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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>Hello Chapter members and friends,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I hope all of you are doing well and staying safe.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I also hope some of you enjoyed at least a few of the many wonderful offerings presented at this year’s virtual NFB national convention.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The May chapter meeting minutes are pasted below.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Warmest regards<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Sherrill<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Tampa Bay Chapter <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>National Federation of the Blind of Florida<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Chapter Meeting Minutes<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>June 27, 2020<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Because of the restrictions resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic, the chapter members met from our homes by conference call via the Zoom meeting platform<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The monthly Tampa Bay Chapter meeting was called to order by President Miranda Kilby at 12:03PM. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Miranda asked everyone to introduce themselves, and asked members to say what the NFB means to them. We had three guests, all invited by Yvonne Rosanelli.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>There were a total of 16 persons in attendance, including NFBF state president Denise Valkema.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Miranda then led the NFB pledge on behalf of all of us.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Secretary and Treasurer’sReports<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Dan gave the treasurer’s report. Our current balance is $2,154.86.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A motion was made by Sherrill, seconded by Gloria, to approve the treasurer’s report as read. The motion passed.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A motion was made by Paul, seconded by Dan, to approve the May chapter meeting minutes as emailed. The motion passed.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>President’s Report<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Miranda said the NFB national convention will be held virtually this year from July 14 through 18. It is free and open to all. We talked at length about the many events which will take place and the great variety of topics which will be covered. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>New Business<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Tampa’s ADA coordinator Raquel Pancho informed Miranda that she has masks available at no cost. Anyone wanting a mask should send an email to Miranda, putting “in need of mask” in the subject line. And including their address and phone number.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Tampa Chapter Board Meeting<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The chapter Board met on June 24 and took up the goals we discussed during our May chapter meeting. It was determined that we will continue to meet virtually as long as necessary, but will certainly meet in person as soon as it is safe to do so.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Guest Speakers<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Miranda announced we will have a speaker from HART at our July chapter meeting. We will be seeking the most up-to-date information on what is being done to keep fixed route and HARTPlus riders safe during the pandemic.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In September we will host a comprehensive workshop addressing important information and concerns dealing with November’s national election.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>speakers will include Someone from the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections office, as well as a member of the League of Women Voters.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Miranda stressed the importance of publicizing this event as widely as possible.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Of course both these events will be held virtually via the Zoom platform.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Fundraising<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Miranda acknowledged the challenges of raising funds during this time of restrictions. Marion and Gloria will once again be the co chairs of the committee. Miranda encouraged all who are interested in serving on the committee to contact her or one of the co chairs.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Membership<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Yvonne has volunteered to serve as one of the co chairs on the Membership Committee. Gloria complimented Yvonne on her efforts to invite so many guests.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Paul mentioned that if some of the guests do not live in the area, they are welcome to join the Statewide Chapter.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Miranda also invited guests to join the Tampa Bay Chapter and/or NFBF email lists, and explained how to do so.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>She also spoke about the statewide informational email groups/meetings, such as Newsline, Senior Concerns, Technology and the Book Club.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>State Convention<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Miranda reminded the group that our Florida state convention will take place on October 3 and 4, and will be held virtually.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Our next meeting will be held on July 25 via the Zoom platform.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A motion was made by Paul, seconded by Gloria, to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed. The meeting was adjourned at 1:08PM.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Respectfully submitted<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Sherrill O’Brien, Secretary<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Tampa Bay Chapter<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>National Federation of the Blind of Florida<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Phone 813-935-0474, cell 813-767-1890<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Email <a href="mailto:Sherrill.obrien@verizon.net">Sherrill.obrien@verizon.net</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>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 bac<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>