Positive Notes
August 22, 2022
Positive Note 1880
President Jennifer Bazer
803-960-9977
[email protected]
Greetings Fellow Federationists:
This is a bittersweet Positive Note as it will be my last one as state president. It has been an honor to serve as our affiliate president for the last two years. As I mentioned during Palmetto Connects on August 18, I will not be seeking re-election. Being president is a rewarding experience; it also takes a lot of time. I have a nine year old daughter, Kaylin and a twelve year old son, Cade who need their mom more during their pivotal years. I probably spent an additional 30 hours outside of work serving as NFB of SC state president a week. I want my children to know I served the blind community; more importantly, I want my children to remember I was present for them, really involved in their lives and spent quality time with them. Giving another person the opportunity to be president will give me the opportunity as a single parent to be there physically and emotionally for Cade and Kaylin. It will also enable fresh ideas for the Palmetto affiliate. I want to thank all of you for your support, your encouragement, and your love during my presidency. Together, we have accomplished a lot in two years from forming new divisions to more active committees to more sponsorships to defray cost of our state convention. My hope and desire is that we support the next president that we elect on August 28. The Palmetto affiliate is changing what it means to be blind with love, hope and determination. We are living the lives we want. This is not goodbye; it is see you soon! Let’s go build the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina!
As we prepare to vote in the upcoming elections, I hope voters will consider
- Who would be the best candidate for each position.
- Who attends most if not all board meetings and other leadership meetings?
- Who is qualified for the position and wants the position?
- Who has the skills to fulfill the duties of the position?
- Who believes in the affiliate?
- Who is dedicated to furthering the mission of the NFB of SC and is not simply seeking recognition?
- Who comes up with solutions when there are challenges?
- Who is ready to grow the affiliate, build the Federation and think outside of the box when needed?
- Who is willing to make the personal sacrifices and time commitments needed to improve the lives of the blind in South Carolina?
State Convention Badges
Eligible voters will have a green badge; all other badges will be red. Please insure you are wearing your badge at all times. Badges are printed with your information on both sides. If you have a special meal request, that is also noted on your badge. If you have a gluten free meal or vegetarian meal, tickets will be in your badge to present at each meal. If you do not receive a special meal you requested, please let the hotel staff know. The hotel knows how many vegetarian and gluten free meals to prepare. Please insure you are only requesting what you chose during registration. These numbers have already been submitted to the hotel so they can plan for meals during our convention.
Blimpy Subs During Convention
For those who ordered Blimpy subs during the registration process, those meals will be available in a suite between 12:15and 1:45 on Saturday, August 27. The suite number will be given out during convention since it has not been assigned by the hotel at this time. After 1:45, the suite will be closed so everyone can attend the afternoon general session. Please insure you are wearing your badge when you pick up your Blimpy meal. Your name will be checked off the list once received. We want to thank the Blind Merchants division for their generosity in providing this free meal.
We Care Concerns
Please keep the following individuals in your thoughts and prayers.
The family of Dorothy C. Barksdale on her passing.
The family of Bob Martin on his passing.
Milton Tant of the Spartanburg Chapter, hospitalized
Diane Haycraft of the Spartanburg Chapter, hospitalized
Ernest Gallman of the Columbia Chapter
Marshall and Lois Tucker in Columbia
Dale and Pat Wolthoff of the Columbia Chapter
Charles Alex Reynolds of the Sumter Chapter.
Those who are not on this list but need our thoughts and prayers for sickness, loss, recovery and other concerns that are not mentioned or unspoken.
August Birthdays!
Happy birthday to our members born in August!
Janice Smith 22
Laura James 22
Stacey Fulwood 22
Eric Hilton 23
Jennifer Bazer 25
John Willis 25
Diane Railton 26
Summer Swayngham 27
Carolyn Jackson 23
Amber Paxton 30
Carey Burris 31
Neal Dorsey 31
NFB of SC Quilt auctioning Off at State Convention
Hebron UMC Prayer Chain Ministry donated a homemade quilt that we will be auctioning off during our Saturday night banquet.
This modern block style quilt was created for the National Federation of the Blind Of SC by the Mt. Hebron Prayer Shawl Ministry. The colors are those represented in the NFB logo; blue, green and orange. Each row contains a block with an embroidery pattern.
Row one, block four is a radiant flower of teardrop shaped petals. “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” Isaiah 40:8 ESV This quilt will fade, but God’s love for you lasts forever! (Wash in cold water with a Shout Color Catcher Sheet. Dry low temperature or line dry.)
Row two, block one has the NFB motto “Live the life you want.” Block 6 has a braille representation of the logo hand stitched in French knots.
Row three, block three is a pair of birds. “‘Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap or gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?’” Matthew 6:26 ESV
Row four, block five, is a circle pattern representing the Trinity. “For there are three that bear witness in heaven: The Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one.” 1 John 5:7 NIV
Row five, block two is an abstract pattern representing creation. “For by Him all things were created,in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities – all things were created through Him and for Him.” Colossians 1:16 ESV
Row six, block four is a butterfly. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: the old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV
Row seven, block one is the Mt Hebron Prayer Shawl Ministry dedication. Block six is the National Federation of the Blind logo. A special thank you to Susan Nelson of Charlotte Sewing Center for digitizing the logo.
A tassel is tied at each corner. Each knot is tied as a prayer is given for the receiver of the quilt. We invite you to continue tying knots with a prayer!
Calling all Interested Members in an SC Association of Black Leaders Division
As many of you are aware, during last month’s NFB National Convention a National Association of Black Leaders Division was officially created. After much discussion, we feel that such a division would also benefit the blind of South Carolina.
If such an association were to be created, the purpose of the association would be to serve as a chapter of the National Association of Black leaders (N.A.B.L.) and a division of the NFB of SC; to promote and encourage the full participation of black members within the NFB of SC; to be a vehicle for collective action by the blind of South Carolina; to encourage and support black members in the pursuit of leadership roles; to educate others on the intersecting problems faced by blind Black Americans; to raise awareness of the contributions of the Black membership within the movement; and to do such things, and to take such actions, in furtherance of the goals of the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina.
If you are interested in joining a division such as this, or if you would like more information, you can email either Derique Simon or myself (Kristopher Crawley) using the below contact information.
Although this is a division that focuses on the interests of black members within the federation, everyone is encouraged to join and participate.
An interest meeting will be held at the NFB of SC State Convention on Friday, August 26th at 10 PM. More information to come soon.
We look forward to hearing from you,
Derique’s Phone: (864) 398-9437
Derique’s Email: [email protected]
Kris’ Phone: (803) 220-1727
Kris’ Email: [email protected]
Come by the SCCOF Table at State Convention
We would like to encourage you to stop by the SC Communities of Faith Division table at this year’s State Convention. We will be giving out key chains, providing material such as prayer cards from different faith traditions, and information on how to order and obtain resources in accessible formats. We would just love to chat. This division is to share information about faiths for better understanding, not as a recruitment tool, so please join us!
If you would like to donate anything for us to display or provide to interested parties, you can contact me in the following ways.
Email: [email protected]
Phone/Text: (803) 220-1727
Looking forward to seeing you there.
We Care Would Like Donations and Help for those at Christmas
The We Care Committee is one of the NFB of SC statewide committees. All funds are held in the NFB of SC account, earmarked We Care so that this committee can fulfill its project for Christmas.
The We care committee is sponsoring a prized drawing for an Apple TV, yes, an Apple TV!!!
Donations are as follows: one ticket five dollars, five tickets, $20.
All proceeds, 100%, from this fundraiser will go towards a Christmas project that is near and dear to us. We will be providing hygiene kits as well as gift cards for visually impaired and blind adults and children for Christmas.
The drawing will take place on Monday, October 5 at 6 PM on Federation zoom. You do not have to be present to win.
To contribute to this wonderful cause, you may:
- Log on to nfbofsc.org and tap donate. Please be sure to indicate we care committee fundraiser in the memo line.
- Send check or money order too: Federation Center 119 South Kilbourne Rd Columbia, SC 29205
- You may also contact the We Care committee and provide tangible items that they need for this project like gift cards or hygiene items.
Thank you in advance for your support!
Resolutions for 2022 State Convention
From Elizabeth Rouse
Miss Valerie and myself are excited to get to work on this year’s resolutions, and we are also hoping this year will serve as an opportunity for us to reorganize and rededicate the committee to follow-through and successful implementation.
With this goal in mind, we would love to get as much work done regarding the composition and revision of resolutions before the start of convention on Thursday, August 25. We ask that you send any resolution draft you have to both Valerie and myself at [email protected] and [email protected] no later than noon on Monday, August 22.
We will still be open to new ideas and suggestions for resolutions after this date; however, providing this initial deadline will allow for a great deal of respect to be shown to Valerie’s time, my own, and that of our committee members.
Senior Division Wants to Warm you Up
The Senior Division of the NFB of SC is ready to warm you up and get you going! We will be selling coffee and hot chocolate in whatever form you like (ground, whole bean, or K-Cups).
The name of the company is “White Cane Coffee”, founded by a blind woman. All the boxes are Brailled, as are the individual K-cups. There are numerous flavored coffees to choose from, and the hot chocolate comes in either plain or a mint flavor. All coffee comes in regular or decaf and a variety of roasts are available as well. From a mild roast to “High Octane”, there is surely a coffee which will be right for you. Please visit our website at https://whitecanecoffee.com/ref/NFBSC-Seniors/
to order your coffee or hot chocolate today!
The ordering process and selection of coffee types are simple. You may order online only at this time, but we will expand it for ordering without a computer or smartphone later in the fall.
We will also have samples for you to taste at the State Convention, so stop by and visit us at the Senior Table. We will also be giving some out to lucky door prize winners there.
News From Spartanburg Chapter!
The Spartanburg Chapter announces a Fund Raising Drawing contest with the drawing to be held on August 27, 2022 during State Convention. How much for the entry ticket? The cost of the chance to win a prize is a donation of $5.00 and we hope you will enter as many times as you would like, the more entries the better your chances!
What do you win? The donation of $5.00 gives you a chance to win a
First prize: Sixty-five inch Smart TV
Second prize: Air Fryer
Third prize: Fourth generation Echo
We are also excited to announce a second Fund Raising event to be offered at State Convention. One of our Chapter members has designed an incredibly special T-shirt logo honoring the blind movement in South Carolina.
What are the colors? Pink, yellow and white are the current offered colors in sizes ranging from small to 2X with more colors and sizes available upon your order.
How much for this unique t-shirt? The cost is one for $20 and two for $35.00.
What is on the t-shirt which makes it so special? Our designer has provided the details:
The Logo on front is an Apple tree and arched across the top of the apple tree will be the following quote: “That which is Essential is never invisible in our eyes”
On the left side of the tree trunk is NFB and the right side is SC
Below the tree are the words: "Under the apple tree" and "Spartanburg Chapter".
What if all the t-shirts are gone before you can purchase one or more? Do not fear, we can take orders in assorted colors and sizes, and we will ship to your home address. If you have any questions or wish to place an order, email the Spartanburg Chapter at [email protected]
NFB of SC Jackets at State Convention
Frank Loza will have both types of NFB of SC jackets to show and order at our upcoming state convention. Please see him at the NFB of SC table in the exhibit hall or call him at 803-617-8016.
2022 NFB of SC Scholarship Program
The Scholarship Committee thanks the Sumter Chapter and Columbia Chapter for their generous donations to the scholarship program During this past week. Other donors received to date are Janice Smith, Ed and Julie Bible,
Mike Rundle (Jimmy Smith Memorial Scholarship), the Greenville Chapter, The Federation Center of the Blind, Belvedere Chapter, Chesterfield Chapter, Grand Strand Chapter, and the Computer Science and Technology Division. The amount is now approaching $5000. In the short time announcements have been put in the Positive Note over the past few weeks, the Scholarship Fund has more than doubled. Now this is how we build the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina!! Our most sincere and humble gratitude from the Scholarship Committee goes out to everyone who has worked hard to donate to these scholarships. We accept donations from individuals, not just chapters and divisions. Years ago, Carey Burris established the Metro Fund to allow for smaller donation amounts that can be added to named scholarships to supplement the award amounts for individual students. Please consider passing the hat at your chapter meeting or sending in a donation to help these students to offset their educational expenses. Donations can be made via PayPal or by check. Please call me, Shannon Cook if you have questions or want to let me know of a donation. Thanks in advance for your assistance.
Questions for State Agencies Presenting at Convention
Last year, Darline Graham, Commissioner of the SC Commission for the blind updated us on their current events and initiatives. This year, we hope that the Talking Books service new director Jennifer Falvey and new president of SC School for the Deaf and Blind will both join the Commission in updating us. If you would like to submit your questions for any of these agency directors in advance, you may do so. They will each have approximately ten minutes on the agenda, with a few minutes reserved for the questions. Please email your questions to Elizabeth Rouse and Anna Price, co-chairs of Legislative and Advocacy committee at [email protected]
State Convention Banquet Fundraiser
Each year at our state convention, we raise money for the NFB of SC at our banquet on Saturday night. We usually raise around $10,000 in less than an hour which is impressive and shows the dedication to our affiliate by all of our members, chapters and divisions. Please consider what you may wish to contribute during our banquet. Contributions can be sent ahead of time to the Federation Center made out to NFB of SC. Please insure you write banquet fundraiser in the memo line so we can recognize the contribution. You may also send your donations through PayPal on our NFB of SC website. Please write banquet fundraiser in the comment section. Pledges can be made at the banquet. These should be fulfilled by December 31, 2022. All contributions by members, chapters and divisions will be recognized at the banquet.
Braille Afghan Fundraiser
Do you or a family member read, write, or just simply have an appreciation for Braille? If so, the Braille Literacy Committee, in partnership with the NFB of SC Fundraising committee and the NFB of SC have a special announcement! A special Braille-themed Afghan has been lovingly created by our very own Glenda Culick, featuring yarn from the personal collection of our beloved late Ellen Taylor. This one-of-a-kind, handmade item features a white background with hunter green Braille dots that are visual and touchable and a hunter green border. The Afghan is large enough to cover a twin size bed, but would also look great as an overlay on a full or queen sized bed. Coincidentally, the color scheme matches with that of the School for the Deaf and Blind, which has many alumni in the area. The cost to enter will be $10 per entry or you may purchase 3 entries for $25. The drawing to determine the winner will take place during the late fall season. If you’d like to examine the piece, it will be on display at the NFB of SC table during the state convention in August. The Braille Literacy Committee wishes to extend a heartfelt thank-you to Glenda for taking the time to create such a beautiful piece and to the fundraising committee, along with the NFB of SC for partnering with us to extend this special opportunity statewide.
You may enter the drawing by using PayPal on our affiliate website and please insure you put Braille Afghan in the comment section. You may also mail a check to the Federation Center made out to NFB of SC and write Braille Afghan in the memo line. One entry for $10 or three for $25.
Door Prize Collection
It is time to begin gathering door prizes to distribute during the general sessions of the convention. Names for door prizes will be drawn electronically like last year. We are keeping consistent with our NFB national as they also draw electronically. We like for the prizes to be worth $10 or more. Only new items please. Keep in mind that men, women, blind, and sighted all will be in the running to receive them, so a variety of prizes is greatly appreciated. If you will be at the convention, you can bring them with you. If not,
You can send them with someone or mail them to the Federation Center. Address is provided later in the Positive Note. If anyone has questions, please contact Steve and Shannon Cook who are coordinating door prizes again this year. Their info is below. Home: (803) 254-0222; his cell: (803) 260-1292; her cell: (803) 605-4250; email: [email protected].
Zoom Events for the upcoming week!
Below is the list of NFB SC Zoom events for the month of August. Please read over them and let me know of any changes. Also, if you are a Division President and plan to meet in person at the NFB of SC State Convention, let me know in order to note this on the Google Calendar.
In order to have enough room for the state convention recordings on Zoom. All meetings will be deleted Thursday morning.
Tuesday, August 23, 2022
Diversity & Inclusion Committee 8:00 PM Federation Center Zoom
Thursday, August 25, 2022
State Board Meeting from the State Convention at 7:00 PM Federation Center Zoom
Friday, August 26, 2022
State Convention in person, will not be streamed on Zoom
See agenda for full details for in person meetings
Saturday, August 27, 2022
State Convention in person
General sessions and Banquet will be streamed on the Federation Center Zoom platform
Sunday, August 28, 2022
State Convention in person
General sessions will be streamed on the Federation Center Zoom platform
Do you have a smart phone or tablet? How would you like to be able to look at your calendar on your smart device for upcoming events for the NFB of SC? Well, we have something that you will really like! Below is a link to the NFB of SC Google Calendar that you can subscribe to for upcoming events without having to visit our fabulous NFB of SC website to check the Events Calendar. Below is the link in which you will need to subscribe to the Events Calendar on your smart phone or computer.
Federation Center Zoom Info
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8032543777?pwd=QTVQd2RzN3l6QnNmZ0FmSnp6NG8vQT09
Meeting ID: 803 254 3777 Passcode: 124578
One tap mobile +19292056099,,8032543777# US (New York)
Rocky Bottom Zoom Info
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8648789090?pwd=QTVQd2RzN3l6QnNmZ0FmSnp6NG8vQT09
Meeting ID: 864 878 9090 Passcode: 124578
One tap mobile +19292056099,,8648789090# US (New York)
FCB Address
Federation Center of the Blind
119 S Kilbourne Road
Columbia, SC 29205
NFB of SC PayPal
Go to www.nfbofsc.org and click on the “Donate with PayPal” button. Enter the required info. PayPal charges a 3% fee. To ensure that the total amount you are paying is received, kindly add 3 cents for every dollar that is being paid. We thank you for your support.
Trivia question
When is my birthday and how old will I be?
Final Thought
“It’s never too late to become who you want to be. I hope you live a life that you’re proud of, and if you find that you’re not, I hope you have the strength to start over.” – F. Scott Fitzgerald
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.
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.”
NFB of SC PSA
Click here to view the National Federation of the Blind of SC 2021 PSA on YouTube!
More NFB of SC Information
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 [email protected]