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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 evening, Cleveland and friends,<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 that you’re evening and weekend so far have been great.<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 Board of Directors meeting today was informative and provided an opportunity for those who are seasoned and new to the organization to witness how policies, programs, and services are crafted for the blind across 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'>I would also like to extend a warm welcome to Shawn Martin, Milena Zavoli, and Joyce White, who were officially voted into the Cleveland Chapter this past Friday. We are glad to have you with us.<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'>Special thanks go to Gary Wunder, who provided an excellent presentation on “Changing Words, Changing Minds, and Changing the World,” and to Ohio Affiliate President Richard Payne for his impactful presentation on how and why to be a leader in the National Federation of the Blind. Finally, thank you to Chrystal Carlgren for giving us insight into what our member, Tomeika Hurt, will experience as a contestant in the upcoming Ohio Amerifest Pageant in April.<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 review the following announcements in their entirety:<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'>Leadership and Legacy Presentation – March 1, 2026 at 5:00 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'>Detail:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>The National Organization of Blind Black Leaders (NOBBL Mentoring and Outreach Workgroup will host a special presentation on Leadership and Legacy. Your president, Suzanne Turner, will serve as chairperson and presenter. Dr. Carolyn Peters, Ohio Affiliate Board Member, and Emeritus Ron Brown will assist with the presentation. You do not want to miss this powerful and inspiring event. Please join us in the Ohio Zoom Room at 5:00 PM. The link is provided 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'>NFB Gear Fundraiser – Begins March 1, 2026<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'>Detail:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>It’s time to represent and look your best. The Cleveland Chapter is offering a wide selection of National Federation of the Blind gear, including long-sleeve and short-sleeve T-shirts, zip-up hoodies, pullover hoodies, crewneck sweatshirts, polo shirts, and popular jogging suits. These items are available in a variety of colors. Please review the attached flyer or contact our fundraising chair, Tomeika Hurt, at 216-820-5404 or by email at <a href="mailto:tomeika1993@icloud.com">tomeika1993@icloud.com</a> for more information.<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'>Ohio Affiliate Fundraiser – Begins March 1, 2026<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'>You will soon be able to order popcorn, cookies, candy, and more. This fundraiser helps support programs and services across Ohio. Please use and share the link widely so we can strengthen our Ohio Affiliate treasury. The flyer is also attached.<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 Presidential Release – March 5, 2026 at 8:00 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'>Details:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Join us for the National Presidential Release. You can attend via the Ohio Zoom Room, through the provided link below, or on your Alexa device.<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 Monthly Meeting – March 21, 2026<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'>Noon to 3:00 PM<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Location:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Buffalo Wild Wings<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>26200 Harvard Road<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Warrensville Heights, Ohio<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Please bring a friend to learn more about our organization. You may also bring funds for various chapter activities.<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 – Austin, Texas – July 3 through July 8, 2026<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'>Pre-registration is now open. The registration fee is $25, and the banquet fee is $80. Please register at NFB.org/convention.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Hotel rates:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Single and Double: $139 per night<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Triple and Quad: $155 per night<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Plus 19% tax<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Note: If you are attending for the first time, you are encouraged to apply for the Kenneth Jernigan Scholarship Fund, which can also be found on the convention website. NFB.ORG/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'>80th NFB of Ohio State Convention – November 5 through November 8, 2026<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 location: University of Dayton Marriott, 1414 S. Patterson Rd. Dayton,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>The room rate: $129 per night plus 16.5% tax<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Reservations are now open. Please refer to the convention flyer for full details on amenities and events. Call (<b>800) </b>627-7468 for room reservations. <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'>Charter Bus to State 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 Cleveland Chapter is chartering a bus to the state convention. The cost is $120 round trip. To secure your seat, a $30 deposit is required by March 21, 2026. Installment payments are welcome, but the full balance must be paid by September 21, 2026. The bus will also stop in Akron and Columbus. Please contact Chacity Gilliam, Vice president, if you would like to reserve your seat at (216) 644-4374 or by email at chacitygilliam04@gmail.com<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'>Membership Coin Holders<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'>If you have a membership coin and would like a wearable coin holder, Vice President Chassidy Gilliam is collecting orders. The holder can be worn around your neck and keeps your coin secure. The cost is $20. Please contact Chassidy at 216-644-4374 for details.<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'>Congratulations to 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'>Details:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'> Please join us in congratulating President Payne on his retirement after more than 35 years of dedicated service. We thank him for his leadership and commitment and encourage everyone to send their well wishes to RCHPAY7@gmail.com.<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 your continued commitment to the National Federation of the Blind and the Cleveland Chapter. Together, we are changing what it means to be blind.<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'>Suzanne Turner<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>President, Cleveland Chapter<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>National Federation of the Blind of 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'>All funds can be sent to:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Zelle: <a href="mailto:NFB.CLE.Treasurer@gmail.com">NFB.CLE.Treasurer@gmail.com</a> and add 50 cents for processing.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Call, Treasurer, Natassha Ricks to notify her of your payment at 216-376-9863<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'>Mailing Address For Payments<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Attention, Natassha Ricks<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Cleveland Chapter <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'>Again, call her to notify of your payments by mail or zelle<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'>Join Zoom:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><a href="https://zoom.us/j/4081850851">https://zoom.us/j/4081850851</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Meeting ID: 408 185 0851<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></div></body></html>