SECRETARY’S REPORT

San Antonio Chapter
NFB of Texas

January 16, 2010

President Jose Martinez called the meeting to order at 1:11 P.M. after a brief session of members paying dues. Everyone introduced themselves and told something informative. Alex and Ra`ul Saray, Elsa Garza, Jim Sofka, and Andrea Mireles joined as new members.

First, the Chapter listened to Presidential Release Number 2010, (27 MB.) The release summarized about the eighteen-month campaign for the road-ready car for the blind and the unveiling of the car prototype at this summer’s convention, about the Onkyo Braille Literacy Contest on behalf of the North America/Caribbean region of the World Blind Union, about the settlement of the Arizona State University law suit against the Arizona State University Board of Regents regarding the Kindle DX about the NFB Writers Division’s youth and adult writing contest beginning January 1, 2010 and ending April 1, 2010, about the Kenneth Jernigan scholarships for those attendees who may not be able to otherwise attend a national convention, and about the Washington Seminar from February 1-4, 2010, which begins with the great gathering-in meeting at 5:00 P.M. on February 1. Please see issues and fact sheets for the Washington Seminar on the Chapter Web site, http://www.nfbsatx.org for more information on the Washington Seminar.

Finally, Executive Director Mark Riccobono sent an announcement about a science writing contest entitled STEM-ulating Growth in New Fields. There was also a student leadership seminar from January 8-10, 2010. Finally, Dr. Maurer read the usual submission of jokes.

Cindy Garcia will be representing the San Antonio Chapter at the Washington Seminar. The issues are the same ones presented at last year’s seminar.

The Low Vision Expo will take place in March with the Chapter representing the expo with a booth.

Braille literacy will still be a big topic for an event. Discussion followed about possible Braille literacy events. Suggestions included pairing beginning or intermediate readers with advanced Braille mentors, as well as forming a Braille class either on a Saturday or on a weekday evening. Pete Donahue suggested and made a motion that the Chapter invite Mike Gilliam, lighthouse director, to make a presentation at a future meeting. The motion passed.

Discussion followed about fund-raising. Sarah Litzler suggested coordinating a fund-raiser with Red Robin. Pete Donahue suggested an on-line fund-raiser with Schwan’s Foods. There will be more details about fund-raising with Red Robin in the upcoming months.

The last item on the meeting agenda was the election of officers and one board member. Vice President Garcia explained the election procedures. The following officers and board member were elected for 2010:

Each elected board member gave a short speech.

Pete Donahue reminded members to submit biographical information to the Web site. Biographies should also include a picture. He also encouraged members to subscribe to the Chapter discussion list. He suggested that members to include nonvisual techniques used to do daily tasks.

Jim Sofka reported about an information forum he attended at Via Metropolitan Transit Authority about concerns of patrons who use Via Trans Paratransit Services. He offered to report periodically about Via Trans.

The meeting adjourned at 2:24 P.M.

Respectfully submitted

Mary Donahue, Secretary

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