KCB Board Meeting – January, 2017
The monthly meeting of the Kentucky Council of the Blind Board of Directors was held via conference call on Monday, January 16, 2017. President Debbie Deatherage called the meeting to order at 7:38 PM eastern time. Answering the roll call were Debbie Deatherage, Joey Couch, Gerry Slusher, Rick Boggess, Carla Ruschival, Deb Lewis, Shirley Stivers, Amanda Selm, Natalie Beyers, Elaine Weisbard, Josh Gentry, Matt Selm, Bill Roberts, Bill Wright, David Smith and Dennis Runyan. “Cisco” Slusher and Frank Campbell were absent. Guest Adam Ruschival was also present.
President Debbie Deatherage called for reading the November 28 board meeting minutes and summary. Since copies were distributed in advance, Joey Couch made a motion to dispense with their reading and for approval with corrections. The motion was seconded by Gerry Slusher and approved.
Treasurer’s Report
Treasurer Carla Ruschival did not have a full report since the Ameriprise statement had not arrived. The board decided to withhold approval until the report has been submitted and examined. She later submitted a complete report (to be considered for approval as part of these minutes at the February meeting).
Carla reported January is usually a big month for receipts since funds usually distribute capital gains and dividends. KCB has received and deposited a check which will not be reflected in the December statement.
In response to a question from Gerry Slusher, Carla indicated checks for the KCB Walk have not been mailed.
Chapter Reports
Eastern Kentucky Christian Council: No report was available.
Northern Kentucky Council: Dennis runyan reported everyone enjoyed the Christmas party on December 10th rather than the originally scheduled date of December 3.
Greater Louisville Council: David Smith reported that about 75 people attended the chapter Christmas party on December 3. Sales of “Peel-to-Save” cards, credit card holders, and pecans have gone very well. About 35 people attended Roundabout on January 6. The chapter has 4 new members. Advocacy efforts continue on paratransit and other issues. Upcoming events include the February 17 quarterly business meeting and a dine out at Frisch’s on Shelbyville Road on January 21. David indicated that a statewide low vision support group is being formed. The group will hold conference call meetings the first Tuesday of the month at 8 PM on the conference line. There will also be in person meetings at United Crescent Hill Ministries from 1:30-3:30 PM on the second Thursday of each month. GLCB has pledged to support the group until it gets on its feet.
Tri-State Library Users Group: Bill Wright reported there will be an in person meeting from 6-8 PM tomorrow (January 17) at Clifton’s Pizza on Frankfort Avenue. The February conference call meeting will be at 8 PM on February 21 on the conference line.
Guide Dog Users of Kentuckiana: Josh Gentry reported they did not have a quorum for their last meeting. The next conference call meeting will be on January 23. Adam Ruschival reported that chapter president Bill Deatherage talked to the Louisville Downtown Lions Club last week about guide dogs and Leader Dogs for the Blind.
Support Alliance of the Visually Impaired: Bill Roberts reported that 22 members and 14 guests (including Carla Ruschival and Patti Cox) attended the chapter’s December 13 Christmas party where participants enjoyed excellent food, played games and exchanged gifts. Members elected officers for 2017-18 and recognized members Anthony Cobb and Jamie Dennis. Pascal and Elaine Benson presented a check from their fundraiser at a Henderson restaurant. Twelve members and three guests attended the January 10 meeting. Pascal and Elaine Benson presented another donation by family friends. SAVI member, Father Jamie Dennis, talked about his recent trip to New York City to preside over a special mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Member Cheryl Lott shared information about her recent low vision evaluation. Members planned for their January 14 bowling outing. The chapter has sold 100 “Peel to Save” cards and 30 credit card holders.
KCB Next Generation: Matt Selm reported the chapter basket raffle at the GLCB Christmas party raised $128. The next meeting will be an 8 PM conference call on the conference line on February 12. They will raffle off a Valentine’s basket at the spaghetti dinner on February 17 and dine out from 12:30-3 PM on February 19 at the North End Café in Louisville. They also hope to hold a council wide picnic on June 11.
Committees
PR/Membership: Rick Boggess reported the committee met on December 7 and January 4. Members discussed ideas for the February newsletter including a possible Valentine’s theme and key contact numbers for contacting cable and satellite TV providers. Updates to the calendar and webpage continue. Efforts continue to establish contacts on the four year college campuses and to systematically update college contact information. Rick Boggess shared sample thank you letters, provided a list of those to receive letters and requested contact information for some of those on the list. In response to Carla Ruschival’s inquiry, Rick Boggess reported the web page calendar has been updated with items from this week’s Sound Prints.
Elaine Weisbard made a motion to approve chapter and committee reports. Carla Ruschival seconded the motion which was unanimously approved.
Old Business
President Deatherage asked if members want to send anyone to the Midyear meeting and legislative seminar which will be held February 25-28. After some discussion Carla Ruschival made a motion to set aside up to $1500 to send one or two people to the meeting (if needed) once the initiatives are publicized. Rick Boggess seconded the motion which was approved.
New Business
In response to a question from President Debbie Deatherage, Carla Ruschival made a motion to appropriate up to $50 for the purchase of doughnuts for each future SRC meeting. The motion was seconded by Elaine Weisbard and unanimously approved.
Announcements and Adjournment
Adam Ruschival reminded members that Guide Dog Users and Tri-State Library Users are statewide chapters and encouraged everyone to participate in activities and consider paying dues to join.
Adam Ruschival informed members that planning for KSB Founder’s Day, which will include a celebration of KSBs 175th anniversary, is underway. There will be several essay contests (with cash prizes) to celebrate. Further details about the celebration, essay contest and the Paul J. Langan Award nomination process will be released in coming weeks.
Elaine Weisbard made a motion to adjourn. Rick Boggess seconded the motion which was unanimously approved. The meeting adjourned at 8:27 PM.
Submitted by Rick Boggess, KCB Secretary
Download Summary: KCBBoardMeetingJanuary2017
