[il-talk] chicago minutes april 2017

[David Meyer]

David Meyer, NFB of Illinois

Coordinator and Channel Administrator, NFB-NewsLine

 

NFBI CHICAGO CHAPTER

MEETING OF APRIL 8, 2017

 

Chicago Chapter President Debbie Stein called the meeting to order at 1:00
P.M. 

Introductions-What’s Happening: Gina Falvo has spent the past several months
caring for her mother. Joan Porter broke her ankle in two places and is
recovering in the hospital. Ken Staley’s youngest brother passed away due to
cancer. Eileen Truschke’s sister passed away with bone cancer. She also
announced that she and Ken Schad have been together for 40 years. Howard
Wilson is now cancer free. Gary Jones has received a new guide dog. David
Meyer reported that Teresa has cancer in her colon and possibly in the lymph
nodes as well. She is receiving chemotherapy at this point.

There were 28 members present.

Program A: David Meyer talked about what is going on in state legislation.
HB2626 the Parental Rights for the Blind Act passed out of the Judiciary
Civil committee in March. It must go before the full house. Dave asked
President Stein to read a letter she wrote advocating for the passage of
this bill. Prior to reading the letter she mentioned that anyone wishing to
use the letter under their signature could do so.  Several members
encouraged all of us to call or write our legislators for the purpose of
gaining support for this bill.

Several members agreed to write letters to legislators. Finally, President
Stein asked that we solicit the support of family members and friends for
this issue.

Secretary’s Report: Because of the brief amount of time that minutes were
available for everyone to read, it was moved seconded and passed to dispense
with the minutes this month with the idea that they along with the minutes
for April would be approved at the June meeting.

Program B: Mary Grunwald presented a program where she encouraged all of us
to be visible. She pointed out that not only would it help us individually
to get outside to do things, it also makes us as blind people visible to the
public. Being blind and visible educates the public, as well as affording
each of us the opportunity for improved physical health.

Treasurers Report: Steve Hastalis gave the treasurers report for the first
quarter of 2017. He reported the following. Beginning balance, January 1,
2017, $5,587. Income, $688. Expenses, $630. Ending balance as of March 31,
2017, $5,645. The report was approved as given.

Presidential Reports:

National Presidential Release, Mark Riccobono, President, National
Federation of the Blind reported on the following items. We have available a
number of print Kernel books available. Individuals or chapters may order
them a case at a time, with each case consisting of 50 books. The following
books are available. Oh Wow, Safari, Reaching for the Top in a Land Down
Under, Not Much of a Muchness, The Lessons of the Earth, Imagine and
Celebrate. These books may be ordered through the Independence Market. The
Jernigan Institute staff is now working on the tenth anniversary Youth Slam.
We are looking for artistic representations to use to advertise the Youth
Slam which will occur this summer. The exhibit must include a current
National Federation of the Blind logo, the phrase National Federation of the
Blind Tenth Anniversary Youth Slam, and it must be “stem” related. The file
must be a high resolution PdF or ETF file. All submissions must be in by
April 28.The winning design will be illustrated on Youth Slam Tea shirts.
Nominations for the Blind Educator of the Year award must be into the
committee chairman, Dr. Eddie Bell by May 1.Nominations may be emailed to
him at ebell at latech.eduPresident Riccobono encouraged all of us to stay
abreast on federal legislation. We have been asked to oppose HR620 as it
would significantly weaken the Americans with Disabilities Act. The
Instructional Materials in Higher Education Act has been introduced in the
house as HR1772 by Congressman Phil Roe of Tennessee and Joe Courtney of
Connecticut. The Access Technology Affordability Act has been introduced as
HR1734 in the house and as S732 in the Senate. The Time act has been
introduced as HR1377. There is currently an opening in the Governmental
affairs Team. If you are interested in this position, please send your
resume and cover letter to officeofthepresident at nfb.org. Jeff Kearsey passed
away on April 2. 

State Presidential Report: Denise Avant, President of the National
Federation of the Blind of Illinois reported on the following items. We have
submitted an application for a Bolotain Award on behalf of our Freedom Link
program. Our student Seminar will occur on April 22. The official flyer is
now on the website. One may register either online or at the door. The
seminar will take place at the Holiday Inn Midway. The National Convention
will occur in Orlando Florida on July 10-15. President Avant encouraged all
of us to attend if possible. If one wishes for financial assistance for the
convention, they may apply to the Chappell-Dennis fund. Applications must be
into President Avant by May 1. They may be emailed to her at
davant1958 at gmail.com. Denise will have Jernigan tickets to sell at the June
meeting. The cost of each ticket is $10. The winner will receive an
all-expenses paid trip for two to the 2018 National convention plus $1,000.
We will have Bell programs in Chicago and Springfield following the
convention. If you are interested in volunteering for these activities, you
may email Patti Chang at pattischang at gmail.com. Finally, Denise is looking
for a convention theme for the state convention. Please send any ideas to
davant1958 at gmail.com.

Fundraising Committee: Ken Staley reported that our Beggars Pizza fundraiser
will occur on April 19 at the downtown location, 310 South Clinton Avenue,
Chicago. Please hand in a flyer with your order and Beggars will give us 20%
of the bill, excluding tax and gratuity. The White Sox fundraiser will occur
on August 12, featuring the Sox VS Kansas City. The cost is $30 per ticket.
Orders must be in by May 1. They may be emailed to David Meyer at
datemeyer at sbcglobal.net or you may call him at 708-606-7091.

Old Business: Steve Hastalis mentioned that the next CTA ADA Advisory
Committee will take place at CTA headquarters on Monday, April 10 at 1:00
P.M. 

New Business: Bill Reif mentioned that we have six cosponsors for hb2626.
There will be a Transportation Committee meeting on Wednesday, April 19 at
7:30 P.M. Call 641-715-3273 and use the code transit, (8726748.) The July
picnic will occur at the Landmark Café, Lincoln Park Zoo on Saturday, July
22.

Elections: The following individuals were elected to offices and board
positions for the coming year. President Steve Hastalis, First
Vice-President Patti Chang, Second Vice-President Jemal Powell, Secretary
David Meyer and treasurer Marco Giannotti. Board members are Denise Avant,
Howard Wilson, Gina Falvo and Melisa Fuller.

The meeting was adjourned at 3:12 P.M.

Respectfully Submitted,

David Meyer, Secretary