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<div>National Federation of the Blind of Ohio </div>
<div>Greater Akron Chapter</div>
<div><span style="font-variant:small-caps;">April 20, 2019 meeting was held at the Akron Library, 11 am </span></div>
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<div>Dave Bertsch called the meeting to order and roll call was taken by Stephanie Bertsch. A total of 10 members attended, and 1 guest was present. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Dave read the One Minute Message for the NFB as well and the NFB Pledge. </div>
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<div>Dave discussed the ATAA passage. Andra reported on the remarks from Washington and the Columbus trips, call to action involving State Representatives to call for a vote at the State House. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Dave mentioned the April Presidential Release and April Braille Monitor was available on NFB.org and encouraged everyone to read to be better informed. Also, registration is now open for the NFB National Convention, Scholarships are still available to
apply. <a name="_Hlk8375636"></a></div>
<div> </div>
<div>Reports</div>
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<div>Secretary Report</div>
<div>the March 2019 Chapter Minutes were distributed this week for review. Only members who reviewed the minutes should vote to approve. The Minutes were approved by Andra, and 2<font size="2"><span style="font-size:10.65pt;"><sup>nd</sup></span></font> by
Jim, all approved. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Treasurer Report</div>
<div>Dave reported $49.98 at the start of the month. There were $15 taken in dues, $60 for the Piggest Raffle, which totaled $124.98 in the bank. Dave thanked Sheri Albers for her support and involvement in this easy fundraiser.</div>
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<div>Committee Reports</div>
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<div>Publicity and Social Media Committee</div>
<div>Dave talked about the Facebook Page gaining likes. We will use to give announcements and other ways we can publicize our group activities. He also mentioned Richard will be holding a meeting to establish a new chapter in Youngstown on May 18.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Newsline Committee</div>
<div>Pat shared her experience in Columbus, including participation in the State Board meeting. Richard challenged the group to help support funding throughout the year and encouraged others to return the investment from the scholarship’s funds. Pat also talked
about the leadership training that was involved. Including the useful info regarding NFB communications, announcements and media. Pat felt the NFB was very well received when visiting and talking to the Ohio Legislation. Jim Sheets brought a packet back from
the legislation session to share with the group. Dave will post on Akron Talk.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Membership Committee</div>
<div>The new membership process was discussed as well as the NFB pledge and philosophy.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Outreach Committee</div>
<div>Andra discussed the Bell Academy Training portion for her training during the weekend event in Columbus. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Fundraising Committee</div>
<div>Anyone who wanted to participate donated monies toward the Sunshine Fund. We had a monthly 50-50 raffle with the proceeds going back to the Chapter. Total collected was $18.00. Kiana also spoke on Bob Evans fundraiser as well as McDonalds, and Melt Gill.
She will be gathering more info for further participation for our group.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Kiana and Juanita donated 2 Easter Baskets for a raffle for the group. Pat McPherson and Jim Sheets were the lucky winners of the raffles. Yumm. </div>
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<div>Jenny Shaffer from Highbrook Lodge, with the Cleveland Sight Center was our guest speaker. She discussed several of the programs and camps they provide for children and adults. She explained how to register and participate and took questions from members.
Jenny can also be contacted at 216-658-4596 for further details. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Next meeting will be May 18 –at 11 am, at the Akron Library - Room 3. </div>
<div>Meeting was Adjourned at 12:45 pm. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Minutes submitted by Stephanie Bertsch, Secretary </div>
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