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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72"><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>Hello all,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Happy New Year! The next meeting of the At-Large chapter will take place on Tuesday, January 19. The National President’s message begins at 7:30 pm and the meeting starts at 8:00 pm. For your convenience, the call-in number is 641-715-3272. The access code is 720125. Now that we are in the new year, it is time to pay your $5 dues to be a member of the At-Large chapter. You may donate by going to nfbmd.org. You will find the Paypal link on the right side of the page under Many Ways to Donate. Just put “dues” in the comment section. If you would prefer, you may send a check or money order made out to NFBMD. Send it to me at 9013 Nelson Way, Columbia, MD 21045. Below are the meeting minutes from December. Thanks to Judy for standing in for Danielle.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Minutes<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>National Federation of the Blind of Maryland<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Chapter At Large<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>December 15, 2015<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The meeting was called to order at 8:00 p.m. by President Marguerite Woods. There were 18 people on the call, at least one person for the first time.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>After everyone introduced themselves, Michelle Clark talked about one of her favorite websites, www.blindbargains.com.The website is run by a blind businessman, JJ Medaugh. She stated she especially liked the section called deals. She explained that the website has an audio section where people can learn about many devices.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>There are many podcasts about various products, as well as a classified section that lists many braille-related items for sale. The website has links to various retail stores that offer discount coupons. Michelle stated that an item can be returned, depending on the particular retailer's policy. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The question was asked if the website offered computers at reasonable rates. Michelle said she did not believe there were any computers offered at low rates. Mary Kuforiji stated that there was a place called Data Flow on E. Fayette St. in Baltimore where an individual could purchase a refurbished computer at a reasonable rate. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Ellen Ringlein then talked about the services available from the Independence Market, sponsored by the National Federation of the Blind, which offers aids and devices. She stated that the Independence Market has two main functions—to sell low tech products and distribute NFB literature to members and to the public. Some of the items carried are low vision and talking watches and clocks, talking scales as well as large print address books, check registers, and bold line paper. Writing guides, slates and styluses, braille paper, and several kitchen items are also sold. The Independence Market also sells canes and cane tips, adapted games and several magnifiers. The NFB offers one free cane and one free slate and stylus per year to individuals. The telephone number to the National Center is 410-659-9314. Press 4 when you hear the recording. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Marguerite then reminded everyone to bring items they no longer need to Green Drop. Green Drop gives a percentage of items they sell to the NFB. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Respectfully submitted<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Judy Rasmussen<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>