[NFBV-Potomac-Announce] Minutes Potomac Chapter September 2020

[John Halverson]

Hello Friends and Colleagues,

Please find below and attached  the minutes from the September 2020 Potomac Chapter meeting.


Thursday September 10, 2020 Potomac Chapter Meeting

The meeting was called to order and 18 people were present.
For an icebreaker, Christine asked everyone to say a word beginning with D, G, or J. She compiled the responses into a semi-sensical story.

The minutes from last month's meeting were approved as written.
The treasurer's report was adopted. The current balances are $370.00 in the general fund and $750.00 in the youth fund.
Maggie Felton, a nurse from Vanda Pharmaceuticals, spoke to the chapter about non-24 circadian rhythm disorder. Non-24 is a rare disorder, but is more common in people without light perception. The main symptom is a sleep schedule that tends to move later each night until it cycles around the clock. Maggie provided information about diagnosis and possible treatments for non-24 disorder and answered questions.
Christine encouraged everyone to register for the state convention. There is no fee to register. Individuals can register at
www.nfbv.org/convention
Christine suggested developing training for doctors and medical students which we could present at a future NFBV convention or other event.
Christine also mentioned the affiliate auction. Chapter members should consider contributing items.
They should specify that proceeds go to the Potomac chapter.
Several chapter members suggested items to donate
Sandy will put up approximately 8 restaurant gift cards for auction and donate to the chapter.
Christine is looking for volunteers to help people register to vote, and with using the new accessible absentee voting system. People who have expertise with Zoom, YouTube, video and audio editing are especially needed.
Christine emphasized that NFBV is not a political organization. We can help people vote, but cannot endorse any specific candidates.
It was mentioned that people without computers or printers cannot use the new accessible ballots. Perhaps we can help members to use libraries or condo business centers to vote.
Christine discussed the community emergency response training being offered in Arlington.
They want to know if blind Arlingtonians want to participate in emergency response training.
Christine just started the community emergency response training course online. There will be more training opportunities in the future. Perhaps in person in the spring.
They have been good about accessibility so far.
Chapter members should contact Christine if they are interested
John announced that there will be a book club call at 3:30 on Sunday September 13.
Sean McMahon announced that his sister is looking for someone who knows about autism assessment for someone who has low vision.
Tracy mentioned the state legislative seminar which will be on Saturday September 12 at 10:00 a.m.
There will be a statewide seminar on voting soon.
Christine mentioned that a blind travel agent, Cheryl Echevarria, could give a presentation at a future chapter meeting if there is interest.
We discussed approaching her for a donation of a travel related item.
Some chapters, such as Williamsburg and Peninsula, are doing virtual walks for Meet the Blind month.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Arielle Silverman, Secretary, Potomac Chapter, National Federation of the Blind
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