[NFBofSC] Positive Note 2077

Mon Jun 1 00:41:36 UTC 2026

May 31, 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: 2077

Dear Federation Family,

I spent time recently catching up on podcasts and I am still not completely
caught up. I want to remind everyone that the National Federation of the
Blind and the NFB of SC both have podcasts which help members stay abreast
of Federation happenings. Access On is so interesting as Jonathan Mosen
covers a variety of topics from week to week. I am several episodes behind,
but one of the interesting topics recently covered is the smart home. He and
his team discussed three different approaches individuals can take to build
a smart home. The awesome thing is that it does not all have to be completed
at once. We can build a smart home over time as resources are available and
our knowledge increases. You can listen to Access On using your Amazon
device, your favorite podcast app, or your computer.

>From Shannon Cook

This is a friendly reminder of the next Brick by Brick Zoom call. We will
discuss community involvement, which was decided by the attendees from the
first meeting in April. The meeting will be on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at 7:00
PM on Zoom. The dial-in number is 929-205-6099 and the Meeting ID is 803 254
3777#. If using the Zoom app on your computer or mobile device, click Join
and enter the Meeting ID above. The passcode is 124578.

>From Andrew Adams, Fundraising Committee Chair

Attention NFB of South Carolina Members! Please do not show up to the Family
Fun Day on Saturday, June 6, 2026. Unfortunately, this activity has been
canceled and will be rescheduled for Saturday, September 26. We apologize
for any inconvenience and appreciate everyone's understanding and continued
support. We look forward to seeing everyone in September for an even bigger
and better Family Fun Day experience!

In some Positive Notes, I have included uses for artificial intelligence
(AI). About a month ago, I moved from ChatGPT to Claude. It is a different
experience in terms of how it works on the back end. The first example is
that my Honeywell thermostat stopped working with the Amazon devices in
February. I attempted to fix this with instructions from ChatGPT without
success. When I prompted Claude for assistance, the response was
straightforward and all was well in about ten minutes. Claude provided the
most likely problem and steps to correct it. The Alexa skill breaks from
time to time, but this issue was quickly resolved with Claude's help.

The second example is in regard to a vintage hurricane lamp that I have had
since 1985. When my childhood room was redecorated, I got this lamp using
Green Bax Stamps from Piggly Wiggly. In 2006, I broke the bottom of the top
shade. I have searched without success for a replacement shade. I prompted
Claude for suggestions. Claude asked for a picture to be uploaded. It then
provided the three most likely manufacturers for the lamp. With sighted
assistance, I was able to verify the manufacturer and add this to my chat
with Claude. Claude then provided instructions on measurements and prompts
to put into eBay as the first choice for locating a replacement. Voila! The
shade came yesterday and is an exact match except for differences in the
hand-painted flowers on the shade. Yes, I am a fan of AI! Think about ways
that you can use it in your everyday life.

Palmetto Convention Grants

The Palmetto Convention Grant application for first-time attendees to the
NFB of SC State Convention is now available on the home page of the NFB of
SC website at  <http://www.nfbofsc.org> www.nfbofsc.org.  Please pass the
word along to your chapter members, division members, fellow Federationists,
and anyone else who fits the bill. We will award four grants in the amount
of $300 each. The application deadline is June 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM.

The Computer Science & 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 and
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.

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.

You are warmly invited to attend the National Federation of the Blind of
South Carolina State Convention, an exciting annual event that brings
together blind and low-vision individuals, families, advocates, and
community members from across the state for a weekend of learning,
networking, and inspiration. Whether you are a long-time member or new to
the Federation, the convention offers something for everyone: engaging guest
speakers, opportunities to connect, exhibits featuring helpful products and
services, and time for fun and fellowship. The event will take place August
13-16, 2026, at the DoubleTree by Hilton located at 2100 Bush River Road,
Columbia, SC. Join us as we work together to build a brighter future and
change what it means to be blind. For more information or to register, visit
<http://www.NFBofSC.org> www.nfbofsc.org and select "State Convention &
Exhibit Hall Registration."

The DoubleTree by Hilton is now accepting reservations for the National
Federation of the Blind of South Carolina State Convention being held August
13-16, 2026. The cost of the rooms is as follows: singles and doubles -
$134; triples - $144; and quads - $154 plus applicable taxes and fees.
Breakfast is included with the cost of your room. You may book online at
<https://hil.tn/lkz9ef> https://hil.tn/lkz9ef. You may also call
800-445-8667 and give the code 917 to link to our room block. The cutoff for
these special rates is Thursday, July 22, 2026. Remember the following when
booking your room:

*	The first night's stay will be charged at time of booking.
*	When checking in, a hold will be placed on the card to cover the
entire stay.
*	There is a $50 per night hold for incidentals.

It is strongly recommended that a credit card be used for this stay. Using a
debit card means these holds will be placed on the funds in your checking
account.

2026 NFB of SC Student Scholarships

The 2026 NFB of SC Scholarship Program is now open. The state convention
will be held August 13-16, 2026, and all application materials must be
submitted by 11:59 PM EDT on June 20, 2026. As in recent years, the
committee will select the top three applicants, who will be notified about
one month before the convention. The updated application is available online
at  <http://www.nfbofsc.org> www.nfbofsc.org. Please remember that the
scholarship program is funded entirely by donations. If you or your chapter
would like to sponsor a scholarship or contribute to the Dorothy C.
Barksdale Metro Fund, contact Shannon Cook at 803-605-4250 or via email at
<mailto:scholarships at nfbofsc.org> scholarships at nfbofsc.org. Finally, help us
spread the word-if you or someone you know is enrolled full time in school,
encourage them to apply.

Things to Remember:

*	Brick by Brick on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at 7:00 PM on the NFB of SC
Zoom platform.
*	NFB of SC Student Scholarship applications due by 11:59 PM on June
20, 2026.
*	Palmetto Convention Grant applications due by June 30, 2026 at 11:59
PM.
*	Hotel reservations and Early Bird Registration for the NFB of SC
State Convention end 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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