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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72"><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.5in'>Hello everyone,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.5in'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.5in'>The next meeting of the At Large chapter will be on Tuesday, December 15. The National Presidents message begins at 7:30 and the meeting will start at 8:00 pm. As usual, the call in number is 641 715-3272 the access code is 720125.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.5in'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.5in'>Marguerite is planning an interesting meeting that you will not want to miss! If you are beyond “all I want for Christmas is my two front teeth” you will want to hear from our two guests who will talk about the independence market and about blindbargins.com<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.5in'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.5in'>Happy holidays, the minutes are below. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.5in'><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><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.5in'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.5in'>Minutes for the At large chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.5in'>Date: Tuesday, November 17, 2015<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.5in'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The meeting was called to order at 8:00 P.M. via conference call by Marguerite Woods. There were about 19 people on the call including 2 new people; Luzanne Moses who is in Hagerstown and Linda Booze who is in Laurel.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'>Marguerite invited those who attended convention to share their favorite experiences and said it was the 49th anniversary of the convention. Judy talked about a panel of people who are employed but have had trouble with their employers. Some lost their site on the job, but others were already blind when they came to the job but still face discrimination. She said she was amazed that things like tenure and experience did not matter in such situations. She was also happy that students from the BELL program could come and talk and sing. Marla said she was excited to attend another convention, and her sister came and has birds that she displayed and talked to others about which are anatomically correct and make the sounds of actual birds. Luzanne got to try the new voting machine and also enjoyed getting to wear sonic glasses. She said she had a great time and won several door prizes including one she didn't know about until our call. She won a free room for next year's convention for joining the PAC plan. It was pointed out that you had to be present to win door prizes. Valencia said it was neat to meet and listen to different people and the speeches, and she liked the banquet. Henry also liked the banquet and the band, and he met a little boy who shares his name. Sharon said things were a bit hectic for her but overall it went well and she was happy that most things went smoothly. She said she liked meeting all the new members and hearing the children. Marguerite said she had a really good time, and she was elected to the state board. She enjoyed the beach party and hearing the children. Also, the At Large chapter held a meeting so those in attendance got to meet each other in person. Sharon said there were many instances of encouraging people to live the lives they want which she hoped was inspirational.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'>Sharon told us that we need $200 for the robocalls which remind us of each meeting, and she encouraged us to think of ways to raise money for this expense.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'>There was more discussion about the employee panel from convention. It was mentioned that there were people representing all ages, backgrounds and job fields, and some of them have been fighting for up to 4 years. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'>Linda told us she has been challenged by technology since losing her sight but would like info on getting a computer and cell phone that are user friendly. Sharon said she will contact her and get her started.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'>Judy told us about Aisha, a little girl who lost her sight and suffered other injuries in a bomb blast in Afghanistan. She had been living with a family here but had to return to her home country because of visa issues. Afghanistan does not allow adoptions, but Senator Ben Cardin of MD and NFB lawyers got involved and she came back to the United States 2 weeks ago.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'>There is an E-book that can be listened to online or on Newsline called “Building the lives we want,” which celebrates the 75th anniversary of the NFB.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The meeting ended at 9:00 P.M.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.5in'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.5in'>Submitted by Danielle Shives<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>