[NFBofSC] Positive Note 2089

Sun Aug 23 20:04:16 UTC 2026

August 23, 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: 2089

Dear Federation Family,

As typically happens after the National Federation of the Blind of South
Carolina Annual State Convention, the last Positive Note was dedicated to a
complete recap of the convention, which occurred last week. There are a few
things to mention this week as we prepare to move forward.

The Friday night reception with the theme Simply Me: Beyond Sight was
enjoyed by all. National Representative Shawn Callaway commented on this as
well. It was a low-key affair that gave Federationists an opportunity to
socialize with each other and enjoy a time of fellowship. I appreciate the
work of all who put this together.

The convention does not belong to just the president. Instead, it belongs to
all of us. One person cannot do all of the work required to make the
convention happen and be successful. I learned in my first year that naming
names causes problems because someone will invariably be left off. I am
deeply grateful to everyone who had any part in making the convention so
successful. Shawn noted that people did particular jobs and were passionate
about making sure those jobs were done well. Each person should give
themselves a pat on the back and a huge "thank you." Whether you did the
work or sat in the audience, it takes all of us for the convention to
happen.

To round out the coverage of the convention, we extend our appreciation to
all of our donors who gave door prizes, scholarship funds and banquet funds.
We also thank everyone who bought tickets from the various fundraisers
taking place at the state convention. Your generosity is amazing! Thank you
for all that you do.

AI Tip or Trick

This week, a friend asked me to prepare a flyer for a fundraiser to assist a
young man who was injured in an accident and cannot work for several weeks.
I started a chat conversation with Claude and explained that I was providing
the information for a fundraiser flyer. I then keyed the information on
separate lines and left Claude to produce the flyer in Microsoft Word
format. Claude produced a beautiful flyer. It would have taken me
significantly more time to build, and the result would not have been nearly
as good. AI can make everyday tasks much simpler, cleaner and quicker.

Homestead Exemption

The bills the NFB of SC supported to increase the Homestead Exemption did
not make it through the General Assembly. The final budget does raise the
amount from the first $50,000 to the first $75,000 of a home's assessed
value. It is unclear at this time whether this is permanent or whether it
will have to be renewed from year to year. We will continue to work on this
important initiative.

Statewide Family Fun Day

Statewide Family Fun Day is back on Saturday, September 26,2026 from 10:00
AM to 4:00 PM at Saluda Shoals Park at a cost of $15 per person. This brings
the Federation family together again after the State Convention for a day of
good food, games and fellowship with members, families and friends from
across South Carolina. Activities include the return of the Federation
favorite Braille Bingo, music and fellowship, canoeing and outdoor
recreation on the water, fishing, walking trails and splash pad fun for the
kids - with plenty of room to simply relax and enjoy the company. The menu
features burgers and hot dogs, fried fish, potato salad, baked beans, pasta
salad, coleslaw, water and assorted drinks. All proceeds from the $15
admission support the National Convention Sponsorship Fund, which helps
members of the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina attend the
National Convention. To register, email  <mailto:fundraising at nfbofsc.org>
fundraising at nfbofsc.org with the total number of individuals attending with
you. Payment may be made in advance through PayPal or by sending a money
order or check to the Federation Center. Convention may be over, but the
fellowship continues - come out, bring the family, enjoy the food, play some
bingo, turn up the music and let's have another great time together. For
additional information, contact Andrew Adams at 803-269-3803.

Blind Equality Achievement Month

October is Blind Equality Achievement Month (BEAM). Chapters are encouraged
to begin planning their events and sharing them with me as soon as possible.
Let's have a huge turnout for BEAM this year.

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. 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. Tickets
are available from any of the following:

*	Marty McKenzie - 843-939-8091 or  <mailto:marty2music at outlook.com>
marty2music at outlook.com
*	Glenda Culick - 843-598-3630 or  <mailto:glendaculick at gmail.com>
glendaculick at gmail.com
*	Trent Tedder - 843-939-8092 or  <mailto:trent.tedder at icloud.com>
trent.tedder at icloud.com

Let's support one of our smallest chapters.

Things to Remember

*	Statewide Family Fun Day - September 26, 2026
*	Blind Equality Achievement Month - October 2026
*	Clarendon Christmas Afghan Drawing - November 21, 2026

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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