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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>January 11, 2021<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><a href="mailto:Jhipp25@sc.rr.com">j</a>hipp25@sc.rr.com<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>803-960-9977<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Positive Note 1796<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>The statewide seminar was a huge success. Nearly 100 individuals participated via zoom and in-person from all over the United States. Thank you to those who supported this event with your attendance which is active participation in the NFB of SC. Our one word section of the program took nearly thirty minutes as we asked for suggestions of what we all felt should be the word for NFB of SC for 2021. After many rounds of voting, “unity” was the word that received the most votes. We will work each day to actively develop and sustain unity in our Palmetto affiliate.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>During the Doing Our Fair Share section, we discussed getting on the PAC plan and increasingly our PAC amounts. We are having a drawing for a $100 gift card in each category—increasing your PAC plan between December 5, 2020 and May 31, 2021 and getting on the PAC plan between December 5, 2020 and May 31, 2021. Let’s put SC back in the top 10 for PAC!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We also raised with donations and pledges $690 for the SUN (Shares Unlimited NFB) fund . All pledges must be turned in by February 1, 2020 via check mailed to the Center, 119 S. Kilbourne Road, Columbia, SC 29205 or pay through Pay Pal at nfbofsc.org and go to donate. Each share is $10. How many shares will you contribute? Let’s put SC back in the top 10! Please remember if you use Pay Pal on our site to add a little extra to cover the 3% administrative costs associated so with $10, place add .30. $20, would be an extra .60 and so on. Successful Transitions will match dollar for dollar what we receive in SUN shares by February 1.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We heard reports from the following committees: social media, We Care, Sports and Rec, Legislative, Public Relations, Fund-Raising, and Doing Our Fair Share. We also found out the latest happenings at Rocky Bottom Retreat And Conference Center of the Blind, Federation Center of the Blind, and Successful Transitions. We discussed expanding our semiannual Palmetto Blind to include recipes, meet our chapters, divisions, and members, technology, and other items of interest. We want you to look forward to reading any of our Palmetto publication so if you have ideas of the Palmetto Blind, please contact me at 803-960-9977 or <a href="mailto:jhipp25@sc.rr.com">jhipp25@sc.rr.com</a>. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Both Rocky Bottom and NFB of SC had their first quarter board meetings. The next board meetings will be held April 10 during the leadership seminar. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>If you were not able to attend our 51<sup>st</sup> annual statewide seminar, we will be adding recordings of each section on our nfbofsc.org website. Stay tune for an NFB of SC You Tube channel where we will also have more NFB of SC events for you to enjoy!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Let’s Go Build the Federation! Forward Together!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> SC/Palmetto Connects<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> We will have our next SC connects meeting on Thursday, January 21 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> 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> 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> 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. Here is what is coming up on Zoom for the week of January 4, 2021 and January 11 2021. All meetings are on the main Federation ID of 803-254-3777, unless noted.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Monday, January 11, Braille Literacy Committee, 6:00 p.m.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Tuesday, January 12, At Large Chapter Meeting, 7:00 p.m.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Tuesday, January 12, Sumter Chapter Meeting, 7:00 p.m. see zoom info below in the Positive Note<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Wednesday, January 13, Sports and Rec Division Meeting, 7:30 p.m.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Thursday, January 14, Cherokee Chapter Meeting, 1:00 p.m.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Thursday, January 14, Columbia Chapter Meeting, 6:15 p.m.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Thursday, January 14, Lancaster Chapter Meeting, 7:00 p.m. use 864-878-9090 for meeting ID<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Friday, January 15, Name that Tune, Fun Friday Night, 8:00 p.m.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Saturday, January 16, Technology Training, 10:00 until 12:00<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Monday, January 18, Membership Committee, 7:00 p.m.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>January 19, Diabetes Action Network Committee, 7:00 p.m.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>January 20, Public Relations Committee, 8:00 p.m.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Thursday, January 21, Palmetto Connects, 5:00 p.m.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Thursday, January 21, Clarendon County Chapter, 8:00 p.m.<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> Support A Local Vender<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Would you like to support a local vender and the National Federation of the Blind of SC (NFB of SC) at the same time? Well, here is your opportunity to do both! When you purchase items from any of the below venders, be sure to mention the NFB of SC in order for a percentage to be donated to the NFB of SC. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> If you know of any venders that are willing to donate a percentage of each purchase to the NFB of SC and have their information listed on <a href="http://www.NFBofSC.org">www.NFBofSC.org</a>, have them contact Jennifer Bazer and Steve Cook at the below Email addresses.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="mailto:jhipp25@sc.rr.com">jhipp25@sc.rr.com</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="mailto:cookcafe@sc.rr.com">cookcafe@sc.rr.com</a> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> To access a list of venders, please go to <a href="http://www.nfbofsc.org">www.nfbofsc.org</a> and then click on the support a local vender link. Your support of the local vender and the NFB of SC is greatly appreciated!<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>Rocky Bottom is now taking reservations for 2021. Chapters and blind South Carolinians can get away from things and stay at our facility for a small reservation fee. For more information, or to book your stay, call Thom Spittle at 803-331-3344 or email <a href="mailto:rockybottominfo@gmail.com">rockybottominfo@gmail.com</a>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> From Debra Canty, Sumter chapter President<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Sumter Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina will host a Zoom Platform on Tuesday, January 12, 2021 in the comfort of your home on Zoom at 7:00 p.m. Please pay attention, save the zoom info now in your contacts, and remember to use the zoom Platform, just for our NFB meeting on January 12th. The presenters will be Yvette Thompson and Vincent Ferguson, Representatives for A Final Expense Plan. The sparkling revolving spotlight is shining on those who’s paid NFB (2021) state dues thus far, Lori Anne Cowley, Gary Engles, Joyce Engles, Jan Lewis, Herbert Boykin, Ruthie Walker, Della Sherod, Essie Williams and Debra Canty. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Yvette Thompson is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Please note, this info is different than the Federation zoom link and information.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Topic: Final Expense Plan<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Time: January 12, 2021 07:00 PM 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/87469812090?pwd=TGZrbHZDTjk4bVVQLy9lM3lJQ09WZz09">https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87469812090?pwd=TGZrbHZDTjk4bVVQLy9lM3lJQ09WZz09</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Meeting ID: 874 6981 2090<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Passcode: 727547<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>One tap mobile<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>+13017158592,,87469812090#,,,,,,0#,,727547# US (Washington D.C)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>+13126266799,,87469812090#,,,,,,0#,,727547# US (Chicago)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Or, just dial on your phone:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>1-301-715-8592<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Meeting ID: 874 6981 2090<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Passcode: 727547<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>If you know a blind person please relay this information and contact Debra Canty chapter president at (803) 775-5792 or (<a href="mailto:debra.canty@frontier.com">debra.canty@frontier.com</a>).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Name that Tune<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Our movie night on December 23 was a huge success as we watched audio described Christmas with the Cranks. We had 25 participants including members from NC, NJ, IL, FL, SC and other affiliates. We will be having a fun Friday night once per month hosted by the NFB of SC to include: trivia, name that tune, interactive activities, and additional audio described movies. Our next fun Friday night will be Friday, January 15 at 8:00 eastern with name that tune! All are welcome, come join your Palmetto affiliate!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> From Steve Cook<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> The upcoming weekly Zoom events can now be found on Newsline! The article list the date, name of the event and the time. Also, listed is the information you will need to call in using your phone. Thank you to MS. Cummings for speaking out about a challenge she was having knowing when all the zoom events took place. Since she does not use a computer and used Newsline on her phone, we created a solution that will hopefully assist others.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Recipe Group via Email From Steve Cook<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Do you have a favorite recipe that people always ask you for? Do you enjoy learning about new recipes? Do you enjoying trying new food? Here is your opportunity to all of the above an more! I have created a group for people to Exchange Recipes and the discussion of recipes. Below is the Email address for you to subscribe To this new group. Just a friendly reminder to also put the word subscribe in the subject line. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="mailto:RecipeExchange+subscribe@groups.io">RecipeExchange+subscribe@groups.io</a><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> 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 <a href="mailto:pac@nfb.org">pac@nfb.org</a> with any questions. Thank you for your generosity.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> You can go to <a href="https://www.nfb.org/pac">https://www.nfb.org/pac</a> to complete the online form.<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> 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>Final Thought:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif;color:#4D5968;background:white'> <i>I offer you peace. I offer you love. I offer you friendship. I see your beauty. I hear your need. I feel your feelings. My wisdom flows from the Highest Source. I salute that Source in you. Let us work together for unity and love.<br><b>¯ Mahatma Gandhi</b></i></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></div></body></html>