[Nfbofsc] Positive Note 1449

Wed May 21 12:53:06 UTC 2014

May 21, 2014

Memo To: Executive Officers, Board of Directors, Chapter and Division Presidents and Others

From: Parnell Diggs, President

Positive Note 1449

Dear Fellow Federationists:

          On Tuesday, I traveled to Columbia, where I had the honor of Keynoting the 2014 Talking Book Services Art Gallery Reception and Ceremony at the State Library.  The essence of my message was that blind children should be encouraged to explore the world around them.  I also shared our new "one-minute message."   Please memorize this and use it.

          "The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future.  Every day, we raise expectations because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and their dreams.  You can have the life you want."

          While in Columbia, I went to the State Capitol and talked with state legislators about the South Carolina Blind Persons Right to Parent Act.  If you wonder about the power of the NFB of SC, you will be interested to know that the South Carolina Blind Persons Right to Parent Act received a vote of 109 to 0 on Tuesday, May 20, and is on the way to the Governor's desk.

          On the way home, I called Jennifer Bazer and Debra Canty to thank them for their hard work and advocacy on this important initiative.  We are very fortunate to have the talent and commitment of a vast membership in communities across the state.  This is what makes us formidable.

          While I was at the State Capitol, State Board member Levern Wilson was addressing the Commission for the Blind Governing Board, and he did a great job!  Levern knocked it out of the park.  Commission Board meetings are designed to provide a forum where one addresses not merely details about one consumer, but rather the Governing Board is tasked with the responsibility of policy formulation affecting the broader focus of the Agency.

          Congratulations to Martha Gaither, Mable Preston, and Janice Samuel (of our Sumter Chapter) and to Jamie Allison, President of our Cherokee County Chapter on winning Jernigan Fund scholarships in 2014.  This is a great accomplishment for the NFB of SC.  Also, we are proud of Justin Williams of our Columbia Chapter for winning a 2014 academic scholarship from the National Federation of the Blind.  The NFB of SC will be well-represented in Orlando.

          You only have one more week to preregister for the National Convention.  Please visit www.nfb.org or find the preregistration form in your Braille Monitor.  This would also be a good time to get your chartered bus reservations in if you plan to ride the bus.

          The Columbia Marriott is now accepting hotel reservations for the State Convention, and this is going to be a good one with representation from communities across South Carolina and other states as well.  Please make your reservations by calling 800-327-6465 or 803-771-7000.  The rate is $89 per night for the weekend of August 8 through 10.

          On Saturday, June 28, 2014, the Computer Science & Technology Division will have a class on a variety of apps from 10:00 to 4:00 at the Federation Center of the Blind.  Contact Steve Cook at cookcafe at sc.rr.com or (803) 254-0222 for more information or to register for the class.  The price is $10 if you preregister or $15 the day of the event.  Joining me for comments in this Positive Note is the President Emeritus of the NFB of SC.  Here is Dr. Capps.

          It was my pleasure to spend time over the weekend at Rocky Bottom.  It felt much colder in Rocky Bottom than it did in Easley and our Resident Manager, Elsie Duncan upon our arrival pointed out that the temperature at Rocky Bottom had fallen to 36 degrees early that morning.  Elsie also explained that it had been snowing in Gatlinburg and it appeared that winter was starting over again.  I'm told that the trip to Rocky Bottom and the surrounding area featured beautiful scenery with springtime abundantly "bursting out all over."  My son Craig who drove us up to Rocky Bottom had visited a little restaurant in Rosman last December where he enjoyed a wonderful breakfast.  On Saturday morning we went to Rosman and enjoyed a wonderful Southern breakfast.  By the way, the name of the restaurant told the story, the Country Skillet.  Sunday afternoon the senior blind began to arrive and we enjoyed having dinner with them.  Lenora Robertson and her kitchen crew as always did a good job with the meals.  It also was apparent that senior camp Director, Frank Coppel had organized things quite well.  The official reason for our being at Rocky Bottom was to meet with the Advisory Board on Monday.  It was very nice for the Advisory Board members to join the senior blind for Monday's 12:30 luncheon.  Advisory Board Chairman, John Sarpy expressed appreciation for joining everyone for lunch.  Following the luncheon the Advisory Board retired to the board room with the board meeting lasting about one hour.  Chairman Sarpy read a letter from Dr. Sheila Breitweiser expressing regret for her inability to continue her service on the Advisory Board inasmuch as she will be moving back to the Raleigh/Durham area where she plans to spend quality time with her grandchildren.  Also at Monday's meeting, Mr. Ralph Ellenburg resigned from the Advisory Board due principally and primarily to his wife's serious illness and his advancing age - 92.  However, Mr. Ellenburg stated he would continue his interest in and support of Rocky Bottom.  We have made Mr. Ellenburg a lifetime honorary member of the Advisory Board.  He has served on the Advisory Board continuously for nearly 35 years and the last dozen years as board Chairman.  Much of the Advisory Board meeting centered around the need for prompt repairs and painting of our facilities.  I explained to the board the excellent work our Resident Manager Elsie Duncan had already done with Faith Baptist Church located in Norris, SC.  The Advisory Board expressed gratitude for Mrs. Duncan's help in this regard.  Some additional needed steps were discussed including an estimate of the cost of the project, the individual contractor we will look to carry out the project, a list of the repairs to be made, etc.  We are vey eager to get started working on the repairs and painting as we take pride in all of our facilities.  This project, however, is indicative of the scope of the needs of the Rocky Bottom complex.  It was a most delightful and fruitful visit.

Final Thought:  "Doubt has killed more dreams than failure ever did.  The enemy of doubt is confidence." - Parker Mantel

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