[NFB-Seniors] Fw: Minutes from our June 2019 senior division meeting and agenda for our upcoming senior division meeting scheduled for Monday, September 9 at 8 PM with the quarterly book club meeting beforehand at 6 PM
Jane Degenshein
jdegen16 at comcast.net
Sun Sep 1 17:37:09 UTC 2019
Just thought I would also share our senior division minutes and agenda for
you
Anyone that would like to listen in, by all means. . .
From: Jane Degenshein
Sent: Sunday, September 01, 2019 12:53 PM
To: Undisclosed-Recipient:;
Subject: Minutes from our June 2019 senior division meeting and agenda for
our upcoming senior division meeting scheduled for Monday, September 9 at 8
PM with the quarterly book club meeting beforehand at 6 PM
Hello All
I am hopeful that you enjoyed your summer and made beautiful memories with
family and friends.
As promised, throughout the past two months, I have sent several items of
interest to our senior division list serve.
If you have not joined that, here is the link :
NFBNJ Seniors Division listserv (nfbnj-seniors):
https://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbnj-seniors_nfbnet.org
And now, the minutes follow. . .
***
Dial:
1 605 468 8005
Code: 460994 Pound
senior division minutes from June 2019 and Agenda for the senior division
meeting Monday, September 9, 2019 at 8 PM
National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey's senior division
NJASB
Minutes from our senior division meeting Monday, June 10, 2019 at 8 PM
1 Welcome Remarks
Jane thanked all for being on this call.
A special thanks to Anne Marie Harris for making the reminder calls.
Shout out to the fathers and grandfathers from our senior division.
2 Roll Call
There were 23 in attendance.
Jane Degenshein, President
Mary Jo Partyka, First Vice-President
Pam Hayes, Second Vice-President
Linda DeBerardinis, Secretary
Andrew Rees, Treasurer
Board members: Ada Crandle, Anne Marie Harris, Marie Sawyer, Jennifer
Uchanow
Members: Misty Hagan, Jerry Fontenelli, Geri Mcginty, Sherry Rollins, Lori
Neidhart, Chris Franz, Renee Freiling, Phil Harrison, Joe Ruffalo, and Ward
Biondi.
Participants: Linda Mackey., Harvey & Linda Levine, Gail Stokes
3 Secretary's Report: Linda DeBerardinis
Linda asked if all received the minutes.
There was no discussion, or changes.
Motion: Joe Ruffalo
Second: Sherry Rollins
All voted favorably.
4 Treasurer's Report: Andrew Rees
April 30,2019
Beginning Balance: $518.22
Deposits: $10.00 dues
PAC plan deduction: -$15.00
Closing Balance : $513.22
working balance $513.22
----------------------------------------------------------------
May 31, 2019
Beginning Balance:
Deposits:
PAC plan Deduction: -$15.00
Check: -
Closing Balance :
working balance-
There was no discussion.
Of course, there were figures there but not for non members to see
Motion: Jennifer Uchanow
Second: Mary Jo Partyka
All agreed.
5 Committee Reports: Marie, Ada, Jennifer
A. Caring Calls/Cards: Marie Sawyer
I spoke to Beverly bookbinder from the echo group. She is doing quite well
and she enjoys going to the book club at Jane's.
I also spoke to Renee Freiling she is doing as well as she can, although her
situation is different than in the past. However she is working on it and is
doing OK.
I couldn't reach Karen Fitzpatrick, but left a message she is in our
thoughts & prayers.
I sent a card to Andrew Rees last month. This month I spoke to Andrew,giving
him our condolences for the passing of his mother. We received a thank you
card from Darleen Scanelle for sending a sympathy card for the passing of
her Dad.
B. Senior Birthday Calls: Ada Crandle
Ada said there was only one birthday in June; Angela Perone. She called
Angela, but there was only voice mail, so Ada left her traditional message.
Later, Angela called her back and Ada repeated her birthday wishes again!
They laughed, as they were both in a good mood.
Ada said she will continue her birthday calls over the summer, so no one
will be left out.
C. Senior Corner: Jennifer Uchanow
Jennifer had this to say about Father's Day:
Americans celebrate Father’s Day on the third Sunday of every June. This
holiday celebrates fathers and fatherhood in general, including father
figures such as guardians and grandfathers. The occasion is marked by giving
a gift to one’s father or spending time with him. It is a time set aside to
value a father’s role in one’s life and to reflect upon paternal bonding.
Fathers are usually given gifts in the realm of home improvement,
electronics, and outdoor tools. There are no official ways to celebrate
Father’s Day, but many children also celebrate with a phone call, meal out,
or a family gathering honoring all fathers within an extended family. This
day is a busy one for restaurants. In the U.S., some wear a red rose to
honor their father, but a white rose if he has passed away.
This holiday is the complement of Mother’s Day, which takes place in May.
Father’s Day was established in early 20th century America to correspond
with this celebration. The holiday was considered casually by many people,
but the main innovator was Sonora Dodd. Dodd held the first significant
Father’s Day celebration in Spokane, Washington in 1910, held at the Spokane
YMCA center. Dodd’s own father fought in the Civil War and then raised six
children on his own in Spokane. When Dodd listened to a Mother’s Day sermon
at her church, she considered the absence of her own mother, who had died in
childbirth delivering her sixth child, and her Father’s valiant efforts of
raising the children on his own, believing there deserved to be a holiday
honoring fathers.
Several more celebrations were held in Spokane, but the tradition stopped
when Dodd left for school in Chicago. When she returned, she took up the
holiday promotion, but this time nationally. Her strategic efforts included
working with business groups that would profit from such a holiday, such as
men’s clothing companies and tobacco companies. Many trades were seeing
profits from Mother’s Day. However, commercial promotion of the holiday led
to many believing it was shallow, as even Dodd’s Father’s Day Council was
founded by the New York Associated Men’s Wear Retailers.
Jennifer then gave some great quotes about fathers:
1 The quality of a father can be seen in the goals, dreams and aspirations
he sets not only for himself, but for his family.
2
To a father growing old nothing is dearer than a daughter.
Jerry Seinfeld
3.
Anyone can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a dad, and that's
why I call you dad, because you are so special to me. You taught me the game
and you taught me how to play it right.
Wade Boggs
4
ne of the greatest titles in the world is parent, and one of the biggest
blessings in the world is to have parents to call mom and dad.
Jim DeMint
5
My father used to say that it's never too late to do anything you wanted to
do. And he said, 'You never know what you can accomplish until you try.'
Michael Jordan
6 I want to congratulate all the men out there who are working diligently to
be good fathers whether they are stepfathers, or biological fathers or just
spiritual fathers.
7
My dad was my best friend and greatest role model. He was an amazing dad,
coach, mentor, soldier, husband and friend.
Tiger Woods
8
My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person, he
believed in me.
Jim Valvano
9
It is a wise father that knows his own child.
William Shakespeare
10
Son, brother, father, lover, friend. There is room in the heart for all the
affections, as there is room in heaven for all the stars.
Victor Hugo
11
When a father gives to his son, both laugh; when a son gives to his father,
both cry.
Unknown
12 “When my father didn’t have my hand, he had my back.”
Liza Minnelli
13 "By the time a man realizes that maybe his father was right, he usually
has a son who thinks he’s wrong."
Heidi Lamour
14. "To the world you are a dad. To our family you are the world."
unknown
15
"Dads are most ordinary men turned by love into heroes, adventurers,
story-tellers, and singers of song."
Unknown
16 "My father didn't tell me how to live. He lived and let me watch him do
it."
Euripides
National Convention news: Joe Ruffalo
Joe said the agenda is behind, but should be out soon. He hopes by the end
of this, or next week. Try to read it as soon as possible, because we will
be having a conference call regarding this. While reading the agenda, please
note our exhibit table. There are no shuttles from the airport to the
hotels, as they are too close to each other. However you can use the
accessible service, or Lift. Lift is using the autonomous, AKA driverless
cars in Las Vegas! Those attending from our senior group that were on this
call are: Mary Jo Partyka, Joe Ruffalo, Ada Crandle, Anne Marie Harris, Geri
Mcginty and Linda Mackey.
Jane asked if we would please attend any senior seminars and report back to
us in September.
KJ First Timers announced
Anne Marie Harris and Ada Crandle have been awarded first timers awards.
Jane announced to those who were not aware, our Senior Division is
purchasing 5 Kenneth Jernigan Raffle tickets, that fund our first timer
awards. If we win, we will receive $1500 for our treasury and determine
later how to distribute the rest of the prize.
7. State Convention News: Joe Ruffalo
Joe said, you all know our state convention is in the Woodbridge
Renaissance; as of last week the hotel is now the Delta Marriott. The hotel
has the same phone number. If you think, or know you are going to attend,
book your room! There is no charge until you arrive. If you must cancel,
please call me first, as I always have a list of individuals who need a
room. We are providing educational credits, so it will make it easy for
members of CBVI to attend. Our host chapters/divisions are the Northern
Chapter, Rick Fox president and the Technology & Senior Divisions, Jane
Degenshein President of both.
8 National Senior division Conference calls: Jane Degenshein
the next call is tomorrow night with the Blind History Lady
Time: 4:00 Eastern
Dial: 1 515 6033166
Code: 759633 pound
There will also be one additional senior division conference call on
Tuesday,July 2 with Roger Cicchese with his technology project.
Remember he was a guest on our own senior division call. Jane then referred
him to Ruth Sager President of the national senior division and she gladly
added another slot for his presentation.
9 Joining the NFBNJ senior division List Serve: Jane Degenshein
Over the summer some quips and senior corner info will be shared via the
senior division list serve.
don't miss out so join us today at:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbnj-seniors_nfbnet.org
taken from the webpage:
The National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey Senior Division is
sponsoring a new e-mail list called NFBNJ -seniors. You can ask questions,
share answers and provide encouragement to the fastest growing part of the
blind population.
NFBNJ seniors are continuing to live the lives they want and are willing to
share their knowledge and life lessons with each other!
Join the list!
To join the list you can either go to:
http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbnj-seniors_nfbnet.org
or send e-mail to nfbnj-seniors-request at nfbnet.org and put the word
subscribe on the subject line by itself.
Look forward to sharing on our list serve with all of you friends!
10 S O S Not asking for help but Spotlight on Seniors: Jane Degenshein
Our Senior with the spotlight is our dear jokester, Jerry Fontenelli, who
was 89 years young May 13th!
This is what Jerry had to say: I was born at an early age. My upbringing all
started at St. Anne's church, were I was baptized. Then came St. Michael's
Grammar School, next was St. Benedict's Preparatory School, then Seton Hall
University, then off to the Navy.
After the navy, I married and we had 3 wonderful sons. In 1968, I went into
business and did not retire until 72 years of age. I wanted to build up my
Social Security. Then my eyesight started going quickly. I went to the NJ
Commission for the Blind & VI. Angela Perone told me to give Joe Ruffalo ,
President of the NFB a call. I did. Joe answered the phone with a song! I
spoke to the gentleman
After listening to Joe for a while, how could I not join the National
Federation of the Blind of New Jersey!?! ?!
Jane asked: What do you get out of the NFB and what do you give back? Jerry
answered: I think I get more than I give. Since I moved to toms River I have
been hanging out with Ellen Sullivan, where we sold some Boscov's tickets
last year and have 4 dates booked to sell this year. I want to do well for
the organization. I also try to spread the word about NFB.
Misty Hagan said, I admire you . You don't stay in your comfort zone.
Sherry Rollins asked, do you have any hobbies? Answer: Actually I decorate
envelopes with my Ruby magnifier I draw flowers, then color them in with
colored pencils for special people. I have been practicing on larger
pictures and I have been experimenting on canvas. I guess I do it to prove
to myself I can be productive in some way.
Joe Ruffalo said: It is great you are learning new things.You give who you
are. Don't ever change, my friend. I think it will be great to have about 6
decorated envelopes to auction off at the state convention! I am proud to
call you a fellow Federationist. Jerry thanked Joe.
Jennifer Uchanow said she appreciates Jerry's sense of humor, and asks what
did you do for a living? answer: Three cousins and myself started a business
until retiring. We each had a son who took over the business. I was in a
plastics industry in the early stages of plastics We worked with various of
large companies such as; DuPont, Celanese, Hercules powder & Dow chemicals.
We worked with electronics, mechanical parts and packaging.,
Jane asked, Jerry do you have any grandchildren? Yes, said Jerry, I have 3
great grandsons. One is an attorney, one is a state trooper and one is in
the banking business. Recently I lost one of my sons. It was a sad
situation. I also lost a son when he was 13 years old to cancer.We all
suffer great losses in our lives. No one should ever lose, or bury a son, or
daughter. We all paused then.
As usual, Jerry finished with two of his traditional jokes.
11 Old/New Business: All
Jane asked Ward to share his outreach with the group.
On May 16th I accompanied Lynda Melendez to the Mitchell Vassar Vision
Awareness Day conducted by Hackensack Meridian Health Care System. This was
a resource fair held at the Grand Marquis in Old bridge New Jersey from 10
AM until 2 pm.
The purpose in attending this fair was to host an exhibit table from which
we handed out literature about NFB.
This literature included materials about Newsline, our State Affiliate, and
a synopsis of our organizations philosophy.
We also handed out pamphlets about our Senior Division. Many of the
attendees to this conference were senior citizens with vision loss. We may
recruit new members to our Senior Division as a result of handing out this
literature.
Other exhibitors at this event were the Lion's Club, Vision Loss Alliance,
the New Jersey Commission for the Blind and TBBC.
We also attended a banquet lunch with a keynote motivational speaker who is
herself blind, her name is Jennifer Rothschild.
I think this is an excellent opportunity for us to make ourselves better
known in the State, and another opportunity to show the public what we can
do.
I wish to thank Lynda Melendez for inviting me and my SSP Dawn for her
assistance.
Janie suggested we could all set up tables in our own neighborhoods.
Ward Biondi gave us an update on his problem: I was speaking to Valerie
Yingling. I also spoke to the manager, who said she was going to a
conference on June 15 & 16, in California. She will speak to the company
there. I emailed Valerie the manager's remarks. We will see.
12 Brags/Drags, Round the Phone: All
Andrew shared a memory of his Mom: He called his Mom at work one day when he
was young, asking if he could go to his friend's house. His Mom said No.
Andrew was so angry at her answer he hung up right then. Mom called back and
scolded him saying you NEVER hang up on your Mom! Andrew never did it again!
Ada Crandle announced the Sports & Rec Division meets the third Wednesday of
each month. This month is June 19th, at the same number you dialed for this
call. Anyone who registered for the Spring Challenge will be put into a
lottery for a food voucher for the state convention. If you have registered,
we will have a mall walk on June 29th, at Menlo Park Mall, from 9 AM until
2:30 PM. Be sure to register for our book club held in September. The book
is Thunder Dog.
AnneMarie Harris asked if anyone would be willing to go to the Boscov's
Vineland store with her to sell tickets. Just tell me what date you are
available and I will try to get it.
Joe announced we made over $4000 from the Boscov's tickets last year!
Perhaps it's difficult to get to a Boscov's store. If everyone could just
take 2, or 4, or 5 and give them as gifts. You can give them to a favorite
Access Link driver, or your hair stylist, or your mail carrier, or a friend,
or anyone . It would really help.
Jane asked Harvey & Linda what they thought of the meeting. Harvey said he
is just listening He also added he will be on future calls as they are
informative.
Last week Ward Biondi answered an ad in Craig's list for a keyboard player.
It was only one half hour from where he already played. Ward said the guy
mentioned he must take the bus and meet at the rehearsal studio. I was
determined to get there myself, with no sighted guide. , After arriving on
the bus, I asked the driver if I was at the right spot and walked up the
stairs and walked in the studio carrying my keyboard. I played and they said
I was in! I asked if anyone lived near me, and one of the players did.
Therefore John made plans on picking me up the next week. I thank the NFB
for the encouragement and determination, because a few years ago I would
have never gone myself.
Jane and Joe began to brainstorm and since the senior division is one of the
hosts at the state convention, perhaps we will have a panel of seniors still
on the move and Jerry Fontenelli and Ward Biondi will be among those on the
panel.
Stay tuned.
Joe Ruffalo informed us we now have 4 kids in the New Jersey BELL Program. 3
boys, 9, 10 & 11 years old and one little girl, who is 5, or 6 years old.
All great kids!
Lori Neidhart announced, I got JAWS!
Sherry Rollins said she had just finished making some slippers and now was
working on some crystals.
13 Adjournment
The next meeting of the senior division is slated for Monday, September 9 at
8 PM with our fourth book club before at 6 PM
The day the world came to town: 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland DB 92429
author: DeFede, Jim. Reading time: 6 hours, 29 minutes.
Read by Ray Porter.
Account of the generosity of residents of the small town of Gander on
Newfoundland Island following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Recounts how
thousands of stranded Americans were fed and cared for by the local
Canadians. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. 2002.
Motion to adjourn: Chris Franz.
second by all!
All were in favor.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:12 PM.
Jane added:
You will get the summer off to enjoy with family and friends.
Look for fun and interesting tidbits on our NFBNJ senior division list serve
throughout the summer months.
Love and blessings to all
***
Senior division book club meets at 6 PM September 9
Dial: 1 605 468 8005
Code: 460994 Pound
Here is the book appropriate for the time:
The day the world came to town: 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland DB 92429
author: DeFede, Jim. Reading time: 6 hours, 29 minutes.
Read by Ray Porter.
Account of the generosity of residents of the small town of Gander on
Newfoundland Island following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Recounts how
thousands of stranded Americans were fed and cared for by the local
Canadians. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. 2002.
***
Agenda for the senior division meeting slated for Monday, September 9 at 8
PM
1. Welcoming remarks
Jane asked all for a moment of silence for the passing of our longtime
member Eleanor Thompson who died last week at the age of 94
We remember her with reverence as a good friend, member and all around
wonderful lady with a spirit much younger than her years.
She was a member in great standing with our division for 8 years and 5 times
per year I made her cartridges with her books that we discussed beforehand
Checking my records, she has read over 700 books in that time.
I will miss our talks and shared times.
Our lives have been deepened because Eleanor walked a bit with us.
2. Roll Call
3 NFB pledge:
I pledge to participate actively in the efforts of the National Federation
of the Blind
to achieve equality, opportunity, and security for the blind;
to support the policies and programs of the Federation;
and to abide by its constitution.
4. Secretary's Report: Linda Deberardinis
5. Treasury Report: Andrew Rees
6. Dues: Jane Degenshein
7. Committee Reports: Marie, Ada, and Jennifer
A. Caring Calls and Cards: Marie Sawyer
B. Birthday Calls: Ada Crandle
C. Senior Corner: Jennifer Uchanow
8. State Convention: Jane Degenshein/Joe Ruffalo/Linda Melendez
A. Senior Division Duties and responsibilities as host division
Linda will share the list of positions needed for consideration
B. Senior division meeting on Friday, November 8 around 9 A.M.
welcome, elections, and dues taken
Elections will be for the 5 officers
Nominating committee will recommend a slate of officers and any member can
run from the floor
9 National Retreat: Jane Degenshein/Geri Mcginty
10 Old/New Business: All
11. Round the Phone/Brags and Drags: All
11. Adjournment
Next month's meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 14 at 8 PM
Respectfully submitted by
Linda J. DeBerardinis, Secretary
Reviewed by,,
Janie Degenshein, President
Senior Division National Federation of the Blind of NJ
Keep Smiling,
Janie Degenshein
Happiness isn't having what you want, but wanting what you already have!
Facilitator of ECHO (Eyes Closed Hearts Open)
state affiliate board member
President of the senior division of the National Federation of the Blind of
New Jersey
President of the Technology division of the National federation of the Blind
of New Jersey
NFBNJ Newsline co-ordinator
jdegen16 at comcast.net
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