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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>December 5, 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 1686<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> The 39th annual Christmas Board Retreat held at Rocky Bottom this past weekend was extremely busy as many of us participated in two board meetings on Saturday (RBRCCB Board of Directors meeting which was held 9:30 a.m. and the meeting of the Board of Directors of the NFB of SC which was held at 2:00 p.m.). The 2019 edition of Children’s camp will be held June 9, to June 16. The dates for the 2019 Senior Camps will be May 19-23 and September 15-19. I announced to the Board I have decided to step down as Senior Camp Director and I have asked Shelley Coppel and Shannon Cook to be co-directors of Senior camp. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Ed Bible, Vice Chairman of the RBRCCB Board of Directors, gave an extensive report regarding the overall operations of the camp. Mr. Bible stated there has been a great deal of work done regarding the infrastructure of our facilities at Rocky Bottom such as repairing, termite damage, extensive mold remediation in Osterneck and other repairs. Mr. Bible also thanked Jimmie and Frank Masters for their role in securing a $1500 contribution from the Rocky Bottom Baptist Church to repair roof leaks in Osterneck, Oblesby Cottages and the Conference Center. Mr. Bible also recognized the individuals, church groups, and civic organizations who have volunteered their services in the area of building and ground maintenance during the past year at Rocky Bottom. However, Mr. Bible pointed out that much work still needs to be done in Osterneck Cottage, the Conference Center, and the septic tanks. Mr. Bible further stated Rocky Bottom is our camp and the blind need to do a better job “stepping up to the plate” and taking a more active role in the upkeep and maintenance of our facilities. The board had an extensive discussion regarding the need to raise much needed funds for Rocky Bottom. We discussed the Midlands Gives program which is held the first Tuesday in May as well as grant writing, and other possible fund raisers. The board discussed the 2018 Fun Day Festival and ideas as to how we can significantly improve the overall proceeds for the camp. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> During the NFB of SC State Board meeting, a variety of topics were discusd. Debra Canty reported the fourth annual Sweetheart Dance will be held on Saturday, February 16, 2019 at the Federation Center of the Blind. All proceeds raised from the dance will be given to the NFB of SC. Ed Bible, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Federation Center and David Houck Federation Center of the Blind Director, gave an excellent report. It was reported the Federation Center continues to be financially sound and the Center has expanded its assistive technology training programs this past year. It was also reported the Federation Center is currently undergoing much needed renovations throughout the building. The board also heard a report from Jennifer Bazer, Director of the NFB of SC Successful Transitions program. Ms. Bazer reported the program was doing very well and that a new Mentoring component for blind students was recently added to her program. The Washington Seminar was discussed and will begin on Sunday, January 27, 2019 with the “great gathering in” meeting being held on Monday, January 28, at 5:00 p.m. Room rates for the Washington Seminar are $196 per night plus a 14.95 percent room tax. Please call the Holiday Inn Capitol (877) 572-6951 and referencing booking code NB8 to make your reservation. All reservations must be made by December 28. If you wish to attend or have questions regarding the Washington Seminar, please call me at (803) 796-8662. The 2019 state convention will be held in Columbia at the Marriott Hotel the weekend of August 9-11. This will be a very specially event as we will be celebrating our 75th anniversary of our organization. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Saturday evening was spent celebrating the Christmas season with caroling, exchanging of gifts, and sampling a variety of delicious desserts. We also recognized members of the Rocky Bottom Baptist Church for their generosity and support towards RBRCCB during this past year. Thanks to everyone who contributed items for the gift bags which will be distributed to residents of a small assistive living facility in Pickens. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> I want to take this opportunity to especially thank Lenora Robertson and her “food crew” for all of their hard work preparing the delicious meals throughout the weekend. I also would like to thank each of you who attended Rocky Bottom this weekend for making the Christmas Board Retreat an extremely enjoyable and pleasant experience for Shelley and myself. <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> Many of us know Trent Tedder through his association with Marty McKenzie. As a Clarendon Chapter associate member, Trent is quite involved with not only the blind but also the hard of hearing in his work. Trent Tedder was born and raised in Florence, SC. He currently lives in West Columbia. Trent graduated from West Oak High School in Westminster, SC. Trent’s mother, father, brother and one sister are deceased. He has two sisters that are living and he has a strong relationship with his nieces and nephews. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Trent is a Program Assistant at the SC School for the Deaf and the Blind. He has worked there for seven years. He works closely as the Statewide Deaf and Hard of Hearing Consultant, Project Magnify and the Division of Outreach in general. He previously worked in retail, manufacturing and as a pest control technician. He spent five years in the US Army as an Attach Helicopter Mechanic. He also served during Operation Desert Storm. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Trent Tedder has been an associate member of the Clarendon County NFB Chapter since 2009. He was introduced to the NFB by Marty McKenzie, the chapter president. He particularly enjoys his work with the blind and assists wherever he is needed. Trent has attended eight state conventions and eight national conventions. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Trent works with Project Magnify which provides low vision clinics and devicse for up to thirty students statewide each year. He also completed a Literary Braille course offered from USC Upstate in 2010. He has worked as a Statewide Vision Consulted in the past. He served as APH Ex Officio Trustee Assistant from 2011 to 2018 and has attended several American Printing House for the Blind Annual Meetings. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Trent enjoys spending time with family and friends. He also enjoys cooking, watching Netflix and Hulu. Trent attends Cornerstone Ministries in Lake City, SC, where he also runs the sound system for services and assists with Sunday School materials and bulletin productions. Let’s salute Trent Tedder for his dedicated service to the blind and others both in and outside the federation!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Final Thought: Will you be remembered by your service to others?<o:p></o:p></p></div></body></html>