[NFBofSC] Positive Note 2095

Sun Oct 4 20:20:29 UTC 2026

October 4, 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: 2095

Dear Federation Family,

In President Riccobono's most recent Presidential Release #564: Chapter
Version, he spent significant time discussing smart glasses and some of the
challenges that our members have encountered in certain situations. The
concern is personal privacy. Some places have banned, or are attempting to
ban, the use of these devices because of this issue. It is important that we
control the narrative from our perspective. When discussing smart glasses,
we should not name a specific brand, as there are several manufacturers of
these devices. We must emphasize our need for access and how these wearables
give us that access. For me, it is no different from using the camera on my
smartphone to scan my surroundings for the information I need in a specific
place. I encourage you to seek additional information from me and to listen
to this important Presidential Release. Our messaging on this topic should
align at the national and affiliate levels.

I am very excited to report that the fall session of Senior Camp begins
today at Rocky Bottom Retreat and Conference Center of the Blind. Blind
seniors from across the state are gathering for a time of fellowship and
learning from blind mentors and each other. I am sure there will be many
stories to share by the end of the week. Of course, some adhere to the adage
of "what happens at Rocky Bottom stays at Rocky Bottom!" I look forward to
the directors' report from Frank Loza and Gerald McMurray.

NFB of SC Dues and Chapter Elections

Chapters should begin collecting dues for 2027 and holding elections from
October through December. Please provide Thom Spittle a list of all
dues-paying members by December 31, 2026. As elections are held, provide the
results to each of the following:

*	Marty McKenzie -  <mailto:president at nfbofsc.org>
president at nfbofsc.org
*	Thom Spittle -  <mailto:membership at nfbofsc.org>
membership at nfbofsc.org
*	Steve Cook, website -  <mailto:stevecookwebmaster at nfbofsc.org>
stevecookwebmaster at nfbofsc.org
*	David Houck -  <mailto:federationcenter at nfbofsc.org>
federationcenter at nfbofsc.org

This will greatly assist us with recordkeeping. I appreciate your assistance
with this request.

AI Tip or Trick

AI continues to improve in its ability to help us complete tasks, though its
answers still need checking. With supported app connections, it can search
email, draft possible responses and handle many other daily tasks. I am not
yet comfortable having AI work in the background for me, but I suspect that
time is coming. This week, I pulled out the Tablo 4th Gen over-the-air DVR.
When a friend and I set this thing up the first time, neither of us
understood how it worked. Claude laid out very clear directions on how to
set it up and how it operates. It also provided a list of the TVs it works
with and those it does not. I am looking forward to once again recording and
watching Jeopardy!

Blind Equality Achievement Month

October is Blind Equality Achievement Month (#BlindMonth). Chapters are
encouraged to finalize their plans and share their events with me as soon as
possible. Let's have a huge turnout for #BlindMonth this year.

Clarendon Chapter Fundraiser: Christmas Afghan

The Clarendon Chapter of the NFB of SC is selling raffle tickets for a
beautiful handcrafted Christmas afghan made by our very own Glenda Culick.
Tickets are $5 each or three for $10. The drawing will take place at the
Annual Board Retreat on November 21, 2026. The winner will be notified by
phone. Tickets are available from any of the following:

*	Marty McKenzie - 843-939-8091 or  <mailto:marty2music at outlook.com>
marty2music at outlook.com
*	Glenda Culick - 843-598-3630 or  <mailto:glendaculick at gmail.com>
glendaculick at gmail.com
*	Trent Tedder - 843-939-8092 or  <mailto:trent.tedder at icloud.com>
trent.tedder at icloud.com

Let's support one of our smallest chapters.

Senior Camp Electronics Crate Auction

The Senior Camp Electronics Crate Auction is suspended at this time due to a
lack of participation. We may revisit this in the future.

Things to Remember

*	Aging to Fortune 50/50 Drawing - October 4, 2026
*	Blind Equality Achievement Month (#BlindMonth) - October 2026
*	Dues and Elections - October 1 through December 31, 2026
*	Clarendon Christmas Afghan Drawing - November 21, 2026

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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