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<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; FONT-SIZE: 14pt">April 23, 2014<?xml:namespace prefix
= o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; FONT-SIZE: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt">Memo
To: Executive Officers, Board of Directors, Chapter and Division Presidents and
Others<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; FONT-SIZE: 14pt">From: Parnell Diggs,
President<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; FONT-SIZE: 14pt">Positive Note
1445<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; FONT-SIZE: 14pt">Dear Fellow
Federationists:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>We are still accepting reservations for the NFB of SC Cruise occurring
between the dates of February 7, 2015, and February 14, 2015.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Be sure to get in touch with Anahit
Labarre at <A
title=blocked::wlmailhtml:{06B6C70F-ADE0-42B0-A52F-B0C9F5B67C99}mid://00000346/!x-usc:mailto:alabarre@labarretravel.com
href="wlmailhtml:{06B6C70F-ADE0-42B0-A52F-B0C9F5B67C99}mid://00000346/!x-usc:mailto:alabarre@labarretravel.com"><SPAN
style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial"><FONT
face="Times New Roman">alabarre@labarretravel.com</FONT></SPAN></A> or
720-334-3652.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Anahit can give you
the details you will need to complete your travel plans.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>It will be a blast, so be sure to join
us in February of 2015! <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>To reserve your cabin, you need to have your deposit paid by the
deadline, which will arrive around May 1, 2014.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>There will then be an interim payment
due around September 1, 2014, and your final payment is due no later than
November 19, 2014.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Please ask
Anahit about these dates, as I am estimating.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Choose any payment plan you like, but
let’s have a great time together.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>You can still preregister for the National Convention by completing the
registration form in your copy of the April Braille Monitor or online at <A
href="http://www.nfb.org/"><SPAN style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial"><FONT
face="Times New Roman">www.nfb.org</FONT></SPAN></A>.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The hotel phone number is
800-204-7234.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The deposit is $95,
which will be applied to your bill.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>The chartered bus is two-thirds full, as reservations continue to come
in.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>It is time to apply for NFB of SC scholarships for the upcoming academic
year.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Visit <A
href="http://www.nfbsc.net/"><SPAN style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial"><FONT
face="Times New Roman">www.nfbsc.net</FONT></SPAN></A> and complete the online
application, and be sure to tell other students about this opportunity to
receive financial assistance with school expenses.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Scholarships will be awarded during the
State Convention scheduled for August 8 through 10 at the Columbia
Marriott.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>Let me give you a brief reminder regarding Advocacy Day for Access and
<?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"
/><st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Independence</st1:place></st1:City>
on May 8, 2014, at the State House.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>This is a gathering of a number of disability-related organizations with
similar goals to our own.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>A number
of chapters are planning to transport members to Advocacy Day using their
chapter vans, which is a most welcomed idea.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>I hope you can join us between 9:00 AM and 12:30 PM on Thursday, May 8,
to increase public awareness about independence and equality from the
prospective of the largest minority group in the nation:<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>people with disabilities.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>May 8 is only two weeks away, so you
should start working on the logistics now.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>I want to conclude my portion of the Positive Note with a shout out to
our Columbia Chapter, which is conducting its 61<SUP>st</SUP> Annual Barbecue on
Thursday, April 24.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The Barbecue
project has been featured recently at the national level with an article in the
Cash and Caring fundraising kit due to the success we have enjoyed each
year.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>To our colleagues in
<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">Columbia</st1:City></st1:place>, good
luck!<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Joining me for comments in
this Positive Note is the President Emeritus of the NFB of SC.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Here is Dr. Capps.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>For many years the Carolina-Clemson football game was held on "Big
Thursday."<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>This was an official
state holiday with many businesses closing.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>However, Clemson got tired of playing
the game in <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place
w:st="on">Columbia</st1:place></st1:City> every year and of course this was
changed.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The annual Columbia
Chapter barbecue is held the last Thursday in April.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>For those of us who participate in the
annual barbecue many feel that the last Thursday in April is a virtual "Big
Thursday."<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>This arrangement has
worked well for the Columbia Chapter.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>The weather is very beautiful and many feel that <st1:place
w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">Columbia</st1:City></st1:place> is an open florist
shop at this time of the year with azaleas blooming as well as dogwoods,
etc.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>This annual barbecue has been
held at the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName
w:st="on">Federation</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType
w:st="on">Center</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> of the Blind with the first
occurring in 1962, some 52 years ago.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>Before 1962 the barbecue was held in the <st1:place
w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Administration</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType
w:st="on">Building</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> of the Association of the Blind
broom and mattress shop.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>This
arrangement was satisfactory for 1954 and 1955 but unfortunately contention in
1956 was brought about by our pressing concerns about the low wages paid blind
workers and poor working conditions.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>This resulted in our being advised that we were no longer welcome to use
the Association's facilities.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Sen.
Walter J. Bristow, Jr., at that time was my neighbor.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I discussed this situation with
him.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>He was able to get the
<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Richland</st1:PlaceName>
<st1:PlaceType w:st="on">County</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> legislative
delegation to approve our using the Township Auditorium located on <st1:Street
w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">Taylor Street</st1:address></st1:Street>.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>This arrangement was satisfactory,
especially since the Township Auditorium is centrally located.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>From 1954 to the present time, hundreds
of blind persons have participated in the barbecue including the three canvas
nights.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>However, since some 60
years have elapsed, there is no one still alive who has participated since the
first barbecue with the exception of three people who are Betty and myself and
Lois Bolton Tucker.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>It is to the
credit of the blind in the <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place
w:st="on">Columbia</st1:place></st1:City> area who year after year promote this
good fundraiser.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Hundreds of blind
Columbians have benefitted throughout the 60 years of the barbecue which
provides significant profits.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>So,
as you read this Positive Note, its probably reaching you this Thursday, just
remember a lot of blind people are at the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName
w:st="on">Federation</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType
w:st="on">Center</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> working hard to accommodate the
hundreds of customers who will be coming by the Center for the plates they
purchased.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>You will recall we published in a recent Positive Note that the
facilities at RBRCCB need painting.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>A week ago I wrote to my good friend, Mr. Charles Dalton, President and
CEO of Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative for financial assistance.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I'm proud to report that Mr. Dalton
responded quickly with a contribution of $5,000 from the Blue Ridge Fest.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>This financial support will certainly be
helpful but there are five facilities to be painted and we will certainly need
others.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Our Resident Manager, Elsie
Duncan has managed to get some members from <st1:PlaceName
w:st="on">Faith</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Baptist</st1:PlaceName>
<st1:PlaceType w:st="on">Church</st1:PlaceType> in <st1:place
w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">Norris</st1:City>, <st1:State
w:st="on">SC</st1:State></st1:place> to paint Lawton Hall the second weekend in
May.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>This is a good beginning.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Recently, Lenora Robertson who is in
charge of the food service was in RBRCCB and she and Elsie Duncan also
approached Blue Ridge Electric about sponsoring the painting.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>They also secured public works to
provide a volunteer crew to clean out around the creek banks.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Also, it's my understanding that Ed
Bible who is a member of the NFB of SC Board of Directors is making contacts
with churches to secure more volunteer painters.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I'm grateful to Lenora, Elsie and
Ed.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We need as many as possible to
secure the necessary volunteers in order to have sufficient help to paint all of
the facilities.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Finally, it is
appropriate to point out that the NFB of SC and RBRCCB have highly successful
programs of service to blind people and this has been accomplished through the
combined efforts of many members in many chapters.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I hope that all of you have had a
blessed Easter.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; FONT-SIZE: 14pt">Final Thought:<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>"It's not the barbecue in my life that
counts; it’s the life in my barbecue." - Mae
West<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P></FONT></DIV></FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>