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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72"><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>Friends,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I am writing to share some exciting information about our NFB of Maryland State Convention. Please read to the bottom of this message, as there is a lot of information here.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Board of Directors of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland has voted to reschedule the in-person annual NFBMD State Convention, but we will still hold an affiliate business meeting on November 11, 2023. Participants will need to register separately for the two events.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>State Convention:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The 2023 and 2024 NFB of Maryland State Convention will be a combined convention as follows:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Date: February 16 – 18, 2024 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Location: Sheraton Baltimore North Hotel, 903 Dulaney Valley Road, Towson, Maryland 21204 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Hotel reservation deadline: January 15, 2024 – Call 410-321-7400<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Preregistration Deadline: January 15, 2024<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Costs:<o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:0in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Room rates: $99 per night plus tax<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:0in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Preregistration: $25 for those 17 and over and free for those under 17 ($30 after January 15, 2024)<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:0in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Banquet: $55 until January 15, 2025; $60 after January 15, 2024<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:0in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Friday Boxed Lunch: $20 until January 15, 2023<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:0in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'> Friday Dinner and a Play: $25 until January 15, 2024; $30 after January 15, 2024<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:0in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Saturday Luncheon (Parents, Seniors, or Students): $30 until January 15, 2024; $35 after January 15, 2024<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:0in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Transportation from New Carrollton: $50 until January 15, 2024; $60 after January 15, 2024<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Register by visiting: <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://nfbmd.org/convention/registration">https://nfbmd.org/convention/registration</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>If you previously preregistered for the 2023 convention, you don’t need to register again. Your registration will transfer to the new dates.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>If you made a hotel reservation for the 2023 convention at the Delta Hotel by Marriott Hunt Valley, you don’t need to cancel your reservation, as the hotel will be closed on our original dates. However, you will need to make a new reservation for the Sheraton Baltimore North (410-321-7400) by January 15, 2024.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Financial Assistance Application window has reopened and will close November 15, 2023. If you previously submitted a Financial Assistance Application for the 2023 state convention, you need not submit a new one.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Our State Convention Orientation will now take place on February 8, 2024 at 8:00PM. We will use the affiliate Zoom and One Call numbers.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Some of our potential policy decisions are time sensitive, and thus we will hold two resolution submission periods – one for the 2023 business meeting and one for the 2023/2024 convention. We will continue to accept resolution submissions until October 15, 2023, and they will be considered at the 2023 Business Meeting. We will open a new resolutions window for the 2023/2024 convention on November 15, 2023 with a submission deadline of January 15, 2024. Please send Chris Danielsen your resolution submissions to <a href="mailto:CDanielsen@nfb.org">CDanielsen@nfb.org</a>. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We are delighted that Blind Industries and Services of Maryland will serve as our Title Sponsor. We are also delighted that Vanda Pharmaceuticals is an Independence Sponsor, AdNet/AccountNet is an Equality sponsor, Brown Goldstein & Levy and the Friends of the Maryland Library for the Blind and Print Disabled are Opportunity Sponsors, and Democracy Live and 3D PhotoWorks are Freedom Sponsors. We would be pleased for other entities to sponsor our convention, and information is available at <a href="https://nfbmd.org/convention">https://nfbmd.org/convention</a>. The deadline for sponsorship is November 15, 2023.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We are delighted to have a robust Exhibit Hall on Friday, February 16, 2024 from 11AM – 6PM. We are extending the exhibitor registration period to November 15, 2023. Information is available at <a href="https://nfbmd.org/convention">https://nfbmd.org/convention</a>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>For the first time, we will host a job fair in connection with our state convention. More information is coming soon, including how employers can sign up and how job seekers can sign up.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We will have a ton of exciting things to share at the convention and in the time leading up to it. We hope you will join us.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>2023 Business Meeting: November 11, 2023<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We will hold an affiliate business meeting including workshops, seminars, and our Bake and Experience Auction. We will of course also conduct our 2023 business including our financial report, resolutions, and more. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Date: November 11, 2023<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Time: 1:00PM – 5:00PM Eastern<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Location: Anywhere and Everywhere!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Registration: $25 for individuals 17 and up; free for those under 17<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Registration will be open through November 11, 2023. However, to be eligible to vote, individuals must:<o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:0in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Register by November 1, 2023; and<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:0in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Pay 2023 dues on or before November 1, 2023.<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in'>We are seeking contributions for the Bake and Experience Auction. Please contact Justin Young at <a href="mailto:JYoung@nfb.org">JYoung@nfb.org</a> by November 1, 2023 to share what you will contribute. Baked goods should be a commitment to bake a particular item that you will then send to the winning bidder (the affiliate may be able to help deliver baked goods in some circumstances). Experiences may include travel, theater tickets, concert tickets, outings, and gatherings. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in'>To register for the business meeting, please visit:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in'><a href="https://nfbmd.org/businessmeeting">https://nfbmd.org/businessmeeting</a> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>To pay your chapter and division dues, please visit:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://nfbmd.org/dues">https://nfbmd.org/dues</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We are excited to be with you virtually at our 2023 Business Meeting on November 11, 2023 and to be with you in person at our 2023/2024 State Convention on February 16 – 18, 2024. We very much appreciate your patience as we pivoted from our original plans in light of Delta’s abrupt closure. We think both events will be fantastic!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at <a href="mailto:President@nfbmd.org">President@nfbmd.org</a> with questions and ideas.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Yours,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Ronza<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><div><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:#1F497D'>Ronza Othman, </span></b><span style='color:#1F497D'>President<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>National Federation of the Blind of Maryland<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>443-426-4110<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>Pronouns: she, her, hers</span><o:p></o:p></p></div><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><div><div style='border:none;border-top:solid #E1E1E1 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>From:</b> Maryland President <president@nfbmd.org> <br><b>Sent:</b> Tuesday, September 12, 2023 8:22 AM<br><b>To:</b> 'nfb-maryland@nfbnet.org' <nfb-maryland@nfbnet.org>; 'nfb-maryland@nfbnet.org' <nfb-maryland@nfbnet.org>; 'nfbmd@nfbnet.org' <nfbmd@nfbnet.org>; 'greater-baltimore@nfbnet.org' <greater-baltimore@nfbnet.org>; 'nfbmdtlc-chapter@nfbnet.org' <nfbmdtlc-chapter@nfbnet.org>; 'central-md-chapter@nfbnet.org' <central-md-chapter@nfbnet.org>; 'md-atlarge@nfbnet.org' <md-atlarge@nfbnet.org>; 'md-sligo@nfbnet.org' <md-sligo@nfbnet.org>; 'nationalharbor@nfbnet.org' <nationalharbor@nfbnet.org>; 'mabm@nfbnet.org' <mabm@nfbnet.org>; 'mdabs@nfbnet.org' <mdabs@nfbnet.org>; 'mdpobc@nfbnet.org' <mdpobc@nfbnet.org>; 'NFB of Maryland, Baltimore County List' <md-baltimore-county@nfbnet.org><br><b>Cc:</b> 'kevan@nfbco.org' <kevan@nfbco.org><br><b>Subject:</b> URGENT!: 2023 NFB of Maryland State Convention Update!<o:p></o:p></p></div></div><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Hi Friends,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I’m sorry to share that the Delta by Marriott Hotel Baltimore Hunt Valley has notified us that it will be closing at the end of October. As you know, this was our hotel for the 2023 State convention – and it is also where we were contracted to go in 2024 as well. As our NFB of Maryland State Convention is scheduled for November 10 – 12, 2023, we won’t be able to hold the convention at the Delta since it’ll go out of business ten days before we were scheduled to arrive.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I’m working feverishly with Marriott to find an alternate convention location, and the affiliate Board has some contingency plans just in case. I’m sorry I don’t have more to share right now – I was hoping to tell you all what was happening and share our plans for the 2023 State Convention at the same time, but the Delta’s closure hit the news this morning and some of you have reached out to ask questions and express concern.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I expect that I should have something to share soon in terms of our alternate location and/or plans, hopefully within a week. In the meantime, we are keeping the convention registration open and the Financial Assistance Application deadline will not change (it is September 15, 2023). The sponsor and exhibitor deadline is also September 15, 2023, and we don’t anticipate extending those deadlines either. In the event we have to reimagine how we will hold the convention such that costs, the exhibit hall, or sponsorship changes, we’ll engage with those who have submitted applications directly. Those of you who have made hotel reservations don’t have to do anything at this time. We’ll reach out to you directly to explore transferring your reservation once we finalize our alternate plans.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It is the affiliate Board’s intention to have a convention on November 10 – 12, 2023, our hope is to do so in person in the Baltimore County/City area, and we’re optimistic that we can make it all come together. However, if we can’t find a physical hotel to accommodate us, we have backup plans and backup plans for the backup plans. Please be patient with us while we sort it all out. Please also keep in mind that shifting gears less than 2 months before a big convention like ours is quite a challenge, and it ordinarily takes a year or more to plan for a state convention in Maryland. We’ll be having to redo pretty much everything, from figuring out lodging to space to food to transportation to the agenda to programming – most of which was already done and has to be both undone with the Delta and redone for our new plan once finalized. All that is to say that we’re doing our best in a really tough situation, we won’t know all the answers right away, but we promise the convention will be fun and interesting once the dust settles.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>And for criminy’s sake, buy a crab feast ticket or ten! Because that’s still happening this Friday, September 15, 2023, and we have scholarships to fund.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The business and the hope, love, and determination of the Federation continues regardless of what else might be happening in the world!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Yours,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Ronza<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></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><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>