[il-talk] chicago minutes February 2017

Tue Feb 28 20:05:29 UTC 2017

David your notes  are way better then mine. Thanks. Gina Falvo

Sent from my iPad

> On Feb 28, 2017, at 1:01 PM, David Meyer via IL-Talk <il-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> NFBI Chicago Chapter Minutes
> 
> Meeting of February 11, 2017
> 
> At 1:00 P.M.  President Debbie Stein called to order the February 2017
> meeting of the National Federation of the Blind of Illinois Chicago Chapter.
> 
> What's Happening: Mary Grunwald is continuing to improve her stamina,
> walking from Clinton and Madison to the Exchequer Pub.  There were 26
> members present.  Ken Staley lost a brother to cancer.
> 
> Gregg Rosenberg had to undergo a surgery. Steve Hastalis' sister had stage 3
> kidney cancer which has apparently been eliminated via surgery.
> 
> Program: Jemal Powell, program chairman lead a discussion about Washington
> Seminar, which took place January 29 through February 2.  He described
> Washington Seminar as a time when federationists from across the country
> talk with members of congress about what he would like to see passed into
> law during the current congressional session.
> 
> The four initiatives for this year are as follows.  The Accessible
> Instructional Materials for Students in Higher Education act, the Marrakesh
> Treaty, an appropriation for the National Library Service to be used for the
> purchase of braille displays for blind patrons, and a refundable tax credit
> for the purchase of blindness related technology.
> 
> All four pieces of legislation were defined in greater detail by people who
> went to the Washington Seminar.
> 
> We had a chance to meet with seven congressional representatives from
> Illinois this year.  This was the best we have done in direct meetings with
> congress officials in some time.
> 
> President Stein mentioned that Washington Seminar represents a beginning of
> our legislative efforts each year.  We will be following up with thank you
> notes, other correspondence and appointments with Congressional reps from
> Illinois during the course of the year to revisit our issues.
> 
> Secretary's minutes: It was moved and seconded to approve minutes for the
> January 2017 meeting.  The minutes were approved as presented.
> 
> Presidential reports:
> 
> National Presidential Release
> 
> Mark Riccobono, president, National Federation of the Blind touched upon the
> following.  President Riccobono thanked those who attended Washington
> Seminar, as well as those who will eventually represent the Federation in
> follow-up appointments.  Congressman Phil Roe has again sponsored our
> Instructional Materials for students in Higher Education Act.  We had a
> successful congressional reception, where ten congressmen and senators
> addressed those in attendance.  The introductory price of $19.95 for the
> Android version of the KNFB Reader is now a thing of the past.  This version
> now carries the same $99.99 selling price as the iPhone version for this
> product.  Expect a Windows application for this product soon.
> 
> President Riccobono set a goal for each chapter to bring in one new member
> in March.  A new filmed titled Do you Dream in Color will be released on
> February 10.  It will stress artificial barriers blind students currently
> face due to social and educational misunderstandings.  A revision of our
> Teacher of Tomorrow program is now underway.  We are still looking for
> material for our blind parent's website.  Materials may be submitted to
> Melisa Riccobono.  You may call her at 410-659-9314 ext. 2466 or by emailing
> parenting at nfb.org.
> 
> Posters of our Guinness World Record umbrella mosaic are available through
> the Independence market for $1 each.
> 
> There have been a number of births and deaths within the Federation over the
> past month.  June rose Killien passed away on January 30.  Megan Benning
> passed away in late January.  Several parents of federationists have also
> passed away, including Jennifer Dunnam's father, Dr.  Maurer's mother Romona
> Migurelli, and Carol Castelano's mother.  Ila Morningstarr was born on
> January 17.  McKenzie was born to Lisa Martinez on January 24.
> 
> State Presidential Report: Debbie Stein gave the state presidential report.
> We are looking for students to apply for both the National and State
> Scholarship programs.  One must be a full-time student in 2017, be legally
> blind, and must attend the entire National or State convention if chosen as
> a scholarship winner.  We are also looking for applicants for our state
> Internship program which can be done throughout the entire year.  The intern
> will engage in volunteer work that he or she would find.  We would provide a
> stipend for this experience.  Our student division is planning a seminar
> titled Beating the Barriers.  It will take place April 22 at the Holiday Inn
> Midway.  One may register by going to www.nfbofillinois.org.
> 
> One may apply for assistance to this event through the Chappell-Dennis fund.
> The National convention will take place in Orlando at the Rosen Shingle
> Creek Hotel July 10-15.  One may apply for assistance through the
> Chappell-Dennis Fund, or if you are a first time attendee, you are encourage
> to apply for a Kenneth Jernigan Convention Scholarship.  One must apply for
> Jernigan funding by April 1.  One must apply for Chappell-Dennis funding by
> May 1.
> 
> Possible Chapter PROJECTS
> 
> President Stein led a brainstorming discussion where people put fourth ideas
> on what the Chicago Chapter should work on in the coming year.  The
> following ideas and projects were suggested.  Information
> leafletting-petitioning the public for support on legislative initiatives,
> conducting interviews on radio, discussing who we are and what we do.  Hold
> a blood drive, taking part in parades, participate in walk-a-thons to
> support other organizations, resume appearances at ICRE Wood, set up an
> activity with the Mayor's office of Special Events or the Mayor's Office for
> people with Disabilities, presenting to support groups or hospitals.  Keep a
> supply of the Guinness world record posters. Pam Gillmore volunteered to do
> this.  Melisa Fuller volunteered to look into a speaking engagement at Hines
> Hospital.
> 
> Fundraising
> 
> Dave Meyer mentioned the upcoming Beggars fundraiser which will occur on
> April 19 at 310 South Clinton Avenue.  Dave will have flyers at the March
> and April meetings.  Dave also described the possibility of a White Sox
> fundraiser again this year.  The Sox are offering a very attractive package
> for any group selling more than 150 tickets.  The organization would receive
> a $3 price break on each ticket sold.  It was moved seconded and passed to
> hold a Sox fundraiser.  The date will be August 12 vs Kansas City.
> 
> Meetings
> 
> President Stein mentioned that the meeting schedule will be revised over the
> next several months.  The March meeting will occur on Saturday, March 4, due
> to the St.  Patrick's Day parade occurring on March 11.  We will have an
> April meeting.  It will be scheduled for April 8.  Elections will occur at
> the April meeting.  Those wishing to vote who are not presently members must
> pay at the March meeting.  Dues are $5 annually. There will be no meeting in
> May.
> 
> New business Second Sense will hold a technology fair on May 13.  All of us
> were encouraged to attend.
> 
> The next board meeting is a face to face board meeting on March 4 at 11:30
> A.M.
> 
> Melisa Fuller suggested doing a fundraiser with Omaha steaks.  She will look
> into this idea.
> 
> The meeting adjourned at approximately 3:15 P.M.
> 
> Respectfully Submitted,
> 
> David Meyer, Secretary
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> IL-Talk mailing list
> IL-Talk at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/il-talk_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for IL-Talk:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/il-talk_nfbnet.org/falvog52%40gmail.com