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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#1F497D'>Steve and Shannon Cook<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#1F497D'>Today I married my best friend. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#1F497D'>The one that I laugh with, live for, love.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#1F497D'>October 11, 2003<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div><div style='border:none;border-top:solid #E1E1E1 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>From:</span></b><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'> NFBNet-Members-List <nfbnet-members-list-bounces@nfbnet.org> <b>On Behalf Of </b>Danielsen, Chris via NFBNet-Members-List<br><b>Sent:</b> Friday, April 06, 2018 12:09 AM<br><b>To:</b> nfbnet-members-list@nfbnet.org<br><b>Subject:</b> [Nfbnet-members-list] FW: NFB of TN State Convention<o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <br><b>From:</b> NFBTN Secretary [<a href="mailto:secretary@nfb-tn.org"> mailto:secretary@nfb-tn.org</a>] <br><b>Sent:</b> Wednesday, April 4, 2018 5:15 PM<br><b>To:</b> Danielsen, Chris <CDanielsen@nfb.org>; President, National Federation of the Blind <OfficeOfThePresident@nfb.org><br><b>Subject:</b> NFB of TN State Convention<br> <br>Greetings!<br>Please share the attached convention info with pertinent lists! We are so excited about our convention! Some highlights include:<br> Aira <br>Low Viz Guide<br>24 exhibitors!<br>Reps from 5 guide dog schools!<br>Local city and state legislators<br>The wonderful talent of singer/songwriters JP WIlliams and Ginny Owens(both members of the Nashville chapter)<br>Collaboration with Lyft<br>Representatives of our area law enforcement, including representatives from the DA office, Nashville police, and canine unit(collaborating with TAGDU)<br>3 state scholarships and Federationist of the Year Award<br>You Cane Give Initiative<br>and so much more!<br>Warmly,<br> <br>James Alan Boehm<br>Contact Information:<br>Phone: 901-483-1515<br>Personal Email: <a href="mailto:jimmydagerman80@gmail.com">jimmydagerman80@gmail.com</a> <br>NFB Email: <a href="mailto:secretary@nfb-tn.org">secretary@nfb-tn.org</a><br>Kustom Cane: <a href="mailto:kustomcane@gmail.com">kustomcane@gmail.com</a><br><br>Blindness is a mere characteristic not defining my abilities; the only disabilities in life are poor expectations and negative attitudes.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b>49th Annual State Convention<br>NATIONAL FEDERATION <br>OF THE BLIND TENNESSEE<br>April 6-8, 2018</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Hilton Garden Inn<br>2631 Highwood Blvd<br>Smyrna, TN<br>615-355-6262<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Theme: <br><b>Federation Gone Country!</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <br><b><u>National Federation of the Blind Pledge<br></u></b>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 policies and programs of the Federation; and to abide by its constitution.<br> <br><b>General Information: </b>Hotel staff provided the following information regarding the guide dog relief area:<br>The relief area for the guide dogs can be outside the hotel on the left-hand green corner when you are facing the hotel. When you walk out the left-hand side door, it will be right outside. There will be a covered trash can to dispose your dog’s waste. Let us show honor and respect for the property by setting a good example and picking up after our dogs.<br> <br><b>Transportation</b> will be provided at a drastically reduced price by On Demand Paratransit. For transportation from the Hilton property, contact On Demand at 615-955-2520. When calling, state that you are an attendee of the 2018 NFB convention for a discounted fare.<br> <br><b>Registration</b> will be held on <b>Friday, April 6th, in the Prefunction Room,</b> from <b>3:00-5:00 PM</b> and <b>Saturday</b> from <b>8:00-9:00 AM.</b> <br> <br><b>Newsletter Announcement:<br></b>Let indoor wayfinding technology be your guide around our event this year. MD Support is providing its new LowViz Guide app at no cost to you or us. Just download it to your iPhone or iPad and let it describe all points of interest and routes throughout the hotel lobby and meeting areas. <br>For important information, see <a href="http://www.mdsupport.org/audioguide">www.mdsupport.org/audioguide</a>. Everything you need to know is there, including: <br>• A direct download link to the App Store <br>• Instructions for use <br>• Frequently asked questions <br>• An audio/visual demonstration of the app <br>• What you need to know ahead of time <br>• Articles and audio broadcasts about LowViz Guide<b> <br></b>MD Support personnel will be on hand to provide technical assistance, but your advance preparation will make using the LowViz Guide application faster and easier. <br> <br>Please support the Tennessee Association of Blind Students and the Tennessee Association of Guide Dog Users on Friday night from <b>9:00 to 11:30 PM </b>for the TAGDU TABS Country Carnival Fundraiser! Enjoy freshly made cotton candy, snow cones, popcorn! If that is not appetizing enough, we will have a dance instructor from 9:15-10pm provide lessons for some waltz, 2 step, or line dancing to some great Nashville music. Afterwards, continue to enjoy a variety of music, shake your tail feather, and enjoy socializing with your federation family. The price to enter is $10 per person. Entrance includes the dance instruction, cotton candy, snow cones, popcorn, a photo or photo decal from the photo booth, dancing the whole night to great music, and access to the cash bar where drinks and refreshments will be available for purchase. All proceeds will be used to build our Tennessee student and guide dog division, as we advocate, educate, and empower our state’s blind!<br> <br><b>Support The You Cane Give Initiative!!<br></b>Wondering what to do with that old cane you no longer use in the closet? Is that drawer of used canes collecting dust and taking up space? Donate your old canes to our new “You Cane Give” program. Kustom Cane is collecting donated canes to refurbish and send to individuals who are blind and visually impaired around the world. Let’s face it, we have it good in America. With the click of a button, we can order almost anything we need, including a cane. In countries like Mexico, China, India, and South Africa, people do not have access to the proper tools to empower independence and success. Do not let your canes go to waste! “You Cane Give” allows you to help us give your used cane to a person far away who needs it!<br> <br><b>Exhibit Hall<br></b>All vendors at the exhibit hall will have a notepad and pen so that you can provide your name can contact information, in order to be entered for a drawing to win a prize! Yes! All vendors are participating in a drawing at the end of the exhibit hall on Saturday for prizes valued at $25 or higher!!!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;text-align:center'> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><u>SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:<o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><u>Friday, April 6<sup>th</sup>, 2018</u></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <br><a name=GoBack></a><b>2:00-6:00 PM</b>: Registration in Prefunction Room and Exhibit Hall<br>Exhibitors include:<br>TN Library for the Blind, Sprint, Adaptiveware, Tennessee Disability Coalition/Benefits To Work, Enhanced Vision, Tennessee Technology Access Program, Recovery Services with Tawanda Murray, JW.org, ARC of Davidson County, The Tennessee Rehabilitation Center (TRC), Braille Works, Kustom Cane and The You Cane Give Initiative, The NFB Sports And Recreation Division, The Tennessee Association of Guide Dog Users, AIRA, Project Pave, The National Association of Mental Illness (NAMI), Achilles of Nashville, Guiding Eyes for the Blind, The Seeing Eye, Guide Dog Foundation, Guide Dogs for the Blind, and Fidelco Guide Dogs. <br> <br><b>2:30-4:00 PM</b>:<b> </b>NFBTN Board of Directors Meeting<br>Restaurant Area<br>James Brown, President<br> <br><b>4:00-6:00 PM </b>NFB Division Sports and Recreation Seminar Bloomin Room<br>Division President: Jessica Beecham<br> <br><b>6:00-7:30 PM</b>: Tennessee Association of Blind Students<br>Lily Room<br>Division President: Shannon Hanson, Stones River Chapter<br>Murfreesboro, TN<br> <br><b>6:00-7:00 PM</b>: Financial Audit Committee<br>Garden Room<br>Chair: Melissa Smith, Scenic City Chapter <br>Chattanooga, TN<br> <br><b>7:00-8:00 PM </b>Resolution Committee. <br>Garden Room<br>Chair: Terry Smith, Scenic City Chapter <br>Chattanooga, TN<br> <br><b>7:30-9:00 PM</b>: Hup Up Tennessee, Guide Dog Division <br>Bloomin Room<br>Division President: Shea Welch, Nashville Chapter<br>Nashville, TN<br> <br><b>6:00-8:00 PM</b>: Hospitality Room <br>Room 226<br> <br><b>9:00-11:30PM </b>TAGDU TABS Country Carnival Fundraiser.<br>Bloomin Lily Garden Ballroom<br>For $10, learn to dance, eat popcorn, snow cones, cotton candy, enjoy the cash bar, photo booth, and some great music to dance to! <br> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><u>Saturday, April 7<sup>th</sup>, 2018</u></b><b><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b> <br>General Session: (Bloomin Lily Garden Ballroom)<br> <br>Theme: Federation Gone Country! <br> <br>9:00 AM</b>: Call to Order! <br>James Brown, President, NFB of TN<br>Nashville, TN<br> <br>Invocation, National Anthem and Federation Pledge:<br>Jana Jackson, Member, Nashville Chapter<br> <br>A Big Howdy from Middle Tennessee<br>James Boehm, President, Nashville Chapter<br>Mary Esther Reed, Mayor, Smyrna TN<br>Mike Sparks, Tennessee State Representative, Smyrna, TN<br> <br><b>9:25 AM</b>: National Report: <br>Doing the Federation Two Step from Oklahoma to Tennessee!!<br>Jeannie Massay, Board Member<br>National Federation of the Blind<br>President, NFB of Oklahoma<br><b> <br>10:00 AM</b>: A Strong Blind Woman, Showing Horses and Beyond!<br>Bobbie Davis PH.D, LCSW <br>Clarksville, TN<br> <br><b>10:20 AM</b>: 2018 Tennessee Scholarship Class<br>I Hope You Dance!<br>John Harris, Chair, Scholarship Committee, State Board Member<br>Murfreesboro, TN<br> <br><b>10:40 AM</b>: AIRA, Blazing Trails to New Possibilities<br>Marty Watts, AIRA Director of Sales <br>La Jolla, CA<br><b> <br>11:00 AM</b>: Sports and Wellness for the Blind in Tennessee<br>Turning them There Setbacks into Comebacks<br>Jessica Beecham, Executive Director<br>We Fit Wellness<br>Colorado Springs, CO <br> <br><b>11:20 AM: </b>Running Blind and Mobility Impaired in Music City<br>Achilles International<br>Amy Harris, Executive Director<br><b> <br>11:30 AM: </b>Snow Cowboy<br>Ski for Light International<br>Larry Povinelli, Treasurer<br>NFB of Alabama <br><b> <br>11:40 AM</b>: The Traveling Country Library Gets a New Name <br>Ruth Hemphill, Outreach Librarian, Tennessee Library for the Blind <br>Nashville, TN<br> <br><b>Noon</b>: Adjourn for Lunch<br> <br>Exhibit Hall open from <b>10:00-2:00 PM<br></b> <br><b>12:00-1:30 PM</b>: Tennessee Association of Blind Merchants <br>Meeting will take place at Ruby Tuesday across the street. Please see President Smith for details.<br>Melisa Smith, President<br>Chattanooga, TN<br><i> <br></i><b>General Session: (Bloomin Lily Garden Ballroom)<br></b><i> <br></i><b>2:00 PM</b>: Let Freedom Ring<br>Tennessee BELL<br>Christina Clift, President, Memphis Chapter <br>Memphis, TN<br> <br><b>2:20 PM</b>: The Gambler<br>A Blind Nashville Song Writer’s Story<br>JP Williams, Treasurer, Nashville Chapter<br>Nashville, TN<br> <br><b>2:40 PM:</b> Free to Stomp Your Boots!<br>Singer/Songwriter <br>Ginny Owens, Member, Nashville Chapter<br><b> <br>3:05 PM</b>: Got Them There Blindness Skills?<br>Jessica Beecham, Colorado Center for the Blind<br>Karen Davis, Smyrna Tennessee Rehabilitation Center <br> <br><b>3:25 PM</b>: Tennessee Blind Services<br>Getting Down on the Farm<br>Shaniqua Cox, Director<br>Field Operations for Services for the Blind<br>Chattanooga, TN<br><b> <br>3:55 PM: </b>National Federation of the Blind Entrepreneurial Initiative<br>Don't Blink<br>Terry Smith, First Vice President, NFB of TN <br>Chattanooga, TN.<br><b> <br>4:20 PM</b>: Down Home Legislation in DC! <br>Christina Clift, President, Memphis Chapter <br>Memphis, TN<br><b> <br>4:40 PM</b>: Nominating Committee Report<br>Nominating Chair, Terry Smith<br>First Vice President, NFB of TN <br>Chattanooga, TN<br><b> <br>4:45 PM</b>: Elections<br>James Brown, President, NFB of TN<br>Nashville, TN<br><b> <br>5:00 PM</b>: Adjourn<br> <br><b>7:00-10:00 PM</b> Banquet (Bloomin Lily Garden Ballroom)<br>Master of Ceremony: JP Williams, Nashville Chapter Treasurer<br>Keynote Address: Jeannie Massay, Board Member<br>National Federation of the Blind <br>President, NFB of OK.<br> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><u>Sunday April 8, 2018</u></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <br><b>7:45-8:45</b> <b>AM</b>: Nondenominational Service<b> <br></b>(Bloomin Lily Garden Ballroom)<br> <br><b>General Session </b>(Bloomin Lily Garden Ballroom)<br><b>9:00 AM</b>: Call to Order <br>James Brown, President, NFB of TN<br>Nashville, TN<br> <br><b>9:05 AM:</b> Invocation<br>Keith Tim Anderson, Member, Nashville Chapter<br>Nashville, TN<br><b> <br>9:10 AM</b>: Communications Committee Report<br>Steve Norman, Chair<br>State Board Member<br>Murfreesboro, TN<br><b> <br>9:40 AM</b>: Legislative Committee Report<br>Christina Clift, President, Memphis Chapter <br>Memphis, TN<br><b> <br>9:55 AM</b>: Audit Committee Report<br>Melissa Smith, Chair<br>Chattanooga, TN<br><b> <br>10:10 AM</b>: Treasurer’s Report<br>Evelyn Hogue, Treasurer, NFB of TN<br>Memphis, TN<br> <br><b>10:25 PM:</b> Website Committee Report<br>Tyler Butler, Committee Chair<br>Member, Nashville Chapter<br>Nashville, TN<br> <br><b>10:40 AM</b>: Chapter and Division Reports<br> <br><b>11:15 AM</b>: Resolutions Report<br>Terry Smith, Chair, Resolutions Committee<br>Chattanooga, TN<br> <br><b>11:50 AM:</b> Customary Motion<br>Nominating an Alternate Delegate to National Convention <br> <br><b>11:55 AM</b>: State Convention 2019 <br> <br><b>Noon</b>: Adjourn<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'> <br><b><i>Thank you to all of our members! <br>We couldn't do this without you.<br></i></b> <br>President: James Aaron Brown<br>4113 Tea Garden Way <br>Antioch, TN 37013<br>(615) 412-9632<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'> <br><br> <br> <br> <br> <o:p></o:p></p></div></body></html>