[NFBofSC] Positive Note 1976

[president at nfbofsc.org]

June 23, 2024

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

From:  Marty R. McKenzie, President

Positive Note 1976

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

 

Dear Federation Family,

 

We are about 10 days from departing for the National Federation of the Blind
National Convention being held in Orlando, Florida and there is a great deal
of excitement and anticipation. Federationist are already planning to renew
old friendships and make new ones during this special time within the
Federation family. Please note that, while we think it is hot in South
Carolina, Orlando always feels like it is just a little bit hotter and I
encourage everyone to be mindful of the heat. Of course, hotels think that
the indoor temperatures must be the extreme opposite of the outdoor
temperatures. Regardless, everyone will have a great time and we will learn
what is new within the Federation!

 

We have all heard the saying, "there's an app for that!" Well, it is true
that the #2024 app for the National Convention is now available. Attendees
can load this app on your smart phone or tablet by downloading it from the
App Store or Google Play and signing in with the e-mail address used when
attendees registered. You can also access this information from a web
browser as well. Set up your profile and make it visible to others so that
your friends know you will be in attendance. Create your personalized
schedule of sessions you wish to attend. It is fine to schedule more than
one session during a timeslot and then you can make the final decision at
that date and time.

 

Each year, thousands of Federation members and friends contribute before and
during National Convention to various funds that support blind people. We
still need your generosity to fund our great programs in 2024 and beyond.
When you give $25.00 or more between May 16th and July 6th by 5:00 p.m.
eastern time, you will be entered into the Dream Big: Give $25 Drive
Drawing. Each $25.00 dollar increment is a chance to win. Why "Dream Big?"
We know there are no limits to what blind people can accomplish and together
we'll make our dreams a reality. For more information or to make a donation
go to  <https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/give-25>
https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/give-25. 

 

The restaurant guide for the National Convention was shared on the NFB of
SC's listserv on Saturday, June 15, 2024. Please note that delivery services
such as UberEATS and Door Dash cannot deliver to your hotel room. You are
required to meet these drivers at the hotels main entrance.

 

The scholarship application process for students is now closed and we
appreciate all of the applications that were received. Please remember that
the scholarship program operates exclusively on donations. If you, your
chapter, your division, your civic organization, church etc., would like to
contribute a scholarship or donate to the Metro Fund, please contact me,
Shannon Cook at  <mailto:scholarships at nfbofsc.org> scholarships at nfbofsc.org
or 803-605-4250.

 

We are excited to feature a youth track at the NFB of SC State Convention
this year! Sonia Timmons, SC Association of Parents of Blind Children
Committee Chair, and Andrena Corder, Director of Successful Transitions, are
working hard to have a full youth track to engage our young Federationists
in the convention. There will be special activities for the youth who will
also serve as talking signs and participate in other integral functions.
Please encourage students and other young Federationists to attend this
year!

 

The Palmetto Convention Grant is offered again this year for first-time
in-person state convention attendees. 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 the convention hotel

.        A first time in-person attendee 

 

A completed application packet includes . 

*	The completed application itself
*	A letter of recommendation from an NFB of SC chapter or division
president.
*	A personal letter 

 

The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. June 30, 2024. Please spread the word
to chapter and divisions to allow everyone the opportunity to apply. For
questions, call Shannon Cook at 803-605-4250 or send an email to
secretary at nfbofsc.org.

 

Lenora Robertson will once again serve as the Door Prize Chair for the NFB
of SC State Convention. Cash and gift cards are always favorite items. You
can purchase gift cards from the At Large chapter in the amount of $25 or
greater. Please bring your door prize contributions to the convention or you
can mail them to Lenora Robertson, 1258 Roundtree Circle, Rock Hill, SC
29732. Let's have an abundance of door prizes to share at the state
convention.

 

The Embassy Suites is now accepting reservations for the National Federation
of the Blind of South Carolina State Convention being held on August 15-18,
2024. Rooms can be booked at $112 plus tax and any applicable fees for
singles, doubles, triples and quads. You may call the Embassy Suites at
803-252-8700. Reference the NFB of SC State Convention to obtain the special
rate. Members are not being charged the first night's room; instead, a hold
is placed on your card until check-in. The cut-off for room reservations is
July 25, 2024.

 

Registration for the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina
State Convention is now live!  The cost is $85 for adults, $55 for students
and $25 for children under eighteen. These prices all adjust upward after
July 25, 2024. Please visit  <https://nfbofsc.org/node/178>
https://nfbofsc.org/node/178 to register online. If you need assistance to
register online, , please contact me and someone will assist you.

 

>From Lori Anne Coley, President, Sports and Recreation Division

Our Sports and Rec fundraiser is extended to August, coinciding with the
state convention. All purchased tickets remain valid. Purchase $20 tickets
for a chance to win big, including a $750 and a $250 giveaway. Contributions
support our Sports Camp Week for the Blind at Rocky Bottom Retreat and
Conference Center of the Blind in Upstate South Carolina. Led by the NFBSC
Sports and Rec Division, our mission is inclusive sports. Purchase tickets
via PayPal at  <https://www.paypal.me/sportrecnfbsc>
https://www.paypal.me/sportrecnfbsc or Zelle at srnfbsc21 at yahoo.com. Goal:
sell 100+ tickets by August 17, 2024, with the drawing at the state
convention. Spread the word! For more information, contact Lori Anne Coley
at 803-316-9838.

 

>From the SC Association of Black Leaders

The SC Association of Black Leaders is thrilled to announce that we are
extending our coffee basket fundraiser to the State Convention in August!
The basket includes 1 tin of hot chocolate, three flavors of Starbucks
coffee, two NFB tumblers, and a $25 gift card. Tickets are 1 for $5 or 3 for
$10, every $20 spent earns you an entry to win a Keurig! Purchase tickets at
the NFB of SC PayPal or by sending a check or money order to the Federation
Center at 119 S. Kilbourne Rd., Columbia, SC 29205, noting "coffee basket"
in the memo field.

 

Things to Remember

*	Palmetto Scholarship Applications are due by June 30, 2024
*	National Convention dates are July 3-8, 2024.
*	NFB of SC State Convention Registration and Room Reservations are
due by July 25, 2024.

 

 

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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