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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 25, 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 1959<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'>On Thursday, February 22, 2024, the Annual Regional Braille Challenge was held at Segra Park, Home of the Columbia Fireflies. A huge <i>thank you </i>to the SC Commission for the Blind for securing a great venue for this special event. There were 23 students from across South Carolina participating in the competition and they all had a great time enjoying each other and demonstrating their braille reading and writing skills. Cash prizes were awarded to the top three contenders in each category. Another huge t<i>hank you</i> to the Association for the Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (SC Chapter) for donating the t-shirts and cash prizes!<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 Regional Braille Challenge began in 2008 and was first hosted by the SC State Library originally in the old SC Archives and History building located at 1430 Senate Street. The competition emphasizes the need for excellent braille instruction and the results that are achieved when it takes place. Within just a few years of its start the event outgrew the SC State Library building and the SC Commission for the Blind took up hosting responsibilities. The relationship is wonderful because the Commission can present information to parents and educators while students participate in their competitions.<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'>This activity is supported by the entire SC Vision Education Partnership which began in 2000 to preserve the Teacher of the Visually Impaired Preparation program. All of the partners participate and it truly lightens the load of competition preparations. A huge <i>thank you</i> to Jodi Floyd who has coordinated the program for the past twelve years. We look forward to many more exciting Regional Braille Challenges in the future!<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'>Palmetto Connects will take place on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. on the NFB of SC Zoom platform. The meeting ID is 803 254 3777 and the password is 124578# if needed. Please plan to join us for this time of information sharing.<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 Annual Legislative Breakfast will take place on Thursday, February 29, 2024 at the Blatt Building in downtown Columbia. This year, the NFB of SC is promoting H3127 which will expand the Homestead Exemption Act from $50,000 to $100,000. Members of the NFB of SC Board of Directors will be on hand to greet legislators and express their support for this important bill. Board members should let David Houck know as soon as possible if they plan to attend. David can be reach by telephone at 803-254-3777 or via e-mail at </span><a href="mailto:nfbsc@sc.rr.com"><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>nfbsc@sc.rr.com</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'>The Presidential Release will take place live on February 29, 2024 at 8:00 p.m. on Zoom and other streaming platforms. President Riccobono will provide information pertinent to members and take questions submitted in advance to Chris Danielsen at </span><a href="mailto:cdanielsen@nfb.org"><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>cdanielsen@nfb.org</span></a><span class=MsoHyperlink><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>.</span></span><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> Please put PR 535 in the subject line. The Zoom meeting ID is </span><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>981 5392 5681.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>From Steve Cook, President of the Computer Science and Technology Division<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#212121'>The Computer Science and Technology Division would like to invite everyone to a presentation from Menus 4 All! This is a wonderful app for checking menus before you go to a restaurant. I have used it many times since subscribing to Menus 4 All! The presentation will take place on Saturday, March 2, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. on the NFB of SC Zoom platform. The meeting ID is 803 254 3777 and the password is 124578# if needed.</span><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#212121'><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'>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 have received their $5 Rocky Bottom Retreat and Conference Center raffle tickets. 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'>Palmetto Connects on February 27, 2024 at 7:00 p.m.<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'>Presidential Release on February 29, 2024 at 8:00 p.m.<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'>Menus for All presentation on March 2, 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'>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>