[nfbmi-talk] Minutes National Federation of the Blind of Michigan January 23, 2014

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Minutes National Federation of the Blind of Michigan January 23, 2014
Quorum yes, Larry Posont, Mike Powell, Terri Wilcox, Mark Eagle, Sarah Norwood, Mary Wurtzel Dave Robinson, and Derek Moore. 
Secretary's Report, Terri Wilcox.  Mike Powell moved to approve the December 16 Minutes.  Derek Moore seconded the motion.  The 
Minutes were approved.
Treasurer's Report, Mark Eagle.
The Newsline Account has $1,983.86
the PNC account has $83.00
 The Youth Account has $9,841.40
The General account has $74,924.44
Dave Robinson moved adoption of the Treasurer's Report.  Terri Wilcox seconded the motion.  The Treasurer's Report was approved.
Introduction of Participating Members
President's Report, Larry Posont.  Washington Seminar.  Jj  Meddaugh is leading the delegation and making appointments.  Jeff 
Crouch, J.J.  Meddaugh, Terri Wilcox, Elizabeth Mohnke and Christine Boone are attending Washington Seminar.  Money was distributed 
to individuals plus some for transportation.  A thirteen-near-old who went into the hospital with the flu is totally blind.  Her mom 
must be the strongest advocate for her daughter.  A blind diabetic since 2010 has had no services.  Our name is known and people are 
calling.  Mary Wurtzel and Derek Moore are looking at phone and social media contacts.  The National Federation of the Blind of 
Michigan is connected to facebook and twitter.  We can always add new contact information.  A request has been made for the 
Federation to work with prisoners in the Cotton prison facility in Jackson.  Tony Castilla expressed a willingness to work with us. 
He would like us to conduct volunteer training.  Ten prisoners want blindness skills training.
Quarterly Board Meeting, Saturday, February 22, Jackson Michigan from 10:00 to 4:00 at Steve's Ranch.  We get the whole back room 
where the Jackson Chapter meets.  We have lunch with soup plus a choice of one of three different hot or cold sandwiches or the 
salad bar.  Lunch is $7.00.  Give Larry Posont ideas for the Agenda. The Bell Program will be held the first two weeks in August in 
Utica.  Volunteers are needed not only to teach, but to handle food, make crafts, and drive and organize.  Michigan is a Bell 
apprentice state.  The program works with children four to twelve years old.  The program has specific requirements including a 
budget and specific guidelines for documenting and advertising.
A walk-a-thon and a Board Meeting are discussed by the Lansing Chapter.
The Visions 2014 fair is Wednesday May 14 at the Morris Lawrence Building at the Washtenaw Community College.
New Business: Mark Eagle is a voting liaison for Michigan.  The state has had their advisory meetings concerning election equipment. 
People have been left out of the loop concerning disability issues.  People are not given notice until after meetings are completed 
concerning the ADA and elections.  The help America Vote Act guarantees us accessibility.  We do not know what machine has been 
approved for use because our liaison has been left out of the meetings.  We must be more aggressive about getting into the meetings. 
Mark Eagle and Joe Harcz will work on this committee.  Volunteers are needed to restart the Chapter at Large.  Larry Posont was 
negotiating with the lady in Flint concerning the State Convention Hotel contract before the holidays.  The contract may be 
finalized by the Board Meeting.  The Flint Chapter will be started when the weather is better.  Larry Posont is making contact with 
the lawyer.  The National Federation of the Blind of Michigan could be an organizational plaintiff in a suit due to lack of 
accessible information in a timely manner.  Information and websites are not accessible.  Old Business: Dues are due from Chapters 
to Mark Eagle as Treasurer and rosters are due to Terri Wilcox as Secretary.
The Meeting was adjourned at 9:38.