David Anspach opened the meeting. He introduced Marion Gwizdala as our special guest from the East Hillsborough chapter. Chuck led us in the pledge to the flag. Roll call with 21 audibly present. November Secretary report was read. A motion the minutes be accepted as read was made and seconded by Scott Carlyle and Grant respectively and carried.
Paul Prescott read the treasurers report. A motion the report be accepted as read was made and seconded by Mike Lamb and Scott Carlyle respectively and carried.
David Anspach explained the voting procedure and the weight of the responsibilities that each position carries. There were no questions about the procedure. Jim Ellsworth nominated David Anspach for President. David accepted the nomination. No other nominations were made for President. David Anspach was elected and accepted the position of President. John Carson was called because he was unable to attend the meeting and wished to run for Vice President. Melissa Johnson nominated Mike Lamb for Vice President, ?? nominated John Carson for Vice President. They both accepted the nominations. A secret ballad was called for by Jim Ellsworth. The secret ballad procedure was explained by David Anspach. Mike Lamb was elected. John Carson was asked if he would accept nomination for a Board Member when the time came and he accepted. Tammy Anspach nominated Melissa Johnson for Secretary. Melissa Johnson accepted the nomination. No other nominations were made for Secretary. Melissa Johnson was elected and accepted the position of Secretary. Mike Lamb nominated Paul Prescott for Treasurer. Paul Prescott accepted the nomination. Scott Carlyle nominated himself for Treasurer. Paul Prescott asked to withdraw his name from nomination. Scott Carlyle was elected and accepted the position of Treasurer. Board Member #1 position nominations were for John Carson, Janice Snow and Judy Wood. They all accepted their nominations. A secret ballad was called for by Tammy Anspach. While votes were being counted, Debbie Hietala thanked her helpers at the Christmas Party and in turn everyone thanked Debbie and Chuck for having the party. John Carson was elected. Board Member #2 position nominations were for Jim Ellsworth, Janice Snow and Eric Costin. They all accepted their nominations. A secret ballad was called for by Janice Snow. Jim Ellsworth was elected. Board Member #3 position nominations were for Janice Snow, Tammy Anspach and Eric Costin. They all accepted their nominations. A secret ballad was called for by Melissa Johnson. There was a run off between Tammy Anspach and Janice Snow. While votes were being counted, another guest Donya Robinson introduced herself and her dog. Tammy Anspach was elected.
Garage Sale fund raiser was discussed. It will be Saturday March 10 from 7:00 to 2:00 at John Carson’s house. We are raising funds to replenish treasury, fund local scholarships, education events, etc. We need donations. Debbie said no clothes or shoes. Books, furniture and appliances do sell. Any items that aren’t sold will be donated to another worthy cause. There will be pick up assistance to get items to John’s house. John can take donations right away. Debbie volunteered separating items a few days before the sale. Melissa suggested having a .25, .50, 1.00, etc. table. An auction table was suggested. Marion suggested real high dollar items be donated to the silent auction at the state convention. It was also suggested to put them in the silent auction for Casino Night. We will make signs for the Garage Sale. There was discussion about advertising as a non profit organization and ways to word the advertising. We will look into advertising in St. Pete Times, etc. There will be more details in the future.
Chuck Hietala talked about Challenge Aspen, a visually impaired ski camp that he and Debbie were on their way to. Debbie asked Marion if they could have a table at convention because the Lions Club has agreed to sponsor one person to send a blind person to go to camp. The Lions Club will do the fund raising. Their goal is to raise $1,500.00. More discussion to follow.
Marion sang his own version of a Jimmy Buffet song. Marion spoke about this years state convention. The East Hillsborough chapter will be hosting the convention. The theme will be pirates. It will be at the Windham Westshore. Memorial Day weekend. May 26, 27 and 28. Parents seminar on 26th. Board meeting on 25th. Seminars on Saturday 26th from 10-6. Reception and auction from 7:00 until whenever. Opportunity to donate to the Imagine Fund. Asking people to invite people to the auction. Developing a relationship with the Lions. Gaspirilla Crew showing up to participate in the auction. Discussed elements of the auction. There will be very unique entertainment. Itinerary was discussed. Banquet tickets will be $30.00-$35.00 and afterwards there will be a dance with live music. Expecting 300-350 people. There will be a meeting in April. There will be door prizes. Ronald McDonald will be there. There will be programs for the children. Lowry Park Zoo will be there. Busch Gardens will be there. If anybody knows how to get in touch with the Sensory Safari, please let Marion know. Asked that we ask for auction items and door prizes. Suggested gift cards from chain restaurants. Registration and all information will be up on website. Per Mike Lamb, basic rooms are $69.00 per night. Suites are $169.00 per night. Dave gave overview of other rooms and amenities of the hotel. You can start making reservations as of June 30. Discussion about the area and things to do. They are working on getting traffic control crossing West Shore. All meeting rooms are in the hotel. Spoke about fund raising committee. Mike Lamb asked about help for Meet the Blind Picnic in October and Casino Night. Marion said he would help as needed.
Fund raiser Saturday, September 22...Casino Night. Will talk about it further when John Carson is available. Decided that flowers be sent to Jill Carson in the hospital. Paul and Bonnie will take care of that. Dave suggested a new committee be formed for Public Outreach. Main function will be public awareness and public outreach. Mike Lamb volunteered to be chair. Program will focus on public awareness. Went over Meet the Blind Picnic and its primary function. This years picnic will be on October 13 in a shelter that is much more visible to the public. We need to bring in more sighted people for awareness. We need to get younger people involved in the chapter. Melissa will contact schools to help with that. We need to form a speakers bureau. The Public Outreach committee will be Mike Lamb as chair, members will be Melissa Johnson, Grant, Tammy Anspach and Virginia Carlyle.
Meeting was adjourned at 3:00 by David Anspach.
Respectfully Submitted
Melissa Johnson
Pinellas chapter secretary