[NFBofSC-Newsletters] Positive Note 2026

Mon Jun 9 02:16:15 UTC 2025

June 8, 2025

Memo To:  Executive Officers, Board Members, Chapter & Division Presidents &
Others

From:  Marty R. McKenzie, President

843-939-8091  president at nfbofsc.org <mailto:president at nfbofsc.org> 

Positive Note 2026

Dear Federation Family,

We are just one month away from the 85th Annual Convention of the National
Federation of the Blind in New Orleans, Louisiana. The June Braille Monitor
includes a helpful convention bulletin with information about the convention
hotel area. Please review the guide at your earliest convenience to explore
local food options, transportation, and other amenities. Planning ahead will
make your arrival much easier.

Registration continues for the 2025 NFB of SC State Convention. The room
block for Thursday, August 14, has already expanded once. Please make your
reservations promptly, as additional rooms may not be available at the
convention rate after July 23, 2025. Your early registration is greatly
appreciated and helps us prepare effectively.

Stay connected through two official NFB podcasts. The Nation's Blind shares
national updates, while Access On, hosted by Jonathan Mosen, dives into
access technology and digital inclusion. Listen via your favorite podcast
app or ask Alexa to play either title.

Celebrating Federation Leadership

We're proud to share that Shannon Cook's article, "What's Your Of?" was
featured in the national Braille Monitor. This powerful piece explores what
it means to belong within the Federation. We celebrate Shannon's voice and
the vision she offers for our collective future.  We also recognize her time
and dedication not only to our NFB of SC family, but the time and dedication
needed in crafting a beautiful explanation of everything our movement means.

Palmetto Convention Grants

The 2025 Palmetto Convention Grant offers three $200 awards to help
first-time in-person members attend the National Federation of the Blind of
South Carolina state convention. To qualify, applicants must be dues-paying
members in good standing, registered for the convention and hotel, and must
submit a completed application packet by 11:59 p.m. on June 30, 2025. The
application must include a personal letter explaining the applicant's goals
and background with the NFB, and a letter of recommendation from an NFB of
SC chapter or division president. All materials should be emailed as
attachments to secretary at nfbofsc.org <mailto:secretary at nfbofsc.org>  and
preferably typed for accessibility. Contact Shannon Cook via e-mail or via
telephone at 803-605-4250 with questions or for additional information.

Door Prizes

First Vice President Lenora Robertson will again serve as the door prize
chairperson. Please bring your door prizes to the state convention and give
them directly to her. If shipping, address them to Lenora Robertson, 1258
Roundtree Circle, Rock Hill, SC 29732. Shipments should arrive no later than
Wednesday, August 13, 2025. Door prizes should have a minimum value of $10.
Cash is always welcome!

NFB of SC Scholarship Application Open

Blind high school seniors, college, or graduate students enrolled full-time
can apply for the NFB of SC Scholarship. Applicants must be legally blind,
have good grades, show involvement in community or NFB activities, and plan
to attend college. Three winners are chosen each year and must attend the
state convention in Columbia, SC from August 14-17, 2025. Hotel and
registration costs are covered. Winners are announced at the Saturday
banquet. The deadline to apply is June 20, 2025. Apply online at
http://www.nfbofsc.org, where you'll find detailed instructions.

Call for Volunteers

Volunteers are needed for the Independence Market at the 2025 National
Convention. Roles include Demonstrators, Storekeepers, Line Marshals, and
Cashiers. Shifts are typically six hours, split between a four-hour session
and a two-hour lunch rotation. If interested, contact me at 843-939-8091.

NFB of SC State Convention

The DoubleTree by Hilton at 2100 Bush River Road in Columbia, SC is the
official convention hotel. Room rates are as follows: Singles and doubles
are $129, triples are $139, and quads are $149, all plus applicable taxes.
These rates include breakfast coupons for up to four guests per room.
Reservations must be made by July 23, 2025. Book online at
https://hil.tn/00qbnn or call Central Reservations at 866-247-3572 and ask
for the 'National Federation of the Blind of SC Attendee Block. Note: Your
card will be charged for the first night at the time of booking. These rates
apply to reservations between August 12 and 19, 2025.

To register for the NFB of SC 2025 State Convention, visit www.nfbofsc.org
<http://www.nfbofsc.org>  and find the heading "2025 National Federation of
the Blind of South Carolina State Convention Registration." Read all the
instructions carefully before accessing the form. If you have questions,
contact Steve Cook at 803-260-1292. You may complete the form even if you
are not using PayPal to pay.

Lead and Drive: Give $25 in '25

The NFB invites members to participate in the 'Give $25 in '25' campaign
running from May 15 to July 11. Donating $25 or more enters you into a prize
drawing. Prizes include a trip for two to the 2026 NFB National Convention
or a $2,025 cash award. Each $25 increment earns an additional entry.

Things to Remember

*	NFB of SC Scholarship applications due by June 20, 2025
*	Palmetto Grant Scholarship applications due by June 30, 2025
*	NFB of SC hotel reservations and registration due by July 23, 2025
*	Palmetto Connects on July 1, 2025 at 8:00 p.m.

Marty

Marty R. McKenzie, President

National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina

119 S. Kilbourne Road

Columbia, SC 29205

Phone: 803-254-3777

Mobile: 843-939-8091

Website: www.nfbofsc.org <http://www.nfbofsc.org/>  

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