[NFBO-Springfield] December Chapter Minutes

[Todd Elzey]

Good afternoon!  Attached are the minutes from the December Chapter
Meeting. Please note that I am sending the minutes in two separate but
identical documents. The difference is that one is in a .doc Microsoft Word
format and the other in a .txt plain text format. I am sending the minutes
in both formats because I understand that some members have experienced
some issues in opening the newer Word formatted documents.  Please reach
out to me if you have any difficulty accessing the minutes.

Sincerely,

Todd Elzey, Secretary
NFB of Ohio Springfield Chapter
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National Federation of the Blind of Ohio Springfield Chapter Meeting Minutes
 December 19, 2020

Attendees:

Debbie Baker, President
Todd Elzey
Eric Duffy
Mickie Cooper
Vickie Travis
Macy McClain
Dan O’Keefe
Susan Day
Hans Wagner

President Baker asked that the November meeting minutes be corrected to provide the correct spelling of Gail Cowan’s name. President Baker also asked to correct Treasurer Crystal McClain’s Address. Acting Secretary Elzey indicated that he would make these corrections.  Eric Duffy moved to approve the minutes as amended. The motion was seconded by Mickie Cooper and Susan Day. The motion carried.  

Macy McClain moved to accept the Agenda with flexibility. The motion was Seconded by Susan Day. The motion carried.

In the absence of Treasurer Crystal McClain, Macy McClain provided the Treasurer’s Report. The Chapter’s beginning balance was $7331.29.  The Chapter received Income of $30 for dues.  The Chapter incurred expenses of $20 National PAC, $1000 for Door Prizes. The ending balance was $7241.29.

Susan Day moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report. The motion was Seconded by Mickie Cooper.  The motion passed.

President Baker introduced Eric Duffy to address the Open Letter of apology from President Riccobono.  Eric stated that the open letter of apology occurred because of incidents of sexual abuse/misconduct within the NFB and at NFB Training Centers.  Eric spoke about how the NFB is working to support survivors of sexual abuse.  He indicated that although sexual abuse might not have occurred in our Chapter, it could, and it has happened in the NFB and many organizations. Eric also spoke about how we must follow the example provided by President Riccobono.  What we need to do is talk about the issue and change, improve, and strengthen how we deal with the issue when sexual abuse happens in the organization.  This includes the responsibility to report incidents of abuse when they come to our attention, even to law enforcement when appropriate.  

President Baker added that members should always feel comfortable reporting any incidents of abuse to someone in authority.  Keeping it to yourself does not solve the problem.  There are always entitles out there that can help, and no one should have to go through abusive situations alone.

Macy attended the Smart Home Boutique.  The Connors also attended the Smart Home Boutique but were not able to make today’s meeting.  However, Mr. Connor, who is an engineer, will report on his experiences from the Boutique at the January meeting.  Macy first spoke about mobile applications.  She spoke about how several apps, such as Amazon Alexa, can be used to control smart home devices with voice commands. She also spoke about smart devices like the Google Home Mini, Echos, etc.
Macy clarified that to use these devices and apps, they must be connected to Wi-Fi. Macy also spoke about how devices can be set-up to be automated to automatically set conditions for routine circumstances. Macy also described how Smart Home Devices such as Smart Thermostats can be used to control the home environment.  

Macy indicated that the best approach is probably to make sure you are staying in one smart home environment such as Amazon, Google, or Apple, rather than trying to mix and match Smart Home Devices from multiple platforms. This is to ensure compatibility of your devices.

Macy also spoke about audio description on streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, etc.  

Vickie asked about whether there is a special plug to plug lights into so that you can tell them to turn and off.  Macy indicated that you can indeed use smart plugs to control lights and other electronic devices. Eric also spoke about using smart lightbulbs. Macy also indicated there are smart locks and home security systems, and even smart appliances.  

Susan spoke about the expense of these items. Susan also spoke about her own personal situation where she is so strapped financially because of Social Security, even to the point she prays that she always will have enough food at the end of the month. She thinks it will be even worse next year.  Susan was concerned that these types of financial situations would prevent many from taking advantage of the benefits of smart home devices. Debbie spoke about, as with anything else, part of the issue is making decisions about what you need in order to live successfully. She also spoke about using Stable Accounts. Eric also mentioned that these devices were not designed specifically for Bind people, and that even the general population has difficulty affording them.  Mickie also suggested that some energy companies run special bundles on smart home devices as energy savings methods.  Macy also talked about spacing out purchases to control the expenses (i.e. start small and build up over time).

Vickie spoke about Second Harvest who provides 40 Lb. boxes of food once a month for those over 60.

Eric also spoke about the upcoming Washington Seminar. This year’s Washington Seminar will be a virtual even due to COVID. The Great Gathering In kickoff event will be February 8, 2021.  Ohio appointments should all be made for December 9th or 10th.  Ohio will have appointed team leaders, but those individuals have not been identified yet. At the Great Gathering In, President Riccobono speaks to Federationists along with the NFB’s legislative staff.  This year’s Issues have not been identified yet, but will be out some time in early January.   

Vickie asked about how the process works (i.e. would there be two or more people on a team and about whether information would be provided in advance to study).  Eric indicated this is correct.  

Debbie encouraged members to read the Buckeye Bulletin because this publication will likely have information in it about the Washington Seminar.  She also encouraged everyone to read the Braille Monitor for the same reason.  President Baker also encouraged people who are unable to attend the Washington Seminar to call their elected representatives after to support the NFB’s legislative proposals.

President Baker asked Hans Wagner if he had anything to present this month regarding information from Google Alerts. He did not, other than reminding people how to access Google Alerts.

The Chapter held its annual elections:

Office of President:  Vice President Susan Day ran the election for President since President Debbie Baker had been re-nominated by the Nominating Committee. Todd Elzey moved to elect Debbie Baker by acclamation.  Mickie Cooper seconded the motion.  The motion carried unanimously.

President Baker resumed leadership of the meeting and thanked the group for re-electing her..

Office of Vice President:  Susan Day was nominated by the Nominating Committee.  Mickie Cooper moved to elect Susan Day by acclimation.  Todd Elzey seconded he motion.  The motion carried unanimously.

Office of Secretary:  Todd Elzey was nominated by the Nominating Committee.  Susan Day moved to elect Todd Elzey by acclimation. Mickie Cooper Seconded the motion.  The motion carried unanimously.

Office of Treasurer:  Crystal McClain was nominated by the Nominating Committee.  Mickie Cooper moved to elect by Crystal McClain by acclimation. Hans Wagner seconded the motion.  The motion carried unanimously.

Board Member.  Hans Wagner was nominated by the Nominating Committee.  Susan Day moved to elect Hans Wagner by acclimation.  Mickie Cooper Seconded the motion.  The motion carried unanimously.

President Baker spoke about the Vispero fundraiser. Vispero was once again donating/matching $50,000 donations made to the NFB by 12/30/20.

Legislative Report:  Our Chapter encompasses legislators in Clark County, Logan County, Green County, and parts of Montgomery.  President Baker reminded people who previously submitted testimony to please save it as we will need to submit new testimony for our legislative proposes as this is a brand new legislative session.

Hans Wagner asked about the Federal Guide Dog issue (i.e. Air Carrier Access Act).  President Baker indicated that this is different than Ohio’s Guide Dog issue because Ohio needs a law that is consistent with the ADA.  President Baker also spoke about a town hall meeting on the Service Dog Issue.  She is going send out the link for the meeting for those interested in watching the recording of it.

President Baker indicated that Dan O’Keefe was planning to send membership dues for both him and his wife Lois.  

It was indicated that the Clark County Library Board has ordered a new copy of the Walking Alone Marching Together, and the Touch of Genius on the life of Luis Braille books.  Dan O’Keefe has a meeting scheduled with the Library on Monday, December 21, 2020 and will discuss the possibility with the Library of organizing books on Blindness into a single unified section. 

Todd Elzey reminded members about how to use the Springfield Chapter Email List.

President Baker asked that the Chapter keep member Dottie Snapp in their thoughts and prayers as she is having surgery on January 14, 20201.  

Mickie Cooper indicated that she is going to have to have neck surgery around March 23, 2021.  

President Baker indicated that the next meeting would be Saturday January 16, 2021.  

The meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully Submitted

Todd Elzey, Secretary
NFB of Ohio Springfield Chapter


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