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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72"><div class=WordSection1><h1><a name="_Hlk113649310"></a><a name="_Hlk89042392"></a><a name="_Hlk94641879"></a><a name="_Hlk84098815"></a><a name="_Hlk75706218"></a><a name="OLE_LINK9"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>May 2023 Minute Message </span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h1><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Fellow Federationists:<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>As the flowers bloom and the weather warms, we continue to help Marylanders live the lives they want. This past month, we hosted a seminar for seniors, a seminar for parents, and a STEM seminar for kids. We also held a wildly successful Scholarship Dinner and Auction in support of our John T. McCraw Scholarship Program. We held our Spring Raffle throughout May. We selected our NFB of Maryland Scholarship Finalists for 2023. Our Baltimore County Chapter held its first fundraiser in the form of food, trivia, and karaoke. And we saw our collective action come to fruition when Governor Moore signed into law two bills we championed in the 2023 Maryland legislative session.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>We are busy getting ready for the NFB 2023 national convention. Our Merchants Division is finalizing plans for our annual Networking Mixer. We are also working on our NFB BELL and BELLX Academies. We are even beginning to make significant plans for the 2023 State Convention. That is just a snapshot of some of the initiatives on which we’ve been working. Read on to learn about our current and upcoming initiatives.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h2><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Success in Annapolis!</span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></h2><p style='background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='color:black'>On April 24, 2023, Governor Moore signed into law SB 535 / HB 608, which expands protections in housing to include retired service animals, meaning those who use service animals no longer have to make the difficult decision to move, rehome their dogs, pay pet fees they can’t afford, or even euthanize their dogs when they retire simply because housing protections don’t apply to retired service animals.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style='background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style='background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='color:black'>On May 3, 2023, Governor Moore signed into law HB 456 / SB 940, which requires pharmacies to make available accessible prescription labels for blind, low vision, and print disabled patients, at no additional cost and at the same time as other patients.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style='background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style='background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='color:black'>We were in attendance for both bill signings to see our hard work and collective action come to fruition. Congratulations to us all!<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style='background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style='background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'>Save the date of January 18, 2024 for our 2024 Day in Annapolis!<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h2><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>2023 State Convention Theme Contest <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'>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.” </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'>We use the theme to inform the opening ceremonies, tie together the presidential report, and hold seminars and other activities. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'>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.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'>Please email me at </span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="mailto:President@nfbmd.org"><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'>President@nfbmd.org</span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'>, 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.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h2><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>The BELLs Toll Once Again in Maryland! <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black;background:white'>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.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>The NFB BELL Academy is appropriate for blind and low vision children ages four through twelve who:<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><ul type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Do not receive enough Braille and nonvisual skills instruction in school<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Could benefit from more Braille exposure over the summer<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Would enjoy connecting with blind role models<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black;background:white'>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. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>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: </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/nfb-bell-academy"><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>https://nfb.org/programs-services/nfb-bell-academy</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>. For questions, contact NFB of Maryland NFB BELL Academy Coordinator Brittany Bomboy at 757-969-3724 or by email at </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="mailto:Bnbomboy@gmail.com"><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Bnbomboy@gmail.com</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h2><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Get ready for Houston in 2023!</span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span lang=EN style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>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 are sold out. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black;background:white'>The overflow hotel is the Marriott Marquis Houston. To reserve a room at the overflow hotel, call </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black;background:white'>1-877-622-3056</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black;background:white'>. The rooming rate is $124 per night plus tax. Preregistration for the convention closed May 31, 2023, but </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black;background:white'>on-site registration will be available beginning July 1</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black;background:white'>. There is also a virtual convention experience, for which registration is free. To register for the virtual experience, go to </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/convention"><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;background:white'>https://nfb.org/convention</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black;background:white'>. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span lang=EN style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span lang=EN style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span lang=EN style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>We can’t wait to see you in Houston!<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span lang=EN style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h2><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>NFBMD National Convention Orientation – Thursday, June 22, 2023 at 8:00PM</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='color:#1F497D'>The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland will once again be hosting a National Convention Orientation for Marylanders on Thursday, June 22, 2023 starting at 8:00PM. All Marylanders who are attending an in-person NFB national convention for the first time or those who just want information about the Convention are welcome. We will be discussing what to expect, Maryland-specific events and activities, and mentoring and getting assistance during the convention.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='color:#1F497D'><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><a name="_Hlk75702620"><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Click this link to join: </span></a></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://zoom.us/j/6248138327?pwd=eTZlYUgwR3ZQVVl1dXBLSHcrbml1QT09"><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75702620'>https://zoom.us/j/6248138327?pwd=eTZlYUgwR3ZQVVl1dXBLSHcrbml1QT09</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75702620'></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75702620'> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75702620'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75702620'>Meeting ID: 624 813 8327<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75702620'>One tap mobile<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75702620'>+13017158592,,6248138327#<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75702620'> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75702620'></span><h2><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>NFBMD Caucus– TBD<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h2><p><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='color:#1F497D'>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. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='color:#1F497D'><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>We don’t yet know the date, time, and location of the Caucus, but we will widely disseminate the information once it is finalized.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h2><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;color:black'>Maryland National Scholarship Finalist</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h2><p style='margin-left:.25in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'>This year, Tyler Hoppe has been selected as an NFB National Scholarship Finalist. </span>Tyler will be a junior at Penn State University in the Fall, majoring in Political Science. Tyler plans to attend law school and become a politician with his sights set on the U.S. Senate. Tyler is a member of the Board of Directors of the Maryland Association of Blind Students. He and his</span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'> 29 scholarship classmates will receive scholarships in the amount of $8,000 each at the NFB National Convention in Houston. Tyler will attend the National Convention and the NFBMD State convention in Hunt Valley this November, so you will have the opportunity to get to know him better. Please join me in congratulating Tyler.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style='margin-left:.25in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h2><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;color:black'>NFBMD Scholarship Finalists</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'>The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland is pleased to announce that this year, three students have been selected as 2023 John T. McCraw Scholarship finalists. Shuketa Johnson will be attending </span>Coppin State University working toward a Masters Degree in Addiction Counseling. Shuketa intends to work toward ending intergenerational addiction. Osoluchokwu (Oso) Ozo-Onyali will be attending the University of Delaware as an incoming freshman. She plans to study cognitive science with the goal of becoming a psychiatrist. Sherria Young-Smith will attend St. Mary’s Ecumenical Institution where she plans to earn a Doctorate in Ministry. She will also work toward a paralegal degree at Baltimore County Community College. Sherria plans to be a paralegal, focusing on youth, children, and juvenile crime cases. She also plans to continue her church ministry.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style='margin-left:.25in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'>They will all be attending the NFB National Convention in Houston and the NFBMD State Convention in Hunt Valley, so you will have the chance to get to know them. They will receive their NFBMD scholarships of $4,000 each, at the state convention in November provided they remain eligible. We are thrilled with this year’s scholarship class and know you will be impressed as well.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span lang=EN style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h2><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Greater Baltimore Chapter Pamper a Pal Donation Drawing!</span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#3B3B3B'>Support the greater Baltimore Chapter by donating in exchange for a chance to win a fabulous basket of prizes with a total value of $350. Each donation of $5 earns you one chance to win, and you get an extra chance for a donation of $20, making a total of five chances.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#3B3B3B'> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#3B3B3B'>The basket includes:<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#3B3B3B'>• A gift certificate for a one-hour table massage at The QG’s downtown Baltimore location, plus $30 toward a meal at its Clock Restoration bar;<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#3B3B3B'>• 1 vanilla mint candle from Sobotanical;<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#3B3B3B'>• 1 bag of Threads coffee, along with a coffee mug;<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#3B3B3B'>• 1 bottle of wine with two wine glasses;<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#3B3B3B'>• A $50 gift certificate to Herbal Nails on Fort Avenue in Baltimore; and<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#3B3B3B'>• Bath scrub, soap, and lotion made by blind entrepreneur Lisamaria Martinez.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#3B3B3B'> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#3B3B3B'>The drawing closes on June 17.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#3B3B3B'> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#3B3B3B'>To donate for a chance to win, you can pay Chris Danielsen, Lou Ann Blake, or Karen Anderson directly or use the PayPal button located at:<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://nfbmd.org/node/525"><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>https://nfbmd.org/node/525</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h2 style='text-indent:.5in'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Remember to Pay Your 2023 Dues! <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>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. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>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 </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="http://nfbmd.org/dues"><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>http://nfbmd.org/dues</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>. Alternatively, individuals may mail a check to their chapter or division treasurer.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span lang=EN style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h2><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>NFBMD Advocacy Skills Training Session: Avoiding the Pitfalls of Social Security</span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif;color:black'>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 </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="mailto:NFBMDSM@gmail.com"><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>NFBMDSM@gmail.com</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif;color:black'>. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span lang=EN style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h2><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Seeking Blind Veterans </span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></h2><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'>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 </span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="mailto:G4keeps@gmail.com"><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'>G4keeps@gmail.com</span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'> or 202-286-2610. Like a Swiss Army knife, we reveal our capabilities when we open up.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h2><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Important Upcoming Dates <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></h2><ul type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo4;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>June 10, 2023 – Maryland Association of Blind Merchants Networking Mixer, Baltimore, Maryland<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo4;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>June 12, 2023 – NFB of Maryland Board Meeting, anywhere and everywhere<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo4;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>June 17, 2023 – NFB Greater Baltimore Pampering Yourself Fundraiser Deadline, anywhere and everywhere<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo4;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>June 22, 2023 – NFBMD National Convention Orientation, anywhere and everywhere<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo4;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>July 1 – 6, 2023 – NFB National Convention, Houston, Texas<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo4;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>July 17 – 21, 2023 – In Person NFB BELL Academy, Leonardtown, Maryland<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo4;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>July 25– August 11, 2023 –NFB BELL Academy In Home Edition, Anywhere and Everywhere<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo4;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>August 7 – 18, 2023 – In Person NFB BELL Academy, Baltimore, Maryland<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo4;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>August 7 – 11, 2023 – In Person NFB BELLX Academy, Salisbury, Maryland<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo4;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>September 15, 2023 – NFBMD Crab Feast, Rosedale, Maryland<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo4;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>October 1 – 31, 2023 – Blind Equality Achievement Month<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo4;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>October 6 – 8, 2023 – Wizarding Weekend on Magical Main Festival, Ellicott City, Maryland<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo4;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>October 21, 2023 – NFB Greater Baltimore Chapter Meet the Blind Month Activity: Baltimore Running Festival Water Station, Baltimore, Maryland<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo4;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>November 10 – 12, 2023 – NFBMD Annual Convention, Hunt Valley, Maryland<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo4;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>December 3 – 10, 2023 – NFBMD Blind Cruising 2023, Bahamas<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo4;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>January 18, 2024 – NFBMD Day in Annapolis, Annapolis, Maryland<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.25in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.25in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.25in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>Ronza Othman, </span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>President</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'>National Federation of the Blind of Maryland<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'>443-426-4110<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'>Pronouns: she, her, hers<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'>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<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'></span><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'></span><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>