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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>October 10, 2018 <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 1678<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> We have an announcement from Thom Spittle, President of the Computer Science and Technology Division. “The Computer Science & Technology Division of the NFB of SC will be holding a workshop this Saturday, October 13, 2018, at the Federation Center of the Blind, 119 S. Kilbourne Road Columbia, SC, from 10am to noon. This is a free workshop. This workshop will focus on the Seeing AI app for IOS, but there will be plenty of time to get help on any tech related issues you may have. If you have any questions, or would like us to hold a spot for you at the workshop, call 803-402-3526, and leave your name and a contact number. See you there.” <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> We have an announcement from Debra Canty, President of the Sumter chapter regarding her chapter’s Meet the Blind month activities. “The Sumter Chapter members were involved as we introduced ourselves to the community, raised blind awareness at the Sumter County Fair and was given information on other people who are blind and offer them information as well. We offered information on blindness, offered bus fund tickets, gave away candy, brochures, Braille cards, Kernel books, chapter information and we met so many people interested in our display of blind paraphernalia. Kudos to Lee and Laura James for decorating the informative fair booth on blindness. There were (30) members that attended church last Sunday, where Herbert Boykin raised blind awareness during the morning service. Another area church invited us to their Wednesday evening program and Jan Lewis demonstrated technology and shared how she lives the life she wants. We plan to be out and about in the community and especially during October observing blind awareness month.” <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> As state president, I appreciate those individuals and chapters who have notified me regarding their chapter’s Meet the Blind Month activity and I will continue to share this information in future Positive Notes. As I have already stated previously, a Meet the Blind Month activity is a great way to educate the public about blindness and to recruit new members to your chapter. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Governor McMaster has proclaimed October 15, 2018, as White Cane Safety Day. Below, is his proclamation:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>“State of South Carolina – Governor’s Proclamation<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>WHEREAS, the white cane is a simple yet effective tool of independence that contributes to the self-sufficiency of the blind and visually impaired and symbolizes their ability to achieve a full and independent life and their capacity to work productively in competitive employment; and<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>WHEREAS, the white cane is a symbol of dignity and determination as well as a tangible reminder that individuals with impaired eyesight are able to go, to move, to be, to compete and to contribute with all others in society and to lead full, independent and productive lives; and<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>WHEREAS, established by the National Federation of the Blind, the annual observance of “White Cane Safety Day” emphasizes the need for all Americans to be aware of the presence of disabled persons in our communities and to work together to keep the streets, highways, sidewalks, walkways, public buildings and facilities, and places of public accommodation amusement and resort safe and functional for the disabled; and<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>WHEREAS, the 2018 observance of “White Cane Safety Day” provides an opportunity for people across the Palmetto State and the nation to renew their dedication to eliminating barriers for the blind and visually impaired and to recognize their value as individuals, employees and productive members of our communities.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>NOW, THEREFORE, I, Henry McMaster, Governor of the great state of South Carolina, do hereby proclaim October 15, 2018, as WHITE CANE SAFETY DAY throughout the state and encourage all South Carolinians to show respect for those who carry the white cane, to honor their many achievements, and to reaffirm our commitment to improve access to basic services and opportunities for blind and visually impaired persons.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Henry McMaster, Governor, State of South Carolina”<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><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> As we approach mid-October, we continue to note that there are those who often work behind the scenes but are essential to a local chapter’s growth and progress. In the Conway Chapter I have heard Chapter President Levern Wilson speak highly of one of his members who put the Conway Chapter on the map with area blind people. I am speaking of Patsy Roberts. Patsy tells me that she was born in Conway but was raised in Aynor. By the way, Patsy attended the public schools in Aynor. For those of you who remember the late M. B. “Red” Shaw who worked with Scout Troop 424, the Columbia Chapter and the Federation Center of the Blind for decades, will be interested to note that Patsy had Red’s son, J. Marion Shaw as a Teacher in one of her classes. Patsy has two brothers, one of which is deceased. She has four children and 15 grandchildren. Patsy has been married to Doug Roberts for fourteen years and Doug has been the Pastor of the Pee Dee Freewill Baptist Church for twenty-seven years. Patsy is church secretary and also plays the piano. Patsy learned of the Conway Chapter of the NFB of SC through Levern Wilson and they joined the chapter in 2007. Patsy and Doug have attended most all of the state conventions since then and in fact have even conducted the Sunday morning Devotional and Memorial Service. Patsy has a hobby doing public service for the Conway Chapter. She has developed a chapter letterhead, brochures, a web site and a Facebook page. As I remember it, once she launched the Facebook page, several area blind people contacted the Conway Chapter, not knowing before that one had existed in Conway. She says that she helps out in any way Levern asks her to. I know the Conway Chapter is planning their annual Thanksgiving/Christmas dinner, the details of which will be set at their October meeting. It is quite an event to attend. Conway is also looking forward to working another Belk Charity Days as Levern asked the Center for a tax-exempt donation letter for the upcoming fundraising event. Let’s all salute Patsy and Doug Roberts for their dedication to the blind in the Greater Conway area and beyond!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Final Thought: “This October 8 we celebrated Columbus Day as Christopher Columbus discovered America in 1492. 480 years later on October 15, 1972 the Model White Cane Law was passed in South Carolina and each October 15 “White Cane Safety Day” celebrates first class treatment for all blind South Carolinians. And 500 years after 1492 in 1992 the Americans with Disabilities Act was passed by Congress, making state White Cane Laws federally recognized.”<o:p></o:p></p></div></body></html>