[NFBofSC] Positive Note 1922

Mon Jun 12 11:33:47 UTC 2023

June 12, 2023
Memo To:  Executive Officers, Board Members, Chapter & Division Presidents & Others
From:  Marty R. McKenzie, President
Positive Note 1922
843-939-8091  marty2music at outlook.com

Dear Federation Family,

There was an heir of anticipation as the reorganized Charleston chapter met at Calvary Lutheran Church on Saturday, June 10, 2023.  Approximately 25 people were in attendance including drivers and others.  In addition to myself, Debra Canty, Loretta Green and Isaiah Nelson were present from the NFB of SC Board of Directors. Debra Canty delivered the one-minute message as she does so eloquently. This message summarizes NFB philosophy in just a few words. Isaiah Nelson and Loretta Green also delivered words of encouragement to the Charleston chapter. I want to thank everyone who assisted with this meeting, as it truly took an army to get everything in place and addressed. Special thanks to Pastor Ed Grant who was so gracious in assisting us and making sure our needs were met.

After the reading and approval of the constitution, the Charleston chapter elected its new board, which will serve until the fall when elections must be held again. Congratulations to the following individuals:

  *   President - Michelle Scott
  *   Vice President: Laurin Reeves
  *   Secretary - Janice Maniault
  *   Treasurer - Mishanda Pressley

The Charleston chapter is the third oldest chapter, having been formed in 1955 according to the state office. We wish Charleston well and plan to provide ongoing support to the new board there.

Scholarship season is upon us, and we need your assistance. Please share information about the NFB of SC scholarship program with high school seniors and current post-secondary students. Scholarships are generous, and we want to recognize those blind students who demonstrate academic excellence along with the other criteria the scholarship committee uses. The scholarship application closing date is June 20, 2023. For more information, please visit the web site at www.nfbofsc.org<http://www.nfbofsc.org> or reach out to Shannon Cook at coffeequeensc1 at sc.rr.com<mailto:coffeequeensc1 at sc.rr.com>.

Palmetto Convention Grants are back! there are three Palmetto convention Grants being awarded valued at $200 each. The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. on July 15, 2023. Please read the rules and instructions carefully found on the application. Each application must have a letter of recommendation and a personal statement. See the application for full details. The application is attached to this e-mail.

To qualify for a Palmetto Convention Grant, the applicant must be

  *   A dues paying member in good standing
  *   Registered for the NFB of SC state convention
  *   Registered to stay at Embassy Suites

*        A first-time NFB of SC convention attendee

Please contact Shannon cook at 803-605-4250 or via e-mail at coffeequeensc1 at sc.r.com for more information or assistance with your application.

The Embassy Suites is now accepting reservations for the NFB of SC State Convention, which will take place August 18-20, 2023. 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. The Thursday night room block has been increased and we are assured that we can get additional rooms if needed.

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. We are working on a print form for those who may need it.

Important Things to Remember:

*        NFB of SC scholarship applications are due by June 20, 2023

*        Palmetto Convention Grant applications are due by July 15, 2023

*        State Convention hotel reservation deadline is July 27, 2023

*        State Convention early registration deadline is August 4, 2023

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.

Back to the Future II: Local chapters are the heartbeat of the Federation. Over the years we have seen chapters grow from three to sixty and then roll back a bit. At the same time, Statewide Divisions have grown. Some chapters have sprung up and struggled, requiring multiple revitalizations.  Others in both urban and rural areas have sustained themselves quite well over time. Work with your President and chapter officers to make their job easier. Always look for opportunities to recruit new members as they will be your future leaders.

Outreach to the community through the media and civic groups about who we are and what we do will enlighten the sighted as well as the blind. Have meetings where community leaders, media personalities and others speak before your chapter. Make an effort to plan for fun activities and outings. Raise funds in order to pay for annual budgets. Be creative and help members to attend Statewide and National Federation functions, seminars and conventions. The key is, if you are standing still, you are being passed over. Remember, high expectations and hard work will show success.

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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