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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>It has been a great year and I want to wish all of you Happy Holidays and a wonderful and prosperous New Year.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>1 The Washington Seminar delegation has been chosen and once again we will be counting on your support and involvement even as we travel next February for this very important activity so stay tuned for more directions and requests.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>2 The Miami Valley chapter had a wonderful banquet on December 10<sup>th</sup> and the Springfield chapter had its Christmas gathering as well that same day and although I did not get to play Santa Claus this year, I did get to read a Braille letter to Santa at the Miami Valley banquet that was submitted by a 8 year old and I was able to call him and let him speak with Santa via the phone.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>3 Don’t forget that our winter Board meeting will be conducted via Conference call on Saturday January 21<sup>st</sup> and as usual it will start at 10 with a lunch break at noon and I hope to complete it by 2 or so that same day but if we will need to have another one we will.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Look for the necessary information to join the call early in January<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>4 Finally, don’t forget that our spring Board meeting will be held in Cincinnati more than likely in April and we are looking forward to the hosting by our local chapter their.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This is all I have now but if others would like to add to this brief update please feel free to do so and if you don’t hear from me until next year be Blessed.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Oh, one more selfish thing please?<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Next year I will be releasing the first secular recording I have ever done and I must tell you that it is in my opinion, the best work I’ve ever done and believe me I’m my worst critic.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>All but 2 of the selections are original pieces written by myself and others.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>So look for it and plan on getting a copy and coming to the big release day concert that will be held as my usual NFB-O fundraiser on Sunday May 20th from 1 to 5 ok?<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Thanks for your indulgence!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Jw<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;color:#0F243E'>Dr. J. Webster Smith<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#0F243E'>President, National Federation of the Blind of Ohio<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#0F243E'>PO Box 458 Athens, OH 45701<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#0F243E'>740-592-6326<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#0F243E'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#0F243E'>“Changing what it means to be blind”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#0F243E'>For more information go to nfbohio.org<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>