KCB Board Meeting – March, 2017
The monthly meeting of the Kentucky Council of the Blind Board of Directors was held via conference call on Monday, March 20, 2017. President Debbie Deatherage called the meeting to order at 7:36 PM eastern time. Answering the roll call were Debbie Deatherage, Joey Couch, Gerry Slusher, Rick Boggess, Amanda Selm, Natalie Couch, Elaine Weisbard, Matt Selm, Bill Roberts, Bill Wright, David Smith, “Cisco” Slusher, Frank Campbell, Deb Lewis and Shirley Stivers. Carla Ruschival and Josh Gentry were absent. Dennis Runyan checked in late. Guests Adam Ruschival and Winter Renfrow were present.
President Debbie Deatherage asked members if they received the March 6 special meeting reminder. Since several people did not receive the message she will investigate.
President Debbie Deatherage called for reading the February 20 board meeting minutes and summary and minutes from the March 6 special board meeting. Since copies were distributed in advance, Bill Wright made a motion to dispense with their reading and for approval. The motion was seconded by “Cisco” Slusher and approved.
Treasurer’s Report
Rick Boggess read the report, submitted by Treasurer Carla Ruschival, reflecting March 15 balances. Elaine Weisbard made a motion to approve the treasurer’s report. The motion was seconded by Joey Couch and approved.
Chapter Reports
Eastern Kentucky Christian Council: Frank Campbell indicated they hope to have a meeting on April 1 if they can resolve transportation issues.
Northern Kentucky Council: Gerry Slusher reported member illnesses forced cancellation of their March meeting. They have received their check from the Brenda Dillon Walk. Gerry reported she has been reappointed to the Human Rights Commission. Gerry shared the legislative hotline number for contacting legislators about legislation. The number is 800-372-7181.
Greater Louisville Council: David Smith reported there has been good attendance at Roundabout. On March 10 Bill and Debbie Deatherage demonstrated their air fryer and Nu-Wave oven. On March 17 several people attended the Braille Readers Theater at APH. The next quarterly meeting will be April 28. David also reported The next KCCLV conference call will be at 8 PM on April 2 while the next in person meeting will be April 13 at 1:30 PM at United Crescent Hill Ministries. There were about ten people at the March 9 meeting.
Tri-State Library Users Group: Bill Wright reported the chapter will combine the face-to-face restaurant meeting with the new book club which will meet at the March 24 Roundabout. They will discuss the book Beyond Bingo. Bill is still looking for a speaker for the April conference call meeting.
Guide Dog Users of Kentuckiana: Debbie Deatherage reported they did some planning at their February 27 meeting. They will have a March 27 conference call meeting and they are planning a May walk in conjunction with a Boy Scout troop.
Support Alliance of the Visually Impaired: Bill Roberts reported 17 members and 3 guests attended the March 14 meeting. Meteorologist Wayne Hart’s presentation covered a variety of weather topics. Members also discussed ideas for future outings and programs. Four members and one guest bowled on March 18. Rick Boggess reported they have 24 KCB members.
KCB Next Generation: Amanda Selm reported they will dine out at Mussel and Burger Bar on Taylorsville Road from 6-8:30 on March 25. Dine outs are open to everyone. Future activities include their April 9 conference call, a Belle of Louisville lunch cruise from 11:30-2 on May 27 and the council wide picnic at Brown Park in Louisville from 2-5 on June 10. The cost for the cruise is $38 unless they can qualify for a group discount. Sign up deadlines are noon on March 24 for the dine out and April 28 for the cruise. Contact Amanda via email or text.
Committees
PR/Membership: There was no March meeting. The next meeting will be on April 5 on the conference line.
Bill Wright made a motion to accept chapter and committee reports. The motion was seconded by Gerry Slusher and unanimously approved.
Old Business
President Debbie Deatherage reported that she and Patti Cox attended the ACB Legislative Seminar in late February. They had a chance to learn about ACB’s legislative initiatives. They then met with staff from several Kentucky congressional offices and dropped off literature in other offices. Topics covered included the Marrakesh Treaty, expanded medicare coverage for certain types of visual aids and more.
New Business
President Deatherage asked members to consider approving the Kentucky Council of Citizens With Low Vision, KCCLV, as a chapter of KCB. The chapter currently has 13 members. Rick Boggess made a motion to accept KCCLV as a chapter of the Kentucky Council of the Blind. The motion was seconded by Bill Wright and unanimously approved. Winter Renfrow will represent the chapter on the board. President Deatherage reported the chapter’s conference calls and in person meetings have been well attended. Winter reported they spent time getting to know one another on their last conference call.
President Deatherage provided an OFB update. Carla Ruschival and Cathy Jackson continue to work to form the steering committee to meet with the governor. Mac Carnes declined an invitation to represent the vendors. They hope to complete the committee and set up a meeting shortly.
President Deatherage asked if Kcb is interested in purchasing a retirement gift for retiring OFB Executive Director Allison Flanagan. Bill Wright made a motion to spend up to $100 for a retirement gift for Allison. The motion was seconded by Shirley Stivers and approved. Suggested gift ideas include an echo Dot and new ACB coasters.
President Deatherage asked if the board is interested in purchasing ACB Braille Forum raffle tickets. Rick Boggess made a motion to buy two ACB raffle tickets. Bill Wright seconded the motion which was approved.
President Deatherage indicated the ACB Memorial Walk page is up. In the past we have had a team, the KCB e-Racers. Rick Boggess made a motion to support the ACB Walk represented by the KCB e-Racers. Winter Renfrow seconded the motion which was approved.
President Deatherage reported there is still time to apply for ACB First Timers and ACB Leadership Fellows awards. Application Deadline is April 3.
Bill Wright asked if KCB plans to contribute to the ACB auction. President Deatherage indicated we did not contribute last year and suggested we postpone any decision until April.
Announcements and Adjournment
Adam Ruschival reported that a new KSB principal has been selected. However, the name has not been announced.
Adam reminded board members about two KSB happenings. The 175th anniversary essay contest continues. There are three levels of competition with cash prizes. In addition, nominations for the Paul Langan Award are still open. The deadline for both is March 31. Submit information to Paula Penrod at KSB or call 502-897-1583 ext. 7117.
“Cisco” Slusher made a motion to adjourn. Amanda Selm seconded the motion which was unanimously approved. The meeting adjourned at 8:35 PM.
Submitted by Rick Boggess, KCB Secretary
Download Summary: KCBBoardMeetingMarch2017
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