Regional Group Meeting Minutes Spring Meeting: April 30, 2011

President Forrest Black called the meeting to order at 9:17 a.m. Robert Byrd led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance, after which Dr. Jackson did the invocation.

Members present were Forrest Black, Hardy Alexander, Dr. Clyde Jackson, Robert Atkins, Floyd Lawrence, Pete Davis, Mike Doyle, Clyde Compton, Mr. Bradley, Herb Patterson, Mr. Lewis, Robert Byrd, Chris Semple, James Regatti, Richard Rhett, Eddie Walker, Michael White, Claudia Perry, spouses, family members and friends.

Acting Associate Director Bob Brooks of the Salem V.A. Medical Center was invited forward to welcome our group. Mr. Brooks said the hospital was proud to serve all veterans, and looks forward to improving service to veterans in the years to comeVendors Steve Merrick of Enhanced Vision, Pat Zowasky with Integration Technology and Jerry Merrindin with Freedom Scientific demonstrated their latest devices to help blinded veterans function more independently. All vendors were kind enough to donate door prizes which were all given to the group.

Dennis Helms with the Department of the Blind and Visually Impaired spoke to the group concerning the needs of blind children and how our group could get involved by giving no longer used equipment such as CCTV's and computers and making them available for distribution to blind children who are in need. George Brummell is representing and coordinating this effort and will follow up as needed.

Claudia Perry, Field Service Representative for Region II spoke concerning the Caregiver Bill. Certain veterans are eligible for the program and some are not at the present time. Efforts are being made on Capitol Hill to extend this program to more veterans. She also said the Adaptive Housing grant is available to certain veterans who are 100% service connected. Claudia said she can be reached at the National Office in D.C. for more information.

Herb Patterson was introduced by President Black as the new Chapter President of Richmond and surrounding area. Herb spoke to us about his involvement with distribution of rebuilt computers and visual aids, i.e. magnifiers, to blind children. "Herb is a great asset to our group", said President Black.

Lottie Davis read a letter from Christina Hitchcock who is our Conventions Director for the B.V.A. The letter was a "thank you" to the MARG for supporting the 65th National Convention but most especially for the efforts of one Pete Davis who gave 110% before, during and after the 65' National Convention. Also, Christina thanked Forrest Black andPete Davis for the plaque which was presented to her during the Board of Directors Meeting, March 16, 2011 for her hard work and innovative management of the 65th National Convention. Pete Davis spoke on the upcoming 66th National Convention which will be held in Las Vegas, Nevada August 16-20, 2011. More information is available on our website, www.MARGBVA.org.

The MARG website report was done by Clyde Compton. Clyde informed us that we have had over 2,913 hits from January through April 15, 2011. These were first-time hits. We've had over 85,000 hits since January 1, 2011 up to April 20, 2011. Our website is doing very well and continuing to grow.

Tom Eaton, our webmaster, is dealing with some serious health issues which prevented him from being present at our meeting and we are continuing to pray for his full recovery.

Mike Doyle, Chapter President for Roanoke-Salem Chapter was asked to speak by President Black. Mike thanked his people who worked with him as well as businesses which donated products, including Virginia Beer Wholesalers Association, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Lions Club, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Wal-Mart and Pizza Hut. Mike also thanked his family members and friends who helped make our regional meeting a success. Mike and his team were given a round of applause and thanked again by President Black.

After lunch, the afternoon session was called to order. Minutes from the last meeting were read. Since there were no corrections, the minutes were approved as read. The Treasurer's Report was given by Hardy Alexander. Beginning balance was $5,323.67, with an ending balance of $4,030.92 after expenses. The Treasurer's Report was approved as read subject to audit. I.

Transportation of veterans to regional meetings was tabled until our Fall Meeting for discussion. Under Old Business, President Black discussed the status of our application of 501(c) (3), IRS tax exemption. He said that the IRS is requiring a change of Article VIII of our Articles of Incorporation with the State Corporation Commission (SCC). A motion was made to change Article VIII to conform to the IRS Code. The motion was seconded and unanimously approved.

Under New Business, Hazel Compton shared several designs for ads for the National Convention booklet. All of the designs were nice; however one was selected and voted on unanimously. It will be submitted for the convention booklet for our National Convention. $100.00 was approved for the cost of the ad.

Pete Davis was elected as our Delegate. Also, Dr. Jackson and Eddie Walker were elected as alternates. $250.00 was appropriated to help with expenses for the delegates and alternates. It was moved and seconded that $500.00 be given to the BVA Auxiliary; $250.00 for the spring and $250.00 for the fall. It was also approved that each active chapter be given up to $500.00 upon chapter providing receipts showing that money was spent. Each chapter will have until the fall of the gavel at the Fall Meeting to receive $500.00 from Regional Treasurer. Eddie Walker requested a Blind Rehab Outpatient Specialist (BROSE) for the V.A. in Salem, VA. The regional group will assist in that request.

Robert Byrd said that we need to develop ways to increase our visibility in the community. Also, President Black said we need to attract new members if our organization is to stay alive and grow. All members were challenged to find new ways to attract new members-

Recognition was given to everyone who helped with the preparation and serving of the delicious food. The rest of the door prizes were given away.

Herb Patterson, President of the Richmond Chapter announced that his chapter would host the next meeting in the fall. Details will follow from the president at a later date.

A motion was made to adjourn by Pete Davis and seconded by Clyde Compton. Dr. Jackson led us in a prayer before adjourning.

Respectfully Submitted,
Forrest L. Black, President..
Meeting minutes

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