[NFBofSC] Positive Note 1929

[Marty McKenzie]

July 31, 2023
Memo To:  Executive Officers, Board Members, Chapter & Division Presidents & Others
From:  Marty R. McKenzie, President
Positive Note 1929
843-939-8091  marty2music at outlook.com

Dear Federation Family,

Palmetto Grant Scholarships were awarded to four first-time attendees of our State Convention this week and I'm excited to share the names of these recipients with you. Congratulations to Gregg Jones, Hampton County Chapter President, Zariyah Lee, new Spartanburg Chapter member, Michelle Scott, Charleston County Chapter President and Lauren Reeves, Charleston County Chapter Vice President. The Palmetto Grant Committee asked the NFB of SC State Board to add one additional grant winner because the final two were so close in ranking. We are thrilled that these first-time attendees will be with us at convention.

Excitement continues to build as we make final preparations for the NFB of SC 2023 State Convention! Earlier this week, I learned that Ron Brown will serve as our National Delegate on behalf of President Riccobono and I am very excited about Mr. Brown's participation. Among other qualifications, he is a blind O&M instructor who holds the National Orientation and Mobility Certification. He will lead our O&M session on Friday afternoon which is back by popular demand.

The theme for the Friday evening reception is sports. I am currently shopping for appropriate attire for this event, which will push me out of my bland dress comfort zone! It is time to gather your favorite sports clothing, hats and other memorabilia so that you are prepared for this event. The dress code for the convention will be business casual. It is hot in august in South Carolina, and we want people to be comfortable. If anyone has any questions, please reach out to me.

The boxed lunches on Saturday will be provided by the hotel, courtesy of the Blind Merchants Division. There are choices of ham, turkey, chicken salad, vegetarian and gluten free. If you register after July 29, 2023, the registration form will have this information in it. Otherwise, watch for an e-mail from me asking about your lunch preferences. Once we have elicited as many as possible via e-mail, we will call the remaining registrants to determine your lunch choice.

The date to obtain the convention room rate ended on Thursday, July 27, 2023. We are pleased to say that we far exceeded our room block and the Embassy Suites accommodated us!

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 at the early bird rate closes on Friday, August 4, 2023 at 11:59 p.m.  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 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 Distinguished Service Award historically was recognized by a state board decision in order to recognize someone who, whether inside or out of the Federation, accomplished much to build the Federation. The Presidential Citation was given out infrequently but was similar in that it recognized someone special who was essential in getting legislation passed, demonstrated a lifetime of service to the blind, etc. Governors were involved like Gov. West. Sometimes individuals like John Fling were recognized for all he did for the blind and others. Whether chosen by the state board for the Distinguished Service Award or by the President for the Presidential Citation, it is important and appreciated to be recognized for helping the blind live the lives we want.


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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