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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@01DB49BE.A54666F0" 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'>December 8, 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 2000<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'>You will note that this is Positive Note 2000! What a landmark in communication for our affiliate that we have a weekly publication that goes to all members who want to receive it. The Positive Note is a way for the president to communicate important information and, sometimes, to offer reflections and thoughts which challenge us as Federationist to think about specific topics. I look forward to composing a few more Positive Notes in my tenure as your president.<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 first National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina Christmas party is in the books and it took place at the Federation Center of the Blind on Friday, December 6, 2024. The Federation Center and Successful Transitions employees celebrated Christmas with great food, wonderful fellowship, Christmas music in the background and some business on the side. The Federation Center Board and the Successful Transitions Oversight Committee both met face-to-face which does not happen often since the advent of the Zoom platform. I extend my deep appreciation to all who worked so hard to put the party together. Everything was lovely and everyone had a great time! Again, thanks to all who worked on this exciting gathering! I look forward to other Christmas party reports as board members and officers attend the various seasonal parties throughout the state.<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 Statewide Seminar will take place on Saturday, January 4, 2025 beginning at 10:00 a.m. and concluding no later than 4:00 p.m. There will also be a Rocky Bottom auction throughout the day, so gather items for this fundraiser. There is already a men’s and women’s basket donated by Harold and Olivia Anderson that will be auctioned off. If you want to stay in town, rooms are available at $115 plus taxes and fees and a $50 refundable security deposit if not used once you check out. Check in dates are January 3 or 4, 2025 with check out on January 5, 2025 at these rates. Contact the Embassy Suites on Stoneridge Drive, Columbia, SC 29210 no later than December 14, 2024 to reserve your room. Ask for the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina room block. The phone number is 803-252-8700.<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'>Invest in dignity: Every dollar you give doubles<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The NFB matching gift challenge to advance the lives of blind people<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Dignity is the foundation of freedom, justice, and peace in the world. The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) is committed to advancing the lives of blind people, but they need your help. When you give, you help build understanding, respect, and opportunities for all blind people to live the lives they want.<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 why we at HumanWare are happy to participate again in the NFB matching campaign, where every dollar given doubles between October 1 and the end of 2024.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Three ways to give and double your dollars:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>•Give online: nfb.org/donate<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>•Mail a check to: National Federation of the Blind, 200 East Wells Street, Baltimore, MD 21230<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>•Contribute by phone: Call 410-659-9314, extension 2430, to donate using a credit card.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Stay tuned: More matching campaign activities and updates<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'>It is time for chapters and divisions to send in your dues to the state office for 2025. Please provide a list of names with the check. If you have new members that joined this year, please send in their contact information as well as other information we need for our records and for the Membership Portal. For assistance with this, contact Thom Spittle, Membership and Mentoring Chair, at (803-331-3344 or via e-mail at <a href="mailto:membership@nfbofsc.or">membership@nfbofsc.or</a>. Thank you for your prompt attention to this 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'>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'>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'>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'>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><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Invest in dignity: Every dollar you give doubles – 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'>Senior Division Kitchen Basket Fundraiser – January 4, 2025<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'>Statewide Seminar on January 4, 202<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;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>