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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72"><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>What is Project RISE and why is it so important?<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>NFBV Project RISE (Resilience, Independence, Self-Advocacy, Employment) is a program spearheaded by our state affiliate. Our success will be used as a template for future Project RISEs by the rest of the country. RISE enables young adults to develop confidence, a positive attitude, and success skills that will enable them to have the lives they want.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>To introduce us to Project RISE and its import to our young people will be Katherine Webster. She is not only a leader in our state, she is also a leader at the national level as President of the NFB’s Blind Student Division.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Katherine will describe how the NFBV is blazing the way in preparing blind youth for success in their careers and education.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This will also be an opportunity for our members to ask Katherine about other issues facing students both locally and nationally.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Chapter Elections Scheduled<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>At our January 18 meeting, we will be holding chapter officer elections. The positions are:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and two board member positions. If you have questions about any of the positions or what their responsibilities are, please email John at <a href="mailto:john_bailey17@hotmail.com">john_bailey17@hotmail.com</a>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Holiday Party Was A Great Success<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Again, the chapter would like to thank Cathy and Fred Schroeder and their family for allowing us to use their home for our annual holiday party.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Turnout was awesome and so were the gifts from the Secret Santa gift exchange. Among the most popular gifts were wine, cookies, and gift certificates. We are already looking forward to next year's event.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Our Thursday, January 18 meeting information<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Red Hot and Blue<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>4150 Chain Bridge Rd,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Fairfax, VA<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>When:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>6:30 pm (order dinner) till 8:30 PM<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Thursday night in the meeting room at the top of the stairs to the left.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Want more info? Contact John Bailey at<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="mailto:john_bailey17@hotmail.com">john_bailey17@hotmail.com</a> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>or via phone at 703-994-2040<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>P.S. On Thursday, we will be updating you on our efforts at Virginia's General Assembly advocating for you<o:p></o:p></p></div></body></html>