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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
11, 2014<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: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt">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: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt">Positive
Note 1452<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 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: 14pt"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>Last Friday, June 6, I had an opportunity to visit with staff of the
Marriott Hotel in <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place
w:st="on">Columbia</st1:place></st1:City> to talk about the State
Convention.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We were last in
<st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Columbia</st1:place></st1:City> in
2011, and we are looking forward to returning to the Columbia Marriott.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>This is also the feeling of the staff,
as many of them remember us.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Here
are some details that you will need to plan your Convention
experience.<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>Please make your reservations by calling 803-771-7000, and remember the
deadline is July 10.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The room rates
are $89 per night plus tax.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Parking
is complementary as long as you don’t sk for valet parking.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>As hotel staff explained to me on
Friday, they will park your car for you and return it to you upon checkout for
$22 per day.<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>In other words, if you want complementary parking, don’t use the valet
service.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The hotel will be
providing our food service for Friday evening and breakfast on Saturday and
Sunday.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The Reception will begin at
7:30 PM.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Our colleagues in the
Columbia Chapter are working hard to put together an excellent Reception theme
and program for us.<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>Preregistration is $65.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>Please preregister so we can plan appropriately.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>This fee will cover the cost of food at
the Convention.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Preregistration
will conclude on August 1.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>After
that time, the price will be $70.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>Our registration fees remain among the lowest in the nation, especially
taking into consideration all of the Convention activities the single
registration fee covers.<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 had the pleasure of traveling to <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place
w:st="on">Greenville</st1:place></st1:City> on June 7 to enjoy a Saturday picnic
with our Greenville Chapter and its fine President, JW Smith.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>More than fifty individuals were
present.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I spoke to the group about
upcoming NFB of SC activities and enjoyed delicious food prepared by our
Greenville Chapter members.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>They
are looking forward to being in <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place
w:st="on">Columbia</st1:place></st1:City> this August.<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 had an opportunity to vote in yesterday’s Primary
Election!<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I am proud to be the
Democratic Nominee for Attorney General in the General Election on November
4.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>On June 22, we are holding a
General Election campaign kickoff in <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place
w:st="on">Myrtle Beach</st1:place></st1:City> with barbecue provided by a cousin
of Levern Wilson for a minimum donation of $10 per plate.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>You are cordially
invited.<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>Levern tells me that this recipe is the same recipe he uses for his
barbecue which has now become famous in the NFB of SC.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I realize that it is a drive for some;
but for those who can make it, we will gather from 4:00 – 6:00 PM at <st1:Street
w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">5000 Pine Lakes Dr.</st1:address></st1:Street>
on Sunday afternoon, June 22.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>If
you cannot be there, additional events are being planned in other parts of the
state.<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 our pleasure to spend last weekend at Rocky Bottom.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Upon our arrival we were met be Elsie
Duncan our Resident Manager who was jubilant telling us that Oglesby Cottage has
a new deck, new sliding doors and other repairs.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The Oglesby Cottage which is 30 years
old, is a popular mountain chalet used throughout the year by both blind and
sighted.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Our contractor Chris Merck
and his crew worked all day Friday and Saturday in getting Oglesby Cottage a
needed face lift.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>By the way, Chris
Merck is related to Darlene Houck whose maiden name was also Merck.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I believe his relationship to Darlene
increased his motivation to work hard in getting the repairs done.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We enjoyed spending time with Elsie
Duncan who feels good about things taking place at RBRCCB.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I also spent time with Tracy and Thom
Spittle and it was obvious that they had children's camp well organized with
children from all across the state including one from <st1:City
w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Marion</st1:place></st1:City> which is a long
ways from RBRECCB.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Thom told me
that the worker which had been scheduled to handle the food service had become
ill and had to cancel out.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>He asked
me if it would be all right for Gwen Ellenburg to serve as cook as she was
willing to handle this important responsibility.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Thanks Gwen.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I also had the privilege of spending
time with Gwen who has been very instrumental in working with the contractor
including the purchase of needed materials.<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 Labor Day Fun Day Festival is less than three months away.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Once again we will have to rely upon
many federationists to carry out the different activities of Fun Day.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>At the April board meeting of RBRCCB,
"this year's Labor Day Fun Day Festival will include the Auction, BINGO and the
Fun Day ticket drawing on Saturday along with a possible pig picking from 2:00
to 8:00 p.m.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Sunday will include an
afternoon gospel singing.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Monday
will feature a yard sale, hot dogs and hamburgers, T-shirt sales and the Old
Country Store from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>The weekend guests will pay $30 for their weekend food as usual.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>It was suggested that a flyer go out to
members of the Rocky Bottom community concerning all the details with Dr.
Bowen's help."<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>State President
Parnell Diggs will be in charge of the auction and he will need the assistance
of Advisory Board member Barry Chavis.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>Once again, Kim Diggs will be in charge of the Old Country Store.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The sale of T-shirts, sweatshirts, caps,
etc. will be handled by Frank Cpoppel.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>Alma Lee Doyle, as in the past, will be handling the yard sale.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>David Houck will be handling the Fun Day
ticket sales.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Lenora Robertson will
once again be in charge of the food service for the seven meals and for the
lunch on Monday.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Let's make plans
to have the biggest turn out for the Fun Day Festival in the more than 30 years
this annual affair has taken place.<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>Jennifer Bazer, a member of the Columbia Chapter, made an inspiring
presentation at the chapter meeting Thursday evening, June 5.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>She talked about her excellent
presentation to the legislative committees in the success in influencing the
legislators in the passage of the Blind Persons Right to Parent Bill.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Jennifer has our gratitude.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Jennifer Bazer and her husband Jeff are
blind parents and the have two small 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: 14pt"><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>While at RBRCCB, JJ, our resident duck, informed me that he was going to
the national convention in <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place
w:st="on">Orlando</st1:place></st1:City>.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>He will be in <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place
w:st="on">Orlando</st1:place></st1:City> where Disney World is located and I
understand from JJ that he plans to meet Donald Duck.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>JJ wants to develop a partnership
between him and Donald Duck.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>Good luck JJ.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>By the way,
JJ's family includes five drakes and two hens.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Just a little humor which we need from
time to time.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><B
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Final Thought:</B><SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>"You can act as a character but it is
much harder to forge your own
character."<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P></FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>