<div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_default" style=""><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;font-size:large;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif;font-size:14pt">Greetings all,</span><br></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;font-size:large;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"> </span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;font-size:large;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">As we wind down
from our amazing 2023 National Convention. I wanted to thank everyone for their
support and well wishes during my breast cancer journey. As I mentioned during
the convention caucus meeting my treatment is complete and I am officially cancer
free. I will continue to work behind the scenes until the end of August as I
wrap up my doctor appointments and take my annual summer family staycation. <span></span></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;font-size:large;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"> </span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;font-size:large;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Included in
this email are the following: <span></span></span></p>

<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;font-size:large;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">1.<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:7pt;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman"">  
</span></span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">NFBNJ Board Member Update: <span></span></span></p>

<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;font-size:large;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">2.<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:7pt;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman"">  
</span></span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">47^th Annual State Convention; It
Begins with Us </span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><br>
</span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">a. Saturday General Session Afternoon
Recommendations </span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><br>
</span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">b. Exhibitor Recommendations</span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><br>
</span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">c. Friday Afternoon Breakout Session
Recommendations</span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><br>
</span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">d. Hotel Reservations and Details</span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><br>
</span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">e. Pre-Registration Information</span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><br>
</span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">f. Daily Schedule Outline<span></span></span></p>

<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;font-size:large;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">3.<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:7pt;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman"">  
</span></span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Convention Dates to Keep in Mind<span></span></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;font-size:large;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"> </span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;font-size:large;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Please save
this email for future reference.<span></span></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;font-size:large;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"> </span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;font-size:large;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Warmly, </span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><br>
</span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Linda Melendez, President </span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><br>
</span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey </span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><br>
</span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">908-590-1747 </span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><br>
<a href="mailto:president@nfbnj.org">president@nfbnj.org</a></span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"> </span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><br>
</span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"> <span></span></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;font-size:large;line-height:normal"><b><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif;color:rgb(54,95,145)">NFBNJ
Board Update:</span></b><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif;color:rgb(54,95,145)"> <span></span></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;font-size:large;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Zoraida Krell,
member of the Northeast Chapter and Affiliate Board Member has resigned her
board seat for personal reasons. We would like to thank her for years of
service on the board and wish her well as a continued NFBNJ member. <span></span></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;font-size:large;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"> </span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;font-size:large;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Rick Fox,
President of the Northern Chapter has been appointed to her vacated seat. I
know I speak for everyone with congratulations and thanks to Rick for his
continued leadership and support. <span></span></span></p>

<h1 style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;font-size:large;line-height:normal;break-after:auto"><b><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif;color:rgb(54,95,145)">47^th Annual State
Convention; It Begins with Us:</span></b><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif;color:rgb(54,95,145)"> <span></span></span></h1>

<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;font-size:large;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">a.<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:7pt;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman"">  
</span></span><span class="gmail-Heading1Char"><b><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Saturday Afternoon General Session Recommendations </span></b></span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><br>
</span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">To suggest a topic or presenter for the
Saturday, Nov. 11 afternoon General Session please click on the link below to
complete and submit a form by Monday, August 21^st. </span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><br>
<a href="https://www.nfbnj.org/state-convention/agenda-recommendation-form">https://www.nfbnj.org/state-convention/agenda-recommendation-form<span style="color:windowtext;text-decoration-line:none"><br>
</span></a></span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><span></span></span></p>

<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;font-size:large;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">b.<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:7pt;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman"">  
</span></span><span class="gmail-Heading1Char"><b><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Exhibit Hall Recommendations </span></b></span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><br>
</span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">To suggest an exhibitor or sponsor please click
on the link below to complete and submit a form by Monday, August 21^st.
</span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><br>
<a href="https://www.nfbnj.org/state-convention/vendor-sponsor-recommendation-form">https://www.nfbnj.org/state-convention/vendor-sponsor-recommendation-form</a></span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"> </span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><br>
<br>
</span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><span></span></span></p>

<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;font-size:large;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">c.<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:7pt;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman"">   
</span></span><span class="gmail-Heading1Char"><b><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Friday Afternoon Breakout Session Recommendations: </span></b></span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><br>
</span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">We have the availability to offer a breakout
session in the afternoon of Friday, November 10. This breakout session should
be targeted for the general membership since we will be having breakout
sessions at the same time for Parents of Blind Children, Blind Parents and Job
Seekers. Please send your recommendations to </span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><a href="mailto:nfbnj.convention@gmail.com">nfbnj.convention@gmail.com</a></span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"> by
Monday, August 21^st. </span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><br>
<br>
</span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><span></span></span></p>

<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;font-size:large;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif;color:rgb(26,25,24)">d.<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:7pt;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman"">  
</span></span><span class="gmail-Heading1Char"><b><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Hotel Reservations and Details: </span></b></span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><br>
</span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">We are pleased to have this year’s convention
at the Crowne Plaza Edison located at </span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><a href="https://www.google.com/maps/search/2055+Lincoln+Highway,+Edison,+NJ+08817?entry=gmail&source=g">2055 Lincoln Highway, Edison, NJ 08817</a></span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">. The room rate is $119 per night plus applicable taxes (outlined
below). We have also negotiated this room rate from one to four occupants per
room per night. </span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><br>
<br>
<a href="https://www.crowneplaza.com/redirect?path=asearch&brandCode=CP&localeCode=en&regionCode=1&hotelCode=EDSCP&checkInDate=08&checkInMonthYear=102023&checkOutDate=12&checkOutMonthYear=102023&rateCode=6CBARC&_PMID=99801505&GPC=NFB&cn=no&viewfullsite=true">Please click here for the booking link<span style="color:windowtext;text-decoration-line:none"><br>
<br>
</span></a></span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">or you can paste the address below directly in
your browser: </span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><br>
<a href="https://www.crowneplaza.com/redirect?path=asearch&brandCode=CP&localeCode=en&regionCode=1&hotelCode=EDSCP&checkInDate=08&checkInMonthYear=102023&checkOutDate=12&checkOutMonthYear=102023&rateCode=6CBARC&_PMID=99801505&GPC=NFB&cn=no&viewfullsite=true">https://www.crowneplaza.com/redirect?path=asearch&brandCode=CP&localeCode=en&regionCode=1&hotelCode=EDSCP&checkInDate=08&checkInMonthYear=102023&checkOutDate=12&checkOutMonthYear=102023&rateCode=6CBARC&_PMID=99801505&GPC=NFB&cn=no&viewfullsite=true<span style="color:windowtext;text-decoration-line:none"><br>
<br>
</span></a></span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Bookings can also be called in to our central
reservations at 877-666-3243</span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><br>
</span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif;color:rgb(26,25,24)">Booking Code: NFB</span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><br>
</span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Last Day to Book: <span style="color:rgb(26,25,24)">Thursday,
October 26^th 5 PM</span></span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><br>
<br>
</span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif;color:rgb(26,25,24)">The above rates are subject to
6.625% New Jersey State tax, 5.0% Occupancy tax and 3.0% Municipal tax. All
taxes are subject to change without prior notice. Rates include Bagged
Continental Breakfast (chef’s choice to include a bread, fruit, juice and hot
beverage) </span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><br>
<br>
</span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif;color:rgb(26,25,24)"><span></span></span></p>

<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;font-size:large;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">e.<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:7pt;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman"">  
</span></span><span class="gmail-Heading1Char"><b><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Pre-Registration:</span></b></span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><br>
</span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">I am in the process of finalizing menu options
and hope to have pre-registration open at the beginning of August^{<span style="color:rgb(26,25,24)">; </span>}stay tuned for details. </span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><br>
<br>
</span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><span></span></span></p>

<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;font-size:large;line-height:normal"><b><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">f.<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-weight:normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:7pt;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman"">   
</span></span></b><span class="gmail-Heading1Char"><b><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Daily Schedule Outline:</span></b></span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><br>
</span><b><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Thursday, November 9</span></b><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><br>
</span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">11:00 AM to 9 PM – Exhibit Hall Open</span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><br>
</span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">1:00 to 5:00 PM - Technology Session </span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><br>
</span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">5:30 to 7:00 PM – Membership & Friendship
Appreciation Pizza Party; Sponsored by the NFBNJ</span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><br>
</span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">7:30 to 9:30 PM – Affiliate Membership
Committee Segment</span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><br>
<br>
</span><b><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Friday, November 10</span></b><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><br>
</span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">8:00 to Noon - Exhibit Hall Open</span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><br>
</span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">9:00 AM to Noon - Committee & Division
Meetings</span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><br>
</span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Noon to 12:30 PM - Pre-Purchased Box Lunch
Pick-Up</span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><br>
</span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">1:30 to 4:30 PM - Breakout sessions</span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><br>
</span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">5:30 to 7 PM – Federation Family Dinner </span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><br>
</span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">7:00 PM – Resolutions</span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><br>
</span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">8:15ish to 11:00 PM – Entertainment; Sponsored
by Affiliate Membership Committee</span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><br>
<br>
</span><b><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Saturday, November 11</span></b><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><br>
</span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">8:30 to 9:00 AM- Traditional Pre-Convention
Music</span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><br>
</span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">9:00 AM to Noon - General Session One</span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><br>
</span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Noon to 12:30 PM - Pre-Purchased Box Lunch
pick-up</span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><br>
</span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">1:15 to 5:00 PM - General Session Two</span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><br>
</span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">7:00 PM - Banquet</span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><br>
<br>
</span><b><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Sunday, November 12</span></b><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><br>
</span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">8:30 to 11:30 AM Affiliate Business Meeting<b><span></span></b></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;font-size:large;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"> <span></span></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;font-size:large"><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:107%;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Convention Dates to Keep in Mind <span></span></span></p>

<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style=""></p><ul style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;font-size:large"><li><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:107%;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Week of August 1 - Pre-Registration Opns</span></li><li><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:107%;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">August 21 – Last Day to submit Afternoon
General Session Recommendations </span></li><li><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:107%;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">August 21 – Last Day to submit Exhibitor
Recommendations</span></li><li><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:107%;font-family:Symbol"><span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:7pt;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></span><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:107%;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">August 21 Last Day to submit Friday Afternoon
Breakout Session Recommendations<span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:107%;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">October 26th 5 PM Last Day</span></li><li><span style="font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif;font-size:14pt"> for Hotel Reservations</span><br></li><li><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:107%;font-family:Symbol"><span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:7pt;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></span><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:107%;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">October 26th 5 PM Last Day for
Pre-Registration<span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:107%;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">November 9 to November 12 47th Annual State
Convention; It Begins with Us</span></li></ul><div style=""><font face="Tahoma, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:18.6667px"><br></span></font></div><p></p>











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