[NFBofSC] Positive Note 2084

Mon Jul 20 01:48:54 UTC 2026

July 19, 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: 2084

Dear Federation Family,

I am sure everyone is aware of the sudden and unexpected passing of US
Senator Lindsey Graham on Saturday, July 11, 2026. Senator Graham was the
older brother of Darline Graham Nordone, who until last week served as
Commissioner of the SC Commission for the Blind. We extend our deepest
sympathy to Darline and the entire Graham family on the loss of her beloved
brother. Please keep the Graham family in your thoughts and prayers during
this most difficult time.

As many of you know from the media, Lindsey and Darline were extremely
close. They lost both of their parents when Darline was still a child, and
Lindsey stepped in to finish raising his younger sister. He became her legal
guardian and supported her in every endeavor she undertook throughout her
life. On Monday, July 13, 2026, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster
appointed Darline to the US Senate to complete her brother's term, which
ends in January 2027. She stepped down as Commissioner of the SC Commission
for the Blind to accept the appointment. On Tuesday, July 14, 2026, she was
sworn in as Senator Darline Graham Nordone - the first woman ever to
represent South Carolina in the US Senate - and will serve until January
2027.

The SC Commission for the Blind held an emergency Board of Commissioners
meeting on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, and appointed Mr. Luis Mendoza as Interim
Commissioner. We extend our congratulations to Commissioner Mendoza and look
forward to continuing our long-standing working relationship with the
Commission.

You're Invited! 2026 National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina
Annual State Convention Reception Theme: Simply Me: Beyond Sight

Join us for an evening of celebration, fellowship and self-expression as we
embrace this year's reception theme, Simply Me: Beyond Sight, celebrating
confidence, authenticity, resilience and the unique journey of living as a
blind person, a reminder that blindness is only one part of who we are and
that our character, talents, determination and commitment to living the
lives we want define us. The evening will be filled with fellowship,
interactive activities, engaging conversations, a themed photo area and
opportunities for members to share how their personal style, confidence or
Federation journey reflects who they are, and whether you're reconnecting
with longtime friends or meeting new members for the first time, this
welcoming and uplifting reception is one you won't want to miss. Dress
attire is casual to semi-formal, so come dressed as the best version of
yourself, whether that means neat jeans and a T-shirt, a polo, a blouse,
smart casual or semi-formal attire, wearing what makes you feel comfortable,
confident and authentically you. Simply Me. Beyond Sight. Confident.
Authentic. Unapologetically You. We can't wait to celebrate with you and
what makes each of us uniquely who we are, and we look forward to seeing you
there!

We are nearing the final time to secure hotel rooms at the DoubleTree by
Hilton for the 70th Annual National Federation of the Blind of South
Carolina Convention. The hotel recently added additional rooms to the block,
so everyone should be able to secure rooms. Please take care of this as soon
as possible since the deadline is Wednesday, July 22, 2026. You may book
online at  <https://hil.tn/lkz9ef> the DoubleTree's reservation page. You
may also call 800-445-8667 and give the code 917 to link to our room block.

Early bird registration for the NFB of SC State Convention also closes on
Wednesday, July 22, 2026. Once that date passes, regular registration will
move to $100. You may register by visiting  <http://www.nfbofsc.org> the NFB
of SC website. The link is directly on the homepage.

Scholarship application deadline for high school seniors and college
students is now extended to Friday, July 24, 2026. We identified an issue in
the process. Students who need assistance should reach out to Shannon Cook
at  <mailto:scholarships at nfbofsc.org> scholarships at nfbofsc.org. We strongly
encourage students to apply as there is significant unrestricted financial
support available through our scholarship program.

Nominations are still being accepted for the Donald C. Capps Award (contact
David Houck at  <mailto:nfbsc at sc.rr.com> nfbsc at sc.rr.com or via phone at
803-254-3777), the Betty R. Capps Award (contact Julie Bible at
<mailto:jbible73 at gmail.com> jbible73 at gmail.com or via mobile phone at
803-622-8093), the Educator of the Year Award (contact Tracy Spittle at
<mailto:tracysc1974 at gmail.com> tracysc1974 at gmail.com or via mobile phone at
803-447-7609) and the Employer of the Year Award (contact David Bundy at
<mailto:davidbundy13 at outlook.com> davidbundy13 at outlook.com or via mobile
phone at 803-447-7629). We want to honor those friends and allies of the
blind who deserve our recognition for their support.

This week's AI tip comes from one of two real-life needs that cropped up
during my first full week at my home in Lake City, South Carolina. The only
freezer available is the bottom drawer in the French door refrigerator, and
it is not enough storage space. I identified a wall where a freezer can go,
but it will be visible from many areas of the main living space in my home.
I used Claude to identify the freezer matching the size I need by putting in
the measurement of the wall. I need a 7-cubic-foot freezer. I then put in
the color I required. It identified only two options and one was
unacceptable to me. Finally, with prompting, Claude told me where to
purchase the freezer at the best price. Walmart delivers, and my new freezer
is here and installed. Personal shopping is a great use case for AI!

Door Prizes for NFB of SC State Convention

First Vice President Lenora Robertson will again serve as the door prize
chairperson. Please bring your door prizes to the state convention and give
them directly to her. If shipping, address them to Lenora Robertson, 1258
Roundtree Circle, Rock Hill, SC 29732. Shipments should arrive no later than
Wednesday, August 5, 2026. Door prizes should have a minimum value of $10.
Cash is always welcome!

Technology Backpack Fundraiser - Computer Science and Technology Division

The Computer Science and Technology Division (CSTD) of the National
Federation of the Blind of South Carolina is holding a Technology Backpack
Fundraiser with a drawing on August 16, 2026, during the state convention.
Tickets are priced at $5 for one, $10 for three, $20 for seven and $30 for
ten. The prize package includes a technology backpack, a talking meat
thermometer, an infrared thermometer, Bluetooth earbuds, a 256 GB flash
drive, a Bluetooth speaker, a surge protector and a home license copy of
JAWS, ZoomText or Fusion. Ten percent of funds raised will support a student
scholarship. You do not need to be present to win as prizes can be shipped.
To enter, complete the online web form and submit payment via PayPal or
check, or by calling 803-260-1292. If using PayPal, be sure to note
"Technology Backpack Fundraiser" in the notes section. Mail checks to Steve
Cook, 2446 Harrison Road, Columbia, SC 29204.

Cash Extravaganza Fundraiser - Senior Division

The NFB of SC Senior Division is holding a Cash Extravaganza fundraiser with
a chance to win $400 in cash. The drawing will take place Sunday morning,
August 16, at the conclusion of the state convention, and you do not need to
be present to win. Tickets are $10 for one or $20 for three. Half of the
funds raised will go to Rocky Bottom Senior Camp and half to the Senior
Division. To buy or sell tickets, contact Shelley Coppel at 803-796-8662,
303-819-9795 or  <mailto:Frankandshelley51 at gmail.com>
Frankandshelley51 at gmail.com. Checks and money orders should be made payable
to the NFB of SC Senior Division with "Cash Extravaganza Fundraiser" in the
memo line and mailed to Shelley Coppel, 847 Jefferson Street, West Columbia,
SC 29169.

Things to Remember

*	Hotel reservations and Early Bird Registration for the NFB of SC
State Convention ends on July 22, 2026.
*	NFB of SC State Convention takes place August 13-16, 2026.
*	Technology Backpack Fundraiser drawing is August 16, 2026, during
the state convention.
*	Cash Extravaganza drawing is Sunday, August 16, 2026, at the
conclusion of the state convention.

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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