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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Hello Federationists,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Happy Holidays!! Please read entire message including your choices for lunch at our 71<sup>st</sup> state Convention. I know everyone has a lot going on right now and this seems so far away, but it is time to make your hotel reservations for our state convention which will be held on March 15-17 in Salem. It does not cost anything to make your room reservation, please call the hotel and make your reservation today or as soon as possible. If you are a student, please contact me directly at <a href="mailto:sharawinton@gmail.com">sharawinton@gmail.com</a> or 617-304-0347. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>For everyone else, <span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>please reach out to the Salem Waterfront hotel and suites directly at 978-619-1115, 9AM-5PM Monday- Friday. You will not be able to get the room block rate on-line. You should also mention that you are attending the National Federation of the Blind Convention on March 15 through March 17, 2024. If you need to call After 5PM and on weekends contact the hotel at 978-740-8788.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In other news, regarding the state convention. This year’s convention will have a 2-hour lunch break. Everyone will be responsible for paying for and choosing your own lunch. But it is extremely important to be back by 2PM to be there for our exciting afternoon sessions and win your door prizes. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>There will be six teams from which we would like for you to choose one for lunch on Saturday, March 16. Please take a look at the following team leaders, restaurant choices and menus below. When you have decided which location you would like to have lunch, it is necessary to contact your team leader. The team leader will be responsible for making reservations and guiding the team to and from the hotel. There are two choices inside the hotel The other four, are within a short walking distance. The team leaders will be walking there. If walking is not an option for you, we strongly recommend that you stay and have lunch at the Regatta Pub, inside the hotel. You are responsible for paying for the cost of your own food, drinks and gratuity. If none of these places are something you would choose, you are welcome to get to and from or have delivered from where ever you select on your own. Please contact your team leader no later than Monday January 15, 2024.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>Team one: Kyra Sweeney is the team leader for the Regatta Pub. Contact Kyra at 310-430-3817<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'> Or <a href="mailto:kyra.sweeney94@gmail.com">kyra.sweeney94@gmail.com</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> You are welcome to stay at the hotel and enjoy the fine food at the Regatta Pub. <span style='font-family:"Montserrat Light";color:#021D49;background:white'>Sleek and modern with a charming nautical flair, the Regatta Pub boasts seating up to 49 and an extensive lunch menu with over 50 mouth-watering menu offerings, from seasonal New England favorites and classic American bistro fare to fresh local seafood. Our bar features a global wine list, bottled and draft beers, signature cocktails, and themed martinis. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://salemwaterfronthotel.com/amenities/regatta-pub-2/">Regatta Pub - Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Team two: This choice is exclusively for the students. You will need to contact Shara 617-304-0347 or <a href="mailto:sharawinton@gmail.com">sharawinton@gmail.com</a> , right away to let me know that you are coming. Your lunch will be provided for you during your annual business meeting of the Massachusetts Association for Blind Students. Your lunch will be served in the main ball room. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Team three: Cullen will be the team leader for Brother’s Taverna Located at 283 Derby Street. Contact Cullen at 781-428-1254 or <a href="mailto:cullen.gallagher@gmail.com">cullen.gallagher@gmail.com</a><span class=MsoHyperlink> </span><span style='font-size:13.5pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white'>Whether you want to enjoy a nice seated meal or sit at the bar and watch the game, Brothers has you covered. Everything you see on our menu is made fresh in our kitchen daily; this is to ensure that you have the best dining experience possible here at Brothers. You will find all of your New England comfort foods with many pasta, fish and steak options. Soups, salads and heart healthy menus are also available. </span> Website: <a href="https://brotherstaverna.com/">https://brotherstaverna.com/</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Includes menu categories near top of page.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>Team Four: Debbie Malone will be the team leader for Sea Level Oyster Bar 94 Wharf Street. Contact Debbie at 774-786-0177 or <a href="mailto:Dmalone510@gmail.com">Dmalone510@gmail.com</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Sea Level <span style='font-size:13.5pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"display",serif;color:#D2D2D6;background:white'>Boasts two floors with spectacular views of the Salem Harbor. We feature fresh seafood, raw bar, pizzas, sandwiches, 20 craft beers and cocktails. Innovative, sustainable, inspired menus all lead to an extraordinary dining experience. Our menu emphasizes creatively prepared fresh local seafood along with seasonal offerings. Our raw bar offers the freshest local oysters, littleneck clams, chilled lobster and jumbo shrimp. </span>Website: <a href="https://sealeveloysterbar.com/">https://sealeveloysterbar.com/</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Menu: <a href="https://sealeveloysterbar.com/dinner/">https://sealeveloysterbar.com/dinner/</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>Team Five: Shirley Dorris will be the team leader for Longboards Restaurant and Bar 76 <span style='font-size:13.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"orig_montserrat_light",serif;color:white;border:none windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in;mso-ligatures:none'>Wharf Street</span><span style='font-size:13.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"orig_montserrat_light",serif;color:white;border:none windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in'>. Contact Shirley at 615-598-5020 or </span><a href="mailto:Ladyshirl519@gmail.com">Ladyshirl519@gmail.com</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=font8 style='margin:0in;line-height:18.0pt;vertical-align:baseline'><span class=wixui-rich-texttext><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"orig_montserrat_light",serif;color:white;border:none windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in'> Longboards is the neighborhood joint for locals and a must-stop for visitors. It's a lively, casual space perfect to call your own. Stop in and say hi. You're sure to see Justin, Matt, an old friend, or one you haven't met yet!</span></span><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=font8 style='margin:0in;mso-line-height-alt:18.0pt;vertical-align:baseline'><span class=wixui-rich-texttext><b><span style='font-size:19.0pt;font-family:"orig_hey_october",serif;color:#FA4F43;letter-spacing:.6pt;border:none windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in'>Why Longboards?</span></b></span><span style='font-size:19.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=font8 style='margin:0in;line-height:18.0pt;vertical-align:baseline'><span class=wixui-rich-texttext><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"orig_montserrat_light",serif;color:white;border:none windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in'>Although the inspiration to open a laid-back bar on the ocean comes from the West Coast, you won't find any surfboards or skateboards here. Instead, we take pride in our unique flatbread pizzas served on... long boards. They have the best Lobster Rolls! They also have many sandwiches as a Salmon BLT and tons of choices that do not include any seafood at all. Panini’s, burgers, and pizza are to be found at Longboards for your enjoyment. </span></span><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:13.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"orig_montserrat_light",serif;color:white;border:none windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in'> </span>Website: <a href="https://www.longboardsbar.com/">https://www.longboardsbar.com/</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>PDF Menu: <a href="https://www.longboardsbar.com/_files/ugd/0d21ef_bd115b4718314bc4a90f926b82e1a341.pdf">https://www.longboardsbar.com/_files/ugd/0d21ef_bd115b4718314bc4a90f926b82e1a341.pdf</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=font7 align=center style='margin:0in;text-align:center;vertical-align:baseline'><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=font7 align=center style='margin:0in;text-align:center;vertical-align:baseline'><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:22.5pt;margin-left:0in;background:white'><span style='color:black'>Team Six: Mike Karsok Will be the team leader for Mercy Tavern 148 Derby Street. Contact Mike at 978-979-7356 or mike.karsok@gmail.com </span><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>Mercy Tavern works hard to be the best neighborhood restaurant and bar in Salem. We are committed to delicious, locally sourced and sustainably produced food and drink, and we place tremendous value in fun, friendship and community. Our staff is committed to one another, to our guests, and to providing exceptional service. We truly do care about your experience.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:22.5pt;margin-left:0in;background:white'><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>Mercy’s business model is designed around giving to community and social justice organizations, so much so that a % of every customer’s tab goes directly to organizations that help our community. Best Burgers on the North shore! <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal> Website: <a href="https://www.mercysalem.com/pub/">https://www.mercysalem.com/pub/</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Menu PDF: <a href="https://www.mercysalem.com/pub/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/winter2023-24menu.pdf">https://www.mercysalem.com/pub/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/winter2023-24menu.pdf</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>