[Iabs-talk] chicago minutes ju ne 2016

[David Meyer]

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF ILLINOIS CHICAGO CHAPTER

 

MEETING OF JUNE 11, 2016

Chicago Chapter President Debbie Stein called the meeting to order at
approximately 1:02 P.M.

 

Introductions: There were 28 members present.

 

What’s happening: Patti Chang reported that both Jonathan and Julia now have
new jobs that they find rewarding and challenging. Melisa Almond made it to
the meeting without assistance for the first time. Steve Hastalis’s nephew
is promoting a new recording at a local record establishment. Pam Gillmore
reported that Don is continuing to do quite well. They are awaiting the
results of his latest CT scan. Jemal Powell reported that his sister had
exploratory surgery and found she did not have cancer as originally feared.
He also applied to become a user advisor for the Museum of Science and
Industry. Mary Grunwald has returned to her job as a vendor. Her health is
continuing to improve. David Meyer reported that Teresa is continuing to do
well. She has one more chemotherapy treatment which should take place in a
couple of days. Teri Leap has been free of ceasures for a year. Ken Schad
mentioned that Gregg Rosenberg has a number of health issues including eye
problems. Please keep him in your prayers. Ken Borst announced that Medicaid
recipients do not have to take the insurance that Humana has to offer. Call
988-912-9990 to make your wishes known.

 

President Stein introduced a Resolution calling for the re-enactment of a
task force on employment and economic opportunities for people with
disabilities. Steve Hastalis read the resolution. Following considerable
discussion, The Chicago Chapter voted to support the recreation of this task
force with one abstention. President Stein will write a letter supporting
this resolution.

 

Secretary’s Report: It was moved and seconded to approve minutes from the
previous meeting. The minutes were approved as presented.

 

Prior to the meeting, the balance in the treasury was $5,824. Approximately
$500 was taken in during the meeting, thanks in large part to revenue from
the Sox fundraiser.

 

Presidential Reports: There was no National presidential release in June. In
the state Presidential report, Denise Avant reported on the following items.
The National convention will take place June 30-July 5. Several new people
will be attending this year, including all four of our state scholarship
winners from last year. Zachary Dreicer Victoria Clark and Javon Baker will
also attend. There are plans to stream the convention. Denise promised to
post the link once she knows about it. The affiliate will meet at Cattails
on the lower level of the hotel on July 1. Our caucus will take place at
7:30 A.M., on July 2 in Wakiwa 8. The resolutions committee this year will
begin at 1:00 rather than the customary 1:30 P.M. The date is July 1. Those
attending the banquet from Illinois will need to turn their tickets into
Francisco Chang so that arrangements can be made for Illinois members to sit
together. We have two Bell programs in Illinois this year. The Springfield
program is scheduled from July 11-15 with the Chicago program occurring from
July 25 through August 5. Amy Lund and Samantha Vol will be the instructors
for both programs. Volunteers are needed for both programs. Please contact
Patti Chang if interested. Our face-to-face board meeting will occur at the
Naperville Marriott Hotel on Saturday, August 27. The meeting will begin at
9:00 A.M. One may attend the meeting in person or via conference call. The
call-in number is 641-715-3273 with the passcode being NFBI, (6324.) Room
rates for the board meeting are $93 per night. Our October Fest will take
place at the home of Patti and Francisco Chang 6919 West Berwyn Avenue.
Tickets are $30 each. The date is September 17. The state convention will
occur on October 28-30 at the Naperville Marriott. Suggestions for a
convention theme are now being taken. Please email suggestions to Denise at
davant1958 at gmail.com or call her at 773-991-8050. Hotel rates are $104 per
night. You may make your reservations now. Marco Gionnatti will receive all
door prizes for the convention. Denise is now constructing the convention
agenda. President Avant encouraged all of us to either begin a monthly
contribution to the PAC Plan, or increase your contribution on an existing
PAC plan.

 

All PAC money is unrestricted. It is generally used to assist NFB in paying
for advocacy activities.

 

President Stein mentioned that four scholarship winners and two internship
winners have been selected for this year. You will be able to meet all of
these individuals at the state convention.

 

Constitutional amendments: Patti drafted two amendments for our chapter
constitution. One of which will allow a secret ballot to take place upon
request in a contested election. Presently, 4/5 of the members present and
voting must approve a secret ballot before it can be taken. The other
amendment will designate January as the time when dues must be paid for a
calendar year. Presently, each dues paying member is on his own calendar
year. President Stein read the effected sections as they currently stand,
followed by the suggested amendments to these sections. Debbie and Steve
Hastalis then read the constitution as it would be amended. 

 

Fundraising matters: David Meyer reported that we sold 100 tickets for the
White Sox fundraiser which will occur on August 6. He encouraged all who
have not yet paid for tickets to do so by the August meeting if possible.

 

Chapter Picnic: Jemal Powell reported that the July Chapter picnic will take
place at the Landmark Café on Saturday, July 21 from 12:00-3:00 P.M.

 

Old business: David Meyer reported on changes that would take place
regarding the Chicago Talking book Center. The center is still open and will
remain so through June 30. The technology center will continue to be open
after that date. Those who wish to place their book orders by phone can
continue to do so using the same toll free number. Finally, all talking book
machines in need of repair will need to be sent to the library in
Springfield. Pam Gillmore will soon become an aunt. Debbie Stein reported
that her daughter Janna and her son-in-law will be moving to California.
Steve Hastalis reported on the Transport Chicago committee meeting. Steve
Hastalis reported on the Transport Chicago committee meeting. Discussion
centered around how stoplights will eventually be altered in order to give
busses the best possible advantage in navigating through downtown traffic,
while at the same time, taking into account the needs of travelers with
disabilities.  

 

New Business: The Illinois Council of the Blind Metro Chicago Chapter will
have a fundraiser at beggars Pizza on July 20. They will use the 310 south
Clinton location. Denise Avant sent the convention schedule to our list
serves as an attachment. Anyone wishing an individual convention agenda
should contact her and she will email them a copy. Ken Staley mentioned that
Steve Benson is recovering from a broken arm. Ken Borst thanked the chapter
for supporting Resolution 2015-565. Steve Hastalis announced that the next
CTA ADA Advisory committee meeting will take place on July 11 from 1:00-4:00
P.M.

 

The meeting was adjourned at 2:50 P.M.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

David Meyer, Secretary

 

 

David Meyer, NFB of Illinois

Coordinator and Channel Administrator, NFB-NewsLine