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Draft Minutes</h1>
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Des Moines Chapter</h1>
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National Federation of the Blind of Iowa</h1>
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Hope-Elam Church</h1>
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2500 University Ave.</h1>
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January 10, 2026</h1>
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Meeting was called to order at 2:15 pm</li><li style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
16 members present</li><li style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
There was no 50/50 drawing, but donations were encouraged for the use of the space.</li><li style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
Roger Erplding, David Hammel, and Enrique D. Mejia had December birthdays. Shawn Mayo had a January birthday.</li></ul>
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Secretary's Report</h2>
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Approved (Moved: Helen Mejia, Seconded: Karly Prinds)</li></ul>
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Treasurers report</h2>
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Presented by Treasurer, David Hammel</li><li style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
Report for period 11/1/25 to 1231/25 </li><li style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
Starting balance: $1691.60, Ending balance: $1671.60</li><li style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
Approved (Moved: Helen Mejia Seconded: Roger Erplding)</li><li style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
Popcorn is still available for purchase.</li><li style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
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. </li></ul>
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Presidential Release #565</h2>
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state President's Report</h2>
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Presented by State President Helen Mejia</li><li style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
There are 2 weeks until Washington seminar. Iowa will have representation from all 4 districts attending.</li><li style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
President Mejia will attend the affiliate presidents retreat the weekend prior to Washington Seminar.</li><li style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
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)</li><li style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
It is time for everyone to help blind Iowans who have not been to a national convention to apply for funding</li><li style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
proposals are in for the next state convention hotel</li><li style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
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</li><li style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
rep. Barker is a pharmacist and will be putting forth an accessible prescription label bill.</li><li style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
all committees need more people, especially the membership committee</li></ul>
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Elections</h2>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The following officers and board were elected by acclamation:</span></p>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Becky Young, President</span></p>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Don Shepherd, Vice President</span></p>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Terri Wilcox, Secretary</span></p>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">David Hammel, Treasurer</span></p>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Emily Wharton, Board Member</span></p>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Roger Erplding, Board Member</span></p>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Mary Sonksen, Board Member</span></p>
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Legislative report,</h2>
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Presented by Chair Roger Erplding</li><li style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
The Committee will meet 1/13 to work on strategy for the Day at the Capitol.,</li><li style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
Anyone needing transportation to the Day at the Capitol should contact roger Erplding</li></ul>
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Social Committee Report</h2>
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Presented by Chair Sharon Omvig</li><li style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
Gave menu for the chili supper to follow the meeting</li></ul>
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Other Business</h2>
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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. </li><li style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
The services for Bob Ray will be held on January 20th at 11:00 a.m. at Windsor Presbyterian Church. </li><li style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
President Young needs people to serve on the Youth Committee</li><li style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
A motion to Adjourn passed (Moved: Sharon Omvig,, Seconded: Cindy Ray )</li></ul>
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