[IABS-Talk] at large minutes April 2023

[David Meyer]

National Federation of the Blind of Illinois
At Large Chapter

Minutes of meeting held Sunday, April 2nd, 2023

Members and guests present: President Dave Meyer, Vice President Linda 
Hendle, Secretary/Treasurer Bill Reif, Cathy Randall, Marilyn Green, 
Debbie Pittman, Yvonne Agyarco, Debbie Stein, Michal Nowicki, Mary 
Grunwald, Ken Schad, Eileen Truschke, Danny Mandrell, Kyle Chellino, 
Leslie Hamrick, and Michelle Alt.

The March 2023 meeting had been canceled in recognition of the February 
26th passing of Teresa Meyer and activities associated with her then 
upcoming funeral.

The meeting opened with a program item, presented by Debbie Pittman, 
regarding the Real ID. This state identification, whether as an ID or a 
drivers licence, will be required by May 7th, 2025 for those who wish 
to enter a federal building or to travel by air domesticly or 
internationally. The card will have a star at the upper right corner 
signifying its status as a Real ID. Other state identification is still 
available but will be marked "restricted" unless one specifically 
requests the Real ID and presents the required documentation. this 
documentation includes a Social Security number or letter from Social 
Security evidencing your number, at least two pieces of mail recently 
delivered to your current residence, and a birth certificate or other 
documentation verifying your name. Not withstanding the above, it is 
still possible to fly or enter a federal building using federally 
issued identification such as a passport or a passport card.

Debbie moved, and Cathy seconded, that the minutes of the February 
meeting be approved. Motion passed.

NFBI President Marilyn Green presented the State Report. Our next Board 
Meeting will be April 26th with the same Zoom information as this 
meeting. May first is the deadline for Chappel Dennis application for 
National Convention assistance. It should be left in an accessible 
format and emailed to president at nfbofillinois.org. Debbie, chair of the 
State Scholarship committee, said that May 31st is the deadline for 
State Scholarship applications. Our BELL Chicago program, scheduled for 
July 17th through July 28th at the Chicago Lighthouse and already has 
two applicants. The Springfield BELL is scheduled July 31st through 
August 4th. We have hired two teachers for these programs. There will 
also again be a concurrent BELL At Home program. Parents of blind 
children age 4 through 12 and those interested in mentoring should 
contact Debbie Stein. She again mentioned our upcoming National 
Convention that will take place July first through the sixth in 
Houston. More info will be available in the upcoming Presidential 
Release. Our upcoming In Person Board Meeting will be August 19th at 
the Chicago Marriott Naperville, where our state convention will take 
place October 13-14. Reservations can be made at 6 3 0-5 0 5-3 9 0 0. 
The nightly room rate will be $119. Indicate you are with the National 
Federation of the Blind. If there are problems registering, email patti 
at pattischang at gmail.com.

The election for chapter officers and board members was conducted, and 
the following people were elected by acclamation: President Dave Meyer, 
Vice President Linda Hendle, Secretary/treasurer Bill Reif, and Board 
Members Debbie Pittman and Cathy Randall.

Dave urged people to listen to the live Presidential Release to be 
presented April 4th at 7:00 PM.

Debbie reported on our Double Good Popcorn Fund Raiser. it fell during 
the Communication division which included seven states and brought in 
over $17,000. At Large raised about $265 with some additional 
contributions coming in. We received over $150 cash.

Our next At Large meeting will be Sunday May 7th at 7:00 PM.

The meeting adjourned at 8:28 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
Bill Reif, Secretary