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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72"><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>Good evening everyone, as I begin writing this email, I am listening to this evening’s NFBCO zoom call which is focusing on opportunities available in the Randolph-Sheppard Program. These sessions have been a smashing success and have covered an impressive breath of topics. For example, I am looking forward to shifting gears from talking about business opportunities to tomorrow night’s session with the Blind History Lady.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Beyond enjoying the substance of these sessions, I am beaming with pride for our affiliate and our terrific members. In particular, Kevan Worley, Jessica Beecham, and Maureen Nietfeld have done an incredible job of putting these programs together and executing them with tremendous skill. I want to thank all the participants from our speakers to those who join the calls and help us create fascinating discussions.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I also want to publicly thank Jessica and Maureen along with their great volunteers for operating our COVID19 assistance program which has helped many blind individuals get what they need to make this crisis a bit easier to manage. We are truly blessed with great leadership and dedicated volunteers.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I also encourage you to think about and appreciate our Colorado Center for the Blind and what our Center is facing. We remain open offering instruction remotely and virtually to our students who have largely returned to their homes all over America, but we have also been serving several students who remain in our apartments because it was not possible for them to leave. We should definitely tip our hats to Julie Deden, our amazing staff, and our terrific students.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This crisis is challenging us in so many ways that we would have never imagined just a few weeks ago. The news is often overwhelming and depressing like today when over 500 people died from the virus in the U.S. alone. For me, I could not imagine getting through all of this without my families, the LaBarres and all of you. Anahit, Alex, Emily, Moka, and I are all hunkered down here in Centennial, and we haven’t killed each other yet, but I am pretty sure that the only one who still really likes me is our dog, Moka, as long as I give her treats, anyway. I am incredibly appreciative, also, for our Federation family from our great President, Mark Riccobono, to the countless other national leaders, our terrific state Board and chapter/division leaders, and, of course, all of you!! Our bond of love and faith in one another are far stronger than the virus will ever be. Even in the grips of this terrible pandemic, we support each other and continue to build our Federation!!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Warmly,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Scott<o:p></o:p></p></div></body></html>