AZCB Board Meeting Minutes

November 15, 2014

AZCB Board Meeting Minutes

Members Present: Carlos Paraskevas, Dan Martinez, Bob Williams, Barbara McDonald, Jeff Bishop, Robin Paraskevas, Sharon Booker, Thom Booker and Karen Hughes

Guest Present: Jacque Olsen (GDUA Chapter Representative and Foundation Fighting Blindness)

Moment of Silence: Reflecting onforward momentum and sending positive energy moving forward.

Agenda: Carlos amended the Agenda, statedthat He asked Jacque Olsen to attend the Meeting to give an Update on the GDUA Annual Meeting as well as onThe Foundation Fighting Blindness and VisionWalk. Also, Carlos mentioned thathe wanted to address one of the NFB of Arizona Resolutions that is being proposed to the Governor’s Council. Barbara moved to approve the amended Agenda and Bob seconded. The motion was carried.

Approval of October Meeting Minutes: Carlos stated he needs to make some minor date changes. Jeff moved to approve the amended October Minutes and Robin Seconded. The motion was carried.

GDUA Annual Meeting: Jacque gave an Update on the Annual GDUA Chapter Meeting that was held on Saturday November 8 at the Arizona Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ACBVI). She said it was well attended. There were 16 Attendees and 4 guide dog Schools Represented: Some Field Reps and Trainers. She remarked that as a Dog Guide User, it was a very informative meeting. The group discussed various training methods and Philosophy’s. Also, both small and larger size schools were represented. Jacque said all the Presenters were excellent and several topics were discussed. There was a Veterinarian whom discussed Dog Allergies. She mentioned that there was a speaker that presented on the similarities between Dogs and Horses. Jacque mentioned that both Carlos and a Staff person from ACBVI also presented at the Meeting. Jacque said it was a very positive Meeting: there was lots of excitement and Enthusiasm.

GDUA had elections and they have a new President, Liz Whitlock. Jacque commented on the facility, said that it was a great location to hold the meeting: very spacious and the Staff person from ACBVI was friendly and accommodating.

Carlos remarked that there were some wonderful presentations as well as someone there spoke on the accessible hiking trail at South Mountain. Jacque said they were excited aboutNoah’s Eagle Scout Project. She said Noah made the hiking trail even more accessible for the blind and visually impaired and that GDUA is planning an activity to hike there.

Robin commented that she would like to have more information on the affiliate chapters so when sheis outin the community that she can inform others. She said that, at VRATE, she did not have updated contactinformation and information on the various chapters. Jacque said she would like to coordinate with all the umbrella organizations that attend VRATE and have one table so as much information can be distributed to members in the community. Carlos stated that he would also like to promote all the chapters.

Dan asked Jacque to discuss the relationship between GDUA and the National Organization. Jacque stated that there have been some very positive changes, that there were some major internal issues and concerns with the Parent Organization, Guide Dog Users Inc. Jacque said that they recently had elections, that there is a new President and assured the Board that they are quite capable and very supportive. All affiliates are being encouraged to be involved and speak on various topics and issues. Jacque stated that the Organization is making positive changes, is being restructured, that they have a wonderful president and the organization will thrive. Jeff spoke highly of the President.

VisionWalk: Jacque informed us that the 9TH Annual VisionWalk will be held February 28, 2015 at SteeleIndian School Park. Jacque was delighted to know that AZCB has their Logo onthe Foundation’s Web site and also is a Community Sponsor. Jacque said she is encouraging Teams to register and also Individuals tosign up as well. Jacque remarked that there are no entry fees or minimum donations required. Unlike manyother events, people can just be there to support the cause. Jacque stated that VisionWalk typically raises $75 to $100,000. The Funds all go towards research on blindness. Jacque said it is a National program. Jacque commented that it’ssimple to donate, that one can make a donation on the web site and that she has had people from as far as Brazil that donated, so essentially it’s an International Event. She said that Arizona has the largest VisionWalk team in the Region.

Karen commentedthat her Employer, Hyatt Regency Scottsdale, was very much interested in participating in VisionWalk. Karen stated that she has discussed the upcoming Event with Ann Lane, the PR Director at Hyatt Scottsdale and that Hyatt would like to know how they can help. Karen also remarked that every month Hyatt Scottsdale has a Community Initiative Event in February and Karenwill be co-chairing the Event. Karen also mentioned that she has been in touch with Alex Pushman, the PR director at FBC as well as at ASU but said Hyatt will definitely be participating at the Event. Jacque stated thatCompanies and Organizations are not always able to make amonetary commitment but will form a team or volunteerat the event. Jacque said Donna Cohen would be the person to speak with and can assist.

Treasury Report: Robin gave an update, said our donations have increased considerably, approximately by $4,000. Robin said there is nothing pending, just waiting for the Membership drive to get started and for now there is notmuch to report. Barbara moved to approve the Treasury Report and Sharonseconded. The motion was carried.

Dan presented the proposed 2015 budget from the Budget Committee. Bob suggested that the Committee adjust the budget and consider providing some financial assistance to Members to attend the National Convention. Bob moved to approve the proposed Budget and Jeff seconded. The motion was carried. Sharon expressed concernabout the office costs and Robin reassured the Board that she is doing her best to keep costs at a minimum yet is looking into making some changes: such as lowering Phone costs. Jeff commented that AZCB could switch to Google Voice and port the numbers. Jeff said it would lower costs and provide moreflexibility. Carlos moved to approve the Budget and Robin seconded. The motion was carried.

President’s Report: Carlos stated that he visited the Talking Book Library and that they do a wonderful job. He said he will interject with information and comments on the various Committees.

Membership: Jeff gave an update. Jeff informed the Board that there are some issues with the Mailman Service client that ACB utilizes, thatMicrosoft has blocked some accounts and that he is working on resolving the issue.

Jeff stated that he redesigned the Membership form, provided more detail and improved accessibility. He commented that he sent a link to everyone on the Board list.

ACB Radio Auction: ACB National was delighted to receive AZCB’s gift of the George Forman Grill and AZCB is on the list for their Item to be Auction on December 7.

VRATE: Carlos commented that he, Dan, Barbara, Robin and other AZCB Members attended VRATEand that it was aPhenomenal Event. Carlos stated that it’s crucial to have more information: pamphlets,Brochures at the Event to provide to attendees as well as providethe URL to the Web site. Barbara commented that Sun Sounds of Arizona now have 31 new Members as well as there were individuals whom attended VRATE for the first time.

White Cane Safety Day: Carlos said that He, Dan and Barbara attended the White CaneSafety Day at the VA. Dan attended the one that was at the Capital on October 15 with NFB. Dan said that many from SAVI from Tucson were at the Event informed the public on the importance of White Cane Safety and the Proclamation was read.

New Business:

AFB Leadership Conference: Dan stated that He, Carlos and others are planning for the AFB Conference in April. Dan said he will inform the Board and provide more details when it becomes available.

NFBAZ Resolution: Carlos stated that the NFBA is proposing a Bill to the Governor’s Council that would enable books and Materials be more accessible for all disabled College Students. This Bill would assure that Students whom are blind would have all their booksin accessibleformat. Also, Students would have computers with adaptive software. Carlos supports this resolution. Dan remarked that said AZCB is committed toaccessibility and providing advocacy for the Organization. Dan also stated that he would like to see AZCB and the Arizona Liaison support the Resolution.

MCC: Barbara said that the Maricopa Club had a meeting on November 12 and there was a speaker from Sun Sounds. She discussed the various modalities to receive all the information and services that Sun Sounds provide: Computer, mobile devicesand radio. Barbara said they will have their next meeting on December 10, will be having elections and planning the next conference.

SAZCB: Sharon gave an update, said they had a hamburger party. Also, they areorganizing volunteers to assist Blind and visuallyimpaired Members in the community at the Grocery store as well as to educate the volunteers on blindness. SAZCB will have their Christmas party on December 5 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. Carlos said that the Book Club will be meeting at 5:30 pm on December 10.

RSA Clients: Carlos mentioned that the next RSA training will be on November 19. He commented that moreindividuals will be participating, 13 clients, 3 staff members and others, approximately 20attendees.

GCBVI: They will be having a full council meeting on November 21 at 12:30 PM.

AZDAC: Barbara stated that they had their meeting on November 13 and saidthat there will be adjustments in the budget. AZDAC is focusing on Membership. They were pleased to see the turnout on Election Day and at the Polling places. AZDAC did observe some disabilityrelated issues at the Polling sites and will be working with the Secretary of State Board to resolve these issues.

Next Meeting Date and Adjournment: The next Board Meeting will be Saturday,December 13 at 9:00 AM. Meeting adjourned at Noon.