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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>March 25, 2020<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 1754<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> During this time of uncertainty, it is great to be able to share a bit of good news with my federation family. As of a couple of weeks ago, we were able to purchase a brand new commercial grade refrigerator and freezer for the kitchen in the Conference Center at Rocky Bottom. We were also able to replace the thermostat in the existing commercial dishwasher. We have been told the dishwasher is working fine and should last for another ten years. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our federation members, chapters, friends, the Bignon Foundation as well as the Salem Lions Club for their generous financial support for this much needed project. Although we have made significant progress in this area, we still need to consider upgrading the commercial stove and ovens. Therefore, if you or your chapter would like to contribute $100 and become a member of the $100/100 club we would be very appreciative. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> We have an announcement from Jennifer Bazer. “Hello Federation Family! I hope all of you are safe. As more restrictions are put on our state and our nation, I want to reach out and see how we can help each other as a Palmetto State family? I know that it is harder to get to stores and to have delivery services. Please, please, please reach out if you need help. If you need groceries, safety and survival items, we will work to get you what you need through networking, we will find a way. I do not want us to lose our connection to each other. I want to keep our hope alive and prayer going. As an effort to keep our state connected and share resources, please join us on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at 5:00 p.m. for an informal hour of chatting, sharing resources, strategizing, and building HOPE, Hold On Possibilities Exist.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Please share with others who may enjoy connecting with us. To connect with us follow one of the below ways:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> If you have the phone app, click on the below link: Join Zoom Meeting<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>https://zoom.us/j/8032543777 Meeting ID: 803 254 3777 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> If you have a smart phone, just click below and it will dial in for you:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>+19292056099,,8032543777#<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Or, you can dial in from your land phone at any of the below numbers:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>US (New York) 16699006833,,8032543777# US (San <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>+Jose)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Dial by your location <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Meeting ID: 803 254 3777<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/aeFWRgWyAj”<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> I believe staying connected with each other during these times is extremely important. Kudos to Jennifer for starting this initiative and it is my hope many of us will participate in these informal discussions. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> We also have an announcement from David Houck. “While we all are following “social distancing” during the Covid-19 virus situation, the Federation Center office is open and continues to be staffed by the Executive Director David Houck to make certain information gets out statewide about the virus situation, meeting postponements or cancellations and to service the needs of the state’s blind at this time. Our four blind computer instructors continue to teach virtually over the internet and Barry Chavis continues Federation Center renovation and maintenance work, especially some plumbing and refrigeration work from last week at the Center. Also, I understand that although schools are currently closed, Successful Transitions has found ways to continue its operations in a safe environment. Of course, Linda Bible is doing a good job at Rocky Bottom and all our Federation officers and board members stand ready to be of assistance.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Finally, I cannot emphasize strongly enough the importance of staying connected with each other during these difficult times. I strongly encourage chapter presidents to check on your members and if there is a need, do not hesitate to call the Federation Center at (803) 254-377 or you can call me at (803) 796-8662. <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: Transforming dreams into reality: Even during the existing virus situation, find a way to contact someone who cannot get out or receive visitors to talk with them or offer to help to do their shopping for them. Find a way to help those most vulnerable.<o:p></o:p></p></div></body></html>