[NFBofSC] Positive Note 1880

Mon Aug 22 03:38:00 UTC 2022

August 22, 2022

Positive Note 1880

President Jennifer Bazer

803-960-9977

  Jennifer.H.Bazer at gmail.com <mailto:Jennifer.H.Bazer at gmail.com> 

          Greetings Fellow Federationists:

This is a bittersweet Positive Note as it will be my last one as state
president. It has been an honor to serve as our affiliate president for the
last two years. As I mentioned during Palmetto Connects on August 18, I will
not be seeking re-election. Being president is a rewarding experience; it
also takes a lot of time. I have a nine year old daughter, Kaylin and a
twelve year old son, Cade who need their mom more during their pivotal
years. I probably spent an additional 30 hours outside of work serving as
NFB of SC state president a week. I want my children to know I served the
blind community; more importantly, I want my children to remember I was
present for them, really involved in their lives and spent quality time with
them. Giving another person the opportunity to be president will give me the
opportunity as a single parent to be there physically and emotionally for
Cade and Kaylin. It will also enable fresh ideas for the Palmetto affiliate.
I want to thank all of you for your support, your encouragement, and your
love during my presidency. Together, we have accomplished a lot in two years
from forming new divisions to more active committees to more sponsorships to
defray cost of our state convention. My hope and desire is that we support
the next president that we elect on August 28. The Palmetto affiliate is
changing what it means to be blind with love, hope and determination. We are
living the lives we want. This is not goodbye; it is see you soon! Let's go
build the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina!

As we prepare to vote in the upcoming elections, I hope voters will consider

*	Who would be the best candidate for each position.
*	Who attends most if  not all board meetings and other leadership
meetings?
*	Who is qualified  for the position and wants the position?
*	Who has the skills to fulfill the duties of the position?
*	Who believes in the affiliate?
*	Who is dedicated to furthering the mission of the NFB of SC and is
not simply seeking recognition?
*	Who comes up with solutions when there are challenges?
*	Who is ready to grow the affiliate, build the Federation and think
outside of the box when needed?
*	Who is willing to make the personal sacrifices and time commitments
needed to improve the lives of the blind in South Carolina?

State Convention Badges

Eligible voters will have a green badge; all other badges will be red.
Please insure you are wearing your badge at all times. Badges are printed
with your information on both sides. If you have a special meal request,
that is also noted on your badge. If you have a gluten free meal or
vegetarian meal, tickets will be in your badge to present at each meal. If
you do not receive a special meal you requested, please let the hotel staff
know. The hotel knows how many vegetarian and gluten free meals to prepare.
Please insure you are only requesting what you chose during registration.
These numbers have already been submitted to the hotel so they can plan for
meals during our convention.

Blimpy Subs During Convention

For those who ordered Blimpy subs during the registration process, those
meals will be available in a suite between 12:15and 1:45 on Saturday, August
27. The suite number will be given out during convention since it has not
been assigned by the hotel at this time. After 1:45, the suite will be
closed so everyone can attend the afternoon general session. Please insure
you are wearing your badge when you pick up your Blimpy meal. Your name will
be checked off the list once received. We want to thank the Blind Merchants
division for their generosity in providing this free meal.

We Care Concerns

Please keep the following individuals in your thoughts and prayers.

The family of Dorothy C. Barksdale on her passing.

The family of Bob Martin on his passing.

Milton Tant of the Spartanburg Chapter, hospitalized
Diane Haycraft of the Spartanburg Chapter, hospitalized

Ernest Gallman of the Columbia Chapter

Marshall and Lois Tucker in Columbia

Dale and Pat Wolthoff of the Columbia Chapter

Charles Alex Reynolds of the Sumter Chapter.

Those who are not on this list but need our thoughts and prayers for
sickness, loss, recovery and other concerns that are not mentioned or
unspoken.

August Birthdays!

Happy birthday to our members born in August!

Janice Smith       22

Laura James       22

Stacey Fulwood 22

Eric Hilton            23

Jennifer Bazer   25

John Willis           25

Diane Railton     26

Summer Swayngham     27

Carolyn Jackson 23

Amber Paxton   30

Carey Burris        31

Neal Dorsey       31

NFB of SC Quilt auctioning Off at State Convention

MT. Hebron UMC Prayer Chain Ministry donated a homemade quilt that we will
be auctioning off during our Saturday night banquet.

This modern block style quilt was created for the National Federation of the
Blind Of SC by the Mt. Hebron Prayer Shawl Ministry. The colors are those
represented in the NFB logo; blue, green and orange. Each row contains a
block with an embroidery pattern.

Row one, block four is a radiant flower of teardrop shaped petals. "The
grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand
forever." Isaiah 40:8 ESV This quilt will fade, but God's love for you lasts
forever! (Wash in cold water with a Shout Color Catcher Sheet. Dry low
temperature or line dry.)

Row two, block one has the NFB motto "Live the life you want." Block 6 has a
braille representation of the logo hand stitched in French knots.

Row three, block three is a pair of birds. "'Look at the birds of the air:
they neither sow nor reap or gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father
feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?'" Matthew 6:26 ESV

Row four, block five, is a circle pattern representing the Trinity. "For
there are three that bear witness in heaven: The Father, the Word, and the
Holy Spirit; and these three are one." 1 John 5:7 NIV

Row five, block two is an abstract pattern representing creation. "For by
Him all things were created,in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible,
whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities - all things were
created through Him and for Him." Colossians 1:16 ESV 

Row six, block four is a butterfly. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the
new creation has come: the old has gone, the new is here!" 2 Corinthians
5:17 NIV

Row seven, block one is the Mt Hebron Prayer Shawl Ministry dedication.
Block six is the National Federation of the Blind logo. A special thank you
to Susan Nelson of Charlotte Sewing Center for digitizing the logo.

A tassel is tied at each corner. Each knot is tied as a prayer is given for
the receiver of the quilt. We invite you to continue tying knots with a
prayer!

Calling all Interested Members in an SC Association of Black Leaders
Division

As many of you are aware, during last month's NFB National Convention a
National Association of Black Leaders Division was officially created. After
much discussion, we feel that such a division would also benefit the blind
of South Carolina.

If such an association were to be created, the purpose of the association
would be to serve as a chapter of the National Association of Black leaders
(N.A.B.L.) and a division of the NFB of SC; to promote and encourage the
full participation of black members within the NFB of SC;  to be a vehicle
for collective action by the blind of South Carolina; to encourage and
support black members in the pursuit of leadership roles; to educate others
on the intersecting problems faced by blind Black Americans; to raise
awareness of the contributions of the Black membership within the movement;
and to do such things, and to take such actions, in furtherance of the goals
of the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina.

If you are interested in joining a division such as this, or if you would
like more information, you can email either Derique Simon or myself
(Kristopher Crawley) using the below contact information.

Although this is a division that focuses on the interests of black members
within the federation, everyone is encouraged to join and participate.

An interest meeting will be held at the NFB of SC State Convention on
Friday, August 26th at 10PM. More information to come soon.

We look forward to hearing from you,

Derique's Phone: (864) 398-9437

Derique's Email: DeriqueS at icloud.com <mailto:DeriqueS at icloud.com> 

Kris' Phone: (803) 220-1727

Kris' Email: KICrawley.NFB at gmail.com <mailto:KICrawley.NFB at gmail.com> 

Come by the SCCOF Table at State Convention

We would like to encourage you to stop by the SC Communities of Faith
Division table at this year's State Convention. We will be giving out
keychains, providing material such as prayer cards from different faith
traditions, and information on how to order and obtain resources in
accessible formats. We would just love to chat.  This division is to share
information about faiths for better understanding, not as a recruitment
tool, so please join us! 

If you would like to donate anything for us to display or provide to
interested parties, you can contact me in the following ways.

Email: KICrawley.NFB at gmail.com <mailto:KICrawley.NFB at gmail.com> 

Phone/Text: (803) 220-1727

Looking forward to seeing you there,

We Care Would Like Donations and Help for those at Christmas

The We Care Committee is one of the NFB of SC statewide committees. All
funds are held in the NFB of SC account, earmarked We Care so that this
committee can fulfill its project for Christmas.

The We care committee is sponsoring a prized drawing for an Apple TV, yes,
an Apple TV!!!
Donations are as follows: one ticket five dollars, five tickets, $20.
All proceeds, 100%, from this fundraiser will go towards a Christmas project
that is near and dear to us. We will be providing hygiene kits as well as
gift cards for visually impaired and blind adults and children for
Christmas.
The drawing will take place on Monday, October 5 at 6 PM on Federation zoom.
You do not have to be present to win.
To contribute to this wonderful cause, you may:
    1.    Log on to nfbofsc.org <http://nfbofsc.org>  and tap donate. Please
be sure to indicate we care committee fundraiser in the memo line
    2.    Send check or money order too: Federation Center 119 South
Kilbourne Rd Columbia, SC 29205
3. You may also contact the We Care committee and provide tangible items
that they need for this project like gift cards or hygiene items.
Thank you in advance for your support!

Resolutions for 2022 State Convention

>From Elizabeth Rouse

Miss Valerie and myself are excited to get to work on this year's
resolutions, and we are also hoping this year will serve as an opportunity
for us to reorganize and rededicate the committee to follow-through and
successful implementation.

With this goal in mind, we would love to get as much work done regarding the
composition and revision of resolutions before the start of convention on
Thursday, August 25. We ask that you send any resolution draft you have to
both Valerie and myself at vwarrington at att.net <mailto:vwarrington at att.net>
and elizabethrouse.nfb at gmail.com <mailto:elizabethrouse.nfb at gmail.com>  no
later than noon on Monday, August 22.

We will still be open to new ideas and suggestions for resolutions after
this date; however, providing this initial deadline will allow for a great
deal of respect to be shown to Valerie's time, my own, and that of our
committee members.

Senior Division Wants to Warm you Up

The Senior Division of the NFB of SC is ready to warm you up and get you
going! We will be selling coffee and hot chocolate in whatever form you like
(Ground, whole bean or K-Cups).

The name of the company is "White Cane Coffee", founded by a blind woman.
All the boxes are brailled, as are the individual K-cups. There are numerous
flavored coffees to choose from, and the hot chocolate comes in either plain
or a mint flavor. All coffee comes in regular or decaf and a variety of
roasts are available as well. From a mild roast to "High Octane", there is
surely a coffee which will be right for you. Please visit our website at
https://whitecanecoffee.com/ref/NFBSC-Seniors/

to order your coffee or hot chocolate today!

     The ordering process and selection of coffee types are simple. You may
order on-line only at this time, but we will expand it for ordering without
a computer or smartphone later in the fall.

     We will also have samples for you to taste at the State Convention, so
stop by and visit us at the Senior Table. We will also be giving some out to
lucky door prize winners there.

News From Spartanburg Chapter!

The Spartanburg Chapter announces a Fund Raising Drawing contest with the
drawing to be held on August 27, 2022 during State Convention. How much for
the entry ticket? The cost of the chance to win a prize is a donation of
$5.00 and we hope you will enter as many times as you would like, the more
entries the better your chances!

What do you win? The donation of $5.00 gives you a chance to win a

first prize :sixty-five inch  Smart TV

Second prize: Air Fryer

Third prize : fourth generation Echo

We are also excited to announce a second Fund Raising event to be offered at
State Convention. One of our Chapter members has designed an incredibly
special T-shirt logo honoring the blind movement in South Carolina.

What are the colors? Pink, yellow and white are the current offered colors
in sizes ranging from small to 2X with more colors and sizes available upon
your order.

 How much for this unique t-shirt? The cost is one for $20 and two for
$35.00.

What is on the t-shirt which makes it so special? Our designer has provided
the details:

The Logo on front is an Apple tree  and arched across the top of the apple
tree will be the following quote: "That which is Essential is never
invisible in our eyes"

On the left side of the tree trunk is NFB and the right side is SC

Below the tree are the words : Under the apple tree" and :Spartanburg
Chapter" .

What if all the t-shirts are gone before you can purchase one or more? Do
not fear, we can take orders in assorted colors and sizes, and we will ship
to your home address. If you have any questions or wish to place an order,
email the Spartanburg Chapter at spartanburg.chapter.nfbsc at outlook.com
<mailto:spartanburg.chapter.nfbsc at outlook.com> 

NFB of SC Jackets at State convention

Frank Loza will have both types of NFB of SC jackets to show and order at
our upcoming state convention. Please see him at the NFB of SC table in the
exhibit hall or call him at 803-617-8016.

2022 NFB of SC Scholarship Program

The Scholarship Committee thanks the Sumter Chapter and Columbia Chapter for
their generous donations to the scholarship program During this past week.
Other donors received to date are Janice Smith, Ed and Julie Bible,

Mike Rundle (Jimmy Smith Memorial Scholarship), the Greenville Chapter, The
Federation Center of the Blind, Belvedere Chapter, Chesterfield Chapter,
Grand Strand Chapter, and the Computer Science and Technology Division.  The
amount is now approaching $5000. In the short time announcements have been
put in the Positive Note over the past few weeks, the Scholarship Fund has
more than doubled.  Now this is how we build the National Federation of the
Blind of South Carolina!! Our most sincere and humble gratitude from the
Scholarship Committee goes out to everyone who has worked hard to donate to
these scholarships.  We accept donations from individuals, not just chapters
and divisions.  Years ago, Carey Burris established the Metro Fund to allow
for smaller donation amounts that can be added to named scholarships  to
supplement the award amounts for individual students.  Please consider
passing the hat at your chapter meeting or sending in a donation to help
these students to offset their educational expenses.     Donations can be
made via PayPal or by check.  Please call me, Shannon Cook if you have
questions or want to let me know of a donation.  Thanks in advance for your
assistance.

Questions for State Agencies Presenting at Convention

Last year, Darline Graham, Commissioner of the SC Commission for the blind
updated us on their current events and initiatives. This year, we hope that
the Talking Books service new director Jennifer Falvey and new president of
SC School for the Deaf and Blind will both join the Commission in updating
us. If you would like to submit your questions for any of these agency
directors in advance, you may do so.  They will each have approximately ten
minutes on the agenda, with a few minutes reserved for the questions. Please
email your questions to Elizabeth Rouse and Anna Price, co-chairs of
Legislative and Advocacy committee at

Elizabethrouse.nfb at gmail.com <mailto:Elizabethrouse.nfb at gmail.com> 

State Convention Banquet Fundraiser

Each year at our state convention, we raise money for the NFB of SC at our
banquet on Saturday night. We usually raise around $10,000 in less than an
hour which is impressive and shows the dedication to our affiliate by all of
our members, chapters and divisions. Please consider what you may wish to
contribute during our banquet. Contributions can be sent ahead of time to
the Federation Center made out to NFB of SC. Please insure you write banquet
fundraiser in the memo line so we can recognize the contribution. You may
also send your donations through Pay Pal on our NFB of SC website. Please
write banquet fundraiser in the comment section. Pledges can be made at the
banquet. These should be fulfilled by December 31, 2022. All contributions
by members, chapters and divisions will be recognized at the banquet.

Braille Afghan Fundraiser

Do you or a family member read, write, or just simply have an appreciation
for Braille? If so, the Braille Literacy Committee, in partnership with the
NFB of SC Fundraising committee and the NFB of SC have a special
announcement! A special Braille-themed Afghan has been  lovingly created by
our very own Glenda Culick, featuring yarn from the personal collection of
our beloved late Ellen Taylor. This one-of-a-kind, handmade item features a
white background with hunter green Braille dots that are visual and
touchable and a hunter green border. The Afghan is large enough to cover a
twin size bed, but would also look great as an overlay on a full or queen
sized bed. Coincidentally, the color scheme matches with that of the School
for the Deaf and Blind, which has many alumni in the area. The cost to enter
will be $10 per entry or you may purchase 3 entries for $25. The drawing to
determine the winner will take place during the late fall season. If you'd
like to examine the piece, it will be on display at the NFB of SC table
during the state convention in August. The Braille Literacy Committee wishes
to extend a heartfelt thank-you to Glenda for taking the time to create such
a beautiful piece and to the fundraising committee, along with the NFB of SC
for partnering with us to extend this special opportunity statewide. 

 You may enter the drawing by using Pay Pal on our affiliate website and
please insure you put Braille Afghan in the comment section. You may also
mail a check to the Federation Center made out to NFB of SC and write
Braille Afghan in the memo line. One entry for $10 or three for $25.

Door Prize Collection:

It is time to begin gathering door prizes to distribute during the general
sessions of the convention. Names for door prizes will be drawn
electronically like last year. We are keeping consistent with our NFB
national as they also draw electronically.  We like for the prizes to be
worth $10 or more.  Only new items please.  Keep in mind that men, women,
blind, and sighted all will be in the running to receive them, so a variety
of prizes is greatly appreciated. If you will be at the convention, you can
bring them with you.  If not,

You can send them with someone or mail them to the Federation Center.
Address is provided later in the Positive Note.   If anyone has questions,
please contact Steve and Shannon Cook who are coordinating door prizes again
this year.  Their info is below.  Home: (803) 254-0222; his cell: (803)
260-1292; her cell: (803) 605-4250; email: cookcafe at sc.rr.com
<mailto:cookcafe at sc.rr.com> . 

          Zoom Events for the upcoming week!

Below is the list of NFB SC Zoom events for the month of August. Please read
over them and let me know of any changes. Also, if you are a Division
President and plan to meet in person at the NFB of SC State Convention, let
me know in order to note this on the Google Calendar.

In order to have enough room for the state convention recordings on Zoom.
All meetings will be deleted Thursday morning. 

Tuesday, August 23, 2022

Diversity & Inclusion Committee 8:00 PM Federation Center Zoom  

Thursday, August 25, 2022

State Board Meeting from the State Convention at 7:00 PM Federation Center
Zoom 

Friday, August 26, 2022

State Convention in person, will not be streamed on Zoom

See agenda for full details for in person meetings

Saturday, August 27, 2022

State Convention in person 

General sessions and Banquet will be streamed on the Federation Center Zoom
platform

Sunday, August 28, 2022

State Convention in person 

General sessions will be streamed on the Federation Center Zoom platfor 

Do you have a smart phone or tablet? How would you like to be able to look
at your calendar on your smart device for upcoming events for the NFB of SC?
Well, we have something that you will really like! Below is a link to the
NFB of SC Google Calendar that you can subscribe to for upcoming events
without having to visit our fabulous NFB of SC website to check the Events
Calendar. Below is the link in which you will need to subscribe to the
Events Calendar on your smart phone or computer.

https://calendar.google.com/calendar/ical/nfbsouthcarolina%40gmail.com/priva
te-4df60c862f41a1d9bf2e25ed4a6af1f2/basic.ics

          Federation Center Zoom Info

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 Zoom Info

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

Meeting ID: 864 878 9090 Passcode: 124578

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

FCB Address:

Federation Center of the Blind

119 S Kilbourne Road

Columbia, SC 29205

NFB of SC PayPal:

Go to  <http://www.nfbofsc.org> www.nfbofsc.org and  click on the "Donate
with PayPal" button.  Enter the required info.  PayPal charges a 3% fee.  To
ensure that the total amount you are paying is received, kindly add 3 cents
for every dollar that is being paid.  We thank you for your support. 

Trivia question

When is my birthday and how old will I be? 

       Final Thought -

"It's never too late to become who you want to be. I hope you live a life
that you're proud of, and if you find that you're not, I hope you have the
strength to start over." - F. Scott Fitzgerald

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."

NFB of SC PSA

Click here to view the National Federation of the Blind of SC 2021 PSA!

More NFB of SC Information

          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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