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<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">January 2, 2023<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Memo To: Executive Officers, Board Members, Chapter & Division Presidents & Others<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">From: Marty R. McKenzie, President<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Positive Note 1899<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">843-939-8091 marty2music@outlook.com<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Dear Federation Family,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Happy new year! It is hard to believe that 2023 is here, and the Federation is entering the new year with the rest of the world. As we enter 2023, let us consider how we can
make the Federation stronger and larger. Can each of us make a small commitment to the Federation that is new and different? It is easier to master one small item rather than large plans and commitments. If we all work together, the results will be unbelievable
at the end of 2023!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">The first Presidential Release of the new year will take place on Wednesday, January 4, 2023 at 8:00 p.m. This event can be accessed in several ways including Zoom, Alexa using
the podcast command and on other platforms. If you want to tune in and need assistance, please reach out to me, and someone will assist you.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">The Statewide Seminar will take place on Saturday, January 7, 2023 at the Federation Center of the Blind, beginning at 10:00 a.m. and concluding no later than 4:00 p.m. At least
67 individuals have confirmed in-person attendance, and this number will likely rise after we get access to Friday’s confirmations. There will also be a streaming option via Zoom so that as much information as possible can be shared with those who are unable
to attend in-person. We are only able to send information out via the stream and cannot address questions and comments.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">There will be an auction throughout the day on January 7 , 2023. All proceeds will benefit Rocky Bottom Retreat and Conference Center of the Blind. Please bring items valued
at $25 or more. Homemade cakes, pies and cookies are always a huge success! Let the bidding wars begin!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Here is David Houck’s Federation fun fact for this week! Let’s continue to read and learn together about our rich history in South Carolina.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">The Federation Center of the Blind came about in the late 1950’s when Donald Capps realized that the blind needed a place of their own to meet. He helped to design the original
layout of the Center, and got the property from the City of Columbia which was then an old baseball field.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Donald Capps worked with business leaders to develop a fundraising campaign and even got the roofing materials donated. The dedication took place on October 15, 1961, which proved
to be a big event. A Board of Trustees was established consisting of blind persons to make decisions and set policy for the Federation Center. An Advisory Board of city leaders was also established to lend their advice and expertise to the Board of Trustees.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">In 1970, because of ever growing membership and programs, another fundraising campaign took place to double the Center’s original size. This took place once more in 1979, tripling
the Center’s original size. Because pick-ups and drop offs on South Kilbourne Road were hazardous, in 1981, a parking facility was built behind the Center. With the addition of property in 1988, parking was doubled. There always were renovations of the interior
but about five years ago when Ed Bible became board chairman, a massive renovation has taken place both in structure and technology. All of these things were accomplished without borrowing a dime. Now Successful Transitions is back at the Federation Center
and programs for the blind are ever expanding.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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