[NFBWV-Talk] NFBWV Members at Large Meeting Announcement, January 11, 2024

[Ed McDonald]

The Members at Large Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of West Virginia will hold its next regular monthly meeting via Zoom on Thursday, January 11, 2024, at 7:00 PM. Zoom meeting information is below.

In an effort to help make sure it reaches all chapter members and interested attendees, I am posting this message to both the NFBWV discussion list and the group mailing list of chapter members, so some may actually receive it twice. As you know, we have had recent problems with meeting notices not reaching all of their intended recipients.

Minutes from the December 14 chapter meeting are attached and included below.

The meeting takes place just a week after World Braille Day on January 4, so if you have thoughts, stories or other experiences with learning Braille, using Braille, or other encounters with raised dots, be prepared to share them. The meeting agenda will also include usual chapter business--family matters, minutes, finances, etc.--along with updates on Washington Seminar and other affiliate projects.

Meanwhile, if you are a member who pays chapter dues on an annual basis and you have not yet paid dues for 2024, January is the most appropriate time to do so. Chapter membership dues are $5 per person per year and should be sent to treasurer Ricky Richmond, whose mailing address can be found in the affiliate directory.

Plan to join us for what promises to be another engaging meeting on January 11.

Best wishes to all for the new year.

Ed McDonald, Chapter President


Ed McDonald is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Members at Large, NFBWV
Time: Thursday, January 11, 7:00 PM. This is a recurring meeting 

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MINUTES
NFBWV MEMBERS AT LARGE
December 14, 2023

The Members at Large Chapter of the NFBWV met via Zoom on Thursday, December 14, 2023.  President Ed McDonald called the meeting to order at approximately 7:00 PM.  Members present are as follows: David Allen, Skylor Campbell, Tim Hill, Robbie Johnson, Chad Keeney, Sheri Koch, Kerri Kosten, Ed McDonald, Karen McDonald, Michelle McKeller, Ricky Richmond, Ahmad Shafi, Robin Smith, Marcus Soulsby and Sierra Withers.  Joanne Hunt joined the meeting as a guest.

President McDonald asked Joanne Hunt to introduce herself and to give us some background information.  She is 75 years old and is a resident of Morgantown.

Former Vendor Tim Hill, who lives in the greater Kanawha Valley area, was voted into the chapter as a new member.

FAMILY MATTERS

President McDonald recognized Marcus Soulsby's birthday which was December 12.
Sheri Koch reported that Charlene Smyth is recovering well from her broken femur.  Smyth celebrated the holidays with her sister in Wyoming.
Robin Smith asked the chapter to remember her mother Linda and her partner Bobby, who is suffering from a broken shoulder.
Ahmad Shafi's grandmother's house burned down shortly before Thanksgiving because of a hot water tank issue.  Ahmad also lost his uncle and godfather recently and he asked for prayers that he can find a new home for his grandfather in a less rural location.  The chapter expressed support and love to Ahmad during this time of hardship.

BUSINESS

For various reasons, President McDonald asked Secretary Karen McDonald to read the minutes from the November meeting.  The minutes were adopted as read.
President McDonald asked for thoughts about whether or not to read the minutes during the meetings.  After discussion, a motion was passed that the minutes be read regularly during the meetings.

Treasurer Ricky Richmond reported a balance of $929.03.  He reminded everyone that he needs to collect dues after the holidays.  The president and the treasurer will be in contact with each other in January to review the membership status.

PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS

McDonald said that, as a result of the discussion during the November meeting, he thinks there really is some enthusiasm for open discussions of topics concerning blindness issues.  He hopes over the next few months to schedule some focused discussions during various meetings.  He said this opens an opportunity for other members in addition to the president to present a topic and lead the conversations.  Given McDonald's intention to "step down" as president after this term, McDonald said this is an opportunity for other members to get some experience in chairing a meeting and what better for that than to lead a discussion on a topic related to a particular issue of blindness.  He suggested a committee to plan some discussions and meeting topics.  He said we need to balance chapter business with information sharing and discussions.  Koch suggested that if someone had a specific need, it could be provided by email or a phone call to the president or any member of the committee so that the issue could be addressed in a meeting discussion.  President McDonald said we could build a conversation around these suggestions and he encouraged members to call him.  He said these meetings need to be partly about sharing ideas and opportunities and that it is a delicate balance between those who have been doing the business of the organization and at the same time providing a network and a support system for those who are looking for ideas and help in coping with the challenges of blindness.  He said the goal is to strike that balance.
President McDonald reported that Maralyn Campbell asked if we were interested in doing another fund-raising project with a quilt raffle.  Having lost her husband recently, she is looking for something to occupy her time.  He suggested we consider during a future meeting whether we want to do this.  He pointed out that this has been a lucrative project for us in the past.  
During the recently held board meeting, it was decided that the 2024 convention will be held in Morgantown with further details underway.  The board discussed the implementation of our publicity and outreach plan aimed at building membership and laying the groundwork for our proposed blindness-related round tables.  The publicity, outreach and promotion (pop) program includes a brochure, phone line and various kinds of social and broadcast media.  Skylor Campbell has agreed to serve as the affiliate secretary completing the unexpired term of secretary John Jackson who has indicated that he wishes to leave that position following his completion of the minutes from the most recent board meeting.
Sheri Koch said she, Ahmad Shafi, and Skylor Campbell will represent the West Virginia affiliate at the 2024 Washington Seminar.  The three topics include: Websites and Software Applications Accessibility, Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility and Blind Americans Return To Work.

A discussion followed about members not receiving chapter meeting notices.  It was suggested that a chapter email listserv be created and Ed said he would follow up with list coordinator David Andrews.  President McDonald said he would work on this issue and Karen McDonald will help with texting members.
Marcus Soulsby currently has administrative control of the affiliate listserv and he is looking for someone to take over those duties.  President McDonald urged those not on that discussion list to let one of us know.

HOLIDAY REFLECTIONS

Members shared their holiday stories with the group.  Memories of holiday baking, Christmas concerts, banquets and parties at the School for the Blind in Romney were among the recollections shared.  President McDonald talked about the historic Claysville Christmas services held each year.  The Christmas story, a Claysville Church history presented by Ed McDonald and carol singing accompanied on the piano by Karen McDonald were part of this year's tradition.  Christmas music on Mountain Streams Radio is part of the McDonald household tradition through the month of December every year.  Sierra Withers shared memories of Christmas Day with her family.

President McDonald asked Joanne Hunt to say a few words.  She said the meeting was interesting and that she would like to hear more.

CLOSING REMARKS

The next chapter meeting will take place on Thursday, January 11, at 7 PM.

After holiday greetings were expressed by all, the meeting adjourned at approximately 8:27 PM.

Respectfully submitted
Karen McDonald, Secretary
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