David Anspach opened the meeting. Chuck Huber led us in the pledge to the flag. Roll call with 25 audibly present. Mike Lamb introduced special guest Henry Oliu. Henry talked about his accomplishments in life and what he does for a living and the contacts that made it possible while encouraging others to excel. January Secretary report was read. A motion the minutes be accepted as read was made and seconded by Mike Lamb and Chuck Heitla respectively and carried.
Scott Carlyle read the treasurers report. Our beginning balance was $1,081.49. Two checks were written, one for $25.00 to Chuck and Debbie Heitala for food and one for $37.45 for flowers for Tammy Anspach. There was a deposit made for $143.00 which made the ending balance $1,162.04. We have donations coming in honor of Jill Carson. One is for $100.00 from Freedom Scientific. John Carson gave Scott Carlyle 7 checks totaling $825.00 in honor of Jill Carson and John told us that the company Jill’s step mom works for will be making a matching donation when all donations are in. A motion the report be accepted as read was made and seconded by Mike Lamb and Melissa Johnson respectively and carried.
David noted that Tom Harting, our State Treasurer, passed away Thursday night of a massive heart attack. Dave asked that in memory of the losses we have suffered that we observe a moment of silence. Dave talked to DBS and they asked about giving our information to their new clients and he okayed that. Dave reminded us that the East Hillsborough Chapter is hosting the State Convention and asked that we think about door prizes and auction items. Dave talked about our trip to Tallahassee. It is March 21st, 22nd and 23rd. We have two confirmed and one maybe going. Mike Lamb asked the we have the names of the legislators that we need to talk to. Mike Lamb gave the Public Outreach Committee report. They will be in charge of the Meet the Blind Picnic. He asked that any one who isn’t already on the committee and wants to be to get with him. He has written a letter to the Governor about attending the picnic but hasn’t heard back from him yet. He wants to do breakfast and lunch meetings with the public also. He is open to suggestions. A meeting of the committee will be held either by phone conference or in person. Henry offered his help as needed. Dave reminded us about the Board Meeting March 3rd at Foxy O’Toole’s at 4:00 and that March 10th is the chapter Yard Sale at John Carson’s house. John Carson gave the Web Committee report. He gave statistics for the web site and the service we are getting for our renewal. Renewal fee is $128.00. He is trying to keep the web site as updated as possible. John also went over the progress of Yard Sale so far. John gave the Fund Rasing Committee report. It has been suggested that we have Corporate sponsorship on our website. John Carson made a motion that Corporate Sponsors fee be $60.00 for 6 months and $100.00 for one year. Mike Lamb seconded the motion and it was carried. John reminded us that September 22nd is Casino Night from noon to 6:00. Phone calls are being made to get donations for door prizes. Virginia Carlyle read a letter from Freedom Scientific that came with the donation in honor of Jill Carson. Melissa will write a letter on behalf of our chapter for the Thank You cards that John will be sending out to those who made donations. Janice Snow gave the Sunshine Committee report. Judy Wood has volunteered to help Janice send out Get Well and Sympathy cards. Janice also gave the Speakers Committee report. She was given the name Angel Watson from Caring and Sharing. Angel does workshops on disability advocacy. We would have to pay her travel and mileage to be a speaker. Mike said Richard Sala is a speaker and has contacted his office in regards to being a speaker either March 17th or April 21st but has not gotten a response yet. Dave asked if anyone has any ideas about a speaker to contact Janice. Lynne Ritter has tentatively put us down for the third Saturday in June. Kim Elsworth asked if the money donated for our scholarship, etc. is being kept separate from the money that is being donated in memory of Jill. After much discussion, Chuck Heitala suggested a committee be formed to address this. John Carson will be the chairperson for this committee. Melissa, Kim and Mike will be on the committee. Dave said our National Representative at State Convention will be Mark Mauer. Our talking book reader will be ??? Chuck Heitala mentioned the Southeastern Guide Dogs 10K the next Saturday and has donation pledge sheets. John Carson made a motion that the chapter pledge $50.00 for Chuck and it was seconded by CJ Bradley and carried.
Meeting was adjourned at 3:01 by David Anspach.
Respectfully submitted
Melissa Johnson
Pinellas Chapter Secretary