[NFBofSC] Positive Note 2088

Tue Aug 18 13:32:20 UTC 2026

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From: NFBofSC <nfbofsc-bounces at nfbnet.org> on behalf of Shannon Cook via NFBofSC <nfbofsc at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Tuesday, 18 August 2026 03:13:52
To: 'NFB of South Carolina Mailing List' <nfbofsc at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Shannon Cook <coffeequeensc1 at sc.rr.com>
Subject: Re: [NFBofSC] Positive Note 2088

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I wanted to echo and add to the thanks from Marty for the state convention. Thanks to everyone who helped make this year’s convention a great success. In addition to those who Marty thanked and acknowledged, I also would like to thank Larry and Valerie Warrington for streaming the convention this year.  Thanks to my hubby Steve Cook who secured thirty vendors for the Exhibit Hall. That is the most I’ve ever seen during my years with the NFB. Thanks to Andrew Adams and Janice Bright for a great reception. They really drew in the crowd and got some of us to share in the reception theme “simply Me Beyond Sight.” David Houck and Tracy Spittle  also served as committee chairs and made sure everything was coordinated for the Donald C. Capps and Educator of the year Awards respectively. David and Darlene Houck served at registration table. Students from successful Transitions were Talking Signs at different times over the weekend. . There are so many who help everything run smoothly. The Blind merchants offer their snack bags that have become an annual state convention tradition. They are always worth more than what they cost. From the raffle ticket sellers, members who support chapters and division  fundraisers, to the speakers, the group who chose the walk-up music, to the runners who deliver door prizes and take microphones to audience members so the live stream can hear their comments, it is all important and part of what makes the convention seem effortless.

Congratulations to the new board members and those who were re-elected. Thanks to those who were willing to run. Even if the person you voted for was not elected, let’s show our support for the board and do our fair share to help  show how much we are capable of as blind people. This is how we can continue to build the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina.

Shannon Cook
The greatest investment you can make in this world is kindness.

From: NFBofSC <nfbofsc-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of president--- via NFBofSC
Sent: Monday, August 17, 2026 9:44 PM
To: 'NFB of South Carolina Mailing List' <nfbofsc at nfbnet.org>
Cc: president at nfbofsc.org
Subject: [NFBofSC] Positive Note 2088

[NFB of SC logo with tagline live the life you want]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. 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.

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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