Pennsylvania Partnership for the DeafBlind
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July 2023

7/17/2023

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Meeting Agenda– Monday, July 10th, 2023 8pm EST

Welcome to our new board members
and special advisor!

Call to Order: 8:07 PM Lisa Lopatofsky

Conflicts: None presented

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

Absent: Johnine Bickauskas, excused; Danielle Cieply, excused; Jessica
Coffin, excused

Approval of May, 2023 Minutes
Motioned - Molly Black
Seconded – Gordon Boe
All in favor, May 2023 meeting minutes approved as submitted.

TREASURER'S REPORT: -
Full report furnished upon request. 
Gordon Boe - Expenses include the
social outings by region for a total of $419.50, website administration
$87.93, income from amazon smiles (now discontinued program) for
$20.95, and income from 50/50 fundraising of $130.
Approval of May/June 2023 Treasurer’s Report
Motioned – Sandra Salerno
Seconded - Dixie Stachnik

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

Membership Sandra Salerno (Lead)
1. Free Memberships awarded to professionals at FLC Tammy Cooke
and others accepted.
2. Need to ensure new memberships are updated - Jessica Coffin to
update the membership spreadsheet in google drive, Sandra to
send email welcome letters, and Patti to update listserv.

Outreach Molly Black (Lead)
1. FLC - Gordon was exhibitor - Lots of foot traffic, his expense for
hotel room will be submitted for reimbursement, $136.53
a. Helen Keller Doll - Rhoades Family won
b. Please share pictures on Facebook if you have any
2. HELIX - November exhibit
3. Begin planning for fall social gathering by region - suggestion to do
zoo animal safari - Grove City
4. Introducing Board members continues - 15th of each month and
Fun Fact/Did You Know? on the 30th - add new Outreach
members. (So far - Tammy, Sandra, Gordon, Lisa, Johnine & Dixie
have been introduced.) *Board members should be prepared with
their bio’s and pictures, include intro bio and why you agreed to be
a part of PPDB, include pictures of your family if you’d like.*

Fundraising Gordon Boe (Lead)
1. 50/50 Raffle - collected $180 - Lazur Family won, but gave back as
a donation - $130 was in cash, and another $50 was a paypal
donation that didn’t hit the June statement, anticipated for July.
a. Sandra S. needs to send a thank you note
2. Need to come up with fundraising ideas to support the conference -
PPDB will be responsible for raising $50K to match the funds
provided in the grant. Some suggestions include Lion Club, VFW.
The conference will be held at Penn Stater directly following the
Family Learning Conference.

Advocacy Lisa Lopatofsky (Lead)
1. Gordon presented info at FLC about Nat’l Agenda and PPDB
Conference next year
a. Info was also included in the FLC registration packet
2. Need to consider Nat’l Agenda marketing materials to be
distributed at the Conference
3. Still waiting on new Federal Bill to be drafted for DB services/plan -
Deaf-Blind specific was pulled out of the cogswell macy act.

OLD BUSINESS: None discussed

NEW BUSINESS:
1. Two committees must be chosen per board member
2. Each committee must meet and work on their action plan
3. Next meeting (Sept) will be annual membership meeting
a. State of the Organization - please make sure your
committees action plans are up to date and ready to share
highlights
4. Gather For Change (GFC) - Work Group created - volunteers
needed
a. We would like to have some semi-firm details about the 2024
Conference so please respond to emails in a timely manner.
b. Many professionals have agreed to be part of the work group,
additional volunteers needed.
c. Grant requires monthly progress reports and pre and post
conference survey.
5. TK gift - To thank TK For her many years of service to the board we
are going to present her with a Hellen Keller award. Gordon is
working on this.

GOOD OF THE ORDER:
Thank you to Gordon Boe for his extraordinary work with applying for
and receiving the grant to host the Gather for Change conference!!!

ADJOURNED: 9:02 PM
Respectfully Submitted,
Sandra Salerno
PPDB Secretary
0 Comments

May 2023

5/10/2023

0 Comments

 
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

0 Comments

March 2023

4/5/2023

0 Comments

 
 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

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February 2023

2/14/2023

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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
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January 2023

1/9/2023

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 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
0 Comments

November 2022

11/14/2022

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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
0 Comments

October

10/10/2022

0 Comments

 
 PPDB Meeting Minutes –October 10, 2022
8:05-8:10
Call to Order: Tammy Kitterman 8:01 PM
Conflicts: None
Present: Tammy Kitterman, Sandra Salerno, Molly Black, Gordon Boe, Juli Baumgarner, Jessica Coffin, Julia Murray, Meg Meyers
Excused: Johnine Bickauskas, Lisa Lopatofsky, Dixie Stachnik
Approval of September Minutes  
Motioned -  Gordon Boe
Seconded – Julia Murray
All in favor.
TREASURER'S REPORT:  - Gordon Boe

​Approval of September Treasurer’s Report
Motioned – Molly Black
Seconded- Julia Murray
All in favor.

COMMITTEE UPDATES: 8:10-8:20
*All committee action plans are saved in the shared drive

Membership (Tammy Kitterman, Patti McGowan, Sandra Salerno) No new updates

Outreach
(Patti McGowan, Molly Black, Sandra Salerno, Johnine Bickauskas) Upcoming Events - no RSVPs for central region gathering or the east gathering. These gatherings will be postponed. Two families have RSVP’d to the West event. Molly Black agreed to connect the two families and offer reimbursement should they still plan to attend.


Fundraising (
Gordon Boe, Johnine Bickauskas, Lisa Lopatofsky, Julia Murray) Gordon will be reaching out to Tammy for information regarding application for the Walmart grant.


Advocacy (Lisa Lopatofsky, Meg Meyers, Johnnie Bickauskas) Gordon and Molly have diligently attended the FATE training (6 weeks every Thursday for 2 hours in the evening). 


OLD BUSINESS: 8:30-8:40  
N/A
NEW BUSINESS: 8:20-8:45  

  1. Holiday cards- Jessica Coffin volunteered to put together the 2022 holiday card. Tammy will connect Lisa L. and Jessica C. so they may discuss the holiday card. We discussed possibly using “faces of PPDB” and asking families to send updated pictures of their children.

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

  1. Google drive - A lengthy discussion ensued regarding the use of the google drive. The board concluded that for record keeping purposes, the drive will continue to be used, but for now we will also send email attachments with updated board files.

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

GOOD OF THE ORDER: 8:45 

N/A


ADJOURNED: 8:48 PM

Respectfully Submitted,
Sandra Salerno, PPDB Secretary

0 Comments

September 2022

9/19/2022

0 Comments

 
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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