[NFBF-Daytona] February minutes

[billoutmannfb at gmail.com]

February 2024 Minutes 

Greater Daytona Beach Chapter 

National Federation of the Blind 

 

The monthly meeting of the Greater Daytona Beach Chapter of the National
Federation of the Blind was held on Saturday, February 24.  It took place at
D. B. Pickle's restaurant, 400 S. Nova Road, Ormond Beach, Florida.  

 

Vice president Peggy Fleischer called the meeting to order at 1 p. m.  Brian
Norton was absent as he is recovering from heart surgery.  

 

Christine Nodal led off the opening ceremonies with a prayer.  The chapter
recited the Pledge of Allegiance in unison.  Scott Larson then led the NFB
Pledge.  He also led the One Minute Message.  Sherri Adams then led the
singing of God Bless America to conclude the opening ceremonies.  

 

Before the main portion of the meeting began, Bill Outman noted this is the
second anniversary of Russia's full invasion of Ukraine.  He asked for that
nation to be remembered for its valiant fight for freedom.  

 

Introductions took place.  A total of nineteen were in attendance.  

 

The January minutes were approved as submitted by Bill Outman.  

 

Peggy noted each chapter will be offered a free table at the state
convention.  The chapter would do well to consider taking advantage of this
to do some fund raising event.  

 

The treasurer's report from Nancy Epps indicates $20 in revenue came in,
raising the balance to $954.27.  $50 in expenses occurred, the PAC plan
contribution to national, making the ending balance $904.27.  After the
summary was read the treasurer's report was approved.  

 

Peggy then gave a report on Washington Seminar, which she attended at her
own expense.  Russ Davis led a delegation of ten,  which included first time
participant Sheila King from our chapter.  One interesting experience for
her was that Rep. Rutherford from Jacksonville greeted her in the line to
board the flight home.  He had remembered her from the office meetings, and
Rep. Rutherford conversed with many in our delegation on the way home.  

 

Camille Tate attended after her own heart issues required surgery a few
months back.  It was good to see her at full speed again.  

 

Three bills were in focus for this year's legislative efforts.  The Medical
Device Non-Visual Accessibility Act gained more sponsors during the seminar.
One of our own members uses an accessible glucose monitor.  Web site and
software applications accessibility is another focus, as guidelines from DOJ
are needed to assist in achieving this goal.  That bill, which would augment
the principles in the ADA, also gained sponsors.  Another bill that gained
some support would encourage work and earning of higher wages by the blind
and otherwise disabled.  It would create a gradual tapering of SSDI  similar
to that now implemented for SSI benefits.  

 

Peggy noted that our member of the House, Rep. Waltz, has supported some of
our bills.  

 

Peggy additionally noted we have 146 House co-sponsors for the Access
Technology Affordability Act, which NFB has been working on for a number of
years.  It stands a good chance of either passing on its own or being folded
into another bill.  

 

Another important bill would do away with the sub-minimum wage exemption for
workshops.  There is also a state bill in Florida that would do this here.  

 

Peggy then noted the state convention will take place on Columbus Day
weekend.  It is scheduled for the SouthBank Hotel, site of the 2022
convention.  She has been appointed planning chair, and the first open
planning meeting is set for February 28.  

 

It is hoped the chapter will again have transportation options for those
wishing to attend state convention.  

 

National convention is in Orlando from July 2-8.  It will take place at the
Rosen Centre hotel.  The base room rate is $129 per night, with reservations
being open now.  Registration is $25 beginning at the end of March through
June.  Banquet is likely to be a $75 fee.  Further information is available
at the NFB national web site.  

 

As a sponsor, Florida will be responsible for the information table and
hospitality suite.  The Orlando chapter is working on the restaurant and
hotel guides.  

 

The FSB alumni reunion will occur in July, a couple weeks after national
convention.  

 

Also of note, the ACB national convention is in Jacksonville at the Hyatt
Regency.  It will overlap the NFB convention, so there may be additional
opportunities to visit venders.  

 

Peggy noted she had been invited to Baltimore for national leadership
training, but could not attend at this time due to helping with the care of
her granddaughter.  She hope to do so over Labor Day weekend.  

 

Diane Walker reported she met with the new management at D. B. Pickle's.
The restaurant has agreed to continue allowing the fund raiser we had done
in cooperation with them previously.  It is hoped this event will occur in
May again.  Management has already agreed to a 50% share as before.  It is
hoped the chapter can raise $1,000 from this event.  

 

Scott Larson noted he had spoken about the NFB to a local radio event for
the Gator Club, a membership organization of University of Florida alumni
and supporters.  

 

Christine noted February birthdays, Steve Williamson, Joni Boone, and Jackie
Groton.  Chris and Christina Spears also celebrated an anniversary on
Valentine's Day.  

 

A number of additional members trickled in as the meeting progressed.  Nancy
Epps noted upon arrival she had some chapter shirts available and was ready
to take new orders.  Her arrival also allowed 50/50 tickets to be sold, with
the drawing occurring as the meeting adjourned.  

 

Peggy asked members to consider guest speakers or special events that might
keep the meetings interesting.  She noted this is among the most vibrant
chapters in the state.  

 

An initial reminder was given that chapter elections will occur in April.
Candidates need to be present to be elected.  

 

The Braille E-Reader program has come to Florida.  Members who are
interested can contact the talking book library to sign up so material can
be read on this display.  

 

The next meeting is scheduled for Saturday, March 23 again at D. B. Pickle's
Restaurant.  

 

The meeting adjourned at 2:14 p. m.  

 

 

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