, and the general sessions and banquet will be streamed on our YouTube channel. If there is a desire to use the affiliate Zoom for specific sessions, contact Jacki Bruce no later than September 25. The Communications team cannot guarantee that they will be able to host such meetings, but they will make you or a person you designate host of the meeting. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>There are various links at the web site related to the convention: a call for presentations, a list of positions that will assist in creating a smooth convention: exhibits, sponsors, childcare. Exhibits and childcare will not occur if we do not find individuals to coordinate these efforts. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>Ideas for convention sessions: </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>President Soforenko asked attendees to weigh in on ideas for convention topics and activities. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>List of State Convention Program Ideas: </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>* scholarship winners from last year: What path did we help them with? </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>* motivational stories. Talk about special interests, community options, get outside and do what you want. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>Blind people accomplishing things and living fully. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>Examples of opportunities out there. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>* Using foundations of cane travel with apps to get where you want to go. Different technologies. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>* Inaccessible documents: workarounds, how to make more accessible; accessibility in the workplace; advocacy strategies. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'> * Transitions: not just from high school to college or college to job, but one job to another; networking. not just advocacy; when you get there, work doesn’t end. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'> * Reference to last state convention’s chocolate-tasting, something similar, light and entertaining</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>* Follow-up on skills learned in Silver Bells. planning introduce show seniors different kinds of things that didn’t get to, stuff you didn’t know before, process for this has already begun. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>* Remote exhibits for exhibitors who cannot make it to the convention. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>* seminar for family members to trust the process of cane travel, why we do what we do when it comes to independent travel. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>* financial seminar: some examples budgeting basics, Social Security, ABLE accounts.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>Discussion ensued about how to collect interest on which would be best received. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>* skin-care, self-care, wellness, taking time for ourselves; goalball tournament if space allows. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>* blind caregiver workshop: blind parents, grandparents, etc. panel or seminar. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>* Career readiness workshop. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>* Consider chapter presidents gathering; come together collectively to discuss chapter growth, sponsorships, community partnerships for revenue and recruitment. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>* membership seminar, role-playing recruitment. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>Also the lawsuit for blind prisoners. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>* A luncheon or get-together for sighted spouses/partners for fellowship and discussion. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>* Smart Home and smart tech: appliances, apps, etc. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>Registration and fees for convention: </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>Registration will soon be available through our web site. We will once again be using Brown Paper Tickets, and phone support will be available. Hotel reservations must be made online or via phone with the hotel. Early registration will be $20; after the deadline, it will increase to $30. Friday and Saturday lunches will be $19 each; banquet tickets will be $33. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>Tours will be announced.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>Auction: Renee Valdez We need items for our auction. Please look for details. Jackie Brown will be auctioneering. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>Last year, the auction raised about $10,000. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>Resolutions: Deepa Goraya Send resolutions to <a href="mailto:resolutions@nfbv.org">resolutions@nfbv.org</a> or you can ask for assistance drafting. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>Membership: John Halverson announced that there will be a Membership meeting on the Zoom affiliate on August 26 at 3:30. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>A membership workshop on Saturday afternoon at convention might involve role-playing how to recruit members, and discussion on keeping members engaged. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>Communications: Jacki Bruce reported that the Communications team is growing and is busy, adding shorts on our YouTube channel (Wayne Williams), keeping our Facebook page updated, and offering a Toolbox Thursday, with tips and tricks (Michael Kitchens). </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>Public Outreach and Blind Equality Achievement Month: Stuart suggests starting to think now about BEAM activities for October. On October 14 at 9:30 AM, via affiliate Zoom, check in to let us know what you are doing that day or throughout the month. We are encouraging all chapters to get proclamations from their cities. Use our organization’s resources.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>There is an organization called Rev Up Virginia which has nine chapters that are going to focus on voting for people with disabilities. Stuart will be reaching out to chapter presidents about this. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>Fundraising: Renee Valdez Thanked Jacki and Mary, and all who volunteered at national convention. Tote bags were sold out. Coin holders will be available for $20 at state convention.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>DEI: Renee reports that something big and fun and creative is in the works for the convention. Stay tuned. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>McDonald Fellowship and Jernigan Fund: </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>Mary Durbin thanked the committee and reported that five individuals attended the national convention, and she thanked those who volunteered to mentor the recipients. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>VABS: On May 7, the Virginia Association of Blind Students and the Greater Alexandria Chapter hosted Mosaics and Milkshakes, where people gathered to make art and enjoy milkshakes. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>There are plans in the works for exciting and engaging events for students at state convention. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>We want to focus on younger students and parents of younger students; parents of younger students have many questions and concerns. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>VABS is revamping its membership process, working on having one or two liaisons for different areas of the state: Northern Virginia, Richmond, Western, Virginia Beach and Chesapeake. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>Parents division: Beth Sellers: Please send an email if you would like t volunteer to assist with the Tactile Carnival at convention. Parents can also contact Beth if they have questions about convention. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>Senior Division: Patty Droppers At our May meeting, we spoke with Emily Gibbs of 64 oz. games. We did not have a meeting in June because of the upcoming convention. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>Transportation for convention: Chapter presidents should contact Sandy Halverson if interested in transportation to the convention; Rodney Neely is looking into options. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>There was a question about whether there would be chapter and division reports. Tracy indicated that those typically do not occur in January, May, or August, but are done at the convention board meeting.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>John Scroggs announced the Fairfax Chapter’s 25th anniversary celebration at Rita’s Italian Ices and Frozen Custard on August 17 from 6:00 to 8:30, where the mayor would make remarks and where there would be an opportunity for discussing resources for blind individuals.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>Bob Meador indicated that Amtrak travels to Williamsburg. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>There was a motion to adjourn, which was seconded, and the meeting was adjourned at 3:56 PM.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>Respectfully submitted,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>Christine Faltz Grassman</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>Recording Secretary</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>