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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'>January 24, 2026<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'>The meeting was called to order by President Christine Copley at 12:20pM.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Everyone introduced themselves. There were 13 persons in attendance, including 2 guests,Kenya and kris Sturgeon, former members of the Houston Texas chapter. Christine asked everyone to give their New Year's resolution for the chapter. <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 said the NFB pledge together.<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 Dan, seconded by Sherri, to approve the October 2025 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 $5419.92.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>A motion was made by Louise, 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'>Louis and Ana were not able to attend the meeting, but Christine thanked them on behalf of our chapter for their generous donation. She said she will ask Louis to tell us about it in person.<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 recognized our chapter member Matt Weihmuller for an award he received through his work teaching at the Straz Center.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>She then reviewed the October White Cane walk some of our members attended, which was coordinated by the Tampa Lighthouse at McFarland Park. She said the park was very busy, bringing the group good publicity. She thinks we might want to consider collaborating with the Lighthouse next year.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Christine said our Christmas party, once again held at the home of Barbara Gaw, was a great success. She then talked about the hard work done by many chapter members concerning the threat by state Representative Michael Owen to introduce a bill which would eliminate service to residents of Hillsborough County, leaving mass transit service only in the city of Tampa. She asked Adrienne to fill in some of the details regarding the several meetings we attended at which we spoke against this proposal and/or read our chapter's resolution opposing it, which was passed at our State convention last October. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Sherri reminded us that we must continue to keep informed and do whatever we can to oppose this possible legislation, since it could eventually affect all of Florida.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Christine said we continue to have problems with the chapter listserve, but she hopes this will change as Statewide chapter secretary Jose Bohorquez begins working on this issue. <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 Elections<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Christine said we will hold elections at our upcoming February meeting. This year we will be electing the president, secretary and Board position 2. Christine announced that she has decided not to run for president. She said she wants to be an active member, continuing to be the fund raising chair. Sherri commended Christine for her dedication and hard work. Dan reminded everyone that in order to vote we must pay this year's chapter dues of $10 either via Square or Zell prior to the meeting, or with cash at the beginning of the 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'>Fund Raising<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>We suggested possible fund raising activities for this year.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Annual Pancake Breakfast<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>This will take place on July 25th, which is the exact anniversary of the ADA. Sherrill was able to reserve a date for us on Saturday, July 18 at the Carrollwood Publix at 10015 North Dale Mabry. Thanks to Louis's help with translation, we will be able to hand out fliers both in English and Spanish, about our Pancake breakfast. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Greg mentioned that the Clearwater Lions Club will once again help with the breakfast.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>He then suggested that we once again hold an event at Home Slice, which is next door to, and now owned by, Beef O'Brady's. All agreed this was a good 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'>social activities suggested were Bowling at Pin Chasers, a trip back to Zoo Tampa, and a trip on the Cross Town Ferry.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Christine suggested former chapter member Sewar Qeinibi as a guest speaker. She now works in the mental health field and could speak on the topic as it relates to blindness.<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 Presidents and Vice Presidents meeting<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Adriene told us about this Zoom call, which was held in an effort to create more communication among the chapters and to begin making plans for this year.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Sherri, as our state secretary, mentioned that if we want to get in touch with state President Camille Tate, we can contact Sherri and she will reach out to Camille. She also said state Board member Kay Baker is our appointed chapter liason.<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'>Sherrill proposed, and following discussion, made a motion that the chapter raise our monthly NFB PAC Plan Contribution from five to fifteen dollars. The motion was then seconded by Yvonne and 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'>Our 50/50 fundraiser drawing was won by Adrienne, who received $25.<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 February 28.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>The meeting was adjourned at 2:05PM.<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>