[NFBofSC] Positive Note 2061

Mon Feb 9 02:34:02 UTC 2026

February 8, 2026

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: 2061

Dear Federation Family,

It has been a very busy week in the National Federation of the Blind of
South Carolina with multiple activities occurring. The Legislative Breakfast
took place on Thursday, February 5, 2026 at the Blatt Building in the
Capital Complex in Columbia. Legislative Co-Chairs Janice Bright and David
Houck, along with myself, were on hand with others from the Federation to
greet legislators and staff members as we promoted the passage of H3511 and
S223 which are the companion bills that would increase the Homestead
Exemption from $50,000 to $100,000 or potentially even more. Legislators
were aware of these bills and expressed support. The work now needs to focus
on getting the bill out of the House Ways and Means committee on to the
floor for a vote. Several other Federationists were on hand to assist with
this event and I appreciate the spirit of good will that was present. Please
continue to make contact with your members in the General Assembly to
encourage passage of this vital legislation to benefit the blind, others
with disabilities and senior citizens who are homeowners.

The Annual Sweetheart Ball was held on February 6, 2026 at the Cathy
Novinger Girl Scout Center and a good time was had by all. According to
attendees, there was wonderful hors d'oeuvres, great fellowship and music. A
huge thank you to Andrew Adams and the Fundraising Committee as well as
others who assisted with this event.

The first Sweetheart Ball was held in 2016 and interest has dwindled in this
event after COVID-19. The Fundraising Committee has made the difficult
decision to let 2026 be the last Sweetheart Ball. There will be other
opportunities for Federationist to gather and enjoy food and fellowship.

The National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina held its firs-quarter
meeting of the Board of Directors on February 7, 2026 at the Federation
Center of the Blind. Thirteen of the fifteen members of the board were
present and it was a lively and engaging meeting as we addressed plans for
the 2026 calendar year. Information was shared about the upcoming national
convention, state convention and the various student and attendance
assistance scholarships available for both events. Reports were presented
from the Federation Center and Rocky Bottom and other important topics were
discussed. The NFB of SC Board of Directors is a talented and dedicated
group of individuals and I am blessed to serve as the president of this
vibrant affiliate. More information will be shared in upcoming Positive
Notes as we move closer to the applicable events.

The National Federation of the Blind National Convention will be held July
3-8, 2026, in Austin, Texas, at the JW Marriott and the Austin Marriott
Downtown overflow hotel. Room rates are $139 per night for single or double
occupancy and $155 for triple or quad occupancy, plus 19% in taxes and fees.
The first night is charged when booking. To reserve a room, call
800-627-7468 and use room block BL1. Cancellations made by May 31, 2026,
receive a 50% deposit refund; no refunds are available after that date.

The Kenneth Jernigan Scholarships support active blind and sighted
first-time attendees at the National Convention. Applications are due by
March 31, 2026, and applicants must meet with President Marty McKenzie for a
letter of support. In recent years, individual awards have been $700 and
family awards $1,100; these do not cover all expenses. Recipients receive a
prepaid VISA card after arriving at the hotel at a specified time and
location. The online application must be completed in one session, so
applicants are encouraged to prepare responses in Microsoft Word and copy
and paste them. Those not comfortable using a computer should seek help from
a friend. The online application can be found at
https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/kenneth-jernigan-convention
-scholarship.

Things to Remember

*	NFB of SC Statewide Leadership Seminar on March 28, 2026
*	National Scholarship applications due by March 31, 2026
*	Kenneth Jernigan Scholarship applications due by March 31, 2026
*	National Convention hotel reservations due by May 31, 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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