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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>December 19, 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 1688<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> These past few days have been extremely sad in the NFB of SC as two of our members in our Federation family have gone to be with our heavenly Father. On Saturday evening, December 15, Padgett McKenzie, a long time federation member, passed away after being seriously ill for the past three weeks. Padgett was president of the Columbia chapter when Gail, my first wife, and I became members of the NFB of SC In the mid 1970’s. Padgett and Emily loved Rocky Bottom, attended numerous Senior Camps, and generally supported the activities of our affiliate. Padgett was a valued colleague, a close friend and he will be greatly missed. All of us in our federation family need to keep Padgett’s wife, Emily and the rest of the McKenzie family in our thoughts and prayers. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> On Monday, December 16, Betty Capps, who will always be the “First Lady” of the NFB of SC, passed away after being in poor health for several years. Mrs. Capps devotion and dedication to both Dr. Capps and to the National Federation of the Blind will always be unparalleled. Mrs. Capps love for the NFB not only significantly impacted the lives of the blind in South Carolina but also the blind nationwide. Mrs. Capps was a very special lady and she will be greatly missed by all of us. Our federation family needs to keep Dr. Capps, son Craig, and the Capps family in our thoughts and prayers. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Thursday, December 13, was a very busy day as Shelley and I traveled to Pageland, SC where we attended the Chesterfield County Chapter Christmas luncheon. Approximately 30 people were in attendance for the luncheon and it was very evident Nancy Reyes, Chapter President, is doing an outstanding job. The chapter treated everyone to a delicious lunch and everyone enjoyed a great deal of fellowship with each other. It was also great to see the First Vice President of the NFB of SC, Lenora Robertson and her daughter, Ellen Taylor. Thursday evening, Shelley and I had the pleasure of attending the Columbia Chapter Christmas party. Close to 100 people were in attendance and everyone enjoyed a delicious cover dish feast. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> By now all of you should have received your Statewide Seminar 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 Saturday, January 5, 2019. 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. For many years, we have conducted an auction throughout the day of the seminar to raise money for the Federation Center. However, this year, all the money raised from the auction will be given to Rocky Bottom to help to offset the cost of much needed repairs at our camp. Be sure to bring items for the auction such as, cakes, pies, cookies, gift baskets, and electronics. Also, please continue to sell your Las Vegas National Convention tickets. You can either mail your ticket stubs and money to the Federation Center or bring them with you to the Seminar on Saturday, January 5. The drawing will take place at the conclusion of the Seminar. The winning ticket will receive $300, the seller of the winning ticket will receive $100 and the chapter selling the most tickets will receive $300. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> It is not too early to begin submitting your state dues of $10 for 2019 to the state office. It is imperative we have accurate contact information such as your name, address, phone number and email address if applicable. This information does change from time to time and if we do not have updated information, we cannot keep you up to date on what’s going on. Also, our national office is requiring each state affiliate to submit a list of members and their contact information by January 15, 2019. The deadline for NFB of SC state dues is January 31, 2019, so why wait! <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Yesterday morning, Rocky Bottom received a very special Christmas gift from a longtime friend and member of the NFB of SC, C.A. Gatlin who gave two significant contributions in memory of his wife, “Tootsie” Gatlin and his daughter, Tammy. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> The Christmas season is a very beautiful and special time of the year. I especially enjoy listening to Christmas music, being with family and friends, eating wonderful food, and watching our six grandchildren opening their gifts on Christmas morning. Shelley and I would like to take this opportunity to wish each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas and let’s all of us remember the “Reason for the Season”. <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.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Final Thought: Christmas snow is pure, Christmas morning is wonder, and Christmas togetherness with family is like the manger scene with Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus.<o:p></o:p></p></div></body></html>