SECRETARY’S REPORT

NFB of Texas,br />
San Antonio Chapter

November 21, 2009

President Jose Martinez called the meeting to order at 1:16 P.M. Everyone introduced him or herself and told an interesting fact. Thirteen people were present. Elsa Garza, Christina Torres, Marvin Vasquez, and Raul Serre were guests.

President Martinez explained about the history and activities of the local Chapter. All of the Louis Braille coin" the Chapter was allotted were sold.

Pete Donahue explained about the Chapter Discussion Group. One can subscribe from the NFB Net Web Site or by sending a blank e-mail to nfbsatx-request@nfbnet.org, and type “Subscribe” in the subject field. A link to the Chapter discussion Group can be accessed from the Web site, http://www.nfbsatx.org/members/discussion_group.shtml as well..

Dues for the Chapter are $5.00 for the benefit of new members.

The Chapter listened to Presidential Release 378, (16 MB). The release included an announcement about the NFB scholarship application, President Maurer’s receipt of the John Cavanaugh Award from Notre Dame University, a toss of the Louis Braille Coin at the football game between Notre Dame and Navy, speeches to Blind Citizens Australia and Queensland University, Australia, the growth of Newsline in Arkansas, the Thanksgiving national board of directors meeting, and his usual conclusion of jokes.

President Martinez explained about Newsline for the benefit of the four guests.

Discussion followed about the game night after the September meeting, the booth at the Tejano Fest in October where the Chapter sold Louis Braille coins and passed out information, and the state convention last month at the Crown Plaza Riverwalk, which Vice President Garcia summarized. Vice President Garcia elaborated for the guests that Friday deals with committee and division meetings, Saturday is the main general session and a report from the national representative, Saturday evening is the banquet and dance, and Sunday is the general business session. The convention adjourned on Sunday morning at 10:30 A.M. Guests were encouraged to attend state and national conventions whenever possible.

President Martinez explained that this meeting was the last meeting of the year. Discussion followed about an upcoming Christmas get-together on a Saturday in December. The membership agreed to have the Christmas dinner on December 12. MK. Davis, Piatti’s Italian Restaurant, and a dinner barge and/or Boudreaux’s in case the dinner barge does not work out were three suggestions. Pete Donahue has offered to research the cost of agroup dinner barge. The dinner barge/Boudreaux’s, Piatti’s, M.K. Davis, and the Waterstreet Oyster Bar, Lincoln Heights were possible suggestions. M.K. Davis was the top vote.

There will be more fundraising in the future.

Bryan Baldwin reported about the status of the treasury. The beginning balance was $921.12. When $840 from the coin sales is paid back, the balance will be $128.12. The Jamba Juice fund-raiser will be announced in December.

Cindy Garcia pointed out that questions can be posted on the listserv.

Pete Donahue pointed out that there is a possibility of streaming the NFB of Texas 2010 convention over the Internet, and possible Chapter streaming. In addition, the meeting minutes will be available on the Chapter Web site every month. Mary Donahue has been faithful sending minutes to the Chapter listserv each month.

The meeting adjourned at 2:33 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Donahue, Interim Secretary

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