[IL-Talk] Chicago Chapter Hybrid Meeting Minutes August 13, 2022

[davant1958 at gmail.com]

Chicago Chapter August 2022 Meeting Notes

Hybrid (At Exchequer & on Zoom)

August 13, 2022

 

Denise welcomed everyone to the August Chapter Meeting of the NFB and
introduced herself as the chapter president. There are just a few
announcements she said she had, this meeting is one where they ask all in
person to wear a mask unless eating or drinking. We know that right now the
numbers are very high for Chicago and Cook County. This will be good
practice for the state convention as was the national convention, masks will
be required. She also noted that today they will have to finish the meeting
by 4pm and will not be able to gather in the room after the meeting as is
typically done but there is an event at 5pm. So just be aware of that.

 

She began with introductions and good news.

 

Denise Avant: Just completed a meeting with the American Bar Association and
with the close of that t meeting she is now a member of the board of
governors of the American Bar Association. (This was met with great applause
and she thanked everyone.)

 

Ruth Santag:  Said Hi to everyone

Debbie Stein: She let everyone know that the August 8th issue of the New
Yorker has an article about sound in motor vehicles and it talks about the
NFB effort to work on the quiet car issue and she is quoted in the article.
It talks about people being at the national headquarters and meetings that
happened so the NFB is very well represented in the article.

Emma Meyer: She noted she did not have a mask so Denise loans her one. 

Mary Grunwald: Was glad to see a few faces we haven't seen in awhile

Steve Hastalis: Chicago Chapter Treasurer

David Meyer: Official NFBI Hermit but is here in person today, just wanted
to announce that Teresa continues to do pretty well, things will never be
absolutely normal but her counts with her blood and hemoglobin are well
within the acceptable range and have been stable over the last couple of
months which is as much as they can be hopeful right now

Ken Borst: Had some good news, on the 2nd of August he went to see his
doctor at about 9am at the Illinois Advocate Center and they were like two
little boys on Christmas morning as he's lost enough  weight to no longer be
considered morbidly obese, he's the skinniest he's been in more than 40
years. (This was met with much applause)

Laura Cordingly: Hi everybody, I'm Laura.

Dan TeVelde: Member of the chicago chapter and is from Forest Park, nothing
to report all is going well and so glad to be here with everyone.

Chris Milsapp: Also from Forest Park and also a member of the Chicago
Chapter and he's also glad to be here on this definitely less hot day than
it's been in the past two weeks.

Shelly: This is her first meeting, she is really glad she found this. It
took her a lot of phone calls to find it. She has Graves disease and Thyroid
Disease and it is taking her vision, her depth perception is off, she did
end up losing her job because of the way she sees and her facial features
have changed a lot. She's just here to learn and to check it out right now,
doesn't know where they are going with this, has had surgeries and has more
coming.
Denise said she welcomed her and said to feel free to ask any questions and
that we hope this isn't  the last meeting.

Ken Schad: Member for quite a few years and still enjoys coming to see
what's going on

Eileen Truschke: She just got over COVID about a month ago and is glad she's
well.

Bruce Paul

Marco Giannotti

Jemal Powell

 

On Zoom:

Dustin Cather: Sorry he can't be there, he has some gnarly bite on his foot
and woke up with a mild fever so he should monitor that. He just completed
the pathways program at Blind Service Association, a six-week session for
blind and low vision students, they all had a great time and it was a great
success.

Gina Falvo: Hi everybody, Denise, congratulations on your achievement, Dave,
so happy Theresa is doing well. And welcome to the new lady that said that
this was her first meeting and dealing with her vision loss, it's not a
hopeless world, there's a lot of resources out there, good luck. And hello
to everyone.

Dustin then introduced Ashley Robbin, our guest speaker and Denise welcomed
her. 

Juliette Walker: Hello everyone and welcome to the hopefully new members and
hello to everyone else. She does have some good news, in May she started
working in the Children's Development Center at the Lighthouse and she's
been doing that and having a really good time with that. Hello to everyone,
happy to be here. (This was met with congratulations and applause.)

Robert Hansen: Just got stuck but otherwise would be there eating a sandwich
or something. He had a nice trip out to Nebraska for a family reunion and he
got back on Wednesday. CPS opens in a little over a week so he will be back
doing his thing per usual and looking forward to that. Otherwise it's been a
nice chill summer, just kicking back and enjoying life, good to be here.

Sara Luna: Hello everyone, newly elected second vice-president of the
National Association of Blind Students., thrilled to be joining everyone
from Minneapolis. She said she ate her cinnamon roll cheesecake today and it
was really good. Denise suggested she try out some of those meals for us.

Greg Rosenberg

 

Denise then invited and introduced Ashley Robin who is the acting lead for
the Chicago Chapter of Achilles International. Ashley thanked Denise and
ensured everyone could hear her, they could. She said it was a pleasure to
be here today to speak to all and thanked Denise. She is excited to tell
everyone about Achilles and their Chicago Chapter. She is a volunteer
chapter lead and has been in the position for about 4 years and has been
with Achilles for a little over 5 years. She started out as a guide runner
and has slowly made her way to leading the chapter. It's been an absolute
blessing to be a part of, it's a very amazing running community full of
inspiring athletes and it's been a really great journey up until this point.


 

She then gave a quick background on Achilles International, their mission is
to transform the lives of people with disabilities through athletic programs
and social connection. Achilles enables people with all types of
disabilities to participate in mainstream running events from 5k to
marathon, ultras, and triathlons. While their programs focus mainly on
running their main objective has been to bring hope and inspiration and the
joys of achievement to all. Achilles was founded in 1983 by Dick Traum. He
was the first above the knee amputee to run the NYC Marathon in 1976. And
since their founding they have empowered over 150,000 athletes of all ages
and ability levels to participate in endurance events around the globe. 

 

Ashley then gave a quick kind of glance at what the chapter landscape looks
like around the world, they have 28 chapters in the United States across 19
states and internationally there are 40 chapters across 21 plus countries.
That is also growing today and may be more. Achilles International's
portfolio of programs includes more than just running programs in other
states. There is something called the Achilles Freedom Team which serves
wounded military personnel and veterans. There's also a program for
children, Achilles Kids which provides training, race opportunities, and an
in-school program for children with disabilities. And there is something
called the Tri-Achilles Team which expands our running program into biking
and swimming. There are also your standard Achilles Chapter workouts, mainly
focused on running and once a year they host a signature Hope & Possibility
race which takes place in NYC and virtually in several cities worldwide. She
opened the floor for questions.


Denise also noted that while they focus on running, they also act as guides
for those who want to get out and walk and she has been doing that with them
since May. She did a practice this morning for a 2.5 mile walk but she's
done as much as 3.5 miles on the lakefront. She then asked if there were
questions in the room. Bruce Paul said he was training too, he's started
walking, he's run a few marathons, and he asked if they guide in groups or
only individually. He does 6-7 miles walks and also is working to train for
a marathon next year. Also do they have people readily available or do they
need to be requested. 

 

Ashley noted that each chapter is run individually by volunteers outside of
NYC. So each chapter operates a little differently, the Chicago chapter has
about 100 guides who are readily available to volunteer. Because it's
volunteer time, when a new athlete joins they send out an email to see who
may be available to help train them. Sometimes it ends up being one person,
sometimes there are several people interested in helping. In Denise's case
that's exactly what happened to her based upon her area, she was paired with
3-4 guides. Denise shared that two regular and several to substitute. Ashley
said it really depends on where you live and who may be readily available to
you on a more frequent basis. In some areas they have one on one, but they
prefer you run with at least two guides especially if you are using a
tether. One person will be attached to you via a shoestring, or hold wrists
or elbows and then have another person looking out for people, cracks on the
sidewalk, etc. to make sure you are safe on that run. It doesn't always turn
out that way since they are a small chapter but they are currently
expanding. You can reach them at  <mailto:achilles.chicago at gmail.com>
achilles.chicago at gmail.com or you can go straight to
achillesinternational.org and fill out a membership form that will get to
her after 2-3 weeks of processing and then she will reach out to you once
she receives it. Dave asked if for those of us who could not spell could you
please spell Achilles and if there was a cost, Ashley answered with
"A-C-H-I-L-L-E-S" and then shared that the service is completely free. 

 

Denise asked for any further questions so far. There were none so Ashley
shared a bit about the Chicago Chapter. She said that in the Chicago Chapter
specifically they are currently only providing guides for running and
walking, they have athletes who are training for races all the way down to
those who are walking. They are paired with Dare to Try for any triathlon
needs so Achilles will provide the running guides for them and Dare to Try
will provide swimming and biking guides. About 50% of the population served
by the Chicago Chapter are blind/visually impaired so it is the majority
that they serve. However she mentioned there are plenty of other
disabilities including CF, CP, muscle imbalances, and a whole variety.
Anyone is welcome and they'd love to have any of us join them for any period
of time, they want to serve as a support system to get everyone out and
active. She also shared that with their practices since they are a smaller
chapter that means limited practices. Currently they have one per month over
the summer months (from June through September), the next one will take
place on September 17th and they typically practice on Montrose Track, up
north by Montrose Beach. They will either run around the track with speed or
hill work or if you're interested in just running on the lakefront trail
that's also an option as well. At those practices they will also have a
guided stretch, time to check and mingle, snacks and water are provided, and
all that good stuff. That's kind of their once a month get together practice
and social combo and beyond that they also have a couple of smaller
practices that are happening outside of those mini practices, including one
in Cicero which she believes is on Monday nights and is happening
intermittently, so not every Monday. But because it's a smaller chapter most
people keep in touch and exchange contact info to make times work. If
neither of those practices work for you they also do a lot of one on one
pairing which is the most common. If you are looking for a guide to more
regularly train you they just ask you email with dates and times preferred,
distance wanting to cover, if you are training for something, and if you
know your pace. If you don't know your pace that's ok, the guides can help
you determine your pace if you are newer to running. The newer athletes will
start out with a sort of walk/run program and it's not necessarily formal,
the volunteer will help you figure it out.

 

Mary asked about walking, shared that she is a little in the older stats,
but she walks every day, she does a lot of walking. She's interested in
walking on the lakefront but it would be better for someone to walk with
her. Although she has recreational vision she doesn't quite trust it for an
excursion like that completely so she's wondering if they have options for
someone like her who is not training to run a marathon but wants to walk a
lot to stay healthy. Ashley said that's similar to what they do for Denise
so they absolutely do and that the lakefront trail can be chaotic so it's
good she's being smart with it. She also said depending on where she lives
perhaps they could get a group together with others. Mary said she lives on
Madison and Clinton. Denise said she doesn't have any interest in running a
marathon, just for health reasons and encourages even if you have
recreational vision it's needed to be able to be safe with all of the bikes
and hazards on the lakeshore trail. She will post the email address on
IL-Talk so you can email to see if she has someone in your area. Dustin then
asked if they operate in the winter time. Ashley said group practices do not
but one on one training still happens. Some athletes have trained through
the winter for marathons. He then also asked if they do hikes, like at a
forest preserve. Ashley said they haven't but she loves that idea so it
doesn't mean they can't and they could definitely talk to that among their
guides. Bruce noted that if you're a winter runner, the lakefront is great
since no one is out there during those months, especially on the dirt path.
The summertime is so hectic now it's like night and day and the path is
divided between cyclists and runners and walkers so he's very pro running
but he encourages everyone to try it and work with Achilles, it's a fun
activity and you'll really enjoy it. Ashley agreed and said it's great to be
able to get out and away from the city sounds. 

 

Robert Hansen said he loved walking 2-3 miles on the path by the Chicago
River rather than waiting 29 minutes for the CTA bus so he will walk to the
grocery store. He has comfortable shoes and he's glad he does it, he enjoys
it. Ashley agreed and then spoke on the perks of being an Achilles member,
they do a spring kick-off brunch or lunch every year, usually in April or
May, right after race season starts in Chicago, to get everyone excited for
the year ahead, set goals for races, and start to mingle and meet the people
who you will be seeing at group practices and races for the rest of the
year. The lunch is sponsored by Achilles so it is free to you as well. For
races, depending on the budget and number of athletes they typically will
cover an allotted number of races for reimbursement and sponsor between 2
and 3 races per year. A reimbursed race is a race in which you decide that
you want to run on your own and pay for it in advance and then when the race
happens you wear Achilles gear to help advertise. Then you send in your
receipt and a picture of you after the race with your gear on and they will
send the reimbursement. The number of races they are able to reimburse is
from 2-4 in the past but varies depending on funding each year. Sponsored
races are submitted and they are selected and all logistics are handled for
you, you simply show up, they will make sure that you have your bib, your
guide, and that you get to and from the race safely. They've sponsored races
such as the Shamrock Shuffle, 5-8 miles, Chicago Spring & Fall Marathons,
and new this year, there's an opportunity for everyone still which is the
Chicago Lighthouse's brand new race, "Rise to Shine". The information just
came out, it's hosted by the Lighthouse and Achilles is partnering very
closely with them to ensure word gets out. Ashley also said that she
believes this is the first race to ever happen in the UIC medical district
ever and it is specifically designed to be accessible, which is incredible,
and also a race made to spread awareness of the AWD, or Athlete With a
Disability, community. They have 10k, 5k, and 1 mile options which could be
a run or a walk. If you are interested they are sponsoring and will be
paying everyone's registration ahead of time and will be organizing and
putting a group together to gather the bibs and bring them to the race that
morning. Denise asked if there were any questions. There were none. 

 

Ashley shared that they typically do have a pre-race dinner for the Chicago
marathon runners. It's been a bit split in years past since they have a big
turn out with the Achilles Freedom team who often do their own thing for a
pre-race pasta dinner and also hotels but sometimes it's combined with all
of the athletes from all over the world and they try to include as many
athletes as they can. While it is  on hold at the moment, Ashley then shared
that they are partnered with Google on a new technology for visually
impaired runners and it is one of the coolest things she's seen in a very
long time. It will be a device that you strap around your waist, right now
it's a cell phone. This may sound kind of weird but it does make sense in
the long run since they will want to turn it into an application for your
phone. It straps on to you and it's in the very early stages of development
but includes designated lines. Achilles is currently in charge of helping
them test it out setting up those lines then. it's in the very early stages
of development but includes designated lines.  Achilles is currently in
charge of helping them test it out setting up those lines. The phone would
then vibrate when a runner was heading outside of those lines, which would
allow visually impaired people to run completely on their own with no one
else whatsoever. To some that may sound scary and to others it may sound
wonderful. She has brought all of the equipment with her today and the other
chapters have started to test it out sooner than the Chicago chapter did so
they've already found additional enhancements. Chicago is adding to that
technology and then they will continue to test. 

 

Ashley then shared that If you are interested in running the NYC marathon,
they are headquartered there and have direct access to bibs for NYC for
Achilles athletes so it's relatively easy to get into the NYC Marathon
compared to the general public. Other than that, she wanted to give everyone
logistics about communication. Since they are a relatively small
organization, they operate over email, you'll sign a form, be placed on an
email distribution list and all updates will come via email. Anything about
races, practices, social events, all will come through email. 

 

She then mentioned that there are some pretty aggressive expansion plans for
the Chicago chapter, they are hiring full time staff for the first time in
Chicago. As she mentioned, she is a volunteer with a board of about 7
members who are also volunteers and they do what they can in between their
full time jobs to run the chapter but the full time hire will expedite what
they are able to provide to all of us. This could mean more practices, for
instance once every Saturday and perhaps even twice a week. They plan to
expand into the winter and just overall more support in general. The hiring
process has begun but is moving relatively slowly as she found out about it
in March and she thinks they are still in the early stages so we are
encouraged to apply. Denise has some information regarding it but Ashley is
also happy to answer any questions via email. They are looking for a chapter
lead and, while this is still up in the air about full or part time, some
sort of vice-president of membership, someone who will focus on getting the
word out and expanding and growing the athlete roster.  

Jemal asked if they had any plans to have any suburban chapters in the
future. Ashley said as the Chicago chapter that is the number one thing they
struggle with and while they have guides and athletes throughout the suburbs
with attempts to put together a training group she hopes it will happen.
naturally since they will have a big enough group and there will be a common
location together and definitely goal with the chapter. Dustin asked if
tandem biking and potentially kayaking was a possibility down the pipeline.
Ashley did note that they do have tandem biking and other activities in
other chapters that should be coming as well as swimming. Kayaking is not
specifically a part of Achilles but that doesn't mean it couldn't be in the
future because there will probably be others on both ends that are
interested in doing so. They've never worked with an organization that
provides kayaks to help them understand what we need for kayaking but there
are double kayaks. It's an active community so she wouldn't put anything off
the table. Steve said he'd heard about small vehicles that you peddle around
Navy Pier, would it be possible to get together with someone to do that
instead of a tandem bike? Ashley said she hadn't heard of these, and asked
if they were specifically for Navy Pier. Steve said they don't go all over
the city. Dustin asked if he's talking about a Rickshaw and Steve said kind
of, a pedal powered vehicle. Others pointed out there are some for the water
as well. So he asked if it would be possible, Sarah noted they have two rows
with two benches and the people can all peddle, shaped like a car but all
pedal powered and people rent them at Navy Pier. Ashley said she hadn't seen
ones that you operate on your own, but has seen the uber service type bikes.
Steve clarified they are ones that you peddle on your own. Denise said if
anyone is interested in biking right now, "Dare to Try" is an organization
that does some tandem bike training, Tim Paul from ICB is currently training
for a triathlon, he's running with Achilles and he is cycling and swimming
with "Dare to Try" and they meet a couple of times a week and their practice
site is in the same area. Ashley noted eventually they want to expand to
also provide those services but right now they are a great resource. If you
have any other mode of movement outside of running and walking today, it may
not be sponsored by Achilles right now but could be used for a social event
or a single group together for a gathering. The expansion plans are
primarily focused on adding triathlon for new modes of movement. Denise
thanked Ashley for coming and Ashley said she hoped to hear from us. Greg
thanked her for a wonderful program . 

 

Denise then turned to Dave to play the Presidential Release from President
Riccobono. She asked Mary to go around and take up a collection while the
release is playing. 

 

For his National Release, President Riccobono reflected on the national
convention in New Orleans that was full of lots of excitement and energy. He
thanked all those who attended virtually and in person and sent a special
thanks out to the Louisiana Affiliate for hosting. He also noted that while
in Italy for his birthday he had the opportunity to meet with the President
of the Italian Blind Union. President Riccobono then welcomed all who
participated in the convention to complete the survey at nfb.org/convention.
And, if you missed any of the convention sessions or want to relive them,
they are all available on YouTube. Highlights from the convention can also
be found on his podcast and in the August/September issue of the Braille
Monitor. He then shared that the next National Convention will take place in
Houston, July 1st to July 6th, 2023. He did send out a special message to
everyone who contracted COVID during the convention and hoped they all had
recovered. 

 

He thanked all of the chapters and participants for their work in following
protocol to keep others safe and shared that the convention was a success.
18 resolutions were passed, which can all be found at nfb.org/resolutions.
He thanked all past elected members and congratulated all new. He also
shared that in celebration of the anniversary of the ADA they were able to
participate in a roundtable discussion with Vice President Kamala Harris and
had the opportunity to promote our work, especially in regards to web
accessibility and digital access. They were further able to participate in
Senate hearings on Section 508 and meetings with the Disability Caucus.
Recordings of many of these activities can be found on our website. He also
noted that we are now entering congressional recess where many congressional
representatives will be present in their district offices so now is the time
to make appointments to reach them. 

 

President Riccobono also shared that October is Blind Achievement Equality
Month and so if any chapter or affiliate, or combined, would like to submit
a proposal to host them locally for the release to do so by Sunday, August
28th. For more information on this month and how you can get involved you
can visit nfb.org/blind-month. October 15th is also White Cane Awareness
Day. In addition, up to 50 braille calendars are available for each
affiliate but as an individual you are welcome to request a free one for
yourself by  emailing calendar at actionfund.org
<mailto:calendar at actionfund.org>  or you can call 410-659-9315. 

 

President Riccobono then shared an update on the addition of a limited
access accounts for NFB Newsline for parents who would like to sign up their
children with the ability to screen out certain content. 

The Center for Nonvisual Access Technology is hosting its monthly training
on Tuesday, August 30th, from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. Eastern time. This month's
topic is the basics of accessibility. You can go to nfb.org to register for
future, monthly trainings. He then welcomed new chapters and reported on the
passing of members across the federation including our own Nadia Sherman,
who was only 24 years old. 

 

 

The Presidential Release ended and Denise shared that she regretted having
to inform  everyone that Allen Harris passed away three days ago after
moving back to Michigan and suffering a fall. She shared that many knew him
back in the day. 

 

Denise then noted Marilyn could not be at the meeting due to work so she
would give the state president report in her absence. Denise said that
Marilyn thanked all who were able to attend the national convention and
hopes all can bring their same energy and excitement to Houston next year.
They completed the 2022 Bell Program and Marilyn wanted to say a sincere
thank you to Debbie Stein, the coordinator and Amy Lund, our Bell teacher to
make our first in person program since COVID a success. Many thanks to the
adult blind mentors who volunteered their time and talents to teach the next
generation that blindness is not the characteristic that defines them.

 

The face to face board meeting is scheduled for Saturday, August 27th at the
Chicago Marriott Naperville Hotel. The deadline to make a reservation within
the room block has passed but you're welcome to attend in person or via
Zoom. More information will be sent on our email list as to how you can join
us to prepare for our 2022 State Convention and our 2022-2023 programming.

 

If you need financial assistance to attend the 2022 State Convention, the
deadline for Chappel Dennis is Thursday, September 1st at 11:59pm. Please
submit your application to president at nfbofillinois.org
<mailto:president at nfbofillinois.org>   by that deadline. Please text or
email Marilyn Green at 312-343-8396 or president at nfbofillinois.org
<mailto:president at nfbofillinois.org> . 

 

This year's state convention will take place at the Chicago Marriott
Naperville Hotel in Naperville, Illinois. The room rate is $109 per night
for 1 king and $119 per night for two queen beds plus applicable taxes. Call
6305054900 to make your reservation and reference the National Federation of
the Blind of Illinois to get our room rate.. We are seeking theme and
program ideas for the 2022 State convention. Please contact Marilyn Green at
312-343-8396 or president at nfbofillinois.org
<mailto:president at nfbofillinois.org>  with your ideas for the state
convention. We need your input to make every convention a success. 

 

Denise then asked if there were any questions about either release and since
there were none she called on Steve Hastalis to provide the second quarter
treasury report for our chapter. Steve shared second quarter treasurer's
report for April, May, & June Meetings. The beginning balance on Friday,
April 1, 2022 was $6,850.00. Dues $5 a piece, 5 renewals, subtotal $25,
mostly collections at chapter meetings, $100 April, $300 May, $200 June,
subtotal $600. Mini Auction, Lou Mitchell's 2 Gift Certificates, $75 and
$60, subtotal $130. Additional contributions $100 and $120, Subtotal $220.
Talent Show & Pizza Dinner at Exchequer following May 14 meeting including
related donations, 15 participants at $25 a piece, $375 plus additional
contributions, 2 more musical pieces $10, donation $10, Subtotal $395. Cane
Tips $2 each, 3 purchased, Subtotal $6. Total $1,376. Expenses National
Federation of the Blind of Illinois National Convention funds, JtB Fund,
White Cane Fund, Jernigan Fund, & SUN fund, $400 a piece, State funds, $15
for Funds, $1000, State Convention assistance to National and State
Conventions $600 for convention scholarship, subtotal $3,200. Withdrawal,
transactions, preauthorized contributions to National Federation of the
blind, $50 mostly, April, May June, Subtotal $150. Reimbursement Denise
Avant, Talent Show & Pizza Dinner at Exchequer following May 14 meeting,
$405. 79. Global Accessibility Awareness Day, May 19, copies of materials
for the federation $119, one minute message cards for new chapter members,
$20, Subtotal $563. 29. Marco Gianotti, new PA system, $715. 12, total
$4,628.91. Ending balance, Thursday June 30, 2022, $3,600.09. That ended the
second quarter treasurers report. 

 

Denise asked for a motion to approve, Jemal moved, Mary seconded, she asked
for questions, there were none, motion approved. 

She said that at the beginning of July she sent the Secretary's minutes for
our June meeting done by our wonderful secretary Kira O'Bradovich and it was
posted to IL-Talk and later posted to Newsline by David Meyer. She then
asked for a motion for approval. Ken Borst moved, Steve seconded, she asked
for additions, deletions, corrections, there were none, the secretary's
minutes for June were approved.

 

Denise then shared that the Braille Monitor is our monthly publication and
has various stories about our organization and its activities and includes
stories on what our members are doing across this country to improve the
lives of blind people. It is available in many formats on our website as
well as on NFB Newsline. It comes out at the beginning of every month
digitally but you can also request through the national office an audio
copy, a large print copy, or a braille copy that generally arrives in your
mailbox by the 15th of each month. If you have a Victor Reader Stream you
can download a copy there.  If you enable the Federation's skill on Alexa
you can also read it on Newsline there as well. She welcomes those who are
new or who haven't heard about it, it doesn't matter if you are a member
unlike many other organizations, you are welcome to read it. 

 

Denise then turned it over to David Meyer to talk about planned fundraisers
for the Chicago Chapter. Dave began by singing "The best things in life are
free, but you can give them to the birds and the bees, Money". He said that
this report is all about raising money and as you can see from the
treasurer's report we also know how to spend it pretty well so we need more
of it. They were going to have an auction today thanks to several items
donated by Pam Gillmore but he and the chapter president decided to hold it
off until next month as there should be a lot more people here next month
than this month. Those who will be here tend to bid on items so they are
waiting until the September meeting. In October, we will have a read-a-thon
which they've had for the past several years now and it's been a very great
fundraiser for us. You can read any way that you see fit, braille, print,
audio reader, and it will take place October 8th, which would be the date of
the meeting if we did have one in October. It will also be a Zoom meeting so
all the money we take in is ours. You can donate as much as you want, you
can read and if you choose to read the admission fee is $10 unless you raise
$10 or more from others either within or outside of the organization and
then your admission fee is waived. 

 

Dave said that we've had some great fundraisers over the years with this
program and would definitely like to keep it that way. In November, we are
going to again invade Beggar's Pizza at 310 S. Clinton and that fundraiser
will be scheduled for the third Wednesday of November, November 16th. IF
you've never had Beggar's and you feel a little bit philanthropic there is a
prelude to our fundraiser that is being held on Wednesday, September 23rd by
the American Council of the Blind Metro Chicago Chapter. They have helped us
substantially over the years with our fundraisers and we have helped with
theirs so he asks that everyone consider both fundraisers. It's a way to get
to know each other, socialize, kick back, relax, and if blind issues come up
great but if they don't they don't. It will help both organizations with
funding. 

 

In December we have what has been a fundraiser in this organization since
possibly 1974 or 1975 and that is the NFB Chicago Chapter Christmas Auction.
This was met with cheers. He said he got an email from Santa Claus a couple
of days ago as he's having a problem thanks to inflation. His problem is he
can't afford the presents he used to get and others are going to need some
presents that he probably can't afford. So, if you wish to be philanthropic,
Santa Claus is ready and waiting. If not, buy the items for yourself
whatever they may be. It's been a great success so let's keep building on
that fundraiser. There's been a wide variety of items, gift cards, travel,
lessons, etc. so please participate. An additional fundraising meeting may
occur and Dave will send out an email if it does.

 

Denise then shared that we do not have a Legislative Committee Report as
Kira could not be at the meeting today (Kira was at a funeral). But, she
said that she knows Kira is looking out for things that we might pursue in
the Chicago Chapter. She knows that some had asked about the audible
pedestrian signals in June and Denise posted a list from the city on
IL-Talk, there are 22 now so they are making progress. She then brought up
Blindness Achievement Month in October. While we don't meet that month due
to convention, she wondered if we as a chapter may want to do something. she
did note that a couple of times Jemal and Ken have gone to a residential
facility to hand out literature about the Federation and she was thinking if
people thought it would be good that we could get a proclamation from Mayor
Lightfoot to have it posted or it may even be possible deepening on who the
Rise to Shine Run/Walk has but they may have tables set up on October 23 and
maybe we could ask if we could have a table at that event since we do have a
relationship with Dr  Szlyk over at the Lighthouse. If there are materials
we'd like to order from the national center or Independence market like
alphabet cards let her know as orders would need to be placed by the end of
the month to have them in time. So she asked if anyone had any other ideas
for that month or even at the read-a-thon to help celebrate that. There were
no comments or suggestions so she asked if anyone had any old business.

 

Eileen asked in the November election if we will be able to vote on the
computer. Denise shared that yes the legislation is in effect and anyone in
Illinois who wants can request from their county a mail-in-ballot that they
can fill out on the computer, print, and then send back. They will be having
their meeting this week to discuss how it went on June 28th and to discuss
any problems. In the press release it did say to report problems to the
board of elections but she knows that Equip for Equality will also take
complaints if people have problems and they'll reach out to the Board of
Elections to hear any feedback. They are also going to move forward with
work to advocate for electronic ballot return. Denise reminded everyone that
a resolution was passed at the National Convention supporting that but as
you know it will take time. Jemal asked if there are any states that have
electronic ballot delivery< Denise shared that there are 6 or 7 and during
2020 she recalled 3 of them, Colorado, West Virginia & Hawaii. 

 

The next item Denise brought up was to discuss the Chicago Chapter Picnic
that took place and invited Mary to share. Mary said it was fantastic, it
took place on July 30th and we gathered in Lincoln Park at a spot not too
far from the main entrance, at a place called Landmark Cafe where there were
a lot of tables and benches. Some people brought their own picnic stuff,
some people bought things there, there were a couple of new people who she
hadn't met and spent time with us. She shared it was a really neat
experience to gather in a way they hadn't been able to do in a really long
time.

 

Debbie thanked Kira for bringing an amazing picnic basket full of all kinds
of food and goodies and beverages and was very generous and wonderful.
Denise seconded and supported Mary's comments and shared that they met
someone at the zoo who was working with someone who was blind and took
Denise's card. She shared that it was a perfect example that we need to be
out doing things and be present in the community as you never know who you
may meet or who you may have the opportunity to educate about blindness and
the federation. 

 

Steve noted that we received a new member who came to the National
Convention who lives in Chicago, Robert McDonald paid his $5 for dues plus
we brought in $127 from today's collection. He then shared that there was a
polling place set up in his building and while he went near the end of the
day to vote, they couldn't get the machine to talk. Apparently one man got
upset that he had to go to the trouble to try to make it work at the end of
the day for one person. Steve noted that they should have tested it at the
start and Denise agreed. So, Steve shared that prior to the talking ballots,
a blind person had to either bring a friend or get a judge of each party to
assist you with voting to ensure that neither party takes advantage so they
had to do it the old way, it was either do it the old way or not vote. Steve
said that he hadn't missed any kind of governmental election since he
started voting in 1972. Denise said that if he felt compelled to, since we
had the representative from the board of elections here but perhaps he could
bring it to his attention. Steve said that he'd called Equip for Equality
the day after it happened. 

 

Dave said that's what he should have done, he tried to complain with the
Board of Elections and had to leave a voicemail, but never received a call
back. He said he had a very supportive poll worker but the machine was
barely audible and he could not get it to register his vote. He said he
thinks we need to contact the board of elections, as long as voting by way
of a polling place he's sick and tired of having to go to vote with the idea
that he may vote, he may not vote, or he may have to wait for an hour before
he has a chance to vote. He knows it's not just his precinct but they are
guilty more often than not. He said if anyone has trouble voting they need
to call the board of elections as they need to improve their training.
Denise shared that Karen Yarborough is the Commissioner for Cook County and
Dave said it's impossible to get ahold of that office. But, Denise said
we've been talking about electronic ballot delivery and return but if people
want to go to the polls they should be able to vote privately and
independently and have a poll worker that can work these machines so we need
to keep bringing it to the board of elections. At some point we may need to
think about a resolution of some kind even though it is local, to condemn
and deplore and call in the press if needed as they are very interested in
voting these days. 

 

Marco shared that he voted at the super site downtown for early voting and
they also couldn't work the machines so he had to have help. Denise also
shared that our state president had a similar situation. Jemal noted that
while he doesn't live in Cook County he did have a very good experience with
the machine and was able to vote in an efficient manner at Will County
Precinct 5. Denise said she was glad he had a good experience. 

 

Steve shared some  legislative history, stating that after Bush v. Gore in
2000, the nation passed the Help America Vote Act, HEVA. It meant that
governmental officials all over the country did a lot of work with
accessible voting machines including an advisory committee being formed in
Chicago so there is no excuse that after 20 years they still do not know how
to do it by now. Denise said she will make a note to tell Bebe at Equip for
Equality and if we cannot get a better result we may have to look at doing
something different. Dave suggested we key our efforts into Cook County. He
said he has a very good friend who is an election judge at DuPage County and
asked if she'd received training on how to work the machines and she said
they did and gave some extensive attention to it. But, he shared, that in
Cook we have continued to have problems over and over again and they aren't
getting any less frequent. 

 

Denise then asked if there was any other old business, there was none. She
then asked for any new business, there was none. She then asked for a motion
to adjourn at 2:59pm, motion approved. She thanked Steve Cook from our North
Carolina affiliate, Dustin, & Marco for all of their technical help for
today's meeting.

 

Meeting was adjourned. 

 

 

Signed and Submitted by,

Kira O'Bradovich

Secretary

Chicago Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind