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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>December 14, 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 1583<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> In a couple of days all of you should be receiving your Statewide Seminar Letter and your Charter Bus letter. Please fill out the form at the end of the Statewide Seminar letter and return it to the State Office as soon as possible. You can also call the State Office at (803) 254-3777 and let us know if you are planning to attend the Statewide Seminar on February 4, 2017. Please notify the State Office of your intentions in order that we may have an accurate count for the luncheon which will be free of charge. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> It is not too early to begin turning in your state dues of $10 for 2016 to the state office. Remember that we need to have your name, address, phone number and email address if you have one. These things do change and if we do not have updated information, we cannot keep you up to date on what’s going on. The deadline for dues is January 31, 2017, so why wait!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> During this past week, Shelley and I have been extremely busy attending Chapter Christmas parties throughout the state. On Thursday morning, December 8, Shelley and I along with former State President, Parnell Diggs who was staying with us for a few days to conduct federation business, traveled to Jefferson, South Carolina to attend the Chesterfield County chapter Christmas luncheon. Approximately 25 people were in attendance for the luncheon and it was very evident Dorcas Campbell, Chapter President, is doing an outstanding job. The chapter treated everyone to a delicious barbecue feast and we were entertained by Parnell who sang Christmas carols and played his guitar. It was also great to see the First vice President of the NFB of SC, Lenora Robertson, her daughter, Ellen Taylor, and Louise Watson at the meeting as well. That evening, Shelley and I enjoyed being with our Columbia Chapter as we celebrated Christmas with our home Chapter. There were approximately 100 people in attendance and we were treated to a wonderful covered dish feast prepared by chapter members. Many members enjoyed participating in a Christmas gift exchange and we all enjoyed listening to Parnell Diggs playing his guitar and singing Christmas carols. Second Vice President of the NFB of SC, Debra Canty, NFB of SC State Board member, Linda Dizzley, and Student Division President, Alexus Blanding also attended the Christmas party and it was good to visit with all of these individuals as well. Tiffany Mitchell continues to do an excellent job leading the Columbia Chapter and she did an outstanding job planning and presiding over the meeting. Last evening, December 13, Shelley and I had the pleasure of attending the 43rd Annual Christmas Banquet Gala hosted by the Sumter Chapter. Approximately 400 people attended this year’s banquet and Debra Canty, President of the Sumter chapter again did an excellent job presiding over the festivities. The program for the evening was extremely impressive as Ms. Canty called on various individuals to discuss their onset of blindness and how the NFB has had a positive impact on their lives. I was the keynote speaker for the evening and I was much honored to have Shelley introduce me to the audience. <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> “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.” Last Thursday evening December 8 the Columbia Chapter had a wonderful Christmas program with chapter President Tiffiny Mitchell providing the leadership. Members brought covered dishes and everyone enjoyed a feast. About 100 were in attendance. Former state President Parnell Diggs was in town and joined us for the chapter’s Christmas party. He brought along his guitar and sung Christmas carols for us. Asked about his work as Director of Governmental Affairs for the NFB, he explained that the national President Mark Riccobono also utilizes his talents and he frequently represents the NFB at special events including those of the Department of Justice and various businesses and organizations. By the way, Parnell stated, “his attending the Christmas party at the Center last Thursday night, December 8, 2016 was his important 28th anniversary as he first visited the Center on Thursday, December 8, 1988.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> On Saturday, December 10 we attended the Singing Christmas Tree production as our live-in assistant Debbie Manning secured tickets for this wonderful program. The Singing Christmas Tree was first performed in the Township Auditorium in the 1980’s but has been hosted by Shandon Baptist Church in recent years. The Christmas tree is 30 feet tall including the star. The tree featured 50,000 lights and there 300 performers including 200 choir members and 30 orchestra members. It was a magnificent performance. The church’s new sanctuary was packed to capacity and many were turned away. I was impressed with the large number of volunteers who provided needed assistance. It was a considerable distance to walk from the inside of the church to where the car was parked as several volunteers assisted Betty and me. A couple of young men gave special service to Betty and while I advised them to be sure and give “good care,” they stated they were and inquired as to how long I had been giving good care to Betty and I replied, “for 67 years.” They replied that was wonderful. The Singing Christmas Tree program lasts about one hour. With several hundred singers and orchestra members, it was the largest musical production I’ve ever heard and it will be unforgettable. The tree had ten rows and each row featured a number of singers and orchestra performers.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> With Christmas featuring a giving spirit as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, I trust you would consider an end-of-year tax deductible gift to the Mattress Fund for RBRCCB. You have given slightly one-half of the cost and there remains some $3,000 to cover the remainder needed to purchase these mattresses. If 30 NFB of SC chapters gave $100 each, this would cover the amount needed. If 15 chapters gave $200 each, this would cover the remaining cost. Ellenburg Lodge is the most popular facility at RBRCCB and the many people who utilize this facility would improve their comfort by our replacing the 17 year old current mattresses. The Belvedere Chapter has given liberally making a contribution of more than $400. I hope all of you have an enjoyable Christmas holiday season.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Final Thought: Last week John Glenn passed away at the age of 95. He was the first astronaut to circle the Earth in outer space and the oldest to fly in the Space Shuttle. He also served in the US Senate for 24 years from the state of Ohio. - Raising Expectations<o:p></o:p></p></div></body></html>