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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>Happy New Year! I hope all of you had a wonderful Holiday season and are now ready to begin 2024 with a great deal of enthusiasm, a renewed spirit and restored energy.<span style='font-size:13.5pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#BF3F2F'> As we look back on 2023, we have a lot to be proud of. While the work of the NFB is never ending, we do accomplish a lot in the lives of blind people. This past year we helped many people go to Houston, Texas for our National convention and we went to Washington, D.C. and spoke with our legislators about issues that impact our lives. We are working on a Massachusetts Blind parents’ Rights Bill. We are building a leadership growing community. we gave support and encouragement to those who have recently lost their sight and are continuing to build a family in our community of people who want to see our blindness as only one of our characteristics. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:13.5pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#BF3F2F'>We held a Leadership seminar in Springfield, and our board, chapter Presidents and a few others came together to learn more about the NFB, how to become more involved, worked on some problem-solving skills and became closer as we tackled some team activities. </span><span style='font-size:10.5pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#767676'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:13.5pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#BF3F2F'>We could not have achieved all that we have without each and every one of you! You and your support, ideas, and energy are vital in continuing to make a difference. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:13.5pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#BF3F2F'>We wish health and happiness and look forward to 2024 with you and your family.</span><span style='font-size:10.5pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#767676'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal>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. You can live the life you want: blindness is not what holds you back.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>What vision do you have for 2024? Please share your ideas and suggestions with me. This affiliate is for each and every one of us! <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>With Love, Hope and Determination, <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Shara Winton<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>NFB of MA, President<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="mailto:SharaWinton@gmail.com">SharaWinton@gmail.com</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>