[MDPOBC] October, November, and December 2025 Minute Message from the Movement

Sat Dec 6 07:40:59 UTC 2025

October, November, and December 2025 Minute Message 

Fellow Federationists:

As winter approaches, we remain as busy as ever.  We held a tremendously successful Crab Feast to support scholarship for the blind in Maryland with a new component of a silent auction.  We held a wonderful Scholarship Dinner and Auction that also raised funds for student scholarships.  We held our first-ever Winter Market, which included more than 30 vendors and several hundred shoppers from throughout the community.  We hosted numerous Blind Equality Achievement Month activities and received proclamations from many counties and cities.  We held several seminars, including an advocacy seminar, a senior seminar, and parent activities.  As the federal government shutdown lingered and SNAP benefits were suspended, we launched the NFBMD Food Insecurity Grant for blind Marylanders because no one should go hungry.  And of course, we continue to work on individual advocacy initiatives to support our members with education, employment, public accommodation, technology, and access to information.

In the first six weeks of 2026, we will host our annual Day In Annapolis, participate in Washington Seminar, and hold our annual State Convention.  Things are moving very quickly, so for the most up-to-date information about NFBMD’s activities, please visit our website – Nfbmd.org.

Read on for information about what is coming for the NFB of Maryland. 

NFBMD End of Year Appeal

As we complete 59 years of service to blind persons in Maryland, I am asking for your support of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland with a special holiday tax-deductible donation.  We accomplished a great deal this year.  To continue our work in the coming year, we urgently need your support.  In 2025 we:

*	Worked with members of the Maryland General Assembly to enact legislation to raise the property tax credit for blind home owners to better align with property values, ensuring that home ownership for blind and low vision Marylanders remains within reach.
*	Worked with members of the Maryland General Assembly to enact legislation to incorporate a Braille and tactile U.S. flag in all state-run veteran cemeteries, ensuring the accessibility of ceremonies to honor our veterans for all.
*	Awarded scholarships to blind college students and offered paid internships to those seeking work experience early in their careers.
*	Provided people with diabetes and vision loss with information managing the complications of their disease.
*	Helped blind seniors and those who lost vision recently to live independently with blindness training.

This summer, we served 28 Maryland children through the 18th Braille Enrichment Literacy and Learning (BELL) Academy for blind children ages 4 to 12 who have limited vision at three different locations throughout Maryland.  Learning to read and write Braille is vital for these children because any limited vision they may have is likely to deteriorate as they mature into adulthood.  We engaged in significant advocacy casework for parents, students, seniors, employees, and those who recently lost vision in order to ensure equal access to Maryland programs and services.  

We advocated on behalf of dozens of blind and low vision students related to special education.  We helped many blind and low vision employees navigate the job search process and advocated in several disability discrimination cases.  We provided training and mentorship for those who work in the blindness field and for families, friends, and companies.  We also established a Food Insecurity Grant for blind and low vision Marylanders impacted by the suspension of SNAP benefits due to the 2025 prolonged federal government shutdown.

Much more remains to be done.  Your donations enable us to do more field work to locate blind individuals who need help and encouragement so they can live the lives they want.  Please make checks payable to NFBMD.  A return envelope is enclosed for your convenience.  You may donate by check, via Zelle using  <mailto:President at nfbmd.org> President at nfbmd.org , or via credit card or PayPal by visiting https://nfbmd.org/donate.  If you already donated this year, we thank you again for your generous support.  Please remember, donations are welcome any time.

NFBMD Blind Cruising 2026

The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland will be cruising to Bermuda in 2026.  Join us for this five-night cruise on the beautiful Royal Caribbean Vision of the Seas, which departs the Port of Baltimore on Saturday, September 5, 2026.  We will have two full days in Bermuda.  Balcony cabins cost $1520.84 per person assuming double occupancy, including port charges and tax.  Ocean view and inside cabins are also available at the prevailing rate.  A $250 deposit is required to book the cabin, and final payment is due May 15, 2026.  

Supply is limited, so please make your reservations as soon as possible.

To make your deposit for a balcony cabin, or to request pricing for ocean view and inside cabins, please contact our travel agent, Cindy Kiper, at  <mailto:ckiper at dreamvacations.com> ckiper at dreamvacations.com or at 813-418-0647.

Seeking Day in Annapolis Attendees

We’ll be holding our annual Day in Annapolis where we meet with all 188 members of the Maryland General Assembly on January 22, 2026.  There we will advocate for issues of importance to the blind of Maryland.  We need all hands on deck.  This will be solely an in-person event, and there will be no virtual meetings.

This will be a long day, so please be prepared to do a fair amount of walking, bring any needed medication, have snacks with you or plan to buy them from the cantina, and dress appropriately for meeting elected officials.  

If you plan to attend Day in Annapolis, please register by January 10, 2026.  Registration is very important so that we can:

*	Assign individuals to teams that meet with their own elected officials to the maximum extent possible;
*	Schedule and allocate appropriate transportation resources;
*	Streamline (and hopefully shorten) the meal ordering process for the debriefing meeting; and
*	Enable participants to pre-pay for their meals.

Please   <https://nfbmd.org/civicrm/event/register?reset=1&id=16> register your participation by January 10, 2026. 

Please note that you must pay for dinner in advance.  Dinner will cost $32 if paying via PayPal / credit card.  Those using Zelle, check, and cash will receive a $2 discount for a cost of $30 per person.

You may pay in one of four ways:

PayPal / Credit card – using the payment processor imbedded in the registration form

OR

Zelle:  <mailto:President at nfbmd.org> President at nfbmd.org

OR

Check: Payable to NFB of Maryland and mailed by January 10, 2026 to NFB of Maryland, 1800 Johnson Street, Suite N1, Baltimore, MD 21230

OR

Cash: Exact change is required and will be collected on the bus/transportation the morning of the event.

We will host a virtual training session on Monday, January 19 at 7PM via Zoom.  We will use our affiliate Zoom number for this training session.

We will publish the Fact Sheets in mid-late December on NFB Newsline, the listserves, and the NFB of Maryland website.

Please consider joining us on January 22 – this is one way NFB of Maryland changes what it means to be blind of which you are a critical part.  For questions, please contact  <mailto:Annapolis at nfbmd.org> Annapolis at nfbmd.org. 

Nominate a Crab

We hold a Crab Race in connection with our annual NFB of Maryland State Convention.  This is a fundraiser where you can support your favorite crab contestant by putting a bit of money on them in $5 increments, and the people who supported the winning crab split the pot with NFBMD.  Following the banquet, the six crab contestants – we call them “crabs” participate in a race to see who gets to the “finish line” first.

This year, you will get to decide who one of the six crabs will be.  

Here are the rules:

Nomination Round:

Anyone can nominate someone to be a crab between now and December 20, 2025.  You can nominate yourself if you wish.  Send nominations via email to  <mailto:Convention at nfbmd.org> Convention at nfbmd.org.  We recommend you make sure the person you are nominating wishes to participate and also plans to attend the convention in person.

Voting Round:

Those who get two or more nominations will be advanced to the voting round.  We will post a form online for folks to cast their vote after December 15.  Voting will close on January 20, 2025.  We will announce the winner at the Convention, and they will be the sixth crab.

Existing Crabs:

The following are already chosen as crabs for the 2026 convention, so you may want to choose someone else to nominate:

*	Fearless Crab Judy Rasmussen
*	Christmas Crab – Sharon Maneki
*	TBD Crab Mark Riccobono

For questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to Ronza Othman at  <mailto:President at nfbmd.org> President at nfbmd.org.

Pilots of Progress: Sixty Years Strong, Soaring to New Horizons: The State Convention is Coming!

You will not want to miss the state convention at the Ashore Resort and Beach Club in Ocean City which takes place on February 12 - 15, 2026.  Come and meet our National Representative.  You may reserve your room by calling the Ashore at 410-524-3535.  Convention Room Rates:  Standard Room - $102 per night plus tax; cabana and other types of sleeping rooms range in cost from $132 - $152 per night plus tax.  The deadline for making room reservations is December 31, 2025.  

Pre-registration is open through December 31, 2025.  Visit  <https://nfbmd.org/convention> https://nfbmd.org/convention  to register online.  

Below are the prices for the various convention activities (prices are per person unless otherwise stated):

*       Registration: $25 on or before December 31; $35 after - Kids age 12 and under are free

*       Transportation from Baltimore and New Carrollton: $75 on or before December 31; $100 after 

*       Banquet: $65 on or before December 31; $75 after 

*       Friday Boxed Lunch: $25 on or before December 31

*       Friday Dinner & a Play Pizza Buffet: $28 on or before December 31; $38 after

*       Saturday Luncheons (Seniors, Parents, and Students): $33 on or before December 31; $43 after

*       Saturday Leadership Networking Breakfast (all welcome): $33 on or before December 31; $43 after

*       Sunday Training Center Alumni and Networking Breakfast: $33 on or before December 31; $43 after 

We will be using a different format, with the NFBMD Board Meeting and several other committee meetings taking place on Thursday afternoon and evening.  General Session will kick off Friday evening, with division meetings, seminars, and chapters meeting in person on Friday during the day.  Dinner and a Play will take place just before the General Session kicks off.  Saturday will feature General Session in the morning, a number of workshops and meetings in the late morning, luncheons for students, seniors, and parents, and then a General Session afternoon session.  The NFBMD banquet, which will include our keynote address from our National Representative and a number of awards will take place Saturday evening.  We will have our last General Session, which will include our Business Meeting, Sunday morning, with an anticipated 1PM adjournment.

We want to thank our Title Sponsor, Blind Industries and Services of Maryland, for its support of our 2026 NFBMD Convention!

See you in Ocean City!

Seeking Resolutions for the State Convention 

The Convention is the supreme authority of the National Federation of the Blind, and this too is true of the affiliates.  One of the most important charges of the Convention is to consider and vote on resolutions that come before it; those resolutions become the policy of the organization.  To that end, individuals interested in submitting resolutions should send them to NFBMD Resolutions Chairperson Chris Danielsen by email at  <mailto:cdanielsen at nfb.org> cdanielsen at nfb.org by January 15, 2026.

Seeking Door Prize Donations

We are seeking donations of door prizes to give away at the NFB of Maryland Annual Convention.  Door prizes should have a cash value of a minimum of $25 each.  For questions, please contact Door Prize Co-chairs Qualik Ford at  <mailto:Qford at bism.org> Qford at bism.org and Juhi Narula at  <mailto:Jnarula at bism.org> Jnarula at bism.org.  Please bring door prizes to the convention.

Seeking Donations for the NFBMD Bake and Experience Auction!

We are seeking donations of baked goods and experiences for the NFBMD auction.  Some examples of experiences include taking the winner to dinner, giving cooking lessons, musical or show tickets, etc.  We are asking for donation commitments prior to January 15, 2026.  Please notify Convention Logistics chairperson Justin Young of your donation via email at  <mailto:Jyoung at nfb.org> Jyoung at nfb.org.

Seeking Baked Deliciousness for NFBMD Fire Sale! 

Attention all!
This message is going out to all you bakers, non-bakers, and anyone else with baked goods.  As state convention rolls around again, so does our annual fire sale.  If you want to help feed our movement and fund the important work we do, please take the time to donate your freshly baked goods, whatever they may be.  Cookies, cakes, candies, and croissants, we'll take them all.  Please contact Justin Young with your donation commitment via email at  <mailto:Jyoung at nfb.org> Jyoung at nfb.org.

State Convention Orientation: February 4, 2026

All first-time convention attendees are cordially invited to attend a First-Timers Orientation from 8 to 9:30 p.m., on Wednesday, February 4.  The Ambassadors Committee will walk you through the events that will take place throughout the weekend, explain processes such as door prizes and voting, as well as make sure every first-time convention attendee is matched with a mentor. 

Connection information is as follows:

Zoom Meeting ID:  <https://zoom.us/j/6248138327?pwd=eTZlYUgwR3ZQVVl1dXBLSHcrbml1QT09> 624 813 8327

One-Number Conference Call: 339-209-4083

Seeking Nominations for the NFBMD Distinguished Educator of Blind Students Award! 

The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland is seeking nominations for the 2026 Distinguished Educator of Blind Children Award.  Please tell us how your child’s teacher, administrator, or school counselor works to help their students live the life they want with high expectations and strong skill development.  Nominations should be sent to Committee Chairperson Teresa Graham at   <mailto:teresagraham3 at gmail.com> teresagraham3 at gmail.com. To download the nomination form and for more information, visit  <http://nfbmd.org/node/317> http://nfbmd.org/node/317.  For assistance completing the form or for questions, please call Teresa Graham at 443-557-8696.  The award will be presented at the NFB of Maryland state convention Banquet on February 14, 2026.  Nominations are due by December 20, 2025.  

Washington Seminar Is Coming!

On January 25 and 26, Maryland will join Federationists in person from throughout the country to let Congress know about our legislative priorities for blind Americans.  We will share the legislative priorities once they become available.  You may read the Washington Seminar fact sheets by visiting  <https://nfb.org/washington-seminar> https://nfb.org/washington-seminar or via Newsline.  The Great Gathering In will take place at 5:00PM on Monday, January 25, 2026 at the Holiday Inn Capitol Hotel.  Maryland will be visiting our Congressional Delegation on Tuesday, January 26, 2026 in person on the Hill.  If you would like to attend  Congressional appointments, please let Joel Zimba and me know by January 12, 2026 by emailing  <mailto:joelszimba at gmail.com> joelszimba at gmail.com and  <mailto:President at nfbmd.org> President at nfbmd.org.

Get ready for Austin in 2026!

The NFB 2026 National Convention will take place from July 3 – 8, 2026 in Austin, Texas.  The JW Marriott Austin Hotel will be the primary location and host all convention meetings and seminars, while the Austin Marriott Downtown will serve as our overflow hotel.  Both hotels will offer a nightly convention rate of $139 per night for singles and doubles and  $155 for triples and quads, plus a tourism fee and taxes of 19%.  You can begin making your reservations on January 1, 2026 with a reservation deadline of May 31, 2026.  

Convention pre-registration will open March 1 and close May 31, 2026.

We hope to see you in Austin!

Pay Your 2026 Dues!

NFBMD maintains an online portal for individuals to pay their chapter and division dues.  We are asking members to pay their 2026 dues by December 31, 2025 so we can ensure that our rolls are accurate for State Convention voting.

Individuals may use NFBMD’s Dues Portal to pay their 2026 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.  The portal is located at http://nfbmd.org/dues.  Alternatively, individuals may mail a check to their chapter or division treasurer.

Individuals may also pay their chapter dues at the Membership Table at the State Convention, but we strongly encourage individuals to pay dues prior to convention.

Please note that those paying via the online portal will incur a small processing fee.

NFB and NFBMD Scholarship Programs

The National Federation of the Blind and the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland each administer a separate scholarship program for post-secondary students.  The deadline to apply for both scholarship programs is March 31, 2026.

National Scholarship Program: Each year, the NFB awards 30 merit-based scholarships totaling $240,000.  

*	Each scholarship recipient will receive $8,000 and additional prizes.
*	Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, leadership, and community service.
*	The 30 scholarship finalists are announced in the spring and attend the NFB National Convention, where they are mentored by blind role models.
*	Application materials must be submitted (online or postmarked) by 11:59PM on March 31, 2026.
*	To be eligible, applicants must:

*	Be legally blind in both eyes;
*	Reside in the United States, the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico;
*	Be pursuing or planning to pursue a full-time, post-secondary course of study in a degree program at a U.S. institution in the Fall of 2026 (a few scholarships may be awarded to an individual who attends school part-time with certain parameters); 
*	Be age 18 before July 3, 2026; and
*	Attend the entire National Convention of the National Federation of the Blind (and all scholarship activities) in Austin, Texas from July 3 through 8, 2026 (scholarship finalists will receive convention grants).

*	To apply, submit an application using the online application system at  <https://scholarships.nfb.org/> https://scholarships.nfb.org/. 

State Scholarship Program: The NFB of Maryland will award up to four scholarships of $4,000 each as part of the John T. McCraw Scholarship Program.  NFBMD may award a scholarship to a former McCraw scholarship recipient.  

*	Scholarships are merit-based and awarded based on academic achievement, community involvement, and leadership.
*	Application materials must be submitted (online only) by 11:59PM on March 31, 2026.
*	To be eligible, applicants must:

*	Be legally blind in both eyes;
*	reside in Maryland or be pursuing post-secondary studies at a school in Maryland;
*	be age 18 prior to July 3, 2026;
*	Be pursuing or planning to pursue a full-time or part-time, post-secondary course of study in a degree program in the Fall of 2026 and Spring of 2027 (priority will be given to full-time students); and
*	Attend the entire National Convention of the National Federation of the Blind in Austin, Texas from July 3 through 8, 2026 and the annual convention of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland in Maryland in February 2027 (scholarship finalists will receive convention grants).
*	To apply, submit an application using the online application system at  <http://nfbmd.org/scholarship/apply> http://nfbmd.org/scholarship/apply.

NFBMD Cruise Donation Drive and Drawing – Blind Cruising 2026!!

Want to win a free cabin on the NFBMD 2026 Cruise to Bermuda?  Here's your chance!

The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland is hosting the 2026 NFBMD Cruise donation drive.  For each $20 donation, you will get one chance in the cruise drawing.  For example, if you donate $100, you will get five chances.

The winner will have their cabin costs covered (excluding taxes and port fees) by NFBMD.  The drawing will take place at the NFBMD banquet on Saturday, February 14, 2026.   The winner does not need to be present to win.  The fundraiser is open through 3PM on Saturday, February 14, 2026.

The rules for the drawing are as follows:

1. For each $20 donated, the donor will receive one chance.  For example, if the donor contributes $100, that equates to 5 chances.

2. The donor must expressly state that they wish to have their name placed in the cruise drawing.

3. Donations must be made separately from any door prize contributions, convention registration donations, end-of-year contributions, or any other NFB of Maryland fundraising campaigns.

4. Donations must be received on or before 3PM on February 14, 2026.

Individuals may make donations using the PayPal button located at  <https://nfbmd.org/cruisedrawing> https://nfbmd.org/cruisedrawing 

OR

via Zelle ( <mailto:President at nfbmd.org> President at nfbmd.org), 

OR by mailing checks to:

National Federation of the Blind of Maryland

Cruise Donation Drive

1800 Johnson Street, Suite N1

Baltimore, MD 21230

do You Feel Lucky? 

The NFBMD spring raffle is beginning.  During the month of May, you have the opportunity to win $50 Sunday through Friday, or $100 on Saturday.  To reserve a specific number, contact Melissa Riccobono at  <mailto:MelissaARiccobono at gmail.com> MelissaARiccobono at gmail.com on or before January 10, 2026.  After that, purchase a 3-digit number raffle ticket for $5.  You will be the only one who has this number.  Tickets are available from chapter presidents and affiliate Board Members.  Help us sell all 1,000 tickets!  

Basket and Bag Bingo is Coming!

Would you like to win over $4,000 in prizes?  Would you like to play 23 games of BINGO?  Snacks and raffles will also be available.  Join us at NFBMD Spring Basket and Bag Bingo, hosted by the Central Maryland Chapter, on March 13, 2025 in Catonsville.  Buy your tickets early.

Prizes will feature baskets and bags from designer brands.  We need financial contributions to help with these purchases.  Please let us know whether you would like to sponsor a basket or bag for $200.  All contributions of any amount are welcome.  

You may also purchase your ticket for $30 before March 13 and for $40 on March 13 if tickets are available.  Please purchase your ticket via Zelle ( <mailto:President at nfbmd.org> President at nfbmd.org), by check (Make checks payable to “NFBMD” and mail to 1800 Johnson Street, Suite N1, Baltimore, MD 21230, or pay via credit card or PayPal  <https://nfbmd.org/bingo> online. 

For questions or to reserve a Braille or large print Bingo card, call/text Matthew Yannuzzi at 410-851-1944 or email  <mailto:CMC.NFBMD.Bingo at gmail.com> CMC.NFBMD.Bingo at gmail.com.  

NFBMD Committees: Are You Interested?

I am beginning to make 2026 committee appointments for the NFB of Maryland, and Groups are also continuing their work.  If you are interested in being appointed to a particular committee, please send me an email with the name of the committee or committees for which you are interested.  I can’t promise everyone will be appointed to the committees they request, but it is very helpful to know where people are interested in contributing most.  Please send your interest email to me at  <mailto:President at nfbmd.org> President at nfbmd.org.  In addition, if you are interested in joining a particular group, please reach out directly to the chair of that group.  

If there are committees that you think should be added, please also let me know.

Below is a list of the 2026 committees and groups as they currently stand.  The individuals listed below have been asked to chair these committees or groups, but this may change slightly when final appointments are sent out.

Advocacy Committee

Sharon Maneki and Melissa Riccobono, Co-chairpersons 

Advocates with employers, schools, Vocational Rehabilitation entities, and other public or private agencies for blind residents of Maryland

Ambassadors Committee

Judy Rasmussen and Debbie Brown, co-chairpersons

responsible for orienting first-time attendees to state and national Convention and mentoring first-timers at those events

Audit Committee

Justin Young, Chairperson

responsible for auditing financial accounts and spending for the affiliate, local chapters, and divisions

BELL Committee

Erin Zobell, Chairperson

plans and administers the Maryland Bell program and incorporating Bell into NFBMD conventions and seminars

Braille Spectator Committee

Ronza Othman, Editor

Responsible for sourcing and creating content, assembling, editing, formatting, and disseminating the semi-annual magazine of the NFB of Maryland

Crab Feast Committee

Millie Rivera, Chairperson 

Plans and implements the Crab Feast and associated auction.

Deaf-Blind and Hearing Loss Issues Committee

Janice Toothman and Heather Guy, Co-chairpersons 

works on issues of concern and interest to the deaf-blind of Maryland

Development and Fundraising Committee

Jenivieve White and Qualik Ford, Co-chairpersons 

coordinates long-term and short-term fundraising initiatives including: preparing and submitting grant proposals; sending out annual appeal letters;  working with estate attorneys; administering Spring and Fall drawings. 

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee

Qualik Ford and Juhi Narula, co-chairpersons

Provides leadership and guidance to the affiliate and chapters and divisions on matters related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.  

Employment Committee

Pam Goodman and Judy Rasmussen, co-chairpersons

Provides guidance and support related to strategies for increasing the employment of Maryland’s blind.

Guide Dog Issues Committee

Sherri Shirek, chairperson

works on issues of concern and interest to guide dog users in Maryland

Legislation Committee - Federal

Sharon Maneki and Debbie Brown, Co-chairpersons

responsible for Federal legislative action and educating elected officials on issues of importance to the blind of Maryland

Legislation Committee - State

Ronza Othman, chairperson

responsible for state legislative action and educating elected officials on issues of importance to the blind of Maryland

Makers Market 

Danielle McCann, chairperson

responsible for organizing the spring and winter makers markets.

Membership Committee

Dezman Jackson and Ellen Ringlein, co-chairpersons

responsible for helping chapters and divisions with recruitment, retention, and development of members

PAC Plan Committee

John Paré and Ann-Marie Laney, co-chairpersons

Coordinate the Maryland Pre-Authorized Check (PAC) efforts.

Public Relations Committee

Chris Danielsen, chairperson

responsible for marketing NFBMD programs and initiatives

Resolutions Committee

Chris Danielsen, chairperson

responsible for recommending (or not) that resolutions submitted by members be brought to the NFBMD Convention floor

Scholarship Committee

Juhi Narula, chairperson

responsible for administering the John T. McCraw Scholarship Program, including mentoring candidates at national and state conventions and beyond

Sharon Maneki Youth Empowerment Grant Committee

Sharon Maneki, chairperson

responsible for reviewing and approving (or not) grant applications for youth to attend blindness programs and training or to receive technology

Social Media Committee

Karen Anderson and Stephanie Cascone, Co-chairpersons

responsible for NFBMD’s social media presence, communication, and outreach using forums like mastodon and Facebook

Spanish Services Committee

Teresa Graham, chairperson 

responsible for coordinating programming, outreach, and language interpretation for Spanish speakers

Sports and Recreation Committee

Qualik Ford and Derique Simon, co-chairpersons 

responsible for coordinating sports and rec activities for the affiliate.

Transportation  Committee

Cheryl Fogle-Hatch and Aloma Bouma, co-chairpersons 

responsible for coordinating transportation-related advocacy and working to improve the state of public transportation in Maryland

Website and Technology Committee

John Berggren and Graham Mehl, Co-chairpersons

responsible for NFBMD.org content and formatting, NFBMD databases, AV/IT at conventions, seminars, and other events, and other technology necessary for the operations of the NFB of Maryland

Youth Activity Committee

Erin Zobell, Chairperson

responsible for engaging youth and planning youth-focused programs

Convention-Related Committees

Anna Freysz Cable Award Committee

Debbie Brown, chairperson

administers award program for an adult who has demonstrated exceptional effort in learning blindness skills, which is given at the NFBMD Convention

Convention Child Care Committee

Brittany Bomboy, chairperson

coordinates childcare at the NFBMD Convention

Convention Organization and Activities

Justin Young, chairperson 

coordinates the NFBMD Convention, including planning and logistics

Convention Registration Committee

Marie Marucci and Bre Brown, Co-chairpersons

Coordinates and oversees convention registration.

Distinguished Educator of Blind Children Award Committee

Teresa Graham, chairperson

administers award to an exceptional teacher of the blind in Maryland; awarded at the NFBMD Convention

Door Prize Committee

Juhi Narula and Qualik Ford, co-chairpersons

coordinates and runs NFBMD Convention door prize activities

Gold Cup Crab Race Committee

Juhi Narula and Jen White, co-chairpersons

Administers Gold Crab Race Fundraiser at state convention

Jennifer Baker Award Committee

Melissa Riccobono, chairperson

administers award program for a child who has overcome significant challenges to learn blindness skills; administered at the NFBMD Convention

Kenneth Jernigan Award Committee

Mary Ellen Jernigan, chairperson

administers award program for a Federationist who has demonstrated exceptional and sustained service and commitment to the NFB of Maryland; awarded at the NFBMD Convention

National Funding Support Auction Committee

Joel Zimba and Erin Zobell, Co-chairpersons

Administers the NFB of Maryland Bake and Experience Auction at the state convention.

Nominating Committee

Marguerite Woods, chairperson

responsible for recommending to the NFBMD Convention individuals for open Board seats

NFBMD Groups

Blind Parents Group

Melissa Riccobono, chairperson

Crafters Group

Danielle McCann and Karen Anderson, co-chairpersons

Diabetes Action Network Group

Eileen Ley, chairperson

Performing Arts Group

Chris Danielsen, chairperson

Sighted Significant Others and Loved Ones Group

Jen White and David Waybright, co-chairpersons

Veterans Group

Ed Jackson, chairperson

Important Upcoming Dates 

*	January 10, 2026 – Deadline to reserve Spring Raffle specific numbers
*	January 22, 2026 – NFBMD Day in Annapolis, Annapolis, Maryland
*	January 25, 2026 – Washington Seminar Great Gathering In, Washington, DC
*	January 26, 2026 – NFB of Maryland Day on the Hill, Washington, DC
*	February 4, 2026 – NFBMD State Convention Orientation, Virtual
*	February 12 – 15, 2026 – NFBMD 2026 Convention, Ocean City, Maryland
*	March 1, 2026 – Preregistration opens for NFB National Convention
*	March 13, 2026 – Basket and Bag Bingo, Catonsville, Maryland
*	March 31, 2026 – Deadline for National Scholarship Applications.
*	March 31, 2026 – Deadline for NFBMD Scholarship Applications.
*	Spring TBD, 2026 – NFBMD STEM2U, Baltimore, Maryland
*	Spring TBD, 2026 – NFBMD Spring Market, Baltimore, Maryland
*	May 31, 2026 – Deadline to Preregister for NFB Annual Convention, Austin, Texas
*	Summer TBD, 2026 – Southern Maryland NFB BELL Academy, Southern Maryland, Maryland
*	Summer TBD, 2026 – Montgomery County NFB BELL Academy, Montgomery County, Maryland
*	Summer TBD, 2026 – Eastern Shore NFB BELL Academy, Salisbury, Maryland
*	Summer TBD, 2026 – Baltimore NFB BELL Academy, Baltimore, Maryland
*	July 3 – 8, 2026 – NFB National Convention, Austin, Texas
*	September 5 – 10, 2026 – NFBMD Cruise to Bermuda, Baltimore, Maryland
*	September 18, 2026 – NFBMD Crab Feast, Rosedale, Maryland
*	October 1 – 31, 2026 – Blind Equality Achievement Month
*	October 15, 2026 – White Cane Awareness Day
*	November 14, 2026 – NFBMD Scholarship Dinner and Auction, College Park, Maryland
*	November 15, 2026 – NFBMD Winter Market, Baltimore, Maryland

*	 

Ronza Othman, President

National Federation of the Blind of Maryland

443-426-4110

Pronouns: she, her, hers

The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back

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