President David Anspach brought the meeting to order. Chuck Huber led everyone in the flag salute. Role call was taken; 20 members were present.
Kim Ellsworth (secretary), read allowed the meeting minutes for July 2006. A motion to accept the minutes as read was made and seconded by Scott Carlisle and Charlotte Bogadi, respectively. Motion carried. The June 2006 Minutes were unable to be given as two copies of the July Minutes had mistakenly been embossed. Kim proposed, however, that the Minutes go ahead and be posted as they are already too months overdue. John Carson made the motion and it was seconded by Richard Wells; motion carried. Bonnie Prescott gave the Treasurer’s report. As of July, the balance was $2,545.59. Currently, the balance is $1,442.59. Dues and flashlight money were just collected, which totals to $160.00 to be deposited. A motion to accept the Treasurer’s report was made and seconded by Charlotte Bogadi and Scott Carlisle, respectively. Motion carried.
Melissa Jonson and Eric Kosten were officially voted in as new Chapter members in accordance with the recently acquired Chapter Constitution. A motion that Kim Ellsworth be reimbursed the cost of the gift basket, which was sent to Paul Prescott was made and seconded by Mike Lamb and Debbie Hietala, respectively. Motion carried. The cost of the basket was $50.00.
The web Committee’s report was given. The announcement that John had sent out via e-mail to the NFBF list regarding the Pinellas Chapter website was presented to the Chapter. Other Chapters have since become interested in forming their own Chapter websites. Janice Snow reported that Dan Mann from the Lighthouse of Pinellas has agreed to speak to the Chapter on the third Saturday in November. Mike lamb has also spoken with Dan about setting up a once a month Saturday clinic where the Lighthouse could bring in graduates from the center, folks from the general public, etc., to hone their skills on computers and assistive technology products. It is thought that this may begin by the beginning of next year. Volunteers will be needed in order to teach the classes. Mike also discussed with Dan about perhaps forming a Speakers bureau where members from our Chapter could volunteer to speak to people at the lighthouse or an environment similar to it. Mike talked to the Chapter about the current status of the Lighthouse of Pinellas and gave a brief explanation as to why the Lighthouse in Palm Beach had to close.
Next, the Chapter welcomed Meteorologist Julie Marquez of Bay News 9, who spoke to the Chapter about hurricanes and hurricane related topics. She graciously answered questions from Chapter members and gave a most informative and interesting presentation.
Next, the Fundraising Committee gave their report. In regards to the “Meet the Blind” event in the park, it is estimated that around 200 to 250 people will be in attendance. Debbie Hietala will be supplying the food and will not charge the Chapter until everything is sold and the Chapter knows what the cost is. David and Jim have been working on getting some literature to hand out during the event. Those who have made a commitment to attend are: The puppy raisers from Southeastern Guide Dogs, the Lighthouse of Pinellas, the Talking Book Library, the mayor of Seminole, Representative Leslie Waters and Janice has been working on getting some speakers and some legislative people. Bill Young is attentively scheduled. Mike Lamb will be printing up some coupons/certificates and will bring them to September’s meeting. Dan Mann will be e-mailed the press release about the event and the Talking Book library has already received one. Some discussions and ideas about T-shirts took place but the Fundraising Committee announced that this idea had been tabled for a later time. David has a list of media contacts, which are all mailing addresses, telephone and fax numbers. Melissa volunteered to do the address labels and Mike is offering the use of his postage meter and the Chapter has agreed to reimburse him for the cost. All of this will be completed and sent out by September 1st. The next Fundraising Committee meeting is scheduled to take place at John Carson’s house on September 9th and the second news release will go out on the 21st. An idea that the Committee has been discussing is a way of getting the Chapter’s website work for the Chapter such as bringing in some sponsorships and donations. It would also be a way of advertising who we are and what we are about. The idea is to have a corporate sponsorship on the website and offer different tier levels. First tier might be 50 to 250 dollars, which would be a bronze sponsor. A silver sponsor would be 200 to 250 dollars, 500 to 750 would be gold and 750 and above would be platinum sponsor. If the Chapter would like to see this idea be put into action, Debbie has already committed to start off the sponsorship with 100 dollars. Depending on the level, the sponsor might receive a certificate or a plaque, they would of course be getting the tax deductible donation and they will get advertising on the Chapter’s website. This is, of course, some ideas that are being discussed by the Committee. A motion to adjourn the meeting was made and seconded by Jim Ellsworth and Mike Lamb, respectively. Motion carried Next meeting will take place on Saturday, September 16, 2006.
Written and submitted by:
Kim Ellsworth
Pinellas Chapter Secretary