[NFBofSC] Positive Note 1790
Steve Cook
cookcafe at sc.rr.com
Mon Nov 30 12:12:54 UTC 2020
Good Monday morning federation family
Just a small correction, the social media committee meeting will be tonight at 8 PM Eastern. Hope to see you all there! Thank you Steve Cook social media committee chair person
> On Nov 30, 2020, at 6:30 AM, Jennifer Bazer via NFBofSC <nfbofsc at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>
>
> 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) 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
> 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 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 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 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 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. 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.
>
> 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
>
> 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
>
> <image001.jpg>
> Please visit our free slate and stylus program online application to request your slate and stylus.
>
> Or complete the 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 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.
>
> Free White Cane Online Application
> 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 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, "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.
>
> _______________________________________________
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> If you would like to make a tax deductible donation to any of the following within the NFB of SC, please click the below link. NFB of SC, Federation Center of the Blind, Chapter, or Division. Your support is appreciated!
> http://nfbofsc.org/donations/
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