[il-talk] Chicago minutes september 2012

[David Meyer]

NFBI Chicago Chapter
September 8, 2012
Exchequer Pub and Restaurant
226 S. Wabash, Chicago

CALL TO ORDER

Chicago Chapter President David Meyer called the meeting to order at 1:07 PM
and welcomed everyone to the semiannual membership tea. Thirty-two people
were in attendance, including first-time attendee Bob Kaiser. Regarding
health concerns, Connie Davis said that her CT scan reports are very
encouraging. Don Jordan is recovering from a broken leg. Gina Falvo has
completed her treatments and is doing fine. Pam Gillmore reported that Don
is recovering from an aortic valve replacement and double bypass. Ken Schad
had a heart attack and is doing much better. Teresa Meyer is recovering very
well from her surgery. All expressed their deep appreciation for the support
that has flowed in from throughout the chapter and affiliate.

PROGRAM

Denise Avant directed a discussion based on "The Definition of Blindness," a
1962 address by Dr. Kenneth Jernigan. After listening to a recording of Dr. 
Jernigan's speech, a number of members shared their thoughts. Many related
Dr. Jernigan's insights to their own lives, recognizing the tremendous
variety in our experiences of vision loss. The discussion was very lively
and many people took part.

SECRETARY's MINUTES

The minutes of the August 8 meeting were approved.

STATE REPORT

NFBI President Patti Chang encouraged everyone to attend Oktoberfest on
September 15. We have forty-two people signed up and would like to have
fifty. Tickets cost $25, which includes food and one drink. Regarding state
convention, get door prizes and special meal requests to Denise. Resolutions
are due to George Villa by September 24. Howard Wilson and his sensei will
do a judo demonstration with the help of Nikki Nishijima and Marco
Giannotti. The At Large Chapter will host a dinner on Friday evening. 
Several tech companies will speak and demonstrate, followed by IABS Idol. 
There will be four panels during general sessions, plus students' and
parents' luncheons. Carl Jacobsen will be our national representative. On
August 25 members from Chicago and Springfield held an informational picket
at Goodwill Industries regarding the subminimum wage issue. There were
pickets in eighty locations nationwide. The board has decided that we will
host a BELL Program in the summer of 2013, as we will not be cosponsoring
national convention after all. Dave Meyer urged people to buy gift
certificates. Let's try to have a gross sale of $10,000 for Christmas. Give
orders to Dave at (708) 209-1767 or datemeyer at sbcglobal.net. He must receive
orders by December 2.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Membership: Bob Widman thanked everyone who came early for the membership
tea, and reminded people that the December meeting begins at noon because of
the Christmas auction.

Fundraising: Ken Staley announced that Janna Stein is delivering the candy
orders this year. Ken is working on arrangements for a basketball
fundraiser. The Fundraising Committee will meet by teleconference on
September 18. Everyone needs to contribute items to the Christmas auction. 
Please bid lavishly.

MEET THE BLIND MONTH

Bruce Paul is planning an event at the Chicago Children's Museum on October
25. He asked for volunteers to demonstrate Braille and cane travel and to
talk about other alternative techniques. Volunteers will also serve on the
committee. Steve Hastalis, Jemal Powell, and Ryan Parrey volunteered.

BOARD MEETING

The Chicago Chapter Board will meet via teleconference on September 23 at 7
PM.

NEW BUSINESS

Margaret James announced that Comcast now has descriptive video. She said
she got good tech support when she called Comcast. Patti announced that the
Federation has been pushing the FCC to make emergency alerts available in
audio format. The networks are mandated to make more content available with
description. A group of organizations is suing Netflix because they still
refuse to stream video with audio description. Dave will look into getting
Comcast to upload its audio description schedule to Newsline. Patti, Dave,
Pam, Mary Grunwald, Debbie Stein, Denise Avant, Steve Hastalis, Bob Widman,
Ken Staley, and Jemal Powell agreed to sing at IABS Idol in the Battle of
the Chapters. Steve Hastalis reported on the Goodwill protest in New York
City. He said that the chapter treasury now contains about $3,600. The
chapter voted to contribute $700 to Fifteen for Funds at state convention.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 3:17 PM.

Respectfully submitted,
Debbie Stein, Secretary