[NFBofSC] Positive Note 2010

Mon Feb 17 21:01:10 UTC 2025

Hi,

Mary Middleton also served as an officer of the NFB of SC Board of Directors
during the 1980's and early 90's.  She was the first African American woman
to serve as Secretary of this organization.  

Frank Coppel

From: NFBofSC <nfbofsc-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of president--- via
NFBofSC
Sent: Sunday, February 16, 2025 8:13 PM
To: 'NFB of South Carolina Mailing List' <nfbofsc at nfbnet.org>
Cc: president at nfbofsc.org
Subject: [NFBofSC] Positive Note 2010

February 16, 2025

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

From:  Marty R. McKenzie, President

Positive Note 2010

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

Dear Federation Family,

We are beginning the third week of February which is celebrated as Black
History month across the nation. This is a wonderful time to reflect on our
influential black leaders within the National Federation of the Blind of
South Carolina and their many contributions to the organization. A few names
from the past are Fred Vercher, Dorothy C. Barksdale and Mary Middleton.
These influential figures served on the NFB of SC board, Dorothy as an
officer, and contributed much to the history of the organization. Let us
take time to celebrate this important month as an organization and as a
nation.

The National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina Board of Directors
met on Saturday, February 15, 2025 at the Federation Center of the Blind.
They addressed important decisions and received critical information
regarding the organization. It was a lively group who gathered in the
boardroom and there was much laughter with good-natured-teasing as the work
of the Federation was conducted. The agenda was relatively short but
contained some items with significant weight. As president, it is a pleasure
to serve with such a responsive board who take the work they were elected to
do seriously.

Chairman Thom Spittle held a short Rocky Bottom Retreat and Conference
Center of the Blind board meeting following the NFB of SC board meeting. He
provided updates regarding happenings during the winter including the impact
of the extremely cold temperatures. So far, this appears to be minimal.
There are a few rentals taking place and at least one generous donation
which is helping RBRCCB make it through the winter months.

District 2 Representative, Andrew Adams, reported on the success of the
Annual Sweetheart Ball. There were some 55 attendees who gathered for good
food, fellowship and fun. From the descriptions of the people dancing, such
as Second Vice President Debra Canty, the evening was enjoyed by all.
Vincent Downing of Spartanburg served as the D.J. for this event. Vincent is
a musician, singer and D.J. who is blind. I express my appreciation to
everyone who made this event a fun evening for all! Thanks to Andrew for his
leadership with this initiative!

The next Palmetto Connects is schedule for Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at 8:00
p.m. on the NFB of SC Zoom platform. This month's Palmetto Connects will be
hosted by Second Vice President Debra Canty. The phone number is
929-205-6099 and the meeting ID is 803 254 3777#. If you are using the Zoom
app on your computer, phone or tablet, activate the Join button and enter
the above meeting ID without the # sign. The passcode is 124578 for use with
these devices. Continue to encourage members to participate in this monthly
meeting so that we can improve our attendance.

The Statewide Leadership Seminar will take place on Saturday, March 22, 2025
beginning at 10:00 AM and concluding by 4:00 PM. This seminar is geared for
state and chapter leaders and will contain helpful information as new
leaders work to fulfilled their elected roles. Chapter and division reports
will happen at the seminar, so consider those things that your chapter or
division did well in March 2024 and those areas where improvement is needed.
You may just find your answer from another leader in the organization.
Please provide a count attending from your chapter or division by Monday,
March 17, 2025 at 5:00 PM so that we can plan appropriately for lunch.

NFB National Scholarship Program -- Applications Are Open

The 2025 online scholarship application is available at
https://scholarships.nfb.org. All applications and supporting documentation
must be submitted no later than March 31, 2025. A list of eligibility
requirements, as well as documents containing answers to frequently asked
questions, a submissions checklist, and other supporting material can also
be found at
https://nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/scholarship-progra
m. Throughout the application period, reminders and information about the
scholarship program will appear in the Braille Monitor, on our website, and
will be shared via social media. Please share!

>From Frank Loza, District 3 Representative:

Federation family, the cold weather is here, and it's time to get your NFB
of SC jackets! There are two styles: a Microfiber that comes in black or
Blue in sizes small to 4x and a Polyester Blend that comes in black, blue
and gray in sizes small to 5x. On the back of the jacket is our national
logo with the text National Federation of the Blind and "Live the Life You
Want." On the left front side are the words NFB of SC. If another state
would like one of these jackets, they can be created. The logo and lettering
are embroidered, so they can be felt. The Microfiber is $80 and the
Polyester blend is $70. If you have any questions, call Frank Loza at
803-617-8016. You can pay by check, money order, PayPal or Zelle. If you pay
by PayPal or Zelle, you will make the payment to my email, which is
floza58 at bellsouth.net <mailto:floza58 at bellsouth.net> .

>From Andrew Adams, Columbia Chapter President

Join us for our BBQ Fundraiser on Saturday, March 8, 2025, from 11:00 AM -
2:00 PM at the Federation Center of the Blind, located at 119 S. Kilbourne
Rd., Columbia, SC 29205. For just $15 per plate, enjoy: a Pulled Chicken or
Pulled Pork Sandwich with Two Sides of Your Choice and a drink. Choice of
sides include: Baked Beans, Green Beans, Coleslaw, or Potato Chips. How to
Purchase Your Plate. Buy a ticket from any Columbia Chapter member, Pay via
PayPal to the NFB of SC with Columbia BBQ in the memo or send a check to the
Federation Center of the Blind 119 S. Kilbourne Rd, Columbia SC 29205 with
Columbia BBQ in the memo. Not hungry but still want to support the cause?
Donations are always appreciated and help us continue our work in the
community.

Things to remember

*	Palmetto Connects on March 4, 2025 at 8:00 PM
*	Columbia Chapter BBQ on March 8, 2025
*	Statewide Leadership Seminar on March 22, 2025
*	National Scholarship Applications due on March 31, 2025

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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