Our meeting began at 6:00 PM. The following members were present: Karen Blachowicz, Elaine Eich, Anita Williams, Richard and Karlene Fiorello, Kathy Lyons, Marie Lyons, Paul Jerge, John Spencer, Alex Meister, Gary Wagner, Pat and Linda Olson, and Shain Toth who was our speaker from the Apple store.
Karen gave her report: The state board met twice in the last month. The insurance is not in place yet because the papers have not been signed. That is to be done soon. The website is being worked on. The scholarship committee is being co-chaired by Karen and Mike Godino. The scholarship through the state will now be $1,000.00. NY City is being questioned about their idea of updating signals to be accessible in a small part of Manhattan within 75 years.
Minutes from the February meeting were accepted as emailed. The treasurer’s report was accepted as emailed. It will be at the end of these minutes.
Scholarship committee report was given by Linda. The committee would like to make the following proposals to the membership for a vote: would like to list the counties in which applicants must live; submissions can be braille, email or hard copy; handwritten submissions will not be accepted; the due date for the application is to be October 15 instead of September 15. Applicants can write on 1 of 3 topics: goals, method of literacy, and what does advocacy mean to you? A motion was made seconded and passed to make these changes to the application procedure.
Gary Wagner gave a report on the national legislation conference in Washington. He met with Brian Higgins and Chris Collins concerning HR 2050 concerning visual aids being financed through medicare. Also they discussed HR 1120 and S287 bills to spend education monies more wisely on individual student needs. National library service, independent living, and privatization of federal highways were items discussed. General Motors will have driverless vehicles in 2019 for ride sharing.
Karen mentioned that Richard is not going to the legislative weekend in May. She is going to have a board meeting to discuss money for that weekend.
Richard reported on the NFTA meeting on February 22. Two new vans which kneel have been purchased. Paratransit is working on a new system for payment.
Our speaker took over the rest of the meeting. His presentation was informative on technology and how we should not be afraid of it.
TREASURERS REPORT FOR MARCH 2018
PAYPAL ACCOUNT
BEGINNING BALANCE $ 285.35
ENDING BALANCE $ 285.35
SCHOLARSHIP ACCOUNT
BEGINNING BALANCE $ 1,151.54
INTEREST + $ .09
ENDING BALANCE $ 1,151.63
CHECKING ACCOUNT
BEGINNING BALANCE $ 6,626.90
EASTER CANDY SALES $ 481.00
MEMBERSHIP DUES $ 20.00
ENDING BALANCE $ 7,127.90
ANY QUESTIONS FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME.
ALEXANDER A. MEISTER JR.
ACBWNY TREASURER
Respectfully Submitted,
Karlene Fiorello
Secretary
