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</v:shape><![endif]--><![if !vml]><img width=162 height=183 src="cid:image002.png@01D60801.8ED91830" align=left hspace=12 v:shapes="Picture_x0020_1"><![endif]>April 1, 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 1755<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> For the past two Sunday evenings, I have participated in two national teleconferences for state and national division presidents conducted by President Riccobono regarding the Covid 19 virus as it relates to the overall operation of our national organization. As of March 24, the Jernigan Institute has been closed and all staff are working from home. You can still contact a staff member if you need to do so either by calling the Jernigan Institute (410) 659-9314 and dialing their office extension number or by emailing them. The Independence Market is closed and will not open until further notice. You can still receive a cane through the Free White Cane program; however, shipments of canes will only be made once a week. President Riccobono made it quite clear the NFB national convention In Houston is being held as planned. He encouraged everyone to continue to make their hotel reservations. He stated because of technical difficulties, the preregistration link for the national convention is still down, however, the link should be up and running in a few days. President Riccobono informed us there is currently a page on the NFB website, nfb.org/covid 19 that lists resources and virtual training opportunities available for blind people throughout the country. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> This past Thursday, March 26, the NFB of SC held a teleconference via Zoom for the purpose of discussing the affect the Covid 19 virus is having on our state organization and to address needs and concerns, if any, by our members as it relates to these uncertain times. Over eighteen people from throughout the state participated. After a national report was given, I informed the participants the Federation Center is remaining open and do not hesitate to contact David Houck or myself if there are any questions or concerns needing to be addressed. Jennifer Bazer informed everyone Successful Transitions is conducting virtual training for their students and she invited those interested individuals to participate in these training programs. I made it quite clear we were still planning to hold our state convention in North Charleston August 21-23. I strongly encouraged everyone to continue to make their room reservations with the North Charleston Marriott Hotel. All those who participated felt the teleconference was beneficial and it was decided to continue to schedule these teleconferences on a weekly basis on Thursday evenings at 5:00, with the next scheduled meeting being held on April 2. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> The Spring meetings of the Rocky Bottom Retreat and Conference Center of the Blind Board of Directors and the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina Board of Directors will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2020. The RBRCCB Board of Directors meeting will begin at 10:00 a.m. and the meeting of the NFB of SC Board of Directors meeting will begin at 1:00 p.m. In an effort to decrease transportation expense by board members and because of the current uncertainty regarding the coronavirus situation, both board meetings will be held via the Zoom platform. I look forward to having all board members present for each meeting. Of course, these meetings are always open to our membership. I strongly encourage Federation members to attend both meetings via the Zoom platform and to actively participate in the discussions. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> If you are a board member, please call the Federation Center (803) 254-3777) or email the Center at nfbsc@sc.rr.com if you are planning to attend. If you cannot attend, please contact me at (803) 796-8662 or email me at frankcoppel@att.net prior to April 18. <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. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Final Thought: Transforming dreams into reality: Inspiration, initiative, information, innovation, and impact.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>