[NFBOH-Cleveland] Revised Cleveland Chapter March Updates

Sun Mar 1 03:37:58 UTC 2026

Good evening, Cleveland and friends,

I trust that you're evening and weekend so far have been great.

The Board of Directors meeting today was informative and provided an
opportunity for those who are seasoned and new to the organization to
witness how policies, programs, and services are crafted for the blind
across Ohio. 

I would also like to extend a warm welcome to Shawn Martin, Milena Zavoli,
and Joyce White, who were officially voted into the Cleveland Chapter this
past Friday. We are glad to have you with us.

Special thanks go to Gary Wunder, who provided an excellent presentation on
"Changing Words, Changing Minds, and Changing the World," and to Ohio
Affiliate President Richard Payne for his impactful presentation on how and
why to be a leader in the National Federation of the Blind. Finally, thank
you to Chrystal Carlgren for giving us insight into what our member, Tomeika
Hurt, will experience as a contestant in the upcoming Ohio Amerifest Pageant
in April.

Please review the following announcements in their entirety:

Leadership and Legacy Presentation - March 1, 2026 at 5:00 PM

Detail:

The National Organization of Blind Black Leaders (NOBBL Mentoring and
Outreach Workgroup will host a special presentation on Leadership and
Legacy. Your president, Suzanne Turner, will serve as chairperson and
presenter. Dr. Carolyn Peters, Ohio Affiliate Board Member, and Emeritus Ron
Brown will assist with the presentation. You do not want to miss this
powerful and inspiring event. Please join us in the Ohio Zoom Room at 5:00
PM. The link is provided below.

NFB Gear Fundraiser - Begins March 1, 2026

Detail:

It's time to represent and look your best. The Cleveland Chapter is offering
a wide selection of National Federation of the Blind gear, including
long-sleeve and short-sleeve T-shirts, zip-up hoodies, pullover hoodies,
crewneck sweatshirts, polo shirts, and popular jogging suits. These items
are available in a variety of colors. Please review the attached flyer or
contact our fundraising chair, Tomeika Hurt, at 216-820-5404 or by email at
tomeika1993 at icloud.com <mailto:tomeika1993 at icloud.com>  for more
information.

Ohio Affiliate Fundraiser - Begins March 1, 2026

Details:

You will soon be able to order popcorn, cookies, candy, and more. This
fundraiser helps support programs and services across Ohio. Please use and
share the link widely so we can strengthen our Ohio Affiliate treasury. The
flyer is also attached.

National Presidential Release - March 5, 2026 at 8:00 PM

Details:

Join us for the National Presidential Release. You can attend via the Ohio
Zoom Room, through the provided link below, or on your Alexa device.

Cleveland Chapter Monthly Meeting - March 21, 2026

Details:

Noon to 3:00 PM

Location:

Buffalo Wild Wings

26200 Harvard Road

Warrensville Heights, Ohio

Please bring a friend to learn more about our organization. You may also
bring funds for various chapter activities.

National Convention - Austin, Texas - July 3 through July 8, 2026

Details:

Pre-registration is now open. The registration fee is $25, and the banquet
fee is $80. Please register at NFB.org/convention.

Hotel rates:

Single and Double: $139 per night

Triple and Quad: $155 per night

Plus 19% tax

Note: If you are attending for the first time, you are encouraged to apply
for the Kenneth Jernigan Scholarship Fund, which can also be found on the
convention website. NFB.ORG/Convention

80th NFB of Ohio State Convention - November 5 through November 8, 2026

Details

The location: University of Dayton Marriott, 1414 S. Patterson Rd. Dayton,

The room rate: $129 per night plus 16.5% tax

Reservations are now open. Please refer to the convention flyer for full
details on amenities and events. Call (800) 627-7468 for room reservations. 

Charter Bus to State Convention

Details:

The Cleveland Chapter is chartering a bus to the state convention. The cost
is $120 round trip. To secure your seat, a $30 deposit is required by March
21, 2026. Installment payments are welcome, but the full balance must be
paid by September 21, 2026. The bus will also stop in Akron and Columbus.
Please contact Chacity Gilliam, Vice president, if you would like to reserve
your seat at (216) 644-4374 or by email at chacitygilliam04 at gmail.com

Membership Coin Holders

Details:

If you have a membership coin and would like a wearable coin holder, Vice
President Chassidy Gilliam is collecting orders. The holder can be worn
around your neck and keeps your coin secure. The cost is $20. Please contact
Chassidy at 216-644-4374 for details.

Congratulations to President Richard Payne!

Details:

Please join us in congratulating President Payne on his retirement after
more than 35 years of dedicated service. We thank him for his leadership and
commitment and encourage everyone to send their well wishes to
RCHPAY7 at gmail.com.

Thank you for your continued commitment to the National Federation of the
Blind and the Cleveland Chapter. Together, we are changing what it means to
be blind.

Warm regards,

Suzanne Turner

President, Cleveland Chapter

National Federation of the Blind of Ohio

All funds can be sent to:

Zelle: NFB.CLE.Treasurer at gmail.com <mailto:NFB.CLE.Treasurer at gmail.com>  and
add 50 cents for processing.

Call, Treasurer, Natassha Ricks to notify her of your payment at
216-376-9863

Mailing Address For Payments

Attention, Natassha Ricks

Cleveland Chapter 

6980 Ladd Ln.

Maple Heights, Ohio 44137

Again, call her to notify of your payments by mail or zelle

Join Zoom:

https://zoom.us/j/4081850851

Meeting ID: 408 185 0851

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