[Iabs-talk] Chicago chapter minutes december 2011

[David Meyer]

NFBI Chicago Chapter
December 10, 2011
Exchequer Pub and Restaurant
226 S.  Wabash, Chicago

CALL TO ORDER

First Vice President Denise Avant called the meeting to order at 12:00 PM. 
Twenty people were present.  Gina Falvo updated everyone on her health
issues, and Patti Chang said she will be going in for surgery on Tuesday.

SECRETARY's MINUTES AND TREASURER's REPORT

Since attendance was so low, the minutes from the meeting of November 12
were tabled until January.  Treasurer Steve Hastalis gave a brief summary,
explaining that the treasury has between $5,500 and $6,000.

LIBRARY REPORT

Dave Meyer, who arrived late, gave the URL and phone number for completing
the library's survey on Newsline use.  He also explained some changes in the
Newsline service.

PRESIDENTIAL RELEASE

NFB President Marc Maurer announced that the Department of Transportation is
developing new rules about nondiscrimination related to people with
disabilities.  The deadline for comments has been extended to January 2012. 
The NFB has developed a site at airlines at nfb.org where blind consumers can
get information and make comments up to December 31, 2011.  HR 3086, the
Fair Wages for Workers with Disabilities Act, has eighteen cosponsors in the
House of Representatives.  Applications from middle-school students are now
being accepted for the 2012 LAW Program (Leadership and Advocacy in
Washington).  Applications are due by February 1.  Bill Henderson of
Massachusetts has published a book called The Blind Advantage about
diversity in education.  The Writers Division is holding its adult and youth
contests, with entries due by April 1.  New versions of the BLIO are soon to
appear from Kurzweil.

STATE REPORT

NFBI President Patti Chang said that she sold one hundred raffle tickets
during the national board meeting.  She urged everyone to sell tickets.  We
still have a few mugs and T-shirts for sale.  Over $6,000 in certificates
was sold this month.  We received $2,000 above what we expected from a
grant.  In 2013 Illinois will sponsor the national convention in Orlando,
along with Kentucky and Indiana.  We will be responsible for the dance, the
suite, the information table, the opening ceremony, and the door prizes,
including the grand prize.  We need people to serve on the joint committee,
and we need a good turnout for Convention 2013.  Connie Davis is now editing
the Examiner.  The post-convention issue is almost ready.  Regarding the NFB
of Illinois webpage, send any corrections, additions, or other changes to
Greg Rosenberg and Byron Lee.  The webpage is in good shape now.  Patrick
Olsen is serving on the Library Advisory Committee.  Dave Meyer's term is
almost up.  We all need to participate in the Newsline survey!

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 1:30, followed by the annual holiday auction. 
Dave Meyer served as this year's auctioneer.

Respectfully submitted,
Debbie Stein, Secretary