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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'>May 5, 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 1969<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'>Midlands Gives is just two days away on May 7, 2024 and we currently have $4,090 match remaining as of the writing of this Positive note with $1,819 in our account and eight donors. For those who access social media, please use the video that was created last weekend to share with your networks. Please send frequent shares between now and the end of the day on May 7, 2024. Chapters, please consider what you can do as well as individuals. You can call the Federation Center on Tuesday, May 7, 2024 and someone can assist you with processing your donation online. We can also process checks over the phone as well. I know that many give at the State Convention. It is fine if that fundraiser is less so that we increase Midlands Gives.<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'>Rocky Bottom hopes to win the Power Hour from twelve to one PM on May 7, 2024 by achieving the most unique donations. Unique donations are determined by name, email address and credit card number, and a minimum ten dollar donation is required. To donate, visit </span><a href="http://www.midlandsgives.org/nfbofsc"><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:windowtext'>www.midlandsgives.org/nfbofsc</span></a><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> or </span><a href="http://www.midlandsgives.org/rockybottom"><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:windowtext'>www.midlandsgives.org/rockybottom</span></a><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>. You can also call the Federation Center on May 7, 2024 for assistance giving online. You may also give $10 through your local chapter and this can be applied to the Power Hour. Please reach out to Valerie Warrington at treasurer@nfbofsc.org or to Marty McKenzie for additional information. Thank you to those individuals and chapters who have already given!<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 Office Independence Market is looking for volunteers to take shifts at the National Convention to ensure that the Independence Market runs smoothly. It is important that South Carolina be represented well as one of the larger affiliates. Please reach out to me if you are able to take a shift. Also, talking signs and marshals are also needed as well. Consider if you are able to step up to the plate for this one.<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 Tracy Spittle<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Rocky Bottom Retreat and Conference Center of the Blind is pleased to announce the annual summer camp for legally blind children. There will be one camp for children ages 6-13. This year’s camp will run June 23-29, 2024. There will be no charge to attend and there will be a maximum of 15 campers. Supervised recreational activities may include hiking, arts and crafts, mountain climbing, water slides, games, swimming, cookouts, miniature golf, field trips, computer, braille activities and more, depending on availability. Senior and junior counselors and administrative personnel will be primarily legally blind individuals. This is a unique and important feature of the Rocky Bottom program. Family members are requested to accompany their child to Rocky Bottom on Sunday and also to return to camp on Friday to have lunch with us and watch your child in a camp-wide talent show. After the show, campers are free to leave with parents. Campers will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. Limited transportation will be provided for those who cannot provide their own transportation. Designated pickup points will be assigned at a later date. To apply, please complete the application prior to May 20, 2024. Contact Tracy Spittle at (803-447-7609 for additional information.<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 the Fundraising Committee, Co-chaired by Debra Canty and Andrew Adams<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Dear Affiliate Members,<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'>We are thrilled to announce that we have secured the beautiful sandy shores of Westin Lakes for our upcoming Family Fun Day on June 1, 2024! This is the perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy the great outdoors. Bring your beach chairs, let loose your adventurous side for kayaking, paddle boating, canoeing, and fishing gear and get ready to swim and soak up the sun in good company.<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'>As we prepare to enjoy a day filled with fun, fellowship and delicious food, we kindly ask for your support. We are reaching out to local grocery stores and businesses to request donations in the form of gift cards, which will be used to purchase food items for our event. Your participation in sending out these donation letters would be greatly appreciated and will contribute greatly to making this day a success.<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'>Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm. We look forward to creating unforgettable memories together at Westin Lakes!<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'>Registration for the National Convention is now open. The event will take place July 3-8, 2024 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. Please note that some nights in the convention hotel are now full and reservations are being routed to the overflow hotel. The National Office is working on this matter.</span><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 Embassy Suites is now accepting reservations for the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina State Convention being held on August 15-18, 2024. Rooms can be booked at $112 plus tax and any applicable fees for singles, doubles, triples and quads. You may call the Embassy Suites at 803-252-8700. Reference the NFB of SC State Convention to obtain the special rate. Members are not being charged the first night’s room; instead, a hold is placed on your card until check-in. The cut-off for room reservations is July 25, 2024.<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;color:#212121'>Registration for the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina State Convention is now live! The cost is $85 for adults, $55 for students and $25 for children under eighteen. These prices all adjust upward after July 25, 2024. Please visit<span class=apple-converted-space> </span></span><a href="https://nfbofsc.org/node/178" title="https://nfbofsc.org/node/178"><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:windowtext'>https://nfbofsc.org/node/178</span></a><span class=apple-converted-space><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> </span></span><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>to register online. If you need assistance to register online, , plea<span style='color:#212121'>se contact me and someone will assist you.<o:p></o:p></span></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'>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'>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><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'>Midlands Gives on May 7, 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'>Rocky Bottom Childrens’ Camp application due by May 20, 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'>Family Fun Day on June 1, 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 Scholarship applications are due by June 20, 2024 at 11:59 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'>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 State Convention Registration and Room Reservations are due by July 25, 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;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>