<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=iso-8859-1"><meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 14 (filtered medium)"><!--[if !mso]><style>v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
.shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
</style><![endif]--><style><!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Calibri;
panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;}
@font-face
{font-family:Tahoma;
panose-1:2 11 6 4 3 5 4 4 2 4;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Calibri Light";
panose-1:2 15 3 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";}
h3
{mso-style-priority:9;
mso-style-link:"Heading 3 Char";
margin-top:2.0pt;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
page-break-after:avoid;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri Light","sans-serif";
color:#1F3763;
font-weight:normal;}
a:link, span.MsoHyperlink
{mso-style-priority:99;
color:blue;
text-decoration:underline;}
a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed
{mso-style-priority:99;
color:purple;
text-decoration:underline;}
p
{mso-style-priority:99;
mso-margin-top-alt:auto;
margin-right:0in;
mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
margin-left:0in;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";}
p.MsoAcetate, li.MsoAcetate, div.MsoAcetate
{mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-link:"Balloon Text Char";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
font-size:8.0pt;
font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";}
span.EmailStyle17
{mso-style-type:personal-compose;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:windowtext;
font-weight:normal;
font-style:normal;}
span.Heading3Char
{mso-style-name:"Heading 3 Char";
mso-style-priority:9;
mso-style-link:"Heading 3";
font-family:"Calibri Light","sans-serif";
color:#1F3763;}
span.BalloonTextChar
{mso-style-name:"Balloon Text Char";
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-link:"Balloon Text";
font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
--></style><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapedefaults v:ext="edit" spidmax="1026" />
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapelayout v:ext="edit">
<o:idmap v:ext="edit" data="1" />
</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'><a name="_GoBack"></a><img width=643 height=273 id="Picture_x0020_3" src="cid:image001.jpg@01D2A114.F1D14F90" alt="cid:image001.jpg@01D2A0B2.1C5D11D0"><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 March-April 2017 No. 2<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 Nylin<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 L. Enderton; Cindy Ray<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><h3 align=center style='text-align:center'><i><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";color:windowtext'>From the President</span></i><i><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";color:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></i></h3><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><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"'>I’m surprised it’s already the middle of March! The weather has had us on a roller-coaster lately. I hope you’re all faring well as this winter comes to a close. <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"'>Since the first issue of the Federation Focus, there is much to report.<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 Washington Seminar was a huge success (see article). We are proud to have Third District Congressman David Young’s support on two of our issues. The congressman will be the champion sponsor of the Access Technology Affordability Act. The Des Moines Chapter, located in the Third District, invited Representative Young to their February meeting. I also attended, and was humbled to show my gratitude alongside the chapter members. Janae Burgmeier presented the congressman a framed picture of the 2017 Iowa Washington seminar delegation. <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"'>Prior to Washington Seminar, I had the privilege of attending a retreat held for affiliate presidents at our national office in Baltimore, MD. We gathered to share ideas that will continue to build the Federation. Newer affiliate presidents suggested ideas, and More seasoned presidents mentored us with advice and support. This event gave me a chance to meet and network with other leaders in our movement. I hope to grow as a leader by using what I learned from the retreat for the National Federation of the Blind of Iowa, and to attend similar events in the future. <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 dates for our 2017 state convention are September 29-October 1, 2017, at the Holladay in Northwest on Merle Hay road in Des Moines. Look for details on room prices and how to reserve your room in the News Brief section. <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 are working together to develop new ways of communicating within our affiliate. If you have not already done so, </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/National-Federation-Of-the-Blind-Of-Iowa-372681823082570/posts"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Like the National Federation of the Blind of Iowa on Facebook</span></a><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>, and </span><a href="https://twitter.com/nfb_iowa"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>follow us on Twitter @NFB_Iowa</span></a><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'> to keep up to date with what is going on. And don’t forget to sign up for </span><a href="http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/tall-corn_nfbnet.org"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>the tall corn list serve</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'><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"'>I am committed to working with each of you. I look forward to hearing from you, and meeting you at affiliate and chapter events. Please contact me with your questions or ideas.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Your Affiliate President, <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: <a href="http://www.nfbi.org">www.nfbi.org</a><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><h3 align=center style='text-align:center'><i><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";color:windowtext'>News Right Now!<o:p></o:p></span></i></h3><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"'>NFB Scholarships<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>If you are a legally blind high school senior or college student, there’s still time to apply for one of the NFB’s 30 scholarships between $3,000 and $12,000 and other gifts awarded at this summer’s national convention, but you need to hurry! This year’s application deadline is March 31, 2017! There are several steps in the application process. Two Iowans won scholarships last year. Maybe this year is your turn! 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><span class=MsoHyperlink><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>.</span><o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Active NFB members, blind or sighted, who have not yet attended an NFB national convention because of lack of funding are eligible to apply for a grant from the Kenneth Jernigan Convention Scholarship Fund. Last year, 60 individuals received $400 to $500 toward convention expenses and attended their first convention ever. Application deadline is April 15, and the process has several steps. For details on how to apply, visit </span><a href="https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm17/bm1701/bm170112.htm"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>The Kenneth Jernigan Convention Scholarship Fund</span></a><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";color:#1F497D'> article in the January 2017 </span><a href="https://nfb.org/braille-monitor"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Braille Monitor</span></a><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";color:#1F497D'>.</span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'> The Iowa affiliate is also offering financial assistance for convention expenses. If you need assistance, write a letter to President Jerad Nylin at <a href="mailto:jerad.nfbi@gmail.com">jerad.nfbi@gmail.com</a>, using the same instructions as for the Kenneth Jernigan Scholarship (see above). Funds will be provided based on need, on a first-come, first-served basis. The application deadline for state funds is April 30, and those applying will know if they received funds by May 15.<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><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>REMEMBER!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>To stay in touch with the National Federation of the Blind of Iowa at all times:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.facebook.com/National-Federation-Of-the-Blind-Of-Iowa-372681823082570/posts"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Like the National Federation of the Blind of Iowa on Facebook</span></a><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://twitter.com/nfb_iowa"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Follow us on Twitter @NFB_Iowa</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"'>Sign up for </span><a href="http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/tall-corn_nfbnet.org"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>the tall corn list serve</span></a><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>An Iowa Court Case in the News<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Kristen Steele was told by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards that she's not allowed to take her licensing exam in Braille because it would give her an unfair advantage. The National Federation of the Blind is helping with her case, and released this press release on February 28th. </span><a href="http://bit.ly/2lyIeDs"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Read more here</span></a><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>. Look for a feature story about this case in our next issue.</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><h3 align=center style='text-align:center'><i><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";color:windowtext'>Member Spotlight<o:p></o:p></span></i></h3><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 introduce one of our affiliate members. Enjoy getting to know others who share our Federation spirit and philosophy, and live the lives they want. Our featured member this issue is Christie Steele from Burlington, not Kristen Steele mentioned above.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'><i><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><img border=0 width=1070 height=687 id="Picture_x0020_2" src="cid:image002.png@01D2A114.F1D14F90" alt="cid:image002.png@01D2A0B2.1C5D11D0"></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'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Meet Christie Steele<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Relatively new at blindness<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 style='text-indent:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Christie Steele, newly-elected president of the Southeast Iowa Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of Iowa, has had a tough battle. Five years ago she lost her sight because of a rare disease, but she has faced the challenges of this loss with grace, dignity, and just a bit of a taste for adventure.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>In March, 2012, Christi lost most of her sight. Now she has reached a point where she is totally blind except for a small amount of light perception. At first, life was difficult. She was sitting at home grieving and wondering what she would do with the rest of her life. Then she was introduced to someone from the National Federation of the Blind and attended her first meeting in May or June. “I liked what I saw,” she says. Soon she was hooked. Christi was a part of the Federation before she knew about or began receiving services from the Iowa Department for the Blind in 2013. She says that her introduction to the Federation and her becoming involved have been of major importance in her life. “Recovery has been quicker because I began to learn that my life was not over just because my sight was gone.” In 2013 she attended her first convention, partially funded by a Jernigan Scholarship.<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"'>Christi is attending school online at Western Governor’s University in Utah, majoring in special education for elementary students. She is in her final semester and will student teach in the fall. Currently Christie works part time helping children with special needs at Notre Dame School in Burlington, Iowa where she attended elementary school. She continues to work on her blindness skills, particularly braille, so that she will be prepared to more adequately serve the students next fall as a student teacher--and when she receives a contract, hopefully in the fall of 2018. Besides helping children who struggle with their particular disabilities, Christi wants to be supportive of and advocate for blind people, which she is already learning to do in the Federation.<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"'>Christi maintains friendships that were hers before losing her sight. “My friendships aren’t quite the same because my friends don’t really understand blindness yet. They tend to treat me as if I were a child. This is disheartening and frustrating,” she says “but I will continue to exercise patience and educate them.” She longs for them to learn what she now knows—that blindness is not a tragedy.<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"'>Christi has ideas for revitalizing the Southeast Iowa chapter. She is thinking of having trivia nights once a month for which each team would pay a $10 participation fee, though she hasn’t worked out where these events would be held. Right now the chapter is working hard on their July bike-a-thon.<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"'>Christi has applied to get a guide dog, but she doesn’t feel her success hinges on having one. She would like to go to Orlando this summer, but the trip isn’t an option right now--unless, of course, she wins a scholarship. How exciting that would be!<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"'>Christi is growing by leaps and bounds into her blindness and, with the help of her independent spirit and the National Federation of the Blind, she is envisioning and living the life she wants.<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><h3 align=center style='text-align:center'><i><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";color:windowtext'>Reflections on the 2017 Washington Seminar<o:p></o:p></span></i></h3><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><img border=0 width=1071 height=607 id="Picture_x0020_1" src="cid:image003.png@01D2A114.F1D14F90" alt="cid:image003.png@01D2A0B2.1C5D11D0"><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'><b><i><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Jerad Nylin:</span></i></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'> A team of five blind Iowans represented our state at this year’s Washington Seminar. Three of us have attended before, but two students had not! It was great to have a team representing each of Iowa’s political districts. I am proud of what we were able to accomplish and I want to thank the team for giving their finances and their time to attend and make a difference. I hope to see every member of this year’s team, and several more members, at next year’s Washington Seminar. <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"'>Elizabeth Rouse:</span></i></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'> The 2017 Washington Seminar was a thought-provoking experience for me. I enjoyed meeting new friends in the Federation and growing close with some of my roommates. I love the feeling of being surrounded by my “Federation family.” It was awesome to form relationships and find mentors that can last for the rest of my life. I was proud of the Iowa team, learning from members of NABS was incredible, and I cherish the fact that I am no longer living my story alone. I now have friends who face similar challenges. This sense of community and unity will remain with me for a long time. I enjoyed meeting with Congressman. Although I was a bit nervous, each Representative and Senator was kind and seemed interested in the issues we presented. When Representative Young told us he would champion the Access Technology Affordability Act, I was thrilled to be part of the team that instigated the change. Washington Seminar 2017 was a positive experience, and I will strongly consider attending in coming years.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Katy Olsen:</span></i></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'> Washington Seminar 2017 was such a great learning experience for me. Going into this event, I knew very little about the legislative process. Washington Seminar gave me the opportunity to be a part of something big and to learn about all the impact we were having on Capitol Hill. In most of our legislative appointments I outlined the details of AIM-HE. Since I am a current college student, this issue will directly affect me and if passed, it would improve educational accessibility for me and so many other blind students. I gained so much from Washington Seminar. I hope to go back in the years to come.<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"'>Karen Clayton:</span></i></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'> I attended Washington Seminar this year for about the tenth time; my first time was in 1992. I have grown and learned much each time. I am more comfortable in presenting the issues. I had two new experiences this year. We had a new proposal for a tax credit to purchase assistive technology. At our first meeting, the Congressman was very interested but didn’t commit. As we left his office, though, he followed us and said he would sponsor the bill, and announced it at that evening’s reception. The second was a student rally at Upper Senate Park for the AIM-HE bill we have worked on for about 5 years. Many students spoke and used the rally call “Don’t deny. AIM- HE! It was a wonderful day outside.”<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"'>Janae Burgmeier:</span></i></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'> Washington Seminar is always my favorite time of year, and this year’s Washington Seminar, my third, did not disappoint. I am always excited to meet new people and learn new things. Monday I participated in student activities, including meetings and a job fair. The Great Gathering-In was at 5:00 PM, and in the evening I helped with the National Association of Blind Students fund-raising auction, for which the Iowa students donated a box. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Tuesday, I was back with the Iowa delegation. We met personally with both senators and with two of the four representatives. We spoke with staff at the other two offices. Thanks to all who supported us from home by writing and calling their representatives. Beth Rouse and I spoke at the student rally Tuesday afternoon about our struggles with inaccessible technology. Following the rally, all Federationists came together for a reception to reflect on the day. Several representatives spoke, including David Young, who announced he will be the lead sponsor of the Access Technology Affordability Act. <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><h3 align=center style='text-align:center'><i><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";color:windowtext'>Chapter Focus<o:p></o:p></span></i></h3><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 Des Moines Chapter: on the move<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 style='text-indent:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>The Des Moines Chapter, NFBI, is on the move! On April 5th, the chapter will participate in Meals from the Heartland. Thirteen chapter members so far have volunteered their time to pack meals for those in need. The chapter is exploring other community-service projects, such as planting and tending a garden, then donating the produce to feed the hungry. In March, Roger Erpelding, our chapter’s own Master Gardener, gave us a timely course in gardening using blindness techniques. <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’s fund-raising committee is working toward offering basic braille classes to interested adults in the community. Whether the classes net a lot of money or a little, Des Moines’s citizens will have a great opportunity to “Meet the Blind” this fall. <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"'>Game night at the Iowa Department for the Blind with the Des Moines Chapter begins its third year in April. On the third Tuesday of each month, chapter members prepare a meal which they share with orientation-center students. The meal starts at 6:00 PM, with board and card games following. In February, the students made brownies for the event.<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"'>Cindy Ray, Chapter President, often invites guest speakers on various topics from the community to share information at chapter meetings. In February, Representative David Young from the Third District, was invited to explain why he will be the champion sponsor for an NFB legislative priority, and to accept our heartfelt thanks. Rep. Young told chapter members he represents the entire district, and that he does not care whether members are Republicans or Democrats.<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"'>There's nothing like food and fellowship to top off a great chapter meeting. In March, 14 chapter members concluded their meeting with dinner at Christopher's Restaurant.<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><h3 align=center style='text-align:center'><i><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";color:windowtext'>Chapter and Division Highlights<o:p></o:p></span></i></h3><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"'>) Our chapter had the bittersweet task of appointing a new board member. We have selected Tom Davis to fill the rest of Allen Childs’s term. Tom has served as secretary and board member of the Des Moines chapter. He and his wife Lin have helped with fund-raisers and numerous Federation activities. The Davises live with their guide dogs, Daisy and Cole. We wholeheartedly welcome Tom to our At-Large chapter board.<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"'>) The newest member of our chapter is Wade Hemmelrick. Wade was President of the Cedar Rapids chapter in the 1990s. Welcome back, Wade! We are still working to grow our chapter and make our meetings fun and more interactive.<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"'>) (See Chapter Spotlight).<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"'>) In April only, our regular meeting will be held on the 15<sup>th</sup> (third Saturday) to accommodate an art festival using all the rooms on our regular meeting date. Our chapter is focusing on plans for hosting and funding this summer’s BELL Academy. Currently we are working on a fund-raiser with the BELL Academy at Panera at the Sycamore Mall location in Iowa City. <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 April 1, we will participate in Disability Awareness Day at the Coral Ridge Mall, outside the Children’s Museum. We will braille names and share information about our organization. We are also working with the Southeast Iowa Chapter on a Bike-a-Thon to be held in July. We encourage other chapters to get involved.<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"'>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"'>) On April 5, our chapter will receive a donation from 100 Men Who Care, a group of business leaders who choose a nonprofit to support each quarter, with the stipulation that the funds stay in Siouxland. We are trying to reach out to more people in our area, and our May 20 meeting may be held in one of the surrounding towns for this purpose. Attend the April meeting to find out!<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"'> (Christie Steele, </span><a href="mailto:steele.christiane@gmail.com"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>steele.christiane@gmail.com</span></a><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>) Our chapter is gearing up for a bike-a-thon in July. We will soon be selling baseball caps with the NFB logo and shirts that say “Southeast Iowa Chapter” with the NFB logo to raise funds.<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 class=MsoHyperlink><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>) We are currently working to raise funds for the BELL ACADEMY </span></span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>at Panera at the Sycamore Mall location in Iowa City. We are passing out fliers to everyone we know and asking that, on March 30, between 4:00 and 8:00 PM, they buy food at the Sycamore Mall Panera location using the fliers. We will receive a percentage of sales to use for BELL Academy expenses.<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"'>) We’ve had an interesting few months with scheduled speakers being unable to attend our meetings due to illness. We have used the time to discuss diabetes problems posed by our members. During our March meeting, our Secretary, Cindy Ray, spoke with us about her experiences and struggles with sleep apnea, a condition that affects many Americans. We will meet soon with the Iowa Diabetes and Endocrinology Research Center to discuss opportunities to teach them about the techniques blind diabetics use to manage our disease, and about how they can help us with our campaign to make diabetes tools and technologies accessible. Our national office reports they are still working to set up a meeting with diabetes equipment manufacturers. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Join us by phone the first Saturday of each month (see Upcoming Events)! Our dues are $5 and we are open to all blind people with diabetes, their friends and family.<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"'>) The students have been talking a lot about legislation recently, since a few students attended Washington Seminar this year. We are focusing on the AIM-HE legislation, since it is most relevant to our lives as students. We are starting to brainstorm fund-raising ideas so we can hold more group events. In April, three of our students will travel to a spring seminar in Chicago, where they will learn from some incredible leaders and network with other blind students. We look forward to hearing about their experiences. Our next conference call meeting will be Monday, April 3 at 7:00 PM (see Upcoming Events for details).<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><h3 align=center style='text-align:center'><i><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";color:windowtext'>News Briefs<o:p></o:p></span></i></h3><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:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>In Memoriam<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>At-Large Chapter President, April L. Enderton, shared this tribute to member Allen Childs:<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>We were all saddened to learn of the untimely death of Allen Frederick Childs. Allen and his wife Jenni have been members of the At Large Chapter since its inception in 2013. <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"'>Allen lost his eye sight at 34 due to diabetes. In 1995, he attended the Adult Orientation Center for the Blind where he met Jenni, the love of his life.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>"It was love at first sight," Jenni recalls. "My mom was concerned about me marrying someone 15 years older than me and with so many health problems, but that didn't stop us. I think she just wanted to make sure that I knew what I was doing."<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 Oct. 24, 1998, the couple were married in Allen's hometown of Red Oak, Iowa. Last September, they moved to Des Moines to be closer to Jenni's family.<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"'>Allen enjoyed listening to his police scanner and his two weather radios. He loved computers and hearing about the latest technology. He was a jokester and loved to make people laugh. He also liked Nascar.<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"'>Allen's can-do spirit helped him through many rough times. He told Jenni that either he could sit there and scream and give up or he could choose to live. And, live, he did, through blindness, a kidney transplant, a pancreas transplant and so much more.<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"'>Allen was admitted to Methodist hospital on Jan. 6 with pneumonia. He passed away on Feb. 4 with Jenni by his side. He was 56 years old. Allen, you will be deeply missed.<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"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>2017 State Convention<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;text-indent:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>The National Federation of the Blind of Iowa 2017 state convention will be held September 29-October 1<sup>,</sup> 2017, at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Des Moines Northwest (4800 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, Iowa 50322. Our convention room rate this year is $82 per night plus tax.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;text-indent:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";color:black'>To reserve your room: Call the Hotel directly at 515-278-4755 and ask for the group block for the National Federation of the Blind of Iowa; or call the national reservations number, 800-465-4329, and ask for the group block for the National Federation of the Blind of Iowa. You can also make reservations online at: </span><a href="http://www.holidayinn.com/desmoinesia"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>www.holidayinn.com/desmoinesia</span></a><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";color:black'> and use the 3-letter code “NFB.” The Reservations Deadline is September 7, 2017<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;text-indent:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";color:black'>If you have questions about hotel reservations, contact Michael Barber at: </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";color:black'> or by phone at: 515-284-1569. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span style='color:black'>More information about registration and convention programming will be shared as it is available <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><h3 align=center style='text-align:center'><i><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";color:windowtext'>Recipe Corner<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></i></h3><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"'>NOTE: In each issue we will feature a couple of recipes from our members. If you have recipes to share in this section, please e-mail them to Sandi Ryan, Editor-in-Chief, at </span></i><a href="mailto:sjryan2@gmail.com"><i><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>sjryan2@gmail.com</span></i></a><i><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>. This issue’s recipes are from April L. Enderton, Federation Focus Editor and At Large Chapter President.<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"'>Crock Pot Chicken and Noodles<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"'>4 to 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>1 can cream of chicken soup<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>1 can cream of celery soup<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>1 stick (1/2 cup) butter, cut into pieces<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>1 (49.5 ounce) container chicken broth<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>1 (24 ounce pkg) frozen egg noodles<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Salt and pepper to taste<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"'>Place chicken breasts in bottom of crock pot. Spoon soup over chicken. Place pieces of butter over soup. Pour chicken broth over soup. Place lid on top and cook on low for six hours. Remove chicken and tear into pieces. Return to pot. Add noodles and vegetables if desired. Cook for 90 minutes or until noodles are of desired tenderness, stirring occasionally. (You may want to add more broth at the end of cooking as the noodles thicken the broth.)<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"'>Banana Nut Bread<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"'>1 large yellow cake mix<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>1 pkg. instant banana-cream pudding mix<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>¼ cup vegetable oil<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>4 eggs<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>1 cup water<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>3 ripe bananas, mashed<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>1 cup chopped nuts<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"'>Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In large mixing bowl, combine first five ingredients. Beat on medium speed for two minutes; stir in bananas and nuts. Grease a 9 by 13-inch pan. Pour batter into pan and bake 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean; cool.<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><h3 align=center style='text-align:center'><span class=MsoHyperlink><i><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";color:windowtext'>Upcoming Events</span></i></span><span class=MsoHyperlink><i><span style='font-size:14.0pt;color:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></h3><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"'>March 30, 2017: 4:00-8:00 PM, BELL Academy fund-raiser (Panera, Sycamore Mall, Iowa City) <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 style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>April 1, 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"'>April 3, 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"'>April 8, 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'>April 8, 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"'>April 9, 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";color:black'>April 15, 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"'>April 15, 2017: 11:00 AM, Siouxland Chapter meeting (ElFredo’s Pizza, 523 W. 19<sup>th</sup> Street, Sioux City)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>April 15, 2017: 11:00 AM, Cedar Rapids Chapter meeting, (Scottish Rite Temple, 616 A Ave NE)<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"'>April 20, 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"'>April 30, 2017: Application deadline for affiliate travel assistance to national convention.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>May 6, 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";color:black'>May 9, 2017: 7:00 PM, NFBI Student Committee (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'>May 13, 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"'>May 13, 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'>May 13, 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"'>May 14, 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"'>May 18, 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"'>May 20, 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"'>May 20, 2017: 11:00 AM, 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"'>July 8, 2017: Bike-a-Thon in Southeast Iowa<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)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal>September 29-October 1, 2017: NFBI State Convention (Holiday Inn Northwest, 4800 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines)<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><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></div></body></html>