[NFBofSC] Positive Note 2021

Mon May 5 02:46:33 UTC 2025

May 4, 2025

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

From:  Marty R. McKenzie, President

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

Positive Note 2021

Dear Federation Family,

Midlands Gives is just two days away and will take place on May 6, 2025.
Once again, the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina and Rocky
Bottom Retreat and Conference Center of the Blind are participating. While
we do not have a match this year thus far, we will still use our time and
efforts to leverage this opportunity to fundraise for our beloved
organizations. Rocky Bottom hopes to win the Power Hour from twelve to one
PM on Tuesday by achieving the most unique donations. Unique donations are
determined by name, address and credit card number, and a minimum ten dollar
donation is required. To be considered a unique donation, two of the three
items can be the same and one must be different. To donate, visit
www.midlandsgives.org/nfbofsc <http://www.midlandsgives.org/nfbofsc>  or
www.midlandsgives.org/rockybottom <http://www.midlandsgives.org/rockybottom>
. You can also call the Federation Center on May 6, 2025 for assistance
giving online. Just call (803-254-3777 and someone will be happy to assist
you. Please have your bank account information or credit card ready when you
call.

Palmetto Connects

The next Palmetto Connects is scheduled for Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at 8:00
p.m. on the NFB of SC Zoom platform. Your host for this event will be NFB of
SC Secretary Shannon Cook. 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.

NFB of SC board meeting

The next National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina State Board
meeting is scheduled for May 17, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at
the Federation Center of the Blind. This is an open meeting unless an
executive session is required for personnel matters. These sessions, when
needed, are typically very short. If you plan to attend as a guest, please
notify David Houck via e-mail at nfbsc at sc.rr.com <mailto:nfbsc at sc.rr.com>
or via phone at 803-254-3777 so that you are counted for the light lunch
provided. The lunch count is needed by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, May 12, 2025.

Presidential Release

President Mark Riccobono will host the National Federation of the Blind's
next presidential release on Thursday, May 15 at 8 p.m. Eastern via Zoom. He
will share updates on recent developments, important legislation, key dates,
and news from the Federation community. He will also answer questions from
members. This monthly event helps keep members informed and involved in the
movement. Call 929-205-6099 and enter Meeting ID 963 8056 7586#. You can
also click Join in your Zoom app on your computer, phone or tablet and enter
the meeting ID.

>From Andrew Adams, President of the Columbia Chapter

The Columbia Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of South
Carolina is hosting a Car Wash and Hot Dog Plate fundraiser on Saturday, May
31, 2025, from 10 AM to 3 PM at the Federation Center of the Blind in
Columbia. A hot dog plate with sides and a drink costs $15, and a car wash
is also $15. Get both for just $25. All proceeds support the chapter's work.
For details, contact Andrew Adams at 803-269-3803 or Tiffany Mitchell at
803-603-2098.

National Convention Hotel Reservations

The National Convention will take place July 8-13, 2025 in New Orleans,
Louisiana. The last day to make a reservation in the convention hotel with
discounted rate is May 31, 2025. Currently, there are no rooms in the New
Orleans Marriott. If you plan to attend and have not booked your room,
please do so as soon as possible. The overflow hotel is the Sheraton New
Orleans and you can reserve a room there by calling 855-516-1090. This year,
Janice Bright will assist NFB of SC members who are seeking a roommate to
defray expenses. Please reach out to her at 803-760-3717 or via e-mail at
ms.jlbright at gmail.com <mailto:ms.jlbright at gmail.com> . We appreciate
Janice's assistance with this convention item.

Register Today

Registration is open for the National Federation of the Blind National
Convention. The registration fee is $25. Get access to the latest
information as it is made available. Register for the 2025 National
Convention now! The registration link is
https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=37855
<https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=37855&qid=11045175> &qid=11045175.

NFB25 Virtual Experience

We are excited to offer opportunities for engagement and connection to
participants who are unable to attend the convention in-person. The Virtual
Experience registration fee is $10. Register for the 2025 National
Convention Virtual Experience at https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=37857
<https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=37857&qid=11045175> &qid=11045175.

NFB of SC Scholarship Application Open

Blind high school seniors, college, or graduate students enrolled full-time
can apply for the NFB of SC Scholarship. Applicants must be legally blind,
have good grades, show involvement in community or NFB activities, and plan
to attend college. Three winners are chosen each year and must attend the
state convention in Columbia, SC from August 14-17, 2025. Hotel and
registration costs are covered. Winners are announced at the Saturday
banquet. The deadline to apply is June 20, 2025. Apply online at
http://www.nfbofsc.org, where you'll find detailed instructions.

Call for Volunteers

We are seeking volunteers for the Independence Market at the 2025 National
Convention. Volunteers are needed for the following roles:

*	Demonstrators
*	Storekeepers
*	Line Marshals
*	Cashiers

Each volunteer will work a six-hour shift, split between a four-hour shift
(morning or afternoon) and a two-hour lunch shift. Storekeeper and cashier
shifts are longer to accommodate shift overlaps and the count-out procedure
at the end of each day.

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact me at
president at nfbofsc.org <mailto:president at nfbofsc.org>  or by phone at
843-939-8091.

NFB of SC State Convention

I am excited to inform our affiliate that members wishing to make hotel
reservations for the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina
State Convention can now do so. The Doubletree by Hilton located at 2100
Bush River Road in Columbia, SC is the convention hotel for 2025. Singles
and doubles are $129 per night, triples are $139 per night and quads are
$149 per night, all plus applicable taxes. These rates include breakfast
coupons for the number of people in your room up to four individuals.
Reservations must be made by July 23, 2025. You may book online at
https://hil.tn/00qbnn or by calling Central Reservations at 866-247-3572.
When calling, ask for the National Federation of the Blind of SC Attendee
Block. Rooms are available between August 12 and 19, 2025 at these rates. We
will let you know when registration for the State Convention is available.

Children's camp

Rocky Bottom Children's Camp will take place from June 15 through June 21,
2025 for blind or low vision children ages 6 to 12. If you would like to
apply or get more information, please call Thom Spittle at 803-331-3344 or
email rockybottominfo at gmail.com <mailto:rockybottominfo at gmail.com> .

Final notes

David Houck, the Executive Director of the Federation Center of the Blind
reminds us that April 29th, 2025 marks his 42nd year in his role. We are
incredibly grateful to David for his many years of dedication and service.
He also reminds us that Tuesday, May 6th marks 59 years of the SC Commission
for the Blind. The National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina
advocated for the legislation that created the SCCB.

Things to remember

*	Midlands Gives closes on May 6, 2025 at midnight
*	Palmetto Connects on May 6, 2025 at 8:00 p.m.
*	Presidential Release on May 15, 2025 at 8:00 p.m.
*	NFB of SC State Board meeting on May 17, 2025.
*	National Convention room reservations due by May 31, 2025
*	National Convention early registration due by May 31, 2025
*	NFB of SC Scholarship applications due by June 20, 2025
*	NFB of SC hotel reservations and registration due by July 23, 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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