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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>February 4, 2024<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Memo To: Executive Officers, Board Members, Chapter & Division Presidents & Others<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>From: Marty R. McKenzie, President<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Positive Note 1956<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>843-939-8091 </span><a href="mailto:president@nfbofsc.org"><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>president@nfbofsc.org</span></a><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Dear Federation Family,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>February 1, 2024 began what is recognized as Black History Month. This recognition began in 1976 and continues today. Other countries around the world celebrate Black History Month though it may occur at different times during the year. There are many black leaders throughout history who did remarkable things but were not recognized because of discrimination. The National Federation of the Blind of south Carolina takes pride in our black leaders and their many accomplishments and we celebrate those who lead with excellence in this big organization that serves the blind!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The NFB of SC has many talented black leaders in it that do so many wonderful things each day to assist the blind of our state. Our Second Vice President, Debra Canty, also serves as president of the Sumter Chapter and chairs the Oversight Committee for Successful Transitions. She garners tremendous media coverage on behalf of the organization. Linda Dizzley is the long-time Lee Chapter President and serves as the Fifth District representative on the NFB of SC Board of Directors. Linda participates in every opportunity to move the causes of our organization forward and most recently attended the Washington Seminar where she has a strong relationship with Congressman James E. Clyburn. Other leaders such as Second District representative Andrew Adams, and At Large representative Derique Simon, are also making their mark in our organization and work tirelessly to move their areas of interest forward. These are only a few of the black leaders that lead the blind in South Carolina. The NFB of SC is proud of its SC Association of Black Leaders and the excellent work they are doing!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>From Anna Price Regarding Washington Seminar<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Washington seminar was once again an incredible success! The team scheduled meetings with both of our senators and three representatives and had very productive conversations! All staffers seemed excited about the legislation we are bringing forward and said that they would speak to the respective congress person on our behalf. Though we could not meet with four representatives, we still were able to visit their offices for a few minutes and leave an information packet discussing the NFB of SC and our legislative priorities. This year we had three pieces of legislation to present. These were the Medical Device Non-Visual Accessibility Act, Blind Americans Return to Work Act and Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act . I think everyone on our team would agree that this year was great! Thank you for the support and encouragement myself and the 2024 Washington seminar team received from the affiliate.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>From Andrew Adams and Debra Canty, Co-chairs of the Fundraising Committee<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina Fundraising Committee invites you to the Sweethearts Ball on Saturday, February 10, 2024 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Cathy Novinger Girl Scout Leadership Center, Located at 1107 Williams Street, Columbia, SC 29201. Tickets are $30 per person or $240 for a table of eight. Dress attire is semiformal and you will enjoy food, music, dancing and good fellowship. Tickets can be purchased through PayPal at </span><a href="http://www.nfbofsc.org"><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>www.nfbofsc.org</span></a><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> and click Donations or you can send a check or money order to 119 S. Kilbourne Road, Columbia, SC 29205. You must put Sweethearts Ball in the Notes block on the website or the Memo field on the check. Ticket sales will close on February 8, 2024. For more information, contact Andrew Adams at 803-269-3803 or Debra Canty at 803-775-5792.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><br clear=all style='page-break-before:always'></span><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>From Lori Anne Coley, President, Sports and Recreation Division<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The NFB of SC Sports and Rec Division is Sponsoring a Saint Patrick’s Day jackpot, where the winner will have a chance at $750. This drawing will help to fund a sports camp for the blind of SC, and make equitable access to sports a reality. Tickets can be purchase for $20 each via <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>PayPal: </span><a href="https://www.paypal.me/sportrecnfbsc"><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>https://www.paypal.me/sportrecnfbsc</span></a><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> or by sending a check to the Federation Center.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Chapters and Divisions should have received their $5 Rocky Bottom Retreat and Conference Center raffle tickets. Chairman Thom Spittle gave an overview of the many capital projects needed at Rocky Bottom at the November Board Retreat and at the recent Statewide Seminar. It is important that we sell as many of these tickets as possible! The buyer of the winning ticket will receive $500, the seller will receive $50 and the chapter or division selling the most tickets will receive $300 for its treasury. All Federationist are asked to put forth a special effort this year on this fundraiser. The drawing will take place on March 23, 2024 at the Statewide Leadership Seminar.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>There are several e-mail address changes to take note of for communication within the NFB of SC. Please see the current list below. I will provide additional updates as they occur. Thanks to Steve Cook for making this happen! It is something our affiliate needed in place.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Marty McKenzie, President </span><a href="mailto:president@nfbofsc.org"><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>president@nfbofsc.org</span></a><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Shannon Cook, Secretary </span><a href="mailto:secretary@nfbofsc.org"><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>secretary@nfbofsc.org</span></a><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Valerie Warrington, Treasurer </span><a href="mailto:treasurer@nfbofsc.org"><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>treasurer@nfbofsc.org</span></a><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Theresa Jenkins, Assistant Treasurer </span><a href="mailto:assistanttreasurer@nfbofsc.org"><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>assistanttreasurer@nfbofsc.org</span></a><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Thom Spittle, Membership and Mentoring Chair </span><a href="mailto:membership@nfbofsc.org"><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>membership@nfbofsc.org</span></a><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Theresa Jenkins was recently appointed as Assistant Treasurer of the NFB of SC. Theresa can be reached at the e-mail provided above. When contacting Theresa to request any disbursement of funds, you must copy Valerie and myself. As Theresa moves into this role, I will share other responsibilities that she will take on in the coming months. We welcome Theresa to this new role!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Applications Are Open<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The 2024 online scholarship application is available at </span><a href="https://nfb.org/scholarships"><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>https://nfb.org/scholarships</span></a><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>. All applications and supporting documentation must be submitted no later than March 31, 2024. A list of eligibility requirements, as well as documents containing answers to frequently asked questions, a submissions checklist, and other supporting material can also be found on the scholarship webpage. Throughout the application period, reminders and information about the scholarship program will appear in the Braille Monitor, on our website, and will be shared via social media. Please share!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Things to Remember<o:p></o:p></span></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst style='margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Sweethearts Ball on February 10, 2024<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>NFB of SC Board meeting on February 17, 2024 in-person only<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Statewide Leadership Seminar for Chapter and Division Presidents and NFB of SC board members on March 23, 2024 in-person only<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Rocky Bottom Fundraiser Raffle drawing on March 23, 2024 – You do not have to be present to win<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpLast style='margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>National Scholarship Applications due by March 31, 2024<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'>Marty<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'>Marty R. McKenzie, President<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'>National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'>119 S. Kilbourne Road<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'>Columbia, SC 29205<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'>Phone: 803-254-3777<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'>Mobile: 843-939-8091<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'>Website: <a href="http://www.nfbofsc.org/">www.nfbofsc.org</a> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>