DSA Board Meeting

Bally's Palace 7, Las Vegas, Nevada

February 4-6, 2008

President Cook called the meeting to order at 6:55 P.M. with Richard Bonheyo, Vice-President; Nancy Rarus, Secretary; Joe Rose, Treasurer; Board Members at Large: Jim Potter, Barbara Schmidt and Ronald Nomeland present.

Visitors attending were: CeCe Rosen, Ben Rosen, Myron Goldman, Alfred Sonnenstrahl, Lulu Bonheyo, Kathy Potter, Tom Janulewicz and DSA LV 2009 Chair Bill Moran.

Moran reviewed key points of progress made by the Committee.

MOTION 1: Potter moved that DSA reimburse LV $375 for an expenditure for a booth at Orlando.  Carried.

It was agreed, that in addition, a statement to the effect that the next host will receive a complimentary booth and same should be included in the Guidelines as well as in the MOU.

MOTION 2: Potter moved that the Refund policy as typed in the current MOU with LV will include spouses and/or significant others.  At this time the MOU will be signed, sealed and delivered. Carried

After a lengthy discussion, President Cook asked Rose to contact Gary Meyer in regards to "travel" insurance for conventioneers to purchase to cover whatever needs to be covered.

A short recess was called for.

President Cook, upon reviewing the 2007 DSA Convention minutes, a lengthy discussion ensued regarding compensation for SSPs and volunteer interpreters.  CeCe Rosen said that her daughter would coordinate this.

MOTION 3: Potter moved that an editorial board of three be established. Unanimously carried.

The role of the editorial board will be to review the final draft before publication for appropriateness. Logistics will need to be worked out.  For example, determine which items to consider and/or not consider for inclusion in New Horizon; and that all final proof will be via e-mail attachment, and NOT by facsimile mail.

MOTION 4: Bonheyo moved that the Board approves of the President's decision to appoint Gerald Burstein as Parliamentarian; and to compensate him with $500 for his service beginning now and through the 2009 Conference. Carried

The Board took an inventory of things belonging to DSA, which is as follows:

• Chair of DSA 2009 Moran has the flag and banner.
• Bob Cook has the DSA Logo sculptured in wood by Frank E. Smith, Foxboro, MA.
• Joe Rose has the counters (these are the gadgets for counting votes) and at least 10 New Horizon copies for each of the quarters since 1999.

MOTION 5: Schmidt moved that the Board will ship DSA Conference materials such as the banner and flag to the next host at DSA's expense. Carried

A recess was called for at 10:10 PM.

Tuesday, February 5:

Meeting resumed at 8:00 AM after a wonderful breakfast provided by Sprint.

Additional visitors were: JoAnn Williams, Vern Jones, Sandra Jones, June Moran, and Bridget Bonheyo.

Alfred Sonnenstrahl explained regarding role of COAT (see web: www.coataccess.org )

MOTION 6: Potter moved that DSA sign up with this organization, COAT.  Carried

Sonnenstrahl discussed various way of making money through advertising.

Then he moved onto providing DSA an opportunity to experience an Elderhostel concept. He explained that he was under contract to restore this program.

MOTION 7: Rose moved that DSA enter a partnership in a proposed Pilot Program for a Deaf Senior Citizens Week in DC following the concept of Elderhostel. Carried.

President Cook appointed Jim Potter to be the POC (Point of Contact) for the abovementioned Pilot Program.

Bridget of Bonheyo and Bonheyo described services Hawk Relay would be able to provide: web design, SOAR program; and information that the Hawk Relay voice number can be sent directly to any pager or AIM in text.

Treasurer Rose presented the financial report in figures and pie chart form. The figures financial report had been audited by Dick Caswell and Orville Northcutt.

MOTION 8: Bonheyo moved that complimentary New Horizons issue be sent to organizations listed in NAD/DSA Senior Resource document. Carried

Carol Ann Beers, Registration Chair confirmed that 1664 have registered and discussed  logistics for transferring information for mailing of New Horizons.

CeCe Rosen announced that a cumulative number of 5280 rooms (nights) have been reserved. It will be $119 per night, and that free self-parking was available.

Angela Greer, Workshop Coordinator explained plans and received suggestions.

President Cook appointed Rarus to be the POC for the Workshop Coordinator.

MOTION 9: Rose moved that Al Sonnenstrahl be our Advertising Manager for New Horizons until June 17, 2009. Carried.

President Cook announced that the Board would go into closed session.

By general consensus, the Board chose Chicago as the next site after reviewing both Chicago and Dallas' bids for the 2011 Conference.

By general consensus, the next DSA Board meeting will be held in Olathe, Kansas around the last week in September 2008. Depending on the agenda, we may meet for 2 ½ days (three nights).

By general consensus, DSA will not have a booth at the NAD conference. Also by general consensus DSA will not send a representative to the NAD Conference because there is nothing planned in way of caucuses for Affiliates.

The board also reviewed the NAD/DSA Resource document and the Task Force's report.

President Cook confirmed that Ron Nomeland would continue as DSA's webmaster. Nomeland then explained what was happening and it was decided he would contact Suzanne Stecker to obtain her services for a fee.

Treasurer Rose reported that there was $3235 in the Ralph H. White memorial fund.

MOTION 10: Rose moved that the award replace the Extra Mile Award. Potter amended that to read as: Ralph H. White at the top and below that: Extra Mile Award. The amendment carried.

Treasurer Rose expressed the need for other Board Members to assume greater responsibility since he was feeling overwhelmed. Rarus will assist in getting email addresses that the Treasurer has to the webmaster. Eventually it was recognized that these following people will be the POC for specific purposes: Potter for the Pilot Program and Rarus for the DSA 2009 Workshop Coordinator.

Recess was called at 5 PM to allow the Board dinner break.

MOTION 11: Nomeland moved that the Board thank Alan Ander for the Task Force report and that his suggestions would be considered. Carried.

MOTION 12: Schmidt moved that the Board ratify all the actions taken during the closed meeting session.  Carried.

Meeting recessed at midnight.

Meeting resumed in the morning where Sorenson's Vice President for Community Affairs Ron Burdette outlined future plans.  Then, CSDVRS team met with the Board to present becoming a member of their Clear Blue Team.

MOTION13: Schmidt moved that DSA join the CSDVRS Clear Blue Team.  Carried unanimously. Bonheyo was appointed POC between DSA and CSDVRS.

Meeting adjourned at 11:30 AM.

Respectfully submitted,

Nancy B. Rarus