SECRETARY’S REPORT

San Antonio Chapter

NFB of Texas

August 21, 2010

President Jose Martinez called the meeting to order at 1:04 P.M. Everyone introduced himself or herself. Arnold Garza, Patricia Ruiz, Dominic Helm, Obdulia Vazquez, David Martinez, Cindy Carrillo-Martinez, and Sam Tellez were guests. Seventeen people were in attendance altogether.

President Martinez explained about the nature of the Federation and about the Chapter.

First, the Chapter listened to Presidential Release #386 which described the problems with the Pepsi Refresh Web site, the segment on CBS about Braille literacy, the appearance on Rush Limbaugh’s talk show, and the South Carolina convention on August 13-15. In addition,President Maurer discussed activities at the Junior Science Academy and the representation of the Federation at National Instruments Week in Austin, Texas August 3-5.

Discussion followed about the Kindle Electronic Book Reader and about Rush Limbaugh’s “Blind Justice” segment in general.

President Martinez explained about the national convention held in Dallas, Texas during the week of July 3-8. Two thousand, four hundred forty-two people were registered at the convention. Ten representatives from the Chapter attended. The main theme was the Blind Driver Challenge and the opportunity for blind people to drive a car. Cars for the blind may be available within five years, but society will not see such a car for at least ten to fifteen years. The car prototype will participate in the Rolex 500 in Daytona Beach, Florida in January.

The BELL (Braille Education Through Literacy and Learning) Program) took place in Houston from July 12-23.

Several Chapter members gave presentations during convention breakout sessions.

President Martinez stated that the state convention will take place in Abilene, Texas during the weekend of October 22-24, 2010, at the Hilton Garden Inn in Abilene. Room rates will be $75 per night for all occupancies. Discussion followed about renting a van to travel to Abilene. For a seven-passenger minivan, the cost would be $85 a person and approximately $35 each for a 15-passenger van. Cindy Carrillo-Martinez suggested a chartered bus, which costs about $200. Flying costs approximately $300. Mary Donahue moved, and Pete Donahue seconded traveling by van to the state convention. Twelve people expressed interest in traveling to the state convention. The motion passed.

October is Meet the Blind month. Discussion followed about teaming wit Fiesta Texas to have a day there for the blind at the park, or to have a booth at Ingram Park Mall. Denise Rodriguez added that there would be a raffle for two baskets. Discussion followed about both events. The majority of the participants voted on the booth at Ingram Park Mall. President Martinez needs volunteers to help out and demonstrate Braille and other hands-on activities. Pete Donahue also pointed out that there should be a video camera or other way to take pictures for the Web site.

Discussion followed about the Chapter T-shirts. For members, the T-shirts cost $10; for non-members, the cost is $15.

The next meeting will be September 18 at the Division of Blind Services. Denise Rodriguez asked members for $3 donations for refreshments at the next meeting.

The meeting adjourned at 2:29 P.M.

,

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Donahue, Secretary

Upon adjournment, Cindy Carrillo-Martinez, Samuel Tellez, Patricia Ruiz, and Obdulia Vazquez paid their five dollars and joined the Chapter as new members.

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