[NFBofSC] Positive Note 2076

Sun May 24 19:45:23 UTC 2026

May 24, 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: 2076

Dear Federation Family,

Welcome to Memorial Day weekend! Memorial Day is a federal holiday observed
on the last Monday of May, set aside to honor and remember the men and women
who died while serving in the country's armed forces. It traces its roots to
the years following the Civil War, when communities began decorating the
graves of fallen soldiers with flowers and flags-a practice originally known
as Decoration Day. Over time, the observance expanded to include those who
died in all American wars, and in 1971 it was officially established as a
national holiday. Today, people mark the day in a variety of ways: visiting
cemeteries and memorials, attending parades, participating in a national
moment of remembrance at 3:00 p.m. local time, and flying the flag at
half-staff until noon. While the holiday has also come to signal the
unofficial start of summer, its central purpose remains a solemn one-paying
tribute to the sacrifice of those who gave their lives in military service.

>From Thom Spittle, Rocky Bottom Board Chair

On May 16, 2026, the Board of Directors of Rocky Bottom met after the state
board meeting for their second quarter meeting. The most exciting news was
that Rocky Bottom won the power hour during the Midlands Gives event on May
5, 2026. We had the most unique donations during the noon to 1:00 p.m. time
slot. This netted Rocky Bottom $2,000 in addition to the nearly $1,500
donated, giving us about $3,500 for the camp. Also, a lot of time was given
to addressing capital improvements that need to be made to the camp. These
included siding on Osterneck Cottage and replacing the decking around the
Conference Center. This will cost quite a bit, but is necessary for the camp
to be safe. If there are any ways you can help, or know someone who can,
please reach out to Thom Spittle at 803-331-3344. There is nothing we can't
do if we put our effort into it. The blind of this state brought the camp to
life, and we need to come together to make it a place we can all be proud
of.

Do you feel the excitement building? Are you looking forward to helping keep
Austin weird? Have you made your travel plans and made plans to see old
friends and make new ones? The National Federation of the Blind National
Convention is right around the corner. Your last opportunity to book a hotel
at the convention rates ends on May 31, 2026. Early Bird registration also
closes that day. Let's put our plans into action and get excited about being
in Austin, Texas!

>From Sonia Timmons, SCPOBC Leader

The National Organization of Parents of Blind Children was able to support
five families with a sponsored five-night stay at the NFB National
Convention in Austin, Texas this July, made possible through the generosity
of the Penny Duffy Fund. The fund was established in loving memory of Penny
Duffy and her deep passion for the National Convention, providing financial
assistance to families who might otherwise be unable to attend so they can
experience the same sense of connection and community that Penny valued so
deeply. There is an opportunity to help families in our state and beyond. To
support the fund, we are offering a chance to win one of two great prizes:
(1) Bose Ultra Open Earbuds, or (2) Eone Bradley Watch. Each entry is a $20
donation per prize. The fundraiser runs from May 1, 2026 through May 31,
2026. To participate, go to
<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1kBeEcUknBFiYpHdPlSPheU_XIm9N84eFkDahlG39NY
s/edit>
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1kBeEcUknBFiYpHdPlSPheU_XIm9N84eFkDahlG39NYs
/edit. 

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 six, and $30 for eight. 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. Winners do not need to be present, as prizes can be shipped. To
enter, complete the online web form and submit payment via PayPal, 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 South Carolina 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 used for 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 that the funds in your checking account will have these
holds placed on them as well.

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.

National Convention Registration Now Open

This is the last week of Early Bird registration for the National
Convention. Go to  <https://www.nfb.org/convention>
https://www.nfb.org/convention to register. The cost is $25 and banquet
tickets are $85 for those who plan to attend the banquet.

Things to Remember:

*	National Convention Early Bird Registration closes on May 31, 2026.
*	Penny Duffy Fundraiser closes May 31, 2026.
*	NFB of SC Student Scholarship applications due by 11:59 PM on June
20, 2026.
*	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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