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<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"> </SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"> <FONT FACE="Aptos">Happy Friday, everyone.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos">I hope you and your families are safe and that the recent storms did not cause significant damage in your area. Please continue to take care and stay safe.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos">I have included the announcement about the state convention, along with other important information, in this email. We are pleased to share that Ohio will have our National President, Mark A. Riccobono, serving as the national representative to the convention this year. His presence should be a strong encouragement for members who may still be considering whether to attend. Your attendance is also valuable—not only to you, but to the many members who benefit from your participation and support.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos">Several of you have asked about contests leading up to the convention. This year, we are taking a different approach. Only those who have reserved a room, registered for the convention, and purchased a banquet ticket will be eligible for the contests. These contests may take place at any time, so please do not delay—you could be the winner.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos">Yesterday, Annette and I set up a table at the Accessible Ohio event, which had more than 400 people in attendance. We believe we may have connected with a couple of vendors for our convention, and Annette wrote people’s names in braille. This was our third year participating in the event, and each year we have been invited to take part. I hope the other members who attended were also able to enjoy the event and make meaningful connections.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos">The State Board of Directors meeting will be held on Zoom on September 26, 2026. We will send out additional information as we get closer to the meeting. If you have items you would like the board to discuss, please email me directly rather than replying to the list.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos">Have a wonderful weekend, and I look forward to speaking with you soon.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos">The countdown has begun!</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos">President Richard Payne and the Ohio Board of Directors are excited to invite you to the </FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT FACE="Aptos">80th National Federation of the Blind of Ohio (NFBO) State Convention</FONT></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos">, taking place </FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT FACE="Aptos">November 5–8</FONT></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos"> at the </FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT FACE="Aptos">University of Dayton Marriott</FONT></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos">, located at </FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT FACE="Aptos">1414 South Patterson Boulevard, Dayton, Ohio</FONT></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos">.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos">Join us as we celebrate 80 years of advocacy, leadership, achievement, and the limitless potential of blind people.</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT FACE="Aptos"></FONT></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"> <FONT FACE="Aptos">Whether you are a longtime Federation member, attending for the first time, a community partner, or simply interested in learning more about the National Federation of the Blind, this convention will inspire, educate, and empower you. The 2026 Theme is “Reflecting Our Journey, Shaping a New Vision: Empowering Members to Inspire the Future.”</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B></B></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT FACE="Aptos">Hotel Information:</FONT></B></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos">Make the University of Dayton Marriott your home for the weekend. The hotel offers comfortable accommodations and excellent amenities while providing the perfect setting for convention activities, including general sessions, workshops, networking, exhibits, and banquet events. Guest rooms are available for $129 per night, plus 16.5% tax. To reserve your room, call </FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT FACE="Aptos">800-627-7468</FONT></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos"> and mention that you are attending the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio State Convention to receive the special convention rate.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos">The 80</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><SUP><FONT FACE="Aptos">th</FONT></SUP></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos"> NFB of Ohio Convention Preregistration for the 2026 state convention in Dayton, Ohio is live now! It closes on November 1, 2026 at 11:59 AM. EST.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos">Preregistration and Registration fees this year are:</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Arial">• </FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"> <FONT FACE="Aptos">Preregistration Fee: $30</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Arial">• </FONT> <FONT FACE="Aptos">Boxed Lunch: $25.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Arial">• </FONT> <FONT FACE="Aptos">Banquet Meal: $55!</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos">Onsite Registration will begin on November 6</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><SUP><FONT FACE="Aptos">th</FONT></SUP></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos"> from 9:00 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. and again from 12:15 P.M. to 1:45 P.M.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Symbol">·<FONT FACE="Courier New"> </FONT></FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"> <FONT FACE="Aptos">Onsite Registration: $35</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Symbol">·<FONT FACE="Courier New"> </FONT></FONT> <FONT FACE="Aptos">Onsite Banquet Meal: $60</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos">So don't delay, preregister to secure your spot today!</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><A HREF="http://www.nfbohio.org/convention"><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><U><FONT COLOR="#467886" FACE="Aptos">www.nfbohio.org/convention</FONT></U></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></A><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos">Navigating the University of Dayton Marriott Hotel</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT FACE="Aptos">Hotel Lobby:</FONT></B></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos">As you enter the hotel, you'll step into a spacious, welcoming lobby.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Symbol">·<FONT FACE="Courier New"> </FONT></FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"> <FONT FACE="Aptos">Directly to your left is a comfortable lounge area where you can relax between convention activities.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Symbol">·<FONT FACE="Courier New"> </FONT></FONT> <FONT FACE="Aptos">Directly to your right is a complimentary water station.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Symbol">·<FONT FACE="Courier New"> </FONT></FONT> <FONT FACE="Aptos">Continuing pass the water station and down the hallway is the Dewberry 1850 Restaurant, which offers a full-service restaurant, bar, and lounge—perfect for meeting with friends or enjoying a meal.</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B></B></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Symbol">·<FONT FACE="Courier New"> </FONT></FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"> <FONT FACE="Aptos">The front desk is straight ahead, about 20 paces from the entrance.</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B></B></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT FACE="Aptos">NOTE: The University of Dayton Marriott is cashless.</FONT></B></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT FACE="Aptos">Fitness and Recreation:</FONT></B></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos">To the right of the front desk, you'll find the hotel's fitness center, which includes cardio equipment, weight machines, fresh towels, and water.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos">Nearby are the indoor swimming pool and hot tub, with comfortable seating for relaxing after a busy day. An ADA pool lift is available for guests who need assistance entering the pool area.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT FACE="Aptos">Guest Rooms:</FONT></B></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos">The hotel offers both King and Queen guest rooms, each designed with comfortable beds, modern furnishings, and dedicated workspaces.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos">The University of Dayton Marriott has six floors of guest rooms. Two elevators provide access to the upper floors, and guest rooms are also available on the first floor for those who prefer not to stay on a higher floor.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos">Standing at the front desk with your back to the main entrance, venture around to your left and proceed down the hall is where first-floor guest rooms and an elevator serving the upper floors are available. However, before turning left toward those guest rooms, straight ahead you'll also find the hotel's market, which sells beverages, snacks, ice cream, over-the-counter essentials, and University of Dayton souvenirs and apparel. For your convenience, a second elevator is located down the hallway toward the Dewberry 1850, on the left-hand side before reaching that restaurant.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT FACE="Aptos">Convention Areas:</FONT></B></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos">After checking in, turn right from the front desk and continue about 30 to 40 feet to reach the ballroom area.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos">Moreover, Along this hallway you will find also:</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Symbol">·<FONT FACE="Courier New"> </FONT></FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"> <FONT FACE="Aptos">First-floor guest rooms, on your left and down the hall.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos">However, straight ahead you will find:</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Symbol">·<FONT FACE="Courier New"> </FONT></FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"> <FONT FACE="Aptos">The Welcome Table, officiated by the Miami Valley and Springfield Chapters</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Symbol">·<FONT FACE="Courier New"> </FONT></FONT> <FONT FACE="Aptos">The River Park Room, where door prizes and auction items will be stored,</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Symbol">·<FONT FACE="Courier New"> </FONT></FONT> <FONT FACE="Aptos">The Information Desk, where you can also temporarily store items, </FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Symbol">·<FONT FACE="Courier New"> </FONT></FONT> <FONT FACE="Aptos">Ballrooms (E through H),</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Symbol">·<FONT FACE="Courier New"> </FONT></FONT> <FONT FACE="Aptos">The Ballroom Foyer,</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Symbol">·<FONT FACE="Courier New"> </FONT></FONT> <FONT FACE="Aptos">The Key Fabor Room,</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Symbol">·<FONT FACE="Courier New"> </FONT></FONT> <FONT FACE="Aptos">The Tradewinds Room, which is at the end of the hall of the Ballrooms, where on Friday, November 6: Hospitality and on Saturday, November 7: the Exhibit Hall will be housed.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT FACE="Aptos">Seminar and Registration Areas:</FONT></B></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos">All seminars will be held in Ballrooms E through H, along with one additional meeting room, Key Fabor.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos">Convention registration will take place in the Ballroom Foyer, where literature and convention materials will also be available. Please feel free to take any literature you need.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT FACE="Aptos">Guide Dog Relief Areas:</FONT></B></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos">Guide dogs are welcome, and two relief areas are available.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Symbol">·<FONT FACE="Courier New"> </FONT></FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"> <FONT FACE="Aptos">The first is outside the exit at the end of the hallway near the first-floor guest rooms to the left of the registration area. The grassy relief area is located just off the parking lot.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Symbol">·<FONT FACE="Courier New"> </FONT></FONT> <FONT FACE="Aptos">The second is outside the exit in the Tradewinds Room, providing another convenient location for guide dogs to take a break.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT FACE="Aptos">Pre-Convention Activities</FONT></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos">:</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos">Support the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio by joining an exciting and meaningful event where</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><I> <FONT FACE="Aptos">every pin makes a difference!</FONT></I></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos">How it Works:</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Noto Sans Symbols">● </FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"> <FONT FACE="Aptos">Blind bowlers will take the lanes on November 5th.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Noto Sans Symbols">● </FONT> <FONT FACE="Aptos">Sponsors pledge 25 cents or more for each pin knocked down.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Noto Sans Symbols">● </FONT> <FONT FACE="Aptos">Pledge sheets will be provided so you can make a monetary contribution to the organization. Your support helps strengthen the treasury of the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio, funding programs, services, and advocacy for blind individuals across the state.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos">For more information or to sponsor a bowler contact: Theresa McKenney, Fundraiser Committee, Chair at (216) 990-2582 or Patricia McPherson at</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"> </SPAN><A HREF="mailto:patrinkle@icloud.com"><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><U><FONT COLOR="#467886" FACE="Aptos">patrinkle@icloud.com</FONT></U></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></A><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<BR>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT FACE="Aptos">Convention Highlights:</FONT></B></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos">The convention will begin on Friday, November 6th with the Ohio State Board of Directors Meeting, where Board Members will review and discuss policies, collaborate on programs and services, and address initiatives that support Ohioans who are blind or have low vision. This meeting is an excellent opportunity, to learn how the Board works on behalf of our members at the local, state, and national levels, including partnerships with legislators on issues affecting the blind and low vision community. The Board will also conduct the final readings of the previous meeting minutes and review the treasury reports.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos">All members and guests are encouraged to attend the Board meeting to gain a better understanding of the organization's initiatives that will help shape the future of our organization. Also, come meet your Ohio State Board of Directors, learn about the important work being done in our communities, and be part of building a stronger future for blind and low vision Ohioans. </FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos">Immediately following the Board meeting, convention registration will open at 12:15 P.M.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos">Then the gavel will fall with the opening ceremonies and general session promptly at 2:00 PM. We will have a series of speakers covering a wide range of topics, including introductions from NFB national President, Mark A. Riccobono, Honorable, Mayer of Dayton, Shenise Turner-Sloss, Ohio House Representative, Mark Sigrist, Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) and much more. Of Course, Annette Lutz will have exciting door prizes as well. To contact Annette with items, email her at president.capital.nfboh@gmail.com.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos">Friday evening will see a flurry of activities. Primarily, our Hospitality Suite located in the Tradewins Room will open its doors at 5:30 PM. Your host will be the Miami Valley and Springfield Chapters, and they will make you feel relaxed and right at home. They are also planning some enjoyable activities for your visit. Snacks and beverages will be available for your comfort.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos">The At-Large Chapter, the Ohio Communities of Faith, Ohio Community Service and the Ohio Association of Guide Dogs Users (OAGDU) Divisions will hold their annual business meetings that evening. The Blind Parents Group, Nominations and Resolutions Committee meetings will also take place. first-time convention attendees are cordially invited to attend the Rookie Roundup/a meet and greet. President Payne, National President, Mark Riccobono and other Federation leaders will be on hand to welcome you and preview the convention activities. Moreover, sign-up for the evening event facilitated by Jessica Stover. The details will be coming soon. </FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos">Saturday morning, November 7th, from 7:00 to 8:45 AM, The Scholarship Breakfast Meeting will take place in the Dewberry 1850 Restaurant. If you are a student, you should consider attending. </FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos">The gavel falls again promptly on November 7</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><SUP><FONT FACE="Aptos">th</FONT></SUP></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos"> at 9:00AM to continue general sessions. We will break at 12 noon for lunch. Note: Boxed Lunch Pick-up (tickets required) will be in the Ballroom Foyer Area on November 7th. Be sure to order your boxed lunch when you Preregister for the convention. The Ohio Association of Blind Seniors, the Diabetic Action Network (DAN) Divisions and the Deaf Blind Committee will conduct their annual meetings, and The afternoon promises provocative workshops on promoting leadership, membership building, and successful employment strategies. The Exhibit Hall will be quite exciting, with vendors attending such as, Vispero, State Library of Ohio, EvenGround Accessibility, Eye Learn Tech LLC. and Ohio Disability Rights Law and Policy just to name a few. These and more on-hand Vendors will be available to us from 12:00 noon to 4:00 PM demonstrating their high and low-tech products for blind and Low vision users. Chapters and divisions will also have the opportunity to hold fundraisers in this exhibit area.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos">Saturday night’s banquet will surely be the highlight of the convention. This is an opportunity for fellowship and for all of us to share a meal together. Our keynote speaker for the evening will be NFB national President, Mark A. Riccobono. The Gavel Awards ceremony celebrating the chapter and division accomplishments from the past year will be revealed. Lastly, the finale of the banquet will be the announcements of the 2026 scholarship winners. Be sure to order your banquet meal when you Preregister for the convention. Don’t worry, the night is not over – plans are in the works for an exciting after-banquet activity.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos">Sunday, November 8</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><SUP><FONT FACE="Aptos">th</FONT></SUP></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos"> is the day we relax a little, reflect on the past few days, and think about where we are headed in the future. Elections will be held for the members of the Ohio Board of Directors. All NFB members are eligible to vote if their dues are in good standing. </FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos">Subsequently, our Convention Planning Committee is committed to making your convention experience memorable and quite enjoyable. Therefore, our goal is to bring you the most up-to-date information on the Convention. So please feel free to contact the Committee Chair with any questions, concerns and or, requests for accommodations at</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"> </SPAN><A HREF="mailto:SMTurner.234@gmail.com"><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><U><FONT COLOR="#467886" FACE="Aptos">SMTurner.234@gmail.com</FONT></U></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></A><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos">.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos">We will be ready to greet you bright and early at 9:00 AM on Friday morning with your registration packets, agendas and to preview the weekend activities. Please bring all donated door prizes to the River Park Room or the Information Table, as well. For those who are generously providing the convention with auction items, please review the policy on Auction Guidelines. Please read it carefully and follow the instructions.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos"> </FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos">Suzanne Turner is the Chair of convention arrangements, and she will make sure that the hotel facility--which includes staff, accommodations, guide dog relief areas, meeting rooms, dining areas, and common areas--is as blind-friendly as possible. Lastly, volunteers will be available to assist and direct convention attendees to pinnacle points and conference rooms.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos">We hope this overview helps you become familiar with the hotel's layout and amenities and provide a look into the Convention. President, Payne and the Ohio Board of Directors looks forward to welcoming you to Dayton as we celebrate 80 years of the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio!</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos">Together, with love, hope, and determination, the members of the National Federation of the Blind transform dreams into reality. You can live the life you want.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos">Richard Payne, President</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"> <FONT COLOR="#000000" SIZE=2 FACE="Helvetica">National Federation of the Blind of Ohio</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#000000" SIZE=2 FACE="Helvetica">937/829/3368</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><A HREF="mailto:Rchpay7@gmail.com"><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><U></U></SPAN><U><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#467886" SIZE=2 FACE="Helvetica">Rchpay7@gmail.com</FONT></SPAN></U><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></A><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><A HREF="http://www.nfbohio.org/"><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><U></U></SPAN><U><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#467886" SIZE=4 FACE="Aptos">www.nfbohio.org</FONT></SPAN></U><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></A><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#000000" SIZE=4 FACE="Aptos">The National Federation of the Blind advances the lives of its members and all blind people in the United States. We know that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, becaus</FONT><FONT COLOR="#000000" SIZE=4 FACE="Aptos">e low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. Our collective power, determination, and diversity achieve the aspirations of all blind people.</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
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