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<p class="MsoNormal"><b>From:</b> Christine Grassman [mailto:cfgrassman@icloud.com]
<br>
<b>Sent:</b> Saturday, April 18, 2020 1:28 PM<br>
<b>To:</b> John Halverson <jwh100@outlook.com><br>
<b>Subject:</b> Virtual Meeting Minutes of the Potomac Chapter of the NFBV, April 15, 2020<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Minutes of Virtual Monthly Meeting of the Potomac Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of Virginia, April 15:<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">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.<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">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:<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Chris Danielsen with PR 494 in the Subject line:<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="mailto:cdanielsen@nfb.org">cdanielsen@nfb.org</a> <o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Or call:<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">(410) 659-9314; ext. 2473.<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Zoom meeting details will follow.<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Access the April release here:<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/presidential-releases">https://www.nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/presidential-releases</a><o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">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:<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://mosen.org/zoom/?amp%3Bamp%3Bqid=">https://mosen.org/zoom/?amp%3Bamp%3Bqid=</a><o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">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.<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"> Elections were held, and the following individuals were elected by acclamation:<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Christine Faltz Grassman, President<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Kathryn Webster, First Vice President<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Deepa Goraya, Second Vice President<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Treasurer: Sean McMahon<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Recording Secretary: Arielle Silverman<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">CorrespondingSecretary: John Halverson<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Board Members:<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Sarah Blumberg<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Nick Petrillo<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Naim Abu-Elhawawa <o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">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.<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">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.<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">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.<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">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: <o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black"> <a href="mailto:kristinefoley@dbvi.virginia.gov">kristinefoley@dbvi.virginia.gov</a></span><span style="color:#0B4CB4"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">The Federation wants to be kept apprised of any specific problems faced by blind people related to the pandemic.<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Our next chapter meeting will take place via Zoom on May 14, 2020, at 7:00 PM unless otherwise indicated. Meeting information will follow. <o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Respectfully submitted,<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Christine Grassman<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
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