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<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; FONT-SIZE: 14pt">May 28, 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
1450<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>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 our dreams.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>You can have the life you want;
blindness is not what holds you back.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>This is our message.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Please
learn it and spread it everywhere.<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 have just a few more days to preregister for the National
Convention.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Get a form in the
Braille Monitor, and mail it in by May 31, or 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> to complete the online
form.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>You can save money by
preregistering and avoid standing in long lines at the
Convention.<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>When you arrive, simply pick up your packet and enjoy your day.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The chartered bus will get to the hotel
on July 1 and will depart on July 7.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>During that time, we will elect a new National President and plan for the
leadership of the future of the National Federation of the
Blind.<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>If you listened to the Presidential Release from December of 2013, you
know that Dr. Maurer is not planning to be a candidate for President in
2014.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>He and I will be supporting
Mark Riccobono for this important position.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I bring this up to convey how vital it
is that you be there for the historic events of 2014.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I hope you can make
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 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 <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns =
"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><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.<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 rate is $89 per night for the weekend of August 8 through 10.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Incidentally, Mark Riccobono will be our
national representative.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The
summertime is always busy in the Federation with Conventions, Fun Day, chapter
meetings, and social activities to keep us occupied.<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>But in 2014, the NFB of SC will be one of twenty-four states to host a
Braille Enrichment for Literacy and Learning program.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Jennifer Duffel-Hoffman, President of
the South Carolina Organization for Parents of Blind Children, is working with
Cherokee County Chapter President, Jamie Allison, to put this initiative
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>Congratulations to President Jennifer Duffell-Hoffman for landing a
Dollar General Literacy Foundation Summer Reading Program Grant in the amount of
$2000 for the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City
w:st="on">BELL</st1:City></st1:place> program.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Jennifer and Jamie are doing great work
on this first <st1:City w:st="on">BELL</st1:City> initiative to take place in
<st1:State w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">South
Carolina</st1:place></st1:State>.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>The program runs from July 28 through August 8, and chapters are invited
to support it with donations made out to the South Carolina Organization for
Parents of Blind Children.<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.<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 conclude my portion of the Positive Note with an announcement from
Shelley Coppel, President of our Blind Senior Division.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Here is what she says.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>“The Senior Division is going to have a
table in the exhibit hall. We are going to sell raffle tickets for a first
prize of a Nu Wave Pro Convection Oven including baking dishes, and for a second
prize a mini Keurig coffee maker. We will be selling the tickets for $2
per ticket or 3 tickets for $5. The drawing for this raffle will be at the
Statewide Seminar in January 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">Thank you all for supporting our
growing and enthusiastic Senior Division!”<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. <A
name=_GoBack></A>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>Having joined in with the seniors at their dinner meeting Sunday evening,
May 18, and observing how happy everyone was with laughter and excellent
fellowship, I revealed that my lifelong dream had been converted into
reality.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Having listened to the two
seniors who briefly appeared before the Advisory Board meeting on Monday, May
19, and hearing about these seniors expressing their gratitude about Senior Camp
with one stating that it was her "vacation," I realized again that my dream 35
years ago had come true.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>In October
1978, I traveled to Easley to meet with a bank official who was also Chairman of
the Pickens County Council and requested his cooperation in having the 4-H Camp
property given to the NFB of SC for development.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I told the gentleman that we would
develop the property with construction of facilities, etc.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>At that time 35 years ago we did not
have any money to develop the aforementioned property but faith was unlimited as
I felt in my heart and soul that we would indeed be successful in this project
despite the magnitude of the challenge.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Year after year after
October 1978 we met our commitments.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>In January 1980, some 15 months after the October 1978 meeting,
construction began on the Osterneck Cottage at a price tag of some
$150,000.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>With the help of many, we
raised the $150,000.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Some 12 months
later in December 1980, the first Christmas retreat was held in Osterneck
Cottage.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Four years later in 1984,
Oglesby Cottage was completed at a cost of about $100,000.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The funds were raised.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>In the late 1990's, at a cost of about
$100,000, extensive renovation was completed on the Lawton Hall.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The development continued.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Groundbreaking was held for the
<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Conference</st1:PlaceName>
<st1:PlaceType w:st="on">Center</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> in 1990 with a price
tag of about a half million dollars.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>The funds were raised.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>In
July of 1991 the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName
w:st="on">Conference</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType
w:st="on">Center</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> was dedicated with Governor
Campbell serving as keynote speaker.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>The Ralph M. Ellenburg, Sr. Lodge was dedicated in May 1999 with a price
tag of some $250,000.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The funds
were raised.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>A year later in the
year 2000, an extensive renovation of Osterneck Cottage was carried out at a
cost of $150,000.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The funds were
raised.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We also funded the swimming
pool which was opened in 1982 at a cost of $25,000.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The funds were raised.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>It costs about $75,000 annually to cover
the operating expenses.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Together we
have generated these funds but there have been many challenges.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The infrastructure of RBRCCB is
substantial.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>In the very near
future construction will begin on repairs needed on Lawton Hall and Osterneck
Cottage.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The costs will be
substantial.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Together let's raise
the funds to cover the needed repairs.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>Hopefully there are many of you out there who read this Positive Note who
will recognize the urgency of these infrastructure repairs which are sorely
needed.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Please make your check
payable to "RBRCCB Repairs."<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Thank
you for your help.<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>"Of some have compassion, making a
difference." - Jude 1:22<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
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