MD 22 Lions Vision Research Foundation, Inc.

Lions Vision Research Foundation, Inc.
Minutes of the Board of Trustees Meeting
For
July 21, 2007

Chairman PDG Ted Reiver called the meeting to order and welcomed all attendees. All participated in the Pledge and PDG Dal Mann gave the invocation.

Those members and guests in attendance who signed in were:

PIP Clem Kusiak ID Joseph Gaffigan
CHPDG Ted Reiver Adm Asst Heather Mays
Treas Richard Liebno PCC Clare Newcomer
PDG Robert King PDG Ken Watson
PDG Dal Mann PDG Gary Burdette
PDG Charlie Kearse PDG Bill Kircher
DG Ted Ladd DG Bob Jones
DG Dick Bloomquist DG Bill Stark
VDG Bob Daniels VDG John Andrews
PCT Ann Reiver Lion John Saxon
Lion Dave Studley Lion Dick Hott
Lion Bob Bullock Lion W. Roger Sauter
Lion Michael Sarro Lion Fred Williamson
Lion Henry Cowell Lion Phyllis Fettinger
Ava Kiser, LVC Dr. Gislin Dagnelie, LVC
Stacey Schaefer, Wilmer Dr. Judith Goldstein, LVC
Jim Deremeik, Staff


PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMS: Dr. Dagnelie stated that he was impressed by the attendance at the meeting. He brought greetings from Dr. Massof. Sorry he couldn’t be with us but he was with family in Wisconsin. His brother-in-law who has been a lung patient for a long time had a lung transplant and all is going well.
Dr. Dagnelie reports they have some important news and would be giving three presentations. The general theme being, “What is our task as a Lions Vision Research and Rehabilitation Center in creating the future of Lions Vision care and research.” We feel it is extremely important that this Foundation and Wilmer join together in furthering the cause of Lions Vision, not just in research and clinical but also in the area of rehabilitation. These three areas will make it possible for people to benefit from our care and not just by delivery of the care, but by training the next generation. There are places in the world that provide training for new providers and new researchers and it is important we take that role.
Dr. Dagnelie called on Dr. Judy Goldstein. She thanked everyone for coming out this morning. She wanted to echo Dr. Dagnelie’s remarks and said it was interesting to be in this region in Maryland where we probably have more clinicians than most places nationally. Even with that we have long waiting times for patients. There is not enough people that are really servicing the population. The goal is for the service to improve over the next several years. The mission at Hopkins is considered the three legged stool. One leg is research, one leg is teaching and the other is patient care. Thanks to the Lions support and fulfilling the endowment goal, work on the research end of it has been done over the past several years. A great job has been done the past 6 or 8 months with clinical care of patients. A clinic downtown and a satellite office is in operation. Teaching has been lacking. The need is clear. Fellowship training was held several years ago but now nothing. A one year educational program is being looked into. The goal is to educate and develop the clinical mind and skills in the field of Lions Vision and serve the needs of the population. By September 2008, at the beginning of the new school year, we are hoping to fulfill our goal and begin our education programs and grow our service. Dr. Judy received question and answers before calling on Jim Deremeik. Mr. Jim reports lots of energy at our meeting, on an education program, which was launched about 4 years ago. This is going ahead with the next phase and revision, and is targeting occupational therapists. The courses will be breaking up in modules. He hopes to return later and show an up-date on the program.
Mr. Jim wanted to do a presentation but it was lost or mis-placed right before the eyes of the group. He did give CHM PDG Ted permission to do the presentation if and when the manila envelope is found. It was to be a surprise.
Dr. Dagnelie summed it up – the clinical aspect is training the clinical providers and the education aspect, training the rehabilitation specialists by internet and also in-house. We need to educate the educators. The final component in the three is research that we do in the furthering our understanding what we do in the lions vision – what people can learn to do. Over the years we have educated a number of people in research. Dr. Dagnelie introduced Ava Kiser as an example of one of these educators and who will soon be on board at Wilmer.
Over the next few months he will be presenting a plan to have three fellowships. 1) Clinical specialists, 2) rehabilitation specialists and 3) research in training on an annual basis, hopefully funded by MD 22. We can play an important role in this worthwhile goal. Dr. Dagnelie will be working on a proposal to present to us at a future meeting. Educate and train the next generation of experts.
CHM PDG Ted introduced Stacey Schaefer, from the Development office, who offered her help with any questions, comments etc. that we might have, please contact her. Stacey thanked us for all our support. It’s been a wonderful year. The May celebration was great. Stacey has copies of the celebration in May if you’d like a copy. See her. She wished us all a great day.
(At this time all new incoming trustees need to leave for the meeting for the guided tour.)

MINUTES – Sec Janet was unable to be in attendance. Minutes were available. PDG Ken Watson made a motion to accept the minutes as presented, seconded by PDG Charles Kearse. Motion carried.

FINANICAL REPORT – Treasurer Richard presented a treasurer’s report completed by past treasurer, Duane. Lion Richard received $40,000 check to open an account from Lion Duane and reports more funds will be turned over later. We need to address the budget and Lion Richard needs to know what he is to do and wants to inform us what he has done. Lion Bob Bullock made motion to accept the report as presented, seconded by Lion Fred Williamson. Motion carried. PDG Mark Green will be receiving statements from Raymond Jones and CHM Ted feels that our Treasurer should also receive copies.

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT – CHM PDG Ted reported that anyone attending the International Convention in Chicago knows this is the year of Campaign SightFirst II.
We at the Lions Vision Center are extremely fortunate to have completed our quest to endow our creation when we did because this Lions year has been designated “The year of Campaign SightFirst II”. All Lions should do their best to see that Lions Clubs International Foundation meets its goal of 150 Million US dollars (and the supplementary goal of 200 Million is within our capabilities). I know I am speaking heresy because here we are at the Johns Hopkins Wilmer Eye Institute, the home of our own Multiple District 22 Lions Low Vision Center which requires our utmost in dedication and support, and I am saying we should all support CSFII. There is more here than meets the eye, so to speak. Most of us here today remember when LEHP, The Lions Eye Health Program was begun. That program was piloted here in MD22, funded mostly by a grant from LCIF using funds from the Campaign SightFirst. Since 1996, U. S. Lions Clubs have donated $53 million to LCIF. During the same period more than $64 million has come back in the form of grants. If we do our best this year for CSFII, it will not only help here at home, but it will help Lions to establish our “clone” in Shanghai as Dr. Wang has initiated. All enemies of sight are being targeted by CSFII! This Lions year we can and should do everything in our power to make CSFII a success. It will come back manifold.

One bit of info – CHM Ted’s brother-in-law mailed him a copy of the Financial Times published July 5, 2007. Headline is “Companies rank Lions Clubs best Non-Governmental Organization (NGO)” written by Andrew Jack in London and Francis Williams in Geneva. Companies rank Lions Clubs International the best NGO worldwide with which to work, according to ratings compiled by the Financial Times. We should all be proud – there were about 600 NGO evaluated and Lions came out number 1.

COMMITTEE REPORTS :

AUDIT COMMITTEE - PDG Mark Green sent message that there needed to be a resolution from the Board to have the Audit completed by Pat Kline who performed these duties last year. He provided good services and is familiar with the LVRF records and operation. PDG Bill Kircher made resolution for Pat Kline to do our audit, seconded by PDG Bob King. Motion carried.

FUNDRAISING – PDG Dal reported on the beef raffle. Great job by CHM and PCC Clare in distributing tickets, Lions Richard and Sharon Hott for paying the bill for processing the beef. A huge thank you to Lion Bob Bullock for all his work and for donating the beef. Thanks to all Lions and Lions Clubs who contributed to this fund-raiser. Total tickets sold were 1190, monies collected was $5,950. – there were four winners. One winner told Lion Bob that he and his wife really did not need the beef and asked if he knew someone who could use it – Lion Bob said his local church could us it in their soup kitchen to serve the needy. Thanks again to PDG Dal.

GOLF TOURNAMENT - CHM PDG Ted reported things moving forward due to Lion Angela’s work on this fund-raiser. We need club support on the ad book, T-signs, and trunk of cheer. We also need golfers. Lion Phyllis has sign-up sheets if needed. Some questioned when trunk of cheer tickets were distributed. Some members had not received any tickets. See Lion Phyllis, she will see that you get tickets.

VISION DAYS – PDG Bill Kircher reports that $39,274.44 in Vision Days monies were received. One District did not participate. PDG Bill needs the names of Vision Day Chairpersons from Districts A, B, C, & W.
PDG Bill is planning to have a meeting of the MD Vision Day Chairpersons, talking about how to do Vision Days so that all Lions feel it is a happy event. There will be signs, large and small. Information on why we do Vision Days. Candy was ordered and given to District B.
Vision Days are scheduled for the second weekend in October and the second weekend in April, or weekend that fits your schedule best, near to the regular dates. Reminder – Vision Days is a main staple for LVRF. Please get out and complete this project.

OTHER COMMENTS – An amendment to the Constitution and By-laws of the Lions Vision Research Foundation presented and prepared, in March 2007, by PDG Bill Yoho was discussed at great length. There was much input from the Board with discussion and procedures.
(To go back to March ’07 meeting, it was motioned by PDG John Laurence, seconded by VCH PDG Bob Muchow and motion carried that the Board of Trustees shall consist of 20 Lion Members from the active clubs in MD22, three members from Johns Hopkins Wilmer Eye Institute, the Immediate Past Chairman of the Board of Trustees and the Council Chair of MD 22 Council of Governors. This information was passed on to PDG Bill Yoho for action.)
Few members suggested to vote again since it’s new year and there are new members. However, CHM Ted tabled the amendment as there was not a quorum present, we’ll have to wait for the members to return to our meeting from their tours of Wilmer.

RECOGNITION – PDG Bill Kircher questioned if there were any banner patches for Vision Days. Heather will send him patches plus rockers that she has on hand.
PIP Clem gave a presentation on a Honorarium idea for donations received - print up certificates using logo, seal, etc. Print on nice paper put in folder & present. Amount of monies to be decided by Board. CHM Ted reported the ideas were good, the Board would consider idea, he and Lion Janet will meet and see what they can come up with. Great idea.

PROFESSIONAL PROGRAM – Lion Fred Williamson reported that the professional program at our Multiple District Convention this past May was our Lions Low Vision & Blindness Education Program. We heard, this morning, education mentioned numerous times. Almost 100 people attended our seminar. Wants to thank Mike Sarro for putting on presentation. Mike’s testimony was very important in helping to understand blindness and low vision. An invitation was extended to Dr. Dagnelie, Dr. Massof, and Dr. Goldstein to share with us, with more detail, at our upcoming convention this May, a Lions Vision research presentation and education – move into another aspect of the low vision & blindness education. We hope you can join us, set groundwork and try to educate the public in regards to blindness and low vision. Many more people have been informed, need is there to continue with education. This will be our program – join us.
Lion Henry reports that the MD Convention will be May 6^th through 10^th. Most likely the seminar will be on May 7^th. More details will follow.

The members on the tour have returned to the meeting.

CHM Ted explained that we were going to vote on an amendment to our Constitution & By-laws but did not have quorum. Now that they had returned we will vote. PDG Ken Watson made a motion to amend Article II, Section 1A to add council chairman to the membership of the Board of Trustees. This was seconded by PDG Charles Kearse. Motion carried. PIP Clem suggested that the By-laws be researched to insure that all members have a vote. CHM Ted said that he will talk with PDG Bill Yoho.

NEWSLETTER - DG Ted Ladd, glad to be in attendance. Since this is the first Advisory meeting it would give him a chance to practice. However, how can one practice a speech if you don’t know what it is going to be.
DG Ted reports that the fall newsletter’s deadline is 1^st of September and will come out in October. Looking forward to receiving articles and professional items.
And by the way, CHM Ted, this is a new year, it began July 1^st. I have been editor for three years. Now as DG I should be replaced but will wait for CHM Ted to tell me. Real treat to be here and hear so much interesting news from the meeting. Great testimonials from the professionals and we are ready for surge.

SPEAKER’S BUREAU – PDG Dal has presentation ready, waiting for calls and requests.

VOLUNTEERISM – PDG Ken still volunteering.

ADVISOR’S COMMENTS – PIP Clem Kusiak – personally thanks the Wilmer staff for being here – they thanked the Lions for taking time to attend the meeting – however their days are very busy 5 days a week. His question is – what do we do to raise funds for the presentations and teaching of the supportive concept for the next generation.
PIP Clem gave us an up-date on PID Murray. He is now in an assisted living. PIP Clem reports – over-all PID Murray is doing great. He can have visitors and believes he probably could leave the building if someone were to pick him up. The day PIP Clem and his wife stopped by, PID Murray was all dressed in shirt and tie, sitting in wheelchair waiting to greet them. He only has a temporary phone number and his computer is not hooked up, but can’t wait – he said when he gets online he’ll talk to everyone.
PIP Clem reported that he felt the dedication was inspiring and sure others felt the same. He asks that everyone congratulate Dr. Goldberg.

ID Joe Gaffigan reports that he was delighted to be here. However, on the tape recording of this meeting his other comments were unclear.

DISTRICT GOVERNOR’S COMMENTS - DG Dick Bloomquist – pleasure to be here. Received updated information so he can inform his clubs. Thanks for all you do here at LVRF.

DG Bill Stark – A Lion for many years, I have just, in the last few years, had the opportunity to visit Wilmer. I am very impressed with the Wilmer staff; it’s a great experience, feel I have learned a lot and have been on few tours. Have some good news to take back. Thanks to all for what is being done here at the Center.
DG Ted Ladd – Very impressed with the comments of the Wilmer staff emphasized on training and education. Great to hear and gives us an orientation wish to drive on with our efforts.

DG Bob Jones – Commended the staff here at Wilmer through work, time and effort. As a member of the council of sitting Governors, it’s our turn to get the message out to local clubs and all Lions.

Upcoming meetings: 9/29/07, 11/17/07, 1/19/08, 3/15/08, 5/17/08.

Proposed budget: report presented. Most items are same, few were increased about 3%. Held discussion. PIP Clem asked about the 4 million endowment monies. These monies are not in our account. It is in Wilmer account. PIP Clem suggested it show up as a line item.

Treasurer Richard Leibno asked about his duties. PDG Bob King reported that there should be a manual available for a new treasurer. PIP Clem told Treasurer Richard to contact PDG David Fisher for any information, he is an excellent resource. Heather will provide manual for new treasurer.

Lion Bob Bullock reported that 22W sent donation from the Research for the Handicap.

PDG Bill Kircher needs to see all of the DG’s.

Chairman PDG Ted adjourned the meeting.

PDG Dal Mann gave a blessing before lunch.

Respectfully submitted,


PCT Janet K. Brown
Secretary

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Last updated: 01/19/08.