[NFBF-Tampa] Tampa Bay Chapter Meeting Minutes September 2025

[Ineko Gary]

Hi Sherrill

Great job on the minutes.

I hope you are doing and feeling OK.


On Fri, Oct 17, 2025 at 9:27 PM Sherrill O'Brien via NFBF-Tampa <
nfbf-tampa at nfbnet.org> wrote:

> Greetings all,
>
>
>
> The minutes are attached and also pasted below my signature.
>
>
>
> Warmly
>
> Sherrill
>
>
>
> Tampa Bay Chapter
>
> National Federation of the Blind of Florida
>
> Chapter Meeting Minutes
>
> September 20, 2025
>
> Zoom Platform Meeting
>
>
>
> The meeting was called to order via Zoom by President Christine Copley at
> 12:10pM. We said the NFB pledge together.
>
> Everyone introduced themselves. There were  16 persons in attendance.
>
> State board liaison Sherri Brun said the state affiliate would like all
> chapter members to know  that they are seeking a person to fill the
> important position of state fundraising chair.
>
>
>
> Secretary and Treasurers' Reports
>
> A motion was made by  Dan, seconded by Louise, to approve the  August
> chapter meeting minutes as emailed. The motion passed.
>
>
>
> Dan gave the treasurer’s report. Our current balance is $4914.39.
>
> A motion was made by Sherrill, seconded by Tom Dukeman, to accept the
> treasurer’s report as read. The motion passed.
>
>
>
> President’s Report
>
> Christine said that because of  scheduling changes at Beef O'Brady's, our
> October meeting will be moved to the third Saturday in October, the 18th.
>
>
>
> State Convention
>
> So far, there are 11 chapter members planning to attend the convention in
> Altamonte Springs. We are donating $200 for door prizes. There followed a
> lengthy discussion regarding the best ways to procure coffee and a
> coffeemaker for the hospitality suite. Christine will contact Starbucs to
> ask for a coffee donation.
>
> Matt Weihmuller told the group he hopes many will attend his interactive
> workshop at convention on Saturday, October 4, from 4:00 to 4:50. The topic
> will be his involvement with the performing arts and his career teaching
> music, especially the saxophone, at Tampa's performing Arts Center.
>
>
>
> Old Business
>
> Marion announced that he and Merry will soon be moving to   the Baltimore
> area. This means there needs to be a new person chosen to take Marion's
> place on HART's ADA Accessibility committee.
>
> He will check on how this transition is accomplished under HART's bylaws.
>
> He is suggesting our chapter member Debbie Malone for this position. This
> will ensure that NFB continues to have a strong voice on this committee.
> Christine thanked Marion for representing both our chapter and our
> community.
>
>
>
> New Business
>
> Foundation Fighting Blindness
>
> Adriane mentioned that she is attending a function of the Foundation
> Fighting Blindness. Marion explained why the NFB is opposed to their
> philosophy. We agreed we could send some members to explain the NFB's
> position.
>
>
>
> Proposed Bill to Dissolve HART
>
> Marion said that Representative Michael Owen (District 60) plans to file a
> bill to dissolve HART and replace it with a Tampa-only system. Marion said
> it is crucial that our chapter collaborate with other disability groups in
> the area to prevent this  bill from advancing. He said if necessary we
> should unite with other organizations and take our strong opposition to
> Tallahassee.
>
> Miranda proposed that we form a committee to work on this important issue.
>
> Marion suggested that Debbie serve as chair of this committee Since she is
> our chapter's legislative chair. Debbie agreed to serve. Sherri
> volunteered to be the co-chair as a representative from the State Board,
> but she will check  with the Board to make sure it is okay. Marion
> suggested we reach out for support and advice  to Jon Parre from NFB's
> national office.
>
> Marion mentioned the importance of contacting the Sun City's low vision
> club about the proposed bill. He will get in touch with lyn Reynolds, one
> of their members and a former chapter member.
>
>
>
> Marion suggested that Dan write a resolution on behalf of our chapter as
> soon as possible, to be presented at our state convention, because the idea
> of dismantling the transit system in Hillsborough County could easily
> spread to other counties, becoming a statewide crisis.
>
> Marion will contact Jorge Hernandez, chair of the state convention's
> Resolutions Committee, to expedite the inclusion  of the resolution at the
> convention.
>
>
>
> Debbie mentioned that on the national level we should be aware that there
> is a bill which includes taking away funding from those who teach Braille.
> She will find o out more about this.
>
>
>
> To close out the meeting we sang Happy Birthday to Marion, Yvonne and
> Sherri.
>
>
>
> A motion was made by Tom, seconded by Louise, to adjourn the meeting. The
> motion passed.
>
> The meeting was adjourned at 2:15PM.
>
>
>
> 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
>
>
>
> 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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