<HTML xmlns:o xmlns:v xmlns:w><HEAD></HEAD>
<BODY dir=ltr>
<DIV dir=ltr>
<DIV style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri'; COLOR: #000000">
<DIV>Forwarded to Brian Mackey, affiliate webmaster to post on the state
website.</DIV>
<DIV>Forwarded to Jane Degenshein, to forward to the library to post to
Newsline
whenever it is made possible to post.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>Greetings to all!</DIV>
<DIV>Please read and share with family, neighbors, co-workers and
friends.</DIV>
<DIV>A huge thanks toKathy Gabry, editor and to the staff of the Sounding
Board,
the publication of the National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey.</DIV>
<DIV>Kathy has provided her comments and I have provided for your reading
pleasure.</DIV>
<DIV>The issue is pasted and attached.</DIV>
<DIV>Warmly,</DIV>
<DIV>Joe </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>___ </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>
<DIV
style='FONT-SIZE: small; TEXT-DECORATION: none; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri";
FONT-WEIGHT: normal; COLOR: #000000; FONT-STYLE: normal; DISPLAY:
inline'><B>Subject:</B>
Sounding Board Spring 2020</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV></DIV>
<DIV
style='FONT-SIZE: small; TEXT-DECORATION: none; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri";
FONT-WEIGHT: normal; COLOR: #000000; FONT-STYLE: normal; DISPLAY: inline'>
<DIV
style="COLOR: black; FONT: 14pt verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Below
and
attached please find the Spring 2020 edition of<SPAN style="FONT-STYLE:
italic">
The Sounding Board</SPAN>, the magazine of the NFBNJ. Even with all we're
facing
these days, more than 20 of us pooled our time and talents to complete this
issue. I hope you find the stories in this edition as powerful and
meaningful as
I do. My sincere thanks to the editorial team and to each of our
contributors
who made this issue possible.
<DIV><FONT size=3 face=Calibri></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV>Wishing you all peace and good health,
<DIV><FONT size=3 face=Calibri></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV>Kathy Gabry</DIV>
<DIV>Editor</DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3 face=Calibri></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3 face=Calibri>---- </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3 face=Calibri></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3 face=Calibri></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV>
<DIV class=WordSection1>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 1pt; TEXT-ALIGN: right; tab-stops: -1.75in"
align=right><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 16pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LAYOUT-GRID-MODE:
line'>SPRING
2020<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 1pt; TEXT-ALIGN: right; tab-stops: -1.75in"
align=right><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 16pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LAYOUT-GRID-MODE:
line'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></B> </DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 1pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center; tab-stops: -1.75in"
align=center><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 52pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Plantagenet Cherokee",serif;
LAYOUT-GRID-MODE: line'>The
Sounding Board</SPAN></B></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 6pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center; tab-stops: -1.75in"
align=center><B><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LAYOUT-GRID-MODE: line'>The
Publication of the National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt -0.5in; tab-stops: -1.75in right
7.25in"> </DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0in 0in 1pt 3.5in; tab-stops: -1.75in"
align=center><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 6pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif;
font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;
font-variant-caps: small-caps"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></B> </DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0in 0in 1pt 3.5in"
align=center><B style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 24pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif;
font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;
font-variant-caps: small-caps">In
This Issue</SPAN></B><BR></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 1pt 3.5in; TEXT-INDENT: 0px"
align=center><U><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 4pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif; COLOR:
rgb(54,95,145); font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric:
normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps"><o:p><SPAN
style="text-decoration-line: none"> </SPAN></o:p></SPAN></U></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0in 0in 1pt 3.5in; tab-stops: -1.75in"
align=center><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif;
font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;
font-variant-caps: small-caps"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></B> </DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0in 0in 1pt 3.5in; tab-stops: -1.75in"
align=center><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 16pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif;
font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;
font-variant-caps: small-caps">NFBNJ’s
2019 First Timers <o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0in 0in 1pt 3.5in; tab-stops: -1.75in"
align=center><TT><I><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">Discuss
their
First National Convention<o:p></o:p></SPAN></I></TT></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0in 0in 1pt 3.5in; tab-stops: -1.75in"
align=center><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif;
font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;
font-variant-caps: small-caps"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></B> </DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0in 0in 1pt 243pt; tab-stops: -1.75in"
align=center><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 16pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif;
font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;
font-variant-caps: small-caps">Scott
Stoffel<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0in 0in 1pt 243pt; tab-stops: -1.75in"
align=center><I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LETTER-SPACING: -0.5pt'>Shares His
Thoughts on Social Distancing<o:p></o:p></SPAN></I></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0in 0in 1pt 3.5in; tab-stops: -1.75in"
align=center><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif;
font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;
font-variant-caps: small-caps"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></B> </DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0in 0in 1pt 3.5in; tab-stops: -1.75in"
align=center><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 16pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif;
font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;
font-variant-caps: small-caps">Monique
Coleman<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0in 0in 1pt 3.5in; tab-stops: -1.75in"
align=center><I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LAYOUT-GRID-MODE: line;
LETTER-SPACING: -0.3pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt'>Reflects
on the 2<SUP>nd</SUP> Annual <o:p></o:p></SPAN></I></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0in 0in 1pt 3.5in; tab-stops: -1.75in"
align=center><I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LAYOUT-GRID-MODE: line;
LETTER-SPACING: -0.3pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt'>NJ
Regional Braille Challenge<o:p></o:p></SPAN></I></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0in 0in 1pt 3.5in; tab-stops: -1.75in"
align=center><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif;
font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;
font-variant-caps: small-caps"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></B> </DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0in 0in 1pt 3.5in; tab-stops: -1.75in"
align=center><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 16pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif;
font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;
font-variant-caps: small-caps">Carol
Castellano, Pat McKenna <o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0in 0in 1pt 3.5in; tab-stops: -1.75in"
align=center><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 16pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif;
font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;
font-variant-caps: small-caps">and
Amy Albin<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0in 0in 1pt 243pt; tab-stops: -1.75in"
align=center><I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LAYOUT-GRID-MODE: line'>Share
Memories
of Barbara Shalit <o:p></o:p></SPAN></I></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 1pt; tab-stops: -1.75in"><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LAYOUT-GRID-MODE:
line; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></I> </DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 1pt 22.5pt; tab-stops: -1.75in center
27.0pt"><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 18pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Bradley Hand ITC"; LAYOUT-GRID-MODE:
line; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></B> </DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 1pt 22.5pt; tab-stops: -1.75in center
27.0pt"><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 18pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Bradley Hand ITC"; LAYOUT-GRID-MODE:
line; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt'>Live
the Life You Want<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></DIV><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LAYOUT-GRID-MODE:
line; mso-fareast-font-family: aphont; mso-bidi-font-family: aphont;
mso-ansi-language: en-us; mso-fareast-language: en-us; mso-bidi-language:
ar-sa'><BR
style="PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE: always" clear=all></SPAN></B>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 1pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center; tab-stops: -1.75in center
112.5pt"
align=center><B><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LAYOUT-GRID-MODE: line'>THE
SOUNDING
BOARD<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 1pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center; tab-stops: -1.75in"
align=center><B><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LAYOUT-GRID-MODE: line'>Spring
2020<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 1pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center; tab-stops: -1.75in"
align=center><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LAYOUT-GRID-MODE:
line; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></B> </DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LAYOUT-GRID-MODE: line'>Katherine
Gabry, Editor<o:p></o:p></SPAN></I></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LAYOUT-GRID-MODE:
line'>Co-Editors:
Annemarie Cooke, Mark Gasaway, Jerilyn Higgins & Mary Jo
Partyka<o:p></o:p></SPAN></I></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LAYOUT-GRID-MODE:
line; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LAYOUT-GRID-MODE: line'>Published
by
e-mail and on the Web through Newsline by<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LAYOUT-GRID-MODE: line'>The
National
Federation of the Blind of New Jersey<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></DIV>
<DIV style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" align=center><SPAN
class=MsoHyperlink><B><SPAN lang=IT
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LAYOUT-GRID-MODE:
line; mso-ansi-language: it'><A
href="http://www.nfbnj.org/"
fg_scanned="1">wwwnfbnj.org</A></SPAN></B></SPAN><B><SPAN lang=IT
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LAYOUT-GRID-MODE:
line; mso-ansi-language: it'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></DIV>
<DIV style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" align=center><B><SPAN
lang=IT
style='FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-bidi-font-size: 140pt; mso-ansi-language:
it'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></B> </DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><SPAN lang=IT
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LAYOUT-GRID-MODE: line;
mso-ansi-language: it'>Joseph
Ruffalo, President<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LAYOUT-GRID-MODE: line'>State
Affiliate Office 254 Spruce Street Bloomfield, NJ
07003<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LAYOUT-GRID-MODE: line'>Email:
nfbnj1@verizon.net<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LAYOUT-GRID-MODE:
line; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LAYOUT-GRID-MODE: line'>Articles
should be submitted<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.3pt"> to the State
Affiliate
Office at <SPAN class=MsoHyperlink><B><A
href="mailto:nfbnj1@verizon.net">nfbnj1@verizon.net</A></B></SPAN>
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LAYOUT-GRID-MODE: line;
LETTER-SPACING: -0.3pt'>and
to the editor at </SPAN><B><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif;
LETTER-SPACING: -0.3pt'>specialk38@aol.com.</SPAN></B><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LETTER-SPACING: -0.3pt'>
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif; BACKGROUND:
white"><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif; BACKGROUND: white">Advertising
rates
are $25 for a half page and $40 for a full page. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LETTER-SPACING: -0.3pt'>Ads should
be
sent to </SPAN><SPAN class=MsoHyperlink><B><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; BACKGROUND: #e1eff7'><A
href="mailto:specialk38@aol.com">specialk38@aol.com</A></SPAN></B></SPAN><B><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif;
LETTER-SPACING: -0.3pt'>.</SPAN></B><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LETTER-SPACING: -0.3pt'>
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif;
LETTER-SPACING: -0.3pt'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LAYOUT-GRID-MODE: line;
LETTER-SPACING: -0.3pt'>The
editorial staff reserves the right to edit all articles and advertising
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LAYOUT-GRID-MODE: line;
LETTER-SPACING: -0.3pt'>for
space and/or clarity considerations.</SPAN></B><B><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LAYOUT-GRID-MODE: line'>
</SPAN></B><B><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif;
LETTER-SPACING: -0.3pt'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LAYOUT-GRID-MODE:
line; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B><I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LAYOUT-GRID-MODE: line'>Please
Note:
The deadline for the Fall issue is September 15,
2020.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></I></B></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LAYOUT-GRID-MODE:
line; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LAYOUT-GRID-MODE: line'>Donations
should be made payable to the <o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LAYOUT-GRID-MODE: line'>National
Federation of the Blind of New Jersey</SPAN></B><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LAYOUT-GRID-MODE: line'>
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LAYOUT-GRID-MODE: line'>and sent
to
the State Affiliate office.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LAYOUT-GRID-MODE:
line; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-RIGHT: -31.5pt; tab-stops: .25in right 3.0in 6.75in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LAYOUT-GRID-MODE: line'>To
subscribe
via Newsline: Jane Degenshein </SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">973-736-5785 or
Jdegen16@comcast.net<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-RIGHT: -40.5pt; tab-stops: 9.0pt"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LAYOUT-GRID-MODE:
line; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </DIV><PRE
style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN-TOP: 6pt"><TT><B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE:
14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">DREAM MAKERS
CIRCLE<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></TT></PRE><PRE style="TEXT-ALIGN:
justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif;
BACKGROUND: white">You can help build a future of opportunity for the blind
by becoming a member of our Dream Makers Circle. It is easier than you
think. You can visit your bank and convert an account to a P.O.D. (payable
on death) bank account which is payable after your passing to the National
Federation of the Blind or one of our affiliates. Your legacy gift to the
National Federation of the Blind or the National Federation of the Blind of
New Jersey can be made in the form of a will or living trust, an income
generating gift, or by naming us as the beneficiary of a retirement plan,
IRA, pension or a life insurance policy. You can designate a specific
amount, a percentage, or list the NFB as one of several beneficiaries. For
additional information, please contact Patti Chang at 410-659-9314,
extension 2422 or at </SPAN><SPAN class=MsoHyperlink><SPAN style='FONT-SIZE:
14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; BACKGROUND: white; COLOR: purple;
mso-bidi-font-family: arial'><A href="mailto:pchang@nfb.org"><SPAN
style="COLOR: purple">pchang@nfb.org</SPAN></A></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif; BACKGROUND:
white">.</SPAN></PRE><PRE style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif; BACKGROUND:
white"><BR>
</SPAN></PRE><PRE style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><B><SPAN style='FONT-SIZE:
14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Mission Statement</SPAN></B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri,
sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></PRE>
<DIV class=BasicParagraph
style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; LINE-HEIGHT: 110%; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT:
110%; mso-bidi-font-family: "AR CENA"'>The
National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey, Inc. is an organization of
blind
and interested sighted people who plan and carry out programs; work to
improve
the quality of life of the blind; provide a means of collective action for
parents of blind children; promote the vocational, cultural and social
advancement of the blind; achieve the integration of the blind into society
on a
basis of equality with the sighted; and take action that will improve the
overall condition and standard of living of the
blind.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: center"
align=center><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV class=BasicParagraph
style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; LINE-HEIGHT: 110%; TEXT-INDENT:
0.25in"><B><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; BACKGROUND:
white; LINE-HEIGHT: 110%'>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.</SPAN></I></B><B><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT:
110%; mso-bidi-font-family: "AR CENA"'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></I></B></DIV>
<DIV class=BasicParagraph><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT:
120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "AR CENA"'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV class=BasicParagraph><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT:
120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "AR CENA"'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV class=BasicParagraph style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT:
120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "AR CENA"'>The
National Federation of the Blind Pledge</SPAN></B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT:
120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "AR CENA"'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=BasicParagraph
style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; LINE-HEIGHT: 110%; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT:
110%; mso-bidi-font-family: "AR CENA"'>I
pledge to participate actively in the efforts of the National Federation of
the
Blind to achieve equality, opportunity and security for the blind; to
support
the programs and policies of the Federation; and to abide by its
constitution.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=BasicParagraph><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT:
120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "AR CENA"'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV class=BasicParagraph style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT:
120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "AR CENA"'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></B> </DIV>
<DIV class=BasicParagraph style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"
align=center><B><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT:
120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "AR CENA"'>The
Sounding Board</SPAN></I></B><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT:
120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "AR CENA"'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></I></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; LINE-HEIGHT: 110%; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in;
tab-stops: 27.0pt"><I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "AR
CENA"'>The
Sounding Board </SPAN></I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "AR
CENA"'>is
the magazine of the National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey. It is
published<I> </I>twice a year. </SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Through <I>The Sounding Board</I>,
we
aspire to provide a source of hope, inspiration, pride and camaraderie
through
the personal stories featured in our publication. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=BasicParagraph
style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; LINE-HEIGHT: 110%; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT:
110%; mso-bidi-font-family: "AR CENA"'>Hundreds
of readers receive our publication via email and <I>Newsline</I>. <I>The
Sounding Board </I>is also available for download in its entirety from our
website at www.nfbnj.org. We encourage our readers to share <I>The Sounding
Board</I> with family members, teachers, professionals, neighbors, friends
and
any other interested parties. We estimate our circulation to be in the
thousands, as readers from across the country regularly report that <I>The
Sounding Board</I> influences their lives.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=BasicParagraph
style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; LINE-HEIGHT: 110%; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT:
110%; mso-bidi-font-family: "AR CENA"'>Twenty-two
people contributed to this issue by sharing stories, editing, interviewing
and
proofreading. It is truly a collaborative effort. We hope you enjoy the
fruits
of our labor. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-fareast-font-family: aphont; mso-bidi-font-family: "AR CENA";
mso-ansi-language: en-us; mso-fareast-language: en-us; mso-bidi-language:
ar-sa'><BR
style="PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE: always" clear=all></SPAN>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align=center><A
name=OLE_LINK1></A><A name=OLE_LINK4></A><A name=OLE_LINK3><B><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>TABLE OF
CONTENTS<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></A></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-RIGHT: 0.1in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0.1in 8pt 0in; LINE-HEIGHT: 90%; tab-stops: right
7.0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Presidential Message, by Joe
Ruffalo<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0.1in 8pt 0in; LINE-HEIGHT: 90%; tab-stops: right
7.0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>From the Editor, by Katherine
Gabry<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0.1in 8pt 0in; tab-stops: right 7.0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>The 2020 Washington Seminar
Issues:
Success on the Rise, by Ryan Stevens<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0.1in 8pt 0in; tab-stops: right 7.0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>2019 Raising Expectations Award
Presented to Rick Fox, by Carol Castellano<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0.1in 8pt 0in; tab-stops: right 7.0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LETTER-SPACING: -0.5pt'>The 2019
State
Scholarship Awards, by Lia Stone</SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0.1in 8pt 0in; tab-stops: right 7.0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Lessons from My First National
Convention: Thoughts from New Jersey’s First Timers Scholarship Winners –
Joanna
Mallard Bentall, Ada Crandle, Anne Marie Harris and Tony
Santiago<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0.1in 8pt 0in; tab-stops: right 7.0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Be Counted … Because You
Count!<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0.1in 8pt 0in; tab-stops: right 7.0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>The Social Distancing Dilemma: A
Perspective, by Scott Stoffel<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0.1in 8pt 0in; tab-stops: right 7.0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Ski for Light Week Filled with
Adventures, by Linda Melendez<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0.1in 8pt 0in; tab-stops: right 7.0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>All Roads Led to Rome – Even
Livingston Avenue! By Annemarie Cooke<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0.1in 8pt 0in; tab-stops: right 7.0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>BELL® in a Nutshell, by Mary Jo
Partyka and Ellen Sullivan<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0.1in 8pt 0in; tab-stops: right 7.0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>All Good Things, by C.P.
McKenna<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0.1in 8pt 0in; tab-stops: right 7.0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>From the Archives: A Tribute to
Someone Else<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0.1in 8pt 0in; tab-stops: right 7.0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Reflections on the 2<SUP>nd</SUP>
Annual New Jersey Regional Braille Challenge, by Monique
Coleman<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0.1in 8pt 0in; tab-stops: right 7.0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Flying with a Real
ID<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0.1in 8pt 0in; tab-stops: right 7.0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>In Memory of Barbara Shalit by
Carol
Castellano<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0.1in 8pt 0in; tab-stops: right 7.0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Clear Skies, by Pat
McKenna<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0.1in 8pt 0in; tab-stops: right 7.0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>The Love You Share Will Always Be
There, by Amy Albin<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0.1in 8pt 0in; LINE-HEIGHT: 90%; tab-stops: right
7.0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LETTER-SPACING: -0.3pt'>An
Invitation
to Join the Diabetic Committee, by Ed Godfrey and Angela
Perrone</SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0.1in 8pt 0in; LINE-HEIGHT: 90%; tab-stops: right
7.0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Spring Cleaning? Consider the NFB
for
Your Discards & Vehicles<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0.1in 8pt 0in; LINE-HEIGHT: 90%; tab-stops: right
7.0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Tech Talk Tidbits: Did You Know?
By
Jane Degenshein<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0.1in 8pt 0in; LINE-HEIGHT: 90%; tab-stops: right
7.0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Recipe: Aunt Marie’s Chicken &
Sausage, submitted by Carol Castellano<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0.1in 8pt 0in; LINE-HEIGHT: 90%; tab-stops: right
7.0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>NFBNJ Contact
Info</SPAN><o:p></o:p></DIV><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-fareast-font-family: aphont; mso-bidi-font-family: aphont;
mso-ansi-language: en-us; mso-fareast-language: en-us; mso-bidi-language:
ar-sa'><BR
style="PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE: always" clear=all></SPAN>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: left"
align=center><B><SPAN style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>PRESIDENTIAL
MESSAGE</SPAN></B></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri,
sans-serif">Greetings
Fellow Federationists,</SPAN></B></DIV>
<DIV class=yiv8515175549msonormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;
TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">When a person is
tested for visual acuity, 20/20 is the standard for “normal” eyesight.
In
the year 2020, we are all being tested in another way: to determine if we
can
weather the challenges of the novel coronavirus. How will we approach this
battle? Are we able to prepare, plan and participate with others in showing
that
we will continue to care, share and grow and that each of us can make a
difference as we collectively wage this battle? Will life as we know it ever
return to “normal”?<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=yiv8515175549msonormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">I’m proud to say
that
our Federation family is using their ingenuity and strength of purpose to
provide the love, hope and determination to win this invisible war.
Zoom,
Skype and phone calls, emails and messaging allow us to continue to make
personal contacts and continue to conduct trainings and chapter and division
meetings. From this outpouring of commitment and creativity, I’ve developed
the
following tips that I think can be useful in overpowering some of the
painful
effects we’ve been feeling as a result of COVID-19:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=yiv8515175549msonormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 4pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri,
sans-serif"> <o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=yiv8515175549msonormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;
TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in"><!--[if
!supportLists]--><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">1.<SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 7pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman"; LINE-HEIGHT: normal;
font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-stretch:
normal'>
</SPAN></SPAN><!--[endif]--><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">Conquer each day
with
a plan, purpose and goal<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=yiv8515175549msonormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;
TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in"><!--[if
!supportLists]--><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">2.<SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 7pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman"; LINE-HEIGHT: normal;
font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-stretch:
normal'>
</SPAN></SPAN><!--[endif]--><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">Obstacles need to
become opportunities<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=yiv8515175549msonormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;
TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in"><!--[if
!supportLists]--><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">3.<SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 7pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman"; LINE-HEIGHT: normal;
font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-stretch:
normal'>
</SPAN></SPAN><!--[endif]--><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">Volunteers will
lead
us to victory<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=yiv8515175549msonormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;
TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in"><!--[if
!supportLists]--><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">4.<SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 7pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman"; LINE-HEIGHT: normal;
font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-stretch:
normal'>
</SPAN></SPAN><!--[endif]--><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">Imagination,
innovation and inspiration are the keys<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=yiv8515175549msonormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;
TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in"><!--[if
!supportLists]--><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">5.<SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 7pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman"; LINE-HEIGHT: normal;
font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-stretch:
normal'>
</SPAN></SPAN><!--[endif]--><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">Determination and
desire make a difference!<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=yiv8515175549msonormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 4pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri,
sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV class=yiv8515175549msonormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;
TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">I want to thank
those
who have participated in outreach calls and messages during this time of
need as
we strive to live the life we want. Educational, motivational and
inspirational
materials are forwarded through email for your interest. Every seven to 10
days,
I will distribute <I>Notes From President Ruffalo</I> that will include
items of
interest such as websites, phone numbers and upcoming Zoom calls for
training on
various subjects as well as upcoming conference
calls.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=yiv8515175549msonormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;
TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">A few days ago,
President Riccobono announced that the Federation will conduct its
80<SUP>th</SUP> anniversary national convention Tuesday, July 14 through
Sunday,
July 19. With COVID-19 upon us, a decision was made to conduct the
national convention virtually via the Zoom platform. Keep a watchful eye out
for
emails and please read the upcoming <I>Braille Monitors</I> for additional
information.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=yiv8515175549msonormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;
TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">As we enter
spring,
the season of growth, let us continue to provide our love, hope and
determination to transform dreams into reality! <o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=yiv2491943035msonormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;
TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 16pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri,
sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV class=yiv2491943035msonormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;
TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">With Much
Respect,<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=yiv2491943035msonormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;
TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">Joe Ruffalo,
President</SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=yiv2491943035msonormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;
TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif; TEXT-INDENT:
3in">National
Federation of the Blind of New Jersey</SPAN></DIV><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif"><BR
style="PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE: always" clear=all></SPAN></B>
<DIV class=aolmailmsonormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"
align=center><B>Next Article</B></DIV>
<DIV class=aolmailmsonormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"
align=center><B><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">FROM THE
EDITOR<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></DIV>
<DIV class=aolmailmsonormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"
align=center><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; TEXT-TRANSFORM:
uppercase; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt'>THIS
ROLLER COASTER AINT NO FUN</SPAN></B><B
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></DIV>
<DIV class=aolmailmsonormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;
TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt'>I’m
on a roller coaster flying through some unprecedented, unbelievable
territory
called COVID-19. I’m not enjoying the ride. There are moments when I’ve got
it
together, and then some news breaks, and I crash into an agonizing despair
that
renders me incapable of anything but excruciating depression and
tears.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=aolmailmsonormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;
TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif;
LETTER-SPACING: -0.1pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt'>Yeah,
yeah, I know this is normal and totally justified given the circumstances.
But
hey – anxiety and panic attacks are no fun. I want – <I>need</I> – to get my
head straight and move on in a more positive way. Following these sensible
tips
adopted from the Veterans Administration is giving me some peace and
perspective, so I’d like to share them with you:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=aolmailmsonormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 4pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif;
LETTER-SPACING: -0.1pt; mso-bidi-font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV class=aolmailmsonormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 31.5pt;
TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-list: l8 level1 lfo28"><!--[if
!supportLists]--><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif;
LETTER-SPACING: -0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family:
calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: calibri'>1.<SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 7pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman"; LINE-HEIGHT: normal;
font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-stretch:
normal'>
</SPAN></SPAN><!--[endif]--><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif;
LETTER-SPACING: -0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt'>Pause.</SPAN></B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif;
LETTER-SPACING: -0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt'>
<B>Just stop</B>. <B>Stop what you’re doing.</B> Do not feel you have to be
doing something productive every minute. Please, for the time being, forget
what
your mother always told you about using time wisely. Take breaks.
<B><I>Pause</I></B> … and do #2 …<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=aolmailmsonormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 31.5pt;
TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-list: l8 level1 lfo28"><!--[if
!supportLists]--><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: calibri;
mso-bidi-font-family: calibri'>2.<SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 7pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman"; LINE-HEIGHT: normal;
font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-stretch:
normal'>
</SPAN></SPAN><!--[endif]--><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt'>Breathe.</SPAN></B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt'>
Inhale for the count of 5, hold your breath for 3, exhale for 5. This slows
your
breathing which helps to lower your heart rate and calm your nervous system.
Repeat every time you feel on edge.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=aolmailmsonormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 31.5pt;
TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-list: l8 level1 lfo28"><!--[if
!supportLists]--><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: calibri;
mso-bidi-font-family: calibri'>3.<SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 7pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman"; LINE-HEIGHT: normal;
font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-stretch:
normal'>
</SPAN></SPAN><!--[endif]--><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt'>Exercise</SPAN></B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt'>
<B>every day</B>, even if it’s only a few minutes. Getting your blood
flowing
refreshes your brain and your body. Get in the habit of exercising every
day – a
10-minute walk, squats, dancing, go up and down the stairs, <B><I>just
move.</I></B><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=aolmailmsonormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 31.5pt;
TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-list: l8 level1 lfo28"><!--[if
!supportLists]--><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: calibri;
mso-bidi-font-family: calibri'>4.<SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 7pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman"; LINE-HEIGHT: normal;
font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-stretch:
normal'>
</SPAN></SPAN><!--[endif]--><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt'>Practice
Healthy Sleeping Habits</SPAN></B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt'>.
If possible, make your bedroom a stress-free zone. Do not read or watch any
stressful information while in bed. Your bed needs to be preserved as a
safe,
peaceful place for rest and relaxation.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=aolmailmsonormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 31.5pt;
TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-list: l8 level1 lfo28"><!--[if
!supportLists]--><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: calibri;
mso-bidi-font-family: calibri'>5.<SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 7pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman"; LINE-HEIGHT: normal;
font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-stretch:
normal'>
</SPAN></SPAN><!--[endif]--><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt'>Eat
Healthy</SPAN></B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt'>
and on a regular schedule – fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean protein and
dairy (as you can). Stay hydrated. And keep those hands clean before cooking
or
eating.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=aolmailmsonormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;
TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 4pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV class=aolmailmsonormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;
TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt'>By
following these tips, I’ve been able to overcome the sense of powerlessness,
worry and loss I’ve been feeling. You know your own challenges. To manage
them
(because they probably will not go away any time soon), begin by trying to
take
care of yourself with kindness and compassion and then extend the same to
others. A friend recently reminded me of these words from Helen Keller that
seem
so very appropriate right now: “Alone we can do so little. Together we can
do so
much.” For me, reaching out to my family and friends makes every day
brighter.
Each of them makes me smile and know there’s a reason to keep finding the
light
every day. I hope you, too, will find people, moments and stories to lift
your
spirits and give you strength, peace, determination and hope. Each of us can
use
– and share – a powerful dose of that medicine, which certainly has an
exponential effect. As an eternal optimist who is also exceedingly patient,
I’ll
be able to wait this storm out. Please join me. We will get off this roller
coaster. Share the medicine. Stay safe. Stay in. Stay well.
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=aolmailmsonormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;
TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt'><BR></SPAN></DIV><B>Next
Article</B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 13.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif;
LETTER-SPACING: -0.2pt"><BR
style="PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE: always" clear=all></SPAN>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align=center><B><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">THE 2020 WASHINGTON SEMINAR ISSUES:
<SPAN style="TEXT-TRANSFORM: uppercase">Success on the
Rise</SPAN></SPAN></B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 13.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif;
LETTER-SPACING: -0.2pt"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=yiv4351820819msonormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"
align=center><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">By Ryan Stevens,
NFBNJ
Legislative Director</SPAN></B></DIV>
<DIV class=yiv4351820819msonormal
style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">Greetings, once
more,
my fellow New Jersey Federationists. Yet again, over 600 NFB members
converged
on the City by the Potomac to meet with our congressional representatives
and
senators to discuss issues which affect the daily lives of blind Americans.
This
year, the Washington Seminar was held February 10 to 13, and a dozen of the
attendees were from the Garden State. We presented three pieces of
legislation
during our meetings on Capitol Hill. All three address concerns that the
Federation has been pursuing for quite a number of
years:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=yiv4351820819msonormal
style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in;
mso-list: l28 level1 lfo23"><!--[if
!supportLists]--><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">1.<SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 7pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman"; LINE-HEIGHT: normal;
font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-stretch:
normal'>
</SPAN></SPAN><!--[endif]--><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">Access Technology
Affordability Act (HR2086/S815)<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=yiv4351820819msonormal
style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in;
mso-list: l28 level1 lfo23"><!--[if
!supportLists]--><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">2.<SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 7pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman"; LINE-HEIGHT: normal;
font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-stretch:
normal'>
</SPAN></SPAN><!--[endif]--><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">Greater Access and
Independence through Nonvisual Access Technology Act
(HR3929)<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=yiv4351820819msonormal
style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in;
mso-list: l28 level1 lfo23"><!--[if
!supportLists]--><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">3.<SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 7pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman"; LINE-HEIGHT: normal;
font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-stretch:
normal'>
</SPAN></SPAN><!--[endif]--><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">Accessible
Instructional Materials in Higher Education, or AIM-HIGH, Act
(HR5312/S3095)</SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri,
sans-serif">.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=yiv4351820819msonormal
style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">Below are
descriptions
of these bills in detail, including information on how the New Jersey
affiliate
is faring in getting support from our state’s congressional
delegation.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=yiv4351820819msonormal
style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">The first
legislative
issue we brought to the attention of Congress was the <B>Access Technology
Affordability Act (HR2086/S815)</B>. Access technology enables blind people
to
participate in today’s connected world and to perform tasks that they were
once
unable to accomplish themselves. Today, the blind most often acquire this
technology through their state blindness agency. The problem with this is
the
length of time it takes to receive the equipment. Quite often, this waiting
period causes blind people to miss out on employment opportunities.
Unfortunately, the cost of access technology also prevents most blind people
from purchasing it themselves. The Access Technology Affordability Act helps
to
alleviate this burden by providing the individual with a $2,000 refundable
tax
credit over a three-year period when buying such equipment. The legislation
will
also sunset after five years. As of March 15, New Jersey Congressmen Bill
Pascrell, Albio Sires and Chris Smith have co-sponsored HR2086, and Senator
Cory
Booker has signed onto S815.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=yiv4351820819msonormal
style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">The second bill on
our
agenda was the <B>Greater Access and Independence through Nonvisual Access
Technology (GAIN) Act (HR3929)</B>. The rapid proliferation of advanced
technology is undeniable. Most new stoves, glucose monitors and treadmills
now
require that consumers interact with digital displays, flat panels and other
user interfaces which are inaccessible to blind individuals. Inaccessibility
is
not a mere inconvenience; it can threaten the safety, health and
independence of
blind Americans. Advancements in technology have the potential to transform
how
people live in a society, but are designed for those with no functional
limitations. Nonvisual access is achievable, as demonstrated by a number of
mainstream products such as Apple's iPhone and iPad with voiceover.
Virtually
all ATMs and voting machines are also accessible using simple fixes.
Although
the Americans with Disabilities Act and other laws require physical
accessibility for people with disabilities (e.g, wheelchair ramps and
Braille in
public buildings), no laws protect a blind consumer’s right to access
technology. The GAIN Act would call on the Access Board, an independent
federal
agency and leading source of information on accessible design, to conduct a
nonvisual access standard review and issue a report with findings and
recommendations for a minimum nonvisual access standard for home use medical
devices, home appliances and fitness equipment. The US Food and Drug
Administration and the Federal Trade Commission would then be tasked with
enforcing the rules established by the Access Board. Even though we are in
the
second year of the current congressional term, there is still no bill in the
Senate to accompany House Bill HR3929.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=yiv4351820819msonormal
style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">The final piece of
legislation we addressed was the <B>Accessible Instructional Materials in
Higher
Education, or AIM-HIGH, Act (HR5312/S3095)</B>. Much of the material used by
university and college faculty to teach their courses is available to
students
only electronically or online, and a good portion of these tools are not
accessible to blind and print disabled students. While the Americans with
Disabilities Act and other laws mandate full accessibility in the classroom,
there are no guidelines for institutions of higher education and
manufacturers
of these materials to follow to ensure compliance. AIM HIGH would establish
these guidelines for users and creators of such software. This bill got a
late
start, not being introduced until December of 2019, but it is gathering
steam.
It also has support from the other major stakeholders, such as the
organization
that represents most colleges and universities and the publishers of the
actual
materials. This is helping to minimize the resistance against this
legislation.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=yiv4351820819msonormal
style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">For more details
and
the full fact sheets for each of the issues described above, go to
</SPAN><SPAN
class=MsoHyperlink><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR:
#954f72'><A
href="https://nfb.org/washington-seminar" target=_blank fg_scanned="1"><SPAN
style="COLOR:
#954f72">https://nfb.org/washington-seminar</SPAN></A></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri,
sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=yiv4351820819msonormal
style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">The fact that we
now
have three New Jersey members of Congress and Senator Booker signing onto
the
Access Technology Affordability Act shows that we are making progress on
continuing to turn our legislative priorities into reality. Of course, the
only
reason we make any progress at all is because of the hard work all of us in
the
National Federation of the Blind, including our own New Jersey affiliate,
do.
Throughout the year, we will be sent legislative alerts that we need to act
upon
to maintain and increase the momentum. Let’s give the effort asked of us to
ensure that blind people can live the lives we want!<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=yiv4351820819msonormal
style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">To contact your
member
in the House of Representatives or the US senators from New Jersey, call the
Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121. To find your House member, you can
either
contact your local public library or go to </SPAN><SPAN
class=MsoHyperlink><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR:
#954f72'><A
href="http://www.house.gov/" target=_blank fg_scanned="1"><SPAN
style="COLOR: #954f72">www.house.gov</SPAN></A></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif"> and enter your
zip
code.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=yiv4351820819msonormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif"> <o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=yiv4351820819msonormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B>Next
Article</B><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif"><BR></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: left"
align=center><B><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; TEXT-TRANSFORM: uppercase;
mso-bidi-font-family: calibri'>2019
Raising Expectations Award PRESENTED TO RICK FOX<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align=center><B><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; TEXT-TRANSFORM: uppercase;
mso-bidi-font-family: calibri'>B</SPAN></B><B><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: calibri'>y
Carol
Castellano</SPAN></B></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>The Raising Expectations Award was
created to honor the work of extraordinary members of our affiliate.
It is
presented at the state convention, and this is only the fourth time we have
presented it. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">Rick Fox, the recipient of this
special
award, is someone who has worked on behalf of the blind of New Jersey—and
the
nation—for almost 50 years! And, believe it or not, he is still young!
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">Rick has been a long-term member,
officer and leader not only in our state affiliate, but also in three
others.
The list of Rick’s accomplishments is long and remarkable. </SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family:
calibri'>During
his term as president of the Connecticut Affiliate, he helped to raise
$150,000
from corporations and foundations for the establishment of <I>Newsline</I>.
In
our own state, he has held many positions, most notably as a member of the
affiliate board of directors and as board member and president of the
Northeast
Chapter, as a knowledgeable representative and team leader at the NFB’s
annual
Washington Seminar, and as an active and valuable member of many
committees. Rick also represents NFBNJ on the State Rehabilitation
Council, currently serving as chair. His exemplary career includes
technology
and administrative positions at IBM, DeWitt & Associates, iCanConnect at
The
College of New Jersey, The Computer Center for Visually Impaired People at
Baruch College and as technology consultant in B&F Teaching &
Technology. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LETTER-SPACING: -0.1pt;
mso-bidi-font-family: calibri'>Rick
grew up in Ocean Township with his brother and sister. He was educated in
public
school, with services from the New Jersey Commission for the Blind. Rick has
a
plethora of school, community, church and leisure time activities—wrestling,
cross country track, skiing, biking, watching the Yankees, reading, hanging
out
at the beach, serving in many roles at his church, including, of course,
singing
in the choir, and playing keyboard in a rock band. Along with his lovely
wife
Debbie Bloomer, Rick loves spending time with family and friends, hosting a
monthly church book club in their home and traveling.
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>My first memories of meeting Rick
involve gathering around the piano at national conventions and then
harmonizing
our unofficial state affiliate song, <I>Under the Boardwalk</I>, at state
conventions. Over the years, Rick became an inspiration, a role model, a
trusted
mentor and a friend to our family, always willing to share his experience,
expertise and thoughtful advice.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Rick is a remarkable person and my
guess is that virtually everyone in the NFBNJ has been a beneficiary of his
generous spirit, his thoughtful analysis of issues and his wonderful laugh.
I
can’t remember one time he ever said no to anything we’ve asked of him,
including when we—well, I—asked him to appear onstage in a grass skirt and
coconuts! It would be impossible to count the number of people he has
assisted and we are all enriched by his presence in our lives. </SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">The words on the plaque presented
to
Rick read: <o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" align=center><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">The National
Federation of the Blind of New Jersey<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" align=center><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">—live the life you
want—YOU make it happen!<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" align=center><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">Presents the
<B><I>Raising Expectations Award</I></B> to<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" align=center><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">RICK
FOX<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></DIV>
<DIV style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" align=center><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">In Recognition of
Invaluable Contributions <o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></DIV>
<DIV style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" align=center><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">to the Quality of
Life
of the Blind of New Jersey and the Nation<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></DIV>
<DIV style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" align=center><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">Your contribution
is
measured not in steps, but in miles;<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" align=center><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">Not by individual
experiences, but by the impact you have had on the lives of the
blind.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">Whenever we have asked, you have
answered.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">We call you our colleague with
respect.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">We call you our friend with
love.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">Together, with love, hope and
determination we transform dreams into reality.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">November 9,
2019<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><I><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">From the grateful members of the
NFBNJ</SPAN></I></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><I><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif"><BR></SPAN></I></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: left"
align=center><B
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent">Next Article</B><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif"> </SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: left"
align=center><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif"><B>THE 2019
STATE
SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS<o:p></o:p></B></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: left"
align=center><B><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">By Lia Stone,
State Scholarship Committee Chair</SPAN></B></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">The NFBNJ State Scholarship
Committee
proudly announced the following five state scholarship recipients during the
43rd State Convention of the NFBNJ. Thanks to all who contributed funds to
this
educational and leadership program and to all who serve on the committee.
Congratulations to each of our 2019 scholarship recipients!</SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">Amy Albin</SPAN></B><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif"> is a junior at Montclair State
University studying psychology. She is interested in a career in human
services
where she can make a difference. She is also the winner of one of this
year’s national NFB scholarships.</SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">Mary Fernandez</SPAN></B><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif"> is in her final year of her MBA
studies at Duke University. She has completed an internship at Cisco in
their
marketing department. After graduation she hopes to work in management,
sales or
marketing at a Fortune 100 company</SPAN>.<SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 4pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif"> </SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">Natasha Ishaq</SPAN></B><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif"> is a freshman at The College of
New
Jersey majoring in physics with a minor in law, politics and philosophy. She
is
interested in doing work that helps people in either the government or
nonprofit
sector.</SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">Henry Young</SPAN></B><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif"> is a freshman at Drew University.
He
is double majoring in computer science and political science and hopes to
continue on to a master’s degree in software engineering at Stevens
Institute of
Technology. His ultimate goal is to work for a large tech corporation or the
federal government.</SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">Jonathan Zobek</SPAN></B><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif"> is a senior at The College of New
Jersey where he is majoring in communications. He is interested in
pursuing a career in the blindness field either as a vocational
rehabilitation
counselor or as an O&M instructor.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-fareast-font-family: aphont; mso-bidi-font-family: arial;
mso-ansi-language: en-us; mso-fareast-language: en-us; mso-bidi-language:
ar-sa'>
<DIV class=WordSection1><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-fareast-font-family: aphont; mso-bidi-font-family: arial;
mso-ansi-language: en-us; mso-fareast-language: en-us; mso-bidi-language:
ar-sa'><BR></SPAN></B></DIV></SPAN></B><B>Next
Article</B><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-fareast-font-family: aphont; mso-bidi-font-family: arial;
mso-ansi-language: en-us; mso-fareast-language: en-us; mso-bidi-language:
ar-sa'><BR
style="PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE: always" clear=all></SPAN></B>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align=center><B><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family:
calibri-bold'>LESSONS
FROM MY FIRST NATIONAL CONVENTION<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align=center><B><I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family:
calibri-bolditalic'>THOUGHTS
FROM NEW JERSEY’S FIRST TIMERS SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS</SPAN></I></B><B
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family:
calibri-bold'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-AUTOSPACE: ; mso-layout-grid-align:
none"><B><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family:
calibri-bold'>Editor’s
Note: </SPAN></B><I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family:
calibri-bold; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold'>Joanne
Mallard Bentall, Ada Crandle, </SPAN></I><I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family:
calibri-italic'>Anne
Marie Harris and Tony Santiago were New Jersey’s 2019 recipients of the
Kenneth
Jernigan First Timers Scholarship, which provided funding for their
attendance
at the NFB National Convention in Las Vegas. Each recipient expresses
gratitude
for the opportunity to attend and below shares their personal
reflections.
</SPAN></I></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Joanna Mallard
Bentall</SPAN></B><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'> <I>is a member of the Northeast
and
At Large chapters, the Technology and Sports & Recreation divisions and
a
leader in the BELL program.</I></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Since joining the NFBNJ several
years
ago, I’ve always hoped to be part of an NFB National Convention. Thanks to
this
scholarship award, my dream became a reality – and I had the privilege of
addressing my fellow Federationists on</SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times
New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"'>
the first day of the General Session. As I made my way to the stage to make
my
presentation, I was a little nervous but I managed just fine. I was sharing
topics not only familiar to me personally, but to most of the people there,
as
well. I spoke about how I lost my eyesight and the steps I took to get to
where
I am now. Is it a day-to-day decision to live the life you want? Yes! You
may
have lost your eyesight, but you didn’t lose your vision. Continue to keep
your
vision at the forefront and anything is possible! <o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Encouraging others to live beyond
limitations is something I strive to do. I will continue to live the life I
want
because with the Federation family by my side and God as my shepherd, I will
always be able to make those mountains be stepping stones. You can do the
same.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Was it a challenge navigating a
hotel
that was huge? Yes! And it was all worth it. In the future, I hope to serve
as a
source of encouragement to others to live the life they want regardless of
statistics, judgments and seemingly insurmountable hurdles</SPAN>.<SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif; TEXT-INDENT:
0.25in"> </SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Ada Crandle</SPAN></B><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'> <I>is a member of the Central
Jersey
Chapter as well as the Senior, Sports & Recreation and Technology
divisions.</I></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times
New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"'>I
was extremely excited to be part of the 2019 National Convention, but for a
short while, due to storms and high winds in Newark, it seemed we might not
get
to our Las Vegas destination at all. My husband and I had boarded our flight
and
then waited five hours before we were told it was cancelled. I immediately
felt
disappointed and frustrated that I wouldn’t arrive on time for the Rookie
Round-Up for first timers on Sunday. Fortunately, my daughter, who had
already
landed in Las Vegas, was able to book us a flight for the next day. Upon
arriving at Mandalay Bay, I admit to being overwhelmed, as I had never been
in a
place with so many people moving around. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times
New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"'>The
most important and profound moment of the convention was having my family
with
me to experience the opening ceremony. Joanna Mallard’s speech was icing on
the
cake. The banquet was beautiful, and it was gratifying to see people
receiving
scholarships to further their education. I was also in awe of the various
vendors in the exhibit hall and proud to see so many blind and visually
impaired
people involved. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times
New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"'>I
left Las Vegas feeling more empowered than I have ever felt throughout my
journey. </SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif"> </SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Editor’s Note:</SPAN></B><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'> <B>Anne Marie Harris</B><I> is a
board member of the Garden State Chapter and a member of the Senior and
Technology divisions. She has been in charge of ordering and selling our
affiliate T-shirts.</I></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LETTER-SPACING: -0.2pt'>As my
travel
date approached, I became a bit nervous. This was only my third time
traveling
alone. Leaving New Jersey wasn’t easy. There were delays, a cancellation,
rebooking and luggage that arrived late to Nevada. I learned with each
inconvenience that I can travel independently and address things as they
happen.
What a confidence builder!<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>The convention was chock-full of
information and activity. It was amazing to see over 2,500 blind
individuals –
including me! – living the life we want. The enormous General Session room
was
filled with the positive energy and unity of NFB members from 49 states,
Canada
and Puerto Rico. Each speaker shared something new. It was awesome to be in
the
room each time President Riccobono addressed the
crowd.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>I went to a sports and recreation
seminar where I learned how blind people in other countries play cricket. I
attended a seminar for seniors where the main speaker was Dan Frye. At the
General Session, I was impressed to witness how issues are addressed and
decisions made at a national level. The exhibit room was filled with vendors
from the US and Canada. Many state affiliates had items for sale to eat and
to
wear. There were all kinds of raffles offering amazing prizes. I had as much
fun
working our New Jersey table as visiting other tables and
shopping.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>I had a great time sharing rides,
shopping and meals with all my New Jersey friends, and I had wonderful
roommates. Our bedtime laughs were the best. I can’t wait for Texas later
this
year</SPAN>.<SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif; TEXT-INDENT:
0.25in"> </SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="BACKGROUND: white; mso-outline-level:
1"><B><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">Editor’s Note: Tony
Santiago</SPAN></B><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif"> <I>is a
member of the Sports & Recreation and Technology divisions, and a member
of
the Capital Chapter.</I></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in;
mso-outline-level: 1"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">I have never been to a gathering of
the
blind where there were so many nationalities and ethnic groups represented,
and
it was a beautiful thing to experience. There were so many interesting
sessions
going on that I had to prioritize and carefully schedule my time. There are
only
24 hours in a day, after all. It worked out well because I learned something
from every session that I attended.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">The exhibit hall was exciting but
huge,
and for a technology lover like myself, it was like tech sensory overload. I
enjoyed meeting some of the leaders in the blind technology field and
shaking
their hands in thanks for all the great work that they have done over the
years
to improve the lives of the blind.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">One topic I was eager to learn more
about was the future of autonomous vehicles. There were two speakers on the
subject, and it was exciting to know that it is a reality that will happen
in my
lifetime. I truly believe that autonomous vehicles will bring us a new level
of
independence.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">I also had the honor of meeting
President Riccobono in his own suite, and I found his speeches at the
General
Sessions to be inspirational<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">Although there were many great
speakers, many sessions where I could learn so much and awesome technology
that
I could check out, the thing that impressed me the most was observing our
blind
youth in action. This hotel was immense, and to hear our youth walking with
their canes and making their way with such confidence was amazing. It goes
to
show what an influence the NFB has on their lives. It seems to me that the
future of our organization and the blind community as a whole will be in
competent, confident hands.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">Finally, I want to thank my
wonderful
wife Jocelyn for helping me navigate through this convention and putting up
with
me and all of my interests.</SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif; TEXT-ALIGN:
center"> </SPAN></DIV>
<DIV style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"
align=center><SPAN class=MsoHyperlink><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY:
"Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: left"
align=center><B
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent">Next
Article</B></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: left"
align=center><B><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">BE COUNTED …
BECAUSE YOU COUNT!<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: left"
align=center><B><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">Adapted from
Email Received from NJ 2-1-1<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="BACKGROUND: white"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif"> </SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif; TEXT-ALIGN:
justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in">Every
10 years, the US Constitution requires the federal government to perform a
census to count all persons living in the US – citizens and non-citizens.
You
can respond to the census in any one of three ways: </SPAN><SPAN
class=MsoHyperlink
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif; TEXT-ALIGN:
justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><A
href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001GjMnqtrPzKpeaw-5vtv46tckIyYjqxTYh__5xMc917evdS5BDC2D4H42cf56xvsvV4qWVOx1MDYf4kjYeMEmAxq4qMuhHn9QMXhpvr4INa1tFneg-KvyYRxLDTV8KoNM-c9lzDaNWV7yv_TWf9NySA==&c=-_UG6APotblIUdGzLN7LRu4V8QrERcf7uThn4xC6uFqq3ANn0G86Cg==&ch=g9hgad6BcB7lMUNpQpiV9Nej-qKaD5Q-hSVUG85cwYAsdsYDZaOD2g=="
target=_blank fg_scanned="1">online</A></SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif; TEXT-ALIGN:
justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in">,
by phone or by mail. Answering the questions takes about 10
minutes.</SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: arial'>Our
representation in Congress is based on the census, as are federal funds for
vital programs and services that address homelessness, provide utility
assistance, SNAP benefits, healthcare and more. These are resources that
many of
our communities desperately need and deserve.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LETTER-SPACING: -0.3pt;
mso-bidi-font-family: arial'>“Participating
in the census count is one of the most powerful things you can do for
yourself,
your family and your community,” says Melissa Acree, Executive Director of
NJ
211.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: arial'>The
2020
US Census will NEVER ask for your social security information or other
personal
information like your bank account numbers or political information. Under
the
law, census data can only be used for statistical purposes and is
confidential.
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: arial'>You
can
expect to be asked about: how many people are living/staying at your home on
April 1, 2020; whether you own or rent your home; the age, race and sex of
each
person in the household; whether a person in the household is of Hispanic,
Latino or Spanish origin; and the relationships of each person in the
household
to one central person (usually the person completing the form for the
household).<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><B><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: arial'>The
Census is safe, easy and important. Be Counted … Because You
Count!</SPAN></B><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: arial'> If
you
need more information dial 211 or visit <SPAN class=MsoHyperlink><SPAN
style="COLOR: rgb(47,84,150)"><A
href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001GjMnqtrPzKpeaw-5vtv46tckIyYjqxTYh__5xMc917evdS5BDC2D4H42cf56xvsvFraSTx5-g1LJXVTnBHKj8S8LhQGfZEZXfUS_CFZP5uIrLqpkWSHLJ5MyZ3zVGObp-nbpFHkTlxiqiJxr90-NQ0A_uPizRvKH&c=-_UG6APotblIUdGzLN7LRu4V8QrERcf7uThn4xC6uFqq3ANn0G86Cg==&ch=g9hgad6BcB7lMUNpQpiV9Nej-qKaD5Q-hSVUG85cwYAsdsYDZaOD2g=="
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<DIV
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;
TEXT-INDENT: 22.5pt"
align=center>
<DIV style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><B
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; TEXT-INDENT: 22.5pt"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: #222222;
mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New
Roman"'>THE
SOCIAL DISTANCING DILEMMA: A PERSPECTIVE</SPAN></B></DIV><B>
<DIV style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><B
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; TEXT-INDENT: 22.5pt"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: #222222;
mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New
Roman"'>By
Scott Stoffel, Editor of DB Touch of Everything, Reprinted with
Permission</SPAN></B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif; FONT-WEIGHT:
normal; COLOR: rgb(34,34,34); TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT:
22.5pt"> </SPAN></DIV></B></DIV>
<DIV
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: #222222;
mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New
Roman"'>Editor’s
Note:</SPAN></B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: #222222;
mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New
Roman"'>
<I>Scott is a retired systems engineer and freelance writer in Southeast
Pennsylvania. He’s also the creative genius who built the Tactile Carnival,
more
than 50 original carnival-style games that have been featured at DeafBlind
camps/retreats, Helen Keller National Center, schools for the blind and
twice in
New Jersey at Merck Pharmaceuticals in Rahway. Scott is believed to be the
first
deafblind person to earn an engineering degree. He is </I></SPAN><I><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif; background-size:
initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial">the
editor of the book </SPAN></I><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif; background-size:
initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial">Deaf-Blind
Reality: Living the Life<I>.</I></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;
TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: #222222;
LETTER-SPACING: -0.1pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"'>I
work part-time for a nonprofit as coordinator of their DeafBlind services.
We
offer 10 hours per month of free Support Service Providers (SSPs) to
DeafBlind
consumers in southeast Pennsylvania. Many of you already know what an SSP
does.
For those who don’t, an SSP helps a DeafBlind adult access the community by
serving as a human guide, assisting with communication and providing
information
the consumer can’t see or hear.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;
TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: #222222;
LETTER-SPACING: -0.1pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"'>One
of the main things our consumers use SSPs for is shopping. Many DeafBlind
need
help navigating stores, finding items, reading labels, communicating with
store
clerks and so on. It works quite well for this purpose. It not only enables
the
consumers to take care of their shopping needs, but many of them enjoy the
shopping trips with their SSPs.</SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: #222222;
mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New
Roman"'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;
TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: #222222;
mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New
Roman"'>Then
along came COVID-19, like a monstrous spider, and frightened Miss Muffet’s
SSP
services away.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;
TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: #222222;
mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New
Roman"'>Health
officials stress the need for “social distancing” – putting 6 feet of space
between people and limiting the number of people allowed in one place, like
your
local grocery store. Given the way the virus spreads, this is a good idea,
of
course. But it definitely throws a monkey wrench into the equation for many
DeafBlind shoppers.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV style="BACKGROUND: white; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 1in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 4pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: #222222;
mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV style="BACKGROUND: white; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 1in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: #222222;
mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New
Roman"'>Little
Miss Muffet got off her tuffet,<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV style="BACKGROUND: white; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 1in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: #222222;
mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New
Roman"'>Because
she needed to go shopping today;<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV style="BACKGROUND: white; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 1in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: #222222;
mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New
Roman"'>But
with no one to guide her, no SSP beside her,<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV style="BACKGROUND: white; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 1in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: #222222;
mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New
Roman"'>How
could she go shopping at Safeway?<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV style="BACKGROUND: white; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 1in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 4pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: #222222;
mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;
TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: #222222;
mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New
Roman"'>Forgive
the mangled nursery rhyme, but you get the point. Human guiding and tactile
sign
language require two people to be close together and constantly touching
each
other. That’s a bigger problem than you might think at a glance. Bear in
mind
that shopping involves touching things at the store. Going back and forth
between touching store items and touching each other for communication
increases
the risk of picking up the virus. It’s almost impossible to avoid touching
the
face occasionally while doing tactile sign or tracking. Both the consumer
and
the SSP are at greater risk of picking up the virus as they work together
this
way. Facial masks can help reduce the risk, but they aren’t
foolproof.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;
TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: #222222;
mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New
Roman"'>Also,
an SSP and DeafBlind consumer shopping together usually takes much longer to
shop than the average person shopping alone. Did you just get angry and say,
“So
what?” Calm down! The whole reason I work for an SSP service is because I
want
DeafBlind consumers to be able to go out and do things like everyone else.
But
the virus crisis shakes things up. The longer you stay in a store or other
public place, the greater the risk of encountering the virus. Safety has to
come
first.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV style="BACKGROUND: white; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT:
0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: #222222;
mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New
Roman"'>In
short, COVID-19 absolutely sucks!<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;
TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: #222222;
mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New
Roman"'>SSP
services around the country are struggling with these safety concerns. How
the
heck can an SSP practice social distancing, work faster and still provide
adequate service to a DeafBlind consumer? Use a leash for guiding and
telepathic
communication? Get serious. Some services let the consumer and SSP decide if
they’re willing to take the risk or not. Some services are pretty much
prohibiting assignments that aren’t deemed emergencies. With all the
hoarding
going on, maybe shopping for toilet paper should qualify as an
emergency.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;
TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: #222222;
mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New
Roman"'>Is
there a better approach? That’s arguable, of course. One thing about this
virus
business is that it’s showed us all that SSP services might need to consider
emergency protocols during unusual circumstances – like now, for instance.
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;
TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: #222222;
mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New
Roman"'>In
southeast Pennsylvania, we’ve had some intellectual discussions on this
subject
and have formulated equitable solutions. That is to say we’ve argued like
crazy,
and nobody agrees on anything but the toilet paper. I’ve discovered that
being a
human service coordinator is a lot like being a stick of gum: I get chewed
out a
lot.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;
TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: #222222;
mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New
Roman"'>We
are allowing SSPs to communicate with consumers remotely, acquire shopping
and
errand lists from the consumers and do the shopping/errands alone. You might
think that’s a simple and obvious solution, but in truth, it’s totally
against
the fundamental purpose of an SSP service. This is one of the ways SSPs and
professional caregivers are very different. Caregivers can do things for
their
clients without taking the clients with them. SSPs are supposed to become
the
eyes and ears for DeafBlind consumers and help them do things, not do things
for
them. There’s a big difference. Unfortunately, the safety hazards caused by
the
pandemic create a dilemma for standard SSP service. So we’re implementing a
compromise that enables our consumers to get the items they need from the
store,
while minimizing the health risk to both consumer and
SSP.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;
TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: #222222;
mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New
Roman"'>Fair
enough? Not everyone thinks so. As I said before, going out into the
community
with an SSP is an important part of some DeafBlind consumers’ social
activities.
I don’t get mad when they chew me out over the emergency protocols. I
understand
how they feel. This is a case of safety versus satisfaction – and I’m the
chewing gum.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;
TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: #222222;
mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New
Roman"'>One
very important question the virus crisis has unearthed is whether SSP
services
and other services for the DeafBlind should modify standard procedures
during
times of unusual circumstances or just deny service. It’s not as easy as it
sounds, especially with all of the liability issues associated with
interpersonal service providers. Now seems like a very good time to give
this
matter some serious thought.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">
<DIV class=WordSection1><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri,
sans-serif"><BR></SPAN></B></DIV></SPAN></B><B>Next
Article</B><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif"><BR
style="PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE: always" clear=all></SPAN></B>
<DIV style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"
align=center><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">SKI FOR LIGHT WEEK
FILLED WITH ADVENTURES!<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></DIV>
<DIV style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"
align=center><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">By Linda
Melendez</SPAN></B><B style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri,
sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></DIV>
<DIV
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">Editor's
note:</SPAN></B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri,
sans-serif">
<I>Linda Melendez serves on the National Sports & Recreation Division
board
and is president of the NFBNJ’s Sports & Recreation Division. She is
also
first vice president of the NFBNJ, a member of the Central Jersey and At
Large
chapters, and the Senior and Technology divisions. In this article Linda
talks
about her first cross country skiing experience.</I></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">A bucket list is a collection of
goals,
dreams and aspirations that you’d like to accomplish within your lifetime.
At
the top of my list this year was to participate in the Ski for Light
International week with Annemarie Cooke, a veteran of 13 such
events.</SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;
TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">Ski for Light was
founded in 1975 for blind/visually impaired and mobility impaired
individuals to
learn how to cross country ski. Skiers and their non-disabled guides
move
along in groomed parallel tracks in the snow. Some downhill ski techniques
also
are used, depending on the terrain.</SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri,
sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;
TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">The 2020 Ski for
Light
week took place February 9 to16 with our home base at the Ramkota Hotel and
Conference Center in Casper, Wyoming. The 250 participants – some, like me
who
were first-timers – came from the US, Canada and five other countries. The
event
consisted of skiing Monday through Friday at Wyoming Mountain at an altitude
of
7,900 feet. It seems that all the snow New Jersey didn’t have this year
settled
in Wyoming!</SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri,
sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;
TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">The daily skiing
prepares participants for a 10K race, a 5K rally where participants try to
match
their own best time on the shorter course, and the Challenge Loop, a mini
course
mainly for first-timers or recreational (rather than competitive) skiers
like
me.</SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri,
sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;
TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">I had no idea the
week
would be filled with so many adventures, and they were about to begin! Prior
to
our arrival, Casper, Wyoming had a huge blizzard which made for rough road
conditions. On Monday, some of our buses made it up the steep and
snow-covered
road to the ski area where we were able to get a hot lunch and shelter from
the
wind (in the 10 degree temperature). We had an amazing time skiing; however,
the
weather conditions changed abruptly and drastically, and we ended up
stranded
and not able to make our way back down the mountain.</SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri,
sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;
TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">Making lemonade
out of
lemons, I took the opportunity to mingle with the other participants and get
to
know them better. Local residents and guides who had personal vehicles were
able
to take us halfway down the mountain to the Nordic Center where staff and
volunteers from the local visitors’ bureau provided us with food, snacks and
water in a warm and safe environment. That evening the local school district’s
buses brought all of us safely to the hotel – hours later than usual, and
just
in time for dinner … and with more stories to share!</SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif; TEXT-INDENT:
0.25in"> </SPAN></DIV>
<DIV
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;
TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">On Tuesday, even
though the winds were whipping at 30 miles an hour, we skied again. The wind
at
my back steadied my balance, and I was able to successfully ski on some
hilly
terrain. Encouragement from my guide was also helpful. Due to the
blowing
snow and high winds, the buses headed back to the hotel early for everyone’s
safety. The hotel hot tub was the best!</SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri,
sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;
TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">The severe weather
conditions continued through Wednesday and the fun of skiing in a blizzard
was
cut short as we again left earlier than usual for the warmth and safety of
the
hotel.</SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri,
sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;
TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">I thoroughly
enjoyed
being challenged in this environment to push past my comfort zone. Where
else
could this Jersey girl be stranded on a mountain and rescued, ski in
30-mile-an-hour winds and blizzard-like conditions with friends, and still
be
safe at the same time?</SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri,
sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;
TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">Thursday’s weather
was
beautiful, and so I thought that certainly my adventures would be over. The
snow
was prime for skiing. My guide and I decided to be daring and take a
shortcut
over the fresh snow to meet the bus. Well, needless to say, another
adventure
found me:</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri,
sans-serif">
</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">I
fell
and couldn’t get back up on my skis. The only way to get out was to take off
our
skis and walk about 30 feet through hip deep snow to get to the bus.
Fortunately, there were two other guides nearby who assisted my guide in
getting
me out. Instead of panicking, I made light of the situation. They
trudged
through the snow first to create a flat path, which I was then able to
follow
easily while using my ski poles for support. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;
TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">The weather
remained
unfriendly on Friday, so in small groups we explored downtown Casper, a
location
important in 19th century American pioneer history because the Oregon,
California, Mormon and other trails intersected there.</SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri,
sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;
TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">Saturday dawned
clear
and sunny, and my guide and I opted to participate in the Challenge Loop
because
of my limited ski experience. I am happy to report that I achieved my goal
of
successfully completing the Challenge Loop without falling! We all enjoyed
the
banquet that evening and headed to our homes on Sunday. </SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri,
sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;
TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">I always like to
come
home after a vacation and get back to my normal routine, but more adventures
were waiting for me. I came down with Influenza A and spent the next five
days
in the hospital due to complications with asthma and bronchitis. I was then
quarantined at home for another 10 days.</SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri,
sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;
TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">I’m happy to say
that
I am back to my healthy, energetic and enthusiastic self. Some of you may be
saying you would never do this or survive in these conditions. I’m here to
tell
you that you can do this and yes, you would survive in these conditions
because
you are a Federationist! To find out more about cross country skiing, check
out
this link to a YouTube video: </SPAN><SPAN class=MsoHyperlink><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-bidi-font-family: arial'><A
href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjC96E7cyzg"
target=_blank>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjC96E7cyzg</A></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri,
sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;
TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">Despite all the
challenges, I thoroughly enjoyed myself and plan to participate in a future
Ski
for Light event because I had the time of my
life.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">
<DIV class=WordSection1><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri,
sans-serif"><BR></SPAN></DIV></SPAN><B>Next
Article</B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri,
sans-serif"><BR
style="PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE: always" clear=all></SPAN>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align=center><B><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>ALL ROADS LED TO ROME – EVEN
LIVINGSTON AVENUE!</SPAN></B></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; TEXT-INDENT: 0px"
align=center><B
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>By Annemarie Cooke</SPAN></B><B
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Editor’s Note:</SPAN></B><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'> </SPAN><I><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif; BACKGROUND: white;
LETTER-SPACING: -0.5pt">Annemarie
is an active long-time member of the New Jersey Affiliate. She serves on the
state board and as vice president of the Sports & Recreation Division,
board
member of the Garden State Chapter, treasurer of the Technology Division,
and as
a member of the At Large Chapter and the Scholarship and </SPAN></I><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif; BACKGROUND: white;
LETTER-SPACING: -0.5pt">Sounding
Board<I> committees. She is a mentor and cooking coach with students in the
EDGE
program, and her hobbies include international and domestic
travel.</I></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT:
0.25in"><v:shape
id=_x0000_s1028
style="HEIGHT: 183.8pt; WIDTH: 138.4pt; POSITION: absolute; TEXT-ALIGN:
left; MARGIN-LEFT: 1.3pt; LEFT: 0px; Z-INDEX: -251657728; MARGIN-TOP:
9.65pt; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text;
mso-position-vertical-relative: text"
wrapcoords="-87 0 -87 21530 21600 21530 21600 0 -87 0"
type="#_x0000_t75"><v:imagedata cropright="13631f" cropleft="19893f"
cropbottom="9010f" o:title="Touch Tour"
src="file:///C:\Users\KATHY'~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image002.jpg"><w:wrap
type="tight"></w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LETTER-SPACING: -0.2pt'>The
basement
conference room at the Joseph Kohn Training Center in New Brunswick became a
time machine last September 28. Twenty NFBNJ members and friends were
treated to
a multi-sensory trip to ancient Rome by Philly Touch Tours, a company that
specializes in making art and history museums accessible to blind and
visually
impaired people.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Tour guides for the day were
Philly
Touch Tours Director Trish Maunder, a professional museum educator and
parent of
a blind daughter, and Katherine Allen, a Touch Tours program manager as well
as
someone who is personally experiencing vision loss.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>The NFBNJ Sports & Recreation
Division hosted the event and provided snacks and lunch. Philly Touch Tours
offers a tour of the ancient Roman collection at the Penn Museum in
Philadelphia. For today, they prepared a special travelling
program.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Trish and Katherine passed around
replicas from the museum’s collection of everyday objects used in the daily
life
of ancient Rome. Participants also had the option of donning toga-style
draped
tops to add to their experience of being in another
time.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Participants seemed to very much
enjoy
the total accessibility of the presentation. <SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.1pt">In the photo above, Tony Santiago and his
wife
Jocelyn explore a raised line drawing. In addition, items related to ancient
history were touchable, producing some sound, taste-able or sniff-able.
Examples
of the latter were cotton balls stored in airtight film cans and sprayed
with
lavender essence (used in personal bathing) and garum, a powerfully-scented
condiment made of rotted fish and a precursor of today’s Worcestershire
sauce.
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Katherine focused on the lifestyle
of
Roman soldiers who expanded the Roman Empire as far north as Scotland and as
far
east as modern-day Saudi Arabia. Each soldier was issued an expansive red
cloak
called a sagum. It was a multipurpose item, used for protection against
weather,
a sleeping blanket or even a cover for an injury.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Among its programs, Philly Touch
Tours
offers a hands-on visit to the historic Italian Market in South Philly with
plenty of opportunities for tasting Italian ingredients and learning about
the
development of the market neighborhood. Customized tours also are available
in
the Philadelphia-New Jersey area.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">
<DIV class=WordSection1><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri,
sans-serif"><BR></SPAN></DIV></SPAN><B>Next
Article</B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri,
sans-serif"><BR
style="PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE: always" clear=all></SPAN>
<DIV class=yiv2076859743msonormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"
align=center><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif; TEXT-TRANSFORM:
uppercase">BELL®
IN A NUTSHELL</SPAN></B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 9pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri,
sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=yiv2076859743msonormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"
align=center><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">by Mary Jo Partyka
and
Ellen Sullivan</SPAN></B><B style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; TEXT-ALIGN:
center"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri,
sans-serif"> </SPAN></B></DIV>
<DIV class=yiv2076859743msonormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;
TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">The National
Federation of the Blind of New Jersey is preparing to launch its seventh
Braille
Enrichment for Literacy and Learning (BELL®) Academy. This year’s Academy is
in
honor of Barbara Shalit, a teacher of the visually impaired for many years
who
was devoted to the establishment and growth of New Jersey’s BELL Academy and
served as its teacher for the first three years. Barbara passed away in
2019.</SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 9pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri,
sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=yiv2076859743msonormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;
TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">The goal of the
BELL
Academy is to provide children with instruction in Braille and nonvisual
skills
through fun, hands-on learning activities and adventures. This year, we will
encourage our students to cultivate their knowledge of music, engage in
physical
activity, interact in their communities and exceed their expectations of
their
arithmetic abilities.</SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 9pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri,
sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=yiv2076859743msonormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;
TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">Due to the efforts
of
Linda Melendez, President Ruffalo and First Lady Judy, we have a new venue
for
this year’s BELL Academy:</SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 9pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri,
sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=yiv2076859743msonormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif"> </SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 9pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri,
sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=yiv2076859743msonormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri,
sans-serif">Where:
Raritan Bay Area YMCA, 357 New Brunswick Ave, Perth Amboy 08861</SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 9pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri,
sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=yiv2076859743msonormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri,
sans-serif">When:
June 29 through July 10, 2020</SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 9pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri,
sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=yiv2076859743msonormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri,
sans-serif">Time:
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.</SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 9pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri,
sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=yiv2076859743msonormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif"> </SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 4pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri,
sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=yiv2076859743msonormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;
TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">This new location
will
offer the children access to many of the wonderful facilities of the YMCA
including a pool. We do want to make a shout out of thanks to Dr. Ruiz and
the
Puerto Rican Association of Human Development (PRAHD) who welcomed us at
their
facilities in Perth Amboy for six years and even helped us identify this new
facility.</SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 9pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri,
sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=yiv2076859743msonormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;
TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">We have applied
for
three grants and are optimistic that things will work out in our favor. In
addition, when our dear friend and fellow Federationist Jerry Fontenelli
passed
away in December 2019, his family asked that, in lieu of flowers, donations
be
made to NFBNJ in his memory. Jerry was an avid fund raiser himself and an
ardent
supporter of the BELL Academy. The funds raised in Jerry’s honor are
dedicated
with pride in support of the BELL Academy and will be used to fund the Jerry
Fontenelli “Day at the Keansburg Beach” (with a water park
activity!).</SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 9pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri,
sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=yiv2076859743msonormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;
TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">Mary Jo Partyka is
our
BELL coordinator again this year and will work diligently with our Braille
teacher to plan fun and exciting lessons for the children. As for our
students …
yes, we are busy recruiting and expect many of those who participated last
year
to attend again.</SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 9pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri,
sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=yiv2076859743msonormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;
TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">So, help us to get
the
word out: NFBNJ BELL Academy 2020 ROCKS! All blind and vision impaired
children
in New Jersey (ages 4 through 12) are welcome to participate for
FREE!</SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 9pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri,
sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=yiv2076859743msonormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;
TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">To learn more
about
the NFB New Jersey BELL Academy, visit </SPAN><SPAN class=MsoHyperlink><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: #0563c1;
mso-bidi-font-family: arial'><A
href="https://nfb.org/bell-academy" target=_blank fg_scanned="1"><SPAN
style="COLOR:
#0563c1">https://nfb.org/bell-academy</SPAN></A></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif"> or contact the
New
Jersey BELL Academy Coordinator Mary Jo Partyka at 609-888-5459 or at
</SPAN><SPAN class=MsoHyperlink><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: #0563c1;
mso-bidi-font-family: arial'><A
href="mailto:choirnfb@gmail.com" target=_blank><SPAN
style="COLOR: #0563c1">choirnfb@gmail.com</SPAN></A></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">.</SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 9pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri,
sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">
<DIV class=WordSection1><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri,
sans-serif"><BR></SPAN></DIV></SPAN><B>Next
Article</B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri,
sans-serif"><BR
style="PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE: always" clear=all></SPAN>
<DIV class=yiv9736844449msonormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"
align=center><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; TEXT-TRANSFORM:
uppercase'>ALL
GOOD THINGS<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align=center><B><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>By C. P. McKenna</SPAN></B><B
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Editor’s Note:</SPAN></B><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'> <I>Pat McKenna, Esq., is the
Director
of Employment Services for the Family Resource Network. As such, he is
responsible for the Employment Development Guidance and Engagement (EDGE)
program, which supports transition-age youth. </I></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=yiv4551394037msonormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;
TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">I sit on the
floor, my
mind and heart racing. I wait. I sit, and I wait, and I try not to think.
Try
not to think of my beautiful dog, my wonderful dog, my dog who has so
loyally
guided me for nearly nine years My partner and companion, with me nearly
every
moment, of every day for all that time. He was with me when my wife and I
were
married, and with me when we brought our first son home from the hospital. I
try
not to think of his devotion, and his hard work, and the number of times
he's
navigated me through new and sometimes intimidating environments. Subway
systems, new airports and cities, through the snow, and thunderstorms.
Traveling
independently, safely, with such confidence and peace of mind has been such
a
gift.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=yiv4551394037msonormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;
TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">I try not to think
of
his fur, and his ears, and how he’s been such a reassuring presence, by my
side,
or at my feet. Because it’s over, and too much thinking might be more than I
can
handle right now, sitting here, on the floor, without
him.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=yiv4551394037msonormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;
TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">It’s nearly nine
years
since I first met him. Since the several week required residency at
The
Seeing Eye, an essential step in learning to travel with a new dog. During
that
stay, we were trained to work together and so began a new partnership, a
partnership that lasted nearly nine years. Nine very fast
years.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=yiv4551394037msonormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;
TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">Then, he got old,
and
slow. He was quick to lie down, and not quick to get back up. The vet said
there
was a heart thing, “I don't want you to worry, it’s not really a big deal.
We’ll
keep an eye on it. But, this dog should be retired. And he is 10, going on
11.
It’s time.”<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=yiv4551394037msonormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;
TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">I was devastated.
And
yet, this was a moment I always knew would come.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=yiv4551394037msonormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;
TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">At home I
apologized
that I was retiring him, and thanked him for all his love and hard
work.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=yiv4551394037msonormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;
TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">Hugging him close,
reminiscing, “Remember that time we got locked out of our hotel in Rochester
in
a thunder storm? Or in LA, when you reversed course and got us back to the
curb
when that emergency vehicle ran the red? Or when the train stopped and the
doors
opened onto nothing, and I told you forward and you refused? Or when we met
that
clown at the bus stop? Or at that fried chicken place in Louisville when the
counter guy spilled 32 ounces of soda on your head?”<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=yiv4551394037msonormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;
TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">He sat and
listened.
He was a great listener. But he didn't understand when I left, left without
him.
“I’m sorry,” I said, “You aren’t my guide dog any more. I’m so
sorry.”<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=yiv4551394037msonormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;
TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">Sitting on that
floor,
not having him there, feeling like part of me was
missing.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=yiv4551394037msonormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;
TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">And then, finally,
a
soft knock on my dorm room door. The instructor enters, and not
alone.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=yiv4551394037msonormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;
TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">“So I want to
introduce you to your new friend…”<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=yiv4551394037msonormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;
TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">Words continue to
happen, something about size and weight, breed and color, and I’m hearing
none
of it because my new Seeing Eye dog is licking my
face.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=yiv4551394037msonormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;
TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">A few parting
somethings, and the instructor leaves. And not a moment too soon as this is
a
powerful moment, an emotional moment, meeting the dog that might actually
save
my life one day. The dog that will guide me to work, and guide me as I take
my
kids to school. The dog that will sleep by my bed, and be by my side no
matter
what the weather.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=yiv4551394037msonormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;
TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">The fur is soft,
the
ears perfect. We sit on the floor together.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=yiv4551394037msonormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;
TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">“Hello. Am I going
to
love you the way I loved your predecessor?<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=yiv4551394037msonormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;
TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">“Can I trust you
with
my life?<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=yiv4551394037msonormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;
TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">“We're going to be
together a lot you and me. All the time, every day. And there's a lot of
guiding
work to do. You up for this? Are you and I going to be best
friends?”<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=yiv4551394037msonormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;
TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">I’m licked once,
twice, tail thumping the floor.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=yiv4551394037msonormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;
TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">“I think so,
too.”</SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: helvetica, sans-serif; TEXT-INDENT:
0.25in"> </SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=yiv4551394037msonormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: helvetica,
sans-serif"> <o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=yiv4551394037msonormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: helvetica,
sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></SPAN><B
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent">Next
Article</B></DIV>
<DIV class=yiv9736844449msonormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"
align=center><B><I><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">From the
Archives –
Fall 2013<o:p></o:p></SPAN></I></B></DIV>
<DIV class=yiv8825777522msonormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"
align=center><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">A TRIBUTE TO
SOMEONE
ELSE<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align=center><B><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Author Unknown</SPAN></B></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'> We were
saddened to learn recently of the death of one of our most valued
acquaintances,
Someone Else. Someone’s passing created a vacancy that
will</SPAN> <SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">indeed be
difficult to fill.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Else was with us for many years
and
for every one of those years did far more than a normal person’s share of
work.
Whenever leadership was needed,<BR>this wonderful person was looked to to
bring
results. “Someone Else can work with that group,” we all
said.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Whenever there was a job to do,
one
name was on every list: Someone Else! And it was common knowledge that
Someone Else was generous toward volunteer organizations. If there was a
financial need, everyone just assumed that<BR>Someone Else would make up the
difference.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Were the truth known, we all
expected
far too much of Someone Else. Now Someone Else is gone! We wonder what we
are
going to do. Someone Else left a model to follow, but we wonder WHO is going
to
do all those things that Someone Else did?<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">
<DIV class=WordSection1><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri,
sans-serif"><BR></SPAN></DIV></SPAN><B>Next
Article</B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri,
sans-serif"><BR
style="PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE: always" clear=all></SPAN>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><B><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif; TEXT-TRANSFORM:
uppercase">Reflections
on the 2<SUP>nd</SUP> Annual New Jersey Regional Braille
Challenge</SPAN></B><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: left"
align=center><B><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">By Monique
Coleman</SPAN></B></DIV>
<DIV
style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: baseline; BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify;
MARGIN: 0in 0in 8pt"><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">Editor’s
Note:</SPAN></B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri,
sans-serif">
</SPAN><I><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">Monique has been a
teacher of the visually impaired in both private and public school settings
for
more than 18 years. In 2016, she <SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING:
0.25pt">started
VISTAS Education Partners in an effort to reach more students in need of
21st
Century, learner-centered instruction. </SPAN>Monique holds a National
Library
Service literary braille transcribing certification and is currently a
doctoral
candidate at Rutgers University. She lives in Highland Park, NJ with her
husband
and three sons. She is an active member of her community serving on the
Board of
Education and several community organizations.</SPAN></I><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif"> </SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: inherit,
serif"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">The NFBNJ and VISTAS Education
Partners
teamed up to host the 2<SUP>nd</SUP> Annual New Jersey Regional Braille
Challenge February 22 in Highland Park. Over several months, our team of
blind
and sighted educators, advocates and mentors planned a full day of
education,
information and inspiration for young braille readers and their
families.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><v:shape
id=_x0000_s1027
style="HEIGHT: 108.9pt; WIDTH: 248.3pt; POSITION: absolute; TEXT-ALIGN:
left; MARGIN-LEFT: 2.75pt; LEFT: 0px; Z-INDEX: -251658752; MARGIN-TOP:
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mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-width-relative: page;
mso-height-relative: page"
wrapcoords="-65 0 -65 21451 21600 21451 21600 0 -65 0"
type="#_x0000_t75"><v:imagedata o:title="Braille Challenge"
src="file:///C:\Users\KATHY'~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image003.jpg"><w:wrap
type="tight"></w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">Thanks to promotional support from
the
NJ Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired and the Talking Book &
Braille Center, the number of participants doubled from last year to 15
braille
readers, pictured below, ranging in age from 8-16 and hailing from various
public schools across the state and St. Joseph’s School for the Blind.
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">On the day of the event, as the
young
scholars began arriving at 9 a.m., their youthful energy filled the building
with excitement and set the tone for a lively day. After a brief opening
ceremony, the contestants split into grade-level groups and began their
morning
contests. They were tested on fundamental braille skills such as reading
comprehension, spelling, speed and accuracy, proofreading, and charts and
graphs. The two youngest groups took three contests, while the older groups
completed four. All contests were proctored by volunteer teachers of the
visually impaired.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif; LETTER-SPACING: -0.5pt">Meanwhile,
parents attended workshops presented by Charles McKenna and Connor Mullin of
the
EDGE program (orientation and mobility) and Carol Castellano, a founding
member
of Parents of Blind Children-NJ (fostering independence). After a festive
lunch
and social hour, afternoon workshops were presented by Joe Ruffalo
(collaboration) and Elisa Dahill (parental advocacy). Elisa is a blind
parent of
a high school junior who is visually impaired.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">Braille, art and science also
converged
at the event. An artist drew tactile portraits, DJ Blind Wonder provided
musical
entertainment, and an interactive, accessible drum circle was offered.
Hands-on
science activities were provided by Dr. Dan Steinberg and students from
Princeton University.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">Meanwhile, volunteers were busy
scoring
the contests in a separate room. Scoring is based on national guidelines and
requires prior training. Most of the contests are multiple choice answers,
but
the writing contest require a meticulous, symbol-by-symbol review. In each
grade
level, a top scorer is determined and all scores are entered into a score
sheet
for review by the National Braille Challenge.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">Once scoring was complete, the
stage
was set for the closing ceremony. A musical selection by Naquela Wright,
vice
president of Eyes Like Mine, was followed by inspirational words from Ida
Behrini, a software engineer at JP Morgan Chase, and Dr. Bernice Davis,
executive director of NJ CBVI. Peter Walters, a nuclear physicist, delivered
the
keynote address, describing his adjustment to blindness as a teenager and
how he
forged ahead with his college and career goals. The awards presentation
followed, with former and current Braille Challenge national finalists
Breanna
Murray and Kaleigh Brendle joining me in presenting each participant with a
certificate and prizes.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">Special thanks to Annemarie Cooke
who,
</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">via social media,
asked
for funds in honor of her birthday and raised $740 for this program. Another
$1,200 was raised through a GoFundMe page, and additional contributions came
from the WaWa Foundation, Target Foundation and a local Dunkin
Donuts.</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">By all accounts shared by those in
attendance, the day demonstrated the power of successful collaboration.
</SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif; background-size: initial;
background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial">The
NFBNJ-VISTAS partnership accomplished our goal of creating a special
experience
that promoted braille literacy, independence and life success for
blind/visually
impaired youth and that also provided a memorable event for all who
attended:
the children, families, volunteers and NFB members. I look forward to an
even
more incredible experience in future NJ Regional Braille Challenge
events!</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: verdana,
sans-serif"> </SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: verdana, sans-serif"><BR></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><B
style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; TEXT-INDENT: 0px">Next Article</B><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: verdana, sans-serif"><BR></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: left"
align=center><B><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif; TEXT-TRANSFORM: uppercase">Flying
with
a REAL ID<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: left"
align=center><B><I><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">REAL ID
start
date extended to 10/1/2021</SPAN></I></B></DIV>
<DIV
style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: baseline; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;
LINE-HEIGHT: 16.8pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Verdana",sans-serif'>Due to
circumstances
resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and the national emergency </SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>declaration, the
Department of Homeland Security has extended the REAL ID enforcement start
date
to <B>October 1, 2021.</B> <o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV
style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: baseline; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;
LINE-HEIGHT: 16.8pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Beginning
<STRONG><SPAN
style="BORDER-TOP: windowtext 1pt; BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 1pt;
BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 1pt; FONT-WEIGHT: normal; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in;
PADDING-TOP: 0in; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext 1pt;
PADDING-RIGHT: 0in">October
1, 2021</SPAN></STRONG>, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will
need
a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license/ID, passport or another federally
approved
form of identification to fly within the United States. Real ID compliant
cards
have a star in the upper right of the card. </SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY:
"Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV
style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: baseline; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;
LINE-HEIGHT: 16.8pt"><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>How to get a Real
ID<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></DIV>
<DIV
style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: baseline; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt
0.25in; LINE-HEIGHT: 16.8pt; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-list: l9 level1
lfo27"><!--[if
!supportLists]--><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family:
symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: symbol">·<SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 7pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman"; LINE-HEIGHT: normal;
font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-stretch:
normal'>
</SPAN></SPAN><!--[endif]--><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>If your
license/ID is
expiring in less than 3 months, go to Motor Vehicle with your required
documents
between the 5<SUP>th</SUP> and 20<SUP>th</SUP> of any month before it
expires.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV
style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: baseline; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt
0.25in; LINE-HEIGHT: 16.8pt; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-list: l9 level1
lfo27"><!--[if
!supportLists]--><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family:
symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: symbol">·<SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 7pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman"; LINE-HEIGHT: normal;
font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-stretch:
normal'>
</SPAN></SPAN><!--[endif]--><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>If your
license/ID is
not expiring in 3 months, make an appointment.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV
style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: baseline; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;
LINE-HEIGHT: 16.8pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>To validate your
identity, you must bring the following: proof of your social security
number,
proof of your residential address and proof of your identification. For
detailed
information on these proofs, go to<SPAN style="COLOR: #2f2f2f"> </SPAN><SPAN
class=MsoHyperlink><A href="https://www.state.nj.us/mvc/realid/"
fg_scanned="1">https://www.state.nj.us/mvc/realid/</A></SPAN></SPAN><B><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY:
"Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></DIV><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-fareast-font-family: aphont; mso-bidi-font-family: aphont;
mso-ansi-language: en-us; mso-fareast-language: en-us; mso-bidi-language:
ar-sa'>
<DIV class=WordSection1><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-fareast-font-family: aphont; mso-bidi-font-family: aphont;
mso-ansi-language: en-us; mso-fareast-language: en-us; mso-bidi-language:
ar-sa'><BR></SPAN></B></DIV></SPAN></B><B>Next
Article</B><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-fareast-font-family: aphont; mso-bidi-font-family: aphont;
mso-ansi-language: en-us; mso-fareast-language: en-us; mso-bidi-language:
ar-sa'><BR
style="PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE: always" clear=all></SPAN></B>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align=center><B><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; TEXT-TRANSFORM: uppercase'>In
Memory
of Barbara Shalit<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align=center><B><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>By Carol
Castellano</SPAN></B></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Editor’s Note: </SPAN></B><I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>When my dear friend Barbara Shalit
passed away last November, the world lost a bright light. Barbara came into
my
life 24 years ago when she and several other teachers and blind people
evaluated
my son Jon for braille education. Over the many years since then, our
relationship evolved into a friendship. Barbara was one of the most
thoughtfully
inquisitive people I know. She and I would brainstorm “outside the box” for
hours, fueled by each step of our creativity. Several years ago, she, Jon
and I
developed an introductory braille curriculum for deafblind. We were
considering
remote teaching options when she became ill two years ago. Now, I think of
her
often, missing her creativity, quick wit, sensitivity to humanity, her
warmth
and kindness. In the next two articles and poem, Carol Castellano, Pat
McKenna
and Amy Albin share their memories of Barbara.</SPAN></I></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>On November 5, 2019 our good
friend
Barbara Shalit passed away. Barbara was a Braille teacher extraordinaire.
She
made sure her students learned not only the Braille code, but also how to
type,
how to read charts and graphs, and how to examine illustrations in order to
gain
full tactile literacy. Barbara’s article on how to develop these skills in
children appears in a recent edition of <I>Future Reflections</I> magazine.
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Barbara was the first person my
family
met from the New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired when
our
daughter Serena was just an infant over 30 years ago, so she’s been in our
lives
for Serena’s whole lifetime. Over the years Barbara and I became colleagues
and
friends, as so many other Federationists have, too. In the early years, she
would photocopy articles from journals she thought we would be interested in
and
bring them to us to read. In the later years, we would meet at the diner
once a
month or so to discuss ideas, inventions and issues in the blindness field.
Another NJ family who benefited immeasurably from Barbara’s creativity and
dedication were the Gabrys. Their son Jon is both blind and deaf. When he
was a
young student, Barbara learned sign language so that she could directly
communicate with him. She worked with mom Kathy to actually create a
curriculum
which would provide true literacy for young Jon. Later when our kids were
grown,
my family, Barbara and her husband Skipp Tullen and the Gabry family would
have
dinner together and watch with love and pride as our children communicated
with
each other using refreshable Braille. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Barbara was a true friend of the
Federation, of parents and of blind children. She presented workshops at the
state and national levels, helped plan Parents of Blind Children-NJ events,
taught at our NFB BELL Academy, co-edited our state newsletter, <I>The
Sounding
Board</I>, for years, taught the Braille classes for our future teachers of
blind students, and volunteered in countless ways to assist blind children
and
adults. She will be profoundly missed.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-fareast-font-family: aphont; mso-bidi-font-family: aphont;
mso-ansi-language: en-us; mso-fareast-language: en-us; mso-bidi-language:
ar-sa'>
<DIV class=WordSection1><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-fareast-font-family: aphont; mso-bidi-font-family: aphont;
mso-ansi-language: en-us; mso-fareast-language: en-us; mso-bidi-language:
ar-sa'><BR></SPAN></B></DIV></SPAN></B><B>Next
Article</B><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-fareast-font-family: aphont; mso-bidi-font-family: aphont;
mso-ansi-language: en-us; mso-fareast-language: en-us; mso-bidi-language:
ar-sa'><BR
style="PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE: always" clear=all></SPAN></B>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"
align=center><B><SPAN style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>CLEAR
SKIES<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align=center><B><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>By Charles Pat
McKenna</SPAN></B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif; TEXT-ALIGN:
center"> </SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Editor’s Note:</SPAN></B><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'> <I>Charles Pat McKenna lives in
central New Jersey with his wife and two sons. Pat is an attorney, and is
currently working with his fourth Seeing Eye dog.</I></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>I was four. Happy and inquisitive.
And
four. Playing in the woods near my home, the sun bright, the sky clear.
Then,
something happened. Something bad. I was sick. There was a hospital room,
and
machines, very serious doctors, and very sad relatives. I never thought I’d
be
able to go home again. A view, I learned years later, that was unanimously
shared.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>But I did. Weak and compromised.
Thin
and fragile. But finally able to go home. Happy to be better, but not
unscathed.
Something had changed. The sun wasn’t so bright. The sky wasn’t so clear. I
was
blind.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT:
0.25in"><I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>What does a blind kid
do?</SPAN></I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Five. And blind. Kindergarten to
start
in the fall.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>We lived in a wooded part of New
Jersey. Me. Single mom. Kid brother. Unsure what would come next. Uncertain
if I
would even be able to go to school.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT:
0.25in"><I><SPAN
lang=EN-GB
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: en-gb'>What
does a
blind kid do?</SPAN></I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>“Pat,” my mom calls. “She’s here.”
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>I join my mom at the front door.
Outside, the sound of a gentle, late summer rain. Our guest is tall and
polite.
She has a soft, pleasant voice and seems very kind. She sounds smart, and
wise,
and elegant, and reassuring.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>“My name is Ms. Shalit,” she says.
“I’m going to be your braille teacher.”<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>She was part of something called
the
New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired, and she would
teach
me braille, as well as the other essential skills I would need to succeed.
Skills that would build my independence, my confidence. We would work
together
at home, and at school, and she told me, “Yes, of course you’ll be going to
kindergarten.”<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>I sit at my mom’s dining room
table
and we talk. Ms. Shalit works with other kids who can’t see, too, and she
likes
to travel, and she has a big dog named Clyde. “Here,” she says. I recognize
the
sound of paper. “Feel this.” A sheet of thick paper is on the cool, smooth
surface before me. “It’s the braille alphabet.” A gentle touch guides my
left
hand to the paper’s top left corner. “Start here and move right.” I do,
encountering small clusters of bumps. I feel and explore each
grouping.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>“How did you make these bumps?” I
ask.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LETTER-SPACING: -0.1pt'>“Dots,”
she
corrects. “And I’ll show you. There are two ways we can make braille
letters.”
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Fascinated and utterly absorbed, I
run
my fingers over the dots again and again. Ms. Shalit quietly steps back and
has
a conversation with my mom that I’m not supposed to overhear, but I
interrupt,
because I’m curious, and I’m five. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>“Is this letter a T?” indicating a
grouping of 3 dots, two side by side over a third.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>“No,” she says. “That’s an M.
Here,
this one is a T.” <o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>My hand is gently guided to a
different character. She shows me braille numbers 1 through 10. Mom makes
her
tea, and we talk long into the afternoon, before, ultimately, “Well,” she
says,
“we should probably wrap up for today. I’ll be seeing you again in a week.
Do
you have any last questions for me?” <o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>I do, the first of what would be
so,
so many questions. Ms. Shalit didn’t just teach me braille, but how to be
independent, how to be confident. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LETTER-SPACING: 0.1pt'>Over the
months
and years that followed, we would sit together at home, or in an unused room
in
my elementary school, and cover a multitude of different subjects. We would
practice writing and reading braille, and orientation and mobility, and
discuss
the planets in the solar system, and the impact of the last ice age. We
studied
basic arithmetic using paper clips as props, and talked about France, and
why
leaves changed their color. I learned how to use a Perkins braille writer,
and a
slate and stylus, and how to figure out the answers to questions like, “How
do I
know when a word starts with a silent K?”<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>She showed me how to order books
from
Recording for the Blind (RFB, which has since been renamed Learning Ally),
and
we read about the giant pacific octopus, the function of chloroplasts and
the
contributions of founding fathers such as John Hancock. She taught me how to
use
a manual typewriter, and a talking calculator, and the difference between an
atom and a molecule.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Sometimes we met in an empty
classroom, smelling of chalk dust, art supplies and sneakers, and other
times at
my house, sitting for long and fascinating hours at my mom’s dining room
table,
Clyde waiting patiently in her car. Once she came to the house for a lesson
with
her leg in a complicated cast, the result of a bad skiing
accident.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>And the lessons continued. Through
hot
summer days, winter snow storms and even a power outage, we would meet to
review
Grade 2 braille and the Nemeth Code and to practice the multiplication
tables.
Wooden models, raised line drawings and a tactile globe made it possible for
me
to learn about the geography of each of the 50 states and the locations of
the
Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, and to discern, “How big is the Amazon?”
Using
sets of 3D models, we studied geometric shapes like the rhombus, the cone
and
the octahedron, which was my favorite. And I always had more
questions.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>“Why do the days grow shorter in
the
fall and longer in the spring?”<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>“Do all birds
migrate?”<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>“For a word like (other): Do I
write
that in braille using the (the) contraction followed by (R), or by using the
(TH) contraction followed by the (ER) contraction?”<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Ms. Shalit was my teacher of the
blind
and visually impaired (TVI) through the end of fourth grade. A guide, a
mentor,
a light that came at a time in my life when one was needed most. She was
<I>the</I> definitive force, teaching me the skills I needed to be
independent,
to be confident.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LETTER-SPACING: -0.1pt'>That first
visit is still fresh in my mind … a good visit, but my unaccustomed fingers
are
numb from having been run over the same braille characters so many times. A
few
dots are a little flatter than they were before. Outside, it’s clearing, the
rain having moved on. She finishes her tea, returns the cup to the kitchen
counter and collects her things.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>She stands in the open front
doorway.
Outside the air smells clean.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>“I’ll be seeing you again in a
week.
Any last questions for me before I go?”<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>“Yes,” I say. “What can a blind
kid
do?”<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>“Anything,” she says.
“Anything.”<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 24px"><B
style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">Next Article</B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif; TEXT-INDENT:
0.25in"> </SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align=center><B><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>THE LOVE YOU SHARE WILL ALWAYS BE
THERE<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align=center><B><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>By Amy Albin</SPAN></B></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Editor’s Note:</SPAN></B><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'> <I>Amy Albin, a junior at
Montclair
State University majoring in psychology, was a 2019 national scholarship
finalist at the NFB’s National Convention Amy wrote this poem in honor of
Barbara, her longtime teacher and friend. It was sung by the Harmonium Choir
at
Barbara’s memorial service.</I></SPAN></DIV></DIV>
<DIV class=WordSection2>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>You are my
earth,<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Like solid
ground,<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Your character
firm,<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Your wisdom
sound.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>My feet are planted on this
earth,<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Ready to walk to a new
destination.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>You are my
fire,<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Whose heart burns
bright,<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Your knowledge guides
me<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>To know what’s
right.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>I light a candle in your
name,<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Filled with
admiration.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal><SPAN style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>You are
my
air,<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal><SPAN style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Who
gives
me room,<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal><SPAN style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Like a
flower <o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal><SPAN style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>To bud
and
bloom.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal><SPAN style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>And
when
I’m lost I stop and breathe,<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal><SPAN style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Then I
know
where I’m going. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal><SPAN style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>My
earth,
fire, water and air,<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal><SPAN style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>The
love
you share will always be there. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN><STRONG
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri,
sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></STRONG> </DIV></DIV>
<DIV class=WordSection3>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align=center><B
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt">Next Article</B></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align=center><STRONG><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">AN INVITATION TO JOIN THE DIABETIC
COMMITTEE<o:p></o:p></SPAN></STRONG></DIV>
<DIV class=yiv0034667181msonormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"
align=center><STRONG><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">By Ed Godfrey
&
Angela Perone, Chair & Co-Chair of the NFBNJ Diabetic
Committee</SPAN></STRONG><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif"> </SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=yiv0034667181msonormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;
TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><STRONG><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif; FONT-WEIGHT:
normal">The
NFBNJ’s Diabetic Committee invites anyone with an interest in diabetes to
join
us. </SPAN></STRONG><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">Our goals are to
<STRONG><SPAN style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal">share and educate, motivate, teach
and
learn from each other.</SPAN></STRONG> <STRONG><SPAN
style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal">Guest speakers at our monthly conference call
meetings discuss topics like managing your diabetes, diet, exercise,
motivation,
accessible glucose meters, insulin pumps, glucose control monitoring
systems,
medication, legislative issues and <SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.2pt">more.
</SPAN><SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.4pt">You’re also invited to join our
listserv: </SPAN></SPAN></STRONG></SPAN><SPAN class=MsoHyperlink><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: purple;
LETTER-SPACING: -0.5pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold'><A
href="http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/njabs-talk_nfbnet.org"
target=_blank
fg_scanned="1"><SPAN
style="COLOR:
purple">http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/njabs-talk_nfbnet.org</SPAN></A></SPAN></SPAN><STRONG><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif; FONT-WEIGHT:
normal; LETTER-SPACING: -0.5pt">
or the NFB’s diabetes talk </SPAN></STRONG><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif;
LETTER-SPACING: -0.5pt">listserv:
</SPAN><SPAN class=MsoHyperlink><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: purple;
LETTER-SPACING: -0.5pt'><A
href="http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org"
target=_blank
fg_scanned="1"><SPAN
style="COLOR:
purple">http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org</SPAN></A></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif;
LETTER-SPACING: -0.2pt"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=yiv0034667181msonormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;
TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><STRONG><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif; FONT-WEIGHT:
normal">At
the state convention in November we will have a special event for our blind
diabetic participants. To receive the date and time of our meetings or
f</SPAN></STRONG><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">or more
information,
contact Ed Godfrey at 856-628-3657 or </SPAN><SPAN class=MsoHyperlink><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: purple'><A
href="mailto:edgodfrey1957@gmail.com" target=_blank><SPAN
style="COLOR: purple">edgodfrey1957@gmail.com</SPAN></A></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif"> or Angela Perone
at
848-209-9465 or </SPAN><SPAN class=MsoHyperlink><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: purple'><A
href="mailto:ang345x@gmail.com" target=_blank><SPAN
style="COLOR: purple">ang345x@gmail.com</SPAN></A></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri,
sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=yiv0034667181msonormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;
TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 24pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri,
sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV class=yiv0034667181msonormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"
align=center><B
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent">Next
Article</B></DIV>
<DIV class=yiv0034667181msonormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"
align=center><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt'>SPRING
CLEANING? CONSIDER THE NFB FOR YOUR DISCARDS & VEHICLES</SPAN></B></DIV>
<DIV
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;
TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in; tab-stops: 441.0pt"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-bidi-font-weight: bold'>For
many, springtime means cleaning out closets and cupboards. What to do with
all
that good stuff that still has lots of life? Donate it to the NFB! Call
GreenDrop for a pickup, and your treasures will gain a new
life.</SPAN><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'> </SPAN></B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-bidi-font-weight: bold'>The
funds raised through GreenDrop go to the NFB’s general fund to support
programs
for blind STEM students, veterans and seniors, as well as our ongoing
efforts to
improve equality for the blind.</SPAN><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY:
"Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></DIV>
<H3
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;
TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; FONT-WEIGHT:
normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold'>In
apartment complexes or condos, GreenDrop will, with management approval,
place a
large blue plastic box in the lobby, community room or club house where
residents can drop off gently used items. As with all donations, “NFB” must
be
written on all your donated bags and boxes to be sure we get credit for your
donation.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></H3>
<DIV
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;
TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in; tab-stops: 441.0pt"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-bidi-font-weight: bold'>A
listing of accepted items can be found at <SPAN class=MsoHyperlink><SPAN
style="COLOR: #002060"><A href="http://www.gogreendrop.org/" target=_blank
fg_scanned="1"><SPAN
style="COLOR: #002060">www.gogreendrop.org</SPAN></A></SPAN></SPAN>. To
schedule
a pickup, call 1-888-944-DROP (3767) or visit <SPAN class=MsoHyperlink><SPAN
style="COLOR: #002060"><A href="http://www.gogreendrop.org/" target=_blank
fg_scanned="1"><SPAN
style="COLOR: #002060">www.gogreendrop.org</SPAN></A></SPAN></SPAN>. To drop
off
in person, check the website locations in Cherry Hill, Metuchen or
Springfield.
For an apartment building or condo program, contact NFBNJ’s GreenDrop
coordinator Linda DeBerardinis at 856-735-5559 or <SPAN
class=MsoHyperlink><A
href="mailto:ljdeber3@comcast.net"
target=_blank>ljdeber3@comcast.net</A></SPAN>. Questions may also be
directed
<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.4pt">to NFB GreenDrop coordinator Bridget
Burke
at 410-659-9314, x2271 or <SPAN class=MsoHyperlink><SPAN
style="COLOR: #002060"><A href="mailto:GreenDrop@nfb.org"
target=_blank><SPAN
style="COLOR:
#002060">GreenDrop@nfb.org</SPAN></A></SPAN></SPAN>.</SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY:
"Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV style="BACKGROUND: white; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 7pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV style="BACKGROUND: white; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Vehicle Donation
Program <o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></DIV>
<DIV
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;
TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Vehicles donated
to
the NFB are sold through Vehicles for Charity. The funds raised are then
used to
distribute free white canes, help blind children access educational services
and
more. To donate, call 855-659-9314 or visit <SPAN class=MsoHyperlink><SPAN
style="COLOR: #002060"><A
href="https://wwwnfb.org/get-involved/ways-give/vehicle-donations"
target=_blank
fg_scanned="1"><SPAN
style="COLOR:
#002060">www.nfb.org/get-involved/ways-give/vehicle-donations</SPAN></A></SPAN></SPAN>.
New Jersey’s Vehicle Donations coordinator is Andrew Rees:</SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 16pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt'>
</SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt'>908-616-3477
</SPAN><SPAN style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>or
<SPAN
class=MsoHyperlink><SPAN style="COLOR: #002060"><A
href="mailto:amrees567@gmail.com" target=_blank><SPAN
style="COLOR: #002060">amrees567@gmailcom</SPAN></A></SPAN></SPAN>. You can
also
contact the NFB Vehicle Donations coordinator Pattie Chang at 410-659-9314
x2422
or <SPAN class=MsoHyperlink><SPAN style="COLOR: #002060"><A
href="mailto:pchang@nfb.org" target=_blank><SPAN
style="COLOR: #002060">pchang@nfb.org</SPAN></A></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style="COLOR: #002060">.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></SPAN></DIV><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "APHont",sans-serif;
mso-fareast-font-family: aphont; mso-bidi-font-family: aphont;
mso-ansi-language: en-us; mso-fareast-language: en-us; mso-bidi-language:
ar-sa'>
<DIV class=WordSection3><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "APHont",sans-serif;
mso-fareast-font-family: aphont; mso-bidi-font-family: aphont;
mso-ansi-language: en-us; mso-fareast-language: en-us; mso-bidi-language:
ar-sa'><BR></SPAN></DIV></SPAN><B>Next
Article</B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "APHont",sans-serif;
mso-fareast-font-family: aphont; mso-bidi-font-family: aphont;
mso-ansi-language: en-us; mso-fareast-language: en-us; mso-bidi-language:
ar-sa'><BR
style="PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE: always" clear=all></SPAN>
<DIV
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;
TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"
align=center><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>TECH TALK
TIDBITS:
DID YOU KNOW?</SPAN></B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY:
"Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align=center><B><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>By Jane
Degenshein</SPAN></B></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">Podcasts are audio presentations
that
can be downloaded or streamed from the Internet to devices from which people
can
listen at their leisure. It’s kind of like Talk Radio: tune in and listen to
something of interest. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">Podcasts are available on almost
any
subject and can be heard on any device that connects to the Internet. A
podcatcher app is used for searching and listening to podcasts. The
podcatcher
app can also automatically download podcasts that are regularly broadcasted
(daily, weekly or monthly). Here’s where to find a
podcatcher:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.75in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in;
mso-list: l18 level1 lfo21"><!--[if
!supportLists]--><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: symbol">·<SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 7pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman"; LINE-HEIGHT: normal;
font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-stretch:
normal'>
</SPAN></SPAN><!--[endif]--><B><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">In iOS:</SPAN></B><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif"> It’s a built-in app simply called
Podcast. It should be on the home screen, or ask Siri to "Open
Podcast."<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.75in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in;
mso-list: l18 level1 lfo21"><!--[if
!supportLists]--><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: symbol">·<SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 7pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman"; LINE-HEIGHT: normal;
font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-stretch:
normal'>
</SPAN></SPAN><!--[endif]--><B><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">In the App Store:</SPAN></B><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif"> Overcast or
Downcast<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.75in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in;
mso-list: l18 level1 lfo21"><!--[if
!supportLists]--><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: symbol">·<SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 7pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman"; LINE-HEIGHT: normal;
font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-stretch:
normal'>
</SPAN></SPAN><!--[endif]--><B><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">In windows:</SPAN></B><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif"> An accessible podcatcher can be
found
at: <o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="BACKGROUND: white; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.75in"><SPAN
class=MsoHyperlink><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: arial'><A
href="https://www.webbie.org.uk/accessiblepodcatcher/" target=_blank
fg_scanned="1">https://www.webbie.org.uk/accessiblepodcatcher/</A></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">There are thousands of podcasts,
but
here are a few that are blindness and tech related:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.75in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in;
mso-list: l4 level1 lfo22"><!--[if
!supportLists]--><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: symbol">·<SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 7pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman"; LINE-HEIGHT: normal;
font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-stretch:
normal'>
</SPAN></SPAN><!--[endif]--><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">AppleVis Apple Accessibility
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.75in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in;
mso-list: l4 level1 lfo22"><!--[if
!supportLists]--><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: symbol">·<SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 7pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman"; LINE-HEIGHT: normal;
font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-stretch:
normal'>
</SPAN></SPAN><!--[endif]--><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">FSCast is Freedom Scientific’s
official
podcast<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.75in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in;
mso-list: l4 level1 lfo22"><!--[if
!supportLists]--><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: symbol">·<SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 7pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman"; LINE-HEIGHT: normal;
font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-stretch:
normal'>
</SPAN></SPAN><!--[endif]--><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">Hadley Presents offers a variety of
blindness-related podcasts<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.75in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in;
mso-list: l4 level1 lfo22"><!--[if
!supportLists]--><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: symbol">·<SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 7pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman"; LINE-HEIGHT: normal;
font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-stretch:
normal'>
</SPAN></SPAN><!--[endif]--><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">iSee David Woodbridge Blind
Technology
blog<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.75in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in;
mso-list: l4 level1 lfo22"><!--[if
!supportLists]--><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: symbol">·<SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 7pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman"; LINE-HEIGHT: normal;
font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-stretch:
normal'>
</SPAN></SPAN><!--[endif]--><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">Dot-to-Dot Amazon
Echo<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.75in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in;
mso-list: l4 level1 lfo22"><!--[if
!supportLists]--><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: symbol">·<SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 7pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman"; LINE-HEIGHT: normal;
font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-stretch:
normal'>
</SPAN></SPAN><!--[endif]--><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">Mosen At Large, with Jonathan
MosenTTJ
Talk (The Tech Juggernaut)<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.75in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in;
mso-list: l4 level1 lfo22"><!--[if
!supportLists]--><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: symbol">·<SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 7pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman"; LINE-HEIGHT: normal;
font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-stretch:
normal'>
</SPAN></SPAN><!--[endif]--><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">9to5Mac, the latest Apple
news<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.75in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in;
mso-list: l4 level1 lfo22"><!--[if
!supportLists]--><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: symbol">·<SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 7pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman"; LINE-HEIGHT: normal;
font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-stretch:
normal'>
</SPAN></SPAN><!--[endif]--><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">Apple WatchCast, all the news on
the
Apple watch<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.75in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in;
mso-list: l4 level1 lfo22"><!--[if
!supportLists]--><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: symbol">·<SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 7pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman"; LINE-HEIGHT: normal;
font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-stretch:
normal'>
</SPAN></SPAN><!--[endif]--><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">Blind
Bargains<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.75in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in;
mso-list: l4 level1 lfo22"><!--[if
!supportLists]--><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: symbol">·<SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 7pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman"; LINE-HEIGHT: normal;
font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-stretch:
normal'>
</SPAN></SPAN><!--[endif]--><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">Mystic Access, also offers
subscribers
free and paid classes<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.75in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in;
mso-list: l4 level1 lfo22"><!--[if
!supportLists]--><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: symbol">·<SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 7pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman"; LINE-HEIGHT: normal;
font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-stretch:
normal'>
</SPAN></SPAN><!--[endif]--><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">the Stiritup podcast hosted by
Cliff
Miller where subjects like technology and sports are discussed and guest
speakers are featured<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.75in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in;
mso-list: l4 level1 lfo22"><!--[if
!supportLists]--><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: symbol">·<SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 7pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman"; LINE-HEIGHT: normal;
font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-stretch:
normal'>
</SPAN></SPAN><!--[endif]--><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">Braille Monitor
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.75in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in;
mso-list: l4 level1 lfo22"><!--[if
!supportLists]--><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: symbol">·<SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 7pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman"; LINE-HEIGHT: normal;
font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-stretch:
normal'>
</SPAN></SPAN><!--[endif]--><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">National Federation of the Blind
Presidential Releases</SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri,
sans-serif"> </SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">If you find your iPhone battery is
draining too quickly, you may want to check out some of the 17 tips and
tricks
in this article to improve the situation: </SPAN><SPAN
class=MsoHyperlink><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><A
href="https://geeksmodo.com/how-to-improve-ios-13-battery-life-on-iphone-17-tips-a"
target=_blank
fg_scanned="1">https://geeksmodo.com/how-to-improve-ios-13-battery-life-on-iphone-17-tips-a</A></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="BACKGROUND: white"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri,
sans-serif">nd-tricks-you-need-to-know/</SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; TEXT-INDENT:
0.25in"> </SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></B> </DIV><B>Next
Article</B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-fareast-font-family: aphont; mso-bidi-font-family: aphont;
mso-ansi-language: en-us; mso-fareast-language: en-us; mso-bidi-language:
ar-sa'><BR
style="PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE: always" clear=all></SPAN>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align=center><B><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">RECIPES<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align=center><B><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>AUNT MARIE’S CHICKEN &
SAUSAGE<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align=center><B><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Submitted by Carol
Castellano</SPAN></B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif; TEXT-ALIGN:
justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in"> </SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal><SPAN style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>This
recipe
is a favorite in my husband’s family. Amounts do not need to be
precise
and can be easily raised or lowered according to the size of your crowd.
Serves
6 – 8. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=yiv1291341614msonormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B style="FONT-SIZE:
14pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri,
sans-serif">Ingredients:</SPAN></B><BR></DIV></DIV>
<DIV class=WordSection5>
<DIV class=MsoNormal><SPAN style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>6
chicken
thighs, bone-in or boneless<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal><SPAN style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>3
Italian
sausage links, cut into thirds<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal><SPAN style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>3 large
potatoes, cut into small chunks<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LETTER-SPACING: -0.3pt'>3 large
green
peppers, cut into wide slices<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal><SPAN style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>1 large
onion, each half cut into fourths<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal><SPAN style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Olive
oil<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Salt<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Pepper<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal><SPAN style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>4
garlic
cloves diced, or garlic powder<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Basil<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Oregano<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=yiv1291341614msonormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 99.0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif"> </SPAN><B
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: calibri,
sans-serif">Method:</SPAN></B></DIV></DIV>
<DIV class=WordSection7>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.25in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-list: l27 level1
lfo20"><!--[if
!supportLists]--><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: calibri;
mso-bidi-font-family: calibri'>1.<SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 7pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman"; LINE-HEIGHT: normal;
font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-stretch:
normal'>
</SPAN></SPAN><!--[endif]--><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Preheat oven to 350
degrees<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.25in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-list: l27 level1
lfo20"><!--[if
!supportLists]--><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: calibri;
mso-bidi-font-family: calibri'>2.<SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 7pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman"; LINE-HEIGHT: normal;
font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-stretch:
normal'>
</SPAN></SPAN><!--[endif]--><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Spray an oven pan with cooking
spray<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.25in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-list: l27 level1
lfo20"><!--[if
!supportLists]--><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: calibri;
mso-bidi-font-family: calibri'>3.<SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 7pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman"; LINE-HEIGHT: normal;
font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-stretch:
normal'>
</SPAN></SPAN><!--[endif]--><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Partially cook potato chunks by
boiling or microwaving for about 5 minutes (they should be a little
soft)<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.25in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-list: l27 level1
lfo20"><!--[if
!supportLists]--><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: calibri;
mso-bidi-font-family: calibri'>4.<SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 7pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman"; LINE-HEIGHT: normal;
font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-stretch:
normal'>
</SPAN></SPAN><!--[endif]--><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Place chicken and sausage pieces
into
pan. Use a large enough pan to leave a little space between chicken and
sausages
pieces. Add potato, pepper and onion pieces between and around chicken
and
sausage pieces. Make only one layer; do not pile
up.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.25in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-list: l27 level1
lfo20"><!--[if
!supportLists]--><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: calibri;
mso-bidi-font-family: calibri'>5.<SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 7pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman"; LINE-HEIGHT: normal;
font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-stretch:
normal'>
</SPAN></SPAN><!--[endif]--><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Drizzle generously with olive
oil<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.25in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-list: l27 level1
lfo20"><!--[if
!supportLists]--><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: calibri;
mso-bidi-font-family: calibri'>6.<SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 7pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman"; LINE-HEIGHT: normal;
font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-stretch:
normal'>
</SPAN></SPAN><!--[endif]--><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Sprinkle on salt, pepper, garlic
pieces or powder, basil and oregano<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.25in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-list: l27 level1
lfo20"><!--[if
!supportLists]--><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: calibri;
mso-bidi-font-family: calibri'>7.<SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 7pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman"; LINE-HEIGHT: normal;
font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-stretch:
normal'>
</SPAN></SPAN><!--[endif]--><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Place in oven and bake for
approximately 1 hour 15 minutes (less time for boneless thighs) or till
chicken
and sausage are thoroughly cooked<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.25in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-list: l27 level1
lfo20"><!--[if
!supportLists]--><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: calibri;
mso-bidi-font-family: calibri'>8.<SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 7pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman"; LINE-HEIGHT: normal;
font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-stretch:
normal'>
</SPAN></SPAN><!--[endif]--><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Serve with a green salad and
Italian
bread<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 16pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LAYOUT-GRID-MODE:
line; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: aphont;
mso-bidi-font-family: aphont; mso-ansi-language: en-us;
mso-fareast-language: en-us; mso-bidi-language: ar-sa'><BR
style="PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE: always" clear=all></SPAN></B>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align=center><B
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt">Next Article</B></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align=center><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 16pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LAYOUT-GRID-MODE:
line; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt'>NFBNJ
CONTACT INFORMATION</SPAN></B></DIV></DIV>
<DIV class=WordSection8>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-TOP: 8pt; tab-stops: .25in right 7.1in"><B><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>National Federation of the Blind
National
Office
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-RIGHT: -0.5in; tab-stops: 9.0pt 153.0pt 3.5in"><I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
President</SPAN></I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY:
"Calibri",sans-serif'>
Mark Riccobono 410-659-9314 <SPAN
class=MsoHyperlink><A
href="mailto:officeofthepresident@nfb.org">officeofthepresident@nfb.org</A></SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-TOP: 8pt; tab-stops: right
7.1in"><B><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">NFB State
Affiliate
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal><I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
President
</SPAN></I><SPAN style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Joseph
Ruffalo 973-743-0075 <SPAN
class=MsoHyperlink><A
href="mailto:nfbnj1@verizon.net">nfbnj1@verizon.net</A></SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-RIGHT: -0.7in; tab-stops: 9.0pt 153.0pt 3.5in"><I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'> 1<SUP>st</SUP> Vice
President</SPAN></I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY:
"Calibri",sans-serif'>
Linda Melendez <SPAN
style="BACKGROUND: white">732-421-7063</SPAN> <SPAN
class=MsoHyperlink><A
href="mailto:lindamelendez220@gmail.com">lindamelendez220@gmail.com</A></SPAN><B><o:p></o:p></B></SPAN></DIV></DIV><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-fareast-font-family: aphont; mso-bidi-font-family: aphont;
mso-ansi-language: en-us; mso-fareast-language: en-us; mso-bidi-language:
ar-sa'><BR
style="PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE: auto; mso-break-type: section-break"
clear=all></SPAN></B>
<DIV class=WordSection9>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-RIGHT: -0.15in; tab-stops: 9.0pt 153.0pt 3.5in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'> <I>2<SUP>nd</SUP>
Vice
President</I>
Mary Jo Partyka 609-888-5459 <SPAN
class=MsoHyperlink><A
href="mailto:choirnfb@gmail.com">choirnfb@gmail.com</A></SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; tab-stops: 153.0pt 3.5in 5.0in"><I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Secretary</SPAN></I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY:
"Calibri",sans-serif'>
Ellen Sullivan
302-658-2268
<SPAN class=MsoHyperlink><A
href="mailto:ems553@comcast.net">ems553@comcast.net</A></SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
<I>Treasurer</I>
Andrew Rees
908-616-3477 <SPAN class=MsoHyperlink><A
href="mailto:amrees567@gmail.com">amrees567@gmail.com</A></SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; tab-stops: 9.0pt .25in 22.5pt .8in 153.0pt right
3.0in left 3.5in 5.0in right 6.75in"><I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Board Members</SPAN></I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY:
"Calibri",sans-serif'>
<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.5pt">Annemarie Cooke</SPAN>
609-859-4084 <SPAN class=MsoHyperlink><A
href="mailto:aec732@gmail.com">aec732@gmail.com</A></SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY:
"Calibri",sans-serif'>
<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.6pt">Linda DeBerardinis</SPAN>
856-735-5559 <SPAN class=MsoHyperlink><A
href="mailto:ljdeber3@comcast.net">ljdeber3@comcast.net</A></SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-RIGHT: -40.5pt; tab-stops: .25in 153.0pt 3.5in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY:
"Calibri",sans-serif'>
Jane Degenshein <A name=OLE_LINK74></A><A
name=OLE_LINK73>973-736-5785</A> <SPAN
class=MsoHyperlink><A
href="mailto:jdegen16@comcast.net">jdegen16@comcast.net</A></SPAN>
Mary Fernandez
732-857-7004
<SPAN class=MsoHyperlink><SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.5pt"><A
href="mailto:mary.fernandez@dukeedu">mailto:mary.fernandez@dukeedu</A></SPAN></SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-RIGHT: -37.8pt; tab-stops: .25in 153.0pt 3.5in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY:
"Calibri",sans-serif'>
Veronica Gaspa 434-989-1868
<U><SPAN style="COLOR: blue">vee.gaspa@gmail.com</SPAN></U><SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.5pt"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-RIGHT: -37.8pt; tab-stops: .25in 153.0pt 3.5in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif;
LETTER-SPACING: -0.5pt'>
Zoraida
Krell
201-439-0120
<SPAN class=MsoHyperlink><A
href="mailto:krellbz@gmail.com">krellbz@gmail.com</A></SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV></DIV><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-fareast-font-family: aphont; mso-bidi-font-family: aphont;
mso-ansi-language: en-us; mso-fareast-language: en-us; mso-bidi-language:
ar-sa'><BR
style="PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE: auto; mso-break-type: section-break"
clear=all></SPAN></B>
<DIV class=WordSection10>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 8pt -0.7in 0pt 0in; tab-stops: .25in"><B><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif">NFBNJ Chapters – Meeting dates,
times
& available at </SPAN></B><SPAN class=MsoHyperlink><B><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LAYOUT-GRID-MODE: line'><A
href="http://www.nfbnj.org/"
fg_scanned="1">www.nfbnj.org</A></SPAN></B></SPAN><B><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri,
sans-serif">
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in -0.65in 3pt 0in; tab-stops: 9.0pt 153.0pt 3.5in"><I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif;
LETTER-SPACING: -0.1pt'>
At
Large
</SPAN></I><SPAN style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Joe
Ruffalo
973-743-0075<I><SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.1pt">
</SPAN></I><SPAN class=MsoHyperlink><A
href="mailto:Nfbnj1@verizon.net">Nfbnj1@verizon.net</A></SPAN><I><SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.1pt"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></I></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in -0.65in 3pt 0in; tab-stops: 9.0pt 153.0pt 3.5in"><I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
Capital</SPAN></I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY:
"Calibri",sans-serif'>
Mary Jo Partyka 609-888-5459 <SPAN
class=MsoHyperlink><A
href="mailto:choirnfb@gmail.com">choirnfb@gmail.com</A></SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in -0.4in 3pt 0in; tab-stops: 9.0pt 153.0pt 3.5in"><I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'> Central
Jersey
</SPAN></I><SPAN style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Mac
Biggers <SPAN
style="BACKGROUND: white">801-916-9753</SPAN> <SPAN
class=MsoHyperlink><A
href="mailto:macbiggers@yahoo.com">macbiggers@yahoo.com</A></SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in -0.65in 3pt 0in; tab-stops: 9.0pt 153.0pt 3.5in"><I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'> Garden
State
</SPAN></I><SPAN style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Ryan
Stevens 856-520-0016
<SPAN
class=MsoHyperlink><A
href="mailto:RYSteve@comcast.net">RYSteve@comcast.net</A></SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in -0.65in 3pt 0in; tab-stops: 9.0pt 153.0pt 3.5in"><I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
Northeast</SPAN></I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY:
"Calibri",sans-serif'>
Dan Facchini
201-906-8655 <SPAN
class=MsoHyperlink><A
href="mailto:danfb@verizon.net">danfb@verizon.net</A></SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in -0.65in 3pt 0in; tab-stops: 9.0pt 153.0pt 3.5in"><I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
Northern</SPAN></I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY:
"Calibri",sans-serif'>
Rick
Fox
973-743-6107 <SPAN class=MsoHyperlink><A
href="mailto:richardfox1@comcast.net">richardfox1@comcast.net</A></SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in -0.65in 3pt 0in; tab-stops: 9.0pt 153.0pt 3.5in"><I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'> <SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.3pt">South Jersey
Shore
</SPAN></SPAN></I><SPAN style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Phil
Harrison
609-788-0890 <SPAN class=MsoHyperlink><A
href="mailto:pbharrison39@comcast.net">pbharrison39@comcast.net</A></SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-TOP: 8pt; tab-stops: .25in right 7.1in"><B><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>NFBNJ
Divisions
</SPAN></B><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in -49.5pt 3pt 9.35pt; tab-stops: .25in 153.0pt"><I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Blind Students</SPAN></I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY:
"Calibri",sans-serif'>
Jonathan Zobek
609-216-0181 <SPAN
class=MsoHyperlink><SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.5pt"><A
href="mailto:jrzobek@gmail.com">jrzobek@gmail.com</A></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.5pt"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in -0.4in 3pt 9.35pt; tab-stops: .25in 153.0pt"><I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Parents of Blind
Children</SPAN></I><SPAN style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
Carol
Castellano 973-377-0976 <SPAN class=MsoHyperlink><A
href="mailto:blindchildren@verizon.net">blindchildren@verizon.net</A></SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 3pt 9.35pt; tab-stops: .25in 153.0pt"><I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Senior Blind</SPAN></I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY:
"Calibri",sans-serif'>
Jane Degenshein 973-736-5785 <SPAN class=MsoHyperlink><A
href="mailto:Jdegen16@comcast.net">Jdegen16@comcast.net</A></SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in -24.5pt 3pt 9.35pt; tab-stops: .25in 153.0pt 3.5in
5.0in"><I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LETTER-SPACING: -0.5pt'>Sports
&
Recreation
</SPAN></I><SPAN style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Linda
Melendez 732-421-7063<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.5pt"> <SPAN
class=MsoHyperlink><A
href="mailto:lindamelendez220@gmail.com">lindamelendez220@gmail.com</A></SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 3pt; tab-stops: 9.0pt 153.0pt"><I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
Technology</SPAN></I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY:
"Calibri",sans-serif'>
Jane Degenshein 973-736-5785 <SPAN class=MsoHyperlink><A
href="mailto:Jdegen16@comcast.net">Jdegen16@comcast.net</A></SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-TOP: 8pt; tab-stops: .25in
153.0pt"><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 16pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LAYOUT-GRID-MODE:
line; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt'>Programs,
Projects &
Committees
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></DIV></DIV><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 16pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: aphont;
mso-bidi-font-family: aphont; mso-ansi-language: en-us;
mso-fareast-language: en-us; mso-bidi-language: ar-sa'><BR
style="PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE: auto; mso-break-type: section-break"
clear=all></SPAN></I>
<DIV class=WordSection11>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; tab-stops: .25in 153.0pt 3.5in 5.0in"><I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LETTER-SPACING: -1pt'>Adopt
Adaptive
Equipment</SPAN></I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY:
"Calibri",sans-serif'>
Joe
Ruffalo
973-743-0075 <SPAN class=MsoHyperlink><A
href="mailto:Nfbnj1@verizon.net">Nfbnj1@verizon.net</A></SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; tab-stops: .25in 153.0pt 3.5in 5.0in"><I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>BELL Academy</SPAN></I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY:
"Calibri",sans-serif'>
Mary Jo Partyka 609-888-5459 <SPAN
class=MsoHyperlink><A
href="mailto:choirnfb@gmail.com">choirnfb@gmail.com</A></SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in -0.7in 0pt 9pt; tab-stops: .25in 153.0pt 3.5in
5.0in"><I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LETTER-SPACING: -1pt'>Blind
Children’s
Resource Center</SPAN></I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'> Carol
Castellano 973-377-0976 <SPAN class=MsoHyperlink><A
href="mailto:blindchildren@verizon.net">blindchildren@verizon.net</A></SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; tab-stops: .25in 153.0pt 3.5in 5.0in"><I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Blind Merchants<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.3pt">
</SPAN></SPAN></I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif;
LETTER-SPACING: -0.3pt'>Dan</SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
Facchini
201-906-8655 <SPAN class=MsoHyperlink><A
href="mailto:danfb@verizon.net">danfb@verizon.net</A></SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in -13.5pt 0pt 9pt; tab-stops: .25in 153.0pt 3.5in
5.0in"><I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Blind Parents<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.3pt">
</SPAN></SPAN></I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LETTER-SPACING: -0.3pt'>Joanna
Mallard</SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY:
"Calibri",sans-serif'>
201-354-0098 <SPAN class=MsoHyperlink><A
href="mailto:joannmallard@gmail.com">joannmallard@gmail.com</A></SPAN><I><o:p></o:p></I></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; tab-stops: .25in 153.0pt 3.5in 5.0in"><I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LETTER-SPACING: -0.5pt'>Braille
Mentoring Program</SPAN></I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'> Mary Jo
Partyka 609-888-5459 <SPAN class=MsoHyperlink><A
href="mailto:choirnfb@gmail.com">choirnfb@gmail.com</A></SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in -27pt 0pt 9pt; tab-stops: .25in 153.0pt 3.5in
5.0in"><I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Diabetic Committee<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.3pt">
</SPAN></SPAN></I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LETTER-SPACING: -0.3pt'>Ed
Godfrey</SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY:
"Calibri",sans-serif'>
862-628-3657 <SPAN class=MsoHyperlink><A
href="mailto:edgodfrey1957@gmail.com">edgodfrey1957@gmail.com</A></SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; tab-stops: .25in 153.0pt 3.5in 5.0in"><I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif;
LETTER-SPACING: -0.4pt'>Fundraising/Grant
Writing</SPAN></I><I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'> </SPAN></I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Ellen
Sullivan
302-658-2268 <SPAN class=MsoHyperlink><A
href="mailto:ems553@comcast.net">ems553@comcast.net</A></SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; tab-stops: .25in 153.0pt 3.5in 5.0in"><I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>GreenDrop</SPAN></I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY:
"Calibri",sans-serif'>
<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.6pt">Linda DeBerardinis
856</SPAN>-735-5559 <SPAN class=MsoHyperlink><A
href="mailto:Ljdeber3@comcast.net">Ljdeber3@comcast.net</A></SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; tab-stops: .25in 153.0pt 3.5in 5.0in"><I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Guide Dog Committee<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.3pt">
</SPAN></SPAN></I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif;
LETTER-SPACING: -0.3pt'>Dan</SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
Facchini
201-906-8655 <SPAN class=MsoHyperlink><A
href="mailto:danfb@verizon.net">danfb@verizon.net</A></SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; tab-stops: .25in 153.0pt 3.5in 5.0in"><I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Legislative
Director</SPAN></I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY:
"Calibri",sans-serif'>
Ryan Stevens
856-520-0016</SPAN><TT><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif"> </SPAN></TT><SPAN
class=MsoHyperlink><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "AR
CENA"'><A
href="mailto:RYSteve@comcast.net">RYSteve@comcast.net</A></SPAN></SPAN><TT><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family: aphont; mso-ansi-font-size:
14.0pt'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></TT></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-RIGHT: -0.65in; tab-stops: 9.0pt 153.0pt 3.5in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY:
"Calibri",sans-serif'>
<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: -1pt">Anthony
Lanzilotti</SPAN>
609-361-3038 <SPAN
class=MsoHyperlink><A
href="mailto:Tti777@gmail.com">Tti777@gmail.com</A></SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in -37.8pt 0pt 9pt; tab-stops: .25in 153.0pt 3.5in
5.0in"><I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Liability Insurance
</SPAN></I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY:
"Calibri",sans-serif'>
Joe
Ruffalo
973-743-0075<I><SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.1pt">
</SPAN></I><SPAN class=MsoHyperlink><A
href="mailto:Nfbnj1@verizon.net">Nfbnj1@verizon.net</A><o:p></o:p></SPAN></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in -37.8pt 0pt 9pt; tab-stops: .25in 153.0pt 3.5in
5.0in"><I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif;
LETTER-SPACING: -0.2pt'>
</SPAN></I><SPAN style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Linda
Melendez <SPAN
style="BACKGROUND: white">732-421-7063 </SPAN><SPAN
class=MsoHyperlink><A
href="mailto:lindamelendez220@gmail.com">lindamelendez220@gmail.com</A></SPAN><I><SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.2pt"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></I></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in -45pt 0pt 9pt; tab-stops: .25in 153.0pt 3.5in
5.0in"><I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LETTER-SPACING: -0.2pt'>Membership
Engagement</SPAN></I><I><SPAN style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
</SPAN></I><SPAN style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Linda
Melendez
<SPAN style="BACKGROUND: white">732-421-7063 </SPAN><SPAN
class=MsoHyperlink><A
href="mailto:lindamelendez220@gmail.com">lindamelendez220@gmail.com</A><o:p></o:p></SPAN></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in -31.5pt 0pt 9pt; tab-stops: .25in 153.0pt 3.5in
5.0in"><I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>NFB-NEWSLINE®</SPAN></I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY:
"Calibri",sans-serif'>
Jane Degenshein 973-736-5785 <SPAN class=MsoHyperlink><A
href="mailto:Jdegen16@comcast.net">Jdegen16@comcast.net</A></SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in -0.4in 3pt 9pt; tab-stops: 9.0pt 153.0pt 3.5in"><I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>PAC Plan
Coordinator</SPAN></I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY:
"Calibri",sans-serif'>
Mac Biggers <SPAN
style="BACKGROUND:
white">801-916-9753</SPAN>
<SPAN class=MsoHyperlink><A
href="mailto:macbiggers@yahoo.com">macbiggers@yahoo.com</A></SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; tab-stops: .25in 153.0pt 3.5in 5.0in"><I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Parliamentarian</SPAN></I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY:
"Calibri",sans-serif'>
Ryan Stevens 856-520-0016<TT><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family: aphont; mso-ansi-font-size: 14.0pt'>
</SPAN></TT></SPAN><SPAN class=MsoHyperlink><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "AR
CENA"'><A
href="mailto:RYSteve@comcast.net">RYSteve@comcast.net</A></SPAN></SPAN><TT><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family: aphont; mso-ansi-font-size:
14.0pt'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></TT></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; tab-stops: 9.0pt .25in 22.5pt .8in 153.0pt right
3.0in left 3.5in 5.0in right 6.75in"><I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LETTER-SPACING: -1pt'>Public
Relations/Press Corps</SPAN></I><I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'> </SPAN></I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'> <SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.5pt">Annemarie Cooke</SPAN>
609-859-4084 <SPAN class=MsoHyperlink><A
href="mailto:aec732@gmail.com">aec732@gmail.com</A></SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; tab-stops: 9.0pt .25in 22.5pt .8in 153.0pt right
3.0in left 3.5in 5.0in right 6.75in"><I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY:
"Calibri",sans-serif'>
</SPAN></I><SPAN style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Mary Jo
Partyka 609-888-5459 <SPAN class=MsoHyperlink><A
href="mailto:choirnfb@gmail.com">choirnfb@gmail.com</A></SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; tab-stops: .25in 153.0pt 3.5in 5.0in"><I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Resolutions
Committee</SPAN></I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'> Ryan
Stevens 856-520-0016
<SPAN
class=MsoHyperlink><A
href="mailto:RYSteve@comcast.net">RYSteve@comcast.net</A></SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in -31.5pt 0pt 9pt; tab-stops: .25in 153.0pt 3.5in
5.0in"><I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Scholarship
Committee</SPAN></I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'> Evangelia
Stone 917-570-3166 <SPAN
class=MsoHyperlink><SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.5pt">EvangeliaStone@gmail.com</SPAN></SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in -42.3pt 0pt 9pt; tab-stops: .25in 153.0pt 3.5in
5.0in"><I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Social Media
Coordinator</SPAN></I><SPAN style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
Zoraida
Krell
201-638-3418 <SPAN
class=MsoHyperlink><A
href="mailto:krellbz@gmail.com">krellbz@gmail.com</A></SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in -42.3pt 0pt 9pt; tab-stops: .25in 153.0pt 3.5in
5.0in"><I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Sounding Board</SPAN></I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY:
"Calibri",sans-serif'>
Kathy Gabry
201-998-9427 <SPAN class=MsoHyperlink><A
href="mailto:Specialk38@aol.com">Specialk38@aol.com</A></SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in -42.3pt 0pt 9pt; tab-stops: .25in 153.0pt 3.5in
5.0in"><I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY:
"Calibri",sans-serif'>
</SPAN></I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LETTER-SPACING: -0.5pt'>Annemarie
Cooke</SPAN><SPAN style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
</SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif; BACKGROUND:
white">609-859-4084
</SPAN><SPAN class=MsoHyperlink><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; BACKGROUND: white;
mso-bidi-font-family: tahoma'><A
href="mailto:aec732@gmail.com">aec732@gmail.com</A></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif; BACKGROUND:
white"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; tab-stops: .25in 153.0pt 3.5in 5.0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY:
"Calibri",sans-serif'>
Mary Jo Partyka 609-888-5459 <SPAN
class=MsoHyperlink><A
href="mailto:choirnfb@gmail.com">choirnfb@gmail.com</A></SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in -0.5in 0pt 9pt; tab-stops: .25in 153.0pt 3.5in
5.0in"><I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LETTER-SPACING: -0.5pt'>Spanish
Committee
</SPAN></I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LETTER-SPACING: -0.5pt'>Rose
Santiago
</SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif; BACKGROUND:
white">201-892-6946
</SPAN><SPAN class=MsoHyperlink><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; BACKGROUND: white;
mso-bidi-font-family: verdana'><A
href="mailto:rosa.santiago901@gmailcom">mailto:rosa.santiago901@gmailcom</A></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif; BACKGROUND:
white"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in -31.5pt 0pt 9pt; tab-stops: .25in 153.0pt 3.5in
5.0in"><I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Transit Committee</SPAN></I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY:
"Calibri",sans-serif'>
Linda Melendez 732-421-7063 <SPAN
class=MsoHyperlink><SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.5pt"><A
href="mailto:lindamelendez220@gmail.com">lindamelendez220@gmail.com</A></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: calibri, sans-serif; BACKGROUND:
white"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; tab-stops: .25in 153.0pt 3.5in 5.0in"><I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LETTER-SPACING: -0.5pt'>Vehicle
Donation Program</SPAN></I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif;
LETTER-SPACING: -0.5pt'>
</SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LETTER-SPACING: -1pt'>Andrew
Rees</SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY:
"Calibri",sans-serif'>
908-616-3477 <SPAN class=MsoHyperlink><A
href="mailto:amrees567@gmail.com">amrees567@gmail.com</A></SPAN><SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.5pt"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; tab-stops: .25in 153.0pt 3.5in 5.0in"><I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY:
"Calibri",sans-serif'>Webmaster
</SPAN></I><SPAN style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Brian
Mackey 610-750-6765<I>
</I><SPAN class=MsoHyperlink><A
href="mailto:Bmackey88@gmail.com">mailto:Bmackey88@gmail.com</A></SPAN><I><o:p></o:p></I></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; tab-stops: .25in 153.0pt 3.5in 5.0in"><I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>White Cane
Committee</SPAN></I><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'> Jane
Degenshein 973-736-5785 <SPAN class=MsoHyperlink><A
href="mailto:Jdegen16@comcast.net">Jdegen16@comcast.net</A></SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; tab-stops: 153.0pt 3.5in 5.0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY:
"Calibri",sans-serif'>
Ann Marie Harris 856-589-8747 <U><SPAN
style="COLOR:
#3333ff">Lovey1160@gmail.com</SPAN></U><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV></DIV>
<H1 style="MARGIN-TOP: 6pt"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 22pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LAYOUT-GRID-MODE:
line'>Deadline
for the Fall 2020 issue: September 15, 202</SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 22pt">0</SPAN></H1>
<DIV style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0in -22.5pt 0pt 0in"
align=center><B><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 18pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LAYOUT-GRID-MODE:
line'>CHECK
US OUT ON THE WEB AT <o:p></o:p></SPAN></I></B></DIV>
<DIV style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0in -22.5pt 0pt 0in"
align=center><SPAN
class=MsoHyperlink><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LAYOUT-GRID-MODE:
line'><A
href="http://www.nfbnj.org/"
fg_scanned="1">www.nfbnj.org</A></SPAN></B></SPAN><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LAYOUT-GRID-MODE:
line'>
<SPAN class=MsoHyperlink><A href="http://www.blindchildren.org/"
fg_scanned="1">www.blindchildren.org</A></SPAN>
</SPAN></B></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align=center><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>To receive <I>The Sounding
Board</I>
and other information via e-mail,<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align=center><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>please contact Ellen Sullivan at
<SPAN
class=MsoHyperlink><SPAN style="BACKGROUND: white"><A
href="mailto:ems553@comcast.net"
target=_blank>ems553@comcast.net</A></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style="COLOR: #171717"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt;
TEXT-INDENT: -9pt"
align=center><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR:
#171717'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt;
TEXT-INDENT: -9pt"
align=center><SPAN style="COLOR: rgb(23,23,23)"><o:p>End of Magazine - Thank
you
for reading!</o:p></SPAN></DIV></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV></DIV></DIV></DIV></DIV></DIV></BODY></HTML>