[Nfbofsc] Positive Note 1486

[David Houck]

February 4, 2015

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

From:  Parnell Diggs, President

Positive Note 1486

 

Dear Fellow Federationists:

 

              There was not an open seat in the house on Saturday, as
members from across the state converged on Columbia for the 2015 Statewide
Seminar.  I believe we had the largest crowd in recent memory with members
packed into the meeting hall and the lounge area.  Chairs were even
brought-in from the newly renovated conference room to accommodate everyone.

              The program was filled with information from all of the
agencies serving the blind of the state as well as detailed reports
regarding Rocky Bottom, the Federation Center, and the much-anticipated 2015
NFB BELL Program scheduled for July 20 through 31.

              The auction generated $692 thanks to all of those who worked
so hard to donate excellent items.  Not only did we raise crucial proceeds
for the Federation Center, but we had a good time conducting the auction
between program items.  I want to thank everyone who donated items as well
as those who participated in the bidding.  Even those who did not win helped
raise the purchase price, which was helpful to the cause.

The Blind Seniors Division, the Computer Science and Technology Division,
and the Student Division each conducted fundraising initiatives throughout
the day, as did a number of our local chapters.  These exercises generated
even more enthusiasm for NFB of SC health and vitality.

Congratulations to our Columbia Chapter on winning $300 for selling 1,086 $1
bus tickets, which earned the Chapter first place in the competition: far
out pacing the closest competitors.  Congratulations are also in order for
Leon Timbers and Karen Jones of Columbia for selling, and of course buying,
the winning ticket, which was drawn at the end of the Seminar.

Our appreciation goes out to Lenora Robertson and her team for working so
hard on counting tickets and money in the Reading Room all day.  A total of
3,738 tickets were sold for a net of $2,838 (after awarding prizes), which
will be applied toward the cost of the chartered bus transporting members to
the NFB 75th Anniversary Convention in Orlando.

              Speaking of the National Convention, it is time to make
reservations for the Seventy-fifth Anniversary Convention of the National
Federation of the Blind occurring this year from July 5 through July 10 in
Orlando, Florida.  To do this, you should write directly to the Rosen Centre
Hotel, 9840 International Drive, Orlando, Florida 32819. You can also call
the hotel at (800) 204-7234.

              The 2015 room rates are singles, doubles, and twins, $82; and
triples and quads, $89.  In addition to the room rates there will be a tax,
which at present is 13.5 percent.  No charge will be made for children under
seventeen in the room with parents as long as no extra bed is requested.

The hotel is accepting reservations now.  The hotel will want a deposit of
$95 for each room and will want a credit card number or a personal check. If
you use a credit card, the deposit will be charged against your card
immediately, just as would be the case with a $95 check. If a reservation is
cancelled before May 28, 2015, half of the deposit will be returned.
Otherwise refunds will not be made.

              One of the highlights of the Statewide Seminar was the
announcement of the 2015 State Convention, occurring this summer at the
Columbia Marriott during the weekend of August 21 through 23.  Stay tuned
for more details in upcoming Positive Notes!

              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.

              The 45th annual Statewide Seminar was an outstanding success.
It was, perhaps, the best we've ever had.  Members of the NFB of SC
demonstrated real commitment as there were representatives from the Blue
Ridge Mountains to the Atlantic Coast.  Distance, however, did not stop
members from making the long trip to Columbia for the 10:00 a.m. start.  The
seminar featured a lot of information, especially that given by President
Diggs.  It was good seeing and hearing from the state agencies serving the
blind - the SC School for the Deaf and the Blind, the SC Commission for the
Blind and Talking Book Services.  It felt real good making the first steps
into the newly completed Conference Room as I had not been in it for over
one year dating back to November of 2013.  I was pleased that our assistant
Debbie Manning baked two cakes, chocolate and coconut,  as they were made
from scratch.  The auction was a success.  In my RBRCCB report I reported
that last year's Fun Day Festival attracted the largest attendance to date
with all accommodations being utilized.  The same was true of the Christmas
Board Retreat with the greatest number of chapter and state leaders in
attendance.  I reported that all of the facilities are available in February
as January and February are always the slowest months.  Churches may now
utilize a weekend for volunteer service.  I also gave an extensive report on
the reasons it was necessary to discharge the former Resident Manager and my
report received virtually 100% approval with several rounds of applause.
I'm dictating this Positive Note from RBRCCB.  You will be pleased to know
that we have hired an outstanding person for the Resident Manager's
position.  She will be assuming her new position in about two weeks.  In
next week's Positive Note I will provide more information about this
outstanding individual.

 

Final Thought:  "God invented hugs to let people know you love them without
saying anything." - Bill Keane

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