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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>National Federation of the Blind of Maryland<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Minute Messages from the Movement <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Melissa Riccobono, President<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="mailto:President@nfbmd.org">President@nfbmd.org</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Phone number 410-235-3073<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>www.nfbmd.org<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Follow us on Twitter @NFBMD<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Like us on Facebook<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Note from the President<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>So here it is, the beginning of summer, and I realized I have not brought you any Minute Messages since May! Where has the time gone? There certainly has been a lot going on in the NFB of Maryland… The Sligo Creek Chapter put on a very successful diabetes seminar, our two bills were signed into law, there was a hearing regarding an online ballot marking tool (and there will be a future hearing on August 13 and 14 on this issue) there was a MDPOBC bowlathon which raised over $2000, the National Harbor Chapter and the NFB of DC put on a wonderful crab feast fundraiser, and more!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>On a personal note, my husband, Mark, and I have had our first experiences as advocates for our own blind child in the Baltimore City Public Schools System. Our daughter, Oriana, recently turned four, and she will be starting Pre-K this fall. Mark and I attended her first IEP meeting in May. We are very grateful to have the National Federation of the Blind behind us as we work with Oriana’s IEP team in order to ensure she receives the best services possible during the upcoming school year.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Now that school is officially out, our house is filled with books, as all three of our children are participating in a summer reading program at our public library. It is also filled, more than usual, with Braille, as Mark and I are doing our best to work with Oriana so she can learn the whole Braille alphabet before starting school this fall. Our days are also filled with trips to the playground in our neighborhood, water play on our deck, sidewalk chalk, bike and tryke riding, roller skating, and time with friends. Throw in a lot of building with Legos, some board games, Austin’s first “novel” he is writing and illustrating, and a few movies or TV shows and you now can picture a “typical” day at the Riccobono house… Or, maybe a “typical” week.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Of course now we are all getting ready for the NFb National Convention; I know many of you will be joining us in Orlando. Here are a few Minute Messages before we all leave for Florida. I hope they will be of interest to those who are not attending convention this year as well.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Here’s to summer! May all of you find it as enjoyable, and busy, as the Riccobono’s have found it so far. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Messages<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>Maryland Caucus at National Convention: Members of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland will hold our convention caucus on Wednesday, July 2, at 9:30 PM. The caucus will take place in Salon 4. Please come and join us as we welcome first time convention attendees, introduce our NFBMD scholarship winners, discuss banquet exchange and our upcoming Crab Feast, reward those who sold at least 35 spring raffle tickets, and get pumped up for the rest of the convention. I hope to see all of you there.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>Congratulations! Tracey Hall-Henigan and Clarence Henigan are now proud grandparents! Ja'Nyahh Star Brown was born Sunday, May 18, and weighed 7 pounds, 8 ounces. Tracey and Clarence were able to get to the hospital before her birth. They enjoyed holding her soon after she was born, and haven’t wanted to put her down since! As my mom always says, “If I knew how wonderful being a grandparent was, I would have become a grandparent first!” I know Tracey and Clarence agree.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]> Sad News: Nikki Tippett, president of the Tricounty Chapter, shares the following: It is with a heavy heart that i ask for thoughts and prayers for a long time nfb of md member, angela gaillot (formerly cummings.) Her beloved husband samuel v gaillot (Sammie) passed away very unexpectedly june 9,2014. Angela has a great faith in God, and she is using that faith to strengthen her during this time in her life. She is also surrounded by loving family and friends, including members of the NFBMD. Please remember Angela and Sammie in your prayers. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>New Chapter Joining the NFBMD Family: On Thursday, June 19<sup>th</sup>, over 20 enthusiastic Federationists gathered at the home of Jesse and Mary Jo Hartle in order to begin the process of creating a new NFBMD Chapter! Although this chapter has not developed a constitution yet, or held elections, (both of which are scheduled to happen at the July meeting) rumor has it that the chapter will be named the TLC Chapter. The TLC stands for Towson, Timonium, Lutherville, and Cockysville. As president of the NFBMD, I am excited about the fantastic turn out for this first meeting, the wonderful ideas and fellowship which were shared, and I look forward to watching this chapter grow. If you live in the Towson, Timonium, Lutherville, Cockysville area, please consider joining the TlC chapter at its next meeting. This meeting will take place on Thursday, July 15, at 7 PM. The chapter will now meet at the Image Center for People with Disabilities, 300 East Joppa Road, Suite 312. Buses 3, 8, 11, 48, and 55 all stop at or near this location. We look forward to seeing you on the 15<sup>th</sup>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>Crab Feast: Please join the NFB of Maryland for our annual Crab Feast on Friday, August 1, from 7-midnight. The feast will be held at Columbus Gardens. Tickets will be $50, and will be available online. Funds raised will benefit our scholarship fund, which is used to support two college students with scholarships annually, and is also used to help youth attend summer programs to gain blindness skills. Gather friends and family; this is an event you won’t want to miss!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>NFB BELL is ringing in Maryland! The NFB BELL Program will once again take place in Baltimore and Glendale, Maryland. This two week summer program, which will run this year from July 28-August 8, is for blind and visually impaired elementary school children (ages 4-12) who are just learning Braille, have had no exposure to Braille, or need to work on reading speed and fluency. Children participate in fun and engaging Braille lessons, meet and interact with positive blind adults, go on field trips, complete craft and cooking projects, make new friends, and acquire literacy skills. On the last day of the program, August 8, all BELL participants will come together for a fun activity in Baltimore. Parents of BELL participants will also come together in Baltimore for an informative seminar. To apply for the program visit <a href="http://www.nfb.org/bell">http://www.nfb.org/bell</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>Senior Fair: Blind Industries and Services of Maryland (BISM) is holding a fair for seniors losing vision. This fair will take place on Thursday, August 21, from 9-3, at 3345 Washington Blvd. Technology vendors, wellness exhibits, demonstrations, guest speakers, lunch, and a goody bag are all a part of this event. Registration is necessary. The cost of the fair is $20. Please contact Shirley Riffle at <a href="mailto:sriffle@bism.org">sriffle@bism.org</a> or 410-737-2600 for more information. This fair is sponsored by BISM, with support from MSDE DORS OBVS.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText style='margin-left:.5in'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText style='margin-left:.5in'>ComingAfter Convention:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst>* Spot light on National Convention.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle>* More information on Crab Feast<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle>* State convention information<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle>* Fall raffle<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle>Dates to Remember<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle><span class=MsoHyperlink><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span class=MsoHyperlink><span style='font-family:Symbol;color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span></span><![endif]>July 1-6, 2014: <a href="http://www.nfb.org/national-convention">NFB National Convention (Orlando, Florida)</a><span class=MsoHyperlink><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span class=MsoHyperlink><span style='font-family:Symbol;color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span></span><![endif]><span class=MsoHyperlink><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'>July 15, TLC Chapter meeting, (chapter constitution and elections): 300 East Joppa Road, Suite 312, 7-9 PM. Contact Mary Jo Hartle for more information, <a href="mailto:mjhartle23@gmail.com">mjhartle23@gmail.com</a> or 318-243-4135<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span class=MsoHyperlink><span style='font-family:Symbol;color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span></span><![endif]><span class=MsoHyperlink><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'>July 28-August 8: National Federation of the Blind Braille Enrichment for Literacy and Learning (BELL) Programs; visit </span></span><a href="http://www.nfb.org/bell">http://www.nfb.org/bell</a><span class=MsoHyperlink><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'> for more information and to apply<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span class=MsoHyperlink><span style='font-family:Symbol;color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span></span><![endif]><span class=MsoHyperlink><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'>August 1, 2014: 7:00 PM NFBMD Crab Feast (Baltimore, Maryland)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span class=MsoHyperlink><span style='font-family:Symbol;color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span></span><![endif]>September 9: <a href="http://nfb.org/web-accessibility-day">Web Accessibility Day at NFB Jernigan Institute</a><span class=MsoHyperlink><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span class=MsoHyperlink><span style='font-family:Symbol;text-decoration:none'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span></span><![endif]>October 15-17: <a href="http://www.NFB.org/training-the-trainers">NFB Technology Train the Trainers</a><span class=MsoHyperlink><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpLast style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>November 14-16, 2014: NFB of Maryland Annual Convention (Towson, Maryland)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name="_GoBack"></a><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Please consider <a href="http://www.nfbmd.org/donate.html">making a donation</a> today to help us build a future full of opportunities. You can also <a href="http://www.carshelpingtheblind.org">donate your vehicle</a> or support us by <a href="http://www.nfbpickup.org">giving your old household goods to our GreenDrop program</a>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>To submit items for possible inclusion in this weekly email, please send suggestions to <a href="mailto:President@nfbmd.org">President@nfbmd.org</a> Be sure to include any related URLs that might provide further information.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>