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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@01DB287F.8646B4E0" 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 27, 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 1994<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 Parnell and Kim Diggs on the passing of Parnell’s mother, Mrs. Nancy Parnell Diggs. Mrs. Diggs departed this life on Saturday morning, October 26, 2024 with her husband, Bill by her side. Please keep Bill, Parnell, Kim and Jordan as well as the rest of this family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. There will be no service which is the way Mrs. Diggs wanted it.<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 in the last week 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'>From Debra Canty, Sumter Chapter President<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The smiles are beaming and so are we. Throughout October, which is Blind Equality Achievement Month (BEAM), members of the Sumter chapter NFB of SC participated in White Cane Day events, awareness seminars, and advocacy walk-a-thons. Our signature event for BEAM is the Sumter County Fair Vendor Booth. At the local fair, NFB members increase awareness in the community, promote NFB values, and collect donations to progress the mission. Debra Canty, Sumter Chapter President, believes that the annual participation in the local fair is pivotal in spreading the message of BEAM & NFB because it allows us to make long-lasting connections in the community.<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 will hold its annual board retreat on November 15-17, 2024 at the Rocky Bottom Retreat and Conference Center of the Blind. The Rocky Bottom Board will meet in the morning and the State Board will meet in the afternoon. We will accommodate board members and their spouses/drivers on a first-come, first-serve basis. Contact Thom Spittle at <a href="mailto:nfbofsc.lab.4@gmail.com">nfbofsc.lab.4@gmail.com</a> or by telephone at 803-331-3344 to make your reservations. All reservations should be completed by Monday, November 11, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. so that Lenora Robertson and the kitchen crew can plan for the meals.<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'>October 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024 is the Friends of Rocky Bottom Campaign. This is the time when we raise money for the general fund to get us through the winter. We have various levels of giving, $50, $100, $250, $500, and $1000+. This is not only for NFB members, you can reach out to local businesses and individuals that would like to help out during this yearly act of giving. A thank you gift will accompany each giving level. Please donate and promote this fundraiser!<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'>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'>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 15-17, 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'>Anderson chapter annual Christmas Celebration<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The Anderson chapter of the NFB of SC invites you to join us for our annual Christmas Celebration on Friday, December 13th, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. This event will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn South located at 115 Destination Blvd., Anderson SC 29621. The evening will feature guest speakers, Christmas carols, great door prizes, and some delicious food. Meals can be purchased for $22 and include baked or fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, candied yams, broccoli casserole, green beans, yellow rice, and peach cobbler for dessert. Choice of beverage will be water or sweet tea. The deadline to purchase a meal is November 25th, 2024. Payment can be made via money order or checks made payable to the NFB of SC Anderson chapter and should be sent to 1306 West End Avenue, Anderson SC 29625. For more information, please contact Demetrius Williford, chapter president, at 864-318-0383. We look forward to celebrating the season with 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=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 16, 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'>Rocky Bottom blanket fundraiser drawing on November 16, 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'>Anderson Chapter Christmas Party deadline of November 25, 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'>Friends of Rocky Bottom Fundraiser concluding 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'>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>