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<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">June
4, 2014<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office"
/><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
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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>
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style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; FONT-SIZE: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt">From:
Parnell Diggs, President<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
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style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; FONT-SIZE: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt">Positive
Note 1451<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
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style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; FONT-SIZE: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt"><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">Dear
Fellow Federationists:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
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style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; FONT-SIZE: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt"><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"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>I begin this Positive Note with the “One-Minute Speech” adopted by the
National Federation of the Blind Board of Directors at a recent Board
meeting.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>You have seen it in the
last several Positive Notes by design because I want you to become familiar with
it.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Please commit it to memory and,
when you are asked to describe our organization, please recite the
following.<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"><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 of
blind people 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 share
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: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>The NFB of SC State Convention will be here in two months.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The hotel is now accepting room
reservations.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>You need to make your
reservations soon, as we are receiving inquiries from across the state and other
states as well.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The 2014 State
Convention will be well-attended.<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>
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style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; FONT-SIZE: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt"><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>Mark Riccobono will be our national
representative.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The Convention will
come at the close of the first NFB of SC Braille Enrichment for Literacy and
Learning (BELL) Program, which is directed toward positive exposure to Braille
for elementary school-age blind children.<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: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>I have an announcement from Shannon Cook, the Chair of the NFB of SC
Scholarship Committee.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Here is what
she says.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>“We are pleased to have
nine scholarship applicants for the 2014/2015 academic year.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>This is a good time to discuss donating
to the metro fund with your chapter or division.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Obviously, this will be a highly
competitive year for these applicants.<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"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>Also, if your chapter or division is planning to give a scholarship,
please let David Houck know, so we can begin to compile our list of scholarships
to be awarded.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We look forward to
seeing everyone at the state convention to award these students funds to help
further their educational goals and to further the cause of the
NFB.”<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"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>In just under three months, we will be conducting Fun Day at Rocky
Bottom; and this year, we will be holding a Barbecue “Pig-Picking” on Saturday
from 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>At the
April 5 Rocky Bottom Board meeting, the Board and other leaders in attendance
discussed the importance of chapter participation during the entire weekend at
Rocky Bottom.<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"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>If your chapter would like to drive up on Saturday morning, for example,
you can easily arrive by 2:00 PM, enjoy the Pig-Picking and auction (which will
be on Saturday as well) and stay for the weekend.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Or, if you need to return home the same
day, you can depart on Saturday after enjoying a day of barbecue and fun.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>But please stay if you
can.<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"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>For those who do stay for the weekend, we will finish earlier on Monday
so that members can return home before it gets too late.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>This schedule will also encourage
residents of the Rocky Bottom community to choose from several days of
activities and promote participation over three days rather than just on
Monday.<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"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>Incidentally, Monday’s festivities will be highlighted by a yard sale
early in the day with members from across the state being able to depart by
midday.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Joining me for comments in
this Positive Note to talk more about Fun Day is the President Emeritus of the
NFB of SC and Chairman of the Rocky Bottom Board of Directors.<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: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>Things are in full swing at RBRCCB.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>Some two weeks ago the senior camp was held with participants from all
across the state.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We are proud of
our senior camp program as some of us feel that the senior blind do not have as
many services as the younger blind.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>The Columbia Chapter enjoyed their visit over the Memorial Day weekend
with good participation.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Next week
is children's camp and we are informed by its Director Tracy Spittle that there
will be an excellent number from across the state.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The public visits our facilities during
the summer months more so than during the winter season which is
understandable.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>One of our biggest
rentals is Rock Springs Baptist Church of Easley which has been coming to Rocky
Bottom for many summers.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The
revenue from this big rental is very helpful.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>As recently reported, we are following
through on the recommended repairs to our facilities by the recent meeting of
our Advisory Board.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We were
pleased that our Advisory Board recommended that Advisory Board member Barry
Chavis along with Gwen Ellenburg (daughter of our lifetime honorary member Ralph
Ellenburg) determine the needed repairs and proceed with the work.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Gwen Ellenburg had been working closely
with several businesses in Easley to secure needed materials.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We are fortunate in having the service
of Gwen who is on the scene and providing excellent information.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Our longtime Board of Directors member
Dr. Tom Bowen has helped us by recommending a very reputable contractor, Mr.
Chris Merck.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Dr. Bowen has utilized
the services on his residence by Mr. Merck.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We are grateful for Dr. Bowen's advice
as it's important to have the best possible contractor make the repairs on our
facilities.<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: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>It's not too early to be thinking about the annual Labor Day Fun Day
Festival which we have been celebrating for over 30 years.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Once again the Board of Directors of
RBRCCB got together an excellent package for the Fun Day Festival.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Participants will enjoy three nights and
seven meals over the Labor Day weekend for only $30.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Three meals will be served on Saturday,
August 30, three meals will be served on Sunday, August 31, and breakfast on
Monday, September 1.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Lenora
Robertson who heads up our food service will once again be in charge of the
delicious meals which she and her kitchen crew prepare.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I know of nowhere you can enjoy
three nights in the mountains and seven meals for only $30.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We need to concentrate on selling the $5
Fun Day tickets which were distributed to all chapters and divisions last
January.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>To date the following
sales have been made by the following chapters:<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Sumter Chapter 50 tickets, Columbia
Chapter 30 tickets, Chesterfield Chapter 10 tickets and Summerville Chapter 2
tickets. Extensive repairs taking place on the facilities are going to be very
expensive and our statewide membership has an opportunity to help with this
expense by working very hard in selling the $5 tickets.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Remember, the winning ticket drawn gets
the seller $50, the buyer $500 or if you bought your own ticket you get
$550!<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Also, the chapter selling the
most tickets gets $300 for its treasury.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The same schedule of activities
during the Labor Day weekend will be in effect with the exception of the auction
which will be held on Saturday afternoon rather than on Monday as this will
provide for maximum participation in the auction and not having to worry about
leaving early because of travel.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>As
we celebrate the 75th anniversary of our national organization and the 70th
anniversary of the NFB of SC, it is appropriate to point out that we are
celebrating the 35th anniversary of RBRCCB.<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"><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">Final
Thought:<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Written by renowned hymn
writer Fannie Crosby at age 8:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; FONT-SIZE: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt">"Oh
what a happy soul I am, Although I cannot see;<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; FONT-SIZE: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt">I am
resolved that in this world, Contented I will be.<BR>How many blessings I enjoy,
That other people don't;<BR>To weep and sigh because I'm blind, I cannot, and I
won't."<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P></FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>