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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=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Good Afternoon, Cleveland,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>I trust all is well!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Cleveland, in the next few months, we are quite busy. Below are the events, details along with dates and times that you should make a note.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Please read to the bottom and act fast.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Dates to remember:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Monday, August 11, 2025 at 7 pm via Zoom, NOBBL Women\u2019s Group Meeting <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>August 30<sup>th</sup>, Cleveland Chapter meeting at the Garfield Library<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>September 27<sup>th</sup> at 10:00AM. Ohio State Board meeting on zoom.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>First, this coming Sunday, August 10<sup>th</sup>, Cleveland members will partake of a Cycle Tour around Cleveland. 15 members and friends will embark on a new adventure that has 10 seat connected bike with pedals. However, five of the fifteen, will not pedal. To make it fair for all, there are two stops where members and friends will switch to either pedal or ride. At this time, I believe that we have three seats open and if you would like to join us, please reach out to Natassha at (216) 376-9863. The fee is $30 for two hours.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Please members wear your NFB Gear; as this is an awareness celebrating the 35<sup>th</sup> anniversary of the ADA. We will take pitchers as well. What an ULTIMATE WAY TO EXPERIENCE THE VIBRANT HEART OF CLEVELAND while socializing with your Cleveland Chapter and friends! Explore the city like never before when you hop aboard Cleveland\u2019s premier party wagon! You\u2019ll pedal your way to iconic landmarks, pubs and hidden gems. We will meet at 2061 Gehring Ave., Cleveland Ohio, 3:00 to 7:00 PM.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>///<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Cleveland, Experience the magic of Washington D.C. like never before! Get ready for an unforgettable trip to the nation\u2019s capital, where history, culture, and excitement come together in one vibrant city. Whether you\u2019re a history buff, art lover, or thrill-seeker, Washington D.C. offers something for everyone. We will leave on Saturday, September 13, 2025 and Return September 15, 2025<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Open to all and the location is TBD! </span><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif'>🚌🚎</span><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Highlights include:<o:p></o:p></span></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Discover the rich history and breathtaking architecture of our National Capital.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Visit iconic landmarks like the Lincoln, Jefferson and MLK Memorials.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Explore the Smithsonian museums and its vibrant attractions.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Tour the Library of Congress tactile exhibits.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Plan your visit to the National Museum of African American History and Culture.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>With popular demand, a tour of the Jernigan Institute has been added to the schedule.<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>No matter if you are revisiting or discovering DC for the first time, this tour offers a perfect opportunity to see and learn about the rich history of our nation\u2019s capital.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>We will reside at Fort Mead Courtyard by Marriott, 2700 Hercules Road, Annapolis Junction, Maryland 20701. Make reservations by calling (301) 498-8400 (Use group code: <b>National Federation of the blind Cleveland Chapter</b>), with a room rate of only $109 plus 14% tax per night for singles and doubles. Moreover, the cost to secure your seat on the coach is $150 round-trip by August 10, 2025. Pay by zelle at: <a href="mailto:NFB.CLE.Treasurer@gmail.com">NFB.CLE.Treasurer@gmail.com</a> or mail to Natassha Ricks payable to Cleveland Chapter with memo of (DC Trip). Call for the address at (216) 376-9863. (For more information) please contact Wilbert Turner, Community Outreach, at (216) 561-6864 or <a href="mailto:Wo.Turner5@sbcglobal.net">Wo.Turner5@sbcglobal.net</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>///<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Cleveland, \u201cAIN\u2019T No Stopping Us Now\u201d is the theme for 2025 Ohio State Convention. The Convention dates are Thursday, November 6, 2025, through Sunday, November 9, 2025. Ohio Affiliate, President, Richard Payne, and the Ohio Board of Directors invite you to come learn how to reach your maximum leadership potential, participate in motivational and leadership development seminars, and most of all learn about \u201cliving the life you want.\u201d<br><br><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>AIN\u2019T No Stopping Us Now! We fight to win, breaking down barriers and sustaining our civil rights.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>The 79<sup>th</sup> Ohio State convention will be held at the Wyndham Garden Westlake Hotel. The address is 1100 Crocker Road, Cleveland Westlake, Ohio 44145. You can make reservations by calling (<b>800) 407-9832</b>. Individuals must identify themselves as being with the group, The National Federation of the Blind, at the time the reservation is made. The room rate is only $115.00, taxes are 17.5%, which includes breakfast for 2 occupants per room. The last date to reserve a room is Monday, October 6, 2025. So, <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>RESERVE NOW!<a name="_heading=h.x04rlrady6s4"></a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>///<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>The fastest growing group of people in Ohio losing vision is seniors. The NFBO Senior Division urges all members of the NFB of Ohio over fifty to join our division and help us educate and assist older Ohioans losing their sight. Annual dues are only $5. Also members and nonmembers of the Federation can participate in our annual fundraiser. Each $10- chance gives you a shot at winning $200 at our annual Ohio convention in early November. Nonmembers can buy tickets, and you need not be present to win. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>You can now purchase one or more chances in our drawing and pay annual dues before the State Convention by sending funds to our Treasurer, Gloria Conway, by mail or Zelle . Each $10-chance gets you closer to winning $200. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Note: if you purchase a chance using Zelle, in the comment field indicate that the funds are for the \u201cSenior Drawing.\u201d Conveniently, you can now also pay your $5 division dues by Zelle for only a 50 cent fee. Please remember to include that fee in all Zelle transactions.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Here are the ways to purchase a drawing chance:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>1. Mail a check to Gloria Conway at16008 Evening Star Ave., Maple Heights, Ohio 44137. Make checks payable to NFBO Senior Division.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>2. Select Zelle: use the email address nfbo.seniors@gmail.com, and in the comments field write \u201cSenior Drawing.\u201d<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>3. Use Bill Pay through your financial institution. However, the bank check must also be made out to NFBO Senior Division and not the Treasurer\u2019s name.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Thank you for contributing to the work of the Ohio Senior Division<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>If you need help, Gloria is willing to assist and advise you.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>For more information contact<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Gloria Conway, Treasurer) (772) 882-1654<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>///<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Legislative Action needed!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>I will send the info out in a separate email where you will have the Congressional Representative office staff email where you will send your support. In the meantime, please read below!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Dear Federation Family:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Last week the Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act was reintroduced in both the United States Senate and the United States House of Representatives. The Senate bill, S. 2438, was introduced on Thursday, July 24, and is sponsored by Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), with three original cosponsors: Senators Steve Daines (R-MT), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN). Then, on Friday, July 25, Representatives Bobby Scott (D-VA-3) and Pete Sessions (R-TX-17) introduced a companion bill, H.R. 4771. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>This bill phases out subminimum wages for workers with disabilities over a five-year period. The National Federation of the Blind has supported the elimination of subminimum wages since 1942. Each Congress we come closer and closer to getting this legislation passed. I believe this is the year we will get this done!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Let\u2019s get off to a fast start by building cosponsor support right away. Please call or email your two Senators and Representative and urge them to cosponsor this legislation. When you call or email you might say something like:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>\u201cDear [SENATOR/REPRESENTATIVE NAME]:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>My name is [YOUR NAME] and I live in [CITY, STATE]. I urge you to cosponsor the Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act, [S. 2438/H.R. 4771]. This bill phases out subminimum wages for workers with disabilities over a five-year period. This will in turn help maximize the earning potential and promote dignity of work for all Americans with disabilities.\u201d<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Attached is a list of the appropriate contact person in each Congressional office sorted by state. The list includes the staff member\u2019s name and email address. I recommend you email that person, but you could also call the Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121 and ask for the office in question.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>If you email, please copy me at <a href="mailto:jyoung@nfb.org">jyoung@nfb.org</a>. If you have questions regarding the legislative point of contact, please email Lindsey Walsh at <a href="mailto:lwalsh@nfb.org">lwalsh@nfb.org</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Working together we will be successful!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Warm regards,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Justin T. Young, Ed.D<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Government Affairs Specialist,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></div></body></html>