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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>December 21, 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: Jennifer Bazer, President<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>803-960-9977<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Jhipp25@sc.rr.com<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Positive Note 1793<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>As I write this next to the last Positive Note for 2020, it is Sunday afternoon. The dryer is humming; the washer is whirling; the dogs are sleeping; and I am reflecting on the upcoming week that will bring us to Christmas Eve and the celebration of the birth of Jesus. I ponder creating new Christmas traditions with my kiddos as 2020 went in a different direction than anyone could have imagined. My aunt went to be with her Heavenly father after a battle with cancer; my grandparents are battling health concerns and are not able to get around as they did in previous years.; and, as a single parent of two young children, from Thanksgiving until the first of the year, I struggle with what use to be and what no longer is present for the three of us. I am blessed beyond measure; the struggle to create a new me as a single parent with my children is real. Even after three years of being divorced, sadness, emptiness, and loneliness overwhelms me at times during this time of year. Everywhere you turn, the focus is on happiness, love, and family. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Just before I sat down to write this portion of the Positive Note, I received a group text that said, “Please pray for the Wahl family as they lost everything this morning in a house fire; everyone got out safely.” This family goes to our church, plays baseball with my son, attends school with my children, and is in cub scouts with Cade. Heart wrenching. Tears streamed down my cheeks for this family’s loss. My feelings of loneliness for what I use to have as a family now seemed insignificant as the Wahl family works to rebuild everything. I am building new Christmas traditions; they are thankful to be alive and just concerned about immediate necessities. The pain for this family overshadows my small and insignificant sadness during the holiday season. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>My son, Cade, decided to make a video to collect gift cards and monetary donations for this family who means so much to us. In the video, he mentioned giving up his Christmas wants to insure his teammate, his friend, his scout buddy, and his schoolmate, had food and clothes and essentials. It is not me creating new traditions for our family, it is my 10-year-old son, Cade who always is thinking of others and doing without so others can have a Merry Christmas. It is the innocence of young children who help me remember that, no matter how hard I think I have it, there is always someone in a more difficult place. As I finish this portion of the Positive Note, the dryer is still humming, the washer is still whirling, the dogs are still sleeping, and there is joy in my heart knowing, my children are always there to teach me, remind me, that life is precious, God is good, and I am blessed! I hope each of you have a very Merry Christmas!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As 2020 draws to a close, just a few things we all need to do as active members in our Palmetto affiliate.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Dates to remember; please mark your calendars. See more specific details on these action items further in this Positive Note.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Fulfill our state convention pledges by December 31.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Submit our 22021 state dues of $10 by December 31.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Notify David Houck at the Center by calling 803-254-3777 if you plan to attend the statewide seminar on January 9, 2021.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Chapter and division presidents, submit your financial reports for 2020 by January 31 2021 to the state office.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Notify David Houck at the Center by calling 803-254-3777 if you plan to attend the leadership seminar on April 10, 2021.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Increase or hop on the PAC plan by May 31, 2021 to have your name entered into a $100 gift card drawing.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Submit new chapter and division officers to Steve Cook, Thom Spittle and me by December 31, 2020 so that it can be updated on the website and membership roster.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Movie Night<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Come join your Federation Family, Wednesday, December 23 at 7:30 p.m. via The NFB of SC zoom as we watch audio described, Christmas with the Cranks. Bring your favorite candy and popcorn and relax with us as Christmas week continues.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>From Thom Spittle, Chairman, Rocky Bottom Retreat and Conference Center of the Blind<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Board of Directors and staff of Rocky Bottom would like to take this time to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>PAC Plan Challenge:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We will be running a contest from December 5, 2020 through May 31, 2021 for our NFB of SC affiliate. We are currently 13 and would like to be in the top 10 or higher. One of our members would like to see us as an affiliate contribute $1,500 to PAC each month between chapters, divisions, individuals and our NFB of SC affiliate. If you join PAC, your name will be entered into a drawing for a $100 visa gift card. If you increase your PAC donation, your name will be entered into a different $100 visa gift card drawing. I have a list of chapters, divisions, and individuals who are on PAC at this time. On June 1, I will ask the national office for another list which I will use to have the two drawings on June 1. There are many ways to give. Below, is a little about PAC.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white'>Thank you for your interest in the National Federation of the Blind's Pre-Authorized Contribution (PAC) program. This program allows you to contribute to the NFB through recurring monthly donations. These can be direct withdrawals from a checking account or charges to a credit card. Please contact </span><a href="mailto:PAC@nfb.org"><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#005AA3;background:white;text-decoration:none'>pac@nfb.org</span></a><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white'> with any questions. Thank you for your generosity.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal>You can go to<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.nfb.org/pac">https://www.nfb.org/pac</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>to complete the online form.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>You may also call the national office at 410-659-9314 extension 2622 or email <a href="mailto:PAC@nfb.org">PAC@nfb.org</a> with questions.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>There are several chapters and divisions within our state who are on PAC and we are grateful for those contributions. There are individuals who are on PAC and we are appreciative of those members who give each month. As an affiliate, we are averaging $17.41 per person and less than 10% of our members are on PAC. Let’s see if we can increase those percentages to over $20 per month and have at least 20% of our members on PAC. I appreciate you considering to get on the PAC plan or increasing your donation each month!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> We will have our next SC connects meeting Thursday, January 7 2021 at 5:00 p.m. Please encourage your chapters, divisions, committees to attend to learn about the latest happenings in the NFB of SC!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Our statewide seminar will be held January 9 at the Center in Columbia from 10:00 until 4:00. This will be a hybrid seminar meaning you can attend in-person and over Zoom so as many individuals can participate as possible. Please make plans to attend in-person or through Zoom. Please call, text or email me with suggested agenda items. Please also call David at the Center at 803-254-3777 to let us know if you will be attending in person. First come, first serve as we have limited seats to effectively promote social distancing at the Center. Chapter and division presidents along with FCB, NFB of SC, and Rocky Bottom board members are required to attend via zoom or in-person.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>If you notify David Houck by January 5, 2021 whether you plan to attend on zoom or in-person, your name will be entered into a $50 gift card drawing. You must be present to win. There will be additional door prizes throughout the seminar; only individuals who notify David by calling 803-254-3777 or emailing <a href="mailto:nfbsc@sc.rr.com">nfbsc@sc.rr.com</a> about your zoom or in-person attendance will be entered into the $50 gift card drawing.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Leadership Seminar:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Our next leadership seminar will be April 10, 2021 at the Federation Center. All presidents of divisions and chapters along with Federation Center board members, Rocky Bottom board members and NFB of SC board members are required to attend in-person or through zoom. Others who are interested are welcome to attend via zoom or in-person as well.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>If you notify David Houck by April 5, 2021 whether you plan to attend on zoom or in-person, your name will be entered into a $50 gift card drawing. You must be present to win. There will be additional door prizes throughout the seminar; only individuals who notify David by calling 803-254-3777 or emailing <a href="mailto:nfbsc@sc.rr.com">nfbsc@sc.rr.com</a> about your zoom or in-person attendance will be entered into the $50 gift card drawing.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We plan to have door prizes at each of these seminars on January 9 and April 10. Calling David Houck at the Center at 803-254-3777 will guarantee your name entered into a separate drawing for registered in-person and zoom attendees of a $50 gift card for each seminar that will be drawn at an undisclosed time during each seminar and you must be present to win. . Anyone who attends via zoom or in-person will be eligible for door prizes and must be present to win, even if, you do not register prior to the seminars. Only registered individuals who call David Houck to let us know how you will be participating either in-person or zoom will be entered into the $50 gift card drawing for each seminar.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> The following meetings are scheduled on the Zoom platform this week. You are welcome to attend any of these meetings, even if you are not a member of the chapter or committee. All Committee meetings are open to the public for listening. Contact President Bazer if you would like to be added to any NFB of SC committee so that information stays current on our website and membership list.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Here is what is coming up on Zoom for the week of December 21 2020. All meetings are on the main Federation ID of 803-254-3777, unless noted.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Monday, December 21, Membership, 7pm<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Wednesday, December 23, Sports and Rec, 6pm<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Wednesday, December 23, audio described Christmas movie, 7:30pm<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> NFB of SC Federation Center is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Topic: NFB of SC Chapter and Committee meetings<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Times are in Eastern Time (US and Canada)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Join Zoom Meeting<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8032543777?pwd=QTVQd2RzN3l6QnNmZ0FmSnp6NG8vQT09">https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8032543777?pwd=QTVQd2RzN3l6QnNmZ0FmSnp6NG8vQT09</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Meeting ID: 803 254 3777<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Passcode: 124578<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>One tap mobile<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>+19292056099,,8032543777# US (New York)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> If you made a pledge at our state convention banquet in August, those tax -deductible contributions are due at the Center no later than December 31, 2020. If you did not make a pledge, but wish to donate to the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina, please send donations to 119 S. Kilbourne Road, Columbia, SC 29205. You may also pay on our website at <a href="http://www.nfbofsc.org">www.nfbofsc.org</a> and look for the donations link to pay through pay Pal. Thank you to all of those individuals, chapters, and divisions who have fulfilled their pledges. I will list all donors in the first Positive Note of 2021.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Big News! The National Federation of the Blind of SC now has an online enrollment membership form to pay your 2021 state dues. You will be able to fill out the form online to provide the state office with updated personal and contact information. You will also be able to pay your $10 state dues via secure Pay Pal. You will still need to pay your chapter/division dues on the local level. After submitting the membership form, you will be provided with a link to pay your $10 state dues through Pay Pal. Your membership will not be confirmed until payment has been received. After paying your $10 state dues via Pay Pal, we will receive a message stating you have paid your state dues to confirm your membership. Then you will be sent a message with a copy of your receipt for confirmation later in the day. Please retain this confirmation for your records and proof of payment. Also, Pay Pal charges the NFB of SC a percentage for each transaction. We would greatly appreciate you adding an extra $0.30 for every $10 to your donation to offset this charge. So, $10.30, $20.60 and so on.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> If you need assistance completing the online form, you are welcome to call Steve and Shannon Cook to help at (803) 254-0222. Leave a message with your name and contact number if we are unavailable to answer the phone.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Thank you to those who have already paid your state dues! We hope to see close to 100% of dues paid by December 31. Our membership committee along with the help of our district reps will follow-up as we get closer to the end of the year to assist those in completing their membership form so that we can have all completed documentation to the national office in a timely manner. This has normally been due at the end of January to pay your state dues; however, that does not give me time to submit all necessary data to the national office by January 31. We want to be prompt in our membership dues and information to President Riccobono. <a href="https://forms">https://forms</a>. gle/MGYktJPG3SatVBFWA<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>If you do not have a credit or debit card to pay your state dues online, please mail your $10 dues to David at the Federation Center, 119 S. Kilbourne Road, Columbia, SC 29205. Once it has been received, someone from our Computer Science and Technology Division will call you to assist you in completing the online form with all your contact information that national headquarters is obtaining. If you are sending in your $10 via mail, please include your full name, address, phone number, and email address so that we may reach out to you to gather additional required information. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Final Thought: <span style='font-size:14.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black;background:white'>“What is Christmas? It is the tenderness of the past, courage for the present, and hope for the future." — Agnes M. Pahro</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>NFB Pledge - I pledge to participate actively in the effort of the National Federation of the Blind to achieve equality, opportunity, and security for the blind; to support the policies and programs of the Federation; and to abide by its constitution.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>NFB One Minute Message - “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>If this message was forwarded to you and you would like to receive it directly in your inbox, as well as, receive messages regarding the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina, please email Steve Cook at <a href="mailto:cookcafe@sc.rr.com">cookcafe@sc.rr.com</a>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>