<html xmlns:v="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" xmlns:m="http://schemas.microsoft.com/office/2004/12/omml" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40"><head><meta http-equiv=Content-Type content="text/html; charset=us-ascii"><meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 15 (filtered medium)"><style><!--
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--></style></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 Evening, Cleveland Members,<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 welcome, Devantae Tucker, Joyce White, Shannon Polk, Santhi Dol,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Masquenada Douglas, Tracy Christopher, Bryan Tegowski, Bruce Tegowski, Devonte Tucker and Darryl McClendon to the Cleveland Chapter.<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'>Happy Birthday to Cleveland members with birthdays in January and February. <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 keep the following in your prayers and good thoughts,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Wayne Fletcher, Ivory Thomas, Sue Ott, and Cecil Dukes<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 is holding a party celebrating the Valentine Fundraiser this Saturday, February 7<sup>th</sup> from noon to 3:00PM. The location is the Buffelo Wild Wings, 26200 Harvard Rd. Warrensville Ohio.<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'>Come and fellowship along with enjoyment of tasty food. There is also an array of areas to shop.<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 Chapter February Meeting<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'>Details:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>All are invited to join the Cleveland Chapter for our monthly chapter meeting on February 20, 2026 from 5:00PM to 7:00PM on the Ohio Zoom platform. We will have to speakers, Gary Wunder and Ohio Affiliate President, Richard Payne.<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'>Gary will present on his Braille Monitor article: <b>Changing Words, Changing Minds, Changing the World. I will share his article on Sunday prior to the Friday’s meeting so that you will have an opportunity to review for in-depth conversation, and President Payne will provide insight on, “Why he is a member and leader of the largest blind organization.” There will be a Q/A session.<o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>///<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Announcement from Tomeika Hurt, Fundraising Chair<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'>Details:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>For members who received Valentine Fundraising tickets for sale, which were distributed during the November 2025 meeting, all 500 tickets have been distributed to members. Most of them have been sold. However, there are a few members who will have tickets at the February Meet and Greet on this Saturday, February 7<sup>th</sup> from noon to 3:00PM. Come and get a bite to eat at the Buffelo Wild Wings, located at 26200 Harvard Rd. Warrensville, Ohio. <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'>Members will turn in all tickets and funds on the following day. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>1. You can turn in tickets stubs and money at the Cleveland Sight Center on Thursday from 12:30Pm to 2:30PM. I will be present.<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'>2. And, the final deadline is February 7<sup>th</sup> when all stubs and money should be turned into the Fundraising Chair, Tomeika Hurt.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Therefore, the drawing will be on February 8, 2026 in the Ohio zoom room at 4:00PM EST. You do not need to be present or reside in Ohio 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'>There are four prizes,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>A: Hotel stay at the Embassy Suites with love basket,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>B: Massage for two,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>3: A certificate for $100 at the Capital Grill<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>4: And lastly, $50 in cash.<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'>Anyone may purchase a ticket for $10. You do not have to reside in Ohio to win.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Consequently, If you would like to purchase or assist with the sale, contact Tomeika at (216) 820-5404.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>“I honestly believe that we all can do this and bring in money so it can help out with assistance for convention as well as the Washington and Columbus Seminars. Thus, any other assistance that is needed with the agreement of the Executive Board for approval. If you have any questions pertaining to the tickets, please do not hesitate to contact me. You have a beautiful, wonderful, productive blessed day.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Love Tomeika Hurt<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'>Announcement from the National 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'>Details:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>2026 National Senior Division Retreat<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'>What is a retreat, you ask?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>The NFB Senior Division sponsors a winter retreat for those seniors who are new to blindness or who want a refresher for some of the techniques that don't require vision.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Dates: February 8 to February 14, 2026<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Meet & Greet on Sunday, February 8 and Wrap-up Saturday, February 14, 2026<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Will be Held 1 PM - 2:30 PM<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Monday through Friday, Noon - 5 PM<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>These will be one-hour classes.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Featuring Cane Travel, Daily Living Skills, Technology Tips and Tricks from Low Tech to High Tech, and so much more<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'>All of this for the cost of only $50. So, kindly go to the link below and join us in this weeklong journey. You will learn, share and enjoy the fellowship in this safe environment.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Sign up here:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><<a href="https://forms.gle/mZ1rkvneov65Utyc9">https://forms.gle/mZ1rkvneov65Utyc9</a>> <a href="https://forms.gle/mZ1rkvneov65Utyc9">https://forms.gle/mZ1rkvneov65Utyc9</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Looking forward to having you in our zoom room!<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'>National Convention<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'>Details:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>The upscale JW Marriott Austin will serve as our headquarters hotel, while the recently opened Austin Mariott Downtown, just a short walk away, will provide overflow space. All convention events will take place in the headquarters hotel this year. Both hotels offer a number of dining options, 24/7 fitness centers, and rooftop pools with cabana rentals. The hotels are in the heart of downtown Austin, surrounded by local restaurants and shops. A few blocks south, walking trails line the section of the Colorado River known as Lady Bird Lake.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Our 2026 convention hotel rate is $139 per night for singles and doubles. Triples and quads are available for $155 per night. Sales tax and a tourism fee total a combined 19 percent.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>You may book a room at 800-535-4028 as early as January 1.<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'>Announcement from Chacity Gilliam Vice president<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'>Details:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>The 2026 State of Ohio Convention will be held at the Marriott University of Dayton Hotel, 1414 South Patterson, Blvd. Dayton Ohio on November 5<sup>th</sup> through 8<sup>th</sup> 2026. The hotel rate is $129 per night. You can make your reservation now by calling 800-535-4028.<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 will charter a bus coach to Dayton. Here are the details:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>The price of a round-trip seat is $120 per passenger.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>You can begin installment payments starting on February 7, 2026 at the Buffelo Wild Wings. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>A $30 deposit is due by March 21, 2026 to secure your seat.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Final payment is due on September 21, 2026.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Deposits are final.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>You can either make your payments by zelle or mail.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Zelle address: <a href="mailto:NFB.CLE.Treasurer@Gmail.com">NFB.CLE.Treasurer@Gmail.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Mail: NFB of Cleveland, Attention, Natassha Ricks,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>6980 Ladd Ln.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Maple Heights, Ohio 44137<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Please call either Chacity Gilliam at 216-644-4374 or Natassha Ricks at 216-376-9863 to inform them of your payment.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Note: Please put in the memo: Dayton Trip.<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 hope to see you all this Saturday for a bite to eat and fellowship; along with turning in your Valentine stubs and funds.<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-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Suzanne M. Hartfield Turner</span><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='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-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Ohio Legislative Director<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Cleveland Chapter, President<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:24.0pt'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>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-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>P: (216) 990-6199<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>W: NFBOhio.ORG<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal>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></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>