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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@01DB3933.43B348E0" 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 17, 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 1997<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'>The National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina and the Rocky Bottom Retreat and Conference Center boards have just returned from the board retreat held at Rocky Bottom each year. It was a weekend filled with great work by both boards, awesome food prepared by Lenora Robertson and her kitchen crew and tremendous fellowship and fun. The camp looks beautiful with John Culick having spent a week earlier this month tending the grounds and taking care of much of the outdoor landscaping needs that arise in the fall. We extend our appreciation to John for all he does to help tend our camp grounds.<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 extend our deep appreciation to Lenora Robertson, Barry Chavis, Glenda Culick, Carolyn Jackson , Gerald McMurray, Carolyn Phillips and Trent Tedder for preparing the food, serving it and cleaning up after each meal. Thanks to Thom Spittle for hosting the event as Rocky Bottom Board Chair and planning the Friday and Saturday evening gatherings. So many other people did so many things that it is impossible to name them all and we appreciate everyone’s efforts. The board retreat 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'>Harold Anderson and Gerald McMurray walked the Rocky Bottom grounds and worked on winterizing some of the buildings. We appreciate all of their hard work in helping the camp get ready for the winter months when there is little happening there.<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'>Congratulations to Olivia Anderson who won the beautiful Rocky Bottom quilt. This fundraiser generated over $600 for the camp.<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 winner of the beautiful Christmas afghan made and donated by Glenda Culick was announced during the retreat this weekend. President Marty McKenzie is thrilled to be the owner of this beautiful prize. Over $600 in funds for the Clarendon County chapter were generated. Thanks to everyone who purchased tickets on these two fundraisers!<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 Jamie Allison<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The Braille Literacy committee has chosen to sponsor the NFB American Action Fund Braille Readers are Leaders contest again this year! In the past, our state has had good representation, and even had a national level prize winner last year! All you have to do is keep up with what type of material you're reading in Braille and how many minutes you read from it each day. The number of minutes a participant reads is tracked with a database called Beanstack, which can be accessed either by a computer with the internet or a smartphone app. Jamie is also willing to assist state affiliate members who wish to participate but do not have availability to or proficient enough technology skills to do it on their own. She will sign you up and log your entries; all you have to do is send her a weekly list of what you read from and how many minutes you read for. Registration opens on November 15, 2024, minutes are counted from December 2, 2024-January 17, 2025 and national prize winners announced on March 2, 2025. Readers across any age and ability level may read. Contests for both children and adults are divided into groups based on how proficiently you read Braille, and since you are tracked by the amount of time you read, the speed is not a factor in deciding the winners. The committee is working to come up with some state-level prizes for this year's contest as well, and of course, the districts will battle it out again to see which one will hold the bragging rights for reading the most minutes! SC already has 4 people committed to reading, and we hope many more of you will join! Please feel free to reach out to Jamie at <a href="mailto:nfbsccherokeejamie@gmail.com">nfbsccherokeejamie@gmail.com</a> or 864-838-0338 for further details or to get help with registering and tracking progress.<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 NFB of SC Senior division is currently selling tickets for a deluxe kitchen gift basket. The drawing for this great prize will be held at the Statewide Seminar on January 4, 2025. The gift basket is worth approximately $425. A few of the items in the basket include a Talking food scale, a Talking meat thermometer with WIFI, an Insta-pot with Wi-Fi and many other practical kitchen aids. Tickets will be one for $5 or three for $10. If you would like to purchase tickets, you can contact me, Shelley Coppel, at 803-796-8662 or 303-819-9795. My email address is <a href="mailto:frankandshelley51@gmail.com">frankandshelley51@gmail.com</a>. Monies raised from this fundraiser will help to support our efforts to resume Senior camp.<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'>NFB of SC Hampton Chapter Fundraiser Announcement<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>We are excited to announce a special fundraiser hosted by The National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina Hampton Chapter! Grand Prize: Echo Dot (5th Gen) + wall mount holder! Ticket Options: One ticket: $5 Three tickets: $10 Drawing Date: December 1, 2024 (You do not have to be present to win!) How to Donate: 1. Purchase Physical Tickets from any Hampton Chapter member 2. Zelle: <a href="mailto:nfbsc.hamptonchapter@gmail.com">nfbsc.hamptonchapter@gmail.com</a> 3. For PayPal go to the <a href="http://www.nfbofsc.org">www.nfbofsc.org</a> link and press Donate. In the Memo field please put Hampton Chapter Fundraiser. For assistance or inquiries, please reach out to: President: Gregory Jones Mobile: 803-942-1596 Email: nfbsc.hamptonchapter@gmail.com Thank you in advance.<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>