[NFBV-Potomac-Announce] Minutes May 2019 Potomac NFB Chapter Meeting

Sun May 12 14:41:05 UTC 2019

NFB of Virginia Potomac Chapter Minutes May 9, 2019:

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM with 12 members present.

Two members arrived several minutes afterwards.

The question asked of members was what would you like to see the chapter do? Members were very interested in more social interaction, community work, becoming more involved in local and other politics to advance Federation goals, mentoring others, multicultural awareness and celebration activities.

President John Halverson posed the question as to what was expected of board members, and whether it was necessary to be a board member or officer to be a leader. All agreed that although there were higher expectations for attendance, involvement, and mentorship on the part of officers and board members, all were capable of leadership and meaningful participation.

A local Apple store in Pentagon City has expressed interest in providing training and classes to the blind community. Discussions are in the beginning stages.

John will send out lists of committees and asked that anyone interested get in touch with him. Members were reminded that May 19 is the deadline for requesting assistance with banquet ticket expenses; members must register to show receipts

The tech fair will be held on June 22 from 10 Am to 2 PM at the Lyon Village Community House. There is still a need for demonstrators of Seeing AI, navigation apps, and there is a need for greeters and assistants in the kitchen with snacks and orienting attendees.

The April minutes and treasurer's report were accepted with minor discussion and adjustments. There was a brief discussion of concern about chapter expenditures in light of our available funds. However, the chapter voted on these expenditures and there was full intention to recoup money through fund-raising.

Publicity is coming along for tech fair, but it is too early to get a sense of attendance.

The affiliate board meeting will take place May 18 in Richmond; Katherine Webster is handling transportation. Anyone interested should contact her.

Wine-tasting event will take place September 14 in the community room of member Joe Hobson's building. There will be wine tasting  with cheese pairing; a local wine store will be selected to partner with us to give some percentage of proceeds from particular sales.

Four of most recently elected officers were inducted.

We should thank Governor Northam for vetoing HR 2296, which would have permitted banks to discriminate against us by not making their web sites and apps, etc., accessible.

Two of our chapter members have articles in the most recent Braille Monitor.

Jack Wood is offering free tech training; contact Tracy if you are interested; don't publicize broadly; this is Jack's business and he is offering it to members.

Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University would like interested blind individuals to contact them with information about how to navigate interior spaces. The goal is to develop a way for blind people to orient themselves and enjoy places such as museums. Contact Tracy if interested.

 There are plans for a new members' seminar to be conducted in conjunction with the Alexandria and Fairfax chapters.

There will be no July chapter meeting.

Membership coin distribution at convention is not guaranteed because there is not yet a final membership list.

A committee will be formed to discuss the possibility of a trivia fund-raiser.

The presidential release was played. Ten percent of rooms at the Mandalay Bay remain. If members do not register by May 31, costs will be greater and registration must take place at the hotel.

President Riccobono discussed convention veterans assisting first timers in navigating and taking full advantage of the convention.

The Structured Discovery Internship was extended from April 15 to May 31  Contact Anil  Lewis or go to the link at the NFB web site Programs and services section.

alewis at nfb.org<mailto:alewis at nfb.org>

There are four new cosponsors for the Assistive Technology Affordability Act.

The NFB is investigating whether or not blind people are having issues with IRS materials. The NFB would like to hear about experiences, whether positive or negative.

Contact Valerie Yingling

Ext. 2440 at the National Center: )410) 659-9314.

Or email:

vyingling at nfb.org<mailto:vyingling at nfb.org>

 Donations for Ruston Federationists and LCB staff are being accepted through the Donate page on the NFB web site. Designate your donation specifically in the memo section of a written or electronic check, or indicate it  on the web site in the Note field.

Construction project is now beginning the building phase.

The scholarship and Bolotin Award committees have met and have made their selections.

Deepa Goraya asked  members to bring resolutions to her;   she is on the resolutions committee.

The meeting adjourned promptly at 9:00 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Christine Grassman

Recording secretary

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