[Nfbofsc] Positive Note 1454

[David Houck]

June 25, 2014

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

From:  Parnell Diggs, President

Positive Note 1454

Dear Fellow Federationists:

 

              The National Federation of the Blind 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 have the life you want;
blindness is not what holds you back.

As we approach next week's National Convention, I want us to internalize the
one-minute message printed above.  Printing the message is not an exercise
in repetition.  Rather, it is the product of much thought by members of the
movement at all levels in an effort to convey a consistent verbal snapshot
of our purpose as an organization.

It is important that we all tell the world the same thing when we are ask,
"What is the National Federation of the Blind"?  All of the things we do,
whether in Washington, the Statehouse, or in community outreach efforts
across the state and nation, our common purpose is as stated above.

Thus, when you are talking with someone about the Federation and your time
is limited, simply give the above stated one-minute speech.  The last
sentence of the one-minute message is known as "the tagline".  "You can have
the life you want."  Begin by learning this important reality, and the rest
of the message will seem obvious.

Important:  please make your reservations for the State Convention by
calling 803-771-7000.  Please do this before departing for Orlando if
possible.  The cut-off date is July 10.  The dates of the State Convention
are August 8 through 10.  For those who want to come in on Thursday, you may
be able to secure a room for August 7 if you hurry.

This is the final time we will release a Positive Note prior to next week's
National Convention.  One week from today, we will be gathered at the Rosen
Centre Hotel.  Please register on Wednesday if you have not done so already.
The National Board meeting will occur on Thursday, and the General Sessions
will commence on Friday.  Please attend the sessions.

On Sunday, June 22, Dr. and Mrs. Capps celebrated their Sixty-fifth Wedding
Anniversary.  This is a wonderful achievement for such a lovely couple.  We
are delighted that Dr. and Mrs. Capps will be at the State Convention and
Fun Day with Dr. Capps having a number of responsibilities to fulfill at
both events.  Congratulations to Dr. and Mrs. Capps.  Now, joining me for
comments in this Positive Note is the President Emeritus of the NFB of SC.
Here is Dr. Capps.

              We are saddened to report of the death of another NFB of SC
leader.  Penrose "Pinky" Stogner died Sunday, June 22, 2014.  The family
directed that memorials be sent to the NFB of SC.  Penrose would have been
89 years old in September.  He is survived by four children.  His closest
friends called him "Pinky" and I should add that he had many friends.  Pinky
had been seriously ill for some time before his death on June 22 but he
lived a long and useful life.  I first met Pinky in 1939 when both of us
were students at the SC School for the Deaf and Blind.  During the five
years I attended the School for the Blind between 1939 and 1944 Pinky and I
became good friends.  Since I elected to take my Junior and Senior year at
Mullins High School, graduating in 1946, I was not at the School for the
Blind when Pinky graduated in 1945.  Immediately following graduation he
began to work for his father who owned the Chrysler dealership in Hartsville
as Parts Manager.  Two other members of the prominent Stogner family
attended the School for the Blind; Coker who was two years younger than me
and his sister Kitty who I had attended class with during the five years I
was at the School.  When Pinky's father passed away, he worked for two other
auto dealerships, retiring from Newsome Chevrolet of Hartsville.  His
excellent work with auto dealerships resulted in his being called out of
retirement on two occasions, continuing in this field of work.  Pinky was
known for his hard work and honesty.  He was active in his church.  He was
interested in the well-being of his fellow blind.  For many years he was the
President of the Hartsville Chapter of the NFB of SC.  When not President,
he was supportive of others in their leadership.  It was my pleasure to
visit with the Stogner family throughout my days at the School for the
Blind.  Later Pinky invited me to his home during my several trips to help
with the development of the Hartsville Chapter.  It was also my pleasure to
invite Pinky and his wife Peggy to our home.  Pinky was predeceased by his
wife Peggy.  Pinky also attended Statewide Seminars and conventions of the
NFB of SC.  He gave freely of his time, energy and resources to the
Federation.  Since I attended School with Pinky for five years, becoming
good friends, his death is keenly felt.  In recent times the NFB of SC has
lost many of its local and state leaders but we have experienced longevity
for which we are grateful. 

              We have received the first reservation for the Labor Day Fun
Day Festival at RBRCCB.  We are pleased to report that Doris Bell has made a
reservation for her and her caregiver.  As federationists know, Doris
survives her distinguished husband Bob, who was truly one of the outstanding
leaders of the NFB of SC and RBRCCB.  The 2014 Labor Day Fun Day Festival
promises to be one of our best ever and those of you across the state should
go ahead and make your reservations.  Most realize the advantage of the
three nights and three days arriving on Friday evening and departing on
Monday afternoon.  Please call me at 803-787-0462 to make your reservation.
You may also call David Houck at 803-254-3777 to make your reservation.
Sunday Betty and I celebrated our 65th wedding anniversary.

 

Final Thought:  "I pledge to participate actively in the effort of the
National Federation of the Blind to achieve equality, opportunity and
security for the blind; to support the policies and programs of the
Federation; and to abide by its constitution." - NFB Pledge

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