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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 18, 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 1958<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'>The National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina State Board meeting was held on February 17, 2024 at the Federation Center of the Blind. The board spent five hours together and the agenda was intense. The board did an amazing job of addressing each topic presented. The board adopted several policies pushed down by the National Office for affiliates and each one was adopted unanimously. There were many other items covered on the agenda and the board took its time and had very healthy conversations on many of these topics. I am very fortunate to serve with such a wonderful Board of Directors that take their responsibilities seriously and provide feedback in a very positive and meaningful way! We also appreciate those who attended the board meeting as observers and their contributions to the discussions.<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'>A huge “thank you” to Isaiah Nelson and his assistant for preparing and serving ham and turkey subs with sides! It was delicious and kept us moving along. Isaiah always does an excellent job with our food needs.<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 Regarding the Sweethearts Ball<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The 2024 Sweethearts Ball exceeded all expectations, circulating warmth and joy throughout the evening. With the announcement of the king and queen, Gerald Mcmurray and Dorothy Hilton, the excitement soared, adding a touch of royalty to the already vibrant atmosphere. It was a night to remember filled with the perfect combination of great food, music and stunning decorations. Soul-stirring music was the perfect backdrop for fellowship and connection. Amongst the laughter and camaraderie, members found relief from life’s burdens, embracing the opportunity to unwind and let go. Generous door prizes added an extra element of delight, leaving attendees with cherished memories and hearts full of gratitude. It was truly a night to remember, filled with love, laughter and togetherness! Kudos to our caterers and decorator Belinda and Terrill Banks and Kenya Hacket, DJ Butch for providing the wonderful music, the Fundraising Committee for planning this wonderful event and members of the organization and the community for supporting this event!<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 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 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. I should note that the Clarendon County chapter came in second last year and we are already working on first place this year!<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'>Kenneth Jernigan Scholarship applications are now available at </span><a href="https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/kenneth-jernigan-convention-scholarship"><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/kenneth-jernigan-convention-scholarship</span></a><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>. These applications are for first-time convention attendees. There are specific requirements first-timers are expected to meet. Additionally, you will need a recommendation from your state president. Please reach out to me to schedule a time for a brief interview before I write your letters of recommendation.<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'>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=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'>National Scholarship Applications due by March 31, 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'>Kenneth Jernigan Scholarship Applications due by April 15, 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'>National Convention room reservations due by May 31, 2024<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 Convention dates are July 3-8, 2024 at the Rosen Center Hotel in Orlando, Florida<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>