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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>December 17, 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 1479<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> Rocky Bottom Retreat and Conference Center of the Blind saw a huge turnout for the 2014 Christmas Board Retreat. We conducted three Board meetings (including the Rocky Bottom Board, the Federation Center Board, and the State Board) followed by a celebration of the Christmas Season on Saturday evening featuring a delicious holiday dinner prepared by Lenora Robertson and friends and Christmas party. Lenora really outdid herself this time with ham and turkey along with everything else.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We were delighted that Gary Wunder, Editor of the Braille Monitor, joined us for the Retreat. He was impressed by the facilities owned by the NFB of SC and about the enthusiasm of our members. He also had some helpful input to provide, as did many chapter leaders from across the state. The buildings were beautifully decorated and looked better than they have in years in terms of upkeep and cleanliness.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Gwen Ellenburg is doing a good job as our Resident Manager. It was good to see Ralph M. Ellenburg Sr. during the afternoon State Board meeting along with other members of the Rocky Bottom Advisory Board at the Christmas party. In fact, Advisory Board member Barry Chavis joined us for the weekend and drove the van to make it possible for about ten of us to make the trip on Friday.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I also want to thank Isaiah Nelson for his help, as usual, in various areas throughout the weekend. He is not only a food man and caterer, but he is happy to help in whatever way he is needed.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>At the State Board meeting, I talked about the mailings going out of the State Office. 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 <a href="http://www.nfbsc.net">www.nfbsc.net</a>, or simply send us an email at <a href="mailto:nfbsc@sc.rr.com">nfbsc@sc.rr.com</a>. You can also elect to receive the Positive Note in print in 2015 simply by letting us know you want it.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In short, 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>This procedure is similar to what we are doing at the National Office in terms of the National Organization of Parents of Blind Children magazine, Future Reflections. If you want to opt-in, please get in touch with the National Office at 410-659-9314.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I was proud of Dorothy Barksdale, Debra Canty, and David Houck, all of whom recited the new Federation One-Minute message at the State Board meeting. “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.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I conclude my portion of the Positive Note with the NFB Mission as stated by Gary Wunder. “Together with hope, love, and determination, we are transforming dreams into reality.” 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> The 35th annual Christmas board retreat at Rocky Bottom Retreat and Conference Center of the Blind (RBRCCB) was a huge success. Some 55 federationists from across the state attended the activities. There were federation members from Myrtle Beach, Loris, Georgetown, Summerville, St. George, Columbia, Camden, Greenville, Rock Hill, Newberry, Anderson, Bishopville, Sumter, etc. We were very honored to have for the weekend festivities Gary Wunder, President if the NFB of Missouri and Editor of the Braille Monitor. We were pleased to have had his participation in the board meetings. This retreat was the busiest ever as there were three separate board meetings including RBRCCB, the Federation Center of the Blind and the NFB of SC. All four overnight facilities were utilized. Our Resident Manager Gwen Ellenburg had taken care of the beautiful Christmas decorations which were enjoyed by all. At the Rocky Bottom board meeting I explained that repairs are urgently needed for the Dr. Samuel Miller Lawton Memorial Hall. A licensed building contractor has given us a rock bottom figure of $6,800 to take care of all these repairs. I explained that a number of proposals have been submitted to several foundations requesting financial assistance. Meanwhile, I’m asking a large number of members and others who receive the weekly Positive Note to submit to us your recommendations for the funding of Lawton Hall repairs. For more than 30 years, our immediate past Advisory Board Chairman, Mr. Ralph M. Ellenburg, Sr. had participated in the annual Christmas board retreats. Because of illness he retired from the Advisory Board a few months ago but continues to be interested in Rocky Bottom. The Ellenburg Lodge is named in his honor. We were honored to have Mr. Ellenburg drop in for the NFB of SC board meeting which he attended for some one and one-half hours. The Christmas banquet and party was held Saturday evening. Gary Wunder spoke briefly and everyone was pleased to have him with us for this most enjoyable occasion. State President Parnell Diggs was the keynote speaker. John Sarpy, Chairman of the distinguished Advisory Board, spoke briefly. A highlight of the banquet featured a presentation of the Distinguished Service Award to Chris Merck who sacrificed several thousands of dollars in making repairs to the different facilities. We also welcomed him to the Advisory Board as we do not have a contractor on the board. Traditionally, David Houck brings the Christmas message as we are blessed to have this important presentation. He did not disappoint. As always, President Diggs was in charge of the Christmas music. Parnell was enjoyed by everyone. This was followed by the distribution of presents. The final activity of the evening was the most enjoyable deserts. Our thanks to Lenora Robertson and her kitchen crew for their excellent handling of the food service. Most of us probably ate too much. Bright and early Sunday morning everyone departed for their respective homes across South Carolina. This Christmas board retreat will be remembered for a long time as it was outstanding in every respect.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Final Thought: “A giving spirit should not just be limited to Christmas time.”<o:p></o:p></p></div></body></html>