[NFBF-Melbourne] NFBF, MSCC MARCH 11, 2023 CHAPTER MINUTES FOR REVIEW

[Dr. Joyce Taylor]

NFBF, MSCC Saturday, MARCH 11, 2023 CHAPTER MINUTES

Call to Order:  The NFBF, MSCC MEETING WAS CALLED TO ORDER AT 10:07 A.M. m.
It was held via Zoom.

 

Roll Call:  Camille Tate, Pres., Joyce Taylor, VP, Board Members:  Maria
Rigogliosi, and Morgan Hazlet.   There was enough to conduct quorum.

 

Pledge of Allegiance was recited by Fran Munno.

 

NFBF PLEDGE was done by Joyce Taylor.

 

NFBF ONE MINUTE PLEDGE was done by Camille Tate.  This is what we call our
elevator speech.  za

 

At this time Camille acknowledged our visitor, Lisa Reynolds.    S She
introduced herself to the Chapter.  Camille  then explained the NFBF
policies and how we raise the expectations of the blind, and asked if there
were any questions?

 

aINNovational prayer done by Joyce aTaylor.  Remember,  all faiths are
welcome to do Invocational prayer.  Just let Camille know ahead of time.
We are religiously, politically, and technology neutral.  Lisa will get to
speak after we proceed with our Agenda.

 

Agenda for Board Meeting 

Secretary's Report:  Maria Rigoglliosi made a Motion that we accept the
February Chapter Minutes as e-mailed.  The Motion was seconded by Fran
Munno.  There was a unanimous vote of Yes, and the February Minutes were
archived on March 11th.

amille is still seeking a Secretary and Treasurer.  

 

Treasurer's Report:  Camille tabled the Treasurer's report until our next
meetingin            April.  She is still seeking a Secretary and Treasurer.


 

At this time, Javier Molinares joined the meeting.

 

Nancy suggested that we vote on tabling the Treasurer's report.    Joyce
made a Motion that we table the report until April and Nancy Hollo seconded
the Motion.  The vote was unanimously Yes.  aCamille will do February and
March's report in  April.  

 

President's REPORT:

 

New Business  Camille  has been work a great deal on the upcoming
Conventions.  Spoke with Joyce and will be doing an Outreach event  at the
Space Coast Harley Davidson Center in Palm Bay on      Sat., April 29 as a
Chapter.  Joyce will discuss later on in the Agenda.  I am also working on a
Disability Awareness event in October. iI am working with another Chapter
President who has done this type of event before.  I Would like to make it
Hybrid, bringing  together our disabled community  within our County.  I
have heard    many stories about how unfriendly Brebvard County is to
disabled people; however, I found friendlyand nice people iwho are willing
to lend a helping hand.  What they meant by disability unfriendly is  things
like job searching; and I looked at the Human Resource website,  and every
single job listed required two working eyes and a driver's license.    There
are also some things regarding transportation that I wish would change
because we are on the lower end of the spectrum.  Therefore, our County may
seem disability unfriendly because even though they do the best they can
with the resources available, I would still like to change that perception,
and we will need all members to attend with white canes to show there is a
large presence of blind people in our County that desire positive change.
Any questions?

 

Maria asked for a date for White Cane Awareness Day  ? Camille answered that
it is always October 15th.

  That happens to fall on a Sun., so we'll target the week of October 8th
(as close to the 15th as possible).

 

Next, Marilyn Womble says Good Bye to the Chapter aand sends gher love.  She
moved to Iowa  with family.

 

Now, we will hear from our Visitor, Lisa Reynolds who I met when I spoke at
BAAB.  opefully she will come in April in person and possibly join.  WELCOME
and feel free to ask questions AT THE END OF THE Agenda.

                PLEASE NOTE:  We are not just a social organization. Ee
actually have a Cons6titution, and there is a business aspect or structure,
so we do a combination of both, ane we are now moving back to in-person
meetings where Denise Woodard usually brings food for everyone to break
bread together where we also  talk about movies, parties, etc.

 

    Chapter Banking Changes:  .  We now have an option if we want to be
under the Affiliate's Master sub-account with our funds or not.  Bank of
America is charging $16 a month if you do not have $5,000 balance or more or
spend $250 monthly.  The  Board spoke about this on Monday and unanimously
decided that we want to leave our account as is at TD Bank.   Does the
Chapter want to leave as is or move to Bank of America 's account under the
Affiliate sub account?  Maria, Nancy and Joyce  voiced to remained with TD
Bank, Camille stated that we will stay where we are unless Bank of America
decides not to charge $16 - if and when that happens, we will have to move.
However,  we must still submit any large checks to the Affiliate for
clearance and use their 501C3 tax exempt status  So, business is as usual.

 

Updates on November Gala:  Camille  discussed our previous  ideas regarding
our initial Gala and Fashion show which the Contract was $15,000, entirely
too much at the Crown Plaza, so we cancelled.  We are now planning a smaller
Gala in November 2023 at the Red Ginger.  We are asking the Chapter how many
people do you think we should tell the Red Ginger that we anticipate coming
and what date?  The Board selected Nov. 18th.  Javier stated that he also
has a meeting next  week with the Hilton which is less expensive than the
Crown.  The Red Ginger will possibly be some where around $5,000 to $7,000.
I THINK WE should start with less than 150  GUEST AT THE Gala.     This will
be the first Gala used as a test to establish the following years.  We need
a approx. number of guest to determine how large of a room we need.  Maria
asked if this Gala will be combined with another organization?    Javier
stated that that is his question?  Are we going to have the Gala with the
Brevard Hispanic Center or just the NFB?    Maria stated her opinion is that
we should have it in conjunction with the BHC.  Camille also thought that
together would bring a larger crowd.  Also, keep in mind that when you go to
the Hilton, it is going to be  similar with a Contract  and DEPOSIT WITH
MULTIPLE payments, and I would like to be present when talking about any
Contracts.  Javier will talk with them first to see if Nov. 18th is
available, and then we can have a formal meeting when Camille returns.  My
BHC Gala is Oct. 7th, and we will have the combined Gala on Nov. 18, 2023.
Camille suggested that approx.. 80 to 100 guests might be a good number.
Javier reminded us that the BHC Festival is Oct. 14th , and the Gala on Oct
7th - The NFB Convention is Oct. 6, 7 and 8.    Maybe we can change our
dates next year so we can attend the BHC Gala.

 

Camille mentioned that she will reach out again to the RIALTO for 2024 State
Convention.  Maria  asked about the Melbourne Beach Hotel?
Camille stated the issue with beachside will be transportation.    Maria
said that it would be lucrative to meet with SCAT  to arrange
fefTOINasaijfic  fh

 

For a contrac5t bus for that weekend.   Camille stated that two buses would
have to be taken.  A discussion was helde regarding SKAT designating a para
transit bus for the weekend of the Convention from the airport or greyhound
to the hotel like   Palm Tran in West Palm. Ccamille will check Melbourne
Beach's rates aand whether they can accommodate 150 blind people and their
families.  Holiday Inn could not accommodate our size andMelby

's rates were too high.  Camille will return on March 22nd thru June 8th.  

 

Javier mentioned that the Hilton in Cocoa  has a nice room also.   He will
check it out.

 

NEXT, Purchase of a paper Bus Pass for Chapter Meetings:  Camille asked the
Chapter to authorize a 10-trip bus pass.   Maria  has requested a bus pass
being purchased by the Chapter since some members have had to use her pass
numerous times due to no change or no fare.    No one's personal pass or
monies should be used at any time.  Does the Chapter approve of a paper bus
pass for Maria to have with her to be used if anyone is in need of
assistance for meetings or  Chapter business .  Maria will keep a list of
names.  Morgan made a Motion that we purchase the $15 paper buss pass to be
held by Maria, and Joyce seconded.  The vote was unanimous.    Maria was
requested to forward her new address to Camille to forward pass.

 

State Convention  and Chapter Convention Planning: 

The State Convention will be held Oct. 6, 7 and 8 at the Embassy Suites in
Tampa, Fl.  The Hotel has been renovated and breakfast is free from 6:30 aam
to 9 am - General session starts at 9 am.  Room rate ia $115 plus tax and
can sleep up to five, same sex please unless married or family. Camille
spoke about the one assigned room for Each Chapter.  Our room is taken
because I need a alternate  delegate and Joyce is that person.  Camille
explained how it all works.  If we fund raise well, we can have a se cond
room assigned.    It has not been decided yet what the Affiliate will cover;
usually $25 Registration and (?) Banquet are covered ; we have not discussed
with caterers yet so no price for Banquet.       There is approx.. $3,000 so
we must fund raise.  We do give stipends on a case- by-case  need, and you
must contact me personally.  Last year, we paid for Morgan's room as a first
timer. It should not cost us anything to Co-Host, so if wee fund raise well,
we should be good to go.  Our goal is to get as many members to the
Convention as possible.    aWe will probably cover Regisstration and Banquet
as we have been doing amd if possible, stipends as well.  Camille will be
appointing a Convention Planning Committee in our Chapter.  Camille will
Chair and need to know who and when will we meet to prepare - possible
writing letters, making phone calls, donations, etc.    AVAILABLE DAYS:
first Tuesdays, first Sundays before 8 pm, second wed., second Thurs.,
second aSun. before 8 pm and third Mondays.     Decision was made to meet
Wed. at 8 pm via zoom.

 

World's  Finest Chocolate  :     Camille looked at Amazon and there are
options; but not as many as WFC; however, if we buy more than 8 cases, then
it would be better to use WFC.  With Amazon you get 60 bar box for $45 per
case.  It is assorted ; they also have a 10 bar box for approx. $25 with
caramel which would not b cost effective.  The most beneficial would be the
60 bars for $45 at $1 EACH, MAKING A $20 PROFIT ON EACH BOX.   Camille did
reach out to the account executive of wfc and has not heard back from them
as of yet.  We will need to make a decision.  We usually make a 40% profit
on WFC.  NOTE:  WFC comes with a one-year guarantee. 

Morgan feels we should do the 8 boxes - Maria reminded us that there is no
soliciting at her job and her neighborhood; so she is letting us know in
advance that she will not be taking any.  Joyce stated that she can surely
sell at BAAB and Church.  These boxes will be delivered by next Chapter
meeting.              Remember, WFC has a 8 box minimum.    If ee order more
than 8 boxes, then WFC will be the most cost effective.       Amazon's
profit is less than  40 percent, and I can live with that if we do not buy 8
boxes.  So, how many want to participate and how many boxes?    Some members
stated they will take two boxes of the 60 bar box:  Morgan, Nancy, Joyce,
Javier and Camille; Lisa Reynolds  and Fran Munno will take one box. Morgan
made a Motion that we use WFC to get the better profit  and Joyce seconded
the Motion.  ZThere was a unanimous vote of Yes.

 

The next meeting in April will be in person.  Transportation will be
provided.

 

Outreach EVENT:  Joyce discussed the Space Coast Harley Davidson Outreach
event on April 29th given by Helping Hands.    Camille informed Chapter that
this is an Outreach event, not Chapter event.  How many are interested in
going because Maria has to get a bus.  The Board will be going and using
Goldii's (Che's ) tent to distribute our literature; Javier will assist with
tables and chairs, Maria. Morgan and Joyce will bring goodies to pass out.
There will be food trucks, bouncing houses, face painting and ice cream for
kids, plenty of resources, etc.  There will be tables and benches for
guests.  A Motion was made by  Maria that we donate $50 to Helping Hands,
and Morgan sexconded that Motion.  All in favor said "I".  No opposed.

Maria asked who was interested in attending the free Movies with Deb  Martin
at the Library  now in Eau Gallie, not Cocoa.  She not only provides popcorn
and drink, but is wonderful to us and provides bag lunches to go; please
suggest titles of audio descriptive movies.  Five people for Thursday for
the Movies was counted beginning with once a month.  Shore Lanes in Palm
Bay Bowling with Jackie Yearby.  Tues. seemed to be the best day for the
majority.  The price for bowling is $5 for bowling and shoes.  Morgan. Fran,
Joyce, Lisa  and Brenda Williams, if possible.               Also, Camille
and Maria  will attend if possible.  Confirm count at next meeting.  Maria
will schedule transportation for both events at $1.50 each way.  Please call
her at 321.795.375 if transportation is needed.

Camille gave dates she will be out of town on pleasure trip:  May 15 thru
22.  NFBF Business: AOrlando in June, and again in July for National in
Texas.  FYI, Rofckledge and Tithesville are the only Greyhound stops for
Melbourne.  Also, Fraan alerted us to be careful with counterfeit $50 bills.

 

A Motion was made by Joyce and seconded by Maria to adjourn meeting at 12:08
p.m.

 

The next Chapter meeting will be held on Sat. April 8, 2023.

 

Submitted by Dr. Joyce Taylor, VP, NFBF, MSCC

 

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