[NFBF-Tampa] July chapter meeting minutes attached and pasted below.

[slbrun4 at gmail.com]

Hello all,

 

I was very glad to help Sherrill O'Brien out this last meeting. I can't fill
her shoes, but here is my attempt at the minutes. If you have any
corrections or additions, please reply to this message and I will make the
changes. Thank you. Minutes pasted below and attached.

 

Tampa Bay Chapter

National Federation of the Blind of Florida

Chapter Meeting Minutes

July 19, 2025

Beef O' Brady's

8810 North Himes Avenue

Tampa, Florida

 

**NOTE**:  Secretary Sherrill O'Brien was not in attendance as she was
celebrating her birthday with family. NFBF secretary Sherri Brun took these
chapter meeting minutes.

 

The meeting was called to order by President Christine Copley at 10:32AM.
The meeting followed a very successful annual fund-raising pancake
breakfast. The NFB pledge was recited. Several people commented on the NFB
pledge and why it is said in MFB chapters throughout the country. Chapter
members and guests introduced themselves. There were 17 people in attendance
which included members, a prospective member and guests. 

 

Approval of the June Minutes was tabled and they will be approved by email.

 

Dan Hicks presented the treasurer's report for July 19. Current balance is
$4,287.32. Considering the money that will be collected including $275.00
from Sherrill and deducting the payment to Beef O' Brady's for $200.00 for
the pancake breakfast, the total amount made for this event is $765.00. The
motion was made by Merry, seconded by Marion to approve the treasurer's
report as read. The motion carried.

 

Those who attended the National Federation of the Blind 2025 convention were
asked to share their observations about the convention. Yvonne summarized
the convention highlighting the speakers, seminars and some topics
discussed. 

 

The upcoming National Federation of the Blind of Florida convention was next
discussed. Sherri summarized convention details. These included location,
which is the Hilton Orlando/Altamonte Springs hotel, banquet and
registration costs, dates of convention (October 3 through 5 and
transportation by train was discussed. Christine suggested the Tampa Bay
chapter should have a table in the exhibit hall. Merry made the motion that
the chapter will provide an active membership dues-paying member $25 for the
registration of going to state convention as well as $30 towards the
transportation of their choice. Dan seconded the motion. The motion carried.


 

Sherri mentioned the awards that will be given out at the state convention.
These include the rising star award, member of the year, the blind at heart
award for a worthy sighted member and the best chapter or division of the
year award.

 

Scholarships will be given out to students who are attending or planning to
attend college. The Tampa Bay chapter has contributed $750 towards our
scholarships.

 

Christine encouraged chapter members to sit together while attending
convention to show chapter unity. Christine also suggested that chapter
members mentor a person who is attending the state convention for the first
time. 

 

Sherri and Dan explained the dollar auction which will take place at the
convention. The chapter members were encouraged to get door prize donations
and auction items. Merry made the motion and Dan seconded for the chapter to
donate $200 for door prizes. The motion carried. 

 

Future meeting dates were discussed. Because the restaurant needs the room
on our usual meeting date, the next meeting will take place August 16 from
12PM to 2PM. A reminder will be sent out. 

 

A spirit night was discussed. October was suggested since it is Blind
Equality Achievement month. This will be discussed further at the next
meeting. Merry talked about a past event where venders came and there were
product demonstrations and demonstrations of how blind people do things that
others may think are difficult for blind people. This could also be tied in
with auctioning off the Mike Evans football at that event. Locations for the
event were suggested. 

 

Yvonne asked if anyone had taken over the parental concerns for the state of
Florida? Sherri responded that this is an idea in progress and she will
bring it to the board's attention at the next board meeting.

 

Marion and Merry discussed the accessible game Power Showdown which is a
combination of Ping-Pong and air hockey. The Tampa Lighthouse has this game
and has invited us to come and learn about it. They will even make the
Lighthouse available on Saturdays if we are interested.

 

Speakers for our meetings were discussed. Christine would like to invite a
person who works for an insurance company to discuss insurance options. Open
enrollment begins October 15 so this should be done in August or September.
Other speakers were mentioned, such as instructors in movement, dance and
self-defense.

 

Adrian brought up the CERT program which trains people to deal with
emergency situations. She will be taking the training in August. 

 

Christine mentioned there are difficulties with the national email list.
Some people are not receiving emails. Christine will also create another
address book. Some NFB entities have gone to private email lists. Fishing
and impersonating of members have taken place. 

 

Sherri mentioned that a lot of legislative updates are coming through and
she is sure Debby will keep the chapter informed.

 

Debbie also talked about business cards in print and braille

 

Dan moved and Merry seconded that the meeting adjourn. The meeting adjourned
at 12:01 PM.

 

Respectfully Submitted:

 

Sherri Brun, Secretary

National Federation of the Blind of Florida 

For Sherrill O'Brien, Tampa Bay Chapter Secretary.

 

 

Sherri Brun

slbrun4 at gmail.com <mailto:slbrun4 at gmail.com> 

 

NFB Florida Secretary

NewslineR volunteer

For Newsline Questions, Phone:  1-844-827-7371

 

                                The National Federation of the Blind knows
that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future.
Every day we raise the expectations

of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind
people and our dreams. You can live the life you want; blindness is not what
holds you back.  

 

 

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