[NFBOH-Cleveland] Please review the November 2025 Cleveland Chapter Minutes

Fri Jan 16 01:12:02 UTC 2026

National Federation of the Blind of Cleveland Chapter

November Chapter Minutes

January 15, 2026

The Cleveland Chapter meeting was held on November 22nd 2025 at the Garfield
Heights Library, 5409 Turney, Road, Garfield Heights Ohio from 3:30 P.m. to
5:00 P.M. The meeting was also on the Zoom Platform for Cleveland members
and friends who were unable to attend in person. There were 30 members and
friends present.

President, Suzanne began the meeting at 3:32 P.M.

The Welcome was offered by Dynesty Lavender, Cheering Committee Co-Chair,
and A Touch of Thanks was edified by Joann Williams, Cheering Committee
Co-Chair.

Cleveland's Vice President , Chacity Gilliam resighted the NFB Pledge.

William Turner, Secretary voted Masquenada Douglas and Tracy Green into the
organization as new members. Mr. Douglas is a dual member, and Miss Green is
a sighted member. We are honored to have them.

Then, Machelle Gulley gave the October Secretary Chapter report.

Marion Parker made the motion and Denise Moss second, it carried.

After, Natassha Ricks gave the October Treasury Report.

Chacity Gilliam made the motion and Marion Parker second, it carried.

President, Suzanne made an announcement:

Starting forward, the Cleveland chapter minutes will now be in audio on the
Cleveland Voice Box and by email. All members have to review them prior to
the meeting.

I: President Announcements:

2026 Committees 

President Suzanne provided the committees for 2026 and urged members to
participate in service. They are as follows:

Community Service, Wilbert Turner Chair

Membership, Chacity Gilliam and Theresa McKenney, Co-chairs

Seniors is seeking a chair

Education is seeking a chair

Fundraising, Tomeika Hurt and Antwon Dobyne, Co-chairs

Legislative, William Turner, Chair 

Cheering, Dynesty Lavender and Joann Williams, Co-chairs

Also, President, Suzanne has made an appointment for Cleveland to has two
Sargent At Arms,

Lorain Clemons and Machelle Gulley have accepted.

And Cleveland's Vice President, Chacity has accepted the charge to be
Cleveland's Membership Coordinator for 2026. She will add new members into
the New membership Portal and vote new members into the federation, along
with Secretary William. 

President, Suzanne has asked Zenobia Whittaker to serve as our Consumer
Reporter providing updates on accessible tools, services and technology. 

II: Angel Child Banquet

President, Suzanne gave an update on the Angel Child Event.  The Circle City
Chapter in Indiana invited members to perform their monolog and requested
President, Suzanne to be the keynote speaker. The event is on December 6th
in Indianapolis.

III: Washington Seminar

President, Suzanne provided information on the Washington Seminar.

The dates are Monday, January 26, through Thursday, January 29, 2026

President, Suzanne provided information on the Reduction in Force action
that has decreased the employee from several federal agencies, that included
the Continuing Resolution.  There also was a provision to extend the
Medicare telehealth benefits but will expire on January 30, 2026.

Blind Return to Work Act HB 1175 will be an issue on going.

Access Technology Affordability Act HB: 1529 which would help offset the
high cost of access technology by creating a $2,000 refundable tax credit
for use over a three-year period,

Moreover, Website and Software Accessibility Act HR 3417 which would create
accessibility standards for websites and mobile applications, where the
blind need have equal access to navigate in applications.

Finally, in Ohio, Section 14C, which is to eliminate subminimum wages is
equally important for disabled employees to earn wages over the state
minimal wage..

She will provide the factsheets and the exact initiatives when the National
Advocacy and Policy Department releases them.

President Suzanne went on to say, if anyone would like to attend the
Washington Seminar, please let her know; as President Payne will put out an
announcement soon as well.

IV: National Convention

President, Suzanne provided information on the National Convention, which
will be held July 3rd to July 8th in Austin Texas. She stated that members
should consider attending and preparing their air fare and lodging. The
Convention Bulletin will be released soon with more details. Remember,
sharing is advised and the hotel reservations will be open in January.

V: Kenneth Jernigan Scholarship

President, Suzanne explained that KJS will be open in January. This is for
the first timers to assist them to the convention of hotel stay, food or air
fare. There is an online form to be completed. All first-time attendees
should meet with her prior to completing the form to get a greater
understanding of the questions. All members for their first convention must
have a mentor while at the convention.

Finally, President, Suzanne stated that the National Student Scholarship is
open. If you know of a blind student in college, tell them about this
outstanding scholarship. The national gives out 30 8k scholarships and
accessible equipment at the banquet.

VI: State of Ohio Convention

President, Chacity provided information on the 80th State Convention that
will be held at the University of Dayton Marriott in Dayton Ohio.

November 5th through 8th

The Hotel rate is $129 per night.

Vice, Chacity, states that Cleveland will organize transportation to the
convention. 

She says that we are fundraising to assist members with convention
assistance.

Transportation to the State Convention

Vice, Chacity stated that the cost of transportation to Dayton will cost
$120 per person. The coach is around $4k. You can pay your installments on
January 17th at the January chapter meeting. However, to reserve your seat,
there is a $30 deposit due by March 21st. The final time to have all
payments is September 21, 2026.

Nada asked if this would be for each person even if you have children. The
answer was yes. President, Suzanne states this is why we are fundraising and
members can pay in installments. You can pay by zelle, at the meetings or by
mail. Put in the memo "Dayton Trip".

VII: Fundraising Report - Tomeika and Antonio

Tomeika Hurt provided the Fundraising Report. 

Please turn in the funds for the tumblers. I will be at the Cleveland Sight
Center and also you can provide funds at the Christmas party as well. 

The Valentine fundraiser is going well. We are making equal availability for
you to get more tickets, turn in stubs and funds at the Cleveland Sight
Center, at the Christmas party and in January and February. 

VIIII: Christmas Party 

President, Suzanne stated that Tomeika, Chacity and Antonio are responsible
for organizing the Christmas party.

Tomeika stated that it will be on December 13th and the venue will be at the
Nottingham Library. The information will be shared very soon. She stated
that they are requesting everyone bring a dish. The Cleveland board will
provide the main dis. Games will be played and a gift exchange will be $10
or more.

IX: On The Spot Announcement:

Theresa McKenney provided an invitation for members to attend a Motown
Christmas performance by Karamu House on Dec 13 2025. The tickets are
$20.00.

The meeting was adjourned at 4:55 P.M.

Suzanne M. Hartfield Turner

National Federation of the Blind of Ohio, Vice President

Ohio Legislative Director

Cleveland Chapter, President

The National Federation of the Blind advances the lives of its members and
all blind people in the United States. We know 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. Our collective power, determination,
and diversity achieve the aspirations of all blind people.

P: (216) 990-6199

W: NFBOhio.ORG

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