[DSM-Iowa] Draft January meeting minutes

[Sharon Omvig]

Elim is spelled wrong.
Erpelding is spelled wrong.

On Fri, Jan 23, 2026, 8:53 AM Emily Wharton via DSM-Iowa <
dsm-iowa at nfbnet.org> wrote:

> 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
> <https://www.google.com/maps/search/2500+University+Ave?entry=gmail&source=g>
> . 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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