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--></style></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 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'>The minutes are attached and also pasted below my signature.<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'>Warmly<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'>September 20, 2025<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Zoom Platform 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'>The meeting was called to order via Zoom by President Christine Copley at 12:10pM. 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 16 persons in attendance.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>State board liaison Sherri Brun said the state affiliate would like all chapter members to know that they are seeking a person to fill the important position of state fundraising chair.<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 Treasurers' Reports<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>A motion was made by Dan, seconded by Louise, to approve the August chapter 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 $4914.39.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>A motion was made by Sherrill, seconded by Tom Dukeman, 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 said that because of scheduling changes at Beef O'Brady's, our October meeting will be moved to the third Saturday in October, the 18th.<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'>So far, there are 11 chapter members planning to attend the convention in Altamonte Springs. We are donating $200 for door prizes. There followed a lengthy discussion regarding the best ways to procure coffee and a coffeemaker for the hospitality suite. Christine will contact Starbucs to ask for a coffee donation. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Matt Weihmuller told the group he hopes many will attend his interactive workshop at convention on Saturday, October 4, from 4:00 to 4:50. The topic will be his involvement with the performing arts and his career teaching music, especially the saxophone, at Tampa's performing Arts Center.<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'>Marion announced that he and Merry will soon be moving to the Baltimore area. This means there needs to be a new person chosen to take Marion's place on HART's ADA Accessibility committee. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>He will check on how this transition is accomplished under HART's bylaws. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>He is suggesting our chapter member Debbie Malone for this position. This will ensure that NFB continues to have a strong voice on this committee. Christine thanked Marion for representing both our chapter and our community.<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'>Foundation Fighting Blindness<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Adriane mentioned that she is attending a function of the Foundation Fighting Blindness. Marion explained why the NFB is opposed to their philosophy. We agreed we could send some members to explain the NFB's 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'>Proposed Bill to Dissolve HART<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Marion said that Representative Michael Owen (District 60) plans to file a bill to dissolve HART and replace it with a Tampa-only system. Marion said it is crucial that our chapter collaborate with other disability groups in the area to prevent this bill from advancing. He said if necessary we should unite with other organizations and take our strong opposition to Tallahassee.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Miranda proposed that we form a committee to work on this important issue. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Marion suggested that Debbie serve as chair of this committee Since she is our chapter's legislative chair. Debbie agreed to serve. Sherri volunteered to be the co-chair as a representative from the State Board, but she will check with the Board to make sure it is okay. Marion suggested we reach out for support and advice to Jon Parre from NFB's national office.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Marion mentioned the importance of contacting the Sun City's low vision club about the proposed bill. He will get in touch with lyn Reynolds, one of their members and a former chapter member.<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'>Marion suggested that Dan write a resolution on behalf of our chapter as soon as possible, to be presented at our state convention, because the idea of dismantling the transit system in Hillsborough County could easily spread to other counties, becoming a statewide crisis. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Marion will contact Jorge Hernandez, chair of the state convention's Resolutions Committee, to expedite the inclusion of the resolution at the convention.<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'>Debbie mentioned that on the national level we should be aware that there is a bill which includes taking away funding from those who teach Braille. She will find o out more about this.<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'>To close out the meeting we sang Happy Birthday to Marion, Yvonne and Sherri.<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 Tom, seconded by Louise, to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>The meeting was adjourned at 2:15PM.<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><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></div></body></html>