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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>Greetings chapter members and friends,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Talk about going back into the archives …<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>With the hurricane and the holidays, somehow I thought these September minutes had surely been sent out, but after searching, I discovered they had not. On the one hand, it’s sad that all our plans could not be carried out because of Heleen and Milton, but on the bright side, we now have all these ideas to draw from in the future.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I don’t know whether anyone will see these before our meeting, but they’ll be waiting for you!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>They’re pasted below and attached for your reading pleasure and trip down memory lane.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I cannot locate the October 19 meeting notes , when we met via Zoom, and fear my BrailleNote machine didn’t save them and is succumbing to old age, or is that me? (lol)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I’ll be at the meeting tomorrow where you can pummel me with chicken wings and fries!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Stay warm,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><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>September 21, 2024<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Beef ‘O’ Brady’s<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>8810 North Himes Avenue<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Tampa, Florida<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The meeting was called to order by President Miranda Kilby at 12:05pM.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Guest Speakers<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Miranda introduced Tampa's ADA coordinator Raquel Pancho. Raquel gave an update on the Lazarillo accessible wayfinding app. The pilot project was launched two years ago. Raquel is asking for suggestions for more locations in the Tampa area where the app might be tried. She said the Riverwalk area has been mentioned. Suggestions included the Straz Center, airport and train station. Raquel mentioned that the train station is going to be renovated, and offered to help anyone needing orientation to the site while construction is going on. Adriene mentioned the ongoing challenge of HART bus speakers being turned too low for announcements to be heard. Raquel said we need to call HART, and to also let her know, giving the date, time and bus number.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Miranda thanked Raquel for bringing us this valuable information, and for seeking our input.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Sherrill then introduced her friend Mickey Castor, Past President of the Hillsborough County League of Women Voters. Mickey has spoken to our group in the past, giving us information about Florida amendments appearing on our election ballots. This time, she explained and answered many questions about the six Florida Constitutional amendments we will be voting on in November's election. She said the goal of the League of Women Voters is to make as many people as possible become more informed voters.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Following the presentation, Miranda thanked Mickey for her willingness to give her time and knowledge to our chapter over so many years.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Business Meeting<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Miranda called the business meeting to order. We introduced ourselves, and there were a total of 17 in attendance, 15 in person and 2 via Zoom. We recited the NFB pledge together. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Secretary and Treasurer's Reports<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A motion was made by Dan, seconded by Sherri, to approve the August meeting minutes as emailed.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>. The motion passed.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Dan gave the treasurer's report. Our current balance is $5,460.45. Dan said he has not yet withdrawn the $1000 which the chapter allocated for the State convention. A motion was made by Sherrill, seconded by Sherri, to accept the treasurer's report as read. The motion passed. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>President’s Report/BEAM Activities<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Miranda said our chapter will be working on several projects during NFB's observance in October of Blind Equality Achievement Month (BEAM) formerly known as Meet the Blind Month.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We will hold a Spirit Night fundraiser on Sunday, October 27, from 11:00 till 5:00 at our Beef ’O' Brady's location. It will be held during a Buccaneers game, so our auction will feature signed Bucs footballs. As we've often done, To publicize the event, on October 20 members will volunteer to take two-hour shifts at the Carrollwood Publix to hand out flyers. Yvonne will once again bring posters. Miranda thanked Dan for taking on the task of writing and printing out the Spirit Night flyers. Flyers will be available electronically and via hard copy. Miranda encouraged everyone to carry flyers everywhere and to distribute them far and wide.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Marry suggested that in the future we make comparable flyers available in Spanish.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Lighthouse has invited us to participate in their White Cane event on October 19 at Al Lopez Park.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Marion hopes that our chapter can participate at a city of Tampa event on October 25 in Gaslight Park. We could have a table with NFB educational handouts, and Marion could also provide music.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Old Business<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Miranda said that four chapter members plan to attend our state convention to be held during the second week of October in Jacksonville. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Yvonne said she has been contacted by the Salvador Dali Museum about their tactile museum tour. We need to let her know soon whether we're still interested. Barbara suggested we could take the ferry over to St. Petersburg as part of the outing.<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>Miranda said she has made the decision not to serve out the second year of her term as president. She encouraged us to think about who might step up to take her place, and added that she will of course give all necessary support to whomever is chosen.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Adriene said the Foundation Fighting Blindness will be presenting a Vision Connection speaker series. The first topic will be Health and Wellness held on October 12at the Sons of Italy club.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Louise said the Blindness Foundation intends to resume their funding of the Senior Equipment Training project for those 55 and older. If there is interest, Louise will send out the information.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Our 50/50 drawing was won by sisters Sandy Franklin and Barbara Gaw, who will receive $35.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Our next meeting will be held on October 19.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A motion was made by Barbara, seconded by Dan, to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The meeting was adjourned at 1:55PM.<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 back.<o:p></o:p></p></div></body></html>