[Njagdu] NJAGDU October 15th meeting agenda and minutes from September

sue suetillett at verizon.net
Thu Oct 8 21:37:13 UTC 2015


Hi all,
I can't do Thursday nights because I have bell choir at my church. I was thinking about the questions though, and I was thinking I think I would really be better to make up our own questions and make them a little more set of fun not quite so cut and dry maybe things like is my guy dog trying to protect me how does my dog know where I want to go? I don't know how do you how do you pick up the poop I don't know really I don't know but maybe make up of OK my dictation is a little sloppy here but I think you're kind of maybe get the idea anyway just my two cents maybe I can think of some better questions Sue

Sent from my iPhone

> On Oct 6, 2015, at 7:11 AM, Patricia Ebel <patriciaebel0302 at comcast.net> wrote:
> 
> To all Guide Dog Members and Participants,
> Our next NJAGDU meeting will be on Thursday, October 15th at 7:30 pm.  The call in number is (712) 432-0180 and the code is 460994 pound.  Please rsvp back to me with your availability. 
> Below are the minutes from our last meeting.  Please be sure to review them before the meeting, following the minutes you will then find our agenda.
> National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey
> New Jersey Association of Guide Dog Users
> September 17, 2015
>  
> 1.       Roll Call
> Trish Ebel. NFBNJ NJAGDU President
> Alice Eaddy, Secretary
> Lynn Reynolds, Treasurer
> Jerilyn Higgins
> Les Cameron
> Joe Braz
> Christina Brino
> Pat McKenna
> Dan Fachini
> Jonathan Goodman
> Chris Franz
> John Luland
> Jo Luland
> Michael Halm
> Steve Rutch
>  
> Anna DeSantis
> Ann Wasserman
> Ryan Stevens, Parliamentarian
>  
> 2.       Call to order the meeting was called to order at 7:32 p.m. Trisha
>  
> 3.       The minutes were sent out by Alice: Anna moved to accept the minutes as read Joe Braz seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
>  
> 4.       Lyn provided the treasures report: the ending balance as of August 30 $535. There was a $100 Bell donation leaving a balance of $535. Les moved to accept and Steve Rutch seconded. The motion carried unanimously.
> ** Note**we skipped to the snack pack topic at this point which is documented in the appropriate category within the minutes.
>  
> 5.  Tupperware Fundraiser – Trisha: The Tupperware fundraiser is now up and running. Please post on social media platforms. We get 40% of the profit. There is a glitch in that it does not say that your item is in the cart: so if you accidently get more than you want you can delete the extra. If you have any problems email Christina at princessregal at optonline.net or Trisha atpatriciaebel0302 at comcast.net.  Catalogue orders will be shipped to Trisha to bring to convention.
> 6. Nominating committee for November elections– Lynn. The other chosen nominating committee members are Anna and Michael. Ryan offered that Anna’s board seat it not up for reelection, hers is now a two year term, but as per the constitution nominations can be taken from the floor. Jerilyn stated that we could collect dues at the end of the meeting for 2016.
> 7. Convention – Trisha asked who would be attending: Dan, Alice, Anna, Lydia, Lynn, Ann W. (Friday), Steve, Joe Braz and Ginger (Thursday), Les, and Pat (Saturday only). The Seeing Eye once again has donated a product filled tote bag for raffle, Anna has it already.
> a. Thursday night dinner the time will be announced after seeing the full agenda for the state convention. Each person will be responsible for their own individual check. Anna the guide dog meeting is usually on Saturday as a breakfast meeting from 7:45 -8:45 am; general session starts at 9 am.
> B.  Fundraising and snack packs, Jerilyn and Trisha. There was much discussion regarding the snack pack that we will be selling as the host division at convention. Dan will be donating a sizeable portion of its content. There will be a minimum of 100 bags, (2) cases of chips and pretzels, cheese and crackers, life savers, plain m & ms and 8oz water. Thursday night folks will gather at President Trisha’s room to assemble. Chris stated that m & ms should not contain peanuts due to allergy issues. Where will we be allowed to sell the bags? At the registration table, and the entrance/exit table in the vendor hall. It was suggested to bring a shoulder bag or rolling cart for members to help sell from. A schedule will be setup and people can sign up. Steve will donate bags that say “has a nice day”. Trisha will firm up how to get them from Steve to convention. Lynn asked are the profits being split with the state affiliate. Trisha will check with Mr. Ruffalo. The dog race monies are for sure but if everything is then they should help with the selling.
> C.  Friday night activities include the dance/yoga and the dog race. If you have dog name suggestions should be emailed to Trisha atpatriciaebel0302 at comcast.net. We will also be responsible for a 20 minute trivia game show game segment about guide dog particulars; Dusty’s law flyers will be available.
> D.  DOOR PRIZE LETTER TRISHA: Brian will be sending out a shortly.
> E. scholarship suggestions: One of the current scholarship winners is a guide dog user. Joe Braz moved that we make a $100 donation to the scholarship fund Alice seconded. A discussion of membership status and the ability to make a motion occurred during this process so an accounting from the bank has to take place to clear up the point of question.
> 8. NAGDU update – Alice the NAGDU was filled with a great deal of technology and app related discussion and was tabled until next month
> 9. New Business the NJAGDU constitution was read and what happens next discussed. The age of membership into the Division was referenced as being generally 16 dependent on lifestyle. Should it be opened up to kids as low as 15? Pat offered that some EDGE students are interested in guide dogs; further that all EDGE students are being encouraged to come to the state convention. Ryan said that there is a difference between being members and participating on the Division calls. Membership is limited to guide dog users and those in-between dog persons.* see section 1 Article 3 in the constitution. Trisha was asked to poll the board and let him know if we wanted to add verbiage that would permit a younger age of membership. Membership is somewhat vague in the constitution so as not to tie our hands. Sue we cannot open it up puppy raisers. Les stated that we provide outreach that the guide dog is invisible all you do is deal with the handler.
> 10. Old Business
> a. Dog fest was scratched due to a conflict of interest
> 11. Adjournment Alice made a motion to adjourn, Jerilyn seconded and all were in favor at 8:48 pm.
>  
> Respectfully submitted,
> Alice Eaddy, Secretary
> NFB NJAGDU
>  
>  
>  
>  
>  
>  
> From: Njagdu [mailto:njagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf of Patricia Ebel via Njagdu
> Sent: Monday, October 05, 2015 7:42 AM
> To: 'New Jersey Association of Guide Dog Users'; 'Lynn Reynolds (Legislation)'; annades at optonline.net; 'Alice Eaddy'; 'Tara M. Carty'; danfb at verizon.net; 'Lester Cameron'; Classemt at aol.com; 'Vincent Chaney Jr.'; 'joe ruffalo'; jluland at verizon.net; 'Jo Luland'; jdhiggins3 at verizon.net; suetillett at verizon.net; lydiakeller at comcast.net; 'Joseph Braz'; 'Ginger Kutsch'; 'michael hamm'; 'Charles McKenna'; 'Christine Franz'; 'Rick Fox (Membership)'
> Cc: Patricia Ebel; 'Brino Christina'; 'Jonathan Goodman'; 'Ryan Stevens'
> Subject: [Njagdu] Questions and Answers for game show at convention
>  
> Hello to all guide dog members and participants,
> As I promised, below is a list of questions for our Friday night game show.  This is actually the fact sheet from the ADA and I have pasted it below.  If anyone has any suggestions regarding questions you would like to add please just email me.  If you are interested in joining me on Friday night to run this game show please email me and let me know.  I would like to start planning our activities together with all of you that will be attending.  I have already started collecting prizes for the winners.
> Please, any feedback is really appreciated; this is our division not just mine.
>  
> FAQ: Service Animals
> 
> Question:
> 
> I have a service dog. I made a hotel reservation and told them I have a service dog. They said that was fine but they would have to charge me extra to cover the cost of extra cleaning after we check out. Can they do this?
> Answer:
> No.  Places of lodging, as well as any other Title III place of public accommodation, cannot impose additional fees, surcharges, or request deposits because you are accompanied by a service animal.  This also holds true for places of lodging who normally allow pets at an extra charge. Service animals are not pets; therefore you cannot be charged a pet fee. If your animal does any damage to the property then the hotel/business would have the right afterwards to charge you appropriate fees to cover the cost of the damage, if it is normally their policy to charge anyone who causes damage. 
>  
> Question:
> 
> I work in a buffet-style restaurant. We had a customer come in with a service dog. The customer got really upset when I explained that we would have to seat her very far away from the buffet, and that the dog could not accompany her to the buffet, because it would violate local health codes to have the dog that close to the food. We are within our rights aren’t we, given our health and safety requirements?
> Answer:
> No. Even if local or state health laws suggest animals cannot be present around the food, the ADA supersedes local and state ordinance. Places of public accommodation, including places that prepare and serve food, must comply with the ADA. Title III of the ADA applies to any restaurant, bar, lounge, etc. that serves food to the public.  It is also important to note that the Food and Drug Administration specifically states that it is not a health risk or violation for service animals to be around food, including employees who have service animals with them at work.  
> Question:
> 
> Is there any place that has the legal right to deny my service animal access?
> Answer:
> Yes.  Hospitals may be able to make the case for not allowing service animals into certain areas of their facility if a legitimate direct threat/health and safety risk exists, such as in patient rooms, the emergency room, or Intensive Care Unit. However the animal should still be allowed in more public parts of the hospital such as cafeterias and waiting rooms.   Also, churches and religious entities are exempt from ADA Title II and Title III obligations; therefore they do not have to allow a service animal access under the law.  Private home owners also have the right to ask that you not bring your service animal with you into their home. The only time Title II and Title III covered entities have the right to deny access is if the service animal has posed a legitimate health and safety risk or direct threat or if their presence has fundamentally altered the nature of the business. For example, if a service animal is out of the handler's control, causes a major disturbance (i.e. barking uncontrollably), or hurts another person, then the public or private entity would have the right to request that the owner remove the animal.
>  
> Question:
> 
> Can my service animal sit with me on the airplane or does he have to ride in the cargo of the plane, and can the airline charge me extra for having my animal with me?
> Answer:
> The Air Carrier Access Act applies in this situation, not the ADA. The Air Carrier Access Act indicates that service animals and emotional support animals, are allowed in the cabin or the aircraft as long as the owner has a doctor's note verifying the need for the ESA.   The airline cannot charge extra fees or require the owner to purchase an extra ticket. The animal is typically allowed to ride under the passenger's seat. In certain cases, such as if the animal is unusually large or the owner has 2 animals, the owner may have to purchase an additional seat. Another option is to put the animal in the cargo hold, in which case the airline would not be allowed to charge extra even under special circumstances.  For more information, see http://airconsumer.dot.gov/rules/382short.pdf.
> Question:
> 
> I have a service dog and am looking for an apartment. The landlords I have met with are saying no pets are allowed in their housing units so they can’t rent to me. Is this legal?
> Answer:
> The Fair Housing Act (FHA), enforced by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), says tenants with disabilities are entitled to reasonable accommodations "necessary to afford a person with a disability an equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling" even if there is a "no pets allowed" rule. HUD's position has been that service animals and emotional support animals may qualify as an accommodation but the person with the disability may need to "demonstrate the need for the accommodation" if said need is not readily apparent.  This information is taken from the Department of Housing and Urban Development 24 CFR Part 5 Pet Ownership for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities, Final Rule which can be viewed at: http://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/24/5/subpart-C. Please note, there may be some exemptions to coverage under the FHA. For example, the owner of a small rental building, who also lives in the same building, may not have to adhere to follow the FHA as long as their advertising of the dwelling is not discriminatory in nature.
> Question:
> 
> I deal with depression and anxiety sometimes so my doctor said I should get an emotional support animal or a companion animal, are they the same as a service animal?
> Answer:
> No. Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) are therapeutic pets that help individuals with emotional difficulties. They are not trained to perform tasks or do work for the owner like a service animal is. ESAs cannot enter "no-pets allowed" establishments, but they are allowed in no-pets allowed housing and in the cabins of airplanes as long as the owner has a note from their doctor verifying the need for the ESA.  Companion Animals, sometimes called Therapy Animals, are pets who are typically very gentle and trained to behave well in a variety of settings. They are sometimes used for bringing a higher level of social functioning to people in nursing homes, schools, hospitals, etc. But they are not service animals nor are they legally granted access within any no-pets allowed establishments.
>  
> Question:
> 
> The ADA says I can take my service animal with me into public places. Does this mean I can take it with me to my job too and my boss can’t say no?
> Answer:
> Title II and Title III of the ADA specifically state that service animals should be allowed to accompany their owner into public and private business establishments. The rules are different in the workplace. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has indicated that Title I of the ADA, which covers employment, does not require automatic access for service animals. The employee must request this as an accommodation and the employer must consider this request and determine whether granting the accommodation is reasonable in the person's workplace.
> Question:
> 
> I run a business- if someone comes in with a dog claiming it’s a service animal can I ask for proof?
> Answer:
> To determine if an animal is a service animal, a public entity or a private business may ask two questions: 1) Is this animal required because of a disability?  2) What work or task has this animal been trained to perform? These inquiries may not be made if the need for the service animal is obvious (e.g., the dog is guiding an individual who is blind or is pulling a person's wheelchair.) You may not ask what disability the owner has nor can you require any documentation or proof that the animal has been certified, trained or licensed as a service animal.  The ADA does not require that service animals wear any sort of identification, vest, or harness.
> Question:
> 
> Can any animal be a service animal or can they only be dogs?
> Answer:
> According to the new Department of Justice ADA Title II and Title III regulations (which took effect March 15, 2011), a service animal is any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. Other species of animals, whether wild or domestic, trained or untrained, are not considered to be service animals.  There is one exception to this limitation. If a miniature horse has been trained to assist an individual with a disability, then the same ADA protections that apply to service dogs shall apply to the service horse also.
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> From: Njagdu [mailto:njagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Patricia Ebel via Njagdu
> Sent: Monday, October 05, 2015 7:07 AM
> To: 'New Jersey Association of Guide Dog Users'; 'Lynn Reynolds (Legislation)'; annades at optonline.net; 'Alice Eaddy'; 'Tara M. Carty'; danfb at verizon.net; 'Lester Cameron'; Classemt at aol.com; 'Vincent Chaney Jr.'; 'joe ruffalo'; jluland at verizon.net; 'Jo Luland'; jdhiggins3 at verizon.net; suetillett at verizon.net; lydiakeller at comcast.net; 'Joseph Braz'; 'Ginger Kutsch'; 'michael hamm'; 'Charles McKenna'; 'Christine Franz'; 'Rick Fox (Membership)'
> Cc: Patricia Ebel; 'Brino Christina'; Jonathan Goodman; 'Ryan Stevens'; Joe ruffalo
> Subject: [Njagdu] article from Tampa Bay Times...myth of 'hypoallergenic' dogs
>  
>  
> Dear All,
>  
>                 I found this article from the Tampa bay Times to be very interesting. I thought others would find it so, as well!
>  
> Fraternally yours,
> Marion Gwizdala
> Don't fall for myth of 'hypoallergenic' dogs. Almost daily, I have parents tell me not to worry because even though they or their children are allergic to dogs, they have purchased a hypoallergenic dog. I hesitate sharing that the hypoallergenic dog is just a myth. To be sure, it is an incredible marketing ploy. Just who started this urban legend remains a mystery. If you type in "hypoallergenic dogs" on Google, you'll find no shortage of breed suggestions. Even the American Kennel Club has a list of many dogs that are best for allergy sufferers. The AKC does not go so far as to endorse them as best for people with dog allergies, but it does state that "These dogs have a predictable, non-shedding coat which produces less dander. Let’s look at the science behind dog allergies. The primary allergen from dogs is Canis familiaris allergen 1, or Can f 1. This allergen, a protein, is found in the saliva and urine of dogs. The protein sticks to the dead, dry flakes from your pet's skin, which is dander. An animal's fur is not the source of the allergen, although it can surely be an irritant to mucous membranes and airways. A landmark study was done in 2011 at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit to determine whether homes with hypoallergenic dogs had less Can f 1 than homes with other dogs. All homes were single-dog homes. The results showed no significant difference in the amount of Can f 1 found in the homes. In clinical practice, it does appear that certain individual dogs are less allergenic to certain patients, but this is not a breed-specific characteristic. Likely, it is a factor specific to an individual dog's genetics, diet and behavior. More than 33 percent of U.S. homes have a dog, making canine allergies quite a public health concern. These allergies are strongly associated with asthma and allergic rhinitis. Up to 30 percent of patients with allergic disease are sensitive to animals. Symptoms of dog allergy can include: Runny, sneezing nose Itchy, watery eyes Nasal congestion Cough Wheezing or shortness of breath Hives or itching of skin an allergist can help identify if you are allergic to your animals. If you do have dog allergies, you must minimize your interaction with the animal. Your dog must not sleep in your bed or even in your bedroom. The bedroom must become a dog-free zone with some barrier to keep the dog from entering even when you are not there. It is important to have someone clean the bedroom once the animal has been relocated. All hard surfaces should be wiped down with a damp cloth to physically try to remove as much dander as possible from walls, furniture, etc. A HEPA air purifier should be placed at the head of your bed and run when you are home. This is a prime opportunity to extract some dander from the air, as Can f 1 is extremely lightweight and may remain airborne for hours. Bathing your pet weekly also can help to reduce the amount of pet dander in your home. The very best way to deal with a dog allergy is to remove the dog from the home. While this is very difficult for many families, it is sometimes necessary, especially when the patient is suffering from significant asthma that can be life threatening. Even after removing an animal from your home, it can take six months to several years to fully rid the home of animal dander. Talking with your allergist can help you identify the best ways to diagnose and treat your dog allergies. Avoidance, medications and allergy injection therapy are all options that might be right for you. Just remember not to fall for the "hypoallergenic dogs" myth. Dr. Mona V. Mangat is a board-certified allergist and immunologist at Bay Area Allergy & Asthma in St. Petersburg. Find her at bayallergy.com. Contact her atbayallergy at gmail.com..
> 
>  
>  
> From: Patricia Ebel [mailto:patriciaebel0302 at comcast.net] 
> Sent: Sunday, October 04, 2015 10:58 PM
> To: 'New Jersey Association of Guide Dog Users'; 'Lynn Reynolds (Legislation)'; 'annades at optonline.net'; 'Alice Eaddy'; 'Tara M. Carty'; 'danfb at verizon.net'; 'Lester Cameron'; 'Classemt at aol.com'; 'Vincent Chaney Jr.'; 'joe ruffalo'; 'jluland at verizon.net'; 'Jo Luland'; 'jdhiggins3 at verizon.net'; 'suetillett at verizon.net'; 'lydiakeller at comcast.net'; 'Joseph Braz'; 'Ginger Kutsch'; 'michael hamm'; 'Charles McKenna'; 'Christine Franz'; 'Rick Fox (Membership)'
> Cc: 'Brino Christina'; 'Ryan Stevens'; jdegen16 at outlook.com; joe ruffalo (nfbnj1 at verizon.net); Mary Jo Partyka (Capital Chapter & Braille Division) (choirnfb at gmail.com); Carol Castellano (carol.joyce.castellano at gmail.com); specialk38 at aol.com; Anthony Lanzilotti (Vehicle Donation) (Tti777 at gmail.com); REBECCA IRVIN (rirvin14 at optonline.net); Linda DeBerardinis (ldeber at comcast.net); lydiakeller at comcast.net; Jonathan Goodman (j.goodman82 at comcast.net); Ginger Kutsch (Ginger at ky2d.com)
> Subject: helpful hints for ordering, : [Njagdu] It's Time to kick off our Tupper Wear Fund raiser!!!
>  
> Hello Everyone,
> I know that many of you have been trying to purchase some Tupper wear for our fundraiser and have been having difficulty.  So here are a few more ideas.  If you enter on the original link that was first sent out, you then go to search and put in New Jersey Association of Guide dog Users then find support and enter on that link.  Then you want to click fundraiser again on top and it will take you to the catalogue.
> If you find what you want you can always call Christina Brino with your items and a credit card number.  Christina’s number is (862) 812 8058 and she will be happy to take your order.
> Here is a link that Ginger shortened and with this after you enter on it just scroll down and it starts showing all of the items.  Good luck guys and  thank you so much for your patience.
>  
>  
>  
> http://www.tupperware.com/b/10106844011?fundraiser=55f32979d8687b303cb84d8d&field_subjectbin=&field_price=&field_color_map=&searchRank=-product_site_launch_date&searchSize=12&searchPage=1&searchBinNameList=subjectbin%2Cprice%2Ccolor_map
>  
>  
>  
>  
>  
> Sincerely,
> Trisha Ebel
> From: Njagdu [mailto:njagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Patricia Ebel via Njagdu
> Sent: Friday, September 18, 2015 5:35 PM
> To: Lynn Reynolds (Legislation); annades at optonline.net; Alice Eaddy; Tara M. Carty; danfb at verizon.net; Lester Cameron; Classemt at aol.com; Vincent Chaney Jr.; joe ruffalo; jluland at verizon.net; Jo Luland; jdhiggins3 at verizon.net; suetillett at verizon.net; lydiakeller at comcast.net; Joseph Braz; Ginger Kutsch; michael hamm; Charles McKenna; Christine Franz; Rick Fox (Membership)
> Cc: Patricia Ebel; Brino Christina; New Jersey Association of Guide Dog Users; Ryan Stevens
> Subject: [Njagdu] It's Time to kick off our Tupper Wear Fund raiser!!!
>  
> Hello to all Guide dog members and Participants,
> We are ready to rock and roll and begin our Tupper Wear fund raiser!  The fund raiser will end on Saturday, October 10th with 40% of all  sales going to our guide dog division!  Please distribute the below link to all of your family and friends that you are comfortable with selling items to.
> Here are a few directions and the link:
>  When you are on the site it says to find a fundraiser.  There is a drop down box, you will select our state and then you will find it under New Jersey Association of Guide dog users.
> http://www.tupperware.com/?fundraiser=55f32979d8687b303cb84d8d
>  
>  
>  
> If you have difficulty please let me or Christina Brino know and one of us will assist you, contact information is below.
> Please note that I will be out of town from Wednesday, 9/23 and will be returning home on Saturday, 10/3 so please contact me before or after those dates with any questions.  I will not have full access to my email.
>  
> Brino Christina (princessregal at optonline.net)
> My cell number is 201 456 0091 and my email just in case of difficulties is: 
> Patriciaebel0302 at comcast.net
>  
> Happy fund raising to all!!!
> Sincerely,
> Trisha Ebel
> President, NJAGDU
>                
> AGENDA
> 1.        Roll Call
> 2.       .  Minutes Alice
> 3.       .  Treasury report  Lynn
> 4.       .  State convention.              All  A.  Firming up snack packs   B.  Friday night activities      C.  Short discussion on relief area  D.  Dog race forms  E.  Dusty’s flyers F.  Dog Play at convention      G.      Other
> 5.       .  New Business All
> 6.         Old business  All       A.  Door prize letter and items   B.  Tupper Wear Fundraiser
> 7.       .  Open floor  all
> 8.       .  Adjournment  Trisha
>                                                                                                                                                                                     Cordially yours, Trisha Ebel
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