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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>July 16, 2014<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Memo To: Executive Officers, Board Members, Chapter & Division Presidents & Others<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>From: Parnell Diggs, President<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Positive Note 1457<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Dear Fellow Federationists:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> I begin this Positive Note with a word about hotel reservations at the Columbia Marriott. Unfortunately, there is no more room in the Inn. My understanding is that there are no guestrooms even at a higher rate. Please call me at 843-267-2018 if you need a room, and I will see what I can do about a spill-over hotel. But you must not procrastinate. I have already received some calls, and I have done what I can.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I have an announcement from the Chair of our Scholarship Committee, Shannon Cook. Here is what she says. “As the 2014 state convention draws near, it is time for us to take count of the available scholarship funding for the 9 applicants that we have. If you and/or your chapter are planning to give a scholarship, but have not let David Houck know, please do so ASAP, so we can have an accurate estimate of the amount we can award this year. Also, please know that no amount is too small to be contributed to the Metro Fund. Thanks to everyone for considering giving to the scholarship program. If you have any questions, please feel free to call me at (803) 254-0222.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Would you like a free currency reader? The following announcement from the National Library Service is being circulated. “NLS has agreed to partner with the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) in distributing its currency readers. The readers are free and only will read U.S. currency. BEP began distributing the currency readers at the National Federation of the Blind conference in Orlando, Florida, last week.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>NLS is scheduled to begin distributing currency readers to patrons who are blind or visually impaired later this year. However, we are already receiving calls requesting the device. Network libraries will likely begin receiving such calls. When you do, please make a note of the patrons’ names and addresses. Only registered patrons may obtain currency readers before December 31, 2014. In January 2015, the program will open to all residents and U.S. citizens living abroad who are blind or visually impaired. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>NLS is working with Data Management to revise Webnet so that libraries will be able to request currency readers for their patrons. When the changes to Webnet are complete, NLS will notify libraries. You may then enter previously received and all subsequent requests for currency readers. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Patrons requesting a currency reader should be informed that the devices will not be available until late fall but that their name and address will be kept on file so that a reader can be sent when it becomes available. Thank you for your cooperation and assistance.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Lenora Robertson asks that members please consider door prizes which can be donated at the Convention. Door prizes should be worth at least $5 and should be given to Lenora at the Convention hotel on Friday afternoon. The more door prizes we have, the more we can give away.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>At the Saturday evening Banquet, we will be conducting our annual fundraiser. Please pray about it and think about what you can do, in any amount to support the programs of the NFB of SC. Some chapters and individuals have already pledged to make donations. I know we all have different means, but everyone can give something. This is the only fundraiser for the NFB of SC Treasury held all year.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The agenda is coming together, and it is going to be a great one. Remember to send in your preregistration by August 1. The cost is $65. This includes meals on Friday evening, three meals on Saturday, and breakfast on Sunday. All food will be provided by the Hotel. The $65 fee covers this cost.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Finally, we will be conducting a Devotional and Memorial Service during the State Convention on Sunday morning at 8:30. Please let us know if you want to remember someone who has passed away since last Convention. Doug and Patsy Roberts will be handling the Devotional and Memorial Service this year. Patsy can be reached at 843-516-0094, or simply talk with her at the Hotel.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Joining me for comments in this Positive Note is the President Emeritus of the NFB of SC. Here is Dr. Capps.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Mr. Billy Singleton is a distinguished member of the Advisory Board of Rocky Bottom Retreat and Conference Center of the Blind. He has served with distinction for a number of years and we are honored to have his support. Mr. Singleton is a retired businessman living in Pickens. He has a cottage at Rocky Bottom and enjoys spending time in the area. Some 15 years ago Mr. Singleton was approached by Janice Taylor, a resident at Rocky Bottom on there being an Independence Day 4th of July parade. Incidentally, Mrs. Taylor was the Resident Manager at RBRCCB some 20 years ago. A patriot, Mr. Singleton liked the idea of having a 4th of July parade at Rocky Bottom. Thus, the first July 4th Rocky Bottom parade occurred some 15 years ago. This year’s parade was dedicated to the memory of Mrs. Flora Ross who was born at Rocky Bottom and lived her entire life in the area. The parade caught on with the Rocky Bottom community and attracted the participation and interest of most of the area residents. The David Fishburne family is among those who supports this parade and disseminates information about the annual event. The parade begins near the end of Rocky Bottom Road, some half mile from the beginning at US Highway 178. It gets underway at about 6:00 p.m. and continues for about an hour before it ends at Highway 178 at about 7:00 p.m. The parade includes a variety of vehicles participating including such unusual vehicles as bicycles, motorcycles and on one occasion, a wheelbarrow. The purpose of the parade is not to feature fancy convertibles or floats, etc., but reflects the atmosphere of the rural mountainous area. At the end of the parade participants gather at the Singleton’s cottage located on Rocky Bottom Road for a covered dish dinner enjoyed by all. Mr. Singleton provides financial support for the parade spending as much as $300 to cover miscellaneous expenses. When nightfall occurs at about 9:00 p.m., a dazzling display of fireworks lights up the community. While many regard Rocky Bottom as a sleepy community, and it’s true that it has a tranquil atmosphere, the residents are also loyal Americans and appreciate our Founding Fathers who endured many challenges and hardships to ensure the independence of our nation. Congratulations to all members of the Rocky Bottom community who participate in this annual July 4 parade and especially to those who played a key role in making the annual event successful, especially Mr. Billy Singleton. The July 4 parade is very important and no doubt is entirely different from the thousands of July 4 parades taking place across the land. RBRCCB is proud to be a part of the Rocky Bottom neighborhood.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Final Thought: “Remembering the beginning puts progress into perspective and makes the future crystal clear.”<o:p></o:p></p></div></body></html>