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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>March 4, 2015<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 1490<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> The Columbia Marriott is now accepting reservations for what will no doubt be the best State Convention in NFB of SC history during the weekend of August 21 through 23! Reservations for the Event will be made by individual attendees directly with Marriott reservations at (800) 593-6465 or (803) 771-7000. You can also use this link to make your reservations online.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.marriott.com/meeting-event-hotels/group-corporate-travel/groupCorp.mi?resLinkData=Natl%20Federation%20of%20the%20Blind%5Ecaemh%60nfbnfba%6095%60USD%60false%608/20/15%608/23/15%608/1/15&app=resvlink&stop_mobi=yes">http://www.marriott.com/meeting-event-hotels/group-corporate-travel/groupCorp.mi?resLinkData=Natl%20Federation%20of%20the%20Blind%5Ecaemh%60nfbnfba%6095%60USD%60false%608/20/15%608/23/15%608/1/15&app=resvlink&stop_mobi=yes</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> The rates this year for a room accommodating up to four guests are $95 per night plus tax, which is currently 12 percent. The hotel will ask for a credit card number or a first night deposit. Rates are also good on August 20 for those who want to arrive early, but there are not as many rooms available on Thursday evening so hurry if you want to come in on Thursday.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>You should make your reservations now but no later than July 31. In fact, while we have a deadline of July 31, there is no guarantee that hotel rooms will last until then. Thus, it would be prudent to get this detail taken care of early. This is also a great time to hold chapter fundraisers to provide financial assistance for members who want to attend the State Convention.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The State Board will set the State Convention registration rates at its spring meeting on Saturday, April 11, 2015. You should plan to attend the Board meeting and express your opinion. Of course, if we set the price too low, people tend to be less satisfied with the food. State Convention pre-registration will be open on Monday, June 1, 2015.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I have an announcement from the Chairperson of our National Scholarship Program, Patti Chang. Here is what she says. “Are you a legally blind college student living in the United States or Puerto Rico? 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.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>These merit scholarships are based on academic excellence, community service, and leadership. In addition to the money, each winner will receive assistance to attend the July 2015 NFB annual convention in Orlando, Florida from July 5th through July 10th, 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 (unless the president requests a later date). Applications are accepted through March 31, 2015. Go to <a href="http://www.nfb.org/scholarships">www.nfb.org/scholarships</a> for complete rules and requirements.” Please help us spread the word.<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> As you know, Lawton Memorial Hall is named in honor of our distinguished founder, Dr. Samuel Miller Lawton. This historic facility is an important part of the RBRCCB complex. It is a unique building having been constructed nearly 100 years ago. I have been intrigued since I first saw this historic building in 1958 when we first visited the area. Lawton Hall was built on a slope as builders wanted the back of the building to be higher than the front of the building where there is a stage and two side rooms. This would enable people seated in the back of the building to see the front of the structure which we think of as a theatre style arrangement. When we first saw the building there were no windows as chicken wire was used instead. There was a tin top roof with numerous holes and leaks. The building was to say the least in a bad state of repair. In the early 1980’s or about 35 years ago, several members of the National Guard came to Rocky Bottom to make minimal repairs. In the late 1980’s we were able to obtain a $75,000 grant which enabled extensive repairs to be made. However, during the past 25 years, very little has been done in the way of making repairs and this is badly needed mow. A few months ago I had a prominent contractor from Lexington to travel to RBRCCB to inspect Lawton Hall to determine what repairs are needed. A thorough inspection was made and we were given a price of $6,885.00 which would put Lawton into good repair. While we are working with a prominent foundation which might lead to a grant, since Lawton Hall belongs to all of us, I feel that we need to pitch in and raise the funds needed to make these repairs without further delay. I know of no other state organization of the blind which owns and operates five buildings at RBRCCB, a swimming pool, a pond and is located on 30 acres of land. The blind across the state enjoy these facilities with very little expense. I was informed by David Houck that he has given a $100 contribution to the Lawton Hall Fund as well as Carolyn Lawton and myself who have also contributed $100, and thus a special fund with $300 at least gets the project underway. This can be done with minimal sacrifice. Just as we support the NFB and the NFB of SC and our chapters, I’m requesting that all of the chapters and other individuals make a $100 contribution. Most chapters can contribute $100 without sacrifice and of course there are individual members who are able to join David and myself in giving $100. Checks should be made payable to “RBRCCB Lawton Hall Fund” and forwarded to 119 S. Kilbourne Rd., Columbia, SC 29205. I remember just a few years ago at Children’s Camp talent shows were held in Lawton Hall. An all blind cast formed the glass Menagerie play in Lawton Hall in the early 1980’s. There were other events held in Lawton Hall including church services. We have recently been in touch with all of the churches in Pickens County and we want to build upon these contacts by promoting the use of Lawton Hall by these churches. This will generate more funding. Let’s all do our fair share in returning this special facility into good shape. Thank you so much for your favorable response. Our Chesterfield County Chapter is a model, having recently made contributions of $100 the Federation Center, $100 to the NFB Scholarship Fund, $100 to the Children’s Camp fund and $50 for the 2015 Labor Day Fun Day event. We feel surely that the Chesterfield County Chapter as well as other chapters will respond to the Lawton Hall Fund. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Final Thought: “March is the month of John Phillip Sousa as today we must “march forth.”.”<o:p></o:p></p></div></body></html>