Montana association for the Blind - The Observer Online
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Jan. 18, 2025: Meeting Minutes
The meeting was held on January 18, 2025, at 525 Central Ave. #M4 and was called to order at 11:08 AM. Previous meeting minutes and the treasury report were approved, and a motion passed to submit a provisional budget to the state board. A board update focused on strengthening organizational structure, addressing leadership and chapter welfare concerns, supporting chapter stability, and encouraging membership growth and development, along with coordination of fundraising at both the state and chapter levels. Old business included discussion of funds expected to be transferred into the chapter account and confirmation that related investigation expenses would be recovered through insurance. A provisional budget was outlined to support chapter classes, outreach activities, scholarships, community projects, promotional materials, and membership resources. Fundraising ideas included ticket sales, raffles, garage sales, and an upcoming Valentine’s Day bake and craft sale at a community event, along with plans to improve promotional tools and online donation options. Additional discussion covered future chapter-focused events, support for program students, logo updates pending approval, reminders about an upcoming optional social meeting, confirmation of regular meeting times, and scheduling of the next meeting, after which the meeting was adjourned.
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Dec. 14, 2024: Meeting Minutes
The chapter meeting was held on December 14, 2024, at 525 Central Ave. #M4 and was called to order at 1:39 PM. Prior to the meeting, a presentation on safe winter travel was given. Minutes from the November 9, 2024 meeting were reviewed and approved. The Treasurer’s Report was presented, noting the opening of a new bank account, income from individual donations and a bake sale, no expenses, and a positive cash balance; the report was accepted.
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Nov. 9, 2024 - Meeting Minutes
The meeting was held at the OverHere Consulting office and included approval of the previous meeting minutes and a brief financial update, with plans underway to establish a bank account by early December. Members discussed an upcoming technology sharing event focused on adult peer learning, as well as preparations for a bake sale fundraiser connected to the Christmas Stroll, including cash-handling procedures, volunteer scheduling, and signage. Updates were shared on outreach efforts such as the continued development of the chapter website, researching a new banner, and forming a committee to create brochures and posters for local doctor’s offices. Additional discussion covered ideas for future crafting and educational classes, along with general conversation about potential programs the chapter may support. The meeting concluded with details for the next meeting, which will feature a guest speaker on safe winter travel, followed by adjournment.
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Oct. 12, 2024 - Meeting Minutes
The meeting was held on October 12, 2024, at 525 Central Ave #M4 and was called to order at 1:07 PM, with some members attending in person and others via Zoom. Previous meeting minutes were reviewed and approved without changes. Since there was no treasurer at the time, the responsibilities of the role were outlined, nominations were taken, and a new treasurer was elected by majority vote. Old business focused on selecting a financial institution, with the group agreeing to use a credit union and approving Montana Credit Union for the chapter’s accounts. New business included discussion of fundraising ideas, communication challenges with members, and several potential events and outreach opportunities in the coming year, though it was decided to table event planning until a budget is
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Sept 28, 2024 - RRC Meeting Minutes
The meeting was held on September 28, 2024, in a hybrid format at 525 Central Ave. #M4 and via Zoom, and was called to order at 10:10 AM. Members discussed guiding principles for the new chapter, emphasizing shared decision-making, inclusivity, and community visibility. New business included tabling the election of a Treasurer due to no nominations, discussing options for opening a bank account pending further research, and outlining requirements for board approval of fundraising and events such as the Christmas Stroll, White Cane Day, and potential ADA anniversary activities. The importance of clear and transparent communication between the chapter and the board was emphasized, along with available support and resources. Additional requirements included board oversight of finances, quarterly reporting, and coordination on fundraising. The chapter agreed to hold meetings on the second Saturday of each month at 1:00 PM at the OverHere Consulting office, located in the Times Square building.
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Aug. 20, 2024 - RRC Meeting Minutes
The Roe River Chapter meeting took place on 08/20/2024 at the BLVS Great Falls Office, was called to order at 1:41 PM, and adjourned at 3:13 PM. The group discussed chapter goals focused on strengthening outreach and organizational relationships—such as pursuing grants and scholarships to support students (including MSDB and Space Camp), rebuilding ties with MSDB, building partnerships with groups like Lion’s Clubs, and coordinating with BLVS. They also talked about broader outreach plans, including creating handouts for local doctors’ offices to promote the organization and the local chapter, building a chapter website to post meeting summaries, schedules, and upcoming events, and starting outdoor activities like hiking, trail walks, and adaptive sports. The chapter agreed on a regular meeting schedule of 10 AM Saturdays and selected the chapter name Roe River, and officers were elected to leadership roles (with some positions noted as temporary).
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