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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">November 2020 Minute Message </a><o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Fellow Federationists:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>We have demonstrated that to “rise up” is in our blood as Federationists at our 54th Annual Convention of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland. I am immensely grateful to each of you who played a role, from running a workshop or seminar, to organizing a tour, to coordinating the Exhibit Hall and soliciting sponsors, to providing door prizes and auction items, to running sound and streaming, hosting Zoom sessions, and engaging social media, to staffing the virtual PAC and Information Tables, to managing door prizes and the auction, and on and on and on. It is a happy coincidence that our logistics team had 54 members this year, and each of them was spectacular. you can see, it takes a myriad of people to put on a convention, especially one as big and energetic as ours. Please visit our website, nfbmd.org, to find the 2020 resolutions, our amended Constitution, and some key highlights such as our Virtual Learning Panel, our Entrepreneurs Panel, our BELL celebration, and many other important moments you’ll want to revisit. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Please read below for information about important happenings around the affiliate. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><h2><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Blind Cruising 2021 </span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span lang=EN style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland will be hosting a cruise fundraiser from September 19, 2021 to September 26, 2021. The affiliate will receive a portion of the cost of each cabin that is booked. All are welcome, including members of the NFBMD, other affiliates, families, colleagues, and friends. For additional information or to reserve your cabin, please contact </span><span lang=EN style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>our travel agent, Cindy Kiper at </span><a href="mailto:kkiper@cruisesinc.com"><span lang=EN style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>kkiper@cruisesinc.com</span></a><span lang=EN style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'> or 813-418-0647 or visit </span><a href="http://nfbmd.org/blindcruising"><span lang=EN style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>http://nfbmd.org/blindcruising</span></a><span lang=EN style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>. .</span><span lang=EN style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span lang=EN style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'> </span><span lang=EN style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span lang=EN style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Details are as follows:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span lang=EN style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Ship: Carnival Pride<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span lang=EN style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Date: September 19 – September 26, 2021<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span lang=EN style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Port of Departure: Baltimore, Maryland<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span lang=EN style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Number of nights: 7<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span lang=EN style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Ports visited: Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos; Half Moon Cay, Bahamas; and Freeport, Bahamas<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span lang=EN style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span lang=EN style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Key Dates:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span lang=EN style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>- First deposit due: Until All Cabins Booked or December 31, 2020 (whichever is earlier) = $25 per person<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span lang=EN style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>- Second deposit due: April 15, 2021 - $250 per person plus full names of sailors<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span lang=EN style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>- Final payment due: June 1, 2021<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span lang=EN style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span lang=EN style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Types and prices of cabins (this is a per person price based on double occupancy and includes cabin fee, port charges, and taxes); we have a limited number of cabins, so prices may change once our block is filled.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span lang=EN style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>- Balcony cabin (extended balcony) = $958.64 per person<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span lang=EN style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>- Balcony cabin (standard balcony) = from $935.64 to $946.64 per person<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span lang=EN style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>- interior cabin = From $727.64 to $737.64 per person<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span lang=EN style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>- if anyone needs an Ocean View or triple or quad cabin, they should let us know.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span lang=EN style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Note: Cabin types are going first come first serve, so please email to inquire about availability.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span lang=EN style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span lang=EN style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>We hope you will join us in 2021 on this incredible trip.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><h2><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Adult and children Participants Needed for National Braille Readers Are Leaders Contest<o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>The National Federation of the Blind is partnering with the American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults to present Braille Readers Are Leaders 2020-2021. Braille readers in grades K-12 compete with others in their grade category to read the most pages during the reading period from December 1 to January 18. An adult category allows adults who want to practice their Braille skills to participate as well. Registration began on November 1, and it will remain open until the final day of the reading period. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top readers in each category, and each participant will receive a packet of Braille-related gifts.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>You can find the registration form, reading log form, and contest rules by visiting </span><a href="https://actionfund.org/BRAL"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>https://actionfund.org/BRAL</span></a><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>. If you have questions, email </span><a href="mailto:braillereadingcontest@actionfund.org"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>braillereadingcontest@actionfund.org</span></a><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> or call 410-659-9315.</span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:0in;background:white'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><h2><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>NFB and NFBMD Scholarship Programs</span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:0in;background:white'><b><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 an NFB scholarship is March 31, 2021, and the deadline to apply for an NFBMD Scholarship is April 15, 2021.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:0in;background:white'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:0in;background:white'><b><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 at least $120,000. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:.5in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo9;background:white'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>-<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Scholarships range in amount from $3,000 to $12,000.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:.5in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo9;background:white'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>-<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, leadership, and community service.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:.5in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo9;background:white'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>-<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>The 30 scholarship finalists are announced in the spring and attend the National Convention, where they are awarded a specific scholarship.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:.5in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo9;background:white'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>-<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Application materials must be submitted (online or postmarked) by 11:59PM on March 31, 2021.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:.5in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo9;background:white'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>-<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>To be eligible, applicants must:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:1.0in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l5 level2 lfo9;background:white'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>o<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Be legally blind in both eyes;<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:1.0in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l5 level2 lfo9;background:white'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>o<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Reside in the United States, the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico;<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:1.0in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l5 level2 lfo9;background:white'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>o<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>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 2020 (one scholarship may be awarded to an individual who works full-time and attends school part-time); and<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:1.0in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l5 level2 lfo9;background:white'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>o<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Attend the entire National Convention of the National Federation of the Blind (and all scholarship activities) in New Orleans, Louisiana from July 6 through 11, 2021 (scholarship finalists will receive convention assistance).<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:.5in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo9;background:white'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>-<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>To apply:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:1.0in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l5 level2 lfo9;background:white'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>o<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Submit an application using the online application system at </span></b><a href="https://nfb.org/civicrm/scholarships/login"><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>https://nfb.org/civicrm/scholarships/login</span></b></a><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>; or<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpLast style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:1.0in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l5 level2 lfo9;background:white'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>o<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Download, complete, and email or mail in a hard copy application form by visiting: </span></b><a href="https://nfb.org/programs/scholarship-program"><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>https://nfb.org/programs/scholarship-program</span></b></a><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:.75in;background:white'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:0in;background:white'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>State Scholarship Program: Each year, the NFB of Maryland awards the John T. McCraw Scholarship to </span></b><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#1F497D'>up to four </span></b><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>students </span></b><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#1F497D'>with a combined maximum total of $10,000. Though the Scholarship Committee will determine the amount awarded to each individual scholarship finalist, the minimum amount per scholarship is $2,000 and the maximum amount is $3,500. </span></b><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>NFBMD may award </span></b><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#1F497D'>a </span></b><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>scholarship to a former McCraw scholarship recipient. </span></b><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:.5in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo10;background:white'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>-<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Scholarships are </span></b><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#1F497D'>merit-based and </span></b><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>awarded based on academic achievement</span></b><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#1F497D'>,</span></b><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'> community involvement</span></b><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#1F497D'>, and leadership</span></b><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:.5in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo10;background:white'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>-<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Application materials must be submitted (online or postmarked) by 11:59PM on April 15, 202</span></b><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#1F497D'>1</span></b><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:.5in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo10;background:white'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>-<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>To be eligible, applicants must:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:1.0in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l5 level2 lfo10;background:white'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>o<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Be legally blind in both eyes;<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:1.0in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l5 level2 lfo10;background:white'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>o<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Be a legal resident of Maryland or be pursuing post-secondary studies at a school in Maryland;<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:1.0in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l5 level2 lfo10;background:white'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>o<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Be pursuing or planning to pursue a full-time</span></b><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#1F497D'> or part-time</span></b><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>, post-secondary course of study in a degree program in the Fall of 202</span></b><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#1F497D'>1 and Spring of 2022 (priority will be given to full-time students)</span></b><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>; and<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:1.0in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l5 level2 lfo10;background:white'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>o<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Attend the entire National Convention of the National Federation of the Blind in </span></b><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#1F497D'>New Orleans, Louisiana </span></b><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>from July </span></b><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#1F497D'>6</span></b><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'> through 1</span></b><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#1F497D'>1</span></b><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>, 202</span></b><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#1F497D'>1</span></b><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'> and the annual convention of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland in</span></b><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#1F497D'> Baltimore</span></b><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>, Maryland from November </span></b><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#1F497D'>12</span></b><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'> – </span></b><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#1F497D'>14</span></b><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>, 202</span></b><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#1F497D'>1</span></b><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'> (scholarship finalists will receive convention </span></b><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#1F497D'>financial </span></b><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>assistance).<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:.5in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo10;background:white'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>-<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>To apply:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:1.0in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l5 level2 lfo10;background:white'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>o<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Submit an application using the online application system at </span></b><a href="http://nfbmd.org/scholarship/apply"><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>http://nfbmd.org/scholarship/apply</span></b></a><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>; or<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpLast style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:1.0in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l5 level2 lfo10;background:white'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>o<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Download, complete, and email or mail in a hard copy application form by visiting: </span></b><a href="http://nfbmd.org/scholarship"><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>http://nfbmd.org/scholarship</span></b></a><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><h2><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>do You Feel Lucky? <o:p></o:p></span></h2><p style='background:white'><span style='color:black'>The NFBMD spring raffle is underway. During the month of May, you have the opportunity to win $50 Sunday through Friday, or $100 on Saturday. Purchase a 3-digit number raffle ticket for $5. You will be the only one who has this number. Between now and January 31, you may request a specific number from Melissa Riccobono and pay the $5. You might want to request your birthday, your anniversary, or some other significant number. After January 31, tickets will be available from chapter presidents and you will not necessarily be able to get the specific number you want. If you want to buy or sell tickets, please contact Melissa Riccobono at MelissaARiccobono@gmail.com. Help us sell all 1,000 tickets to win prizes! Provided we sell all 1,000 tickets, we will enter the individuals who sell winning tickets into a drawing for a cash prize. We will also award prizes to those who sell the most tickets, provided we sell our entire stock of tickets. </span><span style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><h2><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>NFBMD COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund</span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>We continue to operate an affiliate COVID-19 fund to assist individuals and families that are experiencing financial hardship during the COVID-19 crisis. This fund is available to blind individuals and families with a blind household member living in Maryland. The financial assistance must be needed due to a change in circumstance, e.g. loss of employment income, because of COVID-19 or associated government directives like the Stay-at-Home order. Assistance is limited to essentials such as groceries and medication. This Fund is being administered by the NFBMD Financial Assistance Committee. Anyone who is wishing to request assistance should contact me at </span><a href="mailto:President@nfbmd.org"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>President@nfbmd.org</span></a><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'> or at 443-426-4110.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>In addition, we are seeking contributions to augment the NFBMD COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund. Those interested in making a monetary donation may do so by sending a check to NFBMD, 15 Charles Plaza, #3002, Baltimore, Maryland 21201 or by using the PayPal donation link on our website located at </span><a href="http://www.nfbmd.org/COVID-19Fund"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>http://www.nfbmd.org/COVID-19Fund</span></a><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><h2><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Seeking Voting Experiences </span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>We are seeking information about your experience voting in the National Election on November 3, 2020 and in early voting. We are particularly interested in in-person voting. Please answer the following questions by December 15, 2020 and send an email to Ronza Othman at </span><a href="mailto:President@nfbmd.org"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>President@nfbmd.org</span></a><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>. Alternatively, call 443-426-4110 to share your in person voting experience.<o:p></o:p></span></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo5'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>what polling place did you use to vote?<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo5'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>What time of day did you vote?<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo5'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Were you neutrally presented with the option to vote by ballot marking device (BMD) or paper ballot?<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo5'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>If you requested to use the BMD, was it set up and working?<o:p></o:p></span></li><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=circle><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-list:l3 level2 lfo5'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>If not, what was the problem?<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-list:l3 level2 lfo5'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>How long did it take to resolve?<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo5'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>If you requested to use the BMD, was the poll worker able to explain to you how to use the BMD?<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo5'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>How many BMDs were there at your polling location?<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo5'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Was there a line to use the BMD(s)? <o:p></o:p></span></li><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=circle><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-list:l3 level2 lfo5'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>If so, was it longer than any line for the hand marked paper ballots?<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo5'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>How long did the entire voting process take you?<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo5'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Is there anything else we should know about your voting experience?<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><h2><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Washington Seminar and NFBMD Day in Annapolis Go Virtual<o:p></o:p></span></h2><p style='background:white'><span style='color:black'>As a result of the restrictions imposed by the Federal and State legislatures in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Washington Seminar and NFBMD Day in Annapolis will be held virtually. We are beginning to prepare for both legislative advocacy efforts, and we believe that virtual legislative advocacy creates unique and new opportunities to educate our state and Federal representatives. </span><span style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='background:white'><span style='color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p style='background:white'><span style='color:black'>Washington Seminar: The Great Gathering In will take place virtually on February 8, 2021. Rather than having a single Day on the Hill for Maryland, we will have a Week on the Hill from February 9 through 11. We hope to have constituent participation from each Congressional district as we meet with the respective representatives. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='background:white'><span style='color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p style='background:white'><span style='color:black'>Week In Annapolis: Rather than having a single day where we meet with all 47 state senators and 141 delegates, we will hold the NFBMD Week in Annapolis from January 25 – 29, 2021. We hope to have constituents present from each district when we meet with the respective delegates and senators.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='background:white'><span style='color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p style='background:white'><span style='color:black'>We will share more information in the coming weeks.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><h3 style='background:white'><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>use Amazon smile</span><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></h3><p style='background:white'><span style='color:black'>Since this is the season of gift giving, be sure<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='background:white'><span style='color:black'>to use Amazon smile and choose NFBMD for your charity when you purchase that special gift. Go to<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='background:white'><a href="http://smile.amazon.com/ch/52-1301033">http://smile.amazon.com/ch/52-1301033</a><span style='color:black'>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='background:white'><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><h2><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Important Upcoming Dates </span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></h2><ul type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo8;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>January 25 - 29, 2021 – NFBMD Week in Annapolis<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo8;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>February 6, 2021 – Regional Braille Challenge, Maryland School for the Blind<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo8;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>February 8, 2021 – Washington Seminar Great Gathering In<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo8;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>February 9 - 11, 2021 – Maryland Week on the Hill<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo8;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>March 12, 2021 – 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:l1 level1 lfo8;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>July 6 – 11, 2021 – NFB National Convention, New Orleans, Louisiana<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo8;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>August 7, 2021 – NFBMD Crab Feast, Parkville, 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:l1 level1 lfo8;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>September 19 – 26, 2021 – Blind Cruising 2021, Carnival Pride, Departing from Port of Baltimore<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo8;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>November 12 – 14, 2021 – NFB of Maryland 55<sup>th</sup> Annual Convention, Baltimore, Maryland<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.25in;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></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></div></body></html>