[NFBofSC] Positive Note 2088

Tue Aug 18 01:43:47 UTC 2026

August 17, 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: 2088

Dear Federation Family,

We concluded the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina 70th
Annual State Convention yesterday where 207 enthusiastic members gathered
for a time of "strengthening our shared bonds." Our students attended the
sessions and completed activities for Successful Transitions. District 3
Representative, Frank Loza, delivered the invocation. David Bundy and his
Scouts presented the colors. The Pledge of Allegiance was observed, and
District 6 Board Member, Sarah Massengale, led the convention in singing the
National Anthem. This year, we were excited to have our National
Representative, Shawn Callaway, and his wife, Latonya Callaway, from the
District of Columbia. Shawn did an excellent job updating us on happenings
at the national level. Executive Director of the Division of Outreach
Services, Scott A. Falcone, brought an update from the SC School for the
Deaf and the Blind. Director of Talking Book Services, Jennifer Wilson,
updated the convention from the SC State Library Talking Book Services.
Interim Commissioner, Luis Mendoza, was on hand updating us on the SC
Commission for the Blind and speaking with individual members as well. Sonia
Timmons brought us up to date on happenings in the Parents of Blind
Children, and I concluded with the Presidential Report.

The highlight of the morning session was a program item titled Successful
Transitions: Ten Years Changing Lives. The group who developed and presented
the original proposal delivered comments. Ed Bible discussed how the
proposal came to be and shared the initial ideas behind it. David Bundy
wrote the proposal and Valerie Warrington provided the financial
information. Frank Coppel contributed as well and Jennifer Bazer led the
early work. Director Andrenia Corder delivered a stunning presentation
regarding Successful Transitions! She captured the impact of the program on
the real-world lives of the students we serve. Having worked for the program
since 2017, she possesses a deep knowledge of what Successful Transitions
does and she thinks creatively about the work of the program. Her
presentation concluded with testimonials from students who are in the
program or completed it in the past. The presentation was stellar on every
level!

The afternoon session led with a program item titled Forty Years of Training
and Rehabilitation: A BISM Story delivered by Derique Simon. Derique
captured the unique characteristics of Blind Industries and Services of
Maryland (BISM) and highlighted the success of the program as well as how it
has changed over the years. Dr. Tina Herzberg presented an item titled
Working with the Lived Experiences of Blind and Low Vision Individuals. She
had the opportunity to work closely with three blind professionals who
helped teach the Access Technology class at the University of South Carolina
Upstate this summer.

Sarah Massengale and I delivered a presentation titled The Voice-Powered
Home: Overview of Smart Homes. Both of us have delved deeply into artificial
intelligence and we are enthralled with the opportunities it affords blind
and low-vision people to get access to information. Many people now use
their voice to control devices in their homes. The presentation covered how
to get started and ways you can take advantage of this emerging technology. 

Janice Bright and David Houck, Co-Chairs of the Legislative and Advocacy
Committee, brought the convention up to date on happenings in South Carolina
and Washington. Janice reported on the issues in Washington while David
covered our continued efforts to raise the Homestead Exemption from $50,000
to at least $100,000.

The afternoon session concluded with a Federation Center Report from
Executive Director, David Houck and Federation Center Board Chair, Ed Bible.
Thom Spittle, Rocky Bottom Board Chair, brought a report from the Rocky
Bottom Retreat and Conference Center of the Blind (RBRCCB), which was
uplifting, as the camp has moved into a more stable period. Some necessary
repairs have been made, including a new deck, and the camp now has an onsite
resident manager who loves the place. Frank Loza and Gerald McMurray
reported on the huge success of the fall and spring Senior Camps and Tracy
Spittle reported on Children's Camp. Sarah Massengale, Digital Accessibility
Professional, updated the convention on "The Final Rule." Adam Thayer from
Thrivent Financial Group delivered a program item titled Personal Finance:
Tips and Tricks. National Representative, Shawn Callaway, concluded with
Musings of a National Representative. The convention adjourned to prepare
for the evening banquet.

The 70th Annual NFB of SC banquet was an awesome event! National
Representative, Shawn Callaway, told the convention his story, which is a
great example of what happens when we embrace our blindness and join others
who share our common bonds. Shawn is very engaging, and conventioneers
quickly and easily connected with him.

Because of a tie, we had four scholarship winners this year, two of whom are
attending Clemson University. Congratulations to Hubert Holmes, Melinda
Jones, Isabella Marchese and Landon Terry! All of our scholarship winners
are well known to the convention and we expect great things from them in the
future! Approximately $6,000 in scholarships was awarded.

Below is a list of other awards presented.

*	The Educator of the Year Award was presented to Modenia Davis from
Columbia for her excellence as an Orientation and Mobility Specialist.
*	The Donald C. Capps Award was presented to Tronda Anderson for her
high level of participation in the NFB of SC, including her work at the
Federation Center and her enthusiasm working at Senior Camp. She is also
affectionately known as "Miss Sunshine."

The Banquet Fundraiser was a huge success this year! The first four
contributions totaled $5,500, which set the tone for the evening.
Federationists had fun giving in honor of their pets and guide dogs as well.
The total in hand and with pledges is $12,000. All pledges should be paid by
December 31, 2026. The NFB of SC Board of Directors thanks all who
contributed so generously to our affiliate!

The Sunday morning session started with "Remembering Those Who Went Before
Us" led by Melinda Jones. Melinda put together a beautiful program and we
extend our appreciation to all who participated. Other business included
treasurers' reports from NFB of SC Treasurer Valerie Warrington and Rocky
Bottom Treasurer Roger Webb. All reports were excellent, showing the
organizations in good standing. 

Elections were held with the following results. 

*	President - Marty R. McKenzie
*	First Vice President - Lenora Robertson
*	Second Vice President - Debra Canty
*	Secretary - Shannon Cook
*	Treasurer - Valerie Warrington
*	District 2 Representative - David Bundy
*	District 4 Representative - Demetrius Williford
*	District 6 Representative - Sarah Massengale
*	At-Large Representative - Janice Bright
*	At-Large Representative - Vincent Downing

The National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina is represented by an
excellent board and I thank you all for your continued service!

The Door Prize Chair took her cue from the National Convention and each
session opened and closed with a $100 door prize! Several names were called
at these sessions and several missed this special prize. There were so many
door prizes that it took until Sunday morning to give them all out. The
South Carolina affiliate is generous and I am deeply grateful for all you
did to make the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina 70th
Annual Convention such a huge success! Our final registration was 207, which
is the largest in recent history!

Southwest Student Seminar - From Sonia Timmons

Are you a blind student seeking professional development, mentoring and
opportunities to connect with other blind students? Attend our 2026
Southwest Student Seminar called "The Power of Connection: Networking with
Intention," on September 18-20 in Tucson, Arizona:
<https://buff.ly/wIyj8ok> https://buff.ly/wIyj8ok. Designed for blind
students at all stages of their educational journey, the seminar is hosted
by our National Association of Blind Students (NABS) and will feature
interactive workshops, engaging discussions and opportunities to connect
with blind peers and mentors from across the region. Participants will
explore topics ranging from accommodations and advocacy to identity,
leadership and building meaningful professional networks. NABS is committed
to ensuring that finances are not a barrier to participation and encourages
interested students to learn more and register by August 21:
<https://buff.ly/wIyj8ok> https://buff.ly/wIyj8ok.

Clarendon Chapter Fundraiser: Christmas Afghan

The Clarendon Chapter of the NFB of SC is selling raffle tickets for a
beautiful handcrafted afghan made by our very own Glenda Culick. The afghan
was on display during convention at the Clarendon and Rock Hill table in the
Exhibit Hall. Tickets are $5 each or three for $10. The drawing will take
place at the Annual Board Retreat on November 21, 2026. The winner will be
notified by phone. Let's support one of our smallest chapters.

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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