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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72"><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>Dear NFB Members and Friends,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>You may have heard that the NFB Greater Baltimore Chapter is staffing a water stop at this year’s Baltimore Running Fest on October 19. This is the third year we are participating in this fun event. Those of us who helped out in 2022 and/or 2023 had a great time and the runners really appreciated that we were there to supply them with water and Gatorade. Participating in the Running Fest in this way during Blindness Equality Achievement Month gives the NFB and the blind community visibility and allows the public to recognize our abilities as we give back to the greater community. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We are still looking for volunteers to help out with this group effort and would like to invite you to be part of our team. Please contact me (Ellen Ringlein) at <a href="mailto:germlish77@gmail.com">germlish77@gmail.com</a> by October 6, if you would like to help out or you need more information, before making a commitment. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Here are some more details. This is a rain or shine event. So we need you to be there, regardless of the weather, unless the event itself were to get canceled. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As already mentioned, the Baltimore Running Fest takes place on October 19. We need to staff our stop from approximately 7:45 AM to about 3:00 PM. This involves setup, handing out water/Gatorade and teardown. All the supplies are provided by the event organizer. A free lunch is provided and volunteers get a T-shirt. You don’t have to stand the entire time, as there are a few benches nearby, were we can take rest breaks. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We have been able to secure the same location as in the previous two years. It is located in front of the Waxter Senior Center near the intersection of Cathedral and Eager Streets. Cathedral Street will be closed on October 19. If you are coming via public transportation, taking the Light Rail will be the best option, as there are a couple of stops within a few blocks of our water stop location. If you would be traveling via para transit, we can provide you with an address about a block away from the Waxter Center. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Those of us who have already volunteered are looking forward to participating in this Baltimore community event. We hope that some of you will be inspired to join us to round out our team.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I look forward to hearing from you by October 6.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Warmly,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Ellen Ringlein, Second Vice President<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Greater Baltimore Chapter<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>National Federation of the Blind of Maryland <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></div></body></html>