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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#467886" vlink="#96607D" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Happy Holidays, Cleveland Members and friends,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>This is the season, for giving, loving and sharing!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>On Friday, December 13, 2024 at 5 PM until 8 PM, the Cleveland Chapter will hold their annual Christmas party at, TikTok Tavern Restaurant on11526 Clifton Blvd., Cleveland, OH. We will have a moment of celebration and reflection. To add to the gathering, we will have fun playing a game called “screw your neighbor”. This game is an electric and exhilarating activity. If you would like to engage, please bring a wrapped gift, no less than $10.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Just a reminder that our Cleveland chapter meeting is on January 18, 2025 at the Garfield Library. The address is, 5409 Turney Rd., Garfield Heights, OH. The meeting will begin at noon until 3 PM in room B. Please bring a guest to learn more about the Federation. Remember, in 2025 We are taking our Chapter to a higher level, growing our membership, increasing advocacy and engaging in social activity.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> Also, during the January meeting, we will discuss,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>A: the Library of Congress trip.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Two: the performance of a monologue and poetry readings.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Three: gather the funds for the, Valentine’s Day Escape Package. All members are to sale ten tickets. They will be distributed at the Christmas party, January meeting or mailed out. Please share the attached flyer with your friends, family and others. The details are also below<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Finally, I am asking all members to pay dues at the Christmas party, during the January meeting, by zelle or mail. Natassha Ricks, Treasurer will be at the party. You can also call her for her address. The zelle email is in the Valentine Escape flyer. Remember, that all members will turn into a status of grace and in February, a status of expired. Please do not wait until February to pay your dues, as I have to go into the Membership Portal to update everyone to current. Cleveland is very active, and this is an action item to do.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Also, remember that there are five committees for 2025, if you would like to serve on the<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>1: Membership<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>2: Seniors<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>3: Fundraising<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>4: Outreach<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>5: or Cheering Committees, please reach out to me.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>If you have any questions, please reach out to me or Chacity Gilliam. Our contact information is below.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>///<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>National Federation of the Blind of Ohio, Cleveland Chapter<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoPlainText><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>OFFERS<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>A Valentine Day Escape Package!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The National Federation of the Blind of Cleveland is offering a wonderful opportunity for you and that special someone to celebrate Valentine’s Day at the luxurious Embassy Suites by Hilton Hotel , located at 5800 Rockside Woods Blvd, Independence, Ohio 44131. All you need to do is purchase a Valentine Day Escape ticket for only $10! Tickets are sold from December 13, 2024 to February 9, 2025. In addition, if you are not the winner of the hotel stay, there is a second and third prize as well! The second prize winner will receive a $100 gift certificate to dine at the exquisite Capital Grill, and the third prize is $50 in cash.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoPlainText><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoPlainText><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>You do not have to live in Cleveland or Ohio to win!!!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoPlainText><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoPlainText><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>This sale will support Cleveland’s efforts in providing convention assistance to Cleveland members for the 2025 National Federation of the Blind National convention in New Orleans Louisiana. </span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Your participation will help to:<o:p></o:p></span></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoPlainText style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Provide access to the latest technology.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoPlainText style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Empower blind people to advocate for change.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoPlainText style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Encourage blind members to expand their knowledge of resources designed to improve their quality of life.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoPlainText style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Foster a positive attitude about blindness.<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><p class=MsoPlainText><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoPlainText><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Accommodations includes:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Check-In: Friday February 14, 2025 at 4:00 P.M.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Check-Out: Saturday February 15, 2025 at 11:00 A.M.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Relax during the Manager’s Social Hour, which includes two adult beverage tickets and delicious Hors D’oeuvres.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>And, as you wake up from your romantic night, partake of the made to order breakfast, including an “omelet bar” for two in the hotel’s cozy restaurant.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Please, support our efforts by purchasing a Valentine Day Escape Ticket for only $10 and win a special and romantic evening with your “Valentine”. We will draw the winner on February 9<sup>th</sup> , 2025 either on Facebook or in the Ohio Zoom Hall. You can pay by zelle at <a href="mailto:nfb.cle.treasurer@gmail.com">nfb.cle.treasurer@gmail.com</a><u> and add, “Valentine Day Escape in the comments field. You can also pay by mail. Please contact, Natassha Ricks, Treasurer at 216-376-9863 for her address. </u>For more information about Cleveland’s fundraiser,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Contact: Chacity Gilliam, Vice President<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>(216) 644-4374<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Shirley Patterson, Fundraising Chair,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>(216) 400-9534<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Our collective power, determination, and diversity achieve the aspirations of all blind people.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>///<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Thank you and see you on Friday!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Chacity Gilliam, Vice President<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>(216) 644-4374<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>chacity79gilliam@yahoo.com<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Suzanne M. Hartfield Turner</span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>National Federation of the Blind of Ohio, Vice President<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Ohio Legislative Director<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Cleveland Chapter, President<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:24.0pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The National Federation of the Blind advances the lives of its members and all blind people in the United States. We know 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. Our collective power, determination, and diversity achieve the aspirations of all blind people.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:18.0pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>P: (216) 990-6199<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>W: NFBOhio.ORG<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ohiosblind/photos/"><span style='color:#0563C1'>https://www.facebook.com/ohiosblind/photos/</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></div></body></html>