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

Wed May 21 19:19:20 UTC 2025

Dear Ed,

                I guess this is something that is important to you. Have you ever brought your concerns, input, and suggestions to the HART ADA Accessibility Committee? Our next meeting is on August 21. Shall we put you down for public comments?

Marion Gwizdala

From: NFBF-Tampa <nfbf-tampa-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Cheryl and Ed via NFBF-Tampa
Sent: Wednesday, May 21, 2025 2:55 PM
To: 'NFB sof Florida Tampa Chapter List' <nfbf-tampa at nfbnet.org>
Cc: griffsanders at gmail.com
Subject: Re: [NFBF-Tampa] Tampa Bay Chapter meeting minutes April 2025

Why  are you not worry about how many blind folks are working and taking reservations like systems or you don’t worry about putting blind to work?s 

From: NFBF-Tampa <nfbf-tampa-bounces at nfbnet.org <mailto:nfbf-tampa-bounces at nfbnet.org> > On Behalf Of marion.gwizdala--- via NFBF-Tampa
Sent: Wednesday, May 21, 2025 1:18 PM
To: 'NFB of Florida Tampa Chapter List' <nfbf-tampa at nfbnet.org <mailto:nfbf-tampa at nfbnet.org> >
Cc: marion.gwizdala at gmail.com <mailto:marion.gwizdala at gmail.com> 
Subject: Re: [NFBF-Tampa] Tampa Bay Chapter meeting minutes April 2025

Some are willing to accept the status quo no matter how inefficient or unreasonable the policies may be. Your fictional sign language friend is obviously one of those people believing “Good enough is good enough!” It never really is! It’s only a brush off. . The National Federation of the Blind, on the other hand, is the transformational organization of blind advocates. Transformation is dynamic, not the status quo. The resolution was adopted unanimously after a vibrant discussion. It is now the official policy of the Tampa Bay Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind. And our effort is paying off as HART is beginning to modify their policies!

Fraternally yours,

Marion Gwizdala

From: NFBF-Tampa <nfbf-tampa-bounces at nfbnet.org <mailto:nfbf-tampa-bounces at nfbnet.org> > On Behalf Of Ineko Gary via NFBF-Tampa
Sent: Sunday, May 18, 2025 2:03 PM
To: nfbf-tampa at nfbnet.org <mailto:nfbf-tampa at nfbnet.org> 
Cc: Ineko Gary <rubiigary at gmail.com <mailto:rubiigary at gmail.com> >
Subject: Re: [NFBF-Tampa] Tampa Bay Chapter meeting minutes April 2025

I think my friend who’s no sign language solve the heart video. And said he doesn’t agree on changing what HART does

Meaning that it’s good they keep the two hours you need to cancel. He said that’s good. And calling to schedule a ride a day to two days. Ahead is good.

Said that if you can’t handle on that, then y’all just need to learn how to write the city bus. This is what my friend who know sign language said.

And I told him I totally agree

On May 18, 2025, at 1:20 PM, marion.gwizdala--- via NFBF-Tampa <nfbf-tampa at nfbnet.org <mailto:nfbf-tampa at nfbnet.org> > wrote:

Dear All,

                At our chapter meeting yesterday, we tabled approval of the April minutes opting to approve them via email. I have read the minutes and move acceptance of the minutes.

Fraternally yours,

Marion Gwizdala

From: NFBF-Tampa <nfbf-tampa-bounces at nfbnet.org <mailto:nfbf-tampa-bounces at nfbnet.org> > On Behalf Of Sherrill O'Brien via NFBF-Tampa
Sent: Friday, May 16, 2025 11:55 PM
To: nfbf-tampa at nfbnet.org <mailto:nfbf-tampa at nfbnet.org> 
Cc: Sherrill O'Brien <sherrill.obrien at verizon.net <mailto:sherrill.obrien at verizon.net> >
Subject: [NFBF-Tampa] Tampa Bay Chapter meeting minutes April 2025

Tampa Bay Chapter 

National Federation of the Blind of Florida

Chapter Meeting Minutes

April 26, 2025

Beef O ’ Brady’s

8810 North Himes Avenue

Tampa, Florida

The meeting was called to order by President Christine Copley at 12:08PM. We recited the NFB pledge together.

Everyone introduced themselves. There were  a total of 17 persons in attendance, 10 in person and 7 via the Zoom platform. Attending in person were two guests, Jose and Lily Young, who were later voted in as new members. During our introductions, Christine asked each person to mention their strengths and interests relating to the chapter.

Secretary and Treasurer Reports

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

Dan gave the treasurer’s report. Our current balance is $5238.05. 

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

Our activities chair Yvonne Rosanelli said that there were around 12 people who attended the bowling event at Pin Chasers. We then discussed whether it had been made clear at the March meeting that attendees were to reimburse the chapter for their bowling event costs.

A motion was then made by Merry, seconded by Marion that going forward social events outside the chapter which involve a cost will be the responsibility of the individuals participating unless the chapter decides in advance to cover the cost of the event. The motion passed.

Christine explained that Sherri Brun is our designated chapter liason from the NFBF Board. 

Sherri told us about the new and exciting NFBF fundraising cruise which will take place in October of 2026. The cruise leaves from Port Canaveral on October 18, returning on October 26. Christine will send out an email with all the details.

State Convention

Sherri said everyone should make an effort to subscribe to the NFBf and Tampa Bay chapter listservs to keep up-to-date on everything going on in our area and across the state. Our membership chair is Miranda Kilby, and she will be glad to assist those wishing to subscribe. This is especially important since our state convention is coming up from October 3 to 5 at the Altamont Springs Hilton Hotel. Christine explained the annual awarding of 1500 dollar college scholarships at the state convention. A motion was made by Marion, seconded by Dan, that the chapter sponsor half a scholarship in the amount of $750, in the name of Gloria Mills Hicks. The motion passed unanimously. There will also be scholarships available for those wishing to attend their first convention. 

Proposed HART Resolution

Marion is a member of HART's ADA Accessibility committee and would like our chapter to help with the updating of some of HART's paratransit policies and practices which are challenging for all patrons, but especially for the blind community. 

He and Dan have written a resolution on behalf of our chapter which, if we pass it, he wants to recommend to this committee and have the chapter secretary read it at their upcoming meeting. on May 15.

The three main issues addressed in the resolution are:

1.  necessity of rrecertification every five years even for those who are permanently disabled,  

2.  unrrealistic notification time required for cancelling a trip

3.  having to reserve a trip no more than three days in advance 

Marion would like at least one person to speak on each of these issues.

Dan then read the resolution. A motion was made by Miranda, seconded by Merry, to accept the resolution. The motion passed unanimously.

The committee meeting will take place from 1:30 to 3:00 on May 15 at HART's headquarters at 1201 E. 7th Avenue. Marion encouraged everyone to support the resolution by attending and wearing our yellow chapter polo shirts. The resolution will be sent out on the chapter list.

Fundraiser Pancake Breakfast

We agreed to hold a chapter meeting for the sole purpose of discussing details of our annual pancake breakfast. It will take place at 6:00PM on May 4 via the Zoom platform.

Social Events

For our Paint and Sip event, Christine will secure our regular meeting room from 12:00 till 2:00 on Saturday, June 7.

National Convention

Christine announced that Our NFB national convention will take place from July 8 to 13 at the Marriott New Orleans

Our 50/50 PAC Plan /fundraiser drawing was won by Christine Copley, who received $35.

Our next meeting will be held on May 17.

The meeting was adjourned at 2:05PM.

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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