KCB Board Meeting – October, 2014
The monthly meeting of the Kentucky Council of the Blind Board of Directors was held via conference call on Monday, October 20, 2014. President Deb Lewis called the meeting to order at 8:03 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, Patti Cox, Elaine Weisbard, Adam Ruschival and Bill Wright. Members Vurah Berry and Donnie Parrett were absent.
President Deb Lewis called for reading the September 15 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. Joey Couch made a motion to dispense with the reading of the minutes and summary and for their approval. Elaine Weisbard seconded the motion which was unanimously approved.
Treasurer’s Report
Treasurer Carla Ruschival presented her report for September. Bill Wright made a motion to aprove the Treasurer’s report. The motion was seconded by Rick Boggess and unanimously approved. Carla stated that the monthly loss was mainly due to a decline in the stok market.She also reported that $800 has been paid to the Ramada Inn toward the cost of the meeting room for the November state convention.
Chapter Reports
Eastern Kentucky Christian Council – Joey Couch reported the chapter met on August 27th. Amy Hatter from Central Kentucky Radio Eye talked about the expansion of service to the area and signed up new members. About 12 people attended the meeting which was covered in the newspaper. Although plans have not been finalized, the chapter hopes to have its Christmas dinner at Ponderosa on December 13.
Northern Kentucky Council – Gerry Slusher Reported the chapter had its White Cane Day celebration at a local firehouse. Attendance was down from previous years and there were several disruptions. The celebration featured city commissioners crossing the street with a cane and technology/braille demonstrations. In addition, proclamations from the governor and mayor recognizing the 50th year of White Cane Day were presented. The chapter hopes to have its Christmas party at Rima’s diner. The chapter also had an exhibit at the Disability Empowerment conference which was held in Covington on October 18.
Greater Louisville Council – Bill Wright reported the chapter participated in White Cane day on October 15 at Fourth Street Live. Despite the rainy weather, several people visited the table. Upcoming events at UCHM will include bingo on November 7 and the Christmas Party on December 6.
Tri-state Library Users Group – Adam Ruschival reported that the chapter had its meeting via conference call on October 7. Speaker carol Tobe, the first curator for the APH museum, talked about the history of APH and about publishing her book. About 14 people (including several from out of state) participated in the call. There will not be a regular meeting in November. Instead, the chapter will meet on November 22 during the KCB statewide conference. Brian Charlson will discuss the Kindle Fire and other eBook reader apps.
Guide Dog Users of Kentucky – Deb Lewis reported that 10 people (including three guide dog users) walked across the Big Four Bridge and enjoyed a frozen yogurt treat on September 28. In addition, the chapter held its Phone meeting on September 23. The next meeting will be on October 28 on the conference line. Sarah Beavin will be speaking on effective dog massage techniques on November 21 at the KCB convention. The chapter will also have a short business meeting at the convention to elect new directors.
Support Alliance of the Visually Impaired – Rick Boggess reported that 15 people attended the October 14 meeting. The meeting afforded an opportunity to share lots of information and to have some committee meetings. The November and December meetings will be held from 12 to 2:30 since they will include lunch. Jim Blanton, director of the Daviess County Public Library, will be the featured speaker in November. The chapter is also exploring the possibility of working with the library and several other local groups to have an activity to commemorate Louis Braille’s birthday in January.
Committees
PR/Membership – Rick Boggess reported that the PR/Membership committee met on October 1. The committee continued to discuss some ideas for kits. A subcommittee will be working to organize a list to serve as a guide to chapters when participating in community presentations. The committee has been able to compile a list of contacts for most of the community/technical colleges in the state. Copies of the most recent newsletter have been distributed to those community colleges for which we have contact information. The next meeting will be at 8 PM (EST) November 5 on the conference line.
KCB Convention – Joey Couch reported that the program committee held its final meeting on October 9. The program is pretty well set. Adam Ruschival is still working to confirm Scott Reynolds, a local news anchor on WAVE TV, as the banquet speaker. Rick Boggess also indicated he has been in contact with a large number of vendors to get door prizes and materials for “goodie bags.” He indicated Carla Ruschival should soon begin receiving materials. Carla indicated she has received a few packages and will be sharing that information with Rick. Rick has developed a spreadsheet to track the contacts and will be sharing it with her. Anyone with resolutions, constitutional amendments, or bylaw changes needs to contact Adam Ruschival at 502-895-4598 or 502-303-7078. Proposed constitutional amendments must be submitted immediately since they need to be included in the convention materials which will be mailed next week.
Old Business
Carla Ruschival pointed out that the October 19 edition of Sound Prints is a tribute to Fred Gissoni. It contains his obituary, excerpts from the memorial service, an interview with a New Jersey man who attended elementary school with Fred, and an interview with Tom Lychins talking about how Fred impacted his life.
New Business
President Deb Lewis presented an update on KCB next Generation, the U-40 Group. The group has selected the following officers: Joey Couch, president; Natalie Beyers, vice president; Ben Wright, secretary; Nancy Imran, treasurer; Amanda Selm, director; and Abby Cocanougher, director. Joey Couch stated that the group, KCB: Next Generation, has also prepared a constitution which Carla e-mailed to all board members. Carla suggested that the group needs to include a statement which addresses quorums for the general assembly. This is not a charter issue but an issue they need to address internally. Carla reported she has received a list of 10 or 11 members. Although not all have paid their dues, the group already has the six needed to be considered as a chapter. Carla Ruschival made a motion that KCB Next Generation be accepted as a KCB chapter provided that they pay the necessary dues within the next week. The motion was seconded by Debbie Deatherage and unanimously approved by the board.
President Deb Lewis pointed out that the SRC meeting will be held on October 24 and asked if the board wants to provide refreshments as we have done in the past. Carla Ruschival made a motion that KCB provide doughnuts for the meeting. Joey Couch seconded the motion which was unanimously approved.
President Deb Lewis informed the board about an incident involving a guide dog at the McDowell Center last week. A staff member was nipped by the dog when he/she stepped over it while it was sleeping. As a result of the incident, OFB staff contacted the guide dog school which removed the dog from service without the involvement of the dog’s owner. President Deb Lewis has written a letter and talked with the guide dog school to express concern about how this matter was handled. Deb Trevino reported that she has learned that the guide dog school is reconsidering its decision. President Deb Lewis stated that Rick Roderick has compiled a list of suggested steps which should be followed in events such as this. Carla Ruschival suggested that this document be shared with Guide Dog Users of Kentucky and KCB for possible endorsement since the more who express concerns the more likely the issue will be considered.
Carla Ruschival reported that the Greater Downtown Louisville Lions Club will be a Golden Horizon sponsor for the upcoming KCB state convention. They have contributed $1000 toward the meeting room cost.
Carla Ruschival asked the board if they want to sell the “peel to Save” cards again this year. Last year KCB conducted this fundraiser and allowed local chapters to keep the profit. Joey Couch made a motion that KCB offer the “peel to Save” cards to be sold by local chapters. The motion was seconded and unanimously approved. Carla Ruschival requested that chapters email her the number of cards needed by Wednesday morning.
Announcements and Adjournment
“Cisco”: Slusher reported that Gerry and he will not be attending the convention since they will be attending their grandson’s graduation from boot camp in South Carolina.
Carla Ruschival made a motion that the meeting adjourn. The motion was seconded and the meeting adjourned at 8:56 PM.
Submitted By Rick Boggess, KCB Secretary
Download Summary: KCBBoardMeetingOctober2014
