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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><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Good Evening NFB family and Friends, <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>We are less than two weeks away from our kick-off in New Orleans for our 2025 Convention! I hope you are all as excited as I am for this annual opportunity to learn, network and advocate for the World’s Blind! <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Each year, we have a Massachusetts Caucus. It is extremely important that you make every effort to attend our caucus. This year, it will be held off-site at the Oceana Grill located at</span></b><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>739 Conti St. New Orleans, LA, 70130<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>, on Thursday, July 10 at 8PM. We will have a private room. Each person will be responsible for the payment of their own meal. The range and variety of food is vast with NOLA favorites, alligators, oysters, grilled foods, salads and for the less adventurous, they have standby’s like burgers and chicken grilled or fried. The Cost for this meal will be largely dependent upon what you order and what you drink. It appears that you can purchase food between $10 and $40, with the average being around $25. Please respond by Friday, June 27, as to whether or not you will be joining us. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Why is the caucus so important? It serves as one of the only times, we can all get together during this very busy week. You will meet our National Scholarship Finalists, discuss logistics of the convention and what is still expected from each of you .<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>During this meeting we will discuss the resolutions that were accepted at the Resolutions committee meeting and I will learn from you your thoughts on each of those matters. This is necessary to help me make the best decision on how to vote for these resolutions if they come up for vote during the convention. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>In addition, if you want to sit with Massachusetts for our Banquet, please make sure you have picked up your registration packet and bring us your banquet ticket during our caucus meeting. Your ticket will then be exchanged with a specific table and seat, that we will be able to sit together during the banquet. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>The Oceana Grill</span></b><span style='font-size:11.0pt'> is Located in the heart of New Orleans at the corner of Bourbon and Conti Streets. This establishment sits amongst world-famous music venues and vibrant nightlife of the French Quarter. Oceana Grill is one of the best restaurants in the French Quarter. Creole and Louisiana cuisine are our specialties. They boast that they serve the <a href="https://www.oceanagrill.com/oceana-grill-menu-best-restaurant-new-orleans/">best crab cakes and gumbo</a> in the French Quarter, as well as specialty poboys, seafood and a variety of creole inspired pastas.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'> From their website: “The combination of our award-winning dishes, friendly service, and inviting atmosphere make Oceana Grill a well-known hot spot frequented by celebrities, local residents, and visitors. Our friendly environment, vibrant energy, and French Quarter allure, makes Oceana Grill a must visit restaurant for tourists and locals alike!”<br><br><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>The address is 739 Conti St. New Orleans, LA, 70130<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'> This is a short walk or ride from the Mariotte Hotel. I hope to see you there. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Please respond to me by Friday June 27, as to whether or not you will be joining us and how many and names of any guests that you might also be bringing with you. Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Let the Good times Roll!! <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Shara Winton<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>President, National federation of the Blind of Massachusetts<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><a href="http://www.nfbma.org/"><span style='color:#0563C1'>www.nfbma.org</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><a href="mailto:sharawinton@gmail.com"><span style='color:#0563C1'>sharawinton@gmail.com</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>617-304-0347<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>