[NFBofSC] Positive note 1950

Mon Dec 25 13:01:59 UTC 2023

December 25, 2023
Memo To:  Executive Officers, Board Members, Chapter & Division Presidents & Others
From:  Marty R. McKenzie, President
Positive Note 1950
843-939-8091  marty2music at outlook.com

Dear Federation Family,

It is Christmas day and this is the last Positive Note of 2023. It is a time of celebration and joy, a time to enjoy the presence of loved ones and the spirit of the season. Let's wrap each other with the hope, love and determination it takes to live the lives we want as blind people. From my house to yours, Merry Christmas and happy holidays!

>From Melinda Jones (I couldn't have said it better!)
We are thrilled to share the joyous news of Andrew D Adams' graduation on Saturday, December 16, 2023, where he proudly received his Bachelor's in Social Work with honors, cum laude, from Limestone University. As the District 2 representative on the NFB of SC Board of Directors and second vice president of the Columbia Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina, Andrew's dedication and hard work have truly paid off. His commitment to academic excellence, coupled with his invaluable contributions to the community, exemplify his spirit of leadership and service. Join us in extending our heartfelt congratulations to Andrew on this momentous occasion!

>From Sonia Timmons, SCPOBC Leader
Did you know that many organizations match their employee donations to approved non-profit organizations? This is an effective way to increase the funds coming to our NFB of SC state affiliate. Donation matching is a corporate giving initiative in which an employer matches their employee's contribution to a specific cause, increasing the gift.
You should ask your employer if they have a donation matching program and learn about how it works. Some companies will allow you to donate to non-profit organizations like the NFB of SC through payroll deductions. This is an easy way to contribute to our cause on a recurring basis. If you are not employed with a company that has a donation matching program, please ask your family and friends that support the NFB of SC to inquire about their employer's donation matching program. Rocky Bottom Retreat and Conference Center of the Blind is also a 501C3 organization and is also eligible for these kinds of programs. Let's explore what opportunities may exist here.

Plans are well underway for the Washington Seminar as several Federationists will depart Columbia on Sunday, January 29, 2024 and return on Thursday, February 2, 2024. You will hear additional information about our state and national legislative agenda at the Statewide Seminar on January 6, 2024.

The Friends of Rocky Bottom fundraising campaign is now underway and will conclude on December 31, 2023. There are a variety of prizes available for those who contribute in certain amounts. This will assist Rocky Bottom with the winter months when income is low and rentals are non-existent. Individually and as chapters or divisions, please consider what you can give. For more information about this fundraiser, contact Thom Spittle at 803-331-3344 or via e-mail at nfbsc.lab.4 at gmail.com<mailto:nfbsc.lab.4 at gmail.com> for additional information.

>From Steve Cook
The SC Association of Guide Dog Users (SCAGDU) is having a Honey Baked Ham fundraiser that promises to be a delectable and heartwarming experience for all participants. The savory allure of Honey Baked Ham's signature dishes is sure to draw you in for the wonderful flavors! The centerpiece of the fundraiser is, of course, their mouthwatering, slow-roasted ham, glazed to perfection with their unique blend of honey and spices. Whether it's served in slices, sandwiches, or as part of a wholesome meal, the unmistakable flavor of Honey Baked Ham is a crowd-pleaser that brings people together for a common cause. To complement the main attraction, a delightful array of sides, desserts, and beverages, all carefully selected from the Honey Baked Ham menu, will create an unforgettable dining experience.

In addition to the culinary delights, a Honey Baked Ham gathering around good foods has a unique way of uniting people, memorable and meaningful occasions. It's an opportunity for friends, family and neighbors to come together, savor delicious food and contribute to a worthy cause. With Honey Baked Ham's quality and reputation, you can be confident that your meal will be a flavorful success, bringing people closer while making a positive impact.

The SC Association of Guide dog Users invites you to go to Honey Baked Ham <https://www.honeybaked.com/fundraising/SCAGDU> to purchase your Honey Baked Ham store gift card!

Your support is greatly appreciated!!!!

If anyone has outstanding pledges from the State Convention Banquet Fundraiser, please take care of these by December 31, 2023. You can mail a check to NFB of SC, 119 S. Kilbourne Road, Columbia, SC 29205 or by using the donate link on the www.nfbofsc.org<http://www.nfbofsc.org> website.

The Annual Statewide Seminar will take place on January 6, 2024 at the Federation Center of the Blind beginning at 10:00 a.m. and concluding no later than 4:00 p.m. This is our mid-year NFB of SC meeting and we want as many members as possible to join us. Last year, we had approximately 125 members present and a great time of learning took place. Chapter presidents should contact David Houck via e-mail at nfbsc at sc.rr.com<mailto:nfbsc at sc.rr.com> or via telephone at 803-254-3777 by December 29, 2023 and let him know how many plan to come from your chapter to assist with food planning.

Things to Remember

  *   Friends of Rocky Bottom Fundraiser
  *   SCAGDU Fundraiser
  *   State Dues
  *   Chapter Elections
  *   Statewide Seminar on January 6, 2024

Here is David Houck's Federation Facing Fact.

This week, the Blind Who Lead the Blind will provide background information on Ed bible, former state board member and current Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Federation Center of the Blind.

Ed Bible has served on the Federation Center Board of Directors as Chairman for six years. He also serves as vicechair on the Rocky Bottom Board of Directors and is the At Large Chapter President. In addition, Bible serves on the Board of Trustees for the SC School for the Deaf and the Blind as appointed by the Governor. He served on the National Federation of the Blind of SC's State Board for more than twenty years.

Ed Bible was born in Laurens, South Carolina. He and his lovely wife, Julie, have two children, Jennifer and Ashton. Ed's father was in the Air Force, resulting in Ed's attending 17 different schools nationally and internationally. He graduated from the Rome Free Academy in Rome, New York. It was during this time that Ed met his "wife-to-be" Julie, who read to him during high school. After high school, Ed graduated from Syracuse University earning a BA in Education and Social Science.

Because his visual acuity in both eyes was 20/400, Ed found himself unable to get a teaching position. He did not throw in the towel! Persistence, Patience and perseverance paid off, when he secured a position with Snelling and Snelling as a Placement Specialist and Certified Personnel Consultant for the next six years.

In 1985, Ed was contacted by Don Bradley from the SC Commission for the Blind with a job offer, which he accepted. In his tenure with the Commission, Ed climbed the ladder of success. He started as a VR Counselor, was promoted to Employment Consultant then to an Assistive Technology Instructor. Ed was elevated into senior management and oversaw the operations of three departments including Assistive Technology and Training and Employment. His most gratifying experience was placing a blind person into gainful employment.

In his free time, Ed is an avid reader and has shared many times that he wishes he had learned Braille.  Having lost all his vision other than light perception and most of his hearing, Ed became the proud owner of multiple dog guides over the years! This greatly contributes to his mobility and confidence.

Marty

Marty R. McKenzie, President
National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina
119 S. Kilbourne Road
Columbia, SC 29205
Phone: 803-254-3777
Mobile: 843-939-8091
Website: www.nfbofsc.org<http://www.nfbofsc.org/>

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