[NFBF-Daytona] April minutes

[Steve Williamson]

Good Job, Bill!

 

From: NFBF-Daytona <nfbf-daytona-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Bill
Outman via NFBF-Daytona
Sent: Friday, May 21, 2021 8:31 AM
To: 'NFB of Florida Greater Daytona Beach Chapter List'
<nfbf-daytona at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Bill Outman <billoutmannfb at gmail.com>
Subject: [NFBF-Daytona] April minutes

 

April 2021 Minutes 

Greater Daytona Beach Chapter 

National Federation of the Blind 

 

The monthly meeting of the Greater Daytona Beach Chapter of the National
Federation of the Blind was conducted on Saturday, April 24.  It was a
hybrid meeting, held both at Woody's Barbecue, 1593 N. Nova Road, Holly
Hill, Florida, and remotely via Zoom.  

 

President Brian Norton called the meeting to order at 1:05 p. m.  

 

As the microphone system was not available, it was important to try to
maintain order and speak toward the computer that was handling the Zoom
connection.  

Christine Nodal opened the meeting with prayer.  Bill Outman then led both
the Pledge of Allegiance and the NFB Pledge.  Sherri Adams led the singing
of God Bless America.  

 

Introductions then took place.  This  was especially important to establish
a quorum for the purpose of holding the chapter election.  Among those
attending via Zoom was Russ Davis of the Jacksonville chapter in his
capacity as state affiliate liaison.  

 

Both the February and March minutes were approved as published via email.  

The treasurer's report was then approved as distributed.  

 

The election began with Kathy Davis chairing the contest for president.
Brian Norton was nominated for another term as chapter president.  As no
other nominations came from the floor, he was elected by acclamation.
Brian then chaired the remainder of the election.  The office of vice
president held previously by Kathy Davis was then opened for nominations.
Kathy nominated Peggy Fleischer.  Ryan then nominated Pat Lipovsky from the
floor but she declined.  As no other nominations came forward Peggy was
elected by acclamation.  The office of secretary was up next, held by Bill
Outman.  He was re-elected by acclamation when no other nominations came
forward.  Nancy Epps was then returned to office as treasurer by
acclamation.  

 

Attention then turned to the three board of directors seats.  Board position
number one was up, currently held by Ryan Mann, who had assumed it by
appointment when It was vacated mid-term by Jean Cerullo.  Ryan was
renominated.  Kurt Ottman was nominated but declined, whereupon Ryan was
elected by acclamation when no other candidates were put forward.  Seat
number two, previously held by Peggy Fleischer, was then up.  The seat
became open when she was elected vice president.  Kathy Davis and Mary Ellen
Ottman were nominated for this seat, but Mary Ellen declined.  With no
further candidates, Kathy Davis was elected by acclamation.  The third and
final seat held by Pat Lipovsky was then addressed.  Pat was renominated,
and Mary Ellen accepted a nomination for this seat.  Both candidates were
than given an opportunity to address the membership.  The vote was conducted
by show of hands and verbal indication from those on Zoom.  The tally was
13-11 in favor of Mary Ellen Ottman, thus giving her the election victory.  

 

Brian indicated he would convene the new board by email to schedule time to
discuss important matters such as revisions to the chapter constitution.  

 

Discussion turned to the location of the next meeting slated for May 22.
While returning to Houligan's is preferred, other alternatives such as Olive
Garden or Racing's North Turn were proposed.  The board will investigate
alternatives, and suggestions from the membership are welcome.  

 

Fund raising was then discussed.  Christine Nodal suggested a restaurant
event as we have done previously.  Brian noted this may be workable later as
pandemic restrictions ease, and noted encouraging the community to get
vaccinated is the best way to achieve this.  Pat Lipovsky suggested having
on line 50/50 drawings as a number of other chapters in the state have
successfully done.  

 

Peggy reported the state affiliate has now had appointments with all
twenty-seven members of the state's U. S. House delegation, and that eight
have become co-sponsors of H. R. 431, the Access Technology Affordability
Act.  73 House members are co-sponsors nationally.  Camille Tate has been
sending alerts to state membership regarding llegislation that may
negatively impact voting.  She is also working on our future agenda before
the state legislature.  Our other federal proposals have not yet been put
into bill form.  

 

Kathy encouraged members to participate in monthly Zoom meetings on various
topics offered by the affiliate.  These include communities of faith,
diversity  and inclusion, deaf-blind concerns, parents of blind children and
legislation.  A fun one is the Sunrise and Shine call sponsored by Newsline.
These are announced via the state email list.  

 

Scott Larson noted the resolutions committee has begun fielding suggestions
for convention resolutions.  These are due by early September.  

 

The national convention will be virtual in July, and registration is
available.  There were some issues with the registration form that were
repaired.  Bill Outman had pointed out a problem with this to national
leadership.  May 31 is the deadline for registering for the national
convention.  The state convention is scheduled for the first weekend in
October.  It is still to be determined what format will be used, in-person,
virtual, or hybrid.  

 

Russ Davis made brief comments near the end of the meeting.  He
congratulated those who had been elected, and briefly discussed the Sunrise
and Shine call, where Newsline is discussed along with other fun topics.
This call recently celebrated its anniversary.  State president Denise
Valkema made a cameo appearance on the Zoom call.  

 

Nancy Epps gave an expanded treasurer's report near the close of the
meeting.  She reported the chapter is once again making PAC payments.  The
chapter also contributed food to Kathy Davis and her daughter when Kathy
underwent a medical procedure recently.  The current checking account
balance is $3,858.54.  $2,000.50 is the current value of the CD.  

 

April birthdays and anniversaries were recognized.  Sarah Fleischer had a
birthday on April 14, which also happens to be the anniversary of David and
Peggy Fleischer.  Kathy Davis reported she is recovering well.  

 

Brian Norton noted he learned on April 12 he had passed his final bar exam.
Much hard work and patience went into this achievement.  

 

Tom Bellone is also finally on the mend after numerous surgeries, and has
recently moved into a new home he built.  

 

Michelle May reported she has now gone a full year without experiencing a
seizure.  

 

Former member Jim Scranton is reported to be in improved health condition.  

 

Steve Williamson reminded the chapter of the need to plan for white cane
awareness events.  Brian noted he hope to plan something in conjunction with
the Rehab. Center and the Conklin-Davis Center.  

 

Brian reported the Rehab. Center is partially open for day students and
those involved in the business enterprise program, the future
Randolph-Shepard venders.  Those students are being housed in a nearby hotel
rather than on campus.  

 

The meeting adjourned around 2:10 p. m.  

 

 

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