[NFBofSC] Positive Note 2076

Mon May 25 17:30:17 UTC 2026

Hi All,,

Below are the correct prices for the Tech Back Pack drawing.

💵 Ticket Prices

🎫 1 Ticket — $5
🎫 3 Tickets — $10
🎫 7 Tickets — $20
🎫 10 Tickets — $30

Steve Cook

National Association of Guide Dog Users Board Member

President of the Computer Science & Technology Division of the National Federation of the Blind of SC 

From: NFBofSC <nfbofsc-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of president--- via NFBofSC
Sent: Sunday, May 24, 2026 3:45 PM
To: 'NFB of South Carolina Mailing List' <nfbofsc at nfbnet.org>
Cc: president at nfbofsc.org
Subject: [NFBofSC] Positive Note 2076

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_XIm9N84eFkDahlG39NYs/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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