KCB Board Meeting – March, 2014

The monthly meeting of the Kentucky Council of the Blind Board of Directors was held via conference call on Monday, March 17, 2014. President Deb Lewis called the meeting to order at 8:06 PM eastern time. Members present were Deb Lewis, Deb Trevino, Joey Couch, Rick Boggess, Carla Ruschival, Bill Deatherage, Patti Cox, Debbie Deatherage, Natalie Beyers, “Cisco” Slusher, Elaine Weisbard, Adam Ruschival, Gerry Slusher and Bill Wright. Members Donnie Parrett and Vurah Berry were absent. Guest Dave Trevino was also present.

President Deb Lewis called for reading of the minutes from the February 17 meeting. Since a copy had been e-mailed to board members prior to the meeting, she asked if anyone needed the minutes read. Deb Trevino 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

The Board approved the treasurer’s report for February as presented by Treasurer Carla Ruschival. Elaine Weisbard made a motion to approve the treasurer’s report. The motion was seconded by “Cisco” Slusher and unanimously approved.

Chapter Reports

Eastern Kentucky Christian Council – Joey Couch reported that the chapter held a meeting at the Breathitt County Public Library on March 1. The chapter has decided to move its annual summer picnic to May 24 provided that reservations can be made.

Northern Kentucky Council – Gerry Slusher reported that their March 13 meeting had to be cancelled due to some transportation issues. The meeting has been rescheduled at 6 PM on March 20 at the public library in Covington. Gerry indicated that all “peel and save” cards have been sold. She also reported that the materials for her first meeting as a member of the Human Rights Commission were not provided in an accessible format. She provided suggestions on ways to make them available in the future. She also stated that the chapter is investigating the possibility of holding its summer meetings in the Human Relations Commission chambers.

Greater Louisville Council – Bill Wright reported that GLCB has been less active this month because they want to encourage a lot of members to attend the upcoming Crossroads Conference. They played bingo at KSB on March 7.

Tri-state Library Users Group – Adam Ruschival reported that 8 or 9 people attended the chapter meeting at Denny’s on March 4. The following officers were elected: Sue Ellen Melo, president; Elaine Weisbard, vice president; Krysti Sykes, secretary; Adam Ruschival, treasurer; Bill Wright, director; and Linda Beckman, director. The next meeting will be a statewide conference call at 8 PM on April 1. They are trying to get Judy Dixon from the National Library Service as the speaker.

Guide Dog Users of Kentucky – Deb Lewis reported the chapter held its monthly conference call meeting on February 25. The group decided to participate in the APH riverfront activity which is scheduled for April 5. The chapter plans to have a bake sale during the April 26 GLCB meeting and will host guide dog eye exams in May. The chapter has also decided to renew its affiliation with GDUI for one more year so they are eligible to vote on some important issues in an upcoming election. The next meeting will be on March 25.

Other

Owensboro Support Group Update – Rick Boggess reported that fifteen people attended the support group’s meeting at Wing Avenue Baptist Church on March 11. Richard House from the Daviess County Clerk’s office talked about accessible voting. One member shared information about her recent visit to Evansville where she had a chance to see and hear about the work of a blind quilter from southern Indiana. The next meeting will be on April 8 from 1-3 PM at Wing Avenue Baptist Church.

Committees

Crossroads Conference – Deb Lewis reported that 68 people have registered to attend the upcoming Crossroads Conference which begins at noon on March 21. Gerry Slusher made a motion to allow the expenditure of up to $120 to purchase TARC3 tickets which could be given to financially strapped people in Louisville who wish to attend the conference. The motion was seconded by Bill Wright. Joey Couch raised a question as to how the expenditure of these funds would be managed. Gerry Slusher also questioned why those needing money could not use part of their $25 KCB stipend to offset expenses. Carla Ruschival pointed out that a couple of sponsors have indicated a willingness to provide assistance to those who might not otherwise be able to attend the conference due to fiscal constraints. Adam Ruschival suggested that Carla work with needy people to provide additional assistance using funds pledged by sponsors for this purpose. Gerry Slusher then withdrew her motion in support of this suggestion.

PR/Membership – Rick Boggess reported on the PR Committee’s March 5 meeting. The committee discussed the newsletter which has since been mailed. The committee also decided to put out a newsletter in even numbered months. ACB’s new database system will make it much easier and efficient to print labels. The next meeting will be held on April 2 at 9 PM.

President’s Meeting and Legislative Seminar Update – Carla Ruschival reported on her trip to Washington, DC to attend the ACB board meeting, ACB President’s Meeting, and ACB Legislative Seminar which were held during the weekend of February 21. The President’s Meeting and Legislative Seminar were broadcast live on ACB radio and are archived on the website. Carla also indicated that she presented information about the upcoming Crossroads Leadership Conference which was well received. Vanda Pharmaceuticals, which received approval for their drug to treat Non-24-Hour Sleep Wake Disorder, had a luncheon presentation. Information was also presented about the recently introduced Alice Cogswell and Anne Sullivan Macy Act and the Medicare Demonstration of Coverage for Low Vision Devices Act of 2013. There was also lots of talk about the ACB walk which will be held at this summer’s convention in Las Vegas. At this point, six teams have already signed up to compete. The new ACB database was also discussed. Although there are still a few glitches, the database is being well received and has made this year’s certification process much easier. The database also has the flexibility to allow for customization for specific affiliate and chapter uses.

Old Business

Carla Ruschival inquired as to whether or not three people have submitted applications for the upcoming SRC vacancy. At this point Deb Lewis and Elaine Weisbard have submitted applications. Carla pointed out that anyone interested in applying needs to submit an application and resume by the middle of next week. After considerable discussion Deb Trevino indicated a willingness to submit the third application.

New Business

Carla Ruschival made a motion that KCB provide doughnuts for the April SRC meeting. The motion was seconded by Elaine Weisbard and approved unanimously.

Announcements and Adjournment

There were no announcements.

Since there was no further business, Patti Cox moved that the meeting be adjourned. The motion was seconded and the board unanimously voted to adjourn at 9:09 PM.

Submitted by Rick Boggess, KCB Secretary

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