<html xmlns:v="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" xmlns:m="http://schemas.microsoft.com/office/2004/12/omml" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40"><head><META HTTP-EQUIV="Content-Type" CONTENT="text/html; charset=us-ascii"><meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 15 (filtered medium)"><style><!--
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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>The next meeting of the NFBMD At Large Chapter will be on Tuesday February 19. The National President’s Message begins at 7:30 followed by the meeting from 8pm to 9pm. The call in number is 641-715-3272. The access code is-720125. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Be sure the article that was sent out in a previous email. We will also have lots of other news to share. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Please read the January minutes below. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>At Large Chapter Meeting Minutes for January 15, 2019<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Presidential Release was played at 7:35 PM <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The meeting got started at 8 Pm by Margarete Woods, President<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Approximately 15 members on the call <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Treasure’s Report was given by Sharon Maneki<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Income <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Dues and Donations $377.59 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Movie Fundraiser $312 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Ceramics Fundraiser $70 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Candy Sale $146 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Total $906.59 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Expenses <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Dues Paid to NFB MD $25<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Robo Call $255.98 for the year <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Total $280.98 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Total Amount in Treasury $625.61 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Daniel Johnson made a motion to accept the Treasurers report and Henry Smith second it. The treasurers report was approved. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Sharon asked all members to pay their dues for this year. Dues can be sent to her using the following address: <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Sharon Maneki<br>9013 Nelson Way<br>Columbia, MD 21045<br><br><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Dues are $5 and a life time membership is $125 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Topics for Future Meetings: <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Healthy Living and Nutrition <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Technology such as an Alexa or Google Home<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Philosophy of the NFB <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The NFB pledge <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Braille monitor <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Different Apps such as the NFB Connect<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Audio description <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Members Practice saying the NFB pledge <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>There was discussion on the following topics:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>World Braille Day, which was January 4<sup>th</sup> and Daniel Johnson explained who Louis Braille was and how he created Braille.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Library for the Blind Challenge, which is January 1<sup>st</sup> through 31<sup>st.</sup> You need to log in the books and hours you have read. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Bird Box Challenge, which is a movie on Netflicks. Daniel gave us a description of the movie. The challenge taking place is sighted people doing tasks under blindfolds. The NFB made a statement that this challenge is showing negativity and fear about being blind. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Annapolis issues are to <span style='color:black'>restore the secret ballot to disabled voters by ensuring a single voting system for all; to establish regulations for electronic/Dockless scooters; and protect the $250,000 appropriation in the Governor’s budget for the Center of Excellence in Nonvisual Access (CENA) to Education, Public Information, and Commerce. This was discussed by Sharon </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Ronza discussed Basket Bingo which is March 8<sup>th</sup> and the Spring Raffle. To purchase or to sell Spring Raffle tickets please contact Melissa Riccobono at <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>410 235 3073 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span class=MsoHyperlink><a href="mailto:melissaariccobono@gmail.com">melissaariccobono@gmail.com</a></span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Submitted by Danielle Earl <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><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><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>Sharon Maneki, Director of Legislation and Advocacy</span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></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><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland 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</span>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>