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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 11, 2022<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>Memo To: Executive Officers, Board Members, Chapter & Division Presidents & Others</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>From: Jennifer Bazer, President</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>Positive Note 1861</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>803-960-9977</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'> <a href="mailto:Jennifer.H.Bazer@gmail.com">Jennifer.H.Bazer@gmail.com</a></span></b><o:p></o:p></p><h1> Greetings Fellow Federationists:<o:p></o:p></h1><h1><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></h1><p class=MsoNormal>We had our first in-person board meeting of the NFB of SC in a long time on Saturday, April 9 and all 15 board members were in attendance. It was awesome to feel the energy, the dedication, and the love in the board room of the Federation Center. Below, you will find a summary of what the board decided during our meeting.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><h1>New Oversight Committee for ST:<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Successful Transitions has a new Oversight Committee consisting of Debra Canty, Ed Bible, and Frank Coppel. They will review aspects of ST, make suggestions and recommendations for best practices, and report back to the NFB of SC Board. The NFB National Office will be assisting in the review of processes to support the NFB of SC and the NFB of SC’s Successful Transitions Program in our effort to maintain high standards and grow beyond.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><h1>State Convention Registration Rates:<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Registration rates for this year’s convention are the same as last year’s. They follow.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Registration: Pre-register for $85 until July 15, 2022 at 11:59 PM EDT. Then the cost goes up to $100.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Student Registration: Pre-registration is 55 until July 15, 2022 at 11:59 PM EDT. Then the price goes up to $60. This includes college, graduate or doctoral students.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Children’s and Youth Registration: Pre-register for $25 until July 15, 2022 at 11:59 PM EDT. Then the cost goes up to $30. This rate is for people 18 and under.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The deadline to pre-register for the state convention, with both the registration form and the payment being received, is July 15, 2022 at 11:50 p.m. EDT.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><h1>Early registration drawings:<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>The board voted to have two drawings as was done last year. Anyone who pre-registers between now and May 31, 2022 at 11:59 p.m. EDT, will be entered into a drawing for $100. Those pre-registering between June 1, 2022 at 12:00 a.m. EDT and June 30, 2022 at 11:59 p.m. EDT, will be entered into a drawing for $50. There will not be a drawing for making reservations at the hotel.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><h1>Badges:<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>This year, name badges at the state convention will be very clear as to who is able to vote and who is not. The colors chosen for the badges will be noticeably different, such as blue and yellow, purple and green, bland and white, etc. Colors have not been decided. This will make it much easier for counters to know who to give voting cards to and those to skip when voting takes place.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><h1>NFB of SC State Convention Board Meeting:<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Because of the increase in the number of divisions and committees, it is much harder to fit everything in on Friday, and still include time for the reception. The board decided to have its meeting on Thursday at 7:00 p.m. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><h1>State Convention Voting:<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Voting for the state convention will be in person only. If someone wants to register and arrive at the hotel on Sunday for voting, the board decided that will be acceptable. This will keep the spirit of the in person voting intact, and will help to accommodate those who may wish to lessen their face-to-face interactions. As a side benefit, it could give more transportation options to members across the state for returning to their respective homes.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><h1>Voting Cards:<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Everyone who votes at the state convention will receive one index card in an envelope. Once they make their selection, and tear the card accordingly, they will put the card back in the envelope for it to be collected. This will give a higher level of secrecy to the votes. Only the counters will be allowed to see the cards. They will not know who gave which card.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'> <o:p></o:p></p><h1>April fun Facts Continued <o:p></o:p></h1><h1>Taken from the Web<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=list style='background:white'><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222'>We know it is the fourth month of the year, but that’s only by the Gregorian calendar that we adhere to now. It was previously the fifth month in the earlier Julian calendar.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=list style='background:white;--tw-shadow:0 0 #0000;--tw-ring-offset-width:0px;--tw-ring-offset-color:#fff;--tw-ring-color:rgba(59,130,246,0.5);--tw-ring-offset-shadow:0 0 #0000;--tw-ring-shadow:0 0 #0000;box-sizing: inherit;--tw-ring-inset:var(--tw-empty, );margin:1rem 1.25em 3rem;font-variant-ligatures: normal;font-variant-caps: normal;orphans: 2;text-align:start;widows: 2;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;text-decoration-thickness: initial;text-decoration-style: initial;text-decoration-color: initial;word-spacing:0px'><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222'>April also only had 29 days, but a 30</span><sup><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222'>th</span></sup><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222'> day was added when Julius Caesar established the Julian calendar.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=list style='background:white;--tw-shadow:0 0 #0000;--tw-ring-offset-width:0px;--tw-ring-offset-color:#fff;--tw-ring-color:rgba(59,130,246,0.5);--tw-ring-offset-shadow:0 0 #0000;--tw-ring-shadow:0 0 #0000;box-sizing: inherit;--tw-ring-inset:var(--tw-empty, );margin:1rem 1.25em 3rem;font-variant-ligatures: normal;font-variant-caps: normal;orphans: 2;text-align:start;widows: 2;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;text-decoration-thickness: initial;text-decoration-style: initial;text-decoration-color: initial;word-spacing:0px'><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222'>In the Southern Hemisphere, April is the seasonal equivalent to <a href="https://www.thefactsite.com/october-facts/">October</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=list style='background:white;--tw-shadow:0 0 #0000;--tw-ring-offset-width:0px;--tw-ring-offset-color:#fff;--tw-ring-color:rgba(59,130,246,0.5);--tw-ring-offset-shadow:0 0 #0000;--tw-ring-shadow:0 0 #0000;box-sizing: inherit;--tw-ring-inset:var(--tw-empty, );margin:1rem 1.25em 3rem;font-variant-ligatures: normal;font-variant-caps: normal;orphans: 2;text-align:start;widows: 2;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;text-decoration-thickness: initial;text-decoration-style: initial;text-decoration-color: initial;word-spacing:0px'><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222'>No one is sure how the month ended up with its name, but we do know the Romans named it “Aprillis.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=list style='background:white;--tw-shadow:0 0 #0000;--tw-ring-offset-width:0px;--tw-ring-offset-color:#fff;--tw-ring-color:rgba(59,130,246,0.5);--tw-ring-offset-shadow:0 0 #0000;--tw-ring-shadow:0 0 #0000;box-sizing: inherit;--tw-ring-inset:var(--tw-empty, );margin:1rem 1.25em 3rem;font-variant-ligatures: normal;font-variant-caps: normal;orphans: 2;text-align:start;widows: 2;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;text-decoration-thickness: initial;text-decoration-style: initial;text-decoration-color: initial;word-spacing:0px'><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222'>The etymology behind the word “April” comes from the verb “aperire,” which means “to open.” It’s commonly believed that the word refers to the season of trees and flowers begin to “open” or bloom.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=list style='background:white;--tw-shadow:0 0 #0000;--tw-ring-offset-width:0px;--tw-ring-offset-color:#fff;--tw-ring-color:rgba(59,130,246,0.5);--tw-ring-offset-shadow:0 0 #0000;--tw-ring-shadow:0 0 #0000;box-sizing: inherit;--tw-ring-inset:var(--tw-empty, );margin:1rem 1.25em 3rem;font-variant-ligatures: normal;font-variant-caps: normal;orphans: 2;text-align:start;widows: 2;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;text-decoration-thickness: initial;text-decoration-style: initial;text-decoration-color: initial;word-spacing:0px'><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222'>Those who were born in April have a diamond as their birthstone, which represents innocence. Their birth flower is either a Daisy or a Sweet Pea.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=list style='background:white;--tw-shadow:0 0 #0000;--tw-ring-offset-width:0px;--tw-ring-offset-color:#fff;--tw-ring-color:rgba(59,130,246,0.5);--tw-ring-offset-shadow:0 0 #0000;--tw-ring-shadow:0 0 #0000;box-sizing: inherit;--tw-ring-inset:var(--tw-empty, );margin:1rem 1.25em 3rem;font-variant-ligatures: normal;font-variant-caps: normal;orphans: 2;text-align:start;widows: 2;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;text-decoration-thickness: initial;text-decoration-style: initial;text-decoration-color: initial;word-spacing:0px'><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222'>There are two zodiac signs in April. Aries, which is until <a href="https://www.thefactsite.com/day/april-19/">April 19<sup><span style='font-size:11.5pt'>th</span></sup></a>, and Taurus, which is April 20</span><sup><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222'>th</span></sup><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222'> and onwards.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=list style='background:white'><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222'>April is a great month for meteor showers. One of which is the Lyrids meteor shower, which appears from April 16</span><sup><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222'>th</span></sup><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222'> to April 26</span><sup><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222'>th</span></sup><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222'> each year. There’s another one called the Eta Aquariids meteor shower that can be seen onwards from <a href="https://www.thefactsite.com/day/april-21/">April 21<sup><span style='font-size:11.5pt'>st</span></sup></a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=list style='background:white;--tw-shadow:0 0 #0000;--tw-ring-offset-width:0px;--tw-ring-offset-color:#fff;--tw-ring-color:rgba(59,130,246,0.5);--tw-ring-offset-shadow:0 0 #0000;--tw-ring-shadow:0 0 #0000;box-sizing: inherit;--tw-ring-inset:var(--tw-empty, );margin:1rem 1.25em 3rem;font-variant-ligatures: normal;font-variant-caps: normal;orphans: 2;text-align:start;widows: 2;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;text-decoration-thickness: initial;text-decoration-style: initial;text-decoration-color: initial;word-spacing:0px'><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222'>There are quite a few notable historical people born in April, such as Leonardo da Vinci, <a href="https://www.thefactsite.com/shakespeare-facts/">Shakespeare</a>, and Queen Elizabeth II.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=list style='background:white;--tw-shadow:0 0 #0000;--tw-ring-offset-width:0px;--tw-ring-offset-color:#fff;--tw-ring-color:rgba(59,130,246,0.5);--tw-ring-offset-shadow:0 0 #0000;--tw-ring-shadow:0 0 #0000;box-sizing: inherit;--tw-ring-inset:var(--tw-empty, );margin:1rem 1.25em 3rem;font-variant-ligatures: normal;font-variant-caps: normal;orphans: 2;text-align:start;widows: 2;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;text-decoration-thickness: initial;text-decoration-style: initial;text-decoration-color: initial;word-spacing:0px'><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222'>On <a href="https://www.thefactsite.com/day/april-15/">April 15, 1912</a>, the famous <a href="https://www.thefactsite.com/sinking-of-titanic/">Titanic</a> ship hit an iceberg and sunk on her first and only voyage.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=list style='background:white;--tw-shadow:0 0 #0000;--tw-ring-offset-width:0px;--tw-ring-offset-color:#fff;--tw-ring-color:rgba(59,130,246,0.5);--tw-ring-offset-shadow:0 0 #0000;--tw-ring-shadow:0 0 #0000;box-sizing: inherit;--tw-ring-inset:var(--tw-empty, );margin:1rem 1.25em 3rem;font-variant-ligatures: normal;font-variant-caps: normal;orphans: 2;text-align:start;widows: 2;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;text-decoration-thickness: initial;text-decoration-style: initial;text-decoration-color: initial;word-spacing:0px'><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222'>George Washington was inaugurated as the First President of the United States on <a href="https://www.thefactsite.com/day/april-30/">April 30, 1789</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=list style='background:white;--tw-shadow:0 0 #0000;--tw-ring-offset-width:0px;--tw-ring-offset-color:#fff;--tw-ring-color:rgba(59,130,246,0.5);--tw-ring-offset-shadow:0 0 #0000;--tw-ring-shadow:0 0 #0000;box-sizing: inherit;--tw-ring-inset:var(--tw-empty, );margin:1rem 1.25em 3rem;font-variant-ligatures: normal;font-variant-caps: normal;orphans: 2;text-align:start;widows: 2;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;text-decoration-thickness: initial;text-decoration-style: initial;text-decoration-color: initial;word-spacing:0px'><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222'>Back in the time of the <a href="https://www.thefactsite.com/ancient-rome-facts/">Ancient Romans</a>, April was sacred to the goddess Venus.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=list style='background:white;--tw-shadow:0 0 #0000;--tw-ring-offset-width:0px;--tw-ring-offset-color:#fff;--tw-ring-color:rgba(59,130,246,0.5);--tw-ring-offset-shadow:0 0 #0000;--tw-ring-shadow:0 0 #0000;box-sizing: inherit;--tw-ring-inset:var(--tw-empty, );margin:1rem 1.25em 3rem;font-variant-ligatures: normal;font-variant-caps: normal;orphans: 2;text-align:start;widows: 2;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;text-decoration-thickness: initial;text-decoration-style: initial;text-decoration-color: initial;word-spacing:0px'><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222'>Of course, one of the most well-known dates of April, is April Fools’ Day on the <a href="https://www.thefactsite.com/day/april-1/">1<sup><span style='font-size:11.5pt'>st</span></sup> of the month</a>. No one is sure where this originated from, but some believe it to be inspired by Geoffrey Chaucer’s story in “Canterbury Tales” called “Nun’s Priest’s Tale.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=list style='background:white;--tw-shadow:0 0 #0000;--tw-ring-offset-width:0px;--tw-ring-offset-color:#fff;--tw-ring-color:rgba(59,130,246,0.5);--tw-ring-offset-shadow:0 0 #0000;--tw-ring-shadow:0 0 #0000;box-sizing: inherit;--tw-ring-inset:var(--tw-empty, );margin:1rem 1.25em 3rem;font-variant-ligatures: normal;font-variant-caps: normal;orphans: 2;text-align:start;widows: 2;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;text-decoration-thickness: initial;text-decoration-style: initial;text-decoration-color: initial;word-spacing:0px'><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222'>On <a href="https://www.thefactsite.com/day/april-11/">April 11, 1970</a>, Apollo 13 was launched and ran into difficulties about two days later. It was then that the famous line “Houston, we’ve had a problem here” was said, and is today usually misquoted.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=list style='background:white'><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222'>After a 1,500 year break, the first Olympics of the modern era took place on <a href="https://www.thefactsite.com/day/april-6/">April 6</a>, 1896, in Athens.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=list style='background:white;--tw-shadow:0 0 #0000;--tw-ring-offset-width:0px;--tw-ring-offset-color:#fff;--tw-ring-color:rgba(59,130,246,0.5);--tw-ring-offset-shadow:0 0 #0000;--tw-ring-shadow:0 0 #0000;box-sizing: inherit;--tw-ring-inset:var(--tw-empty, );margin:1rem 1.25em 3rem;font-variant-ligatures: normal;font-variant-caps: normal;orphans: 2;text-align:start;widows: 2;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;text-decoration-thickness: initial;text-decoration-style: initial;text-decoration-color: initial;word-spacing:0px'><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222'>The explosion of the Chernobyl nuclear plant in Ukraine occurred on <a href="https://www.thefactsite.com/day/april-26/">April 26, 1986</a>, which forced everyone within a 300-mile radius to be evacuated.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=list style='background:white;--tw-shadow:0 0 #0000;--tw-ring-offset-width:0px;--tw-ring-offset-color:#fff;--tw-ring-color:rgba(59,130,246,0.5);--tw-ring-offset-shadow:0 0 #0000;--tw-ring-shadow:0 0 #0000;box-sizing: inherit;--tw-ring-inset:var(--tw-empty, );margin:1rem 1.25em 3rem;font-variant-ligatures: normal;font-variant-caps: normal;orphans: 2;text-align:start;widows: 2;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;text-decoration-thickness: initial;text-decoration-style: initial;text-decoration-color: initial;word-spacing:0px'><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222'>The smaller animals that hibernate for the winter in the Northern Hemisphere usually start coming out of their burrows in April.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=list style='background:white;--tw-shadow:0 0 #0000;--tw-ring-offset-width:0px;--tw-ring-offset-color:#fff;--tw-ring-color:rgba(59,130,246,0.5);--tw-ring-offset-shadow:0 0 #0000;--tw-ring-shadow:0 0 #0000;box-sizing: inherit;--tw-ring-inset:var(--tw-empty, );margin:1rem 1.25em 3rem;font-variant-ligatures: normal;font-variant-caps: normal;orphans: 2;text-align:start;widows: 2;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;text-decoration-thickness: initial;text-decoration-style: initial;text-decoration-color: initial;word-spacing:0px'><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222'>April is also the month that the birds migrate north and settle down for the summer to mate.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=list style='background:white;--tw-shadow:0 0 #0000;--tw-ring-offset-width:0px;--tw-ring-offset-color:#fff;--tw-ring-color:rgba(59,130,246,0.5);--tw-ring-offset-shadow:0 0 #0000;--tw-ring-shadow:0 0 #0000;box-sizing: inherit;--tw-ring-inset:var(--tw-empty, );margin:1rem 1.25em 3rem;font-variant-ligatures: normal;font-variant-caps: normal;orphans: 2;text-align:start;widows: 2;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;text-decoration-thickness: initial;text-decoration-style: initial;text-decoration-color: initial;word-spacing:0px'><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222'>For all the car enthusiasts out there, <a href="https://www.thefactsite.com/ford-motor-company-history/">Ford</a> unveiled their first Mustang on <a href="https://www.thefactsite.com/day/april-17/">April 17</a>, 1964, costing $2,368.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=list style='background:white;--tw-shadow:0 0 #0000;--tw-ring-offset-width:0px;--tw-ring-offset-color:#fff;--tw-ring-color:rgba(59,130,246,0.5);--tw-ring-offset-shadow:0 0 #0000;--tw-ring-shadow:0 0 #0000;box-sizing: inherit;--tw-ring-inset:var(--tw-empty, );margin:1rem 1.25em 3rem;font-variant-ligatures: normal;font-variant-caps: normal;orphans: 2;text-align:start;widows: 2;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;text-decoration-thickness: initial;text-decoration-style: initial;text-decoration-color: initial;word-spacing:0px'><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222'>The first battle of the Revolutionary War, Lexington, and Concord broke out on April 19, 1775.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=list style='background:white'><o:p> </o:p></p><h1>NFB of SC State Convention Registration is Open<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Exciting News! <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Registration is now open for the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina’s 66<sup>th</sup> State Convention! This year’s state convention will be held at the North Charleston Marriott 4770 Goer Drive, North Charleston, SC 29406. The phone number is 843-747-1900. The dates are August 25, 2022 through August 28, 2022. Below is the link to the registration form for the state Convention. Just a reminder that your registration is non-refundable and non-transferable. Once you fill out the 2022 NFB of SC state convention registration form. You will need to also submit your payment in order to complete your registration. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Payment methods: <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in'>PayPal:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in'>Go to <a href="http://www.nfbofsc.org">www.nfbofsc.org</a> and pay using our Secure PayPal for the NFB of SC affiliate. Please be sure to put in the message field “State convention registration” and include the names of those whose registration you are paying. OR<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>Mail:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>Send a personal check, money order, or cashier’s check to the Federation Center at the below address. Please be sure to include the names of the people you are paying for.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Federation Center of the Blind<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>119 S Kilbourne Road<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Columbia, SC 29205<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Registration Rates:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>Standard </span>Registration: Pre-register for $85 until July 15, 2022 at 11:59 PM EDT. Then the cost goes up to $100.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Student Registration: Pre-registration is 55 until July 15, 2022 at 11:59 PM EDT. Then the price goes up to $60. This includes college, graduate or doctoral students.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Children’s and Youth Registration: Pre-register for $25 until July 15, 2022 at 11:59 PM EDT. Then the cost goes up to $30. This rate is for people 18 and under.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfFOHMteUAcBvMcQLr5MSv7y6naKtcSb3Z024tt1jdTBc-s5Q/viewform?usp=sf_link">Click here for the 2022 State Registration Form</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>We look forward to seeing you there!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><h1>Cherokee Chapter Monthly Meeting<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>The Cherokee county chapter will have its monthly meeting this Saturday at 10am at the Senior Center at 499 W. Rutledge Ave. in Gaffney in-person and via phone at the dial-in number listed below. Our spotlight topic for this meeting is mental health. We will have a feature speaker who is a professional in this field and will bring some pertinent information pertaining to this very often avoided, yet crucial aspect of everyone's life. For those coming in-person, there will also be a small home-style meal to enjoy as well, with each chapter family contributing a dish. We wanted to extend the invitation for our neighboring chapters and members that might live within driving distance to come in- person and to everyone else across the state via phone. We hope to also have visitors with us as well. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>Dial-in info:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>The dial-in access is through <a href="http://freeconference.com/" target="_blank">freeconference.com</a> at<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>1-605-475-4120<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>Access code: 6524057<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><h1><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Blind Equality Achievement Month Event April 23<o:p></o:p></span></h1><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:8.0pt;text-align:center;line-height:11.65pt'><span style='color:black'>WHO: THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF SOUTH CAROLINA BEAM COMMITTEE<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:8.0pt;text-align:center;line-height:11.65pt;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0)'><span style='color:black'>WHAT: BRINGING FORTH AWARENESS TO THE BLIND AND SIGHTED COMMUNITY ABOUT THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF SOUTH CAROLINA AND ALL it ENTAILS<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:8.0pt;text-align:center;line-height:11.65pt;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0)'><span style='color:black'>WHEN: SATURDAY APRIL 23, 2022 AT 11AM- 2PM<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:8.0pt;text-align:center;line-height:11.65pt;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0)'><span style='color:black'>WHERE: HARBISON COMMUNITY CENTER 106 HILLPINE ROAD COLUMBIA, SC 29212<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:8.0pt;text-align:center;line-height:11.65pt;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0)'><span style='color:black'>WHY: TO EDUCATE THE SIGHTED AND NEWLY BLIND INDIVIDUALS THAT THERE IS LIFE AFTER BLINDNESS<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0)'><o:p> </o:p></p><h1>Community Service Division Interest<o:p></o:p></h1><p style='margin-bottom:13.5pt;background:white'><span style='color:black'>Members are interested in starting a community service division in the SC affiliate. We need to determine the level of interest for this division before proceeding. This division would </span><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>promote jointly the positive philosophy of the National Federation of the Blind and the positive effects that community service and service learning have on self and country from the blind person's perspective. The division would also promote and encourage involvement in community service and service learning in order to demonstrate actively the philosophy of the National Federation of the Blind. The division would find service opportunities, share personal experiences with service projects, alternative techniques for effectively performing tasks on the project site, and strategies for appropriately educating supervisors, volunteers, and other members of the volunteer community about the abilities of the blind in the service setting. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='background:white'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>If you are interested in this division, please email me at</span><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='background:white'><span style='color:black'><a href="mailto:Jennifer.h.bazer@gmail.com">Jennifer.h.bazer@gmail.com</a></span><o:p></o:p></p><p style='background:white'><span style='color:black'>Or</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>Andrew Adams @Adams.andrewd@gmail.com<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></p><h1>Chapter and Division 2021 Financial Reports<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>According to our records, the following chapters and divisions have submitted their 2021 financial reports. If you have submitted these reports and your chapter or division is not mentioned, please reach out to David Houck or Valerie Warrington to let us know how you sent it and when?</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>We need this information ASAP so it can be submitted to our CPA firm that handles our NFB of SC taxes. </span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>Anderson Chapter</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>At-Large Chapter</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>Belvedere Chapter</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>Chesterfield County Chapter</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>Clarendon Chapter</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>Columbia Chapter</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>Computer Science and Technology Division</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>Grand Strand Chapter</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>Greenville Chapter</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>Greenwood Chapter</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>Lancaster Chapter</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>Newberry Chapter</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>Parents Division</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>Senior Division</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>Spartanburg Chapter</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>Sports and Rec Division</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>Sumter Chapter</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>Upper Dorchester Chapter</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>Thank you for your assistance with this important item!</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'> </span></b><o:p></o:p></p><h1>Sponsorships for State Convention<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>It is that time again to seek sponsorships for our NFB of SC state convention held August 25-28 at the North Charleston Marriot. The chapter or division with the most money in sponsorships will receive 10% of the total sponsorship money raised. Last year, we raised over $6,200, the largest amount of sponsorships for one convention. Let’s see if we can achieve $15,000! All funds raised will help defray the cost of a $25,000 to $30,000 convention.</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>You may obtain an electronic sponsorship letter from the convention planning committee by contacting Melinda Jones or Andrew Adams or contacting me directly. If you need printed copies mailed, please contact David Houck at the Center. Sponsorships should be paid using our NFB of SC pay pal link on our site.</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'><a href="http://www.nfbofsc.org">www.nfbofsc.org</a></span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>Individuals or companies may also mail a check made payable to NFB of SC with “state convention sponsorship” in the memo line and mailed to the Federation Center, 119 S. Kilbourne Road, Columbia, SC 29205. Please remember we had a lot of White Cane level sponsors last year at $100 from individuals in our own affiliate, chapters, divisions and other individuals in the community. Let’s work together to exceed last year’s goal!</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'> </span></b><o:p></o:p></p><h1>Scholarship Announcement 2022<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>Students are over halfway through their spring semester. That means it is time to apply for a 2022 NFB of SC Scholarship. With the state convention being August 25 - 28, 2022, the deadline for scholarship applications is 11:59 p.m. June 20, 2022. The committee will select the top three applicants, and they will be notified approximately one month prior to the state convention. The updated scholarship application is now available at <a href="http://www.nfbofsc.org">www.nfbofsc.org</a>. Please also remember that the scholarship program operates on donations exclusively. If you or your chapter would like to contribute a scholarship or make a donation to the Metro Fund, please get in touch with me, Shannon Cook, (<a href="mailto:coffeequeensc1@sc.rr.com">coffeequeensc1@sc.rr.com</a> or (803) 605-4250). I will notify Valerie Warrington, NFB of SC Treasurer of the scholarship donation. Also, please help us get the word out about the program. If you or someone you know is in school full time, please encourage them to apply for a scholarship! Thank you.</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'> </span></b><o:p></o:p></p><h1>Rocky Bottom<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>From Thom Spittle, Chairman of Rocky Bottom:</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>Thank you to the Belvedere Chapter for donating $100 to the transportation fund at Rocky Bottom.</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>Remember that Rocky Bottom is assisting blind chapters and groups with the cost of transportation to and from the camp. So please schedule a reservation with me by calling 803-331-3344. We want all blind people who want to visit Rocky Bottom to have the opportunity to do so without the high gas prices getting in their way. Here at the National Federation of the Blind, We break down barriers between blind people and our dreams. So don’t let soaring gas prices keep you away.</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>The camp is gearing up for a busy season with yard maintenance, building improvements, and spring cleaning.</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>Take advantage of this assistance program and schedule a trip to Rocky Bottom soon</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'> </span></b><o:p></o:p></p><h1>Convention Planning Committee Seeks Donations for DJ and Other Convention Expenses<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>Melinda Jones and Andrew Adams, co-chairs of the Convention Planning Committee, would like to thank the chapters and divisions who have donated to the DJ who will be playing the Friday night reception at our state convention. Once the DJ fee of $350 has been raised, the overflow will go to offset the costs of the state convention through the NFB of SC state convention fundraiser. DJ Quinton is a member of the Push Band who was the musical entertainment at last year’s reception. If you, your chapter, or division would like to contribute to the DJ, please mail a check made to NFB of SC and write DJ in the memo line and send to 119 S. Kilbourne Road, Columbia, SC 29205. You may also send through Pay Pal on our website at</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'><a href="http://www.nfbofsc.org">www.nfbofsc.org</a></span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>Please write DJ in the comments section. Thank you all for your support of our state convention this year!</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'> </span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'> The Convention Planning Committee is also asking each Chapter and Division to donate at least $25 for a fundraiser, which will help offset some of the cost of our State Convention and possibly help more of our members be able to attend in person. You may send checks to the state office at 119 S. Kilbourne Road, Columbia, SC 29205. You may also go to <a href="http://www.nfbofsc.org"><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>www.nfbofsc.org</span></b></a>. Click on donate for the NFB of SC and use PayPal. Please note “State convention funds” in your memo.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'> </span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'> </span></b><o:p></o:p></p><h1>Talking Medical Device (TMD) Program<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>More talking medical devices have been awarded. For anyone who has submitted an application, but not heard back from the committee, it is either because we are still waiting on the doctor’s statement, or the review committee has not met since receiving all documents. The committee will meet again on April 7. We appreciate your cooperation and interest in this program. The application is available on <a href="http://www.nfbofsc.org">www.nfbofsc.org</a>, by email, or by postal mail. Please call me if you have questions. (803) 605-4250. We will also be accepting applications and doctor’s statements occasionally at in-person meetings. More opportunities will be announced soon. Shannon Cook</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'> </span></b><o:p></o:p></p><h1>New Dues Policy:<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>On Thursday, February 24, 2022, the NFB of SC Board met in executive session to discuss dues due dates as they relate to being eligible to vote at the state convention August 25-28, 2022. . The Board voted on the following policy.</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>For current and new NFB of SC members, dues must be paid by 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, May 31, 2022. That means that your state dues must be paid and received, and the NFB of SC membership form must be completed by the deadline. If both of those two things are not done, you will not be able to vote in the elections at the August convention. With just under two months to go, everyone has lots of time to ensure both components of the membership process are complete by then. If anyone needs assistance paying their dues online and/or filling out the membership form, please get in touch with either Steve or Shannon Cook. If anyone else has good technology skills and is willing to help too, please let Steve Cook know. </span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>Beginning in 2023, and for each subsequent year thereafter, for current members, dues will be due no later than 11:59 p.m. January 31. If dues are not received by January 31 along with the requisite membership form, you will be delinquent and ineligible to vote at that year’s state convention. For new members who have not been a member in two or more years, or who are brand new members, their dues will be due by 11:59 p.m. on May 31 of that year. The same rules apply. If the new member’s dues are not paid by then, they cannot vote in that year’s state convention elections.</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>Members know that dues are due usually in January, so there is plenty of time to make sure they have been taken care of by the deadline.</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'> </span></b><o:p></o:p></p><h1> 2022 NFB of SC Membership Dues<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'> The National Federation of the Blind of SC has had our 2022 Membership Form on our website at <a href="http://www.nfbofsc.org">www.nfbofsc.org</a> since October 1, 2021. When you fill out this form, you will receive an email copy of the information you entered if you provided your personal Email address. If you are assisting someone with the form that does not have an Email address, feel free to use <a href="mailto:cookcafe@sc.rr.com">cookcafe@sc.rr.com</a> in the Email field. Once you click on the submit button, you will be taken to the Donations page in which you can choose to pay your $10 state dues using the NFB of South Carolina State Affiliate secure Pay Pal button. Remember you must fill out the new form and pay the $10 state dues in order to complete the process for your 2022 membership! <a href="https://nfbofsc.org/2022-membership-form/">https://nfbofsc.org/2022-membership-form/</a> If you have any questions or need assistance with the above process, please call Steve Cook at 803 260 1292. If he is unable to take your call, he will call you back when available. Also, if you sign up on the NFB website, <a href="http://www.nfb.org">www.nfb.org</a>, that is awesome, you will receive your welcome coin and packet, but please remember, you must also sign up on <a href="http://www.nfbofsc.org">www.nfbofsc.org</a> as a member of our Palmetto affiliate. I want to thank you all for being willing to assist those who are not familiar with online registration or payment so that their membership can be completed. Please remember, all dues and membership forms must be completed and submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern on May 31 in order to vote in our state convention election during the weekend of August 25-28.</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'> </span></b><o:p></o:p></p><h1> NFB of SC Jackets<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'> Note, this is a project of Frank Loza personally and 25% of the proceeds benefit the Federation Center in Columbia. From Frank Loza:</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'> Get your National Federation of the Blind jackets. There are two styles available.</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>One is a micro fiber that comes in black or blue, in sizes small to 4x. The other one is polyester blend that comes in black, blue and gray, in sizes small to 5x. On the back of the jacket it has our national NFB logo. Under that it has National Federation of the Blind written out. Below that it has, “Live the life you want.” On the front left chest, it has NFB of SC. If there are any other states that would like to order these jackets, they can be customized for your state. The logo and lettering is embroidered, so it can be felt. The micro fiber style is eighty dollars and the polyester blend is seventy five dollars. If you have any questions, you can call Frank Loza at, 803-617-8016. He can explain more detail about the jackets and their design. Payments can be made by check, money order, PayPal or Zelle. To pay by PayPal or Zelle, you can look my account up on either platform by searching for my email, which is, <a href="mailto:floza58@bellsouth.net">floza58@bellsouth.net</a>. Join all the other Federationists that wear their jackets with pride. Please help us spread the word to other states, so they don’t miss out. Thank you so very much.</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'> </span></b><o:p></o:p></p><h1> NFB of SC Bags, Shirts, hoodies, and crew neck sweatshirts<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'> The NFB of SC is selling bags with the NFB of SC logo and Live the Life you Want printed on the front. The bag is black, the bottom is red, and the straps are white. The top is open with a draw string closure. There is a zipper around the bottom, that expands the bag. There is a zippered pocket on the front where the NFB of SC logo is located. The bags are great for a gift or for sporting the NFB of SC logo and tag line. The bags sell for $25 each. You can pay pal the money on our website <a href="http://www.nfbofsc.org">www.nfbofsc.org</a> or send cash or check made to NFB of SC to the Center at 119 S. Kilbourne Road, Columbia, SC 29205.</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'> We are also selling short sleeve T-shirts. They are gray with the logo and tag line in black on the right side if looking at the shirt. On the back, you will find the state of SC shaded in black. These shirts are $25. You can purchase two bags for $40 or two shirts for $40, or, one bag and one shirt for $40. If you just want one or the other, the price is $25 each. We are hoping to get in some sweatshirts and hoodies and will let you know the cost of these once they are secured. All funds will go to the NFB of SC.</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'> We have added hoodies and crew neck sweatshirts to our NFB of SC apparel. Blue crew neck sweatshirt, With yellow logo, and NFB of SC Live the life you want. Written below. Blue hoodie sweatshirt, with front pockets. Has the NFB logo in yellow with NFB of SC, Live the life you want, written below the logo. Prices are as follows: Sweatshirt or hoodie: Adult small to adult extra-large is 35 each or 2 for 60, 2x to 5x is 40 each or 2 for 70. T shirt and bags 25 each or 2 for 40 Same price for Bags. You can mix and match. Make money orders or checks payable to NFB of SC and note what you are purchasing and your preferred size. You may also pay through PayPal at <a href="http://www.nfbofsc.org">www.nfbofsc.org</a>. Please note in the comments section exactly what you wish to purchase. Questions, call President Jennifer Bazer at 803-960-9977. Thank you for your support of the NFB of SC!</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'> </span></b><o:p></o:p></p><h1> New Orleans Fundraiser<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>WHAT? New Orleans Here We Come!!!</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>WHO? The National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina!!!</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>WHAT? Offering an opportunity to win a 6-day 7-night stay during our National Convention!!!</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>WHEN? July 4th through July 10th at the Marriot located at 555 Canal Street, New Orleans.</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>WHAT SHOULD I DO? Purchase tickets which are 1 for five-dollars and 3 for ten-dollars. For every thirty-dollars you donate, then you will have a chance to win one-hundred dollars in CASH! The winner will either win a room or funds will be applied to your previously reserved room.</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>WHAT DO I GET? Hotel accommodations for the room. If the convention is cancelled the winner will take home the cash.</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>HOW will I win? You can send your donation to NFB of SC PayPal at <a href="http://www.nfbofsc.org">www.nfbofsc.org</a>. You may also mail a check, cash or money order to NFB of SC and mail to 119 S. Kilbourne Road, Columbia, SC 29205 and please make sure to put Hotel Tickets in the for/memo field. To have your information placed into the drawing please send us an email with your name and best reached phone number to, <a href="mailto:nfbofscfundraiser@gmail.com">nfbofscfundraiser@gmail.com</a>.</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>WHAT SHOULD I KNOW? In order for the winner to have enough time to cancel previous reservations, WHEN IS THE DRAWING? The drawing will take place on Monday May 30, 2022 at 5:30 pm on the Federation zoom platform.</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>WHAT IS THE ZOOM INFO?</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>Join Zoom Meeting</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'><a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8032543777?pwd=QTVQd2RzN3l6QnNmZ0FmSnp6NG8vQT09">https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8032543777?pwd=QTVQd2RzN3l6QnNmZ0FmSnp6NG8vQT09</a></span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>Meeting ID: 803 254 3777</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>Passcode: 124578</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>One tap mobile</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>+19292056099,,8032543777# US (New York)</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>Easy way to add to your contacts for a quick connection…</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>9292056099,,,8032543777#</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'> Thank you for your support to the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina-Fundraising Committee!!! For more information please contact either</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>Andrew Adams at (803)269-3803 or</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>Debra Canty at (803)775-5792</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>Co-chairs of the Fundraising Committee.</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'> </span></b><o:p></o:p></p><h1>Speaking of the 2022 National Convention …<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'> </span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:12.0pt;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#2E74B5'> National NFB Convention New Orleans, LA July 5-10, 2022</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>New Orleans Site of 2022 Convention by John Berggren</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'> An aerial view of the New Orleans Marriott. The 2022 Convention of the National Federation of the Blind will take place in New Orleans, Louisiana, July 5 to July 10, at the New Orleans Marriott at 555 Canal Street, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70130. You can reserve a room now at the Marriott by calling 800-654-3990 ensuring you’ll be in our headquarters hotel. If you wish to stay in our overflow hotel directly across Canal Street, call 855-516-1090 to book a room at the Sheraton New Orleans.</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'> The nightly rate for both the Marriott and the Sheraton is $109 for singles and doubles. Triples and quads can be booked for $119 per night. You should also anticipate the combined sales tax and tourism support rate of 16.2 percent, and note there is a hotel occupancy fee of $3.00 per night.</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'> Both hotels will take a deposit of the first night’s room rate, taxes, and fees and will require a credit card or a personal check. If you use a credit card, the deposit will be charged against your card immediately. If a reservation is cancelled before Monday, June 1, 2022, half of the deposit will be returned. Refunds will not be issued for cancellations made beyond that date.</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'> The hotels sit astride the storied Canal Street at 555 and 500 Canal Street respectively, only blocks from the mighty Mississippi River and even closer to the historic French Quarter. Both hotels offer a range of dining options as well as twenty-four-hour fitness centers. You’ll find a rooftop pool at the Marriott while the Sheraton features a Starbucks in its atrium lobby.</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'> The schedule for the 2022 convention is:</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>Tuesday, July 5 Seminar Day</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>Wednesday, July 6 Registration and Resolutions Day</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>Thursday, July 7 Board Meeting and Division Day</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>Friday, July 8 Opening Session</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>Saturday, July 9 Business Session</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>Sunday, July 10 Banquet Day and Adjournment</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'> The health of our members is of paramount importance as we plan for our first in-person convention in three years. Both of our convention hotels are committed to ensuring the safety of guests and have implemented cleaning protocols and elevated practices to deliver on this commitment. The National Federation of the Blind will continually monitor masking policies, vaccination requirements, and other health guidelines that may apply to our convention. Updates will be shared with members throughout the months leading up to convention, so members can plan accordingly.</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'> </span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:12.0pt;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#2E74B5'>Register for the Premier Event in the Blind Community</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>National Federation of the Blind 2022 National Convention</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>July 5 through July 10, 2022</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>New Orleans, LA</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>#NFB22</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>The National Federation of the Blind is the transformative membership and advocacy organization of blind people. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. Each year we come together for important discussions, decisions, and information sharing.</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>As an attendee, take advantage of the opportunity to:</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>• Network with thousands of blind role models</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>• Connect with leaders in the field of blindness</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>• Attend presentations on a variety of empowering topics</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>• Learn about the latest in technology and innovation</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>• And more!</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>The convention is open to all. Important note: Our constitution states that only members of the Federation have the right to participate in decision-making when it comes to organizational policy. If you are not already a member, please connect with your state affiliate.</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>Is this your first convention or do you need a review of what to expect? Mark your calendar for the Rookie Roundup meeting scheduled for Tuesday, July 5, at 8:00 p.m. central time, which will go over all the things you need to know about the convention. Also available for first-time attendees, learn about the Kenneth Jernigan Convention Scholarship.</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>Register Today</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>Registration is now open. Get access to the latest information as it is made available and more.</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>Register for the 2022 National Convention now!</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>For more information and hotel details, visit <a href="https://nfb.org/convention">https://nfb.org/convention</a>. We look forward to your participation in this important event.</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>Coming Soon: NFB22 Virtual Experience Registration</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>We are excited to offer opportunities for engagement and connection to participants who are unable to attend the convention in-person. Details and registration for the 2022 National Convention Virtual Experience, a dedicated online space for exclusive convention activities, are coming soon. Registration for the virtual experience will be separate and at no cost.</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'> </span></b><o:p></o:p></p><h1>Rideshare Discrimination Survey<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>The National Federation of the Blind is seeking feedback from Uber and Lyft customers who have been discriminated against by either rideshare company because of disability, including but not limited to a rider’s use of a service animal or white cane, or inaccessible rideshare app technology. Please take time to report all instances of discrimination. Though NFB’s agreements with both Uber and Lyft expired in 2020, we are gathering information about ongoing discrimination for legal advocacy.</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>You are not required to be a member of the NFB in order to fill out this survey. Below is a link to the survey.</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/legal-program/rideshare-discrimination-survey">https://nfb.org/programs-services/legal-program/rideshare-discrimination-survey</a></span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'> </span></b><o:p></o:p></p><h1> Zoom Events for the upcoming month!<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'> Below are the events scheduled this month for the NFB of SC. Chairs and co-chairs, please make sure your agenda for the committee is on the list serve before your meeting. Also, starting now, chairs and co-chairs of committees along with presidents of chapters and divisions will be responsible for sending out meting reminders to the listserv along with the agenda. Thank you! Committee chairs and co-chairs, please also send me a list of committee members for the committee you are chairing or co-chairing. Please remember, I need a list of all committee members so we can add to the website. Someone will need to send out the daily reminder, agenda and Zoom information for the meeting.</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'> </span></b><o:p></o:p></p><h1>April 2022 <o:p></o:p></h1><h1><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></h1><h2>Monday, April 11, 2022<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>Convention Planning Committee 8:00 PM Federation Center Zoom <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><h2>Tuesday, April 12, 2022<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>Get Fit with the Sports & Rec Division 5:30 PM Rocky Bottom Zoom <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>At Large Chapter 7:00 PM Federation Center Zoom <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><h2>Wednesday, April 13, 2022<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>Blind Equality Achievement Month 7:00 PM Federation Center Zoom <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Sports & Rec Division 8:00 PM Rocky Bottom Zoom <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><h2>Thursday, April 14, 2022<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>Clarendon Chapter 8:00 PM Federation Center Zoom <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><h2>Friday, April 15, 2022<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>Trivia Night 8:00 PM Federation Center Zoom <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>If you wish to play, Email David Bundy at <a href="mailto:bundy@pobox.com">bundy@pobox.com</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><h2>Saturday, April 16, 2022<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>Get Fit with the Sports & Rec Division 9:00 AM Rocky Bottom Zoom <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Technology Training Session 10:00 AM Federation Center Zoom <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We will have a Presentation with Shane from SuperSense pertaining to the app<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>SC Tech Talk 3:00 PM Federation Center Zoom <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'> </span></b><o:p></o:p></p><h1>Monday, April 18, 2022<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>Membership & Outreach 8:00 PM Federation Center Zoom</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'> </span></b><o:p></o:p></p><h1>Tuesday, April 19, 2022<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>Get Fit with the Sports & Rec Division 5:30 PM Rocky Bottom Zoom</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>Diabetes Action Network 7:00 PM Federation Center Zoom </span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'> </span></b><o:p></o:p></p><h1>Wednesday, April 20, 2022<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>Public Relations & Social Media 8:00 PM Federation Center Zoom </span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'> </span></b><o:p></o:p></p><h1>Saturday, April 23, 2022<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>Get Fit with the Sports & Rec Division 9:00 AM Rocky Bottom Zoom</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'> </span></b><o:p></o:p></p><h1>Monday, April 25, 2022<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>Anderson Chapter 7:00 PM Rocky Bottom</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>SCAGDU 8:00 PM Federation Center Zoom</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'> </span></b><o:p></o:p></p><h1>Tuesday, April 26, 2022<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>Get Fit with the Sports & Rec Division 5:30 PM Rocky Bottom Zoom</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>Diversity & Inclusion Committee 8:00 PM Federation Center Zoom</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'> </span></b><o:p></o:p></p><h1>Wednesday, April 27, 2022<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>Communities of Faith 6:00 PM Federation Center Zoom</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'> </span></b><o:p></o:p></p><h1>Thursday, April 28, 2022<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>Computer Science & Technology Division 8:00 PM Federation Center Zoom</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'> </span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>Saturday, April 30, 2022</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>Get Fit with the Sports & Rec Division 9:00 AM Rocky Bottom Zoom</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'> </span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'> </span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'> Federation Center</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'><a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8032543777?pwd=QTVQd2RzN3l6QnNmZ0FmSnp6NG8vQT09">https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8032543777?pwd=QTVQd2RzN3l6QnNmZ0FmSnp6NG8vQT09</a></span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>Meeting ID: 803 254 3777 Passcode: 124578</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>One tap mobile +19292056099,,8032543777# US (New York)</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'> Rocky Bottom</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'><a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8648789090?pwd=QTVQd2RzN3l6QnNmZ0FmSnp6NG8vQT09">https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8648789090?pwd=QTVQd2RzN3l6QnNmZ0FmSnp6NG8vQT09</a></span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>Meeting ID: 864 878 9090 Passcode: 124578</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>One tap mobile +19292056099,,8648789090# US (New York)</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'> </span></b><o:p></o:p></p><h1> Joke of the Week –<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black;background:white'>Q: What goes up when April rain comes down?</span><br><span style='color:black;background:white'>A: An umbrella.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'> </span></b><o:p></o:p></p><h1> Fascinating Fact of the Week –<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:Inter;color:#333333;background:white'>The first president of the United States, George Washington, was inaugurated on April 30, 1789.</span><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></p><h1> Final Thought –<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in'>“You can waste your lives drawing lines. Or you can live your life crossing them.” – Shonda Rhimes</span><o:p></o:p></p><h1><o:p> </o:p></h1><h1><o:p> </o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'> </span></b><o:p></o:p></p><h1> NFB Pledge –<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>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.</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'> </span></b><o:p></o:p></p><h1> NFB One Minute Message –<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>“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.”</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'> </span></b><o:p></o:p></p><h1>NFB of SC PSA<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'>Click here to view the National Federation of the Blind of SC 2021 PSA!</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'> </span></b><o:p></o:p></p><h1>More NFB of SC Information<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:8.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Eras Bold ITC",sans-serif'> 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></span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>