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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@01DB4F30.B6836310" 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 15, 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 2001<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'>It is ten days until Christmas day celebrated by Christians worldwide, and parties are in full swing in South Carolina. I am aware of at least five parties that occurred this week including Anderson, Columbia, Chesterfield, Sumter and Rock Hill. If you wish to share information from your Christmas party with the entire affiliate through the Positive Note, please send it to me by 12:00 p.m. on Saturday so that I can include it. It is great to hear what other chapters are doing to celebrate the season and live the lives we 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'>From First Vice President, Lenora Robertson<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>I attended the Chesterfield Chapter Christmas party on December 12, 2024 where 10 Federationist gathered to celebrate. They requested that I share information about the upcoming Statewide Seminar and the Washington Seminar. They asked that I come back in April to update them on things happening during the first part of the year. The Chesterfield Chapter is alive and well!<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'>I also held my chapter Christmas party on December 13, 2024 and had 35 people there. It was a great evening of food, fellowship and gifts. My Pastor, Lynn Hollace, brought an inspirational devotion on peace that was enjoyed by all. Dan Bradley and others did a great job with music and Rick and Theresa Jenkins fed us very well. Thanks to everyone who participated this year in the Rock Hill chapter Christmas party!<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'>A message from Debra Canty, President of the Sumter Chapter:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The Sumter Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina hosted its 51st Annual Fundraising Christmas Gala on Tuesday, December 10th 2024 with 300 people in attendance. The keynote speaker, Garrick Scott of Georgia spoke on the theme: “Our vision of the blind includes guidance for the ‘unseen’ to be ‘seen;!”. The gourmet dinner was prepared by Green caterers and served by a local baseball team. It was delicious, and the soft Christmas music allowed friends of the Sumter Chapter to greet each other with a pleasant smile. The testimonies of Karen Davis, Marvin Nelson and Patrice Williams blessed the crowd! We are so thankful for all of our faithful supporters and dedicated volunteers in 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'>From Steve Cook<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>We have exciting news! The NFB of SC now has a dedicated announce-only list. This list is for people who want only the NFB of SC news and announcements without chatter. It will include our weekly Positive Notes and The Palmetto Blind publications throughout the year. To subscribe, send a message to: <a href="mailto:nfbofsc-newsletters-subscribe@nfbnet.org">nfbofsc-newsletters-subscribe@nfbnet.org</a>. Please share with everyone!<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 David Houck, Executive Director of the Federation Center<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The Federation Center of the Blind will be closed Tuesday through Thursday, December 24-26 for Christmas. We will be in on Monday and Friday. We will also be closed on Wednesday, January 1 for New Year's Day.<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.<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, 2025<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>