<div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_default" style="font-family:georgia,serif;font-size:large">Attached and printed are the minutes from the October meeting.</div><div><br></div>-- <br><div dir="ltr" class="gmail_signature" data-smartmail="gmail_signature"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div><em><font color="#330099" face="georgia,serif" size="4"><strong>Linda Mackey</strong></font></em></div><div><em><font color="#330099" face="georgia,serif" size="4"><strong>609-870-2437</strong></font></em></div><div><em><font color="#330099" face="georgia,serif" size="4"><strong>Home 610-750-6765</strong></font></em></div><div><em><font color="#330099" face="georgia,serif" size="4"><strong><br></strong></font></em></div><div><div class="gmail-WordSection1" style="page: WordSection1;">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a name="OLE_LINK20"></a><a name="OLE_LINK21"><b>National
Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania - Greater Berks Chapter Meeting</b></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><b>Date: Friday,
October 21, 2022 </b> Location:
Zoom Conference Call</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">1. Roll
Call: 7 members and guests in attendance</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><b>Officers</b>:</p>
</div>
<span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><br clear="all" style="break-before:auto">
</span>
<div class="gmail-WordSection2" style="page: WordSection2;">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Rosemary
Freedman, President</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Linda
Mackey, Secretary</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Brian
Mackey, Treasurer</p>
</div>
<b><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><br clear="all" style="break-before:auto">
</span></b>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">John
Kaufman, Vice President</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><b>Board
Member</b>:</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Judy
Vaskorlis</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><b>Members:</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Lynn
Heitz</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:8pt"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">2. President
Rosemary Freedman called the meeting to order at 10:06 am.<span style="font-size:8pt"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:8pt"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">3. Secretary’s
Report: Linda Mackey</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Linda
Mackey read the June 2022 minutes. Brian Mackey motioned to approve the July
2022 minutes as presented, seconded by John Kaufman, and unanimously approved.<span style="font-size:8pt"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:8pt"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">4.
Treasurer’s Report: Brian Mackey</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Brian
Mackey provided the following treasury figures:</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Beginning
Balance as of May 1: <b>$4,461.81</b><span style="font-size:8pt"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:8pt"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Income: </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Duck
Race Proceeds: $122.00</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Total
Income: $122.00</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Expenses:</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">PAC
Plan: $40.00</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Total
Expenses: $40.00<span style="font-size:8pt"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:8pt"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Ending
Balance as of April 30: <b>$4,543.81</b><span style="font-size:8pt"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:8pt"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Line
Items:</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Personal
Financial Assistance: $848.55</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Transportation
Assistance Fund: $1,400.00</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Total
Line Items: $2,248.55<span style="font-size:8pt"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:8pt"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Working
Balance: <b>$2,295.26</b><span style="font-size:8pt"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:8pt"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Linda
Mackey motioned to accept the treasury report as presented, seconded by John
Kaufman, and unanimously approved.<span style="font-size:8pt"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:8pt"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">5. Legislative
Update: Brian Mackey</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Brian Mackey reported that there is one new Federal
bill introduced regarding websites and mobile apps. We are working to obtain
sponsors. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">On the State level, Lynn Heitz reported they
are trying to create an independent agency for the blind in PA. This would move
Blind and Visual Services from the clause of the office of Vocational and Rehabilitation
and it would report directly to the government. However, because of how the
government is formed, it cannot be an independent commission due to it’s small
size. We don’t want BVBS to be under the Depart of Labor & Industry.
Representative Dan Miller has introduced legislation to create a Department of Disability
& Inclusion. We feel BBVS would be better served in such a department. We
want to elevate BBVS from a bureau to an office. In the future, if OVR should
decide to move to the new department, the office of Blind and Visual Services
and office of Vocation Rehabilitation would be on the same level. Then OVR
could not overtake BBVS again. There should be more information by State
Convention.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:8pt"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">6. Old/New
Business: </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">a. We celebrated our White Cane Day by visiting
the Reading Museum to see the DaVinci exhibit. We also visited the Planetarium.
They told us about a blind scientist proving the blind can do anything. They
used different sounds for the sun, stars, planets and rocket ship. Thanks to
Judy for organizing our trip. We finished the day with lunch at Olive Garden.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">We also
celebrated White Cane Day at the Vision & Resource Center. We supplied ten
$10 WalMart gift cards, pizza, snacks and drinks. Alicia’s group was also at VRC.
Everyone played Bingo and had a great time. The event cost us approximately
$360. Sweet Treats donated great desserts. Mike, Judy, and Rosemary asked
attendee’s if they need any items that MaxiAids carries. We have $848 in our
personnel assistance fund and $1400 in transportation fund to cover order.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">b. State
Convention will be November 10th through 13<sup>th</sup> at the Sheraton Station
Square in Pittsburgh. The Chapter will pay for Brian Mackey’s banquet ticket ($30)
and $100 for transportation. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">New
Business:</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">a. Jasmyn
Polite was hit by a car driven by an older person at an intersection. She
fractured her right hip and right wrist. She is recovering at her new home in
Strausburg. This incident brings up the
issue that drivers need to be retested before they get their licenses renewed. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Rosemary
suggested we send a get well gift basket to Jasmyn. Lynn Heitz suggested we
check with Harriet & David’s for a snack basket approximately $60.00. Linda
will check into sending a basket. Brian will send Jasmyn Facebook Live info so
she can listen to parts of the convention.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">b.Rosemary
sent Lynn a picture of a young man wearing Black T-shirt with saying “You’re in
a Blind Spot Here”. It has a picture of cartoon man walking with a cane. The
shirt was ordered through Amazon, made in Honduras by a US company “Port &
Co”. Relatives thought it was offensive.
Rosemary sent the picture to Lynn to get
her opinion who then forwarded it to Mark Riccobono. It may go over to the
legal department, but Lynn is waiting to hear back. On Safari, Rosemary found other
visually impaired T-shirts, such as “I’m legally blind, please help me find my
car”. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">c.
Brian inquired about an update on the Horse Race fundraiser with the Fleetwood Lions
Club. Rosemary will talk with the Lions and Mike for more details. Judy stated
we need to look into a Fundraiser for next year. Barnes & Noble does not
have the gift wrapping. She wondered if the band would work with us for an
event at Jimbo’s</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:8pt"> </span><br></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">d. John
suggested the group go to Atlantic City or perhaps WindCreek Casino in
Bethlehem. Judy said there is a museum
within walking distance. There is a bus that goes there on Wednesdays; looking
at 11/16; Club will pay the bus ($40) and $10 for the buffet.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Bus to
Atlantic City you get $25 credit towards the casino playing.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Rosemary
will send out an email asking how any members would be interested in going to Atlantic
City on 12/10;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">e. Judy
asked how to apply for the transportation fund. Rosemary stated Judy just needs
to tell her and she’ll send an authorization for Brian to write check.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:8pt"> </span><span style="font-size:12pt">8. John
Kaufman motioned to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Brian Mackey, and unanimously
approved. The meeting was adjourned by President Rosemary Freedman at 11:42 AM.
Our next meeting will take place on December 9, 2022 via the affiliate’s Zoom room
(meeting ID 215 988 0888).</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:8pt"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:8pt"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Respectfully
submitted by Linda Mackey, Secretary</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Reviewed
by Rosemary Freedman, President</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">National
Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania Greater Berks Chapter<br></p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>