[NFBF-Tampa] Tampa Bay Chapter Meeting Minutes April 2018

[Sherrill O'Brien]

Hello,

 

Here are the April minutes again. Miranda sent them out on June 25.

But I know it’s easy for stuff to get lost in who knows where.

 

Sherrill

 

From: NFBF-Tampa [mailto:nfbf-tampa-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of tampa President via NFBF-Tampa
Sent: Monday, June 25, 2018 10:50 AM
To: nfbf-tampa at nfbnet.org
Cc: tampa President
Subject: [NFBF-Tampa] Fwd: Tampa Bay Chapter Meeting Minutes April 2018

 

Tampa Bay Chapter         

National Federation of the Blind of Florida

Chapter Meeting Minutes

Friday, April 20, 2018

Beef O’Brady’s

8810 N. Himes Avenue

Tampa, Florida

 

The meeting was called to order by President Miranda Kilby at 6:27pm. (This was one of our chapter’s o’Brady’s Spirit Nights, so we changed our regular Saturday noon meeting time to be present during this fundraising opportunity.)

There were eleven in attendance. Miranda led us in the NFB pledge.

During the meeting, we voted to approve chapter membership for Matthew Robaldo.

Treasurer’s and Secretary’s Reports

Dan gave the treasurer’s report, stating our current balance at $1856.00. Debits will bring our balance to $981.00. A motion was made by Noe, seconded by Sherrill, to approve the treasurer’s report as read.

The motion passed.

The approval of the March minutes was tabled until all have the chance to read them, and they will be approved by email. 

 

President’s Report

Miranda spoke about all the contributions our chapter is making to the state convention. She mentioned all the reminders she had sent out during the previous month about participating in the various NFBF activities. 

She reported on the proceeds from our first two consecutive Spirit Night fundraisers. From February’s we received $41.59; in March $100.66.

 

Old Business

State Convention

Miranda said we probably have enough of our NFB logo pens that we can include one in the packet of each person who registers. Noe reported that his sister will donate the homemade “family tree” magnets as giveaways to go along with the convention theme of We Are Family. Merry suggested bottles of water as well as snacks.

The Suncoast chapter will contribute toward the registration goody bag, as well as donate Publix bags to put all the goodies in. 

We discussed the various contributions members will be making toward our chapter’s auction basket.

Merry has available packets of materials we can hand out to businesses when soliciting convention door prizes.

 

BELL Program

Miranda reported that though we voted last month to support Florida’s summer BELL program through a Chipotle fundraiser, she found out there are restrictions, so we will have to find another way of going about it.

 

New Business

Miranda reported that the chapter Board had voted to try alternating our meetings between our current location of Beef O’Brady’s in Tampa and O’Brien’s pub in Brandon, located at 701 W. Lumsden Road. Our goal is to reach more blind people, especially those living in the eastern part of our large Hillsborough County. We will hold the Brandon meetings in odd months, so our first meeting at o’Brien’s will be held on July 21. It was decided that, in addition to Miranda’s announcements, Sherrill will also reach out to remind members of this change. Gloria brought up the possibility of growing large enough to split into two chapters, and a discussion followed. 

 

Marion told us that a longtime fan of his music has generously donated $2500 each to the National Association of Guide Dog Users, of which marion is President, and the Tampa Bay chapter. 

 

Reports

Chapter Activities

Activities coordinator Jeanette Torres said she had contacted Regal Cinemas about our holding a movie day at one of their theaters, using their audio description headsets. Miranda asked her to put something out on the list about choices for movies and dates when we might attend. jeanette will also contact the AMC Veterans theater. 

 

Community outreach

Merry reported that she and Miranda were guest speakers at the Tampa Lighthouse’s independent living class on April 18. They demonstrated both the Be My Eyes and KNFB Reader apps. There were seven people in the class, several of whom live in the Brandon/Riverview area. We will invite them to attend one of our upcoming meetings. Miranda thanked both Cheryl Brown and Chelsea for the opportunity to speak to the class.

 

Legislative update

Merry reported good news on our opposition to the ADA Education and Reform Act. NFB’s Dillon Gaudette had told her that this bill is no longer considered a threat, as a letter from Sen. Tammy Duckworth opposing it had received 43 signatures. Merry said we are still working on the Space Available Act for veterans. And right now it does not include Korean or Vietnam vets, so we will work on changing that restriction. It looks as though the Marrakesh Treaty Implementation Act will pass.

Her co chair Camille Tate is working at the state level on a model parental rights bill as well as the TIME Act. 

 

Fundraising

Marion said we can still buy the same style polo shirts for a bit over 19 dollars. They are also available in longsleeves. He will find out pricing for those.

 

Marion reported that the April 10 NFB/NAGDU meeting with Delta Airlines regarding their restrictive service animal policy turned out to be very productive. They plan to do additional training of their customer service representatives. They will hold an additional meeting following the national convention. Delta will send a representative to speak at the NAGDU meeting, and also be an NFB convention sponsor.

 

The next meeting will take place on June 23.

Merry won the 50/50 drawing, receiving $16.50. 

 

The meeting was adjourned at 7:45.

 

Respectfully submitted

Sherrill O’Brien, Secretary

Tampa Bay Chapter

National Federation of the Blind of Florida

 

Phone 813-935-0474, cell 813-767-1890

email Sherrill.obrien at verizon.net

 

The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise expectations because low expectations create barriers between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want! Blindness is not what holds you bac

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