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</v:shapetype><v:shape id="_x0000_s1028" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="3014 Delaware Avenue Suite 2
Kenmore, New York 14217
president@nfbny.org
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Kenmore, New York 14217
president@nfbny.org
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</v:shape><![endif]--><![if !vml]><img width=250 height=106 style='width:2.6in;height:1.1in' src="cid:image006.jpg@01D38FA5.15A420D0" v:shapes="Picture_x0020_1"><![endif]><!--[if gte vml 1]></o:wrapblock><![endif]--><br style='mso-ignore:vglayout' clear=ALL><o:p></o:p></p><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 align=center style='text-align:center'>New York State President’s Message<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>January 2018<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Greetings;<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season and Angie and I wish everyone the best for 2018. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This is the first issue of the President’s message for New York. I plan to send this to all members through the NEW-YORK-NEWS email list (<a href="http://www.nfbnet.org">www.nfbnet.org</a> ) as well as our Facebook page <a href="https://m.facebook.com/National-Federation-of-the-Blind-of-New-York-State-157660447598953/">https://m.facebook.com/National-Federation-of-the-Blind-of-New-York-State-157660447598953/</a> on a monthly basis. It is important for everyone to know what the state affiliate has been up to and what plans are made for the future. Look for the president’s message during the second week of each month to learn what is happening with <i>our </i>NYSNFB.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It has been a busy time for me since election to the office of President of our affiliate. Since the convention we have made several changes in the way the state affiliate is managed … Mostly administrative procedures … and how funds are handled. These changes were necessary to secure the future of our state organization and allow the transparency I have promised.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We are holding monthly Board of Director meetings to keep connected and ensure everyone knows what is happening, as well as to get input from the Board on decisions affecting our organization. If you have any thoughts or want to contact the executive board, their email addresses are listed at the end of this letter.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Going forward we will be using a funding request system. Anyone requesting funds from the state for federation business will be required to submit a funding request prior to the event and by a set deadline. These requests will be reviewed by the executive board and you will be notified of the results. If you submit a request, please review the agreement carefully before submitting the form as it contains important information.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Prior to the Washington Seminar, I will be traveling to our national center in Baltimore for a meeting of the affiliate presidents. This will be a great opportunity for me to meet and network with new and experienced state Presidents and learn more about the operation of our state. I look forward to coming back and sharing what I learn.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Washington Seminar is fast approaching. To those who have committed to participating in this endeavor, Thank you. The seminar is an important vehicle for us to make our voices heard by our members of the House of Representatives and Senators.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>If you aren’t participating in the Washington Seminar, there is still an important opportunity for you to interact with your elected officials. That would be our Albany Seminar. This very worthwhile event will take place from March 4<sup>th</sup> through 6<sup>th</sup>, obviously, in Albany. We will be staying at the Radisson Albany Hotel, 205 Wolf Road, Albany. Rooms are $99 per night and reservations can be made through me or the Brooklyn affiliate office. We will meet at 6:00 pm on the 4<sup>th</sup> and 5<sup>th</sup> for a banquet-style dinner meeting both nights. The cost of the dinner will be $30/each night and the menu choices and issues will be announced shortly. If you are interested, please let me know as soon as possible so we can start planning. If you have ever considered helping with educating our Assembly people and state Senators, this would be your opportunity. The Albany Seminar is a great experience and a key part of what your NFB does. Funding requests are due by February 16<sup>th</sup>. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We have contracted to have advertisements printed on pharmacy bags used at King’s Pharmacy, 1619 3<sup>rd</sup> Avenue in New York City. The ads are promoting the BELL Academy and direct patrons to our web page, <a href="http://www.nfbny.org/bell">www.nfbny.org/bell</a> where they can learn more and (hopefully) donate to the program. Of course, this link is open to anyone who would like to support the very worthwhile BELL Academy.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Speaking of support, The New York Parents of Blind Children will be hosting the 5th Annual Tom Needham/Rick Welch Ice Hockey Fundraiser on March 24<sup>th</sup>, 2018 at 6:00 pm. This is a great opportunity to raise funds for our POBC and publicize the division and NFB. The event will take place at the Aviator Sports and Events Center, 3159 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn, NY. Visit their Facebook page for information, (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/136041373774308/?ti=icl">https://www.facebook.com/events/136041373774308/?ti=icl</a>)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The division is collecting donations to help defray the cost of their grand prize, A video game console and gift card. If you would like to donate you can visit this link, <a href="http://nfbny.org/node/153">http://nfbny.org/node/153</a>. Tommy would be happy to answer any questions. He can be reached at (347) 893-1938 and e-mail is <a href="mailto:Returnofsugaz@gmail.com">Returnofsugaz@gmail.com</a>. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I would like to offer an opportunity to connect with our members and am going to try something. On February 11 at 7:00, I would like to have a discussion with anyone interested in fundraising. We will discuss possible state fundraisers as well as share ideas for chapters to raise money. The call-in number is 1-218-339-4932, Access code 77741#. If you have any ideas or would like to help with state fundraising or want to get ideas for your chapter, join us and we can brainstorm.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Well, that’s where we stand at the moment. As always, if you have any questions or comments, feel free to contact me at 716-222-3632 or the below email address. The National Federation of the Blind of New York is OUR affiliate and I value everyone’s input. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Sincerely,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mike<o:p></o:p></p><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><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mike Robinson, President <a href="mailto:president@nfbny.org">president@nfbny.org</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Chancey Fleet, Vice-president <a href="mailto:vice.president@nfbny.org">vice.president@nfbny.org</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Cayte Mendez, 2<sup>nd</sup> V.P. <a href="mailto:second.vp@nfbny.org">second.vp@nfbny.org</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Lucy Marr, Secretary <a href="mailto:secretary@nfbny.org">secretary@nfbny.org</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Kate Carroll, treasurer <a href="mailto:treasurer@nfbny.org">treasurer@nfbny.org</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>UPCOMING DATES<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> January 29 – 31, 2018 Washington Seminar<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> February 11, 2018 Affiliate fundraising conference call<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> March 4 – 6, 2018 Albany Seminar <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> March 24, 2018 <span lang=EN>5th Annual Tom Needham and Rick Welch Ice Hockey Fundraiser<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1026" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="Michael Robinson, President, NFBNY | www.nfbny.org | (716) 222-3632 | (716) 222-3NFB" href="http://www.nfbny.org/" style='position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:441.35pt;height:20.2pt;z-index:251661312;visibility:visible;mso-width-percent:0;mso-height-percent:0;mso-wrap-distance-left:9pt;mso-wrap-distance-top:0;mso-wrap-distance-right:9pt;mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0;mso-position-horizontal:center;mso-position-horizontal-relative:page;mso-position-vertical:bottom;mso-position-vertical-relative:page;mso-width-percent:0;mso-height-percent:0;mso-width-relative:page;mso-height-relative:page'>
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