<html xmlns:v="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" xmlns:m="http://schemas.microsoft.com/office/2004/12/omml" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40"><head><meta http-equiv=Content-Type content="text/html; charset=us-ascii"><meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 15 (filtered medium)"><style><!--
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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72"><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>Members,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I write seeking your ideas, suggestions and recommendations. Please share with me via email at <a href="mailto:michaelgkasey@verizon.net">michaelgkasey@verizon.net</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Or mobile (540)760-3885<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In the past few months, we have seemed to have lost touch with many of you. Due to lack of participation and our changing plans, we have had to cancel meetings and events. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I am not willing to spend my time planning activities and not have anyone interested enough to let me know if they plan to attend.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Our Chapter is 20 years old and there over 70 people on this list. Though, we cannot get enough members to attend one meeting a month. Perhaps the second Thursday of each month in the evening is not the best time for you. Please let me know what is better for you.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We have a good mix of people as members including two members of the Virginia House of Delegates. Many of you are long time members. Some of you are new to the NFB.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I hope to work together with all of you to make certain “Blindness is not what holds you back”!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The NFB is an advocacy group and all of you can benefit from your membership. The relationships we have with one another are special ones.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We must work together to build relationships with our elected leaders in the city, county, state, and nation. We have been doing this for 20 years in Fredericksburg. If you desire to know your elected officials, just let me know. I can introduce you to them. We will need all of you to participate in our state and national legislative agendas in January and February.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I urge you to write or call me to discuss your interest in our Chapter.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Our next meeting is scheduled for September 8. I will send a reminder, yet need you to let me know if you will attend or we will be forced to cancel.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I value the friendships I have with each of you and look forward to rebuilding our local efforts!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Sincerely,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Michael<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>