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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>July 20, 2016 <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: Frank Coppel, President<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Positive Note 1562<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Greetings Fellow Federationists:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> This week two very important programs are taking place in the NFB of SC. One of the programs occurring this week is Children’s Camp which is being held at RBRCCB. The camp began July 17, and will conclude on July 23. The camp is under the direction of Jennifer Bazer who appears to have assembled an excellent staff of blind and sighted volunteers who are assisting her in providing a meaningful and fun filled camping experience for the approximately twenty children attending camp. The other important program occurring this week is the South Carolina Braille Enrichment Learning and Literacy (BELL) Academy which is being held in Spartanburg at the SC School for the Deaf and Blind. This program began July 18, and will conclude on July 29. This is the third year the NFB of SC is hosting a (BELL) Academy. Jennifer Duffell Hoffman as coordinator and Jamie Allison as lead instructor continue to do an outstanding job planning and implementing this program. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> The winners of the 2016 Writer’s Division contest were recently announced, and congratulations go to Jamie Allison, President of our Cherokee County chapter and State Board member, for winning first and second place in the adult poetry competition. Way to go Jamie! <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> We have an announcement from Tiffany Mitchell, President of the Columbia Chapter. “On Saturday, September 24 between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., the Columbia Chapter will host the Taste of Columbia. Bring your best recipe and enter it for $25. We will have judges and a first, second and third prize. Those attending and wishing to taste of these culinary delights will be charged $10. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> We have an announcement from Dr. Edward Bell, Director, Professional Development and Research Institute on Blindness at Louisiana Tech University. “Adult Rehabilitation and Employment Survey - We are looking for you! If you are blind or visually impaired, reside in the United States, and are at least 18 years of age, we cordially invite you to participate in this survey. The purpose of this survey is to gain a better understanding of your experiences as an adult who is blind or visually impaired, including your experiences with education, employment, training, and vocational rehabilitation. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> This survey should not take more than ten minutes of your time. If you complete this survey, you will be entered into a drawing in which 5 individuals will win a $100 VISA gift card. We offer you three ways to complete the survey: Go to: www.pdrib.com/ares or you may Email: pdrib2016@gmail.com or you may call: 318-257-2029.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Thank you for taking the time to better help us understands the lived experiences of adults with visual impairments.” <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the characteristic that 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> “Dare to succeed!” This is the theme for the 2016 Children’s Camp which is taking place this week. We arrived in Rocky Bottom Sunday afternoon at about 5:30 p.m. Soon thereafter we were greeted by Jennifer Bazer who is the Director of Children’s Camp and is doing a fabulous job. I particularly enjoyed dinner with Jennifer. Dinner featured wonderful hot dogs and hamburgers with all the trimmings. I was able to observe Jennifer’s leadership who kept things under control with the children showing great respect. Jennifer stated that she had purchased furniture (a couch and love seat) for Ellenburg Lodge as Children’s Camp wanted to do something special for Rocky Bottom. Jennifer presented me with a gift bag featuring a bracelet, stress ball, water bottle, key chain and T-shirt bearing “Dare to Succeed” and the Rocky Bottom logo. These gift bags are being sold as a fundraiser. It was one of the most impressive dinner meetings I ever attended thanks to Jennifer’s planning and implementing the program. There were 18 happy children with about 27 volunteers who were very responsive, carrying out their assignments with precision. Braille was thoroughly appearing on all of the T-shirts along with the Rocky Bottom logo. I was pleased to be the recipient of a wonderful T-shirt featuring braille on the back and the logo on the front. I will wear it with pride. After dinner we enjoyed a visit by our Resident Manager Brooke Rivers and her husband Jami. An outstanding breakfast was served on Monday morning. However, before breakfast there was a devotional service delivered by Dupree McKenzie, a strong supporter of Children’s Camp. I appreciated his excellent message. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> The noontime luncheon was also outstanding. Jennifer called on me for the invocation and she led everyone in the pledge of allegiance. Near the close of the luncheon Jennifer recognized Mr. John Sarpy, Chairman of the Advisory Board. Mr. Sarpy reminded the campers that that this experience would always be with them as a camping experience is very important. We then retired to the board room. Mr. Sarpy recognized Jennifer who introduced two campers, Derique Simon and Miss Riley Crawford, who were impressive. I called upon Jennifer to give the board some information about herself which was well received. The primary issue discussed during the Advisory Board meeting was some long range planning for a countywide fundraiser. This was taken under advisement with Chairman Sarpy agreeing to do some background work in this regard. It was a brief visit to Rocky Bottom but a lot was accomplished. We are happy to advise you that Jennifer has made a commitment to serve as Children’s Camp Director for 2017.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Final Thought: History of NFB of SC Legislative Victories: #14: 1972 - General Appropriations Bill - $70,000 in increased cash assistance to the needy blind.<o:p></o:p></p></div></body></html>