[Greater-Baltimore] Greater-Baltimore Digest, Vol 182, Issue 17
MARYELLE THOMPSON
maryellethompson008 at comcast.net
Tue Sep 29 21:22:23 UTC 2020
Is or was the minute message sent on zoom. The message isn't clear.
> On 09/29/2020 8:00 AM greater-baltimore-request at nfbnet.org wrote:
>
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> Today's Topics:
>
> 1. FW: [NFB-Maryland] September Minute Message from the Movement
> (Chris Danielsen)
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Message: 1
> Date: Mon, 28 Sep 2020 09:06:41 -0400
> From: "Chris Danielsen" <cdanielsen14 at comcast.net>
> To: <greater-baltimore at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: [Greater-Baltimore] FW: [NFB-Maryland] September Minute
> Message from the Movement
> Message-ID: <007d01d69598$362ced90$a286c8b0$@comcast.net>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
>
>
>
>
>
> From: NFB-Maryland [mailto:nfb-maryland-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of
> president--- via NFB-Maryland
> Sent: Sunday, September 27, 2020 11:54 PM
> To: nfb-maryland at nfbnet.org
> Subject: [NFB-Maryland] September Minute Message from the Movement
>
>
>
>
> September 2020 Minute Message
>
>
> Fellow Federationists:
>
>
>
> As Summer comes to a close, we reflect on all we have accomplished. We
> continue to work hard to ensure that students have equal access to
> curriculum and materials during the teleschooling environment. We are
> responsive to the needs of the blind related to access to information and
> services during the pandemic. WE are fighting against public transportation
> service cuts that adversely impact the blind. We have ramped up our
> advocacy efforts, and our chapters and Divisions are working hard to plan
> Meet the Blind Month activities. And of course, our Annual State Convention
> is just around the corner. Please read below for information about
> important happenings around the affiliate and please particular attention to
> the action items with tight deadlines.
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Rise Up: The State Convention is Coming!
>
>
> You will not want to miss the state convention which takes place on November
> 6-8, 2020. This year's virtual convention will take place anywhere and
> everywhere.
>
>
>
> This year, our National Representative will be Pam Allen, President of the
> National Federation of the Blind of Louisiana, Chairman and First Vice
> President of the National Federation of the Blind Board of Directors, and
> Executive Director of the Louisiana Center for the Blind.
>
>
>
> Convention pre-registration is open now. Be looking in your mailbox for
> hard copy registration forms or visit <http://nfbmd.org/convention>
> http://nfbmd.org/convention. Preregistration is $20 per adult and free for
> kids on or prior to October 16, 2020. Late registration after October 16,
> 2020 is $25 per adult and free for kids. Those who register after October
> 16, 2020 will not be eligible for door prizes, voting, and other convention
> aspects requiring access to systems and platforms other than Zoom.
>
>
>
> Please plan to join us anywhere and everywhere for our annual convention.
>
>
>
>
> Pay Your 2020 Dues to be Eligible to Vote at the NFBMD State Convention -
> Deadline September 30, 2020
>
>
> Those wishing to vote at the NFB of Maryland State Convention must pay their
> 2020 chapter or division dues prior to September 30, 2020. Individuals may
> use NFBMD's Dues Portal to pay their 2020 annual dues, 2021 annual dues,
> and/or lifetime membership dues for those chapters that have lifetime
> membership. The portal lists all NFBMD chapters and divisions and their
> dues amounts. Individuals may pay for as many chapters and divisions as
> they wish. The portal is located at <http://nfbmd.org/dues>
> http://nfbmd.org/dues. Alternatively, individuals may mail a check to their
> chapter or division treasurer.
>
>
>
>
> Enroll to Vote at the NFBMD State Convention - Deadline October 16, 2020!
>
>
> Those wishing to vote at the NFB of Maryland State Convention must enroll in
> our voting system prior to October 16, 2020. In order to be eligible to
> vote, you need to:
>
> 1) be a member in good standing of an NFB of Maryland chapter or
> division for the 2020 calendar year (this means you paid your 2020 dues
> prior to September 30, 2020 - visit <https://nfbmd.org/dues>
> https://nfbmd.org/dues to pay online);
>
> 2) Be registered for the NFB of Maryland 54th Annual Convention prior to
> October 16, 2020 - visit <http://nfbmd.org/convention>
> http://nfbmd.org/convention to register online or return your hard copy
> registration form with your $20 per person registration fee; and
>
> 3) Enroll in our online voting system on or before October 16, 2020
> using the link <https://www.nfbvote.org/> https://www.nfbvote.org/.
>
>
>
> If you need assistance enrolling in the voting system, please reach out to
> your chapter president or a member of the NFB of Maryland Board of
> Directors.
>
>
>
> We are using the same voting system as the NFB National Convention.
> Enrolled voters must register the phone number they intend to use via the
> online link above. They will vote by either sending a text message to a
> unique number I will provide closer to the convention or by calling a unique
> phone number I will provide closer to the convention. Individuals should
> register one phone per person in the household, meaning each person should
> have a different enrolled phone number. The rule is one vote per phone
> number. Individuals should also use a phone for voting they can manage
> simultaneously while listening to the convention, or otherwise understand
> that they may miss parts of the convention while casting their votes if a
> single device is used for voting and listening.
>
>
>
> Please be sure to select "Maryland" when enrolling to vote on
> <https://www.nfbvote.org/> https://www.nfbvote.org/.
>
>
>
>
> Seeking Resolutions for the State Convention
>
>
> The Convention is the supreme authority of the National Federation of the
> Blind, and this too is true of the affiliates. One of the most important
> charges of the Convention is to consider and vote on resolutions that come
> before it; those resolutions become the policy of the organization. To that
> end, individuals interested in submitting resolutions should send them to
> NFBMD Resolutions Chairman Jesse Hartle by email at
> <mailto:jesse.hartle63 at gmail.com> jesse.hartle63 at gmail.com by October 16,
> 2019.
>
>
>
>
> Seeking Convention Sponsors and Exhibitors
>
>
> We are seeking sponsors for our 2020 NFB of Maryland State Convention.
> There are various levels of sponsorship, and the various levels include
> different benefits. Entities and individuals interested in serving as an
> NFBMD Convention sponsor should contact me at <mailto:President at nfbmd.org>
> President at nfbmd.org or Jen White at <mailto:jwhite at nfb.org> jwhite at nfb.org
> to request additional information.
>
>
>
> We are also seeking exhibitors for our Friday Exhibit Hall. Individuals and
> entities interested in exhibiting should also contact me at
> <mailto:President at nfbmd.org> President at nfbmd.org or Jen White at
> <mailto:Jwhite at nfb.org> Jwhite at nfb.org to request additional information.
> The Exhibit Hall will be virtual.
>
>
>
> The deadline for sponsors and exhibitors to submit their forms is October 9,
> 2020.
>
>
>
>
> Seeking Door Prize Donations
>
>
> We are seeking donations of door prizes to give away at the NFB of Maryland
> Annual Convention. Door prizes should have a cash value of a minimum of $25
> each. Given the virtual nature of the Convention, we would prefer to
> receive monetary contributions (checks payable to NFB of Maryland). Please
> do not send perishables. We are asking for donations prior to October 23,
> 2020. Please make a monetary donation using the PayPal button at
> <http://nfbmd.org> http://nfbmd.org and be sure to put Convention Door Prize
> donation in the comment box. Alternatively, please mail door prize
> donations to:
>
> NFB of Maryland - Door Prizes
>
> 1800 Johnson Street, Suite N1
>
> Baltimore, MD 21230
>
>
>
>
> Seeking Auction Donations
>
>
> We are seeking donations for the NFBMD auction. Given the virtual nature of
> the convention, we are only accepting donations of experiences and
> commitments to provide baked goods. Some examples of experiences include
> taking the winner to dinner, giving cooking lessons, etc. We are asking for
> donation commitments prior to October 23, 2020. Please notify Convention
> Host Committee Chairman Scott White of your donation via email at
> <mailto:Swhite at nfb.org> Swhite at nfb.org or by phone at 410-868-9519.
>
>
>
>
> Seeking Nominations for the NFBMD Distinguished Educator of Blind Students
> Award!
>
>
> The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland is seeking nominations for
> the 2020 Distinguished Educator of Blind Children Award. Please tell us how
> your child's teacher works to help his or her students live the life they
> want with high expectations and strong skill development. Nominations should
> be sent to Committee Chairperson Teresa Graham at
> <mailto:teresagraham3 at gmail.com> teresagraham3 at gmail.com. To download the
> nomination form and for more information, visit <http://nfbmd.org/node/317>
> http://nfbmd.org/node/317. For assistance completing the form or for
> questions, please call Teresa Graham at 443-557-8696. The award will be
> presented at the NFB of Maryland Virtual state convention Banquet on
> November 7, 2020. Please submit nominations by October 9, 2020.
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Seeking Nominations for the Bernard F. Turner Award!
>
>
> We are seeking nominations for the Bernard F. Turner Award. This award will
> be given at the Annual Convention of the National Federation of the Blind of
> Maryland. The recipient will receive $200. The deadline to apply is
> October 16, 2020. Individuals must submit their application directly to the
> Bernard F. Turner Foundation with a copy to NFBMD. NFBMD is providing the
> venue for this award but is not involved in selecting recipients.
>
>
>
> To apply, download and fill out the nomination form located at
> <http://www.nfbmd.org/node/381> http://www.nfbmd.org/node/381 and send it to
> <mailto:NFBMDSM at gmail.com> NFBMDSM at gmail.com or
>
> Bernard F. Turner Award Team
>
> PO Box 54176
>
> Washington, DC 20032-4176
>
>
>
> The eligibility requirements are as follows:
>
> - This award is open to blind people who lost their sight between the
> ages of 18-60.
>
> - Applicants must demonstrate the need for the award through a brief
> narrative and supporting documentation.
>
> - One application per person.
>
> - The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland (NFBMD) will
> advertise and encourage people to apply for this award. The winner is
> expected to attend the annual NFBMD convention, November 6-8, which will be
> virtual. The final decision on the winner will be made by the Turner family.
>
> - Applications will be accepted from September 13, 2020 through
> October 16, 2020.
>
> - The winner will be notified by October 31. The $200 award will be
> presented November 7 at the NFBMD convention banquet.
>
> - When you submit your application, please send a separate note to
> Sharon Maneki, <mailto:nfbmdsm at gmail.com> nfbmdsm at gmail.com including proof
> that you have preregistered for the State Convention. Please note her new
> email address. You may either mail your application to the address provided
> or send it electronically to <mailto:nfbmdsm at gmail.com> nfbmdsm at gmail.com
> and we will make sure that the Turner family receives it or send it to both.
>
>
>
>
> NFBMD Virtual Night at the Theater - October 16, 2020!
>
>
> Please join the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland for our 2020
> Virtual Night at the Theater on October 16, 2020 at 8:00 p.m. This is a Meet
> the Blind Month activity, so please share this event with family, friends,
> and members of your communities. We will feature theatrical performances by
> blind people, including a rebroadcast of a Mock Trial and a dramatic Braille
> performance.
>
> Tickets cost $20 per person on or before October 2 and $25 thereafter.
> Everyone who purchases a ticket will be entered into a drawing to receive a
> gift certificate for steamed crabs. We will announce the winner at the
> Virtual Night at the Theater.
>
> To purchase a ticket, use the PayPal link located at
> <http://nfbmd.org/theater> http://nfbmd.org/theater or send a check to:
>
> National Federation of the Blind of Maryland
>
> Virtual Night at the Theater
>
> 1800 Johnson Street, Suite N1
>
> Baltimore, MD 21230>p>
>
> For questions, contact Committee Chairpersons Ellen Ringlein at
> <mailto:ERinglein at nfb.org> ERinglein at nfb.org or Jen White at
> <mailto:JWhite at nfb.org> JWhite at nfb.org.
>
>
>
>
> Jamming with the At-Large Chapter - A Concert to Commemorate Meet the Blind
> Month
>
>
> The At-Large Chapter of the NFBMD presents "Jamming with the At-Large
> Chapter", a concert for everyone. This event will take place via Zoom on
> Saturday, October 24, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. Though this event is not ticketed,
> we suggest a donation of $12 per person.
>
>
>
> Travel through the decades from Chuck Berry to the present. There will be
> music for every taste including country, Christian rock, jazz, pop rock and
> more. Get out the snacks, bring your own beverage, put on your dancing
> shoes, and enjoy this night of music and fun!
>
>
>
> Please register by Wednesday, October 21, so that we have time to send you
> the Zoom information. You may register by contacting Sharon Maneki at
> <mailto:NFBMDSM at gmail.com> NFBMDSM at gmail.com or calling 410-715-9596. Be
> sure to include your email address when you register.
>
>
>
> You may donate by using the PayPal button located at
> <http://nfbmd.org/jamming> http://nfbmd.org/jamming or by mailing a check
> payable to NFBMD to At-Large Chapter Treasurer Sharon Maneki at:
>
> 9013 Nelson Way
>
> Columbia, MD 21045
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> NFBMD Crab Feast and Basket and Bag Bingo - Canceled!
>
>
> I regret to report that we have had to cancel both the NFBMD Crab Feast and
> Basket and Bag Bingo. We have sent hard copy letters to everyone who has
> purchased tickets for both events to ask whether ticket holders would like a
> refund or to convert the cash value of their tickets to donations to NFBMD.
> Crab Feast ticket holders should contact me at <mailto:President at nfbmd.org>
> President at nfbmd.org or at 443-426-4110. Basket and Bag Bingo ticket holders
> should contact Sharon Maneki at <mailto:NFBMDSM at gmail.com>
> NFBMDSM at gmail.com or at 410-715-9596. Basket and Bag Bingo is scheduled to
> return on March 12, 2021, and the NFBMD Crab Feast is scheduled to return on
> August 7, 2021.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Zoom Password Requirements Effective September 1
>
>
> The Zoom platform is requiring meetings and events to incorporate a password
> beginning this Fall. NFBMD is implementing this change effective September
> 1, 2020. Any meeting hosted by the NFBMD Zoom account will use the same
> password. This includes the Wednesday night COVID-19 calls, Sligo Creek,
> Greater Baltimore, and Central Maryland Chapter Meetings, Parent Division
> activities, chapter board meetings, and so on. Note that Carroll County and
> TLC Chapter meetings as well as Student Division Chill Hours use a different
> account and will thus have a different password.
>
>
>
> The password for NFBMD-hosted meetings will be the numeric equivalent of
> "NFBMD," which is 63263.
>
>
>
>
> NFBMD COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund
>
>
> We continue to operate an affiliate COVID-19 fund to assist individuals and
> families that are experiencing financial hardship during the COVID-19
> crisis. This fund is available to blind individuals and families with a
> blind household member living in Maryland. The financial assistance must be
> needed due to a change in circumstance, e.g. loss of employment income,
> because of COVID-19 or associated government directives like the
> Stay-at-Home order. Assistance is limited to essentials such as groceries
> and medication. This Fund is being administered by the NFBMD Financial
> Assistance Committee. Anyone who is wishing to request assistance should
> contact me at <mailto:President at nfbmd.org> President at nfbmd.org or at
> 443-426-4110.
>
>
>
> In addition, we are seeking contributions to augment the NFBMD COVID-19
> Emergency Response Fund. Those interested in making a monetary donation may
> do so by sending a check to NFBMD, 15 Charles Plaza, #3002, Baltimore,
> Maryland 21201 or by using the PayPal donation link on our website located
> at <http://www.nfbmd.org/COVID-19Fund> http://www.nfbmd.org/COVID-19Fund.
>
>
>
>
> Reminder to Prepare to Vote
>
>
> In the wake of the global pandemic, many states, including Maryland, have
> modified the manner of voting for the November 3, 2020 Presidential General
> Election. Maryland plans to significantly reduce it's in-person early
> voting centers and same-day voting sites. As a result, individuals should
> plan ahead in order to ensure access to a voting location. NFBMD encourages
> those who are able and who are not in high-risk categories to vote in person
> if possible. To find a list of voting locations, visit the Maryland State
> Board of Elections website at: <https://elections.maryland.gov/>
> https://elections.maryland.gov/
>
>
>
> As a result of previous litigation that NFBMD undertook, Maryland is
> required to offer an accessible absentee voting system. This enables the
> blind to gain access to an accessible computer-based ballot using their
> assistive technology. The voter marks the ballot using the voter's computer
> and then prints, signs, and mails in the ballot.
>
>
>
> As of May 8, 2020, Maryland no longer uses the term Absentee Voting and
> instead uses the phrases "Mail-in Voting" and "Mail-in Ballots." To submit
> a request for a Mail-in Ballot, visit:
> <https://voterservices.elections.maryland.gov/OnlineVoterRegistration/Instru
> ctionsStep1>
> https://voterservices.elections.maryland.gov/OnlineVoterRegistration/Instruc
> tionsStep1. You will have the option to choose to have a paper ballot mailed
> to you or the link to an electronic ballot emailed to you. You will need to
> know the number on your Maryland State ID to request a Mail-in Ballot.
>
>
>
> NFBMD urges everyone eligible to vote to do so. Individuals not yet
> registered to vote may do so online by visiting:
> <https://voterservices.elections.maryland.gov/OnlineVoterRegistration/Instru
> ctionsStep1>
> https://voterservices.elections.maryland.gov/OnlineVoterRegistration/Instruc
> tionsStep1. Early voting runs from October 26 through November 2, 2020.
>
>
>
>
> Blind Cruising 2021
>
>
> The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland will be hosting a cruise
> fundraiser from September 19, 2021 to September 26, 2021. The affiliate
> will receive a portion of the cost of each cabin that is booked. All are
> welcome, including members of the NFBMD, other affiliates, families,
> colleagues, and friends. For additional information or to reserve your
> cabin, please contact our travel agent, Cindy Kiper at kkiper at cruisesinc.com
> <mailto:kkiper at cruisesinc.com> or 813-418-0647 or visit
> <http://nfbmd.org/blindcruising> http://nfbmd.org/blindcruising. .
>
>
>
> Details are as follows:
>
> Ship: Carnival Pride
>
> Date: September 19 - September 26, 2021
>
> Port of Departure: Baltimore, Maryland
>
> Number of nights: 7
>
> Ports visited: Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos; Half Moon Cay, Bahamas; and
> Freeport, Bahamas
>
>
>
> Key Dates:
>
> - First deposit due: Until All Cabins Booked or December 31,
> 2020 (whichever is earlier) = $25 per person
>
> - Second deposit due: April 15, 2021 - $250 per person plus
> full names of sailors
>
> - Final payment due: June 1, 2021
>
>
>
> Types and prices of cabins (this is a per person price based on double
> occupancy and includes cabin fee, port charges, and taxes); we have a
> limited number of cabins, so prices may change once our block is filled.
>
> - Balcony cabin (extended balcony) = $958.64 per person
>
> - Balcony cabin (standard balcony) = from $935.64 to $946.64
> per person
>
> - interior cabin = From $727.64 to $737.64 per person
>
> - if anyone needs an Ocean View or triple or quad cabin, they
> should let us know.
>
> Note: Cabin types are going first come first serve, so please email to
> inquire about availability.
>
>
>
> We hope you will join us in 2021 on this incredible trip.
>
>
>
>
> NFBMD Fall Donation Drive - Win a Free Cruise!
>
>
> The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland is holding a Fall donation
> drive to support our work. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have had to
> significantly increase our resources with regard to advocacy, education, and
> outreach related to teleschooling, access to information, access to
> transportation, telehealth, and other areas impacting the blind.
>
>
>
> Between September 19 and 26, 2021, NFBMD will be hosting Blind Cruising
> 2021, which is a 7-night cruise on the Carnival Pride to the Eastern
> Caribbean. Individuals may book passage directly with our travel agent, with
> a portion of cabin costs going to NFBMD. Those interested may find
> information at <http://www.nfbmd.org/blindcruising>
> http://www.nfbmd.org/blindcruising.
>
>
>
> Additionally, we will hold a cruise drawing at the NFBMD Convention Banquet
> on November 7, 2020. The winner will receive a balcony cabin for two on the
> Carnival Pride for the sailing scheduled to depart Baltimore from September
> 19 - 26, 2021, which is the sailing where Blind Cruising 2021 will take
> place.
>
>
>
> The rules for the drawing are as follows:
>
> 1. For each $10 donated, the donor will receive one chance. For example, if
> the donor contributes $100, that equates to 10 chances.
>
> 2. The donor must expressly state that he/she wishes to have his/her name
> placed in the cruise drawing.
>
> 3. Donations must be made separately from any door prize contributions,
> convention registration donations, or COVID-19 Emergency Assistance Fund
> donations.
>
> 4. Donations must be received on or before November 1, 2020.
>
>
>
> Individuals may make donations using the PayPal button located at
> <http://www.nfbmd.org/DonationDrive> http://www.nfbmd.org/DonationDrive or
> by mailing checks to:
>
> National Federation of the Blind of Maryland
>
> Fall Donation Drive
>
> 1800 Johnson Street, Suite N1
>
> Baltimore, MD 21230
>
>
>
> If you have questions, please contact me at <mailto:President at nfbmd.org>
> President at nfbmd.org or at 443-426-4110.
>
>
>
>
> Important Upcoming Dates
>
>
> * October 1, 2020 - Meet the Blind Month
> * October 3, 2020 - Muggle Month on Magical Main Kick-off Celebration,
> Maryland Parents of Blind Children and Central Maryland Chapter Meet the
> Blind Month Event, Zoom and Old Ellicott City, Maryland
> * October 16, 2020 - NFBMD Virtual Night at the Theater, NFBMD Meet
> the Blind Month Event and Fundraiser, Everywhere
> * October 24, 2020 - Jamming with the At-Large Chapter, Zoom Meet the
> Blind Month Event
> * November 6-8, 2020 - Annual State Convention, Everywhere
> * January 21, 2021 - NFBMD Day in Annapolis
> * February 6, 2021 - Regional Braille Challenge, Maryland School for
> the Blind
> * February 8, 2021 - Washington Seminar Great Gathering In
> * February 9, 2021 - Maryland Day on the Hill
> * July 6 - 11, 2021 - NFB National Convention, New Orleans, Louisiana
> * March 12, 2021 - Basket and Bag Bingo, Catonsville, Maryland
> * August 7, 2021 - NFBMD Crab Feast, Parkville, Maryland
> * September 19 - 26, 2021 - Blind Cruising 2021, Carnival Pride,
> Departing from Port of Baltimore
>
>
>
>
>
> Ronza Othman, President
>
> National Federation of the Blind of Maryland
>
> 443-426-4110
>
> Pronouns: she, her, hers
>
>
>
> The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland 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. You can live the life you want;
> blindness is not what holds you back.
>
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