[NFBofSC] Positive Note 1928

[Marty McKenzie]

July 24, 2023
Memo To:  Executive Officers, Board Members, Chapter & Division Presidents & Others
From:  Marty R. McKenzie, President
Positive Note 1928
843-939-8091  marty2music at outlook.com

Dear Federation Family,

July is designated as Disability Pride Month, where we celebrate the passage of the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) which took place in July, 1990. Throughout the month, various celebrations are held by organizations of individuals who have disabilities. The ADA modernized disability rights and started the United States on the right course. While there is work to be done, there is much to be celebrated!

On Tuesday, July 18, 2023, I had the honor to be interviewed at the Federation Center of the Blind by Larkin Belton of Flock and Rally, a Columbia public relations agency, for the Disability Next Door campaign being promoted by the South Carolina State Independent Living Council. It was an extensive interview covering my background, work life, community involvement and touched on my role as president of the NFB of SC. I was chosen to represent the blind of South Carolina. These public service announcements will run over the next several years. Thanks to Able-SC and the other  members of the state independent living council for including me in this opportunity to show that we can live the lives we want, blindness is not what holds us back!

Hotel rooms for the NFB of SC state convention can be booked through close of business on Thursday, July 27, 2023 at the Embassy Suites. Rooms can be booked at $112 plus tax and any applicable fees for singles, doubles, triples and quads for August 17- 20, 2023. You may call the Embassy Suites at 803-252-8700. Members are not being charged the first night's room; instead, a hold is placed on your card until check-in. It is very important that you make your reservations by Thursday, July 27, 2023 to obtain the convention rate!

Door prizes are always a fun part of the State Convention! This year, First Vice President, Lenora Robertson will serve as door prize chair and Second District Board Member, Andrew Adams, will assist her. Please gather your door prizes and bring them to the convention or drop them off or mail them to the Federation Center. When gathering door prizes, please keep the following in mind:

  *   Door prizes must be valued at a minimum of $10
  *   Cash is acceptable
  *   Gift cards
  *   New gifts in their original packaging
  *   If anyone wants to contribute a large door prize either money or a hotel stay, dinner out, etc. that is also very welcome

Let's have an abundance of door prizes to share with convention attendees this year!

Registration for the NFB of SC State Convention is now live!  The cost is $85 for adults, $55 for students and $25 for children under eighteen. These prices all increase after August 4, 2023. Parents must register all children under 18 years old at the cost of $25 per person.  Please visit www.nfbofsc.org<http://www.nfbofsc.org> to register online. If you need assistance submitting the online form, please contact me and someone will assist you.

Computers for the Blind is running a special on laptops with either JAWS or Fusion on them through August. The cost of these computers is $50.  All you need to do to receive one of these computers is fill out an application, mention the NFB National Convention and pay the $50 charge. Please spread the word!



Important Things to Remember:

*        State Convention hotel reservation deadline is July 27, 2023

*        State Convention early registration deadline is August 4, 2023

*        Bring your door prizes

*        Convention sponsorships


If you need additional information about any of the items above, please contact David Houck at the Federation Center at 803-254-3777. You can also contact me as shown above.

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.

The Educator of the Year Award is given to the Educator who has demonstrated services above and beyond other SC educators in working with the blind. The first Educator of the Year Award was given to Irene Casey in 1995. Our Educators help to mold the next generation of blind adults. Other recipients include Tamara Brown, Pat Wilson, Tracy Spittle, Marty McKenzie, Santosh Kumar Bommera, Martha Veto, Rene Snipes, Lee Speer and Mary Powers to name a few. Think about teachers you had that helped shape your attitudes about education, braille and who broadened your horizons. Got any good nominations?


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
Web Site: www.nfbofsc.org<http://www.nfbofsc.org>

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