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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><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>National Federation of the Blind of Ohio<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Cleveland Chapter<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>April 15, 2026<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Cleveland Chapter March Minutes<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>The meeting was held from Noon to 3:00 P.M. on March 21, 2026 at the Buffelo Whild Wings, 26200 Harvard Road, Warrensville, Ohio. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>President, Suzanne Turner called the meeting to order at 1:06 PM.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>I.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Joann Williams, Cheering Committee Co-Chair offered the welcome. There were 38 members in attendance on zoom. two visitors were also present.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>President, Suzanne asked to keep the following members in prayer, Wayne Fletcher, Zanobia Whittaker, Linda Bluford and Nedra Johnson, as they recover and seek medical treatment.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Vice President, Chassidy Gilliam recited the NFB Pledge, and Retired Military Member, Mr. Harold Jefferson led the Pledge of Allegiance.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>new members, Tammy Christmas and Monica Avery were voted into the organization.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Dynasty Lavender made the motion, Tomeika Hurt second and the motion carried.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>II. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Secretary Report was distributed on the voice box and by email.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Shawn Martin made the motion, Theresa McKenney second and the motion carried.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Natassha Ricks, Treasurer gave the Treasury Report at the March meeting.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Shawn Martin made the motion and Theresa McKenney second, and the motion carried.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Then, Frankie Jones spoke on the word of the month, which was character.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>III.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>President, Suzanne gave brief announcements. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>A. National Convention date, location, hotel cost and reservation phone number.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>B. 80<sup>th</sup> Ohio State Convention date, location, hotel cost and reservation phone number.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>C. President, Suzanne explained that the Cleveland Chapter has found a home for its meetings. Every third Saturday,. The meetings will be at the Buffelo Whild Wings at 26200 Harvard Road, Warrensville Ohio from noon to 3:00 P.M.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>D. President, Suzanne spoke about the lawsuit on Title 2 of the ADA, which speaks to federal and state regulations for accessible websites and applications. Thus “Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability; Accessibility of Web Information and Services of State and Local Government Entities Final Rule”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>E. President, Suzanne introduced the creation of a Cleveland’s mantra, which will be our voice of truth. When spoken with conviction and carried through generations, it becomes more than words—it becomes movement, legacy, and change. A strong mantra is simple enough to repeat, yet powerful enough to inspire. She played several verses that the Chapter will perform after it is perfected, with words, body movement and soul.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>IV.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Vice President, Chasity Gilliam encouraged members to assist increasing the membership by communicating “who we are in the federation.” She expressed an idea to have some fun in April as well that will help members to learn more about the organization. As a result, the Membership Committee will hold Team Building Exercises, that will include an NFB Pledge Challenge, and she urged members to wear comfortable clothing. There will be Prizes and fun to be had by all.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Renee ArringtonJohnson provided information on the “Vision Connection.” This discussion led by Foundation Fighting Blindness will be held at the Woodland Branch Library On April 4, 2026 from 11:30Am to 1:00PM. She encouraged members to attend to learn from a genetic doctor from the Cleveland Clinic. In addition, Renee provided an update on the 2026 Vision Walk that will be held in May by the foundation. She stated that Cleveland is welcomed to have a table with literature that was provided last year. She will keep us informed as the date approaches.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>President, Suzanne, provided the Chapter on an upcoming outreach event that will be held at a community center in Ashtabula. The Adjustment to Blindness Seminar will be provided to seniors, who are blind and low vision on March 31st. Cleveland will travel with held-hand devices, such as money readers, ScriptTalk, E-Readers, accessible blood pressure machines and more. Demonstrations will be performed on Apple Devices as well. NFB materials and door prizes should be a great bonus for the attendees to take home with them.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Tomeika Hurt, who sourced a facility to hold an upcoming event, gave a presentation. She stated that the Cleveland Picnic will be held at a park in Lakewood Ohio from 2:00PM to 6:00 PM on the second Saturday in August. The pavilion has been paid for and has a covering with electricity. Also, the restrooms are quite close to the area.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Milena Zevoli, Renee ArringtonJohnson and Chacity Gilliam all will update the Chapter on forthcoming events where members can advocate by providing awareness in the community. These events would include hiking among the MetroParks, taking in musical events at Legacy Village where Para Transit is prohibited, and participating in the city’s ADA celebration in Wade Oval. All members will research and report back to the chapter on various opportunities for Cleveland to make an impact.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Tomeika Hurt, Cleveland Fundraising Chair gave an announcement on the Cleveland Gear. She added that the date to place orders and pay for the Cleveland Gear is April 18<sup>th, which is our next meeting date. All who miss this deadline will have to wait until the fall., Then, she presented President Suzanne’s track suit for members to get a look before placing an order. It was purple and white with the NFB logo on the left chest and the logo also on the right leg. All garments are unisex.<o:p></o:p></sup></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><sup><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></sup></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Ohio DeafBlind Committee Co-Chair, Dynasty Lavender, invited members to attend an upcoming program on March 30 at 7:00 PM featuring Delcenia Brown and Tomeika Hurt celebrating Women History Month. This will be an exciting presentation. It will be on the Ohio Zoom Platform.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>The meeting was adjourned at 2:56pm.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Humbly Submitted,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>William Turner, Secretary<o:p></o:p></span></p></div></body></html>