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</v:shapetype><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_2" o:spid="_x0000_s1026" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="NFB of SC logo with tagline live the life you want" style='position:absolute;margin-left:4.65pt;margin-top:6.9pt;width:60.85pt;height:68.7pt;z-index:-251657216;visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square;mso-width-percent:0;mso-height-percent:0;mso-wrap-distance-left:9pt;mso-wrap-distance-top:0;mso-wrap-distance-right:9pt;mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0;mso-position-horizontal:absolute;mso-position-horizontal-relative:text;mso-position-vertical:absolute;mso-position-vertical-relative:text;mso-width-percent:0;mso-height-percent:0;mso-width-relative:page;mso-height-relative:page'>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><![if !vml]><img width=81 height=92 style='width:.8437in;height:.9583in' src="cid:image002.png@01DB2339.48C88350" align=left hspace=12 alt="NFB of SC logo with tagline live the life you want" v:shapes="Picture_x0020_2"><![endif]><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>October 20, 2024<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><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><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><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Positive Note 1993<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>843-939-8091 <a href="mailto:president@nfbofsc.org">president@nfbofsc.org</a> <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'>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'>We begin this Positive Note by extending our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Mr. Thomas Coulter who transitioned at the end of September, 2024. Mr. Coulter was a beloved member of the Rock Hill Chapter and retired military. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time.<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 now beyond the middle of Blindness Equality Achievement Month (BEAM) and there are additional events to add to the list. Our chapters and divisions are doing an excellent job of representing the organization in the public eye with the events being presented. Thank you for all you are doing to participate actively in BEAM!<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 October 14, 2024, the SC Commission for the Blind (SCCB) held a White Cane Awareness event at the state house featuring the reading of the proclamation and a scavenger hunt. Misty Williams, Lead Orientation and Mobility Specialist at SCCB, did a great job of ensuring that scavenger hunt participants roamed the state house grounds looking for their desired finds. Thanks to Ed and Julie Bible along with David Houck and Letoya Gibson for attending this event and representing the 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'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>On October 15, 2024, a White Cane Awareness Day event was held from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the Federation Center of the Blind. I along with special guests and some clients from the SC Commission for the Blind, and other Federationist participated in this event. We walked around the block at the Federation Center showing off our white canes and generally having a great time. Commissioner Darline Graham, Carol Anderson and Mark Gamble along with Misty Williams attended this event from SCCB. Commissioner Graham read the White Cane Proclamation for the entire audience. Our guest speaker was Dr. Shirley Madison who delivered remarks on the history of the white cane and orientation and mobility in South Carolina. David Houck provided comments on the 44 pieces of legislation that the NFB of SC successfully saw passed over the years. We appreciate the strong partnership with the SC Commission for the Blind! We also thank Letoya Gibson for her part in planning this event. The event was enjoyed by all!<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 should begin holding elections during meetings in October and November. Any newly elected chapter board members take office according to each chapter or division’s constitution. Please forward chapter board information to David Houck at <a href="mailto:nfbsc@sc.rr.com">nfbsc@sc.rr.com</a>, Thom Spittle at <a href="mailto:membership@nfbofsc.org">membership@nfbofsc.org</a><u>, </u>Steve Cook at <a href="mailto:stevecookwebmaster@nfbofsc.org">stevecookwebmaster@nfbofsc.org</a><u> </u>and to me at <a href="mailto:president@nfbofsc.org">president@nfbofsc.org</a>. If you have any questions about dues or chapter elections, please reach out to me.<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'>Early voting opens on Monday October 21, 2024 in South Carolina! All members are encouraged to get out and vote! Other states are already seeing long lines in early voting. If you live in a heavily populated area, early voting may save you substantial wait time.<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 is a friendly reminder that all banquet pledges from the state convention are due by December 31, 2024. You can mail a check to the Federation Center or pay using PayPal. Thank you for taking care of this!<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<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Calling All Chapters and Affiliates! October is Blind Equality Achievement Month, and we want to hear from YOU! Every Wednesday in October, let’s spotlight the incredible things happening across our communities. Whether it’s upcoming events, photos, videos, or a shoutout to a blind or low vision person who has truly represented and made an impact in the Blind community – we want to see it all! Let’s come together to celebrate and uplift each other. Share your stories, your accomplishments, and let’s continue to show the world the power of blind achievement! #SportTheLifeYouWant #FlexTheLifeYouWant #NationalFederationOfTheBlindSportsAndRecDivision #NFBSportsAndRecDivision #OctoberBlindEvents #BlindEqualityAchievementMonth<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Looking forward to seeing your inspiring posts!<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'>Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Garage Sale BEAM event scheduled for October 26, 2024 at the Federation Center of the Blind is cancelled. Additional information will appear in the Positive Note when available.<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 Thom Spittle<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Win a beautiful handmade 60 by 66 inch blanket featuring the words Rocky Bottom and a picture of mountains and trees. Funds raised will benefit Children’s camp.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Tickets are $5 each or five for $20. Call Thom Spittle at 803-331-3344 to find out how to purchase your tickets. The drawing will be held at the Rocky Bottom Board Retreat.<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 Marty R. McKenzie, President of the Clarendon County Chapter<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The Clarendon County Chapter is raffling off a beautiful multi-colored Christmas afghan made and donated by Glenda Culick. Tickets are $2 each or three tickets for $5. You can mail a check to Marty McKenzie, 1516 Lucky Road, Lake City, SC 29560 to purchase your tickets. Checks should be made payable to Clarendon County Chapter NFB of SC. The lucky winner will be drawn at the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina Board Retreat which is scheduled for November 22-24, 2024 at the Rocky Bottom Retreat and Conference Center of 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'>From the Senior Division<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The Senior Division of the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina is selling coffee and hot chocolate in whatever form you like (Ground, whole bean or K-Cups). The name of the company is “White Cane Coffee”, founded by a blind woman. All the boxes are brailled, as are the individual K-cups. There are numerous flavored coffees to choose from, and the hot chocolate comes in either plain or a mint flavor. All coffee comes in regular or decaf and a variety of roasts are available. Please visit our website at <a href="https://whitecanecoffee.com/ref/NFBSC-Seniors/">https://whitecanecoffee.com/ref/NFBSC-Seniors/</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Or call 814-218-2837 to order your coffee or hot chocolate today! When calling, be sure to inform them this is for the NFB of SC Senior Division in order for them to get credit for the sale!!!<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=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Chapter elections during October and November meetings<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Clarendon County Chapter fundraiser drawing on November 23, 2024<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Senior Division Coffee Sale<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Rocky Bottom blanket drawing at the Board Retreat<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>State dues submitted by December 31, 2024<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Banquet pledges due by December 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;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>