[NFBofSC] Positive Note 2046

[president at nfbofsc.org]

October 26, 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 2046

Dear Federation Family,

 

Over the last two weeks, I traveled extensively for my day job. On October
15, 2025, I flew to Louisville, Kentucky to attend the American Printing
House Annual Meeting. This event is mandatory for Ex Officio Trustees, a
role I currently hold. Executive Director of Outreach Services, Scott
Falcone, also attended from the SC School for the Deaf and the Blind. The SC
Commission for the Blind was represented by Ex Officio Trustee, Donna Earley
and Director of Consumer Services, Carol Anderson. I share this important
information with you because there were some interesting items at this
year's Annual Meeting.

 

First of all, President Mark Riccobono was there to accept the Wings of
Freedom Award on behalf of Ray Kurzweil for his many years of innovative
technology research and development. Then, President Riccobono and Dr.
Rebecca Crenshaw, President of the Association of the Education and
Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired, participated in a panel
discussion hosted by Paul Schroeder, Vice President, Governmental and
Community Affairs at APH. The focus was on how to advocate to sustain the
laws we have all fought for over the last 50 years. It is very significant
to understand that consumer and professional organizations who do not always
agree can come together in difficult times when there is a shared goal as
important as the current threat to the laws protecting blind citizens of all
ages.

 

On October 21, 2025, I traveled to North Myrtle Beach to the Beach Cove
Resort where Fall Procedures for Teachers of the Visually Impaired was held
on Wednesday. The Annual SC Association of the Education of the Blind and
Visually Impaired Annual Conference was held on October 24-25, 2025 at the
same location. Dr. Ting-Siu presented more than twelve hours of content on
Leveraging Cutting Edge Technologies by and for individuals who are blind or
low vision. Fellow Federationists Steve Cook also presented on Friday at the
SCAER conference on four wearable technologies. Others in attendance Were
Successful Transitions Director, Andrenia Corder, Assistant Director Andrew
Adams, Transition Specialist Shannon Cook and Administrative Assistant
Melissa Edens. The training was outstanding and I am grateful for
Federationists who took time to attend and present at this conference.

 

Anderson Chapter BEAM Events from Demetrius Williford

The Anderson chapter of the National Federation of the Blind Of South
Carolina has started off with a bang for our Annual Beam month. On October
4, 2025 we join with members of The Rocky Bottom board to be a part of an
awesome car show. This event took place right adjacent to Fork Grove
barbecue, which has some delicious food. There were around 75 cars in
attendance. This event was one of the most awesome events that we have
participated in for BEAM. Our second event during Beam month was Trunk or
Treat on October 25, 2025. 

 

Rocky Bottom Service Opportunity from Thom Spittle

We had an awesome senior camp at Rocky Bottom recently. A couple of lists
came to my attention which gives the opportunity for small groups to go to
the camp and help beautify it. For those that go for a cleaning session,
there will be no charge for your stay. We have indoor opportunities of
cleaning, and some outside opportunities with grounds maintenance. We are
looking for groups of less than 10 people at a time. This could be a
chapter, multiple chapters, or just a group of friends that want to get
together in the mountains and have a great time while helping out the camp.
We have not had a resident manager in over a year, so it is up to those that
love the camp to step up and help make it the place we all want to see.
Please let me know if you have a group that would like to help. Call me at
803-331-3344.

 

At-Large Chapter Fundraiser

The At-Large Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of South
Carolina is holding an iPad Drawing Fundraiser to support its programs and
outreach. The prize is a new 11-inch Apple iPad with an A16 chip and 128 GB
of storage. Tickets are $10 each or three for $20. Payments can be mailed to
Ed and Julie Bible, 136 Penny Lane, Lexington, SC 29073, or sent by PayPal
to nfbofsc.atlargechapter at gmail.com
<mailto:nfbofsc.atlargechapter at gmail.com> . The drawing will take place on
Saturday, January 10, 2026, during the Statewide Seminar, and participants
do not need to be present to win.

 

Senior Division raffle

A 50/50 raffle, sponsored by the Senior Division, will offer participants a
chance to win while supporting a great cause. Tickets are $5 each, and the
drawing will be held on October 31, 2025. You do not need to be present to
win. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Shelley Coppel at
303-819-9795 or email frankandshelley51 at gmail.com
<mailto:frankandshelley51 at gmail.com> . Thank you for your support!

 

>From Lenora Robertson

The Rock Hill Chapter is selling tickets on a beautiful hand-made quilt
quilted by Ms. Pearline Barber. Tickets are one for $5 or three for $10.
Contact Lenora Robertson at 803-984-7855 or via e-mail at
lrobertson at comporium.net <mailto:lrobertson at comporium.net> , or any of the
Rock Hill Chapter members to get your tickets. The drawing will take place
on Monday, October 27, 2025 at the chapter meeting.

 

>From Marty R. McKenzie, President of the Clarendon Chapter

The Clarendon Chapter of the NFB of SC is selling tickets on a beautiful
braille afghan made and donated by Glenda Culick. It will cover a queen
sized bed and is done in hunter green and white. Tickets are $5 each or
three for $10. Contact Marty McKenzie or any member of the Clarendon
Chapter. The drawing will take place at the Annual Board Retreat on
Saturday, November 22, 2025.

 

RBRCCB Board Retreat

The Annual Board Retreat will take place Friday, November 21-23, 2025. Board
members should contact Thom Spittle at 803-331-3344 or by e-mail at
rockybottominfo at gmail.com <mailto:rockybottominfo at gmail.com>  to reserve
space for you and your driver. This is always an exciting time and I look
forward to the fellowship.

 

Palmetto Connects

The next Palmetto Connects is scheduled for Tuesday, November 4, 2025 at
8:00 p.m. on the NFB of SC Zoom platform. 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.

 

Things to Remember

*	Rock Hill Chapter drawing on October 27, 2025
*	Senior Division Drawing on October 31, 2025
*	Palmetto Connects on November 4, 2025
*	Clarendon Chapter drawing on November 22, 2025
*	Banquet pledges due by December 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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