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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@01DB653B.477C35C0" 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'>January 12, 2025<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 2005<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'>Approximately 80 Federationist gathered on Zoom for the 2025 Statewide Seminar on Saturday morning. Attendees were excited about what is happening in the NFB of SC and its partner organizations the SC Commission for the Blind and the SC School for the Deaf and the Blind. According to the presenters, things are going well at both agencies. We extend our appreciation to Commissioner Darline Graham, Director of Administration Luis Mendoza and President Jolene Madison for taking time out on a wintery Saturday morning to speak with the blind of SC.<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'>James Byers, member of the Cherokee County Chapter, gave a very inspiring talk on his lived experiences at the Louisiana Center of the Blind. James is attending the center to sharpen his skills in orientation and mobility, access technology, braille, home management and wood shop to name a few. The confidence that James exuded during his presentation was infectious and seminar attendees extend congratulations to James on his efforts to live the life he wants.<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'>Sonia Timmons serves as the SC Parents of Blind Children leader and on the national board of the Parents of Blind Children. She recently traveled to Baltimore where she participated in plans for the upcoming national convention in New Orleans. Sonya also shared these updates:<o:p></o:p></span></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>NOPOBC is looking for both sighted and blind parents of blind/low vision children to participate in the Parent Leadership Program hosted in Baltimore on February 1-3. The program will teach the history of NFB, tour the building, learn how to advocate for blind children and how to support state POBC chapters. <o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Reminder that advocates are available to assist with IEP and educational advocacy needs should you run into someone that needs help, please contact Casey Robertson at crobertson@nfb.org or education@nfb.org<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>SCPOBC plans to host a call the week of February 18th to discuss planning youth track programming at the state convention. Please reach out to Sonia Timmons at scpobc@nfbofsc.org if you are interested in helping. <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'>Ed Bible and David Houck gave updates from the Federation Center. The center is a beehive of activity right now as we gear up for the Legislative Breakfast on January 22, 2025 and work to release the Palmetto Blind. The legislative priority for the NFB of SC is to increase the homestead exemption which will decrease the financial burden on homeowners who are blind, over 65 or otherwise disabled. The Federation Center continues to raise funds to replace the old windows in the building in an effort to improve its overall efficiency. There is a lot happening at the state headquarters!<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'>Janice Bright provided an update on the three pieces of legislation supported by the National Office this year during the Washington Seminar. These are:<o:p></o:p></span></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The Blind Americans Return to Work Act<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The Medical Device Non-Visual Accessibility Act<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The Websites and Software applications Accessibility Act<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'>These priorities are not new but the National Office believes we can make headway during this Washington Seminar. Our delegation is excited to go to Washington and meet with our representatives on the hill.<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'>Career Quest, sponsored by the National Office, has invited five students from Successful Transitions to participate in programming the weekend before and during the Washington Seminar. The South Carolina affiliate is the first state organization to have students invited and we are excited about this opportunity! Congratulations to Andrenia, Andrew and all of the Successful Transitions team on obtaining this adventure for our students.<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'>Thom Spittle gave an update on Rocky Bottom including the conclusion of the Friends of Rocky Bottom campaign. The fundraiser brought in approximately $11,300 which will assist RBRCCB with making it through the winter. Additionally, he auctioned off a pound cake which will be made by Trent Tedder of the Clarendon County Chapter and won by Laverne Addison of the Charleston Chapter. Thom encouraged members to promote Rocky Bottom as a place where groups can travel for relaxation or retreats.<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'>Frank Coppel announced the organization raised $2,440 in 2024 for SUN Shares which placed our affiliate in the top five. We will have a total next week but 2025 donations for SUN Shares continued to come in even after the seminar.<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'>Lastly, the location of the 2025 state convention was discussed. Unexpectedly, the Embassy Suites in Columbia closed on January 7, 2025 and we must identify a location for our 2025 convention. There will be additional updates in future Positive Notes as we move forward with this need.<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'>Palmetto Connects will take place on January 14, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. immediately following the At Large chapter meeting on the NFB of SC Zoom platform. The phone number to call in is 929-205-6099 and the Meeting ID is 803 254 3777#. If you are joining from a PC, Mac or tablet, tap Join in the Zoom App and enter Meeting ID 803 254 3777 and the passcode of 124578 to join the meeting. I will host this meeting and First Vice President Lenora Robertson will host the February meeting. Board members get ready, we are sharing Palmetto Connects this year! I am asking chapter presidents to activate their calling trees and get the word out. Let’s increase our Palmetto Connects attendance in 2025.<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, Columbia Chapter Member<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>During the Thursday evening Chapter meeting, the Clemson and Carolina quilt winners were announced. The Gamecock quilt winner was Kim Crabtree of Rock Hill and the winner of the Clemson quilt was Ronnie Simpkins of Aiken. Thanks to everyone who bought tickets from the Columbia Chapter for these items.<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 Sports and Recreation Division<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The Sports and Recreation Division is at a crucial point. We met on January 8, 2025 but did not have anyone interested in taking on the role as president. We will meet again on February 12, 2025 at 7:00 PM to decide if we will continue as a division or to drop back to a committee or a group. Please join us to share your thoughts about the changes under consideration.<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>g. 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 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 next Senior’s Division meeting. 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'>From Steve Cook:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The Computer Science and Technology Division will hold a drawing soon for a jug of candy. The cost to enter is $2 for one guess or 3 guesses for $5. If more than one person gets the correct answer or comes the closest, their names will go into a random drawing of just those people for the prize. It is approximately a two gallon jar. Please help support our division to help fund our scholarship and other technology activities. If you don’t eat candy, you can give it to someone who does, so don’t let that stop you from supporting the CSTD!<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 Belinda Banks, President of the Blind Merchants Division<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The Blind Merchants Division of the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina is back with our 2025 Sweethearts Sale! We are selling boutonnieres and corsages for the Sweethearts Ball. Boutonnieres are $15 and Corsages are $20. Purchase both for a special price of $30. This is a pre-sale event, so please make your purchase before February 1, 2025. For more information or to place an order, please contact Belinda Banksat 864-909-5587 or via e-mail at <a href="mailto:banksbelinda21@gmail.com">banksbelinda21@gmail.com</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'>From Andrew Adams, District 2 Representative<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 invites you to its annual Sweetheart Ball on Friday, February 14, 2025 from 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM at the Kathy Novinger Girl Scout Leadership Center. Tickets are $30 per person or $240 per table. Tickets can be purchased by: 1) Sending a check or money order to: Federation Center, 119 S. Kilbourne Rd., Columbia, SC 29205; 2) Using NFB of SC PayPal and including “Sweetheart Ball” in the memo field. This is a wonderful opportunity to fellowship and enjoy a special evening. Don’t miss out!<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 Frank Loza, District 3 Representative:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Federation family, the cold weather is here, and it’s time to get your NFB of SC jackets! There are two styles: a Microfiber that comes in black or Blue in sizes small to 4x and a Polyester Blend that comes in black, blue and gray in sizes small to 5x. On the back of the jacket is our national logo with the text National Federation of the Blind and “Live the Life You Want.” On the left front side are the words NFB of SC. If another state would like one of these jackets, they can be created. The logo and lettering are embroidered, so they can be felt. The Microfiber is $80 and the Polyester blend is $70. If you have any questions, call Frank Loza at 803-617-8016. You can pay by check, money order, PayPal or Zelle. If you pay by PayPal or Zelle, you will make the payment to my email, which is <a href="mailto:floza58@bellsouth.net">floza58@bellsouth.net</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'>Things to remember<o:p></o:p></span></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>State dues submitted as soon as possible<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Senior Division Kitchen Basket Fundraiser – next Senior’s Division Meeting<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Computer Science and Technology fundraiser drawing<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Sweetheart Ball on February 14, 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>