<html><head><meta http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"></head><body dir="auto"><div dir="ltr"></div><div dir="ltr">Have you read our newsletter? Well, I must break it down by sections. So stay tune for more reflections. Let’s get this party popping with Carol King-Ries article, “12 Days of CSD Service” is a must read over and over again. Check out her list of service opportunities. Carol must be on Santa’s nice list because her service ideas are heavily sent. Please take time to check out her list and get involved today! Remember, Santa knows who’s serving or not! </div><div dir="ltr"><br><blockquote type="cite">On Dec 20, 2022, at 2:13 PM, Maggie Stringer via Community-Service <community-service@nfbnet.org> wrote:<br><br></blockquote></div><blockquote type="cite"><div dir="ltr"><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">December 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="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"><b><a href="12%20DAYS%20OF%20CSD%20SERVICE" style="color:rgb(5,99,193)">12 DAYS OF CSD SERVICE</a></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Written by Carol King-Ries, NFB of Delaware</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 seems like it has only been a few
months since we last celebrated the Winter holidays of Hanukkah, Winter
Solstice, Christmas, and Kwanza, but a year has gone by like a flash and here
we are again in the season of light, joy, and peace. As the Community Service
Division (CSD) Newsletter team discussed this issue of the newsletter, we began
to talk about how many people struggle during the holiday season. This can be due to many reasons such as
grief, loneliness, depression, and stress.
We thought it would be a good idea to incorporate 12 days of service
into the CSD holiday season. I know that
you are probably thinking that you do not need another thing to add to your
busy holiday life but hear me out. If it
does not bring joy, light, and peace to your life, and to those you are
serving, do not do it! Also, you do not
have to do 12 days. You can do 8 days
(Hannukah), 7 days (Kwanza), or 1 day (Winter Solstice), or any amount that you
choose, it is up to you. Below you will
find 12 ideas that are free, or low cost that you can provide to members of
your community during this holiday season.
Tune up for the song…. On the
first day of service, the CSD gave to me….</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>Idea #1: Send a thinking of you card to someone you
know that has lost a loved one this year. </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">We all know of someone who has lost a
loved one this year. This will let them
know that you have not forgotten about them.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b>Idea #2: Call a person in your local chapter who you
have not talked with in a while.</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">Sometimes, people think that if they
are not actively engaged in a group, they do not matter to the group. Dispel that thought with a phone call. This may disband isolation for someone.</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>Idea #3: Give a small gift to a child whose parent may
be incarcerated, deployed in the military, or hospitalized and cannot be home
for Christmas.</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">This will let the child know that they
are not alone, and someone nearby is thinking of them. Please get the permission of the local
parent/guardian first.</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>Idea #4: Share a meal with a Senior Citizen that lives
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">This could be a meal that you make or
purchase. The idea that someone is
thinking of them and spending time with them may make their day.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b>Idea #5: Offer to be a holiday greeter at your local
Senior center</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">Buy some candy canes and some bells
and stand at the door or front desk with a big smile and Happy Holidays on your
lips. Make someone’s day better.</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>Idea #6: Volunteer to gift wrap for organizations that
give Christmas gifts to kids and families.</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">Even with my sight loss, I am one of
the best gift wrappers around.
Organizations need this skill this time of year, and it will add to
someone’s Christmas cheer.</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>Idea #7: Play Braille games with a neighbor’s kids
while they get things done around the house.</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">If you do not know Braille, play
tactile games. The kids may be
fascinated by the Braille, and the parent/guardian will have the time to get
something done with less stress.</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>Idea #8 Pack simple bag lunches and
hand them out to the homeless</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">This could be as simple as a sandwich,
bag of chips, and a piece of fruit. This
will require someone to help you find a group of people who are homeless,
however, that person may gain from the experience 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"><b>Idea #9: Share a song with someone who
needs encouragement</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 wish that we could send the Popcorn
King, Marvin, around to make people smile with his singing; but since we
cannot, we can share a song via YouTube.
Friends have started doing this with me, and it has been fun to share
and to smile. I do it via cellphone, but
it can also be done via email.</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>Idea #10: Bake a batch of cookies and share them with
someone who is 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">This can be slice and bake cookies, or
those you make from scratch, or buy from your grocer’s bakery. It is truly the sweet thought that counts.</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>Idea #11: Stream a holiday movie with someone</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">You can invite them to your house, or
take the popcorn, candy and DVD to their house and enjoy the movie
together. It can be a classic such as “A
Miracle on 34th Street”, or a contemporary classic like “The Preacher’s Wife”. </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>Idea #12: Send Christmas cards to people who are in
Nursing homes, rehabilitation hospitals, or group homes.</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">These are people who may not get
cards. Send them some cheer via the
USPS.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Please use these ideas or come up with
your own. The Community Service Division
(CSD) would love to hear what you did to brighten someone’s holidays.</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 holidays to all, and a Happy New
Year!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><a href="DID%20SOMEONE%20SAY,%20POPCORN?" style="color:rgb(5,99,193)">DID SOMEONE SAY, POPCORN?</a></b></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><b><span style="font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black"></span></b></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"><b><span style="font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black">March 3rd to March 7<sup>th</sup></span></b></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 3rd at 12PM, and don’t stop until every bag has
been sold by Tuesday, March 7<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;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"> </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><span style="font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black"><a href="WORDS%20FROM%20THE%20ORIGINAL" style="color:rgb(5,99,193)">WORDS
FROM THE ORIGINAL</a></span></b></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:9.5pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black">Written by Marvin K Griffin, Senior</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: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">They say a nickname is something
someone else gives to you…. Well, they call me the popcorn king AKA Captain
kernel. my real name is Marvin K Griffin, Senior and I guess I better share
with you the reason why I was given my nicknames. I have been a full-fledged
participant in the double good popcorn fundraiser for the Community Service
Division of N F B for the last two years. I don’t mean to sound like a
braggard, but I have managed to be the top seller in both campaigns as well,
having contributed over $5500 in combined popcorn sales! now, my purpose today
is not to sit here and boast about what I’ve done, because I do believe that
what was done was accomplished as a collective by our entire group of popcorn
store fundraisers and I am very proud of the work that we all did together, I
anticipate absolute greatness going forward with the group that we have had in
addition to the new recruits that we’ve had a chance to bring on board to our
division. my purpose, today is to share my experience, and to give a little bit
of insight into why I have had the positive results from the fundraiser.
although I don’t plan to give away all of my secrets lol, I will give three
steps that I think will be valuable tools for everyone going forward as we
continue to endeavor in raising funds for our division. Step one no you’re
focus group. I’d like to use a comparison to a garden for the steps, and we can
treat the focus group just like we would treat the fertile soil for a garden.
One of the most important things you can do with a fertile soil is to make sure
that it has the right composition. Otherwise, you will see no harvest! and when
it comes to people, one of the things that I choose to look at, is whether or
not, these folks are warm to the conversation when I present what I’m doing.
it’s very important to not spend too much time with folks who give you the I
don’t know; are they will get back with me later type responses. These types of
folks are the ones who, will more than likely will not give to the fundraiser,
so it’s most important not to waste all of that precious time in that 4-day
period Leaning on folks who aren’t really going to give you the results you’re
looking for. another thing included in this first step is to make sure that you
revisit the same supporters from previous events because that is where you
create your base. to build upon from year to year. step 2 plant the seed.</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">I can remember when I
first started gardening, and I planted my first seeds, and after a few days, I
expected to see sprouts, but nothing happened. I had to reach out to one of my
gardening buddies, and I discovered that my problem was that my seed was buried
too deep within the soil, and it would never sprout at that level. Hmmm….
That’s interesting right? The seed needed to be placed in the proper position.
In this instance, the seed for us as popcorn store fundraisers is actually our
sales pitch.! Sometimes the pitches may take 5 minutes and others may take a
few seconds believe it or not. All it takes is a little practice while
including your top selling points. Remember, the more people you talk to
actually gives you a great chance to tailor your pitch to each individual
supporter. And before you know it those sales will grow just like my kingdom
lol!</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">Finally step 3 water the
garden!</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">We live in a time where
information flows into our minds, phones, and on our computers and it is super
easy for a 4-day fundraiser to slip off the radar of our supporters. The remedy
for this problem is pleasant persistence. You got to water your garden my loyal
subjects! Go back and remind those supporters who gave you a firm yes because
sometimes they simply forget. Oftentimes I send a personalized reminder text. I
try to keep these humorous too, after all we aren’t trying to twist arms,
right? A bit of wit goes a long way!</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">Lastly my friends, the
Original popcorn king, captain kernel and whatever other monikers I receive
will mean nothing without good people to share them, with. so, I hope what I
have written in this article will help all who join us to become kings and
queens on the CSD popcorn team!! Ladies and gents, the OPK bids you farewell,
work your gardens friends and, we’ll see you all in March!!!</span></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><a href="REPRESENT%20YOUR%20STATE" style="color:rgb(5,99,193)">REPRESENT YOUR STATE</a></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b>Reaching Hearts, Changing Lives; Reflections From The
Buckeye State</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;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:9.5pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black">Written
by Delcenia Brown, NFB Ohio</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="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;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">Recently,
the NFB of Ohio Community Service Division partnered with City Mission for
their 2022 annual affiliate service project. Delcenia Brown and Joann Williams,
along with several other dedicated members focused on collecting the City
Mission’s most needed and requested items.</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:9.5pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black">The city mission empowers men, women, and
children in crisis to overcome their unique, complex path to homelessness.
Since 1910 the city mission of Cleveland has provided the basic needs of food,
shelter, and clothing to those in crisis.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="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;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black">Although I have never stayed at the City
Mission, I do Remember a time of homelessness and a time in my own life where
it was a struggle to make ends meet, have money for transportation and to keep
warm. So, It was an easy decision to ask the Community Service Division to
partner with the City Mission of Cleveland.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="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;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black">After the members of Ohio’s Community Service
reviewed the list of items that were needed, we voted to contribute to the most
needed items. Which were twins’ sheets, twins’ blankets and all-day bus passes
to assist individuals to get to interviews and/or work. Well Ohio
members, family & friends really stepped up to the call. We were able to
collect $400 for all-day bus passes and several large boxes filled with
twin </span>sheets sets <span style="font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black">and
blankets. I was excited and happy to see the turn out. Knowing that
winter is approaching The Community Service Division of Ohio, and that we were able
to </span>assist <span style="font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black">in reaching hearts &
changing lives of those in crisis in Cleveland, brought joy to my heart. It
warmed my heart to know we assisted in the basic needs and gave hope to an
individual.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><i>“There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and
lifting people up.” </i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><i><a href="THE%20BEST%20GIFT" style="color:rgb(5,99,193)">THE BEST GIFT</a></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Need to brush up on your holly jolly LOL-inducing humor around the
holidays? We’ve got the best gift in town, the gift of joy!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><i>Question</i>: What do grapes sing at Christmas?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><i>Answer</i>: 'Tis the season to be jelly! <span style="font-family:"Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif">🎵🎶🎼</span></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="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><a href="BRAILLE%20IS%20SUCH%20A%20BLESSING" style="color:rgb(5,99,193)">BRAILLE IS
SUCH A BLESSING</a></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b>International World Braille Day, January 4<sup>th</sup></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Written by Colleen Roth, NFB Ohio</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Today, audiobooks and the products
that play them, like Amazon’s Alexa and Apple’s iPhone, are more popular than
ever. This has raised an important question: In the age of audio-recorded
literature and accessible technology, is braille still necessary? Colleen Roth would
jump up and down and shout, YES, yes, yes!!!!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">“Braille is such a blessing; it is absolutely
necessary!”</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Just as sighted readers have their
preferences between paperback, digital and, yes, audiobooks, so too do sight
impaired readers, and many of them simply prefer braille.</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 late August I was given a Romeo
25 Embosser by the Catholic Diocese in Toledo, Ohio. It produces Braille on 1 side of the page.
This was the beginning of my embossing journey as a service to Catholic
Dioceses in Ohio, and chapters and divisions within the Ohio affiliate.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Since I have started this service project,
I have been blessed to emboss materials such as liturgies, prayer group materials,
chapter and division constitutions, membership list, state convention auction, materials
for ordination of priests and deacons, and the list goes 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">I truly love Braille and will continue
to provide this embossing service for those in need. Further information along
with my contact information is provided below within the resource section of
the newsletter.”</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 for your service, Colleen!
And anyone that has had an opportunity to spend time with you, undoubtably knows
your love and passion for Braille 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">We hope everyone will join CSD on
January 4, 2023 to honor Louis Braille’s 214<sup>th</sup> birthday, and celebrate
the awareness of the importance of braille as a means of communication in the
full realization of the human rights for blind and visually impaired people. After
all, it was Helen Keller who said, “the blind is as indebted to Louis Braille,
the eponymous inventor of the tactile reading system, as mankind is to
Gutenberg and his printing press.”</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>"Braille is knowledge, and
knowledge is power”</i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span class="gmail-MsoHyperlink" style="color:rgb(5,99,193);text-decoration-line:underline"><b><a href="ANSWER%20THE%20CALL" style="color:rgb(5,99,193)">ANSWER THE
CALL</a></b></span><span class="gmail-MsoHyperlink" style="color:rgb(5,99,193);text-decoration-line:underline"><b><span style="color:windowtext;text-decoration-line:none"></span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span class="gmail-MsoHyperlink" style="color:rgb(5,99,193);text-decoration-line:underline"><b>National MLK Day of Service, January
20<sup>th</sup></b></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 class="gmail-MsoHyperlink" style="color:rgb(5,99,193);text-decoration-line:underline"><b>Taking
place each year on the third Monday in January, the Martin Luther King, Jr.,
Day of Service (MLK Day) is the only federal holiday that is also designated by
Congress as a national day of service – a “day on, not a day off.”
Participation in service activities has grown each year as more Americans are
encouraged to provide meaningful change in their communities. Whether service meets a tangible need, such
as fixing up a school or senior center, builds a sense of community or mutual
responsibility. In a pandemic environment, service can take on the form of
sending a meal through a meal delivery service, serving as a virtual mentor, or
donating money to a charitable cause to help those who lack basic essential
items.</b></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 class="gmail-MsoHyperlink" style="color:rgb(5,99,193);text-decoration-line:underline"><b>No matter
the choice, service empowers individuals, strengthens communities, bridges
barriers, creates solutions and moves us closer to Dr. King’s vision of a
beloved community. It breaks down barriers by bringing people from different
backgrounds together and it benefits those who choose to serve. Coretta Scott
King said, “The greatest birthday gift my husband could receive is if people of
all racial and ethnic backgrounds celebrated the holiday by performing
individual acts of kindness through service to others.”</b></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 class="gmail-MsoHyperlink" style="color:rgb(5,99,193);text-decoration-line:underline"><b>As
stewards of America's lands and natural resources, the work we do at DOI
epitomizes Dr. King’s belief in the power of service, as expressed in his
legendary quote, “We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in
a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all
indirectly.” In keeping with Dr. King’s example, let us embrace the belief that
our destiny is shared and accept our obligations to each other, future
generations and the American people by strengthening the bonds that hold
together the most diverse Nation on earth.
Each one of us can help answer his call by pledging to love and serve.</b></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 class="gmail-MsoHyperlink" style="color:rgb(5,99,193);text-decoration-line:underline"><b>Which
brings us to one incredible and humble man within our federation that was
recently recognized for answering the King’s pledge, as the 28th annual winner
of their Martin Luther King Freedom Award!</b></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 class="gmail-MsoHyperlink" style="color:rgb(5,99,193);text-decoration-line:underline"><b>The Indiana
Civil Rights Commission, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Indiana Holiday
Commission, Indiana Black Expo, Inc., AFSCME Local 725, and the State of Indiana
awarded NFB Newsline Indiana Director, Lee Martin, Senior the Freedom Award.</b></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 class="gmail-MsoHyperlink" style="color:rgb(5,99,193);text-decoration-line:underline"><b>The
Freedom Award is granted to individuals or projects whose major societal</b></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 class="gmail-MsoHyperlink" style="color:rgb(5,99,193);text-decoration-line:underline"><b>influence
includes breaking down barriers that have divided us in the past</b></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 class="gmail-MsoHyperlink" style="color:rgb(5,99,193);text-decoration-line:underline"><b>and/or
building ongoing relationships that foster respect, understanding,</b></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 class="gmail-MsoHyperlink" style="color:rgb(5,99,193);text-decoration-line:underline"><b>and
harmony in our community. And there is no one more deserving of this award than
our very own, Lee Martin!</b></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 class="gmail-MsoHyperlink" style="color:rgb(5,99,193);text-decoration-line:underline"><b><i>“Everybody
can be great. Because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college
degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and your verb agree to
serve. You don’t have to know the second theory of thermodynamics in physics to
serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.” – Martin
Luther King, Jr.</i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="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"><b>Braille Technology Throughout the Ages: A Special Event
for World Braille Day</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">by The Braillists 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">In addition to our collaboration
with Sight and Sound Technology, we are pleased to present an evening panel
discussion for World Braille Day focusing on braille technology: its past,
present and future. We will be joined by historians, people working in the
braille technology industry today and developers of the next generation of
braille hardware and software.</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 event will take place on
Wednesday 4 January at 7:00 PM, and you will need to register in advance. This
is a separate registration link to both our regular Masterclasses and the event
with Sight and Sound. Please email:</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:help@braillists.org">help@braillists.org</a>, if you have
difficulties completing the form.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Register for the World Braille Day
evening event here:</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="https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZModO-oqDwiGNDeirVP5hgN9eeND2PY5_Eh">https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZModO-oqDwiGNDeirVP5hgN9eeND2PY5_Eh</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">To join by phone, please use these
details:</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 number: 0131 460 1196</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Meeting ID: 875 3606 7824</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Passcode: 123456</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"><b>Embossing Projects</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">Colleen Roth, NFB Ohio is willing
to provide embossed materials for those in need. Projects that are 300 pages or
less are free. Projects that are more than 300 pages will include a paper cost.
All projects will be shipped Free Matter For The Blind, unless the person wants
to pay for faster shipping. All materials will be embossed in English Braille
American Edition. To discuss Braille projects, please contact Colleen at (419) 661-9171.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><a style="color:rgb(5,99,193);text-decoration-line:underline"><b>EDITOR’S
NOTES</b></a><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"><a style="color:rgb(5,99,193);text-decoration-line:underline"><b>ONE MINUTE
MESSAGE</b></a><b></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>
<span>_______________________________________________</span><br><span>Community-Service mailing list</span><br><span>Community-Service@nfbnet.org</span><br><span>http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/community-service_nfbnet.org</span><br><span>To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for Community-Service:</span><br><span>http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/community-service_nfbnet.org/price.jeanetta%40gmail.com</span><br></div></blockquote></body></html>