[NFBOH-Cleveland] Cleveland Chapter March 2026 Minutes

Fri Apr 17 17:04:50 UTC 2026

National Federation of the Blind of Ohio

Cleveland Chapter

April 15, 2026

Cleveland Chapter March Minutes

The meeting was held from Noon to 3:00 P.M. on March 21, 2026 at the Buffelo
Whild Wings, 26200 Harvard Road, Warrensville, Ohio. 

President, Suzanne Turner called the meeting to order at 1:06 PM.

I.

Joann Williams, Cheering Committee Co-Chair offered the welcome. There were
38 members in attendance on zoom. two visitors were also present.

President, Suzanne asked to keep the following members in prayer, Wayne
Fletcher, Zanobia Whittaker, Linda Bluford and Nedra Johnson, as they
recover and seek medical   treatment.

Vice President, Chassidy Gilliam recited the NFB Pledge, and Retired
Military Member, Mr. Harold Jefferson led the Pledge of Allegiance.

new members, Tammy Christmas and Monica Avery were voted into the
organization.

Dynasty Lavender made the motion, Tomeika Hurt second and the motion
carried.

II. 

Secretary Report was distributed on the voice box and by email.

Shawn Martin made the motion, Theresa McKenney second and the motion
carried.

Natassha Ricks, Treasurer gave the Treasury Report at the March meeting.

Shawn Martin made the motion and Theresa McKenney second, and the motion
carried.

Then, Frankie Jones spoke on the word of the month, which was character.

III.

President, Suzanne gave brief announcements. 

A. National Convention date, location, hotel cost and reservation phone
number.

B. 80th Ohio State Convention date, location, hotel cost and reservation
phone number.

C. President, Suzanne explained that the Cleveland Chapter has found a home
for its meetings. Every third Saturday,. The meetings will be at the Buffelo
Whild Wings at 26200 Harvard Road, Warrensville Ohio from noon to 3:00 P.M.

D. President, Suzanne spoke about the lawsuit on Title 2 of the ADA, which
speaks to federal and state regulations for accessible websites and
applications. Thus "Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability;
Accessibility of Web Information and Services of State and Local Government
Entities Final Rule"

E. President, Suzanne introduced the creation of a Cleveland's mantra, which
will be our voice of truth. When spoken with conviction and carried through
generations, it becomes more than words-it becomes movement, legacy, and
change. A strong mantra is simple enough to repeat, yet powerful enough to
inspire. She played several verses that the Chapter will perform after it is
perfected, with words, body movement and soul.

IV.

Vice President, Chasity Gilliam encouraged members to assist increasing the
membership by communicating "who we are in the federation." She expressed an
idea to have some fun in April as well that will help members to learn more
about the organization. As a result, the Membership Committee will hold Team
Building Exercises, that will include an NFB Pledge Challenge, and she urged
members to wear comfortable clothing. There will be Prizes and fun to be had
by all.

Renee ArringtonJohnson provided information on the "Vision Connection." This
discussion led by Foundation Fighting Blindness will be held at the Woodland
Branch Library On April 4, 2026 from 11:30Am to 1:00PM. She encouraged
members to attend to learn from a genetic doctor from the Cleveland Clinic.
In addition, Renee provided an update on the 2026 Vision Walk that will be
held in May by the foundation. She stated that Cleveland is welcomed to have
a table with literature that was provided last year. She will keep us
informed as the date approaches.

President, Suzanne, provided the Chapter on an upcoming outreach event that
will be held at a community center in Ashtabula. The Adjustment to Blindness
Seminar will be provided to seniors, who are blind and low vision on March
31st. Cleveland will travel with held-hand devices, such as money readers,
ScriptTalk, E-Readers, accessible blood pressure machines and more.
Demonstrations will be performed on Apple Devices as well. NFB materials and
door prizes should be a great bonus for the attendees to take home with
them.

Tomeika Hurt, who sourced a facility to hold an upcoming event, gave a
presentation. She stated that the Cleveland Picnic will be held at a park in
Lakewood Ohio from 2:00PM to 6:00 PM on the second Saturday in August. The
pavilion has been paid for and has a covering with electricity. Also, the
restrooms are quite close to the area.

Milena Zevoli, Renee ArringtonJohnson and Chacity Gilliam all will update
the Chapter on forthcoming events where members can advocate by providing
awareness in the community. These events would include hiking among the
MetroParks, taking in musical events at Legacy Village where Para Transit is
prohibited, and participating in the city's ADA celebration in Wade Oval.
All members will research and report back to the chapter on various
opportunities for Cleveland to make an impact.

Tomeika Hurt, Cleveland Fundraising Chair gave an announcement on the
Cleveland Gear. She added that the date to place orders and pay for the
Cleveland Gear is April 18th, which is our next meeting date. All who miss
this deadline will have to wait until the fall., Then, she presented
President Suzanne's track suit for members to get a look before placing an
order. It was purple and white with the NFB logo on the left chest and the
logo also on the right leg. All garments are unisex.

Ohio DeafBlind Committee Co-Chair, Dynasty Lavender, invited members to
attend an upcoming program on March 30 at 7:00 PM featuring Delcenia Brown
and Tomeika Hurt celebrating Women History Month. This will be an exciting
presentation. It will be on the Ohio Zoom Platform.

The meeting was adjourned at 2:56pm.

Humbly Submitted,

William Turner, Secretary

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