[NFBofSC] Positive Note 1780

[Charles Black]

On 9/21/20, Jennifer Bazer via NFBofSC <nfbofsc at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> September 21, 2020
>
> Memo To:  Executive Officers, Board Members, Chapter & Division Presidents
> &
> Others
>
> From:  Jennifer Bazer, President
>
> Positive Note 1780
>
> Greetings Fellow Federationists:
>
>
>
> As I get to know each of you, I would love for you to also get to know my
> children. My daughter, Kaylin, is seven and in the second grade. She is a
> Brownie in Girl Scouts, enjoys gymnastics and cheering her brother on at
> baseball games. My son, Cade, is ten and in the fifth grade. He is in his
> last year of Cub Scouts, loves to play the drums, and you can find him on
> the baseball mound several days a week.
>
>
>
> Speaking of baseball, Kaylin and I spent the weekend at a baseball
> tournament cheering on Cade as he was a pitcher, a catcher and stole
> multiple bases. The weather couldn't have been better as we enjoyed fall
> temperatures. Fall will  be here Tuesday and is my favorite time of year!
>
>
>
> As we turn to local information in the South Carolina affiliate, I am sad
> to
> announce that the sister of Vernon smith passed away September 10 and
> services were held September 16. Vernon is the president of our Union
> chapter. Please keep Vernon and his family in your thoughts and prayers.
>
>
>
> The following message is from Jamie Allison, President of our Cherokee
> chapter.
>
>
>
> It is with deep sadness that I am writing this to let you know that one of
> our more recent yet beloved associate members, Carl Mickels, has passed
> away. Carl was the cousin of both our blind member Grady Dawkins and
> associate member Iv Dawkins. Arrangements have not yet been made, but are
> forthcoming. The family appreciates very much being in our thoughts and
> prayers.
>
>
>
> Our next South Carolina Connects meeting will be next Thursday, October 1,
> at 5 pm on the Zoom platform. Please invite your chapter members, friends
> and anyone interested in learning more about the NFB of SC.
>
>
>
> Chapter and division presidents, if you have not already, please text, call
> or email me with your monthly meeting days and times so that we can
> coordinate committee or other affiliate business.
>
>
>
>              If you know of any chapter meetings happening via Zoom,
> conference call ETC and you would not mind others joining you, please post
> the information on the listserv or send the information to Steve Cook at
> cookcafe at sc.rr.com <mailto:cookcafe at sc.rr.com>  or call him at home at
> 803-254-0222. !  This would be a great way for others outside your chapter
> to view how other meetings are conducted.
>
>
>
> If you would like to use Call-Em-All to notify your chapters or divisions
> of
> upcoming meetings, please contact Thom Spittle at 803-331-3344 or email him
> at nfbsc.lab.4 at gmail.com <mailto:nfbsc.lab.4 at gmail.com>
>
>
>
> Committee chairs and vice chairs, please contact Thom Spittle to make
> arrangements for your committee days and times. He will cross reference
> chapter and division meetings to hopefully prevent overlap.
>
>
>
> The Positive Note will continue to go out on Monday mornings. If you have
> an
> item of interest for the good of the affiliate, please contact me by Sunday
> evening at jhipp25 at sc.rr.com <mailto:jhipp25 at sc.rr.com>  or text or call me
> at 803-960-9977 and I will be happy to add it to that week's Positive Note.
>
>
>
> Rocky Bottom Board of Directors has a new Chair
>
>
>
> The RBRCCB Board met on Thursday, September 17, 2020 to vote on a new chair
> for the board.  With the end of Frank Coppel's term as NFB of SC state
> president, his position on the RBRCCB Board ended as well, his position was
> filled by newly elected state president Jennifer Bazer. That did not mean
> that she would step in as board chair.  In fact, with the growth of the NFB
> of SC programs, it is not feasible for someone to hold two major leadership
> roles.  Mr. Coppel had done so as a quick remedy when Mr. Capps stepped
> down
> as chair of the Rocky Bottom Board a couple of years ago.  Mr. Capps asked
> Mr. Coppel to take on the chair in his place.  A new amendment was proposed
> after the state convention that would add another blind member at large
> spot
> on the Rocky Bottom Board.  After ten days passed from the first reading of
> the amendment, the board met again to vote on it.  The amendment passed
> without any opposition.  Then the next step was to find a new chair.  Since
> no one on the current board was in a position to take on such a daunting
> task, it became evident that whoever was chosen for the new member at large
> position would need to be a serious candidate for the chair too.  The board
> discussed several people, but during the September 17 meeting, elected Thom
> Spittle as the new board chair.  Thom has extensive first-hand experience,
> having been the resident manager of the camp for several years.   He brings
> a lot of new ideas that can potentially help the camp raise funds and find
> innovative ways to stay in operation at first, and be a successful business
> in the long run. Thom, we are excited to have you on board. Ed Bible was
> reelected vice chair, Shannon Cook Secretary and Valerie Warrington
> Treasurer. I want to thank all of you who serve on this important board.
>
>
>
> From Shannon Cook
>
> Shelly and I want to give a huge Note of appreciation to those who helped
> make the fall Virtual Senior Camp Day held this past Friday a hit.  Thanks
> to Jim Jackson for creating a virtual background of his picnic sounds that
> accompanied our virtual picnic lunch.  Thanks also to Tracy Spittle for
> reading questions during our 5 Second Rule game.  Congratulations to
> Melanie
> Torrance.  She was the winner of the game, and has bragging rights until we
> meet again.  We also appreciate Rhonda Thomson chiming in to lend her
> support from the SC Commission for the Blind.  Other SCCB staff members in
> attendance were Toni Davis from the Greenville Office and Barbara Thompson,
> Older Blind Counselor from the Columbia Office. I thank Shelley for
> facilitating the discussion time too.  As you can see, it takes all of us
> working together to accomplish our goals.
>
>
>
>               We have access to masks that are available to affiliates,
> chapters, and divisions to order.  They are split with the right half of
> the
> mask being royal blue and the left side being yellow/gold.  There is an NFB
> logo on the yellow side showing the circular Whozit symbol in full color.
> Just below the logo are the letters "NFB of SC."  That can be altered to
> fit
> your needs. Katy in Colorado is the designer and maker of these masks.
> They
> feature a wire sown in at the top to keep the mask in place.  They also
> have
> a pocket on the inner layer for anyone who may need to use a filter with
> their mask.  The cost is $5 each, regardless of quantity.  Katy recommends
> selling the masks for $10 to make a profit for your affiliate, chapter, or
> division.   You can reach Katy by using either of the following methods:
>
>               rohdekaty at gmail.com <mailto:rohdekaty at gmail.com>
> (720) 636-1581.
>
>
>
>               Also, if any         one in SC would like a mask, limited
> quantities are available.
>
> Contact Shelley Coppel at (803) 796-8662.
>
>
>
>               We are getting ready to stock our gift shop at Rocky Bottom
> retreat and Conference Center of the Blind. The gift shop will include
> items
> that are made by the blind, represent the blind, or that people who rent
> Rocky Bottom ask for on a regular basis. If you would like to contribute
> items to sell in the shop, please let me know. Do you crochet? Do you make
> specialty items? Do you just want to donate items for the shop that others
> may wish to purchase, we would love to hear from you!
>
>               Most of the items for the first opening of the gift shop will
> be in Columbia September 23. We are planning a packing, labeling, and work
> party at the Federation Center, 119 Kilbourne Road, Columbia, SC 29205 on
> Thursday, September 24 beginning at 10:00. We will have individuals
> labeling
> index cards in print, then labeling them in Braille, placing the items in
> clear zip lock bags, and then stapling the print and Braille labels on the
> packages.
>
>               We welcome all hands on deck to join this time together,
> working as a team to bring something new to Rocky Bottom! If you are in
> Columbia and would like to help and need transportation, please text or
> call
> me at 803-960-9977 or email me at jhipp25 at sc.rr.com
> <mailto:jhipp25 at sc.rr.com>  by Tuesday September 22. If you are out of town
> and wish to assist, we welcome you to join us at the Center by 10:00,
> Thursday morning, September 24.
>
>               We will all be wearing masks and there is a station with hand
> sanitizer on your right as you enter the center from the parking lot to use
> liberally when you are there.
>
>               Rocky Bottom is yours, Rocky Bottom is ours. Rocky bottom is
> owned and operated by the blind of South Carolina. Let's work together to
> build a gift shop that we are proud of, and that guests are excited to
> visit. Come join us on Thursday, September 24th at 10:00, at the Federation
> Center.
>
>
>
>               Because of how much the NFB of SC has been using the Zoom
> account we signed up for last year, we find the need to add another meeting
> space.  The Zoom account our affiliate has been using over the past year is
> adding a second meeting ID.  Now, in addition to the existing room we have
> been using, 803 254 3777, we are adding a second room with a familiar
> number, 864 878 9090.  This is the number to Rocky Bottom.  We wanted to
> use
> numbers that everyone was already familiar with to make it easier for us
> all.  If you need to use Zoom for a meeting, please contact Thom Spittle at
> (803) 331-3344.  He is scheduling the meetings.   He can let you know which
> meeting ID you will need to use for your meeting.
>
>               If your chapter, division, board, or you personally have
> something for the good of the affiliate to announce, please send the
> information to me via email by Sunday night so I can add it to the Positive
> Note.
>
>
>
> Below is a list of committees and members. If you emailed, texted or called
> me, but you do not see your name, please forgive me and gently let me know.
> You are welcome to join any of these committees, even if, your name is not
> listed. Once we have a list of when chapters and divisions meet, we will
> put
> out a list of when committees will meet in hopes of not overlapping.
>
>
>
> I would like committees to meet once per month, unless, it is a committee
> that gives out awards. Committees will send updates to me each month with
> activities, events, and information. We have so much talent in our state.
> Let's find your strengths, your gifts and add to our Palmetto pool!
>
>
>
> Thank you all for your willingness to serve and build the Federation in SC.
> I look forward to working and getting to know all of you!
>
>
>
> Meet the Blind, Blindness Awareness
>
> Demetrius Williford, Chairperson
>
> J.W. Smith, vice-chairperson
>
> Carrie Burris
>
> Debra Canty
>
> Linda Dizzley
>
> Loretta Green
>
> Constance Miller
>
> Courtney Rone
>
> Melissa Staley
>
> Cheri Euton
>
>
>
> Employer of the year
>
> Steve Cook, chairperson
>
> Marty McKenzie
>
> Debra Canty
>
> Casey Rose
>
> David Bundy
>
>
>
> Educator of the year
>
> Marty McKenzie Chairperson
>
> Steve Cook
>
> Debra Canty
>
> Tracy Spittle
>
> Casey Rose
>
> Carolyn Cooley
>
>
>
> Diabetes Action Network DAN:
>
> Melanie Torrance, Chairperson
>
> Shelley Coppel
>
> Steve Cook
>
> Kimberly Williford
>
> Loretta Green
>
> Angie Rachal
>
> Melissa Staley
>
> Cheri Euton
>
> Charlis Borodin
>
>
>
> Finance:
>
> Jennifer Bazer, Chairperson
>
> Pam Schexnider
>
> Valerie Warrington
>
> Larry Warrington
>
> David Houck
>
>
>
> Fund Raising:
>
> Debra Canty, Chairperson
>
> Matthew Duffell-Hoffman, Vice Chair
>
> Trista Hubbs
>
> Pam Schexnider
>
> Valerie Warrington
>
> Steve Cook
>
> Laverne Addison
>
> Frank Coppel
>
> Garrett Mosley
>
> Brookelynn Raulerson
>
> Ed Bible
>
>
>
> Public Relations
>
> Derique Simon, chairperson
>
> Trista Hubbs
>
> Janice Bright
>
> Jamie Allison
>
> Sarah Massengale
>
> Steve Cook
>
> Debra Canty
>
> Dominic Calabrese
>
> Malaya Reece
>
> Ed Bible
>
> Loretta Green
>
> Linda Dizzley
>
> Shannon Cook
>
> Valerie Warrington
>
> Thom Spittle
>
>
>
> Diversity and Inclusion:
>
> Derique Simon,  Chairperson
>
> Linda Dizzly, Vice Chair
>
> Janice Bright
>
> Debra Canty
>
> Shannon Cook
>
> Laverne Addison
>
> Melissa Staley
>
> Bailey Hightower
>
> Neel Sheth
>
> Ivan Hegent
>
> Pathronda Anderson
>
> Allontate Ellerbe
>
> Cheri Euton
>
> Matthew Duffell-Hoffman
>
> Geneva Bailey
>
> Belinda Banks
>
>
>
> Social Media
>
> Steve Cook, Chairperson
>
> Jamie Allison
>
> Debra Canty
>
> Lori Anne Coley
>
> Malaya Reece
>
> Allontate Ellerbe
>
> David Bundy
>
> Sarah Massengale
>
> Valerie Warrington
>
> Larry Warrington
>
>
>
> Braille Literacy
>
> Tracy spittle, Chairperson
>
> Jamie Allison
>
> Meredith Boyce
>
> Malaya Reece
>
> Cheri Euton
>
> Shelley Coppel
>
> Dorothy Barksdale
>
> Pat Wolthoff
>
> Donna Jean Miller
>
>
>
> Scholarship
>
> Shannon Cook, Chairperson
>
> Jamie Allison
>
> Debra Canty
>
> Tracy Spittle
>
> Linda Dizzley
>
>
>
> Membership
>
> Thom Spittle, Chairperson
>
> Jamie Allison
>
> Steve Cook
>
> Debra Canty
>
> Courtney Rone
>
> Laverne Addison
>
> Pat Waltoff
>
> Frank Coppel
>
> Charles Black
>
> Donna Jean Miller
>
> Bekah Breece
>
> Ed Bible
>
>
>
> Doing our Fair Share
>
> Frank Coppel, Chairperson
>
> Steve Cook
>
> Debra Canty
>
> Shannon Cook
>
> Cheri Euton
>
> Dale Wolthoff
>
>
>
> Legislative
>
> Ed Bible, Chairperson
>
> Debra Canty
>
> Shannon Cook
>
> Bekah Breece
>
> Trista Hubbs
>
> Donna Jean Miller
>
> Jeff Bazer
>
> Dominic Calabrese
>
> Frank Coppel
>
> Bailey Hightower
>
> Neel Sheth
>
> Cheri Euton
>
> Charles Black
>
> Valerie Warrington
>
>
>
> Resolutions
>
> Valerie Warrington, Chairperson
>
> Parnell Diggs
>
> Debra Canty
>
> Shannon Cook
>
> David Bundy
>
> Charles Black
>
> Frank Coppel
>
>
>
> Donald C. Capps
>
> David Houck, Chairperson
>
> Julie Bible
>
> Cheri Euton
>
> Charles Black
>
> Valerie Warrington
>
>
>
>
>
> Nationally:
>
>
>
>
> National Federation of the Blind Applauds Report of United States
> Commission
> on Civil Rights
>
>
> Baltimore, Maryland (September 17, 2020): The National Federation of the
> Blind, America's civil rights organization of the blind, issued the below
> statement regarding a report from the United States Commission on Civil
> Rights entitled
> <https://www.nfb.org/libraries/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=18456&qid=4148231>
> Subminimum Wages: Impacts on the Civil Rights of People with Disabilities:
>
> "Ever since our founding eighty years ago, the National Federation of the
> Blind has opposed the payment of subminimum wages to blind and disabled
> Americans under Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act," said Mark
> Riccobono, President of the National Federation of the Blind.  "We commend
> the report of the United States Commission on Civil Rights issued today and
> applaud the Commission's call for the end of the antiquated and
> discriminatory 14(c) program. While we will further review the report to
> assess its details and recommendations, the Commission's work is a giant
> step toward eliminating the historic injustice of subminimum wages and
> creating true equality of opportunity for workers with disabilities. We
> urge
> the general public to actively join us in standing against this injustice
> and to work meaningfully toward its elimination from our local
> communities."
>
>
>
>
> Final Thought:  "If you don't like something, change it. If you can't
> change
> it, change the way you think about it." - Mary Engelbreit
>
>
>
>
> 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>  or call him at home
> at 803-254-0222 and he will be happy to add you to the listserv and the
> Positive Note.
>
>
>
>


-- 
Charles E. Black, MS.
charleseblack126 at gmail.com