~ Annual Meetings ~
© by Wheel Me On... 2000; 2007
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Wheel Me On... Annual Meeting is held once a year usually in August and always between June and November. While the non-profit organization has many meetings throughout the year, the Annual Meeting often includes a three-day awareness program filled with activities, entertainment, free gifts, and numerous other things which are combined with a Caravan for Disability Awareness. This web page is available to provide our readership information regarding previous meetings, more information regarding the Caravans may be found in the "Member's Only" section of this website. To become involved wtih meetings, please
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with "Meetings" as the subject.
2005 National Annual Board of Directors Meeting & General Session
The Annual Meeting of Wheel Me On was held at 10 AM on August 5th, 2005 at the Wingate Inn in Clarksville, Tennessee. Members and visitors engaged in the active session, then enjoyed lunch with Board Directors. Following lunch a film from the Department of Justice about "Ten Small Mistakes Businesses Make" was shown. It is interesting to note, members who were blind attending this meeting received considerable educational value by hearing the film. All attendees were provided with a charm designating the year "2005" and provided with materials for Greater Access in America. Christy Batts, Executive Director, Clarksville Area Chamber of Commerce, presented Wheel Me On with the second edition of "Historic Clarksville" (1784 - 2004), written and edited by John L. Butler, for the library at the headquartering office of Wheel Me On. Toni Reid, manager of Wingate Inn - Clarksville, received a framed certificate of appreciation for hosting the event at their hotel.
~ 2004 Annual Meeting ~
Houston ~ Houston! Texas That IS!
Supporting our Troops & The Paralyzed Veterans of America!
Greater Access for Unity in America
Friday, August 6th, 2004
~ Sponsored in part by an accessible Hotel ~
Holiday Inn Select ~ 1-10 West & Hwy 6
14703 Park Row, Houston, Texas
Greater access for unity in America was brought to a highlight in Houston, Texas on August 6th, 2004, with an annual meeting and education supporting access. Board directors, Members, Associates, and extraordinary Sponsors attended the event at Holiday Inn Select located on Park Row off of Highway 6 and I-10. The gathering began at 9 AM with a continental breakfast provided by Wheel Me On.
At 10 AM the meeting was called to order by the President. Greg Joyce, WMO National Board Director, led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and iClassics provided music for the National Anthem.
Board Directors presented their individual reports either in person or by proxy. The reports contributed greatly to acknowledge unity in society for people without disabilities and people with disabilities. Education for greater accessibility and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act was of key importance. More than fifty percent of the attendees at the meeting were people without disabilities, and realizing the interest of need for access was in itself a huge step to awareness.
Rapidly getting past the business session, nominees were selected for various offices and sworn in for their terms during this important meeting. The National Board Directors accepting their nomination and taking their oath of office or renewing their board positions were:
Julia Hollenbeck, President
David Musgraves, Vice-President (By Proxy Frank Anderson)
Donna Grobe Shelton, Secretary/Treasurer - Texas
William (Bill) Dillow, Research
Steve Traylor, Access (By Proxy David Fowler)
Ellen Grenier, Task Force (By Proxy Vicki Harris)
Additional Board Directors in attendance were Greg Joyce, Advisor, and David Killough, Director of Safety. Special attendees helping celebrate this 5th anniversary of Wheel Me On included Steve Huffer, (JP Morgan Chase Bank), Vicki Harris, (Coalition for Barrier Free Living), Anabel Rios, Member, Houston Center for Independent Living, and long-time member and advocate Dorinda Haldeman.
Receiving the Golden Eagle Award 2004 was Greg Joyce, Member, and Board Director since 2000. Several Certificates of Appreciation were presented to Board Directors, Members, and Sponsors.
Following the business meeting, The Park Cafe inside of Holiday Inn Select provided seating for lunch. Independence Technology representative, Luis Napoles, surprised everyone with lunch paid, and no one ended up with a "Dutch Treat Lunch". Returning to the meeting room following lunch, Holiday Inn Select provided complimentary Sweet Treats for desert to the delight of everyone as the afternoon session unfolded with education and awareness.
Paralyzed Veterans of America
, National, and Local Involvements, immediately began the afternoon. The education and awareness program presented by Greg Joyce, National Director, of the Paralyzed Veterans of America, and David Fowler, President, Texas Paralyzed Veterans of America. Their presentation was interesting and informative, while they provided updates on the Paralyzed Veterans of America.
The Paralyzed Veterans of America and Wheel Me On have been productively working together since the year 2000. Both organizations compliment one another with advocacy for American Veterans and encouragement for people with disabilities to engage in activities within society.
(Greater than 50-percent of the membership of Wheel Me On are members of the PVA or Veterans.)
The Ease of Wheeling
was presented by Luis Napoles, M.O.T., OTR/L, a Special Guest from Independence Technology, a Johnson & Johnson Company. Mr. Napoles presented a manual wheelchair with the bonus of an electric motor for finger touch control and greater maneuverability. Trying out the chair were Greg Joyce, Donna Shelton, and Julia Hollenbeck.
(Hollenbeck made the comment that she doubted the manual wheelchair would be permitted in sporting events listing "manual wheelchairs". It was the first time in over ten years Hollenbeck was able to use her arm strength to move a manual wheelchair without assistance.)
Independence Technology
utilizes cutting-edge technologies, along with a deeper understanding of the challenges faced everyday, to develop safe and effective solutions to a wide range of concerns. Their innovative products and services increase the freedom of people with disabilities.
In split-second action, Luis Napoles disassembled and reassembled the remarkable wheelchair and drew many ooh's and ahh's form the participants. There was no doubt this "dream-machine" was a hot item to everyone present.
Providing Expertise for Transportation
was Special Guest Ken Porter and Rick Armstrong from Personal Transportation Services (PTS) of Houston, Texas. The two of them introduced the Roll-A-Ramp, an exciting new product PTS is now distributing in Houston. Providing strength and flexibility, Roll-A-Ramp is fabricated out of high-tensile strength anodized aerospace aluminum, allowing to hold up to 2,000 pounds of evenly distributed weight.
The best news is it can be installed to any full size van to allow powered ramp access. It is astronomical for temporary or permanent home use, and a bonus to any public facility, (such as restaurants with steps), requiring temporary access for people using wheelchairs in their business. You simply roll it out, and roll it up!
PTS provided information about their full-service operation providing services for people using van conversions or needing electronics for driving and mobility requirements.
(When Hollenbeck introduced PTS, she stated Armstrong and Porter has helped keep her 1995 van running since 1996 and it is still rolling.)
PTS announced a discount for members of Wheel Me On and encouraged knowing more about service technicians before having a van modified. The team at PTS has more then 30-years of combined technology and was highly recommended for vehicle modifications, servicing, and other needs required for mobility on the highway.
This business provides the Means for Transportation to help people get to where they want to be!
Providing Awareness & Crucial Education for Access
was the Founder of Wheel Me On, President and Chief Executive Officer, Julia Hollenbeck who began her presentation by asking if anyone had a tape measure. Luis Napoles (Independence Technology) handed her a tape measure, and then gave attendees present a brand new, packaged 27-foot tape measure, to everyone's surprise. Hollenbeck asked every person what they might use a tape measure for and then added her suggestions as to how someone needing access might use the tape measure. Members began taking notes, and several were rather surprised about what the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) actually provides. A table set-up exclusively with ADA materials was nearly wiped clean at the end of the session.
Cruise Line Awareness
was presented with an open forum and all attendees participating. According to the National Membership of Wheel Me On, the recommended cruise lines to use were Holland America, Princess Cruise Line, and Carnival Cruise Line. Hollenbeck reminded everyone to be precise when making cruise reservations, referring to web page information on the organization's web site. Several complaints were brought forward regarding people using mobility aids and not being able to travel without an attendant or companion. The best policy presented was to get all information in writing regarding access, before purchasing a ticket, and going on a cruise.
The bottom line with enjoying a cruise experience when traveling with or as a person with a disability was to seek out the information and if need be, getting it in writing before getting on the ship.
At days end, a Wheelchair Bike for therapeutic value was presented to Anabel Rios, and Donna Shelton was the recipient of hand controls for a vehicle. Five flower baskets decorated with a dozen red, white, and blue roses, the American Flag, and State Flags of Texas and Tennessee, were presented to outstanding members.
Following the awareness and education program, members gathered in the Tavern on the Park located in the Host Hotel, who provided Hor d'Oeuvres in the lounge, and PTS complimented everyone's beverage tab! Drawings for music CD's, provided by iClassics.com, and other organizational materials were presented. David Fowler won the mystery drawing… an illuminating Lefton Historic Lighthouse of Key West, Florida!
If you missed this Annual Meeting, you missed a special education and awareness program. Wheel Me On... encourages your attendance and participation for continuing education and programs for every new fiscal year.
~ Contributing Sponsors ~
The Access-Board
The Department of Justice
Gateway Business Solutions
Holiday Inn Select
iclassics.com
Independence Technology
Personal Transportation Services
Roll-A-Ramp
~ 2003 Annual Meeting ~
Meetings during year 2003 enveloped and centered around Caravan 2003 with several gatherings to pull together an outstanding program providing awareness, education, entertainment and a geat deal more. These meetings were actully a prelude to what was yet to come and the actual Board Directors Meeting was really held late in the evening on June 14th.
March 29, 2003
Four Board Directors and a Task Force member met to orchestrate decorations and fund raising for the Caravan for Disability Awareness 2003, at the headquartering office of Wheel Me On. Margarette Auld, Director of Ways and Means, and Nancy Gavrilis, Task Force Member, arrived by Para-Transit Bus at 10 AM. Julia Hollenbeck, President of the organization was anxious to see the beaded projects Margarette was working on and hear about her ideas for additional items she would be able to contribute.
Margarette had brought two Patriotic Angels, and told Julia, "Patience girl, you'll get to see the other projects soon." Margarette is working on several beaded projects in additional to helping with other decorations. She has lived with the affects of polio since a young child, and while developing post-polio syndrome, she is determined to remain active even with her limited strength.
Geneva Traylor, Director of Records and Treasury, arrived with her husband Steve Traylor, Director of Operations and Access, carrying a box of freshly baked doughnuts for everyone to enjoy.
Geneva could hardly wait for Steve to share his Indian Head Dresses, a beaded project that combined the use of safety pins, beads, leather, and feathers. Steve Traylor has been using a manual wheelchair since he became a T/7 paraplegic following a motorcycle accident twenty-five years ago, and plans to make forty-eight Indian Head Dresses for the program.
Nancy Gavrilis was happy to show the proposed baskets for table decorations, which would eventually contain red, white, and blue carnations, and an American Flag. Bill Dillow, Vice-President of the organization, was contacted by telephone and asked to secure flags of the same size for the state of Tennessee, to be included in the baskets.
One of the more perplexing moments was trying to decide what to do with 200 small plastic bags shaped like waving American Flags. She sat listening to a few suggestions as she held one of the bags on her leg. There were a few ideas, but none really managed to bring a good solution, except for the mention of filling them with small candies which Geneva Traylor suggested.
Then Julia spent a few moments showing Nancy how to make scissor holders with paper tubes and yarn. Nancy said she would help make them if someone would punch the holes in the tubes for the handles. Geneva quickly grabbed a paper punch and started punching out the holes. The scissor holders will be made with variegated colors of red, white, and blue yarn. Nancy Gavrilis also suffers with post-polio syndrome and must be extremely careful not to over-use the remaining strength in her hands.
Geneva reached for her handbag and car keys to run an errand, but a few moments later, she returned. "We've got a problem Steve." She sadly said.
Their van had sprung a leak from the water pump, and all attention focused on the van. It is situations like the photo on the left shows, that simply make you laugh, in spite of the unexpected cost and burden it will place on the Traylor's who will have the van fixed on Monday.
The Traylor's unique lifestyle is to be commended. Geneva holds down a full-time job and Steve manages their household. The two of them are guardians of a six-year old girl and in spite of the difficulties, they find everything "all in a day's work". The kick-off for Caravan 2003 had begun. No leak in a van or plastic bags still not determined for use would hold up the show.
June 11th, 2003
Steve Traylor, Director of Access, found the perfect antique wagon wheel to paint months before the caravan actually began, and the week before the event, proudly rolled it into the Headquartering office in Clarksville, Tennessee. His wife, Geneva, also a Board Director of the organization, worked avidly on a bow with white stars to cover the hub of the wheel, and an old Texas boot decorated years past completed the theme. Steve rolled the wheel into the office, leaned it against the door, and said he was, "ready to roll".
Members from Texas began arriving a day early in Clarksville, Tennessee, from the Texas Sub-Chapter by using their own method of wheels, and members from Clarksville and Chattanooga enjoyed a great steak barbecue despite the threat of rain, which evidently scared a few people off.
(Hasn't anyone learned yet? If you wait 20-minutes in Tennessee, the weather will probably change!)
Member Clay Prest (Night Eagle) brought his talent of Indian music for the enjoyment of about two-dozen people. Task Force Director, Petty Officer Musgraves arrived from Chattanooga and barbecued the sirloin steaks to perfection.
The actual Caravan for Disability Awareness 2003 began rolling at 9 O'clock in the morning on June 12th after the arrival of two police escorts from the City of Clarksville who came to make sure the caravan safely traveled through the city to Interstate 24 Eastbound.
Marjorie May from Texas made it a point to visit with one of the officers while several people scurried around and David Musgraves snitched his mother's digital camera. The officers arrived a few minutes early and patiently waited as people took their last sips of coffee and finished their doughnuts before getting in their vehicles for the one-hour drive.
At precisely 9 AM, the vehicles were lined up on the road and heading for the highway with an escort from the Clarksville City Police Department to assure they would not be seperated on their way to Exit Four.
Granted the last photo shows vehicles trying to park once they reached the Capital in Nashville, but it is the passenger of the vehicle unseen, who took the photos with the "snitched" camera. As it worked out, the parking assigned for the eighteen wheels was being used by other individuals and a huge bus and there was a little scramble for parking around the corner. However, parking on this street did not work either and the six vehicles headed for a parking garage, later meeting inside of the Capital where additional members joined one another for a guided tour. Thus was the beginning of Caravan 2003 and the ultimate Annual Meeting.
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