KCB Board Meeting – October, 2013
The monthly meeting of the Kentucky Council of the Blind Board of Directors was held via conference call on Monday, October 21, 2013. President Deb Lewis called the meeting to order at 8:08 PM eastern time. Members present were Deb Lewis, Joey Couch, Rick Boggess, Carla Ruschival, Bill Deatherage, Debbie Deatherage, “Cisco” Slusher, Vurah Berry, Adam Ruschival, Donnie Parrett, Gerry Slusher, and Bill Wright. Members Deb Trevino, Patti Cox, and Frances Gregory were absent. Guests Elaine Weisbard and Teri Meyer were also present. Prior to the beginning of the meeting, “Cisco” Slusher asked President Deb Lewis for permission to allow Teri Meyer to present the report for the Northern Kentucky chapter since Gerry Slusher was experiencing problems with her voice. President Lewis granted the request.
President Deb Lewis called for reading of the minutes from the September 16 meeting. Since a copy had been e-mailed to board members prior to the meeting, she asked if anyone needed the minutes read. “Cisco” Slusher moved to dispense with the reading of the minutes and for their approval. Joey Couch seconded the motion which was unanimously approved.
Treasurer’s Report
Treasurer Carla Ruschival presented the treasurer’s report for the period ending September 30. Joey Couch made a motion to approve the treasurer’s report. The motion was seconded by “Cisco” Slusher and unanimously approved by the Board.
Deb Lewis inquired about the GE stock. Carla reported that the stock was sold last month at $24.7125. The money was then used to purchase another Pimco fund which yields dividends. KCB benefited from the fact that the fund was purchased by the x-dividend date.
Chapter and Support Group Reports
Eastern Kentucky Christian Council: Joey Couch reported that the chapter met on October 19. The group discussed the upcoming KCB convention and it appears several may be planning to attend. Central KY Radio Eye is moving along with plans to expand into Eastern Kentucky. Equipment will be installed soon at the towers in Hazard, Corbin and Pineville. The equipment will then be activated and tested. The Christmas party will be held in December at the Ponderosa in Hazard. Joey will provide information so it can be placed on the calendars. In response to an inquiry from Carla Ruschival, Joey reported he will probably have a couple of additional names to add to the Sound Prints distribution list.
Donnie Parrett reported that there will be a meeting this Saturday at 4 PM in London. At this point, it appears that there will be 3 visually impaired and 2 sighted participants. It will basically be an opportunity to Meet and greet one another with light refreshments being provided.
Northern Kentucky Council: Teri Meyer reported that the chapter held a meeting on October 10 and sponsored White Cane Day activities on October 15. At the October 10 meeting, members finalized plans for the White Cane Day activity and discussed the Christmas party which will be held in Covington in December. White Cane Safety Day activities, which were held from 9-12 on October 15, were accompanied by a proclamation from the mayor. These activities involved a partnership with the Covington police and fire departments and OASIS. City officials had an opportunity to cross a busy street with a cane while blindfolded, and participants had a chance to view product/goalball demonstrations, talk with a representative from the Kentucky Office for the Blind and pick up brochures and Braille alphabet cards. There is already talk about a jointly sponsored event next year. While there was disappointment about the level of media coverage, members were enthusiastic about the level of community interest and participation. Teri also pointed out that the chapter now has its own Facebook page and has had a banner donated. They also hope to work to educate the local emergency response personnel about visual impairment and develop strategies for dealing with emergency situations which visually impaired people might encounter.
Greater Louisville Council: Bill Wright stated that the chapter continues to be quite busy. The chapter had bingo two weeks ago and toured Schimpf’s Confectionery followed by a dine out at Cluckers on October 19. Members also participated in White Cane Day activities on October 15 in downtown Louisville and took part in a celebration of the opening of the Brownsboro Road Sidewalk on September 28. Once again this year, there are plans to sell pecans and Peel to Save Cards. Check with Carla to see what cities are available and to preorder. The chapter held a technology workshop on the Bookport earlier in the month and another workshop is planned for November 2. Call Carla to make reservations and order lunch for this event. The cost is $5. Bill Wright announced that the GLCB Board meeting, originally scheduled for October 26 on the conference line, has been cancelled.
Tri-state Library Users Group: Adam Ruschival reported that about 16 people from Kentucky and three other states participated in the October conference call. Kim Charlson, ACB President and regional Librarian at the Perkins School for the Blind, described how their library provides services which go beyond what is required by the National Library Service. Parts of the presentation were included in Sound Prints and consideration is being given to making a CD of the presentation. Plans continue for the November meeting which will be a part of the KCB convention.
Guide Dog Users of Kentucky: Vurah Berry reported that some members participated in the September 28 Mayor’s Mile Walk on Brownsboro Road. At the last Guide Dog Users Meeting, a puppy raiser for Guide Dogs for the Blind, Sharon Kret, spoke to the group. Members of the chapter also did another walk and dine out on Brownsboro Road on October 12. The next phone meeting will be on October 22 at 8 PM on the conference line.
Owensboro Support Group Update: Rick Boggess reported that the group in Owensboro continues to meet on a regular basis. Although the group has been meeting at 1 PM on Tuesday, the last meeting was held at 10 on Saturday at a different location to attract individuals who might be working during the week. Ten people attended which was up from 9 at the previous meeting. A distribution list of about 20 (including local media, housing facilities, etc.) has been compiled for sharing information about meetings. The last meeting included a presentation by a local ophthalmologist and the group will listen to a Hadley podcast during the next meeting which will be from 10-12 on November 2. Carla inquired about whether Donnie and Rick would like to have copies of Sound Prints to distribute. Rick indicated that he was interested. Apparently Donnie had logged off.
Committees
Convention committee: Joey Couch reported that the Convention Committee has things pretty well set for the upcoming KCB convention. Information about the convention should be mailed next week. In addition to agency updates, exhibits and lots of food, there will be presentations on insurance, diabetes, genealogy and more. A major sponsor will help underwrite the convention to help reduce individual costs. Teri Meyer inquired about how one might examine criteria for the awards and make nominations. Carla Ruschival reported that information about the various awards is available on the KCB webpage under the “about KCB” link. “Cisco” Slusher indicated that he was not aware of any meetings being held by the Awards Committee. Deb Lewis responded that she thought this was probably due to the fact that Deanna Scoggins’s son had been in the hospital which had probably prevented her from scheduling meetings.
Resolutions Constitution and Bylaws: Adam Ruschival reported the committee has not yet met. They are still trying to get copies of the constitutions to committee members. Adam encouraged anyone with resolutions to contact him at 502-303-7078. Carla reminded the board that resolutions can be read from the floor and do not have to be submitted in advance. However, any proposed constitutional amendments must be included in the convention mailer. Information about the process can also be found in the “about KCB” link on the website.
Nominating Committee: Joey Couch reminded the board that “director” positions are up for election this year. Bill Wright stated that anyone interested in the positions should contact him. The committee will hold a three-way conference call at 8 PM on October 22.
Crossroads: Deb Lewis reported that the planning committee continues to meet and has shared lots of ideas. Carla Ruschival indicated that the hotel contract has been signed. The next meeting will be held at 9 PM on the conference line on October 28.
PR Membership: Rick Boggess reported that the committee met on October 2. They talked about updating the Facebook Page, merging the KCB and Kentucky News email lists, and updating the calendar on the KCB webpage. Rick reported that he has updated the calendar two times. The next conference call meeting will be on November 6 at 8 Pm Louisville time. Carla encouraged everyone to notify Rick Boggess or her with any updated information for the calendar.
Old Business
SRC: Deb Lewis indicated that she needs to know who needs lunch for Friday’s SRC meeting by tomorrow night. Bill Wright indicated he will need lunch. Bill Deatherage and Carla Ruschival indicated they had seen an email indicating that people should bring their own lunch. Apparently Steve Deeley did not communicate the fact that people could order lunch in advance as previously indicated.
Sound Prints: Carla Ruschival reported that Sound Prints distribution continues to grow with 57 copies currently being mailed. In response to an inquiry from Bill Deatherage, Carla reported that there are 100-200 downloads weekly from the website and that Approximately 180 people listen on ACB radio. Rick Boggess pointed out that there were a couple of weeks during which he could not find the broadcast on ACB Radio. Carla was unaware of the problem and encouraged people to notify her immediately if this happens in the future. The program normally airs during even hours beginning at 10 PM on Sunday and ending at 8 PM on Monday. She did point out that they did not get a show uploaded on the 29th so the program from the 22nd was rebroadcast.
New Business
Deb Lewis asked if anyone was aware of the letter Eric Bridges sent out about the Disability Treaty. She asked if KCB wanted to draft a letter in support of the treaty to be sent to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee when Eric requests members to do so. Adam Ruschival made a motion that the President, with assistance from another board member of her choice, send a letter if it is deemed necessary. Rick Boggess seconded the motion to open up discussion. After some discussion, the motion was approved.
Adam Ruschival made a motion that KCB spend up to $75 to provide refreshments for the SRC Committee meeting this Friday. Carla Ruschival seconded the motion which was unanimously approved.
Adam Ruschival made a motion that KCB donate $25 for a door prize at the State Vendors general session at their annual meeting this Saturday at the McDowell Center. Joey Couch seconded the motion which was unanimously approved.
Carla Ruschival pointed out that Bill Deatherage is not seeking a second term on the SRC board. KCB needs three nominees for this seat. Since it is hoped that this vacancy will be discussed this Friday, Carla made a motion that KCB support Deb Lewis for the vacant Seat. Joey Couch seconded the motion which was unanimously approved. Elaine Weisbard also indicated an interest.
Announcements and Adjournment
President Deb Lewis asked if there were any announcements. Hearing none, Joey Couch made a motion to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Rick Boggess and unanimously approved by the board at 9:32 PM.
Submitted By Rick Boggess, KCB Secretary
Download Summary: KCBBoardMeetingOctober2013
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