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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@01DB2E33.75CB0210" 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'>November 3, 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 1995<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'>Today is November 3, 2024 and we have officially begun the last two months of this year. This is the beginning of a busy season of holiday celebrations which will take place in many chapters, churches, families and work gatherings. I challenge each one to take time during the month of November on a daily basis to think of something for which you are thankful. It is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season and become overwhelmed with stress. Let us be thankful for the many blessings we have including the blessing of the National Federation of the Blind. Also, please know that the holiday season is not a happy time for everyone. Be aware of the needs of friends and neighbors who need a little extra attention during this time of the 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'>Tuesday, November 5, 2024 is election day. It is the right of every American citizen to get out and vote in our election process. Take this right as a citizen very seriously. It is important that all voices are heard!<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'>Share Your Voting Experiences -- From the National Office<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 advocates for the right of blind and low-vision Americans to vote privately and independently. Through this work, we conduct a Blind Voter Survey to assess: (1) the number of blind voters who cast their ballot at the polls using an accessible voting machine; (2) the most significant barriers faced by blind voters in these elections; (3) poll workers' knowledge of the process of using the accessible voting machine; and (4) blind voters' overall satisfaction with their voting experience.<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'>All blind and low-vision voters, please share both good and bad voting experiences you've had in this 2024 general election by completing our Blind and Low-Vision Voter Experience Survey. English and Spanish versions are available below. If someone is not able to access the survey online, our phone format will be available the week of Election Day.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Please complete and share the survey.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>• Voting Survey (In-Person) <a href="https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=36375&qid=10548943">https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=36375&qid=10548943</a> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>• Voting Survey (Absentee or Mail) <a href="https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=36376&qid=10548943">https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=36376&qid=10548943</a> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>• Spanish Survey: Encuesta de votantes ciegos en espaņol <a href="https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=36374&qid=10548943">https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=36374&qid=10548943</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'>Thank you for your help on this important matter.<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'>Thanks to all of the chapters who held BEAM events and communicated this with me for sharing in the Positive note. We had several excellent BEAM events during the month of October. Congratulations on a job well done.<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 Lenora Robertson<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>At our most recent chapter meeting, the drawing took place for the quilt donated to the Rock Hill Chapter for a fundraiser. The chapter began selling tickets at the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina State Convention in August, 2024. The quilt was won by Ms. Pearline Barber who immediately donated it to fellow chapter member, Roy Ives. Mr. Ives lost everything in a house fire in July, 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'>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 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>