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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'>Morning, Cleveland Members 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'>As we move toward August, I am so excited about gathering for our annual picnic at Lakewood Park on Saturday, August 22, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.<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 love the fall season and am excited that we're moving toward it. The leaves will soon begin changing, the weather will become more comfortable, and the holidays will be just around the corner. I hope you're looking forward to this wonderful time of year as much as I am.<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'>Moreover, each August represents togetherness, diversity, and inclusivity for the Cleveland Chapter. We are a family, and I am so grateful to serve as your 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'>Cleveland, if you are planning to attend the picnic, please contact our Vice President, Chacity Gilliam, and let her know what food item you will be bringing. You can reach her at 216-644-4374.<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'>Another exciting opportunity is our 80th National Federation of the Blind of Ohio State Convention! If you have not yet made your reservation at the University of Dayton Marriott, please call 800-627-7468 and let them know you are attending with the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio. Convention dates are November 5–8, 2026. If you would like to reduce costs, please consider sharing a room with another member.<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'>Also, our convention bus is filling up quickly! We currently have approximately five seats remaining, but about ten people have already expressed interest. If you know someone who wants to ride, please remind them that seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. A $30 deposit is required to reserve a seat.<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'>As a reminder, our September 19 chapter meeting is the final day to pay the full $120 round-trip bus fare. Please continue making installment payments if 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'>Speaking of convention, I would like our chapter to submit a basket for the auction—I know we can put together something fantastic! Please begin thinking about a theme. We'll discuss ideas during the picnic and decide on a creative basket together.<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'>Convention pre-registration is now open! Please take advantage of this opportunity to reserve your banquet ticket, box lunch, and make your $20 contribution to support programs and services provided by the Ohio affiliate for blind people across the state. Visit <a href="http://www.nfbohio.org/convention">www.nfbohio.org/convention</a> to preregister.<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'>Tonight, Tuesday, July 28, at 7:00 p.m., the Community of Faith Division will hold its monthly meeting in the Ohio Zoom Room. A thought-provoking question (<b>What Is God Saying to You?</b>) has been posed for discussion, so come prepared to share your ideas, thoughts, and inspiration.<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'd also like to remind everyone about the PAC (Pre-Authorized Contribution) Plan. Ohio PAC Coordinator Chacity Gilliam continues to provide information about this exciting opportunity to support national programming and services. Contributions can be as little as $5 per month, automatically withdrawn from your checking or savings account. Chacity will share more information during our chapter meeting and through email. Please continue reading the Ohio-Talk and Cleveland listservs for updates. If you are interested in enrolling, contact Chacity at 216-644-4374.<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'>Lastly, I encourage every member to begin thinking about a community service project for September through December. In past years, we have donated school supplies to local students, provided toys for Providence House, and hosted adjustment-to-blindness seminars. What should our next project be? I welcome your ideas! Please call or email me with your suggestions.<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'm also excited to announce that our new NFB Cleveland merchandise will officially be released on September 8, 2026! Tomeika Hurt, Fundraising Chair will present our new designs that are fresh, innovative, and will be featured on our Facebook page. We hope to market our Cleveland gear throughout Ohio and beyond. Previous merchandise, including jogging suits, will also be available. You'll get a first look at the new gear during the picnic, so start saving and get ready to help spread the word!<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'>Next week, I will send out our August updates.<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'>Finally, I hope to see everyone tomorrow at Wade Oval from 4:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. The address is 11030 East Boulevard, Cleveland, Ohio. Simply let your transportation provider know you are going to Wade Oval. Please bring a lawn chair, food if you'd like, and invite your family and friends. There will also be a variety of food trucks available.<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 support and commitment to our chapter. I look forward to seeing many of you at Wade Oval, our picnic, and the upcoming 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'><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>