[Nfbofsc] Positive Note 1686

[David Houck]

December 5, 2018 

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

From:  Frank Coppel, President

Positive Note 1686

Greetings Fellow Federationists:

 

              The 39th annual Christmas Board Retreat held at Rocky Bottom
this past weekend was extremely busy as many of us participated in two board
meetings on Saturday (RBRCCB Board of Directors meeting which was held 9:30
a.m. and the meeting of the Board of Directors of the NFB of SC which was
held at 2:00 p.m.).  The 2019 edition of Children's camp will be held June
9, to June 16.  The dates for the 2019 Senior Camps will be May 19-23 and
September 15-19.  I announced to the Board I have decided to step down as
Senior Camp Director and I have asked Shelley Coppel and Shannon Cook to be
co-directors of Senior camp.  

              Ed Bible, Vice Chairman of the RBRCCB Board of Directors, gave
an extensive report regarding the overall operations of the camp.  Mr. Bible
stated there has been a great deal of work done regarding the infrastructure
of our facilities at Rocky Bottom such as repairing, termite damage,
extensive mold remediation in Osterneck and other repairs.  Mr. Bible also
thanked Jimmie and Frank Masters for their role in securing a $1500
contribution from the Rocky Bottom Baptist Church to repair roof leaks in
Osterneck, Oblesby Cottages and the Conference Center.  Mr. Bible also
recognized the individuals, church groups, and civic organizations who have
volunteered their services in the area of building and ground maintenance
during the past year at Rocky Bottom.  However, Mr. Bible pointed out that
much work still needs to be done in Osterneck Cottage, the Conference
Center, and the septic tanks.  Mr. Bible further stated Rocky Bottom is our
camp and the blind need to do a better job "stepping up to the plate" and
taking a more active role in the upkeep and maintenance of our facilities.
The board had an extensive discussion regarding the need to raise much
needed funds for Rocky Bottom.  We discussed the Midlands Gives program
which is held the first Tuesday in May as well as grant writing, and other
possible fund raisers.  The board discussed the 2018 Fun Day Festival and
ideas as to how we can significantly improve the overall proceeds for the
camp.  

              During the NFB of SC State Board meeting, a variety of topics
were discusd.  Debra Canty reported the fourth annual Sweetheart Dance will
be held on Saturday, February 16, 2019 at the Federation Center of the
Blind.  All proceeds raised from the dance will be given to the NFB of SC.
Ed Bible, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Federation Center and
David Houck Federation Center of the Blind Director, gave an excellent
report.  It was reported the Federation Center continues to be financially
sound and the Center has expanded its assistive technology training programs
this past year.  It was also reported the Federation Center is currently
undergoing much needed renovations throughout the building.  The board also
heard a report from Jennifer Bazer, Director of the NFB of SC Successful
Transitions program.  Ms. Bazer reported the program was doing very well and
that a new Mentoring component for blind students was recently added to her
program.  The Washington Seminar was discussed and will begin on Sunday,
January 27, 2019 with the "great gathering in" meeting being held on Monday,
January 28, at 5:00 p.m.  Room rates for the Washington Seminar are $196 per
night plus a 14.95 percent room tax.  Please call the Holiday Inn Capitol
(877) 572-6951 and referencing booking code NB8 to make your reservation.
All reservations must be made by December 28.  If you wish to attend or have
questions regarding the Washington Seminar, please call me at (803)
796-8662.  The 2019 state convention will be held in Columbia at the
Marriott Hotel the weekend of August 9-11.  This will be a very specially
event as we will be celebrating our 75th anniversary of our organization.  

              Saturday evening was spent celebrating the Christmas season
with caroling, exchanging of gifts, and sampling a variety of delicious
desserts.  We also recognized members of the Rocky Bottom Baptist Church for
their generosity and support towards RBRCCB during this past year.  Thanks
to everyone who contributed items for the gift bags which will be
distributed to residents of a small assistive living facility in Pickens.  

              I want to take this opportunity to especially thank Lenora
Robertson and her "food crew" for all of their hard work preparing the
delicious meals throughout the weekend.  I also would like to thank each of
you who attended Rocky Bottom this weekend for making the Christmas Board
Retreat an extremely enjoyable and pleasant experience for Shelley and
myself.  

              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 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.  

              Many of us know Trent Tedder through his association with
Marty McKenzie.  As a Clarendon Chapter associate member, Trent is quite
involved with not only the blind but also the hard of hearing in his work.
Trent Tedder was born and raised in Florence, SC.  He currently lives in
West Columbia. Trent graduated from West Oak High School in Westminster, SC.
Trent's mother, father, brother and one sister are deceased. He has two
sisters that are living and he has a strong relationship with his nieces and
nephews. 

              Trent is a Program Assistant at the SC School for the Deaf and
the Blind. He has worked there for seven years. He works closely as the
Statewide Deaf and Hard of Hearing Consultant, Project Magnify and the
Division of Outreach in general. He previously worked in retail,
manufacturing and as a pest control technician. He spent five years in the
US Army as an Attach Helicopter Mechanic. He also served during Operation
Desert Storm. 

              Trent Tedder has been an associate member of the Clarendon
County NFB Chapter since 2009. He was introduced to the NFB by Marty
McKenzie, the chapter president. He particularly enjoys his work with the
blind and assists wherever he is needed.  Trent has attended eight state
conventions and eight national conventions. 

              Trent works with Project Magnify which provides low vision
clinics and devicse for up to thirty students statewide each year. He also
completed a Literary Braille course offered from USC Upstate in 2010. He has
worked as a Statewide Vision Consulted in the past. He served as APH Ex
Officio Trustee Assistant from 2011 to 2018 and has attended several
American Printing House for the Blind Annual Meetings. 

              Trent enjoys spending time with family and friends. He also
enjoys cooking, watching Netflix and Hulu.  Trent attends Cornerstone
Ministries in Lake City, SC, where he also runs the sound system for
services and assists with Sunday School materials and bulletin productions.
Let's salute Trent Tedder for his dedicated service to the blind and others
both in and outside the federation!

              

Final Thought:  Will you be remembered by your service to others?

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