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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>44<sup>th</sup> State Convention Business Meeting<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>Friday, November 20, 2020 at 7:00 p.m.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>1. Roll Call of the Board:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>National Representative:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>Julie Deden, Executive Director, Colorado Center for the Blind; Vice President, NFB Colorado<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>Officers:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>Joe Ruffalo, President<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>Linda Melendez, First Vice President<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>Mary Jo Partyka, Second Vice President<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>Ellen Sullivan, Secretary<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>Andrew Rees, Treasurer<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>Board Members:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>Annemarie Cooke<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>Linda DeBerardinis<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>Jane Degenshein<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>Mary Fernandez<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>Veronica Gaspa<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>Zoraida Krell<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>Also present was Ryan Stevens, Chair of the Nomination Committee and President of the Garden State Chapter<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>There were approximately 82 members, guests, and participants in attendance.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>2. Welcoming Remarks:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>President Ruffalo welcomed all to the 44<sup>th</sup> NFBNJ State Convention Business Meeting and said that the State Convention is the supreme legislative authority as stated in our constitution. He said the primary purpose of tonight’s meeting is to provide an overview of 2020 Affiliate activities and to hold our elections for Officers and Board Members whose terms were expiring.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>3. Impact of the Pandemic:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>President Ruffalo said we had many things planned in 2020 that needed to be postponed due to the pandemic. These included:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>-An Afternoon of Comedy and Entertainment in March 2020<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>-A Leadership Meeting in Baltimore in May 2020<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>-In Person:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'> National Convention<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'> Chapter Meetings<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'> State Convention<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'> BELL Academy<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'> Fund Raisers<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'> (Just to name a few!)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>President Ruffalo commended the members for “re-tooling” the way things were done in the past and for keeping our Federation moving forward and for welcoming 35 new members.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>4. Treasurer Report:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>President Ruffalo provided highlights of the Affiliate Financials from 11/1/2019 through 10/31/2020.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>He shared income and expenses as follows: (Please Request)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>Note: Members please contact Linda Melendez, President, NFBNJ for details of the Treasurer Report<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>(<a href="mailto:president@nfbnj.org"><span style='color:#0563C1'>president@nfbnj.org</span></a>)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>Ryan Stevens motioned to approve the report, and this was seconded by Mary Fernandez. The report was approved by acclimation.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>5. Ryan Stevens, Chair of the Nomination Committee presented the Election Slate:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>For President : Linda Melendez<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>For First Vice President: Joe Ruffalo<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>For Second Vice President: Mary Jo Partyka<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>For Secretary: Ellen Sullivan<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>For Treasurer: Annemarie Cooke<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>For Board Member 1: Evangelia (Lia) Stone <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>For Board Member 2: Linda DeBerardinis <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>For Board Member 3: Veronica Gaspa<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>National Representative Julie Deden assisted with running the election.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>Julie Deden announced Linda Melendez as President and asked three times for nominations from the floor. There were no nominations from the floor. Joe Ruffalo motioned to approve the nomination, and this was seconded by Linda DeBerardinis. Linda Melendez was elected by acclamation. Linda was congratulated by all and gave a sincere thanks to President Ruffalo for being her mentor and thanked the membership for their support. She shared a welcoming message.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>Julie Deden announced Joe Ruffalo as First Vice President and asked three times for nominations from the floor. There were no nominations from the floor. Linda DeBerardinis motioned to approve the nomination, and this was seconded by Ellen Sullivan. Joe Ruffalo was elected by acclamation.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>Joe was congratulated and thanked the membership for 27 years of their support and said, “while he is stepping down he is not stepping out”.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>Julie Deden announced Mary Jo Partyka as Second Vice President and asked three times for nominations from the floor. There were no nominations from the floor. Ryan Stevens motioned to approve the nomination, and this was seconded by Veronica Gaspa. Mary Jo Partyka was elected by acclamation.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>Mary Jo was congratulated and thanked everyone for their support.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>Julie Deden announced Ellen Sullivan as Secretary and asked three times for nominations from the floor.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>There were no nominations from the floor. Ryan Stevens motioned to approve the nomination, and this was seconded by Veronica Gaspa. Ellen Sullivan was elected by acclamation.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>Ellen was congratulated and thanked everyone for their support.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>Julie Deden announced Annemarie Cooke as Treasurer and asked three times for nominations from the floor. There were no nominations from the floor. Ryan Stevens motioned to approve the nomination, and this was seconded by Ellen Sullivan. Annemarie Cooke was elected by acclamation.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>Annemarie was congratulated and thanked everyone for their support.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>Julie Deden announced Evangelia (Lia) Stone for the first Board Member and asked three times for nominations from the floor. There were no nominations from the floor. Joe Ruffalo motioned to approve the nomination, and this was seconded by Zoraida Krell. Lia Stone was elected by acclamation. Lia was congratulated and thanked everyone for their support.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>Julie Deden announced Linda DeBerardinis for the second Board Member and asked three times for nominations from the floor. There were no nominations from the floor. Ryan Stevens motioned to approve the nomination, and this was seconded by Jane Degenshein. Linda DeBerardinis was elected by acclamation. Linda was congratulated and thanked everyone for their support.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>Julie Deden announced Veronica Gaspa for the third Board Member. She asked if there were any nominations from the floor and Mary Fernandez nominated Melissa Lomax. Melissa accepted the nomination. Julie Deden asked twice if there were any more nominations from the floor and none were indicated. Ryan Stevens motioned to close the election, and this was seconded by Joe Ruffalo.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>Melissa provided members with her background and NFB accomplishments. Vee was invited to do the same. Linda Melendez instructed the membership on the voting procedure. Members were allowed two minutes to vote and Ryan Stevens served as timekeeper. Ryan Stevens reported the results of the election and Vee Gaspa was re-elected for a two year term to the Board. Melissa was thanked for her willingness to serve the NFBNJ.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>President Ruffalo congratulated all those who served on the NFBNJ Board with a special thanks to Andrew Rees, Treasurer. He said the New Board will become effective on Saturday, November 21 at the close of the Banquet.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>6. Committee Reports:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>The following members provided updates and plans for 2020 for the following committees and initiatives:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>Adoptive Adaptive Equipment: Joe Ruffalo<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>Donations are made of equipment, emails are forwarded, the potential recipient contacts the donor to arrange pickup of the equipment.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>GreenDrop: Linda DeBerardinis<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>An opportunity to donate slightly used or new household goods.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>Linda noted that last year NFBNJ GreenDrop earned $40,139 by October 31<sup>st</sup>; this year we have done an even better job! Even with the downtime for the COVID-19 pandemic, we are ahead of last year by $6 thousand, or 14%. All monies go to National to support their programs.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>Vehicle Donation: Andrew Rees<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'> An opportunity to donate vehicles in the name of the NFBNJ.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>Membership: Linda Melendez<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>Meeting, greeting. and growing the Federation.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>Communications: Annemarie Cooke<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>To assist with press releases, public service announcements, reviewing the state website, etc.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>Fund Raising: Ellen Sullivan<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>To promote fundraising opportunities for the affiliate, to assist chapters/divisions and to research grants.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>Social Media: Zoraida Krell<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>To establish a presence on social media and to promote the NFB and the NFBNJ brand.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>Resolutions: Ryan Stevens<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>To review potential policy statements for the affiliate and to assist National in communicating legislative issues affecting the blind so they may have their voices heard in Congress.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>Sounding Board: President Ruffalo reviewed the purposes, goals and objectives of the semi-annual publication, spring and fall that highlights personal stories, educational, motivational, and inspirational possibilities. He stated that after 15 years Kathy Gabry has retired as editor and we need to find a new member to serve here.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>Pre Authorized Contributions: PAC: Mac Biggers<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>An opportunity to support the Federation with a monthly gift as little as $5 per month.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>White Cane: Anne Marie Harris and Jane Degenshein<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>Each month, contact is made with all white cane recipients inviting them to consider reviewing the philosophy of the Federation with hopes they will join.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>Town Hall Meetings: Linda Melendez<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>Periodically, we will conduct town hall calls with timely subjects and all are invited.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>New Jersey Transit:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>Linda Melendez has scheduled a Town Hall Meeting with New Jersey on Tuesday, December 15 at 7:00 p.m. All are invited to attend. Details will be forthcoming. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>7. Closing Comments:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>Julie Deden, National Representative congratulated all for the election results and said she is thoroughly enjoying the convention.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>President Ruffalo reminded folks that we will start our General Session promptly at 9:00 am Saturday morning and a copy of the day’s agenda will be sent out tonight.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>8. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at approximately 9:10 p.m.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>Minutes respectfully submitted by Ellen Sullivan, Secretary and reviewed by<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>President Linda Melendez and First Vice President, Joe Ruffalo<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>NFBNJ<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'>(Thank you Joe Ruffalo for your assistance!)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>