KCB Board Meeting – November, 2014

The monthly meeting of the Kentucky Council of the Blind Board of Directors was held via conference call on Monday, November 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, Debbie Deatherage, Gerry Slusher, Natalie Beyers, “Cisco” Slusher, Elaine Weisbard, Adam Ruschival and Bill Wright. Members Patti Cox, Vurah Berry and Donnie Parrett were absent.

President Deb Lewis called for reading the October 20 board meeting minutes and summary. Since a copy had been e-mailed to board members prior to the meeting, she asked if anyone needed the minutes or summary read. Debbie Deatherage made a motion to dispense with the reading of the minutes and summary and for their approval. Bill Deatherage seconded the motion which was unanimously approved.

Treasurer’s Report

Treasurer Carla Ruschival indicated she had only a partial report since some information has not come in yet. However, she willb e presenting a full report at the KCB convention on Saturday. Carla pointed out that the checking account has shown a rather significant increase over the past year. Much of the increased balance can be attributed to moving Sound Prints from a live radio show to its current format. The money saved by the move has allowed KCB to revive its newsletter. In addition, the KCb board has approved a reallocation of mutual fund holdings which provides regular monthly income. This should allow us to do some additional things in the future. Cisco Slusher made a motion to approve the partial report. The motion was seconded by Joey Couch and unanimously approved.

Chapter Reports

Eastern Kentucky Christian Council – Joey Couch reported the group has not met over the past month. Five “Peel to Save” cards were ordered and will be distributed at its Christmas party scheduled from 1-3 PM at Ponderosa in Hazard on December 13.

Northern Kentucky Council – Gerry Slusher reported the chapter had a meeting on November 12. The Christmas party will be held on December 20 at Rima’s Diner. The chapter is looking into getting new shirts. Michelle Williams is now director of fundraising for the chapter. Gerry reported the chapter has ordered 100 (50 for Cincinnati and 50 for Northern KY) “Peel and Save” cards.

Greater Louisville Council – Bill Wright reported the chapter will be having its Christmas party on December 6 at United Crescent Hill Ministries located at 150 South State Street. The bargain table will open at 5 and the party will start at 5:30.

Tri-state Library Users Group – Adam Ruschival reported the chapter will be hosting a workshop on using the Kindle for book reading on November 22 at the KCB conference. The next teleconference will be on the KCB conference line at 8 PM on December 2. The next in person meeting will be on January 6 at the United Health Care Ministries building and will include food. Library Users of America has contributed to the annual KCB auction. They will pay the membership dues directly to the special interest affiliates for any or all affiliates which the winner chooses. If they can get enough donations, Library Users of America is also considering selling books at the national convention in Dallas.

Guide Dog Users of Kentucky – Deb Lewis reported that the chapter’s next phone meeting will be on the conference line on November 25. Guide Dog Users will also host a Friday afternoon workshop at the upcoming KCb convention and hav a short business meeting to elect directors. Several chapter members attended an APH museum Saturday morning activity on November 15 where they had an opportunity to see the movie “Denver” and answered lots of questions about guide dogs and guide dog etiquette. In addition to their regular February meeting, chapter members will be joining the Library Users February phone teleconference to discuss books about dogs.

Support Alliance of the Visually Impaired – Rick Boggess reported that nineteen members and three guests attended the chapter’s November 11 meeting. Members enjoyed lunch, shared information and heard from the Daviess County Public Library director. The chapter is exploring the possibility of having a January activity at the library to celebrate Louis Braille’s birthday. Another new member has been added bringing the total to 20. The chapter has requested 80 “peel and save” cards and received an anonymous $500 donation. A reporter from the Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer has been invited to the December 9 meeting.

KCB Next Generation – Joey Couch reported that Natalie Beyers and Matt Selm will be doing the app swap at the KCB convention on November 21. Joey also reported that everything is in order to allow the chapter to join KCB. The Christmas party will be from 1-3 PM on December 13.

Carla Ruschival pointed out that SAVI and KCB Next Generation are entitled to have another representative on the KCB board if someone else wants to become involved.

Carla Ruschival stated that in the past KCB has presented new chapters with $100 when they receive their charters. Carla made a motion that KCB give SAVI and KCB Next Generation $100 with their charters at the KCB convention. Natalie Beyers seconded the motion which was unanimously approved by the board.

Committees

PR/Membership – Rick Boggess reported the committee met on November 5. Rick continues to regularly update the KCB main page and calendar. The committee continues to work on compiling a list of items to be included in kits which can be used for presentations. Contacts have been established with a majority of the disability service offices in the Kentucky Community Technical College System. Copies of KCB’s last newsletter were sent to those coordinators whose contact information has been updated. After the first of the year, attempts will be made to further extend KCB’s outreach which may involve establishing contacts on the campuses of the four year colleges. Rick is also working on a draft of a paragraph to promote Sound Prints which we hope to get included in the Kentucky Talking Book Library Newsletter.

KCB Convention – Joey Couch reported that everything appears to be in good shape for the upcoming convention. Jack Fox, a talking book narrator, is the banquet speaker. In response to an inquiry from Rick Boggess, Carla Ruschival reported that it appears the upcoming KCB convention will have average attendance with about 80 at the banquet. Carla expressed concern that some people (especially those from out of town) may not be able to afford to attend the convention and suggested that the board explore options for dealing with this concern for future conventions. Rick Boggess suggested that the Program committee reconvene after the convention to review what went “right” and what went “wrong” and to share ideas for future convention planning. Joey Couch indicated he will attempt to set up a meeting and notify members about the date and time of the meeting.

SRC – Deb Lewis reported she attended the SRC Council meeting on October 24. During the session, members learned more about the Bioptic Driving Training program at the McDowell Center. Carla Ruschival, a member of the Business and Employment Opportunity Committee, heard an interesting presentation by Jenny Tyree at the SRC meeting. Jenny has been invited to present information at the upcoming KCB convention on her efforts to make jobs accessible through technology. Carla reported there are several positions open on the SRC and encouraged people from western and eastern Kentucky to consider applying. Everyone enjoyed the doughnuts provided by KCB.

Old Business

None.

New Business

Carla Ruschival pointed out that Mitch McConnell’s reelection and selection as Senate Majority Leader may allow us to work on passing legislation which may be beneficial to visually impaired people. It may also afford an opportunity to overturn to changes which have had negative consequences such as those in the Ability One Program. Over the next year it will be important to establish contact with Senator McConnell and his office to work for the changes. In addition, it may be advantageous to consider attending the upcoming legislative seminar.

Carla Ruschival encouraged board members to think about good candidates for the ACB First Timers program. Last year Shirley Stivers came close to being selected. Shirley and other members should consider applying. Potential candidates should never have attended a convention since the committee checks records to insure that candidates have never registered for a national convention.

Carla also reminded the board that the scholarship application process will soon open up. Those who have won previously are eligible to reapply. Last year Kentucky had five people apply and two received scholarships.

Carla reported there are several problems at LC Industries. Several of the concerns are related to guide dogs. The vice president who deals with human relations will be in town on November 18 to attempt to deal with the recurring concerns in a positive manner.

The ACB Holiday Auction preview page is up with about half the items posted. Members can go to acb.org and choose the links to the 2014 Holiday auction to the preview page. There is also a link on the KCB page. The $100 KCB contribution has been used to purchase two Capitol Steps CDs and some jewelry. The auction will be held from 7-11 (EST) on December 7 with the broadcast originating at the Clear Channel studios in Louisville. The broadcast can be heard on all six ACB radio channels and those who wish can call in to listen.

The ACB Mini Mall just opened its online store on November 14. Those interested can go to ACB.org and follow the links.

Rick Boggess reported that the email links he has placed on the KCB pages do not seem to work and encouraged board members to check them out to see if they work. He suspects the problem is not with the KCB webpage since similar links do not seem to work on other pages.

Deb Lewis inquire about progress on moving the KCB webpage. Carla Ruschival reported that there has been little progress since Larry Turnbull has had to migrate the entire ACB webpage to another server which had not been anticipated.

Announcements and Adjournment

Joey Couch made a motion that the meeting adjourn. The motion was seconded by Natalie Beyers and the meeting adjourned at 9:18 PM.

Submitted By Rick Boggess, KCB Secretary

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