[NFBofSC] Positive Note 2085

Mon Jul 27 02:24:36 UTC 2026

July 26, 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: 2085

Dear Federation Family,

Early bird registration for the National Federation of the Blind of South
Carolina 70th Annual State Convention closed on July 22, 2026, along with
the special rate at the DoubleTree by Hilton. There was a flurry of activity
on Wednesday as Federationists from across the state worked to get their
registrations complete. We also have a larger number of exhibitors than in
the past, so this year is shaping up to be an exciting convention.

Our Annual Banquet Fundraiser will occur on Saturday evening at the end of
the banquet. Some have already made banquet donations, and we appreciate
your generous contributions to the NFB of SC. We will accept donations
before the banquet and at the banquet. Any pledges are due by December 31,
2026, to avoid any challenges with our financial statement. At the banquet,
we will only receive donations to the NFB of SC. Read further for additional
information about our beloved Rocky Bottom!

I am excited to share with you that Rocky Bottom Retreat and Conference
Center of the Blind will have a table in the exhibit hall this year. If you
or your chapter have donations for Rocky Bottom, please drop them at the
Rocky Bottom table. Various items will be available there as well. There is
more to come on RBRCCB as an exhibitor.

Blind Merchants Division - Belinda Banks

As we get excited and gear up for the 2026 State Convention, we want to
remind everyone that starting Friday, August 14, 2026, the Blind Merchants
will be selling $15 snack bags until they are gone. These bags are a great
way to support our merchants and grab some tasty treats, so don't wait until
the last minute to get yours!

Opening Reception

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. The theme
celebrates confidence, authenticity, resilience and the unique journey of
living as a blind person. It reminds us 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 and a themed
photo area. Members can share how their personal style, confidence or
Federation journey reflects who they are. Whether you're reconnecting with
longtime friends or meeting new members for the first time, this welcoming
reception is one you won't want to miss. Attire is casual to semi-formal, so
come dressed as the best version of yourself. That could mean neat jeans and
a T-shirt, a polo, a blouse, smart casual or semi-formal attire, whatever
makes you feel comfortable, confident and authentically you. Simply Me.
Beyond Sight. Confident. Authentic. Unapologetically You. We can't wait to
celebrate you and what makes each of us uniquely who we are, and we look
forward to seeing you there!

Awards

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 hard work. Awards are only given
when truly worthy candidates come forward.

AI Tip or Trick

I have asked Claude so many questions this week that I find it difficult to
nail down which one I want to share with you. I have a Samson Bluetooth
speaker that was gifted to me for my birthday in 2025. I rarely lose
anything, but I misplaced the AC adapter that charges the speaker. I finally
tasked Claude with identifying which adapter I should purchase for the
speaker. I uploaded the owner's manual into Claude and had it identify the
specifications. Claude produced an Amazon link that took me directly to the
replacement part I needed to purchase. The day it arrived at my home, I
found the lost charger. I knew that would happen. Now, I have two!

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

*	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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