<html><head><meta http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"></head><body dir="auto">I am an nfB member for life. But me and my family decided for me to stop going because I can\u2019t hear the people anymore in person and me being there wouldn\u2019t be any good because my friend that\u2019s sign language. He said that he knows the NFB will not provide an interpreter<div><br></div><div>So that\u2019s why I stopped going to the meetings. And also y\u2019all worry about how much other people can see and can\u2019t see. And my friend said that people who are blind and deaf blind shouldn\u2019t be a part of an NFB like that that does not provide an interpreter when a person has gone deaf.</div><div><br></div><div>So yes, we stand behind that HART plus should keep their policy the same Ware they should leave it as you should call two hours to cancel before time because that will give them enough time to cancel your ride and take it off the driver\u2019s manifest or.</div><div><br></div><div>That\u2019s not negative. And just saying that more blind should learn how to ride the city bus that is not negative. That\u2019s just giving y\u2019all something to think about when you do wanna cancel a ride two hours ahead.<br id="lineBreakAtBeginningOfSignature"><div dir="ltr"><br></div><div dir="ltr"><br><blockquote type="cite">On May 18, 2025, at 3:57\u202fPM, Merry Schoch via NFBF-Tampa <nfbf-tampa@nfbnet.org> wrote:<br><br></blockquote></div><blockquote type="cite"><div dir="ltr">\ufeff<div dir="auto">You are more than welcome, and so is your friend to have an opinion! Just not quite sure why you are not part, or involved with our chapter, unless you have some negative input. Maybe if you were involved, people would take your comments more seriously instead of viewing you as just somebody who has to put negative things out there on the list. It\u2019s only a reflection of you! Wishing you a fantastic day!<br><div class="gmail_quote gmail_quote_container"><div dir="ltr" class="gmail_attr">On Sun, May 18, 2025 at 2:04\u202fPM Ineko Gary via NFBF-Tampa <<a href="mailto:nfbf-tampa@nfbnet.org">nfbf-tampa@nfbnet.org</a>> wrote:<br></div><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="margin:0 0 0 .8ex;border-left:1px #ccc solid;padding-left:1ex"><div dir="auto">I think my friend who\u2019s no sign language solve the heart video. And said he doesn\u2019t agree on changing what HART does<div><br></div><div>Meaning that it\u2019s good they keep the two hours you need to cancel. He said that\u2019s good. And calling to schedule a ride a day to two days. Ahead is good.</div><div><br></div><div>Said that if you can\u2019t handle on that, then y\u2019all just need to learn how to write the city bus. This is what my friend who know sign language said.</div><div><br></div><div>And I told him I totally agree</div><div><div dir="ltr"><br><blockquote type="cite">On May 18, 2025, at 1:20\u202fPM, marion.gwizdala--- via NFBF-Tampa <<a href="mailto:nfbf-tampa@nfbnet.org" target="_blank">nfbf-tampa@nfbnet.org</a>> wrote:<br><br></blockquote></div><blockquote type="cite"><div dir="ltr">\ufeff</div></blockquote></div></div><div dir="auto"><div><blockquote type="cite"><div dir="ltr"><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif">Dear All,<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif"> 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.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif">Fraternally yours,<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif">Marion Gwizdala<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><div><div style="border:none;border-top:solid #e1e1e1 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in"><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:11.0pt">From:</span></b><span style="font-size:11.0pt"> NFBF-Tampa <<a href="mailto:nfbf-tampa-bounces@nfbnet.org" target="_blank">nfbf-tampa-bounces@nfbnet.org</a>> <b>On Behalf Of </b>Sherrill O'Brien via NFBF-Tampa<br><b>Sent:</b> Friday, May 16, 2025 11:55 PM<br><b>To:</b> <a href="mailto:nfbf-tampa@nfbnet.org" target="_blank">nfbf-tampa@nfbnet.org</a><br><b>Cc:</b> Sherrill O'Brien <<a href="mailto:sherrill.obrien@verizon.net" target="_blank">sherrill.obrien@verizon.net</a>><br><b>Subject:</b> [NFBF-Tampa] Tampa Bay Chapter meeting minutes April 2025<u></u><u></u></span></p></div></div><p class="MsoNormal"><u></u> <u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">Tampa Bay Chapter <u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">National Federation of the Blind of Florida<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">Chapter Meeting Minutes<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">April 26, 2025<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">Beef O \u2019 Brady\u2019s<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><a href="https://www.google.com/maps/search/8810+North+Himes+Avenue+Tampa,+Florida?entry=gmail&source=g">8810 North Himes Avenue</a><u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><a href="https://www.google.com/maps/search/8810+North+Himes+Avenue+Tampa,+Florida?entry=gmail&source=g">Tampa, Florida</a><u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">The meeting was called to order by President Christine Copley at 12:08PM. We recited the NFB pledge together.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">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.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">Secretary and Treasurer Reports<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">A motion was made by Merry, seconded by Marion, to approve the March meeting minutes as emailed. The motion passed. <u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">Dan gave the treasurer\u2019s report. Our current balance is $5238.05. <u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">A motion was made by Marion, seconded by Merry, to accept the treasurer\u2019s report as read. The motion passed.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">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.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">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.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">Christine explained that Sherri Brun is our designated chapter liason from the NFBF Board. <u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">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.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">State Convention<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">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. <u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">Proposed HART Resolution<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">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. <u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">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.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">The three main issues addressed in the resolution are:<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">1. necessity of rrecertification every five years even for those who are permanently disabled, <u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">2. unrrealistic notification time required for cancelling a trip<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">3. having to reserve a trip no more than three days in advance <u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">Marion would like at least one person to speak on each of these issues.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">Dan then read the resolution. A motion was made by Miranda, seconded by Merry, to accept the resolution. The motion passed unanimously.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">The committee meeting will take place from 1:30 to 3:00 on May 15 at HART's headquarters at <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/search/1201+E.+7th+Avenue?entry=gmail&source=g">1201 E. 7th Avenue</a>. 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.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">Fundraiser Pancake Breakfast<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">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.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">Social Events<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">For our Paint and Sip event, Christine will secure our regular meeting room from 12:00 till 2:00 on Saturday, June 7.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">National Convention<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">Christine announced that Our NFB national convention will take place from July 8 to 13 at the Marriott New Orleans<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">Our 50/50 PAC Plan /fundraiser drawing was won by Christine Copley, who received $35.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">Our next meeting will be held on May 17.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">The meeting was adjourned at 2:05PM.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">Respectfully submitted<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">Sherrill O\u2019Brien, Secretary<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">Tampa Bay Chapter<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">National Federation of the Blind of Florida<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">Phone 813-935-0474, cell 813-767-1890<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">email <a href="mailto:Sherrill.obrien@verizon.net" target="_blank">Sherrill.obrien@verizon.net</a><u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><u></u> <u></u></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.<u></u><u></u></span></p></div><span>_______________________________________________</span><br><span>NFBF-Tampa mailing list</span><br><span><a href="mailto:NFBF-Tampa@nfbnet.org" target="_blank">NFBF-Tampa@nfbnet.org</a></span><br><span><a href="http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbf-tampa_nfbnet.org" target="_blank">http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbf-tampa_nfbnet.org</a></span><br><span>To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NFBF-Tampa:</span><br></div></blockquote></div></div><div dir="auto"><div><blockquote type="cite"><div dir="ltr"><span><a href="http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbf-tampa_nfbnet.org/rubiigary%40gmail.com" target="_blank">http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbf-tampa_nfbnet.org/rubiigary%40gmail.com</a></span><br></div></blockquote></div></div>_______________________________________________<br>
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