[NFBOH-Cleveland] Reflections: I love the fall season and am excited that we're moving toward it!

Tue Jul 28 15:54:52 UTC 2026

Morning, Cleveland Members and Friends,

As we move toward August, I am so excited about gathering for our annual
picnic at Lakewood Park on Saturday, August 22, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. until
6:00 p.m.

I love the fall season and am excited that we're moving toward it. The
leaves will soon begin changing, the weather will become more comfortable,
and the holidays will be just around the corner. I hope you're looking
forward to this wonderful time of year as much as I am.

Moreover, each August represents togetherness, diversity, and inclusivity
for the Cleveland Chapter. We are a family, and I am so grateful to serve as
your president!

Cleveland, if you are planning to attend the picnic, please contact our Vice
President, Chacity Gilliam, and let her know what food item you will be
bringing. You can reach her at 216-644-4374.

Another exciting opportunity is our 80th National Federation of the Blind of
Ohio State Convention! If you have not yet made your reservation at the
University of Dayton Marriott, please call 800-627-7468 and let them know
you are attending with the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio.
Convention dates are November 5-8, 2026. If you would like to reduce costs,
please consider sharing a room with another member.

Also, our convention bus is filling up quickly! We currently have
approximately five seats remaining, but about ten people have already
expressed interest. If you know someone who wants to ride, please remind
them that seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. A $30
deposit is required to reserve a seat.

As a reminder, our September 19 chapter meeting is the final day to pay the
full $120 round-trip bus fare. Please continue making installment payments
if needed.

Speaking of convention, I would like our chapter to submit a basket for the
auction-I know we can put together something fantastic! Please begin
thinking about a theme. We'll discuss ideas during the picnic and decide on
a creative basket together.

Convention pre-registration is now open! Please take advantage of this
opportunity to reserve your banquet ticket, box lunch, and make your $20
contribution to support programs and services provided by the Ohio affiliate
for blind people across the state. Visit www.nfbohio.org/convention
<http://www.nfbohio.org/convention>  to preregister.

Tonight, Tuesday, July 28, at 7:00 p.m., the Community of Faith Division
will hold its monthly meeting in the Ohio Zoom Room. A thought-provoking
question (What Is God Saying to You?) has been posed for discussion, so come
prepared to share your ideas, thoughts, and inspiration.

I'd also like to remind everyone about the PAC (Pre-Authorized Contribution)
Plan. Ohio PAC Coordinator Chacity Gilliam continues to provide information
about this exciting opportunity to support national programming and
services. Contributions can be as little as $5 per month, automatically
withdrawn from your checking or savings account. Chacity will share more
information during our chapter meeting and through email. Please continue
reading the Ohio-Talk and Cleveland listservs for updates. If you are
interested in enrolling, contact Chacity at 216-644-4374.

Lastly, I encourage every member to begin thinking about a community service
project for September through December. In past years, we have donated
school supplies to local students, provided toys for Providence House, and
hosted adjustment-to-blindness seminars. What should our next project be? I
welcome your ideas! Please call or email me with your suggestions.

I'm also excited to announce that our new NFB Cleveland merchandise will
officially be released on September 8, 2026! Tomeika Hurt, Fundraising Chair
will present our new designs that are fresh, innovative, and will be
featured on our Facebook page. We hope to market our Cleveland gear
throughout Ohio and beyond. Previous merchandise, including jogging suits,
will also be available. You'll get a first look at the new gear during the
picnic, so start saving and get ready to help spread the word!

Next week, I will send out our August updates.

Finally, I hope to see everyone tomorrow at Wade Oval from 4:30 p.m. until
8:00 p.m. The address is 11030 East Boulevard, Cleveland, Ohio. Simply let
your transportation provider know you are going to Wade Oval. Please bring a
lawn chair, food if you'd like, and invite your family and friends. There
will also be a variety of food trucks available.

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to our chapter. I look
forward to seeing many of you at Wade Oval, our picnic, and the upcoming
state convention!

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

Facebook:  <https://www.facebook.com/ohiosblind/photos/>
https://www.facebook.com/ohiosblind/photos/

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