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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>October 15, 2019<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 1731<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> After visiting family and friends for the past ten days in Oregon and Colorado, it was good to return home to South Carolina on October 11. On Thursday, October 10, Shelley and I were treated to approximately three inches of snow and a daytime high temperature of 28 degrees. When we flew out of Denver the next day the temperature was a balmy 19 degrees. Although we had a wonderful time attending a family wedding and being with family and friends, it is great to be home in the sunny, warm South! <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> On Saturday, October 12, Shelley and I along with Columbia chapter members Dorothy Barksdale, Mary Peters, Jesse Burgess, Isaiah and Anthony Nelson traveled to Greenville to participate in the Greenville Chapter’s Meet the Blind Month activity. The activity consisted of a mile and three quarter White Cane walk, a BBQ lunch, raffle and door prizes. Each participant was given a bag filled with goodies and NFB literature. Approximately thirty people were in attendance. Congratulations to the Greenville chapter for a job well done as it was evident a great deal of effort and planning was done for this event. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Governor McMaster has proclaimed October 15, 2019, as White Cane 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 individuals who are 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 Day” emphasizes the need for all Americans to be aware of the presence of persons with disabilities 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 to the disability community; and<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Whereas, the 2019 observance of “White Cane Day” provides an opportunity for people across the Palmetto State and the nation to renew their dedication to eliminating barriers for persons who are 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, 2019 as<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>WHITE CANE DAY<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> 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 improving access to basic services and opportunities for persons who are blind and visually impaired.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Seal of the state of South Carolina<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Henry McMaster, Governor<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>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> Upon entering the Federation Center for the chapter meeting last Thursday, October 10, I detected a wonderful aroma from inside. As we took our seats I soon found out the reason for this wonderful aroma. I noticed that the two plates placed in front of me included one plate full of grits – that’s correct – I tried the grits and they were wonderful. Then I examined the other dish. I found it contained a feast. There were scrambled eggs, sausage patties, and a biscuit and to top it all off, the dessert consisted of cherry cobbler. Incidentally, you could eat as much as you wanted participating in this magnificent breakfast meal. For this month’s special meal the charge was $10 instead of the usual $6 dinner charge. Ike Nelson headed up the kitchen committee and he was helped by several members who prepared and served the meal. Nowadays it’s probably unusual to have the same thing for breakfast and supper. I will not forget this particular meal which was enjoyed by all. When I was growing up in Marion County, my mother served the same thing for breakfast and dinner and I had this so frequently. We started serving dinner by the Columbia Chapter at the Federation Center several decades ago. For many years the Telephone Pioneers served the monthly meal for the chapter. In more recent times, however, Isaiah Nelson and his volunteers include members like Catherine Williams and Gloria Washington. I’m convinced that meals served at meetings improve attendance and interest. Other business held at this meeting included election of chapter board members. The 2020 Board of Directors is as follows: President Tiffiny Mitchell, First Vice President Isaiah Nelson, Second Vice President Jennifer Bazer, Secretary Dorothy Barksdale, Treasurer Thom Spittle, and the two at-large board members are Steve Cook and Mike Sutton. P.S.: We welcome back the Coppel's who returned from their travels in Oregon and Colorado. You were missed!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Final Thought: Transforming our dreams into reality: White Cane Safety Day Proclamation – Spread the word!<o:p></o:p></p></div></body></html>