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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>HAPPY HOLIDAYS, NFB FAMILY<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>This is a little bit long, so please bear with me! Take a break if you need to and grab some egg nog and a cookie, but come back! Ha, ha!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>First things first – In the last several years, the Greater Alexandria Chapter has shared our Christmas Spirit with some very special people in our community. For two years, we collected and donated toys for Toys for Tots. Last year, we raised money and “adopted” a reader with Seedlings-Braille books for children. Our donation provided our Elijah with Braille books and loving wishes! This year, we would like your help with a new project – OPERATION ELF! Nearly 150 children of Alexandria inmates will receive toys, games, books and other gifts this holiday season, thanks to Operation Elf supporters and the Sheriff’s Office. If you would like to participate and need more information, please contact Evelyn Valdez, (908) 803-4891 or <a href="mailto:evelyn.valdez@va.gov">evelyn.valdez@va.gov</a> . Thank you all for your support! <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>ARE YOU STILL WITH ME? THE FUN STUFF IS COMING!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>In these times of masks and social distancing, it can get a little boring around the home front! Well…not to worry my Friends! The Greater Alexandria Chapter (our friends call us GAC!) has the perfect answer for the Holiday Hum Drums! <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>THE HOLIDAYS ARE GOING VIRTUAL WITH OUR OWN UNIQUE<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>GAC CYBER CHRISTMAS!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Watch out Rudolf! GAC is partying through the airwaves! And we hope you will join us!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>WHEN, you ask? Saturday, December 12th from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Just enough time to get in lots of fun trouble!)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>WHY, you wonder? Silly! There will be so much fun going on, you won’t know where to start…so that’s why I’ll help you! We will have:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>GAMES! – Aaron and his little Elves have planned some fun Holiday games to challenge your mind and your funny bone! If you choose this GAME EXCURSION, we ask that you pay $5.00 for infinite laughs and joy!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>DECORATE A TREE! – Yes! You read that right! Evelyn and Arielle have been working directly with Mrs. Claus on this one! If you choose this DECORATING PACKAGE, you will receive, in the mail, a Felt Christmas Tree DIY Kit that comes with your very own Green Felt Flat Christmas Tree, a beautiful ribbon to hang it with, and 28 3-D adorable little ornaments to decorate your tree, as a group—NO GLUE GUN REQUIRED! If you choose this DECORATING PACKAGE, we ask that you pay $15.00, the price of the materials, mailing the kit directly to you…and endless holiday joy! I will also need your mailing address, but more about that later!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>ADOPT AN ELF! – That’s right! With this very special Holiday package, you get your own personalized reindeer/elf MUG, some delicious hot chocolate and tiny little marshmallows, which we will make and enjoy together(!), AND ADOPTION PAPERS for your very own sweet, little holiday Elf you adopt and love and cherish forever! Very adorable, right!? If you choose this ADOPT AN ELF PACKAGE, we ask that you pay $15.00, the price of the Hot Chocolate and Mug DIY Kit…and your little Elf! Oh! And crazy fun and joy! You will receive this kit in your mailbox so I will need your address.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>WHAT IS THE FINE PRINT, you suspiciously wonder?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol'>v</span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> RSVP NO LATER THAN 6:00 P.M., SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5TH – OR SOONER! <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>o Send an email to <a href="mailto:reneerome@yahoo.com">reneerome@yahoo.com</a> with the following information:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol'>§</span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> Your name and the name of others you might bring along<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol'>§</span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> Which package you choose and how many you want<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>• GAME EXCURSION - $5.00 per person<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>• DECORATE A TREE - $15.00 per person<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>• ADOPT AN ELF (Mug/Hot Chocolate) - $15.00 per person<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>o If you choose either DECORATE A TREE OR ADOPT AN ELF packages, I will need your mailing address with your RSVP so we can mail your kit directly to you. If you wish to order kits for a friend, please include their name and address.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>o There are several ways to pay for all of this fun!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol'>§</span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> PAYPAL – Please send your payment (for you and any guests you include) through PAYPAL using the following email: <a href="mailto:NFBVGAC1@GMAIL.COM">NFBVGAC1@GMAIL.COM</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol'>§</span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> If you don’t have PAYPAL, feel free to mail your check payable to NFB GAC, to:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>• Renee Valdez<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> 3934 Woodhue Pl<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> Alexandria, VA 22309<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR NEED FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT RENEE VALDEZ BY CELL AT (703) 966-0836 OR EMAIL <a href="mailto:reneerome@yahoo.com">reneerome@yahoo.com</a> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>OH! I know some of you are wondering what Renee and Josh were up to while everyone else was working so hard…Well…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>…We were chillin’ with Santa and Blitzen! Blitzen found Aaron’s eggnog and he and Santa got a little out of control! <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>HO, HO, HO!! <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Hope to see you on the 12th!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>GAC Board: Evelyn Valdez, President; Arielle Silverman, Vice President; Renee Valdez, Secretary/Treasurer; Aaron Simineau, Board Member; Josh Crunkleton, Board Member<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>Renee F. Valdez, M.A.</span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>Secretary/Treasurer, NFB Greater Alexandria Chapter</span></b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>Vice President, Northern VA Regional Local Human Rights Committee</span></b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>(703) 966-0836</span></b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#222222'><br>Peace,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><span style='color:#222222'>Jacki Bruce<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><span style='color:#222222'>Corresponding Secretary, National Federation of the Blind of Virginia<br><a href="mailto:jackibruce6@gmail.com" target="_blank"><span style='color:blue'>mailto:jackibruce6@gmail.com</span></a></span><span style='color:black'><br></span><span style='color:#222222'><a href="tel:(757)291-1789" target="_blank"><span style='color:blue'>tel:(757)291-1789</span></a></span><span style='color:black'><br></span><span style='color:#222222'><a href="http://www.nfb.org/" target="_blank"><span style='color:blue'>www.nfb.org</span></a></span><span style='color:black'><br></span><span style='color:#222222'><a href="http://www.nfbv.org/" target="_blank"><span style='color:blue'>www.nfbv.org</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><span style='color:#222222'>Follow us on Twitter @NFBVirginia<br>Find us on Facebook @NationalFederationoftheBlindofVirginia<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><span style='color:#222222'>Live the life you want.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#222222'>The National Federation of the Blind is a community of members and friends who believe in the hopes and dreams of the nation’s blind. Every day we work together to help blind people live the lives they want<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>