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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>December 3, 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 1477<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 an announcement from the Chairperson of the National Federation of the Blind Scholarship Committee, Ms. Patti Chang, regarding the National Scholarship Program. “Are you a legally blind college student living in the fifty states, Washington DC, or Puerto Rico?<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This annual program offers 30 scholarships worth from $3,000 to $12,000 to eligible students, from high school seniors beginning their freshman year in the fall semester of 2015, up through grad students working on their PhD degrees. These merit scholarships are based on academic excellence, community service, and leadership.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In addition to the money, each winner will receive assistance to attend the July 2015 NFB annual convention in Orlando, Florida, providing an excellent opportunity for high-level networking with active blind persons in many different professions and occupations.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>To apply, read the rules and the Submission Checklist, complete the official 2015 Scholarship Application Form (online or in print), supply all required documents, and request and complete one interview by an NFB affiliate president.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Applications are accepted for five months, from November 1, 2014, to March 31, 2015. Go to www.nfb.org/scholarships for complete rules and requirements.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In recent weeks, we have been requesting that people opt-in to continue receiving the Positive Note in print if they would like to do so. If you don’t mind receiving your Positive Note by email, on the other hand, you can sign up for the listserv by visiting www.nfbsc.net, or simply send us an email at nfbsc@sc.rr.com. You can also elect to receive the Positive Note in print in 2015 simply by telling us.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Thus, there are three ways you can indicate your interest in receiving the Positive Note. Call us, email us, or sign-up for the listserv. You should do at least one of these things by the end of the year. This will help us update our mailing lists and streamline the delivery of the Positive Note.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In just over one week, we will converge upon Rocky Bottom Retreat and Conference Center of the Blind for the 2014 Christmas Board Retreat. We are going to have an excellent Retreat with three Board meetings and a celebration of the Christmas Season. If you would like to participate in the gift exchange on Saturday evening, please bring a gift which reflects your gender. Also, if you would like to enjoy some delicious sweets after dinner on Saturday evening, please bring your favorite pies, cakes, cookies, etc. This would be a great time to break out those special recipes.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Most importantly, please let us know when you will be arriving, as Dr. Capps and I will be making room assignments and planning for meals in a few days. And lastly, please come to the Board meetings whether you are on a particular board or not because we need your input. The 2014 Retreat is shaping-up to be the best in NFB of SC history, and you don’t want to miss it!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the characteristic which defines you or your future. Every day, we raise the expectations of blind people because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want: blindness is not what holds you back. 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> Over the Thanksgiving holidays I was able to finish reading the November issue of the Braille Monitor. Prominent South Carolinians continue to be featured in the Braille Monitor. In the November issue, Jamie Allison, President of our Cherokee County Chapter wrote a splendid article on the NFB convention which was featured in the Braille Monitor. Jamie showed great insight as to her taking advantage of the numerous activities at last July’s convention. For someone attending their first NFB convention Jamie demonstrated great perception of the convention activities. Her article made the Monitor most enjoyable.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Another South Carolinian, Dan Frye was also spotlighted in the November Braille Monitor. In the 1980’s Dan was a student at the SC School for the Deaf and the Blind and during that time he was involved in organizing an NFB chapter at SCSDB. At that time I believe it was the only school for the blind with an NFB chapter. In Dan’s article he prominently mentioned Erskine College where he attended and graduated. While attending Erskine College, Dan participated in federation activities. After his graduation, Dan continued his NFB participation and he went on to receive his law degree. The article points out that Dan was employed several years at the National Center where his talents were utilized. Dan was appointed as Executive Director of the New Jersey Commission for the Blind. He has certainly excelled in all of his professional pursuits and I’m sure that he will provide excellent leadership for the New Jersey Commission for the Blind. We extend sincere appreciation to Jamie Allison and Dan Frye, two South Carolinians who have achieved prominence in their respective positions.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> I also noted in my Braille Monitor reading that our own state President Parnell Diggs was mentioned as he attended the convention of the NFB of Oregon where he discussed the minimum wage issue and other NFB initiatives. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Perhaps some of you also noted that the world renowned entertainer Stevie Wonder was recently a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Honor. The Presidential Medal of Honor is the nation’s highest civil recognition. His blindness has not affected his wonderful career. I’m reminded that our friend John Baker sponsored Stevie Wonder’s visit to Columbia many years ago with Stevie giving a concert on the State House steps. Governor Dick Riley welcomed Stevie Wonder to Columbia. I also extended a warm welcome to Stevie as I had a small part on the program. At the concert Stevie was interviewed by the media. Stevie’s concert at the Carolina Coliseum was packed to capacity. Stevie was quite a performer but my ears rang for two or three weeks as it was so loud in the Coliseum. At midnight Stevie gave a reception at the Coliseum and I attended that function also. The event was very meaningful and I was honored to recognize one of the world’s greatest artists.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Once again our NFB of SC Second Vice President Lenora Robertson and her kitchen crew will be in charge of the food service. Remember – those of you attending the RBRCCB board retreat, as in the past you are requested to bring your linens and towels, etc. In doing so you will save RBRCCB a considerable expense. Also, upon your arrival on Friday evening, December 12, you should check in with our Resident Manager Gwen Ellenburg who will be in her office located near the lounge in the Conference Center. Gwen will have your keys and give you your room assignments.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Final Thought: “Infamous events like Pearl Harbor and 911 cause the nation to rise as one to defeat unimaginable odds.”<o:p></o:p></p></div></body></html>