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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_4" src="cid:image001.jpg@01D2D322.CED637E0" 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 May-June 2017 No. 3<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"'><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 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 hope you are all enjoying this pre-national convention season. For this <i>Federation Focus</i>, I wanted to share with you a story of a more personal nature. As your affiliate president, I am dedicated to living the life I 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"'>As a young boy, I dreamed of becoming a police officer when I grew up. I wanted to help people, not to mention my fascination with all of the cool gadgets and exciting unpredictability. I loved watching the TV show Cops every Saturday night on Fox. My school district had a partnership with the Cedar Rapids Police Department, which allowed a police officer to come into our classroom once a year and talk about the job. <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 an adult now, and obviously not a cop, but that has not stopped me from carrying a fascination and a respect for what cops do everyday. I have always wanted to do a ride-along with an officer, and to learn more about what the job entails. One day I was attending a meeting and spoke with Sergeant Cristy Hamblin with the Cedar Rapids Police Department about the possibility of doing a ride-along. She suggested I attend the upcoming 10-week Citizen's Police Academy where I would be able to participate in a ride-along, among other things. <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 Tuesday March 28, 2017 I arrived at the Cedar Rapids Police Station at 4 o'clock to go on my first-ever police ride-along. I wanted to make sure that the officer felt comfortable taking a blind person in his car, so I had arranged to meet with him before the start of the ride-along. I wanted to have an enriching experience, in which he could describe things if appropriate, and in which both he and I felt comfortable.<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 rode with Officer Shawn Burke who has worked for the Cedar Rapids Police Department for 10 years, and who loves his job! Throughout the evening we went on many calls that were both educational and exhilarating. I got to watch Officer Burke do an investigation at a local clothing store, which showed more of the technical side of the job. A lot of questioning goes into creating a theft report. I had never thought about the time it takes to conduct an investigation and complete the report. On our next call we transported a man to Jail, where I was aloud a tour of the facility. The jail is one place I would prefer not to live.<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"'><img width=219 height=344 id="Picture_x0020_3" src="cid:image002.jpg@01D2D322.CED637E0"></span><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"'>Perhaps the biggest adrenaline rush of the evening was when we had a medical call. Because of the urgency of the situation, we had to travel at high speed with lights on and Sirens blaring. It was an amazing experience to see the first responders at work at a critical time. <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 spent the evening asking questions, observing and watching what it is like to be a police officer in my community. Just by being there, I was educating Officer Burke, the public, and other officers about blindness. I made sure to talk about it, and to answer any questions. I even handed out NFB literature and showed Officer Burke how to write his and his children's names in Braille using a slate and stylus. His sun has expressed interest in learning Braille, so our Braille alphabet cards were a great gift for him. <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 interested in doing another ride-along or two to see what other types of police officers do. Next I will ride along with the Linn county sheriff’s office, and then possibly with an officer from another City to get a variety of experiences in this career that interests me very much. Although Sergeant Hamblin would not let me drive a City police car, I have loved sitting in the front seat of one for the past 10 weeks. <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"'>Until cars that the blind can drive are a reality, or I can pass the fitness exam, I will not be a full-fledged police officer, but I am so grateful to have had this opportunity to experience aspects of the job. My blindness has not held me back. A dream of mine has come true, and it has enriched my life. I believe I have educated the Cedar Rapids Police Department about blindness and have opened up opportunities for us. <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"'>Live the life you want every day, taking opportunities for experiences you would not otherwise have. I am always eager to hear about how our members live the lives they want. Please share your stories of success and joy with me.<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"'> <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"'><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: </span><a href="http://www.nfbi.org"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>www.nfbi.org</span></a><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'><o:p> </o:p></span></i></h3><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><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>National Convention Reminder<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>By the end of May, be sure to reserve your hotel room and preregister for national convention, July 10-15. </span><a href="http://www.nfb.org/convention"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Get details on the convention page.</span></a><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"'>Uber and Lyft Settlement Compliance Testing Begins<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>By Scott Van Gorp, Secretary, National Federation of the Blind of Iowa<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 recently entered into landmark settlement agreements with the two most prominent rideshare companies in the United States, Uber and Lyft, with regards to treatment of riders with service animals. As part of these agreements, the National Federation of the Blind has begun a three- to five-year testing program to assess how well the two companies are complying with the terms of their respective settlements. <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"'>Starting on May 8, 2017, riders with service animals are encouraged to begin submitting feedback on their experiences using these services. All of our affiliates are encouraged to participate since these settlements are nationwide. If you would like more information, or if you would like to take part in the compliance testing program, the links below provide the resources you need to get started.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://nfb.org/rideshare"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>https://nfb.org/rideshare</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://nfb.org/rideshare-faq"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>https://nfb.org/rideshare-faq</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"'>The testing point of contact for Iowa is Cindy Ray. She can be reached by email at </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"'> or by phone at (515) 334-7231. <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 will distribute more information as it becomes available. Let’s help make this program successful!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>The Newsletter<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"'>Because of the busy summer in all our chapters, we will not publish a <i>Federation Focus</i> eNewsletter for July-August. Look for our September-October issue at the beginning of August. It will include a round-up of national convention highlights and specific information about state convention registration and sessions. Meantime, have a great summer!<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><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"'>Personal Report<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"'>Des Moines Chapter Community Service April Project<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>By Gloria Graves and Janae Burgmeier<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 Wednesday, April 5<sup>th</sup> 2017, thirteen members of the National Federation of the Blind of Iowa’s Des Moines Chapter volunteered with the local Meals from the Heartland, an organization which works with hundreds of enthusiastic volunteers from businesses, schools, churches, community organizations and individuals to package meals for delivery to malnourished people in Iowa, across the United States and around 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"'>On arrival at the Meals from the Heartland location, NFB Des Moines Chapter members were received warmly by the staff hosting the volunteer event, and there was discussion about what reasonable accommodations would need to be made for packaging meals. 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</v:shape><![endif]--><![if !vml]><img width=72 height=12 src="cid:image004.png@01D2D322.CED637E0" align=left hspace=12 v:shapes="_x0000_s1027"><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>. It was decided that the 13 NFB Des Moines chapter members would be divided into three groups at different tables, and other volunteers from the community scattered among us. Sighted individuals weighed the meals once packaged, since the scales were not accessible to blind volunteers. Each group of blind and sighted volunteers determined who would be in charge of each meal-packaging task. <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 event was a great success! Blindness was not made a big issue by the individuals hosting the event or the other volunteers who participated. The event illustrated that blind persons can be contributing members of society. It also showed what can be accomplished using alternative techniques and the importance of looking more at a person’s capabilities than focusing on their disability. We had plenty of opportunities to discuss the NFB with sighted members of the Des Moines community. This multi-faceted experience allowed us to give back to the community and to network with sighted peers. All participants learned something that night and were able to walk away knowing they did something that changed the lives of many others.<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"'>Volunteering in this way was such a wonderful experience that discussion is continuing with Meals from the Heartland about obtaining a talking scale so blind individuals can weigh the meals, if they choose, making the entire process accessible.<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><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1026" type="#_x0000_t75" style='position:absolute;margin-left:23pt;margin-top:143.7pt;width:105.75pt;height:27.3pt;z-index:251659264;visibility:visible;mso-width-percent:0;mso-height-percent:0;mso-wrap-distance-left:9pt;mso-wrap-distance-top:0;mso-wrap-distance-right:9pt;mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0;mso-position-horizontal:absolute;mso-position-horizontal-relative:text;mso-position-vertical:absolute;mso-position-vertical-relative:text;mso-width-percent:0;mso-height-percent:0;mso-width-relative:margin;mso-height-relative:margin'>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><![if !vml]><img width=141 height=36 src="cid:image006.png@01D2D322.CED637E0" align=left hspace=12 v:shapes="_x0000_s1026"><![endif]><img border=0 width=304 height=223 id="Picture_x0020_2" src="cid:image007.jpg@01D2D322.CED637E0" alt=image2><i><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Photo description: Jim Rechkemmer and Gloria<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'> Graves smile for the camera as they work<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><h3 align=center style='text-align:center'><i><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>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><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 Tom Davis.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Tom Davis: Life Enthusiast<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><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"'>"I love life!" Tom Davis, a member of the At Large Chapter, proclaims. Tom is an avid outdoorsman. He loves to fish and hunt, and has a lifetime hunting license. Two years ago, he participated in the disability deer hunt. He also hunts with his nephew. Although he has yet to tag a deer, Tom has hit a lot of bull's-eyes in target practice. Football is Tom's all-time favorite spectator sport. His favorite team is the Iowa Hawkeyes.</span><b><i><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><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"'>"Cooking out is one of the highlights of my life," Tom says, proudly showing off his brand new grill. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Tom follows the weather by listening to storm static on his radio. "I know my weather," he says. This is not an idle boast. Tom's forecasts are so accurate that friends often rely on him over the meteorologists when planning weather-related activities.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><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"'> </span></i><img border=0 width=300 height=279 id="Picture_x0020_1" src="cid:image008.jpg@01D2D322.CED637E0"><i><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><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 style='text-indent:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Indoors, Tom enjoys using his computer and his Victor Reader Stream. He likes country music and "good old rock." He loves old movies, especially John Wayne westerns. <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"'>Tom lives with Lin, his wife of 35 years, his nine-year-old yellow lab guide dog, Daisy and Lin's guide dog Cole. He has two children, nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Tom celebrates his 70th birthday June 1.<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'>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"'>Southeast Chapter, NFBI:<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"'>Where Fun Spells Fund-Raising<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 Southeast Iowa Chapter which serves the Burlington, Iowa area, held its annual election in January. Officers and board members are as follows:</span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Christie Steele, president<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Jerry Jackson, vice president<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Nora Jackson, secretary<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Richard Webb, treasurer<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Janet Russel, board member<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Jim McElderry, board member<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Chapter members are currently preparing for a fundraiser. On June 4, the chapter will host a trivia night at the Paddlewheel Lounge in Burlington. Participants will pay an entry fee to compete. There will also be a 5050 drawing and raffles. The fun begins at 4 PM. Proceeds raised from this event will help send members to conventions 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"'>The Southeast Iowa chapter has 14 regular meeting attendees. The chapter plans to increase their online presence. Two newer members have agreed to be admins of a Facebook page.<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 is serving her first term as chapter president. Christie is part of the distance learning program through Western Governor's University in Utah. She is a member of KDP National Honor Society for Educators. Her goal is to teach elementary school special ed. She plans to student teach in the fall.<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><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><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"'>)</span> <span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Our chapter continues to grow as we welcome two new members. Bill Foss lives in Hampton, Iowa. Kristen Steele is from Underwood which is near Council Bluffs. Kristen will attend her first national convention this summer.<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 a few of our Braille cookbooks still available. The cookbook is a single-volume compilation of favorite recipes from our members. This cookbook sells for ten dollars. You won't want to miss Tee Jae Bracy's recipe for Strawberry-Banana Frozen Pie, a refreshing dessert for those hot, summer days ahead. To purchase your copy, contact me at 515-282-0049 or alenderton@gmail.com.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><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"'>) </span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>This summer will be a fun one in our chapter. We have a few events on the horizon. This is the first year that the Cedar Rapids chapter Will participate in the imagination Square, Put on by the cedar Rapids freedom Festival on July 1, from 9-3pm outside Nubo City market.<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 also finalizing plans for a couple of screenings of the film “Do You Dream in Color?” </span><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"'>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 Community Service article above).</span><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"'>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"'>) </span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>During August we will plan on holding our annual Old Capitol Chapter Priscilla McKinley Memorial Picnic. We do not have a date or location, but invite all federationists and guest to the event. We are fund-raising and planning for the Bell Academy, to be held from July 31 to August 11.</span><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"'>Siouxland:</span></i></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'> (Karen Clayton, </span><a href="mailto:Karen@simpco.org"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Karen@simpco.org</span></a><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>) Contact Karen to find out about the location of this summer’s meetings.<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"'>) We are currently preparing for our upcoming fund-raiser, a trivia night called “Who wants to be smarter than your smartphone?” The event will be held June 4, starting at 4:00 p.m. at the Paddlewheel Lounge in Burlington. We plan to award prizes and hold raffles and drawings during the event. We are hoping for a large number of team entries and a good turnout from the community.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><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"'>)</span></span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'> Thanks to all who attended the BELL Academy fund-raiser at Panera on March 30. The location of the 2017 BELL Academy has changed. It will now be held at the Old Brick Church in Iowa City.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><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 have </span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>had two very interesting speakers at our past two meetings. In April, Bernadette Jacobs, President of the Diabetes Action Network of the NFB since Mike Freeman’s untimely death, spoke with our group about her plans for the DAN and answered questions from our members. We are hoping to get to know her better this summer at the National Federation of the Blind convention in Orlando.<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"'>Jerry Munden, Vice-President of Sales for Advance Diabetes Solutions was our special guest in May. Jerry received the coveted Bolotin Award at the 2011 NFB convention, and is noted for his work with blind diabetics and for helping with development of the Prodigy Voice, the only totally accessible glucose meter for blind diabetics. If you need a new glucose monitor, ask your pharmacist to order the Prodigy Voice. They may offer you the Prodigy AutoCode, but that is the wrong meter. The Prodigy Voice is the only meter a blind person can set up independently. Our group is committed to seeing that all equipment used by diabetics is made accessible, and we are hoping Jerry will be a major conduit through which we can work to make this happen.</span><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"'>Please plan to attend the Iowa Diabetes Action Network meeting at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, September 29 at state convention. Our guest speakers always provide valuable information to our group. I encourage you to attend and participate in our meeting this year.<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, olsenk1.@central.edu) </span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>At the beginning of this month, we had a great student panel talk about their experiences at national convention. A few of our students will be attending the convention this July and are very excited. We are also preparing for state convention where we will be hosting the hospitality activities the first night. Our next meeting will be May 30 at 7:00 p.m.</span><b><i><span style='font-size:12.0pt;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'><o:p> </o:p></span></i></h3><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><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. </span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='text-indent:.5in'><span style='color:black'>Information about registration and convention programming will be shared as it is available <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='text-indent:.5in'><span style='color:black'><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'>Recipe Corner</span></i><i><span style='font-size:14.0pt;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><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 Cindy Lou Ray, Federation Focus Editor and Des Moines 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"'>Eldorado Casserole<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 onion<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>2 pounds hamburger<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>1 15 oz. can of tomato sauce<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>1 small can chopped olives<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>1 4 oz. can chopped mild green chiles<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>1 cup cottage cheese (small curd)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>1 cup sour cream<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>1 10 oz. bag corn chips<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>8 oz. shredded Monterey jack cheese<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"'>Chop the onion and sautée in oil. Add 2 pounds of hamburbger and brown. Then add a 15 ounce can of tomato sauce and let simmer. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>While simmering, butter a 3 quart casserole and crumble the corn chips into it, saving some for the top. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Combine sour cream, cottage cheese, chiles and olives. Layer ingredients beginning with meat, sour cream mixture, cheese, meat, sour cream mixture, cheese and ending with chips on top.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes or until bubbly.<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"'>Easy Peach Cobbler<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 can peach slices<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>1-2 cups sugar<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>1 package of 2 refrigerated pie crusts<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Seasonings such as cinnamon or nutmeg to taste.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Cinnamon and sugar for top<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"'>Combine one pie crust in a large saucepan with the peaches and choice of seasoning, cook until thick. Pour into casserole dish. Roll out the other half of the crust and cut<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>into strips, laying it over the top. Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Bake at 375 degrees until the top is brown, about 35 minutes.<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";color:black'>May 30, 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'>June 3, 2017: 9:00 a.m., Affiliate Board Meeting (Holiday Inn, 4800 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";color:black'>June 10, 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"'>June 10, 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'>June 10, 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"'>June 15, 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"'>June 17, 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"'>June 17, 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";color:black'>June 26, 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"'>July 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";color:black'>July 8, 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"'>July 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"'>July 10-15, 2017: National Convention (Rosen Shingle Creek Resort, Orlando, FL)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>July 15, 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"'>July 20, 2017: 7:00 PM, At Large Chapter meeting (712-432-8812, 87458#)<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><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";color:black'>August 1, 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"'>August 5, 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'>August 12, 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"'>August 12, 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'>August 12, 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"'>August 17, 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"'>August 19, 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"'>August 19, 2017: 11:00 AM, Cedar Rapids Chapter meeting, (Scottish Rite Temple, 616 A Ave NE)<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><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></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></div></body></html>