[Ohio-Talk] Cleveland Announcements

Sat Nov 16 20:29:07 UTC 2019

Good Afternoon Cleveland Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of
Ohio,

It is an honor to serve you and the entire state of Ohio; as well as blind
people all over the world. I am indeed grateful of the opportunity to be
your President once again. I know that we will assist, accomplish and
provide awareness to blind people and there families, promoting the
philosophy and mission of this organization. It is fitting that today is the
birthday of the National Federation of the Blind, that we start another 2
years journey of advocacy, outreach and compassion for those who need the
Cleveland Chapter.

Thus, the humanistic approach, in my opinion is the best way to reach
people. Empathy leads to understanding and stepping into ones shoes.
Therefore, I pledge to listen, be patient and use emotional intelligence
when working along-side of you and the community. Again, thank you for
trusting me and my abilities to be your President.  

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In our last night's meeting a couple of items were discuss and they are as
follows. If you have questions, please give me a call or shoot me an email.
Communication is key!

Please welcome Heather Ways to the Cleveland Chapter. We are so ecstatic to
have a new member who will offer the Chapter additional ideals, resources
and assistance. Welcome Heather!

Also, we were so happy to see Jim Weiss last night. He too is a great
addition to our Chapter. Jim we've missed you!

The 2020-2021  Executive Board of Cleveland was elected. These are your
officers,

President: Suzanne Turner,

Vice President: William Turner

Recording Secretary: Ali Benmerzouga

Treasurer: Natassha Ricks,

Board Member: Shirley Patterson

Please congratulate them all when you have an opportunity. Also, I will
appoint several Committees and Assignments that will enhance our efforts in
promoting awareness. Below is a list of opportunities that you might wish to
serve. Please review them and we will talk.

A: Phone inquiry and Member List coordinator

B: New member coordinator

C: Chapter cheers coordinator

D: Technology coordinator

E: Room setup coordinator

F: Refreshments coordinator

G: Greeter

H: Chapter member birthday coordinator

I: Chapter presentations coordinator

J: Convention Planning Coordinator

Please pick one!

Committee Appointments for Chairs for 2020

1: Community Engagement Committee

2: Senior Committee

3: Membership Committee

4: Educational Committee

5: Special Event Committee

6: Guide Dog Committee 

7: Student Committee

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The Cleveland Chapter voted to participate with the Cleveland Cavaliers by
having a vendor table at the March 7, 2020 game. More details will be
discussed very soon. Please look out for that announcement.

Additionally, Cheryl and I presented information on HB214, which is our
accessible prescription legislation. I will attach the text in a separate
email for you. Below at the end of the announcements, is an example that
Eric Duffy has graciously provided, on how to write your testimony. He also
is having a conference call on Sunday, November 17, 2019 at 3:00 PM to
answer any questions, that you may have. Call 712-775-7031 and enter code:
240281423 and hit the pound key. Remember, I also can assist in writing your
submission.

Here is the announcement from Eric Duffy,  

HB214 which is our accessible prescription legislation is scheduled for a
second hearing on Tuesday. This is proponent testimony. So once again the
Health Committee in the Ohio General Assembly needs to hear from you. Tell
your story. Let the committee know why this legislation is important to you.
Even if you submitted testimony to the committee in late spring or early
summer we need you to submit  it again. The committee has a new chair, and
we want to be sure that your voice is heard. 

Please join the call tomorrow night, Sunday, November 17, 2019 for Sharing
Solutions for Vision Loss Conference. This informative session invites,
Brook Dowdy LPC of Recovery Resources Behavioral Health, to discuss "grief
and Loss", as we go into the Holiday's. Brooke will discuss the stages that
individuals encounter after the loss of a friend, family member, employment,
home and even health. The call will start at 7:00 P.M. / dial 712-775-7031
and input the code: 240281423 and hit the pound key.     

Our Ohio Affiliate President, Richard Payne is accepting names from members
to be considered for attending the 2020 Washington Seminar. If you would
like to advocate and communicate the legislative initiatives of the
organization on a National level, please email him by December 1, 2019. His
email address is RchPay7 at gmail.com.

On December 12, 2019 from 4:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. we will meet with Cleveland
City, Planning Commission on dockless electric scooters and e-bikes Safety.
Please attend this forum. The location is Cleveland City Hall, 601 Lakeside,
Cleveland, Ohio 44114. Please view the resolution that was distributed. 

And, on December 13, 2019, Cleveland will hold there annual Holiday Party at
the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel. The address is 1111 Lakeside Avenue East,
Cleveland, Ohio 44114. We will begin the celebration at 6:30 P.M. until
11:00 P.M. There will be fellowship with a cash bar, after dining in the
restaurant. All members are responsible for their dinner and alcoholic
beverages. You are encouraged to invite two guests, and if you would like to
participate in the gift exchange, bring a rapped item worth $10.  The
Special Event Committee is over-seeing the festivities. So, contact Cheryl
Fields or Natassha Ricks for more information. Cheryl, 216-566-4317,
Natassha, 216-376-9863. Neighboring Chapters are invited as well!

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The Cuyahoga County Chapter has invited Cleveland to participate with there
Holiday Party, that will be on December 14, 2019 from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M.
The location is My Friend Restaurant, 11616 Detroit Avenue, West Cleveland
Ohio. A request to bring a gift in a gift bag to play "Screw Your Neighbor
by the Cuyahoga Chapter if interested. For more information, please contact
Shawn Martin, President at SMartin494 at roadrunner.com
<mailto:SMartin494 at roadrunner.com> 

///

Ohio has lost two influential members of the Ohio Affiliate, State  Vice
President, Sheri Albers and Michael Leiterman. Please wish them both well in
their newly endeavors. Send a message to Sheri at SheriAlbers87 at gmail.com
<mailto:SheriAlbers87 at gmail.com>  and Michael at Leitlaw at hotmail.com
<mailto:Leitlaw at hotmail.com> . They both will be missed! 

///

This is how your written testimony should begin:

November 19, 2019 

Ohio House Health Committee 

Proponent Testimony HB 214

Submitted by: Your Name

Next line your address:

Chair Lipps, Vice Chair Manning, Ranking Member west, and Members of the
Ohio House Health Committee

Thank you for the opportunity to submit testimony in support of HB214.

Then tell your story. Why do you support this legislation. Make them feel
the need.

Chairman Lipps requests that testimony be submitted 24 hours prior to the
hearing which is scheduled for 11:00 AM on November 19.

We want to let the committee know that people care about this legislation.
If you need help writing your testimony, please contact Barbara Pierce or
me. 

Your written testimony should be sent to:

hannah.stanbery at ohiohouse.gov <mailto:hannah.stanbery at ohiohouse.gov>
<mailto:hannah.stanbery at ohiohouse.gov>

Suzanne Hartfield-Turner, President

NFBOH-Cleveland Chapter

C: (216) 990-6199

P: (641) 715-3900

Ex: 582705

A: PO Box 141077

Cleveland, Ohio 44114

E: President.NFB.ClevelandOhio at Gmail.com
<mailto:President.NFB.ClevelandOhio at Gmail.com> 

Please visit and take a moment to like our Facebook Page!

https://m.facebook.com/NationalFederationOfTheBlindOfOhioClevelandChapter/ 

The National Federation of the Blind knows 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. You can live the life you want;
blindness is not what holds you back.