<div dir="ltr"><div><div dir="ltr" class="gmail_signature" data-smartmail="gmail_signature"><div dir="ltr"><div><p class="gmail-MsoTitle" align="center" style="text-align:center;margin:0in;font-size:28pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;letter-spacing:-0.5pt"><b>“Beyond the Six
Dots”</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">National Federation of the Blind Community Service Division</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">March 2022 Newsletter</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">We use a white cane, slate & stylus, and screen readers
in between,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">We read from the left, write from the right, and will tap
tap onto any scene.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">We want our communities to know what we’ve got, a commitment
to serve,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Beyond the Six Dots!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"> </span></p>
<h1 style="margin:12pt 0in 0in;line-height:107%;break-after:avoid;font-size:16pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:rgb(47,84,150);font-weight:normal"><b>AN ABUNDANCE OF EXQUISITE POPS</b></h1>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The COMMUNITY SERVICE DIVISION
wants to say thank you, thank you, and thank you! The commitment to our mission
and all those dedicated popcorn lovers made our gourmet fundraiser a
magnificent success! Because of you, each of you! Your generous donations and
your buttery love for delicious treats, CSD doubled their efforts and raised
over $19,000! And we did it in our own cheddar-rific way!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Now that we have had a taste of the
Little Kettle That Could, we would like to take this moment to POP-light a few
individuals that set this fundraiser on Queso Fire!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Thank you, Gloria Nathan-Cherry for once again, organizing a
spectacular fundraiser! Marvin Griffin
also known as the “Pop King” held tight to the popcorn royalties for a second
year by selling nearly $4,000 worth of delicious popped goodies. We also want
to give a kernel salute to the CSD Willing Workers Committee; your enthusiasm,
participation, and diligence to our community fundraiser was served with
carmelicious excellence. And last but not least, we thank all of the
supporters, especially the thousands of hungry bellies for popping with us!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">#BecauseOfPeopleLikeYou</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">THE STRENGTH TO RISE</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Celebrating Women’s History Month</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Contributed by Daria Bannermen</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">When you think of deafness and blindness as one, the first
name that comes to mind is probably, Helen Keller. Naturally! She was and has
been a symbol of courage for many generations. She was undeterred by deafness
and blindness, she rose to become a major 20th century humanitarian, educator
and writer. She was a remarkable woman that inspired so many other people with
disabilities, to accomplish their goals and live their lives to the fullest,
with all the fierceness and determination she could muster. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">We want to take you back a
generation before Helen. How many of you know about the woman that mentored,
trained, inspired, and was instrumental in the building of Helen’s legacy.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Anne Sullivan was born in 1866 from
impoverished immigrants of Ireland and became partially blind by a bacterial
eye disease at the age of five. Because of the death of her mother and the
abandonment of her father, she was sent to live in the Tewksbury Almshouse, a
home for the impoverished. Despite the turmoil she endured while living there,
she advocated for her right to receive an education from the Perkins School for
the Blind.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt 0.5in;text-indent:0.5in;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">She persevered and
graduated as the class valedictorian, and was one of Perkins School for the
Blind’s best-known students. After graduating from Perkins in 1886, she
traveled to Alabama to educate Helen Keller, and remained Keller’s instructor,
interpreter and friend until her death in 1936.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt 0.5in;text-indent:0.5in;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Most do not know
that Anne learned finger-spelling from Laura Bridgman. A graduate of Perkins,
Bridgman was the first person with deaf blindness to get a formal education.
The two spent time together when Anne was a student at Perkins. Bridgman taught
her how to form letters with her fingers to spell out words into the palm of a
hand. Anne used that same finger-spelling method to teach Helen Keller.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt 0.5in;text-indent:0.5in;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Anne’s
extraordinary skills were so exemplary that a famous author, Mark Twain,
described her as a miracle-worker. That inspired the name of the iconic movie
about Anne & Helen, “The Miracle Worker.”</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt 0.5in;text-indent:0.5in;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Anne's heroic traits and
determination to escape from her terrible childhood led her to achieve exceptional
things that no one would have expected from her. She is one of the countless
women who have left a monumental mark in our history, even when some chose to
overlook her impact.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">CSD recognizes all of the women
that have come before us, and want to celebrate each of their ambitions,
strengths, and courage. Their life’s journey has flickered a spark within all
of us and have helped illuminate our worlds!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">A TAKE DOWN YOU WON’T SEE COMING</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">National Athletic Training Month</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Asia Quinones-Evans</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">For sports fans, sports are the
epitome of hard work and dedication. To get to the pinnacle of their sport, even
the most naturally gifted athletes have to give it their all. It is our honor
to introduce to our readers, Miss Asia Quinones-Evans.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">“I am blind, but I was not born
blind.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">I had 20/20 vision until the world
suddenly went black eight years ago, in September of 2014 when it was
discovered that a brain tumor was compressing my optic nerve, causing 100%
vision loss in less than a week. I had sight throughout my life until the month
prior to turning 17, meaning I had no visual impairment experience nor the need
to learn the skills. It was never in my plans to go to college, however, after
gaining a significant number of blind skills, I decided to be a
first-generation college student in my family by enrolling at Lorain County
Community College to pursue two Associates of Applied Sciences degrees in
Sports and Fitness Management and Coaching and Promotion. It has not been an
easy transition from attending classes in person to everything shutting down
and going virtual due to the COVID – 19 pandemics throughout 2020 & 2021,
but things are getting better and slowly transition back to in person. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">I chose this major because I
wrestled 6 years and developed a great passion for the sport. When I wrestled
at Ohio State School for the Blind, I had a blind coach, and this motivated me
to learn more about becoming a wrestling coach. It is not usually a requirement
to have a degree to become a wrestling coach unless someone wants to become a
coach for a college team. I was very motivated to learn more about how to
provide for my athletes. I wanted to learn about how they can do such a
demanding sport and mitigate getting injuries.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">This path is not typical for a
blind person due to many challenges with learning fitness without sight. I have
a background in sports, so this makes it somewhat easier. After I went blind, I
was told by my athletic director that I could not wrestle due to liability of
injury. I had many bruises, busted lips, and even bruised bones from wrestling
with sight. As a female wrestler this is even more difficult. I did not
understand why I could not wrestle without sight when I never complained with
getting injured being a smaller female. Wrestling is one of the easiest sports
to adapt for the blind because all that must be done is to keep constant contact
while in a match or practice. The referee is responsible for ensuring that this
rule stays applied while a blind wrestler in in the match. I do know that when
I continue to look for positions, I will come across the same inability to
understanding that a blind person can be a coach for such a demanding sport. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">I am involved in my community by
having the opportunity to assist coaching a youth wrestling team in my local
area. I work with the athletes more individually when they need help. I am
apart of several divisions of the NFB of Ohio. I am the Treasurer of my local
chapter, the Treasurer of the Ohio Association of Blind Students, the Secretary
of the Ohio Communities of Faith, and a Board member of the Ohio Association of
Guide Dog Users.”</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Asia is living her life as a
champion! </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">“It is not the size of a woman, but
the size of her heart that matters.”</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">#CelebrateBlindAthletes</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">THE FLOWER POWER</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Written by Carol King-Ries</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">March is National Flower
month: Get ready for Spring to produce
beauty, joy, and growth!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">“Minds are like flowers; they open
up only when the time is right” … Stephen Richards.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">I have always loved the beauty of
flowers, their colors, both vibrant and subtle, their shapes and of course,
their fragrance. When I began to lose my
sight, I thought I had also lost the beauty of flowers. I was so wrong! In 2019, I started a container garden on my
deck, and even though I had my successes and failures, I have enjoyed this
endeavor far more than I could have imagined.
My mind has opened to the beauty of flowers in deeper and more
gratifying ways. I have been blown away
by flower power!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">“A flower does not announce its
arrival to the world, it just blooms” … Matshona Dhliwayo.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">When I started my deck container
garden in 2019, I kept it simple. I had
a couple of pots of geraniums, some lavender plants, and a couple of pots of
herbs. These few plants taught me so
much about container gardening and life.
First lesson, you must be present every day! Because these plants were in containers, they
had to be watered more often. This made
me go outside onto my deck regularly, which in turn made me begin to
differentiate the large variety of birdsong in the trees around me. I took notice when there was a different bird
in the area and would have my husband come out to see if he could spot it. I have downloaded some birdsong aps so that I
can learn who is in my yard. Second
lesson, you must prune your plants. As a
novice gardener, I just wanted things to grow, but in gardening, as in life,
you must prune to promote fuller growth.
The key was knowing where to prune.
For example, the geraniums must be dead headed at the top of the plant,
but the herbaceous plants must be pruned right above the joints to promote
fuller growth. Life is the same, you must
know what to cut and where to make that cut to get the most out of it. Third lesson, sometimes you must get rid of
the flowers altogether to get the most out of your plants. In the case of most herbs, you must pinch the
flowers off so that they do not go to seed but continue to grow and produce
wonderful smells and taste. This was hard for me to do because the show was so
pretty; but when I did, my nose and taste buds benefited! There were so many other lessons I learned…
what to do and what not to do. These
were truly life lessons.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">“Where flowers bloom, so does hope”
… Lady Bird Johnson. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">When 2020 came in with a pandemic,
like most, I was house bound. However,
that Spring, I planted an even bigger flower and herb container garden with
some tomatoes and peppers added to the mix.
The silky feel of the lilies with their heady fragrance, and the
addition of herbs like sage and rosemary just added to the sensual delight. My
container garden became a place of peace, joy and even hope for a better future. So… in
2021 it only got bigger!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">“A flower blossoms for its own joy”
… Oscar Wilde.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">We are the Community Service
Division, and I am constantly amazed by all that our members do for
others. However, I must confess, this
container gardening adventure has been for my own personal joy, and I don’t
think there is anything wrong with that!
During these trying times, self-care is extremely important. We must find those areas of personal joy and
beauty so that when we go out to serve others, we have something beautiful and
joyful to give. I did share my garden
with others in the form of herb bundles, beautiful flowers, and pickled
peppers; that was the overflow from the joy I got from gardening. I am starting to think about and plan my 2022
container garden. Every time I think
about it, I smile. I cannot wait to be
wrapped in sunshine, serenaded by birdsong, brushed by silken petals,
enthralled by beautiful fragrances, and delighted by bold and subtle
tastes. As Claude Monet said, “I must
have flowers, always, and always.”</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:NanumGothic"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:NanumGothic">A PILLAR OF Perseverance </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:NanumGothic">National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:NanumGothic">Written by Eric Duffy</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:NanumGothic">March is Cerebral Palsy
Awareness month, which gives us the opportunity to both celebrate and educate
others about cerebral palsy. We immediately thought of Eric Duffy of Kettering,
Ohio. A man who has dedicated most of his life educating the world on his
blindness and CP not being the characteristics that would defines him or his future.
Eric is a proud father of two sons, and is a dynamic leader within our
federation and on Capital hill. We are proud to have him share a part of his
story with us!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10pt;line-height:107%;font-family:NanumGothic">“Cerebral
palsy (CP) is a group of disorders that affect a person's ability to move and
maintain balance and posture. CP is the most common motor disability in
childhood. COULDC estimates that an average of 1 in 345 children in the U.S.
have CP.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10pt;line-height:107%;font-family:NanumGothic">I
am the only one in my immediate family with a disability. CP and blindness were not anything my parents
were familiar with, but something they had to learn about very quickly. My mom
always told the story of how people in my family often carried me because I was
blind, and therefore, they weren't aware of my struggles with walking and
balance for a while after I was born.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10pt;line-height:107%;font-family:NanumGothic">When
most kids my age were starting school, I was having surgeries on my legs. I
don't remember the exact ages of the surgeries, but I remember being in the
hospitals having casts and doing physical therapy.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10pt;line-height:107%;font-family:NanumGothic">I
have always fallen fairly frequently, and that is something I remember that
from an early age. Although when I was young, I didn't know much about CP, I
knew that I would not be able to walk, run, jump, and do other things in the
same way other kids did. In my early days at the Ohio State School for the
Blind, I made a conscious effort to build my upper body strength. I did
pushups, pullups, isometrics, and anything else I could think of. No one
prompted me to do this. But this upper body strength came in handy during the
rough and tumble of boyhood and later as a wrestler. I completed all of my
Physical Education requirements, although I could have gotten an exemption. In
addition to that, I did physical therapy while at school and on Saturdays when
at home.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10pt;line-height:107%;font-family:NanumGothic">I
had the last surgery on my legs at the age of 14. I missed several months of my
seventh-grade year, but when I came back to school, I wanted to try out for the
wrestling team. I was not permitted to wrestle that year, but the following
year I made the team. I was not that good, because wrestling does require a lot
of leg strength.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10pt;line-height:107%;font-family:NanumGothic">Other
than in those early years of my life, CP has not been something I've thought
about very much. I do the things that I want to do, and it does not slow me
down. When I am traveling outside, it literally does slow me down, and it does
help me to walk with someone for balance. Now I tend to walk with others more
than I used to, because I am getting older, and falls are harder on the body.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10pt;line-height:107%;font-family:NanumGothic">I
have never been treated differently in the Federation because of my CP. Those
who know I have it, have all been very supportive. Over the years I have had
the opportunity to talk with many parents of blind children who also have CP,
and my hope is that I have been able to help these children and their families.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10pt;line-height:107%;font-family:NanumGothic">#CerebralPalsyAwareness</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10pt;line-height:107%;font-family:NanumGothic">"Leadership
is not about titles, positions, or flow charts. It is about one life
influencing another."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10pt;line-height:107%;font-family:NanumGothic"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">DISCOVERING THE JOY<span style="font-family:NanumGothic"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">National Crafting Month</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Contributed by Lynn Heitz & Reverend Leonard Leyton</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Creativity is something that needs
to be unleashed, explored, and expressed. Poets, writers, artists, craftsmen,
crafters, everybody specializes in a particular kind of craft. There’s always
something new to explore!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">"I proudly serve as the
President of the NFB of Pennsylvania. I
was taught to knit and crochet by my mother when I was about eight years
old. In those days, crocheted vests were
a hot item and I made several for myself in a variety of colors. For many years I did not crochet but about
five years ago I picked it up again as a stress relieving activity. I make
hats, scarves, blankets, and Afghans and donate them to the Salvation Army and
two local women’s shelters. I hope that
my stress relieving activity brings comfort to many individuals who have less
than myself," said Lynn Heitz.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">We know that anything can be made
with a machine, but nothing compares to something made with your hands and from
the heart. We want to help everyone rediscover the joy of crafting!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">“Going through seminary as a blind
man, and raising four kids on my own, had it’s trying times. One of my kids
wanted my help in building a wooden model car they received as a present.
Unfortunately, this particular brand was not made very well and it broke fairly
easily. My eight-year-old son was so upset; I had to go into action mode. After
checking out several how-to books at the local library and visiting the
hardware store, I ask my kids if they would be interested in a family
woodworking project. They nearly knocked me over with their excitement. That
was sixty years ago and I cannot tell you how many wooden toys we have made for
the neighborhood kids and the local children’s home. I’ll tell you that I
believe making crafts with young people brings the biggest smiles you have ever
seen, bigger than Christmas and birthdays,” said Reverend Leyton.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">CSD believes in you, and believes
your art is as natural as sunshine and as vital as nourishment!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">#CelebrateCrafting</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">RESOURCES</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">Mississippi
State Conventions</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">March 25-27,
2022</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">Location:
Virtual</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">For more
information, email: </span><a href="mailto:president.nfbms@gmail.com" style="color:rgb(5,99,193)"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">president.nfbms@gmail.com</span></a><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">Nebraska
State Conventions</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">March 25-26,
2022</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">Location:
Virtual</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">For more
information, please visit: <a href="http://ne.nfb.org">ne.nfb.org</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">Missouri
State Conventions</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">March 31 -
April 3, 2022</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">Location:
Springfield, MO</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">For more information,
please visit: <a href="http://nfbmo.org">nfbmo.org</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">Massachusetts
State Conventions</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">April 1-3,
2022</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">Location:
Boston, MA, Embassy Suites by Hilton Boston at Logan Airport</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">For more
information, please visit: <a href="http://nfbma.org">nfbma.org</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">Wisconsin
State Conventions</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">April 1-3,
2022</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">Location:
Onolaska, WI</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">For more
information, please visit: <a href="http://nfbwis.org">nfbwis.org</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">Louisiana
State Conventions</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">April 9-10,
2022</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">Location:
Shreveport, LA</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">For more
information, please visit: <a href="http://nfbla.org">nfbla.org</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">Idaho State
Conventions</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">April 21-23,
2022</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">Location:
Idaho Falls, ID, Holiday Inn</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">For more
information, please visit: <a href="http://nfbidaho.org">nfbidaho.org</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">South Dakota
State Conventions</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">April 22-23,
2022</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">Location:
Grand Rapids, SD, Rushmore Suites</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">For more
information, please visit <a href="http://nfbsd.org">nfbsd.org</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">Tennessee
State Conventions</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">April 22-23,
2022 </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">Location:
Clarksville/Hybrid</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">For more
information, please visit <a href="http://nfbtn.org">nfbtn.org</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">Utah State
Conventions</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">April 29-30,
2022</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">Location:
Park City Utah, Sheraton Hotel Park City</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">1895
Sidewinder Dr. | 435-649-2900</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">For more
information, please visit <a href="http://nfbutah.org">nfbutah.org</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">Vermont
State Conventions</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">April 29-30,
2022</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">Location:
TBD/Hybrid</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">For more
information, please visit <a href="http://nfbvt.org">nfbvt.org</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">Hawaii State
Conventions</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">May 13, 2022</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">Location:
TBD</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">For more
information, please visit <a href="http://hawaii.nfb.org">hawaii.nfb.org</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">2022 Buddy
Program, a summer program for all blind and low vision students ages 9 to 13!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">When: August
6-August 20, 2022! </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">Where:
BLIND, Inc.; 100 East 22nd St. Minneapolis Minnesota, 55404</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">Application
Deadline: April 30, 2022 </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">Contact
Michell Gip, Youth Services Coordinator, at 612-872-0100, Ext. 231, or
<a href="mailto:mgip@blindinc.org">mgip@blindinc.org</a> for more information </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">NFB 2022
National Convention </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">July 5 to July
10, 2022</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">New Orleans,
LA </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">Website: </span><a href="https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention" style="color:rgb(5,99,193)"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention</span></a><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">Register
today: </span><a href="https://nfb.org/civicrm/event/register?reset=1&id=479" style="color:rgb(5,99,193)"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">https://nfb.org/civicrm/event/register?reset=1&id=479</span></a><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">Will NFB22
be your first National Convention?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">Learn about
the Kenneth Jernigan Convention Scholarship that helps active NFB members,
blind or sighted, attend their first NFB National Convention.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">If you have
questions, please contact us at:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">Phone: (410)
659-9314</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">Email: </span><a href="mailto:nfb@nfb.org" style="color:rgb(5,99,193)"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">nfb@nfb.org</span></a><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:36pt;line-height:107%;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">EDITOR’S
NOTES</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">We want to feature you in our next issue! Write about your personal
experience with your community service project and submit the article by the
first of the month.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">We also want to help promote your community projects and
state affiliate events. Share your calendar with Beyond The Six Dots and we
will feature your events in the ‘Represent Your State’ section of our next issue.
Contact our editor to submit your calendar events and featured articles. (The
editor may edit the Length and/or wording of your article.)</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b>NFB Community Service Division</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/communityservicedivision/" style="color:rgb(5,99,193)">www.facebook.com/communityservicedivision/</a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">President Jeanetta Price</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Email: <a href="mailto:price.jeanetta@gmail.com" style="color:rgb(5,99,193)">price.jeanetta@gmail.com</a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Mobile: (409) 344-1005</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Newsletter Editor: Maggie Stringer</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Email: <a href="mailto:Ravensfan784@gmail.com" style="color:rgb(5,99,193)">Ravensfan784@gmail.com</a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Mobile: (443) 750-0070</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">ONE
MINUTE MESSAGE</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The National Federation of t<i>he Blind knows that blindness
is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise
the expectations of blind people because low expectations create obstacles between
blind people and our dreams. We are survivors!</i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><i> </i></p></div></div></div></div></div>