MD 22 Lions Vision Research Foundation, Inc.

Lions Vision Research and Rehabilitation Center (Wilmer Eye Institute) logo
LIONS VISION RESEARCH FOUNDATIONS, INC.
MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING
for
January 20, 2007
 
 
Chairperson PDG Ted Reiner called the meeting to order at 9:30 a.m. and welcomed everyone.  Chairperson PDG Ted led us in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.  PID Murray Ryan gave the invocation.
 
Those members in attendance who signed in were:
 
            PID Murray Ryan                                                         CHPDG Ted Reiver
VCHPDG Bob Muchow                                              Adm. Asst. Heather Mays                    Treas. Diane May                                                            Sec. Janet K. Brown                            CCPDG Rowe Haywood                                             DG Harold Boccia
DG John W. Hopkins                                                   DG Rodney Dobson
VDG Dick Bloomquist                                      VDG Ted Ladd
PDG Dave Brauning                                                     PDG Dorothy Culver
PDG Bob Culver                                                          PDG John Lawrence
PDG Bob Eisenberg                                                     PDG Gene Hoffmaster
PDG Bob Paxson                                                         PDG Bill Yoho
PDG Dal Mann                                                            PDG Warren Kellner
PDG Ken Watson                                                        PDG Mark Green
PDG Clara Newcomer                                     PDG John Shwed
Lion Gardner Shugart                                                   Lion Bob Bullock
Lion Milt Draper, Jr.                                                     Lion Fred Williamson
Lion Angela Lucas                                                        Lion Joan Bestpitch
Lion Frank Lucas                                                         Lion Henry Cowell
Lion John Saxon                                                           Lion John Aulls
Debbie Steele-Moore O.D. , guest                               David Moore, guest
Dr. Robert Massof, Wilmer LVC                                  Dr. Lin Wang, LVC
 
Professional Program:  Dr. Robert Massof greeted everyone by wishing them a Happy New Year.  He informed us that he, Dr. Dagnelic and Dr. Furano are busy writing grants.
 
He shared that their first ever clinical trial on low vision had just been completed.  This is done as a formal clinical study/trial to see if it actually works.  It is good to have these trials in your portfolio when you go to make any changes or services on any coverage’s.  This was done in conjunction with Veteran’s Administration Hospitals, one in North Carolina and the other in Chicago providing services for the trial which was supported by the Dept. of V.A.  The V.A. has Low Vision/Blind Rehab Centers.  Results were completed and received two weeks ago.  Note – we’ll hear about this at a Prevention Blindness meeting in April.  Before introducing Dr. Wang, Dr. Bob reported that the two of them had been talking and said now that we have raised over 4 million and nothing now to do, perhaps one of the proposal/idea for specific projects which he will propose to us will be of interest and together we can go to LCIF for funding similar to what was done with the education project.  Dr. Wang has been working with a group in China and they have come up with an outstanding plan so I asked if he would come this morning and present the ideas to us to see if we, LVRF, would want to get involved.
 
Dr. Wang had a friend approach him on Low Vision, wanted to visit and observe Wilmer’s Low Vision Center.  When asked why Dr. Wang was told that her Doctor would like to set up Low Vision Centers in a hospital in China.  She did her observation and was very impressed.  While on vacation in China, Dr. Wang visited the hospital and learned that top hospital provided may services, but on LV services.  Upon his return to Wilmer he talked with Dr. Bob and let him know what he had seen and Dr. Bob proposed he do a presentation at our meeting this morning.
 
In his presentation he wanted to answer five questions:
 
            1.  Do we need LV services?                            2.  Are we receiving LV services?
            3.  How situation can be improved?                  4.  What can we do?
            5.  Can we succeed?
 
After many interesting facts and data the questions were answered.
 
1.      Yes, the Chinese are in dire need of low vision services.
2.      No, low vision services are not being provided.
3.      With professional low vision services, offer professional training, set up services in EYE & ENT hospitals.
4.      Set up services, training, start campaign for LV education in China, funding tow phase projects and apply for LCIF funds.
5.      Yes with short-term training, workshops, using internet with conference calls, collaboration between Lions in the two countries.  We can help local Chinese to apply for grant needed for this project.
 
We will need commitment of Wilmer’s quality and the Lions’ support.
 
Very exciting and interesting.
                                                           
                                                           
Minutes:  Motion was made by PDG Ken Watson, seconded by PDG Bob Paxson to approve the minutes presented by Sec. Janet for the November 17th, 2006 meeting.  After discussion of PDG Dan Mann’s name being left off of listing of attendees and DG John Hopkins stating that after our November Rally and lunch, he had attended the business meeting which began about 12:35 p.m. Motion and seconded was changed to approve minutes as corrected.  Motion carried.
           
Financial Report:  Lion Duane May, treasurer, presented his report along with the audit report.  PDG Ken Watson made motion, seconded by PDG Bob Paxson to accept reports as presented.  Motion carried.  Lion Duane stated we have achieved our goal of 4 million.
 
Chairman’s Report:  PDG Chair Ted asked Lion Angela to introduce her guest; Lion Joan Bestpitch from the Clayton Lions Club in 22D.  Lion Joan will serve as secretary of the LVRF Golf committee.  PDG Dot introduced Dr. Debbie Moore, a specialist in low vision from Salisbury and her husband, David.  Lion Gardner Shugart from the Milford Lion’s Club in 22D introduced himself and was happy to hear what we have done so far today.
 
Chair Ted welcomed one and all, so glad you are here.  Nice to hear Dr. Wang’s new project for us.  We need something to keep us busy. The figure for the year to date roll-up, bottom of front page, $4,166,772.80 endowment grand total deserves a thank you to everyone.
 
At this time donations listed below were accepted:
 
            Leisure World Lions                                         1500.00 - annual giving
            Frederica Spring Creek Lions                              300.00 – annual giving
            Frederica Spring Creek Lions                              300.00 – vision days
            Rock Hall Lions                                                1250.00 - annual giving
            Fruitland Lions                                         300.00
            22B                                                                     126.00 
            Crisfield Lions                                         200.00 – vision days
            Ocean Pine’s Branch (new)                                   50.00
            Allen Lions                                                          300.00
            Union Bridge Lions                                              640.00 - endowment
            Clayton Lions                                                      447.00 – vision days
           
 
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
 
Constitution & By-laws:  PDG Bill Yoho – no report
 
Educational Sub-Committee:  PDG Rowe Haywood – reports are all positive.  A very intensive and comprehensive report is being submitted LCI.  All sub-committees report that all districts are in process of training, reports are very well received.  Very positive comments.  Recipients of our training are receiving follow up info where services can be received.  PDG Ken Watson is involved in further training to be at the National Federation of the Blind on Feb. 10th at 9:30 to 2:00 p.m. and has invited anyone to attend.
 
Finance:  PDG Mark Green – as of two weeks ago we have gifts of stocks that have yet to be liquidated.  Until those stocks have been liquidated we won’t know how much cash we will be receiving and how much is needed to complete the endowment.  PDG Mark stated that at the Sept. meeting he recommended liquidating our Raymond James holdings to complete the endowment.  At the November meeting there were discussions where these funds originated and any restrictions.  PDG Bill Yoho stated that they were basically restricted to account as far as the College Park and J.C. Stewart thrust grant was proposed originally.  PDG Bill states that he is in the position to release College Park funds in the amount necessary to make the target of the four million.  More discussion on liquidation of holdings Hopkins has – once it is known the difference PDG Mark says we can come up with a strategy and discuss with investment sub-committee & Raymond James representative.  We can liquidate to the extent funds needed now to complete the 4 million.  Any funds remaining will be used at the discretion of the Board in the future.
 
PDG Ken Watson made motion, seconded by PDG Bob Paxson to take monies from the Raymond James account based on consent of the College Park Lions Club as transmitted to us by PDG Bill Yoho to give us the amount necessary to make up the 4 million.  Motion carried.
 
PDG Mark Green states that will be completed as soon as a figure is received from Terry.
 
PDG Ken Watson mentioned that 5 or 6 years ago we had about $90,000 and now due to the work of Brent Ruhkamp we have about $300,000 in the Raymond James account.  Lion Brent needs a fantastic thank you.
 
Investment Committee:  PDG David Fisher – no report.
 
Development:  Lion John Andrews – no report.
 
Lions Vision 2000:  PDG John Shwed – announced he is a Gentlemen in waiting – waiting on final accounting - seems we are in a good position.  Thanks everyone for their help.
 
Planned Giving:  PDG Ken Watson, no report.
 
Fund Raising:  PDG Dal Mann – we will again be having Beef Raffle, tickets will be distributed shortly.  Sell, sell, sell, this is all profit.
 
Golf Tournament:  PDG Dave Brauning – presented his final report and a check in the amount of $727.19 from the tournament.  Lion Angela requested operating funds for the 2007 tournament.  PDG Bob Paxson made motion, seconded by PDG Warren that we okay this request in the amount of $1000. Motion carried.
 
PDG Warren suggested a round of applause to PDG David and his committee.  PDG David remarked that the support of everyone makes it successful.
 
Vision Days:  PDG Bill Kercher  - sent short report.  Our next Vision Days will be April 13 – 14, 2007.  Have your location visible and have hand-outs.
 
Recognition:  Lion Janet K. Brown – Heather stated that she had rockers on table that needed to go to MD clubs for Vision Day donations.  Should go under Vision Day patch on banners.
 
Legal Counsel:  PDG Bill Yoho – PDG Ken Watson reports that there needs to be an increase of one on the LVRF Board of Trustees.  This would be the council chairperson.  Should be voted on at the convention.  PDG Ken made motion, seconded by PDG Warren to increase number by one on LVRF Board of Trustees, needed for the CC.  Motion carried.
 
Long-Range Planning:  PDG Clare Newcomer – no report.
 
Professional Program:  Lion Fred Williamson – began by talking to Dr. Wang in Chinese.  Reported that we have great professional education program and feels it will be a great time for members to attend the LVRF seminar at the MD convention in May.  Testimonies are greatly received.  After discussion on costs, PDG Ken Watson make motion, seconded by PDG Warren, that we provide a budget, not to exceed $500.00 for speakers expenses (room & banquet tickets) and monies needed for display booth to Lion Fred and Lion Henry.  Motion carried.
 
Public Relations:  IPDG John Lawrence – has a number of the brochures that he had printed available for anyone.  He also has hats, shirts, ties and sweat shirts available.  The date of the golf tournament will be Sept. 17, location TBA.
 
Newsletter:  VDG Ted Ladd reports that the newsletter is better with a variety of items.  More articles are better.  He is to contact Ros Palmer for professional staff items.  Deadline for spring edition will be April 2.  Thanks for the opportunity to serve.
 
Speaker’s Bureau:  PDG Dal Mann – commented that we have some great speakers – every Trustee member.  VDG Ted Ladd did a great presentation.  Spread the word in your district – we need to be invited.
 
Volunteerism:  PDG Ken Watson – still bringing people to Wilmer.  He did want to mention Camp Merrick – they are getting ready for the camping season.  Hopefully, they will be holding a Blind camp for a week, need counselors.  Deaf camp for 3 weeks at the cost of $450 - $475 weekly, Diabetic camp for 6 weeks at the cost of $650 weekly.  However, no child is denied the opportunity to attend.  PDG Ken invites any Lions to attend, beautiful location.
 
ADVISOR’S COMMENTS: PID Murray Ryan – good positive items happening.  Our 4 million may be in sight, finally accomplished, very encouraging.  Now we are up for another challenge.  Good to be here and back on the road.
 
DISTRICT GOVERNORS COMMENTS:
 
D. G. Harold Boccia – extends congratulations to MD 22 for the 4 million raised.  Receives lots of smiles when he informs Lions that we have reached an objective which began in 1988.
 
D.G. Rodney Dobson – Thanks for the effort in obtaining our 4 million.  Encourages everyone to read the article, “Challenge to Inspire the Clubs”, which is in the Lions magazine.  Passing info around to his clubs, Thanks, glad to be here.
 
D.G. John Hopkins – in traveling around he has been telling his clubs that our goal has been accomplished.  Reports that Lion Bob Bullock has began the educational program in 22W and we are 100% behind the training.
 
CC Rowe Haywood – no report
 
NEW BUSINESS: 
 
PDG John Shwed reported that he understands Wilmer wants to do something special as a thank you at our 3/17 Board meeting.  Don’t be surprised if meeting is held at a different location.
 
Also at the last meeting Terri Meekins talked about up-dating our web-site, how do we go about this.  Our Board needs to think about this, a web-site is only as good as a constant up-date.
 
Lion Fred reports on the LCIF Mediterranean cruise.  Was a great opportunity to talk about LVRF.  Greeted in many countries.  Group going to Africa for River Blindness.  A young man from Indonesia thanked me for his new home, plus they now have schools and hospital.  We are making a difference in the world.  Raised $25,000 for Campaign Sight First.
 
PDG Bob Paxson made motion, seconded by PDG Warren Kellner, to pay the bills.  Motion carried.
 
There being no further business we are adjourned (11:15 a.m.).  Have a safe trip home.  Our next meeting will be 3/17/07.
 
Respectfully submitted,
 
Janet K. Brown
Secretary
 

 
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Last updated: 01/19/08.