[Nfbofsc] Positive Note 1459

[David Houck]

July 30, 2014

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

From:  Parnell Diggs, President

Positive Note 1459

 

Dear Fellow Federationists:

 

              I have just returned from Spartanburg, where I participated in
the first NFB BELL program in South Carolina.  Valerie Bouler Johnson and I
arrived on the Campus of the South Carolina School for the Deaf and the
Blind on Sunday evening and spent the entire day with the children on
Monday:  taking- in a full day of BELL activity.  Valerie was wonderful with
the children volunteering her time to assist throughout the day.  We
departed Spartanburg on Tuesday morning.

The first day included a skit about the importance of using good blindness
skills such as traveling with a long white cane.  I presented Federation
canes to the children, who were delighted to receive them.  And yes, I
played the role of "Captain Whozit" in the skit:  reminding children that it
is respectable to be blind.  We also spent some time in the gym playing
goalball, jumping rope, and running.

I want to give credit to Jennifer Duffell-Hoffman and Jamie Allison, who
have worked so well together to make the NFB BELL program in South Carolina
possible.  We also appreciate President Maggie Park, of SCSDB, who has been
a great host.  We look forward to continuing our excellent relationship with
the school under the new administration.  This year's NFB BELL program will
conclude on Friday, August 8.

I have some announcements from Frank Coppel and Shelley Coppel.  Ladies
first, so here is what Shelley says.  "I would like to remind everyone to
come by the Senior Division booth in the Exhibit Hall!!  We will have raffle
tickets to purchase, you can look over the items which will be raffled off
at the next Statewide Seminar, and there will be literature for the taking
about being a blind senior.  We are also going to conduct a silent auction
of an afghan made by Emily McKenzie."

Here is what Frank Coppel says.  "Our entertainment for the reception Friday
evening will be a 50's-60's theme starring Elvis himself!  Are You Lonesome
Tonight? Join us for a starlit, fun-filled evening of dancing, singing, and
celebration of the music of Elvis Presley. "

At the Saturday evening Banquet, we will be conducting our annual
fundraiser.  Please pray about it and think about what you can do, in any
amount to support the programs of the NFB of SC.  Some chapters and
individuals have already pledged to make donations.  I know we all have
different means, but everyone can give something.  This is the only
fundraiser for the NFB of SC Treasury held all year.

Remember that we will be conducting a Devotional and Memorial Service during
the State Convention on Sunday morning at 8:30.  Please let us know if you
want to remember someone who has passed away since last Convention.  Doug
and Patsy Roberts will be handling the Devotional and Memorial Service this
year.  Patsy can be reached at 843-516-0094, or talk with her at the Hotel.

Ed Bible would like to remind you to get in touch with him if you have
anyone you believe should be recognized as "Employer of the Year".  We
present awards when recognition is warranted.  We do not give them away for
the sake of having an award.  Please call Ed at 803-796-1954 if you have
suggestions.

Lenora Robertson asks that members bring door prizes, of at least $5 in
value, to the Convention Hotel and find Lenora.  We also need more academic
scholars for the deserving blind students who will be attending our entire
State Convention.  Please do what you can to support this worthwhile
initiative.

I end my portion of the Positive Note with an important word about the
December Board Retreat.  Because of a scheduling conflict involving the
World Blind Union and the National Federation of the Blind Board of
Directors, President Riccobono has told me that the National Board will meet
during the first weekend of December.  This means that the Rocky Bottom
Board Retreat will occur during the weekend of December 12 through 14.
Please mark your calendar accordingly.  Joining me for comments in this
Positive Note is the President Emeritus of the NFB of SC.  Here is Dr.
Capps.

              It was our pleasure to spend the weekend at Rocky Bottom.
Unlike the time we were there some two months ago, repairs have been
completed on our facilities.  We're indebted to the contractor Chris Merck
and to Gwen Ellenburg for her service rendered on this project.  We were not
alone for the weekend as a Spanish church group located in the Walhalla area
had rented the facilities including the Conference Center kitchen and dining
hall.  The Pastor of the church could not speak English, relying upon his
school age son who could speak English and Spanish to translate for
discussions between the church group and our Resident Manager Elsie Duncan.
Incidentally, Elsie celebrates her third anniversary this Friday, August 1
as Resident Manager of RBRCCB.  Congratulations Elsie and thank you for your
service.  It was my privilege to meet with Elsie and review areas of
interest.  We've updated our T-Shirt inventory.  Thom Spittle reports the
following:  During the Summer 2014 Children's Camp the counselors and
children campers wore neon yellow RBRCCB T-Shirts with "2014 Children's
Camp" on the front and a tactile braille alphabet on the back.  The shirts
were purchased by the Dacusville Lions Club and used specifically for those
attending Children's Camp.  However, RBRCCB has just purchased a wide
variety of the usual RBRCCB T-Shirts in a variety of colors and sizes.
These will be available for sale at the state convention in the Exhibit Hall
where you can get yours."   Thom and Tracy Spittle will be in charge of
selling the T-Shirts at the state convention.  We continue to receive
proceeds for $5 Fun Day tickets including $105 for 21 Fun Day tickets sold
by our Conway Chapter under the excellent leadership of Levern Wilson.  All
of us of course are looking forward to the state convention and our efforts
are understandably linked with the convention.  We have written chapter and
division presidents and others for annual financial assistance to cover food
purchases for the Fun Day Festival.  You do need to make reservations for
the Fun Day Festival at RBRCCB as the response to date has been greater than
usual.  A platform has been constructed at the summit of Sassafras Mountain.
If the weather is very clear it is possible to see four states, South
Carolina, Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee while standing on the
platform.  This is an added attraction that no doubt will result in greater
numbers going to the top of Sassafras Mountain for the view just described.

 

Final Thought:  "A perfect summer day is when the sun is shining, the breeze
is blowing, the birds are singing, and the lawn mower is broken." ~James
Dent

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