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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72"><div class=WordSection1><h1><a name="OLE_LINK9"></a><a name="_Hlk75706218"></a><a name="_Hlk84098815"></a><a name="_Hlk94641879"></a><a name="_Hlk113649310"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>October, November, and December 2025 Minute Message <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></a></h1><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><a name="_Hlk89042392"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></a></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>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.<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:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>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\u2019s activities, please visit our website \u2013 Nfbmd.org.<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:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Read on for information about what is coming for the NFB of Maryland. <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:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>NFBMD End of Year Appeal<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>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:<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>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.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>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.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Awarded scholarships to blind college students and offered paid internships to those seeking work experience early in their careers.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Provided people with diabetes and vision loss with information managing the complications of their disease.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Helped blind seniors and those who lost vision recently to live independently with blindness training.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>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. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>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.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>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, <span style='color:black'>via Zelle using </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="mailto:President@nfbmd.org"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>President@nfbmd.org</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span class=MsoHyperlink><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>, or via credit card or PayPal by visiting https://nfbmd.org/donate.<span style='color:black'> I</span>f you already donated this year, we thank you again for your generous support. Please remember, donations are welcome any time.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>NFBMD Blind Cruising 2026<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><a name="_Hlk215876970"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>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. <o:p></o:p></span></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk215876970'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk215876970'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Supply is limited, so please make your reservations as soon as possible.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk215876970'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk215876970'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>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 </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="mailto:ckiper@dreamvacations.com"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk215876970'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>ckiper@dreamvacations.com</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk215876970'></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk215876970'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> or at 813-418-0647.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk215876970'></span><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Seeking Day in Annapolis Attendees<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>We\u2019ll 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.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>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. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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 style='background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:#2B353B'>If you plan to attend Day in Annapolis, please register by January 10, 2026. Registration is very important so that we can:<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><ul type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='color:#2B353B;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Assign individuals to teams that meet with their own elected officials to the maximum extent possible;<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:#2B353B;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Schedule and allocate appropriate transportation resources;<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:#2B353B;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Streamline (and hopefully shorten) the meal ordering process for the debriefing meeting; and<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:#2B353B;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Enable participants to pre-pay for their meals.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li></ul><p style='margin-left:.25in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:#2B353B'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style='background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:#2B353B'>Please </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://nfbmd.org/civicrm/event/register?reset=1&id=16"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:#1475AD'>register your participation</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:#2B353B'> by January 10, 2026. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>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.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>You may pay in one of four ways:<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>PayPal / Credit card \u2013 using the payment processor imbedded in the registration form<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>OR<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Zelle: </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="mailto:President@nfbmd.org"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>President@nfbmd.org</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>OR<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Check: Payable to NFB of Maryland and mailed by January 10, 2026 to NFB of Maryland, 1800 Johnson Street, Suite N1, Baltimore, MD 21230<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>OR<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Cash: Exact change is required and will be collected on the bus/transportation the morning of the event.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>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.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>We will publish the Fact Sheets in mid-late December on NFB Newsline, the listserves, and the NFB of Maryland website.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Please consider joining us on January 22 \u2013 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 </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="mailto:Annapolis@nfbmd.org"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Annapolis@nfbmd.org</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Nominate a Crab<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>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 \u2013 we call them \u201ccrabs\u201d participate in a race to see who gets to the \u201cfinish line\u201d first.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>This year, you will get to decide who one of the six crabs will be. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Here are the rules:<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Nomination Round:<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>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 </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="mailto:Convention@nfbmd.org"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Convention@nfbmd.org</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>. We recommend you make sure the person you are nominating wishes to participate and also plans to attend the convention in person.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Voting Round:<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>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.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Existing Crabs:<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>The following are already chosen as crabs for the 2026 convention, so you may want to choose someone else to nominate:<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo3'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Fearless Crab Judy Rasmussen<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo3'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Christmas Crab \u2013 Sharon Maneki<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpLast style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo3'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>TBD Crab Mark Riccobono<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>For questions, don\u2019t hesitate to reach out to Ronza Othman at </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="mailto:President@nfbmd.org"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>President@nfbmd.org</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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=MsoPlainText><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Pilots of Progress: Sixty Years Strong, Soaring to New Horizons: The State Convention is Coming!<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></h2><p style='background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:black'>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 </span>410-524-3535</span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:black'>. 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. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style='background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style='background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:black'>Pre-registration is open through December 31, 2025. Visit </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://nfbmd.org/convention"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'>https://nfbmd.org/convention</span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:black'> to register online. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style='background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style='background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:black'>Below are the prices for the various convention activities (prices are per person unless otherwise stated):<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:0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo4;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol;color:#3B3B3B'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#3B3B3B'>Registration: $25 on or before December 31; $35 after - Kids age 12 and under are free<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:0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo4;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol;color:#3B3B3B'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#3B3B3B'>Transportation from Baltimore and New Carrollton: $75 on or before December 31; $100 after <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:0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo4;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol;color:#3B3B3B'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#3B3B3B'>Banquet: $65 on or before December 31; $75 after <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:0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo4;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol;color:#3B3B3B'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#3B3B3B'>Friday Boxed Lunch: $25 on or before December 31<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:0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo4;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol;color:#3B3B3B'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#3B3B3B'>Friday Dinner & a Play Pizza Buffet: $28 on or before December 31; $38 after<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:0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo4;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol;color:#3B3B3B'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#3B3B3B'>Saturday Luncheons (Seniors, Parents, and Students): $33 on or before December 31; $43 after<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:0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo4;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol;color:#3B3B3B'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#3B3B3B'>Saturday Leadership Networking Breakfast (all welcome): $33 on or before December 31; $43 after<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:0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo4;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol;color:#3B3B3B'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#3B3B3B'>Sunday Training Center Alumni and Networking Breakfast: $33 on or before December 31; $43 after <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style='margin-left:.25in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='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:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:black'>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.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style='margin-left:.25in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='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:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:black'>We want to thank our Title Sponsor, Blind Industries and Services of Maryland, for its support of our 2026 NFBMD Convention!<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style='margin-left:.25in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='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:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:black'>See you in Ocean City!<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style='margin-left:.25in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h2><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Seeking Resolutions for the State Convention <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>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 </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="mailto:cdanielsen@nfb.org"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>cdanielsen@nfb.org</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#0563C1'>by January 15, 2026.<o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Seeking Door Prize Donations<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h2><p><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span lang=EN style='color:#333333'>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 </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="mailto:Qford@bism.org"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span lang=EN>Qford@bism.org</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span lang=EN style='color:#333333'> and Juhi Narula at </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="mailto:Jnarula@bism.org"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span lang=EN>Jnarula@bism.org</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span lang=EN style='color:#333333'>. Please bring door prizes to the convention.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span lang=EN style='color:#333333'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h2><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Seeking Donations for the NFBMD Bake and Experience Auction!<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h2><p><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span lang=EN style='color:#333333'>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 </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="mailto:Jyoung@nfb.org"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span lang=EN>Jyoung@nfb.org</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'>.</span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span lang=EN style='color:#333333'><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style='background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h2><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Seeking Baked Deliciousness for NFBMD Fire Sale! <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>\ufeff</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Attention all!<br>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 </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="mailto:Jyoung@nfb.org"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Jyoung@nfb.org</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>State Convention Orientation: February 4, 2026<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></h2><p style='background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:#3B3B3B'>All first-time convention attendees are cordially invited to <u>attend a First-Timers Orientation</u> from 8 to 9:30 p.m., on Wednesday<strong><span style='font-weight:normal'>, February 4</span></strong>. 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. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style='background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:#3B3B3B'> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style='background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:#3B3B3B'>Connection information is as follows:<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style='background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:#3B3B3B'>Zoom Meeting ID: </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://zoom.us/j/6248138327?pwd=eTZlYUgwR3ZQVVl1dXBLSHcrbml1QT09"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'>624 813 8327</span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:#3B3B3B'><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style='background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:#3B3B3B'>One-Number Conference Call: 339-209-4083<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style='background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h2><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Seeking Nominations for the NFBMD Distinguished Educator of Blind Students Award! <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h2><p style='background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:black'>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\u2019s 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 </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="mailto:teresagraham3@gmail.com"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'>teresagraham3@gmail.com</span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:black'>. To download the nomination form and for more information, visit </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="http://nfbmd.org/node/317"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'>http://nfbmd.org/node/317</span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:black'>. 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. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style='background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h2><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Washington Seminar Is Coming!<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>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 </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/washington-seminar"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>https://nfb.org/washington-seminar</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'> 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 </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="mailto:joelszimba@gmail.com"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>joelszimba@gmail.com</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'> and </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="mailto:President@nfbmd.org"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>President@nfbmd.org</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h2><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Get ready for Austin in 2026!<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span lang=EN style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>The NFB 2026 National Convention will take place from July 3 \u2013 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. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span lang=EN style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Convention pre-registration will open March 1 and close May 31, 2026.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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=MsoPlainText><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>We hope to see you in Austin!<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style='background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style='background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h2><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Pay Your 2026 Dues!<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:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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 2026 dues by December 31, 2025 so we can ensure that our rolls are accurate for State Convention voting.<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:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Individuals may use NFBMD\u2019s 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.<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:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>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.<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:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Please note that those paying via the online portal will incur a small processing fee.<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:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>NFB and NFBMD Scholarship Programs<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:0in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><a name="_Hlk93169595"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>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.<o:p></o:p></span></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:0in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><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></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:0in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>National Scholarship Program: Each year, the NFB awards 30 merit-based scholarships totaling $240,000. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst style='color:black;margin-top:12.0pt;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo5;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Each scholarship recipient will receive $8,000 and additional prizes.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='color:black;margin-top:12.0pt;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo5;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, leadership, and community service.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='color:black;margin-top:12.0pt;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo5;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>The 30 scholarship finalists are announced in the spring and attend the NFB National Convention, where they are mentored by blind role models.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='color:black;margin-top:12.0pt;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo5;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Application materials must be submitted (online or postmarked) by 11:59PM on March 31, 2026.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='color:black;margin-top:12.0pt;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo5;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>To be eligible, applicants must:<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=circle><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='color:black;margin-top:12.0pt;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l5 level2 lfo5;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Be legally blind in both eyes;<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='color:black;margin-top:12.0pt;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l5 level2 lfo5;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Reside in the United States, the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico;<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='color:black;margin-top:12.0pt;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l5 level2 lfo5;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>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); <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='color:black;margin-top:12.0pt;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l5 level2 lfo5;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Be age 18 before July 3, 2026; and<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='color:black;margin-top:12.0pt;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l5 level2 lfo5;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>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).<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li></ul><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpLast style='color:black;margin-top:12.0pt;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:105%;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo5;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>To apply, submit an application using the online application system at </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://scholarships.nfb.org/"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>https://scholarships.nfb.org/</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span class=MsoHyperlink><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:.75in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><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></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:0in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>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. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst style='color:black;margin-top:12.0pt;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo5;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Scholarships are merit-based and awarded based on academic achievement, community involvement, and leadership.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='color:black;margin-top:12.0pt;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo5;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Application materials must be submitted (online only) by 11:59PM on March 31, 2026.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='color:black;margin-top:12.0pt;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo5;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>To be eligible, applicants must:<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=circle><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='color:black;margin-top:12.0pt;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l5 level2 lfo5;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Be legally blind in both eyes;<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='color:black;margin-top:12.0pt;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l5 level2 lfo5;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>reside in Maryland or be pursuing post-secondary studies at a school in Maryland;<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='color:black;margin-top:12.0pt;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l5 level2 lfo5;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>be age 18 prior to July 3, 2026;<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='color:black;margin-top:12.0pt;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l5 level2 lfo5;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>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<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='color:black;margin-top:12.0pt;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l5 level2 lfo5;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>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).<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpLast style='color:black;margin-top:12.0pt;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l5 level2 lfo5;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>To apply, submit an application using the online application system at </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="http://nfbmd.org/scholarship/apply"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>http://nfbmd.org/scholarship/apply</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span class=MsoHyperlink><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li></ul></ul><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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 style='text-indent:.5in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>NFBMD Cruise Donation Drive and Drawing \u2013 Blind Cruising 2026!!<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></h2><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#3B3B3B'>Want to win a free cabin on the NFBMD 2026 Cruise to Bermuda? Here's your chance!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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=MsoPlainText><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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 style='margin-bottom:.2in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#3B3B3B'>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.<br> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#3B3B3B'>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.<br> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>The rules for the drawing are as follows:<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>1. For each $20 donated, the donor will receive one chance. For example, if the donor contributes $100, that equates to 5 chances.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>2. The donor must expressly state that they wish to have their name placed in the cruise drawing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>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.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>4. Donations must be received on or before 3PM on February 14, 2026.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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=MsoPlainText><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Individuals may make donations using the PayPal button located at </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://nfbmd.org/cruisedrawing"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>https://nfbmd.org/cruisedrawing</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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=MsoPlainText><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span class=MsoHyperlink><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>OR</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span class=MsoHyperlink><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>via Zelle (</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="mailto:President@nfbmd.org"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>President@nfbmd.org</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span class=MsoHyperlink><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>), </span></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>OR by mailing checks to:<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>National Federation of the Blind of Maryland<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Cruise Donation Drive<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>1800 Johnson Street, Suite N1<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Baltimore, MD 21230<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style='background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h2><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>do You Feel Lucky? <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></h2><p style='background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:black'>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 </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="mailto:MelissaARiccobono@gmail.com"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:black'>MelissaARiccobono@gmail.com</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:black'> 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! <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Basket and Bag Bingo is Coming!<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:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>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.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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='background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>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. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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='background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>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 (</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="mailto:President@nfbmd.org"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>President@nfbmd.org</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>), by check (Make checks payable to \u201cNFBMD\u201d and mail to 1800 Johnson Street, Suite N1, Baltimore, MD 21230, or pay via credit card or PayPal </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://nfbmd.org/bingo"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>online</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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='background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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='background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>For questions or to reserve a Braille or large print Bingo card, call/text Matthew Yannuzzi at 410-851-1944 or email </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="mailto:CMC.NFBMD.Bingo@gmail.com"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>CMC.NFBMD.Bingo@gmail.com</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>NFBMD Committees: Are You Interested?<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>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\u2019t 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 </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="mailto:President@nfbmd.org"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>President@nfbmd.org</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>. In addition, if you are interested in joining a particular group, please reach out directly to the chair of that group. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>If there are committees that you think should be added, please also let me know.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>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.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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><h3><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Advocacy Committee<o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal style='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Sharon Maneki and Melissa Riccobono, Co-chairpersons <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Advocates with employers, schools, Vocational Rehabilitation entities, and other public or private agencies for blind residents of Maryland</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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><h3><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Ambassadors Committee</span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal style='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Judy Rasmussen and Debbie Brown, co-chairpersons<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>responsible for orienting first-time attendees to state and national Convention and mentoring first-timers at those events</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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><h3><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Audit Committee</span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal style='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Justin Young, Chairperson<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h3><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>responsible for auditing financial accounts and spending for the affiliate, local chapters, and divisions</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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><h3><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>BELL Committee<o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal style='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Erin Zobell, Chairperson<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>plans and administers the Maryland Bell program and incorporating Bell into NFBMD conventions and seminars</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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><h3><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Braille Spectator Committee</span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal style='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Ronza Othman, Editor<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Responsible for sourcing and creating content, assembling, editing, formatting, and disseminating the semi-annual magazine of the NFB of Maryland</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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><h3><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Crab Feast Committee</span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Millie Rivera, Chairperson <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Plans and implements the Crab Feast and associated auction.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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><h3><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Deaf-Blind and Hearing Loss Issues Committee</span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Janice Toothman and Heather Guy, Co-chairpersons <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>works on issues of concern and interest to the deaf-blind of Maryland</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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><h3><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Development and Fundraising Committee</span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal style='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Jenivieve White and Qualik Ford, <a name="_Hlk84181450">Co-chairperson</a>s <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>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. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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><h3><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee</span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal style='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Qualik Ford and Juhi Narula, co-chairpersons<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Provides leadership and guidance to the affiliate and chapters and divisions on matters related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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><h3><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Employment Committee<o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal style='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Pam Goodman and Judy Rasmussen, co-chairpersons<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Provides guidance and support related to strategies for increasing the employment of Maryland\u2019s blind.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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><h3><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Guide Dog Issues Committee</span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal style='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Sherri Shirek, chairperson<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>works on issues of concern and interest to guide dog users in Maryland</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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><h3><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Legislation Committee - Federal</span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal style='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Sharon Maneki and Debbie Brown, Co-chairpersons<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>responsible for Federal legislative action and educating elected officials on issues of importance to the blind of Maryland</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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><h3><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Legislation Committee - State</span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal style='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Ronza Othman, chairperson<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>responsible for state legislative action and educating elected officials on issues of importance to the blind of Maryland</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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><h3><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Makers Market </span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal style='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Danielle McCann, chairperson<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>responsible for organizing the spring and winter makers markets.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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><h3><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Membership Committee<o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Dezman Jackson and Ellen Ringlein, co-chairpersons<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>responsible for helping chapters and divisions with recruitment, retention, and development of members</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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><h3><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>PAC Plan Committee</span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal style='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>John Paré and Ann-Marie Laney, co-chairpersons<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Coordinate the Maryland Pre-Authorized Check (PAC) efforts.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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><h3><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Public Relations Committee</span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal style='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Chris Danielsen, chairperson<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>responsible for marketing NFBMD programs and initiatives</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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><h3><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Resolutions Committee</span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Chris Danielsen, chairperson<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>responsible for recommending (or not) that resolutions submitted by members be brought to the NFBMD Convention floor</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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><h3><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Scholarship Committee</span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Juhi Narula, chairperson<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>responsible for administering the John T. McCraw Scholarship Program, including mentoring candidates at national and state conventions and beyond</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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><h3><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Sharon Maneki Youth Empowerment Grant Committee<o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal style='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Sharon Maneki, chairperson<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>responsible for reviewing and approving (or not) grant applications for youth to attend blindness programs and training or to receive technology</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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><h3><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><a name="_Hlk183934918"><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Social Media Committee</span></u></a></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk183934918'><u><span style='line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal style='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk183934918'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Karen Anderson and Stephanie Cascone, Co-chairpersons<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk183934918'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>responsible for NFBMD\u2019s social media presence, communication, and outreach using forums like mastodon and Facebook</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk183934918'><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></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk183934918'><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></span></p><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk183934918'></span><h3><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Spanish Services Committee</span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal style='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Teresa Graham, chairperson <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>responsible for coordinating programming, outreach, and language interpretation for Spanish speakers</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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><h3><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Sports and Recreation Committee</span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal style='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Qualik Ford and Derique Simon, co-chairpersons <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>responsible for coordinating sports and rec activities for the affiliate.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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><h3><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Transportation Committee</span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal style='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Cheryl Fogle-Hatch and Aloma Bouma, co-chairpersons <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>responsible for coordinating transportation-related advocacy and working to improve the state of public transportation in Maryland</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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><h3><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Website and Technology Committee<o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>John Berggren and Graham Mehl, Co-chairpersons<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>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</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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><h3><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Youth Activity Committee</span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal style='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Erin Zobell, Chairperson<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>responsible for engaging youth and planning youth-focused programs</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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><h3 style='margin-top:0in;line-height:normal'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Convention-Related Committees<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><h3 style='margin-top:0in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Anna Freysz Cable Award Committee</span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Debbie Brown, chairperson<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>administers award program for an adult who has demonstrated exceptional effort in learning blindness skills, which is given at the NFBMD Convention</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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><h3 style='margin-top:0in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Convention Child Care Committee</span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Brittany Bomboy, chairperson<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>coordinates childcare at the NFBMD Convention</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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><h3 style='margin-top:0in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Convention Organization and Activities</span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Justin Young, chairperson <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>coordinates the NFBMD Convention, including planning and logistics</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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><h3 style='margin-top:0in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Convention Registration Committee</span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Marie Marucci and Bre Brown, Co-chairpersons<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Coordinates and oversees convention registration.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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><h3 style='margin-top:0in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Distinguished Educator of Blind Children Award Committee</span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal style='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Teresa Graham, chairperson<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>administers award to an exceptional teacher of the blind in Maryland; awarded at the NFBMD Convention</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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><h3 style='margin-top:0in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Door Prize Committee</span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Juhi Narula and Qualik Ford, co-chairpersons<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>coordinates and runs NFBMD Convention door prize activities</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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><h3 style='margin-top:0in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Gold Cup Crab Race Committee</span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Juhi Narula and Jen White, co-chairpersons<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Administers Gold Crab Race Fundraiser at state convention</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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><h3 style='margin-top:0in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Jennifer Baker Award Committee</span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Melissa Riccobono, chairperson<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>administers award program for a child who has overcome significant challenges to learn blindness skills; administered at the NFBMD Convention</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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><h3 style='margin-top:0in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Kenneth Jernigan Award Committee</span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Mary Ellen Jernigan, chairperson<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>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</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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><h3 style='margin-top:0in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>National Funding Support Auction Committee</span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Joel Zimba and Erin Zobell, Co-chairpersons<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Administers the NFB of Maryland Bake and Experience Auction at the state convention.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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><h3 style='margin-top:0in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Nominating Committee</span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Marguerite Woods, chairperson<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>responsible for recommending to the NFBMD Convention individuals for open Board seats</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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><h3 style='margin-top:0in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>NFBMD Groups<o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><h3 style='margin-top:0in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Blind Parents Group</span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Melissa Riccobono, chairperson<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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><h3 style='margin-top:0in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Crafters Group</span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Danielle McCann and Karen Anderson, co-chairpersons</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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><h3 style='margin-top:0in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Diabetes Action Network Group</span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Eileen Ley, chairperson<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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><h3 style='margin-top:0in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Performing Arts Group</span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Chris Danielsen, chairperson<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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><h3 style='margin-top:0in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Sighted Significant Others and Loved Ones Group</span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Jen White and David Waybright, co-chairpersons<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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><h3 style='margin-top:0in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Veterans Group</span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Ed Jackson, chairperson<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:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><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:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Important Upcoming Dates <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></h2><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'></span><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'></span><ul type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo6;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>January 10, 2026 \u2013 Deadline to reserve Spring Raffle specific numbers<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo6;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>January 22, 2026 \u2013 NFBMD Day in Annapolis, Annapolis, Maryland<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo6;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>January 25, 2026 \u2013 Washington Seminar Great Gathering In, Washington, DC<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo6;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>January 26, 2026 \u2013 NFB of Maryland Day on the Hill, Washington, DC<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo6;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>February 4, 2026 \u2013 NFBMD State Convention Orientation, Virtual<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo6;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>February 12 \u2013 15, 2026 \u2013 NFBMD 2026 Convention, Ocean City, Maryland<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo6;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>March 1, 2026 \u2013 Preregistration opens for NFB National Convention<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo6;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>March 13, 2026 \u2013 Basket and Bag Bingo, Catonsville, Maryland<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo6;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>March 31, 2026 \u2013 Deadline for National Scholarship Applications.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo6;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>March 31, 2026 \u2013 Deadline for NFBMD Scholarship Applications.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo6;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Spring TBD, 2026 \u2013 NFBMD STEM2U, Baltimore, Maryland<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo6;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Spring TBD, 2026 \u2013 NFBMD Spring Market, Baltimore, Maryland<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo6;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>May 31, 2026 \u2013 Deadline to Preregister for NFB Annual Convention, Austin, Texas<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo6;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Summer TBD, 2026 \u2013 Southern Maryland NFB BELL Academy, Southern Maryland, Maryland<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo6;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Summer TBD, 2026 \u2013 Montgomery County NFB BELL Academy, Montgomery County, Maryland<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo6;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Summer TBD, 2026 \u2013 Eastern Shore NFB BELL Academy, Salisbury, Maryland<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo6;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Summer TBD, 2026 \u2013 Baltimore NFB BELL Academy, Baltimore, Maryland<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo6;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>July 3 \u2013 8, 2026 \u2013 NFB National Convention, Austin, Texas<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo6;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>September 5 \u2013 10, 2026 \u2013 NFBMD Cruise to Bermuda, Baltimore, Maryland<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo6;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>September 18, 2026 \u2013 NFBMD Crab Feast, Rosedale, Maryland<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo6;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>October 1 \u2013 31, 2026 \u2013 Blind Equality Achievement Month<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo6;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>October 15, 2026 \u2013 White Cane Awareness Day<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo6;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>November 14, 2026 \u2013 NFBMD Scholarship Dinner and Auction, College Park, Maryland<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo6;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>November 15, 2026 \u2013 NFBMD Winter Market, Baltimore, Maryland<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><ul type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo6;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>Ronza Othman, </span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>President</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>National Federation of the Blind of Maryland<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>443-426-4110<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Pronouns: she, her, hers<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>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></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>