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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#467886" vlink="#96607D" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Well, folks, we’ve had quite the change of plans for the 2024 Convention of the NFB of Montana. Please read the following carefully. It’s a long read, but worth it.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Broadway Inn, which we will continue to use for sleeping rooms, notified the NFB of Montana that their single conference room we intended to use for our Convention is under construction and will no longer be available to us at Convention time. Therefore, we made the following changes to our Convention:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>• The Convention and the social hosted by George and Gail Kerscher will occur on Saturday, September 28, 2024. Our convention is now a one-day event with no programming taking place on Friday, September 27 as previously planned. The Convention Agenda is below. We start at 9:30 AM on Saturday.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>• We moved our Convention to a new location. The Convention will be at BASE, the youths with disabilities program building located here:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>BASE</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-align:center'><span style='font-family:"Lucida Sans",sans-serif'>725 W Alder Street, suite number 4. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-align:center'><span style='font-family:"Lucida Sans",sans-serif'>Missoula, MT 59801<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-align:center'><span style='font-family:"Lucida Sans",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-align:center'><span style='font-family:"Lucida Sans",sans-serif'>• We cancelled our banquet and instead will hold a the social gathering hosted by the Kerschers.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-align:center'><span style='font-family:"Lucida Sans",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-align:center'><span style='font-family:"Lucida Sans",sans-serif'>• Lunch --- sandwiches, chips, and beverages --- will be provided at BASE. Our keynote speaker, Norma Crosby, will address us during lunchtime.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-align:center'><span style='font-family:"Lucida Sans",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-align:center'><span style='font-family:"Lucida Sans",sans-serif'>• The registration fee for in-person Convention participants is now $10.00 per person. Virtual registration fees remain $10.00 per person. The NFB of Montana will reimburse the difference to those who paid $40.00. Reduced Convention expenses allowed this price reduction.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-align:center'><span style='font-family:"Lucida Sans",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-align:center'><span style='font-family:"Lucida Sans",sans-serif'>• The Convention starts at 9:30 on Saturday, September 28. The later start time permits some travelers to make the trip in a single day.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-align:center'><span style='font-family:"Lucida Sans",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-align:center'><span style='font-family:"Lucida Sans",sans-serif'>Now, here is our Convention agenda and other information regarding our Convention:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-align:center'><b>National Federation of the Blind of Montana<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-align:center'><b>2024 State Convention<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-align:center'><b>Saturday, September 28, 2024<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-align:center'><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-align:center'><b>12th Annual NFB of Montana Convention<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-align:center'><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt'><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-align:center'><b>BASE<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-align:center'><span style='font-family:"Lucida Sans",sans-serif'>725 W Alder Street, suite number 4. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-align:center'><span style='font-family:"Lucida Sans",sans-serif'>Missoula, MT 59801<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-align:center'><b>(Directions to BASE follow at the end of this agenda.)<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-align:center'><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-align:center'><b>To register, please complete the form located at this link:<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-align:center'><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-align:center'><a href="http://www.nfbofmt.org/convention"><b>www.nfbofmt.org/convention</b></a><b><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-align:center'><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-align:center'><b>Virtual Option.<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-align:center'><b>The NFB of Montana offers a virtual option to attend the Convention. To get the Zoom link and telephone numbers for the Convention, please register at </b><a href="http://www.nfbofmt.org"><b>www.nfbofmt.org</b></a><b>/convention. We will e-mail the Zoom instructions to registered participants.<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-align:center'><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-align:center'><b>NFB President Mark Riccobono’s Representative to Our Convention: NFB Treasurer and NFB of Texas President Norma Crosby<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-align:center'><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-align:center'><b>Convention Planning Committee Chairperson: Samantha Chase<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-align:center'><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-align:center'><b>NFB of Montana President: <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-align:center'><b>Jim Marks<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-align:center'><a href="mailto:president@nfbofmt.org"><b>president@nfbofmt.org</b></a><b><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-align:center'><b>406-438-1421<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-align:center'><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-align:center'><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt'><b><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'>Saturday, September 28<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt'><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt'><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'>9:30 AM-12:00 PM:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-indent:.5in'><b><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'>Call to Order and Welcome</span></b><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'>: President <i>Jim Marks</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:6.0pt;margin-left:.5in'><b><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:6.0pt;margin-left:.5in'><b><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'>Introduction of the NFB-MT Board of Directors:</span></b><i><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'> President Jim Marks, First Vice-President Joy Breslauer, Second Vice-President Sheila Leigland, Secretary Robert Jaquiss, Treasurer Rick White, and Board. Members Jim Aldrich, Samantha Chase, Jacob Krissovich and Denise Moses.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:6.0pt;margin-left:.5in'><b><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:6.0pt;margin-left:.5in'><b><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'>Introduction of Participants In-</span></b><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'>Person and Online.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-indent:.5in'><b><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-indent:.5in'><b><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'>NFB President’s Report: </span></b><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'>Norma Crosby<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-indent:.5in'><b><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-indent:.5in'><b><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'>Minutes of 2022 Convention</span></b><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'>: <i>Robert Jaquiss</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-indent:.5in'><b><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-indent:.5in'><b><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'>Treasurer Report:</span></b><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'> Rick White<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-indent:.5in'><b><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-indent:.5in'><b><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'>NFB-MT President Report:</span></b><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'> <i>Jim Marks</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-indent:.5in'><b><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-indent:.5in'><b><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'>Resolutions</span></b><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'>: Jacob Krissovich<i>, Resolutions Committee Chair</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-indent:.5in'><b><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-indent:.5in'><b><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'>Elections:</span></b><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'> Jacob Krissovich<i>, Nominations Committee Chair</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-indent:.5in'><b><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-indent:.5in'><b><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'>Appointment of Delegate and Alternate Delegate to 2023 Washington Seminar:</span></b><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'> <i>Jim Marks</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:6.0pt;margin-left:.5in'><b><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:6.0pt;margin-left:.5in'><b><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'>Chapter and Committee Reports:</span></b><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'> <i>Great Falls Chapter President Sheila Leigland, Treasure State Chapter President Joy Breslauer, Missoula Chapter President Reggie Herbert, Helena Chapter President Jacob Krissovich, and Committee Reports by Committee</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-indent:.5in'><b><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'>Chairpersons as Time Allows<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-indent:.5in'><b><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt'><b><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt'><b><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt'><b><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt'><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'>12:00-1:00 PM:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:6.0pt;margin-left:.5in'><b><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'>Lunch provided to those attending in-person. Zoom will be open through lunch.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:6.0pt;margin-left:.5in'><b><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:6.0pt;margin-left:.5in'><b><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'>12:30 Keynote Address: Norma Crosby<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:6.0pt;margin-left:.5in'><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt'><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt'><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt'><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'>1:00-2:15 PM:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-indent:.5in'><b><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'>Technology Demonstrations and Discussions: George Kerscher and Reggie Herbert.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt'><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt'><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'>2:15-2:30 PM<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt'><span style='font-family:"Lucida Sans",sans-serif'>“Cultural Access: Audio Description for Independent Theatre and Arts Accessibility Advocacy with Reggie Herbert from A Quantum Dream.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt'><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'>2:30-2:45 PM:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-indent:.5in'><b><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'>Blind and Low Vision Services Update:</span></b><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'> </span><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Julie Ochoa, </span><i><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'>Blind and Low Vision Services Counselor and Supervisor from Missoula.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-indent:.5in'><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt'><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'>2:45-3:0 PM:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:6.0pt;margin-left:.5in'><b><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'>Montana Talking Book Library Update:</span></b><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'> <i>Marilyn Bennett, Regional Librarian Montana Talking Book Library</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:6.0pt;margin-left:.5in'><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt'><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'>3:00-3:15 PM: <b>Break<o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-indent:.5in'><b><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt'><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'>3:15-3:45 PM:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:6.0pt;margin-left:.5in'><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'>The NFB of Montana Supporting Blind Children and their Families Receiving Individual Education Plans under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act: Reggie Herbert and Jacob Krissovich.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt'><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt'><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'>3:45-4:15 PM<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt'><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'>Older Blind Services in Montana and the Nation: NFB Senior Division President Glenn Crosby, Norma Crosby and Jim Marks<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt'><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt'><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'>4:15-4:45 PM<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt'><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'>What’s Happening with the Montana Business Enterprise Program: Lyle Schmautz and Rick White<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-indent:.5in'><b><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-indent:.5in'><b><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'>4:45-5:00 PM<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-indent:.5in'><b><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'>Spirit of the Stairs, the topics one remembers when leaving the building that one wishes had been discussed: </span></b><i><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'>President Jim Marks</span></i><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt'><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt'><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'>5:00-5:15<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt'><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'>Where to hold next years NFB of Montana Convention<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt'><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt'><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'>5:30-7:30<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt'><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'>Social gathering hosted by George and Gail Kerscher.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>George and Gail Kerscher are hosting a social event at their home. Usually our banquet occurs at this time, but due to construction of the Broadway Inn’s meeting room, the Kerscher’s social replaces the Banquet this year. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Please RSVP to George by September 20: <a href="mailto:kerscher@montana.com">kerscher@montana.com</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>When: Starting at 5:30 p.m.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Location: 1203 Pineview Drive.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>What to expect: We plan to have a variety of Appetizers, IPA and light beer, red and white wine, iced tea, and spindrift. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Driving directions: From downtown head East on Broadway and make a left heading north on Van Buren. Van Buren becomes Rattlesnake Drive. Go two miles on Rattlesnake Drive. Turn left heading west on Pineview Drive. We are the last house on the first block directly across from the Rattlesnake Elementary school.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Using the Mountain line: From the downtown transfer station, take route 5. Ride up all the way and it will turn around in Lincolnwood. it is safer to get off going back rather than crossing the Rattlesnake Drive. Get off at the stop before the Rattlesnake Elementary school. Walk south a block and a half and make a right on Pineview Drive. When you go past the chain-link fence of the school, our house is across the street.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>For additional information regarding the social, please call George Kerscher at 406/544-2466.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt'><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt'><b><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt'><b><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'>NFB Pledge<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt'><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'>I pledge to participate actively in the efforts of the National Federation of the Blind to achieve equality,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt'><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'>opportunity, and security for the blind; to support the policies and programs of the Federation; and to<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt'><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'>abide by its constitution.<o:p></o:p></span></p><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><br clear=all style='page-break-before:always'></span><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'>Directions to BASE<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Lucida Sans",sans-serif'>“BASE is located in the Warehouse Mall, located at 725 W. Alder St. BASE is Suite #4. There is parking in front of the building. Please be aware that these spaces face away from the building. There is additional parking across the alley for the park next door. <br><br>Despite the name, the Warehouse Mall is a single building and not akin to a shopping center. When facing southwest in the parking lot, you will be facing the building. While there are several entrances on this side, the main entrance is a modern metal and glass door on the ground level. The other entrances require travel up a few steps. If you’ve travelled up some stair to find the door, you’re likely at the entrance to a separate business located inside the Warehouse Mall. The entrance is on the same level as the parking lot. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Lucida Sans",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Lucida Sans",sans-serif'>Once inside this door, there is a small vestibule, perhaps four or five feet, before another door with a large, carved wooden pull handle. Once inside, there are two pathways that continue forward. Slightly to the left is a stairway upstairs. Please avoid the second floor as none of our activities take place there. Instead, continue directly forward along the boardwalk-style floor for around 20 feet. Be mindful of the approximately six-inch drop-off on either side of this wide boardwalk style walkway. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Lucida Sans",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Lucida Sans",sans-serif'>At the end of this pathway, you will arrive at a T shaped junction. You may encounter the wire-cage style pull-down fence that the business at the end of this path has pulled down for the weekend. Turn to the right and continue down this hallway perhaps 20 feet. You will pass Deep Tissue Massage and a soda machine. You will also pass a hallway on the left that has the two restrooms. Once you’ve found the end of this hallway, you are standing at the door to BASE. The handle will have a piece of thin rubber hanging from it to allow wheelchair users to ensure the door has closed. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Lucida Sans",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Lucida Sans",sans-serif'>BASE has a large open floorplan. Please use your cane while in the room, as there are two support pillars in the room. There is a water cooler in the room to keep your water container filled. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Lucida Sans",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Lucida Sans",sans-serif'>The WiFi password is base2015 . <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Lucida Sans",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Lucida Sans",sans-serif'>There is a small park to the south side of the building that may be helpful for those with service animals. When exiting BASE out the front door, turn to the right and follow the edge of the building to the alley. Turn right down the alley and travel for approximately 10 feet. The park will be on your left. There is a dumpster at the end of the alley you should use after cleaning up after your dog. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Lucida Sans",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Lucida Sans",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-align:center'><span style='font-family:"Lucida Sans",sans-serif'><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'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Jim Marks<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>President<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>National Federation of the Blind of Montana<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="mailto:president@nfbofmt.org"><span style='color:#0563C1'>president@nfbofmt.org</span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>(406) 438-1421<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.nfbofmt.org"><span style='color:#0563C1'>https://www.nfbofmt.org</span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>“The National Federation of the Blind 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>