[NFBofSC] Positive Note 2086

Mon Aug 3 00:44:31 UTC 2026

August 2, 2026

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

From:  Marty R. McKenzie, President

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

Positive Note: 2086

Dear Federation Family,

It is with a heavy heart that we begin this Positive Note by extending our
deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Mrs. Diana Singleton, who went
home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. Diana was "best
friends forever" with Debra Canty and a circle of others from the Sumter
area and was often found assisting blind people in several ways. She drove
groups to important events, assisted individuals at state and national
conventions and helped in too many other ways to name here. We extend our
love and condolences to her many family members and friends during this
difficult time.

Federationists from across the state continue to register for the upcoming
National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina State Convention. We are
excited to see so much interest. If you have not registered and plan to do
so, please complete this process as quickly as possible. I will have to give
the hotel final meal counts approximately a week before the event, and we
need to be as accurate as possible. If you need assistance with the online
registration form, please reach out to me, and I will be glad to assist you.
The convention promises to be exciting and uplifting!

Rocky Bottom update

Repairs to the camp are progressing. The front deck on the administration
building has been replaced with marine-grade composite decking, and
handrails were added across the front for safety. The side exit from the
kitchen deck and stairs have also been replaced. The exterior set of steps
coming down from the Osterneck living room over the previous caretaker's
apartment has also been replaced. Thank you to everyone who helped raise
funds for these projects. There are many other repairs and upgrades
desperately needed. Please come by the Rocky Bottom table at the state
convention and give what you can. The table will feature Senior Camp,
Children's Camp and Rocky Bottom fundraisers, 50/50 raffles and various
items for sale.

Brick by Brick - Shannon Cook

We will hold our next meeting of the NFB of SC Brick by Brick: How We Build
the Federation next Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. on the NFB of SC
Zoom platform. 

If you are new to the Federation and have questions about how the Federation
is structured on local, state and national levels, or are a longtime member
who wants a refresher, join us. Come with your questions ready. If they are
not covered during this meeting, they may be the inspiration for our next
meeting. 

Call-in information:

Phone number: 929-205-6099

Meeting ID: 803 254 3777

Passcode: 124578

 <https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8032543777?pwd=QTVQd2RzN3l6QnNmZ0FmSnp6NG8vQT09>
Join the Brick by Brick Zoom meeting

One tap mobile

+19292056099,,8032543777# 

I look forward to sharing information and discussing the Federation with you
then.

Banquet Fundraiser

Our Annual Banquet Fundraiser will occur on Saturday evening at the end of
the banquet. Some have already made banquet donations, and we appreciate
your generous contributions to the NFB of SC. We will accept donations
before the banquet and at the banquet. Any pledges are due by December 31,
2026, to avoid any challenges with our financial statement. At the banquet,
we will only receive donations to the NFB of SC. Read further for additional
information about our beloved Rocky Bottom!

Rocky Bottom Retreat and Conference Center of the Blind Exhibit Table

I am excited to share with you that Rocky Bottom Retreat and Conference
Center of the Blind will have a table in the exhibit hall this year. If you
or your chapter have donations for Rocky Bottom, please drop them at the
Rocky Bottom table. Various items will be available there as well. There is
more to come on RBRCCB as an exhibitor.

Blind Merchants Division - Belinda Banks

As we get excited and gear up for the 2026 State Convention, we want to
remind everyone that starting Friday, August 14, 2026, the Blind Merchants
will be selling $15 snack bags until they are gone. These bags are a great
way to support our merchants and grab some tasty treats, so don't wait until
the last minute to get yours!

Opening Reception

You're Invited! 2026 National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina
Annual State Convention Reception Theme: Simply Me: Beyond Sight

Join us for an evening of celebration, fellowship and self-expression as we
embrace this year's reception theme, Simply Me: Beyond Sight. The theme
celebrates confidence, authenticity, resilience and the unique journey of
living as a blind person. It reminds us that blindness is only one part of
who we are, and that our character, talents, determination and commitment to
living the lives we want define us. The evening will be filled with
fellowship, interactive activities, engaging conversations and a themed
photo area. Members can share how their personal style, confidence or
Federation journey reflects who they are. Whether you're reconnecting with
longtime friends or meeting new members for the first time, this welcoming
reception is one you won't want to miss. Attire is casual to semi-formal, so
come dressed as the best version of yourself. That could mean neat jeans and
a T-shirt, a polo, a blouse, smart casual or semi-formal attire, whatever
makes you feel comfortable, confident and authentically you. Simply Me.
Beyond Sight. Confident. Authentic. Unapologetically You. We can't wait to
celebrate you and what makes each of us uniquely who we are, and we look
forward to seeing you there!

AI Tip or Trick

Recently, I was assisting someone with getting Seeing AI set up and
configured on the iPhone. I use it infrequently, so I prompted Claude to
provide an overview of how Seeing AI can be used and the most common
configuration on the iPhone for ease of use. Claude provided an excellent
overview and step-by-step instructions for configuring the app on the
iPhone. The possibilities are endless for how AI can assist us in our daily
lives!

Door Prizes for NFB of SC State Convention

First Vice President Lenora Robertson will again serve as the door prize
chairperson. Please bring your door prizes to the state convention and give
them directly to her. If shipping, address them to Lenora Robertson, 1258
Roundtree Circle, Rock Hill, South Carolina 29732. Shipments should arrive
no later than Wednesday, August 5, 2026. Door prizes should have a minimum
value of $10. Cash is always welcome!

Technology Backpack Fundraiser - Computer Science and Technology Division

The Computer Science and Technology Division (CSTD) of the National
Federation of the Blind of South Carolina is holding a Technology Backpack
Fundraiser with a drawing on August 16, 2026, during the state convention.
Tickets are priced at $5 for one, $10 for three, $20 for seven and $30 for
ten. The prize package includes a technology backpack, a talking meat
thermometer, an infrared thermometer, Bluetooth earbuds, a 256 GB flash
drive, a Bluetooth speaker, a surge protector and a home license copy of
JAWS, ZoomText or Fusion. Ten percent of funds raised will support a student
scholarship. You do not need to be present to win as prizes can be shipped.
To enter, complete the online web form and submit payment via PayPal or
check, or by calling 803-260-1292. If using PayPal, be sure to note
"Technology Backpack Fundraiser" in the notes section. Mail checks to Steve
Cook, 2446 Harrison Road, Columbia, South Carolina 29204.

Cash Extravaganza Fundraiser - Senior Division

The NFB of SC Senior Division is holding a Cash Extravaganza Fundraiser with
a chance to win $400 in cash. The drawing will take place Sunday morning,
August 16, at the conclusion of the state convention, and you do not need to
be present to win. Tickets are $10 for one or $20 for three. Half of the
funds raised will go to Rocky Bottom Senior Camp and half to the Senior
Division. To buy or sell tickets, contact Shelley Coppel at 803-796-8662,
303-819-9795 or  <mailto:Frankandshelley51 at gmail.com>
Frankandshelley51 at gmail.com. Checks and money orders should be made payable
to the NFB of SC Senior Division with "Cash Extravaganza Fundraiser" in the
memo line and mailed to Shelley Coppel, 847 Jefferson Street, West Columbia,
South Carolina 29169.

Things to Remember

*	Brick by Brick - Tuesday, August 4, 2026.
*	NFB of SC State Convention takes place August 13-16, 2026.
*	Technology Backpack Fundraiser drawing is August 16, 2026, during
the state convention.
*	Cash Extravaganza drawing is Sunday, August 16, 2026, at the
conclusion of the state convention.

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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