[NFBOH-Cleveland] President's Reminders

[Suzanne Turner]

Good Evening Cleveland

 

I trust that the month has been great to you and your family.  Please take
care of yourselves, due to the flue.  If you are sick, drink fluids and stay
home and get well.  If you need anything, please let the Chapter know.
Also, keep our mending members in your thoughts and prayers.

 

The Recording Secretary will be sending out the agenda next week for our
meeting on Friday, Feb.16, 2018.  Please schedule your transportation for a
drop off at 5:15 PM and a pick-up between 7:00 and 7:30 PM.  If you want to
order dinner while you are at the Cleveland Sight Center for the meeting,
you should get there at this time to order your food.

 

Pizza will be provided at the meeting to celebrate the great effort for our
first 2018 fundraiser, CALLED   the Love Bird Romantic Night.  We will also
have chips for sale, if you wish to purchase them.  They are just $1.00.

 

Conradulations! Congradulations, to Karen Smith, who is a new member.  She
won the Love Bird Romantic Evening at the Doubletree.  We wish her a lot of
fun and romance!

 

Attention!  Attention!  Attention Committee Chairs of the following
committees: Employment, Deaf/Blind, Senior and Fundraising.  Please come
prepared to present your short and long-term goals.  For the month of April,
the following committees will present: Organization   and Planning,
Legislative, Membership and Diabetes.  If you have any questions, please
call me at 216-990-6199.  I am open to suggestions, concerns and opinions.

 

Note!

, do not forget to read your email or dial into the voice mailbox for
updated announcements.  Also listen for clues to win a prize during the
Chapter meeting.  Again, our /February 2018 meeting is Friday Feb, 16, 2018
at 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM.  Please bring your dues and your Christmas gift of
$5.00.  .   

   

Finally, every month I will highlight either an Ohio Board member, National
officer or a local member who has made a significant impact in the NFB: So
that you will become acquainted with their work.  It is fitting that I start
with Ohio's President, Richard Payne.  Please read. Below.

Until then, have a great weekend and see you at the Chapter meeting.

 

Suzanne Turner, President

NFBOhio-Cleveland Chapter

 

Richard started his quest for knowledge and liberation within the
organization at the young age of 17.  He has demonstrated that decades of
service has not only challenged him but taught him to be assertive,
independent and informed about "what it means to be blind".  Richard's
sleeves are always pulled up, his hand is generously extended outward and
his mouth rings with understanding about how one can make it despite his or
her lack of sight.  He has substantiated individual confidence and
transferred knowledge enhancing membership by spreading hope, kindness and
admiration to the blind. 

 

     Most of us know the story of Richard Payne and how he became blind and
impaired.  But, did you know that he started several NFB Chapters in two
different Cities in Mississippi: which has prepared him for a more
prevailing position in Ohio?  Did you know that before there was a fight for
(Fair Wages), he fought the CEO of a company to give equal pay to the blind
when they were working for sub-minimum wages?  Did you know that he has
helped to revitalize and visited many Chapters in Ohio, encouraging
inspiring and offering support?  Did you know he has served as a board of
directors for the Affiliate for over 10 years as a board member, Chairman of
the Membership Division, an active Chapter President for over 15 years in
Dayton?  Did you know that he served as the Vice president and was put into
Presidency after the current Ohio President left.  ?  Did you know that he
pulled himself up from the ranks of pennies working in sheltered shops and
now is productive in his third career with one of the largest Banks in the
World establishing precedence and open-mindedness?   He believes in the
removal of "stand your ground" so that others can stand on common ground: by
assisting them with succeeding to a higher ground!  He sees no flaws in
anyone only an opportunity for growth within the NFB for all who believes in
the power and principles that has shaped his walk in life.  He tells the
story of yes life is hard, but success shows no favoritism.   

 

     Richard's appreciation for the philosophy of the NFB derives from many.
He speaks of how the perspectives of Dr. Kenneth Jernigan, Barbara Pierce
and Dr. John W Smith's     viewpoints have abided into his soul for others
to profit from his distinct and yet inclusive ideals of the Federation.  He
is always communicating in and outside of the body about the vision,
equality and optimism by way of technology, education and empowerment.  He
has no limitations placed on him.  He does as Richard does: and it is for
the betterment of those to whom he comes in contact with.  Moreover, he is
comfortable and secure because he believes in the core values of NFB based
on his evidence of positive outcomes, and the patient skill shown.  He has
fought for others, cried with most and appealed for the indifferent.  He has
sat on panel discussions, walked in picket lines, raised income to support
the Affiliate, marched on Washington representing the district and has done
a host of other advocacy and works toward change in Ohio.   Certainly, this
is displayed by his leadership throughout the State and the Miami Valley
Chapter.  Even beyond that, he has passed the baton to others so that they
too can make a difference within their Cities and communities.  

 

     Finally, Richard's dream was expounded at the 2012 Convention.  He
stated that he was not a speaker.  However, he had much to say.  One
particular piece of information was disclosed: "I thought I would never be
independent until I attended the Arkansas school for the blind and was
introduced to the National Federation of the Blind".  For all who heard his
speech, I am sure that perhaps at one time you had the same thought.  But,
for those who have seen him thrive in the organization, for those who have
seen him work hard for the mission and even for those who have seen him
speak about not so popular issues: we know that he lives and breathes the
NFB.  His insight about life and the pursuit of autonomy is compelling to
say the least.  Wisdom does not come from articulation, but from
edification.  It is his works, compassion and diligence for the members.  We
do respect his principals and faith in man that all are created equal and
should be treated as such.  

 

     Richard discriminates against no one and for that the NFB can only be a
better place to serve its fellow man.  He has shown us that blindness need
not stop us from realizing our dreams and greatest potential.  If it can be
done, he can!  And if you do not know the President of Ohio, Richard l
Payne, you are missing a treat, and if you do, you have a friend for life! 

 

Suzanne Hartfield-Turner, President

NFBOH-Cleveland

P: (440) 462-9755

A: PO Box 141077

Cleveland, Ohio 44114

E: President.NFB.ClevelandOhio at Gmail.com

 

The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the
characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the
expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles
between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want;
blindness is not what holds you back.

 

 

 

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