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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>COLUMBIA CHAPTER NEWSLETTER<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>DEMCBER 9, 2016<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>2017 DUES<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Now is the time you can begin turning in your 2017 chapter dues of $15. They are due by January 31, but why wait? Be sure we have correct information including your name, associate or voting blind membership, address, phone, email and birthdate. Your dues are $15.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>FEBRUARY 4 STATEWIDE SEMINAR<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Mark your calendar now to attend the Saturday, February 4 (Date changed!) Statewide Seminar at the Federation Center. It all begins at 10:00 a.m. You should be receiving a letter in the near future. Remember to bring auction items to raise funds for the Federation Center like baked goods, electronic devices, etc. Be creative!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>DECEMBER 8 COLUMBIA CHAPTER MEETING<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> The meeting was gaveled to order by Tiffiny Mitchell at 6:15 p.m. The tree and tables were all decorated for Christmas. Dawn Kaiser was voted in as a new member. Guests present included NFB Director of Governmental Affairs Parnell Diggs, Sumter Chapter President Debra Canty and a group from Sumter, Lee County Chapter President Linda Dizzley and Carolyn Outlaw, Andrew Furr from West Columbia, Tiffiny Mitchell’s family members, among others. Everyone chipped-in for a Christmas “pot luck” dimmer and Parnell Diggs sang Christmas carols during dinner. David Houck gave the Luke 2 Christmas story. Then there was the Great Gift Exchange between members. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Jennifer Bazer announced a self-defense class this Saturday between 1 to 3 p.m. at a cost of $10 per person with refreshments afterward. If interested, call Jennifer at 661-6622. Contact Tiffiny Mitchell if you need transportation.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> NFB of SC President Frank Coppel reported on the Rocky Bottom and NFB of SC board meetings at last weekend’s board retreat. Linda Dizzley invited everyone to attend a Christmas piano concert by Bruce McCathern Saturday night, December 10 at 6:30 p.m. at the St. Mathews United Methodist Church, 2144 Stokes Bridge Rd., West, in Bishopville. Donald Capps spoke of the 50 years of Christmas here at the Federation Center and wished everyone a merry Christmas. Tiffiny Mitchell announced line dancing will begin again in January. Don’t forget the Sweetheart Dance Saturday evening February 18 at a cost of $25 per person or $45 per couple. Contact Debra Canty for tickets. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Harold Taylor won the 50-50 drawing receiving $49. The freewill offering was presented to Jonathan Nelson for the loss of his and other Nelson family member’s father, Skyler Nelson. He said he would present the funds to his mother to assist her at home.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Have a merry Christmas and a happy New Year!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Tiffiny Mitchell, President<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Columbia Chapter, NFB of SC<o:p></o:p></p></div></body></html>