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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72"><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>Happy new year to all! May 2017 bring you and yours peace, joy and wisdom. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As we move into the new year creating our future together I am filled with hope, energy and love by participating in the National Federation of the Blind because my expectations are raised, my contributions make a difference to me and to others, and I can celebrate the realization of my dreams with my Federation family. This is our Brand value proposition. However, it has come to be something that I have internalized because of the ways in which many of you have touched my life and continue to do so. As we continue the work of the Federation together in 2017, and beyond, may we continue to raise expectations of ourselves and one another. May we continually strive towards excellence in achieving our goals while allowing for forgiveness when necessary. We learn better together than apart and gain much more by communicating openly and honestly with one another. May we continue these traditions of Federationism and fortify ourselves for what continued growth for our beloved Federation requires of us. Truly, together with love, hope and determination, we transform dreams into reality. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. - Eleanor Roosevelt<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves. - William Shakespeare<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>My best and love to you, your sister in the Federation, <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Jeannie <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Cambria",serif'>Jeannie M. Massay, President<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Cambria",serif'>National Federation of the Blind <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Cambria",serif'>Of Oklahoma<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Cambria",serif'>505 Baker Street<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Cambria",serif'>Norman, OK 73072<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Cambria",serif'>Phone: 405-600-0695<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Cambria",serif'><a href="mailto:Jeannie.massay@nfbok.org">Jeannie.massay@nfbok.org</a> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Cambria",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Cambria",serif'>Live the life you want!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Cambria",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Cambria",serif'>The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day, we raise expectations of the blind because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. Blindness is not what holds you back. You can live the life you want.!. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Cambria",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>