<div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_default" style="font-family:georgia,serif;font-size:large">Attached are the March minutes</div><div><br></div><span>-- </span><br><div dir="ltr" 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<span class="gmail_default" style="font-family:georgia,serif;font-size:large"> </span></strong></font></em></div><div><em><font color="#330099" face="georgia,serif" size="4"><strong><span class="gmail_default" style="font-family:georgia,serif;font-size:large"><br></span></strong></font></em></div><div><em><font color="#330099" face="georgia,serif" size="4"><strong><span class="gmail_default" style="font-family:georgia,serif;font-size:large"><br></span></strong></font></em></div><div><em><font color="#330099" face="georgia,serif" size="4"><strong><span class="gmail_default" style="font-family:georgia,serif;font-size:large"></span></strong></font></em><a name="OLE_LINK21" style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt"><b>National
Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania - Greater Berks Chapter Meeting</b></a></div><div class="gmail-WordSection1" style="page: WordSection1;">
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><b>Date: Friday,
March 10, 2023 </b> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"> Location:
Zoom Conference Call</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">1. Roll
Call: 6 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>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">John
Kaufman, VP Linda Mackey, Secretary </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Brian Mackey, Treasurer</p>
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<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 <a name="_Hlk129285044">Vaskorlis</a></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">Angel Torres</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><b>Guests:</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Jasmyn
Polite</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. Vice
President John Kaufman called the meeting to order at 10:00 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">Minutes
were read. John took exception to Lynn Heitz and Emily Ginglesperger being on
the call and Lynn being a member of the chapter.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">John
stated that things are done differently in Berks County. Because Brian and
Linda are not from Berks that they do not understand how things are done.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Lynn
had stated that funds raised in the chapter should be used to send members to
state and national convention. John questioned that since Linda & Brian
were the only ones who benefited. Linda stated that any one can attend both of
the conventions. John said the members have limited funds or the confidence to
attend these events. Linda replied that by attending these events helps members
gain confidence. Linda reminded John that members from other chapter are
actively involved in attending events.</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">John asked
Brian if he ever added up what he spends on conventions. Linda and Brian stated
that that has nothing to do with the minutes. John said because the minutes
included expenses, it does make a difference.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">John
wanted an email with all of his expenses.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Brian
approved the minutes; Angel Torres 2<sup>nd</sup>.</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">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 February 1: <b>$1594.71</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"><b>Income</b>: </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Dues $5.00</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><b>Total
Income:</b> $5.00</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"><b>Expenses</b>:</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">PAC
Plan: $10.00</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><b>Total Expenses</b>: $10.00<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 February 28: $1589.71 <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"><b>Line
Items:</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Transportation
Assistance Fund: $614.60</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><b>Total
Line Items:</b> $614.60<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"><b>Working
Balance</b>: <b>$975.11</b><span style="font-size:8pt"></span></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">Linda
accepted report as written; 2<sup>nd</sup> by Angel</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">5. Old/New
Business: </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">John
takes exception to Lynn Heitz being on our calls.</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">It was
decided to have a luncheon at Aztec Mexican Restaurant </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">April 14<sup>th</sup>,
Friday. Rosemary, John, & Judy discussed and decided to do this without
involving Linda and Brian who are also board members. John said that paid
members get a $25 credit and non-members pay their own way. Linda questioned if
we could ask the membership if that was a good date Currently, we have paid members.
</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">Brian
stated that registration for National Convention in Houston is now open. Dates:
July 1-6<sup>th</sup> at the Hilton Americas and the over flow will be at the
Marriott. Registration is $25; banquet $75. Deadline is June 1<sup>st</sup>.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Room rates
and other details are on the NFB.org website.</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">State
Convention is November 9-12<sup>th</sup> at the Crowne Plaza in Harrisburg.
More details to come later.</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">John
inquired as to what is discussed at the National Convention. Brian replied they
review the Presidential report, financial report, legislation updates, national
office updates, resolutions, new technologies, and various guest speaker presentations.
Linda added that we learn about other blind people and what they are doing in
the world, a gentleman from NASA, and many others. </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">John
asked for updates on Legislation. Brian stated that we have two bills being reintroduced in Congress. The Medical
Devices Non-Visual Accessibility Act for the FDA is set guidelines for class 2
and 3 medical devices to have an accessible interface. We have a sponsor in the
House. Also reintroduced in the House and the Senate is the Transformation to Integrated
Employment Act. As explained to John, since these acts did not pass in the
previous Congress, they need to be reintroduced. </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">John suggested that
Jasmyn check out the Allentown chapter since they are very active. Brian will
pass along the chapter presidents name and number. </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">John stated that the
chapter was formed 10 years ago to help all the blind in Berks County and he is
amazed that there are not more members. Brian questioned if the lack of more
member is due to the day and time that we meet. For working individuals or
students, a morning time is difficult. John asked about the possibility to have
the meetings in the evening. Judy prefers mornings and she works on the
weekends. Jasmyn prefers mornings. Jasmyn suggested we advertise on the college
community boards. </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">John inquired as to
what do we have to offer the blind community in Berks County; and he doesn’t
mean the conventions and such. Judy injected that she learned that there were
others like her. Jasmyn added that the chapter can assist with things that OVR
can’t. John reminded everyone that we recently reached to local blind
individuals for things that they needed, via an event at the VRC. John said we
raised the money, but we were reprimanded for it. John did not like that
because we did not use the money to send member to convention. Lynn had told us
in the past that VRC receives state money to assist people going there.</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">John stated that the
chapter can only really offer friendship and luncheons to give members a chance
to talk like a small support group. Jasmyn stated that she was surprised that
OVR does not pay for transportation to work or for supplies like Braille paper.</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">John inquired about
Brian’s signature line on his emails that list different states he does things
for. Brian said he is their webmaster. John asked if he is paid or a volunteer.
Brian replied that that is personal information. John implied that then he knew
Brian was paid and that he has a vested interest in going to all these
conventions at the Berks Chapter’s expense. Linda interjected that Brian did
not become a webmaster from going to conventions. Our good friend, past
president of the New Jersey affiliate, recommended him for his first webmaster
job and his reputation got him the others before he became a member of Berks
Chapter. John insisted that he has a vested interest in going to conventions.
Brian replied that he goes to conventions as an active and interested member of
the National Federation of the Blind. Brian and Linda stated that Brian being a
webmaster has nothing to do with him going to convention. He went to conventions
long before he became a webmaster. John argued that Brian does matter that he
is a webmaster. John said Berks Chapter paid for part of his expenses. He does
not like being reprimanded for helping Berks blind persons. John stated that
Lynn said certain community people are not good enough to be in the Berks
Chapter and it ticked him off. John said he is blind and does not have prejudices
that others have. </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">John motioned that
we close the meeting; 2<sup>nd</sup> by Linda<br></p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>