<html><head><meta http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"></head><body dir="auto"><br><br><div dir="ltr">Sent from My IPhone</div><div dir="ltr"><br>Begin forwarded message:<br><br></div><blockquote type="cite"><div dir="ltr"><b>From:</b> Maggie Stringer via Community-Service <community-service@nfbnet.org><br><b>Date:</b> December 4, 2021 at 9:15:26 AM EST<br><b>To:</b> community-service@nfbnet.org<br><b>Cc:</b> Maggie Stringer <ravensfan784@gmail.com><br><b>Subject:</b> <b>[Community-Service] December 2021 Newsletter</b><br><b>Reply-To:</b> Community Service Discussion List <community-service@nfbnet.org><br><br></div></blockquote><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">“Beyond the Six Dots”</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">National Federation of the Blind Community Service Division</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">December 2021 Newsletter</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">We use a white cane, slate & stylus, and screen readers
in between,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">We read from the left, write from the right, and will tap
tap onto any scene.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">We want our communities to know what we’ve got, a commitment
to serve,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Beyond the Six Dots!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;line-height:normal;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">A WINTERY
BLESSING</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">We wouldn’t dare end the year without a chuckle or two. We
wish a thousand of blessings to be showered upon each and every one of you this
month. Here’s our gift of smiles to you:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">Question: What
did Frosty the Snowman say to the other snowman?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">Answer: Do
you smell carrots?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><i>Don’t think about it, laugh about it!</i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b>BRIGHT HOLIDAY LIGHTS & HUMAN RIGHTS</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Written by C. K. Ries</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 are many winter holidays
celebrated in December; however, it is also when National Human Rights month is
recognized. During this month, every American is encouraged to come together
and stand up for equality, justice, and the dignity of all human beings. </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 December, we will honor the
International Declaration of Human Rights drafted by the United Nations in
1948. The United Nations celebrates
Human Rights Day on December 10th every year to commemorate the declaration. </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 2021, the theme is “All human,
all equal”. If you are anything like me,
you are asking why do we need a day or a month to celebrate human rights? Shouldn’t we celebrate and promote human
rights every day? Well, of course we
should! However, it is always good to
have a time set aside that you make things a priority such as we did with Blind
Equality Achievement Month. We had many
powerful and impactful events during that month. Another question you may have in common with
me is: what does national or
international have to do with me in my small state, or city, or neighborhood? Eleanor Roosevelt is quoted as saying “Where,
after all, do universal human rights begin?
In small places, close to home; so close, and so small that they cannot
be seen on any maps of the world… unless these rights have meaning there, they
have little meaning anywhere. Without citizen action to uphold them, close to
home, we shall look in vain for progress in the larger world.” </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 Division is
naturally inclined to support human rights; and anyone in the division can
support this cause during this month in big or small ways. These are some things that I have planned for
the month. I have a meeting planned with
my state Senator to discuss the issues of the blind community in Delaware. I am hoping to develop local champions for
our legislative causes. I am developing
a “Know Your Rights” document to put on our state website. I saw this on NFB Colorado’s website and
thought that it is a brilliant idea.
Thank you, Colorado. And finally,
I am planning to be more aware of the ways that I can support the greater
community with regards to human rights.
It could be the rights of people with other disabilities, social justice
causes, or immigrant rights to name a few.
Because, we are all human, and we should all be equal! </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 challenge all of you to choose
something small you can do to support human rights during this month. It will make a difference!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Miss Reis has put The challenge on the table! So, dedicated
readers, Where will you be on December 10<sup>th</sup>? </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">#HUMANRIGHTS</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><i>“To deny people their human rights are to challenge their
very humanity” by Nelson Mandela.</i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b>WE SERVE TO UNITE</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">May everyone’s days be merry and bright,
no matter their religion! Between November 1st and January 15th, there are over
twenty-nine holidays observed by seven of the world’s major religions. And yet,
many celebrations often center around just one of them. Celebrating diversity
during this time of year is a powerful way to include all of our communities.
It is more than changing labels and titles, we want to build understanding and
awareness of traditions and beliefs of others.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b>The Celebration of </b><b><span style="font-size:18pt;line-height:107%">Hanukah</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:18pt;line-height:107%">Written by Honey Massey</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="font-size:18pt;line-height:107%">As in all Jewish holidays, Hanukah has an historical
significance and a seasonal message. The word Hanukah (don</span><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL"></span><span lang="AR-SA" dir="RTL" style="font-size:18pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL"></span>’</span><span style="font-size:18pt;line-height:107%">t be confused by the multiple ways it is spelled) means
Dedication – it is a festival of light celebrated with song, but also with a
seriousness, and it lasts eight days. Historically we are marking a victory of
the Jewish people over the Syrian Greeks some 2000 years ago. </span><span style="font-size:18pt;line-height:107%"></span></p>
<p class="gmail-BodyA" style="text-indent:0.5in;line-height:19pt;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:black;border:none"><span style="font-size:18pt">The Greek plan was to create a
Hellenistic Empire including the lands where the Jews lived and worshipped God.
Jerusalem was conquered and the Jews were forced to cease following their
faith. Many did out of fear or a desire to be accepted. But a rebellion began
with the Maccabees, a brave group of young men, and this lasted three
years. Finally, the Holy Temple in
Jerusalem, which had been plundered, was liberated and prepared to be
rededicated to God. As the legend goes, there was just enough oil in the
Menorah, the holy light, for one night. But a miracle occurred, and the oil
lasted for eight days. </span></p>
<p class="gmail-BodyA" style="text-indent:0.5in;line-height:19pt;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:black;border:none"><span style="font-size:18pt">The story explains the significance of
the customs of the holiday. We light a menorah for eight days. The holiday is
celebrated on the 25<sup>th</sup> day of Kislev every year, but because the
Jewish calendar is a lunar one, it does not take place on the same day every
year in the Gregorian calendar, which is based on the sun and which the rest of
the world uses. We are remembering the miracle. In many ways, it is more than
marking the Jewish victory over the Greeks. It is a reminder that throughout
the centuries there have been attempts to force the Jewish people to abandon
their faith or face death, and yet we have remained. </span></p>
<p class="gmail-BodyA" style="text-indent:0.5in;line-height:19pt;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:black;border:none"><span style="font-size:18pt">Like other faiths, the holiday flames
also symbolize that the dark days of winter will come to an end. The holiday is
celebrated at home — it is not considered a holy day as is Passover, Rosh
Hashana, or Succoth, the celebration of the giving of the Torah. People go to
work and children attend school. Because the oil lasted for eight days, we eat
potato pancakes or latkes fried in oil. This is a European Ashkenazi Jewish
tradition. In Israel, they eat jelly doughnuts or sufganyot also made in deep
hot oil. Family and friends are invited over to sing songs and join in the food
and of course the lighting of the menorah. The first day we light one candle
and each subsequent day we add a candle until on the last day there is a full
menorah, and it is a custom to put the menorah in the window so the neighbors
can see it is a proud Jewish family. There is also a custom to play with a top
or dreidel. </span></p>
<p class="gmail-BodyA" style="text-indent:0.5in;line-height:19pt;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:black;border:none"><span style="font-size:18pt">During the time of the Greek rule, the
Greek king forbade the teaching of the Torah. Jews defied this order and
continued to teach their children. They used the dreidel as a cover up for the
learning. On modern dreidels the sides of the dreidel have Hebrew letters Nun,
Gimmel, Hay and Shin. These are the initials of Nes Gadol Hayah Sham — a great
miracle happened there (i</span><span lang="NL" style="font-size:18pt">n Israel</span><span style="font-size:18pt">.) We put coins in the pot and spin the top, and
depending on what letter it lands on it will determine if you take from the pot
or give into the pot. In Israel the dreidels often have the initials Nun,
Gimmel, Hay, Peh for Nes Gadol Hayah Po — a great miracle happened here.</span></p>
<p class="gmail-BodyA" style="text-indent:0.5in;line-height:19pt;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:black;border:none"><span style="font-size:18pt">Traditionally children were given
Hanukah gelt, small chocolate coins. We tend to eat dairy meals during this holiday.</span></p>
<p class="gmail-BodyA" style="text-indent:0.5in;line-height:19pt;margin:0in 0in 8pt;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:black;border:none"><span style="font-size:18pt">It is a joyful time, the light showing
us God</span><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL"></span><span lang="AR-SA" dir="RTL" style="font-size:18pt;font-family:"Arial Unicode MS",serif"><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL"></span>’</span><span style="font-size:18pt">s
love, and, for those who are more secular, the knowledge that we can work to
bring understanding into what can be a world filled with despair.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">We thank, Miss Honey, for sharing
the traditions in celebrating <span style="font-size:18pt;line-height:107%">Hanukah</span>.
Volunteers like her, light a candle within all of our hearts to give back,
especially during the Hussle and bustle of the holidays!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b>The Beauty of Kwanza</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Written by Cheryl Fields, NFB
Ohio Affiliate & Teisha James</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt 0.5in;text-align:justify;text-indent:0.5in;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">“Some
families treat Kwanzaa as an alternative to Christmas. My family and friends
actually celebrate both. Even though Kwanzaa is not a religious holiday, I
think of it as a cultural tradition with spiritual qualities,” says Teisha
James from New Orleans, Louisiana.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt 0.5in;text-align:justify;text-indent:0.5in;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Kwanza
is the beautiful result of an awful tragedy. on the heels of six days of
violent and destructive rioting in the south-central Los Angeles neighborhood
of Watts where thirty-four people lost their lives, Dr. Maulana Karenga,
professor and chairman of Black Studies at California State University, Long
Beach founded the cultural organization, US, in 1966. He began studying ways to
bring the African-American community together. Dr. Karenga researched harvest
celebrations of African cultures, including the Ashanti and Zulu and the roots
of Kwanza were planted. Today Pan-African communities celebrate and teach the
seven principals of Kwanza for seven days in homes, churches and community
centers in many countries. Kwanza, matunda ya, means first fruits in Swahili.
The non-religious celebration begins each year on December 26th and ends
January 1st with a large meal. After the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping
and parties, Kwanza provides a time to relax, remember, reflect, restore and reconnect
to community. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">“It’s customary to greet friends
and family with the Swahili phrase, "Habari gani", meaning,
"What is the news?" To respond, answer with the principle of the day.
Umoja for example, is the response given on December 26th,” says Teisha.
Fasting or abstaining from food, is also done during Kwanzaa, as a means of
cleansing of the mind, soul, and spirit. “During this time, my family has a
sixty-year tradition of their own; volunteering at local shelters and serving
hot meals to the homeless.”</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">There is also the Candlelighting
Ceremony. It is the central part to the celebration of Kwanzaa. It takes place
at a time when all members of the family are present and children are
encouraged to take an active role in all activities. The ceremony begins with
the TAMBIKO (libation), an African form of praise which pays homage to personal
and collective ancestors. To begin, the elder of the household pours wine or
juice into the earth or an earth-filled vessel. While pouring, the elder makes
a statement honoring departed family members for the inspiration and values
they have left with descendants. Friends are also remembered. After the
TAMBIKO, as a gesture of unity, the elder drinks from the KIKOMBE CHA UMOJA and
then passes it for all to share. The elder leads the call, "HARAMBEE"
(Let's pull together), and everyone participates in repeating the phrase seven
times. This ceremony reinforces the meaning of the principles. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The placement of the mishumaa
saba candles in the kinara is as follows:</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Black, for the color of African
peoples everywhere, is located in the center.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Three red candles, represents the
blood of the ancestors, are placed to the left.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Three green candles that
symbolize the earth, life, and the ideas and promise of the future, are
<a href="http://placed.to">placed.to</a> the right.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Beginning December 26 with the
black mushumaa, a different candle is lit for each day, alternating from left
to right. After the candlelighting, the principle of the day is discussed. The
evening of December 31 (Day 6) is the KARAMU, a joyous celebration with songs,
poetry and storytelling, African drumming, games and reciting quotes of great
Black thinkers. It is a time of rejoicing, reassessment and recommitment. The
ZAWADI, handmade or similarly meaningful gifts for children, may be opened at
the KARAMU, or on the final day of Kwanzaa, when Imani is observed.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Seven Principles are as
follows:</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Nguzo Saba </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Unity: Umoja (oo-MO-jah), o strives
for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Self-determination: Kujichagulia
(koo-gee-cha-goo-LEE-yah), to define ourselves, name ourselves, create for
ourselves, and speak for ourselves.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Collective Work and
Responsibility: Ujima (oo-GEE-mah), to build and maintain our community
together and make our brother’s and sister’s problems our problems and to solve
them together.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Cooperative Economics: Ujamaa
(oo-JAH-mah), to build and maintain our own stores, shops, and other businesses
and to profit from them together.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Purpose: Nia (nee-YAH), to make
our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order
to restore our people to their traditional greatness.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt 0.5in;text-align:justify;text-indent:0.5in;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Consider
joining a Kwanza celebration or beginning a beautiful tradition with your
family and community. For additional information on Kwanzaa, see, The
Smithsonian National museum of African-American History and Culture.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">We thank Miss
Cheryl and Miss Teisha for being committed volunteers in our community! We
appreciate these ladies sharing the meaning, history, and customs of Kwanzaa.
The fellowship and the engaging of one’s community sound absolutely beautiful!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b>A VOICE WITH NO LIMITS</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">December 3<sup>rd,</sup> International Day of People with
Disabilities</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Written by Daria Bannerman</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It is an honor to know that all
over the world, people with disabilities are being remembered and celebrated
every year! There once was a time where we were thought of as being too ugly to
step outside our homes and/or institutions. But thanks to many people with
disabilities, they have helped pave the way for us to love ourselves and live
our lives without any shame. We find celebration in this 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">It’s crucial to spread awareness on
the importance of inclusivity, accessibility, and sustainability on International
Day of Persons with Disabilities. Agencies, groups, and individuals all over
the world acknowledge this international day in a myriad of ways, including
creating posts on various social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and
Tiktok. It’s amazing that we have these tools to help spread awareness of people
with disabilities and how we contribute to society in many ways.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">How will you, recognize and
celebrate international day of persons with disabilities? Perhaps you’ll do
this by volunteering to help someone accomplish a task. Or maybe you’ll
demonstrate how you use assistive technology, apply makeup, or just be yourself
while living life, disability and all. However, you choose to acknowledge this
day, do it with gladness and pride!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">#IDPD</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><i><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">“Nothing
about us, without us!”</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">IT’S BEGINNING
TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">Written
by Maggie Stringer</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"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">We all know that the Christmas season can be, truly magical.
From the merry of decorations to the gathering of loved ones, the baking of delicious
homemade treats, the singing of those catchy jingles, and the snuggles under a
warm blanket during a cold wintery night. This time of year, does something to
us. We feel giddy and nice, and smile and laugh without even thinking twice. But
if we are not careful, we can get caught up. Being too focused on that treacherous
hunt for the impeccable bargain, or swept away by having one too many of the
cousin’s famous spiked eggnog. It’s easy though, those holiday movies and
storybook tales sometimes make Christmas out to be a snow globe full of jolly perfection.
</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"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">For some, the Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations are the
most painful part of the year for them. The thought of families uniting as one,
the sight of a colorfully decorated pine tree, or maybe the familiar scent of fresh
baked ginger bread, brings back memories tied to sadness and hopelessness.</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"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">I can remember a Christmas time that didn’t feel so magical.
It was 2004 and my baby sister was seven months pregnant. Ordinarily, that’s a
beautiful miracle and tends to bring family, friends, and loved ones closer. But
for Amy, it was a long and painful seven months. She spent most of her time in
the hospital than she did at home. </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"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">You see, Amy was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis when she was
eight months old. To describe it briefly, CF is a lung and digestive disease,
and when she was born most CF patients had a life expectancy of fourteen years of
age. I remember when I first became a Christian. I would always pray to God,
asking Him to let my baby sister live one more year and then, I would give Him my
list of things she and I still needed to do together. </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"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">For the most part, when we were growing up, Amy was
considered to be a fairly healthy person compared to a lot of the other CF
patients. Until, she became pregnant in 2004.</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"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">Just before Christmas, I remember the doctor’s wanting to
have an emergency meeting about her and the baby. Despite it being a little
over a month before the baby was due, the doctor’s wanted to perform a cesarean
as soon as possible. Her body had become so weak, they were afraid she and the
baby may not make it to the new year. </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"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">It’s difficult to remember anything outside of going to and
from the hospital during that holiday season. However, I know that my story is
not the only story. A lot of people are going through, something, this
Christmas. I encourage you to think of those around you. Have you spoken to
your neighbor lately? When was the last time you checked in with your Aunt? Maybe
you could clean out that food pantry, that you’ve been meaning to do. There are
lots of food drives during this time of the year. Thinking about it now, I
don’t recall buying very many groceries that one Christmas. Every time we
turned around, someone was bringing my family and I a home cooked meal. People
I didn’t even know, offering to bring me a plate of home cooked food.</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"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">I believe that the magic of Christmas, it’s in you. You can
be the beacon of hope for someone this holiday. I know those doctors and nurses
on December 31<sup>st, </sup>gave my baby sister a sparkle of hope, when they
helped her give birth to a beautifully handsome, baby boy!</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><i><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">“It’s
your turn. Kindness is free, so sprinkle that stuff everywhere you see!”</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">RESOURCES</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">Communities
of Faith Division</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">President:
Tom Anderson</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">Email:
<a href="mailto:tanderson81452@gmail.com">tanderson81452@gmail.com</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">Mailing
List: <a href="http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/faith-talk_nfbnet.org">nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/faith-talk_nfbnet.org</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">Blind
Fraternal Greek and Masonic Group</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">Chairperson:
Shawn Callaway</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">Email:
<a href="mailto:callaway.shawn@gmail.com">callaway.shawn@gmail.com</a></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">Blind
Muslims Group</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">Chairperson:
Tasnim Alshuli</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">Email:
<a href="mailto:tasnim.shuli@gmail.com">tasnim.shuli@gmail.com</a></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">NFB in
Judaism Group</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">Chairperson:
David Stayer</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">Email:
<a href="mailto:davidrstayer6@gmail.com">davidrstayer6@gmail.com</a></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">Mailing
List: <a href="http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbj_nfbnet.org">nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbj_nfbnet.org</a></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">NFB LGBT
Group</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">Chairperson:
Sanho Steele-Louchart</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">Email:
<a href="mailto:sanho817@gmail.com">sanho817@gmail.com</a></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">EDITOR’S
NOTES</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">We want to feature you in our next issue! Write about your personal
experience with your community service project and submit the article by the
first of the month.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">We also want to help promote your community projects and
state affiliate events. Share your calendar with Beyond The Six Dots and we
will feature your events in the ‘Represent Your State’ section of our next issue.
Contact our editor to submit your calendar events and featured articles. (The
editor may edit the Length and/or wording of your article.)</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">NFB Community Service Division</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/communityservicedivision/" style="color:rgb(5,99,193)">www.facebook.com/communityservicedivision/</a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">President Jeanetta Price</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Email: <a href="mailto:price.jeanetta@gmail.com" style="color:rgb(5,99,193)">price.jeanetta@gmail.com</a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Mobile: (409) 344-1005</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Newsletter Editor: Maggie Stringer</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Email: <a href="mailto:Ravensfan784@gmail.com" style="color:rgb(5,99,193)">Ravensfan784@gmail.com</a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Mobile: (443) 750-0070</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">ONE
MINUTE MESSAGE</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is
not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations
of blind people because low expectations create obstacles between blind people
and our dreams. We are survivors!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> </p></div></div></div></div></div>
<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/dbrown8827%40aol.com</span><br></div></blockquote></body></html>