[DSM-Iowa] Draft January meeting minutes

[Emily Wharton]

If you have any corrections, please let me know...

Draft Minutes
Des Moines Chapter
National Federation of the Blind of Iowa
Hope-Elam Church
2500 University Ave.
January 10, 2026

  *   Meeting was called to order at 2:15 pm
  *   16 members present
  *   There was no 50/50 drawing, but donations were encouraged for the use of the space.
  *   Roger Erplding, David Hammel, and Enrique D. Mejia had December birthdays. Shawn Mayo had a January birthday.

Secretary's Report

  *   Approved (Moved: Helen Mejia, Seconded: Karly Prinds)

Treasurers report

  *   Presented by Treasurer, David Hammel
  *   Report for period 11/1/25 to 1231/25
  *   Starting balance: $1691.60, Ending balance: $1671.60
  *   Approved (Moved: Helen Mejia Seconded: Roger Erplding)
  *   Popcorn is still available for purchase.
  *   The bank being used by the chapter has instituted a $2000 minimum balance for no fee business accounts.. The Fee is $15.00 per month. Discussion was had regarding finding a new financial institution for the chapter account. A credit union was suggested.

Presidential Release #565
state President's Report

  *   Presented by State President Helen Mejia
  *   There are 2 weeks until Washington seminar. Iowa will have representation from all 4 districts attending.
  *   President Mejia will attend the affiliate presidents retreat the weekend prior to Washington Seminar.
  *   It is important for all members to write their representatives in support of the Washington seminar priorities Priorities include: Protect Critical Education, Employment, and Independent Living Programs, the Access Technology Affordability Act (H.R. 1529/S. 1918), and the Blind Americans Return to Work Act (H.R. 1175)
  *   It is time for everyone to help blind Iowans who have not been to a national convention to apply for funding
  *   proposals are in for the next state convention hotel
  *   The NFB of Iowa day at the capitol will be February10th. The two issues, advocated for will be accessible drug labels and accessible absentee voting
  *   rep. Barker is a pharmacist and will be putting forth an accessible prescription label bill.
  *   all committees need more people, especially the membership committee

Elections

The following officers and board were elected by acclamation:

Becky Young, President

Don Shepherd, Vice President

Terri Wilcox, Secretary

David Hammel, Treasurer

Emily Wharton, Board Member

Roger Erplding, Board Member

Mary Sonksen, Board Member

Legislative report,

  *   Presented by Chair Roger Erplding
  *   The Committee will meet 1/13 to work on strategy for the Day at the Capitol.,
  *   Anyone needing transportation to the Day at the Capitol should contact roger Erplding

Social Committee Report

  *   Presented by Chair Sharon Omvig
  *   Gave menu for the chili supper to follow the meeting

Other Business

  *   Roger Erplding made a motion to hold the December 12, 2026 meeting at 12:00 p.m. at a local restaurant to be decided in February as a holiday party. Roger will collect restaurant recommendations and make the arrangements. Cindy Ray seconded this motion and it passed.
  *   The services for Bob Ray will be held on January 20th at 11:00 a.m. at Windsor Presbyterian Church.
  *   President Young needs people to serve on the Youth Committee
  *   A motion to Adjourn passed (Moved: Sharon Omvig,, Seconded: Cindy Ray )

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