<div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_default" style="font-size:large"><p class="gmail-msoplaintext" style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Greater Akron Chapter</span><span style="font-size:14pt"><span></span></span></p>

<p class="gmail-msoplaintext" style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">National Federation
of the Blind of Ohio</span><span style="font-size:14pt"><span></span></span></p>

<p class="gmail-msoplaintext" style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Meeting Minutes for Sept
19, 2020 </span><span style="font-size:14pt"><span></span></span></p>

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<p class="gmail-msoplaintext" style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Dave Bertsch called the
meeting to order at 11 a.m. on our Chapter Conference Line. </span><span style="font-size:14pt"><span></span></span></p>

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<p class="gmail-msoplaintext" style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Stephanie took roll call,
with 17 members and 2 guests present. Guests included Affiliate President
Richard Payne, and Thomas Solich, of Solich Piano, our guest speaker. Thank you
for joining us!<span></span></span></p>

<p class="gmail-msoplaintext" style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"> </span><span style="font-size:14pt"><span></span></span></p>

<p class="gmail-msoplaintext" style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">We read together the
1-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<span></span></span></p>

<p class="gmail-msoplaintext" style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Guest Speaker :
Thomas Solich, of Solich Piano spoke about his life journey thru blindness, and
how he has overcome obstacles.  He challenged
the group to use your vision as a platform, which is self made to do what you
want to do. </span><span style="font-size:14pt"><span></span></span></p>

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<p class="gmail-msoplaintext" style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">President’s Remarks</span><span style="font-size:14pt"><span></span></span></p>

<p class="gmail-msoplaintext" style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Dave announced the September
Birthdays—Kiana, Juanita, Margaret, Alex. </span><span style="font-size:14pt"><span></span></span></p>

<p class="gmail-msoplaintext" style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">In November we will
be holding our chapter elections for President, and Vice President.  Those interested should contact the
Nominating Committee, prior to the November meeting. </span><span style="font-size:14pt"><span></span></span></p>

<p class="gmail-msoplaintext" style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">The Akron Library will
be setting up PC’s for People program soon. 
They also have completed more work on the Accessible Zone, an area in
the library devoted to accessible hardware and software. The braille books we
donated should likewise be on the shelves soon. 
The Library will not be able to hold any group meetings for the rest of
the year. </span><span style="font-size:14pt"><span></span></span></p>

<p class="gmail-msoplaintext" style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"> <span></span></span></p>

<p class="gmail-msoplaintext" style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Reports</span><span style="font-size:14pt"><span></span></span></p>

<p class="gmail-msoplaintext" style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Secretary Report:
Minutes from Aug 15, 2020 were voted on and approved unanimously. </span><span style="font-size:14pt"><span></span></span></p>

<p class="gmail-msoplaintext" style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><span> </span></span></p>

<p class="gmail-msoplaintext" style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Treasurer Report:
There were no transactions since the previous meeting, so our treasury balance
remains as $348.23. Pat reminded everyone Member Chapter Dues $10.00 are due by
Oct 1, 2020. The chapter must pay its dues to the state before the state
convention. Also, we/the board has already extended the due date three months, to
address the Covid situation. <span></span></span></p>

<p class="gmail-msoplaintext" style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt"><span style="font-size:14pt"><span> </span></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Committee
Reports</span><span style="font-size:14pt"><span></span></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><span> </span></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Publicity
and Social Media Committee: Dave mentioned no new updates for Facebook.</span><span style="font-size:14pt"><span></span></span></p>

<p class="gmail-msoplaintext" style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><span> </span></span></p>

<p class="gmail-msoplaintext" style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Fundraising
Committee: We will be having the Beef o’ Brady’s event Oct. 8.  Also, the chapter is now registered for Acme
cash back program by saving receipts Dave sent fliers to every member in the
mail. We will submit all receipts in late December, and get paid! </span><span style="font-size:14pt"><span></span></span></p>

<p class="gmail-msoplaintext" style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><span> </span></span></p>

<p class="gmail-msoplaintext" style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Newsline Committee:
Pat shared updates on Newsline and said they are making things available from
the convention.  She also offered to help
those who would like to sign up.<span></span></span></p>

<p class="gmail-msoplaintext" style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><span> </span></span></p>

<p class="gmail-msoplaintext" style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Outreach Committee:
Andra spoke on the Legislation for the Fair Labor Act that has been recognized by
the congressmen, and the important work that the NFB supports.</span><span style="font-size:14pt"><span></span></span></p>

<p class="gmail-msoplaintext" style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><span> </span></span></p>

<p class="gmail-msoplaintext" style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Conventions
Committee: Pat talked about the upcoming NFB Ohio State Convention, to be held
virtually November 6-8. Pat has offered registration help to any who need it. Sharon
made a motion to donate 4 $25 gift cards for door prizes to the NFB State
Convention.  Andra 2^nd, and
the motion passed.  </span><span style="font-size:14pt"><span></span></span></p>

<p class="gmail-msoplaintext" style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><span> </span></span></p>

<p class="gmail-msoplaintext" style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Events Committee: October
8 is our fundraiser at Beef O ’Brady’s in Stow, same place as last year. Fliers
will soon be available and carry-out orders will be included for the
fundraiser.  We do have a room reserved
at On Tap, Cuyahoga Falls if we are able to hold a holiday gathering in
December. </span><span style="font-size:14pt"><span></span></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><span> </span></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Membership
Committee: Kiana gave an update regarding efforts to coordinate new members
thru Akron Metro, and Hud Housing.<span></span></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Andra
joined the Toastmasters group meeting that was held recently in Cleveland.  She expressed the importance of speaking with
emotion to make an impact when speaking to others. </span><span style="font-size:14pt"><span></span></span></p>

<p class="gmail-msoplaintext" style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><span> </span></span></p>

<p class="gmail-msoplaintext" style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Other Business </span><span style="font-size:14pt"><span></span></span></p>

<p class="gmail-msoplaintext" style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Richard Payne
reminded everyone of the upcoming Board meeting on Monday, 9/28 at 6:30
pm.  Also they will be hosting a Rookie
Round-up for the State Convention on Nov 4.  Also, the Thurs before the convention will be
hosting a Happy Hour via Zoom.  More
details to follow. </span><span style="font-size:14pt"><span></span></span></p>

<p class="gmail-msoplaintext" style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Important Dates were
shared, including:</span><span style="font-size:14pt"><span></span></span></p>

<p class="gmail-msoplaintext" style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">October 17 Meeting
via conference call </span><span style="font-size:14pt"><span></span></span></p>

<p class="gmail-msoplaintext" style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">November 6-8 State
Convention via Zoom</span><span style="font-size:14pt"><span></span></span></p>

<p class="gmail-msoplaintext" style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">November 21 Meeting
via conference call<span></span></span></p>

<p class="gmail-msoplaintext" style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><span> </span></span></p>

<p class="gmail-msoplaintext" style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">The meeting was
adjourned at 12:10, motioned by Pat and seconded by Paige.<span></span></span></p>

<p class="gmail-msoplaintext" style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><span> </span></span></p></div><div><br></div>-- <br><div dir="ltr" class="gmail_signature"><div dir="ltr"><div><font size="4">Dave Bertsch</font></div><div><font size="4">330-472-4084</font></div></div></div></div></div>