[MD-Sligo] [Greater-Baltimore] June 2023 Minute Message from the Movement

[Chikodinaka Oguledo]

well if i am dropt out of nfb or i am still a federationist. I will
still live the life i want! no matter what. 1nfb stronger together

On 6/28/23, Chikodinaka Oguledo <lovenwantintin at gmail.com> wrote:
> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> From: Maryland President via Greater-Baltimore
> <greater-baltimore at nfbnet.org>
> Date: Wed, 28 Jun 2023 20:50:01 -0400
> Subject: [Greater-Baltimore] June 2023 Minute Message from the Movement
> To: nfb-maryland at nfbnet.org, nfbmd at nfbnet.org,
> greater-baltimore at nfbnet.org, nfbmdtlc-chapter at nfbnet.org,
> central-md-chapter at nfbnet.org, md-atlarge at nfbnet.org,
> md-sligo at nfbnet.org, nationalharbor at nfbnet.org, mabm at nfbnet.org,
> mdabs at nfbnet.org, mdpobc at nfbnet.org, "NFB of Maryland, Baltimore
> County List" <md-baltimore-county at nfbnet.org>
> Cc: Maryland President <president at nfbmd.org>
>
>
> June 2023 Minute Message
>
>
>
>
> Fellow Federationists:
>
>
>
> We are literally hours away from the NFB 2023 national convention.  It
> will be wonderful to be with you all on Zoom and in person as we
> gather to define the future of the organized blind.  This month’s
> newsletter has plenty of information about Convention and about some
> of our other upcoming initiatives.  Read on for all the important
> news.
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Get ready for Houston in 2023!
>
>
> The NFB 2023 National Convention will take place from July 1 – 6, 2023
> in Houston, Texas.  The convention will take place at the Hilton
> Americas – Houston Hotel, and all rooms at the main hotel and overflow
> hotel are sold out.  You may find available rooms at some additional
> nearby hotels listed on  <https://nfb.org/convention>
> https://nfb.org/convention.  Preregistration for the convention closed
> May 31, 2023, but on-site registration will be available beginning
> July 1.  There is also a virtual convention experience, for which
> registration is free.  To register for the virtual experience, go to
> <https://nfb.org/convention> https://nfb.org/convention.
>
>
>
> We can’t wait to see you in Houston!
>
>
>
>
> NFBMD Caucus– July 2, 2023 8PM Central
>
>
> We will be holding the Maryland Caucus in person during the NFB
> National Convention, and it promises to be action-packed.  Come to
> meet the NFBMD State Scholarship winners, our National scholarship
> winners, discuss the resolutions that will come before the convention,
> and so much more!  This is a very important event, so please plan to
> attend.
>
>
>
> We will meet from 8 – 10PM on Sunday, July 2, 2023 in Room 335A.
>
>
>
> We are going to try to have a virtual option, but since we have little
> control over technology and the Internet in Houston, we’ll do our best
> but no promises.  Here’s the information for those wishing to attend
> virtually, but remember this meeting is in the Central Time Zone.
>
>
>
> Click this link to join:
> <https://zoom.us/j/6248138327?pwd=eTZlYUgwR3ZQVVl1dXBLSHcrbml1QT09>
> https://zoom.us/j/6248138327?pwd=eTZlYUgwR3ZQVVl1dXBLSHcrbml1QT09
>
>
>
> Meeting ID: 624 813 8327
>
> One tap mobile
>
> +13017158592,,6248138327#
>
>
>
>
> Support NFBMD By Donating and Then Getting Stuff
>
>
> We will be accepting donations in Houston at our affiliate table at
> the Exhibit Hall, and members of the affiliate may also be on hand to
> receive donations to NFBMD.  In appreciation for donations at a
> certain level, we will offer in appreciation a particular item.  You
> can donate at various levels and can combine levels to get more tokens
> of appreciation.  Here’s what our menu looks like:
>
> *	In appreciation for a donation of $ or more1, you can get a snack or
> the equivalent of one snack for each $1 donation.
> *	In appreciation for a donation of $5, you can get a fidget spinner
> or pop-it ball.
> *	In appreciation for a donation of $10, you can receive an entire
> back of assorted snacks.
> *	In appreciation for a donation of $20, you can receive a clear
> backpack with the NFB of Maryland logo on it.  This stadium-approved
> bag is fun and practical, and it even has an outside pocket for your
> other stuff.
> *	In appreciation for a donation of $40, you can get your very own set
> of NFB of Maryland Scrubs, complete with the Maryland crab and NFBMD
> logo on them.
>
>
>
> We’ll also have available the Sorry Try Again raffle, where you can,
> for a dollar per try, win instantly $1, $5, $10, $20, or some
> delicious mints.
>
>
>
>
> Speaking of Donations: Help Us Out With a Zell Donation!
>
>
> NFB of Maryland is proud to share that we can now accept Zell payments
> for purchases and donations.  We encourage donations during the next
> few months in particular, as we have significant programming we need
> to fund with our NFB BELL Academies and John T. McCraw Scholarship
> Program, among many other important initiatives.
>
>
>
> To send a payment via Zell, just use the email address
> <mailto:President at nfbmd.org> President at nfbmd.org.  Please notate what
> the payment is for, e.g. general donation, crab feast ticket, etc. in
> the notes section.  If using your bank mobile application or online
> banking, NFB of Maryland will appear when you enter the email address.
> If using the Zell application, please select “personal banking”
> instead of “corporate banking” for the Zell information for NFBMD to
> appear in connection with the email address
> <mailto:President at nfbmd.org> President at nfbmd.org.
>
>
>
> If you have questions, please contact me at 443-426-4110 or at
> <mailto:President at nfbmd.org> President at nfbmd.org.
>
>
>
>
>
>
> 2023 State Convention Theme Contest
>
>
> Each year, we choose a State Convention theme that is representative
> of our hope, priorities, or expectations for the convention and what
> comes after.  Recent themes have included: “Celebrating our Stories,
> Defining our Future,” “Rise Up,” “Focus Forward,” and “Reconnect,
> Reimagine, Reignite.”
>
>
>
> We use the theme to inform the opening ceremonies, tie together the
> presidential report, and hold seminars and other activities.
>
>
>
> If you have a suggested theme, please call, text, or email it to me by
> June 30, 2023.  The person whose theme is chosen will get a free
> banquet ticket for the 2023 state convention.
>
>
>
> Please email me at  <mailto:President at nfbmd.org> President at nfbmd.org,
> text me at 443-426-4110, or call me at that number.  Please be sure to
> tell me in your email, texts, or voicemail who you are.
>
>
>
>
> The BELLs Toll Once Again in Maryland!
>
>
> The NFB BELL Academy provides children with Braille and nonvisual
> skills instruction through fun, hands-on learning activities.  The NFB
> BELL Academy—which stands for National Federation of the Blind Braille
> Enrichment for Literacy and Learning®—is a nationwide summer program
> that prepares blind and low-vision children to grow into confident and
> independent blind people who live the lives they want.  Activities at
> NFB Maryland BELL are provided in a day program. In addition to
> Braille crafts, games, and other engaging projects, children learn
> vital independent living skills, interact with blind adult mentors,
> and enjoy field trips to sites related to the NFB BELL Academy
> curriculum. Through these activities and interactions, the children
> learn that blindness or low vision does not define them or their
> future.
>
>
>
> The NFB BELL Academy is appropriate for blind and low vision children
> ages four through twelve who:
>
> *	Do not receive enough Braille and nonvisual skills instruction in school
> *	Could benefit from more Braille exposure over the summer
> *	Would enjoy connecting with blind role models
>
>
>
> The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland is offering a
> two-week in person NFB BELL Academy session in Baltimore, Maryland,
> From August 7, 2023 – August 18, 2023.  We are also offering, with the
> support of the Maryland School for the Blind Outreach Department, NFB
> BELL Academy Southern Maryland, a one-week in-person session, in St.
> Mary’s County from July 17 – 21, 2023.  We are also holding NFB BELLX,
> in partnership with Blind Industries and Services of Maryland, in
> Salisbury, from August 7 – 11, 2023 for older kids.  The National
> Federation of the Blind is also offering one three-week virtual
> program of the NFB BELL Academy In-Home Edition July 24 through August
> 11, 2023, for which options are available for beginner, intermediate,
> and advanced students. Space is limited.
>
>
>
> To register for NFB BELL Academy In Person in Baltimore, NFB BELL
> Academy in person in St. Mary’s County, NFB BELLX in Salisbury, or NFB
> BELL In Home Edition, visit:
> <https://nfb.org/programs-services/nfb-bell-academy>
> https://nfb.org/programs-services/nfb-bell-academy.  For questions,
> contact NFB of Maryland NFB BELL Academy Coordinator Brittany Bomboy
> at 757-969-3724 or by email at  <mailto:Bnbomboy at gmail.com>
> Bnbomboy at gmail.com.
>
>
>
>
> Crabbing for Student Scholarships
>
>
> Please purchase your tickets today for the NFB of Maryland Annual Crab
> Feast.  This fundraiser supports the John T McCraw Scholarship
> Program, which provides scholarships to blind post-secondary education
> students.
>
> When: Friday, September 15, 2023 - 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
>
> Where: Rosedale Gardens – 8037Philadelphia Road - Baltimore, MD 21237
>
> Tickets are $70 each if purchased before August 31, or $75
> afterword’s. Children 6 and under are free.
>
> Special Promotion: Buy or Sell 25 or more tickets and get your ticket FREE!
>
> Dancing, 50 / 50 Raffle, Door Prizes, and more.
>
> Menu Includes:
> Steamed Crabs, fried chicken, beef Bar B Que – All You Can Eat!
> Plus a Buffet of Entrees Including Maryland-style crab soup,
> corn-on-the-cob, other sides, salad, fruit, cake…
> Yuengling and Miller beer
> Carbonated Beverages, iced tea, and Coffee
>
> To purchase tickets, visit  <http://www.nfbmd.org/crabs>
> http://www.nfbmd.org/crabs.
>
> For additional information contact me at (443) 426-4110 or email
> <mailto:President at NFBMD.org> President at NFBMD.org
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Update to NFBMD Policy on In-Person Gatherings
>
>
> The NFB of Maryland Board of Directors voted on June 10, 2023 to
> suspend the In-Person Events Policy in light of the end of the
> COVID-19 Public Health Emergency and lack of Federal and state
> tracking mechanisms as a result.  Should there be another public
> health emergency in the future, we will review, update, and if
> appropriate, reinstate this policy.
>
>
>
>
> Remember to Pay Your 2023 Dues!
>
>
> NFBMD maintains an online portal for individuals to pay their chapter
> and division dues.  We are asking members to pay their 2023 dues as
> soon as possible so we can ensure that our rolls are accurate for the
> annual national membership data call.
>
>
>
> Individuals may use NFBMD’s Dues Portal to pay their 2023 annual dues
> and/or lifetime membership dues for those chapters that have lifetime
> membership.  The portal lists all NFBMD chapters and divisions and
> their dues amounts.  Individuals may pay for as many chapters and
> divisions as they wish.  One dollar will be added to chapter and
> division annual dues amounts for processing those dues payments
> online.  The portal is located at  <http://nfbmd.org/dues>
> http://nfbmd.org/dues.  Alternatively, individuals may mail a check to
> their chapter or division treasurer.
>
>
>
>
> NFBMD Advocacy Skills Training Session: Avoiding the Pitfalls of Social
> Security
>
>
> The Advocacy Committee will present its first offering for 2023 on
> July 29 called "Avoiding the Pitfalls of Social Security".  We will
> explore common mistakes made by people when applying for benefits,
> keeping track of SSI and SSDI regulations, and what you do when you
> get a letter from Social Security about the dreaded overpayment.  At
> the end of the afternoon you will be able to help someone with the
> basics of Social Security or tell them where to go for help.  To sign
> up for this session, please email Sharon Maneki at
> <mailto:NFBMDSM at gmail.com> NFBMDSM at gmail.com.
>
>
>
>
> Seeking Blind Veterans
>
>
> Do you have all of your benefits?  Are you aware of the PACT Act? Do
> you need support as a blind  or low vision veteran? Would you find
> value in speaking to other blind and low vision veterans?  We’re
> starting an NFB of Maryland group to help us help one another to live
> the lives we want.  We will have zoom calls and hopefully in person
> meetings to bring us together  for assistance and camaraderie.  If you
> are interested, please send your contact information to Guy Kelly,
> Central MD Chapter at  <mailto:G4keeps at gmail.com> G4keeps at gmail.com or
> 202-286-2610. Like a Swiss Army knife, we reveal our capabilities when
> we open up.
>
>
>
>
> Important Upcoming Dates
>
>
> *	July 1 – 6, 2023 – NFB National Convention, Houston, Texas
> *	July 2, 2023 – Maryland Caucus, Houston, Texas and Zoom
> *	July 17 – 21, 2023 – In Person NFB BELL Academy, Leonardtown, Maryland
> *	July 25– August 11, 2023 –NFB BELL Academy In Home Edition, Anywhere
> and Everywhere
> *	August 7 – 18, 2023 – In Person NFB BELL Academy, Baltimore, Maryland
> *	August 7 – 11, 2023 – In Person NFB BELLX Academy, Salisbury, Maryland
> *	September 15, 2023 – NFBMD Crab Feast, Rosedale, Maryland
> *	October 1 – 31, 2023 – Blind Equality Achievement Month
> *	October 6 – 8, 2023 – Wizarding Weekend on Magical Main Festival,
> Ellicott City, Maryland
> *	October 21, 2023 – NFB Greater Baltimore Chapter Meet the Blind
> Month Activity: Baltimore Running Festival Water Station, Baltimore,
> Maryland
> *	November 10 – 12, 2023 – NFBMD Annual Convention, Hunt Valley, Maryland
> *	December 3 – 10, 2023 – NFBMD Blind Cruising 2023, Bahamas
> *	January 18, 2024 – NFBMD Day in Annapolis, Annapolis, Maryland
> *	January 29 – February 1, 2024 – Washington Seminar, Washington, DC
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Ronza Othman, President
>
> National Federation of the Blind of Maryland
>
> 443-426-4110
>
> Pronouns: she, her, hers
>
>
>
> 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
>
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
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>
>
>
> --
> +1 301-675-9657
>
>
> nfb. live the life you want! Blindness is not what holds Chikodinaka Back!
>


-- 
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