[NFBF-Tampa] Tampa Bay Chapter meeting minutes March 2025

[Sherrill O'Brien]

Tampa Bay Chapter 

National Federation of the Blind of Florida

Chapter Meeting Minutes

March 22, 2025

Beef O ' Brady's

8810 North Himes Avenue

Tampa, Florida

 

The meeting was called to order by President Christine Copley at 12:06 pM.

We said the NFB pledge together.

Everyone introduced themselves. There were  22 persons in attendance,
including  guests, and those participating via the Zoom platform.

 

Secretary and Treasurer Reports

A motion was made by  Marion, seconded by Dan, to approve the  February
meeting minutes as emailed. The motion passed. 

 

Dan gave the treasurer's report. Our current balance is $5388.36.

A motion was made by Merry, seconded by Miranda, to accept the treasurer's
report as read. The motion passed.

Dan then gave us the financial summary for 2024 which will be included in
the end of year membership and financial statement we submit to NFBF.

 

Social Activities

Yvonne said the bowling event at Pin Chasers will take place on April 12
from 4:00 to 6:00. 

The proposed Paint and Sip activity will probably take place in June at Beef
O'Brady's.

 

Old Business

Christine reported that at the March 12 chapter Board meeting we further
discussed whether to make and distribute a contact list for all members, and
how much information it should contain.

The chapter agreed that we should have an accessible membership list for
everyone, and will iron out details at our next meeting.

 

We decided to hold our May meeting on May 17, one week earlier than usual.

 

We discussed purchasing new chapter shirts, and agreed we should continue to
order polos, with yellow being our default color. We will reach out to get
pricing from Flair.

 

Chapter committees and groups

Christine said we should begin thinking about putting a fund raising
committee together.

We also discussed forming an outreach group. Merry mentioned that the Tampa
Lions Club has helped us in the past, and we could contact them to see how
we might assist them.

Miranda said she wants to remain active in the area of membership, and
offered to assist those needing help dealing with NFB's membership portal.
She invited anyone interested in accompanying her to the independent living
classes at the Lighthouse to let her know. In the past, she and other
chapter members spoke to these classes about the NFB  and were successful in
gaining new members for us.

 

New Business

Merry said she and Marion have a lot of things stored at their house,
including nFB literature and signs, that belong to the chapter. Since they
plan on moving, they asked that we figure out what we want to get rid of and
where to store the rest.

 

Since NFB celebrates Blind Equality Achievement month in October, we
discussed the possibility of partnering with the Lighthouse for their
October white cane walk at Al Lopez Park. We could also have a separate
activity in the park and include some sort of fundraiser.

 

Our 50/50 fundraiser drawing was won by Sherrill O'Brien, who received $35.

 

Our next meeting will be held on April 26.

A motion was made by Miranda, seconded by Barbara, to adjourn the meeting.
The motion passed and we adjourned at 1:28.

 

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 <mailto: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 back.Tampa Bay Chapter 

National Federation of the Blind of Florida

Chapter Meeting Minutes

March 22, 2025

Beef O ' Brady's

8810 North Himes Avenue

Tampa, Florida

 

The meeting was called to order by President Christine Copley at 12:06 pM.

We said the NFB pledge together.

Everyone introduced themselves. There were  22 persons in attendance,
including  guests, and those participating via the Zoom platform.

 

Secretary and Treasurer Reports

A motion was made by  Marion, seconded by Dan, to approve the  February
meeting minutes as emailed. The motion passed. 

 

Dan gave the treasurer's report. Our current balance is $5388.36.

A motion was made by Merry, seconded by Miranda, to accept the treasurer's
report as read. The motion passed.

Dan then gave us the financial summary for 2024 which will be included in
the end of year membership and financial statement we submit to NFBF.

 

Social Activities

Yvonne said the bowling event at Pin Chasers will take place on April 12
from 4:00 to 6:00. 

The proposed Paint and Sip activity will probably take place in June at Beef
O'Brady's.

 

Old Business

Christine reported that at the March 12 chapter Board meeting we further
discussed whether to make and distribute a contact list for all members, and
how much information it should contain.

The chapter agreed that we should have an accessible membership list for
everyone, and will iron out details at our next meeting.

 

We decided to hold our May meeting on May 17, one week earlier than usual.

 

We discussed purchasing new chapter shirts, and agreed we should continue to
order polos, with yellow being our default color. We will reach out to get
pricing from Flair.

 

Chapter committees and groups

Christine said we should begin thinking about putting a fund raising
committee together.

We also discussed forming an outreach group. Merry mentioned that the Tampa
Lions Club has helped us in the past, and we could contact them to see how
we might assist them.

Miranda said she wants to remain active in the area of membership, and
offered to assist those needing help dealing with NFB's membership portal.
She invited anyone interested in accompanying her to the independent living
classes at the Lighthouse to let her know. In the past, she and other
chapter members spoke to these classes about the NFB  and were successful in
gaining new members for us.

 

New Business

Merry said she and Marion have a lot of things stored at their house,
including nFB literature and signs, that belong to the chapter. Since they
plan on moving, they asked that we figure out what we want to get rid of and
where to store the rest.

 

Since NFB celebrates Blind Equality Achievement month in October, we
discussed the possibility of partnering with the Lighthouse for their
October white cane walk at Al Lopez Park. We could also have a separate
activity in the park and include some sort of fundraiser.

 

Our 50/50 fundraiser drawing was won by Sherrill O'Brien, who received $35.

 

Our next meeting will be held on April 26.

A motion was made by Miranda, seconded by Barbara, to adjourn the meeting.
The motion passed and we adjourned at 1:28.

 

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 <mailto: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 back.

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