[NationalHarbor] NHC Reminders January 2024

Mon Jan 1 23:19:55 UTC 2024

National  Harbor Chapter  January Reminders

Dear National Harbor Chapter members and Friends,

Happy New Year!

Please see the information below:

*playback number: 267) 807-9608*

*Access Code: 106363*

Pledge

I pledge to participate actively in the effort of the National Federation
of the Blind to achieve equality, opportunity, and security for the blind;
to support the policies and programs of the Federation; and to abide by its
constitution

National Harbor Chapter Elections  January  27, 2023

Time:1-3pm

More Information will be provided during emails and or   Tuesdays 4-5pm
Call

Remember, please pay your  2024 dues  in order  to vote .

Maryland  NFB State Convention

Expect Much, Give Much, Get Much:!Where:

the Sheraton Baltimore North Hotel in Towson

Date:February 16 - 18, 2024.  Come and meet our National Representative,
Kevan Worley.  You may reserve your room by calling the Sheraton Baltimore
North at 410-321-7400.

Cost :Convention Room Rates:  Standard Room - $99 per night. Tax on
sleeping rooms is 17.5%.  ($116.34)

Booking Room  Dates: February 15(early booking)- February  18 2024)-

Deadline to  Book :January 15, 2024.

Note:  Pre-registration  is transferred ($25)

Note: Please make reservation with the hotel directly

Preregistration  Link: <https://nfbmd.org/convention>
https://nfbmd.org/convention  to

For hard  copy  forms ,mailbox check mailbox.

Convention activities (prices are per person unless otherwise stated):

*       Pre-registration = $25 until January 15, 2024; $30 on-site

*       Banquet ticket = $55 until January 15, 2024; $60 on-site

*       Parent, Senior, or Student Luncheon ticket = $30 until January 15,
2024; $35 on-site

*       Friday boxed lunch = $20 until January 15, 2024; $25 on-site

*       Dinner & a Play ticket = $25 until January 15, 2024; $25 on-site

*       Transportation from New Carrollton Train Station = $50 until
January 15, 2024; this covers round-trip travel(No one-way trip is covered )

*       Childcare = $30 per day and on sliding scale based on need

Seeking Resolutions for the State Convention

send resolutions to NFBMD Resolutions Chairperson Chris Danielsen by email
at  <mailto:cdanielsen at nfb.org> cdanielsen at nfb.org by January 31, 2024.

Seeking Door Prize Donations

Door prizes should have a cash value of a minimum of $25 each.  For
questions, please contact Door Prize Co-chairs Qualik Ford at  <mailto:
QSFord at outlook.com> QSFord at outlook.com and Juhi Narula at  <mailto:
juhin13 at gmail.com> juhin13 at gmail.com.  Please bring door prizes to the
convention.

Seeking Donations for the NFBMD Bake and Experience Auction!

examples of experiences include taking the winner to dinner, giving cooking
lessons, musical or show tickets, etc.  Please submit donation commitments
prior to January 31, 2024.  Co-chair Justin Young of your donation via
email at  <mailto:Jyoung at nfb.org> Jyoung at nfb.org.

Seeking Baked Deliciousness for NFBMD Fire Sale!

annual fire sale. donate your freshly baked goods, Store brought or
Home-made Savory or Sweet contact Justin Young with your donation
commitment via email at  <mailto:Jyoung at nfb.org> Jyoung at nfb.org.

State Convention Orientation: February 8, 2024

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

Connection information is as follows:

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

One-Number Conference Call: 339-209-4083

NFBMD Convention Donation Drive and Drawing!!

National Federation of the Blind of Maryland is hosting the 2023 - 2024
NFBMD Convention donation drive. For each $20 donation, you will get one
chance in the Convention drawing. For example, if you donate $100, you will
get five chances.

The winner will have their choice of either $500 or their 2025 state
convention hotel (two nights) and meals covered by the affiliate. The
drawing will take place at the NFBMD banquet on Saturday, February 17,
2024.   The winner does not need to be present.

The fundraiser is open through 3PM on Saturday, February 17, 2024.

The rules for the drawing are as follows:

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

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

3. Donations must be made separately from any door prize contributions,
convention registration donations, or end-of-year sharing contributions.

4. Donations must be received on or before 3PM on February 17, 2024.

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

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

or by mailing checks to:

National Federation of the Blind of Maryland

Convention Donation Drive

1800 Johnson Street, Suite N1

Baltimore, MD 21230

Remember to Pay Your 2024 Dues!

NFBMD maintains an online portal for individuals to pay their chapter and
division dues.  We are asking members to pay their 2024 dues by January 31,
2024 so we can ensure that our rolls are accurate for voting at the State
Convention and the annual national membership data call.

Individuals may use NFBMD?s Dues Portal to pay their 2024 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.

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

Seeking Attendees for 2024 Day in Annapolis!

The 2024 session of the Maryland General Assembly will begin on January 10,
and we are working hard to prepare for our NFBMD Day in Annapolis, which
will take place on January 18, 2024 in person.  We meet with all 188
Delegates and Senators early in the session in order to maximize the time
we have to push our issues through both chambers.

We are seeking volunteers to attend our Day in Annapolis to educate our
legislators on our legislative priorities.  We will provide transportation
from the National Center in Baltimore and the New Carrollton Metro Station
for those interested in attending.  We will conduct our usual debriefing
over dinner, and participants are asked to plan to bring $25 with them for
dinner.

The State Capital and surrounding buildings continue to undergo major
renovations, resulting in the tunnel system?s closure.  As a result,
individuals will need to walk outside and occasionally cross streets to get
to meetings and group gathering locations (like the cafeteria).  Those who
attend should plan accordingly.

If you plan to attend, please RSVP to me by January 6, 2024. Please email
<mailto:President at nfbmd.org> President at nfbmd.org or call 443-426-4110.  Be
sure to tell me your name, how we can best reach you, your state
legislative district, if you know it, and your county.

We will post the legislative priorities soon.  The fact sheets will be
available at  <https://nfbmd.org> https://nfbmd.org in early January.

Our legislative priorities are:

*       Electronic Ballot Return for Voters with Disabilities

*       Textbook Equity for Blind Students Act

*       Better Bus Service Act

*       Center for Excellence in Nonvisual Access (funding)

Washington Seminar Is Coming!

On January 29 and 30, Maryland will join Federationists in person from
throughout the country to let Congress know about our legislative
priorities for blind Americans. We will share the legislative priorities
once they become available.  You may read the Washington Seminar fact
sheets by visiting  <https://nfb.org/washington-seminar>
https://nfb.org/washington-seminar or via Newsline.  The Great Gathering In
will take place at 5:00PM on Monday, January 29, 2024 at the Holiday Inn
Capitol Hotel.  Maryland will be visiting our Congressional Delegation on
Tuesday, January 30, 2024 in person on the Hill.  If you would like to
attend  Congressional appointments, please let me know by January 15, 2024
by emailing  <mailto:President at nfbmd.org> President at nfbmd.org or by calling
443-426-4110.

Get ready for Orlando in 2024!

The NFB 2024 National Convention will take place from July 3 ? 8, 2024 in
Orlando, Florida.  The Rosen Center Hotel will be the primary location, and
we?ll share information about pricing and how to make reservations soon.
You can also visit  <https://nfb.org/convention> https://nfb.org/convention
for this information.  You may make your hotel reservation starting January
1, 2024 with a cut-off date of May 31, 2024.  Preregistration for the
convention will open on March 1 and will close May 31, 2024.

First time national convention attendees may apply for the Kenneth Jernigan
Scholarship, which is a grant the NFB provides to people who have not
attended a national convention in person previously.  The deadline is April
15, 2024.  Visit this link for more information on how to apply.   <
https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/kenneth-jernigan-convention-scholarship>
https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/kenneth-jernigan-convention-scholarship

Those from Maryland who are seeking financial assistance should speak with
their chapter president to find out what assistance their local chapter may
have available.  The affiliate?s Financial Assistance Application Form will
go live in January and must be submitted by March 31, 2024.  Please note
that though the Financial Assistance Committee will give due consideration
to every application, the affiliate has limited resources and is unable to
grant every request.  Priority will be given to those who have not attended
a national convention in the past and to students.  Individuals will need
to make their own hotel reservations and pay the initial deposit.  For
questions about the Financial Assistance Application Program, please reach
out to your chapter president or me at  <mailto:President at nfbmd.org>
President at nfbmd.org.

do You Feel Lucky?

The NFBMD spring raffle is beginning. During the month of May, you have the
opportunity to win $50 Sunday through Friday, or $100 on Saturday.  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!  To reserve a
specific number, contact Melissa Riccobono at  <mailto:
MelissaARiccobono at gmail.com> MelissaARiccobono at gmail.com on or before
January 10, 2024.

NFB and NFBMD Scholarship Programs

The National Federation of the Blind and the National Federation of the
Blind of Maryland each administer a separate scholarship program for
post-secondary students.  The deadline to apply for an NFB scholarship is
March 31, 2024, and the deadline to apply for an NFBMD Scholarship is April
15, 2024.

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

*       Each scholarship recipient will receive $8,000 and additional
prizes.

*       Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, leadership,
and community service.

*       The 30 scholarship finalists are announced in the spring and attend
the NFB National Convention, where they are mentored by blind role models.

*       Application materials must be submitted (online or postmarked) by
11:59PM on March 31, 2024.

*       To be eligible, applicants must:

*       Be legally blind in both eyes;

*       Reside in the United States, the District of Columbia, or Puerto
Rico;

*       Be pursuing or planning to pursue a full-time, post-secondary
course of study in a degree program at a U.S. institution in the Fall of
2024 (one scholarship may be awarded to an individual who works full-time
and attends school part-time);

*       Be age 18 before July 2, 2024; and

*       Attend the entire National Convention of the National Federation of
the Blind (and all scholarship activities) in Orlando, Florida from July 3
through 8, 2024 (scholarship finalists will receive convention grants).

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

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

*       Scholarships are merit-based and awarded based on academic
achievement, community involvement, and leadership.

*       Application materials must be submitted (online or postmarked) by
11:59PM on April 15, 2024.

*       To be eligible, applicants must:

*       Be legally blind in both eyes;

*       reside in Maryland or be pursuing post-secondary studies at a
school in Maryland;

*       be age 18 prior to July 2, 2024;

*       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 2024 and
Spring of 2025 (priority will be given to full-time students); and

*       Attend the entire National Convention of the National Federation of
the Blind in Orlando, Florida from July 3 through 8, 2024 and the annual
convention of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland in Maryland
in February 2025 (scholarship finalists will receive convention grants).

*       To apply:

*       Submit an application using the online application system at  <
http://nfbmd.org/scholarship/apply> http://nfbmd.org/scholarship/apply; or

Download, complete, and email or mail in a hard copy application form by
visiting:  <http://nfbmd.org/scholarship> http://nfbmd.org/scholarship.

NFBMD Committees

Please  see separate email  for the  complete  list of committees . The
National  Harbor Chapter will use  our January  9, 2024 4-5 pm call

Important Upcoming Dates

*       January 10, 2024 ? Deadline to reserve Spring Raffle specific
numbers

*       January 18, 2024 ? NFBMD Day in Annapolis, Annapolis, Maryland

*       January 29, 2024 ? Great Gathering In, Washington, DC

*       January 30, 2024 ? NFBMD Day on the Hill, Washington, DC

*       February 16 ? 18, 2024 ? NFBMD 2023 ? 2024 Convention, Towson,
Maryland

*       March 1, 2024 ? Preregistration opens for NFB National Convention

*       March 8, 2024 ? Basket Bingo, Catonsville, Maryland

*       March 31, 2024 ? Deadline for National Scholarship Applications.

*       March 31, 2024 ? Deadline for applications for NFBMD Financial
Assistance for National Convention

*       April 15, 2024 ? Deadline for NFBMD Scholarship Applications

*       April 15, 2024 ? Deadline for Jernigan Fund applications for
National Convention

*       Spring 2024 (date TBD) ? NFBMD STEM2U, Baltimore, Maryland

*       May 31, 2024 ? Deadline to Preregister for NFB Annual Convention,
Orlando, Florida

*       July 3 ? 8, 2024 ? NFB National Convention, Orlando, Florida

*       Summer 2024 (date TBD) ? In Person NFB BELL Academy, Baltimore,
Maryland

*       Summer 2024 (date TBD) ? In Person NFB BELL Academy, Salisbury,
Maryland

*       Summer 2024 (date TBD) ? In Person NFB BELL Academy, Southern
Maryland

*       September 20, 2024 ? NFBMD Crab Feast, Rosedale, Maryland

*       October 1 ? 31, 2024 ? Blind Equality Achievement Month

Thank you,

Amber Woods

President

National harbor Chapter

National Federation of the Blind of Maryland

301-978-6686
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