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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#467886" vlink="#96607D" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>Cleveland Members,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Please review the February 2024 Minutes.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We will not go over them at the meeting. We will vote. I will call those who are not on the Listserve to go over them.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>If there is an incorrection, please shoot me an email or text.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>////////<o:p></o:p></p><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:"Arial",sans-serif'>National Federation of the Blind of Ohio, Cleveland Chapter<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>February Minutes<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The Cleveland Chapter met hybrid and at the Garfield County Library on February 17, 2024, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. EST. The location was 5409 Turney Road, Garfield Heights, Ohio 44125.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The meeting was called to order by President Suzanne at 1:14 PM. There were 32 in attendance and on zoom, including seven new members.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The Welcome was offer by Joann Williams, Cheering Committee Chair, the NFB Pledge was recited by, William Turner, Vice President and Roll Call was completed by President, Suzanne Turner. She also requested that members welcome guests and keep shut-in and bereavement members in prayer and good thoughts.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Secretary Report:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>President Suzanne read the January Secretary Report.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Wilbert Turner made the motion, Denise Moss second and it carried.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Treasury Report: <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>NFB Cleveland Chapter Treasury Report<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Prepared by: Cleveland Chapter Treasurer, Natassha Ricks<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Month/Year: February 2024 <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Checking Account<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Beginning Balance: +$393.82<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Credits: +$445.00 (donation, and dues)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Deductions: -$3.00 (see deduction details)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Checking Acct. Balance: <b>+$835.82</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Allocated Balance: -$140.00 (convention, miscellaneous)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Balance avail. to chapter <b>+$695.82</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Savings Account <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Beginning Balance: +$1,138.80<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Credits/interest -0- (interest) <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Savings Acct: Balance <b>+$1,138.80</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Dues</span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> <b>+$165.00</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Number of members YTD: 42 </span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>(total includes 4 lifers)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Wilbert Turner made the motion, Delcenia Brown second, it carried.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>1: President’s Remarks: <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>A: Introducing the Ohio Affiliate President:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Ohio Affiliate, President, Richard Payne introduced and offered inspiring remarks to the chapter. He was visiting, due to an event.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>B: Who Is The National Federation of the Blind:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>President Suzanne read and gave an interpretation of the philosophy. Then the Ohio President, Richard Payne edified its mission. And they both gave an overview of the organization. .<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>2: Voting in New Members:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>There were seven members voted into the federation, Shirley Moss, Sharon Williams, Fletcher Knight, Kurtis Keith, Jackie Patterson, Lurelean Patterson, and Tracy Parks <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>3: Adjustment To Blindness Seminar<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The Cleveland Chapter held their annual Adjustment To Blindness Seminar on February 23, 2024, at the Garfield County Library. There were 18 participants, and 3 Rehab Councilors, who were introduced to Braille, Mobility, Assistive Technology, and a New Membership Orientation to the NFB. There were Seven Peer Mentors who broke the participants into four sessions on a rotation, so everyone equally benefited from all that was offered. A lite breakfast and lunch were provided as well. Ohio President Payne and Annette Lutz from the Capital Chapter and Shawn Martin from the Cuyahoga Chapter came to assist the Cleveland Chapter. There were two volunteers who assisted with lunch. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>4: Volunteering at the Greater Food Bank on March 7<sup>th</sup> from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The location is </span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#525252;background:yellow;mso-highlight:yellow'>13815 Coit Road</span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#525252'>. Members will pack food at the Greater Food Bank on March 7<sup>th</sup> from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Those who would like to participate will text or call President Suzanne.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#525252'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>5: Ohio Business<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>A: Washington Seminar:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Wilbert Turner spoke on the three 2024 legislative bills and the experience on meeting with Congressional Leaders. He said that Congressman Joyce was present for his meeting and drafted support while they were in the office. Wilbert said that this was encouraging and left him enthusiastic about the outcome.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>B: Ohio Executive Board Meeting:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>President Suzanne highly recommended that all members attend the February 24, 2024, Ohio Board Meeting that will be held on the zoom platform.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>C: Sharing Solutions:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>President Suzanne reminded everyone about the Sharing Solution meeting that will be held Sunday, February 18, 2024, at 7:00 PM EST. on zoom The topic is on accessible tools in the kitchen.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>D: OOD Open Meeting on March 18<sup>th</sup> at 6:00 PM:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>President Suzanne explained that Ohio has a great relationship with Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) and if anyone has questions about rehabilitation services, the director and his team will be in attendance. She also reminded them that they will not be able to speak on personal cases, but generic questions are welcomed.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> E: The Flying Piggest Raffel//Piggest Raffel Ever drawing on May 4<sup>th</sup>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>President Suzanne explained that this is an Ohio Affiliate fundraiser that all proceeds are filtered back to the Ohio treasury. However, NFB members or friends, family members or associates can win one or three prizes. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased online or by paper ticket. The first prize is $5k, half would be provided to the Ohio Affiliate and the other to the winner. Second prize is $2500, half would be awarded to the Ohio Affiliate and the other half to the winner. The third prize is a $2500 vacation in Cincinnati. She encouraged all to spread the word and purchase a pig.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>F: Country Meats: <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>President Suzanne proclaimed that this fundraiser is fun and tasty. She says that the meat sticks come in a variety of flavors. They are $2, healthy, and full of protein. Members can purchase them online or Theresa McKenney will have some available soon.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>G: PAC Plan:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>President Suzanne stated that this contribution is important. It helps to provide funding to the overall function of the federation. Members can have as low as $5 automatically deducted from a banking account. Members can sign up online or by calling the National and requesting the accounting office to sign up. You must have your banking info readily available when you call.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>H: Braille Monitor:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>President Suzanne encouraged everyone to sign up for the Braille Monitor. She said that there is inspiring and great content about blind people and our movement. She said that you can also submit articles to the editor, Gary Wunder. She further states that she has written two articles that were published. This magazine is offered by email, online, Newsline or by an ap. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>I: National Student Scholarship deadline March 31:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>President Suzanne mentioned, if anyone knows of a blind student, encourage them to apply for a scholarship that will be awarded at the National Convention in Orlando Florida. The students can apply online or contact me for more details. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>6: National Convention.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>President Suzanne went over the convention dates, place, expectations, Kenneth Jernigan Fund Scholarship and traveling expenses. She explained that if anyone is a new member and wishes to attend the National Convention, she will have a meeting with them to assist with the process. Everyone should begin working now on getting there. She said that members can reserve their room for $129 for singles and doubles, $139 for triples and quads. National President, Mark Riccobono will be presenting the pre-registration fee soon.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>7: Cleveland Fundraisers<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>A: Shoe Drive<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>B: Gospel and Praise Fest<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>C: Bus Trip<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>President Suzanne reminded everyone to continue collecting shoes, spreading the word about the Gospel and Praise Fest, and more will be coming about the bus trip.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>8: Team Exercise:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>President Suzanne asked if there was anyone in the room who would like to talk about a positive experience. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The meeting was adjourned at 2:52 PM EST.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Humbly Submitted by Suzanne Turner, Cleveland Chapter, President<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>National Federation of the Blind of Ohio<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Executive Board of Director<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Ohio Legislative Director<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Cleveland Chapter, President<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>(216P: ) 990-6199<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>W: NFBOhio.ORG<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ohiosblind/photos/"><span style='color:#0563C1'>https://www.facebook.com/ohiosblind/photos/</span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:18.0pt'><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:18.0pt'><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333'>Together, with love, hope, and determination, the members of the National Federation of the Blind transform dreams into reality. You can live the life you want, blindness does not hold you back.<o:p></o:p></span></p></div></body></html>