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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#467886" vlink="#96607D" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>February 2024 Minutes <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Greater Daytona Beach Chapter <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>National Federation of the Blind <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>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. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Vice president Peggy Fleischer called the meeting to order at 1 p. m. Brian Norton was absent as he is recovering from heart surgery. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>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. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>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. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Introductions took place. A total of nineteen were in attendance. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The January minutes were approved as submitted by Bill Outman. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>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. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>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. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>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. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Camille Tate attended after her own heart issues required surgery a few months back. It was good to see her at full speed again. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>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. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Peggy noted that our member of the House, Rep. Waltz, has supported some of our bills. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>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. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>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. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>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. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It is hoped the chapter will again have transportation options for those wishing to attend state convention. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>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. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>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. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The FSB alumni reunion will occur in July, a couple weeks after national convention. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>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. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>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. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>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. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>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. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Christine noted February birthdays, Steve Williamson, Joni Boone, and Jackie Groton. Chris and Christina Spears also celebrated an anniversary on Valentine’s Day. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>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. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>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. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>An initial reminder was given that chapter elections will occur in April. Candidates need to be present to be elected. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>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. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The next meeting is scheduled for Saturday, March 23 again at D. B. Pickle’s Restaurant. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The meeting adjourned at 2:14 p. m. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>