[NFBOH-Cleveland] The National Federation of the Blind of Cleveland: January Meeting Minutes

[Cheryl Fields]

The National Federation of the Blind of Cleveland
Minutes January 19, 2018 Monthly Chapter Meeting:

President Suzanne Turner opened the meeting with a New Year's greeting
and roll call with 37 people in attendance. There were several
visitors with 4 new members joining the chapter: Brooke Dowdy, Davette
Payne, Karen Smith and Charlotte Davidson.
Prayer was offered by Vice President, Rosa Jones.
The NFB Pledge: was read responsively and led byArlene Hlad.

President Turner announced the executive committee decision to make
past president, Billy Graham,   and long time members, Henry Butler
and Evelyn McLean lifetime members of the Cleveland chapter. Billie
Graham was presented with a potted plant and certificate. Billie
graciously thanked everyone. Henry Butler was not in attendance and
will receive his honors at a later date.
Evelyn McClean's Lifetime Membership Honor will be acknowledged in a
resolution, posthumously at the funeral service.
 The honor of lifetime membership: pay no dues and retain all voting
privileges. President Turner presented Cheryl Fields with a potted
plant for her dedication to the chapter as Vice President under
leadership of
immediate past president,  William Turner. She successfully led the
chapter during his extended illness in 2014.

President Suzanne Turner announced mending members: Henry Butler and
Richard Kirks. She offered words of comfort to the membership and for
the family of
Evelyn McClean. The chapter has prepared a resolution and purchased
flowers that will be presented to her family at the service.
Arrangements are as follows:

Saturday January 20, 2018 Family Visitation 12:00 P.M. Service: 12:30 P.M.
Imani Temple 2463 North Taylor Road Cleveland Heights Ohio 44118

At the request of the family, mail cards to the address above. In lieu
of flowers, it is requested that donations be made to the National
Federation of the Blind.

The Presidential Release was played, after which Suzanne provided a
synopsis of the legislative agenda. She explained why HR 620 is the
most important issue. If made into law it would dilute the ADA,
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. President Turner advised the
chapter to familiarize themselves with HR 620 and the other proposals
as well as to be prepared to act on future legislative alerts.
President Suzanne Turner and Treasurer Natassha Ricks will travel to
Washington D. C. for the NFB Washington Seminar with fellow
federationist representing the state of Ohio on January 29.

An abbreviated report of the November minutes were given by Secretary
Cheryl Fields. The full report will be posted on the Cleveland list
serve including  a summary of December Holiday Celebration. This was
voted on and approved by the membership. Treasurer Natassha ricks read
the November and December financial
report below. It was voted on and approved.
November and December Financial Report:
Note: This report reflects the business of the NFB C for November and
December 2017 with no official December chapter meeting.
Current Balance January 2018:

Checking: $ 480.34
Savings: 1000.89


The Community Engagement: committee chair Cheryl Fields provided a
report on the Braille Literacy event on Jan. 10, 2018 at st.
Adalbert’s Catholic School. She informed the membership that this
committee’s goals are self-explanatory for 2018: engaging the local
community, educating and informing about the philosophy, and programs
of the Federation. The committee is looking forward to a February
teleconference with RTA, regional transit authority, details will be
provided soon.

Fund raising committee co-chair, Natassha Ricks introduced the sale of
chapter t-shirts and hooded jackets.

Color: red with white writing
Design: Cleveland Skyline
Live the Life You Want NFB Cleveland Chapter
Note: Ordering from Daffy Dan. This is the same design as the
previously purchased blue shirts and silk screening will cost $ 10.00.
Style, price, All sizes available:

T Shirts $ 14.00 each
design on front

Polo shirt: $ 18.00
Design on front left breast

Hooded Zip Jacket: $ 30.0
Design on front Left breast. must be ordered in lots of 12

All sizes available: add $ 1 to the base price .00 for each additional size
1X add $ 1.00, XX add $ 2.00...0

Orders must be paid for in advance by March meeting, delivery date
April meeting.

NFBOhio 2018  Convention Coordinator Suzanne Turner provided the
information below:

1. Ohio State Convention
Friday, November 2 thru Sunday, November 4,
Holiday Inn Cleveland Strongsville15471 Royalton Road Strongsville, Ohio 44136
Room rate: $ 82.00 per night, complimentary breakfast included for 2
guests, a nominal fee will apply for additional room guests. The
Holiday Inn will provide complimentary transportation from Greyhound
bus station. Suzanne will propose that the Lorain chapter be
responsible for hospitality.

She would like to have the chapter members using less convention
assistance to attend, begin planning and saving now. William Turner
informed the members that, when the convention is held in the
Cleveland area it is a great responsibility and has been very well
attended. We should applaud ourselves. Elections for president, vice
president, secretary, treasurer and 1 at large board seat will be held
on Sunday November 4th, final day of the convention. He encouraged the
membership to get involved and encourage others to attend, let's make
it the best.

2. National Convention: July3 thru July 8
Rosen Shingle Creek Inn Orlando Florida
She expressed her desire for every member to attend the National
Convention. The information, connections, freedom, and experience is
like no other. She is urging everyone that can to attend. Suzanne
reviewed the conditions of the Kenneth  Jernigan First Timers
Scholarship and offered her assistance to complete the form before the
March deadline.Suzanne is excited to have Natassha Ricks and Rosa
Jones join her on this important committee. She is also chairing the
Ohio Affiliate Publicity committee and Octavia Culbert joins her.

President Turner explained the current chapter contact information and
provided the membership with lists in accessible format of their
choice. Cheryl Fields will maintain and update the phone line.
Cleveland List Serve:
nfboh-cleveland at nfbnet.org
Cleveland Chapter Announcement and Voice Mail: Tel: 641-715-3900

Extension: 582705

Phone:  (440) 462-9755

Address: National Federation of the Blind of Cleveland
PO Box 141077Cleveland, Ohio 44114

Theresa McKenny collected Split the Pot and Danielle Turner chose the
winner, Rosa Jones $ 17.50

Love Birds Raffle the winning ticket. was chosen by Billie Graham.
Rosa Jones sold the winning ticket to new member, Karen Smith.

President Turner informed everyone of a new monthly contest to
increase the collective knowledge of the chapter. She will provide a
question from information that is shared via list serve and phone
line. Names will be pulled and the person will be asked a question, if
answered correctly, that individual will win a prize. If the question
goes unanswered, another name will be chosen, until answered
correctly.
Affiliate Board meeting: Monday January 22 Time: 7:00P.M.
Call: 712-775-7031
Code 240281423

Committee Chairs make sure to have initial meetings setting short and
long term goals. All committee chairs forward names and contact info
of committee
members to secretary before February meeting.

Reminders:
If you need assistance with scholarship forms, convention assistance,
or braille class applications, contact Suzanne Turner at 216-990-6199.

Members Announcements:

Shirley Patterson provided information from CMSD, Cleveland
Metropolitan School district. 8th grade students will be selecting
high school preference at CMSD Professional Centers on Tuesday January
23rd. If the student fails to make a selection on this date, the
district will randomly select the students high school.

Wilbert Turner announced the Blind Bowlers Association is having
Cabaret Party $10.00 in advance $ 15.00 at the door at Morning Star
Hall. Security inside and outside provided. Located at 13512 Kinsman
Avenue.

Meeting adjourned by President Suzanne Turner.
Next Chapter Meeting Friday February 16 , 2018

Special Note: a detailed financial report can be provided upon
request. Contact Treasurer Natassha Ricks or Secretary Cheryl Fields.


Submitted by Cheryl E. Fields Secretary

National Federation of the Blind of Cleveland