<div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_default" style="font-family:georgia,serif;font-size:large">Here are the April minutes. They are also in an attachment.</div><div><br></div><span class="gmail_signature_prefix">-- </span><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>Home 610-750-6765</strong></font></em><br></div><div><em><font color="#330099" face="georgia,serif" size="4"><strong><br></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 - <span class="gmail_default" style="font-family:georgia,serif;font-size:large"> </span>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,
April 14, 2023 </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">John Kaufman,
Vice President Brian Mackey,
Treasurer <span class="gmail_default" style="font-family:georgia,serif;font-size:large"> </span>Linda Mackey, Secretary</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"> </p>
</div>
<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">Jasmyn
Polite, Helen Denker, Angel Torres</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><b> </b></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 10:05 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; Brian Mackey approved; seconded by Angel Torres</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Discussion
regarding the membership rights of Lynn Heitz. She is an ex-official member of
all the chapters. John took exception to Lynn Heitz and Emily Gindlesberger
being on our calls and interfering with our chapter. John stated that Brian and
Linda are not from Berks County and Berks County folks operate differently. John
took exception about the chapter supporting Brian and Linda going to convention.
Linda stated that any of the members can also attend the national and state
conventions. John stated that the members live on tight budgets, so they do not
have the funds or confidence to attend. Linda
replied that confidence is gained by attending these events. And that members
from other chapters are very active in attending various events/conventions.
John asked Brian if he ever added up his expenses for attending conventions in
2022. He wanted this information sent to him in an email. Linda replied that
question does not pertain to the minutes. <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">4.
Treasurer’s Report: Brian Mackey</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Linda
Mackey approved; seconded by Angel Torres</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 28: <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"><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">Total
Income: $5.00<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"><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 January 31: <b>$1589.71</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>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></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><b> </b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><b> </b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">John
questioned the line item amount. The amount remains from the budget and should
have had an ending date for use.</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:12pt">5. Old/New
Business:</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">John wants
it on the record that he takes exception to Lynn Heitz being a member of our chapter.</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 by John, Rosemary, and Judy to have lunch at Aztec Mexican restaurant
on April 14th. Linda and Brian, as board members, were not consulted. The
chapter would pay $25 for paid members. Linda questioned if we might send out
an email asking if this date was good for the whole chapter. John said he would
ask Rosemary to send out an email to the members. John asked how many paid
members we have. Brian replied that we have 9 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
informed us that registration for the National Convention is now open. Dates: July 1
-July 6<sup>th</sup> at the Hilton Americas, Houston, TX. Registration: $25;
Banquet $75. Registration deadline: June 1<sup>st</sup>. Overflow hotel is the
Marriott. Hotel costs can be found on the NFB 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 will be November 9-12<sup>th</sup>, Harrisburg Crowne Plaza.
Additional details will come soon.</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 an overview of what happens at the National Convention. Brian listed
discussions about the Presidential Release, financial reports, legislation
updates, National office team updates, pass resolutions, learning about new
technology, and various guest speakers. Linda added that we learn what blind people
are doing in the world. One gentleman from NASA presented with Braille
handouts; one blind driver driving the Salt Flats, and much more. </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 legislation updates. Brian indicated two bills have been reintroduced
to the new Congress. Bill one is the Medical Devices Nonvisual Accessibility
Act that will have the FDA input guidelines for Class 2 & 3 Devices to have
an accessible interface. This is in the House so far. The second act reintroduced
to the Houses and the Senate is the Transformation to Competitive Employment
Act. Both Acts were in the previous Congress, but the bills did not have enough
sponsors to pass. Since we now have a new Congress, the bills must be reintroduced
and gain new sponsors. </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 Jasmyn connect with the Allentown Chapter, which is an active group. Brian will pass on the president, Kirk
Hunger, contact information. </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
remarked that he is amazed that more people do not join this chapter that was started
about ten years ago. Judy and Jasmyn have tried to recruit new members. Brian
added that perhaps the problem might be with the day and time that we meet,
which is difficult for people that work or in school. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">John
asked if we might have meetings in the evening. Judy remarked she prefers
mornings and she works on the weekend. Jasmyn also prefers mornings. Brian asked
if we might try Saturday mornings. Judy said she works. </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 what do we really have to offer to the blind of Berks County on a day-to-day
basis. He did not want to hear about conventions. Judy disclosed that the
chapter gave her contact with other blind persons like herself. Jasmyn added
that the chapter heled with things that OVR can not do. She attends the
Strausberg blind center and has discussions on what they expect blind services
to do. </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 in the past months we reached out to all the Berks County blind persons to
assist them in getting items that they needed. John stated that we raised the
money, but were reprimanded for using it for things the OVR has the money to pay
for. He dislikes using the money to go to conventions. John feels the only
things we have to offer are fellowship, lunches, and support groups for
discussions. But he feels we are not doing a good job in that area. Jasmyn was shocked
and disappointed that OV<span class="gmail_default" style="font-family:georgia,serif;font-size:large">R</span> does not pay for transportation to get 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"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">John
questioned Brian’s email tagline listing the states he is involved with and
wanted to know what it is all about. Brian informed him that he is their webmaster.
He wanted to know if Brian is paid or if he is being paid. Brian and Linda stated
that is personal information and he doesn’t have to disclose it. John insisted
that Brian would have an invested interest in going to all these conventions at
the Berks Chapter’s expense. Linda</span><font face="times new roman, serif"> <span class="gmail_default" style="font-size:large">interjected</span></font><span class="gmail_default" style="font-family:georgia,serif;font-size:large"> </span><font face="Times New Roman, serif">that he did not become a webmaster
for different states. He was recommended by the NJ state affiliate president
and others he knew. This was before he became a member of this chapter. John
still insisted that Brian had a vested interest in going to the conventions.
Brian stated that he goes to conventions as an interested and dedicated member of
the National Federation of the Blind. Brian being a webmaster has nothing to do
with his attending conventions. John insisted that it does since they pay a
portion for him to attend. </font></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
was upset that the chapter was reprimanded for helping Berks County blind. He
was ticked off that certain members are not allowed to be in our chapter. </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></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">6. John
motioned to end the meeting at 10:48 am; seconded by Linda Mackey</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">Our next
meeting will be May 12, 2023 via the affiliate’s Zoom room (meeting ID 215 988 0888).<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</p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>