[NFBofSC] Positive Note 1790
Jennifer Bazer
jhipp25 at sc.rr.com
Mon Nov 30 11:27:56 UTC 2020
November 30, 2020
Memo To: Executive Officers, Board Members, Chapter & Division Presidents &
Others
From: Jennifer Bazer, President
Positive Note 1790
Greetings Fellow Federationists:
I hope all of you had a very happy Thanksgiving. It can be a joyous time of
year and at the same time for many, it is a very sad time for Thanksgiving,
Christmas, and New years as many things shut down during this time of year
and you are left with your grief. For some, it is a time of loss: loss of
loved ones, loss of relationships, loss of employment, loss of income, loss
of independence, loss of self-confidence, loss of what you use to know. You
are suppose to be cheery, in a good mood during the hustle and bustle of the
holiday season, shopping, and socializing with friends and family, but
instead, you may be alone with your unbearable grief, and not able to
participate in what is suppose to be a celebratory time.
As we continue to go through this holiday season, please be sensitive to
others' feelings, reach out to those you know who have experienced loss,
send a card, make a call, let them know you care, ask what can you do to
help? They may just need a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, a hand to
hold, a friend. I have witnessed in so many occasions our members reaching
out, lending a helping hand with your support, your encouragement, your
love, your prayers. You rally around an individual, a family who needs their
Federation family, and I am confident that you will continue to check on
each other during this holiday season.
I wanted to share what I am thankful for this year, this day, this moment. I
am making a pledge I will do this each day, and not just during
Thanksgiving. I will write in a gratitude journal or I will take a gratitude
walk. Either way, I am recognizing the blessings, no matter the size and
giving thanks. If this is not part of your daily routine, I hope you will
join me on this journey, and let's look through it during the year to see
how God has answered prayers in our lives and in the NFB of SC.
I am thankful for:
Obstacles turned to opportunities.
Open doors.
Closed doors.
Prayers answered with, no, not right now.
Friends and family to celebrate the holiday season.
My aunt Edy and other angels watching down on us from Heaven.
The lack of sight which gives me great vision.
The ability to deliver meals to some special people during this season.
Waking up to see another day happy and healthy.
Children all snug in their beds.
Cold dog noses and warm dog bodies.
A roof above my head.
A warm bed.
Extra food in my fridge and in my pantry.
A dedicated and passionate team.
The opportunity to be president of the largest blindness organization in the
Palmetto State where we are changing what it means to be blind and building
the NFB.
Rain.
Moderate temperatures.
Learning Braille at age five from an awesome teacher of the visually
impaired.
Living the life I want as a blind person.
Failure.
Assistive technology.
Rainbows.
Rocky Bottom Retreat and Conference Center of the Blind.
Authenticity.
Integrity.
Treadmills.
Prayer.
The ease of counting my blessings.
2020.
May you find peace in your heart, a smile on your lips, a pep in your step,
forgiveness in your heart, a gleam in your eye, a prayer on your lips, a way
to swallow your pride, a listening ear, a gentle spirit, a clear head, a
helpful hand, and light in the darkness. Have a happy heart and an attitude
of gratitude every day and not just during the holidays.
Attention!
we will have our SC connects meeting this week on Wednesday December 2 at
5:00 p.m., instead of our regular first Thursday since I will be on the road
to Rocky Bottom. The next one after this Wednesday will resume its regular
third Thursday which will be December 17 at 5:00. Hope to see you on
December 2 at 5:00 and December 17 at 5:00 for all the happenings and
updates 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 Thans 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.
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's what is coming up on Zoom for the week of November 30
2020. All meetings are on the main Federation ID of 803-254-3777, unless
noted.
Monday, November 30, 2020 social media committee 7:30pm with special
guest
Tuesday, December 1, 2020 Legislative Committee 8 pm
Wednesday, December 2, 2020 Palmetto Connects, 5 pm
Saturday, December 5, 10:00 Rocky Bottom board meeting and 2:00 NFB of SC
board meeting, all welcome on zoom
Monday, December 7, 5pm, Florence interest meeting, in -person
Monday, December 7, Fund-Raising Committee 8pm
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.
The Sumter Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of South
Carolina, cordially invites you to join them on the NFB of SC Zoom Platform
as, they 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 our virtual Gala!!!
If you have any questions please send an email to: (debra.canty at frontier.com
<mailto:debra.canty at frontier.com> ) or call (803) 775-5792.
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 is 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:
This Tuesday: Attend the Presidential Release #500:
The December Presidential Release of the National Federation of the Blind
will be delivered on Tuesday, December 1, at 8:00 p.m. eastern. Attend this
celebration and milestone of the five hundredth episode! After the remarks,
there is an opportunity for questions. Submit questions in advance to
cdanielsen at nfb.org <mailto:cdanielsen at nfb.org> and put PR500 in the subject
line, or call 410-659-9314, extension 2473. Closed captions and Spanish
interpretation will be available. This milestone release will include
participation from Marc Maurer and Mary Ellen Jernigan.
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.
Santa Letters
Every year Santa Claus turns the staff at the National Federation of the
Blind into his honorary elves to help him send letters and activities in
Braille to young children (those under the age of ten) across the United
States. Between November 9 and December 16, parents can submit a request for
a letter at http://www.nfb.org/santa-letters. The form can also be printed
and faxed to 410-685-2340 or emailed to communityrelations at nfb.org
<mailto:communityrelations at nfb.org> . Beginning Monday, November 30, the
Braille letters from Santa will start going out to children. The Braille
letter will be accompanied by a print copy as well and some other fun
holiday activities. The deadline for letter requests is December 16. Learn
more about Santa Letters
<https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/early-childhood-initiatives/santa-let
ters> .
Braille Monitor
The Braille Monitor is the flagship publication of the National Federation
of the Blind. It covers the events and activities of the NFB, addresses the
issues we face as blind people, and highlights our members.
Distributed eleven times a year since 1957, the Braille Monitor:
* Offers a positive philosophy about blindness to both blind readers
and the public at large
* Serves as a vehicle for advocacy and protection of civil rights
* Addresses social concerns affecting the blind
* Discusses issues related to employment, education, legislation, and
rehabilitation
* Provides news about products and technology used by the blind
* To learn more, we invite you to read Dr. Kenneth Jernigan's 1993
article entitled, "Concerning History and the Braille Monitor."
<https://www.nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/braille-monitor>
https://www.nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/braille-monitor
Free Slate and Stylus Program
The National Federation of the Blind will distribute a plastic, four-line,
twenty-eight cell slate along with a saddle stylus to those that need them.
That includes those that are blind and low vision who know Braille or want
to learn Braille.
The slate and stylus have long been and continue to be valuable tools for
writing Braille, which is vital to literacy for the blind. It is the only
Braille-writing device that has the same portability, flexibility, and
affordability as a pen and pencil. From labeling your canned goods to
jotting down a phone number, the uses and advantages of the slate and stylus
for the blind are as varied as those of a pen and pencil for the sighted.
Application Information
Please visit our <http://freeslates.nfb.org/> free slate and stylus program
online application to request your slate and stylus.
Or complete the
<https://nfb.org/images/nfb/documents/pdf/free-slate-application.pdf> free
slate and stylus program application (accessible PDF) and mail it to:
Free Slate and Stylus Program
National Federation of the Blind
200 East Wells Street at Jernigan Place
Baltimore, MD 21230
Eligibility
Any blind individual in the fifty states, the District of Columbia, and
Puerto Rico can request a slate and stylus for their personal use. Requests
can be made as often as once per year.
More Information
If you are not sure how to use the slate and stylus, please read the
FR5/FRFA0112 "Parents Guide to the Slate and Stylus" or "Writing with the
Slate and Stylus Is Easy" both of which were featured in our Future
Reflections magazine. You can also purchase The Slate Book from our National
Federation of the Blind Independence Market.
For more information about our Free Slate and Stylus Program, email us at
<mailto:nfb at nfb.org> nfb at nfb.org.
Free White Cane Program
The National Federation of the Blind has distributed more than 64,000 free
white canes since 2008. The white cane gives blind people the ability to
achieve a full and independent life, allowing us to travel freely and
safely. We started our free white cane program because we believe that no
blind person should be without a white cane, regardless of his or her
ability to pay for it.
To request a white cane, you can fill out our online application or mail a
completed application to our office.
* <http://freecane.nfb.org/> Free White Cane Online Application
*
<https://nfb.org/images/nfb/documents/pdf/free_white_cane_application.pdf>
Free White Cane Application (PDF); please mail the completed PDF application
to Free White Cane Program, National Federation of the Blind, 200 East Wells
Street at Jernigan Place, Baltimore, Maryland 21230
Any blind individual in the fifty states, the District of Columbia, and
Puerto Rico can request a cane for their personal use. Requests can be made
as often as every six months.
How to Choose Your Cane Size
The canes distributed through our free white cane program are straight
fiberglass canes (i.e., not folding or telescoping). All canes are white
with a loop on top of the handle and come with a cane tip.
For adult first-time cane users, we recommend measuring from your shoulders
to the floor. The cane needs to reach about two steps in front of where you
are stepping. The speed of your pace and length of your stride will make a
difference. More experienced cane travelers may wish to have a longer cane,
measuring at least chin height.
For children, teens, and young adults who are first-time cane users, we
recommend measuring from your chin to the floor. More experienced cane
travelers may wish to have a longer cane, measuring at least nose height.
Cane Travel Training
Because we are committed to ensuring that every blind person can acquire the
training he or she needs to use the white cane, we are proudly affiliated
with top-notch model <https://www.nfb.org/about-us/training-centers>
training centers. The innovative training programs we have pioneered at
these centers are increasingly being replicated by other rehabilitation
agencies and providers.
For more information on cane travel and techniques, we invite you to read, "
<https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/books/cfcane/canetc.htm> Care and
Feeding of the Long White Cane: Instructions in Cane Travel for Blind
People."
Final Thought: "At the end it's not about what you have or even what you've
accomplished. It's about who you've lifted up, who you've made better. It's
about what you've given back." Denzel Washington
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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