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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72"><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>Dear Family,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As we transition into the year 2020, I offer you my very warmest thanks. Everyone has worked very hard over the past year to advocate and share our compassion with those new to our philosophy of blindness. Please take some time to reflect and relax in the satisfaction of your accomplishments. You helped many blind people live the life they want to live. I’m excited to see what more we can do together for a more accessible and inclusive 2020. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>February 10 is the launch of our Washington Seminar event. The Seminar Committee has selected a fabulous delegation of Californians to represent us before the U.S. Congress. If you want to join our delegation, can pay your own way, and can commit to attend at least the entirety of Monday (2/10) and Tuesday (2/11), contact me immediately at (916) 382-0372 or <a href="mailto:president@nfbcal.org">president@nfbcal.org</a> so we can get you connected to the delegation and roommate pool. We will be advocating for accessible instructional materials in higher education, tax breaks for assistive technology, improved accessibility of home equipment, and more. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Tim Elder<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>President, National Federation of the Blind of California<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="mailto:president@nfbcal.org">president@nfbcal.org</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>916-382-0372<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>The Central Valley Chapter will be holding a “1Touch” Self Defense class on January 3 from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., located at The United Way of Stanislaus County, 422 McHenry Ave. There are still a couple spots left to join the class, so please call Rachel if interested. Students may either bring their own lunch or put in a few dollars for pizza at the event. The class itself is free, but we will have a tip jar for the instructors.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>Rachel Grider, President, Central Valley Chapter <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>Board Member, National Federation of the Blind of California<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>209-602-1258<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="mailto:rachel.grider@gmail.com">rachel.grider@gmail.com</a> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Joy Stigile, Editor<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>The National Federation of the Blind is a Community of Members and Friends who believe in the hopes and dreams of the Nations Blind.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Every day we work together to help Blind people live the lives we want<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>