[NFBOH-Cleveland] NFB Cleveland November Minets and December Summary, 2017

[Cheryl Fields]

The National Federation of the Blind of Cleveland
November 2017 Chapter Meeting Minutes and December 2017 Summary

President Suzanne Turner opened the meeting with welcome and roll
call. There were 31 members attended including NFB Ohio President
Richard Payne. The names of Evelyn McClean and Richard Kirks were
provided as mending members.
Vice President Rosa Jones offered a prayer.
President Turner introduced an audio speech by the Rev. Dr. Martin
Luther King, Jr., Blueprint for Life. After the chapter listened to
the recording, she said this will be the inspiration and mission for
the Cleveland chapter for the future.
The NFB Pledge was read responsibly, led by Arlene Hlad.

Treasurer’s report was read and approved. Treasurer, Natassha Ricks,
advised the chapter of how important it is to rebuild our treasury and
full participation in fund raising efforts of the chapter is
necessary. She also emphasized that the chapter must be mindful of
spending this year. A chapter goal is to fully participate at the
state and national level this year.

President Turner added a reminder, current Love Bird fundraiser. She
has tickets and flyers. The  deadline is January 19. The winner will
be announced on the same evening. Treasurer Natassha Ricks proposed
that members consider giving a gift of $5.00 to the chapter next month
in lieu of traditional holiday gift exchange. The membership approved
this idea and will bring donations
to December Holiday Celebration.
Note: This idea was the brainchild of new member, Wayne Fletcher.

The minutes of the October meeting were read by Secretary, Cheryl
Fields, and approved by the membership with one correction: the
correct spelling of Arlene Hlad name.
The long term fundraiser, Soaps by Us, was outlined by Cheryl Fields.
This company has partnered with the chapter for two years at the state
convention. Soaps by Us has offered to help us meet our fund raising
goal for 2018 by continuing to offer a percentage of sales generated
by the chapter as profit, with no financial risk. For additional
details contact Cheryl Fields.

President Turner encouraged everyone to read their e mail regularly to
remain current with local, state and national events, issues and
general information.
New list server for Cleveland chapter, chapter addresses, and
telephone numbers. President Turner will share details at the January
meeting.

William Turner presented the National Federation of the Blind of
Cleveland previously proposed constitutional amendments read by Paula
King. After discussion and all questions were satisfied, Cheryl Fields
offered motion to adopt, seconded by Cecil Dukes. The membership voted
and motion passed, corrections and changes will be completed and
revised National Federation of the Blind of Cleveland Constitution
will be submitted to NFB Ohio Constitution committee for final review.

President Turner, advised the membership of several special
appointments, with prior Executive Committee approval, William Turner
as 2nd vice president, Paula King as assistant treasurer, and Robert
Campbell to Executive Committee fill the vacancy created by Rosa Jones
election to Vice President.

President Turner introduced 2018 committee chairs and members. She is
excited and expecting great results.

Shari Albers joined the meeting via conference call and thanked the
chapter for the rapid response to legislative alerts. She provided a
brief overview of Ohio state legislative agenda and reminded the
chapter of the 2018 Ohio Legislative Day scheduled for Wednesday
April10th in Columbus, Ohio.

 1. State Independent Rehabilitation Council - currently Ohio is not
compliant under the federal law. The NFB is requesting 1 additional
blind member to this autonomous council. The 1 person addition will
bring the council to 60 members, which is allowable under federal law.

2. Parental Rights Bill - This bill will protect the rights of parents
with disabilities to adopt and keep custody of their children.

3. Service Animal Bill - has sponsors, not a lot of activity with this
bill. Shari Albers thanked Suzanne for providing live testimony on the
Parental Rights bill. For each bill testimony is needed. For those
that are interested, contact Shari Albers, NFB O Legislative Chair.

Mary Ann Denning joined the meeting via conference call. She was
traveling and asked Shari Albers to share the information. Mary Ann
Denning and Debbie Baker submitted a grant proposal to OOD to teach
blind adults in Ohio braille. The NFB O was awarded $30,00.00 to
facilitate a 1 year braille literacy program. It will provide
instruction support by mentors for students, materials and for 16
adults in the state of Ohio to learn uncontracted braille.
Mentors are needed. This will be a paid position. A orientation
weekend is being planned to kick off the program for students and
mentors. Mary Ann will provide additional information on Ohio list
serve. Mentors do not have to be NFB members. Billie Graham asked for
those that participated in BELL to provide a report. President Turner
agreed to add this to an agenda.

National Federation of the Blind of Ohio President, Richard Payne,
thanked the chapter for the great participation at the State
convention. He stressed the importance of team work to facilitate
building the federation. President Payne encouraged the chapter to be
encouraged, remain committed and remember that our work in Cleveland
strengthens and affects the lives of the blind around the country. He
challenged the membership to continue
and try to do more beginning with inviting another person to join the
Federation.

Suzanne reinforced the current Ohio legislative agenda and its
importance. She announced Natassha Ricks, Robert Campbell, Shawanna
Griffin and Alexis Tyson are the youngest members of the chapter and
will become the "face" of the organization.

President Turner asked membership who was the banquet speaker at the
2018 National Federation of the Blind of Ohio Convention. Frankie
Jones and Rebecca Russel successfully answered Shaun Calloway, and
were given a gift.

Split the Pot winner, Arlene Hlad, $16.50. Arlene has won for the last
2 months.

The community engagement committee is planning an event for January.
Braille Literacy Month, St. Adalbert's Catholic School. Cheryl Fields
reported that the committee will provide details as they develop.
Billie Graham shared how some years ago she participated in this type
of event with Akron members and found it very rewarding. She also
mentioned that the chapter would secure a proclamation from the office
of the Mayor. Shirley Patterson volunteered to assist with a
proclamation for Braille Literacy month.

Holiday Celebration scheduled for Friday, December 15, DoubleTree by
Hilton Downtown at
1111 Lakeside. Cost $ 26.00 per person, Cheryl will contact members to
get meal preference.
The Cuyahoga chapter and CSC Consumer Council have been extended an
invitation. Members are encouraged to bring a guest.
Holiday Celebration: December 15 at the DoubleTree in downtown
Cleveland. Menu changed. The chapter ordered from the Stadium 3
restaurant menu. This change offered wider options at affordable cost.
The chapter surprised past President William H. Turner by presenting
him with a
plaque of acknowledgement and appreciation of 10 years of dedicated
service, as the President of the National Federation of the Blind of
Cleveland. Suzanne Turner provided music and donated a variety of door
prizes for this event. Michaela Swinney, daughter of Michael Swinney
provided the handcrafted chocolate candy.  Members invited guests and
2 guests, Tyrone Bolden and Brooke Dowdy, joined the chapter. The
chapter would like to thank National Federation of the Blind of Ohio
President, Richard Payne, for attending, Owen McCafferty for live
streaming on Facebook, the membership and guests for attending.
Suzanne emphasized the importance of mentorship, with the braille
program and for chapter leadership. President Suzanne ended the
meeting by asking if there were any questions or concerns. The
membership had none and the meeting was
adjourned.

Additional Notes: President is ex officio member of all committees
with the exception of the nominating committee. Therefore the
president’s name does not appear on committee member list.

Secretary Request: February: all committee members please send names
and contact info of all committee members.

Submitted by Cheryl E. Fields, Secretary
 National federation of the Blind of Cleveland