<html xmlns:v="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" xmlns:m="http://schemas.microsoft.com/office/2004/12/omml" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40"><head><META HTTP-EQUIV="Content-Type" CONTENT="text/html; charset=us-ascii"><meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 15 (filtered medium)"><style><!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Wingdings;
panose-1:5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;}
@font-face
{font-family:Calibri;
panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{margin:0in;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-ligatures:standardcontextual;}
a:link, span.MsoHyperlink
{mso-style-priority:99;
color:#0563C1;
text-decoration:underline;}
p.MsoNoSpacing, li.MsoNoSpacing, div.MsoNoSpacing
{mso-style-priority:1;
margin:0in;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;}
p.MsoListParagraph, li.MsoListParagraph, div.MsoListParagraph
{mso-style-priority:34;
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:.5in;
mso-add-space:auto;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;}
p.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst
{mso-style-priority:34;
mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:.5in;
mso-add-space:auto;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;}
p.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle
{mso-style-priority:34;
mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:.5in;
mso-add-space:auto;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;}
p.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast
{mso-style-priority:34;
mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:.5in;
mso-add-space:auto;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;}
span.EmailStyle17
{mso-style-type:personal-compose;
font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;
color:windowtext;
font-weight:normal;
font-style:normal;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
/* List Definitions */
@list l0
{mso-list-id:1361276586;
mso-list-type:hybrid;
mso-list-template-ids:-2080971692 528148864 67698691 67698693 67698689 67698691 67698693 67698689 67698691 67698693;}
@list l0:level1
{mso-level-start-at:0;
mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0B7;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Symbol;
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;}
@list l0:level2
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:o;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:"Courier New";}
@list l0:level3
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0A7;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l0:level4
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0B7;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l0:level5
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:o;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:"Courier New";}
@list l0:level6
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0A7;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l0:level7
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0B7;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l0:level8
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:o;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:"Courier New";}
@list l0:level9
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0A7;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Wingdings;}
ol
{margin-bottom:0in;}
ul
{margin-bottom:0in;}
--></style><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapedefaults v:ext="edit" spidmax="1026" />
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapelayout v:ext="edit">
<o:idmap v:ext="edit" data="1" />
</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'>March 24, 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 1963<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:1.0in;text-align:justify'><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 Federation Center was filled with 53 attendees including state and chapter board members, chapter presidents and others on Saturday for the leadership seminar. It was an exuberant group who participated throughout the day.<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 agenda included a review of policies shared by the National Office and adopted by the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina State Board of Directors. These policies were read to chapter leaders and any questions were addressed. Leaders are charged with making their members aware of these policies, where they can find them and what they mean. The next topic focused on the importance of keeping and reporting accurate membership records emphasizing chapter responsibilities for taking care of this important function. The afternoon session began with information for chapter treasurers provided by State Treasurer Valerie Warrington including updates from the Dollars and Cents meetings and time for questions. This was followed by a brainstorming session among the chapters around fundraising ideas.<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 seminar concluded with a report from Chairman Thom Spittle regarding Rocky Bottom Retreat and Conference Center of the Blind. The highlight of the seminar was the Rocky Bottom ticket drawing! This year, participants sold 719 tickets which brought in $3,595. The winner of the grand prize was Judy Simon of the Sumter Chapter who will receive $500 and as the seller of the winning ticket the Sumter chapter will receive $50. For the first time ever, the Clarendon County Chapter sold the most tickets, with 146. It was a very successful 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'>The Annual Vision Summit titled Orientation and Mobility Throughout the Life Span took place on Friday, March 22, 2024 at Saluda Shoals Park in Columbia. There were approximately 75 attendees including those who registered as vendors. The Partnership delivered excellent updates regarding what is happening in their respective organizations. Commissioner Darline Graham delivered an inspiring keynote address highlighting many good things happening at the SC Commission for the Blind and throughout the state. Just before lunch Leslie Borton, Erin Jolly, Nancy Irwin and Susan Mitchell delivered an American Printing House approved presentation on the Monarch. At the end of this presentation, attendees gathered around to see these ground-breaking devices in action. I appreciate these teachers and their willingness to share information on a groundbreaking product.<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 afternoon session consisted of a panel of blind individuals focused on Orientation and Mobility Across the Life Span. Dr. Tina Herzberg and I moderated the panel. Panelists included Steve Cook, Patrick Mack, Anastasia Overcash and Derrick Strict who participated from the SC Commission for the Blind. Other panelists were Andrew Adams from Successful Transitions and Kacey King a graduating senior from Anderson University. The panel discussed their formal orientation and mobility training as well as apps, methods and techniques that they use to live independently on a daily basis. The panel was well received by the audience! Thanks to all the panelists who gave of their time and experiences to make this presentation so successful.<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, March 26, 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'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>From David Houck<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span class=MsoHyperlink><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'>Our Center kitchen has a new commercial refrigerator, replacing the old, worn out one. the Men's rest room by Mr. Houck's office has been renovated into a family style rest room for men, women, etc. which is a one at a time use rest room with a door lock. The urinal has been removed and the single toilet has been replaced with a larger unit. Hand rails were installed on the wall and the old partition was removed, making it easier for someone with a walker or in a wheelchair to use the facilities. The rest room has been repainted and a new wood style floor installed. The old curtains were replaced by blinds. We still have the men's and ladies’ room at the north end of the building and the ladies’ room across from the kitchen. More changes are forthcoming!</span></span><span class=MsoHyperlink><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span class=MsoHyperlink><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:windowtext'><o:p><span style='text-decoration:none'> </span></o:p></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Registration for the National Convention is now open. The event will take place July 3-8 in Orlando, Florida. The registration cost is $25 and banquet tickets are $75. You can go to </span><a href="https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention"><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:windowtext'>https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention</span></a><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> to locate additional information about the National Convention as it becomes available.</span><o:p></o:p></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'>Our Sports And Rec fundraiser is extended to August, coinciding with the state convention. All purchased tickets remain valid. Purchase $20 tickets for a chance to win big, including a $750 and a $250 giveaway. Contributions support our Sports Camp Week for the Blind at Rocky Bottom Retreat and Conference Center of the Blind in Upstate South Carolina. Led by the NFBSC Sports and Rec Division, our mission is inclusive sports. Purchase tickets via PayPal at </span><a href="https://www.paypal.me/sportrecnfbsc"><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:windowtext'>https://www.paypal.me/sportrecnfbsc</span></a><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> or Zelle at srnfbsc21@yahoo.com. Goal: sell 100+ tickets by August 17, 2024, with the drawing at the state convention. Spread the word! For more information, contact Lori Anne Coley at 803-316-9838.<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 name="_Hlk160899251"></a><a href="https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/kenneth-jernigan-convention-scholarship"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk160899251'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:windowtext'>https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/kenneth-jernigan-convention-scholarship</span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk160899251'></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk160899251'></span><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;color:windowtext'>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'>NFB of SC Scholarship Announcement 2024<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Let’s do more in 24! We are springing into the 2024 NFB of SC Scholarship Program season. With the state convention being August 15 - 18, 2024, the deadline for scholarship applications is 11:59 p.m. June 20, 2024. The committee will meet about one month before the state convention to select the top three applicants and winners will be notified following the meeting. The updated scholarship application is now available at </span><a href="https://nfbofsc.org/scholarship-program"><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:windowtext'>https://nfbofsc.org/scholarship-program</span></a><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>. Please also remember that the scholarship program operates exclusively on donations. If you, your chapter, your division, your civic organization, church etc., would like to contribute a scholarship or donate to the Metro Fund, please contact me, Shannon Cook at </span><a href="mailto:scholarships@nfbofsc.org"><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:windowtext'>scholarships@nfbofsc.org</span></a><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> or 803-605-4250). Please help us get the word out about the program. If you or someone you know is in post-secondary education full time, please encourage them to apply for a scholarship! Thank you.<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'>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'>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=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 dates are July 3-8, 2024 at the Rosen Center Hotel in Orlando, Florida<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'>NFB of SC Scholarship applications are due by June 20, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.<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>