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--></style></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><div><div style='border:none;border-top:solid #E1E1E1 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>From:</span></b><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'> Love, Pat (MDE-Contractor) <lovep@michigan.gov> <br><b>Sent:</b> Wednesday, December 3, 2025 8:34 AM<br><b>To:</b> Sheila Fulmore <spfulmore0402@gmail.com>; donnabutterfly50@gmail.com; Sanho Steele-Louchart <sanho817@gmail.com><br><b>Subject:</b> FW: Join Us for the Labor Day Mackinac Bridge Walk 2026!<o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Please share the activity below with your Chapter members or any other blind individual you may know. What a great opportunity to meet others who are blind and to build relationships and network. In addition, share NFB programs in Michigan directly with teachers, blind students, blind adults, and others. I plan to attend.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-ligatures:standardcontextual'>Patricia Love-Sypho<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-ligatures:standardcontextual'>BLV Education Consultant<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-ligatures:standardcontextual'>Assistive Technology<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-ligatures:standardcontextual'>Michigan Department of Education<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-ligatures:standardcontextual'>Resource for Blind/Low Vision<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-ligatures:standardcontextual'>702 W. Kalamazoo, St.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-ligatures:standardcontextual'>Lansing, MI. 48909<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-ligatures:standardcontextual'>Office: (517) 241-2903</span><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>This would be <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div><div style='border:none;border-top:solid #E1E1E1 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>From:</span></b><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'> Rikilynn Layher <<a href="mailto:rikilynnlayher@GMAIL.COM">rikilynnlayher@GMAIL.COM</a>> <br><b>Sent:</b> Monday, December 1, 2025 4:51 PM<br><b>To:</b> <a href="mailto:VI-MICHIGAN@LIST.MSU.EDU">VI-MICHIGAN@LIST.MSU.EDU</a><br><b>Subject:</b> Join Us for the Labor Day Mackinac Bridge Walk 2026!<o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><div style='border:solid black 2.25pt;padding:4.0pt 4.0pt 4.0pt 4.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center;background:#FFFF88'><strong><span style='font-family:"sans-serif 10pt";color:black'>CAUTION: This is an External email. Please send suspicious emails to <a href="mailto:abuse@michigan.gov"><span style='font-weight:normal'>abuse@michigan.gov</span></a></span></strong><o:p></o:p></p></div><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></p><div><div><p class=gmail-p1 style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:9.0pt;margin-left:0in;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black'>We are excited to announce the launch of the <b>Labor Day Mackinac Bridge Walk 2026</b>, a statewide initiative bringing together <b>blind and visually impaired people of all ages</b>, along with <b>their families and professionals in the field of visual impairment</b>, to train, connect, and accomplish something memorable\u2014<b>walking the Mackinac Bridge together on Labor Day 2026!</b></span><span style='font-size:9.0pt;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=gmail-p2 style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:10.5pt;margin-left:0in;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal'><b><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black'>What This Project Is All About</span></b><span style='font-size:10.5pt;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=gmail-p1 style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:9.0pt;margin-left:0in;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black'>From February through June 2026, we will meet <b>one Saturday each month in Lansing</b> for group training walks and community-building activities. Then, on Labor Day, we\u2019ll come together in <b>matching team t-shirts</b>, complete the Bridge Walk as a unified group, and celebrate with a <b>post-walk picnic</b>.</span><span style='font-size:9.0pt;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=gmail-p2 style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:10.5pt;margin-left:0in;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal'><b><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black'>Our Goals</span></b><span style='font-size:10.5pt;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=gmail-li1 style='color:black;margin-top:0in;margin-bottom:9.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal'><b><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>Build community and relationships</span></b><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'> among blind and visually impaired individuals of all ages throughout Michigan.</span><span style='font-size:9.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=gmail-li1 style='color:black;margin-top:0in;margin-bottom:9.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal'><b><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>Improve stamina and promote physical activity</span></b><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'> while enjoying the outdoors in a supportive group setting.</span><span style='font-size:9.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=gmail-li1 style='color:black;margin-top:0in;margin-bottom:9.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal'><b><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>Foster positive societal attitudes about blindness</span></b><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'> by showing what a confident, active, unified blind/VI community can accomplish.</span><span style='font-size:9.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><p class=gmail-p2 style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:10.5pt;margin-left:0in;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal'><b><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black'>Who Can Participate</span></b><span style='font-size:10.5pt;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=gmail-p1 style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:9.0pt;margin-left:0in;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black'>Individuals who are blind or visually impaired, family members, O&M instructors, TVIs, rehabilitation professionals, and anyone excited to walk, train, learn, and encourage others.</span><span style='font-size:9.0pt;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=gmail-p2 style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:10.5pt;margin-left:0in;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal'><b><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black'>Why You Should Join Us</span></b><span style='font-size:10.5pt;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=gmail-p1 style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:9.0pt;margin-left:0in;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black'>Whether you want to get more active, meet others across the state, support a loved one, or be part of a joyful and empowering experience, this project offers something for everyone. No previous walking experience is required\u2014just comfortable shoes and enthusiasm!</span><span style='font-size:9.0pt;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=gmail-p2 style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:10.5pt;margin-left:0in;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal'><b><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black'>Interested?</span></b><span style='font-size:10.5pt;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=gmail-p1 style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:9.0pt;margin-left:0in;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black'>If you\u2019re interested in joining us, <span class=gmail-s1><b><u>please email me off list with your name and contact information:</u> </b><a href="mailto:rikilynnlayher@gmail.com"><b>rikilynnlayher@gmail.com</b></a></span></span><span style='font-size:9.0pt;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=gmail-p1 style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:9.0pt;margin-left:0in;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black'>As plans develop, I\u2019ll share information, training dates, and how to get involved. We\u2019d love to have you on the team.</span><span style='font-size:9.0pt;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=gmail-p1 style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:9.0pt;margin-left:0in;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black'>Let\u2019s train together, walk together, and celebrate together as we cross the Mighty Mac in 2026!</span><span style='font-size:9.0pt;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=gmail-p1 style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:9.0pt;margin-left:0in;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black'><br>Rikilynn Layher, COMS, CVRT</span><span style='font-size:9.0pt;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=gmail-p1 style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:9.0pt;margin-left:0in;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal'><span class=gmail-s1><span style='font-size:9.0pt;color:black'><a href="mailto:rikilynnlayher@gmail.com"><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>rikilynnlayher@gmail.com</span></a></span></span><span style='font-size:9.0pt;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div></div></body></html>