KCB Board Meeting – September, 2017
President Debbie Deatherage called the monthly meeting of the KCB Board of Directors to order via conference call at 7:37 PM (Eastern) on Monday, September 18, 2017. Answering the roll call were Debbie Deatherage, Joey Couch, Gerry Slusher, Rick Boggess, Carla Ruschival, Natalie Couch, Elaine Weisbard, Deb Lewis, “Cisco” Slusher, Frank Campbell, Josh Gentry, Bill Wright, Dennis Runyan, David Smith and Winter Renfrow. Bill Roberts checked in late. Amanda Selm, Matt Selm, and Shirley Stivers were absent. Guests Adam Ruschival and Jonathon McCarty were also present.
President Debbie Deatherage called for reading the August 21 board meeting minutes and summary which were distributed in advance. Elaine Weisbard made a motion, seconded by Frank Campbell, to dispense with their reading and approval. The motion was approved.
Treasurer’s Report
Since Carla Ruschival did not have a report ready, Elaine Weisbard made a motion to delay the treasurer’s report until October. The motion was seconded by Winter Renfrow and approved.
Old Business
President Deatherage requested input on the dress code ideas shared via email earlier in the day. Deb Lewis also elaborated on ideas she shared via email as a follow-up. It was agreed the code should require shoes, no halter tops and no flip flops. Rick Boggess suggested a policy, reflecting the agreed upon framework, be drafted in writing and shared for approval so it can be included with the mailer. Carla will send out a draft by the end of the week. Natalie Couch suggested board members should adhere to the policy throughout the convention since they represent KCB.
New Business
PRESIDENT Deatherage pointed out that KCB has supported the Bill Roby Track and Field Games at KSB in the past. Bill Wright made a motion to donate $200 to the Bill Roby Games. The motion was seconded by Elaine Weisbard and approved.
President Deatherage also reminded board members that KCB has supported the upcoming KSB Charitable Foundation Golf Scramble in the past. Bill Wright made a motion to pledge $150 to sponsor a tee. The motion was seconded by Carla Ruschival and approved.
Carla Ruschival reported the OFB Steering Committee has not met. The organizational charts have not been submitted for committee input.
Carla reported that Tony Stevens provided an excellent update on ACB happenings at the GLCB quarterly meeting on September 15. His presentation, along with Chris Gray’s comments about a new blood glucose meter pending FDA approval, are included in this week’s Sound Prints.
Chapter and Committee Reports
Eastern Kentucky Christian Council: Frank Campbell reported he is planning a meeting in October to plan the Christmas party.
Northern Kentucky Council: Dennis Runyan reported the chapter received an anonymous $300 donation. They still plan to visit the Sculpture park in Cincinnati. Gerry also reported White Cane Safety Day will take place from 11 AM to 1 PM on October 16 in front of the Covington police station. Gerry reported they are aware of two people interested in joining.
Greater Louisville Council: David Smith reported they had a cooking activity to prepare grilled cheese on the griddle at the September 1 Roundabout. At the September 8 meeting, there was a lively discussion about communication and emergency preparedness which will be revisited in the future. Those attending the September 15 quarterly meeting enjoyed an excellent meal, purchased items at the bargain table and heard excellent presentations from Tony Stevens and Chris Gray.
Tri-State Library Users Group: Bill Wright reported Carla will be doing a conference call to discuss using the Kindle app and VoiceOver to read books at 9 PM on September 19 on the conference line. They will hold their bimonthly meeting and book discussion at the September 22 Roundabout.
Guide Dog Users of Kentuckiana: Last week several members met with an engineer and local councilman to try to get a sidewalk in a neighborhood. Members will also attend a meeting next week to advocate for pedestrian improvements at the railroad crossing on Frankfort Avenue.
Support Alliance of the Visually Impaired: Bill Roberts reported 10 members and 8 guests enjoyed meals from Famous Recipe and played a game at the September 13 picnic. Upcoming events include a booth at Senior Day Out on September 21 and a fundraiser at Texas Roadhouse on October 24. Jim Fortman will demonstrate the IrisVision at the October 10 meeting and a representative from Vanda will discuss non-24 sleep disorder and other sleep disorders at the November 14 meeting. Unfortunately, two members have recently passed away but there are several new prospects.
KCB Next Generation: Joey Couch reported the chapter will have a dine out from 4 to 6:30 at Cattlemen’s Roadhouse (2901 S. Hurstbourne Parkway) on September 23. Reservations: Call or text Amanda Selm 270-750-1774 by noon on September 22. Fifteen people attended the dine out brunch at Toast On Market on August 26. The next conference call will be October 8.
KCCLV: Carla Ruschival reported a mobility instructor talked about shopping and orientation to unfamiliar areas during the September 5 conference call. Monica Turner showed several APH low vision products at the August 24 in person meeting while numerous topics were covered on September 14. The next meeting will be September 28. Shirley Stivers may have a low vision group meeting in Northern KY on September 23.
PR/Membership: Rick Boggess reported the committee met via conference call on September 13. Carla continues to add new people to the email lists while working to resolve some issues, especially with Time Warner email addresses. The October newsletter will contain convention information. Calendar and webpage updates continue. Sound Prints Features, segments from current and past Sound Prints, will soon be available as podcasts. We would like to begin updating chapter webpages including meeting minutes which will require planning and training before implementation. WE will resume work on updating and adding to our college contacts. The next meeting will be October 11.
Convention: Joey Couch reported the committee plans to finalize speakers at the September 21 meeting. At the September 6 meeting the committee decided on meals, including a caterer for Friday and Saturday nights. The next meeting will be a conference call at 7 PM on September 21.
Rick Boggess made a motion to accept committee reports. The motion was seconded by Dennis Runyan and approved.
Announcements and Adjournment
Gerry Slusher reported three guide dog users at the Cincinnati Association of the Blind have been informed they cannot take their guide dogs out with them during fire drills. This appears similar to an issue at LC Industries in Louisville a few years ago. the issue will be further discussed during the Guide Dog Users conference call at 7 PM on September 25.
Carla Ruschival reported KCB has been involved in a very successful advocacy case for someone in Louisville public housing. KCB was used because of the need to apply for a grant to offset some of the cost and the fact that people in other parts of the state may benefit. Since this involves section 8 housing, accessibility and appropriate notification are significant issues. Therefore, there will be increased sensitivity training for housing staff. Although the concerns did not involve guide dogs, KCB hopes to have a dog user talk about issues during the training. Staff have been made aware that materials need to be in accessible formats.
Rick Boggess made a motion to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Gerry Slusher and unanimously approved. The meeting adjourned at 8:50 PM.
Submitted by Rick Boggess, KCB Secretary
Download Summary: KCBBoardMeetingSeptember2017
