[NFBofSC] Positive Note 1844

[jennifer at successforlives.org]

December 12, 2021


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

From:  Jennifer Bazer, President

Positive Note 1844

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


              Greetings Fellow Federationists:

 

I want to apologize for unintentionally leaving Ike Nelson’s name off the
kitchen crew for Rocky Bottom. Thank you again to Ike Nelson, Lenora
Robertson, Glenda Culick and Trent Tetter for all their help and Marty
McKenzie for being a great  kitchen supervisor, LOL! It working together
that makes our events fun and successful!

 

What awesome food individuals from the Columbia chapter prepared for our
annual Christmas celebration. We enjoyed solos by Thom Spittle, reading of
the Christmas story by David Houck and enjoying each other along with
chapter business.

 

As we head into the last week before kids get out of school for the holidays
and things get even more hectic, let’s please remember those who have lost
loved ones, let’s reach out to those who may be alone during the holiday
season, let’s think of others before ourselves during this time of year. My
children will have a half day on Friday, December 17th and they will return
to school on January 3, 2022. I will be taking time to enjoy them, my
parents and grandparents who are older, and taking time to reflect on 2021
and hopes for 2022. I hope that you will take time for the little things and
remember those who need us during this holiday season.

 

We are just three weeks away from statewide seminar which will be held
in-person, January 8, 2022. We will stream the event so individuals can
listen, but there will be no participation through the stream due to the
logistics of the live auction. We hope you will join us at the center from
10 A.M. until 4 PM, Saturday, January 8. Please contact David Houck if you
plan to participate in-person. At the seminar, chapters and divisions will
selling items to raise money including, but not limited to: seniors, sports
and rec, Lee County chapter, merchants, and more. We will also have our
auction to benefit Rocky Bottom. Please bring new items for the auction. I
look forward to seeing you all there!

 

Also, our 2022 state dues are due by December 31. Please remember if you
send in your name, please include an email if you have one and a working
phone number so that we can assist in completing the online membership form.
Thank you to those who are assisting members who are not as tech savvy.
Together we are stronger.

 

 


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 at 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 men’s! 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.

 


Blind Merchants Fundraiser


 


>From Demetrius Williford

Hello Federation family The National Federation of the Blind of South
Carolina Blind Merchants Division is having a fundraiser for a 55 inch or
above Smart TV. The tickets are 1 for $5.and 3 for $10. This fundraiser will
continue throughout our state wide seminar. In which the drawing will take
place The day of the seminar. So, don’t worry you will have an opportunity
to purchase the lucky ticket or tickets that day. If you would like to
purchase tickets in advance you can contact President Belinda banks at
8649095587 or email her at banksbelinda21 at gmail.com
<mailto:banksbelinda21 at gmail.com>  or Second vice president Demetrius
Williford at 8643288177 or email him at Santez1981 at gmail.com
<mailto:Santez1981 at gmail.com>  or any of the blind merchants members for any
additional information. Here are the different payment methods that can be
used to purchase the tickets. Cash app which is $BlindMerchantsofSC, The
next method is PayPal if you choose to used this method there is a a
transaction fee of 2.2%. Our PayPal information is
Blindmerchantssc at gmail.com <mailto:Blindmerchantssc at gmail.com> . With that
being said in order for us to receive your full payment through PayPal that
2.2% will need to be added to The amount of tickets you purchase. We truly
appreciate you all for participating in our fundraiser. At time of purchase
please put in memo field your name and how many tickets you’re purchasing.

 


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 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


  


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. She will
also be selling some of these items at the statewide seminar.

 


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!

 


Winner, Fundraiser Columbia Chapter


 

Thank you to Andrew Adams who donated the iPad to the Columbia Chapter to
use for a fund raiser. Thom Spittle was the winner of this drawing which was
held at the Columbia chapter meeting on December 9.

 


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. 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. Beginning in January, chairs and co-chairs will be
responsible for sending out reminders of their meetings along with their
agenda to the list serv. Please remember, I need a list of all committee
members so we can add to the website by Wednesday, December 29.

 


Monday, December 13, 2021


Convention Planning Committee 7:00 PM Federation Center Zoom 

 


Tuesday, December 14, 2021


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

Sumter Christmas Gayla 7:00 PM Rocky Bottom Zoom

At Large Chapter 7:00 PM Federation Center Zoom 

At Large Chapter Christmas Party 8:00 PM Federation Center Zoom 

 


Wednesday, December 15, 2021


Public Relations & Social Media 8:00 PM Federation Center Zoom 

 


Thursday, December 16, 2021


Palmetto Connects 6:00 PM Federation Center Zoom 

Florence Chapter 7:00 PM Federation Center Zoom 

 


Friday, December 17, 2021


Christmas theme Family Feud 8:00 PM Federation Center Zoom

Please Email Steve Cook at cookcafe at sc.rr.com <mailto:cookcafe at sc.rr.com>
to preregister if you want to play


 


Saturday, December 18, 2021


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

Tech Training

10:00

Presentation on the BlindShell Cell Phone

11:00

Technology questions 

Cherokee Chapter Conference Call

Conference Call in #: 1-605-475-4120 Access code: 6524057

 

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 


How much did Santa pay for his sleigh?

Nothing. It was on the house!


 


Fascinating Fact of the Week


 

 The tallest Christmas tree ever displayed was in Seattle, Washington,
measuring 221 feet tall, and,  Christmas trees usually grow for nearly 15
years before they can be sold.

 


Final Thought


 


It's not how much we give but how much love we put into giving”” Mother
Teresa

 


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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