MD 22 Lions Vision Research Foundation, Inc.



Lions Vision Research Foundation,Inc.
Minute of the Board of Trustees Meeting
For
November 17, 2007

Chairman PDG Ted Reiver called the meeting to order at 9:30 am and welcomed all in attendance. Everyone participated in the Pledge led by Chm Ted and PDG John Shwed gave the invocation.

Those members and guests in attendance who signed in were:
CHPDG Ted Reiver VCHPDG Bob Muchow
Adm Mgr Heather Mays Sec Janet K. Brown
Treas Richard Liebno PCC Clare Newcomer
PDG Ken Watson PCC Mark Green
PDG Bill Kircher PDG Charles Kearse
PDG John Shwed PDG Robert A. King
PDG Gene Hoffmaster PDG Dal Mann
DG Bob Jones DG Bill Stark
DG Dick Bloomquist DG Ted Ladd
VDG Bob Daniels VDG Susan Timmons
VDG John Andrews PCT Ann Reiver
Lion Dave Studley Lion Roger Sauter
Lion Fred Williamson Lion Henry Cowell
Lion Bob Bullock Dr. Gislin Dagnelie,LVC
Dr. Robert Massof,LVC

PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMS: Dr. Massof reported that they still want to work on the Low Vision Center urban centers with practitioners taking care of these areas. Clinicals are needed, Dr. Grover, L.V. educator, is working on this area. Also working in building up the education areas, measuring outcome, how do we know it is working. Always new challenges, doing pilot programs. He stated that our support is needed.

Dr. Dagnelie reported on the i-pod being used for testing vision and informed us of many other things going on in the Low Vision Center.

MINUTES: Chm Ted asked if there were any questions on the minutes of the Sept. meeting. PDG Ken Watson made the motion to accept the minutes as received, seconded by PDG Bill Kircher. Motion carried.

FINANCIAL REPORT: Chm Ted asked for any questions on the treasurer’s reports passed out by Treas Richard. PDG Ken Watson made the motion to accept the reports and file for audit. PDG Bill Kircher seconded the motion. Motion carried.

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT: Chm Ted feels we have had a successful year to date. He is expecting a final report on the Golf Tournament soon. Chm Ted wants everyone to keep up the good work.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Audit Committee: Treasurer Richard reports that all books have been taken to Mr. Pat Kline. Adm Mgr Heather and PDG Mark have talked with Mr. Kline regarding additional information that was needed. He states the 990 is due soon and will be completed.

Constitution and By-laws: PDG Bill Yoho was absent. PCC Clare reported that she will be in contact with PDG Bill on items she needs and hopefully have information at the January meeting.

Educational Sub-Committee: PDG Rowe Haywood was absent. It was questioned whether there had been any luck in getting more powerful speakers. PDG Dal spoke up and said that he and CC John were going to attempt this but upon mentioning it to PDG Rowe he said he would look into this request.

Finance: PCC Mark states if it is the Board’s intent for the approximately $335,000.00 (Raymond James) to go to the endowment that there are new strategic programs being considered. Vchm PDG Bob Muchow made the motion to transfer these monies over to the endowment fund where more interest will be received. PCC Clare seconded the motion. Chm Ted asked for discussion. Much discussion followed – a few comments listed below.

1-endowment has been satisfied, why transfer there
2-why was it not transferred earlier
3-was College Park given credit
4-consider giving them choices
5-College Park has been a generous Lions Club, enabled us to do great things
6-in beginning College Park did not want their monies to go to the Wilmer Dev Fund
but wanted it to go to the LVRF endowment fund to be controlled by the Board
7-something in writing is needed-agree to transfer money in January ‘08
8-these monies could support new programs
9-needs to be resolved

To show good faith, it was suggested and agreed that the 22C District Governor and the 22C Trustees decide who will go to visit the College Park Lions and give them the facts. What the Board is considering and ask them what their wishes are; put in endowment, fellowship or others. Vchm PDG Bob moved to table his motion until the Board receives the intent of the College Park Lions Club.

Development: PDG John Shwed reported on the potential future LVRF projects requiring financial resources. In brief, the following items were intended to generate discussion among the LVRF Board of Directors. Hopefully, with a little more time and input from the LVRF Long Range planning committee, a consensus will emerge.
1-postdoctoral fellowship at the LVC
2-endow a chair at the LVC
3-assist China with development of low vision services
4-donate annually to indigent patient fund for Wilmer patients; not just low vision
patients
5-other ideas ?

PDG John will send a copy of his report to Heather and she will send copies to the Board.

Fund Raising: PDG Dal Mann reported that his district held a LVRF banquet, had an excellent speaker and also a young lady who gave a testimonial. Monies from dinner, raffle, and other sources totaled $21,631.00 from 34 clubs. Also received was $1,000.00 for an Arnall Patz Fellow which would go to the endowment fund.

PDG Gene Hoffmaster reports that they held a Walk Along rather than giving out candy and asking for donations and collected $2,645.00.

Lion Bob Bullock states that PDG Dal’s figures are high but he is not ready to concede just yet. They have brought in $20,860.00 but are not quite finished.

Lion Bob also remarked that he strongly believes that the Board needs to get on with a specific project. We are losing ground to other causes, need one sooner rather than later.

Lion Bob mentioned the Beef Raffle which we had talked about at the last meeting. With the help of Heather he reports that the raffle had averaged about $6,293.00 each year for the last five years.

Vision Days: PDG Bill Kircher reported on his club’s experience this year for Vision Days. They went out two days, 8 hours each day and their profit was $655.45. The Capital City Club distributed lots of brochures regarding Lionism, information on the club’s projects and answered many questions.

Recognition: Heather reported that pyramids have been ordered and are in and she has sent rockers for the club’s banners to PDG Bill Kircher. There was discussion on pyramids and Arnall Patz Award. PCC Clare made motion that beginning July 1, 2007
a pyramid will be given for $1,000.00 received in a year and the Arnall Patz Award will be given for $2,500.00 received in three years. PDG Bill Kircher seconded the motion. Motion carried. When sending monies to Heather all clubs should designate their requests or wishes.

Long Range Planning: PCC Clare Newcomer promised to have a meeting before our next Board meeting in January. She has a long list of items for discussion.

Professional programs: Lion Fred Williamson reports that there will be a LVRF Seminar presented at our MD convention at Dover Downs Hotel on May 8^th. Looking forward to having Dr. Dagnelie, Dr. Massof and Jim Dermick to attend and also Dr. Judy Goldstein if she is available. The program has been established.

Newsletter: DG Ted Ladd reports that he has a box of the current newsletter with him and would like for us to pick some up and take to our clubs. Chm Ted thanked him and noted that he does a great job.

DISTRICT GOVERNOR’S COMMENTS:
DG Dick Bloomquist-really pleased to have heard so many discussions, very healthy and planning ahead. Really do need to identify an area for us to focus on or our club donations are going to die. All ideas are very helpful. Thought PDG Bill’s comments on Vision Days and using brochures for PR were great. He once asked members what is the purpose of Lions and the answer was fund-raising. They are on the wrong road. Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday.

DG Bill Stark-states he has been a Lion for 28 years and has attended our board meetings for the last two years. I have learned a lot and appreciate most of the conversation. His first 20 years as a Lion he knew the working of his club. Then he got on the cabinet and found out a little bit more about Lionism. Each year you grow. What a great way to get information out to the members by attending the LVRF Banquet that PDG Dal reported on earlier. The speaker was wonderful and impressed everyone. There are so many people that do not know about Lionism. Glad to be here and keep up the good work.

DG Ted Ladd-pleasure to be here and wishes everyone a Happy Holiday.

DG Bob Jones-intense meeting - see you later.

DG Barbara McKenney-standing in for DG Barbara was VDG Susan Timmons. VDG Susan thanked all of the Board members for their prayers, concerns and cards during her illness. Great therapy. Sincerely appreciate all lions for their extra prayers and cares the last couple of months. Looking forward to serve as District Governor next year.

OLD and NEW BUSINESS:
Lion Bob Bullock noted that there was a card being passed around the room for PID Murray Ryan. He asked that everyone please sign as he is sure PID Murray will be pleased to hear from his many friends.

Lion Henry Cowell reported that the convention will be coming soon, only two board meetings left. As chairman of the LVRF Development Committee, he noted that he talked to incoming Chairman of the Board, PDG Bob Muchow, regarding him and his wife moving from the area this summer. There is a need to find an individual to take over the exhibit. He requests any interested individual to contact him so there can be a smooth transition. Also needs to know how many booths will be needed this year at the convention. Last year we had three. Lion Henry would like for the Board to consider having the exhibit at the US/Canada Forum. In two years it will be in TN – not too far away – received lots of recognition while at last years Forum.

PDG Dal Mann reports that he is selling beautiful ornaments for $15.00 each. He has plenty and a few available today. Give him a call.

PDG Charlie Kearse requested an accurate accounting of monies before the group goes to visit College Park Lions Club. Adm Mgr Heather will send him report.

PDG Ken Watson made motion to pay all bills, seconded by PDG Bill Kircher. Motion carried.

ADJOURNMENT:
Chm PDG Ted thanked all for attending and adjourned the meeting.

UPCOMING BOARD MEETINGS:
1/19/08, 3/13/08, 5/17/08


Respectfully submitted,

PCT Janet K. Brown
Secretary

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Last updated: 01/19/08.