[NFBofSC] Positive Note 2097

Sun Oct 18 16:21:00 UTC 2026

October 18, 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: 2097

Dear Federation Family,

Thursday, October 15, 2026, was White Cane Safety Day. Below is what I
shared on the NFB of SC listserv.

Today, October 15, is White Cane Safety Day. In 1964 Congress passed a joint
resolution that set aside this day each year. President Lyndon B. Johnson
signed the first proclamation. The National Federation of the Blind worked
hard to make that happen. Our founder, Dr. Jacobus tenBroek, believed that
blind people have the right to live in the world. That means walking our
streets, riding the bus, going to work and raising our families just like
everyone else. In 2011 the day was also named Blind Americans Equality Day.
That name says what we have always known. The white cane is not a symbol of
helplessness. It is a tool of independence and equality. Governor Henry
McMaster issued our White Cane Safety Day Proclamation.

Every state now has a white cane law, and South Carolina is one of them.
These laws require drivers to yield to a pedestrian who is carrying a white
cane or using a guide dog. That protection only works if people know about
it. So today I ask each of you to help spread the word. Share this message
with your family, your coworkers and your church. Remind the drivers in your
life to stop, look and give us the right of way.

I also want to speak to anyone who is newly blind or still unsure about
using a cane. Pick it up and use it with pride. The long white cane gave me
freedom, and it can do the same for you. With good training and high
expectations, you can travel anywhere you want to go. If you want help
finding cane travel training or a free cane through the NFB Free White Cane
Program, reach out to me or your chapter president. You do not have to
figure this out alone.

Together we are changing what it means to be blind. Happy White Cane Safety
Day!

Registration Open for 2027 Virtual Senior Retreat

Registration is now open for the 2027 Senior Retreat, a weeklong virtual
experience running January 10 through 16, 2027. Participants will learn
basic nonvisual techniques from experienced blind instructors who serve as
role models. The retreat is designed for seniors 50 and older, but younger
participants are welcome too. The $50 fee helps cover the cost of a thumb
drive each participant receives after the retreat. Your registration and
payment must be received by January 5, 2027. You can find details and the
registration form on the Senior Retreat page
<https://seniors.nfb.org/senior-retreat>  or on the main page of the seniors
website <https://seniors.nfb.org> . Please help spread the word to anyone
who might benefit.

Sports and Recreation Interest Meeting

Calling all National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina sports and
recreation fans! Help us bring the NFB of SC Sports and Recreation Division
back to life at an interest meeting on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at 7:00
p.m. Eastern. The meeting is open to former members, newcomers and anyone
curious, whether you want to take part, help lead or just learn more. We
will share important information, hear your ideas and talk about how to
rebuild this division together. Please note that the meeting will be held on
the NFB of SC Palmetto Zoom, not our main Zoom platform. Join online through
the Palmetto Zoom meeting link
<https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8648789090?pwd=QTVQd2RzN3l6QnNmZ0FmSnp6NG8vQT09>
. To join by phone, call 929-205-6099 or 301-715-8592 and enter Meeting ID
864 878 9090 and Passcode 124578. For more information, contact Marvin
Nelson, Interest Meeting Coordinator, at marvinmst2413 at gmail.com
<mailto:marvinmst2413 at gmail.com>  or via telephone at 803-549-9169.

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

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

AI Tip or Trick

Recently, I committed to providing one of our members a list of all of the
podcasts available from the National Federation of the Blind and how to
access them. I gave Claude a prompt something like this: "Compile a list of
all podcasts published by NFB and include instructions on how to access
them." The result was a document containing all of our podcasts with the
requested access instructions. I then shared this document with the member
requesting this information.

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

Let's support one of our smallest chapters.

Things to Remember

*	Blind Equality Achievement Month (#BlindMonth) - October 2026
*	Dues and Elections - October 1 through December 31, 2026
*	Sports and Recreation Interest Meeting - October 20, 2026
*	Clarendon Christmas Afghan Drawing - November 21, 2026
*	Senior Retreat Registration Deadline - January 5, 2027
*	Virtual Senior Retreat - January 10-16, 2027

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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