Date of Meeting: October 9, 2021
TIME: : 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Where, Virtually
The meeting was called to order at 11:05 a.m. by Frank Ventura. Following introductions, the following announcements were made.
Jerry Berrier reminded everyone that we have an election coming up soon and that soon it will be time to pay dues again. He also stated that as of a month prior to this meeting we had 60 members, but Bob Resnick stated we had about 63 members as of this meeting.
Jeanette Kutash stated that the very brief minutes from September have gone out and they should be able to be put on the website.
Our treasurer, Bob Resnick, stated our treasury is in good health. For new members to pay dues for 2022 you should go to our website at vibug.org; there is a button called the PayPal button and you can enter on that and you can pay either via PayPal or by Major credit card. If anyone has any issues with that or needs assistance feel free to contact Bob. There is a link on the website to do so If anyone needs to pay by an alternative method, contact Bob and he will help you make arrangements to do so.
Tim Cumings, Webmaster reported that all is working well and that he would be playing some recordings of demonstrations for this meeting.
Jeanette announced that Our nominating committee consisted of Margaret Gaffney, Jeffrey Drucker and Nina Kagan who will present their recommended slate of officers for next year. If anyone is interested in running for any office, you can be nominated or nominate yourself from the floor. We all agreed that if you nominate someone you should ask them first and all people in nomination must be at the meeting.
Also, if you are not a member you must pay by the end of the October meeting day which is one month prior to the November meeting.
Margaret and her nominating committee recommended the current slate of officers for the year 2022, but stated that Bob Resnick will be treasurer in 2022 if elected, but during this next year he would like to mentor someone who would be interested in taking over that position. A motion was made to accept the report and all present accepted the report.
Kobena Bonney recommended that Bob Resnick speak about the duties of his position to encourage someone to consider the position; he did do this during the meeting.
David Kingsbury announced that the MCB has approved SR funding for five different organizations: The Carroll Center, Mabvi, Lowell Institute for the Blind, New England Low Vision and the Polus Center for short term training.
Cheryl Cumings announced that Our Space Our Place is offering the service (Ask An AT Expert, Mondays 3:00 to 5:00 and Wednesdays 1:00 to 3:00. You register and get the link. This service will be around at least for the next year.
Brian Hartgen talked about his company, Hartgen Consultancy, and the multiple products that he offers. He did demonstrate one of his products, Leasey. He also spoke about J-say, which allows a blind person to completely control the computer with their voice. As he mentioned multiple products and services, you may go to the website and see what is available. He can be contacted at: brian@hartgenconsultancy.com
Antonio Guimarez demonstrated a device called Hable-1, which was developed in the Netherlands. This is a Braille Keyboard which can be used to write on a mobile device. The company is doing a pilot in the US. Those who contact the company with interest in this pilot should contact Lilia at liliya@iamhable.com
Following questions and answers the meeting was adjourned at 1:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Jeanette Kutash, Vibug Clerk