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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>Holiday Greetings,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Just a note to fill everyone in as to our NFB of Alaska Holiday party held last Saturday, December 12. We enjoyed the “Charlie Brown Christmas,” short television show which was aired the first time in the 1960’s. Though I have been present many times when it has been on television, I have never had it described to me and it was delightful just to know what was taking place on the screen. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We were then honored to have each person in attendance share something — a talent, music and stories. We then had 3 drawings. The winner all live in the Kenai area and one was a guest, a recent move-in from New York. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Thank you to those who attended. Your presence at our meetings is what brings us closer as an affiliate and helps further the important work of the federation. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I’d like to send a heart-felt thanks to our affiliate board for their attentiveness to helping our organization reach Blind and low vision Alaskans. Each is dedicated and I owe them a great deal of gratitude for their efforts. Thank you Pam Van Hoozer (first vice president), William Craig (second vice president), Brian Blair (secretary), Carmen Jameson (Treasurer), Candy Powell (Board Member at Large), and last but not least, Katie Lester (Board Member at Large). You all rock! If you happen to interact with any of these individuals in the future, let them know how fortunate we are to have them working in our NFB of Alaska Affiliate! <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As 2020 turns into 2021, I am honored to be your president in a vibrant and forward moving organization that strives constantly to empower its members and all blind people to learn what it takes to live their lives according to their dreams. Even as someone who has always been blind, the NFB changed my life and I have always desired, since joining this organization, to pass that change on to others. Please call me any time if you have a need to discuss how you might participate or be supported as you participate in our organization. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Have a warm Holiday, whatever your celebration entails. This has been a very difficult year for so many and my heart is touched and aches for those who have experienced illness, loneliness and death as we have ventured to survive a complicated and difficult time. May 2021 bring a greater sense of healing and happiness to all. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Warmest regards,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Bonnie Lucas<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>President<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>National Federation of the Blind of Alaska<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>907-301-6808<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="mailto:nfbofalaska@gmail.com"><span style='color:blue'>nfbofalaska@gmail.com</span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="mailto:nfbofalaska@gmail.com"><span style='color:blue'>nfbalaska.org</span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'>The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>