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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72"><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>July Minute Message from the Movement<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Fellow Federationist: <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The 75<sup>th</sup> Anniversary Convention of the National Federation of the Blind was outstanding. Breaking the World Guinness Book of Records for the largest umbrella mosaic will be something that we can all talk about for years. It was a great symbol of how we raise expectations for blind people every day. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We were proud to have 30 first-timers at this convention. Many thanks to Judy Rasmussen and all of her committee who spent time showing the newbies the ropes. Maryland was number one in attendance at the convention. Despite stiff competition, Maryland won the pac-rat award for having the most members on the pre-authorized contribution plan. Many thanks to Darlene Barrett and all those who made the Maryland table a great success. We still have some Braille card games and the wooden-peg solitaire game for sale. These games are a perfect addition for your summer fun. To purchase a game, call 410-715-9596. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The summer in Maryland means BELL and crabs. We are excited about working with students again this year and are pleased that we are able to conduct three programs. It is exciting to see the students gain skills in Braille, orientation and mobility, and to watch their self-esteem blossom as they experience the joy of meeting other blind children and other blind adults.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>On August 7, please join us as we go crabbing for scholars. Tickets for this fundraiser are $55 through July 31. After that tickets are $60. To order tickets and pay for tickets go to <a href="http://www.nfbmd.org">www.nfbmd.org</a> or call Steve Brand at (443) 570-5285. Help a good cause while enjoying steamed crabs, pit beef, ham, beer, cake and much more.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Let’s spread the word about the BISM Possibilities Fair on August 20. Seniors losing vision will have the chance to learn that they can still live the lives they want. We also need lots of volunteers. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Start saving your pennies for the NFBMD State Convention. Ocean City is not just a summer get-away. We are going in November to raise expectations and plan for a better future for blind persons. More details next month. Check the calendar below for other NFBMD happenings.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>July 20-31, excluding weekends. NFB BELL program in Salisbury.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>July 27 thru August 7, excluding weekends. NFB BELL programs in Baltimore and Glendale. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>August 1. Frederick Keys baseball game to benefit the I C.A.N. Foundation.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>August 7. Crab Feast to be held at Columbus Gardens, 4301 Klosterman Ave, Baltimore, MD 21236. For the benefit of the John T. McCraw Scholarship and Youth Empowerment Stipend programs.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>August 20, 9am – 3pm. Possibilities Fair to be held at BISM, 3345 Washington Blvd., Baltimore, MD 21227. Registration of $20 includes lunch. Call 410-737-2600.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>August 29. NFBMD Board of Directors Meeting in Salisbury. Everyone is invited to attend. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>October 3. Dinner and Bid for Opportunity Auction at the Knights of Columbus, College Park. For the benefit of the John T. McCraw Scholarship and Youth Empowerment Stipend programs.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>October 15. White Cane Safety Day.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>November 13-15. NFBMD Annual State Convention, to be held in Ocean City, MD.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Sharon Maneki, </b>President<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>National Federation of the Blind of Maryland<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>410-715-9596<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>