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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>February 22, 2017 <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 1593<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> As authorized by the Board of Directors of RBRCCB at its meeting on February 4, I as Chairman and Ed Bible, as Vice Chairman met with Brooke Rivers on Saturday, February 11, to discuss with her the board’s decision to move in a different direction regarding the position of resident manager and relieving her of her duties in this position. Mr. Bible and I thanked Brooke for her two years of service to RBRCCB and wished her the best of luck in her future endeavors. As the board and I begin the process of filling this position, Linda Bible, ED Bible’s sister, has graciously agreed to serve as the interim resident manager on a voluntary basis during this time. Linda’s work history consists of a great deal of experience in the area of grounds keeping, as well as, commercial and residential cleaning. She is very excited and willing to do whatever she can to help us and I know everyone will enjoy working with her during this transition period. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> On Saturday evening, February 18, Shelley and I had a great time attending the second annual Sweetheart Dance Sponsored by the NFB of SC. Approximately 47 individuals were in attendance and it was very apparent everyone enjoyed all the festivities of the evening. The Federation Center was beautifully decorated with pink table cloths as well as cut out Valentine hearts and a balloon bouquet on each table. Individuals enjoyed a delicious dinner after which time people appeared to be having fun listening to the music, dancing or just talking with each other. Thanks to the generosity of many individuals and chapters and the efforts of Jennifer Bazer, door prize chairperson, a large number of Door prizes were handed out which greatly added to the festivities of the evening. I would like to thank Shedrick Herd, a longtime associate member of the Columbia chapter, who provided the music for the evening free of charge. I would also like to thank Corey Gibbons, Debra Canty’s son and his lovely wife, Tanisha, for volunteering their time to decorate the Federation Center. Very special thanks go to Debra Canty, our Fundraising Chairperson and her committee for putting together this event. Many cudoes for a job well done! <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Earlier on Saturday afternoon, Shelley and I had the privilege of attending the beautiful memorial service honoring Martha Robertson which was held at the New Life Freewill Baptist Church in Lancaster. The blind were well represented as the church was almost filled to capacity. All of us who attended the service, were deeply touched by the remarks made by family members and others regarding “Miss Martha” and the beautiful music. Also on Saturday morning, Going Home services for second vice president, Cheryl Mott-Sims, of the Lee County chapter was held in Bishopville. Let’s continue to keep Mike and Jean Sutton and their family as well as the Sims family in our thoughts and prayers. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Our sympathy goes out to Dr. Capps whose last surviving sibling, Loretta Collins, of Mullins passed away Saturday, February 18. Mrs. Collins over the years made generous contributions to the NFB of SC, Rocky Bottom, and the Federation Center of the Blind. Our Federation family needs to keep Dr. Capps and Mrs. Capps in our thoughts and prayers as well. <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 is with a heavy heart that we dictate this Positive Note. Over the weekend on Saturday, February 18, I lost my remaining sibling, Loretta Capps-Collins who passed away after an extended illness. I know that we are to celebrate the life of an individual but it is very difficult with me. Loretta was a special person in every sense of the word. The Positive Note accommodates special situations and I’m taking the liberty this Monday morning to tell you some things about Loretta. She lived to be 90 years of age. She was born 23 months before I was. We grew up together. There were 11 siblings in my family, four girls and seven boys. Loretta and I were the last remaining siblings. She was survived by two sons, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. One of her sons, Chris is a practicing attorney in Houston, Texas. Her other son, Wayne operates the funeral home where the service for Loretta will be held; tomorrow, Tuesday, February 21 at 3:00 p.m. at the Cox-Collins Funeral Home in Mullins. Loretta was an outstanding business lady, being the owner of several different businesses. Loretta, as everyone knew her was owner of Winkie’s Florist in Mullins for 37 years, where she loved working with flowers and decorating. She worked and helped many young ladies over the years with their flowers. She was generous. Throughout her long life Loretta contributed to the Federation and Rocky Bottom. She was very supportive of my service to the blind. She participated in the Capps family reunion held at the Federation Center in the mid 1980’s. Loretta is admired throughout the Mullins and Marion communities. She was a strong supporter of Gapway Baptist Church which was established over 200 years ago. Loretta was also supportive of community programs. I would deeply appreciate all of you keeping me in your thoughts and prayers in my loss.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Final Thought: Raising Expectations: “Marriage raises expectations concerning a lifetime of love, togetherness, shared experiences and the joy of raising children and grandchildren.” <o:p></o:p></p></div></body></html>