<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">“Beyond the Six Dots”</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">November 2021 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>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b>A COASTAL INSPIRATION</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Reflections by Veronica Alston</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 hope none of our readers have
been asleep for the past month. October was packed tight with thirty-one days
of over the top, autumntastic and momentous occasions! Calendars north, east,
south, and west were rolling out extraordinary events like the Women’s
Empowerment Conference, daily Blind Equality Achievement Spotlights, White Cane
Safety Day, Hands Up Join US Community Service Blind Date, and tons more.</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’ve got one word to sum up the
month of October, or maybe two. Exhilaratingly Awesome! Just read on to witness
the power we possess, the abilities you possess, in building a federation!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">“My name is Veronica and I’m
currently the secretary of the Southern Chapter of the NFB of Connecticut, as
well as, an affiliate board member. I have been an NFB member for the last
three years and have had minimal interaction and engagement with members
outside of the Connecticut affiliate, until recently.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">On White Cane Day, October 15th of
this year, I attended an NFB women’s empowerment virtual conference where I had
the pleasure of listening to powerful testimonies and presentations from very
inspiring and motivational guest speakers. I was captivated by a spoken word
presentation done by Jeanetta Price, and connected with her immediately after
the conference. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">During our initial discussion, we
discovered how much we share a passion for helping, encouraging, and empowering
individuals in our communities. I invited Jeanetta to be a motivational guest
speaker on The New Lifestyles Women’s Empowerment Virtual Lounge, where she did
a phenomenal presentation. In turn, Jeanetta invited me to the NFB Community
Service Division virtual Meeting on October 23rd to share my involvement with
New Lifestyles Transitional Housing for Women and Opportunity for Growth. As
soon as I joined the meeting, I automatically felt the positive energy and
enthusiasm from the facilitators and other arriving guests, and enjoyed the way
the guests were encouraged to interact with one another. I loved listening and
learning about opportunities to connect with other businesses and hear the work
others are doing in their communities.
</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Attending the Community Service
Division meeting has inspired me to let go of my fears of failure and expand my
horizons in achieving success. I thank you Jeanetta for giving me the
opportunity to connect with such supportive, talented, amazing and gifted
individuals. If I could be this excited, encouraged and empowered in one day, I
can’t even imagine the multiplicity of exuberance, resilience and power for
future days to come.”</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 not McDonald’s, but we are
loving it! A beautiful connection that was planted in Washington, DC, was
nurtured down in Texas, then blossomed its miraculous essence onto a national
platform with the CSD! Now, that’s what we call a COASTAL INSPIRATION!</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>TAPPING THE TALK</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Reflections of White Cane Safety Day</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="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Photo contributed by June Hunter-Hardy</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Blind Equality Achievement Month
was on, and was popping in Delaware throughout the month of October. The
Northern Delaware Chapter made a concerted effort to be out in our community to
inform, unite, and make a difference! We
set up tables in Senior centers, a department store and daycare center, to
spread the news about what the National Federation of the Blind is doing in
Delaware, and beyond. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">By far, our favorite event was our White Cane Awareness walk
on October 15<sup>th</sup> at the Wilmington Riverfront. There were a few of us in attendance, but we made
a significant impact, especially with a lot of the younger people when they saw
one of our member’s guide dog, Udell! We interacted with a lot of curious
travelers and had an opportunity to share how we as an organization are all
working together to improve the lives of blind people around the world. We did
not know what to expect when we showed up, however, we were pleasantly
surprised and excited about the conversations we had. If was inspiring, empowering and has moved us
forward in building our Federation. It truly left us beaming here in Delaware!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><i>“When life hands you a white cane, change the world’s
view one tap at a time!”</i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><img width="624" height="833"></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">From left to right, image includes Carol King-Ries, June
Hunter-Hardy (NoSmoke), Destinee', & Shannon Britt with her guide dog, Udell.
The above picture was taken at Delaware's Riverfront on White Cane Safety Day.</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>THE KT21 CHALLENGE</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Faithful readers, we want you to
join us and take a moment to ponder a particular thought. In the month of
November, there is an observance for World Kindness Day, which takes place on
Saturday, November the 13<sup>th</sup>. Then, there is a whole week dedicated
to caring for others, called World Kindness week. Plus, in the United States,
we traditionally celebrate Thanksgiving Day on the last Thursday of the month.
It could be a long shot, but do our readers believe that maybe, just maybe, the
world is trying to tell us something?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">There is power in being friendly,
generous, and considerate towards others. We have an entire division that motto
that kind of compassion for others. Some may even say that it is what binds us
all together.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">So, CSD & Readers! We know,
we’ve seen, and we’ve heard of your abilities to bring and give joy. It’s time
for a November Challenge, a K&T Challenge! </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 you to flood our list serve
and social media page with your demonstrations of November 2021 acts of
kindness or your words of thankfulness.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Use the hash tag, #KT21 whenever
and wherever you post. We’re not only part of the blind movement, we’ve got the
mightiness to be, the kind movement!</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"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b>THE ONE MINUTE VIDEO CHALLENGE</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Yes! Another challenge for our
readers this month! We absolutely love being able to move it, move it, within all
of our communities. And we are dying to know, who do you appreciate? So, take on
our One Minute Video Challenge! Dust off your smart devices and get ready to roll
the camera, for our November Attitude of Gratitude video blast!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Send your best videos to:</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Jeanetta Price by email or SMS message.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Three things you must say:</p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.5in;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">1.<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:7pt;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman"">
</span>Your full name</p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.5in;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">2.<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:7pt;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman"">
</span>National Federation of the Blind Community
Service Division</p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt 0.5in;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">3.<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:7pt;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman"">
</span>“The Attitude of Gratitude”</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.25in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Now, it’s time to express your sweetest
gratitude in your own unique way. In one minute, tell us about that special
person that has influenced your service. All of your November 2021 video blasts
will have the hash tag, #OneMinute21 and will be shared on our social media
platforms! Okay CSD, roll the camera.</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>A STUDENT AT HEART</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">MSG Vernon F. Humphrey, US Army (R)</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Contributed by Emily Gindlesperger</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 was an honor to be a soldier.
And it continues to be an honor, to be a Veteran.”</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Veteran’s Day is an important day
that has been set aside each year to honor the champions who have sacrificed
and served and continue to serve our nation. More specifically, it’s an
enlightening opportunity to recognize the courageous men and women that are the
living veterans among us. </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 our honor and a privilege to
be able to introduce to our readers, Master Sergeant, Vernon F. Humphrey and
President of our National Association of Blind Veterans.</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 many feelings about
Veterans Day. Proud, honored, reflection, respect, longing for times gone by,
and my father (who was also a veteran). And unfortunately, there are some that
are not so positive ones. For instance, when I see people who do not understand
the importance of thanking those who gave (or offered to) give everything. I am
honored to have served my country and, in many ways, will always be
serving. My sisters and brothers in arms
and I, will always share a bond that most will never understand.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Because of my vision loss and
medical retirement, I had an advantage most do not. I was able to spend a few
years watching my children grow, and then Veterans Affairs offered to send me
back to college.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">At Columbus State University (CSU),
I helped create and was an officer Omicron Psi chapter an honors program for
nontraditional students. I eventually graduated in 2005 with a BA degree. I soon realized how much I loved learning and
started a Master’s degree in Counseling at CSU.
It was not long after that I realized the many years of being a
Non-commissioned Officer (NCO) and a father, that counseling wasn’t for
me. I went to the University of
Louisiana at Lafayette (ULL)and earned a Masters in Communication with a focus
on Interpersonal and Organizational Communication and a minor in counseling
(2009). There, I helped create Delta
Alpha Pi chapter an honor society for people with disabilities. Additionally, I was a member and officer of
the Beacon Club at ULL. Our focus was to bring disability awareness to the
campus and community. Not wanting to stop, I went to the University of Southern
Mississippi and earned my PhD in Communication with a focus on Interpersonal
and Intercultural Communication (2015). The topic for my dissertation was
unique in that I researched how couples changed their communication patterns
when one of them became 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">After I returned to Columbus,
Georgia, I became the Chair of the Board of directors for a Non-profit
organization, the Disability Service Center, where we created a one stop shop
for people with disabilities. I joined
Rotary and found the camaraderie I knew in the Army. I have joined and become the President of the
National Association of Blind Veterans, as well as, the First VP of the
Fountain City Chapter of the NFB Georgia Affiliate.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In addition, I am active in the
Blinded Veterans of America (BVA), the Disabled American Veterans (DVA), and
supporting local law and enforcement, fire prevention, and EMS fields that my
children are also active in.</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 feel it is very important to
remind people of how honored we are as a country, to have had Veterans serve
us. Although I think it should happen
every day, and I am often told thank you for your service, celebrating
Veteran’s Day in unity, on one day makes us feel even more honored. Our country thought enough of our service, to
set aside one special day, every year.”</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>SAYING THANK YOU</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">National Veteran’s Day</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Every November the 11th, we are
given a life-altering opportunity to truly learn and understand the sacrifices
that service members and their families make day after day, year after year.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Have you ever wondered how you
could celebrate Veteran’s day? We went on the hunt for eager volunteers in
search of their plans to pay tribute to our Veterans this year!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">"We invited all of our church members and families, to
our ‘Care Package Party’! We didn't know
someone currently overseas, but we’ve all have had loved ones in service at
some point. We wanted to let our soldiers know that they are not forgotten and
contacted Blue Star Moms in our local area, to see if there were any troops
that were in need. We were able to send four heavy boxes this year!” -A senior
citizens group at North Chapel Church.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">“We pass out flyers throughout our neighborhoods, hang them
on the doors of our local post office, library, grocery stores, coffee shops,
and post on the VA bulletin board, about our annual, ‘Chicken Soup For Eleven
Eleven’ event. We say thank you by offering free unlimited, homecooked bowls of
hot chicken soup.” -The Frederick & Bloomberg Families.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Join the Community Service board
members, our Willing Worker’s Committee members, and all of our invaluable
Community Achievers, as we say, thank you! We are eternally grateful for your
service!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><i><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:107%;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(77,81,86);background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">“Our debt to the
heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid.
They have earned our undying gratitude.”</span></i></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%"> </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b>IT’S YOUR YEAR OF VISION</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">National Scholarship Awareness Month</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Written by Mirranda Williams</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 not here to boast or brag,
nope, never that! However, I am here to let you all know that I am a scholar
with a vision! </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Excuse me while I give a holler of
praise to my god for blessing me! Ok, praise break over for now, and now back
to our scheduled narrative! </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 Mirranda Williams an original
Georgia Peach that has been racking up multiple wins in this season since 2020
the year of vision. Collectively, I have received a total of 10 scholarships to
further my life’s endeavors. This number includes the opportunity to be a part
of the National Federation of the Blind illustrious 30. I was awarded a
scholarship that afforded me the opportunity to continue my education as well
as starting my own consulting agency Inspeyere LLC), assisting the older adult
population concerning mental and behavioral health. </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 truly thankful for all my
scholarship opportunities because they motivated me to reach for my greatest
potential and let it shine for all to see. It is not about the amount of money
I received but how I use it to achieve my life goals. Most people say that the
process is rigorous, and truthfully it is. However, nothing is worth having if
it can be easily obtained. Pause and let that soak in! Challenges make us
better and allows us to recognize our inherent strengths we all have them! I
challenge you to take a little time and apply for scholarships and see how they
could change your life, I did, and I could not be any more grateful than I am
now! Thank you, Federation Family, for believing in me and recognizing my hard
work! </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 future fellow scholars go
apply, apply, apply and let your own light shine!</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>A FIERY PASSION TO SERVE</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">November is National Diabetes
Month, a time when communities across the country team up to bring attention to
a far too common condition, diabetes. Wanda Sloan also known as Firecracker, is
a member of the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio and was born with a
form of insulin rejection, but was not properly diagnosed as a diabetic until
she was 32 years of age.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Wanda Marie Sloan was born in
Dayton, Ohio in 1948. She is a graduate from Sinclair Community College with an
associate degree in Nursing & Liberal Arts. She is also a graduate from
NYACK College, with a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Business Management.
Wanda has been blessed with a beautiful singing voice and has been a dedicated
member of local traveling community gospel choirs for the past twenty-one
years. While she was in college, she wrote a script, and performed a Historical
Tribute To Gospel Music. It was originally written for a Black History program,
and it was and has been performed throughout the Nation. Her script was so
powerful and popular, it was sold to Dr. Bobbie Jones and his Tennessee Super
Choir. And the best part, when they came
to Dayton, she had an amazing opportunity to sing with them.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Miss Sloan has served and continues
to serve on many committees and boards such as the City of Dayton Civil Service
Board, Home Finding Apartments committee, HRC (Human Relations Council) board, ACIL
(Access Center for Independent Living) board, DAN (Diabetes Action Network)
board, for a number of years. When she is not working tirelessly to advocate,
fundraise, and educate her local communities, she is expanding her skill sets
like taking Sign Language courses to be able to communicate with deaf community
members.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Diabetes is the leading cause of
adult blindness, kidney failure, cardiovascular disease, amputations, nerve
damage and other complications. This is why individuals like Wanda work hard to
create awareness, resources, and opportunities. She is extremely passionate and
committed in being a resource for those newly diagnosed with diabetes,
individuals new to blindness with diabetes, and continuing to educate herself
on all the latest technology advances regarding this condition.</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 know what it’s like to be blind
and I know how it feels to be diabetic. People need to know they are capable of
managing their condition without sight. I’m living the life I want and so can
they. </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’s important to encourage people
to establish a healthy eating habit, be faithful in taking their blood sugars,
and monitor their A 1 C test, which is a very important reading.”</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Wanda believes that it is crucial
for every diabetic to know all their options and to not be afraid to ask
questions. Members like Miss Sloan and the NFB Diabetes Action Network have
made tremendous strides, and know there is still a lot of work to be done. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">“Remember to take small steps.
Making changes to your lifestyle and daily habits can be hard, but you don’t
have to change everything at once. It’s okay to start small. Also, remember
that setbacks are normal and do not mean you have failed. The key is to get
back on track as soon as you can.”</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%"> </span></b></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%">THE
GIGGLE SPOT</span></b></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:12pt;line-height:107%">Friends & Families! CSD is celebrating the fall harvest
and every blissful blessings from this past year! Which brings us to your
November giggle for the 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-size:12pt;line-height:107%">Question:
What did the turkey say to the computer?</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%">Answer:
Googgle, google, google!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><i>Don’t think about it, laugh about it!</i></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%"> </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b>AT THE INTERSECTION OF BLINDNESS</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Native American Heritage Month</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Written by Justin Mark Hideaki Salisbury</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:9.5pt;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">“I
was first elected to the board of the national Association of blind students in
2012, and I am currently the second vice president. There were a few years that
I was not in school and not on the board, so that is not a continuous nine
years of leader ship, but it is true that I was first elected to the national
Association of blind students board in 2012 and currently serve as second vice
president.”</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">Community Service Division, this
young man has done so much for so many people, it’s very difficult to keep
track of all the ways he has empowered, advocated, inspired, and educated his
local communities. We could not truly celebrate National Native American
Heritage month without including Justin in the conversation. It’s important to
our federation family that we recognize Native American and Indigenous peoples
heritage, the original inhabitants of what is now the United States.</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 showed up on the University
of Wisconsin campus in Madison, I was ready for all the intensity of a
university program that would prepare me for my career. It was a beautiful
university on a lakefront property, and there were a lot of talented people
there. I was still wondering why they chose me to be a part of their club.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Another part of arriving on that
campus meant that Native American students kept approaching me to recruit me to
cultural programming. At first, I started wondering if I was wearing something
that showed off Native identity, but I wasn’t. Then, I started paying attention
to what these Native students would do after they left our conversations. Did
they just keep inviting everyone? Were they catching me as part of a canvassing
effort to recruit? No, it wasn’t that, either. In Wisconsin, my fellow Native
students could see me as one of them. Now, I am a mixed-race person, and I had
been going to school in the Confederate states, where I don’t look like the
Native people from there. In a way, these recruitment efforts were super
validating to me. Many mixed-race people go through a process of figuring out
where we fit in with each group. I’m not sure any of us get to a point where we
don’t have to figure that out in new circles of people. I can be sure of one
thing, though: service helped me belong.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">At the University of Wisconsin,
service often meant helping to put on events. I remember walking throughout
campus in small teams with other Native students, putting up flyers to
advertise. When it comes to putting on a powwow, there is a lot of planning
involved. We spent a lot of time working with the venue, the lodging, the
vendors, and putting together a solid program. It involved a lot of the same
skills we use to put on a student seminar or state convention in the National
Federation of the Blind. People didn’t seem to think about the fact that I was
blind. They seemed to think about the work that needed to be done and the
ability that I had to contribute. I remember coming back from a state
convention only to help clean up at the end of the University’s powwow, which I
had missed.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">That wasn’t my first-time doing
service activities in our community. During my undergraduate years at East
Carolina University, I was able to help rebuild a traditional Native American
village and cultural center after a hurricane had damaged them badly. On that
occasion, I did not go out of my way to prove what I could do as a blind
person. Perhaps there were activities that people silently thought would be
off-limits to a blind person. I really don’t know. I just focused on doing the
tasks that were given to me. Was I asked to drag the brush out of the woods
after others had used the chainsaws because I was blind, or was I asked to do
the other job because the people operating the chainsaws were the owners of the
chainsaws? I don’t know. Could I have used a chainsaw? Sure thing—I had done
this many times at my parents’ house—but the goal was to address the hurricane
damage as quickly as possible. I focused on being a part of the team, and I
allowed the elders to divvy up the tasks. It also occurred to me that certain
tasks could have certain meaning to the people doing them. I did not have to
know that meaning for each person, but I knew that we collectively took meaning
from our work. I was a part of the team, and we served our Native community.”</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"><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"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">NFB Diabetes
Action Network for the Blind (DAN)</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%">President:
Debbie Wunder</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:
<a href="mailto:debbiewunder@charter.net">debbiewunder@charter.net</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%">Website: <a href="http://nfb.org/about-us/divisions-committees-and-groups/divisions/diabetes-action-network">nfb.org/about-us/divisions-committees-and-groups/divisions/diabetes-action-network</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%">Mailing
List: <a href="http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org">nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.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"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">NFB National
Association of Blind Veterans</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%">President:
Vernon Humphrey</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:
<a href="mailto:mr_president@nabv.org">mr_president@nabv.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%">Website:
<a href="http://nabv.org">nabv.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%">Mailing
list: <a href="http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindvet-talk_nfbnet.org">nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindvet-talk_nfbnet.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"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">REPRESENT
YOUR STATE</span></b></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%">Kansas</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%">November
12-14, 2021</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:
Olathe (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://nfbks.org">nfbks.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"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">Kentucky</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%">November
5-7, 2021</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://nfbofky.org">nfbofky.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"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">Louisiana</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%">November
5-7, 2021</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:
Baton Rouge (Crowne Plaza)</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"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">Maryland</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%">November
12-15, 2021</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:
Baltimore (Holiday Inn Inner Harbor)</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://nfbmd.org">nfbmd.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"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">Michigan</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%">November
11-13, 2021</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://nfbmi.org">nfbmi.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"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">Minnesota</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%">November
5-7, 2021</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:
Minneapolis (Minn/St. Paul Airport Hilton)</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://nfbmn.org/">nfbmn.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"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">Nevada</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%">November
13-14, 2021</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://nfbnevada.org">nfbnevada.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"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">New
Jersey</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%">November
10-13, 2021</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://nfbnj.org">nfbnj.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"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">Ohio</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%">November 5-6
2021</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://nfbohio.org">nfbohio.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"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">Oregon</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%">November
12-14, 2021</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:
Cottage Grove</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://nfb-oregon.org">nfb-oregon.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"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">Pennsylvania</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%">November
12-14, 2021</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:
Harrisburg (Crowne Plaza)</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://nfbp.org">nfbp.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"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">Texas</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%">November
5-7, 2021</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://nfbtx.org">nfbtx.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"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">Washington</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%">November
5-7, 2021</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://nfbw.org">nfbw.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"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">Wyoming</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%">November 13,
2021</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://nfbwyoming.org/">http://nfbwyoming.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"><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">NFB Community Service Division</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 the 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!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> </p></div></div></div></div></div>