[Nfbofsc] Positive Note 1477

[David Houck]

December 3, 2014

Memo To:  Executive Officers, Board Members, Chapter & Division Presidents &
Others

From:  Parnell Diggs, President

Positive Note 1477

Dear Fellow Federationists:

 

              I begin this Positive Note with an announcement from the
Chairperson of the National Federation of the Blind Scholarship Committee,
Ms. Patti Chang, regarding the National Scholarship Program.  "Are you a
legally blind college student living in the fifty states, Washington DC, or
Puerto Rico?

This annual program offers 30 scholarships worth from $3,000 to $12,000 to
eligible students, from high school seniors beginning their freshman year in
the fall semester of 2015, up through grad students working on their PhD
degrees.  These merit scholarships are based on academic excellence,
community service, and leadership.

In addition to the money, each winner will receive assistance to attend the
July 2015 NFB annual convention in Orlando, Florida, providing an excellent
opportunity for high-level networking with active blind persons in many
different professions and occupations.

To apply, read the rules and the Submission Checklist, complete the official
2015 Scholarship Application Form (online or in print), supply all required
documents, and request and complete one interview by an NFB affiliate
president.

Applications are accepted for five months, from November 1, 2014, to March
31, 2015.  Go to www.nfb.org/scholarships for complete rules and
requirements."

In recent weeks, we have been requesting that people opt-in to continue
receiving the Positive Note in print if they would like to do so.  If you
don't mind receiving your Positive Note by email, on the other hand, you can
sign up for the listserv by visiting www.nfbsc.net, or simply send us an
email at nfbsc at sc.rr.com.  You can also elect to receive the Positive Note
in print in 2015 simply by telling us.

Thus, there are three ways you can indicate your interest in receiving the
Positive Note.  Call us, email us, or sign-up for the listserv.  You should
do at least one of these things by the end of the year.  This will help us
update our mailing lists and streamline the delivery of the Positive Note.

In just over one week, we will converge upon Rocky Bottom Retreat and
Conference Center of the Blind for the 2014 Christmas Board Retreat.  We are
going to have an excellent Retreat with three Board meetings and a
celebration of the Christmas Season.  If you would like to participate in
the gift exchange on Saturday evening, please bring a gift which reflects
your gender.  Also, if you would like to enjoy some delicious sweets after
dinner on Saturday evening, please bring your favorite pies, cakes, cookies,
etc.  This would be a great time to break out those special recipes.

Most importantly, please let us know when you will be arriving, as Dr. Capps
and I will be making room assignments and planning for meals in a few days.
And lastly, please come to the Board meetings whether you are on a
particular board or not because we need your input.  The 2014 Retreat is
shaping-up to be the best in NFB of SC history, and you don't want to miss
it!

The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the
characteristic which 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.  Joining me for comments in this
Positive Note is the President Emeritus of the NFB of SC.  Here is Dr.
Capps.

              Over the Thanksgiving holidays I was able to finish reading
the November issue of the Braille Monitor.  Prominent South Carolinians
continue to be featured in the Braille Monitor.  In the November issue,
Jamie Allison, President of our Cherokee County Chapter wrote a splendid
article on the NFB convention which was featured in the Braille Monitor.
Jamie showed great insight as to her taking advantage of the numerous
activities at last July's convention.  For someone attending their first NFB
convention Jamie demonstrated great perception of the convention activities.
Her article made the Monitor most enjoyable.

              Another South Carolinian, Dan Frye was also spotlighted in the
November Braille Monitor. In the 1980's Dan was a student at the SC School
for the Deaf and the Blind and during that time he was involved in
organizing an NFB chapter at SCSDB.  At that time I believe it was the only
school for the blind with an NFB chapter.  In Dan's article he prominently
mentioned Erskine College where he attended and graduated. While attending
Erskine College, Dan participated in federation activities.  After his
graduation, Dan continued his NFB participation and he went on to receive
his law degree.  The article points out that Dan was employed several years
at the National Center where his talents were utilized.  Dan was appointed
as Executive Director of the New Jersey Commission for the Blind.  He has
certainly excelled in all of his professional pursuits and I'm sure that he
will provide excellent leadership for the New Jersey Commission for the
Blind.  We extend sincere appreciation to Jamie Allison and Dan Frye, two
South Carolinians who have achieved prominence in their respective
positions.

              I also noted in my Braille Monitor reading that our own state
President Parnell Diggs was mentioned as he attended the convention of the
NFB of Oregon where he discussed the minimum wage issue and other NFB
initiatives.  

              Perhaps some of you also noted that the world renowned
entertainer Stevie Wonder was recently a recipient of the Presidential Medal
of Honor.  The Presidential Medal of Honor is the nation's highest civil
recognition.  His blindness has not affected his wonderful career.   I'm
reminded that our friend John Baker sponsored Stevie Wonder's visit to
Columbia many years ago with Stevie giving a concert on the State House
steps.  Governor Dick Riley welcomed Stevie Wonder to Columbia.  I also
extended a warm welcome to Stevie as I had a small part on the program.  At
the concert Stevie was interviewed by the media.  Stevie's concert at the
Carolina Coliseum was packed to capacity.  Stevie was quite a performer but
my ears rang for two or three weeks as it was so loud in the Coliseum.  At
midnight Stevie gave a reception at the Coliseum and I attended that
function also.  The event was very meaningful and I was honored to recognize
one of the world's greatest artists.

              Once again our NFB of SC Second Vice President Lenora
Robertson and her kitchen crew will be in charge of the food service.
Remember - those of you attending the RBRCCB board retreat, as in the past
you are requested to bring your linens and towels, etc.  In doing so you
will save RBRCCB a considerable expense.  Also, upon your arrival on Friday
evening, December 12, you should check in with our Resident Manager Gwen
Ellenburg who will be in her office located near the lounge in the
Conference Center.  Gwen will have your keys and give you your room
assignments.

 

Final Thought:  "Infamous events like Pearl Harbor and 911 cause the nation
to rise as one to defeat unimaginable odds."

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