<html xmlns:v="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" xmlns:m="http://schemas.microsoft.com/office/2004/12/omml" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40"><head><meta http-equiv=Content-Type content="text/html; charset=us-ascii"><meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 15 (filtered medium)"><style><!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;}
@font-face
{font-family:Calibri;
panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;}
a:link, span.MsoHyperlink
{mso-style-priority:99;
color:#0563C1;
text-decoration:underline;}
a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed
{mso-style-priority:99;
color:#954F72;
text-decoration:underline;}
p.msonormal0, li.msonormal0, div.msonormal0
{mso-style-name:msonormal;
mso-margin-top-alt:auto;
margin-right:0in;
mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
margin-left:0in;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;}
span.EmailStyle18
{mso-style-type:personal;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;}
span.EmailStyle19
{mso-style-type:personal-reply;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
font-size:10.0pt;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
--></style><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapedefaults v:ext="edit" spidmax="1026" />
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapelayout v:ext="edit">
<o:idmap v:ext="edit" data="1" />
</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72"><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>National Federation of the Blind of Cleveland Chapter Minutes<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>November 16th, 2018<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Vice President Rosa Jones opened the meeting with welcome and introductions. There were 24 people in attendance. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>President Suzanne suggested that the chapter incorporate the Pledge of Allegiance to open each meeting. There were no objections. Regina Mason provided prayer. And then, William Turner led the NFB Pledge. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Mellissa Mock, Volunteer Manager at the Cleveland Sight Center, invited the chapter to an Employment Seminar, that would be held on December 14th, at 9:00 A.M.-to Noon. Registration is Required.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>President Turner thanked everyone for their participation in the chapter and at the 2018 NFB Ohio state convention. She announced that The Cleveland Chapter won the Gavel Award for 2018, this news was received enthusiastically. The Affiliate awarded includes a certificate, $ 50.00 prize and bragging rights. She noted the accomplishments of the membership and encouraged everyone to continue the important and rewarding work of the Federation. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Announcements:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Gloria Conway, Reminded the Chapter of the monthly Senior Teleconference call that was held on Sunday, November 18th at 7:00 P.M. The Teleconference call Topic was on Celebrating the Holiday’s. This call includes non-members as well <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Cheryl fields, Secretary, Reminded members about being respectful and courteous on the ListServe. A warning was given to those that want to be combative, using inappropriate language and content. Cheryl will make final decisions independently if the case arises. There may be times when she will consult with the Executive Board to reprimand a member. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>President, Suzanne suggested that others be solicited to add announcements on the Voice Box and calling members to notify them of meetings, events and other items of interest. Also, Shirley Patterson volunteered to make these calls periodically. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Cheryl Fields provided the Minutes for the October 19th Meeting. They were read and accepted. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Questions:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Theresa asked how we held elections with so many officers not in attendance.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Cecil asked how can members on the phone vote.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Ivory asked if all board members must be present to hold an election.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Cleveland Chapter Constitution allows the election to go forward because a quorum is 2/3 of the members in attendance. For the 2018 election of board members allows for members to vote by telephone. When there elections that include officers, President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer, all voting members must be in attendance, no proxy voting. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Treasurer’s Report, <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Natassha Ricks, Treasurer <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Savings Account Balance: $ 790.00 <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Checking Account $ 114.00 ( For a more Detailed Report, see Natassha Ricks Treasurer)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Questions: <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>When does the year end and begin? <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Natassha answered by explaining that the fiscal year begins on December 1st and ends on November 30th. Some people may have paid their dues for 2019 in October and November but, the 2019 dues are being accepted now. The Treasurer’s Report was read and accepted.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>President Suzanne Turner opened a discussion about fund raising. Cheryl Fields remarked that the chapter should not place pressure on the membership by designating money for an event. Cecil suggested to sale luggage tags. Rosa Jones suggested a souvenir book. She provided a brief explanation and answered questions. Denise Moss suggested selling candy bars. Natassha Ricks suggested to repeat the 2018 Love Birds Raffel. This fund raiser was proven successful after expenses, profit $ 1340.00. She expressed how profitable, easy and less stressful this was for 2018. The discussion was to Incorporate a 2nd and 3rd prize ,of a wine and chocolate gift basket and a $ 50.00 Gift Card. The name would be Changed to, Love Bird Get Away, to Extend the date and hold raffle in May 2019. Billie made the motion, seconded by Theresa and the motion was carried. The executive Board will discuss and implement the event. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>The Split the Pot winner was Cecil Dukes for $ 7.00 and donated winnings to chapter treasury.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Announcements:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>1: To chair or serve on a Ohio Affiliate committee contact Richard Payne by December 1st.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>2: If interested in serving or chairing a committee for the Cleveland Chapter contact Suzanne Turner by January 18. The Committees are Membership, Community Engagement, Education, Social Media, Seniors and Legislative. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>3: Holiday Celebration, President Turner reminded membership that the Mitchel’s outing in June was the annual celebration for 2018 and there would be no Holiday party for Cleveland. However, some members Suggested: that Cleveland could Eat out at a restaurant, have a pot luck at the Sight Center or take a break. The membership voted and agreed to take a break for the month of December. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>4: Community Engagement: Louis Braille Birthday will provide braille literacy education for the scholars of St. Adelbert’s Elementary School, date to be determined. Cheryl fields asked members to consider requesting the community engagement committee to provide education to their social groups, families and friends. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>January Meeting will be a community meeting, to accommodate working members. President Turner has checked locations and has not found any that can accommodate the chapter at no cost. Gloria Conway will check the Parma Snow branch of the library. President Turner will notify members of January 2019 meeting location. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>William Turner informed members about the Washington Seminar. He provided a brief overview of Purpose and the rewards of the experience. If anyone is interested contact Richard Payne by December 1st. This event takes place on January 28th thru January 31 in Washington DC. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>President Turner briefly informed membership of convention assistance. The NFB National convention is July7th-July 12th in Las Vegas, Nevada with Room Rate of $ 99.00 per night. Reservations will open January 1, 2019 <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Owen asked about the Face Book page. Suzanne will provide a training for Owen and Cheryl. Thanked Jordy Stringer for assisting the chapter with the page. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Mr. Butler asked if others are having problems using a signature stamp. No one is having trouble. Ivory explained that for those that cannot sign or print their name using a signature stamp is legal in Ohio. Mr. Butler asked for prayer for his sister who is in hospice care. William Turner had closing remarks and encouraged members to be proud of their successes. He shared that there was a time when the Cleveland chapter struggled very hard with 6 or 7 members and now there are 61 members. Past President Billie Graham agreed with William and thanked Suzanne Turner for building the chapter. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>The meeting was Adjourned <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Cheryl Fields, Recording Secretary<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>(216) 566-4317 <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>