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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><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Hey NFB Family and Friends,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It’s a very exciting week! Registration for our State Convention has opened (see below for the link to register). I hope everyone has enjoyed this beautiful week and please join us, at least once this week, on zoom, , and learn something new about this fabulous Affiliate!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Kudos Corner…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>She and He will soon become 3! It’s true, Julie McGinnity and Joe Orozco are expecting a baby girl! Sugar and spice and everything nice…let’s send them prayers for an easy delivery and a healthy baby. Let’s also look over their baby registry <a href="https://www.amazon.com/baby-reg/joe-orozco-julie-mcginnity-november-2021-arlington/D6FI1H3QV5L7">https://www.amazon.com/baby-reg/joe-orozco-julie-mcginnity-november-2021-arlington/D6FI1H3QV5L7</a> and show them our love and excitement by filling their home with everything baby girl will need. We have to bring our newest NFBV Member in with style!!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Congratulations to Aaron Faxon! He was elected the new President of our Prince William Chapter on Saturday. Good for you Aaron, you have big shoes to fill following Oscar and we know you’ll do a great job. Show your support and drop Aaron a line at Email: <a href="mailto:Faxman06@gmail.com">Faxman06@gmail.com</a>. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A BIG Hooray goes out to Wayne Williams, Wayne is our new You Tube Coordinator! Please take photos and video at all of your NFB events(please describe the clips and photos) and send them to <a href="mailto:Wayne.Williams026@gmail.com">Wayne.Williams026@gmail.com</a>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Please contact me, information in my signature below, to become a part of the dynamic Communications Team! You will be working with Rock Stars like Joe Orozco, Chris Walker, our newest guru, Wayne and me, Jacki, you can’t get any better than that. I am specifically looking for someone to coordinate our blog (see below and read a great submission from our Rene Valdez). Please let me know if you’re interested in writing for the blog or becoming the Coordinator.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Spotlight On…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:4.5pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:4.5pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:18.0pt;background:#FFF5D6'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#534336'>Thank you Rene Valdez, for submitting this article. It is heart warming and let’s everyone know we truly can live the lives we want! <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:4.5pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:4.5pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:18.0pt;background:#FFF5D6'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#534336'>“Life is a succession of lessons which must be lived to be understood.” - Helen Keller<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:4.5pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:4.5pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:18.0pt;background:#FFF5D6'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#534336'>Ain’t that the truth! It’s like I woke up one day and found myself…56 years young, blind, and still learning! WOW! And let me tell you, some of these lessons along the way have NOT been amusing! I believe that God, The Universe, and Mother Earth all have a very warped sense of humor! I mean, C’MON, MAN! The last time I looked up, not only did I have my eyesight, but I was 48 years old; enjoying a rewarding and quite lucrative career; traveling around the U.S. and Canada, training the “untrainable”-TSA Supervisors and Air Marshalls-and having a BLAST! And, I am happy to report that by day 2 of a 5-day intensive training, I had these tough guys and gals eating out of my hand! <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:4.5pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:4.5pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:18.0pt;background:#FFF5D6'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#534336'>It was Octoberish, 2013, when I began to notice a slight change in my vision, especially at night. I suppose I should have considered it a clue when I was driving into a 7-Eleven parking lot and hit the very large garbage can at one corner of the lot, head on! But no! I politely backed up, and tried my parking efforts once again and pretended like that trash can thing never happened! I never mentioned it to my Honey, Scott, or my best friend, Rachel. Then, on a midnight run to Micky D’s, I came to the 4-way stop not far from our home. As usual, I stopped. I looked to the right, then the left, then the right again. Seeing nothing in the darkness, I stepped on the gas to go through the intersection, and BLAM! Quite suddenly, the airbag deployed in my face after the car came to a very severe and arduous stop! I had broadsided a van, I found out later. But at that moment, sitting with the airbag in my lap, I, once again, looked to my right, where the thing I hit should have been, and I saw nothing. I drove forward to the next block, where there was a street light. I got out of the car, checked the damage, and delightedly saw that there was none, got back in the car, decided that the other vehicle left as well, and continued on my midnight mission to McDonald’s! Despite the fact that there happened to be a vehicle behind me who witnessed the whole thing and called it in, I was fortunate not to get charged with hit and run, by the grace of God, the Universe and Mother Earth! When I received the police report, I called the family I had broadsided and apologized and wished them well.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:4.5pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:4.5pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:18.0pt;background:#FFF5D6'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#534336'>You’d think, after that crazy incident, I would consider my eyesight-or the lack thereof! It wasn’t until late December 2013, when my eyesight had declined to a dangerous level during the day, that I mentioned it to my Honey and my best friend. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:4.5pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:4.5pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:18.0pt;background:#FFF5D6'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#534336'>Fast-forwarding through doctors not knowing what was happening; finally being diagnosed by the NIH docs at the National Eye Institute-VKH, a very rare autoimmune disease that affects Asians, Hispanics and Native Americans, which qualifies me twice-and mega doses of wonderful and dangerous medications, my eyesight fluctuated drastically for the next 5 years, taking with it my emotions, making me an emotional and psychological basket case!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:4.5pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:4.5pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:18.0pt;background:#FFF5D6'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#534336'>The next four years was busy for me, my days filled with remembering to take my mega-meds, sitting on the couch with my fur baby, MJ, who never left my side, and Forensic Files-somehow, I found that soothing as I licked my emotional wounds. (The intro music still has that effect on me.) I was mourning and I was so deep in it. I mourned the life I knew and loved. My career, mostly. I loved what I was doing. I loved meeting a group of people on the first day of a training they didn’t want to attend and breaking the ice. I loved the experience of witnessing the hardest shells crack by day two when they started sharing their stories. I cherish the moments on days 3,4 and 5 when it was a safe enough environment to share a few tears with those stories. And when the training was over, I miss the hugs and the “see you again sometime” wishes.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:4.5pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:4.5pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:18.0pt;background:#FFF5D6'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#534336'>All I could think, sitting there in the safety and seclusion of my cocoon, was that I had to find a way to close that chapter of my life forever, and the mere thought of it seemed to cut off the air to my lungs, making it almost impossible to breathe. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:4.5pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:4.5pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:18.0pt;background:#FFF5D6'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#534336'>Early in my diagnosis, I stumbled on the Department for the Blind and Visually Impaired (DBVI). They came in like a lifeline providing air. I met my new Mobility Instructor, Joanne Laurent, a strong-willed little woman who, with her infectious laughter, kind spirit and constant affirmations (I called it nagging!), forced me to escape my cocoon for brief periods and taught me to use a white cane and not get hit by a Mack truck. Another powerhouse, Alex Castillo, came to my home and proved to me that I could cook, and clean my counters, and wash clothes and, and, and…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:4.5pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:4.5pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:18.0pt;background:#FFF5D6'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#534336'>I think it was late 2017 when I stumbled once again. This time, it was Brian Miller. I can’t remember who gave me his email address, but one day, I mustered the courage and the will to email Brian. Much to my surprise, he responded with an invitation to meet for coffee. YIKES! It was time to put the lessons I had with Joanne to the test. I did. Meeting Brian was like falling backward onto a thick, fluffy, soft comforter. He had a way about him that was calming and welcoming and accepting and inspiring. I was bragging to him about my ability to once again be able to make coffee, my drug of choice, using my French press, even grinding my own beans! Well, he shared with me his mutual love of coffee and how he purchased his RAW beans from Misha’s Coffee and roasted them in his home with his own roaster! WHAT! HOW? He explained the cracking sound the beans made when they were close to being done and the aroma that filled his home. OVERACHEIVER! When he shared with me how he roasted his own beans or how he traveled to exotic places around the world, by himself(!), it was totally without arrogance or pride, it was simply Brian sharing a glimpse of his heart and spirit.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:4.5pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:4.5pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:18.0pt;background:#FFF5D6'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#534336'>In March of 2018, I received an email from Brian telling me I had to go to this meeting. (I still have that email.) He said he was starting a Chapter for the National Federation of the Blind in our community. I didn’t want to go, but how could I say no to Brian? I attended that first meeting and it was God or The Universe or Mother Earth…or Brian, who made sure I was elected to serve as a Board Member! WHAT! Another lifeline. I am forever grateful to my friend…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:4.5pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:4.5pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:18.0pt;background:#FFF5D6'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#534336'>The rest as they say, is history. I was connected and I became hooked. I started to venture out of my self-made cocoon more and more and began to feel a sense of purpose again. I attended bits and pieces of my first NFB State Convention and met a few people who became lifelines-Evelyn Valdez, Sandy Halverson, Bonnie O’Day, Joe Orozco-and so many more that would make this blog much longer than it already is! And I shared a little time with Tracy Soforenko at a legislative visit on Capitol Hill. He asked questions. I told him about my period of mourning, my hopeless journey into blindness, my desire to be useful and fulfilled once again. As I spoke, I really didn’t see how that could happen in my life. I was looking through the lenses of my past and I could not fathom how I could ever be like Evelyn or Tracy or any blind person who laughed and smiled and lived their lives…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:4.5pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:4.5pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:18.0pt;background:#FFF5D6'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#534336'>Tracy listened to me. He continues to challenge me to spread my wings. Today, as Secretary/Treasurer of the Greater Alexandria Chapter, a position that I absolutely love; a student in the Chapter Leadership Institute; Mentor in Project RISE; Coordinator of the 2021 Mini BELL Program; Co-Chair of the NFBV Fundraising Committee; and member of the NFBV Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, I am feeling fulfilled and I am happier than ever! I have a sense of true belonging. I have a mission.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:4.5pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:4.5pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:18.0pt;background:#FFF5D6'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#534336'>I believe that God, The Universe and Mother Earth, in their warped kind of way, know what they are doing. And I believe that Helen Keller was right. To be fully understood, life’s lessons must be lived…and savored.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:4.5pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:4.5pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:18.0pt;background:#FFF5D6'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#534336'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:4.5pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:4.5pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:18.0pt;background:#FFF5D6'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#534336'>Register for our NFBV State Convention! </span><span style='color:#1F497D'>nfbv.org/convention/registration. There will be something for everyone and you can attend in your jammies! </span><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#534336'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The National Seniors Division will hold a Virtual Retreat from September 19-25. Several Virginia seniors plan to attend. Agenda items include:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>cane Travel<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Daily Living skills<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Technology<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Guest speakers on topics of interest to blind seniors. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>For additional information about the Virginia Seniors Division, send email to <a href="mailto:seniors@gmail.com">seniors@gmail.com</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Ladies Night will be on the 1<sup>st</sup> and 3<sup>rd</sup> Saturday of each month. Join your girlfriends the week after next for stimulating conversations. The theme for the next Ladies Night will be posted next Sunday.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Many of our Chapters are meeting in person, please check the Chapter Meetings section to join in a meeting. All meetings are open to the public. Chapters and Divisions are using the Affiliate Zoom link, if a meeting is using an alternate platform, the phone number or instructions to join will follow the meeting name. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Here’s how to join:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'>Zoom Link <a href="https://zoom.us/j/8297256345?pwd=SFAyamlQNU44ZTJ6dUZNMTV4RmhCQT09">https://zoom.us/j/8297256345?pwd=SFAyamlQNU44ZTJ6dUZNMTV4RmhCQT09</a><br><br><br><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>One tap mobile<br><a name="_Hlk50492302"></a><a href="tel:%20+13017158592,,8297256345"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk50492302'>tel: +13017158592,,8297256345# </span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk50492302'></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk50492302'></span><br>Telephone Dial: 1 (301) 715-8592<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Meeting ID: 829 725 6345# <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p>If needed the password is 20201940<o:p></o:p></p><p> <o:p></o:p></p><p>Chapter and Division Meetings…<o:p></o:p></p><p> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Seniors Division, Wednesday, September 22nd 7:00 pm <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Greater Alexandria no meeting this month. Tune in next month for another thought provoking meeting.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Chesapeake Bay, Saturday, September 25<sup>th</sup> 11 AM. Gus and George’s Spaghetti and Steak House, 4312 Virginia Beach Blvd., Va. Beach, zip 23456. Conf. call phone num. 605 468 8758 and the access code is 197498.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Richmond, Monday, September 27<sup>th</sup> 6:30 PM.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>You must do the thing you think you can not do! -Eleanor Roosevelt<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></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>