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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">Dear colleagues, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">I am so sorry! We had another Zoom glitch. It was completely my fault. I am so sorry.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">That said, over the past 2 years, we have had a lot of interest in both chapters. We’ve put some real effort into building our Downtown COS Chapter. Frankly, we have been on a roll! We are a welcoming and
fun group of folks who care deeply about equal access and equality of opportunity for all blind and low vision people in southern Colorado, the state, and the nation. Unfortunately, we did not have a quorum for a meeting. We did not have a quorum to conduct
elections. We have a powerful philosophy of positivity, respectability, and empowerment. Southern Colorado definitely needs our collective wisdom and collective action. We are lucky to have the Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind. They need our support
and our oversight. The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation is on a waitlist. Basically, no one is getting essential services. Some counselors are sending clients who need travel instruction to the Pilot Guide Dog School for about 2 weeks. Frankly, Pilot
is not a highly respected institution in our community. Moreover, does anybody think you can get real, quality mobility instruction over 2 weeks at a less-than-reputable guide dog school? Why would you send people for 2 weeks to get cane travel at a guide
dog school? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">Transportation for people without cars, such as the elderly, poor, blind, and low vision, in Colorado Springs miserable. This issue should be one of our most important efforts. Downtown COS has made some progress.
But not much. There’s more to be done.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">Should our chapters develop an outreach program for meet the blind month in October? Something to consider. Perhaps both chapters could work together. If desired.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">Both chapters seem to have a wonderful group small group of leaders. But I’m mostly writing now to our Downtown COS. It is truly important that we have a strong federation chapter. It is important to me, anyway,
to enjoy mutual support, fun activities, the sharing of new technologies, and more. I recognize that it is not always convenient or accessible to go to every Downtown COS chapter. And I recognize that more than once, over our short history, we have dropped
the ball on our Zoom access. We promise to fix it. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">People have mixed feelings about Avenue 19. It is convenient. It is free. And there are plenty of food and beverage options before and after the meeting. However, the chapter is seriously considering a new
meeting place. Still the 3<sup>rd</sup> Tuesday of each month. The meeting starts at 6 at Panino’s, downtown, 604 N Tejon St. Which is about 6 blocks north of Avenue 19 on the west side of the street, on the corner of Tejon and E Willamette. They are one of
those Colorado Springs institutions. There is a lovely meeting room for us. And they have a wonderful expansive menu.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">I know transportation is an issue for so many. But we can provide transportation for those in true need. We can get a buddy to pick you up and take you home. We can send an Uber after you.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">But hear my plea! If we truly want to change the world for blind people? If we enjoy the friendship and camaraderie of our brothers and sisters who are blind and low vision of all ages? And if we truly are
dedicated to the notion that with our individual actions, collectively focused, we can change the world! We can truly live the lives we want. Please join us at the Colorado Springs Chapter on the 2<sup>nd</sup> Saturday morning of the month or our Downtown
COS Chapter on the 3<sup>rd</sup> Tuesday evening of the month. You now have a Saturday morning chapter choice or a Tuesday night choice. I truly believe that together with love, hope, a generosity of spirit, and committed advocacy, we can build dreams for
blind people and our families. I hope that you will all reach out to others, inviting them to our chapters. When chapter meeting time comes around, even if you're tired, lazy, or would rather listen to a ball game. We hope you will make your organization a
priority. We need you. We appreciate you, and together we can all be there for you.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">Thank you for reading the above. We look forward to seeing all of you at our next chapter meetings.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Abadi",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Abadi",sans-serif">At your service,
<span style="mso-ligatures:none"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Abadi",sans-serif">Kevan Worley<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Abadi",sans-serif">303-929-2369<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
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