[NFBofSC] Positive Note 2057

Sun Jan 11 21:50:37 UTC 2026

January 11, 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: 2057

Dear Federation Family,

Approximately 117 excited Federationist gathered at the Federation Center of
the Blind for the Annual Statewide Seminar on January 9, 2026. The program
was different in that we kept it in-house this year. Director Andrenia
Corder led the presentations discussing plans for student events that
Successful Transitions is working on at this time. The President provided
information on changes to the National Scholarships for students, Co-Chairs
Janice Bright and David Houck provided timely updates from the Legislative
and Advocacy committee as well as information on Washington Seminar and the
Rocky Bottom and Federation Center reports were given. It was a morning full
of great information that our members need to know.

The afternoon session included Chairman Frank Coppel leading with SUN
Shares. We do not have a total just yet but will provide it in a future
Positive Note. The President provided information about the national
convention and Kenneth Jernigan scholarships. Throughout the day, chapters
and divisions gave their reports focusing on fundraisers, membership and
something each chapter is proud of. Harold Anderson did a wonderful job
presiding over the Rocky Bottom auction which generated significant funds
which was then matched by Adam Thayer of Thrivent Financial Group. The day
was filled with good-natured teasing, laughter and love as Federationist
learned and fellowshipped together.

I am grateful to Isaiah Nelson and his kitchen crew who made sure we had a
great lunch as well as David Houck who ensured that the room was ready for
us. Thanks to everyone who donated items for the Rocky Bottom auction and to
everyone who purchased these items. It takes all of us to make up the
National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina and I am grateful for
each member that works to change what it means to be blind on a daily basis.

We extend our condolences to Charlis Borodin and family on the passing of
her husband, Paul Borodin. Charlis serves as the president of the
Grandstrand Chapter. Please keep Charlis and all of the family in your
thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Today's AI tip is specifically for Alexa devices with cameras.  If you have
one of these, usually an Echo Show, and you've picked up something you don't
recognize Alexa can help.  Make sure the camera on your device is active and
stand where it can see you with the item held up in your hands.  Then ask:
Alexa what am I holding?  Alexa will tell you what you're holding and give
you information about it.

At-Large Chapter Fundraiser

Congratulations to Sonia Timmons who won the At-Large drawing for the new
iPad! Sonia is away this weekend at the National Center working on plans for
the National Convention. She expressed that she missed being able to attend
the seminar.

>From Andrew Adams:

Join us for the Sweetheart Ball on February 6th for an unforgettable evening
of fun, fellowship, and celebration. Tickets are $30 per person, making it a
perfect night out for members and guests. Gather your friends and reserve a
full table for $240 to enjoy the evening together. The purpose of the
Sweetheart Ball is to bring our members together while supporting a
meaningful cause. Proceeds raised will help sponsor members to attend the
national convention in Austin, Texas. Come out, dress up, and participate in
a night that strengthens our community and invests in our future.

Experience comfort, convenience, and a true chance to relax at Tru by Hilton
Columbia Greystone, located at 185 Stoneridge Drive, Columbia, SC 29210.
Lock in the exclusive group rate of $117 per night, not including taxes, for
February 4-8, 2026-perfect for attendees of the Legislative Breakfast on
February 5, the Sweethearts Ball on February 6, and the State Board Meeting
on February 7. After long days of meetings and fellowship, kick off your
shoes, rest your feet, and unwind in modern, comfortable accommodations
designed to help you recharge. Each morning begins with a complimentary hot
breakfast, making it easy to start your day refreshed and ready. With its
welcoming atmosphere and convenient location, this hotel keeps you close to
the action while giving you space to relax. Rooms are limited and the
reservation deadline is January 15, 2026, so book early to secure your stay
at the center of the week's events. The booking link is
https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/deeplink/?ctyhocn=CAEGYRU
<https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/deeplink/?ctyhocn=CAEGYRU&groupC
ode=90I&arrivaldate=2026-02-04&departuredate=2026-02-08&cid=OM,WW,HILTONLINK
,EN,DirectLink&fromId=HILTONLINKDIRECT>
&groupCode=90I&arrivaldate=2026-02-04&departuredate=2026-02-08&cid=OM,WW,HIL
TONLINK,EN,DirectLink&fromId=HILTONLINKDIRECT .

The National Federation of the Blind National Convention will be held July
3-8, 2026, in Austin, Texas, with rooms available at the JW Marriott and the
Austin Marriott Downtown overflow hotel. Room rates are $139 per night for
single or double occupancy and $155 per night for triple or quad occupancy,
plus 19% in taxes and fees. The first night's stay is charged at the time of
booking. To reserve a room at either hotel, call 800-627-7468 and use room
block BL1. Cancellations made by May 31, 2026, will receive a refund of
one-half of the deposit. There are no refunds after May31, 2026.

The Kenneth Jernigan Scholarships help active blind and sighted first-time
convention attendees take part in the National Convention, with applications
due by March 31, 2026. There is a required meeting with President Marty
McKenzie for a letter of support. In recent years, individual scholarships
have been $700 and family scholarships $1,100, which do not cover all
expenses. Recipients receive a prepaid VISA card after arriving at the hotel
at a designated time and location. Applicants must meet the following
requirements:

*	State whether applying as an individual or a family
*	Provide full contact information, including name, primary phone
number, mobile phone if available, mailing address, and email or a contact
who can assist with email
*	List state affiliate and chapter information, including state and
chapter presidents if applicable
*	Identify a personal convention mentor and provide their phone number
*	Explain the amount of funding requested and how it will help make
attendance possible
*	Answer essay questions describing current participation in the
Federation, reasons for attending convention, what the applicant hopes to
gain, what they can contribute in return, and any special circumstances for
consideration

The application is online and must be completed in one session. It is
suggested that applicants prepare their responses to the above prompts in
Microsoft Word and then copy and paste. If you are not proficient with a
computer, please reach out to a friend to get assistance.

Things to Remember

*	Sweethearts Ball on February 6, 2026

*	State Board meeting on February 7, 2026 beginning at 10:00 a.m.
*	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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