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<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; FONT-SIZE: 14pt">May 21, 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
1449<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>On Tuesday, I traveled to <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns =
"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place
w:st="on">Columbia</st1:place></st1:City>, where I had the honor of Keynoting
the 2014 Talking Book Services Art Gallery Reception and Ceremony at the State
Library.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The essence of my message
was that blind children should be encouraged to explore the world around
them.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I also shared our new
“one-minute message.”<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Please memorize this and use
it.<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>“The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the
characteristic that defines you or your future.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Every day, we raise expectations because
low expectations create obstacles between blind people and their dreams.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>You can have the life you
want.”<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>While in <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place
w:st="on">Columbia</st1:place></st1:City>, I went to the State Capitol and
talked with state legislators about the South Carolina Blind Persons Right to
Parent Act.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>If you wonder about the
power of the NFB of SC, you will be interested to know that the South Carolina
Blind Persons Right to Parent Act received a vote of 109 to 0 on Tuesday, May
20, and is on the way to the Governor’s desk.<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>On the way home, I called Jennifer Bazer and Debra Canty to thank them
for their hard work and advocacy on this important initiative.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We are very fortunate to have the talent
and commitment of a vast membership in communities across the state.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>This is what makes us
formidable.<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>While I was at the State Capitol, State Board member Levern Wilson was
addressing the Commission for the Blind Governing Board, and he did a great
job!<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Levern knocked it out of the
park.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Commission Board meetings are
designed to provide a forum where one addresses not merely details about one
consumer, but rather the Governing Board is tasked with the responsibility of
policy formulation affecting the broader focus of the
Agency.<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>Congratulations to Martha Gaither, Mable Preston, and Janice Samuel (of
our Sumter Chapter) and to Jamie Allison, President of our Cherokee County
Chapter on winning Jernigan Fund <A name=_GoBack></A>scholarships in 2014.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>This is a great accomplishment for the
NFB of SC.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Also, we are proud of
Justin Williams of our Columbia Chapter for winning a 2014 academic scholarship
from the National Federation of the Blind.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>The NFB of SC will be well-represented in <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place
w:st="on">Orlando</st1:place></st1:City>.<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 only have one more week to preregister for the National
Convention.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Please visit <A
href="http://www.nfb.org/"><SPAN style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial"><FONT
face="Times New Roman">www.nfb.org</FONT></SPAN></A> or find the preregistration
form in your Braille Monitor.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>This
would also be a good time to get your chartered bus reservations in if you plan
to ride the bus.<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>The Columbia Marriott is now accepting hotel reservations for the State
Convention, and this is going to be a good one with representation from
communities across <st1:State w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">South
Carolina</st1:place></st1:State> and other states as well.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Please make your reservations by calling
800-327-6465 or 803-771-7000.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The
rate is $89 per night for the weekend of August 8 through
10.<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>On Saturday, June 28, 2014, the Computer Science & Technology
Division will have a class on a variety of apps from 10:00 to 4:00 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.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Contact Steve Cook at <A
href="mailto:cookcafe@sc.rr.com"><SPAN style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial"><FONT
face="Times New Roman">cookcafe@sc.rr.com</FONT></SPAN></A> or (803) 254-0222
for more information or to register for the class.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The price is $10 if you preregister or
$15 the day of the event.<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>It was my pleasure to spend time over the weekend at Rocky Bottom.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>It felt much colder in Rocky Bottom than
it did in Easley and our Resident Manager, Elsie Duncan upon our arrival pointed
out that the temperature at Rocky Bottom had fallen to 36 degrees early that
morning.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Elsie also explained that
it had been snowing in Gatlinburg and it appeared that winter was starting over
again.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I'm told that the trip to
Rocky Bottom and the surrounding area featured beautiful scenery with springtime
abundantly "bursting out all over."<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>My son Craig who drove us up to Rocky Bottom had visited a little
restaurant in Rosman last December where he enjoyed a wonderful breakfast.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>On Saturday morning we went to Rosman
and enjoyed a wonderful Southern breakfast.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>By the way, the name of the restaurant
told the story, the Country Skillet.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>Sunday afternoon the senior blind began to arrive and we enjoyed having
dinner with them.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Lenora Robertson
and her kitchen crew as always did a good job with the meals.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>It also was apparent that senior
<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceType w:st="on">camp</st1:PlaceType>
<st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Director</st1:PlaceName></st1:place>, Frank Coppel had
organized things quite well.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The
official reason for our being at Rocky Bottom was to meet with the Advisory
Board on Monday.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>It was very nice
for the Advisory Board members to join the senior blind for Monday's 12:30
luncheon.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Advisory Board Chairman,
John Sarpy expressed appreciation for joining everyone for lunch.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Following the luncheon the Advisory
Board retired to the board room with the board meeting lasting about one
hour.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Chairman Sarpy read a letter
from Dr. Sheila Breitweiser expressing regret for her inability to continue her
service on the Advisory Board inasmuch as she will be moving back to the
Raleigh/Durham area where she plans to spend quality time with her
grandchildren.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Also at Monday's
meeting, Mr. Ralph Ellenburg resigned from the Advisory Board due principally
and primarily to his wife's serious illness and his advancing age - 92.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>However, Mr. Ellenburg stated he would
continue his interest in and support of Rocky Bottom.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We have made Mr. Ellenburg a lifetime
honorary member of the Advisory Board.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>He has served on the Advisory Board continuously for nearly 35 years and
the last dozen years as board Chairman.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>Much of the Advisory Board meeting centered around the need for prompt
repairs and painting of our facilities.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>I explained to the board the excellent work our Resident Manager Elsie
Duncan had already done with <st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Faith</st1:PlaceName>
<st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Baptist</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType
w:st="on">Church</st1:PlaceType> located in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City
w:st="on">Norris</st1:City>, <st1:State
w:st="on">SC.</st1:State></st1:place><SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>The Advisory Board expressed gratitude for Mrs. Duncan's help in this
regard.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Some additional needed
steps were discussed including an estimate of the cost of the project, the
individual contractor we will look to carry out the project, a list of the
repairs to be made, etc.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We are vey
eager to get started working on the repairs and painting as we take pride in all
of our facilities.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>This project,
however, is indicative of the scope of the needs of the Rocky Bottom
complex.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>It was a most delightful
and fruitful visit.<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>"Doubt has killed more dreams than
failure ever did.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The enemy of
doubt is confidence." - Parker Mantel<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>
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