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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>April 26, , 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>Positive Note 1811<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>803-960-9977 <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>Greetings Fellow Federationists:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt'>We will be having our sixty-fifth NFB of SC state convention August 19-22, 2021 at the North Charleston Marriott, 4770 Goer Drive, North Charleston, SC, 29406. It is time for all of us to begin making our reservations and registering for our hybrid convention. You may contact the hotel directly at 843-747-1900 and let them know you are registering for the NFB of SC state convention to receive the discounted rates.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt'>Room rates are as follows:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt'>Singles and doubles, $115.00 per night.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt'>Triples, $125.00 per night.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt'>Quads, $135.00 per night.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt'>You will also need to add sales tax which currently is 14%.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt'>The NFB of SC block of rooms at the above rates will be good until July 29, 2021 until 5:00 PM Eastern time. After that date, the hotel will release the rooms to the general public and we will not be guaranteed our group rate.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt'>The NFB of SC board voted on Thursday, April 22, 2021 on the following rates for convention registration. The prices include reception on Friday night, boxed breakfast Saturday and Sunday, and banquet Saturday night. There will not be a luncheon on Saturday afternoon.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt'>Adults, $85.00 per person until July 15; $100.00 after this date.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt'>College, graduate and doctoral students, $55 per person until July 15; $60 after this date.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal>Individuals 18 and younger, $25.00 per person until July 15; $30 after this date.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Virtual, $25.00 per person until July 15; $30 after this date.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In order to have a hybrid event so that as many individuals can attend as possible, we are charging a small registration fee for virtual attendance to cover the cost of broadcasting from the Marriott; the hotel charges the NFB of SC around $1,000 for audiovisual equipment and broadcasting.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>If you plan to vote in this year’s election for the NFB of SC, you will need to be a member of the NFB of SC in good standing as of June 30, 2021 by 11:59 PM Eastern Standard time. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>You may register using a paper registration form, complete and enclose payment and send to the Federation Center, 2021 NFB of SC State Convention, 119 S. Kilbourne Road, Columbia, SC 29205.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>You may also register online and submit payment through Pay Pal or you may send in your payment to the Center at the above address. Registration will not be confirmed until payment has been received through the mail or Pay Pal. If using Pay Pal, please remember to add 3% to your total to cover Pay Pal’s administration fees and so that NFB of SC receives the entire amount.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Let’s have a large in-person and virtual turn-out for the NFB of SC Sixty-Fifth state convention!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Register online at<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>2021 National Federation of the Blind of SC Sixty-Fifth State Convention Registration Form<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><a href="https://forms.gle/JUxemkCKcjiWdC827">https://forms.gle/JUxemkCKcjiWdC827</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>You may obtain a printed form from David Houck at the Federation Center. Those letters and registration forms will be in the mail this week.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Questions about the convention, please call me at 803-960-9977 or email me at<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><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Midlands’ Gives<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-align:center;background:#FBFBFB'><b><span style='font-size:31.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#A67593'>On May 4, 2021<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='background:#FBFBFB'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#666666'>Our nonprofits support our whole community by providing vital services that make the Midlands more livable and vibrant. Give today, or join us virtually on May 4 for Midlands Gives Day when your gift may be amplified by matching funds and prizes. Embrace your inner philanthropist, and give generously!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center;background:#FBFBFB'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#666666'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-align:center;background:#00828C'><span style='font-size:22.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black'>Midland</span><span style='font-size:22.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:white'>s</span><span style='font-size:22.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black'>’</span><span style='font-size:22.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:white'> </span><span style='font-size:22.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black'>Gives </span><span style='font-size:22.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:white'>is presented by<br>Central Carolina Community Foundation<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center;background:#00828C'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:white'>Central Carolina Community Foundation, the Midlands' local center for philanthropy, is a nonprofit organization that links charitable people and businesses with areas of need in our community. Our mission is to promote, facilitate, and increase philanthropy to create a sustainable impact within our community<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center;background:#00828C'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center;background:#00828C'><span style='color:black'>We hope you will consider sharing the below links with your networks to raise money for NFB of SC and Rocky Bottom. We will continue our contest among districts and divisions. Who will receive the plaque this year at our state convention in North Charleston? </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center;background:#00828C'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center;background:#00828C'><span style='color:black'>If you need assistance giving on May 4, you may call David Houck at the center at 803-254-3777 to process your card through the midlands’ Gives website. You may also reach out to others in the NFB of SC to help process your payment. On this Thursday’s Palmetto Connects, we will have more information and others who can assist with payment processing online.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>NFB of SC<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.midlandsgives.org/NFBOFSC">https://www.midlandsgives.org/NFBOFSC</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Rocky Bottom Retreat and Conference Center of the Blind<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.midlandsgives.org/rockybottom">https://www.midlandsgives.org/rockybottom</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Special palmetto Connects Thursday, April 29:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We will have a Palmetto Connects call this Thursday, April 29 at 6:00 on our Federation zoom platform. Please invite your chapters, divisions, and committees as this will be an important meeting to share state convention information along with Midlands’ Gives info.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Letters about state convention will be posted to the listserv this week as well as mail copies will be sent out.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Connects will give info on room rates, registration costs and how to register, virtual information, drawings and so much more that cannot possibly all fit in a letter.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Please make sure as many of our members can attend to hear the info first-hand.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>All presidents of divisions and chapters along with all board members of FCB, NFB of SC and Rocky Bottom should plan to attend so you can disseminate information.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Thank you so much! This will be an awesome sixty-fifth annual state convention of the NFB of SC.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><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 month. All meetings are on the main Federation ID of 803-254-3777, unless noted.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Dates & Times of meetings are subject to change. All times are Eastern.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><h2>Monday April 26, 2021<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>Doing Our Fair Share 7:00 PM<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><h2>Tuesday, April 27, 2021<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>Get Fit with the Sports & Rec Division 5:30 PM<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Computer Science & Tech Division Meeting 7:00<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Diversity & Inclusion Committee 8:00 PM <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><h2>Wednesday, April 28, 2021<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>Sports & Rec Fund Raiser 8:00 PM Rocky Bottom<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><h2>Thursday, April 29, 2021<o:p></o:p></h2><h2>Special palmetto Connects 6:00 PM<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina Podcast Presentation 7:00 PM<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><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><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Final Thought:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;line-height:19.35pt;vertical-align:baseline'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:inherit;color:#33475B'>"Nothing is impossible, the word itself says, ‘I'm possible!'" -<i><span style='border:none windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in'>Audrey Hepburn</span></i><o:p></o:p></span></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><p class=MsoNormal><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>