2022 Convention Minutes
North Dakota Association of the Blind, Inc.
2022 Convention Minutes
Holiday Inn Express, Fargo, ND
“See Blind Possible”
Friday, June 10th:
Registration for the convention began at 2:00 pm. A Vendor Showcase was held from 3:00 – 5:00. A social began at 6:00 at the hotel with a buffet supper catered by Holy Smokes BBQ. Tony Scherer and Mickey Tuebner provided entertainment.
Saturday, June 11th:
Registration continued at 8:00 am.
Opening Ceremony: Missy Miller opened the convention ceremonies at 8:30. Allan Peterson introduced the Horace Boy Scout Troop 274 to present the flags and lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Doug Stip sang the Star-Spangled Banner. Vince Ulstad led the invocation. Missy welcomed the convention body to Fargo.
Business Meeting: President Trampes Brown called the 85th Annual NDAB Convention meeting to order at 8:44 am. Roll Call was taken with 40 members present.
Trampes informed the convention body of the Wallace and Vivian Dahl Endowment that has been awarded to NDAB to use for the Life Enrichment Program in the amount of $4,200. This endowment will be awarded every year in the future.
Paula Anundson presented information from the Fargo Memorial Honor Guard. They intend to build a new shelter at the new Veterans Cemetery. Donations are needed to begin the project starting in 2023. She suggested we donate $1,000 of the Olga Neal Estate funds for this project.
Allan announced there are NDAB t-shirts for sale for $10.
Rick Vannett read the standing rules for NDAB. Allan made a motion to approve the standing rules, seconded by Bobby Westermeyer. MC
REPORTS:
President’s Report: Trampes gave his report. “See Blind Possible” was adapted as the slogan for GHD but has become the mission of the organization this year. He thanked all committees for their work in the past year. The partnership with NDVS/SB has resulted in over 100 Zoom topics of discussion. During the past year, NDAB has been able to resume its activities, including Camp, the Recreation Retreat, Dining in the Dark, Giving Hearts Day, the ACB Leadership Conference and other activities. New and different PR opportunities were completed. He stressed we remember our motto and mission statement as we complete the work of the organization.
Secretary’s Report: Doug made a motion to approve the minutes of the preconvention board meeting, seconded by Mickey Tuebner. MC
Treasurer’s Report: Rebecca Anderson shared the finances of the organization, including the income & expenses for the past year and the proposed budget for next year.
Development Director: Allan reported the success of fundraising for the past fiscal year. The two major fundraisers are the Walk for Vision and Giving Hearts Day. He explained the process for raising the match funds for Giving Hearts Day. Raising the money for the upcoming fiscal year will be a challenge.
At break time, Linda Clarey announced that Thrivent Financial donated $250 toward door prizes and t-shirts for the committee members.
ACB Delegate: Allan reported that the last two years have been virtual. He explained the activities of the 8-day event and the election process. There are many opportunities to attend educational activities and there are fundraising activities that occur during the event.
Camp Committee: Loris Van Berkom reported on the camp events of the 2021 camp session. Rick Feldman reported he will be Co-camp director one more year to help Tim Kachel adjust to his new role as Co-camp Director in 2023. Missy reported that there is a camp committee which has been planning camp for 2022. The theme for the 2022 camp session will be “New Beginnings”. A camp survey was sent out last fall. Adjustments were made according to the results of the survey. There will not be a gift exchange nor an auction, but new activities will take their place. New camp ideas and instructors were encouraged.
Dining in the Dark: Janelle Olson explained the Dining in the Dark experience. She reported this was the fifth year this event was held in Minot in partnership with the Minot Lions. It was held at the Sleep Inn in October. There were 55 paid guests present, with 10 NDAB table hosts assisting with the event. This event’s purpose is to educate the public about vision loss.
Promoter Editor: No Report
Membership: In Ali Engraf’s absence there was no report. However, it was determined that there are 167 paid members at this time.
The convention recessed at 11:40 for the Legislative Luncheon. The meeting was recessed until 12:45.
Legislative Luncheon: There was a representative from Senators Hoeven and Cramer’s offices, as well as Rep. Armstrong’s office. There were also 7 local legislators present. Paul Olson spoke on the services provided by NDVS/SB.
Business Meeting: The meeting reconvened at 12:55. Roll call was taken with 39 voting members present.
Nominations Committee: Michelle Zentz reported the qualifications for running for an office. She read the slate of candidates running for office.
Legislative Committee: Allan reported there were four priorities that were advocated for with the legislators in DC. Advocacy was done with the Secretary of State’s Office for an accessible absentee ballot.
Sports and Recreation: Brant Adams reported the Recreation Retreat went very well last year with some teenagers attending. This year it will be Sept 16 – 18. Brant explained some of the activities that take place throughout the weekend. The committee is in the planning stages for a Spring Retreat. More details will come as they develop. People 14 years of age and older are able to attend.
Communications Committee: The committee is working on streamlining all communication platforms and getting information updated. Brant is working on updating the website.
Life Enrichment Program: Zelda Gebhard explained the purpose of the Life Enrichment Program. She read the board approved guidelines. There will be articles in the Promoter regarding this program to inform members of its existence and what it funds.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Olga Neal Estate: Helen Baumgartner read all the proposals received and each person had an opportunity to present their proposal.
Helen made a motion to purchase 4 Convert-A-Benches for Elks Camp Grassick at a total cost of $999.80, seconded by Carol Schmitt. MC
Michelle made a motion to accept the proposal to reside the Hide-A-Way for $6,950, seconded by Mary Stip. Rebecca made a friendly amendment to increase the amount to $7,000. Michelle agreed to the friendly amendment. MC
Janelle made a motion to accept the proposal for two $2,000 scholarships totaling $4,000, for Teachers of the Visually Impaired, seconded by Allan. MC
Tony Scherer made a motion to accept the proposal for towels, sheets and pillows from My Pillow for Camp Grassick for a total of $5506.50, seconded by Linda. Motion failed.
Paula made a motion to accept the proposal for a donation of $1,000 to the Fargo Memorial Guard to build a shelter for the new Veteran’s Cemetery, seconded by Bob Moore. NDAB would have their name on a wall as a donor if a donation is made. MC
A break was taken, followed with door prizes. The meeting resumed with 34 members present.
Zelda made a motion to accept the proposal for a teen camp funding two years of camp with $9,200, seconded by Shirley Tomlinson. MC
NEW BUSINESS:
Resolutions: Resolution #2022-01 to maintain and increase funding for NDVS/SB. Zelda made a motion to approve this resolution, seconded by Lexee Steffan. MC
Resolution #2022-02 to maintain and increase the funding for the Talking Book Program for the upcoming biennium. Michelle made a motion to approve this resolution, seconded by Mickey. MC
Resolution #2022-03 to increase the funding for the OIB Program. Bobby made a motion to accept the resolution as read, seconded by Mary. MC
Resolution #2022-04 to increase by a minimum of 10% the budget for public transportation. Bobby made a motion to accept the resolution, seconded by Lexee. MC
Resolution #2022-05 to pass the Durable Medical Equipment Act. Brant made a motion to accept the resolution as read, seconded by Mickey. MC
Resolution #2022-06 to enforce accessible online standards. Brant made a motion to accept the resolution as read, seconded by Michelle. MC
Resolution #2022-07 to enhance and update the Communications & Video Accessibility Act. Brant made a motion to accept this resolution, seconded by Zelda. MC
Constitution and Bylaw Amendments:
Amendment #1: Mickey made a motion to approve, seconded by Allan. MC
Amendment #2: Allan made the motion to approve, seconded by Zelda. MC
Amendment #3: Michelle made a motion to approve, seconded by Mickey. MC
Amendment #4: Lexee made a motion to approve, seconded by Brant. MC
The business meeting recessed at 3:56 pm.
The Awards Banquet was held at the Dakota Medical Foundation building beginning with a social at 5:30 pm. Two $2,000 scholarships were awarded to Amy Osvold and Faith Norby. Faith and her family were present to be recognized for the award. Gary Pedersen received the Robert LaPage Award. Karla Pederson received the Friend of NDAB Award. Elton Faber and Ruth Geske accepted the Advocate of the Year Award given to Shereen Faber. Mary Stip was very surprised to receive the Ed Christensen Award. Congratulations to all recipients.
Sunday, June 12th:
The Memorial Service began at 8:00 led by Mary and Doug Stip. Those remembered at this service were Shereen Faber, Terry Nelson, C.J. Johnson, Wayne Stenehjem, Kevin Vannet, Dan Gerhardt and Keith Iten.
The business meeting resumed at 9:08 am. Roll call was taken with 37 members present.
Amendment #5: Allan made a motion to approve, seconded by Zelda. MC
Amendment #6: Mary made a motion to approve, seconded by Bobby. MC
Amendment #7: Michelle made a motion to approve, seconded by Lexee. MC
Amendment #8: Zelda made a motion to approve, seconded by Allan. MC
Amendment #9: Shirley made a motion to approve, seconded by Mickey. MC
Amendment #10: Ruth Phalen made a motion to approve, seconded by Mary. MC
Amendment #11: Carol Schmitt made a motion to approve, seconded by Bobby. MC
Amendment #12: Mickey made a motion to approve, seconded by Bobby. MC
Amendment #13: Mary made a motion to approve, seconded by Lexee. MC
Amendment #14: Bobby made a motion to approve, seconded by Brant. MC
Amendment #15: Bobby made a motion to approve, seconded by Shirley. Zelda made an amendment to the motion to include the Awards, Constitution and Bylaws, Convention Planning, Nominations and Scholarship Committees, seconded by Missy. The amendment carried. MC
Amendment #16: The amendment was withdrawn.
Amendment #17: Brant made a motion to approve, seconded by Bobby. Zelda amended the motion to delete the words “and Special” from the amendment seconded by Michelle. The amendment carried. MC
Proposed Budget: Following discussion, Steven Gebhard made a motion to accept the proposed budget, seconded by Paula. MC
2023 NDAB Convention: The Convention will be held in Grand Forks. Anyone interested in helping should contact Paul Olson at NDVS/SB.
2024 NDAB Convention: Loris invited the convention body to the Enchanted Castle in Regent in 2024. Room rates are $99/night plus tax. There is a restaurant next to the Castle, as well as a Bed and Breakfast. Paula made a motion to accept the invitation from Williston, seconded by Bobby. MC
Elections: The slate of officers was read for the open positions as follows: President: Trampes, Vice President: Ali, Treasurer: Rebecca, Board Director: Gerald, Editor: Beth, ACB Delegate: Amy, and ACB Alternate: Missy. The voting process was explained.
President: Nominations were taken from the floor. Janelle made a motion that nominations cease and a unanimous ballot be cast for Trampes Brown, seconded by Mary. MC
Vice President: Nominations were taken from the floor. Lexee made a motion that nominations cease and a unanimous ballot be cast for Ali Engraf, seconded by Linda. MC
Treasurer: Nominations were taken from the floor. Allan made a motion that nominations cease and a unanimous ballot be cast for Rebecca Anderson, seconded by Bobby. MC
Board Director: Nominations were taken from the floor. Carol Schmitt made a motion that nominations cease and a unanimous ballot be cast for Gerald Byron, second by Bobby. MC
Promoter Editor: Nominations were taken from the floor. Allan made a motion that nominations cease and a unanimous ballot be cast for Beth Bakke Stenehjem, seconded by Mary. MC
2023 ACB Delegate: Nominations were taken from the floor. Bobby made a motion that nominations cease and a unanimous ballot be cast for Amy Osvold, seconded by Paula. MC
2023 ACB Alternate Delegate: Nominations were taken from the floor. Carol Schmitt made a motion to cease nominations and cast a unanimous ballot for Missy Miller. MC
Announcements: The Fargo group was thanked for all their planning and hosting the convention. Allan thanked the Gateway Lions for providing transportation and nominating Gary Pedersen for the Bob LaPage Award.
Zelda asked for support for a position on the Board of Publications with ACB.
Contact Missy if interested in one of Shereen Faber’s family cookbooks.
Adjourn: Allan made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Lexee. MC The business meeting adjourned at 10:57.
Respectfully submitted,
Helen Baumgartner, NDAB Secretary