[NFBofSC] Positive Note 1897

[Marty McKenzie]

December 19, 2022
Memo To:  Executive Officers, Board Members, Chapter & Division Presidents & Others
From:  Marty R. McKenzie, President
Positive Note 1897
843-939-8091  marty2music at outlook.com

Dear Federation Family,

The Sumter Chapter of the NFB of SC held their 49th Annual Christmas Gala presided over by Chapter President and Second Vice President of the NFB of SC, Debra Canty. Doug Hudson and I provided 2 selections including Beautiful Star of Bethlehem and Some Call It Heaven, I call It Home. State Board Member Andrew Adams told his incredible story of his blindness and illness and State Board Member Linda Dizzley delivered a rousing performance of Go, Tell It On the Mountain. First Vice President, Lenora Robertson and Trent Tedder read from Luke, Chapter 2. There were many other Federationist from several chapters in attendance. I was honored to deliver the keynote address for the evening. Congratulations to Debra Canty and the Sumter Chapter for a remarkable and memorable evening and fundraiser.

The Federation Center held its Annual Christmas Party on Friday, December 16, 2022. Chairman of the Board, Ed Bible did a great job of highlighting the Center's many accomplishments during 2022. The infrastructure improvements are remarkable and we can all be proud of our state headquarters.  David Houck's office was moved and extensively renovated, the flooring was completed, new exit doors were installed and the ramp and steps at the rear entrance make it much safer to enter and exit the building. Finally, the Successful Transitions move is complete and the Federation Center is a hive of activity. A special thank you to State Board Member Isaiah nelson who prepared an excellent lunch for this party!

State "board Member Derique simon, along with his little sister, attended the Cherokee county Christmas Party on Saturday, December 17, 2022. It was a very positive meeting and the party was enjoyed by all. President James Byers put together an excellent program and there was great fellowship among members. Thanks to Derique Simon for representing the State Board at this event!

The Statewide Seminar will take place on January 7, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Federation Center. Please notify David Houck by close of business on Friday, December 20, 2022 if you plan to attend. David is not working that day, but you can leave a message on the voicemail. We will hear from our state agencies, a former State President and a few other surprises for members. Please plan to attend this mid-year meeting.

The Friends of Rocky Bottom Fundraiser is in its final countdown and will conclude on December 31, 2022. Many people have given to support our camp, and we are deeply grateful for this support. If you would like to make a donation or want additional details about the camp's needs, please contact Chairman Thom Spittle at 803-331-3344 or via e-mail at rockybottominfo at gmail.com<mailto:rockybottominfo at gmail.com>.

This is the last Positive Note before Christmas day. To all those who celebrate this season, I wish each of you a merry Christmas and a happy new year to all!
Here is David Houck's Federation fun fact for this week! Let's continue to read and learn together about our rich history in South Carolina.

Mary Middleton was one of the nicest ladies in the NFB of SC. Everyone liked her and appreciated her charm and gracious manner. Born and raised in Charleston, she was proud to be a "Geechee." In 1933, Mary enrolled at the SC School for the Deaf and the Blind. She was proud that she could read and write Braille after six months of instruction. She attended the school between 1933 and 1943, receiving her certificate as the School was not then eligible for diplomas. It would be more than 30 years later that Dr. Capps knew of Mary Middleton when she joined the Charleston Chapter in 1974. After school Mary went to work at the Charleston Association for the Blind caning chairs for some 20 years. Mary received Orientation and Mobility training at the Commission for the Blind in 1978. In 1983, Mary was the first black to serve as the Secretary of the NFB of SC. She served as President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer of the Charleston Chapter. She attended all of the NFB of SC conventions and most of the national conventions. She is remembered fondly for the wonderful rum cakes she brought to Rocky Bottom Board retreats. Mary Middleton passed away several years ago and was highly regarded for her work in the Federation.

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