2009
October 2009

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2008

May 17,18 [top]

• Region III Rep., Kelly Flores made a motion to move New Business to the top of the agenda. Dee Robertson 2nd. The motion was carried.
• Elections:
  Toi Williams was the only candidate for the position of Secretary
  Doris Watkins moved to close nominations.
  Dawn Taylor made a motion to accept Toi by acclamation. Theresa Hill 2nd. The motion was carried with none opposing.
  Natalie Grupido, Dawn Taylor, and Janet Jurus were the candidates for the three vacant Member-At-Large positions.
  Maureen Wallace made a motion to close nominations. Jeff Plaxco 2nd.
  Kelly Flores made a motion to accept the three candidates for the three available positions. Micki Baumgart 2nd. The motion was carried.
• Changes in Deaf membership Dues
  Natalie Grupido made a motion to change the amount that Deaf members pay to be equalized with the hearing members. Dawn Taylor 2nd.
  The floor was open to discussion of this motion.
  Janet Jurus made a motion to amend Natalie’s original motion to say deaf member dues would be increased to the current hearing member’s rate and organization and student rates would remain the same.
  Janet Jurus withdrew her motion.
  Natalie withdrew her original motion and made a new motion to remove the word “deaf” and replace it with “regular membership dues”. Dawn Taylor 2nd.
  Kelly Flores made a motion to refer the proposal to the Bylaws committee. Peggy M. 2nd. Kelly Flores then withdrew this motion.
  Kelly Flores made a motion to amend Natalie’s second motion to state only “membership” dues. There was no 2nd on this motion.
  Helen Boucher made a motion to close the discussion of this motion. Micki Baumgart 2nd.
  The motion was carried with 25 in support and 5 opposing.
• Helen Boucher made a motion to change the wording of the bylaws Article VII, Section 4. Which currently reads: The election of members-at-large shall be held during the regular spring meeting of each even year. Helen’s motion was to add “and Publications Manager”. Peggy M. 2nd.
  The floor was open for discussion of this motion.
  Micki Baumgart moved to close discussion. Maureen Wallace 2nd.
  This motion was carried with none opposing.
• Micki Baumgart made a motion that our MIRID Executive Board adopt a procedure for selecting and hiring conference interpreters which will support this organization’s mission of promoting the professional skills, interests, and welfare of all its members, in keeping with the model that’s been tried and true by the RID National office. Michelle Flanagan 2nd.
  This motion was open for discussion.
  Kelly Flores for a point of clarification explained that RID currently accepts sponsorships in exchange for conference interpreters. Thus making the motion moot.
  Micki moved to amend her original proposal to delete “in keeping with the model that’s been tried and true by the RID National office”. Michelle Flanagan 2nd.
  This motion was carried with none opposed.
• Dee Robertson made a motion to table the remaining items on the agenda until next business meeting. Mandi McCann 2nd.
• The meeting was adjourned at 1:26pm.

March 28 [top]

• The LINK is complete and will be mailed out immediately.
• The Rules and Regulations committee for the new Interpreter Law met today and MIRID has representation. FAQs at www.mcdc-dodhh.org
• Two students from each of the following ITPS will help with the Spring Conference: LCC, MCC, Baker, Madonna, OCC. Specific duties have yet to be determined.
• A new account has been opened for the Cherry Capital Chapter.
• A donation of $250.00 has been received for the Dr. Brian D. McCartney scholarship fund.
• Contact has been made to have a fiscal year outside audit done.
• Interpreters have been hired for the Spring Conference; hotel rooms have been offered in lieu of mileage to those interpreting both days.
• A block of hotel rooms have been reserved at the Marriott Courtyard on Hill Rd at $89.
• Still looking for funding sponsorship for the Spring Conference.
• Three nominations have come in for member-at-large positions.
• By law changes to be voted upon at the Spring Business Meeting on 5/17: publications manager term and deleting the deaf member category.
• Looking for volunteers for the publications committee.
• Discussed qualifications for mentors, specific preferences for deaf mentors.
• SCMIRID, WMIRID, LC 6 have spring workshops scheduled.
• Legal Workshop on April 12 and 13 will be preceded by a session Friday night on Deaf People’s Rights.
• President Boucher and VP Clark will attend Region III Presidents’ training at the CATIE center in Minneapolis, MN April 4 and 5.
  

February 17 [top] 

• Helen Boucher, MIRID President will be representing MIRID at the workshop that Carla Mathers will be presenting on “Right” for Deaf individuals.
• Natalie Grupido was selected to be the Deaf Member-at-Large. She will serve in this position until the Spring Conference. At that time, all Member-at-Large positions will be vacant. Kenya Lowe was appointed chairperson of the newly organized diversity committee. This committee will help to recruit people of color and deaf individuals to become members of MIRID.
• There has been lengthy discussion among those in the Deaf community as to why there no Deaf people in DODHH. DODHH responded by stating that there is a position available however there is no funding for that position to be filled. MDA will take an active role in speaking with our Legislators to ensure the Directors position will be filled with a Deaf individual. MIRID will partner will MDA in their efforts.
• MIRID is awaiting a response from spectrum health and Madonna regarding sponsorship of CEU’s for our Spring Conference. Also, we have not received official approval from DODHH regarding QA Units.
• There have been questions raised regarding whether or not the Dr. Brian D. McCartney Scholarship may be used for taking the NIC test. The guidelines state that the candidate should be accepted to or planning to enroll in the second year of a sign language or an interpreter training program.
• MIRID is required to have an audit periodically by an independent auditor. Martha Meginly, Treasurer will check into different firms and the cost.
• There are still a few revisions to be made to both the interpreter and presenter contracts. Both will be completed within the next couple of weeks.
• MIRID has contacted ASL Expo to inquire about setting up a booth at this years’ expo.
• Stacey Owen will be the contact person for any nominations to be submitted prior to Spring Conference.
• The MIRID newsletter will be distributed a few weeks later than planned. Thanks to Doris Watkins who has graciously offered to help prepare the newsletter.
• There will be a new Yahoo group for all MIRID members. Members will be able to register, stay current with MIRID news, and view previous newsletters.
• Two issues will be brought before the Bylaws Committee: Changing the cost for Deaf Members and Publications position will be adjusted to be on the election cycle as the Member-at-Large positions.

January 18 [top] 

• There were three Deaf individuals who attended the meeting to express interest in filling the Deaf Member-At-Large position. The board will discuss the three candidates and select one of them before the next board meeting.
• Discussion was held regarding the difference in cost for hearing members and Deaf members of MIRID. It was agreed by all members present that the cost would be changed to be the same for all members.
• In an effort to help bridge the gap between the Deaf community and the Interpreter community, Diana McKittrick, the President of Michigan Deaf Association, and Helen pledged to collaborate with one another in support of improving relations between MIRID and MDA. A representative from MDA will attend all MIRID Board meetings as well as a representative from MIRID will attend MDA meetings. Also, a link to the MDA website will be added to the MIRID website.
• Helen Boucher and Sue Clark will be attending Leadership training sponsored by the CATIE Center to be held in St. Paul, Minn.
• Janet will look into setting up a MIRID booth at the upcoming ASL Expo to be held on March 1st at the Perani Arena in Flint.
• The Interpreter Contract will need to be revised to include the social security of the individual. This is to help ensure our compliance with IRS regulations that state we must complete a 1099 for any individual we pay more than $600 within a calendar year.
• The spring workshop is scheduled for May 17th & 18th. The board has not selected topics and/or presenters.
• The next meeting is scheduled for February 17th from 2:30-5:30pm at the MAC in Lansing.

2007

Sept 15 [top] 

• Dan McDougall, the new Department Chair for Madonna University Sign Language Department came to introduce himself to the board and to propose a closer collaboration between not only Madonna and MIRID, but between all the ITP’s in the state of Michigan.
• Several board members (Micki Baumgart, Helen Boucher, Martha Meginley, and Janet Jurus) attended the RID 2007 Conference in San Francisco, California August 3-8.
• The board has finalized its work on the new Interpreter Contract for services for our workshops, conferences, meetings and any other business.
• Members of the MIRID board (Micki Baumgart, Helen Boucher, and Lois Van Broekhoven) will represent MIRID at the Deaf Celebration Day, sponsored by Deaf CAN at the Summit View Mall September 29.
• MIRID is looking for individuals interested in working with the board on the Task Force Committee appointed to examine the issues of diversity, recruitment, and volunteerism.
• MIRID is looking for Deaf individuals who are interested in serving as the Deaf Member-At-Large. Persons interested must be a MIRID member in good standing for 2 years (may pay back years’ membership dues) and must be or become a member of RID. Contact any board member if interested or if know of someone who is interested.
• Division on Deaf and Hard of Hearing has put out its 2007 Interpreter Directory, available online only.
• The fall workshop is scheduled for November 10-11, from 8 – 5 each day. The presenter will be Allisun Kale. She will be speaking on the EIPA and NIC/CI/CT. The business meeting will be November 11 at 12 pm. Donations for door prizes, goody bags, and raffle prizes, as well as sponsorship are being sought.
• The next board meeting will be Friday, November 17 from 6-9 pm. Location TBA.

July 13 [top] 

• MIRID LC II will host a workshop on August 25 to discuss re-establishing as a local chapter. There will be no registration fee.
• After the success of the recent Carla Mathers Legal Workshop, the partnership of agencies will once again host Ms. Mathers’ return to Michigan on August 11-13, 2008 at Madonna University. It will include an informational workshop on self-advocacy for the deaf community and a skill development workshop for the interpreters.
• MIRID is sponsoring Nicole Faino, as a contestant in the Miss Deaf Michigan Pageant on July 28, 2007.
• MIRID DVD’s from Doug Bowen Bailey’s keynote address at the Fall 2007 Conference are still available from board members at $10 each.
• MIRID has 206 paid up-to-date members. More interpreters have yet to pay their dues.
• MIRID has donated money supporting: Michigan Deaf Association 2007 Conference, Deaf-Blind Camp, RID 2007 Convention Silent Auction, and Deaf Celebration Day.
• SCMIRID (LC III) will be hosting Gordon Vernon for their fall workshop on October 13, 2007.
• The Cherry Capital Chapter (LC VII) is planning a social event in September and a workshop in mid-fall, and is looking for a deaf member-at-large and treasurer.
• MIRID will have a table at the MDA 2007 Conference and at Deaf Celebration Day.
• MIRID has changed the deadline for applications for the Brian D McCarthy Scholarship from May 31 of each year to July 31, effective this year.
• MIRID’s next board meeting is on September 15, 2007. Location TBA.
  

May 25 [top] 

• MIRID earned $762.85 from the Carla Mathers Legal Workshop on March 23-25. She will be returning to Michigan in April of 2008.
• The DVD recording of Doug Bowen-Bailey at the Fall 2006 Conference is still available for $10. Contact any MIRID board member for information.
• Local Chapter VII is up and running.
• The Interpreter Bill passed in the Michigan Senate. It will be voted on in the House soon.
• Work has begun on the Fall 2007 Workshop. The board is exploring possible presenters.
• MIRID will partner with LCC to bring Robin Dean to Michigan to train interpreters in how to teach Demand Control Schema.
• MIRID has received the final letter from the IRS with a stamp of approval for 2005.
• MIRID has sponsored the MDA at the Silver level ($500) and SHIM=DB ($250).
• The MIRID Link Summer issue deadline is June 15. It will be 12 pages and include articles as submitted and approved.
• The Mentoring Committee is still looking for members, and is hoping to set up a training for mentors in the Fall of 2007.
• Deaf Celebration Day (sponsored and hosted by Deaf CAN) will be Sept. 29, 2007 from 10 am to 5 pm. MIRID will sponsor a table and have an advertisement in the program book.
• Helen Boucher, President-Elect for MIRID, will begin work on setting up the Task Force Committee to study the issue of Diversity in the membership and board for MIRID>
• MIRID is exploring how we can support and partner with DODHH with regard to CEU’s.
• MIRID congratulates LCC on becoming an RID CEU sponsor, the 4^th in the state of MI.
• Next meeting: July 13, 2007 – 6-9 pm. LCC.

April 21 [top]

• 152 in attendance at the Spring Workshop.
• The Mentoring program will be up and running soon. Donna Leahy is looking for people to serve on the committee, to serve as mentors, and to be mentored.
• Local Chapters with active boards and membership include Great Lakes MIRID (LC 1), SCMIRID (LC 3), SWMIRID (LC 4), WMIRID (LC 5), and MIRID 6 (LC 6). Two more are in the process of re-establishing: LC 2 and LC 7. Our best wishes to all LC’s.
• MIRID has established a Task Force Committee to examine issues of diversity and recruitment of MIRID members and board officers.
• MIRID honored Chris Hunter, Director of DODHH, on his retirement with a resolution honoring his service to citizens of Michigan who are deaf and hard of hearing, bestowing upon him a lifetime membership in MIRID, and recognizing him with a standing ovation.
• MIRID Bylaws Committee is examining the wording for a motion made in the fall conference business meeting to change the Publications Chairperson to a board position.
• Chris Hunter ran the elections for new board officers. Sue Clark, Martha Meginley, and Lois Van Broekhoven were re-elected for their positions (Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary, respectively). Helen Boucher was elected as the new President and will take office effective November 1, 2007
• Kelly Flores, RID Region 3 Representative, gave a report on the state of the region.
• Joy Thomassen, Michigan DODHH State Interpreter Coordinator, explained the changes in the QA system and the addition of the EIPA testing system.

March 30 [top]

• Bruce is working on a draft for advertising policies and procedures in our Link. This will help cover some of the expenses.
• Donna Leahy and Sue Clark will be working to plan on how to re-establish our Mentoring program. If interested in being a mentor, in being mentored, or in serving on a committee to plan the mentor training and coordination, please contact one of them.
• Jonathan Truman (chair of Bylaws Committee) is working on some proposed changes to the Bylaws adding the Publications Chair to the Executive Board.
• Local Chapter officers must be members of Michigan RID, but not necessarily of RID. To vote at the Michigan RID level, all members must be members of both Michigan RID and National RID.
• Michigan RID will be supporting the Michigan Deaf Association 2007 Conference, Deaf-Blind Camp, and the Michigan Coalition of the Deaf.
• Michigan RID will contribute a gift certificate for the RID bookstore to the RID 2007 Conference (all Affiliate Chapters must contribute something).
• Micki Baumgart will be presenting at a workshop in Traverse City and then answering questions on how that area can re-establish as a Local Chapter.
• Chris Hunter will be retiring this spring. We will as an Affiliate Chapter give him a gift of appreciation.
• Deaf Celebration Day will be on September 29, 2007 at Summit Place Mall. We will purchase a ? page ad. We may also have a table there, but that decision is on hold until after our spring workshop.
• Michigan RID, thanks to recording by Dr. Bob Anthony and approval by Doug Bowen-Bailey, has made a DVD of Mr. Bowen-Bailey’s keynote address at the Fall Conference. We will duplicate these and sell them as a fundraiser for MIRID, available beginning at the spring workshop.
• The Michigan RID Spring 2007 Workshop will be April 21, 2007 with Byron Bridges presenting.
• Legislation on the House bill regarding interpreters passed through the House committee and floor. The Senate committee will hear testimony on their bill on April 17.

February 17 [top]

• Spring Conference Presenter will be Byron Bridges, on April 21st, and his topic will be “Using Prosody in ASL,” at LCC.
• MIRID will send Micki Baumgart, President, to testify in the House Committee hearing on the new interpreter law, SB 25 and HB 4208.
• Local chapters are busy with workshops: LC 4 – April 7 “NIC Preparedness” with Leslie Pertz, LC 1 – February 19, LC 3 – May 5 “Songs Every Interpreter Should Know” with Gordon Vernon, LC 5 – February 10 “EIPA” with Bob Anthony and Kim Willet, LC 6 – 3rd Saturday of every other month. Interpreters are hoping to re-establish LC 7 and LC 2.
• MIRID will sponsor the MDA Conference July 25-28 and Deaf Blind Camp Aug 16-18, as usual, will renew its membership in the Deaf Coalition, and will send Micki Baumgart, President, to the Deaf CAN Benefit performance of Miracle Worker.
• MIRID board members, Micki Baumgart, Martha Meginley and Janet Jurus, plan to attend the RID 2007 Conference this summer and will report back. MIRID will cover Micki’s expenses as President.
• MIRID is accepting nominations for the following offices: President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and Deaf Member-AT-Large. Janet will be the contact person and will ask Chris Hunter to run the elections. Martha will run again for Treasurer and Lois for Secretary.
• Next Meeting: March 30, 2007 – 6-9 pm (tentative)

January 13 [top]

• Revisions have been made to the QA packet and will be posted on the DODHH website.
• Local Chapter I, Great Lakes Michigan RID, is re-established.
• The Carla Mathers Workshop, sponsored by MIRID, Madonna, Deaf CAN, and NAOBI and scheduled for March 23-25, has full registration and a waiting list.
• MIRID’s Deaf Member-at-Large position is open. The candidates must be members in good standing with MIRID and RID for 2 years.
• Work has begun on the spring workshop.
• There are old membership applications around the state that people are turning in with old dues. These will soon not be accepted.
• Donna Leahy is working on putting together a list of interpreters who are willing to be mentors, those who want to be mentored, and those who will work on the committee with her.
• SWMIRID is looking for a new chairperson.
• SCMIRID is hosting a Deaf Blind workshop on January 27, 2007.
• WMIRID is hosting a workshop on Preparing for the EIPA on February 10, 2007.
• GLMIRID is hosting a conference on Demand-Control Schema on March 9-10, 2007.
• Next meeting is February 17, 2007 from 9 am to 12 pm.

2006

November 4 [top]

• There is a call for support staff at 2007 conference in San Franscisco (deadline 3/31/07 application).
• We have state interpreter coordinator Joy Thomassen.
• Jan 1st, Michigan has a Super Site for RID testing at Sign Language Services of Michigan.
• Madonna U hosted Trix Bruce with a wonderful turn-out on Classifiers.
• Carla Mathers ($275) Legal workshop 3 days in spring 2007)
• Kelly Flores, RID Region 3 Representative announce that the winner of the Distinguished Service Award is Brenda Cartwright, presented this last summer at Region III Conference.
• National conference 2007 is Aug 3-8, 2007, San Franscisco, CA. See Cindy Stemple to support nomination for Maureen Wallace for Distinguished Service Award, and consider who else you might nominate for that or for another award.
• RID has decided to make an agreement with Boys Town and recognize EIPA 4.0 with a passed written exam.
• Send any feedback or concerns to Kelly by email, phone, VP (courtesy of Sorenson).
• Donna Leahy is looking for mentors and mentees. We will use mentee-centered approach. There is a sign-up sheet on registration table if interested or you may contact Donna.
• We need a CDI chair because the previous chair moved out of state.
• The audit report is fine. Any discrepancies will be taken care of.
• Janet Jurus reported that we can do the newsletter online fairly cheaply. Members will have the choice to receive by USPS mail or by email. We are still exploring how to keep the electronic version as a special member perk, and will vote on formal motion at Spring business meeting.
• The MIRID board retreat was postponed.
• The membership drive continues.
• The deaf member-at-large position is open. Ron Dans resigned due to changes in his professional obligations. Candidates must be MIRID members in good standing for the last 2 years.
• The scholarship winners are: Mary Jo Clapsadle, Annette Guess
• Kelly Flores made a motion that MIRID direct the Bylaws Committee to add a board position titled Publications Officer with the rationale that the publications manager already functions as a member of the board and is responsible for the external communications of the organization. Janet Jurus – seconded. Passed.
• Three DVD’s of Doug Bowen-Bailey were awarded as door prizes exclusive to the business meeting. Winners were: Lora Pherson, Carrier Winterheimer, and Joy Thomassen.