Meeting Minutes– March 11h, 2024 8PM

Call to Order:  Lisa Lopatofsky, President 8:04 pm

Conflicts: none

Present: Molly Black, Gordon Boe, Juli Baumgarner, Johnine Bickauskas, Danielle Cieply, Jessica Coffin, Kristina Kezmarsky, Lisa Lopatofsky, Sandra Salerno, Dixie Stachnik ,Abby Denis, 

Excused Absence: Julia Murray, Elizabeth Foster

Absent: Meg Myers, Kristina Kezmarsky

Approval of January, 2024 Minutes  
Motioned - Molly
Seconded –  Johnine
All in favor, the motion carried.

TREASURER'S REPORT:  - 
Gordon Boe - 

Full report available to general membership upon request.

Approval of January/February Treasurer’s Report
Motioned – Johnine
Seconded - Danielle
All in favor, the motion carried.

COMMITTEE UPDATES: 
*All committee action plans are saved in the shared drive
Membership  Sandra Salerno (Lead)

1. Update from Nominations Committee
   1. Positions up for re-election - President, Secretary; General Board: Johnine, Dixie, Jessica

Outreach  Molly Black (Lead) 

1. Committee met on  Feb 12th - 
   1. Patti McGowan, Dixie Stachnik, Johnine Bickauskas, and Julia Murray attended; Absent -  Abby D. (excused) Danielle C. (excused) Kristina K., Meg M., Sandra S.

     2.  Updated Action Plan for Year 2 of our 5 yr. strategic plan; 
     3.  Materials made available at PDE Conference; 
     4.  Next Outreach Exhibit opportunity is FLC2024, Gordon will represent. 
     5.  There are no current plans for a social outreach opportunity, but revisit 
          after FLC; 

Fundraising  Gordon Boe (Lead) 

1. Check received for $281.80 from the Hearing Loss Association of America  for being a 2023 PA Walk4Hearing Alliance Member. Lisa Lopatofsky led this initiative, with her family for the third year in a row, and raised this money for our organization.
   1. Another Board member will need to apply for Alliance status for the 2024 Walk4Hearing

Advocacy  Lisa Lopatofsky (Lead)

1. NFADB Day on the Hill will be April 16-18th.  PPDB Members are encouraged to either join the group in person or meet virtually with their legislators.  Prep meetings are scheduled for March 5th and 26th.  Link to view and register for training sessions https://www.nfadb.org/event-5410170

  
OLD BUSINESS:  

1. Nominations -  Post requesting general membership apply to Board and that Board members step up to President.
   1.  Dixie Stachnik for Secretary, nomination received and accepted
   2.  Board Applications received - David Coffin *All members should review the application on the shared drive*
   3.  General Members, Johnine & Dixie have will renew for another 2 yr. term and Jessica Lynch (Coffin) will step down at the end of her term in May.
   4.  President position open for nominations
2. FLC Banquet

Suggested Framework - 

• PPDB/NFADB representatives - who we are/what we do
• Guest Presenter: Jaqueline Izaguirre
  • National Agenda, a short history of the Cogswell-Macy Act and where it stands, the parental training offered by NFADB (FATE & FACE), and end with Day on the Hill. 
• Panel of Aged-out student/parent representatives discussing their own secondary transition experiences and current adult service status
  • Susan Green
  • Sue Shaffer
• How to advocate for systems change/next steps

Vote on Banquet Food Costs - 
Using last year’s head count -
 
126 Adults (including children 13+) @ $37.00 =                          $4,662.00
22 Children – 12 & under @18.50 =                                                  407.00
Additional Soda charge $3.00 pp                                                       444.00
To ensure that we do not underestimate,
I believe we should add an additional 20 Adult attendees
for panelists/guests/presenters, but this is a best guess
and hoping to overestimate for cost purposes.                                740.00
Additional Soda charge for 20 add’l pp                                              60.00
 
Estimate total for Banquet Food                                               $6,313.00
 6% tax exempt                                                                                             
21% service fee                                                                             1,325.73        
 Total                                                                                             $7,638.73         
     Vote on Travel Cost for Jacqueline Izaguirre - up to $1,500?
*See new business item #3 for vote

NEW BUSINESS :  

1. Gordon filed our taxes
2. Tax exemption paperwork has been submitted to the State, supporting documentation is needed and Gordon will send, it will take 2-5 weeks for approval.
3. Lisa brought forward a motion to approve up to $10K for FLC banquet expenses, and 1.5K travel expenses. Gordon seconded the motion, all approved and the motion carried.
4. New folder created in drive to house resignation letters
5. Family meetup at Hershey Park after FLC - Danielle will send out a survey to see if there is interest among families. Suggested to cover up to 4 family members at the discounted ticket price of $36.95, up to 4 members per family.

GOOD OF THE ORDER:    
Please plan for Committee work on the off months.  Next Board meeting is May 13th, 2024 at 8PM

ADJOURNED: 8:39 pm

Respectfully Submitted,
Sandra Salerno, PPDB Secretary

​

Meeting Minutes 1/18/2024

Call to Order: 8:02 PM Lisa Lopatofsky, President

Conflicts: None listed

Present: Molly Black, Gordon Boe, Juli Baumgarner, Johnine Bickauskas,
Danielle Cieply, Jessica Coffin, Elizabeth Foster, Lisa Lopatofsky, Sandra
Salerno, Dixie Stachnik

Excused Absence: Abby Denis, Julia Murray, Kristina Kezmarsky, Meg Meyers

Approval of November, 2023 Minutes
Motioned - Molly Black
Seconded – Dixie Stachnik
All in favor, the minutes were approved.

TREASURER'S REPORT: -
Gordon Boe - $19,002.69 December ending balance. Expenses: Train $259.92,
FATE Training $100

Full report available to general membership upon request.

Approval of Nov/Dec 2023 Treasurer’s Report
Motioned – Johnine Bickauskas
Seconded - Jessica Coffin
All in favor, the treasurer’s report was approved.

COMMITTEE UPDATES:
*All committee action plans are saved in the shared drive

Membership Sandra Salerno (Lead)

1. December Membership Drive - An email to the ListServ as well as a
Facebook post and Instagram post went out in January to encourage
members to join.

2. President appointed Nominations Committee Chair
a. Jessica Lynch and Molly Black were appointed to Co-Chairs of the Nomination Committee
b. Positions up for re-election - President, Secretary, General Board: Johnine, Dixie, Jessica

Outreach Molly Black (Lead)

1. Plan to display PPDB handouts at PaTTAN table for PDE.

2. Exhibited at HELIX in November, 2023

3. Table and volunteer exhibitor at FLC2024 needed - Gordon Boe
volunteered.

4. Spring Social Activity - discuss at subcommittee meeting in February - to
be scheduled for Feb 12, 2024at 8PM

5. OSEP/PDE Letter to be distributed to family organizations “to strengthen
support of the abilities and needs of children who are deafblind, including
intervener services”. Share with our members and post to FB page.

6. Meet the Board posts should be completed in January, but will resume
again with any new Board members in June.

7. Central Nov. Social Gathering - We had 2 families out of 4 who needed to
cancel at the last minute, and fortunately we hadn’t paid yet so we did not
lose money. The total cost was $259.92 instead of the original estimate of
over $400. It has been a challenge to bring families together for social
events due to the unpredictability of the medical status of the children, as
well as the long distances to travel.

Fundraising Gordon Boe (Lead)

1. Ideas to raise money to support regional events, FLC banquet, and annual
insurance if purchased?
a. Possibility of a 50/50 raffle and basket raffle was mentioned.

Advocacy Lisa Lopatofsky (Lead)

1. NFADB Day on the Hill will be April 16-18th. PPDB Members are
encouraged to either join the group in person or meet virtually with their
legislators. Prep meetings are scheduled for March 5th and 26th. Link to
view and register for training sessions
https://www.nfadb.org/event-5410170

OLD BUSINESS:

1. Do we still want to purchase annual liability insurance? The board decided
it was not a right time to purchase liability insurance, as the cost received
is $1,280 annually, which is a large chunk of our annual spend. NFADB
does not have liability insurance.

2. Holiday Card coordinated by Jessica Coffin - mailed to all members (great
job!)

NEW BUSINESS :

1. We need to begin planning the FLC banquet and program to replace the
GFC Conference. Saturday night Dinner at FLC will be hosted by PPDB,
to replace the GFC Conference. The banquet will be in honor of Frank
Bathgate (and will speak about the generous donor)

2. Molly working with PaTTAN and Hotel for cost collaboration.

Suggested Framework -

■ Keynote speaker -Rep. Matt Cartwright or staff re: Cogswell Macy
Act - Sponsor
■ PPDB/NFADB representatives - who we are/what we do
■ Panel of Aged-out student/parent representatives discussing their
own secondary transition experiences and current adult service
status. Will invite 5 aged out families.
■ How to advocate for systems change


Please plan for Committee work on off months. Next Board meeting is at March 11, 2024, at 8pm

ADJOURNED: 8:47 PM

Respectfully Submitted,
Sandra Salerno, PPDB Secretary

Meeting Minutes– Monday, November 6, 8pm EST

Call to Order:  Lisa Lopatofsky, President 8:04 PM

Conflicts: None listed 

Present: Molly Black, Gordon Boe, Juli Baumgarner, Johnine Bickauskas, Danielle Cieply, Elizabeth Foster, Kristina Kezmarsky, Lisa Lopatofsky, Meg Meyers, Julia Murray, Sandra Salerno, Dixie Stachnik, Abby Dennis

Excused Absence: Jessica Coffin

Approval of September, 2023 Minutes  
Motioned -  Johnine Bickauskas
Seconded –  Molly Black
All in favor, the meeting minutes were approved as submitted.

TREASURER'S REPORT:  - 
Gordon Boe - Ended 10/31/2023 with a balance of $19,381.61. A large donation was received in the amount of $600.

Full report available to general membership upon request.

Approval of Sept/Oct 2023 Treasurer’s Report
Motioned – Molly Black
Seconded - Dixie Stachnik


COMMITTEE UPDATES: 
*All committee action plans are saved in the shared drive


Membership  Sandra Salerno (Lead)

1.  Annual Membership Meeting Update -We have plans for the future to conduct an annual membership drive, as well as to prepare “elevator speeches” about PPDB that we can share with prospective members.
2. We plan to coordinate with the outreach team to enhance our presence on social media.
3. Need to send out a membership drive letter in December. (Sort members by expiration date and send email).

Outreach  Molly Black (Lead) 

1. Oct 21, 2023- Monster Meet Up - West Fall Gathering -(Danielle) - canceled due to lack of interest.
2. Mailed Brochures and “Connect with Us” Flyers to Pitt ASL Club for their student event.
3.  November 2023, will exhibit at HELIX Conference, Lancaster, PA 
4. November 18th, 2023 - Fall Foliage Express - Central Gathering (Sandra) The cost will be $416, which is more than the $300 we had originally allotted for this outing. The executive committee approved this expense.
5. November - Meet the Board Post - Danielle
6. December - Meet the Board Post - Kristina

Fundraising  Gordon Boe (Lead) 

1. Discussion to be held on Nov 7th regarding the GFC conference. Will provide an update to the board.

Advocacy  Lisa Lopatofsky (Lead)

1. CMA has been reintroduced - 
   1. S.2945 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/2945?q=%7B%22search%22%3A%22cogswell+macy+act%22%7D&s=1&r=2
   2. H.R.5748

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/5748?q=%7B%22search%22%3A%22cogswell+macy+act%22%7D&s=1&r=1

1. NFADB representatives met with the White House Senior Advisor for Aging and Disabilities Communities as part of a panel of DB Community leaders to share the National Agenda.
2. Gordon will share GFC info with the NFADB Affiliate Network at our next meeting at the end of the month.
3. NFADB’s Day on the Hill is tentatively scheduled for April of 2024

             
OLD BUSINESS:  

1. Holiday Cards - Jessica Coffin (Lead)

    Jessica - excused absence - but reported that she will send out the holiday card photo request with a schedule for responding this week. 

NEW BUSINESS : 

1.  GFC Conference - Updates - Gordon

    a.    Board Expectations - Attendance and volunteering before/during the event.  Join a work group, if possible. 
    b.    Liability Insurance - may need to purchase with an event rider.  Molly will look into insurance options.
    c..    Venue - Penn Stater 6/22-24 Molly
      
GOOD OF THE ORDER:
    

ADJOURNED: 9:00 PM

Respectfully Submitted,
Sandra Salerno
PPDB Secretary

​

ANNUAL GENERAL MEMBERSHIP  BOARD MEETING

Meeting Minutes– Monday, September 11, 2023 8pm EST
Call to Order:  President - Lisa Lopatofsky
Conflicts: None
Present: Molly Black, Gordon Boe, Dixie Stachnik, Juli Baumgarner, Lisa Lopatofsky, Johnine Bickauskas, Julia Murray, Kristina Kezmarsky, Elizabeth Foster

Excused Absence: Sandra Salerno, Meghan Meyers

Approval of July, 2023 Minutes  
Motioned -  Molly Black
Seconded –  Gordon Boe
All in favor, minutes approved.

TREASURER'S REPORT:  - 
Gordon Boe - 

Full report available to general membership upon request.

Approval of July/Aug 2023 Treasurer’s Report
Motioned – Dixie Stachnik
Seconded - Julia Murray
All in favor, the Treasurer’s report was approved.

COMMITTEE UPDATES: 
*All committee action plans are saved in the shared drive


Membership  Sandra Salerno (Lead)

1.  Annual Membership Meeting Update - We are pleased to share that 2023 was a very productive year for our PPDB Membership Committee. We welcomed new members to our board, both in professional capacities as well as family members. We maintained our membership database, and welcomed 8 new professional members during the Family Learning Conference. As of 9/7/2023, we have 64 active members/families.
   
2. We have plans for the future to conduct an annual membership drive, as well as to prepare “elevator speeches” about PPDB that we can share with prospective members.
   
3. We plan to coordinate with the outreach team to enhance our presence on social media.
   

Outreach  Molly Black (Lead) -

1. Accomplishments - 
   
   1. January, 2023, Outreach committee members have been posting each month information on each of our Board of Directors and a “Did you Know, Fun Fact.”
      
   2. March/April 2023 Exhibited at PEAL Health Matters Lancaster and Pittsburgh Conferences
      
   3. May 2023 Provided a social opportunity in the West for eight families at the National Aviary in Pittsburgh and  5 families in the East at the Strasburg Railroad.
      
   4. June 2023 Family Learning Conference-
      
      1. Gordon Boe exhibited 
         
      2. Special Advisor, Beth Foster, facilitated Friday evening session at FLC2023
         
      3. Special Advisor, Juli Baumgarner, facilitated Sib Experience at FLC2023
         
2.  October 2023, Anticipated Social events planned for each region
   
3.  November 2023, anticipate exhibiting at HELIX Conference, Lancaster, PA
   
4. December 2023, anticipate Holiday Mailing
   

Fundraising  Gordon Boe (Lead) 

1. Accomplishments
   
   1. Received $309.50 from HLAA for 2022 Walk4Hearing in Philadelphia
      
   2. Approved for $50,000 grant from PADDC for Gather for Change Conference
      
   3. Received $130 from 2023 FLC 50/50
      
2. Thank you to Vivian Patterson for her $10,000 donation in memory of Frank Visco
   
3. Thank you to Vincent Visco and Susan Lapenta for their $1,000 donation in memory of Frank Visco
   
4. HLAA Walk4Hearing in Philadelphia on October 14th - PPDB is an Alliance Member
   

Advocacy  Lisa Lopatofsky (Lead)

1. Accomplishments
   
   1. 3 PPDB members successfully completed NFADB’s FATE training
      
   2. 3 PPDB members participated in NFADB’s Day on the HIll
      
2. Cogswell Macy Act (CMA) should be introduced with all three parts in September
   
   1. Rep. Cartwright’s Office is giving it one more legislative session to pass as a whole Bill.  If not, they will create a separate piece of legislation for the DeafBlind piece (Title III) to be introduced at the next legislative session.
      
   2. NFADB still pursuing National Agenda
      
   3. Rep. Cartwright’s Office is working on a separate bill for Adult Services to be introduced this legislative session
      
3. PPDB is looking for two members interested in furthering their advocacy skills to take the upcoming NFADB FATE Training.
   
4. Gather for Change Conference is to be held next spring.  This will be the focus of our Advocacy Committee over the next year.  The conference will teach families the NFADB National Agenda and how to advocate for its content.     
   

OLD BUSINESS:  
​
NEW BUSINESS :  

1. Holiday Cards  - Jessica Coffin will head up this initiative.
   

GOOD OF THE ORDER:
    1.    Presentation to Tammy Kitterman for years of service.  

ADJOURNED: 
8:36 PM

Respectfully Submitted,
Dixie Stachnik on behalf of
Sandra Salerno, PPDB Secretary

Meeting Minutes – Monday, May 8th 2023, 8 pm

Call to Order: Tammy Kitterman 8:01 PM

Conflicts: none listed 

Present: Molly Black, Sandra Salerno, Gordon Boe, Jessica Lynch Coffin, Tammy Kitterman, Dixie Stachnik, Juli Baumgarner, Lisa Lopatofsky, Johnine Bickauskas

Absent:  Megen Meyers, Julia Murray

Approval of March, 2023 Minutes  
Motioned - Gordon Boe
Seconded –  Lisa Lopatofsky - All in favor, the meeting minutes were approved.

TREASURER'S REPORT:  - 
Full report available upon request.

Gordon Boe -  The ending balance was $8,293.65. Membership fees received $125 for the month, and marketing expense of $118.99 for purchase of new table runner.

Full report available to general membership upon request.

Approval of March/April 2023 Treasurer’s Report
Motioned – Molly Black
Seconded- Johnine Bickauskas
All in favor, the treasurer’s report was approved.

COMMITTEE UPDATES: 
*All committee action plans are saved in the shared drive



Membership Tammy Kitterman, Jessica Coffin, Patti McGowan, Sandra Salerno = No new updates, will meet in the off month to discuss plan.

Outreach (Patti McGowan, Molly Black, Sandra Salerno, Johnine Bickauskas, Dixie Stachnik) 

1. Update from each Region
   

1. Central - Strausburg Railroad  - Sandra reported that 5 families attended for a total of 21 participants and it was an enjoyable experience for all.
   
2. East - waiting for Overbrook School Pool to be rehabbed.  
   
3. West - Aviary - Tammy/Juli/Molly reported 8 families in attendance with 22 people total, and the experience was enjoyed by all! * Molly to work with Sandra to write a thank you note to “Grange” Liberty for lunch.
   

         2.      Patti and Molly exhibited at PEAL Health Matters Day 3/23 in Lancaster virtually and on 4/20/2023 in Pittsburgh.  They had to cancel exhibiting at Dan Miller Mental Health & Disability Summit on 5/11/2023 due to illness.

Fundraising (Gordon Boe, Johnine Bickauskas, Lisa Lopatofsky, Julia Murray)  

1.  50/50 Raffle at FLC - they will plan to put together per usual. Molly has a Helen Keller doll that can be raffled as well as some Helen Keller books.
   
2. Gordon has submitted an application for a  50k "Gather for Change" grant to host a statewide conference of students and adults who are deafblind and their families.  The purpose of the conference would be to educate and train the participants to advocate for the implementation of the National Advocacy Agenda (not lobbying, but advocating).  He will keep the board updated on the progress of the application.
   

Advocacy (Lisa Lopatofsky, Meg Meyers, Johnnie Bickauskas Gordon Boe)                     
1.  Report out on Day on the Hill  On April 19, PPDB members Patti McGowan, Molly Black and Gordon Boe participated in the “Day on the Hill.”  The event was organized by the National Family Association for Deaf-Blind (NFADB).  The purpose was to meet with Congressional delegations to advocate for the passage of the Cogswell-Macy Act as well as encourage them to support the National Advocacy Agenda (developed by NFADB and 11 other family organizations).  
Patti and Molly visited with Senator Casey and his staff via Zoom.  Gordon was able to travel to DC to meet personally with the staff of Senators Casey, Fetterman, and Representative Madeline Dean. NFADB members from at least four other states also visited their delegations:  Texas, Virginia, Tennessee and Louisiana.  The day was an incredible experience. Participants were able to tell personal stories, which led right into discussing how Cogswell-Macy and the National Agenda could improve their children’s lives.  Key issues included accurately identifying students who are DeafBlind in the child count, explicitly including interveners in the list of related services, requiring States to develop State Plans for adults who are DeafBlind, and mandating that States adopt a Deaf-Blind Medicaid Waiver for adults. It was a good start, and we need to keep working!. 

OLD BUSINESS: 8:30-8:40   None discussed


NEW BUSINESS: 8:40-8:50

Nominations  - Meg Myers & Molly Black, Co-chairs, and Sandra Salerno and Julia Murray committee members
    A vote vote was conducted to accept the nomination of: 
        Danielle Ciepley - Voted in 8* YEA,  0 NAY
        Kristina Kezmarsky - Voted in 8 YEA,  0 NAY
Abby Denis - Voted in 8 YEA, 0 NAY

• The 8 members voting in favor of the nomination were as follows: Molly Black, Sandra Salerno, Gordon Boe, Jessica Lynch Coffin, Tammy Kitterman, Dixie Stachnik, Lisa Lopatofsky,  and Johnine Bickauskas
  
• No one voted against the nomination.
  

    Vote on Executive Committee members: 

1. Lisa Lopatofsky - complete one term left of Tammy Kitterman’s Presidency - Lisa was voted in as President with an 8 in favor, 0 opposed vote.
   

1. Molly Black was voted in as Vice-President  with an 8 in favor, 0 opposed vote.
   

1.  Julia Murray and Meg Meyers have accepted a 2nd Term
   

1. Voted on Dr Elizabeth Foster as Special Advisor for 1 yr. term. She was voted as a special advisor with an 8 in favor, 0 opposed vote.
   

Family Learning Conference -

    1.    Sponsored Entertainment -  Discussed the possibility of hosting an ice cream social evening of FLC.​


Website -
Dixie Stachnik will be taking over

GOOD OF THE ORDER:  

Thank you Tammy Kitterman FOR YOUR YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE BOARD! We will miss you and wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors.


ADJOURNED: 8:59 PM

Respectfully Submitted,
Sandra Salerno
PPDB Secretary

 Meeting Minutes – Monday, March 13th 2023, 8 pm
Call to Order: Tammy Kitterman called the meeting to order at 8:01 PM

Conflicts: none listed 

Present: Sandra Salerno, Molly Black, Dixie Stachnik, Gordon Boe, Tammy Kitterman, Jessica Lynch, Meg Meyers, Lisa Lopatofsky, Julie Baumgarner, Johnine Bickauskis (late arrival)

Absent:  Julia Murray

Approval of February, 2023 Minutes  
Motioned - Gordon Boe
Seconded – Lisa Lopatofsky 
All in favor, minutes approved.

TREASURER'S REPORT:  - Gordon Boe

Approval of February, 2023 Treasurer’s Report
Motioned – Molly Black
Seconded- Meg Meyers
All in favor.


COMMITTEE UPDATES: 
*All committee action plans are saved in the shared drive

1. Membership (Tammy Kitterman, Patti McGowan, Sandra Salerno) *Jessica Lynch to join committee 
   
   Outreach (Patti McGowan, Molly Black, Sandra Salerno, Johnine Bickauskas, Dixie Stachnik) 
   Update from each Regional Committee member on location of May Social opportunity:
   1. East - Overbrook Swimming?
   2. Central - 
   3. West - possibly Aviary

          Johnine will post Sandra’s Spotlight on the Board on 3/15 and Fun Fact on 3/31.
           Table Runner ordered and received.  Invoice received for $118.99.  
           Patti and Molly to exhibit in May at Dan Miller Summit
       Fundraising (Gordon Boe, Johnine Bickauskas, Lisa Lopatofsky, Julia Murray) 
       Advocacy (Lisa Lopatofsky, Meg Meyers, Johnnie Bickauskas Gordon Boe) Day    on the hill planned for April 18, 2023


OLD BUSINESS: 8:30-8:40  

1. None discussed

NEW BUSINESS: 8:40-8:50
Nominations Process - Meg Myers & Molly Black, Co-chairs, and Sandra Salerno and Julia Murray committee members
    1.    Three Nomination Applications Received and Recommended:
            Kristina Kezmarsky, Abby Denis, Danielle Ciepley
    2.    EC Board Nominees Received:
            Balance of Tammy Kittermans President Term - Lisa Lopatofsky and Vice-President - Molly Black
        Special Advisor - Juli Baumgarner has accepted one more term.  Reached out to Dr. Elizabeth Foster, but have not heard back.
       3. Meg Meyers and Julia Murray have agreed to serve on another term as a general board member.

Family Learning Conference -
    1.    Sponsored Entertainment - Sam Sandler, Magician and Sean Forbes, Deaf Rapper, no response yet.
      2.    Gordon mentioned considering sponsoring an alumni family for the FLC (family with child over age 21).  

Website -
Dixie Stachnik will be taking over

GOOD OF THE ORDER: 


ADJOURNED: 8:40 pm

Meeting Minutes – Tuesday February 14, 2023, 8 pm

Call to Order: Tammy Kitterman called the meeting to order at 8:01 PM.

Conflicts: No conflicts listed

Present: Molly Black, Sandra Salerno, Tammy Kitterman, Jessica Coffin, Juli Baumgarner, Gordon Boe, Lisa Lopatofsky

Excused: Meg Meyers, Johnine Bickauskas
Unexcused:  Julia Murray, Dixie Stachnik, 

Approval of January, 2023 Minutes  
Motioned - Molly Black
Seconded – Jessica Coffin
All in favor, motion carried.

TREASURER'S REPORT:  - Gordon Boe

Approval of January, 2023 Treasurer’s Report
Motioned – Jessica Coffin
Seconded- Tammy Kitterman
All in favor.

COMMITTEE UPDATES: 
*All committee action plans are saved in the shared drive

Membership (Tammy Kitterman, Patti McGowan, Sandra Salerno) 
All action items are in the green.
Outreach (Patti McGowan, Molly Black, Sandra Salerno, Johnine Bickauskas, Dixie Stachnik) 
a. Committee is working on regional social days.  Molly & Patti are trying for the Pittsburgh Aviary for the West.  ($15 pp, minimum of 15 for group)
b. Vote to purchase one table runner at $80 with new Logo for exhibiting purposes.   All in favor, motion carries.
c. Molly will inquire about exhibiting at Dan Miller Disability Conference in May and summer Transition Conference in August.

Fundraising (Gordon Boe, Johnine Bickauskas, Lisa Lopatofsky, Julia Murray) The Amazon Smile Program ended on February 10th. Need to come up with other fundraising ideas.  https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/company-news/amazon-closing-amazonsmile-to-focus-its-philanthropic-giving-to-programs-with-greater-impact 
Committee needs to pick a day/time to meet and complete Action Plan.   

Advocacy (Lisa Lopatofsky, Meg Meyers, Johnnie Bickauskas Gordon Boe) Committee needs to pick a day/time to meet and complete Action Plan.  Update “Day on the Hill”. Update: Medicaid has changed to include family caregiver to be included as paid caregiver.


OLD BUSINESS: 8:30-8:40  

NEW BUSINESS: 8:20-8:45  
Nominations Process - Meg Myers & Molly Black, Co-chairs
Sandra Salerno and Julia Murray, Committee members. 
Call for Nominations posted 2/1.  Members will be contacting you if your term is up to seek interest EC positions, as well as extending general membership terms.
All board members should be recruiting new members for the Board.  Nomination applications and letters of support should be submitted to Meg or Molly and they will upload to the Drive.  Committee will review nominations in March. Bring to full Board in April and vote in May.

Family Learning Conference
Checking on Magician Sam Sadler, trying to connect, not sure of cost yet.
Possibly Makayla’s Voice - inclusion program. 

Camp HERO - Possibility of offering scholarships to cover the additional cost of camp ($225) over and above the application fee of $50.

Meeting Dates - Motion to change meeting dates to every other month (Jan, Mar, May, Jul, Sep, Nov). Molly motioned, Gordon Seconded, all were in favor. The exec committee will create an updated schedule.


GOOD OF THE ORDER: 

ADJOURNED: 8:41 PM

Respectfully submitted,
Sandra Salerno

 Meeting Minutes – January 9, 2023, 8 pm

Call to Order: Gordon Boe, Treasurer 8:01 pm

Conflicts: none listed

Present: Molly Black, Sandra Salerno, Gordon Boe, Johnine Bickauskas, Julia Murray, Dixie Stachnik, Meg Meyers, Lisa Lopatofsky

Excused: Tammy Kitterman, Juli Baumgarner, Jessica Coffin

Approval of November, 2022 Minutes  
Motioned - Molly
Seconded – Meg
All in favor, the minutes were approved.

TREASURER'S REPORT:  - Gordon Boe

Approval of November, 2022 and December, 2022 Treasurer’s Report
Motioned – Johnine
Seconded- Dixie
All in favor.

COMMITTEE UPDATES: 
*All committee action plans are saved in the shared drive


Membership (Tammy Kitterman, Patti McGowan, Sandra Salerno) 
Shared list of accomplishments in 2022.
1. Annual Drive Completed
Updated Action Plan/Goals for 2023 - no report given.

Outreach (Patti McGowan, Molly Black, Sandra Salerno, Johnine Bickauskas) 
Shared list of accomplishments in 2022.
Informational slides provided to PEAL for Health Conference, Northeast PA, March 2022
      2.  Updated and Printed 500 copies of PPDB Brochure for Exhibitor/Handout            
      3.  Social Media Flyer produced
      4.  Family Learning Conference - PPDB Sponsored “Cole  and Friends”
      5.  Quarterly posts to Listserv requesting members post   training/social activities.
      6.  Committee offered three fall social opportunities in  each region
      7.  Annual Holiday Greeting Card mailed to membership.

Added Action Plan/Goals for 2023:
 Social Media Campaign: Meet the Board - Post Bio on the 15th of month and a Fun Fact about PPDB on the 30th day of the month.
Plan a Spring Social event.
Committee Updates - met on 11/21/21
Update Exhibitor materials - what we have should be enough for year 2023; new logo needs added to items when repurchased; and getting bids for tablerunners for exhibitor tables.
Discussion to reinstate shoutouts - Outreach Committee is not recommending, only putting idea out to the whole Board because it would require everyone’s participation.
 Continuing discussions will be held on how to meet the         needs of our membership - ideas include: book purchases,  sibling/college stipends, lifetime memberships, conference supports. 
     
Fundraising (Gordon Boe, Johnine Bickauskas, Lisa Lopatofsky, Julia Murray) 
Share List of accomplishments in 2022 - 
Completed Fundraiser at FLC2022 led by Johnine B.
Share Updated Action Plan/Goals for 2023 - no report given.

Advocacy (Lisa Lopatofsky, Meg Meyers, Johnnie Bickauskas) 
Share List of accomplishments in 2022
Gordon, Abby Denis and Molly completed FATE training and have moved on to FACE group of NFADB and will participate in “Day on the Hill” this spring.
Share Updated Action Plan/Goals for 2023 - no report given.

OLD BUSINESS: 8:30-8:40  

Holiday cards- Thank you to Jessica Coffin for working so hard on the holiday cards!


NEW BUSINESS: 8:40-8:45  

1.  Appointed Meg Meyers and Molly Black as Co-Chairs of Nominations Committee -  Julia Murray and Sandra Salerno will be members of the committee as well.
Nominations will be sought for: 
Special Advisor - 1 yr. term
Balance of President term (Tammy is moving out of state)
Vice-President
Treasurer

2.  Request a Board volunteer to maintain the website and ask Tammy to mentor. *We are still in need of a volunteer to maintain the website.*

3. Gordon to follow up with Tammy to see if she sent a welcome letter to new member Melinda Tobin.

4. Outreach committee to schedule meeting.


GOOD OF THE ORDER: 

We wish everyone a happy new year and a prosperous 2023!


ADJOURNED: 8:45 Gordon

Respectfully submitted,
Sandra Salerno

Meeting Minutes – November 14, 2022

Call to Order: Tammy Kitterman 8:01 PM
Conflicts: No conflicts to the agenda
Present: Molly Black, Sandra Salerno, Jessica Lynch, Tammy Kitterman, Dixie Stachnik, Gordon Boe, Johnine Bickaskus, Julia Murray, Juli Baumgarner

Excused: Meg Myers, Lisa Lopatofsky

Approval of October  Minutes  
Motioned - Johnine Bickaskus
Seconded – Gordon Boe
All in favor to approve the October 2022 minutes as written.

TREASURER'S REPORT:  - Gordon Boe

Approval of October, 2022 Treasurer’s Report
Motioned – Molly Black
Seconded- Dixie Stachnik
All in favor.

COMMITTEE UPDATES: 
*All committee action plans are saved in the shared drive


Membership (Tammy Kitterman, Patti McGowan, Sandra Salerno) Annual membership drive is now occurring with emails sent to the listserv to remind members to renew their membership starting December 1. Discussed giving away free memberships for all attending FLC.

Outreach (Patti McGowan, Molly Black, Sandra Salerno, Johnine Bickauskas) No regional gatherings occurred in Fall due to lack of participants. The plan is to revisit this in the spring. Discussed possibility of giving out a book to families relevant to DeafBlindness. Will revisit shoutouts in January (adding this to January agenda).

Fundraising (Gordon Boe, Johnine Bickauskas, Lisa Lopatofsky, Julia Murray) Gordon researched Walmart grant program, and found that it needs to benefit people at the local Walmart only.  He will continue to research fundraising opportunities.

Advocacy (Lisa Lopatofsky, Meg Meyers, Johnnie Bickauskas) 
Molly and Gordon completed FATE training. 

OLD BUSINESS: 8:30-8:40  
NEW BUSINESS: 8:20-8:45  
Holiday cards- Jessica Coffin - will mail by December 1st.  

Committee Action Plans - Individual committees need to meet in Q4 to update 2023 goals.

Shout Outs/Newsletters - The board agreed to add the topic of discussing the possibility of reinstituting “Shout Outs” for the next meeting.(January 2023)

GOOD OF THE ORDER: 

Congratulations to Lisa Lopatofsky on the birth of her daughter Cassidy. Tammy motioned and Molly seconded to send flowers to Lisa at the hospital with a budget of 75 dollars. All board members approved.

ADJOURNED: 8:45 pm

Respectfully Submitted,
Sandra Salerno