[IABS-Talk] at large minutes December 2022

[David Meyer]

NFBI At Large Chapter
Minutes of meeting held Sunday December 4th, 2022

Members present: President Dave Meyer, Vice President Linda Hendle, 
Kyle Chellino, Marilyn Green, Debbie Pittman, new member Michel Alt, 
Jemal Powell, Ken Schad, Bob Widman, Cathy Randall, Eileen Truschke, 
Danny Mandrell and Avonne Agyarko. Secretary Reif was not in 
attendance, but prepared the minutes via a meeting recording.

Dave updated us regarding Teresas health, as she continues to 
strengthen following hospitalization Friday and time on a ventilator. 
Bob Randal will be getting a new knee January 11th. Jemal asked for pr 
airs as his father recovers from health setbacks.

Debbie introduced guest Carol Halburg, a videographer and member of the 
Windy City Lions Club and Lions Club International. She is a 
chairperson of a district of 70 clubs. Her presentation included a 
comprehensive overview of the Lions organization, including her 
attendance at a Lions Club International convention. There are over 1.4 
million members worldwide, all volunteers spanning over 200 countries, 
more than the United Nations. Windy City was chartered in 2008, not 
tied to a specific community, and one of the first Cyber clubs. Club 
began in Chicago in 1917, and Helen Keller attended a 1925 convention 
urging they become Knights of the Blind. The presentation included a 
Lions video. She observed that the NFB mission of recognition the 
capabilities of the blind and making resources and training available 
squares with the Lions understanding. In much of the world, the Lions 
focus on their program Sight First, which strives to reduce the 80 
percent of blindness thought to be preventable. Over 5000 Lions clubs 
contribute to the operation of the Leader Dog program, which trains and 
provides dog guides. The lions also support Beep Baseball, fishing and 
surfing opportunities, and a Peace Essay contest.
 Lions operate three camps in Illinois, and has a club associated with 
the Chicago Lighthouse.
Following her presentation, we discussed ways in which the Lions may 
partner with the NFB. Carol suggested we start at the Chapter level. 
The Lions are also interested in forming specialty clubs which we may 
consider. The Windy City club meets monthly via Zoom. Club dues vary, 
but usually start at $43 to cover Lions International dues.

Debbie moved, and Linda seconded, approval of the November minutes. 
Motion passed.

The December Presidential Release was presented. The NFB is now one of 
only a few charities Lyft has included in its Round Up program in which 
people who so specify in their profiles and choose the NFB can round up 
purchases to the next dollar and donate the difference to the NFB. The 
NFB is investigating the accessibility of the Indeed program, WHICH 
MATCHES EMPLOYERS WITH JOB SEEKERS. Contact Valerie Yingling via email 
at legal at nfb.org. People are urged to contact their State 
Representative if they wish to attend the upcoming 2023 Washington 
Seminar and to visit nfb.org/washington-seminar for the hotel 
registration link and other information. The Great Gathering In will be 
January 30th.

Marilyn presented the State Report. Our state Board Meeting will be 
Thursday December EIGHTH. Our State Scholarship Program will be opening soon.

We have a new At Large Member named Beatrice Lennard, who is a job 
placement specialist and Real Estate Broker. Debbie Moved, and Cathy 
seconded, acceptance of her membership. Linda moved, and Debbie 
seconded, that the next meeting be moved to Tuesday, January 10th 2022 
rather than on Sunday January 1st. The motion passed.

Dave indicated he may not be able to host the Zoom New Years Eve party 
this year, depending on what happens with Teresas health.

The UNUSIALLY LONG meeting adjourned at 8:59 PM.


Respectfully Submitted,
Bill Reif, Secretary