[NFBofSC] Positive Note 1821

[jennifer at successforlives.org]

July 5, 2021

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

From:  Jennifer Bazer, President

Positive Note 1821

803-960-9977  

Jhipp25 at sc.rr.com <mailto:Jhipp25 at sc.rr.com> 

Greetings Fellow Federationists:

 

I hope all of you had a fantastic and safe Fourth of July and remember why
we celebrate this day.

 


4th of July Facts 


The Declaration of Independence
<https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/502369/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-f
ourth-july> was not signed on July 4, 1776. That's actually the day it was
formally adopted by the Continental Congress, but it wasn't signed by most
signatories until August. 

Americans typically eat 150 million hot dogs on Independence Day, "enough to
stretch from D.C. to L.A. more than five times," according to the
<http://www.hot-dog.org/media/consumption-stats> National Hot Dog and
Sausage Council.

Three presidents
<https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/502369/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-f
ourth-july> have died on July 4: Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and James
Monroe.

John Adams  <https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/july-4th> believed that
American independence should be celebrated on July 2, as that's the actual
day the Continental Congress voted for independence in 1776. 

Annoyed that Independence Day wasn't celebrated on July 2, Adams
<https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/july-4th> reportedly turned down
invitations to July 4 celebrations throughout his
<https://parade.com/937586/parade/life-quotes/> life.

Massachusetts  <https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/july-4th> became the
first state to make the 4th of July an official state holiday in 1781. 

President Zachary Taylor
<https://people.howstuffworks.com/culture-traditions/holidays-other/fourth-j
uly-facts.htm> died in 1850 after eating spoiled fruit at a July 4
celebration.

The famed Macy's fireworks show in New York City
<https://people.howstuffworks.com/culture-traditions/holidays-other/fourth-j
uly-facts.htm> uses more than 75,000 fireworks shells and costs about $6
million. 

Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest
<https://people.howstuffworks.com/culture-traditions/holidays-other/fourth-j
uly-facts.htm> is held annually on July 4. In 2018, champion Joey Chestnut
ate 74 hot dogs with buns in just 10 minutes.

Independence Day
<https://www.insider.com/fourth-of-july-facts-you-never-knew-2019-6> became
a federal holiday in 1870. 

In 1778,  <https://parade.com/989259/marynliles/george-washington-quotes/>
George Washington
<https://www.businessinsider.com/10-unusual-fourth-of-july-facts-2016-7?r=US
&IR=T> gave his soldiers a double ration of rum to celebrate the July 4
holiday. 

Every July 4, descendants of the signers of the Declaration of Independence
<https://www.ushistory.org/libertybell/> tap the Liberty Bell 13 times in
honor of the original 13 colonies.

Eating salmon is a July 4
<https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/502369/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-f
ourth-july> tradition in parts of New England. 

Small towns in the U.S.
<https://www.cbsnews.com/news/more-fireworks-bang-for-the-buck-this-july-4th
/> typically spend between $8,000 and $15,000 on their fireworks displays. 

President Calvin Coolidge
<https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/502369/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-f
ourth-july> was born on July 4, 1872. 

About 16,000 July 4 fireworks displays happen around the country each year,
according to the
<https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/american-pyrotechnics-association-
urges-congress-to-act-now-to-preserve-the-july-4th-american-fireworks-tradit
ion-301066921.html> American Pyrotechnics Association. 

With many fireworks shows canceled in 2020 due to COVID-19, the American
Pyrotechnics Association
<https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/american-pyrotechnics-association-
urges-congress-to-act-now-to-preserve-the-july-4th-american-fireworks-tradit
ion-301066921.html> is asking for financial help from Congress to keep
<https://parade.com/1045384/marynliles/family-quotes/> family-run fireworks
businesses afloat. 

Starting in 1818, new stars and stripes
<https://www.si.edu/spotlight/flag-day/flag-facts> were added to the
<https://parade.com/1038419/lindsaylowe/american-flag-etiquette/> American
flag each July 4 to make the creation of new states. 

The U.S. Flag Code
<https://parade.com/1038419/lindsaylowe/american-flag-etiquette/> offers
guidelines for flying the flag on July 4, and every day. 

John Hancock
<https://www.cfr.org/sites/default/files/pdf/Fourth%20of%20July%20Quiz%20201
9%20FINAL_4.pdf> has the largest signature on the Declaration of
Independence. 

The first July 4 celebration
<https://www.cfr.org/sites/default/files/pdf/Fourth%20of%20July%20Quiz%20201
9%20FINAL_4.pdf> took place at the White House on 1801, hosted by Thomas
Jefferson. 

One World Trade Center in New York is 1,776 feet tall to
<https://www.cfr.org/sites/default/files/pdf/Fourth%20of%20July%20Quiz%20201
9%20FINAL_4.pdf> mark the year the U.S. declared its independence from
Britain.

 

In partnership with the SC Commission for the Blind, we are continuing
Summer Teen week three (week 2 in-person which is held at the Federation
Center from 8:00 A.M. until 8:00 PM each day. Blind teens have enjoyed
classes in self-defense, financial literacy, independent living skills,
assistive technology, cane travel and more. They have utilized their skills
to go to Frankie's Fun Park and will be headed skating this week along with
a water day. Thank you to Ike Nelson who has jumped in to assist during
lunch. We cannot thank our Federation family enough for your love and
support and encouragement of this vital program for blind teens.

 

Update 65th Annual State convention

We currently have 87 individuals registered for the state convention
in-person and 26 registered virtually! I want to thank all of you who have
registered for our convention. We are going to have an amazing event, and we
want everyone to be a part of it. Please remember, your name is not
confirmed unless you have paid for the registration and also completed the
form. We have several individuals who have sent money but have not completed
the form, or, have completed the form for registration but have not paid.
Please insure both are complete to insure your final registration. If you
have not registered for our NFB of SC state convention which will be held
hybrid at the North Charleston Marriott august 20-22 (many of us are
arriving August 19), please consider attending with us virtually or
in-person. Specific details about the convention, hotel rates, registration
rates and more can be found later in this Positive Note. Also, thank you to
our chapter and division presidents for insuring your members know the
latest happenings in our affiliate and about our state convention. Let's
give everyone who wishes to attend our convention an opportunity, through
transportation, Palmetto Grant for first-timers (see details later in the
PN), and other creative ways, we want everyone who wants to attend to be
with us August 20-22. Let's get your registrations in as soon as possible as
they will increase after 11:59 PM on July 15. We have increased our room
block for Thursday, August 19, but please do not delay, once this block is
full for this night, we may not be able to increase again. If you have ideas
about convention agenda items, please let me know.

 

NFB of SC Fund-raiser, Marriott Raffle

Ten tickets were sent to all chapter and division presidents for our NFB of
SC fund-raiser for the Marriott. Two nights and breakfast for two valued at
$500 to be used by September 1, 2022. The drawing will be held during
Palmetto Connects on November 18. One ticket for $10 or three tickets for
$25. Please call David Houck at the Center at 803-254-3777 if you need
tickets. You may send a check to the Center at 119 S. Kilbourne Road,
Columbia, SC 29205 or pay using Pay Pal on our site.

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

Put it on Face book, ask your friends and family to purchase, sell to places
you go.

Let's work together to make this a successful fund-raiser for the Palmetto
affiliate. 

 

State Convention Transportation

We are looking to partner with Lion Vision Services (LVS) to work out
transportation for everyone interested in attending convention in person.
LVS is asking me to identify how many folks in each region will need
transportation. The only way I can accurately tell them is for you to let me
know. If the only reason you have not registered for the state convention is
due to lack of transportation or uncertainty about transportation, please
register for the convention in person and we will insure you have a ride.
Once you register and you need transportation, please text, call or email me
so I can let LVS know accurate numbers for each region. Those chapters with
vans, I am hopeful that you will offer folks a ride and partner with other
chapters to assist as well. Transportation will not be a deterrent. If you
are looking for a roommate for the state convention, please let me know so
that we can spread the word. Let's try to work together so that everyone who
wishes to attend the convention, can attend. There will be a van leaving
from Columbia on Thursday, August 19 around mid day. Please contact me if
you wish to ride that van(s). Another van will be leaving Friday from the
Federation Center. Please contact Steve Cook to be added to that list. 

 

2021 Awards, Please get your Nominations in!

We are accepting nominations for employer of the year, educator of the year
and the Donald C Capps award. Nominations for Educator of the year will be
sent to Marty McKenzie, Employer of the Year to Steve Cook and the Donald C
Capps to David Houck.

The Donald C Capps will recognize a sighted or blind member in our affiliate
since we no longer distinguish between the two. A member is a member and the
most important role in our organization.

Please get your nominations in by August 2!

Please include why you feel this individual or business deserves these
awards.

 

New Palmetto Convention Grant Program!

The Palmetto Convention Grant Committee met and decided on the requirements
and process for applying for convention assistance for first-time in-person
state convention attendees. Three grants will be awarded in the amount of
$200 each. 

To qualify for a Palmetto Convention Grant, one must be 

*       A dues paying member in good standing,

*       Registered for the NFB of SC state convention,

*       Registered to stay at the Marriott

*       A first time in-person attendee 

Requirements to Apply:

Submit a completed application electronically.

*       Submit a letter of recommendation from an NFB of SC chapter or
division president.

*       Submit an applicant  letter.

More details of what is required is included on the application. The
deadline is July 15, 2021 at 11:59 p.m.   

 

Sponsorship Letter for State Convention and updates on Sponsorships

If you need sponsorship letters sent out, please contact David Houck and he
will be happy to assist. Please do not forget about our contest. The chapter
or divisions who obtains the most sponsorship donation in dollar amount will
receive a percentage of the total donations raised. Our goal is $15,000.
Sponsorships will help defray costs of the convention for the affiliate.
Currently, the Columbia chapter has raised $4,300, the At Large chapter has
raised $250 and the Senior Division has raised $200 for a total of $5,050.
What an awesome start all of you! Let's send out those sponsorship letters,
make phone calls, add to Face Book and other social media, and other
creative ways. 

 

Masks

If you plan to attend the state convention and plan to wear a mask, Linda
Dizzley has offered to make masks for those wearing one at no charge. Please
call or text her at 803-459-4585.

 

Cooper River Bridge Run

Our Sports and Recreation Division will be coordinating the Cooper River
Bridge Run held the last Saturday in September. We plan to rent an Air BNB
the night before in the Charleston/MT. Pleasant area to prevent early
Saturday driving. After you have registered with Shree from the information
provided below, please contact me or David Rebocho to let us know if you
wish to stay in the Air BnB the night before. All individuals staying at the
Air BnB will need to pay their part in the rental of the house by August 15,
2021. Please remember you can get friends and family to sponsor you to run
or walk during this event to cover registration and housing costs.

Here is a message from our contact:

You can direct participants to Shree.  I'll include all the contact info at
the bottom of this email. Shree can help them sign our waiver and then she
can collect the information necessary to help them register.  

After looking at the CRBR website, it appears that the registration fee goes
up as the date draws closer.  Until June 15 the registration fee is $50.
After that the fee jumps to $55, then it jumps again to $60 after August 15.


Shree Gobin

Volunteer Coordinator, Adaptive Expeditions 

(317) 682-8222

Shree at AEOutdoors.org <mailto:Shree at AEOutdoors.org> 

 

Scholarship Announcement 2021

On behalf of the NFB of SC Scholarship Committee, I would like to thank the
Chesterfield Chapter, Grand Strand Chapter, Federation Center of the Blind,
the Sumter Chapter, the Columbia Chapter, and the Greenville Chapter for
their contributions to the 2021 Scholarship Program.    No amount is too
small.  Our students are the next generation of Federation leaders, so let's
show them that we stand with them in their educational journey!!  Donations
can be made online at www.nfbofsc.org <http://www.nfbofsc.org> , click
donate, and put scholarship in the comment field.  You can also send checks
to the Federation center in Columbia.  Thank you. Shannon Cook, Scholarship
Committee Chair.  

 

Sympathy

We extend our deepest sympathy on the loss of Belinda Bank's father-in-law.
Please keep this family in your thoughts and prayers.

 

              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.  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 so that information stays current on our website
and membership list.  Here is what is coming up on Zoom for the month. All
meetings are on the main Federation ID of 803-254-3777, unless noted.

Dates & Times of meetings are subject to change. All times are Eastern.

 


Monday, July 5, 2021


Fund Raising 7:00 PM

 

Please note, no chapter, division or committee meetings will be held Tuesday
through Saturday of this week starting at this point.

 


Tuesday, July 6, 2021


NFB National convention virtual


https://nfb.org/tuesday


 


Wednesday, July 7, 2021


NFB National Convention Virtual


https://nfb.org/wednesday

 


Thursday, July 8, 2021


NFB national Convention Virtual


https://nfb.org/thursday

 


Friday


NFB National Convention Virtual


https://nfb.org/friday


We will have our state caucus starting at 11:00 on the Federation platform.
Please join us. 


 


Saturday, July 10, 2021


NFB National Convention Virtual

https://nfb.org/saturday

We will also have a banquet party beginning at 5:00 at the Federation
Cneter. Please text me at 803-960-9977 or email me at

Jennifer at successforlives.org <mailto:Jennifer at successforlives.org> 

If you wish to attend. $10 per person as we will cater.

 


Sunday, July 11, 2021


Lee County Chapter 7:00 PM

 


Monday, July 12, 2021


Braille Literacy Committee 6:00 PM

 


Tuesday, July 13, 2021


Get Fit 5:30 PM Rocky Bottom

At Large Chapter 7:00 PM

Sumter Chapter 7:00 PM Rocky Bottom

 


Wednesday, July 14, 2021


Sports & Rec Division 6:00 PM Rocky Bottom

 


Thursday, July 15, 2021


Palmetto Connects

Columbia Chapter 6:15 PM Rocky Bottom

Florence Chapter Meeting 7:00 PM

Clarendon Chapter 8:00 PM

 


Friday, July 16, 2021


Trivia Night 8:00 PM

 


Saturday, July 17, 2021


Get Fit 9:00 AM Rocky Bottom

Cherokee Chapter 10:00 AM

 


Sunday, July 18, 2021


Support group for recently blind members 5:00 PM

 


Monday, July 19, 2021


Membership Committee 7:00 PM

 


Tuesday, July 20, 2021


Get Fit 5:30 PM Rocky Bottom

Diabetes Action Network 7:00 PM

 


Wednesday, July 21, 2021


Advocacy Committee 6:00 PM

Public Relations 8:00 PM

 


Thursday, July 22, 2021


Social Media 7:30 PM

 


Saturday, July 24, 2021


Get Fit 9:00 AM Rocky Bottom

 


Monday, July 26, 2021


Doing Our Fair Share 7:00 PM

 


Tuesday, July 27, 2021


Get Fit 5:30 PM Rocky Bottom

Computer Science Meeting 7:00 PM

Diversity & Inclusion 8:00 PM

 


Saturday, July 31, 2021


Get Fit 9:00 AM Rocky Bottom

 

 

              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)

 

 

NFB of SC 65th Annual State Convention!

I encourage you to register for our 65th annual state convention and attend
the way that best fits your comfort level at this time. We currently have 21
virtual registrants and 66 in-person registrants .Our goal is  fifty
in-person participants and we have exceeded that goal. Can we reach 100
in-person participants? We have several contests listed below for those
registering in-person or virtually between June 1 and June 30 will be
entered into a $50 drawing, and those registering at the hotel in Charleston
will be entered into a separate $50 drawing so please insure your name is in
one of those drawings. Also, we will be running a contest for the chapter or
division who obtains the most money in sponsorships. Let's work to exceed
our $15,000 sponsorship goal to defray the cost of the convention. If you
will need transportation or a roommate during the convention in North
Charleston, please call/text me at 803-960-9977 or email me at 

Jhipp25 at sc.rr.com <mailto:Jhipp25 at sc.rr.com> 

This information will go on the listserv. The transportation requests will
help us in determining pick-up points around the state. I am hopeful that
chapters with vans will assist in the transportation process as well as,
others in the community.

 

Let's talk about our state convention in detail.

We will be having our sixty-fifth NFB of SC state convention August 19-22,
2021 at the North Charleston Marriott, 4770 Goer Drive, North Charleston,
SC, 29406. It is time for all of us to begin making our reservations and
registering for our hybrid convention. You may contact the hotel directly at
843-747-1900 and let them know you are registering for the NFB of SC state
convention to receive the discounted rates.

Room rates are as follows:

Singles and doubles, $115.00 per night.

Triples, $125.00 per night.

Quads, $135.00 per night.

You will also need to add sales tax which currently is 14%.

The NFB of SC block of rooms at the above rates will be good until July 29,
2021 until 5:00 PM Eastern time. After that date, the hotel will release the
rooms to the general public and we will not be guaranteed our group rate.

The NFB of SC board voted on Thursday, April 22, 2021 on the following rates
for convention registration. The prices include reception on Friday night,
boxed breakfast Saturday and Sunday, and banquet Saturday night. There will
not be a luncheon on Saturday afternoon.

Adults, $85.00 per person until July 15; $100.00 after this date.

College, graduate and doctoral students, $55 per person until July 15; $60
after this date.

Individuals 18 and younger, $25.00 per person until July 15; $30 after this
date.

Virtual, $25.00 per person until July 15; $30 after this date.

In order to have a hybrid event so that as many individuals can attend as
possible, we are charging a small registration fee for virtual attendance to
cover the cost of broadcasting from the Marriott; the hotel charges the NFB
of SC around $1,000 for audiovisual equipment and broadcasting.

You may register using a paper registration form, complete and enclose
payment and send to the Federation Center, 2021 NFB of SC State Convention,
119 S. Kilbourne Road, Columbia, SC 29205.

You may also register online and submit payment through Pay Pal or you may
send in your payment to the Center at the above address. Registration will
not be confirmed until payment has been received through the mail or Pay
Pal. If using Pay Pal, please remember to add 3% to your total to cover Pay
Pal's administration fees and so that NFB of SC receives the entire amount.

Let's have a large in-person and virtual turn-out for the NFB of SC
Sixty-Fifth state convention!

Register online at

2021 National Federation of the Blind of SC Sixty-Fifth State Convention
Registration Form

https://forms.gle/JUxemkCKcjiWdC827

You may obtain a printed  form from David Houck at the Federation Center.
Those letters and registration forms will be in the mail this week.

Questions about the convention, please call me at 803-960-9977 or email me
at

Jhipp25 at sc.rr.com <mailto:Jhipp25 at sc.rr.com> 

 

Nationally:

 

Thank you to those who have registered for the National virtual convention.
NFB of SC currently has 85 individuals registered! Even if you have not
registered for the national convention, I encourage you to attend the
virtual convention this week as much as you can Tuesday through Saturday!

 

Below, you will find links to the national convention schedules for each
day.

I request that our chapter, division and other meetings not happen during
this week. This is a time to attend the national convention and learn about
the NFB and its resources. All meetings can be postponed to other months,
days, or times.

I appreciate you adhering to this request. Nationals does not want other
things going on this week during convention.

BTW, I did send in our banquet request so hopefully, they will drop into our
party which will be held at the Federation Center, Saturday night, July 10
from 5:00 until the banquet is over. We invite everyone. Food will be
brought in from the outside. If you plan to attend our banquet party at the
Center, please RSVP to me via email or phone/text. The cost is $10 per
person for this event at the Center.

               

All about National Convention Site

https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention?q=get-involved%2Fnational-c
onvention

 

Welcome

https://nfb.org/2021-national-convention-agenda

 

National Convention Tuesday:

https://nfb.org/tuesday

 

Wednesday

https://nfb.org/wednesday

 

Thursday

https://nfb.org/thursday

 

Friday

https://nfb.org/friday

 

Saturday

https://nfb.org/saturday

 

Convention Notes

https://nfb.org/convention-notes

 

Fascinating Facts


Mister Rogers always mentioned out loud that he was feeding his fish because
a young blind viewer once asked him to do so. She wanted to know the fish
were OK.


 

Final Thought

If people are doubting how far you can go, go so far that you can't hear
them anymore." - Michele Ruiz

 

If you have read to the end of this Positive Note, what would you do or try
in the NFB of SC if you knew you wouldn't fail? Email me your responses to
<mailto:Jennifer at successforlives.org> Jennifer at successforlives.org

 

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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