[NFBF-Tampa] Notes for meeting 20220122

[danjhicks at gmail.com]

Minutes for Meeting of the Tampa Bay Chapter of the

National Federation of the Blind of Florida

January 22, 2022

 

The meeting, which was held virtually via Zoom, was called to order at 11:07
AM, by Chapter President Miranda Kilby. Other board members present were
Chapter Vice President Gloria Mills Hicks, Treasurer Dan Hicks, and Board
Members Yvonne Rosanelli and Z'Leah Liburd. 

Also present were NFBF President Paul Martinez, Ineko Kary, Noe Villeda,
Brittany Fraer, Scott Wilson, and Sewar Qumebi. Chapter Secretary Sherrill
O'Brien was absent.

 

Being as Minutes of the previous meeting have not been read by the
membership, the reading and approval of the minutes were tabled. 

 

Dan gave the Treasurer's Report. It was approved. Dan mentioned that Chase
Bank, our current bank, has changed its policy. The amount that must be held
in our account for us to avoid a $15.00 monthly fee has increased from $1500
to $2000. Dan was able to get the last two of these charges waived by the
bank, but we don't know if the bank will waive future charges. It would be
good if we can increase the size of our treasury so that this is not a
factor. 

 

There was a discussion of banks and fees. Dan and others will check with
local banks to see if we can get an account with no fees. 

 

Paul mentioned the recent death of James E. Young, who was on the board of
the Tallahassee Chapter and was also the husband of NFBF Treasurer Sylvia
Young. In lieu of flowers, it is requested that donations be sent to the
Tallahassee Chapter. 

 

Miranda mentioned that, because of COVID, the Washington Seminar is all
virtual this year, as opposed to the hybrid mode that had been previously
planned. This is a good thing in that more people can be involved in virtual
visits to Senators and Representatives. 

 

NFBF President Paul Martinez announced that the NFB Scholarship Program is
open for applications. He has asked former NFBF President Denise Valkema to
interview those Florida residents who are applying and write letters for
each to be sent to the Scholarship Committee. 

 

We are planning on holding elections next month. We have discussed a change
to the Chapter Constitution which would allow for a staggering of our
elections, with some members elected in odd years and the remaining members
elected in even years. Also, our constitution needs to be brought into line
with recent NFB requirements. Miranda and Dan will work on suggested
language for amending the chapter construction, to be voted on my the
membership. Any changes made by the chapter will also have to be approved by
the NFBF and in accordance with NFB requirements. There should not be any
problem with getting it approved. 

 

Miranda called for suggestions for projects the chapter could work on in the
coming year. 

 

A couple of people suggested raising money should be a priority. Gloria will
lead a fundraising committee. 

 

It was suggested that we work with the Straz Center to get Audio Description
on the plays it presents. It was also suggested that we wok in getting TD
Tampa Bay funding re-established. 

 

Miranda said we should be planning something for Meet the Blind Month in
October. Suggestions along those lines included taking park in a Vision
Fair, such as the one sponsored by the Tampa Lighthouse for the Blind. We
could have an exhibit focusing on Guide Dogs. 

 

Yvonne said she can contact eye doctors to get them to talk about their
specialties, if we have a vision fair. 

 

Z'Leah suggested having a table at the Ybor City Farmer's Market to
distribute literature.  

 

Miranda suggested having a party or other get-together this year. She also
suggested doing a Bell Program in 2023 in conjunction with the NFBF.  Also,
this year, we can Help the Jacksonville and Daytona Beach Chapters host the
upcoming NFBF State Convention, to offer support.

 

We talked about creating some kind of audio or multi-media presentation to
raise funds and recruit members. 

 

Miranda suggested that we start a periodic donation to the NFBF, similar to
our PAC donation to NFB, once our finances are in better condition. 

 

Ineko gave a presentation about the Flamingo Cards offered by HART. Right
now getting the card is free but there may be a charge for the card in the
future. 

 

Dan will send out a list of those who have paid dues to the chapter list, so
that people who have not paid will be reminded.  

 

Louise Peyton was the winner of $35.00 from 50/50 drawing. 

 

The Meeting was adjourned at 12:20 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted, 

 

Dan Hicks, Treasurer

 

 

 

 

 

 

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