[NFBofSC] Positive Note 1791

Jennifer Bazer jhipp25 at sc.rr.com
Mon Dec 7 12:15:32 UTC 2020


December 7, 2020

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

From:  Jennifer Bazer, President

Positive Note 1791

Greetings Fellow Federationists:

 

What an awesome time we had at the annual Rocky Bottom Christmas board
retreat. Six board members attended in-person for the Rocky Bottom board
meeting and eight board members participated in-person for the National
Federation of the Blind of South Carolina (NFB of SC) board meeting on
Saturday, December 7. During the Rocky Bottom board meeting, we discussed
having a reunion for friends of Rocky Bottom around Memorial Day weekend, we
thanked Linda for her service and dedication to the camp as December 31 will
be her last day, and we discussed dreams and goals of the camp. During
lunch, we celebrated Linda's birthday which is on December 19 with a cake
and cupcakes and presented her with a Christmas bonus that Rocky Bottom
board members and other affiliate members collected. That afternoon during
the NFB of SC board meeting, we discussed beginning a new member orientation
at least once per quarter, tentative plans for the leadership seminar which
will be on April 10, leadership training throughout the year, statewide
seminar on January 9, and our big PAC announcement from chairperson of the
"doing our Fair Share Committee, Frank Coppel. The contest will run from
December 5, 2020 through May 31, 2021. Each member who enrolls in PAC, will
have their name in a drawing. Each member who increases their PAC pledge
will be entered into a separate drawing. One name will be drawn from each
category, new PAC members and those who increased their PAC for a $100 visa
gift card. The board also voted to increase the NFB of SC PAC donation from
$50 per month to $75 per month for our affiliate. I appreciate your
generosity. Saturday, we exchanged Christmas gifts with the "white elephant"
game, sang the "12 days of Christmas", Covid-19 style, and David Houck read
the Christmas story. We completed our celebration that evening with desserts
and coffee.

 

There were numerous folks who made this weekend fun, safe and successful.
Lenora Robertson, Ellen Taylor and Glenda Culick who prepared and cooked the
meals on Saturday and Sunday, Thom and Tracy Spittle who made arrangements
for those who attended in a safe manner, Jonathan and Nicholas Bundy who
insured everyone had what they needed during mealtime, and all members and
guests who attended in person and through zoom. It is not the work of one or
two or a few individuals, it is the work of many working together to make a
difference in the Palmetto state. I appreciate all of you!

 

PAC Plan Challenge:

We will be running a contest from December 5, 2020  through May 31, 2021 for
our NFB of SC affiliate. We are currently 13 and would like to be in the top
10 or higher. One of our members would like to see us as an affiliate
contribute $1,500 to PAC each month between chapters, divisions, individuals
and our NFB of SC affiliate. If you join PAC, your name will be entered into
a drawing for a $100 visa gift card. If you increase your PAC donation, your
name will be entered into a different $100 visa gift card drawing. I have a
list of chapters, divisions, and individuals who are on PAC at this time. On
June 1, I will ask the national office for another list which I will use to
have the two drawings on June 1. There are many ways to give. Below, is a
little about PAC.

 

Thank you for your interest in the National Federation of the Blind's
Pre-Authorized Contribution (PAC) program. This program allows you to
contribute to the NFB through recurring monthly donations. These can be
direct withdrawals from a checking account or charges to a credit card.
Please contact  <mailto:PAC at nfb.org> pac at nfb.org with any questions. Thank
you for your generosity.

 

You can go to

https://www.nfb.org/pac

to complete the online form.

 

You may also call the national office at 410-659-9314 extension 2622 or
email PAC at nfb.org with questions.

 

There are several chapters and divisions within our state who are on PAC and
we are grateful for  those contributions. There are individuals who are on
PAC and we are appreciative of those members who give each month. As an
affiliate, we are averaging $17.41 per person and less than 10% of our
members are on PAC. Let's see if we can increase those percentages to over
$20 per month and have at least 20% of our members on PAC. I appreciate you
considering to get on the PAC plan or increasing your donation each month!

 

              We will have our next SC connects meeting  Thursday, December
17 at 5:00 p.m. Please encourage your chapters, divisions, committees to
attend to learn about the latest happenings in the NFB of SC!

 

              Please mark your calendars for a Christmas celebration at the
Center on Saturday, December 12 from noon until four. We will enjoy
fellowship, sounds of the season, and a gift exchange. The gift exchange is
optional. Please call, text or email me if you plan to attend. If you need
transportation let's work together with chapter presidents and neighboring
chapters to insure all that want to come can attend. Call me with any
questions.

 

We will have a Thanks for Giving box on the front porch of the center each
weekday beginning November 30 for the neighboring community to fill the box
with items that members in need can use. We will give thanks for these
donations at our Christmas celebration on December 12.

 

              Our statewide seminar will be held January 9 at the Center in
Columbia from 10:00 until 4:00. This will be a hybrid seminar meaning you
can attend in-person and over Zoom so as many individuals can participate as
possible. Please make plans to attend in-person or through Zoom. Please
call, text or email me with suggested agenda items. Please also call David
at the Center at 803-254-3777 or myself at 803-960-997 to let us know if you
will be attending in person. First come, first serve as we have limited
seats to effectively promote social distancing at the Center.

 

Leadership Seminar:

Our next leadership seminar will be April 10, 2021 at the Federation Center.
All presidents of divisions and chapters along with Federation Center board
members, Rocky Bottom board members and NFB of SC board members are required
to attend in-person or through zoom. Others who are interested are welcome
to attend via zoom or in-person as well.

 

              The following meetings are scheduled on the Zoom platform this
week. You are welcome to attend any of these meetings, even if you are not a
member of the chapter or committee.  Please contact the chapter president
and ask if it is alright to attend their meeting.  All Committee meetings
are open to the public for listening. Contact President Bazer if you would
like to be added to any NFB of SC committee.

              Here is  what is coming up on Zoom for the week of December 7
2020. All meetings are on the main Federation ID of 803-254-3777, unless
noted.

December 7, We care 6pm

December 7, Fund-raising, 8pm

December 8, Sumter Chapter Gala, 7pm

December 8, At large Chapter, 7pm use meeting ID 864-878-9090

December 10, Cherokee Chapter, 1pm

December 10, Columbia Chapter, 6:15pm

December 10, Lancaster Chapter, 7pm use meeting ID 864-878-9090

December 11, Anderson/Spartanburg Chapter Christmas Celebration, 6-8pm

December 12, CSTD training, 10AM

December 12, Christmas Celebration at the Federation Center, noon-4pm

December 13, Lee County Chapter, 7pm

 

              NFB of SC Federation Center is inviting you to a scheduled
Zoom meeting.

Topic: NFB of SC Chapter and Committee meetings

Times are in  Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8032543777?pwd=QTVQd2RzN3l6QnNmZ0FmSnp6NG8vQT09

Meeting ID: 803 254 3777

Passcode: 124578

One tap mobile

+19292056099,,8032543777# US (New York)

 

Message from President, Debra Canty.

You are cordially invited on the Zoom Platform to attend The Sumter Chapter
of the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina virtual Gala. The
Sumter chapter will host their 47th Annual Fundraiser Christmas Gala,
Tuesday, December 8, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. (EST). The keynote speaker will be
Ever Lee Hairston, Member of the National Board of Directors of the National
Federation of the Blind. Member: The National Federation of the Blind of
California Affiliate. All are welcome to attend their virtual Gala!!!

Topic: Sumter Chapter of the NFB of SC 47th Annual Fundraiser Christmas Gala

Tuesday, December 8th at 7:00 p.m. 

Times are in Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8032543777?pwd=QTVQd2RzN3l6QnNmZ0FmSnp6NG8vQT09

Meeting ID: 803 254 3777

Passcode: 124578

One tap mobile

+19292056099,,8032543777# US (New York)

 

>From the Senior Division President Shelley Coppel of the National Federation
of the Blind of SC!

There will be a Senior Division conference call, Thursday December 10 from
1-3 p.m.  We will share Christmas traditions, and favorite recipes. Below is
the way to access the meeting! 

Call in Number: 605-475-2875

access number: 4838754

 

              Florence Chapter Meeting Interest

              There will be a Florence chapter interest meeting on Monday,
December 7 at 5:00 p.m. at Golden Corral, 2510 David H. McLeod BLVD,
Florence.

              I will be there to steer this meeting along with Jameika
Cooper. If you know others who would be interested, members who were in the
Florence chapter before, please pass along this info.  Please call or text
me at 803-960-9977 if you have further questions.

 

              From Linda Dizzley, Lee County Chapter President

              If you are looking for a special gift for that special
loved-one, friend,  co-worker, chapter members etc., help is just a call
away.  Below is a list of a few ideas that may interest you Make your
Holiday shopping easier and safe this year by shopping from home.  Many
ideas may be personalized: Please place your orders by December 8, 2020

              Edible Gifts, Milk Chocolate Dark Chocolate White Chocolate,
(your choice of color).  Business cards.  Ladies High Heel Shoes.  Men dress
shoes.  Sneakers.  Boots.  Purse.  Hats.  Champagne Glass.  Basketball Goal,
footballs, golf clubs, bowling ball and pin.  Chocolate covered pretzels.
Chocolate roses.  Personalized Gifts.  T-shirts.  Sweatshirts .  Hoodies.
Face Masks.  Socks.  Scarves.  Coffee Mugs.  Key Chains.  Coasters.  Mouse
Pads.  Caps.  Hats.  Face clothes.  Hand Towels.  Bath Towels.  Photo
Plates. 

              If interested, contact Linda Dizzley, Lee County Chapter
President.

LDIZZLEY at HOTMAIL.COM <mailto:LDIZZLEY at HOTMAIL.COM>   Home: 803 442 84273
Cell: 803 459 4585

 

              From Jamie Allison

              The Cherokee County Chapter of the National Federation of the
Blind of South Carolina cordially invites everyone to our 2020 Virtual
Christmas Celebration! The event will take place from 1:00-2:30pm on
Thursday, December 10th, 2020. There will be random gift card drawings, a
social time, and program that will include a Christmas Scripture recitation,
holiday songs, carols, and stories. The entire program will take place
virtually over the zoom platform and we invite everyone from across the
affiliate and nationally to attend. We also invite those who would like to
share a Christmas or holiday-themed song, story, carole, poem, or riddles
with the audience. We want this portion of the program to be similar to an
old time "variety show". If you would like to participate in this portion of
our program, please send an email to nfbsccherokee at gmail.com
<mailto:nfbsccherokee at gmail.com>  with your name, the type of item you wish
to contribute (song, carole, brief story or poem either familiar or new,
riddle, etc.) and approximately how long it will take. If time permits,
there will be an opportunity for audience members to spontaneously
contribute as well. If you do not have access to email, please call
864-838-0338 and either speak or leave a voice message with Jamie with the
same information. We look forward to a time of fellowship and celebration
with all who wish to join us as we observe this blessed season! 

 

              From Frank Loza

              Support the Federation Center by buying a jacket with our
national logo on the back of the jacket and under that it says National
Federation of the Blind and under that it says, live the life you want.  On
the left upper part of the front it says, NFB of SC.  There are two kinds of
material you can get them in.  One is microfiber and the other one is
polyester blend.  The microfiber costs $80.00 and the polyester blend cost's
$75.00.  The microfiber comes in blue or black and the polyester comes in
blue, black and gray.  If you can call Frank Loza at 803-617-8016, with your
information, such as color and size.  Join  your fellow Federationists and
get your jacket.  It will show unity when your chapter has a function.

 

              If you made a pledge at our state convention banquet in
August, those tax -deductible contributions are due at the Center no later
than December 31, 2020. If you did not make a pledge, but wish to donate to
the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina, please send
donations to 119 S. Kilbourne Road, Columbia, SC 29205. You may also pay on
our website at www.nfbofsc.org <http://www.nfbofsc.org>  and look for the
donations link to pay through pay Pal. Thank you to all of those
individuals, chapters, and divisions who have fulfilled their pledges. I
will list all donors in the first Positive Note of 2021.

 

              Big News! The National Federation of the Blind of SC now has
an online enrollment membership form to pay your 2021 state dues. You will
be able to fill out the form online to provide the state office with updated
personal and contact information. You will also be able to pay your $10
state dues via secure Pay Pal. You will still need to pay your
chapter/division dues on the local level. After submitting the membership
form, you will be provided with a link to pay your $10 state dues through
Pay Pal. Your membership will not be confirmed until payment has been
received. After paying your $10 state dues via Pay Pal, we will receive a
message stating you have paid your state dues to confirm your membership.
Then you will be sent a message with a copy of your receipt for confirmation
later in the day. Please retain this confirmation for your records and proof
of payment.  Also, Pay Pal charges the NFB of SC a percentage for each
transaction. We would greatly appreciate you adding an extra $0.30 for every
$10 to your donation to offset this charge. So, $10.30, $20.60 and so on.

              If you need assistance completing the online form, you are
welcome to call Steve and Shannon Cook to help at (803) 254-0222. Leave a
message with your name and contact number if we are unavailable to answer
the phone.

              Thank you to those who have already paid your state dues! We
hope to see close to 100% of dues paid by December 31. Our membership
committee along with the help of our district reps will follow-up as we get
closer to the end of the year to assist those in completing their membership
form so that we can have all completed documentation to the national office
in a timely manner. This has normally been due at the end of January to pay
your state dues; however, that does not give me time to submit all necessary
data to the national office by January 31. We want to be prompt in our
membership dues and information to President Riccobono.  https://forms.
gle/MGYktJPG3SatVBFWA

 

              Nationally:

              Open House

              Open House Gathering: Share with Prospective Members:

              Sunday, December 13, 2020, at 8:00 p.m. ET - The National
Federation of the Blind is hosting an open house gathering for people who
are not yet members of the Federation to learn about becoming members. Share
with prospective members this opportunity to learn more from leaders about
the Federation and why membership is crucial. Sign up by emailing
membership at nfb.org <mailto:membership at nfb.org>  or calling 410-659-9314,
extension 2509.

 

Final Thought: "Good deeds should be done with intension, not for
attention." Anonymous

 

NFB Pledge - 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 One Minute Message - "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." 

 

If this message was forwarded to you and you would like to receive it
directly in your inbox, as well as, receive messages regarding the National
Federation of the Blind of South Carolina, please email Steve Cook at
cookcafe at sc.rr.com <mailto:cookcafe at sc.rr.com> .

 

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