[NFBofSC] Positive Note 1843

Mon Dec 6 11:58:23 UTC 2021

December 5, 2021

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

From:  Jennifer Bazer, President

Positive Note 1843

803-960-9977  Jennifer.H.Bazer at gmail.com <mailto:Jennifer.H.Bazer at gmail.com> 

              Greetings Fellow Federationists:

What a blast the Anderson chapter Christmas party was on Friday night, December 3. We heard various presenters, music selections, scripture and enjoyed a large spread of food. Thank you anderson for the invitation! If you would like me to speak or attend your chapter or division Christmas festivities, please let me know!

The Rocky Bottom and NFB of SC boards met on Saturday December 4 during our annual Christmas board retreat at Rocky Bottom. The Rocky Bottom board began sharply at 10:00 A.M. We heard about improvements and renovations that occurred during 2021 from Successful Transitions, The Salem Lions and Gwen Ellenburg. All benefactors discussed their plans for 2022. We appreciate Gwen and the Salem Lions for visiting during the board meeting. We will continue to look at grants for Rocky Bottom. To make up some of the difference this year from last year with the online auction, we will auction off the remaining items that did not sell during the online auction. If you have items you wish to contribute to the auction at the statewide seminar to benefit Rocky Bottom, please label them auction and mail or take to the center, 119 S. Kilbourne Road, Columbia, SC 29205. We understand the famous lemon pound cakes will return to the aution along with other yummy treats.

The NFB of SC board meeting started at 2:00 PM. We discussed our statewide seminar which will be held on Saturday, January 8, 2022 from 10:00 A.M. until 4:00 PM Eastern. Ike Nelson will provide our meal which will be covered by the affiliate, and therefore, no charge for those attending. This event will be streamed and not viewed on zoom. This means that you can listen, but unfortunately due to our auction and other events that day, you will not be able to interact with the in-person attendees. Please call David Houck at the center if you plan to attend in person. I am hoping chapters, divisions and committees will provide updates and even interactive programming. 

The board voted not to have a chartered bus to new Orleans. We will explore airline options as we did in 2019 to Vegas. Amtrack options will be explored. It is very important to assist members to attend national and state conventions within the chapter.

The board voted to send Anna Price and Elizabeth Rouse to Washington seminar since only two representatives from SC could attend in person. They are the co-chairs of the legislative and advocacy committee. We will have a group participate in meetings via zoom that same week.

We will be forming a committee to review constitutions on the state and chapter and division level. We will have someone from the national office to give us some tips and guidance. 

We also discussed forming a guide dog division in our affiliate. Raul, president of the National Association of Guide Dog Users will be visiting us at our statewide seminar to kick off this division and give us support.

We discussed the importance of leaders including chapter presidents, division presidents, and board members to attend most meetings including Palmetto Connects, board meetings and state and national conventions. There were 14 out of 15 NFB of SC board members in attendance in person or through zoom. Thank you to those who were attending and participating. Your input is welcome and valued. We will continue to take role during Palmetto Connects, board meetings and other events. It is important that our leaders lead by example as the affiliate has voted you as our leaders.

The next Rocky bottom and NFB of SC board meetings will be held during statewide seminar from 12:15 PM until 1:45 PM. Each board meeting will last about 45 minutes.

Thank you to all of you who attended this year’s Christmas board retreat. The kitchen crew of Lenora Robertson, Glenda Culick and Trent Tetter was appreciated and excellent! Thank you to Thom Spittle who made sure everyone was comfortable during their stay. Thank you to all of you who attended in person and through zoom. Together we are stronger. Let’s go build the NFB of SC!

I want to personally invite you into my home on Saturday, December 11 from 2:00 PM until 9:00 PM for food, fellowship, fun, and music. I want all of us to celebrate our accomplishments in our affiliate over the past year, to get to know me more on a personal level and to thank all of you for your hard work, dedication and passion for the blind of the Palmetto affiliate. You may drop in for a bit or stay the entire time. Bring yourself, a friend, and the only requirement is to have fun with your Federation family. Small gifts and door prizes will be given out during the festivities. Please RSVP by texting or calling me at 803-960-9977 or emailing me at

Jennifer.h.bazer at gmail.com <mailto:Jennifer.h.bazer at gmail.com> 

By Thursday, December 9.

My address is 155 Derby Drive, West Columbia, SC 29170.

Palmetto Connects, Thursday, December 16

Palmetto Connects will be held Thursday, December 16 at 6:00 PM Eastern on the Federation zoom platform. I look forward to seeing all of you for happenings in the NFB of SC!

Statewide Seminar, January 8, 2022

The 2022 statewide seminar will be held January 8 at the Federation Center in Columbia from 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM Eastern. The statewide seminar is like a mini one day convention where we will hear from chapters, divisions, committees and more about their events in the Palmetto affiliate. It is a time to come together, meet new friends, reunite with old friends. We will be streaming this event not through zoom. As a result, participation and discussion will not be able to happen during streaming. You will be able to listen but not speak like on zoom. We hope to see you there! Both Rocky Bottom Board and NFB of SC will have their board meetings between 12:15 and 1:45. If you plan to attend in person, please call David Houck at 803-254-3777 so we know how many to plan for our free lunch. I want to thank Ike Nelson for his willingness to assist in preparing our meal for this event. I am hopeful that all leaders including chapter and division presidents along with board members will attend in person. If you plan to sell items during the statewide seminar as fundraisers, please let me know so I can add to the next Positive Note.

NFB of SC Bags and Shirts

The NFB of SC is selling bags with the NFB of SC logo and Live the Life you Want on the front. The bag is black, bottom is red and the straps are white. The top is open. There is a zipper that expands the bag. There is a zippered pocket on the front where the NFB of SC logo is located. The bags are great for a gift or for sporting the NFB of SC logo and tag line. The bags sell for $25 each. You can pay pal the money on our website

www.nfbofsc.org <http://www.nfbofsc.org> 

or send cash or check made to NFB of SC to the Center at 119 S. Kilbourne Road, Columbia, SC 29205.

We are also selling short sleeve t-shirts. They are gray with the logo and tag line on the right side if looking at the shirt. On the back, you will find the state of SC. These shirts are $25. You can purchase two bags for $40 or two shirts for $40, or, one bag and one shirt for $40. If you just want one or the other, the price is $25 each. We are hoping to get in some sweatshirts and hoodies and will let you know the cost of these once they are secured. All funds will go to the NFB of SC.

Shoes for a Cause

We will be collecting new and gently used shoes during this holiday season. Please drop off or send to the Federation Center. Children’s shoes will be given to Sole Stepping, an organization that provides shoes to children in need in schools. The lady that drives this nonprofit is and orientation and mobility instructor based in Lexington, SC. Adult shoes will be given to adults reentering the workforce. Shoes can be new or gently used; if you plan to donate socks, please insure the are new. There is a box a the Federation Center for these items. We will plan to take photos of the donations. You may also bring to the Rocky Bottom Christmas board retreat if you plan to attend. We will plan to present to Kara Jefferson during the week of December 20. This will be an ongoing give back project as children in schools always need shoes and please remember, children can wear adult shoes. My 11 year old son already wears a size nine in mens! We hope that you will remember shoes for a cause when you no longer need a pair of gently used shoes or when you see sales of socks or shoes! Thank you for helping give back to those in need!

2022 NFB of SC Membership Dues

The National Federation of the Blind of SC now has our 2022 Membership Form on our website at www.nfbofsc.org <http://www.nfbofsc.org> . When you fill out this form, you will receive a copy of the information you entered if you provided your personal Email address. If you are assisting someone with the form that does not have an Email address, feel free to use cookcafe at sc.rr.com <mailto:cookcafe at sc.rr.com>  in the Email field. Once you click on the submit button, you are taken to the Donations page in which you can choose to pay your $10 state dues using the NFB of South Carolina State Affiliate secure Pay Pal button. Remember you must fill out the new form and the $10 state dues in order to complete the process for your 2022 dues!

https://nfbofsc.org/2022-membership-form/

If you have any questions or need assistance with the above process, please call Steve Cook at 803 260 1292. If I am unable to take your call, I will call you back when I am available.

Also, just a reminder that dues are due by December 31, 2021. Also, if you sign up on the NFB national site, that is awesome, you will receive your welcome coin and packet, but please remember, you must also sign up on

www.nfbofsc.org <http://www.nfbofsc.org> 

as a member of our Palmetto affiliate. I want to thank you all for being willing to assist those who are not familiar with online registration or payment so that their membership can be completed.

Columbia Chapter Invites You!

Date: Thursday, December 9, 2021

Time: 6:15 PM Eastern

Location: Federation Center of the Blind, 119 S Kilbourne Road, Columbia, SC 29205

Purpose: Columbia Chapter Meeting

We would like to invite everyone to the Columbia Chapter of the NFB of SC Christmas meeting! The Columbia Chapter will supply the meat and we are asking people to bring a covered dish. Please call Ike Nelson at (803) 735-0821 and leave your name and the item you will be bringing.

We look forward to seeing everyone their!

Rocky Bottom Auction and Other Info

>From Thom Spittle:

The 2021 Rocky Bottom Fall Auction is now in the books.

I would like to thank those who donated cash and items, and those who bid on the awesome items we had available.

Although we did not do as well this year, as compared to last year, I would like to say that we had more participation from a handful of the bidders, which helped us with a decent total.

Taking into account the cash donations and the items bid on, we raised about $2200. After the auction house expenses, we cleared roughly $2000 as compared to $3700 last year.

Part of this difference is that the 3 night stays that we offered did not receive any bids, where last year we raised about $800 on these stays. The rest of the difference was from low participation.

However, we have a chance to close that financial gap on January 8th at the statewide seminar. Thanks to President Bazer, we will hold an auction throughout the day. Some of these items are from the Fall auction that did not receive any bids and some new items including a great travel package donated by Lori Ann Coley, and maybe even some great food items will be available.

Turning to later this week, those attending the Rocky Bottom Board Retreat will receive a letter with more information, including your room assignment. If you do not get the email, please feel free to call Thom Spittle at 803-331-3344.

If you attend by zoom, the meeting of the Rocky Bottom Board of Directors will start at 10am, and the NFBofSC Board will meet at 2pm, each  on the Federation Zoom Platform. Please note the log in information found elsewhere in this positive note.

Steve Cook, President of the Computer Science Division  has agreed to host these meetings.  Thank you for doing this, Steve.

December Christmas Movies and Trivia Hosted by NFB of SC

Below is a list of the movie/Trivia schedule for December. Be sure to keep this message to refer back to for dates and times. All movies will be audio described!

Friday, December 10, 2021 at 8:00 PM Eastern

Polar Express

Friday, December 17, 2021 at 8:00 PM Eastern

Christmas Theme Family Feud

Hosted by Elizabeth Rouse and Ste Cook

Please Email Steve at cookcafe at sc.rr.com <mailto:cookcafe at sc.rr.com>  in order to sign up if you are playing.

Thursday, December 23, 2021 at 8:00 PM Eastern

A Christmas Story

Wednesday, December 29, 2021 at 7:30 PM Eastern

National lampoons - Christmas vacation (1989)

BlindShell Cell Phone

On Saturday, December 18, 2021 at 10:00 AM Eastern the Computer Science & Technology Division of the NFB of SC will have representatives from Matapo  to give us a demonstration on the BlindShell cell phone! This presentation will take place on the Federation Zoom platform.

Blindshell Classic 2

The BlindShell Classic is the most accessible cell phone for visually impaired and blind people! With physical keyboard and more than 30 applications and functions, we have integrated the most useful functions of a smartphone into a phone that is simple and user-friendly!

Communication with no limits!

Physical keyboard and loud speaker

Fully vocalized and voice controlled,

S O S button

WhatsApp and Web browser

BlindShell app catalog with more than 30 applications and free lifetime updates

Main advantages

Voice Control

You can control BlindShell phone just with your voice and simple commands.

Android Web browser

You can check news, search new information, browse websites and use services  which are accessible for visually impaired.

Telegram messenger

Telegram app allows you to send text and voice messages. This app works on all mobile devices, which support Android or IOS. It means that all your friends

and dear ones can download it for free and you can stay in touch via Telegram whenever you are online.

S O S button

You can use S O S button with the assigned contact when in an emergency situation. 

Charging cradle

Charge your phone in a charging cradle and you will never have to look for your charging cable. 

Detail of BlindShell Classic buttons

Keyboard with large buttons

BlindShell Classic has a keyboard with large, tactile buttons, for comfortable phone control.

Extended warranty + 6 months

When you register your phone the warranty of your BlindShell phone will be extended. 

Youtube

You can listen to music or watch videos on YouTube application. 

Lifetime free update

As we are moving forward and developing new features we guarantee lifetime free updates for all. 

FM and Internet radio

You have hundreds of radio and internet stations to choose from. 

GPS location

Do you feel lost? Grab your phone and find out your location.

Book Reader

Download your favorite book and have it always in your pocket. 

Email

Register your Gmail account and keep your inbox always with you. 

Games

Are you bored? You can play Hangman, Memory game or Dice roller. 

QR code for object tagging

Object tagging application

Tooth paste or face cream? With the help of Object tagging application you will be able to distinguish between them within a few seconds. 

BlindShell Classic is full of application and smart features. But don´t worry, you can use only the one you want. 

Basic functions

list of 10 items

• Calls

• Call history

• SMS

• SMS to more recipients

• Contacts

• Contact back up and import

• Alarm

• Calendar

• Timer

• Notes

list end

Advanced functions

list of 15 items

• Android web browser

• Telegram messenger

• SOS button

• E-mail

• Object tagging

• FM radio

• Internet radio

• Music player

• Book reader

• Unite converter

• Service menu

• Weather forecast

• GPS location

• Color recognition

• Games

Technology List Serv

There have been some new people join the NFB of SC list serve and do not know about our “Let’s Talk Tech“ list serve. You can join this list serve by sending a message to the below Email address and put subscribe in the subject field. You can ask any type of technology question on this list serve. There will be messages pertaining to technology shared on this list serve.

LetsTalkTech+subscribe at groups.io <mailto:LetsTalkTech+subscribe at groups.io> 

Shop from Home

The Lee County Chapter of the NFB of SC is now taking orders for your customized holiday gifts. Items include NFB logo candy bars, edible footballs, basketball goals, racecars, bowling balls and pins, golf clubs, high heel shoes,  and many more. Also personalized t-shirts, caps, hoodies, sleep bonnet, and sleep shades, umbrellas, hair bows, socks, caps, earmuffs and more. You may personalize these gifts with colors of your choice. Imagine having your loved ones’ names, chapter names and more. We also make scripture coffee mugs and other drinkware. Contact Linda Dizzley at 803-459-4585 by phone or text for pricing or other information.

Fusion, JAWS or Zoom Text

The Computer Science & Technology Division would like to thank Freedom Scientific for donating an annual license for a division fundraiser!

The winner will receive a copy of an annual license for their choice of Fusion, Zoom Text or JAWS! Please help support the CSTD by purchasing one or more tickets.  Prices are one  for $3 or two tickets for $5. The winning ticket will be drawn on January 8, 2022 at the NFB of SC Statewide Seminar.

To purchase, go to the Computer Science & Technology Division’s PayPal at the below link. Be sure to include the following information when purchasing your tickets: Name, phone number and number of tickets purchased.

https://nfbofsc.org/donations/

Remember, we are entering the season of giving and gifting.  You won’t have to wait on a shipment to arrive to give this chance to win.

The Computer Science & Technology Division greatly appreciates your support!

Fundraiser Columbia Chapter

Thank you to Andrew Adams who donated the iPad to the Columbia Chapter to use for a fund raiser.

Would you like a chance to win an 9th generation, 10.2 64 gig iPad? Well here is your opportunity! The Columbia Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of SC is having a fund raiser! This would make a great Christmas gift for someone or yourself!

We will draw the winners name at our December 9, 2021 Chapter meeting. Tickets are only $5 each or 3 for $10! When purchasing tickets via secure Pay Pal at the below link. Be sure to include your name and phone number. You will need to use the Pay Pal button for the NFB of South Carolina State Affiliate.

https://nfbofsc.org/donations/

Sports and Rec Fun

Sports and Rec will be hosting a trivia night Friday January 21st at 8 p.m. on the NFB zoom line

Sports and Rec will be doing a fundraiser during state wide seminar. Anyone in person or on zoom can contribute and enjoy this fun ever.

Our fundraiser will be giving away one maybe two honken big fun boxes. Both will have all kinds of games, crafts, kitchen items, gardening items home improvement items exercise items etc.

The fundraiser is $5 per person and what it’ll be is each person randomly picks a sealed envelope that has 5 random brailed playing cards in them. Each person who contributes $5 will pick their own envelope and towards end of seminar we the Sports Rec will collect the envelopes open them and take out the five playing cards.

How to win well the envelops have 5 cards and it’s poker so the best five card hand wins. There’s no switching of cards or envelopes between people. Each envelope that a person picks will have their name placed on envelope braille and written. NO ONE knows what cards are in what envelopes.

There’s no work on your part just contribute $5 and watch us the Sports and Rec go through and determine the winners.

It’ll be so much fun come one come all. If your attending in person then I’ll be there if your attending via zoom you can still be part of fundraiser. Let’s us know that you want an envelope and we will have a random person pick a random envelope and put your name on it. We can take cash, check, PayPal. we’ll just any type of payment. Hahaha lol.

David Rebocho

President

Sports/Rec Division

Braille Readers are Leaders Contest

>From the Braille Literacy Committee

"Do YOU read Braille (even if it isn't very fast, mind you) and do YOU like prizes? Do YOU want to help your NFB district read its way to absolute victory and state-wide bragging rights? If so, then YOU need to register for the National affiliate Braille Readers are Leaders contest! Registration is now open and reading may begin on December 1st! There will also be state affiliate incentives for everyone that registers for the national contest, so you will be getting DOUBLE the reward and DOUBLE the fun! Please reach out to Jamie at 864-838-0338 with a text, call, or message or at nfbsccherokeejamie at gmail.com <mailto:nfbsccherokeejamie at gmail.com>  if you plan to read so that she can add you to the list and track your progress. Also reach out to Jamie to get help with registering for the national contest. Let's get those fingers moving!"

Zoom Events for the upcoming week!

Below are the events scheduled this week for the NFB of SC. Chairs and co-chairs, please make sure your agenda for the committee is on the list serv before your meeting. If you are interested in a committee, please feel free to join the meeting. Final committee members for each committee will be released after November’s meetings to give everyone an idea of what committees they are passionate about and willing to commit time and effort to build the NFB of SC. If you have decided on the committee or committees you wish to join now that two months of meetings have been held, please email or call me so that your name is added to the official committee list. Thank you! Committee chairs and co-chairs, please also send me a list of committee members for the committee you are chairing or co-chairing.

Monday, December 6, 2021

Fund Raising 7:00 PM Federation Center Zoom 

Tuesday, December 7, 2021

Get Fit with the Sports & Rec Division 5:30 PM Rocky Bottom Zoom 

Legislative & Advocacy Committee 8:00 PM Federation Center Zoom 

Wednesday, December 8, 2021

Sports & Rec Division 6:00 PM Federation Center Zoom 

Blind Equality achievement Month 7:00 PM Federation Center Zoom 

Thursday, December 9, 2021

Lancaster Chapter 7:00 PM Rocky Bottom Zoom

Clarendon Chapter 8:00 PM Federation Center Zoom 

Friday, December 10, 2021

The polar Express audio described 8:00 PM Federation Center Zoom 

Saturday, December 11, 2021

Get Fit with the Sports & Rec Division 9:00 AM Rocky Bottom Zoom 

Sunday, December 12, 2021

Lee County Chapter 7:00 PM Federation Center Zoom

Federation Center

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

Meeting ID: 803 254 3777 Passcode: 124578

One tap mobile +19292056099,,8032543777# US (New York)

Rocky Bottom

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8648789090?pwd=QTVQd2RzN3l6QnNmZ0FmSnp6NG8vQT09

Meeting ID: 864 878 9090 Passcode: 124578

One tap mobile +19292056099,,8648789090# US (New York)

Nationally

Santa Letters

>From NFB National

We are getting more Braille into the hands of blind and low-vision children—introducing the improved Santa Letter and Winter Celebration Program of the National Federation of the Blind. Each year, for many years now, elves at the National Federation of the Blind have been Santa’s helpers in sending out Braille letters to children all around the country. This year, we are expanding our program to have a winter themed Braille letter for those who do not celebrate Christmas.

We are providing both letters and the activities to go along with them in English and Spanish. Wouldn’t your child, grandchild, or student love to receive a Braille letter in the mail during the winter break? The letters and activities provided in the celebration packet are in print as well for sighted family members and friends.

All you need to do is visit https://nfb.org/program-services/early-childhood-initiatives/santa-letters and complete the request form. The program is now open. The letters and celebration packets will be sent out in December. Requests will be open until December 17.

Joke of the Week 

What did one Christmas tree say to another?

Lighten up!

Fascinating Fact of the Week

Home Alone is the highest-grossing Christmas movie of all time. 

Final Thought

“Christmas is forever, not for just one day. For loving, sharing, giving, are not to put away.” –Norman Wesley Brooks

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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