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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><img width=429 height=182 id="Picture_x0020_2" src="cid:image001.jpg@01D2733A.883A3860" alt="NFBIA Logo RGB Rect"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><i><span style='font-size:30.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>FEDERATION FOCUS<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>A Bimonthly eNewsletter of the National Federation of the Blind of Iowa<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Vol. 1 January-February 2017 No. 1<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Affiliate President: Jerad Nilin<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Editor-in-Chief: Sandi Ryan<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Editors: April Enderton; Cindy Ray<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 align=center style='text-align:center'><b><i><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>From the President<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></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"'>Greetings fellow Federationists,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><br>I hope you had a great <span style='color:#1F497D'>holiday </span>season and are off to a great start in 2017. Here is to good health, memorable moments, and excellent opportunities in this new year.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>I want to offer my personal reflections on the last year with you. As I reflect on my time in the Federation over the last year, I am humbled at the opportunities I have had.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>At this time last year I was preparing to attend Washington seminar for the first time as Iowa’s Legislative Director. I had no idea of the adventures the trip would offer. I spent the weekend before Washington seminar networking with many leaders in the Federation. Through my conversations and interactions I was encouraged to apply for the 2016 summer internship held at the Jernigan Institute.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>At the same time, I was strongly considering running for the Iowa affiliate presidency. My time as an intern sealed the deal for me. I was able to develop both personal and professional skills that I use in my daily life. One of the most important lessons I took away from <span style='color:#1F497D'>the internship </span>was the importance of working with our leaders both nationally and locally.<br>In October I was elected president of the Iowa affiliate. Since then, I have been working hard to get to know each and every one of our members and come up with new and innovative ideas for affiliate activities.<br>I am energized and excited to see where we will go in 2017. It is with love, hope, and determination that we transform our dreams into reality.<br>If you have any suggestions or ideas for our affiliate<span style='color:#1F497D'>,</span> please reach out to me with your thoughts. I would love to hear from you.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Sincerely,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Jerad S. Nylin<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>President, National Federation of the Blind of Iowa<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>E-Mail: </span><a href="mailto:jerad.nfbi@gmail.com"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>jerad.nfbi@gmail.com</span></a><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"'>Cell: (319)535-3723<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Website: www.nfbi.org<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><i><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>News Right Now!<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></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 align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>2017 Washington Seminar<o:p></o:p></span></b></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 style='text-indent:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Washington Seminar begins 10 days from the time of this newsletter. Five of our members will attend this year and speak with Iowa congressmen in person.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Even if you are not attending, you can still help to move our agenda forward. Please contact your representative and our two senators within the next week and a half to express your support of this year’s Washington Seminar issues. Our legislative priorities are: <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst style='margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:.5in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>support for the Accessible Instructional Materials in Higher Education (AIM HE) Act, which will establish a commission to formulate voluntary accessibility guidelines for education technology on college and university campuses across the nation;<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:.5in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>an amendment to the Internal Revenue Code to create a refundable tax credit for blind taxpayers who purchase access technology;<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:.5in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>a request for an appropriation to the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) to purchase refreshable Braille displays to be loaned to NLS patrons; and<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpLast style='margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:.5in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>ratification of the Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for People Who Are Blind, Visually Impaired, or Otherwise Print Disabled. The Treaty may be ratified before we arrive in Washington. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Find more information and the fact sheets at <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'><a href="https://nfb.org/washington-seminar"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>https://nfb.org/washington-seminar</span></a><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 align=center style='text-align:center'><b><i><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Member Spotlight<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'><i><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>NOTE: Each issue of this newsletter will introduce one of our affiliate members. Enjoy getting to know others who share our Federation spirit and philosophy, and live the lives they want.<o:p></o:p></span></i></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 align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Meet Tori Miceli: Beauty is Everywhere<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>By Cindy Ray, Editor<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 style='text-indent:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Victoria (Tori) Miceli is new to the Des Moines chapter, having joined only this past summer, but she is by no means new to the National Federation of the Blind. Her grandparents, Bill and Sheila Kappler, were associated with the National Federation of the Blind long ago. The Kapplers attended the Iowa Braille and Sight Saving School, and were students at the Iowa Orientation and Adjustment Center when Dr. Kenneth Jernigan directed the Iowa Department for the Blind.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>As a young child Tori became a student in the National Federation of the Blind of Iowa’s Saturday School, begun by Merry-Noel Chamberlain, with help from Des Moines chapter members, in the early 2000s. When she was in middle school, however, her interests became more mature, and she no longer attended Saturday School. She may have been a little rebellious about the blindness card, too.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Tori will attend Upper Iowa University in the fall. She has a passion for teaching blind children, and demonstrated her ability as a helper at last summer’s BELL Academy. The Academy helped her, too, as she started working on her braille in earnest.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Tori is not afraid of hard work. Pageantry with all its glamour and the lucrative options, is hard and rewarding work. Tori has been blessed with both outer and inner beauty, and she has used this beauty to become involved in pageantry. She was crowned Miss Hawkeye Teen, and was first runner up in the national pageant. Tori lost the national crown by a very small margin, to a young woman whose father had died only a couple of days before the finals. Tori graciously expressed her pleasure for the girl who won. <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><i><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'> <img border=0 width=295 height=213 id="Picture_x0020_1" src="cid:image002.png@01D2733A.883A3860"></span></i></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'> (Caption: Victoria leans over, showing a fellow pageant princes (about age 5) to use a white cane.)<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Tori will crown her own state successor in March and will then participate in the Miss Coed Hawkeye and Miss Coed Iowa contests. Before Tori embarks on a new pageant, she and her family, along with her boyfriend, have a family meeting to determine if her participation still feels right for everyone. Pageant contracts do not allow her to become engaged while she is participating, and she is planning to marry one day. For now though, she loves what she is doing. It gives her the opportunity to show the world that blindness is not what holds us back. She has high expectations for her life, and she knows she can live the life she wants!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Because she did not win this year, Tori has the freedom to do other things, and she is involved in Beauty Everywhere. Former and future pageant winners are provided a crown to wear for 72 hours, during which time they are to do something to better the lives of others in the world.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>When a young woman is involved in pageants, she is offered many contracts. Tori could get into a wide range of modeling, but some of the contracts place the young participants in compromising positions. Tori’s deep Christian faith and her strong character won’t allow her to sign such contracts, so she examines each one carefully before deciding what to do. She sometimes forfeits a large amount of money, but she knows that she must always be aware of who she is, and she must never sell her soul for glamour and glitz.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Asked why she is a Federationist, Tori said that she believes that the Federation shows blind and sighted people alike that any one of us is capable of doing more than that for which we give ourselves credit. She believes that the Federation is needed to show the whole world that we can live the lives we want.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Tori, welcome, and we are glad you are with 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 align=center style='text-align:center'><b><i><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Chapter Focus<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></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 style='text-indent:.5in'><i><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>NOTE: Each issue of this newsletter will examine one of our chapters or divisions in depth to help you learn what fellow Federationists around the state are doing.<o:p></o:p></span></i></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 align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>The At Large Chapter: Just a Phone Call Away<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>by April L. Enderton, Editor<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 style='text-indent:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>On February 21, 2013, a new chapter held its first meeting. The At Large Chapter, NFBI, was conceived out of the desire to connect blind people in rural communities with the NFB and to share our message of hope and encouragement. Being the only blind person in one's community is often a lonely and isolating experience. Through a monthly phone conference, the At Large Chapter provides its members the opportunity to discuss and exchange information on such blindness-related topics as technology, transportation, alternative techniques, education, jobs, resources and philosophy. Our chapter meets the third Thursday of the month at 7 Pm. We also hold an annual face to face meeting at our state convention.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>The response has been overwhelming. Immediately, people from all over Iowa joined. Some were longtime federationists who did not have a local chapter, while others were new to the NFB. Jerad Nylin, our new affiliate president, was one of our first members. In 2013, no chapter existed in his area, so Jerad came to us. During the past four years, we have had the pleasure to watch Jerad grow from a new member to the president of a newly-formed Cedar Rapids Chapter, to a state board member, to an intern at the National Center in Baltimore and, most recently, to our affiliate president.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>We have held three Schwans fundraisers, one of which is still in progress. We compiled a Braille cookbook which we sell for ten dollars. At our 2016 state convention, we sold candy. Our fundraising efforts have allowed us to send chapter members to state convention every year since 2013. After four years, our membership continues to grow. Future goals include becoming more involved in our communities, hosting a state convention and raising money to send chapter members to national convention and Washington Seminar.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Who may join the At Large Chapter? If you have no local chapter or are, for some reason, unable to attend local chapter meetings, the At Large Chapter is for you! Our next meeting is Thursday, February 16. Our call-in number is 712-432-8812. When you hear the recording asking for a conference id, enter 87458 followed by the pound sign. Our meetings are open to anyone interested in blindness issues.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'> For more information, contact April Enderton, At Large Chapter President, (phone) 515-282-0049 or (e-mail) </span><a href="mailto:alenderton@gmail.com"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>alenderton@gmail.com</span></a><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 align=center style='text-align:center'><b><i><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Chapter and Division Highlights<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'><b><i><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>At Large:</span></i></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'> (April Enderton, </span><a href="mailto:alenderton@gmail.com"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>alenderton@gmail.com</span></a><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>) See article above for details.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'><b><i><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Cedar Rapids:</span></i></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'> (Sam Claassen, </span><a href="mailto:blindsoul93@gmail.com"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>blindsoul93@gmail.com</span></a><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>) We are working on growing our chapter, and changing the misconceptions about blindness by educating the youth in our schools. During Meet the Blind Month, Mayor Ron Corbett came to our October chapter meeting to discuss with us the need for accessible public works in the Cedar Rapids area. At the same meeting, Tim box from the Lynn County auditor’s office brought in an accessible voting machine just in time for the November elections.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>At our November meeting we celebrated two years of being a chapter. With love, hope, and determination, the Cedar Rapids chapter transforms dreams into reality.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'><b><i><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Des Moines:</span></i></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'> (Cindy Ray, </span><a href="mailto:cindyray@gmail.com"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>cindyray@gmail.com</span></a><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>) </span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>The Des Moines Chapter kicked off another year with our meeting on January 14, and we are filled with optimism. We gathered for the chapter Christmas Party on December 9. The 25 members present enjoyed food and fellowship at Chuck’s Restaurant.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Our January meeting included voting in a new member, Soo Kee Jung. She is a mathematician, and plays the violin. Following reflections on the year just ended, we conducted our annual elections, with the following results: President, Cindy Ray; vice president, Scott Van Gorp; Secretary, Terri Wilcox; Treasurer, David Hammel; Board members, Sandi Ryan, Jim Rechkemmer, and Don Shepherd. Our former treasurer, Mary McGee, now works during our meeting time and could not continue in this position. President Cindy Ray noted the chapter’s appreciation for her hard work and attention to detail over the several years Mary held office. Gloria Graves has been assigned to arrange community service projects. We are expecting a good year with some new ideas for raising funds.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>The chapter will celebrate two years of Game Night in April. On the third Tuesday of each month we take food to the Iowa Department for the Blind and invite students to join us for dinner and table games. Starting in February we will begin to include the students in preparing the meal. We believe it will improve the event.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'><b><i><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Old Capital (Iowa City):</span></i></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'> (Darrel Kirby, </span><a href="mailto:kirbydarrel@gmail.com"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>kirbydarrel@gmail.com</span></a><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>) The Old Capital chapter is currently focusing on hosting the 2017 Iowa NFB BELL Academy next summer. We are busy working on fund-raising and advertising for the event.<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'><b><i><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Siouxland:</span></i></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'> (Karen Clayton, </span><a href="mailto:Karen@sipco.org"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Karen@sipco.org</span></a><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>) The Siouxland chapter will hold its holiday party on January 21, 2017, 3:00-5:00 p.m. at Perkins East, 5925 Gordon Drive in Sioux City. Karen Clayton, Siouxland President, will attend Washington Seminar at the end of January.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'><b><i><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Southeast Iowa:</span></i></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'> (Richard Webb, </span><a href="mailto:rwebb.nf5b@gmail.com"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>rwebb.nf5b@gmail.com</span></a><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>) No activities reported.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'><b><i><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Bell Academy:</span></i></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'> (Donna Prime, </span><a href="mailto:dprime27@gmail.com"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>dprime27@gmail.com</span></a><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>) Iowa’s second NFB BELL Academy, which helps blind children learn Braille and other blindness skills in a fun environment, will be held July 31-August 11, 2017 At Trinity Episcopal Church in Iowa City. Planning is well underway, and activities right now involve attending events where blind children and their families might be reached, identifying funding for this year’s event, and advertising the academy. Families may now apply for the Iowa NFB BELL Academy at </span><a href="https://nfb.org/bell-student-application-form"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>https://nfb.org/bell-student-application-form</span></a><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'> Stay tuned—once again we will need volunteers!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'><b><i><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Iowa Diabetes Action Network:</span></i></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'> (Michael Barber, </span><a href="mailto:m.barber817@gmail.com"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>m.barber817@gmail.com</span></a><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>) Our members are </span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>blind diabetics and friends from all over Iowa. We discuss all things related to diabetes, with an emphasis on dealing with diabetes as a blind person.</span><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>In February we will be hearing from Tom Ley, former president of the NFB Diabetes Action Network about the upcoming artificial pancreas and his experiences monitoring his diabetes with the help of his iPhone. In March, we hope to deal with the subject of dental hygiene and diabetes. Organization dues are $5 and anyone is welcome to join.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'><b><i><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Student Committee:</span></i></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'> (Katy Olsen, </span><a href="mailto:katyo.nfbi@gmail.com"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>katyo.nfbi@gmail.com</span></a><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>) </span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>The NFBI Student Committee is a very new addition to our affiliate. Since October 2016, the students have met three times by conference call. we are excited about our future plans! Our hope is to become an official division at the 2017 NFBI Convention. Some topics we have discussed on the calls include the national scholarship program, Washington Seminar, AIM HE, and how we can become a stronger and closer group.<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 align=center style='text-align:center'><b><i><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>News Briefs<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></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"'>Below is information about two new Iowa discussion List’s<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'><u><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Iowa affiliate list: <o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>List name: Tall-Corn <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>The National Federation of the Blind of Iowa (Tall Corn List) is an email list where we keep in touch, sharing advice about chapters, divisions, and other blindness issues. We will pass on information relating to the happenings in our state using this list and other social media platforms. From time to time our national office will share important information with us as well. We welcome all who are interested in what’s happening in the National Federation of the Blind of Iowa to check in with us, share and learn. To subscribe to the list go to <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/tall-corn_nfbnet.org"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/tall-corn_nfbnet.org</span></a><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'><u><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Iowa Students list <o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>List name: NFB-Iowa-Students<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>This list will be used to communicate with students who live or are studying in Iowa. It will be an easy way to distribute information concerning fundraising, group events, appointments, current events etc. from time to time important information is shared from our national office. To subscribe to the list go to<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'><a href="http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-iowa-students_nfbnet.org"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-iowa-students_nfbnet.org</span></a><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'><a href="https://www.facebook.com/National-Federation-Of-the-Blind-Of-Iowa-372681823082570/posts">Like the National Federation of the Blind of Iowa on Facebook</a><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><u><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>National Federation of the Blind Scholarship Program<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Each year the National Federation of the Blind awards 30 scholarships, ranging from $3,000 to $12,000,to legally blind high school seniors and college students. Last year, two Iowa students received scholarships and other gifts. The application deadline for this year’s program is March 31, 2017. For the rules of application, a Frequently Asked Questions document, and other information, visit<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'><a href="http://www.nfb.org/scholarships"><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>www.nfb.org/scholarships</span></b></a><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Questions? </span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Contact the</span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'> NFB Scholarship Program; Chairperson Patti Chang, Esq.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>E-mail: </span><a href="mailto:Scholarships@nfb.org"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Scholarships@nfb.org</span></a><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"'>Office: (410) 659 -9314, ext. 2415, (8 a.m. - 5 p.m. EST)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><u><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p><span style='text-decoration:none'> </span></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><u><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Apply to Become a National Federation of the Blind BUILD Team Member:<br></span></u><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Technologies are being developed every day that affect the way we all live, work, and play. In order to ensure access to the ever-evolving technologies that make it possible for blind people to live the lives we want, we need blind users to innovate and lead the design process. The NFB is establishing a database of Blind Users Innovating and Leading Design (BUILD) to evaluate websites, products, and services for accessibility. Apply to become a member of our BUILD team by completing the survey at </span><a href="https://nfb.org/build-team"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>https://nfb.org/build-team</span></a><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>.</span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><i><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Recipe Corner<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></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"'>NOTE: In each issue we will feature a couple of recipes from our members. If you have a recipe to share in this section, please e-mail it to Sandi Ryan, Editor-in-Chief, at </span><a href="mailto:sjryan2@gmail.com"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>sjryan2@gmail.com</span></a><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 align=center style='text-align:center'><b><i><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Best-Ever Bean Casserole<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>April Lynn Enderton<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><i><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>This recipe comes from At Large Chapter President and Federation Focus editor April L. Enderton. It represents the scrumptious recipes in the At Large Chapter’s cookbook, Food at Your Fingertips!<o:p></o:p></span></i></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"'>1-1/2 pounds ground pork sausage or turkey<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>1 medium green pepper, chopped<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>1 medium onion, chopped<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>1 (31 ounce) can pork and beans<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>1 (16-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>1 (15-ounce) can Great Northern beans, rinsed and drained<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>1 (15-ounce) can black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>1 (15-ounce) can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>1-1/2 cups ketchup<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>¾ cup packed brown sugar<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>2 teaspoons ground mustard, optional<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 a skillet over medium heat, brown sausage; drain. Add green pepper and onion; sauté until tender; drain. Place all ingredients in large greased casserole or stockpot. Mix well. Cover and bake at 325 degrees for one hour. Uncover and bake 20-30 minutes longer, or until bubbly.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Yield: 12-16 servings<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 align=center style='text-align:center'><b><i><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Funny Fudge Pudding<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Sandi Ryan<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"'>Sandi Ryan, our Editor-in-Chief, contributed this recipe, which originated in a nearly 50-year-old cookbook, <i>A Leaf From Our Table</i>, compiled by the Catholic Guild for the Blind. The rich chocolate cake with a surprise of chocolate pudding underneath could make a perfect Valentine’s Day treat!<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"'>½ cup sifted flour<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>1 tablespoon baking powder<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>½ teaspoon salt<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>1/3 cup sugar<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>3 tablespoons cocoa powder<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>¼ cup milk<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>1 tablespoon melted butter<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>½ teaspoon vanilla<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>¼ cup chopped nuts<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>½ cup firmly packed brown sugar<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>¾ cup boiling water<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"'>Sift together flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and 1 tablespoon cocoa powder. Add milk, butter, and vanilla. Mix only enough to blend. Mix in chopped nuts. Turn into a greased 3-quart casserole dish. Mix together brown sugar and remaining cocoa powder. Sprinkle over batter in casserole. Pour boiling water over the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for 40 minutes. A fudge sauce forms in the bottom of the pan as it bakes. Serve warm. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Makes 4-5 servings.<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 align=center style='text-align:center'><span class=MsoHyperlink><b><i><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Upcoming Events</span></i></b></span><span class=MsoHyperlink><b><i><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Jan. 28, 2017: Iowa Braille challenge (Iowa Department for the Blind).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Jan. 30, 2017: Great Gathering-In (Washington DC).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span class=MsoHyperlink><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";color:black'>Jan. 30-Feb. 2, 2017: </span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/washington-seminar"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Washington Seminar</span></a><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'> (Washington DC).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Feb. 4, 2017: 1:00 PM, Iowa Diabetes Action Network Meeting (712-432-8812, 87458#).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Feb. 6, 2017: 7:00 PM, NFBI Student Committee meeting (712-432-8812, 87458#).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";color:black'>Feb. 11, 2017: 11:00 AM, Old Capital chapter, (Iowa City Public Library).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Feb. 11, 2017: 12:00 PM, Southeast Iowa Chapter meeting (St. Paul United Church of Christ,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'> 303 W Mt. Pleasant St, West Burlington).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";color:black'>Feb. 11, 2017: 2:00 pM, Des Moines Chapter meeting (Iowa Department for the Blind).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Feb. 12, 2017: 4:00 PM, affiliate board meeting (712-432-8812, 87458#).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Feb. 16, 2017: 7:00 PM, At Large Chapter meeting (712-432-8812, 87458#)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Feb. 18, 2017: 11:00 AM, Siouxland Chapter meeting (TBD)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Feb. 18, 2017: Cedar Rapids Chapter meeting, (Scottish Rite Temple, 616 A Ave A NE)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>March 4, 2017: 1:00 PM, Iowa Diabetes Action Network Meeting (712-432-8812, 87458#).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>March 6, 2017: 7:00 PM, NFBI Student Committee meeting (712-432-8812, 87458#).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";color:black'>March 11, 2017: 11:00 AM, Old Capital chapter meeting, (Iowa City Public Library).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>March 11, 2017: 12:00 PM, Southeast Iowa Chapter meeting (St. Paul United Church of Christ,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'> 303 W Mt. Pleasant St, West Burlington).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";color:black'>March 11, 2017: 2:00 pM, Des Moines Chapter meeting (Iowa Department for the Blind).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>March 12, 2017: 4:00 PM, affiliate board meeting (712-432-8812, 87458#).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>March 16, 2017: 7:00 PM, At Large Chapter meeting (712-432-8812, 87458#)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>March 18, 2017: 11:00 AM, Siouxland Chapter meeting (TBD)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>March 18, 2017: Cedar Rapids Chapter meeting, (Scottish Rite Temple, 616 A Ave NE)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>March 30-31, 2017: Jacobus tenBroek Law Symposium (Jernigan Institute, Baltimore, MD)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span class=MsoHyperlink><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";color:black'>March 31, 2017: Deadline for </span></span><a href="http://www.nfb.org/scholarships"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>scholarship applications</span></a><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span class=MsoHyperlink><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";color:black'>April 15, 2017: Deadline for </span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/bolotin-award-main"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Jacob Bollotin Award applications</span></a><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"'>April 15, 2017: Deadline for Kenneth Jernigan Scholarship Applications<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>July 10-15, 2017: National Convention, (Rosen Shingle Creek Resort, Orlando, FL)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span class=MsoHyperlink><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";color:black'>July 21-29, 2017: </span></span><a href="http://www.blindscience.org/nfb-youth-slam"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Youth Slam</span></a><span class=MsoHyperlink><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";color:black'>, Towson University, (Towson, MD)</span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>July 31-august 11, 2017: National Federation of the Blind of Iowa BELL academy (Iowa City) </span><o:p></o:p></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:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>The National Federation of the Blind of Iowa knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back.<o:p></o:p></span></b></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:14.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></div></body></html>