VIBUG MEETING MINUTES

Date of meeting: November 11, 2017

Where: MIT, 77 Mass. Avenue, Building 5, Cambridge, MA

The meeting was called to order at 1:05 p.m. by Vice President Frank Ventura. Following introductions, the following announcements were made.

Frank thanked people for coming out in the cold, reminded all that we have an announcement lisdt for everyone, and a support list for tech support, that is only open to members. If anyone thinks they are not on a list they should be, contact frank. Membership is in the 60's.

In the absence of Bob, there is no treasurer's report.

Tim stated there was nothing new to report about the website.

Jerry said that the Carrol Center Technology Fare is happening on November 21st and asked if anyone was interested in representing VIBUG. Jeanette volunteered to do the afternoon shift from 12:30 to the ending. David Kingsbury said he could do 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Jeanette offered to Braille the document from the website.

Jeff Tompson announced the nominating committee's recommended slate of officers, and elections were held. The 2018 officers are as follows.

President, Jerry Barrier
Vice President, Frank Ventura
Clerk, Jeanette Kutash
Treasurer, Bob Resnick
Webmaster, Tim Cumings

Jerry thanked the nominating committee, and Jeff thanked his committee members.

Jeanette Kutash stated that she will be stepping down in January as Membership Committee Chair once we have secured other members. Jeanette also reported that she and Gretchen have gotten together. Gretchen has written a letter which provides us with two versions of the Logo: one to use on teashirts and other items we wish, and one to use on the website. She has also stated that we cannot change the logo without her permission or assistance. She also committed to having a verbal description of the logo. She also retains the right to display this logo as a part of her artist's portfolio. Jeffrey Drucker asked the question, could we modify the agreement in the event of her death. Jeanette stated she would check with her and get back to the members.

Frank suggested that we create a calendar of events where we can reach out to people and promote interest in joining VIBUG.

It was agreed, after discussion, that the holiday party would be held at the Corib Pub on the second Saturday of January from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Tech announcements include:

Twitter has doubled the number of characters that you can have from 140 to 280.
With Firefox, with version 57, it will not work with Jaws. There is a link you will click on, you are downloading and installing a program, and the ESR will be put on over your firefox and solve the problem, thus allowing Jaws and Firefox to work.
November 2017 of access world offers two versions of gift guides and other articles about Braille Displays and other technology items. You can find Access World by going to www.afb.org/accessworld
There was a recent article on the podcast Eyes on Success about Traveleyes, which allows blind people to sign up at a regular rate, and sighted people to sign up at a reduced rate. You have a different guide every day.
Facebook navigate Assistant has been created.
With IOS11, if you press the lock switch five times on your phone 911 will be called; if you have emergency contacts set up, they will be called, as well.
With IOS11 if you have Wifi and a friend in your home, you can share your wifi with your friend without giving out your password.

Steve discussed the new features of Jaws 2018.

David Kingsbury showed us how to create excel pivot tables and how they are best used.

The meeting was adjourned at 4:00 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted, Jeanette Kutash