<div><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><h1 style="margin:0in;font-size:14pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;word-spacing:1px;color:rgb(49,49,49)"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><font size="4" style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(49,49,49)"><span class="gmail_default" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif"></span></font></span></h1><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:normal"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0)">Greetings all,</font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:normal"><span><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0)"> </font></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:normal"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0)">To stay connected with our National
Office and the work of our organization I am sharing President Riccobono's
weekly notebook, National Items of Interest and Dates to Keep in Mind.<span style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif"></span></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:normal"><span><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0)"> </font></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:normal"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0)">Please read and save for future
reference.<span style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif"></span></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:normal"><span><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0)"> </font></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12pt;line-height:normal"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0)">Warmly, <br>
Linda Melendez, President<br>
National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey<br>
732-421-7063<br>
Email: <a href="mailto:president@nfbnj.org" target="_blank" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif">president@nfbnj.org</a><span style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif"></span></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:normal"><span><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0)"> </font></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:normal"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0)">****<span style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif"></span></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:normal"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0)"><font style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0)"><a name="m_-3607569556660844181_m_9109881233538130109_m_3848806572824724845_m_-1242579371816077187_OLE_LINK9" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif">President’s
Notebook</a> </font><br>
National Federation of the Blind<span style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif"></span></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:normal"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0)">Mark A.
Riccobono<span style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif"></span></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:normal"><span><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0)"> </font></span></p><h1 style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0)"><span style="font-weight:normal;font-family:tahoma,sans-serif"><span class="gmail_default" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif"></span>Dear Fellow Federationists,</span></font></h1><p class="MsoNormal" style="word-spacing:1px"><span style="line-height:115%;color:rgb(49,49,49)"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;color:rgb(49,49,49)"><br></font></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="word-spacing:1px"><span style="line-height:115%;color:rgb(49,49,49)"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;color:rgb(49,49,49)">Welcome to winter. Although it is cold and
the days are shorter, the warmth within the National Federation of the Blind is
as powerful as ever. On almost the eve of Christmas, we have helped deliver a
much needed gift of relief to the blind entrepreneurs whose businesses under
the Randolph Sheppard Program have been crushed by the COVID-19 shutdowns. As
you may already know, Congress will vote on the 2021 Omnibus Appropriations
Bill and coronavirus relief package this evening. For many months, the National
Federation of the Blind and the National Association of Blind Merchants have
been advocating for economic relief for Randolph-Sheppard vendors who have been
impacted by the pandemic. We have just learned that $20 million has been
included in the appropriations bill to help recover lost revenue the vendors
have endured due to the closure of federal facilities. Thanks to Nicky Gacos
and the National Association of Blind Merchants for the terrific work on this
issue.<span style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif"></span></font></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="word-spacing:1px"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0)"><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;color:rgb(49,49,49)"><br></span></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="word-spacing:1px"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0)"><span style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;color:rgb(49,49,49)">As we near the Christmas holiday, which is
celebrated by the Riccobonos, I am reminded how wonderful it is to have the
Federation family. Each of you has helped us get through an unimaginable year.
Each of you </span>is<span style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;color:rgb(49,49,49)"> going to be part of making sure that 2021 is our best year
ever. From my family to yours, we sincerely wish you a most joyous close to
2020, a relaxing and reflective time with family, and great energy and strength
as we head into the new year. I am honored to have you as part of my Federation
family, and I anticipate the wonderful work we will do together in the new
year. Thank you and may your holidays be safe, happy, and warm.</span><br></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="word-spacing:1px"><span style="line-height:115%;color:rgb(49,49,49)"><span><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;color:rgb(49,49,49)"> </font></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0)"><b style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif"><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:tahoma,sans-serif">Critical
Actions:<br>
</span>Open Letter of Apology—Please Read: <br>
</b><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;color:rgb(49,49,49)">There have been
recent discussions taking place in the blindness community around abuse and
misconduct. If you haven’t already, please read</span> <u style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif"><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;color:rgb(5,99,193)"><a href="https://www.nfb.org/about-us/press-room/national-federation-blind-stands-solidarity-victims-and-survivors" target="_blank" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif">the open letter of apology sent out on December 16</a></span></u><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;color:rgb(49,49,49)">.</span><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;color:rgb(31,55,99)"><span style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif"></span></span></font></p><p class="MsoNormal"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0)"><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;color:rgb(49,49,49)"><br></span></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="word-spacing:1px"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0)"><b style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif"><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:tahoma,sans-serif">Most Staff Off Next Week:</span> <br>
</b><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;color:rgb(49,49,49)">Most of the staff will be taking some well-deserved down time
next week relaxing between the holidays. While a few people will be working,
the offices will be technically closed December 25 through January 3. You are
welcome to leave a voice mail or send an email to anyone during that period,
but don’t expect a reply until the New Year.</span><span style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif"></span></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="word-spacing:1px"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0)"><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;color:rgb(49,49,49)"><br></span></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="word-spacing:1px"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0)"><b style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif"><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:tahoma,sans-serif">News:</span><br>
Washington Seminar:<br>
</b><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;color:rgb(49,49,49)">Remember that the Great Gathering-In will be Monday, February 8,
at 5:00 p.m. eastern. There will also be a final training on the issues that
same day from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. eastern. All National Federation of the Blind
members are urged to attend both of these meetings.</span><span style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif"></span></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="word-spacing:1px"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0)"><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;color:rgb(49,49,49)"><br></span></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="word-spacing:1px"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0)"><b style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif"><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:tahoma,sans-serif">Louis Braille Commemorative
Silver Dollar on Sale in Honor of 2021 World Braille Day:</span><br>
</b><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;color:rgb(49,49,49)">During the week of January 4-8 only, the National Federation of
the Blind Independence Market will be offering special pricing for the Louis
Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar. This commemorative coin was issued by the
United States Mint in 2009 to honor the two hundredth anniversary of Louis
Braille's birth. The US Mint issues only two commemorative silver dollars each
year, so it is truly special that our incredible advocacy led to the
recognition of Louis Braille’s contribution to the literacy of blind people in
this way. During this week, the price of this collector’s coin will be $50.00
plus shipping and handling. To make a purchase or for further questions, please
contact the NFB Independence Market by phone at 410-659-9314, extension 2216,
or by email at<span class="gmail_default" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif"> </span></span><a href="mailto:independencemarket@nfb.org" target="_blank" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif">independencemarket@nfb.org</a>.<span style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif"></span></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="word-spacing:1px"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0)"><br></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="word-spacing:1px"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0)"><b style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif"><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:tahoma,sans-serif">Attend the First 2021
Presidential Release on January 4—Captioning and Spanish Available:</span><br>
</b><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;color:rgb(49,49,49)">The January Presidential Release of the National Federation of
the Blind will be delivered on World Braille Day—Monday, January 4—at 8:00 p.m.
eastern. After the remarks, there is an opportunity for questions. Submit
questions in advance to</span> <a href="mailto:cdanielsen@nfb.org" target="_blank" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif">cdanielsen@nfb.org</a> and put PR501
in the subject line, or call 410-659-9314, extension 2473. Closed captions and
Spanish interpretation will be available. Zoom details coming soon.<span style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif"></span></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="word-spacing:1px"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0)"><br></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="word-spacing:1px"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0)"><b style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif"><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:tahoma,sans-serif">Applications Open for 2021 Bolotin Awards:</span><br>
</b><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;color:rgb(49,49,49)">National Federation of the Blind is accepting nominations of
individuals or organizations who are a positive force in the lives of blind
people and advance the goal of helping us transform dreams into reality. Each
application must include a letter of recommendation.</span> <a href="https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/dr-jacob-bolotin-awards/application-information" target="_blank" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif">Learn
more and submit a nomination for the 2021 Dr. Jacob Bolotin Awards</a>.<span style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif"></span></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="word-spacing:1px"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0)"><br></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="word-spacing:1px"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0)"><b style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif"><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:tahoma,sans-serif">Share the Free Slate and Stylus Program:</span><br>
</b><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;color:rgb(49,49,49)">National Federation of the Blind distributes a plastic,
four-line, twenty-eight cell slate along with a saddle stylus to blind people
who know Braille or want to learn Braille. It is the only Braille-writing
device that has the same portability, flexibility, and affordability as a pen
and pencil. Materials to learn how to use a slate and stylus are also available.</span> <a href="https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/free-slate-and-stylus-program" target="_blank" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif">Order
a free slate and stylus</a>.<span style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif"></span></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="word-spacing:1px"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0)"><br></font></p><h2 style="margin:2pt 0in 0.0001pt;break-after:avoid;word-spacing:1px" dir="auto"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0)">National Dates to Keep in Mind:<span style="font-weight:normal;font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;color:rgb(47,84,150)"></span><span style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif"></span></font></h2><ul style="margin-top:0in;word-spacing:1px" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:normal;color:rgb(49,49,49)"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;color:rgb(49,49,49)">January
4: Presidential Release LIVE, 8:00 p.m. eastern<span style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif"></span></font></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:normal;color:rgb(49,49,49)"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;color:rgb(49,49,49)">January
18: <a href="https://actionfund.org/programs/braille-readers-are-leaders" target="_blank" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif">Braille
Readers are Leaders</a> registration (and page count) deadline<span style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif"></span></font></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:normal;color:rgb(49,49,49)"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;color:rgb(49,49,49)">January
28: <a href="https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/trainings/smart-cities-summit" target="_blank" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif">Smart
Cities Summit</a>, 12:00-8:00 p.m. eastern<span style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif"></span></font></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:normal;color:rgb(49,49,49)"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;color:rgb(49,49,49)">February
1: Presidential Release LIVE, 8:00 p.m. eastern<span style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif"></span></font></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:normal;color:rgb(49,49,49)"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;color:rgb(49,49,49)">February
8: <a href="https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/washington-seminar" target="_blank" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif">Washington
Seminar</a>Great Gathering-In<span style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif"></span></font></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:normal;color:rgb(49,49,49)"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;color:rgb(49,49,49)">March
1: Presidential Release LIVE, 8:00 p.m. eastern<span style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif"></span></font></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:normal;color:rgb(49,49,49)"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;color:rgb(49,49,49)">March
24-26: Jacobus tenBroek Law Symposium<span style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif"></span></font></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:normal;color:rgb(49,49,49)"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;color:rgb(49,49,49)">March
31: <a href="https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/scholarship-program/scholarship-program-application-checklist" target="_blank" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif">Scholarship
application</a>deadline<span style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif"></span></font></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:normal;color:rgb(49,49,49)"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;color:rgb(49,49,49)">April
1: Presidential Release LIVE, 8:00 p.m. eastern<span style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif"></span></font></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:normal;color:rgb(49,49,49)"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;color:rgb(49,49,49)">April
15: <a href="https://www.nfb.org/bolotin" target="_blank" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif">Bolotin
Awards</a>nominations deadline<span style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif"></span></font></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:normal;color:rgb(49,49,49)"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;color:rgb(49,49,49)">May
2: Presidential Release LIVE, 8:00 p.m. eastern<span style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif"></span></font></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:normal;color:rgb(49,49,49)"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;color:rgb(49,49,49)">June
1: Presidential Release LIVE, 8:00 p.m. eastern<span style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif"></span></font></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:normal;color:rgb(49,49,49)"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;color:rgb(49,49,49)">July
6-11: NFB National Convention, New Orleans, Louisiana<span style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif"></span></font></li>
</ul><p class="MsoNormal" style="word-spacing:1px;color:rgb(49,49,49)">
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:normal;word-spacing:1px;background-color:white"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0)"> </font></p>
</div></div>
</div>-- <br><div dir="ltr" class="gmail_signature" data-smartmail="gmail_signature"><div dir="ltr"><div><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34)">Warmly, <br>Linda Melendez, <span>President</span><br>National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey<br>732-421-7063<br></span><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34)">Email: </span><a href="mailto:president@nfbnj.org" style="color:rgb(17,85,204)" target="_blank"><span>president</span>@nfbnj.org</a><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34)"></span><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34)"><br><i>Website: </i></span><a href="http://www.nfbnj.org/" style="color:rgb(17,85,204)" target="_blank"><i><span style="color:rgb(5,99,193)">www.nfbnj.org</span></i></a><i style="color:rgb(34,34,34)"><span><br>Facebook: </span></i><a href="https://m.facebook.com/NFB-NJ-353099574776238" style="color:rgb(17,85,204)" target="_blank"><i><span style="color:rgb(5,99,193)">https://m.facebook.com/NFB-NJ-353099574776238</span></i></a><i style="color:rgb(34,34,34)"><span><br>Twitter: </span></i><a href="https://twitter.com/nfbnewjersey" style="color:rgb(17,85,204)" target="_blank"><i><span style="color:rgb(5,99,193)">@NFBNewJersey</span></i></a><i style="color:rgb(34,34,34)"><span><br>YouTube: </span></i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKEDbjGsCYHMlwd4gqpBPjg" style="color:rgb(17,85,204)" target="_blank"><i><span style="color:rgb(5,99,193)">NFBNJTransformDreams</span></i></a><i style="color:rgb(34,34,34)"><span><br>Live the life you want.<br></span></i><br style="color:rgb(34,34,34)"><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34)">The National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey is a community of members and friends who believe in the hopes and dreams of the nation’s blind. Everyday we work together to help blind people live the lives they want.</span></font><br></div><div dir="auto"></div><font color="#888888"></font></div></div>