Regional Group meeting minutes:
MINUTES
The Mid-Atlantic Regional Group
Blinded Veterans Association
Regional Group Fall Meeting Minutes
Fall meeting October 17, 2009
Holiday Inn Roanoke, VA
President George Hicks banged the meeting to a start at 9:15 AM. Present were, George L. Hicks, Clyde Jackson, George Brummell, Peter Davis, Clyde Compton, Herbert Patterson, Leon Robinson, Hardy Alexander, Floyd Laurence, Eddie Walker, Mike Doyle, Roger Lewis, and Richard Rhett, spouses, family members and friends. Eddie Walker led the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a prayer by Chaplain Jackson.
Salem, VAMC Associate Director, Carol Bogedain was called forward for opening remarks.
Stephanie Ayers, Salem VIST Coordinator who is relatively new to the program but is working like an old timer. She has suggested a vibrator to be given to blind vets to alert them when their prescriptions are filled because prescription pick- ups are posted on a monitor.
George Brummell for informational purposes explained the Brain Port research project he will be involved in upcoming months through The Louis J. Fox Center for Vision Restoration. The Center’s main focus is to discover and develop new cures for blindness and impairment through clinical research, especially for those with retina, optic nerve, cornea and lens concerns. (For more information visit: www.wicab.com)
Tammie Kendrick presented on the My Health Vet Program which can be accessed on line at, www.myhealth.va.gov. Veterans can track there, blood pressures, heart rates, blood sugar readings, prescriptions and a lot more.
Mr. Lee represented Library Services for the blind. He showed and explains differences between the old monolog machine and the current digital device. He emphasized keeping the old tape player after in receipt of new player because it will take years before all topics are digitalized.
Under old business there was a discussion on Jerry Fitchpatric starting a Winchester, Va, BVA chapter. It was voted on and seconded that Mr. Jerry Fitzpatrick could start a chapter providing that at least five BVA members from the area were interested. George Hicks said he would send a copy of the bi- laws for Mr. Jerry Fitzpatrick to follow.
Clyde Compton up- dated the membership about the MARG website. He said, “The site is averaging 10,000 hits per month.” According to Clyde the site is paid for this year; however the cost has increased from $119 to $180.00 because it was necessary to purchase more space. Clyde Compton made a motion that next year the RG would pay up to $150.00 and he would donate the remaining fee. The motion was carried.
Hardy Alexander presented the treasury report. A motion was made to except and seconded. George Brummell’s computer files were lost so he did not have the minutes from the last meeting so it was suggested that members go to the website to review minutes of last meeting. (www.margbva.org)
For a number of years the Mid-Atlantic Regional Group has been seeking a 5o1C3 to no resolve and because the group is hosting the 65th National Convention it is imperative that MARG obtain non tax status to capitalize off of donations. A motion was made by Peter Davis and second for President George Hicks to research, hires a pay an attorney up to $2,000 to file for 5o1c3 status. Finally a motion was made and second that George Hicks serve as Chair Person for the 65th National Convention committee along with Peter Davis, Clyde Compton, Clyde Jackson and Mike Doyle. In addition presidents of MARG chapters were included on the committee even though they were not present, Robert Bird, Leon Robinson, and Walter Pasciak .
The next meeting will be held in Richmond, Va tentatively April 17, 2010.
Respectfully submitted,
George Brummell, Secretary
Regional Group Minutes Archive 2009
Regional Group Minutes Archive 2008
Regional Group Minutes Archive 2007
End of Document