July’s meeting was held at Mike Lamb’s home; President David Anspach brought the meeting to order at 1:18 PM. Role call was taken; 11 members and 3 guests were present. Chuck Huber led everyone in the flag salute.
Kim Ellsworth attempted to read aloud June’s meeting minutes but was unable to finish doing so due to some technical difficulties with her PAC Mate. A motion that June’s meeting minutes be skipped until Augusts’ meeting was made and seconded by mike lamb and Charlotte Bogadi, respectively. Motion carried. Paul Prescott called via telephone, prior to the meeting to state that he did not have a Treasurer’s report at this time. He was also unable to be present due to recovering in a rehab center from having broken his leg.
The Constitution Committee reported that State receive the final draft of the Constitution and though a couple of suggestions were made regarding a couple of items, it wasn’t mandatory that the changes be made. Thus, some discussion between David and Jim concluded that the Constitution remain as is. As the Pinellas Chapter Constitution has been approved by the State, everyone was in favor of having it posted to the Chapter web page. At this time, the Chapter welcomed some guests, Lila Wells, Melissa Jonson and her father Orval. Melissa asked what the procedure is for joining the Chapter and various members gave her an explanation. A motion that upon receiving Melissa’s membership dues and her application that she is voted in as a new member was made and seconded by Mike Lamb and Charlotte Bogadi, respectively. Motion carried. Mike lamb reported that the permit for the park was sent in and he will call David parson, the man in charge, on the Tuesday following the meeting to confirm that he received the permit. Mike also reported that the Chapter Meeting at Applebees has been moved to August 26. Mike feels that it would be a good idea to pre-market October’s event by selling coupons or gift certificates. David suggested that this suggestion be discussed at the next Fundraisers Committee meeting. David was in contact with Marilyn Stevenson of the Clearwater Talking Book library during the past week and she asked for a copy of the news release for the event in the park. David e-mailed this to her and she is going to print it up and send it to all of their library patrons. Debbie Hietala also supplied David with a rather extensive contacts list, which will be quite useful for getting the word out there about the event. Debbie reported that there is a new puppy department director at Southeastern guide Dogs. He is a senior trainer and Debbie states that he will be a “great’ asset to everyone. Mike announced that Debbie is now the State Vice-President of the Blind Merchants Division. David commented that the State keeps looking towards the Pinellas Chapter to host another State convention and tried to have it for this year; David explained to them that the Chapter was unsuccessful with finding good room rates. David believes that the State will ask again next year. While it has not been confirmed, it looks like the next State convention will be in East Hillsboro at the West Shore Windom hotel, which David states is a very nice hotel.
Prior to the conclusion of the meeting, Kim suggested that a get well gift or a card should be sent to Paul. Some discussion took place regarding what kind of gift to send and the final decision was made that Kim and Melissa would work together on finding a place that creates snack baskets and have it delivered to him at the rehab center. Of course, a get-well card would be attached. Kim said she would pay for it and the Chapter may reimburse her later. A motion to adjourn the meeting was made and seconded by Richard Wells and Debbie Hietala, respectively. Motion carried. The next Chapter meeting will be held at Applebees on Saturday, August 26 2006.
Written and submitted by:
Kim Ellsworth
Pinellas Chapter Secretary