<div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div>Hello,</div><div><br></div><div>Attached and pasted below please find the minutes from the most recent MAPBC meeting held last Thursday, Feb. 15th.</div><div><br></div><div>Best Regards,</div><div>Liz</div><div><br></div><div>**********</div><div><br></div><div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">The MAPBC met on Thursday, Feb. 15th. The meeting began at
6:11PM. Those in attendance included:<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Stephanie Valdes<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Hai Nguyen Ly<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Youme Nguyen Ly<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Liz Lesperance<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Jennifer Bose<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Stephanie recited the NFB pledge. <span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Hai put forth a motion to approve the January meeting
minutes which Liz seconded. The minutes were approved unanimously.<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Liz provided the treasurer's report. Our current balance is
$150.25. Youme moved to accept the treasurer's report which Liz seconded. The
treasurer's report was approved unanimously.<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Stephanie confirmed that everyone had a chance to listen to
the February presidential report.<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Liz will check with Shara and see if any parents have
reached out requesting childcare for the state convention<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">We will put together a basket to donate to the online
auction. Hai will contribute a big and mini drawing board as well as braille
hot wheels cars. Stephanie will contribute braille uno cards and see what other
games are available from the braille academy. Liz will donate a tactile rubix
cube.<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Youme inquired about having those interested in attending
the BELL academy join us at state convention.<span>
</span>Stephanie shared that with the BELL program in its infancy, applications
are not open yet. Therefore, we will certainly invite those interested to next
year's convention.<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Stephanie shared her experiences at the BELL training in
Baltimore. There is a national coordinator who can assist with getting the
program off the ground. We discussed how background checks would be required of
anyone working directly with the students. The national office takes care of
the background checks. The national office is very supportive. There will be a
maximum of 8 students this year. National is not doing online BELL. The program
will run sometime in August. National wants Stephanie and Ellen to interview
each participant. Shara has forwarded Stephanie and Ellen a list of those who
have volunteered so far. There is some interest from a family in western MA so
down the road it might be necessary to have a co-coordinator and bring the
program to western MA.<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Stephanie advised us that we can now book rooms for the
national convention. Registration is not yet open.<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Stephanie has found that there are companies that sponsor
disability/minority divisions to attend conferences that will better the
community. Stephanie is going to research and see if the MAPBC might qualify.
If funded, we would need to attend the NOPBC events. <span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><span> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Stephanie suggested coming up with a fundraiser for Mother's
Day and Father's Day. Hai proposed that we put together a what's app discussion
about fundraising. <span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">We will not hold a meeting next month. We may meet in person
during the state convention (possibly after general session before the
banquet.)<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">The meeting adjourned at 7:12PM.<span></span></p>
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