[NFBF-Tampa] Meet the Stars on a Saturday Luncheon Cruise

[Louise Peyton]

Nice and informative segment  Perhaps more people will consider becoming puppy raisers.

From: NFBF-Tampa <nfbf-tampa-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Marion Gwizdala via NFBF-Tampa
Sent: Friday, December 04, 2020 3:03 PM
To: NFB of Florida Tampa Chapter List <nfbf-tampa at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Marion Gwizdala <marion.gwizdala at verizon.net>
Subject: [NFBF-Tampa] Meet the Stars on a Saturday Luncheon Cruise

Dear All,

                First of all, I would like to draw your attention to Vice President Merry Schoch's fifteen more minutes of fame, along with our FLAGDU members Janice butler, Debbie Malone, and Yvonne Rosanelli. . Merry coordinated a visit of Freedom Guide Dog puppy-raisers and handlers to meet at ZooTampa to desensitize the zoo collection to the presence of service dogs.  Merry and I have been working with ZooTampa for several years to create a model for zoos across the nation to follow so that we have greater access to the exhibits. When Merry, Debbie, Janice, Yvonne and several Freedom guide Dogs puppy raisers visited yesterday, they were met by camera crews from National Geographic, PBS, and our local Fox 13. Here is the link to view the Channel 13 story.

https://www.fox13news.com/video/877121 <https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fox13news.com%2Fvideo%2F877121&data=04%7C01%7C%7C02b15fcf8d584b1c8f1808d8988fd585%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637427090813621735%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=l5tyz6VUXODvFJn2F5dW%2FYUtEy4FBiFZk7o8y2WqSN0%3D&reserved=0>

                The stars of the segment will be signing autographs during the 11:30 Saturday cruise of the tampa Bay Ferry. The quartet will disembark at the Vinoit Yacht Basin with brunch at Cassis, followed by a walk through downtown St. Petersburg. If there is time for another stop, we will make that as impromptu as this whole outing! Departure from the Vinoit yacht Basin will be at 4:45 p.m., returning to the Tampa Convention center at 5:40 p.m. Merry might want to make a stop at Hat Tricks once we return to Tampa so see "impromptu" above!
                This tongue-in-cheek message is simply a way to invite our members to celebrate in the successes of our Movement and enjoy some safe, relaxing, publicly-distanced social time. Though I realize the piece was not about the National Federation of the Blind, it featured some of our leaders with a positive message about blindness and guide dog handlers. It also communicated a vital message when the anchor stated, "Service animals are welcome in all areas of the zoo!"

This piece also sent a more important message we know is true: the more agencies serving the blind - including guide dog training programs - have consumer input, representation, and influence in their policies and the more congruent they are with the empowering message of the Federation, the better these agencies serve their consumers.

                We realize this invitation is very last-minute; this message is as impromptu as the outing. If you would like to join us, we will depart the Tampa bay convention Center at 11:30 a.m., arriving in St. Petersburg at 12:25 p.m. The ferry will return at 4:45, arriving back to the convention center at 5:40 p.m. the round-trip fare is $20 for adults, $16 for those of you 65 or older, and $10 for children 5 - 18. You can book your tickets by visiting

TheCrossBayFerry.com/st-pete-tampa/


And clicking on the "buy now" button. I found it difficult to purchase using the website, so my sister helped me. You can also call the Cross Bay ferry and China will help you purchase tickets. Her number is 727-273-6877.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call me at 813-626-2789. It would be good to have a "heads-up" if you will be joining us!

Fraternally yours,
Marion


Marion Gwizdala
(813) 626-2789
Marion.Gwizdala at verizon.net<mailto:Marion.Gwizdala at verizon.net>

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