<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">September 2022 Quarterly 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 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><a href="ROLLING%20OUT%20THE%20RED%20CARPET" style="color:rgb(5,99,193)">ROLLING OUT THE RED
CARPET</a></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Blind Equality & Achievement 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">Okay devoted readers, it’s time to get
your calendars up and out! You’ve got a Blind Date with The National Federation
of the Blind Community Service Division & Friends! You have ever so
fabulously been invited to attend our <b>second annual, HANDS UP & JOIN US
event!</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">With your most permanent writing
utensil, mark your calendar for Sunday, October 16, 2022 at 7PM Eastern time.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Actually, make sure your date books reflect
the time, 6:45PM. We want you to pop up with us fifteen minutes early! “Don’t
be shy”, the president says! Get those virtual hands up and be the next contestant
to sing the snazziest jingle in town!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Come be all about the Blind Equality
Achievement Month and let’s kick off this event with every morsel of your awesomeness!</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 Jingle Lyrics:</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">We are the community service.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Helping all over the land.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">We are the community service</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Helping all that we can</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 we are</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 community service</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">We are the community service.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Inviting you to join in the plan</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">We are the community service</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 part of the NFB clan</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">SERVING AND LIVING</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">ALL BECAUSE WE CAN.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Our event location will be held at the
magnificent Zoom-A-Theater near you! This arena is incredible, we’ve made sure the
event is within everyone’s reach. It may even feel like you are within the
comfort of your own home!</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, invite all your friends and
family, and stay tuned to all the CSD’s channels for our clickable and dialable
Zoom-A-Theater information.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><i>“<span style="color:black;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">A family that Zoom’s together, SERVE
together, STAY together!”</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><a href="FIREWORKS%20BEYOND%20THE%20BIG%20EASY" style="color:rgb(5,99,193)">FIREWORKS BEYOND THE BIG EASY</a><i><span style="color:black;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">National
Convention Community Service Seminar</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Written by
Kanya Harrison</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> Let the good times
roll was the slogan for this year’s seminar, and that they did. You can feel
and hear the excitement from getting off the escalator to the other end of the
hall with all the marshals on post directing all to the CSD party.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center;text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">I also
served as a marshal before the seminar
began; that was awesome and fun to be a part of. My post was just passed the seminar’s doorway
calling out to passersby, “CSD this way is the place to be”.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center;text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">I can hear
the enthusiasm and readiness from the people in line there for registration for
the first time. You can hear some say, ‘CSD knows how to have a good time’ and
someone else said, ‘I’ve been looking forward to CSD’s seminar.’</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center;text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">As we entered
the seminar, music was playing, people were singing and talking amongst each
other, and it’s standing room only. Imagine that the atmosphere was set for a
fun time. Oh, chicken thunder not to mention, when our President Jeannetta
Price graced the mic with all of her energy, positivity, and passion for
service, it was so infectious it literally lit up the room like fireworks.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center;text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Ms. Hattie
Mae from Texas sang a beautiful original piece she created about community
service just for CSD and the love, partnership and service of the division. I
was honored to give a short testimonial about the joy and sense of
accomplishment I gained during our
Double Good Popcorn fundraiser opening my store for the 1<sup>st</sup>
time which made a profit of over $840 as a 1<sup>st</sup> timer with CSD.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center;text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">What I
loved most about the seminar was honoring those that we have lost, those who
are consistently a source of support to CSD, and those making a mark serving in
their community. A Presentation that featured two scholarships called The No Butts About It and A Star is Born in
memory of two beautiful souls that were a part of the CSD family, who have
gained their wings, what a special tribute to them, their families, and
chapters.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center;text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Whoever
said or thought blind/vision impaired people are incapable of making a
difference has never come across a NFB’s Community Service Division led by
Jeanetta Price and a team of Willing Workers.
Now let’s get our Service on.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:11.75pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><a href="THE%20STORIES%20UNTOL" style="color:rgb(5,99,193)">THE
STORIES UNTOL</a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:11.75pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Reflections From The 2022
National Convention</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:11.75pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="color:black"><img border="0" width="624" height="468"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:11.75pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10pt">Image description: A group of more than fifteen people in a room
standing to take a group picture. They are all wearing white shirts with green
letters that read, Serving Beyond The Six Dots. In front of them is a table
with tons of lime green eco bags and another set of tables at the front that
has lots of boxes that contain different bottles and toiletries. ) Described by
an Aira Agent.)</span></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraph" style="line-height:11.75pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt 0.5in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10pt">-<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></span>Remembering
those little hands by Delcenia Brown.<span style="font-size:10pt"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;line-height:11.75pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It was my first time serving in
person during a National Convention. Upon arriving at the Covenant House, I was
very excited and honored to be there to help. I was so pleased to be able to
finally meet other federation volunteers for the first time and to be serving
in person after three years!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;line-height:11.75pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">At first, because of my hearing,
it was a little difficult for me to hear the directions. But once I realized
what we were doing things happened rather quickly. We then began to move the
overflowing boxes around the room and place the hundreds of donated items on various
tables. Next, we spent the next several hours separating and organizing
all of the supplies into lime green customized ‘Serving Beyond The Six Dots’
bags. It was amazing how everyone moves quickly to work as a team.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;line-height:11.75pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Then it was lunch time! For us,
that meant time to mingle and serve. I spent the lunch hour handing out oatmeal
cream pies to all of the youth passing through. It may not seem like much, but
I had so much fun announcing what I was giving away like I was one of the people
selling hot dogs at a baseball game. And it tickled me every time I swore it
felt like the same hands twice.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;line-height:11.75pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">I was truly grateful to be a
part of the Covenant House project and to be able to help in any way I
could. It was beautiful to see how well each Federation member had worked
together as a team, and instantly recognized that there was no job too small.
Everyone quickly dived in and did their part.</p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraph" style="line-height:11.75pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt 0.5in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">-<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><b><span style="color:black">An Ambassador
At Large, Contributed by Daria Bannerman</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">Quitrina Townes became a mentor and an
ambassador at the Pennsylvania state convention in Harrisburg, and at this
year’s national convention in New Orleans.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">While volunteering as an ambassador,
she prepared future convention goers for conventions by informing them on how
to set up transportation, where to go to get necessities such as food and
medication while attending convention, where to get an extra cane, types of
clothing to wear, etc.</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 the national convention, she
volunteered at the Covenant House—a shelter for homeless youth who have
experienced trauma. While there, she realized her desire to volunteer at
various homeless shelters in her community. Seeing the excitement and joy the
youth displayed warmed her heart, and she enjoyed the opportunity to bond and
serve the youth at The Covenant House. She believes the youth enjoyed
themselves and appreciated CSD FOR providing them with a positive AND ENJOYABLE
experience. The community service project at The Covenant House opened
Quitrina’s eyes to the situations people face. She desires to volunteer at soup
kitchens and homeless shelters in her area/community. In addition, she enjoyed
meeting the members of CSD and knew that we would be making a difference in the
lives of the youth. She can’t wait to see what is in store for the annual
community service project for 2023.</p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraph" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt 0.5in;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">-<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><b>History
In The Making by Marvin Griffin</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;line-height:11.75pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Wow! This was my first of what I
hoped to be many more conventions to experience!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;line-height:11.75pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">I was so excited about the whole
opportunity to be around people who had so much in common with myself. I must
admit though, I was nervous because this was my first time traveling alone
since I lost my site over eleven years ago.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;line-height:11.75pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">I had a little bit of
trepidation about the airplane ride, but it actually turned out to be pretty
cool. When I walked into the hotel in New Orleans, the place was a madhouse.
All I could remember hearing were the clicking and clicking of those canes
hitting that tile floor in the hotel lobby. I almost wanted to exhale and say
oh I am home, lol.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;line-height:11.75pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">I had several experiences that
week that turned out to be pretty special. First, I was able to witness a
historical event when the Black Leaders Serving For Advancement committee
finally became a national division. Second, the Community Service Division’s seminar
was so full of energy, I was so proud of everyone being so involved. And my
most favorite highlight, the volunteer project at the Covenant House. It felt
so good to see the work that we put in during our fundraisers; to actually see
it pay off for so many young people. I anticipate next year’s convention in
Houston being a phenomenal one. And I look forward to making a mark for the
blind community in an awesome way!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;line-height:11.75pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">All in all, I feel I made
friends for life during the convention and I am looking forward to what lies
ahead for all of us.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b>- Taking It All
In by June Hunter-Hardy</b></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.5in;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">1. My
enlightenment was when my daughter Destinee described the lowering of the
Essence festival flag and having the opportunity to observe them raising up the
NFB flag.</p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.5in;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">2. I had a chance
to experience a monumental event when the Black Leaders Serving For Advancement
committee became a national division.</p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.5in;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">3. When I heard the
Popcorn King (Marvin Griffin) sing ‘Lift Every Voice & Sing’, that truly
touched my soul.</p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.5in;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">4. I also thoroughly
enjoyed spending time with the Divine 9 OOOP (Greek and Masonic group).</p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.5in;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">5. I had a
wonderful opportunity to volunteer at the Independence Market over in the
Exhibit Hall. I sold a number of items, found a few new treasures for myself,
and was able to network with even more federationist.</p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.5in;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">6. And my first
in-person national convention experience came full circle when the Community
Service Division dined together at Drago’s restaurant, then reunited again at
the Covenant House. It felt good being at the Covenant House with my CSD
family. Being able to come together as one, sharing laughs and smiles, and
enjoying each other’s company while we were serving the youth. It was an
all-around astonishing experience. It’s the littlest things similar to the
everyday items we were packing in each of those bags, that we tend to take for granted.</p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt 0.5in;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">-<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><b>One Jazz Note At A Time by Jessica Stover</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">To me, our organization is more than
adding new members. Building the federation is also about serving both locally
and nationally. When we work together as an organization, it helps strengthen
our community. This being my first in person national convention, I had many
opportunities to volunteer and share my talents.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Since being a student at the Louisiana
Training Center for the Blind, I have had many opportunities to volunteer not
only at national convention but in the community of Ruston. One of which was
helping with donations and delivery of hygiene products for a woman’s shelter.
While at the 2022 national convention, I jumped at the opportunity to marshal
and help at the hospitality suite. Through volunteering in those roles, I met
and networked with many people.<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">Aside from volunteering at the
convention, I had a couple of opportunities to share my musical talents at a
local jazz 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">I believe it is just as important for
the rest of society to see that blind folks can and do live the life we want. I
believe that any chance that I get to serve in any capacity with the NFB will
help to make our community stronger.</p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraph" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt 0.5in;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">-<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><b>A Kool-Aid Kind Of Smile by Daria Bannerman</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">For this year’s annual community
service division project, CSD traveled to the Covenant House in New Orleans. The
Covenant House is a place for homeless youth ages 13-22. We collected tons of
hygiene products and made hygiene kits for them, as well as cooked a huge meal
for them. In addition, we put a note of affirmation in each hygiene kit, which
I love because this means the notes provide encouragement, as well as letting
these youth know they matter.</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 a member of the Community Service
Division, I really enjoyed participating in the project. Seeing the youths’
reactions to the meal we cooked and served to them, as well as the hygiene bags
we put together for them, really made me smile from ear to ear. I loved that,
as a division, we were able to make these youth smile and provide them with an
opportunity to enjoy themselves and interact with 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">This project made me get out of my
comfort zone, as I had never served food to youth before. I had to use my voice
to let them know what I was serving, and to invite them to partake of it. (I am
used to being behind the scenes).</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 CSD seminar was so fun, energetic,
and welcoming to everyone. I was one of the marshals recruiting people to
attend the seminar, and they did just that. There was nothing but standing room
only; it was a packed house. And we enjoyed ourselves. We remembered CSD
members that were no longer with us who exemplified and embodied community
service, as well as encouraged audience members to join the movement and serve
with us. I am truly honored to be a part of this wonderful, extraordinary
division!</p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraph" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt 0.5in;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">-<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><b>A Universal Impact by Carol King-Ries</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">When I signed up for the National
convention, I was not exactly sure what to expect. I am glad I attended and got a chance to
experience for myself the many interesting things that happened in New Orleans. On the top of my list of things I enjoyed
participating in is the volunteer work that CSD did at the Covenant House. I liked working with my fellow Division
members to put together bags of much-needed toiletry items for the
residents. I loved the appreciation we
got from the residents for the lunch we provided. I even got a chance to talk with the Director
of the organization about the universal power of resilience, and how showing
and sharing your resilience encourages others to be more resilient. It was hard work, especially for our leaders,
but extremely worth the effort. We made
an impact on so many levels and that is why it is my favorite thing I did at
the 2022 convention.</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 to the Covenant House
experience, it was important for me to attend the Data Graphs event.</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 a very analytical person, so when
I signed up for the convention, I knew that I would volunteer for one of the
research projects that occurred during the week. I signed up for a research project that was
working on better ways to improve the descriptions of data graphs. It was so interesting! I think I drove the
researcher crazy with all the questions I asked (smile). I loved this volunteer research project
because I could see the beneficial effects of the work for students, and for
people like me who still read articles, books and presentations that contain
data graphs. I think it is so important that
people who are blind or have low visioned get involved in research. This is the only way we can guarantee that
any future scientific advances truly meet our needs. Plus, there was an immediate benefit. I received a gift card for my
participation! A win-win situation!</p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraph" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt 0.5in;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">-<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><b><i>Compassion Fills One Letter ‘N’ by Lynette
Eberhardt (aka Lyn with one ‘n’)</i></b><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">Serving Beyond the Six Dots at The
Covenant House in New Orleans during NFB National Convention 2022 was
heart-breaking and fulfilling simultaneously.
It was disheartening listening to a young lady share her story of how her
boyfriend physically abused one of her small children, ages one year old and
four months, and how she had to run out the home with only the clothes on their
backs. I’m glad she made the decision to
get assistance at The Covenant House for educational purposes and job training.<i></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Part of my passion is supplying
homeless women with feminine hygiene products; so, I suggested these items be
added to the list of other personal care objects to be passed out. Several of us supplied those necessary
articles. </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 youth enjoyed the visit and appreciated
our team cooking for them. Many
expressed their gratitude while sharing goals over multiple plates of food and
snacks that the Community Service Division provided.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt 0.5in;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It was encouraging seeing young people
overcoming the obstacles life has thrown their way, just as many of us have overcome
and adapted to our vision loss/blindness.
Hopefully, seeing disabled individuals going about and offering
assistance was motivation for those residing at The Covenant House.</p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraph" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt 0.5in;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">-<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><b>Hard Workers, Down This Way by Jim Sheets
& Patricia McPherson.</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">Jim and I dedicated a significant
amount of time volunteering as ambassadors throughout the national convention.
Alongside our fellow Ohioans, we spent a number of hours providing directions
to the board meeting room and the grand finale, the banquet event. It meant a
lot to us to be able to be present and provide directions to our fellow
federationist.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Jim and I also had an amazing
opportunity to serve with our CSD family at the local Covenant House in New
Orleans.</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="color:black">We all wore white T-shirts with green riding “Serving Beyond The
Six Dots”. Many of you will recall that phrase being similar to the name of our
newsletter.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">We unpacked the supplies that were purchased for lunch and
organized everything. Even though it was a normal hot and humid day, the meat
was grilled on the barbecue.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">We enjoyed fluttering around and conversing with the youth. Each
young person we spoke with was very happy to be at the facility receiving the
help they needed. </span>They<span style="color:black"> explained that there were
several different stages and they received Health services and mental support,
job skill training, assistance with job placement and were looking forward to
their own places in the future.</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">It was an extremely rewarding
experience for us, and a community service project we will cherish for many
years to come.</p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraph" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt 0.5in;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">-<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><b>Never Too Young To Give Back by Emma Mohon</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">What does it truly mean to be a member
of The National Federation of the Blind?
As a young member, how can I go out and build the Federation? These are some of the questions I asked
myself before going to the NFB convention this past July. I served the Federation in various ways
before attending the convention. For
example, I helped Louisiana Center for the Blind with multiple service
projects, and I am currently serving on the board of the Louisiana Association
of Blind Students.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> Since
the 2022 convention was my first, I wanted to make it memorable. This meant getting involved in any way
possible. Some things I did were
volunteering at the Information Desk, helping out at the Louisiana Table in the
Exhibit Hall, and martialing. Getting
involved and serving helped me to meet so many more people than I would have
otherwise. I met many incredible people
while volunteering and made many amazing connections that I know will last a
lifetime. The convention also helped me
realize that just because I am blind, it does not mean that I cannot get out
and give back. I was able to learn from
those who are more skilled than me and also teach those who are less skilled
than me.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> There
is no doubt that my first convention was a huge success because I decided to
give back to the Federation that has given me so much already. I am proud to say that I am a part of the NFB
family, and I am willing to go out and build it even further!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><a href="MEET%20THE%202022%20CSD%20BOARD%20OF%20DIRECTORS" style="color:rgb(5,99,193)">MEET
THE 2022 CSD BOARD OF DIRECTORS</a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Community Service Division recently held its annual election
and voted in all of the following members. It’s a privilege to introduce our
newly elected and those re-elected for another term. These individuals
exemplify dedication, compassion, and the spirit of serving!</p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraph" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt 0.5in;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">-<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><b><i>Jeanetta Price, President</i></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">Jeanetta is from the little big city
in Southeast Texas called Beaumont. Ms. Price is a graduate of Lamar University
with a bachelor’s degree in Social Work and master’s degree in Clinical Mental
Health Counseling. In addition, she is a License Mortgage Loan Originator known
as the “OUTTA SIGHT MORTGAGE LOAN LADY.”</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Ms. Price is the President of the
National Federation of the Blind Community Service Division and NFB Of Texas
Golden Triangle Chapter. She is the Visionary behind the first anthology., “The
WRITE 2 Heal.” Ms. Price mission in life is to help others tap into their
vision by utilizing writing as an instrument of healing. Ms. Price is a living testimony that it is
more glory to your story. Often, she reflects on the life of the virtuous
woman, Essie Andrus, her biological and spiritual mother who leads by example
with her unwavering faith. </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 a spoken word artist, she hosts,
“The WRITE 2 Heal” seminars that includes poets, partner artists, and even
audience members who will participate in an open mic section. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Ms. Price freedom of expression,
boldness, vulnerability and confidence set her aside from other authors,
artist, and advocates.</p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraph" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt 0.5in;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">-<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><b><i>Kamille Richardson, Vice President</i></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">Kamille hails from the great state of
North Carolina. In July 2022, she was elected as vice president of the community
service division.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Kamille leaves with a servant’s heart
which was inherited directly from her beautiful mother.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Kamille especially enjoys assisting in
the technology arena. She is the dedicated leader of the tech team which plays
an integral role in keeping the community service division meetings running
effectively and efficiently. Kamille is a business owner, published author, and
fabulous auntie to the world’s most awesome nephew. She counts it as an honor
and privilege to serve alongside her Federation family<a name="_Hlk114094811">.</a></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraph" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt 0.5in;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">-<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><b><i>Daria Bannerman, Secretary</i></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">Daria aka
Kool-Aid, currently lives in Hope Mills, NC, but is originally from a small
town called Maple Hill, NC. She has a BA in English, a minor in Creative
Writing, and a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. She currently works as an
Employment Specialist at Acceleration. In addition, she is one of the
co-authors of the “The WRITE 2 Heal” anthology.</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 the
national convention, Kool-Aid continued to exemplify her devout commitment to
service by participating in the 2022 annual community service project which
took place at the New Orleans Covenant House. When she first learned of the
organization’s mission to serve the homeless youth within the local community,
she was pumped and ready to roll up her sleeves and get to 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">Kool-Aid,
along with a number of other members of the division, worked tirelessly to put
together a hundred bags of hygiene kits for youth of all ages, spent priceless
time interacting with the young people, and helped serve a delicious summer
barbecue to all the hungry youth.</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 her
spare times, Daria enjoys reading, listening to all kinds of music, shopping,
trying new foods, spending time with friends and family, and watching hilarious
videos on YouTube.</p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraph" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt 0.5in;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">-<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>Natalie Segura, Treasurer </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Natalie is
your ideal “Country Girl” with the boots, hat, and heart the size of Texas in
which she resides. Natalie is always
willing to help others and utilizes her horses as rescue animals during the
floods in Houston, Texas. Natalie has been elected to her third term as
Treasurer, and she enjoys keeping the books while serving in her boots. Three
fun facts about Natalie: </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">1. Hobby: Fishing </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">2. Favorite Food: Seafood </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">3. Cooking
is her superpower!</p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.5in;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">-<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><b><i>Randi “Maggie” Stringer, Board Member</i></b></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.5in;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Maggie Mae is a one-of-a-kind beautiful soul that
has spent most of her growing years in the historic town of Catonsville,
Maryland. Two years ago, she replanted her rich spirit within a small town near
Buckeye nation, known as Lancaster, Ohio.</p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.5in;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">If you have not yet been blessed in meeting Maggie
Mae, allow me to get y’all acquainted right now!</p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.5in;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Maggie Mae is a sweet, talented, witty, and strong
independent woman that is hard-working and tenacious. She treats obstacles as
stepping stones on her way to success, learns from challenges, and never stops
until she achieves her goal. To name a few of her titles, she is a child of
God, housewife, daughter, sister, coolest auntie, a priceless friend, a
survivor, a published author and editor, and is one of the most compassionate,
graceful, and selfless women I have ever met. She always comes up with creative
and artistic solutions, stays positive even during hard times, and is extremely
reliable and trustworthy. When you work with her, you don’t question if her
part of the work will be done.</p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.5in;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">If you want to design a crown of jewels, then
you need to call Maggie Mae immediately! Just as long as it’s not during a
Baltimore, Raven’s football game! Winks.</p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.5in;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It would be remiss of me if I didn’t include
one of her all-time favorite quotes; it’s a true testament to her and her personality,</p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.5in;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">"Kindness is a language that the deaf can
hear and the blind can see”</p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt 0.5in;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">-<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><b><i>Marvin Griffin Sr, Board Member</i></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">Greetings and salutations! My name is
Marvin and I am a proud board member of the baddest division there is! And that
is the Community Service Division of the National Federation of the Blind.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">I am a husband and a father of four
and I have a passion for service within the blind community.</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 came away from the 2022 national
convention inspired and I plan to serve in my own neck of the woods by
preparing meals for the homeless and serving them personally just as we did in
New Orleans!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">If I had to divulge something funny
about me, I would have to say that it is my somewhat dry sense of humor, lol. I
do occasionally write jokes in my spare time as well!</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 look forward to continuing to
inspire others not only in the blind community, but also those who witness my
service too!!!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">CSD4LIFE!!!!</p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraph" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt 0.5in;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">-<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><b><i>Julie Moses, Board Member</i></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="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">Greetings,
I am Julie Moses, your newly elected board member#3. Just like my last name I
am a leader of the people and in my community serving as 1<sup>st</sup> Vice
President of the Cobb County Empowerment Chapter of the NFB of Georgia.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">I have
dedicated over 7 years working and serving the blind/vision impaired community
hosting peer support groups, teaching technology, as well as advocating in the
blind community.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">As a
Technology Instructor, it's not just about teaching technology. I make it my
mission to teach my clients how to live this blind life independently and show
them that through service you can find purpose.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">As a
single blind mother of a beautiful daughter, Brenlee Denise, I can sit back and
relish in the fact that I can tell she has a heart of service. And even at the
sweet age of 2, she displays so much compassion and willingness to help when
necessary.</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">I’m extremely honored and excited to
be on board! Now let’s serve together with one purpose and that’s to serve
God’s people.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><a style="color:rgb(5,99,193);text-decoration-line:underline">DO
UNTO OTHERS</a></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">National Courtesy Month</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Written by Percy King</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 entire month of September gives
all of us ample opportunities to practice being kind, and it couldn’t have come
at a better time.</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 word courteous comes from the Middle
English word ‘kindness,’ which means ‘noble deeds’ or ‘courtesy’. One of the
greatest novelists in the English Language, Henry James, once said: “Three
things in human life are important: The first is to be kind; the second is to
be kind; the third is to be kind.”</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, what does it mean to be courteous?
Courtesy is more than having good manners. Saying “please” and “thank you” is
important, but the reason behind using those good manners is even more
important. Giving courtesy to those around you shows care and respect. When you
answer that email, voice mail, or text in a prompt manner, you show respect.
When you send a thank you note, it’s not just about etiquette. It’s about
letting the recipient know you care and are grateful. When you hold the door for
the next person, you are letting them know you see them and value them. The
opposite is also true. When you show up late to meet a friend or colleague with
no real explanation, you are telling them your schedule is more important than
theirs.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Courtesy should never have limits for
people you know. Showing a stranger common courtesy could be the defining
factor of their day. Oftentimes, a small gesture, such as a compliment, can
make a person feel appreciated. When people are considerate to one another, a positive
effect happens. Moods improve and smiles are easily found. Starting your day
with a polite demeanor will have a ripple effect on the people you encounter!</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 challenge for all of us this month
is to learn to let go of things that hold you back, bring you down, and keep
you from being kind and courteous. And use this observance to teach the
children in our circles of influences the importance of kindness and courtesy.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><i>“A single kind word keeps one warm for three winters.”</i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;line-height:11.75pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;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"><b><a style="color:rgb(5,99,193);text-decoration-line:underline">Be-leaf
in yourself!</a></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">There's something special about
autumn, as the nights draw in and the leaves begin to change color and fall
from the trees. But nothing is as special as your delightful smiles!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Question: <i>Hey Sister, what is the
best thing to put into a pumpkin pie?</i></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>Answer: Your teeth of course!</i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><i>“Don’t think about it, laugh about it!”</i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;line-height:11.75pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><a href="NO%20ONE%20FIGHTS%20ALONE" style="color:rgb(5,99,193)">NO
ONE FIGHTS ALONE</a></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;line-height:11.75pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">National Breast Cancer Awareness
Month</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;line-height:11.75pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Contributed by Helen Truss,
Kassandra Evans, & Ellie Hawthorne.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;line-height:11.75pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Haunted houses, pumpkin
carvings, scary costumes, and sweet treats may be what’s on your mind for your
October festivities. For the strong and dedicated volunteers like Hellen,
Kassandra, and Ellie, this time of year has a different kind of focus for them.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;line-height:11.75pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">These incredible women are
deeply passionate in bringing a more powerful awareness of Breast Cancer to
their local communities and abroad. They have made a lifetime commitment in
sharing their personal testimony by hosting an immeasurable number of events
throughout the year, ensuring that their mission goes beyond the thirty-one-day
splash of pink.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;line-height:11.75pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It’s amazing how Music in all
its forms can have a profound effect on our life’s journey. We thought it would
be fitting to know their go-to song. We wanted to know the one song that keeps
their spirits warm on a lonely night, or a special tune that raises them up
when the going gets tough.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:11.75pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Lyrics from “Fight Like A Girl”:</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:11.75pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">“So, hold your head high</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:11.75pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Don't ever let them define</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:11.75pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The light in your eyes</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:11.75pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Love yourself, give 'em hell</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:11.75pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">You can take on this world</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:11.75pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">You just stand and be strong</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:11.75pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">And then fight like a girl.”</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:11.75pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Lyrics from “I Am Not My Hair”:</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:11.75pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">“I am not my hair</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:11.75pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">I am not this skin</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:11.75pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">I am not your expectations, no</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:11.75pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">I am not my hair</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:11.75pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">I am not this skin</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:11.75pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">I am a soul that lives within.”</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:11.75pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Lyrics from “I’m Gonna Love You
Through It”:</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:11.75pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">“When you're weak, I'll be strong</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:11.75pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">When you let go, I'll hold on</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:11.75pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">When you need to cry, I swear
that I'll be there to dry your eyes</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:11.75pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">When you feel lost and scared to
death</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:11.75pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Like you can't take one more
step</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:11.75pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Just take my hand, together we
can do it</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:11.75pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">I'm gonna love you through it.”</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:11.75pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Community Service Division
stands by these beautiful ladies as they give strength to the campaign for
prevention and awareness about the early diagnosis of breast cancer by sharing
their extraordinary personal story.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;line-height:11.75pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">“I’ve been blind my whole life.
I’m used to advocating for myself. I think it helped me to not be terribly
scared with my diagnosis. I was well acquainted with facing challenges. The
best advice I’ve ever heard is, “don’t be afraid to know your breasts.” I’ve
been echoing those words for fourteen years now. It was the beginning of saving
my life”, said Hellen.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;line-height:11.75pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">“I thought losing my vision was
the hardest thing I would ever have to deal with. Then, the doctor’s told me
they were going to have to remove both breasts as soon as possible or my little
girl was going to grow up without a Mom. She is my world and I thank God my
family talked me into getting a mammogram as part of my annual checkup. They
were not fun, let me tell you, but I get to have another day, another memory
with my daughter because I decided it was time to start taking care of
myself.”, said Kassandra.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:11.75pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">“You never think it’s going to
happen to you. That’s always someone else’s life, right? Wrong! Glaucoma is the
only hereditary disease that runs in my family, not cancer. Make those annual
appointments. Do the self-examinations. Most importantly, know your body!
Breast cancer can happen to anyone.” -Ellie.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:11.75pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><i>One Team. One Dream. Let’s Find
A Cure!</i></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 href="RESOURCES" style="color:rgb(5,99,193)">RESOURCES</a></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">National Suicide Prevention & Awareness Month</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">If You Know Someone in Crisis, call the National Suicide
Prevention Lifeline:</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">(800) 273-TALK (8255), </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Or text the word, HELLO to: </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">741741 </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Both services are free and available 24 hours a day, seven days a
week. All calls are confidential. Contact social media outlets directly if you
are concerned about a friend’s social media updates or dial 911 in an
emergency. Learn more on the Lifeline’s website or the Crisis Text Line’s website.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><a href="https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/" style="color:rgb(5,99,193)"><span style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/</span></a><span class="gmail-MsoHyperlink" style="color:rgb(5,99,193);text-decoration-line:underline"><span style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"></span></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"><b>“You are not alone!”</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><a href="EDITORS%20NOTES" style="color:rgb(5,99,193)">EDITOR’S
NOTES</a></b><i></i></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"><b><a href="ONE%20MINUTE%20MESSAGE" style="color:rgb(5,99,193)">ONE MINUTE MESSAGE</a></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"><i> </i></p></div></div></div></div></div>