Pennsylvania Partnership for the DeafBlind
Follow us
  • Home
  • Who we are
  • Our partners
  • Programs
  • Events & Conferences
  • Get Involved
  • Meeting minutes
  • Shout-outs
  • Bylaws
  • Resources
  • Photo gallery
  • Contact us
  • Press releases
  • Family Spotlights

June 2022

6/13/2022

0 Comments

 
 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

​
0 Comments

May 2022

5/9/2022

0 Comments

 
0 Comments

April 2022

4/11/2022

0 Comments

 
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

0 Comments

March 2022

3/14/2022

0 Comments

 
Coming soon.
0 Comments

February 2022

3/14/2022

0 Comments

 
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

0 Comments

January 2022

1/10/2022

0 Comments

 
0 Comments

December

12/13/2021

0 Comments

 
No December Meeting
0 Comments

November 2021

11/8/2021

0 Comments

 
Stategic Planning Meeting
0 Comments

October 2021

10/11/2021

0 Comments

 
October 2021 PPDB Meeting Minutes
8:05-8:10
Call to Order: Tammy Kitterman 8:00
Conflicts: None given

Present: Tammy Kitterman, Sandra Salerno, Johnine Bickauskis, Lisa Lopatofsky, Patti McGowan, Meg Meyers, Gordon Boe, Julia Murray, special advisor Juli Baumgarner

Molly Black excused

Approval of June and September Minutes:  

June - Patti motioned, Lisa seconded, all in favor 
September - Patti motioned, Lisa seconded, all in favor

Treasurer’s Report:  Gordon Boe 

Lisa motioned to approve, Patti seconded, all in favor 

COMMITTEE UPDATES: 8:10-8:20

*All committee action plans are saved to the Google Share drive* 
Membership (Tammy Kitterman, Patti McGown, Sandra Salerno)

Tammy sent a “Talents and Inventory” google form for us to complete and send back to her. She will also share the form with all new PPDB general members.


Outreach (Patti McGowan, Molly Black, Sandra Salerno, Johnine Bickauskas, Lisa Lopatofsky) 

Fundraising (Johnine Bickauskas, Lisa Lopatofsky, Julia Murray) 
OLD BUSINESS: 8:20-8:30
  1. Collaboration with John Reiman - per Molly’s email of 9/24/21, John Reiman has not shown any further interest in providing a webinar and this discussion should be removed from the agenda and tabled until he reaches out to us again. 
  2. I/G, Facebook, Twitter - Tammy is waiting for the facebook page to be approved as 501c3 status and then she can link to Instagram and Twitter account.
  3. Strategic Planning Update - A meeting with Rhonda is scheduled for 10/28/21, this is the last meeting with Rhonda.
NEW BUSINESS: 8:30-8:55
  1. Combining of the Membership and Outreach Committees (Tammy Kitterman) The board agreed to wait until the completion of the strategic plan to make a decision on the combination of the membership and outreach committees.
  2. Compensation of Rhonda Tyree (Lisa Lopatofsky) Lisa agreed to calculate the hours spent vs. contract to see how large the variation is, and will send an email out to the board to decide if additional compensation is required.
  3. Use of Google Drive (Lisa Lopatofsky) Lisa encouraged all board members to utilize the PPDB email accounts for board business.
  4. Talents & Inventory sheet (Tammy Kitterman) - see update above in Committee updates
  5. Patti motioned to approve $75 for printing and postage for holiday cards to be sent to current PPDB families. Lisa seconded the motion and all were in favor. Tammy will collect pictures for a PPDB collage which will be used to make the holiday greeting cards and will be delivered electronically and via mail. * Pictures may be emailed to papartnershipdeafblind@gmail.com*

GOOD OF THE ORDER: 8:55-9:00
  1. Majority of the Board e-voted to change the Organization’s Mission, Vision, Core Beliefs, and Long Term Goals, as well the addition of an Advocacy Committee.  Committee will be added to the next full Board meeting’s agenda for update.
  2. Per Molly’s email of 9/24/21, the Nomination Committee is a standing committee and therefore does not require an action plan.  Also, there will not be any reports until January when a new Chair will be appointed.  
ADJOURNED: 9:00 PM

0 Comments

September 2021

9/13/2021

0 Comments

 
​PPDB
Minutes of September 13, 2021 Meeting
 
President Tammy Kitterman brought the meeting to order at 7 PM.

Present:  Tammy Kitterman, Lisa Lopatofsky, Sandra Salerno, Gordon Boe, Patti McGowan, Juli Baumgarner, Julia Murray, Molly Black, Johnine Bickauskas

Excused Absence:  Meghan Meyers

Guest: Rhonda Beach Tyree

There were no conflicts to the Agenda for the evening.

Treasurer’s Report
:  Gordon Boe

Tammy requested a motion be made to accept the May through July Treasurer’s Report.  Motion made by Lisa L. and seconded by Patti M.  Motion Approved.

Tammy requested that a motion be made to accept the August Treasurer’s Report.  Motion was made by Molly B. and seconded by Lisa L.  Motion Approved. 

Tammy will follow-up with Julia to explain motions/voting.

The meeting was then turned over to Rhonda Tyree to continue with Strategic Planning. Work was conducted to come to consensus over Belief and Vision Statements and Organizational Long Term Goals.   

​Motion was made by Gordon to continue with one more meeting in November with Rhonda.  This will be a follow-up to our Action Planning/writing exercise through Committee work.  Motion was seconded by Lisa L.   Motion Carried. 
 
Meeting Adjourned 9 PM
0 Comments
<<Previous

    Author

    Here you can find the meeting minutes from our monthly board meetings.

    Archives

    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    November 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    October 2018
    August 2018
    June 2018
    April 2018
    February 2018
    December 2017
    October 2017
    August 2017
    June 2017
    April 2017
    February 2017
    December 2016
    October 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016

Pennsylvania Partnership for the DeafBlind
Copyright 2021