MARYLAND PARENTS OF BLIND CHILDREN
MINUTES OF GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
MARCH 12, 2005

Present:
Susan Polansky
Karen Herstein
Barbara Cheadle
Danielle Becker
Renee Kirby
Samta Singh
Bob Watson

Meeting was called to order at 10:40 am by President Susan Polansky. 
* Minutes passed from November 14, 2004 meeting. Accepted with minor corrections to the Avon Fundraiser settlements by B. Cheadle.
* Transition Club: Barbara Cheadle informed us that the transition club is now being looked at as a national program in which grant money is being researched. Mark Riccobono has a proposal for a request of $35,000 with DORS
* Loretta White is interested in pursuing the coordination of a statewide training certification of aides.  Working through Lisa Wright.
* Website renewal of MDPARENTSOFBLINDCHILDREN.ORG is due March 13th. Monies sent through service provider and good for one more year.
* Youth Empowerment Stipend requests are to go through Mildred Rivera and not Karen Herstein (as some of the fliers may have stated) 
* Online payment of membership dues to MDPOBC is now available through the website (although there have been no requests to pay via this method yet).
* Braille Story Book Hour – Renee Kirby reports that she has been contacted by Kit Bloom and they discussed changing the logistics of the program due to low turnout.  A suggestion was made that this program could be taken to the schools with a K-3 target audience, thus ensuring a better attendance. The one story book hour at Kids Camp will still happen as planned. Renee will still serve as the point of contact. 
* Barbara Cheadle offered a suggestion that someone be tapped to serve on a long term commitment on the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped board. Currently Danielle Becker serves on the advisory committee. This commitment would be 4 meetings per year.
* It was reported that the Friend of the LBPH are seeking $20,000 to get material converted over into a digital format.
* Grant writing: Barbara Cheadle will get materials together from Loretta and Karen and put together packets.
* Current membership list was passed out and a few corrections made. The board members in attendance split the list into groups that each member will be tasked with contacting and updating and doing a general “touch-base” exercise. 
* Bob Watson volunteered to come up with an insert for the National POBC brochure that could be used that for mailing out to Maryland-specific contacts.


TREASURERS REPORT:
Balance last report: $4095.71.
Expenses:  $2563.03
Income: $3288.43
Balance:  $4821.11

* It was generally decided that the AVON FUNDRAISER would replace the Uncle Ralphs cookie promotion. Danielle Becker will draft a letter thanking Uncle Ralph’s for the past support and cooperation.
* Upcoming expenses: 
o $25 dues to NOPBC
o $300 due to NFB of MD
o $2000 donation to scholarship fund
o A total of $2325 requested and APPROVED by board

An ad for $75 (1/4 page) to be taken out in the MCIE Embrace the Spirit publication. Approved

Treasurers Report accepted.

* A letter of request to garner support on HB 837 was passed out to each board member for them to take for their own county.
* A newspaper article was shared – The Nusbaum’s and their success in securing financial support through their local Lions Club. 
* Convention ideas:
o Ag Lab
o Marie Garcia – an EMS Paramedic
o Escape School
o Biology lesson, perhaps to include reproduction
* Barbara handed out information on the Beginnings and Blueprints Conference May 6-7, 2005
* Barbara announces the date of April 2nd as Anna’s wedding. All are invited.
* Meeting adjourned at 1:10 pm
 

Respectfully submitted,

Bob Watson
Secretary, MDPOBC