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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>I have been contacted by many people from across the country inquiring regarding the tragedy at the Tops Supermarket on Jefferson Avenues in Buffalo and the well-being of our members.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Here is the statement I'm using:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We've checked on our members from that side of town who might potentially have been at risk and they are all fine. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We appreciate everyone’s concern at this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Thank you<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mike Robinson, President<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>National Federation of the Blind of New York State, Inc<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Roboto;color:#666666;background:white'>he National Federation of the Blind 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.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>