Georgia Council of the Blind Lions GEORGIA COUNCIL OF BLIND LIONS The Georgia Council of Blind Lions (GCBL) is an affiliate of the Georgia Council of the Blind and the American Council of Blind Lions. The purpose of this organization is A. To promote accessibility and/or reasonable accommodations for the members of blind Lions serving as Lions in the State of Georgia. B. To promote fellowship and support among blind and visually impaired Georgia Lions. C. To encourage Lions clubs in Georgia to actively recruit blind and visually impaired individuals into their clubs. D. To work to increase knowledge of international Lions leadership in Georgia about the ability of blind individuals and the potential of blind people to join and serve as Lions in the international Lions clubs in Georgia. Anyone who is a member in good standing of a Georgia International Lions Club may join the GCBL by requesting and submitting an application. The dues are $20.00 for which $15.00 is sent to the ACB Lions and $5.00 is retained in the local affiliate. There are two meetings each year: One in January and one at the state convention of GCB. There are several conference call meetings throughout the year when needed. Some of the projects planned for 2008 are membership growth and organizing a Leo Club for visually impaired teens. Officers are: President, Anne Wheeler Phone: 770-786-5778 Email: awheel@bellsouth.net Vice President, J. C. Coefield Email: coefield@cox.net Secretary-Treasurer, Ann Sims Phone: 404-767-1792 Email: teacherann@bellsouth.net Board Member, Bob Robinson Email: bobcat8233@aol.com Board Member, Jim Horton Email: lionjimhorton@comcast.net Georgia Council of Blind Lion’s GCBL Minutes May 28, 2010 The meeting of the GCBL was held on Friday, May 28, 2010, in Tifton, at the state Lions convention. President, Anne Wheeler called the meeting to order at 12:00 noon. Secretary/treasurer, Ann Sims, read the 2010 roster showing a total of 29 memvbers. The minutes for the January meeting were read and approved. The treasurer's report was also accepted to be filed for audit. J. C. Coefield gave a thorough report of his efforts to inform the Council of Governors about our group and some of the issues we face, such as the quiet automobiles, the need for a commission for the blind, and the need for more Lions to join our GCBL. Ann Sims reported that we received a letter of thanks from Martha Craig, the lady in Rome, Georgia, we helped for the purchase of a hearing device. She stated how thankful she is now with this device to be able to hear what is taking place in meetings and all around her. President Anne suggested that if we are able to raise enough funds, we might want to look into helping to provide this same kind of hearing device for someone who is a member of GCB and might be able to use this equipment to assist her in hearing the proceedings in various metings, etc. The cost is around $500.00. Secretary Ann asked if we could support and sponsor mother, Suzette, and daughter, Tyzia, to attend the Lions Camp for the Blind in June. The cost for both of them is $300.00. Everyone agreed to send them. Lion J. C. informed us that next year's state Lions convention will be in Gwennett County. For $35.00, we can place an ad in the program about our group. He is also taking care of Having our information from this year's state directory published in next year's directory. President Anne gave a report of the GCB state convention to be held Thursday, August 5, through Sunday, August 8, at the Unicoi Lodge and Convention Center near Helen, Georgia. We will have a Lion breakfast on Saturday morning, and one of our own GCBL members, Lion Grace Clower, will be our speaker. Room rates will be $100.00 plus tax per room for up to four occupants. There will be a full breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffet in Unicoi’s famous dining room. For room reservations, call: 1-800-573-9659 or 706-878-2201, and ask for extention 271 or 272. Request rates for the Georgia Council of the Blind. Reservations must be made at least one month before the convention-conference. Secretary Ann reported that Barbara Graham, John M. Sims and herself worked in the Belk Charity Day event in April and raised $200.00 so far for our club. President Anne provided us with items for our booth at this state Lions convention with everything being donated. There are two bird houses and some lovely flowers along with a way to build your own bird house if you like. Ace Hardware in Covington furnished the nail gun and compresser for building your own. The tickets were a dollar a piece or ten for $5.00, 12 for $6.00, etc. A nominating committee will soon be appointed for our upcoming election at the GCB state convention. Everyone is eligible to run again for a second two-year term, but others may be interested in running for an office. There can be nominations from the floor as well. As soon as the committee has been named, you will be notified so you can be in touch with them if you are interested in an office. We also passed the amendment to our Bylaws to change the first meeting of the year from the GCB board meeting in January to the Lions State Convention usually held in May or June. The second meeting will be held in August at the GCB state convention. We may, from time to time, have telephone conferences to conduct GCBL business, especially if we do not have a quorum at either of these meetings. There being no further business, this meeting was adjourned at 12:40 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Ann Sims, Secretary Treasurer's Report 2010 Treasurer's Report January, 2010 $340.00, Opening Balance $240.00, 1-20 dues $40.00, 1-27, dues Check #114, $25.00, 1-22, GCB Affiliate Dues $595.00, Ending Balance, January 31 February, 2010 $595.00, Opening Balance Deposits $20.00, 2-4, Dues $20.00, 2-19, Dues $100.00, 2-22, Donation from Summerville Lions Club $20.00, 2-24, Dues $755.00, Balance through February 28 March, 2010 $755.00, Opening Balance Deposits $60.00, March 4, Dues for 2010 Withdrawals Check #115, $200.00, 3-2, Hearing Device Check #116, $435.00, , Dues to ACBL for 2010 $180.00, Ending Balance April, 2010 $180.00, Opening Balance No Deposits No Withdrawals $180.00, Closing Balance, April 30 May, 2010 $180.00, Opening Balance Deposit: $200.00, 5-26, Belk Charity Fundraiser No Checks $380.00, Closing Balance, May 28 June, 2010 $380.00, Opening Balance, June 1 Deposits: $150.00, Belk Charity Days, June 2 $450.00, Raffle and Two Members' Dues, June 3 Checks: Check #117, $300.00, Lions' Camp for the Blind (Two Campers, Mother, Suzette Wood and Daughter, Tyzia Brooks) $680.00, Ending Balance, June 30 July, 2010 No Activity in July $680.00, Ending Balance, July 31, 2010 Treasurer's report was approved and accepted by the Board for audit. Meeting Minutes 17 January, 2010 President, Anne Wheeler, called the meeting to order. Secretary, Ann Sims, read the minutes of the last meeting. The Minutes were accepted by acclamation. Secretary-Treasurer, Ann Sims presented the Treasurer’s report with an ending balance of $646.00 as of December 31, 2008 The Treasurer’s report was filed for audit. Bob McGarry volunteered to audit the Treasurer’s reports. President, Anne Wheeler, welcomed all present and asked for introductions. The following individuals were present for the meeting: Anne Wheeler, Ann Sims, Bob Robinson, Wendy Roberts, Chris Roberts, Barbara Graham, Tim Kelly, Jamie Teal, Mike Teal, Bob McGarry, Marsha Farrow, Roger Keeney, Peter Tolly, Bill Holley, Robin Oliver, and Jerrie Toney. New Members include: Wendy Roberts, Chris Roberts, Ken Thurmond, Bob McGarry, and Joe Hirsch. Ann Sims informed the group that Laverne King fell and broke three ribs and her shoulder. Bob Robinson informed the group of the bolo that has been designed for our group, but currently it is too costly for us to have in production. More members are needed. Anne Wheeler discussed growing membership and the purpose of our group. She also suggested that members volunteer to conduct a program at their local Lion Club to inform them about the GCBL. She will assist with conducting the program if necessary. Mike Teal brought up a discussion of the membership for our group. His concern with allowing members from the NFB to our group. These individuals are welcome to join our group, but they must be made aware that we are affiliated with the Georgia Council of the Blind. Marsha Farrow brought up the subject of fundraising. Anne Wheeler informed the group of the auction item that she brought to the convention. Anne also talked about taking the remaining garden equipment and make another cart to take to the Lion’s convention and sell it there. We also have a table at this convention to disseminate information. Another option for a fundraiser was the Belk Charity Day event that is believed to be happening in March. Anne Wheeler brought up the question of what we should plan to spend our money on. Some ideas were braille materials, brochures, and to spend money as necessary to bring the awareness to the attention of the public. Jerrie Toney and Robin Oliver will be developing our brochure. Anne Wheeler informed the group of the Ann Sullivan and Blind Lion awards that the Lions will be presenting at the next State Lions’ convention. The deadline for entries for these awards is soon. Talk to your local club for more information. The Ann Sullivan award does not have to go to a blind person. It can go to an individual that has exemplified the talent of helping the blind. Ann Sims received the Blind Lion award last year and Bill Holley was also nominated. It was recommended that we do what we can to make that happen for Bill Holley this year. Marsha Farrow will look into who is responsible for developing the state newsletter and to see if we can get it produced in alternative formats. The next meeting will be at the state convention. We will be doing lunch on Friday. Meeting Adjourned Submitted by Bob McGarry for Ann Sims Treasurer’s Report November beginning balance: $413.00 Debits: $135.00 ($50 for GCB State Convention, $75 for Speaker’s gasoline expenses, and $10 for Speaker’s breakfast.) Deposits: $352.00 (Fundraiser and Dues) Bank Charge: $19.00 (Check order) Checks Check #108: $60.00, 2 Plaques Check #109: $25.00, GCB affiliate membership dues for 2009 Ending Balance: $526.00 as of November 30, 2008 December beginning balance: $526.00 Deposits: $120.00 for dues Ending balance: $646.00 as of December 31, 2008 Treasurer’s report will be filed for audit. Respectfully Submitted, Lion Ann Sims GCBL Minutes May 28, 2010 The meeting of the GCBL was held on Friday, May 28, 2010, in Tifton, at the state Lions convention. President, Anne Wheeler called the meeting to order at 12:00 noon. Secretary/treasurer, Ann Sims, read the 2010 roster showing a total of 29 memvbers. The minutes for the January meeting were read and approved. The treasurer's report was also accepted to be filed for audit. J. C. Coefield gave a thorough report of his efforts to inform the Council of Governors about our group and some of the issues we face, such as the quiet automobiles, the need for a commission for the blind, and the need for more Lions to join our GCBL. Ann Sims reported that we received a letter of thanks from Martha Craig, the lady in Rome, Georgia, we helped for the purchase of a hearing device. She stated how thankful she is now with this device to be able to hear what is taking place in meetings and all around her. President Anne suggested that if we are able to raise enough funds, we might want to look into helping to provide this same kind of hearing device for someone who is a member of GCB and might be able to use this equipment to assist her in hearing the proceedings in various metings, etc. The cost is around $500.00. Secretary Ann asked if we could support and sponsor mother, Suzette, and daughter, Tyzia, to attend the Lions Camp for the Blind in June. The cost for both of them is $300.00. Everyone agreed to send them. Lion J. C. informed us that next year's state Lions convention will be in Gwennett County. For $35.00, we can place an ad in the program about our group. He is also taking care of Having our information from this year's state directory published in next year's directory. President Anne gave a report of the GCB state convention to be held Thursday, August 5, through Sunday, August 8, at the Unicoi Lodge and Convention Center near Helen, Georgia. We will have a Lion breakfast on Saturday morning, and one of our own GCBL members, Lion Grace Clower, will be our speaker. Room rates will be $100.00 plus tax per room for up to four occupants. There will be a full breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffet in Unicoi’s famous dining room. For room reservations, call: 1-800-573-9659 or 706-878-2201, and ask for extention 271 or 272. Request rates for the Georgia Council of the Blind. Reservations must be made at least one month before the convention-conference. Secretary Ann reported that Barbara Graham, John M. Sims and herself worked in the Belk Charity Day event in April and raised $200.00 so far for our club. President Anne provided us with items for our booth at this state Lions convention with everything being donated. There are two bird houses and some lovely flowers along with a way to build your own bird house if you like. Ace Hardware in Covington furnished the nail gun and compresser for building your own. The tickets were a dollar a piece or ten for $5.00, 12 for $6.00, etc. A nominating committee will soon be appointed for our upcoming election at the GCB state convention. Everyone is eligible to run again for a second two-year term, but others may be interested in running for an office. There can be nominations from the floor as well. As soon as the committee has been named, you will be notified so you can be in touch with them if you are interested in an office. We also passed the amendment to our Bylaws to change the first meeting of the year from the GCB board meeting in January to the Lions State Convention usually held in May or June. The second meeting will be held in August at the GCB state convention. We may, from time to time, have telephone conferences to conduct GCBL business, especially if we do not have a quorum at either of these meetings. There being no further business, this meeting was adjourned at 12:40 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Ann Sims, Secretary Treasurer's Report 2010 Treasurer's Report January, 2010 $340.00, Opening Balance $240.00, 1-20 dues $40.00, 1-27, dues Check #114, $25.00, 1-22, GCB Affiliate Dues $595.00, Ending Balance, January 31 February, 2010 $595.00, Opening Balance Deposits $20.00, 2-4, Dues $20.00, 2-19, Dues $100.00, 2-22, Donation from Summerville Lions Club $20.00, 2-24, Dues $755.00, Balance through February 28 March, 2010 $755.00, Opening Balance Deposits $60.00, March 4, Dues for 2010 Withdrawals Check #115, $200.00, 3-2, Hearing Device Check #116, $435.00, , Dues to ACBL for 2010 $180.00, Ending Balance April, 2010 $180.00, Opening Balance No Deposits No Withdrawals $180.00, Closing Balance, April 30 May, 2010 $180.00, Opening Balance Deposit: $200.00, 5-26, Belk Charity Fundraiser No Checks $380.00, Closing Balance, May 28 June, 2010 $380.00, Opening Balance, June 1 Deposits: $150.00, Belk Charity Days, June 2 $450.00, Raffle and Two Members' Dues, June 3 Checks: Check #117, $300.00, Lions' Camp for the Blind (Two Campers, Mother, Suzette Wood and Daughter, Tyzia Brooks) $680.00, Ending Balance, June 30 July, 2010 No Activity in July $680.00, Ending Balance, July 31, 2010 Treasurer's report was approved and accepted by the Board for audit.