[NFBofSC] Positive Note 1819

Tue Jun 22 19:04:07 UTC 2021

As scholarship chair, I also want to thank the Chesterfield chapter, grand Strand chapter, and Rocky bottom for their scholarship donations. If anyone would like to donate, please send a check to David Health at the Federation center and indicate that it is for a scholarship or to be added to the metro fund. If you have any questions, feel free to call me at 803-605-4250. Please forgive any typos. I am dictating this message since I cannot type with a broken wrist.

Thank you

Be kinder than you feel, 
She/Her/Hers
Shannon Cook

> On Jun 21, 2021, at 1:31 AM, Jennifer Bazer via NFBofSC <nfbofsc at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> 
> June 21, , 2021
> Memo To:  Executive Officers, Board Members, Chapter & Division Presidents & Others
> From:  Jennifer Bazer, President
> Positive Note 1819
> 803-960-9977  
> Jhipp25 at sc.rr.com
> Greetings Fellow Federationists:
>  
> It is 1:00 A.M. Monday morning and I am pressing on with the Positive Note. My mind won’t rest, so I work on my laptop in the quiet of my home. The only sound is the whirring of the ceiling fan and the clicking of the keys as I type. My children are sleeping peacefully in their beds; the dogs sleep near me as I think about the upcoming week, the upcoming summer of programs and events, and the upcoming national and state conventions. I take a deep breath. It is about to be a ride I will never forget; a ride of love, hope, and determination. A ride that can never be planned because there will always be twists and turns, ups and downs, curve balls and strike outs, and a whole lot of fun! Make sure your seat belts are buckled, your seats are in the upright position, and your luggage is packed with a positive attitude, an open-mind, a kind word, a willingness to lend a helping hand, and a whole lot of PUSH, pray until something happens.
>  
> I hope all of our father and father figures had an amazing Fathers’ Day. We are grateful for you and appreciate your leadership, guidance and support in our affiliate and in the community.
>  
> Launching today, Monday, June 21 is Summer Teen 2021. In partnership with the SC Commission for the Blind and NFB of SC Successful Transitions, we are beginning six weeks of Summer Teen. The first week is virtual June 21-25; the next four weeks will be held in Columbia at the Center, local Air B & B’s, and outings to skating, bowling, Frankie’s Fun Park, indoor trampoline park and so much more. The last week will be at Rocky Bottom for their Summer Teen 2021 graduation retreat week. We are grateful to the SC Commission for the Blind for giving the NFB of SC opportunities to partner with them on programs. Summer Teen is a program of the Commission for the Blind, and the partnership with NFB of SC has expanded over the past five years. We look forward to continued partnerships on programming.
>  
> June 26-July 1, a group is headed to Rocky Bottom for children’s Camp 2021. We have 15 campers 12 and younger participating during the week. We are looking forward to canoeing at Table Rock, swimming, talent show, visiting local ice cream and doughnut shops, talking book services and so much more.
>  
> In this PN, you will find updates on our national virtual convention July 6-10 and a schedule of events. We are also having a banquet party at the Center in Columbia, Saturday night, July 10 from 5:00 PM until. All are welcome. We will bring food in from the outside. Please call, text or email me if you plan to attend. You will also find updates attendees in-person and virtual for our state convention, sponsorships and which chapter is in the lead, Cooper River Bridge run, NFB of SC Marriott ticket fund-raiser, zoom events this week, scholarship contributors,  and much more.
>  
> Update 65th Annual State convention
> 
> We currently have 66 individuals registered for the state convention in-person and 21 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. 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. Remember, there are two additional monetary drawings in June. Those who register from June 1-June 30 11:59 PM in-person or virtually will have their name entered into a $50 drawing. Those who make the hotel reservations between June 1-June 30 at 11:59 PM will b entered into a second $50 drawing. Let’s get your registrations in by June 30 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
> 
> 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.
>  
> 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 $3,300, the At Large chapter has raised $250 and the Senior Division has raised $200 for a total of $4,050. 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
>  
> Scholarship Announcement 2021
> On behalf of the NFB of SC Scholarship Committee, I would like to thank the 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, 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. 
>  
>  
>               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.
>  
> Tuesday, June 22, 2021
> Get Fit with the Sports & Rec 5:30 PM Rocky Bottom
> Diversity & Inclusion 8:00 PM
>  
> Thursday, June 24, 2021
> Social Media Committee 7:30 PM
>  
> Saturday, June 26, 2021
> Get Fit  Sports & Rec 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
> 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.
> If you plan to vote in this year’s election for the NFB of SC, you will need to be a member of the NFB of SC in good standing as of June 30, 2021 by 11:59 PM Eastern Standard time.
> 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
>  
> Nationally:
>  
> Thank you to those who have registered for the National virtual convention. NFB of SC currently has 85 individuals registered!
> Registration
> 
> Registration is now open and free! Get access to the latest information as it is made available and more. While there is no registration fee to attend the National Federation of the Blind 2021 National Convention, please consider a donation if you are in a position to do so. There is a donation option available during the registration process. Your support is greatly appreciated.
> 
> Register for the NFB 2021 National Convention now!
> 
> 2021 National Convention Registration Form (Fillable PDF)
> 
> Let’s have a large showing from the Palmetto affiliate for the national convention starting July 6! Many activities will be held before that date including Rookie Round-up for first-time convention attendees.
>  
> 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 if it falls into hours of the convention. This is a time to attend the national convention and learn about the NFB and its resources. If you have a meeting scheduled during this week, please insure it is not during the hours of the NFB national convention. 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.
>               
> All about National Convention Site
> https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention?q=get-involved%2Fnational-convention
>  
> 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
>  
> _._,_._,_
>  
> Random Fact of the Week:
> America accidentally dropped an atom bomb on South Carolina in 1958.
> In March 1958, a B-47 plane was headed to the United Kingdom and was armed with an atomic bomb. This bomb was even bigger than the "Fat Boy," the atomic bomb dropped on Nagasaki.
> 
> During the flight, the pilots noticed a fault light, so one of them decided to check it out. In doing so, he accidentally released the emergency pin, watching in horror as the bomb dropped to the ground. The good news was, the critical part of the bomb needed to set it off was still on the plane, so it never exploded.
> 
>  
> Final Thought:
> “If everybody does a little, then, nobody needs to do a lot”
> -Michael Choice
>  
> If you have read to the end of this Positive Note, email, text or call me with your favorite chocolate or hard candy. You can only give one response to this question. If I cannot answer your call, please leave a message and I will note your response.
>  
> 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/
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NFBofSC:
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