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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>May 24, , 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 1815<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><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We are looking to partner with Lion Vision Services (LVS) to work out transportation for everyone interested in attending convention in person. LVS is asking me to identify how many folks in each region will need transportation. The only way I can accurately tell them is for you to let me know. If the only reason you have not registered for the state convention is due to lack of transportation or uncertainty about transportation, please register for the convention in person and we will insure you have a ride. Once you register and you need transportation, please text, call or email me so I can let LVS know accurate numbers for each region. Those chapters with vans, I am hopeful that you will offer folks a ride and partner with other chapters to assist as well. Transportation will not be a deterrent. If you are looking for a roommate for the state convention, please let me know so that we can spread the word. Let’s try to work together so that everyone who wishes to attend the convention, can attend.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>If you are planning to attend the convention in person and you have never attended our NFB of SC state convention, there will be three $200 first-goer sponsorships. The committee responsible for developing the criteria and application is chaired by Shannon Cook and also includes Demetrius Williford, Loretta Green, Derique Simon and Valerie Warrington. If you have questions about the application process, please contact one of these committee members. The application and criteria will be posted to the listserv and will be in the next Positive Note.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Thank you to the following individuals who have registered for our NFB of SC 65<sup>th</sup> annual state convention virtually or in-person. Your names will be entered into our$100 gift card drawing since registration was confirmed by May 31. If you do not see your name on this list and you wish to have your name entered into the gift card drawing which will be held on June 3 during our Palmetto Connects, please register by 11:59 PM. Eastern on May 31.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Steve Cook<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Shannon Cook<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Roger Webb<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Patricia Jenkins<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>David Rebocho<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Melanie Torrance<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Hope Bowden<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Ed Bible<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Julie Bible<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Marty McKenzie<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Jennifer Bazer<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Jamie Allison<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Beverly Allison<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Pam Schexnider<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>David Schexnider<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Janice Bright<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>David Houck<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Darlene Houck<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Diane Haycraft<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Donna O’neal<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>David Bundy<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Patricia Cheatham<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Rachel Alexander<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Ike Nelson<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The following individuals have registered for the North Charleston Marriott during our convention. If you have paid for your convention registration and booked a reservation for the convention by 11:59 PM Eastern on May 31, you will be entered into an additional $100 gift card drawing. For this drawing which will be held on June 3 during Palmetto Connects, please remember, you have to have registered for the convention and reserved a room at the Marriott in North Charleston.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Andrena Corder<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Rosco Corder<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Janice Bright<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Loretta Green<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Malaya Reece<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Anita Harris<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Casey Rose<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>John Williams<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Ed Bible<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Julie Bible<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Diane Haycraft<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Shannon Cook<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Steve Cook<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>David Houck<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Darlene Houck<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Marty McKenzie<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>David Rebocho<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Melanie Torrance<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Roger Webb<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Demetrius Williford<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Pat Wolthoff<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Dale Wolthof<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Jennifer Bazer<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Sponsorship Letter for State Convention<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>If you need sponsorship letters sent out, please contact David Houck and he will be happy to assist. Please do not forget about our contest. The chapter or divisions who obtains the most sponsorship donation in dollar amount will receive a percentage of the total donations raised. Our goal is $15,000. Sponsorships will help defray costs of the convention for the affiliate.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>NFB of SC Board Meeting May 27<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The NFB of SC will have a board meeting on Thursday night, May 27 at 8:00 PM Eastern on the Federation zoom platform. We will continue to make decisions about the state convention. I will assume that all board members will be in attendance, unless, I hear from you!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Midlands’ Gives Omission<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I want to thank Loretta Green for giving to the NFB of SC during Midlands’ Gives. Her name was accidentally left off the list of donors. Thank you Loretta for your contribution to the Palmetto affiliate!<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>The NFB of SC will be hosting another audio described movie night on Friday, June 4 at 8 PM Eastern. We will be showing If I can Only Imagine. Please bring your favorite snack and drink and come join us!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Advocacy Committee<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Thank you to our advocacy committee and all of our members who attended the SC Commission for the Board meeting on May 18. A lot of excellent questions were asked. Please remember these meetings are on the third Tuesdays of each month. We welcome more members to attend and listen or ask questions.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Palmetto Connects<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> We will have our next palmetto connects meeting on Thursday, June 3, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. Eastern time. Please encourage your chapters, divisions, committees to attend to learn about the latest happenings in the NFB of SC! All are welcome from everywhere! This will be an exciting connects call as we will be drawing for the two $100 gift cards for the state convention mentioned above and our two $100 gift card drawings for our PAC plan challenge which is mentioned further in this Positive Note.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt'>Palmetto Blind<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal>It is once again time to publish our Palmetto Blind for the Palmetto affiliate. Please send in your Newsletter submissions NOW! Leaders please submit items for your chapters and divisions and update meeting information if needed. Individual members may also submit any information you feel will be beneficial to our NFB of SC family, including articles, tips and trivia. <br>Please get your submissions to me no later than -May 28th. You may send them to<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>Thank you to those who have submitted poems and other contributions. We really have some talented folks in our Palmetto affiliate. I look forward to receiving more items of interest.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Scholarship Announcement 2021<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Hello Federation Family from the Scholarship Committee. In an effort to encourage more timely application submissions for the 2021 Scholarship Program, we are challenging students to apply early . If your application is received *<b>in full</b>* by 11:59 p.m. on May 31<sup>st</sup>, your name will be entered in a drawing for a $25 gift card. The application can be found on the affiliate’s website at <a href="http://www.nfbofsc.org">www.nfbofsc.org</a>. Don’t keep this to yourself; pass this along to anyone who may qualify. Federation members may recall that in the past, the three scholarship finalists will have their hotel room and registration paid for by the NFB of SC. Please consider making a donation to the Scholarship Program. No amount is too small. If every member gave just $10, we could double the dollar amount awarded in years past. Together, we can build the Federation.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Braille Literacy Committee<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Starting in July, the Braille literacy committee will start a basic Braille class. It is geared to those who need to learn the Braille alphabet, and numbers. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>If you are interested, please contact Shelley Coppel at 803-796-8662.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>There are only 5 spaces available, so please don’t delay. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Tracy Spittle<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Chairman<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Braille Literacy Committee<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Submissions for the Positive Note:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>If you have an item to include in the Positive Note about your chapter, division, something that would interest the affiliate, please send to me via email by Sunday night to include in the next day’s PN.<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>PAC Plan Challenge!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We are drawing near to our contest for the PAC Plan. Our drawing will be held on June 3 during Palmetto Connects for those who have increased their PAC and those who have jumped on the PAC Plan. This can be individuals, chapters, and divisions. Here is more about the PAC and our contest which ends May 31.<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>Thank you to the following individuals, chapters and divisions who have gotten on PAC or who have increased their PAC amount each month:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'> New contributors (6):</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>Cheri Euton</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>Lori Coley</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>At Large Chapter</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>Lancaster Chapter</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>Melanie Torrance</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>Lynn Hornsby</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>Increases:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>Frank and Shelley Coppel</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>David Bundy</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>Debra Canty</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>NFB SC Sumter Chapter</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>Steve and Shannon Cook</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Jennifer Bazer<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>Rank: 12 </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>Average given per month: $960.75</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>Monthly totals:</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>December 2020 – $898.00</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>January 2021- $953.00</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>February 2021- $991.00</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>March 2021- $1,001.00 </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>Total given in 2020: $10,731.00</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>Total given in 2021 so far: $2,945.00<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>Roommate Needed for State Convention<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>Gwen Lucas from the Greenville chapter is looking for a nonsmoking roommate August 20-22 during our state convention. Please contact her at 864-376-2012 with any questions or if you are interested in rooming with her.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We Care<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Columbia Chapter members Princetta Goodwin and Gwen lost everything in a house fire according to Maggie Floyd. Anything contributed (money, clothing, household items, etc.) should be given to Maggie Floyd at 1643 Albritton Rd., Columbia, SC 29204, phone 803-920-4433. You may also drop off gifts card at the Federation Center for this family. Grocery and restaurant gift cards are much appreciated at this time.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Please notify Dorothy Barksdale, Chair of the We Care Committee of praise and prayer reports as well as birthdays, anniversaries and more so that the committee can remember you.<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><p class=MsoNormal>Monday, May 24, 2021<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Doing Our Fair Share Committee 7:00 PM<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Tuesday, May 25, 2021<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Get Fit with the Sports & Rec Division 5:30 PM Rocky Bottom<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Computer Science & Tech Division 7:00 PM<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Diversity & Inclusion Committee Meeting 8:00 PM <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Wednesday, May 26, 2021<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Sports & Rec Fund Raiser meeting 8:00 PM Rocky Bottom<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Thursday, May 27, 2021<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Social Media 6:00 PM<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>State Board Meeting 8:00 PM<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Saturday, May 29, 2021<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Get Fit with the Sports & Rec Division 9:00 PM Rocky Bottom<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><span style='color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal>NFB of SC 65<sup>th</sup> Annual State Convention!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As of Sunday, May 9, we have ten participants in-person including an individual from Arizona and three virtual participants. I encourage you to register for our 65<sup>th</sup> annual state convention and attend the way that best fits your comfort level at this time. Our goal is fifty in-person participants and I am confident we can exceed that goal. We have several contests listed below for those registering before May 31 and between June 1 and June 30 so please insure your name is in one of those drawings. Also, we will be running a contest for the chapter or division who obtains the most money in sponsorships. Let’s work to exceed our $15,000 sponsorship goal to defray the cost of the convention. If you will need transportation or a roommate during the convention in North Charleston, please call/text 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>This information will go on the listserv. The transportation requests will help us in determining pick-up points around the state. I am hopeful that chapters with vans will assist in the transportation process as well as, others in the community.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The NFB of SC board met on Sunday, May 2 to discuss further details about the state convention.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Sponsorships<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The board voted to have a competition among chapters and divisions to see which team can acquire the largest sponsorships in dollar amount. The chapter or division that raises the most money with sponsorships will receive 10% of the total amount raised. We are hoping a company, individual, or group will donate a trophy to this chapter or division to be passed around each year like we do with Midlands’ Gives. Remember, all sponsorships help defray the cost of the convention and does not drain the state affiliate treasury.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Scholarships to First Timers to the State Convention<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The board voted to give out three $200 scholarships to be used for those who are first timers to the NFB of SC state convention. The applicants must be members of the NFB of SC in good standing, have registered to attend the convention in-person, and submit their application by June 30, 2021 which is the same day one must have dues paid to the state organization. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Drawings for Registered Attendees<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>There will be several drawings before the convention to encourage individuals to register early. The board voted to have a drawing for those who register by 11:59 PM Eastern on May 31, 2021 for the state convention virtually or in-person. The winner of that drawing will receive a $100 gift card. Those that register between June 1 and 11:59 PM Eastern on June 30, 2021 will be entered into a $50 gift card drawing.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>Those that register before May 31 and pay your deposit on a room at the North Charleston Marriott by the same date will be entered into an additional $100 drawing donated by an anonymous donor. If you register for the state convention and pay your room deposit at the hotel between June 1 and June 30, 2021, you will be entered into an additional $50 gift card drawing donated by the senior division<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt'>Let’s talk about our state convention in detail.<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><o:p> </o:p></p><h2 style='margin-top:0in;line-height:26.25pt;background:#EAE6E2'><b><span style='font-family:"Comic Sans MS";color:#9A9585'>Random Fact of the Week:<o:p></o:p></span></b></h2><h2 align=left style='margin-top:0in;text-align:left;line-height:18.0pt;background:white'><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Roboto Condensed";color:#333333;letter-spacing:.4pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></h2><h2 style='margin-top:0in;line-height:18.0pt;background:white'><b><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Roboto Condensed";color:#333333;letter-spacing:.4pt'>The "M's" in M&Ms stand for "Mars" and "Murrie."</span></b><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Roboto Condensed";color:#333333;letter-spacing:.4pt'><o:p></o:p></span></h2><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:21.0pt;background:white'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#4A4A4A'>That would be Forrest Mars and Bruce Murrie, the two businessmen who created the candy-coated chocolates. The two actually had a very contentious relationship, as <a href="http://omgfacts.com/the-scandalous-story-behind-mms-name/" target="_blank"><span style='color:#E8021D'>Mars leveraged Murrie</span></a> out of his 20 percent share in the company in 1949—years before M&Ms would become the best-selling candy in the U.S., paying him just $1 million for a share of business that would quickly be worth billions.<o:p></o:p></span></p><h2 style='margin-top:0in;line-height:26.25pt;background:#EAE6E2'><span style='font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";color:#9A9585'><o:p> </o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal>Final Thought:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:7.5pt;text-align:center;line-height:21.75pt;background:white'><span style='font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Museo Slab W01 500";color:#513527'>“No one is perfect - that’s why pencils have erasers.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center;mso-line-height-alt:12.0pt;background:white'><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Museo Sans W01 500";color:#8E8279'>Wolfgang Riebe<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></div></body></html>