<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN">
<HTML xmlns:o = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office"><HEAD><META http-equiv=Content-Type content="text/html; charset=UTF-8"></HEAD>
<BODY id=role_body style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: #000000; FONT-FAMILY: Arial" bottomMargin=7 leftMargin=7 topMargin=7 rightMargin=7><FONT id=role_document face=Arial color=#000000 size=2>
<DIV>
<TABLE class=MsoNormalTable style="BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse; mso-table-layout-alt: fixed; mso-padding-alt: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=0>
<TBODY>
<TR style="HEIGHT: 113.8pt; mso-yfti-irow: 0; mso-yfti-firstrow: yes">
<TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: #f0f0f0; PADDING-RIGHT: 9pt; BORDER-TOP: #f0f0f0; PADDING-LEFT: 9pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; BORDER-LEFT: #f0f0f0; WIDTH: 185.35pt; PADDING-TOP: 0in; BORDER-BOTTOM: #f0f0f0; HEIGHT: 113.8pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" vAlign=top width=309>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-AUTOSPACE: ideograph-numeric; TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-AUTOSPACE: ideograph-numeric; TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; mso-no-proof: yes"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-AUTOSPACE: ideograph-numeric"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; mso-no-proof: yes"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><IMG SRC="cid:X.MA1.1239046398@aol.com" height=110 width=212 v:shapes="_x0000_i1025" DATASIZE="7255" ID="MA1.1239046398" ><o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-AUTOSPACE: ideograph-numeric; TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-AUTOSPACE: ideograph-numeric; TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2><IMG SRC="cid:X.MA2.1239046398@aol.com" height=10 width=10 v:shapes="_x0000_i1026" DATASIZE="415" ID="MA2.1239046398" ></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-AUTOSPACE: ideograph-numeric; TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-AUTOSPACE: ideograph-numeric; TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-AUTOSPACE: ideograph-numeric; TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B><I><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 20pt; mso-no-proof: yes"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></I></B></P></TD>
<TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: #f0f0f0; PADDING-RIGHT: 9pt; BORDER-TOP: #f0f0f0; PADDING-LEFT: 9pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; BORDER-LEFT: #f0f0f0; WIDTH: 369.05pt; PADDING-TOP: 0in; BORDER-BOTTOM: #f0f0f0; HEIGHT: 113.8pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" vAlign=top width=615>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-AUTOSPACE: ideograph-numeric; TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 22pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-AUTOSPACE: ideograph-numeric; TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 22pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">NFB Vigilant<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-AUTOSPACE: ideograph-numeric; TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-AUTOSPACE: ideograph-numeric; TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">National Federation of the Blind of
Virginia<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-AUTOSPACE: ideograph-numeric; TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B><I><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 20pt; mso-no-proof: yes"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></I></B></P></TD></TR>
<TR style="HEIGHT: 22.5pt; mso-yfti-irow: 1; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes">
<TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: #f0f0f0; PADDING-RIGHT: 9pt; BORDER-TOP: #f0f0f0; PADDING-LEFT: 9pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; BORDER-LEFT: #f0f0f0; WIDTH: 185.35pt; PADDING-TOP: 0in; BORDER-BOTTOM: #f0f0f0; HEIGHT: 22.5pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" vAlign=top width=309>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-AUTOSPACE: ideograph-numeric; TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><FONT face="Times New Roman"><B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt">SPRING 2009</SPAN></B><B><I><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 20pt; mso-no-proof: yes"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></I></B></FONT></P></TD>
<TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: #f0f0f0; PADDING-RIGHT: 9pt; BORDER-TOP: #f0f0f0; PADDING-LEFT: 9pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; BORDER-LEFT: #f0f0f0; WIDTH: 369.05pt; PADDING-TOP: 0in; BORDER-BOTTOM: #f0f0f0; HEIGHT: 22.5pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" vAlign=top width=615>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-AUTOSPACE: ideograph-numeric; TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 20pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">“Voice of Virginia's
Blind"<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-AUTOSPACE: ideograph-numeric; TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B><I><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 20pt; mso-no-proof: yes"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></I></B></P></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; punctuation-wrap: hanging"><B><I><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 20pt; mso-no-proof: yes"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></I></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B><I><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 20pt; mso-no-proof: yes"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></I></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B><I><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 20pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">In This
Issue:<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></I></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -14.35pt; tab-stops: .5in"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol">·<SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1"> </SPAN></SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><FONT face="Times New Roman">2009 McDonald Fellowships by Tracy
Soforenko<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">Articles From 2008
Fellowship Winners<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -14.35pt; tab-stops: .5in"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol">·<SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1"> </SPAN></SPAN><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Bus To
National Convention</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -14.35pt; tab-stops: .5in"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol">·<SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1"> </SPAN></SPAN><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Touching
Lives, taken from the Eastern Shore News</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -14.35pt; tab-stops: .5in"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol">·<SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1"> </SPAN>N</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><FONT face="Times New Roman">othing Could Stop Tynes, taken from
HamptonRoads.com<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -14.35pt; tab-stops: .5in"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol">·<SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1"> </SPAN></SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><FONT face="Times New Roman">Editor On The Move, taken from ASI
Newsletter<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -14.35pt; tab-stops: .5in"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol">·<SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1"> </SPAN></SPAN><FONT face="Times New Roman"><I><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Vigilant</SPAN></I><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">
Report</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -14.35pt; tab-stops: .5in"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol">·<SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1"> </SPAN></SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><FONT face="Times New Roman">How You Can Assist Us<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -14.35pt; tab-stops: .5in"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol">·<SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1"> </SPAN></SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><FONT face="Times New Roman">State Officers<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -14.35pt; tab-stops: .5in"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol">·<SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1"> </SPAN></SPAN><FONT face="Times New Roman"><I><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Vigilant</SPAN></I><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'"> Production
Staff<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -14.35pt; tab-stops: .5in"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol">·<SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1"> </SPAN></SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><FONT face="Times New Roman">NFBV Calendar of Events<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">2009
McDonald Fellowships<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">by Tracy
Soforenko<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: black"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>Robert “Mack” McDonald knew that attending your first NFB National
Convention could transform your perspective of blind people and yourself.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>If you have never attended a national
convention, this is the year to attend.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: black"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>The<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>McDonald Fellowship
program was established to: a)<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>assist those who have never attended a convention of the National
Federation of <SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>the Blind (NFB)
before, or b) financially assist those who have demonstrated a commitment to our
organization and who are unable to afford the costs of<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>attending a national convention.
<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: black"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>Last year’s McDonald Fellows shared the excitement and thrill of seeing,
meeting, and interacting with over 3,000 other blind and low vision convention
attendees. They not only experience how the problems of vision loss can be
overcome, but they also experience the confidence that can come with it.
<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: black"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>Robert McDonald was the founding father of our state affiliate. He and
his wife, Marian, gave of themselves tirelessly and selflessly to further the
progress and better the lives of those who are blind,<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>visually impaired, and low vision in
Virginia. <o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: black"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>In establishing the McDonald Fellowship program, we recognized the
personal benefits that come to people who attend a national convention for the
first time. In Mac’s memory, the National Federation of the Blind of Virginia
(NFBV) continues his legacy of education and empowerment to Virginia's blind
citizens. <o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: black"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>This year the goal of the McDonald Fellowship program is to issue three
McDonald Fellowship awards each in the amount of $750.00. These funds will be
awarded to assist each fellowship recipient in covering the cost of attending
our 2009 NFB National Convention to be held in Detroit, Michigan, the week of
July 3 through July 8. This event will take place at the Detroit Marriott at the
Renaissance Center in Detroit, Michigan.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: black"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>We will link each of our fellowship winners up with a state mentor who
will assist them in getting the most out of their national convention
experience. Preference will be given to McDonald Fellowship applicants who have
not previously attended a national convention. <o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: black"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>As part of the Fellowship application requirements, McDonald Fellowship
winners are asked to attend the entire NFB convention and write an article about
their experiences for the Vigilant (the newsletter of the National Federation of
the Blind of Virginia) upon their return from convention. Winners will also have
an opportunity to address our 2009 NFB of Virginia state convention.
<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: black"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>Deadline for applications for the McDonald Fellowship is April 15, 2009.
Winners will be announced May 15, 2009. We ask that applicants write a brief
letter of application outlining their reasons why they should be considered for
a Fellowship. Preference will be given to applications from: those who have
never attended a NFB National Convention before; those who have demonstrated
commitment to the NFBV organization by their participation in either chapter or
state activities over the past year; and by those applicants who include
pertinent supporting information that will help in our selection process (e.g.
letters of support from chapter presidents). <o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: black"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>E-mailed applications or questions about the Fellowship program should be
sent to Tracy Soforenko, Chairman, McDonald Fellowship Committee, by e-mail at
PotomacNFB@verizon.net or by phone at 703.635.2085.
<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: black"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: black"><FONT face="Times New Roman">My First National
Convention<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: black">By </SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt">Ixchell Laraurri <o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: black"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">I had a wonderful time at
my first convention.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I learned how
to deal with my blindness a lot better.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>I saw other children who were blind and how they were dealing with
it,<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>this helped me with my
feelings.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>I saw children and adults using their canes and now I don’t feel bad
about using mine.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>I no longer feel alone.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I
used to feel like I was all alone, the only one who was blind, now I
don’t.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>Going to the National Convention helped me be more independent with my
cane and feel a lot more confident.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>Now when I go places I do more by myself and not be so dependent on my
mom.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I am looking forward to going
again next year.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>Having mentors helped me a lot.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>They showed me different techniques that they knew and other stuff that
really helped.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>They helped me get
the most out of the convention by making sure I got to different meetings and
they helped me in the exhibit hall too.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>I would like to thank everyone who helped me and my NFBV family for
sending me and my mom to the convention.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><I><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">Ixchell Laraurri was a 2008
McDonald Fellowship winner<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></I></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: black"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">My
First National Convention<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">by
Jennifer Shields<SPAN style="COLOR: black"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: black"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">My name is Jennifer
Shields.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I am 15 years old, and in
the Chesterfield school system.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I
am currently in my first year of high school.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Attending national convention this year
was a very unforgettable experience for me because it gave me confidence in
myself that I really needed.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>When I was younger, I sometimes felt like I was the only person who knew
what it is like to be blind, but talking to people at the National Convention
has helped me realize that I’m not alone.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>One of the things I enjoyed the most was meeting other successful blind
individuals and people my own age who could give me advice from first-hand
experience.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Meeting so many blind
people in one place was an amazing experience that is hard to describe; so many
great people gave me advice about life and helped me learn better ways to do
things.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>It was cool to be in a
place where everyone was blind and could share their experiences and
concerns.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>When I first stepped into the hotel at National Convention, I felt a
little overwhelmed.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>But, over time,
I began to relax a little and enjoy the great opportunity I had to meet new
people.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>There was always something
interesting to do, whether it was visiting the PacMate room or the teen
room.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I also spend as much time as
I could in the Exhibit Hall, learning all about the different types of
technology that blind people use.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>It was really cool to walk into room where Braille brochures were
available, instead of the useless blank pieces of paper that people usually try
to give me.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>Another fun experience was the March for Independence, where I carried
the Virginia banner.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>That made a
powerful impact on me; I will never forget that day, because I was participating
in something meaningful.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>National
Convention changed my life in a way I will never forget.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I met lots of incredible people, had
some amazing experiences, and realized, through it all, that even though I may
be different, I’m not alone.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I
would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who made it possible for
me to attend my first national convention; I now know that I can be anything I
want to be.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><I><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: black"><FONT face="Times New Roman">Jennifer
Shields was a 2008 McDonald Fellowship winner<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></I></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: black"><FONT face="Times New Roman">Joining The Family<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: black"><FONT face="Times New Roman">From A Parent’s View<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: black"><FONT face="Times New Roman">By Chuck and Janet Shields<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: black"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: black"><SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>Our daughter Jennifer is 15 years old and has been blind since
birth.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>In the past we have attended
a few state conventions, several seminars that were sponsored by the NFB along
with a few chapter meetings, but had never attended a national NFB
convention.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We considered going the
past few years but, wondered whether Jennifer was old enough to really gain the
full benefit from the entire convention experience.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>This year we decided that Jen was almost
15 and would be ready for college at the blink of an eye.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>So it was time to get her really
initiated into the National Federation of the Blind.</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: black"><SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>Reluctantly Jennifer agreed that it was time for her to spread her wings
and to really begin getting involved with an organization that has great things
to offer blind youth.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Not only
would she have the opportunity to meet other blind young adults that not only
“talk the talk” but also “walk the walk”.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>How many chances would we have to be with over 2,000 blind individuals of
all ages and walks of life in one hotel?</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: black"><SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>After we learned about the McDonald scholarship from our local Richmond
Chapter president, Maurice Peret, we decided it was time to move forward with
out application and trust that we would find a way to get to Dallas for the
convention.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>As luck would have it,
we were chosen as a 2008 recipient of the scholarship and were given the chance
to go to Dallas.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We were thrilled
and felt very blessed to receive this wonderful gift for our family.</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: black"><SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>Once we started reviewing the agenda, we were a bit overwhelmed with the
opportunities this trip would offer Jennifer.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We found ourselves trying to choose
which seminars to attend for both the parent track and the teen track.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>What an exciting time for our
family!</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: black"><SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>With Tracey Soforenko’s help, we developed a game plan and drafted a
schedule of events that all of us were interested in attending.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>In some instances we could not decide
which meeting to attend, so Chuck and I chose to part ways and benefit from
attending two different events at the same time.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The teen track was similarly difficult
to decide which sessions Jennifer would like to attend and which sessions we as
parents would like her to take advantage of.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>With a little coaxing, we came up with
the right schedule for Jennifer and she was excited and a little scared all at
the same time.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Without the help
from all of the NFB mentors it would not have been as great of an experience as
it turned out to be with all the guidance we received.</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: black"><SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>Chuck and I knew what a great experience for Jennifer this entire week
would turn out to be but we didn’t really grasp how much the entire week of
events would benefit us as parents.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>To watch your child thrive in an environment where she did not feel so
different than everyone else and found Braille materials always at her
fingertips – words could never express how pleased we were with the entire
experience.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I think that the first
time we realized how much this would mean to our family was when Jennifer walked
into the enormous room of Braille reading materials and we saw her face light up
when she reached out and picked up many brochures, books and articles that she
could read without any assistance.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>Being an avid reader of all kinds of books and periodicals, she was in
heaven!<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>She spent a lot of time
pouring over the many choices of reading materials and asking for another bag to
hold everything.</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: black"><SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>The next stop at the NFB store was equally as fulfilling for our
daughter.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>She looked at Braille
watches, games, books etc. and was able to shop in a store that had many things
that she wanted to buy.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We bought
her first NFB cane and she was fortunate enough to have a young man spend some
time with her to give her a quick lesson on how to use the long white cane.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Now she felt even more like her peers
and mentors that she met throughout the week.</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: black"><SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>Moving on to the Exhibit hall where Jennifer looked at many technology
devices among many other interesting things.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Here is where she was able to experience
walking with a guide dog name Angel for the first time and it left a lifelong
impression with her. </SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: black"><SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>We attended many great informative sessions and Jennifer spent a lot of
time in the Pacmate suite learning many useful tips on how to use her new
equipment provided by the Chesterfield County School system at the end of her
8<SUP>th</SUP> grade year.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>This
equipment would not have been provided without the NFB’s guidance and
support.</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: black"><SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>Along with the obvious benefits of attending many quality sessions, it is
the subtle benefits that really hit home for us.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>For example, during one of the many
meals we had with our various mentors, someone said in passing about how you
gracefully spread butter on a roll and one of the adult blind individuals said
“Oh that’s easy, this is how I do it”.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>Then she proceeded to explain in detail how to spread butter gracefully
on a roll without being able to see what you are doing.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Another time one of the seasoned NFB
members told the kids to build in “get lost” time so if you do find yourself a
bit confused, you have time to find your way and you won’t be late.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>These statements meant a lot more coming
from a blind individual who has had life experiences that make them the experts
on real life situations.</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: black"><SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>Being somewhat of a shy person, the teen room was a great confidence
builder to Jennifer.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We knew she
would be just fine when she came back from an afternoon meeting in the teen room
and came through the door and said “Sorry I can’t stay, I just came back to put
my stuff down.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Brigett and I are
going down to register.”<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>She told
us that everything that was discussed in the teen room was confidential and most
of all –parents are not allowed in the room at any time!<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>This brought a smile to our faces and we
knew that she was really enjoying this entire experience. </SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: black"><SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>When it was time for the Virginia Caucus we were starting to feel
exhausted from the week’s events so far.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>But when Fred Schroeder asked Jennifer to carry the VA sign in the March
for Freedom, she was honored to participate in such a meaningful event.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Even though it was a late night and a
very early morning, we truly enjoyed the walk and the events that took place
bright and early that morning.</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: black"><SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>Overall the entire week of meetings, teen events, building friendships
and just being a functional blind person was an invaluable experience that our
family will treasure for many years to come.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Thanks again for all who made this
exciting and wonderful event possible.</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 12pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">Bus
To National Convention<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">We are looking for anyone
interested in taking a bus to the NFB Convention in Detroit.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We need 55 people who are interested in
traveling to Detroit by bus.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The
cost is $150.00 per person if we can get 55 people.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The bus would start in Virginia Beach,
make a stop in Norfolk, Hampton, Richmond, and somewhere in Northern VA.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We would stop for lunch and dinner.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We would leave on July 2<SUP>nd</SUP>
and leave on July 9.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We need to
know if you would be interested by April 15<SUP>th</SUP> so we can book the
bus.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>If you are interested or have
any questions, please call or email me before April 15<SUP>th</SUP>.
<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">Mary
Durbin<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">700 Biltmore
Drive<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">Virginia Beach, VA
23454<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">757-431-1205<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">757-472-2495
(cell)<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">mrdurbin@cox.net<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 12pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 12pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">Touching Lives<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 12pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">Event at The Book Bin,
Onley, VA designed to promote Braille literacy<BR>By Carol Vaughn, Staff writer,
Eastern Shore News, January 14, 2009 <o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">Few people would argue
against teaching children to read, but that argument is made on a regular basis
when it comes to blind children -- only 10 percent of them are being taught to
read Braille, the system of raised dots by which the blind read using their
fingers.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Two members of the
National Federation of the Blind last week demonstrated the Braille system at a
local bookstore in an effort to raise support for literacy for the blind. The
event Tuesday at The Book Bin was one of dozens held across the county as part
of a celebration of Louis Braille's 200th birthday on Jan.
4.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 8.5pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>Braille developed his reading system in 19th century France from a spot
code used during Napoleon's time, using cells of up to six raised dots to
represent letters.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">Along with the birthday,
the federation initiated its Braille Readers are Leaders campaign to double the
number of readers by 2015 and to have all 50 states enact legislation requiring
special education teachers of blind children to be
Braille-certified.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>"I just can't imagine my life without being able to read," said Sandy
Halverson, who has been blind all her life and learned to read Braille as a
child. Halverson, who lives in Northern Virginia and attended the event here,
was the first totally blind court reporter in the United States and is president
of the Virginia Association to Promote the Use of
Braille.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>"The National Federation of the Blind has a mission to fully integrate
the blind into society and it begins with education...If we can't read and
write, what kind of jobs can we get?" said the other presenter, Richard Holley
of Assawoman, who is president of the federation's Eastern Shore chapter.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>"The state teaches sighted children to
read. Why shouldn't they teach blind children to read?" he added.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Braille literacy will help lower the 70
percent unemployment rate for blind people in the United States, Holley said,
citing studies that say 85 percent of employed blind people use Braille on the
job Holley, who has a doctoral degree in chemical engineering, is a retired
product development manager for a textile company. He was declared legally blind
as a child and gradually lost nearly all of his vision. Holley now is learning
to read Braille with the help of an employee from the Virginia Department of the
Blind and Visually Impaired who visits the Shore twice monthly.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>"I love that he has taken his blindness
and made it positive," said Holley's wife Pam, who accompanied him
Tuesday.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>Marjorie Evans of Cashville was among those who stopped by the event.
Evans' great-grandson, Bryce Ward, 5, a kindergartener at Pungoteague Elementary
School, is legally blind and has had several eye surgeries.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>"They shouldn't be left behind; it's
wrong," said Evans. She said about her great-grandson, "He's very smart; I don't
want him to lose anything because he's legally
blind."<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>Among the items on display at The Book Bin were Halverson's Braille
knitting patterns -- she is an expert knitter -- along with a large hardcover
volume that is 1/18th of her Bible.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>Also there was a hefty computer-generated Braille cellular telephone
manual --one of two volumes-- which Nokia provided at no charge. Halverson also
showed Evans several Braille/print children's books, similar to those she used
to read to her sighted son.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">"If you read it to me, I'm
not learning to spell...and I don't have the freedom to go back and look at the
book," she said of the need to teach the blind to read.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The federation also has a parents'
organization and provides resources to help families of blind children.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The Potomac chapter, of which Halverson
is a member, provides free white canes to children until they reach age 18.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The canes help children feel more
confident and independent, Halverson said.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>"People have this notion that if you cannot see, you can't do anything,"
said Halverson, citing surveys that show going blind is near the top of the list
of things people fear.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>But the evidence refutes that notion, the presenters said.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>"There's story after story of successful
blind people," Holley said -- including the current state and national
presidents of the federation, both of whom hold doctoral degrees, in education
and law, respectively.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>Holley himself continues to downhill ski--something he has enjoyed doing
since childhood -- thanks to a free service that provides guides for blind
skiers.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>There also are many
different methods of writing Braille available to blind people today -- from a
simple index-card sized metal slate and stylus to Halverson's $3,000 personal
digital assistant, which she uses to take notes, keep track of phone numbers and
for other tasks. The device can be hooked up to a computer to print out
information either in Braille or print.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>The Eastern Shore's is one of 700 federation chapters in the United
States. Its two dozen members represent only a tiny fraction of the 800 or so
blind people the state says live on Virginia's Eastern Shore.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Holley's goal is to increase membership
to at least 80, or 10 percent of the local blind population -- but he said
privacy laws prevent the state and school systems from giving the group names of
local blind people -- meaning recruitment is mainly through word of mouth or
media announcements.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Events like
this one help raise awareness about the local NFB chapter and about the needs
and abilities of blind people.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>"I
guess the point is, the blind can do anything," Holley summed it up, adding as
he turned to Evans, "I look forward to Bryce being what he wants to
be."<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 12pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 12pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 12pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 12pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">Nothing Could Stop
Tynes <o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">Duane Bourne, Published on
HamptonRoads.com, December 2008<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>Andre Predale Tynes had practiced walking across the gymnasium stage at
Norfolk State University, his walking cane guiding him.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>He lost his vision 10 years ago to
diabetes, but his disability never beat him and a few steps surely would
not.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>On Saturday morning at Joseph G. Echols Memorial Hall, Tynes reached for
the railing when his name was announced.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>He stepped onto the staircase and stopped for a moment when his cane
became wedged in metal halfway up.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>He wrenched it free and made it across the platform to the standing
ovation.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>Back at his seat to the right of the stage, the 42-year-old Newport News
man was overwhelmed.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>“I guess I got nervous,” he said.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>“That did not happen at rehearsal.”<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>Tynes was one of 562 students who graduated from Norfolk State.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Nearly 1,000 received diplomas at two
ceremonies at Old Dominion on Saturday.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>It was impossible to collect the anecdotes from those people and chart
personal struggles they may have faced in just getting
here.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>However, a singular message pervaded the fall commencements at both
universities:<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Despite the
challenges surrounding them, this was an exciting
time.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>Norfolk state senior class president Tiese Bright mentioned this in her
address, as did Naomi Carp, alumna and chairwoman of the U.S. Equal Employment
Opportunity Commission in hers.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>Perhaps Delores Johnson Brown, who helped break the color barrier at
Norfolk public school as one of the “Norfolk 17,” showed that when she received
an honorary degree during ODU’s afternoon ceremony.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>“Life is not a race,” said Kathleen Parker, a syndicated columnist,
during her ODU address.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>“Sometimes
the road is not straight.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>Relax.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Go out and so
something creative.”<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>Like may of the graduates, Tynes is trying to figure out what to do
next.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>After losing his sight, he
decided to go back to college.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>He’s
got a bachelor’s in social work and now a master’s in severe
disabilities.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>Tynes hopes to land a job counseling people with disabilities, helping
them find jobs.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>He said that, if nothing else, he wanted to be an example not only for
the disabled, but for people confronted with their own sets of
challenges.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>Although he wrestled with his cane Saturday, Tynes said nothing would
have stopped him from walking across the stage.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>“I guess it’s a sign of my independence,” he said.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>“I wanted to prove that I can do
anything.”<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 14.35pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333333"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 14.35pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333333"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 14.35pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333333"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">The
Editor on the Move<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">From an Accessible Space
Inc. Newsletter <o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt">AP’s Freedom Apartments
</SPAN></B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt">located at 11400 Occohannock Neck Road
in Exmore, Virginia began construction on September 22, 2009.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><B>The 15 unit accessible, affordable
apartment building is for very low income adults with physical
disabilities.</B><SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>It is the sixth
sponsored development in Virginia by Accessible Space, Inc. (ASI).<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>AP’s Freedom Apartments is name for
Althea P. Pittman, Executive Director of Eastern Shore Center for Independent
Living (ESCIL).<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>ESCIL invited ASI
to pursue this development in the Accomack-Northampton area of Virginia.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>AP’s Freedom Apartments has received
significant support from the HUD Section 811 Program; the Virginia Department of
Housing and Community Development; the Accomack-Northampton Planning District;
and ESCIL.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>AP’s Freedom Apartments
are expected to be completed in July 2009.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>The grand opening of AP’s Freedom Apartments and ESCIL’s 10<SUP>th</SUP>
Anniversary is planned for September 12, 2009.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">Chapter Roll
Call<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 14.35pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333333"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 14.35pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333333"><FONT face="Times New Roman">Potomac
Chapter<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 14.35pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333333"><FONT face="Times New Roman">Tracy
Soforenko<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 14.35pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333333"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>This winter, members of the Potomac chapter have been so busy, we haven’t
noticed the cold temperatures. We have been busy raising funds, working the
legislative front, and having fun.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>In December, 40 chapter members gathered for an enjoyable holiday party
at Tivoli Restaurant.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>To celebrate
Louis Braille’s birthday, we held an event on January 4<SUP>th</SUP> at a local
Library.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The weekend of January
24<SUP>th</SUP> was very busy.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The
Potomac Chapter was pleased to assist with the Fairfax Low Vision Resource
Fair.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Chapter members provided
children with canes from our Potomac Chapter Kiwanis Club Cane Bank.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Adults were signed up for the NFB
National Free Cane program.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Later
that day, 22 members and guess participated in our wine, cheese and chocolate
tasting where we raised $740 for the chapter.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Later that same weekend, 10 chapter
members headed to Richmond to participate in a very successful Richmond
Seminar.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>The Washington Seminar took place in early February.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The nerve center for the seminar was the
Mercury Room, run this year by Potomac Chapter members Sandy Halverson, Seville
Allen, John Halverson, Louise Ruhf, Nancy Yeager, and Patty Droppers.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>Finally, the chapter ran a successful February auction where we raised
$1,200.<SPAN style="COLOR: #333333"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">Fredericksburg
Chapter<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">Michael
Kasey<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>Our annual Walkathon will be held Saturday, April 18 at 10 a.m. at the
City Dock.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>This being our major
fund raiser, we hope all will attend. Hundreds of dollars of in gift
certificates will be awarded to walkers to use the day of the
walk.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>The Chapter is planning to join others in Virginia for our weekend trip
to Baltimore on April 25th to visit our National
office.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>Our leaders here in Fredericksburg continue to be involved in many
community organizations such as Marilee Kenlon, who is a<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>board member of the Center for
Independent Living (CIL), Bernie Werwie also serves as a board member of the
Disability Services Board (DSB) and Brittany Crone serves as a<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>member of the Leos Club at Colonial
Forge High School.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">Eastern Shore
Chapter<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">Rick
Holley<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>Who is Jane Gustafson?<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>She
is the Eastern Shore Chapter’s oldest member at 83 (and maybe the VA Affiliate‘s
oldest active one also).<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Although
she resides in Williamsburg, VA she belongs to our chapter since she is Rick’s
mother-in-law and of course Pam’s mother.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>With reduced vision due to AMD, Jane is a natural for membership in the
NFB.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Although she lost her husband
in 2004, she continues to live independently in her home of 35 years despite the
lack of a driver’s license.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>For
transportation she relies on friends, family, and other resources as many of us
do.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Fiercely independent she either
completes or makes arrangements for, routine house and yard maintenance,
resisting the efforts of family to make these arrangements for
her.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>Now for the active lifestyle she lives.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Up by dawn each morning, she walks
through the neighborhood for daily exercise and has been seen at the local
recreation center in organized exercise programs.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>As recently as 2006 she was elected and
served as President of the Williamsburg chapter of the Lady Lions Club where she
is still an active participant.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>She
fills out her days and weeks with many other activities such as wool carding,
spinning, knitting and weaving.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>Admittedly she does have trouble with color differences and prefers to
use colors of high contrast or solid ones.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>Jane is also active in the spinning, knitting and weaving guilds from
Williamsburg to Richmond and has been seen at local craft shows in southeastern
Virginia demonstrating the art of wool spinning.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Another activity she finds especially
rewarding is the hospice care she provides those in need in her
neighborhood.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>An avid reader, Jane uses the public library, the Library of Congress and
her daughter to supply her with an inexhaustible number of audio books.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I have even caught her reading
(listening) to more than one at a time.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>As for mail and other printed materials, she does use a reader, which was
loaned to her by the Lions Club.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>Now for the really fun stuff, Jane is a baker extraordinaire.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>She loves to bake and shares the results
with family, friends, doctors, yard men and the NFB as evidenced by the 14 dozen
cookies she baked and auctioned off at our latest State Convention.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Her baked goods as well as the afghan
she made, added about $500 dollars in the live auction.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Wow, I’m tired just writing this and
just think she’s only 87, I can’t wait to update this in maybe 5 or 10
years.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">Winchester
Chapter<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">Paula
Kelsey<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>What we have accomplished in the past year.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We have made our presence in the
community known.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I have
consistently put our meeting dates in the Winchester Star.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>I appeared on Cable Talk presenting a variety of gadgets that can be used
by blind and visually impaired individuals throughout their daily lives.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I was given the opportunity to give out
our contact information and phone number.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>I received several calls in response to the show.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I was able to assist one
individual with valuable information from the Social Security Administration
concerning the Ticket to Work program.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>Many other individuals in our area are concerned about finding employment
and maintaining benefits until they can establish gainful employment.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>My two mile walk from the Social
Security Administration was well worth it when I was able to deliver these
materials along with information about our meeting time and location.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>Winchester’s chapter is proud to report that some of our newest members
have been on the move spreading the word of the
NFB.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 14.35pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333333"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 14.35pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333333"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><FONT face="Times New Roman"><B><I><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt">Vigilant</SPAN></I></B><B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt">
Report<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">The tape version of the
Vigilant will no longer be available. Instead, the full text of the
<I>Vigilant</I> can be heard on NFB-NEWSLINE<B>®</B>.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>One reason for this change is that the
time and expense required to create each audio issue of the <I>Vigilant</I> are
very costly.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>A second reason is
that many services that produce audio tapes are switching over to alternative
formats because technology is changing and that change does not include the
continued use of audio tapes.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>There
are much better alternatives.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">NFB-NEWSLINE<B>®</B> is a
free service available to all Virginians.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>It is as close as your telephone and enables you to read not only the
NFBV <I>Vigilant</I>, but over 200 other publications from around the
country.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt">If you are not already a
NFB-NEWSLINE®<B> </B>subscriber, signing up is easy.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>If you have Internet access, go to
www.nfb.org, and follow the directions.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>You may also call <U>toll</U> <U>free</U>:<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>1-866-504-7300.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Having the <I>Vigilant</I> available on
</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'">NFB-NEWSLINE®
</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt">means that you will be able to read each
issue as soon as it is available.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>You will not have any more long delays while the tapes are being
manufactured.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>You will also get the
great features that come with being an NFB-NEWSLINE<B>® </B><SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>subscriber.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>For example, being able to select the
reading voice you want, having the ability to read the articles as fast or as
slowly as you want, the ability to read word by word or character by character;
and best of all, NFB-NEWSLINE<B>® </B><SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>IS FREE.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">Don’t hesitate to sign up
for NFB-NEWSLINE® now and begin receiving the <I>Vigilant</I> along with
hundreds of other state and national publications!<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">How
You Can Assist Us<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">The National Federation of
the Blind of Virginia is a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to improve
the lives of the blind through education and legislation.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The NFBV is the blind speaking for the
blind.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Assistance from those who
share our mission is always welcome.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>If you can offer time, material resources, or financial help, it would be
greatly appreciated.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">Another way to support the
efforts of the NFB of Virginia is by means of bequests.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Simply include the following information
in your will: "I give, devise, and bequeath unto National Federation of the
Blind of Virginia, 702 Prince Edward Str. Apt. 5, Fredericksburg, VA 23401, a
Virginia nonprofit corporation, the sum of $___ (or "___ percent of my net
estate" or "The following stocks and bonds:___") to be used for its worthy
purposes on behalf of blind persons."<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">To learn of other ways in
which you can support the organization, call Fred Schroeder, President, NFBV, at
(703) 319-9226. <o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<TABLE class=MsoNormalTable style="BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse; mso-table-layout-alt: fixed; mso-padding-alt: 0in 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=0>
<TBODY>
<TR style="HEIGHT: 152.1pt; mso-yfti-irow: 0; mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes">
<TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: #f0f0f0; PADDING-RIGHT: 9pt; BORDER-TOP: #f0f0f0; PADDING-LEFT: 9pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; BORDER-LEFT: #f0f0f0; WIDTH: 252.85pt; PADDING-TOP: 0in; BORDER-BOTTOM: #f0f0f0; HEIGHT: 152.1pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" vAlign=top width=421>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-AUTOSPACE: ideograph-numeric"><B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">State Officers
<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-AUTOSPACE: ideograph-numeric"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">President, Fred
Schroeder<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-AUTOSPACE: ideograph-numeric"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">First Vice President,
Seville Allen <o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-AUTOSPACE: ideograph-numeric"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">Second Vice
President, Althea P. Pitman<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-AUTOSPACE: ideograph-numeric"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">State Treasurer,
Lawrence Povinelli <o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-AUTOSPACE: ideograph-numeric"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">Asst. Treasurer, Mark
Roane<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-AUTOSPACE: ideograph-numeric"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">Recording Secretary,
Stewart Prost<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-AUTOSPACE: ideograph-numeric"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">Corresponding
Secretary, <o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-AUTOSPACE: ideograph-numeric"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt">Gwen
Beavers</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P></TD>
<TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: #f0f0f0; PADDING-RIGHT: 9pt; BORDER-TOP: #f0f0f0; PADDING-LEFT: 9pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; BORDER-LEFT: #f0f0f0; WIDTH: 303.05pt; PADDING-TOP: 0in; BORDER-BOTTOM: #f0f0f0; HEIGHT: 152.1pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" vAlign=top width=505>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-AUTOSPACE: ideograph-numeric"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><B><I><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt">Vigilant</SPAN></I></B><B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"> Staff <o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-AUTOSPACE: ideograph-numeric"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">Chief Editor/Print
Production, Althea P. Pittman<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-AUTOSPACE: ideograph-numeric"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">Staff, Kathryn R.
Hall, Jazmine Collins<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-AUTOSPACE: ideograph-numeric"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">Braille Production,
Alan and <o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-AUTOSPACE: ideograph-numeric"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">Billie Ruth
Schlank<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-AUTOSPACE: ideograph-numeric"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN></SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; punctuation-wrap: hanging"><B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; mso-no-proof: yes"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; mso-no-proof: yes"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">NFBV Calendar of
Events:<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; tab-stops: .5in"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol">·<SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1"> </SPAN></SPAN><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Deadline for
applications for the McDonald Fellowship is April 15, 2009.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Winners will be announced May 15,
2009.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN></SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; tab-stops: .5in"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol">·<SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1"> </SPAN></SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><FONT face="Times New Roman">On Wednesday, April 29, 2009 at 11:00am, a NEW Low Vision
Support Group will meet to address the needs of local citizens with visual
impairments. The meeting will be held at The Oaks Apartments in the Committee
Room -- 305 Oak Springs Drive, Warrenton.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>This will be the founding meeting of the Warrenton Chapter. Everyone is
welcome! We promise information and fellowship! We will have snacks and
door prizes. <o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; tab-stops: .5in"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol">·<SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1"> </SPAN></SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><FONT face="Times New Roman">The NFBV Board Meeting will take place on Saturday, May
9, 2009<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; tab-stops: .5in"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol">·<SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1"> </SPAN></SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><FONT face="Times New Roman">The NFB National Convention will take place in Detroit
Michigan July3-8, 2009<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; tab-stops: .5in"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 0.3in"><B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></B></P></DIV></FONT><br/><font style="color:black;font:normal 10pt arial,san-serif;"> <hr style="margin-top:10px"/>Worried about job security? <a href="http://jobs.aol.com/gallery/growing-job-industries?ncid=emlcntuscare00000003">Check out the 5 safest jobs in a recession</a>.</font></DIV></BODY></HTML>