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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72"><div class=WordSection1><h1><a name="_Hlk113649310"></a><a name="OLE_LINK9"></a><a name="_Hlk75706218"></a><a name="_Hlk84098815"></a><a name="_Hlk94641879"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>December 2023 Minute Message </span></span></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></h1><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><a name="_Hlk89042392"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></a></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Fellow Federationists:<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>As 2023 comes to a close, I marvel at the work we have achieved together to ensure that blind and low Marylanders can live the lives they want. We’ve gotten new laws passed, we’ve conducted casework advocacy, we’ve helped people get hired, we’ve gotten entities to make their systems and information accessible, we’ve helped individuals new to blindness learn skills to maintain and retain their independence, and so much more. I have no doubt that while 2023 was our best year so far, 2024 will be even better. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>I wish you and your families a safe, healthy, happy, and productive 2024! Read on for important news and information from the NFB of Maryland.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h2><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Expect Much, Give Much, Get Much: The State Convention is Coming!</span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></h2><p style='background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:black'>You will not want to miss the state convention at the Sheraton Baltimore North Hotel in Towson which takes place on February 16 - 18, 2024. Come and meet our National Representative, Kevan Worley. You may reserve your room by calling the Sheraton Baltimore North at </span>410-321-7400</span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:black'>. Convention Room Rates: Standard Room - $99 per night. Tax on sleeping rooms is 17.5%. These room rates start on Thursday, February 15, 2024. The deadline for making room reservations is January 15, 2024. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style='background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style='background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:black'>Please note the new date and location, as the NFB of Maryland Board of Directors voted to move the 2023 convention and combine it with the 2024 convention in light of the abrupt closure of our original venue in October 2023. Those who pre-registered for the original in-person convention will have their registration transferred to the new date. However, individuals will need to make a new reservation with the hotel directly, as all previous hotel reservations at the Delta were not transferred to the Sheraton.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style='background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style='background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:black'>Pre-registration is open through January 15, 2024. Visit </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://nfbmd.org/convention"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'>https://nfbmd.org/convention</span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:black'> to register online, or look in your mailbox for hard copy registration forms. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style='background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style='background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:black'>Below are the prices for the various convention activities (prices are per person unless otherwise stated):<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li style='color:black;margin-top:0in;margin-bottom:.2in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo3;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'>Pre-registration = $25 until January 15, 2024; $30 on-site<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li style='color:black;margin-top:0in;margin-bottom:.2in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo3;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'>Banquet ticket = $55 until January 15, 2024; $60 on-site<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li style='color:black;margin-top:0in;margin-bottom:.2in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo3;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'>Parent, Senior, or Student Luncheon ticket = $30 until January 15, 2024; $35 on-site<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li style='color:black;margin-top:0in;margin-bottom:.2in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo3;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'>Friday boxed lunch = $20 until January 15, 2024; $25 on-site<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li style='color:black;margin-top:0in;margin-bottom:.2in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo3;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'>Dinner & a Play ticket = $25 until January 15, 2024; $25 on-site<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li style='color:black;margin-top:0in;margin-bottom:.2in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo3;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'>Transportation from New Carrollton Train Station = $50 until January 15, 2024; this covers round-trip travel<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li style='color:black;margin-top:0in;margin-bottom:.2in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo3;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'>Childcare = $30 per day and on sliding scale based on need<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></li></ul><p style='margin-left:.25in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h2><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Seeking Resolutions for the State Convention <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>The Convention is the supreme authority of the National Federation of the Blind, and this too is true of the affiliates. One of the most important charges of the Convention is to consider and vote on resolutions that come before it; those resolutions become the policy of the organization. To that end, individuals interested in submitting resolutions should send them to NFBMD Resolutions Chairperson Chris Danielsen by email at </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="mailto:cdanielsen@nfb.org"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>cdanielsen@nfb.org</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#0563C1'>by January 31, 2024.<o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h2><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Seeking Door Prize Donations</span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></h2><p><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span lang=EN style='color:#333333'>We are seeking donations of door prizes to give away at the NFB of Maryland Annual Convention. Door prizes should have a cash value of a minimum of $25 each. For questions, please contact Door Prize Co-chairs Qualik Ford at </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="mailto:QSFord@outlook.com"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span lang=EN>QSFord@outlook.com</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span lang=EN style='color:#333333'> and Juhi Narula at </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="mailto:juhin13@gmail.com"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span lang=EN>juhin13@gmail.com</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span lang=EN style='color:#333333'>. Please bring door prizes to the convention.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span lang=EN style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#333333'><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span lang=EN style='color:#333333'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h2><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Seeking Donations for the NFBMD Bake and Experience Auction!</span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></h2><p><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span lang=EN style='color:#333333'>We are seeking donations of baked goods and experiences for the NFBMD auction. Some examples of experiences include taking the winner to dinner, giving cooking lessons, musical or show tickets, etc. We are asking for donation commitments prior to January 31, 2024. Please notify Convention Logistics Co-chair Justin Young of your donation via email at </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="mailto:Jyoung@nfb.org"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span lang=EN>Jyoung@nfb.org</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'>.</span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span lang=EN style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#333333'><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style='background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h2><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Seeking Baked Deliciousness for NFBMD Fire Sale! <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Attention all!<br>This message is going out to all you bakers, non-bakers, and anyone else with baked goods. As state convention rolls around again, so does our annual fire sale. If you want to help feed our movement and fund the important work we do, please take the time to donate your freshly baked goods, whatever they may be. Cookies, cakes, candies and croissants, we'll take them all. Please contact Justin Young with your donation commitment via email at </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="mailto:Jyoung@nfb.org"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Jyoung@nfb.org</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h2><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>State Convention Orientation: February 8, 2024<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></h2><p style='background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:#3B3B3B'>All first-time convention attendees are cordially invited to <u>attend a First-Timers Orientation</u> from 8 to 9:30 p.m., on Thursday<strong><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>, February 8</span></strong>. The Ambassadors Committee will walk you through the events that will take place throughout the weekend, explain processes such as door prizes and voting, as well as make sure every first-time convention attendee is matched with a mentor. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#3B3B3B'><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style='background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:#3B3B3B'> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style='background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:#3B3B3B'>Connection information is as follows:<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style='background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:#3B3B3B'>Zoom Meeting ID: </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://zoom.us/j/6248138327?pwd=eTZlYUgwR3ZQVVl1dXBLSHcrbml1QT09"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'>624 813 8327</span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:#3B3B3B'><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style='background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:#3B3B3B'>One-Number Conference Call: 339-209-4083<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h2 style='text-indent:.5in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>NFBMD Convention Donation Drive and Drawing!! <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></h2><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#3B3B3B'>Want to win either $500 or have your 2025 State Convention hotel and meals covered? Here's your chance!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#3B3B3B'>The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland is hosting the 2023 - 2024 NFBMD Convention donation drive. For each $20 donation, you will get one chance in the Convention drawing. For example, if you donate $100, you will get five chances.<br> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#3B3B3B'>The winner will have their choice of either $500 or their 2025 state convention hotel (two nights) and meals covered by the affiliate. The drawing will take place at the NFBMD banquet on Saturday, February 17, 2024. The winner does not need to be present. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#3B3B3B'>The fundraiser is open through 3PM on Saturday, February 17, 2024.<br> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>The rules for the drawing are as follows:<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>1. For each $20 donated, the donor will receive one chance. For example, if the donor contributes $100, that equates to 5 chances.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>2. The donor must expressly state that they wish to have their name placed in the convention drawing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>3. Donations must be made separately from any door prize contributions, convention registration donations, or end-of-year sharing contributions.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>4. Donations must be received on or before 3PM on February 17, 2024.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Individuals may make donations using the PayPal button located at </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://nfbmd.org/DonationDrive"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>https://nfbmd.org/DonationDrive</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span class=MsoHyperlink><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>, </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span class=MsoHyperlink><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>via Zelle (</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="mailto:President@nfbmd.org"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>President@nfbmd.org</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span class=MsoHyperlink><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>), </span></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>or by mailing checks to:<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>National Federation of the Blind of Maryland<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Convention Donation Drive<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>1800 Johnson Street, Suite N1<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Baltimore, MD 21230<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h2><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'>Remember to Pay Your 2024 Dues! </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:#2F5496'><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>NFBMD maintains an online portal for individuals to pay their chapter and division dues. We are asking members to pay their 2024 dues by January 31, 2024 so we can ensure that our rolls are accurate for voting at the State Convention and the annual national membership data call.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Individuals may use NFBMD’s Dues Portal to pay their 2024 annual dues and/or lifetime membership dues for those chapters that have lifetime membership. The portal lists all NFBMD chapters and divisions and their dues amounts. Individuals may pay for as many chapters and divisions as they wish. The portal is located at http://nfbmd.org/dues. Alternatively, individuals may mail a check to their chapter or division treasurer.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Please note that those paying via the online portal will incur a small processing fee.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h2><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Seeking Attendees for 2024 Day in Annapolis!</span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></h2><p style='background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:black'>The 2024 session of the Maryland General Assembly will begin on January 10, and we are working hard to prepare for our NFBMD Day in Annapolis, which will take place on January 18, 2024 in person. We meet with all 188 Delegates and Senators early in the session in order to maximize the time we have to push our issues through both chambers. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style='background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style='background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:black'>We are seeking volunteers to attend our Day in Annapolis to educate our legislators on our legislative priorities. We will provide transportation from the National Center in Baltimore and the New Carrollton Metro Station for those interested in attending. We will conduct our usual debriefing over dinner, and participants are asked to plan to bring $25 with them for dinner. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style='background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style='background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:black'>The State Capital and surrounding buildings continue to undergo major renovations, resulting in the tunnel system’s closure. As a result, individuals will need to walk outside and occasionally cross streets to get to meetings and group gathering locations (like the cafeteria). Those who attend should plan accordingly.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style='background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style='background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:black'>If you plan to attend, please RSVP to me by January 6, 2024. </span><span style='color:black'>Please email </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="mailto:President@nfbmd.org"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:black'>President@nfbmd.org</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:black'> or call 443-426-4110. Be sure to tell me your name, how we can best reach you, your state legislative district, if you know it, and your county.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style='background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:black'>We will post the legislative priorities soon. The fact sheets will be available at </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://nfbmd.org"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:black'>https://nfbmd.org</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:black'> in early January.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:black'>Our legislative priorities are:<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li style='color:black;margin-top:0in;margin-bottom:.2in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo3'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'>Electronic Ballot Return for Voters with Disabilities<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li style='color:black;margin-top:0in;margin-bottom:.2in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo3'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'>Textbook Equity for Blind Students Act<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li style='color:black;margin-top:0in;margin-bottom:.2in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo3'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'>Better Bus Service Act<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li style='color:black;margin-top:0in;margin-bottom:.2in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo3'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'>Center for Excellence in Nonvisual Access (funding)<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></li></ul><p style='background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h2><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Washington Seminar Is Coming!<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></h2><p style='background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:black'>On January 29 and 30, Maryland will join Federationists in person from throughout the country to let Congress know about our legislative priorities for blind Americans. We will share the legislative priorities once they become available. You may read the Washington Seminar fact sheets by visiting </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/washington-seminar"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:black'>https://nfb.org/washington-seminar</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:black'> or via Newsline. The Great Gathering In will take place at 5:00PM on Monday, January 29, 2024 at the Holiday Inn Capitol Hotel. Maryland will be visiting our Congressional Delegation on Tuesday, January 30, 2024 in person on the Hill. If you would like to attend Congressional appointments, please let me know by January 15, 2024 by emailing </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="mailto:President@nfbmd.org"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:black'>President@nfbmd.org</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:black'> or by calling 443-426-4110.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h2><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Get ready for Orlando in 2024!<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span lang=EN style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>The NFB 2024 National Convention will take place from July 3 – 8, 2024 in Orlando, Florida. The Rosen Center Hotel will be the primary location, and we’ll share information about pricing and how to make reservations soon. You can also visit </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/convention"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span lang=EN style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>https://nfb.org/convention</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span lang=EN style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'> for this information. You may make your hotel reservation starting January 1, 2024 with a cut-off date of May 31, 2024. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black;background:white'>Preregistration for the convention will open on March 1 and will close May 31, 2024. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span lang=EN style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span lang=EN style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span lang=EN style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>First time national convention attendees may apply for the Kenneth Jernigan Scholarship, which is a grant the NFB provides to people who have not attended a national convention in person previously. The deadline is April 15, 2024. Visit this link for more information on how to apply. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/kenneth-jernigan-convention-scholarship"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span lang=EN style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/kenneth-jernigan-convention-scholarship</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'> <span lang=EN><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span lang=EN style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span lang=EN style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Those from Maryland who are seeking financial assistance should speak with their chapter president to find out what assistance their local chapter may have available. The affiliate’s Financial Assistance Application Form will go live in January and must be submitted by March 31, 2024. Please note that though the Financial Assistance Committee will give due consideration to every application, the affiliate has limited resources and is unable to grant every request. Priority will be given to those who have not attended a national convention in the past and to students. Individuals will need to make their own hotel reservations and pay the initial deposit. For questions about the Financial Assistance Application Program, please reach out to your chapter president or me at </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="mailto:President@nfbmd.org"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span lang=EN style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>President@nfbmd.org</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span lang=EN style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h2><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>do You Feel Lucky? </span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></h2><p style='background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:black'>The NFBMD spring raffle is beginning. During the month of May, you have the opportunity to win $50 Sunday through Friday, or $100 on Saturday. After that, purchase a 3-digit number raffle ticket for $5. You will be the only one who has this number. Tickets are available from chapter presidents and affiliate Board Members. Help us sell all 1,000 tickets! To reserve a specific number, contact Melissa Riccobono at </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="mailto:MelissaARiccobono@gmail.com"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:black'>MelissaARiccobono@gmail.com</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:black'> on or before January 10, 2024.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h2><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>NFB and NFBMD Scholarship Programs<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:0in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><a name="_Hlk93169595"><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, 2024, and the deadline to apply for an NFBMD Scholarship is April 15, 2024.<o:p></o:p></span></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:0in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:0in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><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 $240,000. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst style='color:black;margin-top:12.0pt;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l6 level1 lfo6;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Each scholarship recipient will receive $8,000 and additional prizes.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='color:black;margin-top:12.0pt;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l6 level1 lfo6;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, leadership, and community service.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='color:black;margin-top:12.0pt;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l6 level1 lfo6;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>The 30 scholarship finalists are announced in the spring and attend the NFB National Convention, where they are mentored by blind role models.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='color:black;margin-top:12.0pt;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l6 level1 lfo6;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Application materials must be submitted (online or postmarked) by 11:59PM on March 31, 2024.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='color:black;margin-top:12.0pt;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l6 level1 lfo6;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>To be eligible, applicants must:<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=circle><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='color:black;margin-top:12.0pt;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l6 level2 lfo6;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Be legally blind in both eyes;<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='color:black;margin-top:12.0pt;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l6 level2 lfo6;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Reside in the United States, the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico;<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='color:black;margin-top:12.0pt;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l6 level2 lfo6;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>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 2024 (one scholarship may be awarded to an individual who works full-time and attends school part-time); <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='color:black;margin-top:12.0pt;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l6 level2 lfo6;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Be age 18 before July 2, 2024; and<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='color:black;margin-top:12.0pt;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l6 level2 lfo6;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Attend the entire National Convention of the National Federation of the Blind (and all scholarship activities) in Orlando, Florida from July 3 through 8, 2024 (scholarship finalists will receive convention grants).<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li></ul><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpLast style='color:black;margin-top:12.0pt;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:105%;mso-list:l6 level1 lfo6;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>To apply, submit an application using the online application system at </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://scholarships.nfb.org/"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>https://scholarships.nfb.org/</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span class=MsoHyperlink><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:.75in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:0in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>State Scholarship Program: The NFB of Maryland will award up to four scholarships of $4,000 each as part of the John T. McCraw Scholarship Program. NFBMD may award a scholarship to a former McCraw scholarship recipient. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst style='color:black;margin-top:12.0pt;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l6 level1 lfo6;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Scholarships are merit-based and awarded based on academic achievement, community involvement, and leadership.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='color:black;margin-top:12.0pt;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l6 level1 lfo6;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Application materials must be submitted (online or postmarked) by 11:59PM on April 15, 2024.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='color:black;margin-top:12.0pt;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l6 level1 lfo6;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>To be eligible, applicants must:<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=circle><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='color:black;margin-top:12.0pt;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l6 level2 lfo6;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Be legally blind in both eyes;<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='color:black;margin-top:12.0pt;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l6 level2 lfo6;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>reside in Maryland or be pursuing post-secondary studies at a school in Maryland;<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='color:black;margin-top:12.0pt;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l6 level2 lfo6;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>be age 18 prior to July 2, 2024;<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='color:black;margin-top:12.0pt;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l6 level2 lfo6;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Be pursuing or planning to pursue a full-time or part-time, post-secondary course of study in a degree program in the Fall of 2024 and Spring of 2025 (priority will be given to full-time students); and<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='color:black;margin-top:12.0pt;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l6 level2 lfo6;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Attend the entire National Convention of the National Federation of the Blind in Orlando, Florida from July 3 through 8, 2024 and the annual convention of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland in Maryland in February 2025 (scholarship finalists will receive convention grants).<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li></ul><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='color:black;margin-top:12.0pt;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l6 level1 lfo6;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>To apply:<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=circle><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpLast style='color:black;margin-top:12.0pt;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l6 level2 lfo6;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Submit an application using the online application system at </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="http://nfbmd.org/scholarship/apply"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>http://nfbmd.org/scholarship/apply</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>; or<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li></ul></ul><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><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></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="http://nfbmd.org/scholarship"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>http://nfbmd.org/scholarship</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h2><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>NFBMD Committees: Are You Interested?</span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>I am beginning to appoint 2024 committee appointments for the NFB of Maryland, and Groups are also continuing their work. If you are interested in being appointed to a particular committee, please send me an email with the name of the committee or committees for which you are interested. I can’t promise everyone will be appointed to the committees they request, but it is very helpful to know where people are interested in contributing most. Please send your interest email to me at </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="mailto:President@nfbmd.org"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>President@nfbmd.org</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'> by January 15, 2024. In addition, if you are interested in joining a particular group, please reach out directly to the chair of that group. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>If there are committees that you think should be added, please also let me know.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Below is a list of the 2024 committees and groups as they currently stand. The individuals listed below have been asked to chair these committees or groups, but this may change slightly when final appointments are sent out.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h3><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Advocacy Committee<o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal style='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Sharon Maneki and TBD, Co-chairpersons <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Advocates with employers, schools, Vocational Rehabilitation entities, and other public or private agencies for blind residents of Maryland</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h3><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Ambassadors Committee</span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal style='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Judy Rasmussen and Debbie Brown, co-chairpersons<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>responsible for orienting first-time attendees to state and national Convention and mentoring first-timers at those events</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h3><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><h3><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Audit Committee</span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal style='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Barry Hond and Justin Young, Co-chairpersons<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h3><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>responsible for auditing financial accounts and spending for the affiliate, local chapters, and divisions</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h3><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>BELL Committee<o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal style='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Brittany Bomboy and TBD, co-chairpersons<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>plans and administers the Maryland Bell program and incorporating Bell into NFBMD conventions and seminars</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h3><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><h3><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Braille Spectator Committee</span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal style='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Ronza Othman and Sharon Maneki, editors<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Responsible for sourcing and creating content, assembling, editing, formatting, and disseminating the semi-annual magazine of the NFB of Maryland</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h3><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Deaf-Blind and Hearing Loss Issues Committee</span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Janice Toothman and Heather Guy, Co-chairpersons <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>works on issues of concern and interest to the deaf-blind of Maryland</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h3><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Development and Fundraising Committee</span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal style='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Jenivieve White and Ellen Ringlein, <a name="_Hlk84181450">Co-chairperson</a>s <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>coordinates long-term and short-term fundraising initiatives including: preparing and submitting grant proposals; sending out annual appeal letters; working with estate attorneys; administering Spring and Fall raffles; marketing Amazon smile; planning Basket Bingo, Crab Feast, and other fundraisers</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h3><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><h3><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee</span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal style='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Qualik Ford and Juhi Narula, co-chairpersons<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Provides leadership and guidance to the affiliate and chapters and divisions on matters related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h3><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Employment Committee<o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal style='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Pam Goodman and Jannis Forbes, co-chairpersons<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Provides guidance and support related to strategies for increasing the employment of Maryland’s blind.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h3><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><h3><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Guide Dog Issues Committee</span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal style='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Sherri Shirek, chairperson<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>works on issues of concern and interest to guide dog users in Maryland</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h3><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><h3><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Legislation Committee</span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal style='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Sharon Maneki and TBD, Co-chairpersons<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>responsible for State and Federal legislative action and educating elected officials on issues of importance to the blind of Maryland</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h3><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Membership Committee<o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Dezman Jackson and TBD, co-chairpersons<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>responsible for helping chapters and divisions with recruitment, retention, and development of members</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h3><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><h3><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>PAC Plan Committee</span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal style='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>John Paré and Ann-Marie Laney, co-chairpersons<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Coordinate the Maryland Pre-Authorized Check (PAC) efforts.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h3><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><h3><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Public Relations Committee</span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal style='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Chris Danielsen, chairperson<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>responsible for marketing NFBMD programs and initiatives</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h3><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><h3><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Resolutions Committee</span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Chris Danielsen, chairperson<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>responsible for recommending (or not) that resolutions submitted by members be brought to the NFBMD Convention floor</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h3><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><h3><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Scholarship Committee</span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Mildred Rivera, chairperson<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>responsible for administering the John T. McCraw Scholarship Program, including mentoring candidates at national and state conventions and beyond</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h3><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Sharon Maneki Youth Empowerment Grant Committee<o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal style='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Sharon Maneki, chairperson<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>responsible for reviewing and approving (or not) grant applications for youth to attend blindness programs and training or to receive technology</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h3><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><h3><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Social Media Committee</span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal style='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Karen Anderson, chairperson<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>responsible for NFBMD’s social media presence, communication, and outreach using forums like Twitter and Facebook</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h3><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><h3><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Spanish Services Committee</span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal style='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Teresa Graham, chairperson <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>responsible for coordinating programming, outreach, and language interpretation for Spanish speakers</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h3><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Sports and Recreation Committee</span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal style='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Qualik Ford and Lou Ann Blake, co-chairpersons <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>responsible for coordinating sports and rec activities for the affiliate.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h3><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Transportation Committee</span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal style='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Cheryl Fogle-Hatch and Aloma Bouma, co-chairpersons <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>responsible for coordinating transportation-related advocacy and working to improve the state of public transportation in Maryland</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h3><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Website and Technology Committee<o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>John Berggren, chairperson<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>responsible for NFBMD.org content and formatting, NFBMD databases, AV/IT at conventions, seminars, and other events, and other technology necessary for the operations of the NFB of Maryland</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h3><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><h3><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Youth Activity Committee</span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal style='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Brittany Bomboy and Erin Zobell, co-chairpersons<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>responsible for engaging youth and planning youth-focused programs</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h3 style='margin-top:0in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><h3 style='margin-top:0in;line-height:normal'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Convention-Related Committees<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><h3 style='margin-top:0in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Anna Freysz Cable Award Committee</span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Debbie Brown, chairperson<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>administers award program for an adult who has demonstrated exceptional effort in learning blindness skills, which is given at the NFBMD Convention</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h3 style='margin-top:0in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><h3 style='margin-top:0in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Convention Child Care Committee</span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Brittany Bomboy, chairperson<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>coordinates childcare at the NFBMD Convention</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h3 style='margin-top:0in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><h3 style='margin-top:0in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Convention Organization and Activities</span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Justin Young, chairperson <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>coordinates the NFBMD Convention, including planning and logistics</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h3 style='margin-top:0in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><h3 style='margin-top:0in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Convention Registration Committee</span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Marie Marucci, chairperson<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Coordinates and oversees convention registration.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h3 style='margin-top:0in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Distinguished Educator of Blind Children Award Committee</span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal style='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Teresa Graham, chairperson<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='page-break-after:avoid'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>administers award to an exceptional teacher of the blind in Maryland; awarded at the NFBMD Convention</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h3 style='margin-top:0in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p><span style='text-decoration:none'> </span></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><h3 style='margin-top:0in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Door Prize Committee</span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Juhi Narula and Qualik Ford, co-chairpersons<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>coordinates and runs NFBMD Convention door prize activities</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h3 style='margin-top:0in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><h3 style='margin-top:0in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Gold Cup Crab Race Committee</span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Juhi Narula and Jen White, co-chairpersons<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Administers Gold Crab Race Fundraiser at state convention</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h3 style='margin-top:0in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Jennifer Baker Award Committee</span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Melissa Riccobono, chairperson<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>administers award program for a child who has overcome significant challenges to learn blindness skills; administered at the NFBMD Convention</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h3 style='margin-top:0in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><h3 style='margin-top:0in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Kenneth Jernigan Award Committee</span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Mary Ellen Jernigan, chairperson<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>administers award program for a Federationist who has demonstrated exceptional and sustained service and commitment to the NFB of Maryland; awarded at the NFBMD Convention</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h3 style='margin-top:0in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><h3 style='margin-top:0in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>National Funding Support Auction Committee</span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Joel Zimba, chairperson<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Administers the NFB of Maryland Bake and Experience Auction at the state convention.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h3 style='margin-top:0in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><h3 style='margin-top:0in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Nominating Committee</span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Ellen Ringlein, chairperson<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>responsible for recommending to the NFBMD Convention individuals for open Board seats</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h3 style='margin-top:0in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>NFBMD Groups<o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><h3 style='margin-top:0in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Blind Parents Group</span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Faith Waybright, chairperson<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h3 style='margin-top:0in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Crafters Group</span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Danielle McCann and Karen Anderson, co-chairpersons</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h3 style='margin-top:0in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Diabetes Action Network Group</span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Eileen Ley, chairperson<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h3 style='margin-top:0in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Performing Arts Group</span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Chris Danielsen, chairperson<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h3 style='margin-top:0in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Sighted Significant Others and Loved Ones Group</span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Jen White and David Waybright, co-chairpersons<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h3 style='margin-top:0in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Veterans Group</span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><u><span style='line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Ed Jackson, chairperson<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h2><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Important Upcoming Dates <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></h2><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'></span><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'></span><ul type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo10;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>January 10, 2024 – Deadline to reserve Spring Raffle specific numbers<o:p></o:p></span></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo10;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>January 18, 2024 – NFBMD Day in Annapolis, Annapolis, Maryland<o:p></o:p></span></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo10;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>January 29, 2024 – Great Gathering In, Washington, DC<o:p></o:p></span></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo10;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>January 30, 2024 – NFBMD Day on the Hill, Washington, DC<o:p></o:p></span></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo10;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>February 16 – 18, 2024 – NFBMD 2023 – 2024 Convention, Towson, Maryland<o:p></o:p></span></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo10;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>March 1, 2024 – Preregistration opens for NFB National Convention<o:p></o:p></span></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo10;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>March 8, 2024 – Basket Bingo, Catonsville, Maryland<o:p></o:p></span></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo10;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>March 31, 2024 – Deadline for National Scholarship Applications.<o:p></o:p></span></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo10;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>March 31, 2024 – Deadline for applications for NFBMD Financial Assistance for National Convention<o:p></o:p></span></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo10;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>April 15, 2024 – Deadline for NFBMD Scholarship Applications<o:p></o:p></span></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo10;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>April 15, 2024 – Deadline for Jernigan Fund applications for National Convention<o:p></o:p></span></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo10;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Spring 2024 (date TBD) – NFBMD STEM2U, Baltimore, Maryland<o:p></o:p></span></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo10;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>May 31, 2024 – Deadline to Preregister for NFB Annual Convention, Orlando, Florida<o:p></o:p></span></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo10;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>July 3 – 8, 2024 – NFB National Convention, Orlando, Florida<o:p></o:p></span></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo10;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Summer 2024 (date TBD) – In Person NFB BELL Academy, Baltimore, Maryland<o:p></o:p></span></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo10;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Summer 2024 (date TBD) – In Person NFB BELL Academy, Salisbury, Maryland<o:p></o:p></span></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo10;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Summer 2024 (date TBD) – In Person NFB BELL Academy, Southern Maryland<o:p></o:p></span></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo10;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>September 20, 2024 – NFBMD Crab Feast, Rosedale, Maryland<o:p></o:p></span></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo10;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>October 1 – 31, 2024 – Blind Equality Achievement Month<o:p></o:p></span></span></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.25in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'></span><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><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>