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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'>Greetings to all,<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'>I’ll try sending these June minutes via the list, but unfortunately I am not receiving any list correspondence so need help getting this restored. If this doesn’t work I’ll send it to Dan so he can send it on to you.<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'>Sherrill<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'>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'>June 28, 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 12:21pM.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Everyone introduced themselves. There were a total of 19 persons in attendance, including 5 via the Zoom platform. We welcomed several guests to our meeting. We then recited the NFB pledge.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Guest Matt Weimueller, who teaches music at the Straz Center, announced that July 26 will mark the 35th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990. To honor this special occasion, there will be a celebration at the Straz Center on the evening of July 26. Matt said all are invited to attend.<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 Debby, seconded by Dan, to approve the May 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 $4581.72. A motion was made by Debby, seconded by Sherrill, 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'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>President’s Report<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Christine reported that the Paint and Sip event held on June 7 at Beef O'Brady's was enjoyed very much by those attending. She thanked Millie who helped to organize and assist with this unique experience.<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'>National Convention<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Several of our members will be attending the NFB national conbvention in July in New Orleans. For the benefit of newer members and guests, Yvonne gave a summary of what attendees can expect.<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'>Pancake Breakfast Fund Raiser<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Adriene gave a brief explanation of this annual event which this year will be held on July 19. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Since Sherrill was unable to secure a table at the Carrollwood Publix this year, Christine asked that we all contact our local Publix stores to see if we can arrange for a table to hand out flyers and show the public that we are involved in our comunity. In the past, having a table at Publix has not only helped with publicity, but has also brought in generous donations.<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'>Louis and his wife volunteered to pick up the donated coffee from Starbucks on Hillsborough Avenue. This Starbucks also donated a coffee basket for one of our raffles. Other donated baskets include:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Greg: : wellness basket<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Louis and Anna: breakfast basket<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Blooming Brands is donating the orange juice and champagne for our mimosa station.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Greg volunteered for a snacks and pastries station.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Barbara is donating ten HART pass books<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'>Louis said if it's something we would like to include, we can have music at the pancake breakfast since he has two brothers, one of whom plays piano and sings, and the other plays drums. They have already volunteered.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>All agreed this was a great idea.<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'>Louise said we need to make sure to send a flier to Tampa ADA coordinator Raquel Pancho . Christine said she has already done it.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Christine will send out a list of pancake breakfast duties.<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 then talked about a football basket, raffling off one or two of the Buccaneers signed footballs we had intended to use as a fund raiser last October before Hurricane Milton cancelled the event.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>A motion was made by Barbara, seconded by Anna, that we raffle them off during the pancake breakfast. The motion passed. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>A very long discussion ensued as to how to make the most money from the two footballs.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Miranda then made a counter motion, seconded by Marion, that we keep the Mike Evans football for a fund raiser in October, have a QR code and advertise the drawing. The motion passed. We will look into whether Beef O'Brady's will allow us to schedule a Spirit Night in October where we can hold the drawing.<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'>Legislation<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Debby Malone said it's important that the chapter keep up with what is happening on the national level, including legislation, which is crucial at this time. Louise said she sent in a comment on the threat to remove and to no longer place Braille signage in Federal buildings. She said she was told there were over two thousand comments submitted on this topic. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Miranda said that if she is willing, we should appoint Debby as the chapter's legislative chair. Debby agreed to accept the position.<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'>Marion said that we might be interested in a game designed for the blind called Power Showdown which he and Merry saw when taking a tour of the NFB National Center in Baltimore. He said it was even played during the Paralympics. The Tampa Lighthouse has the large table on which the game is played, and is willing to let us come and give it a try. Members expressed interest in looking into this social activity.<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'>Christine said we will need to change our August meeting date to the third Saturday, the 16th.<o:p></o:p></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 $41.<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'>State Convention<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>As chapter liason from the state Board, Sherri encouraged everyone to register for the state convention being held in October in Altamont Springs. She hopes we will all participate by donating door prizes and items for the "dollar auction", a fun way to raise money involving paying only with dollar bills.<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 July 19 at Beef O'Brady's following the pancake breakfast.<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'>A motion was made by Marion, seconded by Greg, to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed. The meeting was adjourned at 1:55PM.<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>