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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>The next meeting of the NFBMD At-Large chapter will be held on Tuesday, April 21. The National President’s message begins at 7:30 followed my the meeting from 8 to 9pm. We have lots of news to share and you have no place to go so pick up the phone and call in. The number is: 605-313-4818. The access code is: 720125. Read the minutes from the March meeting below:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>At Large Chapter Meeting Minutes for March 17, 2020 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Presidential Release started at 7:30 pm <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The meeting was started at 8:00 pm by Sandra Burchette, Vice President <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>There were approximately 15 members on the call. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Sharon gave us an update on legislative bills in Annapolis that the NFBMD were working on this year. The bills for changing the name of the Maryland Library for the Blind and dealing with dockless scooters were passed in the house and senate. They just needed to be signed by the Governor.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Ronza talked about what actions the NFB and the affiliate were taking during Covid-19. Basket Bingo was rescheduled for May 1<sup> </sup>and the scholarship fundraiser was rescheduled for September 19.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Spring Raffle tickets are still for sale.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Tonight’s guest speaker is Susanne Forno from the Maryland Department on Aging. She talked about the senior call check program that they offer for anyone over the age of 65. You sign up for an automatic call which calls the senior at a certain time each day. They will call three times and if the senior does not answer they will call an alternative number or local police for a wellness check. This service can also bring daily messages to update seniors. 1-866-502-0560 is the phone number to sign up for this service.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Another service she talked about is the Maryland community for life. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This service helps support seniors who want to age in place in their own homes. It helps with non-medical services. This is a membership fee program. For more information about this program go to www.aging.maryland.gov <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The last program she spoke about is the durable medical equipment usable program. This program would collect medical equipment and redistribute it to people in need of this equipment. This is a free service.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Susanne’s email address is <a href="mailto:Susanne.forno@maryland.gov">Susanne.forno@maryland.gov</a> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Respectfully Submitted by Daniele Earl, Secretary <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>