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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>National Federation of the Blind of Cincinnati<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Meeting Minutes for January 2017<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst style='margin-left:.75in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.5in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>1<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>The January 2017 meeting of the Cincinnati Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of Cincinnati was convened by Vice President Lisa Hall at approximately 2:15 P.M. on Saturday January 28 2016 at the Washington Platform Restaurant in downtown Cincinnati. In attendance were: Lisa Hall, Emily Pennington, Lilly Pennington, Paul Jordan, Joy Thomas, Christopher Sabine, Diane Carmony, Deanna Lewis, Sheri Albers, Paul Dressell, Elif Emir Oksuz and Walter Mitchell. Lisa began the meeting by playing the audio stream of the January 2017 Presidential Release issued by President Mark Ricobono, which can be accessed from the NFB National website at <a href="https://nfb.org/presidential-releases">https://nfb.org/presidential-releases</a>. Paul Dressell moved to accept the November 2016 meeting minutes as emailed; Emily Pennington seconded, and the motion passed. Lisa requested prayers for the following members: Deborah Kendrick, Bill Innis and Jacque Perry.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:.75in;mso-add-space:auto'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.5in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>2<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>Lisa began the meeting with an update on the 2017 Ohio Braille Challenge, which is currently scheduled for March 3 2017 at the Clovernook Center for the blind. She indicated that two students are already confirmed to participate in the event, with five more who have yet to submit their registrations. According to guidelines for the event issued by the Braille Institute of America, a minimum of ten students is required for a state to hold a Braille Challenge, with some states having as many as forty students. Lisa expressed that she believed testing would be handled by individual teachers of the visually impaired if two few students register. The Braille Challenge tests students in five areas: spelling, proofreading, comprehension, writing speed / accuracy and charts / graphs. The event will also include a tour of Clovernook’s Braille printing facilities and a parent seminar. The Planning Committee for this event includes a number of staff at the Clovernook Center in various roles, including Lisa and Deanna Lewis. The deadline for students to register for this event is February 20. Lisa indicated that she, Deanna Lewis and other members of the Planning Committee will travel to the American Printing house for the Blind in Louisville, Kentucky on February 16 to observe Kentucky’s event. Lisa encouraged any members interested in volunteering for the Ohio Braille Challenge to contact Deanna Lewis, who serves on the planning committee. A discussion of the various services offered by the American Printing House for the Blind and the Clovernook Center for the Blind ensued.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space:auto'> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.5in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>3<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>Lisa indicated that Kim McEachirn has approached her and requested to be removed as Chair of the Recreation Committee. Christopher Sabine indicated that he could Chair the committee if no one else comes forward to assist. The Chapter agreed to put a request for a new Chair on the Cincinnati NFB Chapter list.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space:auto'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.5in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>4<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>Walter Mitchell expressed that he could take on the Fundraising Committee on a temporary basis. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.5in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>5<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>Lisa asked about State Fundraising efforts; Sheri Albers indicated that the NFB of Ohio is now signed up for a station at this year’s Flying Pig Marathon, referred to as the BLT Station. The station will be at the half-marathon, which is reportedly scheduled for Sunday Morning May 5, 2017. Sheri expressed that she will be attending a meeting concerning the station on March 1—representing NFB Ohio. More details are forthcoming. Sheri also indicated that plans are in the works for a “Piggest Raffle Ever” this year to coincide with the Flying Pig Marathon. As in last year’s event, tickets will be sold for $5 with all proceeds going to the Ohio Affiliate. Further information regarding prizes and signup for the raffle is also forthcoming.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space:auto'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.5in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>6<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>Emily Pennington presented this month’s Treasurer’s report. Lilly Pennington moved to approve the Treasurer’s Report as read; Paul Jordan seconded. The motion passed.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.5in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>7<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>Sheri Albers expressed that she will be attending the 2017 Washington Seminar, scheduled to take place from Monday January 29 to Thursday February 1, 2017. She will be the only Chapter member attending this year. Lisa encouraged all members to visit <a href="http://www.nfb.org/Washington-Seminar">http://www.nfb.org/Washington-Seminar</a> to access all of NFB’s fact sheets and the agenda for the event.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space:auto'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.5in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>8<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>Sheri Albers and other Chapter members summarized the Ohio Affiliate Conference call, which took place on Monday January 23 2017 at 7:00 P.M. Sheri, indicated that plans have been announced to institute a “Columbus Seminar” to advocate for several Ohio legislative proposals. These include: a guide dog initiative, rights of blind natural and adoptive parents and implementation of the NFB resolution past at the 2015 State Convention regarding Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities / Ohio Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired. Deanna Lewis indicated that the Ohio affiliate has decided to use another candy company for its Christmas and Easter Fundraising campaigns. Further information will be forthcoming. Elif Emir Oksuz announced that the Ohio Association of Blind Students is now up and running and has a Facebook Page which currently has 27 likes. Walter Mitchell reported that OOD is offering to send staff to Chapters in the Affiliate to discuss its programs and services. Christopher Sabine agreed to contact the Area Manager for the Southwest Ohio Office of OOD, Mark Fay, to see if a counselor could speak at the February or March Chapter meeting. Lisa expressed that a particular concern of hers (and others in the state) is giving blind Ohioans access to quality Braille instruction. Walter expressed that he believes one reason why OOD is reaching out to the Federation in this way is to address a perception among the NFB that the agency will not provide Braille instruction to adult consumers. Lisa expressed that if OOD or another state agency refuses to provide Braille instruction or training in other areas to someone who is Blind, NFB will work to place that person into one of its three National Training Centers: Blind, Inc. in Minneapolis, Minnesota, The Louisiana Center for the Blind in Ruston, Louisiana or the Colorado Center for the Blind in Littleton, Colorado. Lisa expressed that the Ohio Affiliate has arranged this for several people in the state. Lisa expressed that the agenda for the Washington Seminar covers four key areas: funding for Braille displays from the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS), accessible technology, access to textbooks / instructional materials and the ratification of the Marrakesh Treaty. Sheri Albers indicated that eleven people from Ohio will attend Washington Seminar: three from the Cleveland area Chapters, four from the Capital area Chapter, Richard Payne, Barbara Pierce, Rachel Kuntz (current President of the newly formed Greater Butler County Chapter) and Sheri Albers from the Cincinnati Chapter. The Ohio delegation intends to meet with all sixteen of Ohio’s Congressional representatives regarding NFB’s legislative agenda, according to Sheri Albers.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space:auto'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.5in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>9<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>Paul Dressell asked members if they would be interested in making another visit with him to long time Federationist Marion King. Lisa Hall, Deanna Lewis and Sheri Albers agreed to make a visit and come up with a date.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space:auto'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.5in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>10<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>Walter Mitchell gave a brief report from the Recreation Committee. He began by complimenting the membership on their donations. He reported that he received a letter of receipt from the recipient of the donations (Camp Washington United Church) and emailed an electronic copy, which he forwarded to Christopher Sabine. A discussion about a venue for next year’s Christmas party was tabled for a later date. Walter also reported that the Chapter Book Club will be holding its next meeting at 7:00 P.M. on Thursday February 9. Membership is currently open, and anyone interested in joining should contact Annie McEachirn Carson. Walter concluded his report by discussion of his efforts to promote NFB Newsline in Ohio. He expressed that the service currently has 347 subscribers in the 513 area code out of 3469 in the state. Walter expressed that his goal is to have 5,000 subscribers by the end of this year in Ohio. He reminded the membership that NFB Newsline is available via its web site, <a href="http://www.nfb.org/audio-reading-service">http://www.nfb.org/audio-reading-service</a>. Walter is in charge of administering the service for the Ohio affiliate and reported that he is visiting several other state chapters and some other technology related events to generate new subscriptions. Lisa reminded the membership that anyone needing technical support or having subscription related issues can visit the NFB Newsline web site or call (800) 504-7300 for service.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space:auto'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.5in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>11<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>Christopher Sabine gave a report from the Membership Committee. Christopher expressed that the Membership Committee met twice since the November Chapter meeting. The first Membership Committee meeting was held on November 28 2016 from 7:00 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. by phone conference. In attendance were: Deborah Kendrick, Paul Dressell, Dale Barta, Judy Rudick, Christopher Sabine and Jay Tolle. Christopher asked Jay Tolle to attend the meeting as the sighted Administrator for the Chapter’s Facebook page. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss developing the page and resolving some technical concerns regarding notifications to people who have “liked” the page. The group also met on January 23 2016 from 6:00 P.M. to 6:30 P.M. by telephone conference. This was a brief follow up meeting to update the Committee on its activities since the November meeting.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.5in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>12<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>Christopher gave a report of the We Care / Benevolent Program at the request of Judy Rudick. This program met on Thursday January 26 by phone conference from 7:00 PM to 7:45 PM. In attendance were Judy Rudick and Annie McEachirn Carson. It was agreed that there needs to be a system to allocate funds for program activities, such as sending get well cards. The program sent get well cards to the following members in December: Deborah Kendrick, Diane Carmony, Bill Innis and Paul Jordan. Finally, the program agreed to meet formally once per quarter, with the next meeting scheduled for some time in March.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.5in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>13<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>The January 2017 meeting of the National Federation of the Blind of Cincinnati was adjourned at 3:58 PM on January 28 2017.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space:auto'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space:auto'>Respectfully Submitted,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space:auto'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space:auto'>Christopher Sabine<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space:auto'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space:auto'>Secretary<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpLast style='margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space:auto'>National Federation of the Blind of Cincinnati<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>