ABOUT US
THE SARASOTA CHAPTER IS THE SECOND OLDEST CONTINUALLY OPERATING CHAPTER OF THE FLORIDA COUNCIL OF THE
BLIND. IN 2008, THE CHAPTER CELEBRATES ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY. THE CHAPTER WAS FORMED ON MAY 8TH, 1958. READ
INFORMATION ABOUT THE SARASOTA CHAPTER CELEBRATION BELOW.
OBJECTIVES
(1) to promote better understanding between blind and sighted people,
(2) to offer their views on issues of importance to local, state and national entities and,
(3) to promote the social and economic welfare of persons who are blind or vision impaired.
MEMBERSHIP AND DUES
Membership in the Sarasota Chapter is open to both Sarasota and Manatee County residents. Annual dues are $15.00. Membership in
the Sarasota Chapter offers the additional benefit of membership in the Florida Council of the Blind and the
American Council of the Blind. You will receive issues of the Braille Forum and the
White Cane Bulletin bi-monthly. These publications are available in large-print, cassette as well as
online. You will receive the Sarasota Chapter FCB News & Views newsletter during the summer vacation (June, July and
August).
MEETINGS
The Sarasota Chapter meets the second Monday of the month (except for June, July and August) for lunch. Our luncheon begins at 11:30
followed by Presentations and a Business Meeting from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Guest speakers are scheduled monthly. Topics include vision
loss and support issues, hurricane and emergency preparedness, wellness, nutrition, health and alternative medicines, Other
presentations include advocacy initiatives supported by ACB and FCB, the Lighthouse of Manasota as well as the Division of Blind
Services.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
The Sarasota Chapter celebrated holidays and the end of the regular year with special parties. Outings to area attractions, plays and
beaches were scheduled. In addition, each month members joined in "Meet 'n Eat" at a different area restaurant. We participated in
several seminars to discuss the latest information regarding eye disease and vision loss.
CHAPTER PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES
1. On July 16th, the City of Sarasota celebrated the 17th anniversary of the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act. FCB President Debbie
Grubb spoke about how the ADA has impacted the lives of persons who are blind or visually impaired. The event was covered on
television by the local ABC affiliate.
2. Chapter members supported and participated in the Senior Friendship Center 'Dining with Friends' fundraiser event on August 7th at
the Café Baci.
3. Chapter President Ruth Book accepted a Proclamation from City of Sarasota Mayor Lu Ann Palmer. White Cane Safety Day was
designated by the City of Sarasota on October 15th, 2007. Several events during September, October and November to raise public
awareness of the White Cane Law were held. On September 11th,
Membership Secretary Barbara Grill along with Joyce Dyer, Mobility Specialist of the Lighthouse of Manasota appeared on the Sandra
Washington Show on SNN TV discussing the White Cane Law. The Sarasota Board of County Commission issued a Proclamation
designating October 15th as White Cane Safety Day. Sgt. Jim DeNiro, City of Sarasota Traffic Operations Officer attended a regular
Chapter meeting to listen to and discuss members' concerns about lack of enforcement of the White Cane Law. Chapter members
distributed Close Your Eyes - Now Cross the Street brochures throughout the community.
4. Chapter Members along with many others in the region succeeded in sustaining the $108,000 in funding for the ManaSota Talking
Books Library Services.
5. Sarasota Chapter members continued to work closely with municipal, county and state officials on public transportation, pedestrian
safety and accessible voting machines issues.
6. Sarasota Chapter supported programs of the Lighthouse of Manasota and the Suncoast Center for Independent Living, Inc.
We are proud of our advocacy efforts for the many services that assist blind and visually impaired persons throughout our community. We
encourage members to attend public hearings and workshops to show support for issues affecting persons who are blind or visually
impaired and to apply for membership on government and nonprofit advisory boards.
We accept donations but encourage interested persons to join the Sarasota Chapter. If you are interested in joining, please contact Ruth
Book at (941) 923-7525 or e-mail rybook@innernet.net.
UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENT
WE CELEBRATE OUR 50TH BIRTHDAY ON MAY 8TH, 2008
To commemorate this special anniversary, the Sarasota Chapter has established a Scholarship Fund. One scholarship will be awarded
to an area student demonstrating academic and leadership excellence. For more information about applying for this scholarship, please
contact grillbh@comcast.net or call (941) 966-7056.
The Sarasota Chapter of the Florida Council of the Blind, Inc. accepts donations. This organization is a non-profit membership
organization and shall continue to do all things necessary to retain tax-exempt status, pursuant to Internal Revenue Service code
501(c)(3). We encourage interested persons to join our Chapter. If you are interested in joining, please contact Ruth Book at
rybook@innernet.net or call (941) 923-7525 or Barbara Grill at
grillbh@comcast.net or call (941) 966-7056.
Officers of the Sarasota Chapter
Sarasota Chapter By-Laws
FCB Chapters and Special Affiliates Page
FCB Home Page