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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Colleagues,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Here are the September 17 Board Meeting Minutes, and please note that I have cut and pasted them in the message below and attached them as well.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>JW<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>--------------<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>National Federation of the Blind of Ohio<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Minutes of the Board of Directors Meeting<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>September 17, 2011<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'> 1. President J.W. Smith called the meeting to order promptly at 10:00 a.m. The meeting was held at the Gethsemane Lutheran Church, 35 East Stanton Avenue, Columbus, Ohio. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'> 2. Sherry Ruth was the only board member absent due to illness. There were four fines for board members not being clad with insignia. Twenty-five people were present in addition to the board. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'> 3. J.W. Smith announced that Mary Pool had informed him that she would not be running for re-election to the board this year. She has served since 1984. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'> 4. Eric Duffy moved that the agenda for this meeting and the minutes from the April 30th meeting be adopted. Richard Payne seconded the motion. The motion passed. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'> 5. Sherry Ruth provided the financial report, which was read by Shelbi Hindel. After some discussion Eric Duffy moved that this report be adopted. Debbie Baker seconded the motion, and it carried. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'> 6.We need to know if Village Discount is still using our logo on their drop boxes. Sylvia Cooley must take their information off our Website. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.5in;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'> 7. Cost Cutting:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:63.0pt;text-indent:-13.5pt;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>a. J.W. Smith stated that this is rubber-meeting-the-road time for us. Expect 2012 to be the most difficult financial year we have experienced in a long time. The life style to which we have become accustomed is at an end. Chapters must help the state. People should not expect much assistance from the state such as for the Washington Seminar. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:63.0pt;text-indent:-13.5pt;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>b. We discussed holding the winter board meeting via teleconference. Barbara Pierce said that we might need to do a couple of calls, not just one long call. Crystal McClain suggested that the treasurer’s report would need to be emailed prior to the call and dealt with in a similar way to the minutes. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:63.0pt;text-indent:-13.5pt;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>c. J.W. Smith said today's meeting was originally supposed to be held in Dayton but it is in Columbus because of cost considerations. He still wants to hold the spring 2012 meeting in Cincinnati. The fall 2012 meeting would be in Columbus. The 2012 state convention will be back in Dayton. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:63.0pt;text-indent:-13.5pt;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>d. Board members should pay for whatever they possibly can. It is our organization, and we will keep it going. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'> 8. State Convention:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:63.0pt;text-indent:-13.5pt;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>a. Karen Warner is doing a great job of getting funds donated for the state convention. She said two $50 door prizes will be given at the banquet. To be eligible for the door prizes, you must purchase a banquet ticket. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:63.0pt;text-indent:-13.5pt;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>b. J.W. Smith circulated convention assistance forms. Completed forms are due by October 21, 2011. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:63.0pt;text-indent:-13.5pt;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>c. Debbie Baker moved that $3,000 be used for convention assistance. Bruce Peters seconded the motion. The motion carried. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'> 9. NFB-NEWSLINE®:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:63.0pt;text-indent:-13.5pt;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>a. Cheryl Fischer submitted a written report. As a volunteer she continues to answer the NEWSLINE phone, sign people up for the service, and provide codes. Her complete report is attached and included with this minutes.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:63.0pt;text-indent:-13.5pt;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>b. We have NEWSLINE for another year due to funding from RSC. J.W. Smith will have quarterly meetings with Dan Connors and Kevin Miller in the coming year. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:63.0pt;text-indent:-13.5pt;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>c. Eric Duffy gave a brief explanation of the NEWSLINE service. In addition to newspapers, magazines, TV listings, and store ads, there is now a job-search feature. This is a major reason that RSC financially supports the NEWSLINE service.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'> 10. The Braille class report was given by Debbie Baker. She also posted a report on the ohio-talk mailing list. Deborah Kendrick, Coleen Roth, and Bernie Dressell will be helping teach when classes get started. Funds from the Imagination grant can help with transportation for the teachers within reason. To be a student, you need to contact a member of this committee, of which Debbie Baker is the chair. She will put together a document which can be used on the Website. The Hadley School for the Blind is an acceptable option for learning Braille if there are no classes in your area. The complete report is attached and included with these minutes.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'> 11. The Imagination Fund report was given by Beth Debus. The new campaign started on August 1st. Those interested must sign up again for this campaign. There are a lot of online tools available to help you. You can find these at http://www. raceforindependance. org. Imagination Fund money raised supports programs at the Jernigan Institute. Twenty-five percent of the funds raised are divided among the 52 affiliates. These funds are separate from the 25 percent of the Imagination Fund used for grants that affiliates, divisions, and chapters can apply for. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'> 12. Fundraising:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:63.0pt;text-indent:-9.0pt;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>a. Eric Duffy said we will be collecting items for sale on EBay at the Dayton convention.We want to involve the community in this project because we want a wider source of funds than our group can provide. Eric Duffy and Carol Akers will be handling the EBay sales.We will not be using an outside company this time. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:63.0pt;text-indent:-9.0pt;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>b. At lunchtime Carol Akers presented a Thirty-One Purses and Gifts</span><b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#BF00BF'> </span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>fundraising opportunity. For more information, visit http://www.mythirtyone.com.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:63.0pt;text-indent:-9.0pt;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>c. Amy Phillips, the Pampered Chef consultant who assisted in our fundraiser this spring, will be at the state convention for another fundraising opportunity. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:63.0pt;text-indent:-9.0pt;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>d.We need to develop a corporate donation letter for people to mail or hand out that solicits deductible contributions and gives an explanation of our organization. Pierce reminded the group that, whenever we make presentations, we should always tell the people what they can do to help our organization. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'> 13. October is Meet the Blind Month. We encourage all our members to participate. Susan Day said the Springfield chapter is getting involved in community activities. Richard Payne reported that the Miami Valley chapter is planning a tandem bike ride on October 8th. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'> 14. Scholarship Report:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-13.5pt;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>a. Barbara Pierce reported that our state scholarship winners are Shivaji Kumar and Ryan Beyer. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-13.5pt;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>b. She also reported that as of yet we do not have a commitment from our national scholarship winners to attend our state convention. The national scholarship winners are Sandy Sommers and Aleeha Dudley. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-13.5pt;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>c. Debbie Baker reported that Bob Merkle may be willing to donate money to the scholarship fund. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'> 15. Membership:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-13.5pt;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>a. It is a good idea for chapters to hold an informational meeting periodically. Miami Valley did this in the early summer, and two of their new members were in attendance at the board meeting. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-13.5pt;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>b. Richard Payne said, let's get as many people as possible to the Dayton convention. It would be a good idea to partner first-time convention attendees with experienced Federationists. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'> 16. Ohio Association of Guide Dog Users<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Debbie Baker ordered copies of the new brochure, which have not yet arrived. She would like people to pass these out. The brochures are free from the Independence Market; the phone number is 410-659-9314, Ext. 4. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'> 17. Guest Speakers:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:67.5pt;text-indent:-13.5pt;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>a. Bryan Boll, 622 West Fair Avenue, Lancaster, Ohio 43130, phone (866) 413-3627,is part owner of Heritage Pharmacy in Lancaster, which primarily services institutions. He presented ScripTalk and special packaging for medicines, which make it more manageable to identify and control dosing. Barbara Pierce requested that Mr. Boll write an article for our newsletter. He agreed to do so. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:67.5pt;text-indent:-13.5pt;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>b. Diane VanderBrink, dvanderbrink@yahoo.com<i>,</i> (914) 907-3299, is a Beach Body coach who promotes wellness, fitness, good health, and good nutrition. There is a fitness club, led by Diane VanderBrink, which meets once a week at the Vision and Vocational Resources to work out using exercise videos. She was interested in selling products that she carries, but she was even more interested in encouraging us to eat right, exercise properly, and seek support for losing excess weight. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'> 18. State Convention:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:67.5pt;text-indent:-13.5pt;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>a. Hotel:Wyndham Garden Dayton South, 31 Prestige Plaza Drive, Miamisburg, Ohio 45342; (937) 434-8030. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:67.5pt;text-indent:-13.5pt;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>b. Ever Lee Hairston will be our national representative. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:67.5pt;text-indent:-13.5pt;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>c. If you use paratransit, your information can be faxed to the Dayton office so that you can use the paratransit system. Please fax your contact information to the attention of Sue Eason, (937) 425-8419. The cost is $3.50 per ride. Richard Payne, host chapter president, said not to panic; if he knows when you are arriving, you will get to the hotel.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:67.5pt;text-indent:-13.5pt;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>d. NAPUB will be conducting a fundraiser, a radio play, Friday evening. The cost is $5 per person. The readers are NFB leaders, and they will be using Braille scripts. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:67.5pt;text-indent:-13.5pt;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>e. Hospitality will also be held Friday evening. The Springfield chapter will be co-hosting, and the Merchant’s Division will be providing support as well.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:67.5pt;text-indent:-13.5pt;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>f. Convention registration forms need to be turned in as soon as possible. Membership lists should be sent to Barbara Pierce. Chapter reports for the Gavel Award competition should be sent to the Awards Committee. Chapters and divisions not competing must send a report of the past year of some kind to J.W. Smith. Dues, which are $.50 per person plus $10 for chapters and divisions should be sent to Sherry Ruth. If the reports and dues are not submitted on time, groups are subject to a $25 penalty. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:67.5pt;text-indent:-13.5pt;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>g. Sherri Albers will be organizing a new activity, Hobby Lobby. It will be held Friday evening from 7:00 to 8:30. Members will be teaching others things like knitting, French braiding, and card games. If you have a skill or always wanted to know how to start a hobby, contact Sherri Albers, and she will see what can be done. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:67.5pt;text-indent:-13.5pt;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>h. J.W. and Richard urged people to stick around and participate in the planned activities after the banquet. Do not have your own parties. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:67.5pt;text-indent:-13.5pt;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>I. Sunday morning there will be a leadership breakfast for chapter presidents and vice presidents. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'> 19. Braille copies of the leadership list are available. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'> 20. The meeting adjourned at 2:11 p.m. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Respectfully submitted, <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Shelbi Hindel, Secretary<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>Dear friends,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>Those who will teach Braille for Ohio in Columbus, Toledo, Cincinnati, Dayton and Springfield have requested materials and supplies for teaching.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>These have been ordered and received. I will bring materials and supplies to Saturday's board of directors meeting. I will also bring samples of the curriculum that I prefer to use-Braille is Fundamental from the Texas School for the Blind. I will distribute these documents to those who will teach Braille so that they have some familiarity with the format and content of this curriculum. As we meet with our students and move through instruction, members of the Braille Literacy Committee agreed to help us write practice exercises to supplement and complement shortfalls, gaps and differences among the curricula that the teachers have chosen. Teachers who have so far been identified are Bernie Dressell, Deborah Kendrick, Colleen Roth and Debbie Baker. We are grateful for the receipt of our Ohio grant from the Imagination Fund that makes it possible for us to purchase curricula and supplies.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>Sincerely,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText> Debbie Baker, committee chair<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Newsline Report for the NFB Ohio September 17, 2011 Board Meeting<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>During the last three months, Newsline referrals have been coming in mainly from blindness agency social workers, the Library for the Blind, and this month, from schools. We have been adding 10 to 15 new Newsline subscribers to our rolls each month. In September, a handful of students from the School for the Blind have registered. Also two Amish students from Berlin, Ohio. One is in the fourth grade and the other in the eighth. Their parents don’t mind if they use technology at school, but not at home. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In addition to new subscribers, three to five people a month call to say that they registered for Newsline a long time ago, have forgotten their codes, and want to use Newsline again because they keep hearing people talking about how great it is. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>When speaking with each new subscriber, I listen to how they are coping with what is usually recent vision loss, and then I try to provide encouragement and make sure they understand what other blindness services are available to them. I want to thank those of our members who I’ve called upon to follow up with someone who needed additional contact and support. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As always, if anyone needs Newsline materials to use at senior fairs or other community events, just give me a call at 1-866-391-0841. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Cheryl Fischer <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;color:#0F243E'>Dr. J. Webster Smith<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#0F243E'>President, National Federation of the Blind of Ohio<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#0F243E'>PO Box 458 Athens, OH 45701<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#0F243E'>740-592-6326<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#0F243E'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#0F243E'>“Changing what it means to be blind”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#0F243E'>For more information go to nfbohio.org<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>