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Greetings, fellow federationists,<br>
On the days when I absolutely crush a workout, it’s an incredible
feeling. All my muscles feel worked and loose, and though I’m exhausted
at the end of it, I have a righteous sense of having accomplished
something important.<br>
I feel that way about our Day at the Capitol. From the early vans and
buses and trains, to the drops, to the literal miles of walking, tomost
importantlythe dozens of meetings with our legislators, this event is a
workout for both our minds and bodies. At the end of the day on
Wednesday, I was worn out, but in a good way. My mind was tired, and my
feet were a little sore, and I was glad to loosen my tie, but I was also
excited about all the work we accomplished and the connections we
made.<br>
Enjoy that righteous feeling, NFBMN. We did a great thing this week.<br>
<br>
<b>All Aboard the Scholarship<br>
</b>If you are a student, or you know one, I encourage you to take a look
at both our state and national scholarship programs. Both offer students
the opportunity to win funds to help pay for education, of course, but
they also can include the opportunity to travel to our state and national
conventions in St. Cloud and Las Vegas respectively. For more information
on our state scholarships, visit
<a href="http://nfbmn.org/students-scholarship/2019-01-20">
http://nfbmn.org/students-scholarship/2019-01-20</a>. For more
information about our national scholarship program, go to
<a href="https://nfb.org/programs/scholarship-program">
https://nfb.org/programs/scholarship-program</a>.<br>
<br>
<b>A Winter Picnic<br>
</b>In addition to all the great articles one can find in the Braille
monitor, this month’s issue has some extra Minnesota love. The recipes
section of the magazine features submissions from Minnesota
federationistsand because we’re hearty northernersit’s picnic themed.
You can
<a href="https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm19/bm1901/bm1901tc.htm">
read the January Braille Monitor here.</a><br>
Thanks to everyone who submitted recipes and gave people a taste of our
culture.<br>
<br>
<b>Viva National Convention<br>
</b>Hotel reservations are now open for the 2019 national convention,
which will take place at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.
To reserve your room, which will cost $99 a night plus tax, you can call
877-632-7800. Book early to make sure you get a room in the hotel.<br>
<br>
<b>Member Spotlight<br>
</b>If you would like to be featured in an upcoming member spotlight,
please send me a brief bio or a few notes about you, and I’ll be sure to
include you in a future update.<br>
This week we get to know Dave Andrews, a long-time federationist with a
wealth of knowledge and experience. Dave currently serves on the state
board of directors, and he is the president of our At Large chapter.<br>
Dave works at Minnesota State Services for the Blind as Chief Technology
Officer. He has worked there for the past 24 years in a variety of
positions. He has a bachelor’s degree in Communications from Bethany
College in Bethany, West Virginia, and a master’s degree in
Radio-Television from Ohio University. He has lived and worked in quite a
few states. He worked as the first Director of the NFB's International
Braille and Technology Center for the Blind. He has two teen-aged
children.<br>
<br>
<b>Dates to Remember</b>
<ul>
<li>Jan. 28-31: Washington seminar, Washington DC
<li>May 18: Semiannual Convention, Minneapolis
<li>July 7-12: NFB National Convention, Las Vegas, NV
<li>Oct. 25-27: NFBMN Annual state Convention, St. Cloud
</ul> <br><br>
Keep making a difference,<br>
Ryan<br>
<br>
Ryan Strunk, President<br>
<a href="mailto:president@nfbmn.org">president@nfbmn.org</a><br>
<a href="http://www.nfb.org/" eudora="autourl">www.nfb.org</a><br>
<a href="http://www.nfbmn.org">www.nfbmn.org</a><br>
(612) 872-9363<br>
Live the life you Want.</blockquote></body>
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