[DSM-Iowa] Draft June meeting minutes

[Sharon Omvig]

Emily,

Elam is spelled Elim.
April Edrington is spelled Enderton.

On Thu, Jun 19, 2025, 8:36 PM Emily Wharton via DSM-Iowa <
dsm-iowa at nfbnet.org> wrote:

> Hello all, I finally got on the list!  ☺️  Below are the draft minutes. I
> wanted to get them out as there are some time sensitive items. If you find
> any errors or omissions, please email me directly at poetgeek at gmail.com
> Thanks much  ☺️
>
> Draft Minutes Des Moines Chapter National Federation of the Blind of Iowa Hope-Elam
> Church 2500 University Ave
> <https://www.google.com/maps/search/2500+University+Ave?entry=gmail&source=g>
> . June 14, 2025 2:00 p.m. Call to Order
>
>    - Pledge of Allegiance and Federation Pledge
>    - 22 members present
>    - LEAP Students and Staff in attendance
>    - Birthdays: Nicholas Wilcox and Cindy Ray
>
> Secretary's Report
>
>    - Presented by Secretary Emily Wharton
>    - April minutes approved. Motion: Luis Gutiérrez, Second: Teri Wilcox
>
> Treasurer’s Report
>
>    - Presented by Treasurer David Hammel
>    - Beginning balance: $2771.30
>    - Ending balance: $2831.30
>    - $60 from pop can redemption was donated to the BELL Program
>    - Report approved. Motion: Luis Gutiérrez, Second: Helen Mejia
>
> Presidential Release
>
>    - Presidential Release #550
>    <https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/presidential-releases/transcripts/presidential-release-550-june>
>
> State President’s Report
>
>    - Presented by State President Helen Mejia
>    - Still need help at the Iowa table at National Convention.
>    - The affiliate is holding a drawing for a blanket. There will be a
>    link to enter that will be coming out. Please share the link widely. It is
>    $10 for one entry and 3 for $20.
>    - State Convention will be held Oct 17–19. She thanks everyone for
>    agenda and activity ideas and asks everyone to please send any more ideas
>    very soon as the agenda is in process.
>    - President Mejia met with Disability Rights Iowa (DRI) about
>    accessible voting. They are putting together a training for poll workers.
>    NFBI will be contributing to this training.
>    - Under the current federal budget, DRI will lose almost all funding
>    at the end of September. The DD Council funding is also at risk.
>    - The ATA still has no Iowa co-sponsors.
>    - It is not too early to think of next year's Washington Seminar. It
>    will be held starting on the last weekend in January and continuing into
>    the next week. It is a great opportunity to make a difference by supporting
>    federal legislation and organizational goals.
>
> Calling Committee
>
>    - Presented by Chair: Roger Erpelding
>    - All chapter members should now be rceiving a call to remind them of
>    the meeting. If you are not receiving a call, contact Roger at .
>    515-954-9629.
>
> Social Committee
>
>    - Presented by Chair Sharon Omvig
>    - Christmas in June: Ham and fried chicken, mashed potatoes, corn,
>    7-layer salad, rolls, and apple pie
>
> Membership Committee
>
>    - Presented by President Becky Young
>    - Getting portal up to date.
>    - Karly Prinds voted in as a new member.
>    - There are 5 IDB students going to convention
>
> Chapter President Report
>
>    - Kenneth Jernigan Leadership Program applicants have until June 30th
>    to apply. The application requires an essay or audio speech. This is a very
>    worthwhile program that helps you learn what is going on at the national
>    level and make new friendships with leaders from across the country.
>    - BELL Academy has been canceled for this year.
>    - The affiliate is attempting to get a refund on the apartment rentals.
>    - The BELL Committee will be getting information to families for next
>    year's program in September.
>    - The BELL Program will be moved to in June 2026.
>    - NFB's monthly presenting of IDB Business of Blindness classes are
>    staffed through the end of the year.
>
> Program
>
>    - Bob Ray, Shawn Mayo, and Roger Erpelding shared why they joined the
>    NFB.
>    - LEAP students talked about their plans, answered questions, and won
>    prizes.
>
> Other Business
>
>    - The Social Committee is moving the chili dinner to December. August
>    will be a potluck deli feast. Contact Sharon with what you are bringing.
>    - Scott Van Gorp announced that Chelsea Van Gorp accepted a position
>    in Mississippi. Scott will be staying in Des Moines for the time being.
>    - April Edrington has offered to host a banquet watch party for those
>    not attending the convention in person. Contact Bob Ray if you are
>    interested in joining.
>    - 50/50 Drawing: $45 won by Laura Van Lent, $45 donated to the church
>    for use of space
>    - Motion to adjourn: Helen Mejia, Second: Luis Gutiérrez, approved
>
>
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