Below is the current Hourglass Newsletter.  Archives may be found at https://aavl-blind-seniors.org/hourglass-archives. At the bottom of this online web page are links to alternatively download files MS Word, accessible .pdf, or .txt.

The Hourglass newsletter
June 2024

Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss, Inc.  AAVL

Doug Powell, President
Falls Church, Virginia

Lisa George, Editor
Yakima, Washington

In This Issue:
President’s Message: Express Yourself by Voting
ACB Conference and Convention:

AAVL Fundraising Opportunities
Contact Us

Express Yourself by Voting by Doug Powell

Congratulations, AAVL!  We are now at 166 members.  This year's increase in membership has earned us an additional affiliate vote at the ACB Convention.  Thank you for your contribution to getting us here.  

In this issue of The Hourglass, you’ll find out how you can help steer ACB by voting on directors to the ACB Board and to the Board of Publications, amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws, and proposed Resolutions that set policy and advocacy goals for the national organization.  I urge you to become familiar with the issues and candidates and express your preferences by voting.  By attending our caucus sessions, you can participate in discussions of these issues and let me know, as your AAVL delegate, how to cast our seven affiliate votes.

Since COVID, we’ve separated our AAVL Annual Membership Meeting from the ACB Convention, and this year is no exception.  You are cordially invited to attend via Zoom on either your computer, notebook, or phone on July 27.

The issue that is consuming a lot of our energy is the federal reauthorization of the Older Americans Act, which is supposed to happen by September 30 of this year.  AAVL's Advocacy Committee is working with ACB and VisionServe Alliance's Aging and Vision Loss National Coalition to insert blind and low vision as a specific population that is currently vastly underserved by the programs and services of the Area Agencies on Aging in our communities.  

We are making some headway with an eight-person bipartisan subcommittee of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee and the Senate Committee on Aging.  Our efforts will expand to the House when they formally take the bill up there.  If you would like to assist in our efforts to contact national representatives or work with your local Area Agency on Aging, please let Anisio Correia know by sending your contact info to vp@aavl-blind-seniors.org.

And, as always, if you have questions or concerns, contact me at president@aavl-blind-seniors.org, or call me at 571-438-7750.  I am always interested in hearing how our members are feeling about the path AAVL is taking.  I'm also always open to including members on the committees that do the work of our organization.  If you have expertise in either treasury matters or publications finalizing and dissemination, please let me know.

Enjoy this issue of The Hourglass and both the ACB Conference and Convention and the AAVL Annual Membership Meeting.

ACB Conference and Convention:

AAVL Sessions of Interest

Sunday, July 7, 12:15 to 1 p.m. Eastern
AAVL Lunch (OnSite only - City Terrace 7)

Sunday, July 2, 1 to 2:15 p.m. Eastern
(12 p.m. Central / 10 a.m. Pacific)
Planning Your Final Arrangements (OnSite City Terrace 7  & Virtual)    

What is an advance medical directive? How can you get prepared and have those hard discussions with family and friends? Have you adequately planned for the disposition of your estate and for your own wishes? We will discuss these and other important issues involved in making final arrangements.

Presenters: Chris Prentice, Assistant District Attorney, Levelland, TX; Nita Walker, Funeral Director, Jacksonville, FL

ACB Conference and Convention:

Individual Voting Process

Individual voting via VoteNow will occur during specified times during 2024 ACB Conference and Convention, July 1 through 11.  Each ACB member should have received their 2024 Ballot-ACB unique voter code (emails were sent June 25).

Monday, July 1
Noon to 4 p.m. Eastern
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Central
9 a.m. to noon Pacific

Individual vote on Constitution and Bylaws amendments and Resolutions needing roll call decisions

Monday, July 8 through Wednesday, July 10
2 to 6 p.m. Eastern
1 to 5 p.m. Central
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Pacific

Individual vote on contested elections

Thursday, July 11 (if needed)
Time will be announced
 

ACB Conference and Convention:

Delegate Voting Process

Delegate voting at the 2024 ACB Conference and Convention begins July 1.  Communicate your vote to the AAVL delegate or alternate via calls, texts, or emails or by participating in the Zoom meetings held on the evening before contested races.

AAVL delegate: Doug Powell
Call or text: (571) 438-7750
Email: president@aavl-blind-seniors.org

AAVL alternate: Danette Dixon
Call or text: (425) 238-4560
Email: danettedixon63@gmail.com

AAVL Caucus Zoom Meeting
Monday, July 1
4 p.m. Eastern / 3 p.m. Central / 1 p.m. Pacific
Caucus session to determine affiliate vote distribution on amendments and resolutions

Monday, July 8
Tuesday, July 9
Wednesday, July 10
6 p.m. Eastern / 5 p.m. Central / 3 p.m. Pacific
Caucus session to determine affiliate vote distribution on contested elections

Zoom link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84460877233?pwd=aVlHc1JUOVI0M0x6eS9oQUpNM0MzQT09

Meeting ID: 844 6087 7233
Passcode: 302341

One tap mobile:
+16469313860,,84460877233#,,,,*302341#

+13017158592,,84460877233#,,,,*302341# (Washington DC)

Dial by your location:
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
+1 720 707 2699 US (Denver)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)

Meeting ID: 844 6087 7233
Passcode: 302341

Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/keFCqgMxh1

AAVL Nominating Committee Report

by Regina Marie Brink

In accordance with Bylaw 7, the 2024 AAVL Nominating Committee respectfully submits the following slate of nominees for officer positions.

President: Doug Powell
Vice-President: Anisio Correia
Secretary: Sharon Strzalkowski
Treasurer: Kathy Gerhardt

Regina Marie Brink, Chair

AAVL Bylaws Committee Report

by Patricia Lipovsky

One amendment is proposed for this year.  This change would reduce the dues for members joining through an affiliated organization, allowing the affiliate to retain a portion of the overall dues.  It also clarifies that AAVL Lifetime Member dues are a one-time payment.

Current Language – BYLAW 4: DUES
Dues shall be paid on a calendar year basis to the Treasurer or his/her designee.  Members whose dues are not paid by March 15th will be delinquent and considered not in good standing.  Delinquent members’ dues must be submitted to the above designated person not later than thirty (30) days before the AAVL Annual Convention, the record date, in order to qualify for the right to vote at that annual business meeting.  
A.    Dues for a Member-at-large shall be fifteen dollars ($15.00).
B.    Dues for an Affiliated Organization shall be fifteen dollars ($15.00) per capita.
C.    Dues for a Sustaining Member shall be a minimum of fifteen dollars ($15.00).  
D.    Dues for an AAVL Lifetime Member shall be two hundred dollars ($200.00).

Proposed Language – BYLAW 4: DUES
Except as provided in subsection D below, dues shall be paid on a calendar year basis to the Treasurer or his/her designee.  Annual dues are payable by March 15th.  Only members who are current on their dues no later than thirty (30) days before the AAVL annual business meeting (the record date) are eligible to vote at the meeting.    
A.    Annual dues for a Member-at-large shall be fifteen dollars ($15.00).
B.    Annual dues for Affiliated Organizations shall be ten dollars ($10.00) per capita.
C.    Annual dues for a Sustaining Member shall be a minimum of fifteen dollars ($15.00).  
D.    Dues to become an AAVL Lifetime Member shall be a one-time payment of two hundred dollars ($200.00).  AAVL Lifetime members who are not also ACB Lifetime members shall continue to pay annual ACB dues of $5.

ACB Conference and Convention:

AAVL Annual Business Meeting

Saturday, July 27, 2 p.m. Eastern
(1 p.m. Central / 11 a.m. Pacific)

Annual AAVL Business Meeting
Agenda will include election of officers and the consideration of one amendment to the bylaws.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81619083200?pwd=omXStU1SOkyfxvojtkz3OJ0VUMDykP.1

Meeting ID: 816 1908 3200
Passcode: 447467

One tap mobile numbers: +16465588656,,81619083200#,,,,*447467#
+16469313860,,81619083200#,,,,*447467#

Dial by your location:
• +1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
• +1 646 931 3860 US
• +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
• +1 305 224 1968 US
• +1 309 205 3325 US
• +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
• +1 507 473 4847 US
• +1 564 217 2000 US
• +1 669 444 9171 US
• +1 689 278 1000 US
• +1 719 359 4580 US
• +1 720 707 2699 US (Denver)
• +1 253 205 0468 US
• +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
• +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
• +1 360 209 5623 US
• +1 386 347 5053 US

Meeting ID: 816 1908 3200
Passcode: 447467

Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/keCMt4dE4I

AAVL Fundraising Opportunities

AAVL Classic Rock ‘N’ Rollers
2024 Brenda Dillon Walk at ACB Conference and Convention

AAVL’s team goal is $1,200 this year; donations are split 50/50 with ACB.  Show your support with a one-time or recurring online donation.  On site attendees can walk and tailgate before heading to the opening general session on Sunday, July 7.  Donations will be accepted through August 31.

Link: AAVL Classic Rock 'N' Rollers 2024 Brenda Dillon Walk

URL: https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E144393&id...

Custom “AAVL Celebrate” merchandise from Blind Girl Designs

Show your support for Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss with apparel or a tote.  All items are printed in multiple colors on navy fabric.  Celebrate 25 years of AAVL!

“AAVL Celebrate” design
This 12 by 12 inch design explodes with color! The top of the print has the words “CELEBRATE” in teal, “EXPERIENCE” in pink, “& WISDOM” in orange. The words are in a graceful arch. Beneath this arch is a dynamic colorful fireworks display.  Below the fireworks in 3D yellow puff ink are the letters “AAVL” with tactile, readable braille letters below.

T-shirt - Navy
Design is printed on the front of a classic unisex 100% cotton t-shirt.  $29 for any size: S, M, L, XL, 2X, 3X, 4X, or 5X

Crew Sweatshirt – Navy
Design is printed on the front of a cotton/poly blend long sleeved sweatshirt with banded cuffs and sleeves.  
$39 for sizes S, M, L, XL, or 2X
$44 for sizes 3X, 4X, or 5X

Full Zip Hoodie Sweatshirt – Navy
Design is printed on the back of a cotton full zip sweatshirt with banded sleeves and bottom, a big split pouch pocket in the front, and drawstring hood.
$59 for sizes S, M, L, or XL
$64 for size 2X
$69 for sizes 3X, 4X, or 5X

Big Canvas Zip Tote
Design is printed on this 15 by 18 inch canvas tote with a full zipper across the top, a zippered pocket inside, and a fold in the bottom of the bag so that the bag can sit upright. $36

Order these four items online or by telephone
Link: AAVL Celebrate merchandise

(the page should come up sorted by “Date, New to Old,” and the 4 AAVL items will come up on the first page, near the bottom)

URL: https://blindgirldesigns.com/collections/blind-community-fundraisers

Call to place your order: (862) 448-1011

Terri Lynn Gourmet Treats
Special occasions, holidays, or every day – send someone you love something tasty.  Items include nuts, chocolates, snack mixes, and more.

Link: Terri Lynn Gourmet Treats
URL: https://aavl.terrilynn.com/

Contact Us

Thank you for your interest in our AAVL newsletter.  The Hourglass is published a minimum of twice annually.  Please let us know how we’re doing and what you’d like to see in future issues.  Your input will make this newsletter more valuable to all.
The next submission deadline is November 1 for the December 2024 Hourglass.

Doug Powell, AAVL President
Falls Church, Virginia
Mobile: (571) 438-7750
Email: President@AAVL-blind-seniors.org

Lisa George, Hourglass Editor
Yakima, Washington
Google Voice: (509) 540-3073
Mobile: (816) 668-5345
Email: hourglass@aavl-blind-seniors.org

Visit our website for more information
https://www.aavl-blind-seniors.org

Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss, Inc.
a 501(c)(3) organization

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Downloadable files:
MS Word June 2024 Hourglass
.txt June 2024 Hourglass
PDF June 2024 Hourglass