Regional Group meeting minutes:
MINUTES
The Mid-Atlantic Regional Group
Blinded Veterans Association
Spring Meeting Minutes
Spring Meeting, April 17, 2010
Holiday Inn Central, Richmond,
The meeting was called to order at 9:05 a.m. by President George Hicks.
After his brief welcoming remarks, Chaplain Jackson led us in prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.
Members present were George Hicks, Hardy Alexander, George Brummell, Clyde Jackson, Robert Bird, Leon Robinson, Robert Ackins, Tom Eaton, Leon Robinson, Mike Doyle, Clyde Compton, Tom Miller, James Hammond, Norman Miller, Jerry Fitchpatrick, families and friends.
President Hicks called Mr. Charles Sepich director, McGuire VAMC for his welcoming remarks. Mrs. Sepich spoke about the hospital’s Poly Trauma Center, one of four throughout the Nation. He emphasized that their Spinal Cord Center is the largest in the U S and regardless where veterans are located they are welcome for treatment at their facility.
Christina Hitchcock, BVA National Convention Coordinator followed the Director, up- dating the group on the state of preparations for the 65th National Convention. She expressed the importance of group support and that she is looking forward to the committee’s input…
Ms. Nichol Shuman, Recreation Therapy VAMC. She said veterans are sent to them through their physicians followed by an assessment of the veteran’s physical abilities mental status and how they interact with others…
Mrs. Evelyn Heatwole, VIST Coordinator VAMC, feels there is an identity crisis at their VAMC because BROS, VIST, and VISOR Programs work very close together. Other hospital professionals think she is Chief of the VISOR Program which is not the case.
Mrs. RoseMary Duda Chief VISOR Program VAMC clarified her role as lady in charge. She highlighted services offered by VISOR, mobility, living skills, and computer training… She stated that at the Richmond VA there have been 500 veterans trained, and 3200 training sessions.
Mrs. Cynthia Iskow, BROS VAMC informed us that there are presently two BROS at the Richmond medical center and as a result their roles have been expanded.
Mrs. Pat Zawasky, Business Development Manager, Integration Technology Group Incorporated, demonstrated the Intel Reader a portable device that can capture and read printed material in restaurants, and offices.
From 12:00 to 01:00 P.M the group took Lunch.
At 1:15 P.M. President Hicks started the afternoon session with old business. Secretary George Brummell presented the Minutes and was read by Mrs. Hazel Compton. Tom Miller made the motion to except the Minutes and was second
The financial report was presented by the treasure, Hardy Alexander.Dr. Jackson made the motion to except the report and it was second by Mike Doyle.
Regarding the progress of obtaining a 5O1C3, Tom Miller reported that the daughter of Skip Sharp filled out the forms and submitted the paper work without charge.
Jerry Fitchpatric was given time to make his case for permission to start a BVA chapter in Winchester, VA. Tom Miller made a motion to approve permission to start chapter with a caveat that all members of the chapter be from the state of Virginia.
Mike and Jerry are to get together and establish chapters’ boundaries. The motion was second by Clyde Jackson and carried.
Concerning the Margbva website, Tom Eaton reported that there have been over one million hits and the site has become and household name among websites. In the month of March there were over 3,074new users. There were some discussion about selling advertisement on the MARG website and Tom Miller suggested tabling the discussion until he has a chance to discuss it with BVA’s board of directors.
Tom Miller made a motion that the group purchase a full page ad in the convention magazine. It was second by Mike Doyle and carried.
George Brummell made a motion for a $500 contribution to the BVA Auxiliary. The motion was carried.
The delegate to the convention was instructed to support the boards proposed bylaw amendments. Clyde Compton was nominated delegate, Clyde Jackson first, George Hicks second and Jerry Fitchpatric was chosen third alternate.
Jerry Fitchpatric requested that a baseball cap he and wife designed to be sold as a fund raiser however it was tabled until Tom miller has a chance to discuss with board.
Respectfully submitted,
George Brummell, Secretary
Regional Group Minutes Archive 2010
Regional Group Minutes Archive 2009
Regional Group Minutes Archive 2008
Regional Group Minutes Archive 2007
End of Document