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August 2022

9/19/2022

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Join Zoom Meeting 8 pm EST 8/8/22  

8:05-8:10

Call to Order: Tammy Kitterman called the meeting to order at 8:03 pm.

Conflicts: No conflicts to the agenda were expressed.


Present: Juli Baumgarner, Molly Black, Tammy Kitterman Lisa Lopatofsky, Jessica Lynch, Julia Murray, Sandra Salerno, Dixie Stachnik

Excused: Johnine Bickauskas, Gordon Boe

Absent: Meghan Meyers

Approval of June Minutes  
Motioned - Lisa Lopatofsky
Second - Julia Murray
All approved, the motion passed unanimously.

Treasurer’s Report:  

PPDB Treasurer's Report - June and July 2022























Date
Action
Description
Memo
Category
Amount


Balance 6/1/22




8,128.97










6/17/2022
Deposit
Life Membership
Josephine Udo-Utum
Membership
100.00


6/25/2022
Deposit
Annual Membership
Eisner Family
Membership
10.00


6/1/1939
Check #1095
Payment
Cole the Deaf Dog
FLC Expenses
-250.00


























Balance 6/30/22




7,988.97














Total Received
110.00






Total Expended
-250.00






Net Total
-140.00


















Date
Action
Description
Memo
Category
Amount


Balance 6/30/22




7,988.97










7/11/2022
Deposit
Proceeds from FLC
Raffles
FLC Income
310.00










Balance 7/31/22




8,298.97














Total Received in July
310.00






Total Expended in July
0.00






Net Total
310.00








Motioned - Molly Black
Second- Jessica Lynch
 All in favor of approving the treasurer’s report.

COMMITTEE UPDATES: 8:10-8:30
*All committee action plans are saved in the shared drive

  1. Membership (Tammy Kitterman, Patti McGowan, Sandra Salerno)
    1. PPDB had hosted a table at the DeafBlind Family Learning Conference for potential members to learn more about the organization and receive swag items. It was well received!
    2. The “Cole the Dog” event hosted by PPDB was well received and enjoyed by all attending the DeafBlind Family Learning Conference. The board has proposed to utilize this entertainment for future events as well.

  1. Outreach (Patti McGowan, Molly Black, Sandra Salerno, Johnine Bickauskas) 
    1. Lisa Lopatofsky reviewed the activities survey results. Six individuals filled out the form, and they were all members of the PPDB Board. The suggestions have been input into the regional gathering ideas spreadsheet.


  1. Outreach Committee Meeting Report - Molly reported that the team met in July to discuss in person meet ups by region for the fall. All regional leaders must submit an email to Molly with the decision for their regional fall event prior to the September meeting. The team agreed that PPDB will cover admittance for one adult and the child who experiences DeafBlindness for the activity. All other family members may participate, but pay an entrance fee.
  2. A regional social gatherings ideas spreadsheet is located on the shared drive for all to input ideas.
  3. Molly motioned to allow a line item budget of $300 with a maximum of $500 (any event totaling above $300 sent to board for evote approval) for regional gatherings. The amount listed is per region (Centra/West/East). Lisa seconded the motion. All present were in favor, and the motion passed. 


  1. Fundraising (Gordon Boe, Johnine Bickauskas, Lisa Lopatofsky, Julia Murray) 
    1. Lisa shared that the FLC fundraiser netted $310 for the organization. It was well planned and implemented by the fundraising committee. For future fundraising activities, more of the board will need to be involved to help with the logistics.
    4.    Advocacy (Lisa Lopatofsky, Meg Meyers, Johnine Bickauskas) 
  1. FATE, Phase II - Lisa shared that any NFADB member may apply to participate in the second phase of FATE training. The training will prepare the parent to become an active advocate, and eventually share their child’s story during a day on the hill event in March. The meetings will be 6 weeks long, each Thursday evening from 6-8PM from September 8 - October 13th. Any PPDB member interested in participating will have their fee to join NFADB covered by the organization. Please contact Lisa Lopatofsky for further information.
  2. Juli Baumgarner, Hunter McGowan, and Tina Herzog were contacted by Maurice Belotte to assist in contacting Senator Robert P. Casey, Jr.    A letter was submitted (08/03/2022)  via the Senator’s communication center to Senator Robert P. Casey, Jr. to request a funding increase for state deafblind projects and the national deafblind center.   Also requested was a higher proportion of Technical Assistance and Dissemination funding for the state and national projects.   Maurice provides a template of the letter.   It is noted that Senator Casey had previously shown support by writing a letter to the acting Assistant Secretary for OSERS at the U.S. Department of Education, regarding the need for additional teachers of students who are deafblind and interveners.   Juli will follow up with an additional short (online) note to Sen. Casey, as well as Sen. Toomey.  

OLD BUSINESS: 8:30-8:40 
The NFADB 2021 Professional Steve Perrault Award was presented to Kathy McNulty and Faye Manaster at its Annual July General Board Meeting. Pennsylvania pride is felt as Jackie Brennan, former Board Member, and Juli Baumgarner, Special Advisor, were also nominated for this prestigious award. Both Jackie and Juli reached out to members of PPDB to express their gratitude for the nomination and honor to be considered. 

NEW BUSINESS: 8:40-8:45

  1. Tammy K. shared her gratitude for the PPDB members who attended the annual NFADB board meeting in July. 
  2. Tammy K. requested that anyone having difficulty logging in to the shared drive contact her and Lisa L. for assistance.

GOOD OF THE ORDER: 8:45 None shared

ADJOURNED: 8:40 PM
 
Respectfully Submitted,
Sandra Schiffli-Salerno
PPDB Secretary

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September 2022

9/19/2022

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 PPDB Meeting Minutes – September 19, 2022
in8:00-8:10
Call to Order: Tammy Kitterman 8:03 PM
Conflicts: None were mentioned
Present: Gordon Boe, Sandra Salerno, Tammy Kitterman, Lisa Lopatofsky, Julia Murray, 
Excused: Molly Black, Meg Meyers, Juli Baumgarner
Dixie Stachnix, Jessica Coffin
Approval of August Minutes  
Motioned - Lisa Lopatofsky
Seconded – Tammy Kitterman
All in Favor
TREASURER'S REPORT:  - Gordon Boe - No new activity, beginning and ending balance $8,298.97
Approval of August Treasurer’s Report
Motioned –  Lisa Lopatofsky
Seconded- Tammy Kitterman
All in favor
COMMITTEE UPDATES: 8:10-8:30
*All committee action plans are saved in the shared drive


  1. Membership (Tammy Kitterman, Patti McGowan, Sandra Salerno) - No new updates
  2. Outreach (Patti McGowan, Molly Black, Sandra Salerno, Johnine Bickauskas) 
  1. Outreach Committee Meeting Report – Action Plan steps are completed or “green”.  The below Social Outreach events have been posted twice on the PPDB Listserv and FB page.  
  2. Western PA Region social outreach gathering will be held on October 15, 2022 from 10:00AM – 1:00 PM; Announcement went out on September 1, with rsvp deadline of October 1. 2022. Entrance fee is $15 per person and we have indicated to members that PPDB will pay for one individual with DB and one parent.  
    1. Molly is requesting approval to cover the cost for a family who has registered that has two (2) children with DB and two (2) adults to support those children.  This request has been approved by the board, assuming the total cost of the event does not exceed $300 in total. At that time a supplemental approval will be necessary.
        Eastern PA Region - (Johnine & Lisa) social outreach   
                  gathering will be held on October 15, 2022 from 12:00PM –
         4:00 PM; Announcement went out on September 1, with rsvp 
         deadline of September 30. 2022. Entrance fee is $12 per 
         person and we will pay for up to 25 tickets which is at the 
         $300 budgeted.
    Central Region Social Outreach - (Sandra & Meg)              Gathering will be held October 15, 2022 from 1-4 PM at
          Cherry Crest Farms.

         Regional Social Gathering Ideas – Spreadsheet is available 
         for members to add ideas in the google drive – please 
         continue to add ideas for future social outreach opportunities.

  1. Fundraising (Gordon Boe, Johnine Bickauskas, Lisa Lopatofsky, Julia Murray) 
    1. PPDB is registered as an Alliance Member at the PA Walk4Hearing.  Members should be encouraged to choose PPDB as their alliance of choice when registering for the walk.
b. Gordon needs to begin looking for and applying to at least one grant before the end of the calendar year.  The board suggested looking into Walmart or Sams club and earmarking the grant for a specific activity.
    3.    Advocacy (Lisa Lopatofsky, Meg Meyers, Johnine Bickauskas) 
  1. FATE, Phase II – Lisa.  Gordon, Molly and Abby Denis have applied and been accepted to participate in the FATE II training.  Gordon has paid the $100 registration fee, but Molly and Abby have not. Gordon is requesting reimbursement and Molly and Abby request payment to NFADB on their behalf.  *The board approved this motion and all were in favor to reimburse Molly, Abby, and Gordon for the training. The board thanks them for their commitment to the cause.

OLD BUSINESS: 8:30


NEW BUSINESS: 8:30-8:35 
  1. Vote/approval of payment two children and two adults from western PA Family to attend Outreach event at Triple B Farms on 10/15/22.  - See above (This was approved unanimously!)
  2. Vote/approval to reimburse Gordon Boe and pay NFADB on behalf of Molly Black and Abby Denis for FATE II Training.  - See above (This was approved unanimously!)

GOOD OF THE ORDER: 8:35

ADJOURNED: 8:35

Respectfully submitted,

Sandra Schiffli-Salerno, PPDB Board Secretary



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June 2022

6/13/2022

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 PPDB Meeting Minutes - June 13, 2022


Call to Order by Vice-President, Lisa Lopatofsky at 8:04 PM

Present: Gordon Boe, Lisa Lopatofsky, Johnine Bickauskas, Molly Black, Jessica Lynch, Dixie Stachnik

Excused: Tammy Kitterman, Sandra Salerno, Meghan Myers

Absent:  Juli Baumgarner, Julia Murray

Lisa welcomed our two new Board Members, Dixie Stachnik and Jessica Lynch. Each introduced themselves to the group. WELCOME – so happy to have them join us!

Conflicts:  There were no conflicts to the agenda voiced.


Approval of May Minutes  
Motioned by Molly Black to accept the May minutes, seconded by Johnine Bickauskas. Motion passed. 

Treasurer’s Report:  Gordon Boe gave the Treasurer’s Report. He is questioning what the source of the deposit from PayPal is and requesting any detail that might be provided to add to the minutes of August meeting for further clarification. Johnine Bickauskas made motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report. Seconded by Jessica Lynch. Motion passed.



COMMITTEE UPDATES: 8:10-8:30

*All committee action plans are saved in the shared drive

  1. Membership (Tammy Kitterman, Patti McGowan, Sandra Salerno)
    Membership information will be available at PPDB Exhibitor table.      Sandra will represent at the table, but Board wishes all members     attending to encourage membership. 
  1. Outreach (Patti McGowan, Molly Black, Sandra Salerno, Johnine Bickauskas) 
    1. Patti and Molly exhibited on 5/26/22 at the Dan Miller Disability and Mental Health Summit, and indicated it was good to see so many people attending and sharing our information.
    2. PPDB is sponsoring Cole the Dog and Friends at FLC- Lisa-has payment ready and confirmed that there will be an interpreter at the request of the performer.
    3. Molly encouraged everyone to register for the Helen Keller Birthday Celebration sponsored by NFADB Affiliate, DBMAT on June 27th at 2:00 PM 
Register at: https://tinyurl.com/nhhrda27 
  1. Lisa created an Activity Survey. Molly asked how we want to distribute. Jessica suggested that we have some hard copies available at–FLC for those who like to complete that way, and Lisa volunteered to create a flyer that will have a QR Code for those who like to complete online. We can post to Listserv after FLC. Molly will ask PaTTAN to copy the questionnaire and flyer to have available in both formats for FLC.
  1. Fundraising (Gordon Boe, Johnine Bickauskas, Lisa Lopatofsky, Julia Murray) 
    Johnine is working to create the 3-4 Raffle Gift Cards/items.         Committee will meet to decide the dollar amount for each     ticket. Molly will donate a PPDB t-shirt to the raffle.
  1. Advocacy (Lisa Lopatofsky, Meg Meyers, Johnine Bickauskas)     Lisa reported that advocacy matters are on hold for the     moment. The latest discussion is around 504 legislations.      When the NFADB PIE Committee meets again she will report     out to the group. Lisa created a Cogswell Macy Act     Flyer/handout to be included in the parent folders at FLC,     which is a great example of educating/lobbying on behalf of     PPDB.

OLD BUSINESS: 8:30-8:40
 
  1. New Board Members - Onboarding of new members is complete.
Jessica and Dixie will be in contact with Lisa to determine which Committees they would like to join. 

NEW BUSINESS: 8:40-8:45

  1. Media News Release for members via social media. Molly and Sandra will work to draft a media announcement of our New Board Members. 

GOOD OF THE ORDER: 

    There was nothing to add for the Good of the Order

Future Meeting Dates: Molly will send out zoom invites for the upcoming meeting dates.    
July - No Board meeting/Possible Committee meeting 
New Year Schedule Document is in Google Drive
August 8, 2022 
September 12, 2022 
October 10, 2022 
November 14, 2022 
December – No Board Meeting 
January 9, 2023 
February 13, 2023 
March 13, 2023 
April 10, 2023 
May 8, 2023 
ADJOURNED:   8:37 PM

 
Respectfully Submitted, 

Molly Black 
on behalf of Sandra Salerno, Board Secretary

​
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May 2022

5/9/2022

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April 2022

4/11/2022

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PPDB Meeting Minutes April 11, 2022
Call to Order: Tammy Kitterman, President, brought the meeting to order at 8:01
Conflicts:  There were no conflicts to the agenda indicated by the Board members in attendance.
Present: Tammy Kitterman, Lisa Lopatofsky, Johnine Bickauskas, Patti McGowan, Gordon Boe, Juli Baumgarner, Julia Murray, Molly Black
Excused:   Sandra Salerno and Meghan Myers
Approval of March Minutes:  
Motion to approve made by Gordon Boe
Seconded by Lisa Lopatofsky    
All approved – Motion passed
Treasurer’s Report:  Gordon Boe 
Tammy requested that Gordon send a 1099 Form to Rhonda Tyree for her strategic planning work. Gordon questioned whether it is necessary for amounts under $600. Tammy will investigate, but we may want to send regardless. 
Since the March report, received a donation of $392.00 from Hearing Loss Association’s Walk for Hearing – thank you to Lisa Lopatofsky for participating and naming PPDB as a recipient of these efforts! 
Gordon asked how to manage the payment to “Cole and Friends” as he received the invoice. Tammy made a motion to postdate a check for the invoice and sent to Lisa Lopatofsky to hold and give to the Presenter at Family Learning Conference on behalf of PPDB. Gordon seconded that motion and all approved. Motion passed. 
Motion to approve the Treasurer’s report made by Lisa Lopatofsky
Seconded by Julia Murray
All approved, motion passed. 
*All committee action plans are in the shared drive


Membership (Tammy Kitterman, Patti McGowan, Sandra Salerno) 
Patti and Tammy reported that there remain thirteen free memberships and asked the Board to consider how we might use these memberships. They have asked the Board to consider:
  1. whether we might like to provide free memberships to any non-member attending FLC; 
  2. renew stagnant memberships, if they are willing to pay for one year (buy one, get one). 
  3. offer a free six-month membership and request renewal at annual drive.
In the meantime, Patti will reach out to Tina Hertzog to determine if she might be willing to extend her offer to more families. Either discussion can take place through email or added to May Agenda.

Outreach (Patti McGowan, Molly Black, Sandra Salerno, Johnine Bickauskas) 
  1. All Objectives are on target and met, except for Flyer that connects our group to social media. We are still working to create this Flyer as a handout and encourage a social media following.
  2. Outreach Committee is reaching out to the Advocacy Committee to consider preparing a handout on the Cogswell Macy Act or provide an opportunity at FLC to advise the families in attendance as an update by FATE participants. Another idea is to consider is showing the link to an NFADB sponsored webinar giving a history and update on the CMA by Dr. Amy Parker, sister of a sibling with a sister who is Deaf-Blind, EdD., COMS, Assistant Professor and Oregon State University. Please review and give an opinion whether to share at FLC during the Saturday evening dinner. The webinar is linked here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8kJ-s_IWtg

Fundraising (Johnine Bickauskas, Lisa Lopatofsky, Julia Murray) 
Lisa and committee will start a campaign on Custom-Ink Website (already created a non-profit page that will connect all future projects) and is working on a design for sale. 
Advocacy (Lisa Lopatofsky, Meg Meyers, Johnine Bickauskas) 
Nothing currently to report. Committee will consider request to secure four (4) family stories to submit to NFADB in the future. 

OLD BUSINESS: 8:30-8:40
I/G, Facebook, Twitter Update – Lisa is working with Sandra – nothing new to report other than this will be a work in progress. 
Nominations Update and Recommendations - Molly, Sandra, Julia
Molly shared information about the following candidates. The Nominations Committee highly recommends and requests Board members to go into the Google Drive and read the applications and Letters of Support so that this may be brought to a vote at the May Board meeting. 
Dixie Stachnik
Jessica Lynch (Coffin)
Molly indicated that the Office of President is open for nominations and requests that anyone who is interested complete the nominations form or nominate someone to that position. Sandra Salerno has indicated that she has self-nominated and if voted would accept the office of Secretary for another two-year term. A vote will take place at the May meeting.

NEW BUSINESS:

  1. FLC Sponsorship – Lisa – discussion noted on Outreach report. 
  2. PPDB Table - Exhibitor information and membership table - (who will monitor?) Discussion occurred during the Membership report. Gordon indicated that he could monitor the PPDB table if Sandra (membership committee member) is unable. Molly & Patti will check with the Project as to what costs may/may not be covered for hotel/meals, or whether PPDB would cover those costs, if it is Gordon rather than Sandra that covers the table. 
  3. Raffle at FLC. Discussion held whether to have a raffle at FLC. All indicated an interest in purchasing scratch off tickets. Johnine volunteered to collect the money and put together the bundle for raffling off at Conference. Johnine will contact the Board if pay through Venmo, or other form, is the most convenient.

GOOD OF THE ORDER:  - Nothing reported

ADJOURNED: at 8:55 PM

 
Respectfully Submitted,
Molly Black
On behalf of Sandra Salerno, Secretary

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March 2022

3/14/2022

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Coming soon.
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February 2022

3/14/2022

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PPDB Meeting Minutes- February 2022
8:05-8:10
Call to Order: Tammy Kitterman 8:00
Conflicts: None provided
Present: Molly Black, Gordon Boe, Sandra Salerno, Tammy Kitterman, Lisa Lopatofsky, Patti McGowan, Julia Murray, Juli Baumgarner
Excused - Johnine Bickauski, Meg Meyers
Approval of January Minutes  
Motioned - Gordon Boe
Second - Lisa Lopatofsky 
All in favor.

Treasurer’s Report:  Gordon Boe 
Motioned - Lisa Lopatofsky 
Second- Molly Black
All in favor 
COMMITTEE UPDATES: 8:10-8:30
*All committee action plans are saved in the shared drive

  1. Membership (Tammy Kitterman, Patti McGowan, Sandra Salerno) The membership drive campaign is underway. Tammy has invited DeafBlind partners to join PPDB. Patti cross referenced the membership names to the Listserv to ensure all are active PPDB members.
  2. Outreach (Patti McGowan, Molly Black, Sandra Salerno, Johnine Bickauskas) The team discussed the upcoming FLC which will be held June 24th and 25th, face to face at Penn State with a virtual option available. PPDB would like to have a presence at the meeting and we discussed hosting a presentation on the Cogswell-Macy act Friday evening. More information will be provided at the next meeting. 
  3. Fundraising (Johnine Bickauskas, Lisa Lopatofsky, Julia Murray)  There is now a “donate” button on the PPDB Facebook page. 
  4. Advocacy (Lisa Lopatofsky, Meg Meyers, Johnine Bickauskas) Lisa shared that PPDB will not have to pay for the NFADB hosted advocacy training. Some key areas of interest are supporting the Cogswell-Macy act, Intervener-Qualified Personnel, and waivers. 

OLD BUSINESS: 8:30-8:35
  1. I/G, Facebook, Twitter
  2. Nominations - Molly, Sandra, Julia —The process for Nominations was discussed. The call for Nominations is February, Receipt of Nomination Applications - March, Present Nominations to Board - April, Vote - May Onboarding, join Board - June.  
  3. Term considerations All current board members with expiring terms have been approached to inquire about their interest in continuing on another term. 
NEW BUSINESS: 8:35-8:50
  1. Organizational Overview/Strategic Planning overview - No general members were present so the review did not take place. 
  2. Interest of general membership in attending events. No general members were present to provide feedback regarding this, but we would like to explore in person/virtual events in the future.
  3. Boardable app was discussed. The board decided it was not feasible at this time due to the monetary commitment. 
  4. The board took a vote regarding the use of “DeafBlind” in all PPDB brochures and materials. The motion carried with 5 members present in favor of using this verbiage.
  5. The board discussed the possibility of meeting for one hour every other month instead of monthly. The discussion was tabled at this time.

GOOD OF THE ORDER: 8:50-8:55

ADJOURNED: 9:00 pm
​Respectfully Submitted,
Sandra Schiffli-Salerno
PPDB Secretary

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January 2022

1/10/2022

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December

12/13/2021

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No December Meeting
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November 2021

11/8/2021

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Stategic Planning Meeting
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