A meeting of the American Council of the Blind of Western NY was held on Friday, November 13th 2015 at The Plaka Restaurant.  The meeting was called to order at 6-30.  Present were Karen Blachowicz ,Kathy Lyons, Lynn Lum, Alex Meister, Anita Williams, Paul Jerge, Linda and Patrick Olson, Rich and Karlene Fiorello, Doug Whitford, Ken Cooper, and Peach Rouse on the phone.

The minutes of the Oct.  meeting were read by Secretary Lynn Lum, a motion to accept them was made and seconded and the motion was carried. Alex Meister read the treasurer’s report.  The scholarship fund had a balance of 501.30.  The PayPal account had a balance of 284.35.  The checking account balance was 2051.  A motion was made and seconded to accept the treasurer’s report and the motion was carried.

Karen and Alex reported on the 2015 ACBNY convention.  Alex described the audible traffic signals demonstrated at the pedestrian safety meeting.

Karen stated we need to select a delegate for the nominating committee for the 2016 ACBNY elections and strongly recommended that Kathy Lyons be chosen as delegate.  A motion was made and Kathy was chosen as the nominating committee delegate.

Our bid to host the ACBNY 2016 convention was accepted.  The first organizational meeting regarding the convention will be held on Friday Nov.  20th at approximately 6-45 following the board meeting.

The new paratransit policies for cancelations and suspensions were briefly discussed, they will go into effect in January 2016.

The Christmas party on Dec.  11th at the Royal Restaurant was discussed.

A motion was made and seconded to adjourn the meeting, it was approved and the meeting was adjourned at 8-05.

Respectfully submitted,
Lynn Lum Secretary ACBWNY