[NFBV-Potomac-Announce] June 2025 Potomac Chapter Minutes

[John Halverson]

Below and attached are the minutes from our June 2025 meeting.

John Halverson, Corresponding Secretary

June 11, 2025
National Federation of the Blind Potomac Chapter
Minutes

President Sandy Halverson called the meeting to order a little after 7:00 PM at St. George's Episcopal Church. The zoom participants introduced themselves followed by the in-person attendees.
Sandy entertained a motion to approve the minutes. Tracy moved, and Larry seconded to approve the minutes. The minutes were adopted.
The chapter was asked to approve the treasurer's report. Larry moved, and Tracy seconded to adopt the treasurer's report. The report was approved.
Bridget Dority, an employee of WMATA, presented on the new changes in bus routes and the metro in the area. She encouraged everyone to go to the website where all the better bus information will be posted. According to Bridget, on June 29th, the bus routes or names will all change over. She described the changes to the bus names. She also told the chapter that there is a new metro app available, called Metro Pulse, that should display the bus routes. Chapter members asked a number of questions, and Bridget shared her information. Sandy received a handout that Bridget provided and promised to send it out to the chapter. Bridget instructed anyone in the chapter to call her if they wanted travel training on the metro. She stated that customer service could provide general information about the bus names and routes.
Sandy summarized the Virginia state board meeting that took place in May. One of the main topics was using AI to assist with chapter communications. The next state board meeting will take place on August 2nd over Zoom.
Sandy announced that the national convention agenda is out on the NFB website.
The discussion turned to the auction. John asked for additional items for the auction. The auction will take place on June 21st at 3:00 PM at the Lion Village Community House.
Sandy asked the chapter if we would be interested in supporting the Parents of Blind Children with their Bay Bridge Walk event. Sandy stated she would attend the meeting about the Bay Bridge Walk at national convention.
Sean described his experience at a birding event for blind people. He enjoyed the event and found the app to be easy to use. Tracy also enjoyed the event and learning about people who bird as a hobby. Tracy suggested bringing the activity to state convention.
Sandy spoke about the upcoming Smithsonian Festival. They are providing a number of accommodations, including sighted guides and accessible handouts. She suggested that we get a group together to go.
Sandy gave a quick summary of the presidential release. In the release, President Riccobono encouraged us to keep promoting our legislation. There was also information on the release about Innosearch AI.
Tracy asked if someone wanted to host a banquet party. Nancy and Tracy Yaeger offered to host a banquet party.
The meeting was adjourned around 8:45 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,

Julie A. Orozco
First Vice President


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