<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">February 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>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><u><span style="font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black">POP RIGHT To THE TOP</span></u></b><span style="font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;text-indent:0.5in;line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black">The NFB COMMUNITY
SERVICE DIVISION is proud to announce the dates for our next mouth-watering,
flavorsome, kernelicious POPCORN FUNDRAISER! That’s right, we’ve brought back
the Double Good greatness, and our NFB CSD Willing Workers are diligently
working-hard to setup a PopTastic popcorn store near you! </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;text-indent:0.5in;line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black">Mark your calendars to
start shopping on Friday, March 4<sup>th</sup> at 12PM, and don’t stop until
every bag has been sold by Tuesday, March 8<sup>th</sup> at 12PM EST!</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">We know the time is short, but
these explosive flavors are popping out with greatness! As a matter of fact, we
believe your pantry is feeling empty right now! It needs to know all about
Butter Believe It, White Cheddar Go Getter, Little Kettle That Could, and 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"><span style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:107%;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black">Proceeds gained from this fundraiser will support the efforts of
the federation in addition to help promote the Community Service Division
projects. With that being said, get your mouse clicks and finger taps ready
because we’re going to POP RIGHT To The TOP, CSD Style!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;text-indent:0.5in;line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black">Please contact Gloria
Nathan-Cherry “The Popcorn Lady” for more information at, (215)-971-6650.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;text-indent:0.5in;line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black">If you listen very, very
closely, you can almost hear the sizzles and crackles of the hot oil. Double
Good Gourmet has turned up the heat and is ready for the CSD fundraiser to
start cooking in service!</span></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">STOP, DROP, & LAUGH</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Knock!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Knock!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Who's there?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Olive!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Olive who?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Olive you!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;text-indent:0.5in;line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black">"My great hope is
to laugh as much as I cry; to get my work done and try to love somebody and
have the courage to accept the love in return.” by Maya Angelou</span></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">SERVING IN THE NAME OF LOVE</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b>Can you feel the love of the Community Service Division?
We cordially welcome everyone to our monthly meeting on February 21, 2022 at 7
PM Eastern Time. Please expect to be loved on purpose</b>.<b></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">POP in the Zoom Meeting 15 minutes early for a chance to win
the lovely POP-UP PRIZES!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89480609357" style="color:rgb(5,99,193)">https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89480609357</a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Meeting ID: 894 8060 9357</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">One tap mobile</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">+13462487799,,89480609357#</p>
<p class="gmail-p1" style="margin:0in;font-size:13pt;font-family:".AppleSystemUIFont",serif"><span class="gmail-s1" style="font-family:".SFUI-Semibold",serif">Why I </span><span class="gmail-s2" style="font-family:".AppleColorEmojiUI",serif"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif">❤</span>️</span><span class="gmail-s1" style="font-family:".SFUI-Semibold",serif"> Volunteering?</span></p>
<p class="gmail-p1" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in;font-size:13pt;font-family:".AppleSystemUIFont",serif"><span class="gmail-s1" style="font-family:".SFUI-Semibold",serif">From a child, I witness my
mother’s love for helping people.</span><span class="gmail-apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family:".SFUI-Semibold",serif"> </span></span><span class="gmail-s1" style="font-family:".SFUI-Semibold",serif">What
can I say, “The Apple does not fall too far from the tree.” I absolutely love
volunteering. In my spare time, I actively volunteer in various roles in my
community such as Child Advocate for CASA, feeding the homeless, home-visits to
newly blind individuals, Greeter Ministry, Titians for Christ High School
Christian Club Sponsor, Buddy Program, mentorship Program for at-risk youth</span><span class="gmail-apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family:".SFUI-Semibold",serif">
and</span></span><span class="gmail-s1" style="font-family:".SFUI-Semibold",serif"> the list goes on... I served independently as
well with groups, and loved every opportunity to provide a helping hand. So
many people have help me in my walk of life. I would love to take this moment
to thank my blind community for embracing me since 2012. You all taught me
skills, confidence, and hard work pays off. Thank you, federation, for being a
loving organization as a whole that help me overcome fears and wipe my tears
with cheers!</span></p>
<p class="gmail-p1" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in;font-size:13pt;font-family:".AppleSystemUIFont",serif"><span class="gmail-s1" style="font-family:".SFUI-Semibold",serif">Help CSD share the love of
service through your stories in this loving month of February. Why do you love
to serve?</span><span class="gmail-apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family:".SFUI-Semibold",serif"> Step up to the MIC, 60 seconds to share at our
upcoming meeting or write a reflection of your service, and send it to,</span></span></p>
<p class="gmail-p1" style="margin:0in;font-size:13pt;font-family:".AppleSystemUIFont",serif"><span class="gmail-apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family:".SFUI-Semibold",serif"><a href="mailto:price.jeanetta@gmail.com" style="color:rgb(5,99,193)">price.jeanetta@gmail.com</a>.</span></span></p>
<p class="gmail-p1" style="margin:0in;font-size:13pt;font-family:".AppleSystemUIFont",serif"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><u><span style="font-size:13pt;font-family:UICTFontTextStyleBody,serif;color:rgb(69,69,69)">FORGIVING
FEBRUARY</span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13pt;font-family:UICTFontTextStyleBody,serif;color:rgb(69,69,69)">We challenge
you to forgive someone who has did you wrong. We challenge you to challenge
someone else this challenge.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size:25pt;font-family:UICTFontTextStyleBody,serif;color:rgb(69,69,69)">Recipe For
Love!</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13pt;font-family:UICTFontTextStyleBody,serif;color:rgb(69,69,69)">Ingredients:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin:0in;text-align:center;line-height:normal;vertical-align:baseline;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13pt;font-family:UICTFontTextStyleBody,serif;color:rgb(69,69,69)">2 Hearts Full of Love</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin:0in;text-align:center;line-height:normal;vertical-align:baseline;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13pt;font-family:UICTFontTextStyleBody,serif;color:rgb(69,69,69)">2 Heaping Cups of Kindness</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin:0in;text-align:center;line-height:normal;vertical-align:baseline;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13pt;font-family:UICTFontTextStyleBody,serif;color:rgb(69,69,69)">2 Armfuls of Gentleness</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin:0in;text-align:center;line-height:normal;vertical-align:baseline;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13pt;font-family:UICTFontTextStyleBody,serif;color:rgb(69,69,69)">2 Cups of Friendship</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin:0in;text-align:center;line-height:normal;vertical-align:baseline;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13pt;font-family:UICTFontTextStyleBody,serif;color:rgb(69,69,69)">2 Cups of Joy</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin:0in;text-align:center;line-height:normal;vertical-align:baseline;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13pt;font-family:UICTFontTextStyleBody,serif;color:rgb(69,69,69)">2 Big Hearts Full of
Forgiveness</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin:0in;text-align:center;line-height:normal;vertical-align:baseline;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13pt;font-family:UICTFontTextStyleBody,serif;color:rgb(69,69,69)">1 Lifetime of Togetherness</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin:0in;text-align:center;line-height:normal;vertical-align:baseline;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13pt;font-family:UICTFontTextStyleBody,serif;color:rgb(69,69,69)">2 Minds Full of Tenderness</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin:0in;text-align:center;line-height:normal;vertical-align:baseline;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13pt;font-family:UICTFontTextStyleBody,serif;color:rgb(69,69,69)">Method:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin:0in;text-align:center;line-height:normal;vertical-align:baseline;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13pt;font-family:UICTFontTextStyleBody,serif;color:rgb(69,69,69)">Stir daily with
Happiness, Humor and Patience.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin:0in;text-align:center;line-height:normal;vertical-align:baseline;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13pt;font-family:UICTFontTextStyleBody,serif;color:rgb(69,69,69)">Serve with Warmth and Compassion,
Respect and Loyalty.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin:0in 0in 15pt;text-align:center;line-height:normal;vertical-align:baseline;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><i><span style="font-size:13pt;font-family:UICTFontTextStyleBody,serif;color:rgb(69,69,69);border:1pt none windowtext;padding:0in">(author unknown)</span></i></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">BOOK WORMS SMILING WITH APPRECIATION</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Written by Daria Bannerman</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Do you enjoy walking into your
local library? Do you love to browse the many shelves filled with books in
hopes that one of them will jump out at you? How about the anticipation of
being swept away by a captivating novel? Or have you ever received books in
Braille, audio, and large print formats from libraries that specifically cater
to your needs? If so, we are calling for a celebration! It’s not just the CSD
call for a celebration, the whole nation is showing their heart’s desire for
books, books, and more books!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">February is known as National
Library Lovers Month. Libraries are a wonderful place to discover new and
interesting reads, a great quiet place to gather for meetings, provides ample
resources to work on research projects, or even a place to get away. We
encourage you to show appreciation for your local libraries by letting your
local NLS librarian know how much you appreciate their hard work and dedication
as a public servant. Also, inquire about potential volunteer opportunities your
local library may offer to the community and get involved. We also want to spread
the news about the National Library Service’s has recently changed their name
to National Library Services for the Blind and Print Disabled.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Happy Library Lovers month, CSD!
Thank you to all the libraries in the world! I am eternally grateful for everything
that our libraries do to make books, magazines, newsletters, and other
publications accessible for us. However, you wish to celebrate, I hope you do.
I know I plan to!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b> </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">BLACK HISTORY SPOTLIGHTS</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><i><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(53,53,53)"> “I had no idea that history was being
made. I was just tired of giving up.” by </span></i></b><i><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(53,53,53);background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">Rosa Parks.</span></i><b><i><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(53,53,53)"></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b>The Community Service Division celebrates Black History
Month by shining the spotlight on Black Blind Arthurs within the federation for
their accomplishments, service, and creative published writings. These three
influential authors have served tirelessly as leaders within our federation and
beyond. They have inspired generations before and after them, and they are the
movers and shakers in what it means to live the life you want.</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b>Genuine Love</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"><b>Published Author, Dr. Carolyn
Peters</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">“In the year of 2006, I was
diagnosed as being legally blind. In 2008, I decided to retired and pursue my
doctorate degree in theology, which I had acquired in 2011. And in 2012,
self-published as a brand-new author of “Knowing When to Go” based on the book
of Ruth.</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 book is a chronology of events
that I have challenged myself through my journeys in life. From my past, to my
present, to embrace and honor my future. My book is spiritually based and I
Field with the what, when, where, why, and how.”</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>A Brilliant Scholar</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"><b>Published Author, Dr. J.W. Smith</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">“I have never really enjoyed
writing but I’ve always enjoyed communicating. I don’t consider myself to be a
very good writer, but I do believe that my life narrative is worthy of publication.
This is probably the real reason that I wrote my book entitled “From the Back
of the Bus to the Front of the Classroom: My Thirty- year Journey as a Black
and Blind Professor”.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The intersectionality of my
blindness and racial ethnicity has always fascinated me and many others who
know me. I was born with infantile glaucoma, which meant that I could see out
of one eye. After a freak accident at the age of three, I lost the use of that
quote on quote ‘good eye’. Essentially, I’ve been blind since birth and this
has significantly colored and shaped how I see the world. My life narrative
covered in this recent memoir focuses on my journey as a professor in academia
since 1985.</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 would characterize my writing
style as anecdotal, free flowing, and personally driven. When I write a song or
a book, I must start with the title. When I get the title, the rest seems to
just fall into place. The title of this book came to me while literally riding
a bus from Cincinnati OH to Athens OH. For obvious reasons, my job and life
goals require me to write, but I love the fact that I have earned the right to
write what I want and in the way that I prefer.”</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>Soaps of Hope</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"><b>Published Author, </b><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Natassha
Ricks</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">I’m Natassha Ricks
also known as Author N. Lichells who writes contemporary romance novels.
Reading romance novels earlier in life fueled my inquisitiveness of love and
relationships. My passion for the genre inspired me to write my first story.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">I found myself
engrossed in the lives of the characters I read about and wanted their stories
to continue long after the epilogue. So,
I found myself coming up with various scenarios to keep the story going.
Looking back, I have to laugh at how I turned some of my favorite reads into
soap operas. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Over the years,
these stories along with new ones took up residence in my mind and refused to
leave. Two years ago, I told a good friend about the stories housed within me
and how they would be better suited in a book. The following day, I received an
email about a writing workshop, Finding
The Writer Within offered by GLAAWC. Participating in this workshop led
me to attend other workshops and joining a writing group, # I AM Writing, facilitated by Author
Abby L. Vandiver. The more active I became in the writing community, the deeper
I fell in love with writing.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">It’s no secret
that blindness comes with its own set of challenges. However, I wasn’t prepared
for how my lack of vision would impact me as an author. The wind was knocked
out of my sail when I shared my first story. A group member said she had
difficulty reading it. But difficulty didn’t stem from the words I’d written,
rather how they’d been presented. As an audio book reader, one doesn’t see how
dialogue is displayed within a book, you just hear it. And unfortunately,
that’s how I wrote it. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">With the help of
my writing group, I’ve overcome many obstacles related to lack of sight.
Patience is truly a virtue, and I can’t thank them enough for providing me with
the support and resources I’ve needed to get to where I am today.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b>“Never be limited by other people’s limited
imaginations.”</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b> </b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b>BOOKS ON THE MOVE</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b>Written by Stacie Leap</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">Literacy is one aspect of education
that some children struggle due to lack of those reading resources like books and
we hope to bridge the gap. Many studies show that as literacy rates increase,
so does self-esteem, confidence, employment rates, higher education acceptance,
and the expanding of knowledge.</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 Monday, January 17, 2022, The
Community Support Program of Philadelphia (CSP Philly) collected 1,523 books
for their annual book drive during the Greater Philadelphia MLK Day of
Service. As we exceed our yearly goal of
1,000 books, we donated these amazing books to various organizations and
agencies including: National Federation of the Blind, Salvation Army
Philadelphia, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Belmont Charter Network,
Lombard Central Presbyterian Church, and the Y.
We also donated these books to various neighbors in West Philadelphia. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">As we are approaching our third
year in 2023, we are hoping for some assistance in obtaining books. These books
can be for all grade levels and appropriate for adult readers. We will be
donating these books to various schools, organizations and agencies within Pennsylvania.
Our goal for 2023 is to collect 1,500 books.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Everyone who contributes to our
book drive will help us reach more children and adults with the gift of books
and the promise of literacy. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">As we head towards our third year,
we are asking for your help as well. Please consider donating books to CSP. </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 asking for books for all
grade levels, reading levels and reading abilities. This includes books for
newborns/toddlers, elementary/middle/high school students, college and trade
school students. We are also asking for audio books, picture books, Braille
books, ASL books, etc. for children and families with various disabilities. We
greatly appreciate all efforts being put into this book drive.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Thank you, Philly, for going BEYOND
THE SIX DOTS!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.25in;line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.25in;line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">A SPLASH OF
LOVE<b><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"></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">National Wedding Month</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Written by Adrienne Nelson</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 to the chapel and
we're gonna get married!”</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 magnificent celebration of two
individuals coming together as one! O how romantic! Allow me to offer my
expertise on the trendy colors of the 2022 wedding season!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">As the bride chooses her most
elegant gown, we are now looking for the glamorous attire for the wedding party.
It's important to have a good color palette because sometimes it can be difficult.
These are some of the colors being highlighted.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">(1) Burgundy / bottle bottom-
maroon will always be stylish. Loving that people are turning slightly to a
light purple gives different light mood and the color palette. Good for spring
and summer. Recommend jasmine or scarlet to complete.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">(2) Deep sea palette ranging from
fouulti-color light to dark, creating mix and match for bridesmaids’ dresses
accessories with gold mood or whimsical and romantic. Recommend mortally deep
sea, teal and sky.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">(3) Love Jewel tone for all seasons
with Dusty rose complements everyone. Emerald adds formality and instead of
chiffon go satin is formal. Good for evening and weekends. Recommend Jasmine,
camel or creamer.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">(4) Classic Navy blue - dark enough
to be moody, sophisticated, slimming and lighter than black. Add gold and you
have elegant look. Chiffon is for summer and satin for fall.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">(5) Yellow/ cannot go wrong with
all yellows, Mustard yellow with dusty under tone popular for fall weddings.
Can go with any color and enjoy greenery look. Stay close to gold to accent
everyone complexion.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">(6) don’t be afraid to stick with
one color using different shades of under tone and pastels. One color theme can
be Pink. Good for mix match looks, but allow the bridesmaids to choose their
own colors.</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 wedding flowers and bouquets, I
recommend the following:</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">(1) beautiful bouquet with dried
poppy.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">(2) Lily of the valley blooms is
still popular. For romantic, traditional and elegant wedding with white flowers
and green stem.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">(3) Peony, great for June, big
colorful flowers and great fragrance. Good for garden and romantic wedding.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">(4) Delphenium beautiful flowers
with long stem, bold bloom added to flower bouquet, for outlining the aisle and
for centerpiece. Beautiful colors of pink, white and cobalt blue. Perfect for
garden or whimsical romance.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">(5) Roses can be found in different
hue. May be used for bouquet or centerpiece for traditional wedding.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">(6) Hydrangeas big bloom heads. Can
find in different colors include white, purple, pink and blue. For bouquet and
centerpiece for garden and whimsical wedding</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 your Wedding Day! Make this
your own beautiful paradise.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Lights! Camera! Smile! You are a
handsome Groom and beautiful Bride!!!!</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">LISTEN TO YOUR HEART</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">National Heart Disease Month</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Contributed by Hannah Litman</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">February is American Heart month, a
time when all people can focus on their cardiovascular health. CSD wants to
shine a light on a non-profit organization going the distance in providing an
awareness, resources, and educating their local communities on heart disease.</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 love being able to talk with and
work alongside others in the non-profit world!” says Hannah Litman of The Heart
Foundation located in Westlake Village of California.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">“The Heart Foundation’s mission is
to save lives by educating the public about heart disease, promoting early
detection, and supporting the research taking place at Cedars-Sinai under the
direction of world-renowned cardiologist Dr. P.K. Shah in the quest to find
more effective ways to prevent and treat the #1 cause of death in the U.S.</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 dedicate ourselves to this
mission in memory of Steven S. Cohen, an incredible husband, father, son,
brother and friend. Too often, the only
sign of heart disease is sudden death. Steve exercised regularly, didn’t drink,
didn’t smoke, wasn’t overweight and had just received a clean bill of health
two months prior at his annual check-up. Steve died suddenly with no warning
signs or symptoms. His wife, daughters, family members and friends were left
behind in a state of shock and disbelief. How could this have happened to
someone so young, vital and seemingly healthy?
Driven to do something to honor Steve’s memory and save other families
from suffering the tragic loss of a loved one to heart disease, Steve’s
friends, family and community formed The Steven S. Cohen Heart Fund in 1996. In
2004, the name was changed to The Heart Foundation. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Over the years, The Heart
Foundation has hosted celebrity galas, CPR/AED Certification courses, days of
well-being, fitness classes, and live conversations with influential people—all
to spread awareness of heart disease and the importance of heart health. We are also proud to announce that in 2021,
Dr. P.K. Shah and the colleagues in his laboratory received FDA approval for a
phase 2 human clinical trial for a vaccine for atherosclerosis.”</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">A healthy heart will give you the courage to face and
overcome any challenge in life!</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:18pt;line-height:107%">MY WELLNESS
JOURNEY</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b>Written by CaspHer of
Boston, MA </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">I have shared many experiences in
my life about what it means to be deaf-blind and so forth, but I’ve never come
close to sharing my personal experiences when it comes to health and wellness.</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 come from a lineage of repetitive
health conditions passed down from generations. Those health conditions consist
of, diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Both of my parents have
been plagued by these common diseases, which has contributed to their health
issues.</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 me, I have lived with obesity
my entire life and didn’t pay much attention to what was happening with my
body. I just went through the motions of life with the same habits of poor
dieting and not much physical activity.
If I did not develop any additional health problems, I would be fine. I
knew deep down that everything doesn’t remain the same and that I would need to
start making changes before it was way too late.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">One of the most embarrassing
moments was on the day of my Mother’s funeral and I was looking for a suit to
wear. I realized that none of my plus size pants fit me and I was usually
properly fitted. I had also realized that even when I found the right size, I
still couldn’t hide the additional weight. The extra weight came from grief
eating and poor dieting habits. I was silently cursing at myself about how much
extra weight I had gained during this awful pandemic and felt awful because the
embarrassment was completely preventable.</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 knew what I had to do and what
the best practices would be for a better me. I started out slowly by changing
the portion of my meals, cut out all the unhealthy foods, and began cooking my
meals at home. With the home cooked meals, I knew what I was putting into my
body. I also started changing the frequencies of my meal intakes. During my
annual checkup, my doctor noticed that I had lost around thirty pounds, and at
that time I hadn’t even stepped foot in a gym. He told me that whatever I had
been doing was a great thing, and that I had significantly reduced my risk of
becoming diabetic or having a heart disease. I left the hospital completely
motivated to change and keep working on myself. It was time to take care of
myself inside and out from now on!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Once everything surrounding the
funeral started to calm down, I would drag myself out of bed to go for short
walks, then they became longer walks. In May of 2021, I was determined to make fitness
a part of my everyday life. I invested in a personal trainer and even began
changing my diet along with the added training. I made sure I went to the gym
five days a week and even met with a dietician once a month, to track my
progress. I collectively have lost about sixty pounds! But I did not stop
there. I wanted to learn more training techniques and turned to accessible
jogging! So, I will collaborate with my O&M instructor and trainer for
safer techniques. I am one that enjoys staying open to new experiences outside
of my norm and looking forward to what’s 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">It’s very important that I hold
myself accountable and maintain the mindset that I’m responsible for myself
only. Making healthier food choices and exercising regularly could be the changes
my body had been craving all these years. Friends and family also noticed an
entire positive transformation. Don’t get me wrong, I still eat out at
restaurants, but I make better choices when I do. </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 invite all of our readers to take
the best care of yourselves as there is only one of you. Stay as safe as
possible and keep being amazing individuals!</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%"> </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">REPRESENT YOUR STATE</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b>THE HEALTHY BITES</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b>Written by Stacie Leap</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">As a big urban city, homelessness and availability of
nutritious food has been a problem for many citizens of Philadelphia. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Lombard Central Presbyterian Church has offered hot
breakfast and lunch to the homeless and the neighbors of West Philadelphia. The
meals are offered every Friday until 2pm EST. Many volunteers come together to
prepare, prep, cook, and serve the meals to those who attend. As people come
for a hot meal, they are also given resources throughout the city of
Philadelphia such as a listing of shelters, food pantries, free clinics, and
other free or low-cost programs. We also offer a food pantry for individuals
through the donations provided by the SHARE FOOD program and Trader’s</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">S Joe supermarket.
These donations include but not limited to: fresh fruits and vegetables,
milk, eggs, meats, along with other perishables and non-perishables items.
Since the pandemic, Lombard Central Presbyterian Church has served hundreds of
people in the community. If you wish to donate time, food, money, or anything
to the church, please contact, Stacie Leap. </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">Celebrate Black History Month: Learn, Grow, & Volunteer</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><a href="https://www.tomsofmaine.com/good-matters/helping-hands/celebrate-black-history-month-learn-grow-and-volunteer" style="color:rgb(5,99,193)">https://www.tomsofmaine.com/good-matters/helping-hands/celebrate-black-history-month-learn-grow-and-volunteer</a></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">The Heart Foundation and to spread
awareness of heart disease, head to: </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 href="http://www.theheartfoundation.org" style="color:rgb(5,99,193)">www.theheartfoundation.org</a> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b> </b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">For more information on the publications of our featured
authors:</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Book title: Knowing When to Go bye
Dr. Carolyn Peters</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">To obtain a copy, call Dr. Peters,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Phone: (937) 657-5134</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Email: <a href="mailto:Dr.carolyn.peters@gmail.com" style="color:rgb(5,99,193)">Dr.carolyn.peters@gmail.com</a></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">Book title: From the Back of the Bus to the Front of the
Classroom: My Thirty- year Journey as a Black and Blind Professor by Dr. J.W.
Smith</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Purchase from: Amazon, Barns & Noble,
Audibles, and/or request a braille copy (two volumes) by emailing,</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 href="mailto:smithj@ohio.edu" style="color:rgb(5,99,193)">smithj@ohio.edu</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;line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black">Book title: <i>Santa Claus Comes To Town</i> by N.
Lichells</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black">Purchase from Amazon, Audibles, and/or Kindle </span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black">More titles: The first fifteen episodes of <i>Batshit
Crazy In Love</i> will be available on Kindle Vella in February 2022, <i>A Rock
And A Heart Place </i>will be available in all formats on Amazon in April 2022</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;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">To learn more about the Community Support Program of
Philadelphia, please email:</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><a href="mailto:phillycsp@gmail.com" style="color:rgb(5,99,193)">phillycsp@gmail.com</a></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"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">Alabama
State Affiliate 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%">Connections,
Independence and Empowerment: A Formula For Success</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 4 to 6,
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%"> <a href="https://nfbal.org/civicrm/event/info?id=1&reset=1" style="color:rgb(5,99,193)">https://nfbal.org/civicrm/event/info?id=1&reset=1</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 Affiliate 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%">Choosing to
be Champions</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 to 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%"><a href="https://www.nfbma.org/state-convention" style="color:rgb(5,99,193)">https://www.nfbma.org/state-convention</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%">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%">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>