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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>Brian, Again, I will miss the meeting as I have a standing business commitment at that time. R/ Mike<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Mike McCarthy</span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>484-769-8225/610-987-6286</span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><a href="mailto:mccarthy_misty03@comcast.net"><span style='color:blue'>mccarthy_misty03@comcast.net</span></a></span><o:p></o:p></p></div><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><div><div style='border:none;border-top:solid #E1E1E1 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>From:</b> NFBP-Berks <nfbp-berks-bounces@nfbnet.org> <b>On Behalf Of </b>Brian Mackey via NFBP-Berks<br><b>Sent:</b> Wednesday, February 8, 2023 9:47 PM<br><b>To:</b> nfbp-berks@nfbnet.org<br><b>Subject:</b> [NFBp-Berks] Reminder: Greater Berks Chapter meeting, February 10 at 10am<o:p></o:p></p></div></div><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Greetings to all,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>We will be having our Greater Berks Chapter meeting Friday, February 10, at 10am.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Here are the various ways to attend the meeting:<o:p></o:p></span></p><ol start=1 type=1><li class=MsoNormal style='color:#1A1A1A;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3;background:white'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif'>From within the free Zoom Cloud Meetings app on your iPhone or Android, just hit the “Join” button on the “Meet and Chat” tab and then enter our meeting ID: 215 988 0888.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:#1A1A1A;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3;background:white;box-sizing: inherit'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif'>Click the following link, which will open the meeting using the app or your web browser:<br></span><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><a href="https://zoom.us/my/nfbpennsylvania"><span style='font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#007ACC;text-decoration:none'>https://zoom.us/my/nfbpennsylvania</span></a></span><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif'><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:#1A1A1A;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3;background:white;box-sizing: inherit'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif'>On a mobile phone, click either of the following “One Tap” links, based on which one is nearest to your location:<br>+13017158592,,2159880888# (Germantown)<br>+16468769923,,2159880888#(New York)<o:p></o:p></span></li></ol><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Please find the minutes from the October 2022 minutes below the ***.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>See you Friday morning at 10am.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>***<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name="OLE_LINK21"><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania - Greater Berks Chapter Meeting</span></b></a><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK21'></span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Date: Friday, October 21, 2022 </span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> Location: Zoom Conference Call<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>1. Roll Call: 7 members and guests in attendance<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Officers</span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><br clear=all style='break-before:auto'></span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Rosemary Freedman, President<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Linda Mackey, Secretary<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Brian Mackey, Treasurer<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><br clear=all style='break-before:auto'></span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>John Kaufman, Vice President<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Board Member</span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Judy Vaskorlis<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Members:</span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Lynn Heitz<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> </span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>2. President Rosemary Freedman called the meeting to order at 10:06 am.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> </span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>3. Secretary’s Report: Linda Mackey<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;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.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> </span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>4. Treasurer’s Report: Brian Mackey<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Brian Mackey provided the following treasury figures:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Beginning Balance as of May 1: <b>$4,461.81</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> </span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Income: <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Duck Race Proceeds: $122.00<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Total Income: $122.00<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Expenses:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>PAC Plan: $40.00<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Total Expenses: $40.00<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> </span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Ending Balance as of April 30: <b>$4,543.81</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> </span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Line Items:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Personal Financial Assistance: $848.55<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Transportation Assistance Fund: $1,400.00<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Total Line Items: $2,248.55<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> </span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Working Balance: <b>$2,295.26</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> </span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Linda Mackey motioned to accept the treasury report as presented, seconded by John Kaufman, and unanimously approved.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> </span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>5. Legislative Update: Brian Mackey<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;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. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;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.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> </span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>6. Old/New Business: <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;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.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;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.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;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. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>New Business:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;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. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;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.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;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”. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;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<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> </span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;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.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Bus to Atlantic City you get $25 credit towards the casino playing.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;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;<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;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.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> </span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>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).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> </span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Respectfully submitted by Linda Mackey, Secretary<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Reviewed by Rosemary Freedman, President<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania Greater Berks Chapter<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>