Digit-Eyes: The Chicago Blind Computer User network
December Minutes 12-10-97.
Present at this meeting: Edwin Rodriguez, Shawn DeLoach (both
"new"), Jim Forenberg, PENNIE Lilly, Joan Matenko, Cindy Brown,
Dan Neweld, Steve Zalinski, Carlos Hranicka, Tom Jones, Peggy
Butow and Larry Bickham.
First order of business was Jim Forenberg asked Cindy
whether or not her computer worked with the newsletter; she
answered that because it didn't, it would be necessary to move
back the date for assembling the newsletter and distributing it.
Also, Jim said that he would reaffirm and coordinate with Dave
Porter about the list of those responsible for the various tasks
in the newsletter production. Cindy noted Angelina didn't do the
labels last time and that when she does them, complaints are very
few. Pennie Lilly also pointed out that in January, we will have
to restart with the new subscriptions, again which brought a
"very true" from everyone. Jim brought up the fact that, in
observing that only 3 new people came to the senior team meeting,
and then checking with the various senior support groups, meeting
over the next few days, he discovered that very few were checking
the events hotline; few people seemed to know about it. He was
considering doing a special mailing in braille and print letting
people know it exists; perhaps a specific mailing just about
Digiteyes. He claimed he wanted to try again to reinform those
seniors about the network in a way that would spark their
interest enough so they would actually attend functions. Steve
wondered if BSA had a generic newsletter but Jim said that it was
not timely enough for that purpose. Steve then suggested getting
a script together and putting it on the VICUG list. This would
help those from out of town be aware, of current happenings even
though local residents would receive limited benefit. Jim
maintained that perhaps the seniors would need more specific
encouragement and education about their options. He offered the
possibility of a low vision demo which, with a big promotion,
might help serve as a venue for helping them be more aware of
what's out there. Peggy reaffirmed the importance of the hotline
needing to be kept current. Jim and Dave porter's main concern is
that in the coming year, we get more and more people involved in
the network.
Pennie Lilly questioned the situation with the membership
committee and Cindy Brown said she talked to Sandra Sanders about
whether or not she was still willing to chair the committee;
Sandra said that she would like someone else to chair the
committee but she would still like to help. Sandra had some
database suggestions involving herself and her computer which she
gave to the group and were well received. Jim pointed out that
membership participation evaluation could not be done solely on
event or meeting
attendance, but had to factor in network goal achievement such as
internet capabilities of networkers, etc.
Pennie also asked a question about the computers for dummies
class being topical to facilitate publicizing a particular task
or skill. The group seemed to agree that it might be a good idea
or, at least, something to consider.
Cindy pointed out that the All-write committee December
meeting was apparently omitted from the network hotline, causing
at least one absence.
Dan Neweldt announced that this would be his last meeting as
facilitator and requested nominations for that position. Cindy
nominated Larry Bickham and Pennie Lilly seconded the nomination.
After Larry responded that he was interested, the nomination was
closed and Larry is our new facilitator.
Again, returning to membership, Tom Jones indicated that he
would like to rededicate himself to the membership committee. He
also talked about providing tapes for the seminars but others in
the group felt that he should at least be reimbursed for the
tapes used.
The computers for dummies class will not be held this month
but will return to the fourth Thursday of the month starting in
January. ...
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