KCB Board Meeting – February, 2017
The monthly meeting of the Kentucky Council of the Blind Board of Directors was held via conference call on Monday, February 20, 2017. President Debbie Deatherage called the meeting to order at 7:35 PM eastern time. Answering the roll call were Debbie Deatherage, Joey Couch, Gerry Slusher, Rick Boggess, Carla Ruschival, Amanda Selm, Natalie Beyers, Elaine Weisbard, Josh Gentry, Matt Selm, Bill Roberts, Bill Wright, David Smith, Dennis Runyan, Cisco” Slusher and Frank Campbell. Deb Lewis and Shirley Stivers were absent. Guests Terry Meyer and Adam Ruschival were present.
President Debbie Deatherage called for reading the January 16 board meeting minutes and summary (including the final December treasurer’s report). Since copies were distributed in advance, Elaine Weisbard made a motion to dispense with their reading and for approval. The motion was seconded by Frank Campbell and approved.
Treasurer’s Report
Treasurer Carla Ruschival presented her report for January. She also reported that checks from last summer’s Brenda Dillon Memorial Walk at the ACB convention will be mailed out to participating chapters on Wednesday. Bill Wright made a motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report. The motion was seconded by “Cisco” Slusher and unanimously approved.
Carla Ruschival requested permission to transfer money from the checking account into a stock fund at Ameriprise and that she and Rick Boggess consult with the Ameriprise representative for advice on investing. “Cisco” Slusher made a motion to approve the transfer. The motion was seconded by Bill Wright and unanimously approved.
Chapter Reports
Eastern Kentucky Christian Council: Frank Campbell reported he hopes to set up a meeting on April 1.
Northern Kentucky Council: Dennis Runyan reported that Terry Meyer has been appointed to the local Human Rights Commission and that Gerry Slusher hopes to be reappointed soon.
Greater Louisville Council: David smith reported they have had several good Roundabouts, especially the cooking group. Several members dined out at Freisch’s in January. There are plans for an April dine out. Forty-two people attended the Quarterly meeting on February 17 which included a speaker from Humana, great food, a raffle, door prizes and more. David also updated the board on plans to form the Kentucky Council of Citizens with Low Vision. The group had a February 7 conference call to review the proposed constitution. About eight people attended the February 9 meeting at United Crescent Hill Ministries. There will be a February 21 conference call meeting at 8 PM to ratify the constitution and elect officers. Upcoming meetings include a conference call on March 7 and an in person meeting at 1:30 PM on March 9 at United Crescent Hill Ministries.
Adam Ruschival pointed out that anyone in Kentucky can join KCCLV, Tri-State Library Users or Guide Dog Users. KCCLV is seeking to become a chapter of KCB and CCLVI. Annual dues are expected to be $10.
Tri-State Library Users Group: Bill Wright reported there will be a conference call meeting on February 21 at 8 PM. Barbara Penegor, KY talking Book Library director, will discuss BARD Express. Annual $12 member dues should be sent to Treasurer Adam Ruschival.
Guide Dog Users of Kentuckiana: Josh Gentry reported that a Boy Scout group is working with the chapter to have a charity walk sometime around Memorial Day at Cherokee Park. The chapter has also started a Facebook group for anyone who is interested in joining. Members are trying to meet with Uber and Lyft drivers to increase awareness about visual impairment and guide dogs.
Support Alliance of the Visually Impaired: Bill Roberts reported that 18 members and 3 guests attended the February 14 meeting. Rick Boggess shared information about the new low vision support group and about a tentative low vision vendor day in April at the Wendell Foster Center in Owensboro. Member Sheryl Lott shared information about some Hadley classes she is taking and about her visit to Southeast Guide Dogs in Florida. Members also played bingo, enjoyed pizza, and paid dues.
KCB Next Generation: Matt Selm reported Josh Gentry won the basket which the chapter raffled off at the quarterly meeting. There will be a conference call at 8 PM on March 12. Other future activities include a council wide Picnic from 2-5 PM on June 10 at Brown Park in St. Matthews and an 11:30 AM cruise on May 27 on the Belle of Louisville. Expected cost for the cruise will be approximately $38.
Committees
PR/Membership: Rick Boggess reported the committee met on February 1. Rick reported on the newsletter draft and indicated he has updated the calendar to include ACB convention dates. Carla has been working on adding permissions and rolls so we can train people to help maintain the webpage. Work continues on a plan to systematically update college contacts and efforts continue to establish contacts with Kentucky’s four year colleges. Rick has sent out several thank-you’s to KCB convention participants and requested contact information so he can finish. The committee voted not to meet as scheduled on March 1. The next meeting will be on April 5.
Rick Boggess made a motion to accept chapter and committee reports. The motion was seconded by Matt Selm and unanimously approved.
Old Business
President Debbie Deatherage reported she and Patti Cox will be attending the ACB President’s Meeting and legislative Seminar and doing congressional visits using the money approved at the January board meeting. They are setting up congressional appointments. Carla requested that everyone contact their senators and congressmen to encourage support for the ACB initiatives on February 28 to coincide with the personal congressional visits. Information will be posted about the initiatives and the President’s meeting and legislative seminar will be live streamed for those wishing firsthand information.
New Business
President Deatherage encouraged people to begin thinking about the state convention. There will have to be a new food vendor. She will appoint a committee to begin planning.
Carla Ruschival reported there will be two First timers and five leadership fellowships available for those wishing to go to the national convention in Reno this year. She briefly discussed requirements for both and encouraged people to consider applying. Both awards require recipients to attend the entire convention and cover many convention expenses.
Adam Ruschival discussed the Paul Langan award which is presented by KSB to recognize people who have done a lot to help the visually impaired. Nominations should be submitted to Paula Penrod at KSB.
Adam reported KSB is holding an essay contest for children and adults as part of its 175th anniversary celebration this year. Cash prizes will be awarded in each category. They hope to compile a history of the school.
Announcements and Adjournment
Carla Ruschival made a motion to adjourn. Rick Boggess seconded the motion which was unanimously approved. The meeting adjourned at 8:25 PM.
Submitted by Rick Boggess, KCB Secretary
Download Summary: KCBBoardMeetingFebruary2017
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