From jwh100 at outlook.com Fri Apr 3 15:50:31 2020 From: jwh100 at outlook.com (John Halverson) Date: Fri, 3 Apr 2020 15:50:31 +0000 Subject: [NFBV-Potomac-Announce] FW: Nominating Committee Report In-Reply-To: <078801d60948$eb9341c0$c2b9c540$@thedroppers.com> References: <078801d60948$eb9341c0$c2b9c540$@thedroppers.com> Message-ID: Dear Colleagues, The 2020 nominating committee report is below. I want to thank Patty Droppers, Chair, as well as Deepa Goraya and Sean McMahon who also served for their important work. As I indicated at our last meeting, I will not be running for president this year. Our energetic and accomplished recording secretary, Christine Grassman has expressed an interest in assuming our presidency. Of course others may be nominated from the floor. As we will hold our meeting on Zoom, we need to find a means of voting for possibly contested races. I want to clear it with the board, but suggest if we have nominations from the floor, those who are eligible to vote and at the meeting have one day to email their preferences to a third party. Tracy Soforenko will collect the emails. Finally, our constitution calls for dues to be payed prior to the election. Because of our current situation this is impossible for some. Again, with board approval, I suggest we waive this requirement for those who affirm to me prior to our April meeting through email or text that they will pay at the first opportunity when meetings can be held again in person. Again I want to thank the nominating committee. John Halverson, Ph.D., President Potomac Chapter, National Federation of the Blind From: Patty Droppers [mailto:patty at thedroppers.com] Sent: Thursday, April 2, 2020 7:46 PM To: 'John Halverson' Subject: Nominating Committee Report Good evening! The Nominating Committee has met and the committee puts forth the following slate of candidates for 2020: President: Christine Grassman First Vice President: Kathryn Webster Second Vice President: Deepa Goraya Treasurer: Sean McMahon Recording Secretary: Arielle Silverman Corresponding Secretary: John Halverson Board Members: Seat 1: Nick Petrillo Seat 2: Sarah Blumberg Seat 3: Naim abu-El Hawa Respectfully Submitted, Patricia Droppers, Chair Deepa, Goraya and Sean McMahon, Members -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From jwh100 at outlook.com Sun Apr 5 14:48:46 2020 From: jwh100 at outlook.com (John Halverson) Date: Sun, 5 Apr 2020 14:48:46 +0000 Subject: [NFBV-Potomac-Announce] MP3 of Last Thursday's Live Presidential Report Message-ID: Hello Friends, Below is the link to a MP3 recording of last Thursday's Presidential Report. https://www.nfb.org/sites/www.nfb.org/files/2020-04/2020_04_english.mp3V John -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From jwh100 at outlook.com Thu Apr 9 18:13:37 2020 From: jwh100 at outlook.com (John Halverson) Date: Thu, 9 Apr 2020 18:13:37 +0000 Subject: [NFBV-Potomac-Announce] April 2020 Potomac Chapter Meeting Message-ID: Hello Colleagues and Friends, The April 2020 Potomac Chapter meeting will take place on Wednesday April 15 at 7:00 PM. We have changed the date because of Passover and Maundy Thursday occurring on April 9. Our meeting will be on Zoom. The information is below. Among other activities, we will hold our annual elections as well as we need to discuss our annual contributions to the convention funds and generally share our experiences in these unusual times. I am looking forward to the day, hopefully soon, when we can again meet in person. Stay well. John Halverson Tracy Soforenko is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/8297256345 Meeting ID: 829 725 6345 One tap mobile +16468769923,,8297256345# US (New York) +13126266799,,8297256345# US (Chicago) Dial by your location +1 646 876 9923 US (New York) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 253 215 8782 US +1 301 715 8592 US +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) +1 408 638 0968 US (San Jose) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) Meeting ID: 829 725 6345 Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/aMMe6BNKN Join by Skype for Business -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From jwh100 at outlook.com Thu Apr 9 20:53:39 2020 From: jwh100 at outlook.com (John Halverson) Date: Thu, 9 Apr 2020 20:53:39 +0000 Subject: [NFBV-Potomac-Announce] FW: [Nfbnet-members-list] Blind and Low-Vision Participants Needed for Research Study on the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Hello Colleagues, I just completed the survey referenced below. It is long but extremely comprehensive about Covid-19. I recommend as many of you as possible consider taking the survey. Unfortunately it closes Monday. Thank you. John From: NFBNet-Members-List [mailto:nfbnet-members-list-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Blake, Lou Ann via NFBNet-Members-List Sent: Tuesday, April 7, 2020 2:09 PM To: nfbnet-members-list at nfbnet.org Subject: [Nfbnet-members-list] Blind and Low-Vision Participants Needed for Research Study on the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic AIRA, the National federation of the blind, Louisiana Tech, and many other entities in the field of blindness have developed a survey to explore the increased accessibility barriers due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Your feedback is needed. This survey may take thirty minutes or longer, but it is critical in understanding the additional impact COVID-19 is having on blind people. All blind and low-vision adults, aged eighteen and older, are encouraged to participate in this survey to provide information on the impact of COVID-19 on your life in the areas of healthcare; transportation; employment; education; social experiences; access to meals, food, and supplies; and voting. You can take the Flattening the Accessibility Curve survey until April 13, 2020, so don?t delay! Lou Ann Lou Ann Blake, J.D. Deputy Executive Director, Blindness Initiatives 200 East Wells Street, Baltimore, MD 21230 (410) 659-9314, extension 2221 | lblake at nfb.org [Image removed by sender. National Federation of the Blind] [Image removed by sender. Facebook] [Image removed by sender. Twitter] [Image removed by sender. Youtube] 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. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 534 bytes Desc: image001.jpg URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image002.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 338 bytes Desc: image002.jpg URL: -------------- next part -------------- An embedded and charset-unspecified text was scrubbed... Name: ATT00001.txt URL: From jwh100 at outlook.com Mon Apr 13 15:10:06 2020 From: jwh100 at outlook.com (John Halverson) Date: Mon, 13 Apr 2020 15:10:06 +0000 Subject: [NFBV-Potomac-Announce] FW: Pedestrian Safety Training Opportunities In-Reply-To: <032401d6105c$80e70df0$82b529d0$@gmail.com> References: <088801d60e78$69a25900$3ce70b00$@comcast.net> <032401d6105c$80e70df0$82b529d0$@gmail.com> Message-ID: Good Morning Colleagues, Some of you may find this of interest. See below. John From: bonnoday at gmail.com [mailto:bonnoday at gmail.com] Sent: Saturday, April 11, 2020 7:54 PM To: 'John Halverson' ; Evelyn.Valdez at va.gov Subject: FW: Pedestrian Safety Training Opportunities The following information was forwarded to me by a friend There is a two-part Webinar series, 1 pm to 2:30 pm on 28 and 30 April that may also be of interest: "Part I of the series will provide attendees with information about how persons who are blind or have low vision travel have influenced their safety and mobility over the years. We will focus on methods to improve accessibility at signalized intersections, in particular Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS). Following their presentations, panelists will respond to questions from attendees." "The second part in this series will explore wayfinding for blind and low vision pedestrians, showcasing various strategies for aiding the process of navigating along streets and at crossing locations. We will profile recent research on tactile surface indicators and other forms of in-pavement wayfinding treatments that can be used in locations where bicyclists and pedestrians travel in close proximity. Following their presentations, panelists will respond to questions from attendees." Register for these session at the links below. Thanks Upcoming Webinar Series on Enhancing Mobility, Access and Safety for Pedestrians Part 1 Tuesday, April 28, 2020 1:00-2:30 pm Eastern Time Register Here Part 2 Thursday, April 30, 2020 1:00-2:30 pm Eastern Time Register Here Communities across the country are working to integrate the needs of pedestrians into transportation decisionmaking. As agencies shift toward adopting roadway design practices and safety countermeasures that enhance the pedestrian experience, attention should also be given to the mobility and accessibility needs of pedestrians of all ages and abilities. In particular, pedestrians who are blind or have low vision have different needs to be considered when deploying safety countermeasures. In this two-part webinar series, we will showcase strategies that can be used to enhance accessibility at crossing locations and along separated bicycle lanes at sidewalk level. Our panelists will share their research and the unique perspective of pedestrians who are not always considered when making transportation decisions. Following their presentations, panelists will respond to questions from attendees. Panelists include: Elizabeth Hilton (Federal Highway Administration), Janet Barlow (Accessible Design for the Blind), Dr. Beezy Bentzen (Accessible Design for the Blind), Dr. Robert Wall Emerson (Western Michigan University), and Donna Smith (Sound Transit). To learn more and register, please visit www.pedbikeinfo.org/webinars. This Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) Office of Safety webinar will be delivered by VHB and the UNC Highway Safety Research Center through a contract to provide training and technical assistance to the FHWA-designated Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Focus States and Cities. ________________________________ PBIC offers free, public webinars approximately every month. To register for upcoming webinars and to access archived presentations, please visit www.pedbikeinfo.org/webinars. Follow the PBIC on Twitter and Facebook and join the discussion [cid:image007.png at 01D60E56.DE6F9800] [cid:image008.png at 01D60E56.DE6F9800] [cid:image009.png at 01D60E56.DE6F9800] ________________________________ Since its inception in 1999, PBIC's mission has been to improve the quality of life in communities through the increase of safe walking and bicycling as a viable means of transportation and physical activity. The Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center is maintained by the University of North Carolina Highway Safety Research Center with funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. ________________________________ Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center 730 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Suite 300 Chapel Hill, NC 27599 Add us to your address book Phone: 1.888.823.3977 Fax: 919.962.8710 www.pedbikeinfo.org If you no longer wish to receive these emails, simply unsubscribe from this list. View this email in your browser Jim Durham 622 Fort Williams Pkwy Alexandria, VA 22304 703-508-0762 (mobile) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image007.png Type: image/png Size: 4277 bytes Desc: image007.png URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image008.png Type: image/png Size: 3437 bytes Desc: image008.png URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image009.png Type: image/png Size: 4371 bytes Desc: image009.png URL: From jwh100 at outlook.com Mon Apr 13 15:13:36 2020 From: jwh100 at outlook.com (John Halverson) Date: Mon, 13 Apr 2020 15:13:36 +0000 Subject: [NFBV-Potomac-Announce] FW: Potomac Chapter Telephone Board Meeting Minutes, April 5, 2020 In-Reply-To: <2722CE22-2E70-4008-AED1-27A12E763B33@icloud.com> References: <2722CE22-2E70-4008-AED1-27A12E763B33@icloud.com> Message-ID: Thank you Christine. I forgot to send this out. Talk to you at Tuesday's meeting. John -----Original Message----- From: Christine Grassman [mailto:cfgrassman at icloud.com] Sent: Monday, April 6, 2020 11:24 AM To: John Halverson Subject: Potomac Chapter Telephone Board Meeting Minutes, April 5, 2020 NFBV Potomac Chapter Telephone Board Meeting Minutes, April 5, 2020: The Zoom meeting was called to order at approximately 4:40 PM. Discussed were the health of Federationist Brian Miller, troubles having things delivered, variables which will impact whether or not the convention will be held this summer, and the upcoming chapter elections. Given that chapter meetings will not be held in person for some time, President John Halverson had suggested that: 1. Individuals who had not yet paid membership dues be granted the ability to vote if they gave a stated intention to pay dues at the first opportunity if they were not able to do so via a method that did not require being in person; and 2. Votes for contested races would be mailed to a third party in a 24-hour period, with affiliate President Tracy Soforenko receiving votes. The Board approved both proposals. Because April 9 falls during Passover, the Potomac Chapter had planned to hold its April meeting on April 16 this month. However, the Fairfax chapter is holding its meeting on that date, so the Potomac Chapter will hold a Zoom meeting on April 15 at 7:00 PM; John will send out the meeting information. The meeting was adjourned just after five PM. Respectfully Submitted, Christine Grassman Recording Secretary From jwh100 at outlook.com Tue Apr 14 19:29:38 2020 From: jwh100 at outlook.com (John Halverson) Date: Tue, 14 Apr 2020 19:29:38 +0000 Subject: [NFBV-Potomac-Announce] FW: Legislative Alert - 4/13/2020 In-Reply-To: <6C3FEC28-4C7D-44C4-A8CD-C21C443DB797@nfb.org> References: <6C3FEC28-4C7D-44C4-A8CD-C21C443DB797@nfb.org> Message-ID: Hello Colleagues, Most of you have probably received this. It is important that we follow-up. I have included the contacts and their email address for Senators Warner and Kaine as well as Congressman Donald Beyer. See below. John Nick Barbash is the Legislative Director for Senator Tim Kaine. His email is nick_barbash at kaine.senate.gov. West Connors is the Legislative Director for Senator Mark Warner. His email is west_connors at warner.senate.gov. Connor Vargo is the Legislative Correspondent for Representative Donald Beyer. His email is connor.vargo at mail.house.gov. From: NFBNet-Members-List [mailto:nfbnet-members-list-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Flynt, Stephanie via NFBNet-Members-List Sent: Monday, April 13, 2020 6:00 PM To: nfbnet-members-list at nfbnet.org Subject: [Nfbnet-members-list] Legislative Alert - 4/13/2020 Dear Federation Family: We find ourselves in unprecedented times, but the advocacy and legislative priorities of the Federation have not been stopped. In fact, we are working harder than ever before to ensure that our rights are protected and that we receive the benefits we need in a timely and efficient manner. We are currently working to include a provision in the next coronavirus aid legislation that will eliminate the five-month waiting period for SSDI payments as well as the 24-month waiting period for Medicare benefits. If enacted, this provision would amend section 223 of the Social Security Act to include language for a temporary waiver of the waiting period for cash payments for SSDI. We would also propose an amendment to section 226 of the Social Security Act to include temporary waivers of the waiting period for Medicare benefits. Both of these waivers would apply to people with disabilities who are determined eligible between March 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020. In these times of uncertainty it is critical that we have access to these disability and Medicare benefits as quickly as possible. We are asking you to call your senators and representative and urge them to include this provision in the coronavirus aid legislation. When you call or email, you might say something like the following: "Hello, my name is [your name] and I am a constituent of [your senator/representative]. I live in [city, state]. I am calling to urge [your senator/representative] to support language that would waive waiting periods for SSDI payments and medicare benefits during this national crisis. It?s no secret many Americans are losing their jobs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, including those with disabilities. As it currently stands, persons with disabilities wait up to 5 months before their benefits begin and 24 months before they are Medicare-eligible. To address this situation, the National Federation of the Blind requests the following actions: For individuals who qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits?The requirement for an initial 5-month waiting period be waived, effective March 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020. This waiver should be included in Section 223 of the Social Security Act. Similarly, a waiver of the 24-month Medicare waiting period should be included in Section 226 of the Social Security Act. Thanks." You can contact your member of Congress by calling the Capitol Switchboard and asking for the office in question. The number is 202-224-3121. If you email your representative or senators, please copy Stephanie Flynt at sflynt at nfb.org. While Capitol Hill is physically closed, congressional staff are telecommuting in order to fulfill their responsibilities. Rest assured that your calls and emails continue to make a significant difference. It is best to call or email the relevant staffer in your member of Congress's office. If you need the name and email of the appropriate staff person for any Senate or House office, please email Jesa Medders at jmedders at nfb.org. Stephanie Flynt Government Affairs Specialist National Federation of the Blind P (410) 659-9314, Extension 2210 E: sflynt at nfb.org www.nfb.org/advocacy -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- An embedded and charset-unspecified text was scrubbed... Name: ATT00001.txt URL: From jwh100 at outlook.com Tue Apr 14 19:42:23 2020 From: jwh100 at outlook.com (John Halverson) Date: Tue, 14 Apr 2020 19:42:23 +0000 Subject: [NFBV-Potomac-Announce] April 2020 Potomac Chapter Meeting Reminder Message-ID: Hello Colleagues and Friends, Here is a reminder of tomorrow's chapter meeting. See below. The April 2020 Potomac Chapter meeting will take place on Wednesday April 15 at 7:00 PM. We have changed the date because of Passover and Maundy Thursday occurring on April 9. Our meeting will be on Zoom. The information is below. Among other activities, we will hold our annual elections as well as we need to discuss our annual contributions to the convention funds and generally share our experiences in these unusual times. I am looking forward to the day, hopefully soon, when we can again meet in person. Stay well. John Halverson Tracy Soforenko is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/8297256345 Meeting ID: 829 725 6345 One tap mobile +16468769923,,8297256345# US (New York) +13126266799,,8297256345# US (Chicago) Dial by your location +1 646 876 9923 US (New York) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 253 215 8782 US +1 301 715 8592 US +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) +1 408 638 0968 US (San Jose) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) Meeting ID: 829 725 6345 Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/aMMe6BNKN Join by Skype for Business -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From jwh100 at outlook.com Wed Apr 15 14:30:16 2020 From: jwh100 at outlook.com (John Halverson) Date: Wed, 15 Apr 2020 14:30:16 +0000 Subject: [NFBV-Potomac-Announce] April Treasurer's Report April 2020 Message-ID: Please find below our April treasurer's report. Thank you Sean. John Potomac Chapter National Federation of the blind of Virginia Treasurer's report for the period from 3/12/2020 to 4/15/2020 Beginning Balance general fund 695.93 Income: Dues Richard Lane $5.00 Disbursements: NFB PAC for April $75.00 NFB VPAD for April $75.00 Total Disbursements: $150.00 Ending Balance General fund: 550.93 Youth Fund: $1,750.00 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From jwh100 at outlook.com Thu Apr 16 14:21:20 2020 From: jwh100 at outlook.com (John Halverson) Date: Thu, 16 Apr 2020 14:21:20 +0000 Subject: [NFBV-Potomac-Announce] FW: [Nfbnet-members-list] Special Bulletin #2: Rules for SSI and Economic Impact Payments Have Been Updated In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Hello, At last evening?s Potomac Chapter meeting Naim mentioned a recent IRS announcement regarding SSI recipients and the Economic Impact Payment. I mentioned that we sent out the announcement earlier in the day. I have included it below. John From: NFBNet-Members-List [mailto:nfbnet-members-list-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Pare, John via NFBNet-Members-List Sent: Wednesday, April 15, 2020 5:07 PM To: nfbnet-members-list at nfbnet.org Subject: [Nfbnet-members-list] Special Bulletin #2: Rules for SSI and Economic Impact Payments Have Been Updated Dear Fellow Federationists: I have good news. The Administration has just announced that Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients who do not file a regular tax return and who do not have any dependent aged 16 years or younger, do not need to file a simple tax return. This is a significant change to what was was communicated to you yesterday. The National Federation of the Blind has been advocating for this change. I am sorry that the details have changed so fast and so frequently, but we can all be happy that it has ended with this streamlined process. As a result of yesterday's special bulletin, we also received several questions related to whether an individual who is claimed as a dependent on another person's tax return is still eligible for the $1,200 Economic Impact Payment. The answer is no. If you are claimed as a dependent on someone else?s tax return, then you are not eligible for the $1,200 Economic Impact Payment. So, to summarize the new SSI rules, if you did not file a 2018 or 2019 tax return and do not have a dependent aged 16 years or younger, you do not need to do anything to get your $1,200 Economic Impact Payment. You should receive the automatic payments by direct deposit, Direct Express debit card, or by paper check, just as you would normally receive your Social Security benefits. SSI recipients with qualifying children will need to use the IRS ?Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here? web portal to enter basic information so they can receive their payments as quickly as possible. We will continue to monitor developments regarding the Economic Impact Payments, and will communicate any changes to you as soon as we can. In the meantime, please continue to check our COVID-19 Resources Page for updates. Keep well, and keep safe. Warm regards, John John G. Par? Jr. Executive Director for Advocacy and Policy National Federation of the Blind 200 East Wells Street Baltimore, MD 21230 Telephone: (410) 659-9314, extension 2218 Cell phone: (410) 917-1965 Email: jpare at nfb.org 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. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- An embedded and charset-unspecified text was scrubbed... Name: ATT00001.txt URL: From jwh100 at outlook.com Thu Apr 16 19:41:26 2020 From: jwh100 at outlook.com (John Halverson) Date: Thu, 16 Apr 2020 19:41:26 +0000 Subject: [NFBV-Potomac-Announce] Virginia Center for the Blind Training Message-ID: Hello, At our Potomac Chapter meeting last evening, Kris Foley gave a brief overview of virtual training being offered by the Virginia Training Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired. I believe this training is available for any blind resident of Virginia. She asked to be emailed if you wish further details or wish to suggest training class topics. Her email address is kristinefoley at dbvi.virginia.gov John John -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From jwh100 at outlook.com Thu Apr 16 20:04:07 2020 From: jwh100 at outlook.com (John Halverson) Date: Thu, 16 Apr 2020 20:04:07 +0000 Subject: [NFBV-Potomac-Announce] Training Center Virtual Training Message-ID: Hi, Here are Kris's work and home email addresses. Work: Kristine.foley at dbvi.virginia.gov Home: foleyforever at gmail.com John -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From jwh100 at outlook.com Sat Apr 18 21:18:45 2020 From: jwh100 at outlook.com (John Halverson) Date: Sat, 18 Apr 2020 21:18:45 +0000 Subject: [NFBV-Potomac-Announce] FW: Virtual Meeting Minutes of the Potomac Chapter of the NFBV, April 15, 2020 In-Reply-To: <2003DBC1-2D9A-4AA1-AFA0-C80FC04B0F3D@icloud.com> References: <2003DBC1-2D9A-4AA1-AFA0-C80FC04B0F3D@icloud.com> Message-ID: From: Christine Grassman [mailto:cfgrassman at icloud.com] Sent: Saturday, April 18, 2020 1:28 PM To: John Halverson Subject: Virtual Meeting Minutes of the Potomac Chapter of the NFBV, April 15, 2020 Minutes of Virtual Monthly Meeting of the Potomac Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of Virginia, April 15: Following some interesting technical glitches that resulted in some extraordinarily eerie sound effects, the Potomac Chapter meeting was called to order at approximately 7:10 PM. Members discussed the significant issues, both personal and general, with respect to the current pandemic. In particular, the unexpected and shocking passing of Brian R. miller due to COVId-19 on April 13 was discussed. Brian was an accomplished professional, devoted Federationist, fantastic friend, and talented man who elicited multiple tributes. He will be sorely missed. The chapter discussed the well-attended and successful live streaming of the April Presidential release, PR 493, via Zoom. The next release will take place in the same manner on May 1, 2020, at 8:00 PM. After President Riccobono delivers his remarks, First Vice President Pam Allen will again moderate questions. Please send questions to: Chris Danielsen with PR 494 in the Subject line: cdanielsen at nfb.org Or call: (410) 659-9314; ext. 2473. Zoom meeting details will follow. Access the April release here: https://www.nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/presidential-releases Anyone who wishes to learn more about Zoom (you can call in with a phone using the meeting ID or via the Zoom app on a computer or phone), can access a free tutorial here: https://mosen.org/zoom/?amp%3Bamp%3Bqid= The report of the Nominating Committee was accepted. Prior to the holding of the elections, John Halverson thanked the chapter for the opportunity to serve as its President and thanked the Nominating Committee for its service. Elections were held, and the following individuals were elected by acclamation: Christine Faltz Grassman, President Kathryn Webster, First Vice President Deepa Goraya, Second Vice President Treasurer: Sean McMahon Recording Secretary: Arielle Silverman CorrespondingSecretary: John Halverson Board Members: Sarah Blumberg Nick Petrillo Naim Abu-Elhawawa The 2020 Annual Convention of the NFB will be held virtually from July 14-19 with details to follow. When chapters are able to do so, they can create gatherings to participate together in convention sessions. Given our inability to hold our auction due to social distancing guidelines, the chapter recognized that our treasury would be negatively impacted without reducing our donations to Federation funds, including PAC, SUN, the Jernigan Fund, NFB Camp, and the White Cane Fund. We will send a minimum donation of $100 to the White Cane Fund and will temporarily reduce our previously designated amounts to PAC and VPAD. Amounts will be reviewed as the treasury permits, and members will be asked to supplement contributions. Various affiliates of the NFB have been providing diverse virtual sessions for anyone interested. Pennsylvania and Colorado, in particular, have been sending out email announcements regarding these offerings. Additionally, Kris Foley presented on the call regarding virtual training sessions offered by the Virginia Department for the Blind. Anyone interested in further details or anyone who would like to suggest topics should contact her at: kristinefoley at dbvi.virginia.gov The Federation wants to be kept apprised of any specific problems faced by blind people related to the pandemic. Our next chapter meeting will take place via Zoom on May 14, 2020, at 7:00 PM unless otherwise indicated. Meeting information will follow. Respectfully submitted, Christine Grassman -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From jwh100 at outlook.com Sat Apr 18 21:22:00 2020 From: jwh100 at outlook.com (John Halverson) Date: Sat, 18 Apr 2020 21:22:00 +0000 Subject: [NFBV-Potomac-Announce] For Potomac Chapter Members Message-ID: Dear Friends: I want to thank the chapter and the nominating committee once again for your faith in me and for this honor and welcome challenge. I never imagined I might take the helm of a chapter in such circumstances, and we are all going to have to put extra energy, effort, and creativity into building our chapter, preparing for our state convention, and mustering the motivation to move past the current uncertainties and troubles. I would like to ask each and every one of you to give serious thought to three things over the coming weeks, and either call me or email me with your answers and suggestions. First, fund-raising is going to be a particular challenge this year. As we have been forced to reduce our support for various funds, individuals, businesses, and sponsors of all kinds will be unable to be as generous as they have been in the past, or might have been had we been given an opportunity to request assistance in better times. I would like at least one idea from every member on how we might be able to build our treasury despite the current economic challenges. Second, I would like each of you to consider your greatest strengths and the ways you imagine yourself assisting with building our chapter and preparing for the state convention. Are you an organizer? Are you someone who likes to write, speak, coordinate meetings, gatherings, and/or activities? Are you a really tech-savvy person? Do you have particular cooking, artistic, building, or other skills that might offer an interesting learning activity for fellow Federationists, or for the creation of door prizes, auction items, etc.? Do you have a talent such as sculpting, playing an instrument, singing, comedy, teaching fitness, dancing, or martial arts, creative writing? These could also be great chapter activities or Meet the Blind Month activities. Do you feel that there is a significant issue that requires collective response locally or beyond? Do you like to write letters, meet with community leaders, make phone calls, prepare slogans, or flyers? Every one of you has something to contribute, individually and/or as part of a committee. Please let me know what strengths you would like to use in meeting our goals. Finally, what are particular activities, events, gatherings, etc., that you believe would be opportunities for us to get together as a chapter, or in gatherings with other chapters? >From a picnic in a park to something perhaps none of us has considered, put your ideas forward, and contemplate whether you might wish to reach out to individuals or merchants who could provide those opportunities for us. When things open up around here, I don't know about you, but I'm going to want to dive in and make a splash. I am so looking forward to being in actual physical proximity to my local Federation family again, but in the meantime, please feel free to call, email, text, etc. with ideas, to chat, or for whatever reason. Send the texts you want. Make the calls you want. Live the lives you want. Christine Faltz Grassman President Potomac Chapter National Federation of the Blind of Virginia cfgrassman at icloud.com (917) 657-6879 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From jwh100 at outlook.com Mon Apr 27 15:36:49 2020 From: jwh100 at outlook.com (John Halverson) Date: Mon, 27 Apr 2020 15:36:49 +0000 Subject: [NFBV-Potomac-Announce] FW: Connect and Protect Blind Americans: Amplify Your Gift with The Gibney Family Foundation In-Reply-To: <20200427110120.82DE46139402@lx-web-pri.nfb.org> References: <20200427110120.82DE46139402@lx-web-pri.nfb.org> Message-ID: Hello Friends and Colleagues, Tuesday 5 May is Giving Tuesday. Please support the NFB if you are able. See below. To paraphrase Adam Smith, it is in your self-interest to give to the National Federation of the Blind. John Halverson, Ph.D., Corresponding Secretary, Potomac Chapter, National Federation of the Blind From: National Federation of the Blind [mailto:outreach at nfb.org] Sent: Monday, April 27, 2020 7:01 AM To: John Halverson Subject: Connect and Protect Blind Americans: Amplify Your Gift with The Gibney Family Foundation [Image removed by sender.] [Image removed by sender. National Federation of the Blind logo and tagline live the life you want] Your support makes a difference. Thank you! Thank you very much for your support of the National Federation of the Blind during this difficult time. Together we are building tools for our members across the country to continue connecting and protecting blind people in their communities. Celebrate #GivingTuesdayNow Tuesday, May 5 is #GivingTuesdayNow?a day for everyone around the world to stand together and give back in all ways, no matter who or where we are. A global threat like COVID-19 affects every person on our planet and presents an opportunity to come together as a global community. Let?s give back and show our strength. Join us by supporting the urgent needs of blind Americans. Give a gift in honor of a blind person who has overcome obstacles and is living the life they want. NFB-NEWSLINE? Expanded to Provide Breaking News on COVID-19 The need for current information is more important now than ever. We have responded by expanding NFB-NEWSLINE to all states, including those where we are currently unsponsored, and adding a new search feature. COVID-19 updates are now available in the "Breaking News" category of NFB-NEWSLINE. This means that deafblind people who want up-to-date Braille information can download to a Braille display and stay abreast of current news. This offering is especially helpful to those who do not have internet access since NFB-NEWSLINE can be accessed by any phone in addition to other access methods. For more information and instructions, visit NFB-NEWSLINE. Providing Distance Learning Resources Blind students should be able to continue virtual learning just as their sighted peers. The NFB is committed to ensuring quality education for blind students, and to providing activities and lessons that are fun and educational for blind children and their families. Check out our distance learning resources and share them with anyone who may be interested. Together We Stand We are proud to have the support of The Gibney Family Foundation, which is matching donations made on #GivingTuesdayNow. Your donation on Tuesday, May 5 will make a huge impact on the lives of blind Americans. Join us on Facebook to see how we?re doing. Please email us at outreach at nfb.org to learn about more ways you can further your impact. Thank you for your ongoing generosity. [Image removed by sender. Facebook Logo] [Image removed by sender. Twitter Logo] [Image removed by sender. Instagram Logo] [Image removed by sender. YouTube Logo] [Image removed by sender. Email Icon Image] [Image removed by sender. Donate to the NFB Icon.] National Federation of the Blind | 200 E Wells Street | Baltimore, MD 21230 | 410-659-9314 Unsubscribe | Opt Out | Sign Up for Our E-newsletter .. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... 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