<div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_default" style="font-size:large"><p class="gmail-MsoPlainText"><b><span style="font-size:15pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">National
Federation of the Blind of Ohio<span></span></span></b></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoPlainText"><b><span style="font-size:15pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Greater
Akron Chapter<span></span></span></b></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoPlainText"><b><span style="font-size:15pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Minutes
from February 20, 2021<span></span></span></b></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoPlainText"><b><span style="font-size:15pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"> </span></b></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoPlainText"><b><span style="font-size:15pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">The
meeting was called to order by Dave at 11:02 and held on our Conference Line.<span></span></span></b></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoPlainText"><b><span style="font-size:15pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"> </span></b></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoPlainText"><b><span style="font-size:15pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Roll
Call was taken by Jessica Stover. We had 17 members, 3 prospective members, and
2 guest present.<span></span></span></b></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoPlainText"><b><span style="font-size:15pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"> </span></b></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoPlainText"><b><span style="font-size:15pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Dave
shared that our Secretary Stephanie is with her mother today, following
difficult recovery from heart surgery.<span></span></span></b></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoPlainText"><b><span style="font-size:15pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"> </span></b></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoPlainText"><b><span style="font-size:15pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Our
Message: Dave led the 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></b></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoPlainText"><b><span style="font-size:15pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"> </span></b></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoPlainText"><b><span style="font-size:15pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Guest
Speaker<span></span></span></b></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoPlainText"><b><span style="font-size:15pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Candice
Thomas from OOD spoke on theILOB: Independent living older blind program.
Covers all counties in Ohio serving those with severe vision impairment age 55
and over. They can assist with things that one used to do before or something
you want to learn. They provide equipment and training. This is a short term
program that believes in consumer choice. They assist with low vision,
activities of daily living, O and M, among other areas. Thanks to Candice for a
very informative presentation. <span></span></span></b></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoPlainText"><b><span style="font-size:15pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"> </span></b></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoPlainText"><b><span style="font-size:15pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">President’s
Report: <span></span></span></b></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoPlainText"><b><span style="font-size:15pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"> </span></b></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoPlainText"><b><span style="font-size:15pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Dave
is getting over his non covid illness. <span></span></span></b></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoPlainText"><b><span style="font-size:15pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"> </span></b></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoPlainText"><b><span style="font-size:15pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">February
Birthdays: Charles Bartee and Kathy Pingstock <span></span></span></b></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoPlainText"><b><span style="font-size:15pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"> </span></b></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoPlainText"><b><span style="font-size:15pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Dave
will soon create a donations committee so we can use some of our money we have
raised to do some good. If you are interested call Dave or email. <span></span></span></b></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoPlainText"><b><span style="font-size:15pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"> </span></b></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoPlainText"><b><span style="font-size:15pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Dave
also shared he was contacted by the Governor’s office and he has been officially
appointed to the Ohio Statewide independent Living Council. Congrats to Dave! <span></span></span></b></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoPlainText"><b><span style="font-size:15pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"> </span></b></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoPlainText"><b><span style="font-size:15pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Vice
President’s Report: <span></span></span></b></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoPlainText"><b><span style="font-size:15pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"> </span></b></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoPlainText"><b><span style="font-size:15pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Jessica
was on the calls for Washington Seminar telling her story on important issues. <span></span></span></b></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoPlainText"><b><span style="font-size:15pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"> </span></b></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoPlainText"><b><span style="font-size:15pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">We
also got an update on our member in Louisiana: Andra experienced some weather
down there. She thanks Richard Payne for telling her about it and thanks OOD
for this opportunity. She is learning so much!<span></span></span></b></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoPlainText"><b><span style="font-size:15pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"> </span></b></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoPlainText"><b><span style="font-size:15pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Reports<span></span></span></b></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoPlainText"><b><span style="font-size:15pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"> </span></b></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoPlainText"><b><span style="font-size:15pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Secretary<span></span></span></b></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoPlainText"><b><span style="font-size:15pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"> </span></b></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoPlainText"><b><span style="font-size:15pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">January
minutes: Pat made a comment about the phone number for Tri County, if it needs
corrected and it does, their phone number is 762-0007. Pat mentioned about News
Line updated to KNFB reader to Newsline. Those things will be amended. Todd
Jaffery motion to approve the minutes As Amended, and Andra 2<sup>nd</sup>. The
motion which passed unanimously.<span></span></span></b></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoPlainText"><b><span style="font-size:15pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"> </span></b></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoPlainText"><b><span style="font-size:15pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Treasurer
<span></span></span></b></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoPlainText"><b><span style="font-size:15pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"> </span></b></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoPlainText"><b><span style="font-size:15pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Current
balance is $680.23<span></span></span></b></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoPlainText"><b><span style="font-size:15pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Previous
balance was 685.23<span></span></span></b></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoPlainText"><b><span style="font-size:15pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Expenses
this month $5 for PAC<span></span></span></b></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoPlainText"><b><span style="font-size:15pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"> </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal"><b><span style="font-size:15pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Committee Reports<span></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal"><b><span style="font-size:15pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"> </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal"><b><span style="font-size:15pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Technology – Kathy:
purpose of committee is a peer mentoring group to see what might be discussed
to look into deeper. More of an open discussion and we can bring in experts to
provide info on resources that are out there. Kathy has Paige, Alex, and Colleen
on the committee. Email Kathy for ideas. She asked us what kind of apps we like
to use. Pat likes KNFB version, Be My Eyes that connects you to sighted
volunteer. Jessica likes Voice Dream Reader, Voice Dream Writer, and Voice
Dream Scanner. Andra likes Seeing Ai. Info on these three will be sent to
everyone separately.<span></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal"><b><span style="font-size:15pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"> </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal"><b><span style="font-size:15pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Publicity and Social
Media – Dave: nothing to report. Over 250 followers on Facebook<span></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal"><b><span style="font-size:15pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"> </span></b></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoPlainText"><b><span style="font-size:15pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Newsline
– Pat: NFB Newsline has covid updates and weather alerts. <span></span></span></b></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoPlainText"><b><span style="font-size:15pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"> </span></b></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoPlainText"><b><span style="font-size:15pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Veterans
– Ken: nothing to report<span></span></span></b></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoPlainText"><b><span style="font-size:15pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"> </span></b></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoPlainText"><b><span style="font-size:15pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Fundraising
- Dave<span></span></span></b></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoPlainText"><b><span style="font-size:15pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Acme
receipts were submitted for a total over $2300 which should net us $115. Pampered
Chef generated $1,571 and we will get 15 percent of that with an additional $3
for booking. Should be around $234.00. Pat thanked everybody that ordered. <span></span></span></b></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoPlainText"><b><span style="font-size:15pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"> </span></b></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoPlainText"><b><span style="font-size:15pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Conventions
- Pat and Andra <span></span></span></b></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoPlainText"><b><span style="font-size:15pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Richard
reminded everyone the national convention has been declared virtual again for
2021, but the state convention remains planned for November in Columbus.<span></span></span></b></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoPlainText"><b><span style="font-size:15pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"> </span></b></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoPlainText"><b><span style="font-size:15pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Events
– Jessica: nothing to report. <span></span></span></b></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoPlainText"><b><span style="font-size:15pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"> </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal"><b><span style="font-size:15pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Membership – Jimmy<span></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal"><b><span style="font-size:15pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">We had three new
members voted in, Kelsey Nicolay, Todd Bauer, Barbara Mabry. Each member shared
a little bit about themselves. Welcome to Greater Akron Chapter! <span></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal"><b><span style="font-size:15pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"> </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal"><b><span style="font-size:15pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">(all three also recited
the NFB Pledge)<span></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal"><b><span style="font-size:15pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">I pledge to participate
actively in the effort of the National Federation of the Blind to achieve
equality, opportunity, and security for the blind; to support the policies and
programs of the Federation; and to abide by its Constitution. <span></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal"><b><span style="font-size:15pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Motion to approve three
Jim 2<sup>nd</sup> by Sharen. <span></span></span></b></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoPlainText"><b><span style="font-size:15pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"> </span></b></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoPlainText"><b><span style="font-size:15pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Community
Outreach – no report<span></span></span></b></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoPlainText"><b><span style="font-size:15pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"> </span></b></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoPlainText"><b><span style="font-size:15pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Other
Business: Richard Payne made an announcement about March 23<sup>rd</sup> at
4:30pm (Eastern time) on NFB Zoom platform there will be updates and info with
the director from OOD which is important that we as consumers be on these calls
and they will follow up on things. Discounted room rate is $85!<span></span></span></b></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoPlainText"><b><span style="font-size:15pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"> </span></b></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoPlainText"><b><span style="font-size:15pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Andra
mentioned about the Midwest seminar hosted by Nabs March 20<sup>th</sup>. <span></span></span></b></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoPlainText"><b><span style="font-size:15pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"> </span></b></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoPlainText"><b><span style="font-size:15pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Adjourn
at 12:15pm Pat motioned and 2<sup>nd</sup> by Paige and voted unanimously. <span></span></span></b></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoPlainText"><b><span style="font-size:15pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"> </span></b></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>