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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><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Tampa Bay Chapter <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>National Federation of the Blind of Florida<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Chapter Meeting Minutes<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>March 22, 2025<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Beef O ’ Brady’s<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>8810 North Himes Avenue<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Tampa, Florida<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>The meeting was called to order by President Christine Copley at 12:06 pM.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>We said the NFB pledge together.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Everyone introduced themselves. There were 22 persons in attendance, including guests, and those participating via the Zoom platform.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Secretary and Treasurer Reports<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>A motion was made by Marion, seconded by Dan, to approve the February meeting minutes as emailed. The motion passed. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Dan gave the treasurer’s report. Our current balance is $5388.36.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>A motion was made by Merry, seconded by Miranda, to accept the treasurer’s report as read. The motion passed.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Dan then gave us the financial summary for 2024 which will be included in the end of year membership and financial statement we submit to NFBF.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Social Activities<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Yvonne said the bowling event at Pin Chasers will take place on April 12 from 4:00 to 6:00. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>The proposed Paint and Sip activity will probably take place in June at Beef O'Brady's.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Old Business<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Christine reported that at the March 12 chapter Board meeting we further discussed whether to make and distribute a contact list for all members, and how much information it should contain.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>The chapter agreed that we should have an accessible membership list for everyone, and will iron out details at our next meeting.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>We decided to hold our May meeting on May 17, one week earlier than usual.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>We discussed purchasing new chapter shirts, and agreed we should continue to order polos, with yellow being our default color. We will reach out to get pricing from Flair.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Chapter committees and groups<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Christine said we should begin thinking about putting a fund raising committee together.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>We also discussed forming an outreach group. Merry mentioned that the Tampa Lions Club has helped us in the past, and we could contact them to see how we might assist them.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Miranda said she wants to remain active in the area of membership, and offered to assist those needing help dealing with NFB's membership portal. She invited anyone interested in accompanying her to the independent living classes at the Lighthouse to let her know. In the past, she and other chapter members spoke to these classes about the NFB and were successful in gaining new members for us.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>New Business<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Merry said she and Marion have a lot of things stored at their house, including nFB literature and signs, that belong to the chapter. Since they plan on moving, they asked that we figure out what we want to get rid of and where to store the rest.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Since NFB celebrates Blind Equality Achievement month in October, we discussed the possibility of partnering with the Lighthouse for their October white cane walk at Al Lopez Park. We could also have a separate activity in the park and include some sort of fundraiser.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Our 50/50 fundraiser drawing was won by Sherrill O'Brien, who received $35.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Our next meeting will be held on April 26.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>A motion was made by Miranda, seconded by Barbara, to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed and we adjourned at 1:28.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Respectfully submitted<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Sherrill O’Brien, Secretary<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Tampa Bay Chapter<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>National Federation of the Blind of Florida<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Phone 813-935-0474, cell 813-767-1890<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>email <a href="mailto:Sherrill.obrien@verizon.net">Sherrill.obrien@verizon.net</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>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.Tampa Bay Chapter <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>National Federation of the Blind of Florida<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Chapter Meeting Minutes<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>March 22, 2025<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Beef O ’ Brady’s<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>8810 North Himes Avenue<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Tampa, Florida<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>The meeting was called to order by President Christine Copley at 12:06 pM.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>We said the NFB pledge together.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Everyone introduced themselves. There were 22 persons in attendance, including guests, and those participating via the Zoom platform.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Secretary and Treasurer Reports<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>A motion was made by Marion, seconded by Dan, to approve the February meeting minutes as emailed. The motion passed. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Dan gave the treasurer’s report. Our current balance is $5388.36.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>A motion was made by Merry, seconded by Miranda, to accept the treasurer’s report as read. The motion passed.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Dan then gave us the financial summary for 2024 which will be included in the end of year membership and financial statement we submit to NFBF.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Social Activities<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Yvonne said the bowling event at Pin Chasers will take place on April 12 from 4:00 to 6:00. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>The proposed Paint and Sip activity will probably take place in June at Beef O'Brady's.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Old Business<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Christine reported that at the March 12 chapter Board meeting we further discussed whether to make and distribute a contact list for all members, and how much information it should contain.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>The chapter agreed that we should have an accessible membership list for everyone, and will iron out details at our next meeting.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>We decided to hold our May meeting on May 17, one week earlier than usual.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>We discussed purchasing new chapter shirts, and agreed we should continue to order polos, with yellow being our default color. We will reach out to get pricing from Flair.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Chapter committees and groups<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Christine said we should begin thinking about putting a fund raising committee together.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>We also discussed forming an outreach group. Merry mentioned that the Tampa Lions Club has helped us in the past, and we could contact them to see how we might assist them.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Miranda said she wants to remain active in the area of membership, and offered to assist those needing help dealing with NFB's membership portal. She invited anyone interested in accompanying her to the independent living classes at the Lighthouse to let her know. In the past, she and other chapter members spoke to these classes about the NFB and were successful in gaining new members for us.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>New Business<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Merry said she and Marion have a lot of things stored at their house, including nFB literature and signs, that belong to the chapter. Since they plan on moving, they asked that we figure out what we want to get rid of and where to store the rest.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Since NFB celebrates Blind Equality Achievement month in October, we discussed the possibility of partnering with the Lighthouse for their October white cane walk at Al Lopez Park. We could also have a separate activity in the park and include some sort of fundraiser.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Our 50/50 fundraiser drawing was won by Sherrill O'Brien, who received $35.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Our next meeting will be held on April 26.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>A motion was made by Miranda, seconded by Barbara, to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed and we adjourned at 1:28.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Respectfully submitted<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Sherrill O’Brien, Secretary<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Tampa Bay Chapter<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>National Federation of the Blind of Florida<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Phone 813-935-0474, cell 813-767-1890<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>email <a href="mailto:Sherrill.obrien@verizon.net">Sherrill.obrien@verizon.net</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>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></span></p></div></body></html>