[IABS-Talk] September Chicago chapter Meeting Notes - Draft 3

[David Meyer]

I have a possible correction. I say possible, because it might have 
been stated as the minutes indicated. The due date for resolutions to 
be sent to the committee was September 15, rather than August 15.
Original message:
> Chicago Chapter Meeting Notes

> Hybrid (At Exchequer & on Zoom)

> September 11, 2021



> Chapter President Denise Avant called the meeting to order at 1pm and
> announced that since today is September 11 we will have a moment to stand in
> the honor of those who died in 2001. Pam brought her bell and proceeded to
> ring it 11 times to mark the occasion. Denise noted that this is a hybrid
> meeting and that if you are zoom you should mute yourself unless you are
> speaking. Questions and comments can be made by raising one's hand on zoom.
> For those in the room she reminded everyone that they should have their mask
> on when not eating or drinking and that wipes are available to wipe down the
> wireless mask between each use.



> Introductions:

> Denise Avant - Chicago Chapter President, 1st Vice President on State Board,
> & National Board Member

> Michal Nowicki

> Ed Birmingham

> Steve Hastalis

> Marco Gianatti

> Mary Lou Grunwald - she turned 70 last week and celebrated by going to a
> grooms club and having a dinner and went out with friends the following day
> and thanked those that showed up in person for that celebration.

> Danielle Timmons - wife of Andrew Garza

> Andrew Garza - presenter for today, husband of Danielle

> Debbie Stein

> Ken Schad

> Eileen Truschke - her mother will be 90 next month

> Pam Gilmore - resident bell ringer

> Sara Luna - recently became an aunt on July 21st to a beautiful baby boy

> Ken Borst - really nothing else going on right now

> Jemal Powell - second Vice-President, glad to be among you, glad to make it

> Melissa Fuller

> Dustin Cather



> Zoom:

> Dave Meyer - former freedom link student, Nadia Sherman, wanted to be at the
> meeting but is in the emergency room as we speak. She's had a terrible year
> with COVID and other issues so please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

> Kira O'Bradovich - Secretary, glad to have the option to be here on zoom,
> especially for those of us with pre-existing conditions

> Ellen Bartelt - in Philadelphia so she cannot be there in person and has
> begun student teaching at Otis Elementary school and is working with 3rd and
> 4th graders

> Linda Hendle - glad to join, not that much is going on there, just hanging
> in there

> Patti Chang - was muted due to watering flowers but is present

> Howard Wilson - glad to join everyone

> Dan Tevelde - glad to be here, just getting over a nasty cold otherwise
> thing are fine

> Greg Rosenberg- is now functionally blind

> Gina Falvo - from her living room in Homewood, Monday will be two years
> since her mom passed, she and her sister just returned from visiting her
> grave and sends her blessing to those with birthdays and everyone

> Glenn Moore



> 33 present, 17 in person and 16 on zoom



> Denise then turned over the meeting to Dustin Cather who is a member of the
> program committee to introduce our program item for this afternoon. He
> introduced Andrew Garza as the captain of the Blackhawks Blind Hockey Team,
> but Andrew joked and noted that unfortunately he is not a captain. He goes
> by Drew and has played hockey since he was a child. At 27 he started to have
> complications with diabetes and at the end of the retinopathy has about 20%
> of his vision left. He is now 34 and didn't receive any directions but after
> about five years he looked and found the Chicago Blackhawks Blind Hockey
> team. IT's a minor adapted sport, same ice, goals are a foot shorter, pucks
> are 5 inches across, 2 inches tall. They go on a scaling system, B1, B2, B3
> to determine which position you play. Those with any type of visual
> impairment are welcome and it's an outstanding opportunity to grow in a team
> atmosphere and be with your peers to commiserate with those who have gone
> through what you have. They take anyone from kids that are 3-4 to adults who
> are in their 80s. The goalie is in his forties, only started 3 years ago but
> is now being considered for the national team. There are 20 teams across the
> country, so they are working to grow. The Windy city blind hockey showdown
> took place here in Chicago, first hosted and first broadcasted on YouTube.
> Goal is to raise awareness of visual impairment and the fact that they are
> doing things that many say they couldn't.  Denise asked that he go into some
> further detail on how the game is played.

> 5 on 5 everything is basically regular hockey, puck is a bit larger, goalies
> are 100% blind, if they have any perception, they wear blindfolds so that's
> why the goal is about a foot shorter for safety. Defensemen have 5% of their
> vision left, considered B2s. Anyone with 10% or more play offense. There is
> a pass whistle that goes off to allow the goalie to know that a shot could
> be coming in otherwise it's the same rules, they still have offsides. It's
> hockey at its purest. Denise asked if the puck has any sound inside and Drew
> explained it's made out of sheet steel with 8 steel ball bearings and they
> play with that since it gives more surface area for the balls to bounce off
> of and they are working on a continuous sound ball like they use in
> beep-baseball. They used to play with soup cans. Jemal asked where the games
> were played, practice is every Saturday from 3:30pm-5pm in DuPage. They
> don't play games, but they do play tournaments and have upcoming ones
> planned in St. Louis, Pittsburgh, and another Windy City Showdown with 12
> games and a tri-hockey event in Chicago this next year. They will supply
> equipment and coaching for anyone who would like to try, even if it's just
> to ice skate. Dave asked if checking was allowed and if so if there were any
> limitations, Drew stated that there was no checking. Debbie asked about the
> history and start, if they were affiliated with the Great Lakes Association
> for Special Athletics. Drew shared that it was started in the 70s in Canada
> and there were no set leagues just spread out and would join together and
> play. In 2014 Kevin Shandley and Kristine McDermott went to a blind hockey
> tournament in Toronto and were the only Americans to ever play. They brough
> it back to New York and formed the NY Nightshade. From there they brought it
> to Chicago who worked with the Blackhawks to make it the first official
> branch in the US. The hope is that leagues can eventually be made for
> children to allow them to play with and against their peers. It's difficult
> when it's all ages for learning so that is the goal for the future. It was
> then asked by Mary Lou if there was anyone coordinating the branch here and
> Drew stated that he'd noted the National Chapter was over it but that he
> leads the showdown itself. Drew shared his contact info: argarza39 at gmail.com
> <mailto:argarza39 at gmail.com>  so if anyone has any interest please reach
> out. One member noted she'd participate in hockey in high school but she's
> not great at ice skating and wondered if ice skating lessons were offered.
> Drew stated that yes, that is something they offer, especially at the
> showdown. In blind hockey there are red advanced, white intermediate, and
> blue players who are still learning to skate so while they do have walkers
> to help, they also have coaches. Sara Luna asked with the Paralympics if he
> knew if blind hockey had spread beyond the US and Canada and Drew stated
> that while the US and Canada both have national blind teams, with the
> Paralympics in 2026 they need to have 6 teams available. Right now, Drew
> said that we have the US, Canada, Russia, Italy, England, Sweden, Finland,
> and one other. Russia actually sent representatives to the US to view and
> learn about our programs and then expand what they are doing. 2026 may be a
> push but by 2030 he thinks is very possible for blind hockey to be an
> official sport in the Paralympics. Pam then asked us to sing the Chicago
> Blackhawk song and Dave hummed a tune. Ed asked about paying for ice time,
> he shared that he used to play a lot of hockey years ago. Drew said that you
> do not need to pay but if you are going to pay for anything but if possible,
> you may want to buy your own skates. Tournaments are an expense but there is
> support. Ed also asked if there was transit to these events that was
> included, and Drew said no it was independent. Then he asked if an "old guy
> like me" is going to play with a "young guy like you". He reiterated that a
> teammate is totally blind, pushing 60, and is on the national team. Ed then
> joked about who would tie our skates for us and then asked how the whistle
> is able to differentiate between pass and flow and Drew noted that they make
> different sounds. Ed encouraged all to play, his friends is a vendor up in
> Minnesota loves it. Melissa asked if women were included and Drew confirmed
> that they were and were welcome. With no further questions, Denise thanked
> Drew for coming and explaining blind hockey to us and welcomed him to be
> involved and learn more about the NFB.



> The Presidential Release was then played.



> Denise asked Sara Luna to take up the collection. Nadia Sherman joined
> during the release and shared that she hoped to be at convention. Denise
> then went to the state president report and since Marilyn had to work today
> Denise will g



> October 22-24th is the State Convention at the Sheraton in Lisle at 3000
> Warrenville Road, with a room rate of $99 per night plus taxes and if you
> want to make your hostel reservations you need to do so by September 30th.
> Some of you may be aware of the policy of the convention regarding COVID and
> there will be more on this later. The telephone number for registering with
> the hotel is 630-505-1000. There is a shuttle schedule on IL-Talk that Patti
> sent out this morning to allow attendees to travel between the train station
> and the hotel. They've arranged it to when most people are coming in.
> Shuttle is going to be going out on Friday at 12:30, 2:30, and 4:30, none on
> Saturday but 12:30, 2:30, and 4:30 will go out on Sunday. They are timed in
> light of train schedules so if you're needing something outside of those
> times you will need to arrange your own transit. It was then asked if a PACE
> bus runs near the hotel on Sunday and Jemal confirmed it does not run on
> Sundays. Ellen asked if it will be expensive to take an uber from the train
> to hotel and Dustin shared it was about $12 when he went for the board
> meeting.



> Denise then noted that the convention will open with a fun activity,
> Debbie's art instructor will be coming out to a sculpting activity. Then,
> the resolutions committee will follow. Deadlines for resolutions is this
> Wednesday, August 15th so any submissions need to be sent to Dustin Cather
> at cather.dustin at gmail.com <mailto:cather.dustin at gmail.com>  (309) 267-7670
> or Michal Nowicki treasurer at nfbofillinois.org
> <mailto:treasurer at nfbofillinois.org>  (847) 361-9403.



> IABS Idol will follow the committee meeting, this year's theme is "Fight
> Songs", so the Chicago Chapter will need to pick a song to perform together.
> On Saturday morning the convention will start, Anil Lewis the National
> Representative will be present and will speak. He will be giving the
> national presidential report and giving a banquet address. A panel
> discussion on business ownership will be done by Steve Pangere, Sabrina
> Simmons, and Tim Coleman who all run companies. We will also hear from Dala
> Jurdo who will be speaking on living life with an additional disability
> beyond just her blindness and Denise noted we need to be more aware and
> consider additional disabilities within our affiliate. Joe Natale from the
> library will be present and Ingrid Halvorson will be present from the
> Illinois Bureau of Blind Services. On Sunday morning Braille is Beautiful
> will l take place. Registration is $5 and after October 7th it will be $20
> as well as an increase in meal costs of $5 per meal following October 7th.
> If you need assistance in registering, Patti will be able to assist you
> (773) 307-6440 or David Meyer (708) 606-7091 or Denise (773) 991-8050. Door
> Prizes are being managed by Mary Lou Grunwald and this year because we are
> having a hybrid convention door prizes will only be more so send all to
> Michal Nowicki through Zelle at treasurer at nfbofillinois.org
> <mailto:treasurer at nfbofillinois.org> . She said it needs to be sent early
> and that physical items cannot be donated. She also said she will in touch
> with updates. Checks can be sent to Michal as well at 5128 N. Oak Park Ave.,
> Chicago, IL 60656. Denise pointed out that if you're coming you can bring
> cash but Zelle is the best way.



> Steve shared that the collection raised $78 today including a $2 bill.



> Denise then moved to pass the minutes from the August meeting.



> Ellen shared that IABS will have prizes for IABS idol this year. First
> place, $20 amazon gift card, second an Illinois state t-shirt and third
> place a koozie. They are also accepting video submissions,
> gmoorerd3 at gmail.com <mailto:gmoorerd3 at gmail.com>  and they must be submitted
> by October 18th. If you donate the most money you will be able to pie one of
> the students in the face after the banquet, ponchos will be provided.



> Chicago Chapter Board Business & Updates:

> Denise then updated the chapter on the need to change the signatories on the
> bank account to Denise, Patti, and Steve due to their roles as President,
> VP, and treasurer, and the motion was voted on and approved. She then shared
> that the board plans to donate $500 this year to fifteen for funds instead
> of the $1000 they did last year since the treasury has about $1200 less in
> it. Motion was voted on and approved. Then she said that the board decided
> to donate $100 on behalf of the chapter to the door prize funds for
> convention. Motion was voted on and approved. Blind Equality Achievement
> month was also discussed at the board meeting for the month of October. Some
> ideas mentioned but not voted on were going to a library to read to children
> from a book in braille and a blood drive which had bene done in the past.
> Patti then mentioned that the COVID policy adopted by the state affiliate
> has been shared online. Highlights include masking unless eating or drinking
> actively, staying in place while eating or drinking, and noting that
> meetings that are 30 or more will need contactless temperatures to be done,
> this will need to be purchased. For overnight in-person events, this will
> apply to our upcoming state convention, the board has decided that everyone
> who attends in person whether you are vaccinated or not needs to get a COIVD
> test within 72 hours of the convention start, so after 4pm on Tuesday and
> test result needs to be sent to the president's designee, Patti for this
> event, by 4am on Friday morning. Illinois Department of Public health has
> many sites for free COVID testing and she sent that out on IL-Talk and
> results need to be sent to her either by forwarding or telling testing
> location to send to Patti at pattischang at gmail.com
> <mailto:pattischang at gmail.com> . You can also take a picture and text them
> to her at (773) 307-6440.



> Denise mentioned that she asked for some social distancing and tables spread
> out for this meeting and so we may want to avoid big, long tables and split
> into smaller groups for safety. She then asked if anyone would like to stay
> after the meeting so they can get them set up.

> Melissa, Eileen, Ken Chad, Jemal, Steve, Sara, Debbie Stein, Ed, Marco, &
> Mary will stay.



> Denise then mentioned the three fundraising items that the board voted to
> prepare and plan for respecting the policy put forth for COVID. It's the
> same as what the affiliate in Maryland uses and that they are doing an
> indoor crab fundraiser and it's going well in the planning stages. Right
> now, we have two tentative set dates, the Beggar's Fundraiser on November
> 17th and Games Night on the second Saturday in January. All of these dates
> and times are planned, not set in stone so we will hold them if we can but
> COVID safety and weather will be taken into account as we near each event.
> Pam mentioned that ACB is having their fundraiser on the 22nd of this month
> so we may want to think about supporting them as they have supported us. Ed
> asked if hybrid participation in the Auction would be possible and Denise
> noted that that would be done. Jemal reminded everyone that a few years ago
> people were able to bid online so there's precedence for that option. Motion
> to go forward was approved.



> As Legislative Chair, Kira noted that the committee is looking at issues
> with local transit announcements for CTA transit. In particular those on the
> new L trains. She heard from a deaf organization that it actually is more
> accessible for that community but unfortunately for the blind community the
> announcements are no longer done through the press of a button by the
> operator as the train arrives but rather now automatically are done when the
> doors open leaving little time to board after gaining access to that
> information. She noted she is reaching out to Amy Serpe to request a meeting
> on this topic and if no headway can be made, we will look into other options
> including reaching out to Alderman as needed and possibly sending this up to
> Steve to work on this at the state level.



> If you're interested in sending a check to the American Council of the Blind
> Metro Chicago please contact Dave. Jemal then reminded everyone that we
> still need to select a song for IABS talent and he recommended the Notre
> Dame fight song. Chicago suggested Bare Down Chicago Bears. Steve suggested
> the Illinois fight song. Greg suggested Hit Me with Your Best Shot. Ellen
> suggested We are the Champions. Votes were taken, and it was tied between
> Bare Down and Hit Me, Denise broke the tie and chose Bare Down Chicago Bears
> for our chapter fight song.

> Eileen reminded us that we will not be meeting in October. Denise stated
> that since we have our convention in October, traditionally we do not meet
> during the month of state convention and since she will also be out of town
> the board voted to cancel. The motion was approved.



> The next chapter meeting will be on December 13th, the second Saturday of
> December. Melissa mentioned that she'd be having a Strabismus procedure and
> wanted anyone who'd had one to reach out if possible, her number is (312)
> 848-8937. Kira noted she had and would be in touch.



> Jemal brought up the idea of singing Happy Birthday for the future meetings
> of this chapter for those who have birthdays during that month. Denise asked
> if anyone had a birthday and Mary reminded her she'd had one and said we
> should start the transition. Happy Birthday was sung.



> Denise moved to adjourn at 2:48pm. Motion approved.





> Signed and Submitted by,

> Kira O'Bradovich

> Secretary

> Chicago Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of Illinois









> Denise Avant, ESQ

> 1st Vice President

> National Federation of the Blind of Illinois

> For more information about NFBI,

> Go to www.nfbofillinois.org



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