It's that time again so I’ll attempt to fill y’all in on what the Greenwood/Ninety six Chapter is doing. Our chapter had a fund raiser the 2nd and 3rd of July at Wal-Mart’s. We didn't do very well but every little bit helps. One thing that I can tell you is that we got plenty of Sun. We also were given an award from the Alterra Sterling House for being a volunteer to the visually impaired residents there. We all enjoy going their and being with the residents their. Just to see how their faces light up when they see us is pay enough for it lets us know that we can help others have a brighter life.

Looking forward to seeing all of you at the convention in November. Bring all your money and some Nice Gifts for Birthday well be just passed and I expect a lots of nice things but money well be appreciated. Have a very nice time in your Chapter too.

God bless all of you.

Betty Jones, President

Upcoming Events:

Oct 8 and 9 – White Cane Sale (Fundraiser)

Oct 16 – Craft Sale (Fundraiser)

Nov – (Fundraiser)

Dec – (Light Social)

Augusta Blind Rehabilitation Center Alumni Association (ABRCAA), Howard Blackwelder, President

ABRCAA - Dissolution from ACBofSC – ABRCAA, an affiliate of ACBofSC sent forward to the President of ACBofSC a written request to be dissolved from ACBofSC because of non support.

The ACBofSC did offer ABRCAA support and help save monies for their reunion in the following ways:

(1) Hotel discounts from $35.00 plus tax (13%)($4.55) = $39.55 per room to a flat fee of $32.00 per room saving each one of your members $7.55 per room. You had about 40 rooms with a savings of $302.00.

(2) All 2 liter sodas from Pepsi Cola company about 50 with a value of $1.50 each, a savings of $75.00

(3) Under the Public Charities Division of South Carolina under our TAX Exemption Code/Charity Number, we reported and included ABRCAA authorized to hold fund raisers for the tax year 2004. This authorization helped your organization to raise approximately $1500.00.

ABRCAA has benefited greatly from the "umbrella status" of being authorized to hold fund raisers for their members, get items free from the Pepsi Cola Company, and receive hotel discounts minus taxes for their members during their annual convention, and lastly a substantial amount of monies were earned and saved this tax year 2004 totaling over $1800.00.

According to a conversation ACBofSC President had with ABRCAA President on 15 July 2004 approximately 2210 hrs, ABRCAA President addressed the reason for wanting to separate was "the organization is for veterans only". Based on prior events - the resignations of all your Executive Officers simultaneously during which time IRS wrote and gave suspense for ACBofSC to reply to additional information needed for Group Exemption for all subordinate units of ACBofSC. At which time ABRCAA had no Executive Officers, which was one of IRS additional reporting requirements thus unqualifying your organization from Group Exemption Status.

Based on the evidence, statements and discussions with the Board of Directors, President of ACBofSC, President of ABRCAA, and Presidents of local Chapters of ACBofSC as of this day, 19 July 2004 the following has been voted and approved:

(1) ABRCAA forfeits all monies to be returned from Group Exemption Status under ACBofSC.

(2) ABRCAA owes no monies to ACBofSC according to the Constitution/BYLAWS set for 10% to the state (ACBofSC) for services being authorized for fund raisers and all non profit status benefits from all local agencies during the tax year 2004.

(3) ABRCAA must submit a financial report from the period 1 January 2004 – 19 July 2004 to account for all monies earned for end of year tax purposes which ACBofSC is responsible to report to IRS agencies and Public Charities Division for the state of South Carolina.

(4) Effective as of this date, 19 July 2004, ABRCAA separates from the parent organization ACBofSC.

(5) Effective as of this date, 19 July 2004, ACBofSC will not be accountable of ABRCAA’s actions ad the approving agency for fund raisers or any more non profit status support for the remaining tax year 2004.

Dixieland Guide Dogs – Audrey Gunter, President

Dixieland Guide Dog Users is the South Carolina Affiliate of Guide Dog Users, INC., the largest guide dog-related organization In the United States. We serve as advocates for and provide peer support and information to guide dog users throughout our state. We also provide accurate information to the general public about guide dogs. Our members are graduates from a variety of guide dog schools, including Seeing Eye; Leader Dog; Ivy Creek; Guiding Eyes for the Blind; Pilot Dogs and South Eastern Guide Dog School. Some of our members are also puppy raisers; guide dog trainers and owners of retired guide dogs. We meet twice a year and publish issues of our newsletter between meetings.

If you would like more information regarding Dixieland Guide Dog Users, or, if you'd like to become a member, please complete our application form or contact me personally.

Thank you for your interest and support. We look forward to meeting you in person.

Sincerely,

Audrey Gunter, President, 802 Castle Avenue, Charleston, SC 29407; RETIRED51837@MSN.COM

Upcoming Events:

Dixieland Guide Dog Users will host its next meeting on Friday, November 12, 2004, at the Holiday Inn West in Myrtle Beach, S.C., in association with and in conjunction to the South Carolina American Council of the Blind convention. We will have a very special luncheon with a series of useful workshops for the visually impaired/blind with or without guide dogs. Please make plans to join us!

South Carolina Low Country Chapter/Visually Impaired Veterans of America (SCLCC/VIVA) Milton Ackerman - President

Mission Statement: The South Carolina Low Country Chapter of Visually Impaired Veterans of America serves to assist and provide needs for those visually impaired veterans and others with vision loss in South Carolina. This may be accomplished through counseling, administrative and clerical assistance, technology, education and training assistance, and resource location and transportation identification, and general assistance in whatever may apply to a specific person’s needs.

CONVENTION SITE

Dates: November 12 - 14, 2004
Rate: $45 plus 10% tax ($4.50) total each night = $49.50
Holiday Inn (On the waterway)
101 Outlet Blvd
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
Direct 843-236-1000

All hotel reservations for guaranteed rate due by

8 November 2004

Hotel - $49.50 per night (this rate also include taxes)

NOTE: Each additional occupant per room add $10.00

Located at the gateway to Myrtle Beach and South Carolina's Grand Strand, Holiday Inn West overlooks the beautiful Intercostals Waterway. We're just minutes from the blue Atlantic Ocean and convenient to all the many area attractions.

Enjoy the Fantasy Harbour entertainment complex is adjacent to the Holiday Inn, including Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament. Broadway at the Beach is just minutes away. There you will find plenty of shopping, plus restaurants, nightlife, Ripley's Aquarium, Spirit of the Dance, and IMAX Theater.

Over 100 championship golf courses are available in the greater Myrtle Beach area, and we have a staff dedicated to coordinating the very best golf vacation possible.

We have over 5,000 square feet of dedicated meeting space, and a fantastic staff to make your next meeting or convention a huge success.

HOLIDAY INN WEST

FUNCTIONS & GROUP BOOKING POLICIES & PROCEDURES

1. ROOM RENTAL FEES: Our schedule of room rental fees is predicted upon factors pertaining to your groups program (ex. sleeping rooms contracted and catering requirements). Standard meeting room rental charges are $200 per section per day. Should the group’s agenda change, the Hotel has the right to renegotiate room rental. Established times and programs are followed per this agreement. The patron is responsible for abiding by these schedules as the Hotel may have commitments for function space prior to or following the arranged program.

FUNCTION ROOM ASSIGNMENTS: Function rooms are assigned in accordance with anticipated attendance. Reduction in attendance may necessitate reassignments to a more suitable function room at the hotel’s discretion.
FOOD & BEVERAGE REQUIREMENTS: The Hotel reserves the right to inspect and control all private parties, meetings, receptions, etc. being held on premises. All food and beverage requirements for any event must be supplied by the Hotel Catering Department pursuant to a separate Banquet Event Order. Menu prices do not include applicable taxes or service charges. The catering office requires 50% payment made by three (3) months prior to the function/event. Estimated balance is due three (3) weeks prior. Final guaranteed number of guests is due three (3) working days prior to event or original numbers will apply. Functions occurring Monday and Tuesday must have attendance figures submitted by the preceding Thursday at 12:00 pm noon. This guarantee is considered a financial commitment. Once given, the guarantee is not subject to reduction and charges will be made accordingly. The hotel will prepare to serve five (5%) percent above the guaranteed number. ANY EXTRA FOOD LEFTOVER BY YOUR GROUP MAY NOT BE TAKEN OFF THE PROPERTY. Menu selection, room assignments, and all other arrangements must be received two (2) weeks prior to the function.
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES: The Holiday Inn West as a licensee is responsible for the administration of the sales and service of alcoholic beverages in accordance with the South Carolina ABC Commission’s regulations.
TAX & GRATUITY: Food and Beverage are subject to an 18% service charge. Food and beverage, gratuity, room rental, and audiovisual equipment are subject to a state sales tax. The applicable South Carolina state sales tax of 7.5% will be added to the banquet check. By state law, South Carolina state sales tax will be added to the total cost of the function, including the service charge.
CANCELLATION: Group food and beverage functions are subject to a cancellation fee in the event of cancellation less than ninety (90) days prior to the first function date. Liquidated damages will be based at 50% of lost revenue occurring from the cancelled food and beverage event(s). Cancellations received within fourteen (14) days of the first function date will be subject to a 75% liquidated damages fee.
CHANGES IN SET: Any changes in room set without appropriate notice of 24 hours before the start of the corresponding event will be subject to an additional fee of up to but not exceeding the contracted meeting room rental rate. In the event that meeting room rental has been waived, a fee of up to 50% of the established meeting room rate will apply. These changes will be posted to the Master Account.
SECURITY: The Hotel may request that the customer obtain and pay for bonded security personnel when valuable merchandise or exhibits are displayed or held overnight in the Hotel. Security personnel may be provided at the expense of the patron. All outside security guards provided by the patron shall be subject to the prior approval of hotel management and must show proof of possession of liability insurance.
PERMITS AND LICENSES: Customer is wholly responsible for obtaining or maintaining of necessary permits or licenses needed for their functions.
SHIPPING: The customer is responsible for the arrangements and all expenses of shipping materials, merchandise, exhibits or any other items to and from the hotel. The hotel must be notified in advance of shipping arrangements to ensure proper acceptance of the items upon arrival to the hotel.

LOSS & DAMAGES: The hotel is not responsible for damages to or loss of any items left in the hotel prior to or following the function. The hotel is not responsible for any damages, loss or liability incurred by the hotel, by any of the customer’s guests or any persons or organizations contracted by the customer to provide any service or goods before, during, and after the function.
SIGNAGE: Any directional signs or items to be put in any meeting room or lobby walls must be first approved by hotel management.
PRICE CHANGES: All printed Catering menu prices are subject to change without notice. However, all contracted prices will be honored.
DEPOSIT-ROOMING LIST-PAYMENT: The specific deposit and payment terms are outlined in the contract. It is understood that all payment must be in US dollars.
INCIDENTALS: All incidental charges must be paid in full upon check out of the group. Group leader will be held responsible for any unpaid incidental charges for any of its participants.
HOTEL ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURES: During periods of high occupancy, group rooms will be made available for group check-in at 3:00 pm. Check out time is before 11:00 am.
BUS ARRIVAL (if applicable): The Hotel must be notified of bus arrival and the time and number of guests checking into the Hotel no later than one (1) month prior to event. If a bus driver reservation is required, you are asked to make his reservation under the designated block, and confirm with payment method on same, in order to guarantee availability.
GOVERNMENT CARDS: Must be presented at check in for tax-exempt status and a form must be on file with the Hotel.
ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATIONS: The hotel reserves the right to accommodate the group, or any part thereof, in another Holiday Inn Hotel or some other hotel of equivalent or better standing as determined in the reasonable judgment of the Hotel for the duration of the group’s stay or any part thereof at no charge to the agent, regardless of the price of alternative accommodations.
The Hotel shall not be liable for nonperformance of this contract when such nonperformance is attributed to labor trouble, disputes, or strikes; accidents; government (Federal, State, and Municipal) regulations of or restriction upon travel or transportation; non availability of food, beverages, or supplies; riots; natural emergencies, acts of God, and other causes emanated herein or not, which are beyond the reasonable control of the Hotel’s performance. In such an event, the Hotel shall not be liable to the customer for any damages, whether actual or consequential which may result from such nonperformance.
Notwithstanding any other provisions of this agreement, owner and/or manager of this Hotel shall be relieved from all requirements hereof, and this agreement shall terminate if owner shall sell, transfer, or otherwise convey its interest in this Holiday Inn Hotel, provided the guest has been given at least thirty (30) days notice of transfer by owner. Then owner may assign all of its rights and obligations under this agreement to the new owner who shall then be solely responsible for performance hereunder, and prior owner shall be relieved of all obligations and responsibilities under this agreement upon transfer of all advance payments and deposits received by owner to the new owner.

NOTE: FULL PAYMENT IS DUE PRIOR TO DEPARTURE FROM THE HOTEL. Hotel policy stipulates that a Credit Card Authorization Form be completed and returned in order to hold and guarantee availability and meeting space. Should guests depart from the hotel with an outstanding balance for rooms, food and beverage, or any other charges pertaining to the group or its participants, the balance due will be charged to the credit card authorized. Guest has the option to make payment by a company check, cashier’s check, money order, cash or credit card, however the Credit Card Authorization sheet must be completed and returned regardless. No personal checks are accepted. The hotel requires a 45-day clearance on all checks.

Pre-Registration/Registration Fees

Pre-Registration Fee – $10.00 before 15 October 2004

(by postmarked date)

Late Registration Fee - $15.00 after 15 October 2004

These fees help to pay for complimentary gift bags to our sponsors, meals for our speakers, help curtail costs to our conference and banquet rooms, rental equipment, if needed and for our exhibiting vendors.

On Site Restaurant

Riverview Restaurant is named for its breathtaking view of the beautiful Intracoastal Waterway. Offered is a great menu in casual surroundings. Choice sizzling steaks and fresh local seafood are favorites. Offer a variety of appetizers and sandwich selections. Three meals served daily.

Local Attractions

Located at the gateway to Myrtle Beach and South Carolina's Grand Strand, Holiday Inn West overlooks the beautiful Intracoastal Waterway. We're just minutes from the blue Atlantic Ocean and convenient to all the many area attractions.

	At Alligator Adventure you’ll find yourself face to face with nature’s fiercest and most beautiful animals. Located adjacent to Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach, one of South Carolina’s most outstanding tourist attractions, Alligator Adventure is one of the largest facilities for reptile life in the world.

	Located 2 miles from Holiday Inn West The largest venue of its kind in South Carolina, whether it's first-class dining, casual shopping, dancing the night away, playing at unique attractions, or lounging in upscale hotels, Broadway at the Beach has everything to do ... with fun! Located in the heart of Myrtle Beach, Broadway at the Beach is fun for families, single guests, the vacationer, or the local resident.

	Brookgreen is the country's oldest and largest sculpture garden where some 550 works of American figurative sculpture are displayed throughout the Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington Sculpture Garden, one of the most beautiful public gardens in the Southeast. In addition, there's a Lowcountry Trail with native wildlife exhibits as well as historical and cultural exhibits that reveal the distinctive life and land of Lowcountry Carolina. Tours and excursions are offered daily, as well as seasonal programs.

	Located 2 Miles from the Holiday Inn West! The Children's Museum of South Carolina serves the state and local community, as well as visitors to the Grand Strand area by presenting interactive exhibits and programs in an environment where visitors can "Touch, Explore, and Play" while learning about their world. The Museum is committed to quality interactive exhibits and educational programs. With education being the heart of its programs and the basis on which exhibits are designed, the Museum is successfully reaching out to new audiences.

	The IMAX Experience is the world's most powerful and involving film experience. With breathtaking images up to eight stories high and wrap-around 12,000-watt digital sound, IMAX technology takes you to places only imagined.

	Located 2 Miles from the Holiday Inn West! Ripley's™ Aquarium is a $40 million, state-of-the-art, 87,000 square foot aquarium experience, located in Broadway at the Beach in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. It is South Carolina's most visited attraction, where guests are entertained by some of the worlds' most beautiful, fascinating and dangerous aquatic life.

	Located 2 Miles from the Holiday Inn West! With two championships in just three seasons of play, the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, Class "A" Carolina League affiliate of the Atlanta Braves, enter the 2004 season with an unparalleled reputation for excitement - both on and off the field!

Topics

Chapter/Affiliate/Specialty Groups News and Updates

CONVENTION SITE

FUNCTIONS & GROUP BOOKING POLICIES & PROCEDURES

Pre-Registration/Registration Fees

On Site Restaurant

Menu

Local Attractions

CONVENTION SCHEDULE