OC Guide Dogs Chapter Meeting Minutes

OC Guide Dogs, an Alumni Chapter of
Guide Dogs for the Blind
Regular Meeting Minutes, January 25, 2025

The regular meeting of OC Guide Dogs was called to order on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at 10 a.m. by President Alan.

Alan thanked Member at Large Elissa for writing a summary of each meeting for those who could not attend. Mark has taken over outreach coordinator for schools, clubs, or organizations that want presentations on guide dog use. Mark’s upcoming presentation is scheduled for February 10 at an Abilities Day at Arroyo Vista School. They will make a donation to OC Guide Dogs, but Mark is unsure of the amount. He thanked all of us who provided him with phone numbers of volunteers.

Alan reported that Labs Live will be held in May 2025. We will not sponsor a table this year but may be able to subsidize a ticket if someone wants to attend. Board elections are coming up in May. We are looking for a larger venue for meetings and the Braille Institute in Anaheim has worked out something for us. We will be in partnership with GDB and The Braille Institute, which means that anyone who is attending the Braille Institute will be able to attend our meetings, as well as anyone who is on campus the day of the meeting. The venue is easier to access, larger, and more dog friendly. Documents still need to be signed, and we hope to have our March meeting there.

Tim reported on the Meta Glasses. He is scheduled to take an online class on January 28 through The Braille Institute to learn what more they can do. The class is either online or on the phone. You need to register for the class by phone. There is another class on April 10. The glasses have a camera and can take video, as well as do video calls. But there are limitations and there is a learning curve. The biggest benefit is that they are truly handsfree which really helps a guide dog user. You can buy the glasses at Costco for a cheaper price, but the Ray Ban department at Macy’s will have better customer service. Look for sales and call ahead to say you are visually impaired. Paul announced that the DMC may have funding to subsidize the glasses if you qualify. Watch for confusing names on Amazon – they will have Meta glasses but may not be the appropriate Ray Ban Meta glasses. It was mentioned that Scott with the Lions Club may also have funding for these glasses. Tim paid $300 for his. You have to have iPhone 10 or later to pair.

Linda introduced our speaker, Sandy. Sandy is an evaluator at Pet Partners, an organization that provides therapy animals for hospitals or schools or anywhere a therapy animal is needed. Sandy has been with Pet Partners since 1999. Nine different species of animals are registered with them to be therapy animals (not just dogs). She became an evaluator and instructor to teach people how to manage therapy dogs. They look at the handler to make sure the handler knows what to do to be a good team. Sandy was involved in the Sylmar shooting. She gathered dogs at a nearby park so the school kids could come visit. One of her goals is to stop the use of fake service animals because the fake ones make it hard for the real ones. Her friend and co-worker, Charlie, told a few stories about life with his therapy parrot, Glory. Charlie invited everyone outside at the end of the meeting to meet Glory. If you have any questions about Pet Partners, Sandy invited you to call or text her at 661-312-0173.

For our March meeting, Alan is looking into having a speaker report on the Meta glasses, possibly in conjunction with an audiologist.

The video on Uber is on hold for now. We continue to try to do our role in educating about the relationship between Uber and guide dogs.

Paul mentioned that he would like our members and the puppy raising clubs to have better relationships. Paul suggested that maybe a member would like to go to one of their meetings or attend an outing. Carla offered to contact each club to find out when their meetings are, and provide that information in an email.

Paul announced he has publicity waivers for all to sign, which needs to be done yearly.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:40 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Carla Ross
Secretary, OC Guide Dogs

OC Guide Dogs, an Alumni Chapter of Guide Dogs for the Blind
Regular Meeting (Last Names Omitted)
Saturday, September 28, 2024

The regular meeting of OC Guide Dogs, an Alumni Chapter of Guide Dogs for the Blind, was called to order at 10 a.m. on Saturday, September 28, 2024, by President Alan Holst.

President Alan told us we will receive information about the GDB’s Top Dog Competition. Top Dog is a competition created to garner donations to GDB and requires for entry a photo of you and your dog with a short story. We are able to donate to any particular team through a link on our chapter website.

Alan’s goal is to promote more show and tell with products that make life easier for the visually impaired. Alan passed around a Bradley watch with a tactile dial which includes tiny balls to tell you the hour and minute.

Mark R. reported on a clinical trial which has been expanded to cover choroideremia. He was really impressed with the group of professionals, which included Dr. Rebecca Kammer. The study was originally for people who have macular degeneration with low vision and no lens replacement.

Alan reported that we now have an AirTag to make it easier to find the leader of an outing. He will keep the AirTag in his backpack and members need to open “Find My” on their iPhones and ask to be included in the GDB Backpack group.

Treasurer’s Report: We have a total of $3,944.16 in our account. If you donate by check you don’t need to depend on GDB’s sending out a donation receipt.

Tim D. reported on his new smart glasses. They are made by Ray-Ban and cost approximately $300. You can ask “What am I Looking At?” and it will respond appropriately. Since AI is not allowed to describe people, it may give a generic answer. He bought them at the Optical Department of Macy’s. Richard King reported using Voice Vista for GPS. It was reported that Lyft has a feature to select a female driver if you want one. Mark R. has used vouchers from the Senior Center at the City of Cypress to get transportation to the meeting. You must call a day ahead to get a ride but they offer same day pick up as well. Elissa R. is taking notes of the meeting to be posted on our website for those who cannot attend. Volunteers Olivia D. and Mike J. are new to us from Chapman College, and look to be very useful.

Hugo G. gave a demonstration of a vision assistant called “Stellar Trek.” Stellar Trek is from Human Ware, which costs $1500, is good for GPS and is also a print reader.

He also uses Aira for location assistance and Be My Eyes for location assistance. He also uses Lazarillo and Good Maps Outdoors, both apps for GPS.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:50 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Carla Ross
Secretary, OC Guide Dogs

OC Guide Dogs, an Alumni Chapter of Guide Dogs for the Blind
Regular Meeting (Last Names Omitted)
Saturday, May 25, 2024

The regular meeting of OC Guide Dogs, an Alumni Chapter of Guide Dogs for the Blind, was called to order at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 25, 2024, by President Alan Holst. Alan welcomed new member Kellie.

President’s Report: Alan’s desire is to be more specific in our club’s goals. With regard to division of interest, he would recommend 60% of our time be spent on fellowship; 5% on advocacy; 10% on education, and 15% on friend/fundraising.

Vice President’s Report: Paul voiced interest in setting priorities. What can we do for the club? Why are we here? This venue is more accessible to some borderline L.A. people, and we are here for fellowship/peer support. We then went around the room to ask members what they thought we should focus or improve on, or what they liked as to what we are already doing.
Tim likes the outings. He also supports educating on vision loss.

Paula loves sharing ideas and enjoys the outings.

Richard co-leads the Men’s Group and they enjoy sharing and learning. He also likes the outings, and discussion on new legislation regarding ADA. There is a new DOT form that he is having trouble figuring out. It may be inaccessible. He was told to contact Ravi at GDB, who is in charge of legal and advocacy at GDB.

Paul mentioned that Alaska airlines is very accessible.

Mark is also interested in advocacy – his flight on Alaska asked for forms 48 hours before departure versus Southwest which has different rules. It is very frustrating.

Elissa claims she is here for the stories.

Mark likes the social aspect of the meetings and noted we are open to all clubs/schools.

Annie has been frustrated at times with travel.

Linda enjoys education and advocacy and says we are a good resource for others. She reported on a clinical study for people with RP and gave flyers to Alan.

Tina enjoys the good times and advocacy regarding airlines. She enjoys the speakers and the social aspect. She has also had problems with non-accessible forms and iPhone-based mobility apps.

Alan mentioned that GDB is sometimes disconnected from the clubs – they will send out a form that is inaccessible.

Gabriel has had Access issues and issues with transportation in general.

Alan requested a change in our by-laws: We need agreement that officers President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary serve or two years (the by-laws currently state one year) and Members at Large serve for one year.
MOTION: Gabriel moved that by-laws be changed to read that the term of the President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary be changed from one year to two, and the Members at Large serve for one year.
SECONDED: Paul
MOTION passed.

Current Member at Large Scott has been ill lately. Elissa has volunteered to replace him.
MOTION: Paul moved to have Elissa replace Scott as Member at Large.
SECONDED: Gabriel
MOTION passed.

Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Cindy reported that we have $2400 in our account. Any donations currently go to GDB and stay in our sub account. It has been decided that we need $1500-$2000 annually to operate as a chapter.

Alan reported on Labs Live and suggested a scholarship for next year.

Paul made a plug for the puppy raisers and how much they do in order to raise puppies. Geetha reported that GDB is supplying items for raisers who can’t afford food, etc., for their puppies.

Alan reported that GDB wants us to change our logo to present GDB as a bigger entity. He purchased two URLs last week, GDBOC.com and GDBSoCal.com, which will direct browsers to OCGuideDogs.com. Paula will change our Facebook page to reflect GDBOC. Marcella could connect Alan with DGs at Chapman to work on website.

Mark recently went on a field trip to the Artic Center with the Men’s Group. The tour option is gone – guides are not available. And Access starting June 1 is going to a four-day week instead of a five-day week.

Our September meeting may focus on camera-based mobility, IRA and/or Be My Eyes and Blind Square.

Our second annual picnic will be held Saturday, June 29, at Pine Tree Park. Carla is organizing.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:30 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Carla Ross
Secretary, OC Guide Dogs

P.S. After the general meeting, a short board meeting was held regarding merchandise. There are a handful of people wanting jackets. With summer coming, it was decided to table the discussion for now, but toward the end of summer send out an email inquiring about interest and see if we can get a better break on prices.

OC Guide Dogs, an Alumni Chapter of Guide Dogs for the Blind
Regular Meeting
Saturday, January 27, 2024

The regular meeting of OC Guide Dogs, an Alumni Chapter of Guide Dogs for the Blind, was called to order at 10 a.m. on Saturday, January 27, 2024, by President Alan Holst. Alan welcomed everyone to the first meeting of the year and introduced VP Paul Brennan. Paul described the room we were in, and told where the exits and restrooms were located. Paul informed us that our new location, the Dayle McIntosh Center (DMC) is also known as an Independent Living Center, and is premised on the idea that differently abled people should have equal access to everything able bodied people are in order to lead a productive life.

Alan introduced Kathy Kendall, our new Volunteer Coordinator. Kathy’s job will be to make sure we have ample volunteers for our meetings, and provide those volunteers with jobs.

Alan introduced Treasurer Cynthia Thacker. Cynthia is interested in sponsoring a team of 10 people for a fundraising walk for the Speech and Language Development Center for Autistic Children in Buena Park. The walk is to be held on April 7 at Knott’s Berry Farm. She will sponsor the first 10 people who sign up, and Alan was the first to sign up. Cynthia is leaving California for Nevada in April or May, and we are looking for a replacement.

Immediate Past President Mindy Wulff told us about a partnership with Vista Arroyo School and their PTA. Vista Arroyo is interested in supporting our mission. Mindy also promoted the May 4 Vision Walk OC. Look at the FFB website – she opened a page to sign up as a volunteer or participant. This year’s walk is at Mile Square Park. She is chairing this event and looking for help.

Also coming up is Labs Live, a fundraiser for GDB, on Saturday May 18. It is being held at Andre’s in Costa Mesa, and all proceeds benefit GDB. Cost is $150 per plate. There will be entertainment as well as important people from GDB. Alan reported that our club is sponsoring a table. Before you buy a ticket, talk to Alan to be included at our table.

Alan is giving a presentation to a Cub Scout Troop on February 22 in Yorba Linda and needs volunteers. Contact him for details.

Introductions were facilitated by Paula Pinheiro and Kathy Kendall.

Alan reported that our speaker for the March 23 meeting will be Leah Freedman. Jeff Senge did a book review on the book Hello Darkness My Old Friend.

Alan introduced our speaker, Lucy Waite from GDB. Lucy is the Field Manager for Southern California and Arizona. She does home interviews for people looking to get guide dogs and helps with behavior issues with already placed dogs. She spoke about what they look for when placing guide dogs with handlers. Attitudes and abilities matter, as well as different lifestyles. How is the home environment? Does the prospective handler have support from the family, or were they pushed into inquiring? Do they have other pets or clutter in the home? Will the new home provide good a physical and mental outlet for the dog? Is the prospective handler emotionally ready and mature? How is the health of the handler? The minimum age to get a guide dog is 16, but it depends on many circumstances. There is no upper age limit. Current wait time is one year after being accepted, but the timeline can change. Lucy said we are all welcome to call her if we have more questions.

Alan asked if anyone has any special equipment they like for their dog, and to bring it to the next meeting, like a Show and Tell. Paul mentioned an item by Ruff Wear called the Rain Shell which he highly recommended When you call Ruff Wear, ask to sign up with the Pro Plan for a hefty 40% discount.

Regarding finding about new handlers, it is impossible to get names from GDB due to confidentiality. Alan reported that Scott Quinlan is at home after a stay at the hospital due a foot injury. Asked for no visitors or calls yet.

Outings: Paula Pinheiro announced an evening nature walk in Irvine on the paved Hicks Haul Road from 6 to 7:30 p.m. every Wednesday. Go to www.letsgooutside.org for information. It’s a 3.5 mile walk up to Loma Ridge by Orchard Hills. May be a good spring or early summer outing.

A walk along Bolsa Chica Strand is being planned by Tim Dill.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 12 noon.

Respectfully submitted,
Carla Ross
Secretary, OC Guide Dogs