[Akron-Talk] minutes from June meeting

[Dave Bertsch]

National Federation of the Blind of Ohio
Greater Akron Chapter

June 15, 2019 meeting was held at the Akron Library, 11 am
Dave Bertsch called the meeting to order and roll call was taken by Stephanie Bertsch.  A total of 13 members attended.

Dave read the One Minute Message. The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back.

June Birthdays were celebrated: Andra and Jessica.

President's remarks:
Dave announced the Cleveland Townhall with OOD on August 23. Also, this month's teleconference call "Sharing Solutions for Vision Loss" will focus on relationships and attitudes toward blindness.

The June Presidential Release and Braille Monitor has been released with lots of good articles and information for all members.

The Miami Valley Chapter sent a nice Thank You note for the $50 donation for the tornado victims in their area.

A new Greater Akron Chapter Board Member was announced, Pat McPherson will be the new treasurer and fill the vacancy and term which runs thru December 2019.

Reports

Secretary Report: The May 2019 Chapter Minutes were distributed this week for review. The Minutes were approved unanimously, with motion by Colleen and second by Margret.

Treasurer Report: The balance after the last meeting was $124.98.  We sent $50. To the NFB members in Dayton for tornado relief.  There was $18.00 collected in April meeting from the Sunshine 50/50 which was deposited.  This leaves a balance of $92.98.  Annual dues of $5.00 will be due by July 1.
Committee Reports:

Dave announced that each committee chair schedule a committee meeting the next couple of weeks, to gain involvement and info before our next monthly meeting.

Publicity and Social Media: Dave discussed the use of Facebook, and additional postings in the local newspapers, to announce meetings and events.

Newsline Committee: Pat encouraged members to use the smart phone training classes with Dr Reed at UDS.  She also talked about the training classes to be expanded to other devices.

Outreach Committee: Andra discussed options of participating in different community events.  We could have a table to help get our mission out to the public.  We will focus more heavily after National Convention.

Fundraising Committee: Kiana discussed the information she gathered regarding the wrist bands for our chapter.  We can use to sell or ask for donations and use as a fund raiser at events. She will have more details at next meeting. Also, she is looking into the possibility of the group selling popcorn/candy and getting hats/T-shirts for the group.  We also are looking to using Bob Evans or Beef o Brady's for additional fundraiser.

State Convention Committee: Pat and Andra mentioned the bus Suzanne is having chartered for the trip leaving Nov 1.  A down payment would be required.  We also discussed having the possibility of having a table with wristbands at the convention.

Events Committee: Friday, July 19 will be our Picnic at the Tallmadge Meadows Metro Park.  We will have a picnic and monthly meeting. Everyone is to bring a dish to share or a $5.00 donation in lieu of a dish. Dave and Stephanie will bring sandwiches for all as well as table service, ice and water. Other social activities were discussed and possible hands on activities the group can enjoy for the future.  The MAPS Air Museum, Ice Cream Social, and Trolley ride with Akron Parks were all possible options.

Membership Committee: Stephanie passed out the new Membership Coins to members that did not yet receive.  The NFB Pledge was read by all.  The annual dues of $5.00 were collected by Stephane during the meeting. 14 members have paid.

Other Business:  we had a discussion regarding utilizing different meeting rooms or places other than the library each month.  Everyone can offer suggestions for places for us to meet. Colleen is also working on a database that will list places and restaurants that we can use Scat or ADA, the menu, and other useful info.

Next meeting and Picnic will be July 19 -at 11 am, at Tallmadge Meadow Metro Park, in Munroe Falls.

Important dates:
July 7-12 is the National Convention
August 17 Meeting at the Library, room 1
Sept 21 Meeting at TBD
Oct 19 Meeting at the Library, room 1
November 1-3 State Convention in Columbus

Meeting was Adjourned at 12:40 pm.

Minutes submitted by Stephanie Bertsch


-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://nfbnet.org/pipermail/akron-talk_nfbnet.org/attachments/20190812/051cd4f9/attachment.html>