In addition to an update on issues such as the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act by Claire Stanley, ACB Director of Governmental Affairs and Advocacy,

a new issue has come up in the last 2 days that potentially effects nearly every blind or low vision person in this country. From employment to health

care and everything in between. I am speaking  of what is happening at the US State Department.  Is this the tip of the iceberg in losing what we have

all worked so hard for in the last several decades?    We need to take one of the most active roles we have in several years.  This is why, in addition

to Claire, I am inviting and encouraging everyone to be with us this evening.  Patti Cox, president of CCLVI, Zelda Gebhard, Chair ACB Board of Publications,

Doug Powell and Anisio Correia from AAVL, Jeff Bishop, president of BITS, and some other outside organizations to join this discussion.  (Sorry for all

the initials, but this is a long message.) 

If you have not yet read the below article posted to ACB Conversation by Chris Bell, it is copied below.  While it may not seem so bad, it has potential

ramifications that could set the blindness and low vision community back immeasurably.  

Please show your support by joining me tonight.  Everyone is welcome!

Thank you,

Terry Pacheco

*** 

Article

At State Dept., a Typeface Falls Victim in the War Against Woke

Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the Biden-era move to the sans serif typeface “wasteful,” casting the return to Times New Roman as part of a push

to stamp out diversity efforts.

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This evening‘s VISAbilities promises to be a lot of fun. So join us at 7 PM ET!

Test your knowledge and have some laughs with a round of fun, holiday themed trivia. Join us for a relaxed hour of friendly competition that’s perfect

for all ages and experience levels.

Sponsored by VISAbilities

Email to join the Announce List

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450 years since that first Thanksgiving times and traditions have evolved into a very different holiday. Join Terry as we share some history. But best

of all, let's share our own memories of favorite home-town football games, parades, family gatherings, and incredible dinners. We may even share a few

recipes. And though it has been a pretty tumultuous year, let's remind one another of what we have to be thankful for tonight. So, please come share with

us.

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Come learn about two exciting services tonight when VISAbilities welcomes ACB Diabetics in Action to share about two programs the affiliate is working

on.   Nutrition 101 - Building a Healthier You, a 10 week workshop for everyone to encourage healthier choices, as well as the Patricia LaFrance Wolf Memorial

Fund, a program to assist members with unexpected expenses related to diabetes care.  

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Tonight, we’re honored to welcome several of our 2025 ACB Scholarship winners—remarkable students pursuing a wide range of fields. As a request that was

made to me a number of months ago by Denise Colley, Patty Slaby will be joining us tonight. Patty has served as chair and now vice chair of the Scholarship

Committee. She’s gotten to know the winners well and continues Denise’s spirit of encouraging them to stay active within our organization. Please join

me in welcoming these outstanding students and future leaders in their chosen carrers and ACB.

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GhostAbilities What are your spookiest and most fun Halloween stories?  These can be camp fire stories or real life ones.  What was your favorite costume?  Let’s just have some Halloween fun!

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7:00 PM ET is the time to introduce and welcome several 2025 ACB Scholarship winners.  These men and women are amazing in so many different fields of study. As a request that was made to me a number of months ago by Denise Colly, Patty Slaby will be joining us tonight and next Friday evening.  Patty has served as chair and more recently vice chair of the Scholarship Committee. She has gotten to know the winners and always successfully encouraged them to become more active members of our organization. 

We will also hear about an incredible piece of technology being used especially by today's students.  We will all wish we had the Monarch available back in our school years. Please join me in welcoming all of these future potential leaders in their chosen careers.

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As we age, our abilities and interests change.  This does not mean we lose them, we just may do things differently at age 75 than at 35.  Are we as active, or even more after retiring?  Are we able to maintain our independence but with some adjustments?  We are at a time when we have to make some tough decisions for ourselves and others.  Everything from what to keep if we are downsizing to potentially different living arrangements.  Join Terry for a lively conversation. All are Welcome In!

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How are we effected by what is happening on Capitol Hill in respect to blind and low vision seniors throughout our country? Join Terry when she welcomes in Jeff Thom. Jeff is Chair of the ACB Advocacy Steering Committee and Past-president of Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss among many of his other positions in ACB. Sponsored by VISAbilities Email to join the Announce List

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Join VISAbilities – Special Awards Nig at 7:00 ET I am delighted to have a very special presentation during the first 15 minutes of tonight’s program.  Pat Sheehan will be presenting a Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of the ACB of Maryland to Sue Boaz.  Many of you may have known her through her many years of work at the Dept. of Justice aand the Dept. of Veterans Affairs.  Sue has been an active member of the National Capital Area Chapter of ACB of Maryland.  She is one of the most independent women I have ever known.  If you remember Sue, please join us as we also celebrate her 80thbirthday.  We know she would love to hear from old friends on this special night. Following the 15-minute presentation, I will also be welcoming in the 2025 George Card and Durward McDaniel winners – Patrick Sheehan and Kim Charlson respectively. Please join us for a great hour and a chance to personally congratulate this special team.  All are welcome!

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