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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@01DBB78F.0B963000" 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'>April 27, 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'>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'>Positive Note 2020<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'>Today is the last Sunday of April and May brings a whirlwind of activity for many people as the school year closes out, graduations take place, churches hold baccalaureate services to honor their graduates and a myriad of other things. We are just over two months away from the National Convention which is the most exciting time in the National Federation of the Blind’s yearly calendar. During this busy season, let us take time to be thankful for the blessings and opportunities that we have and to look at the positive side of life. Too often, it is easy to get sidetracked by all of the noise that is in the media and on social media. Focus your attention to the things that are good and to the things that we must do collectively to ensure that our priorities as Federationist are front and center.<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'>Midlands Gives is just a mere nine days away and will take place on May 6, 2025. Once again, the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina and Rocky Bottom Retreat and Conference Center of the Blind are participating. While we do not have a match this year thus far, we will still use our time and efforts to leverage this opportunity to fundraise for our beloved organizations. Rocky Bottom hopes to win the Power Hour from twelve to one PM on that day by achieving the most unique donations. Unique donations are determined by name, address and credit card number, and a minimum ten dollar donation is required. To be considered a unique donation, two of the three items can be the same and one must be different. To donate, visit <a href="http://www.midlandsgives.org/nfbofsc">www.midlandsgives.org/nfbofsc</a> or <a href="http://www.midlandsgives.org/rockybottom">www.midlandsgives.org/rockybottom</a>. You can also call the Federation Center on May 6, 2025 for assistance giving online. You may also give $10 through your local chapter and this can be applied to the Power Hour. Please reach out to Valerie Warrington at treasurer@nfbofsc.org or to Marty McKenzie for additional information. I am asking that chapter presidents and other leaders make Midlands Gives a high priority as we seek donations and matches. Also, think about how you can personally influence the out come for the Power Hour for Rocky Bottom.<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 am currently working with the Doubletree to secure information so that we can open registration for the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina State Convention. I realize that it is later than usual and I am attending to it. Working with different hotels does come with different challenges. I hope to have everything needed to open registration in early May.<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, President of the Columbia Chapter<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The Columbia Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina is hosting a Car Wash and Hot Dog Plate fundraiser on Saturday, May 31, 2025, from 10 AM to 3 PM at the Federation Center of the Blind in Columbia. A hot dog plate with sides and a drink costs $15, and a car wash is also $15. Get both for just $25. All proceeds support the chapter’s work. For details, contact Andrew Adams at 803-269-3803 or Tiffany Mitchell at 803-603-2098.<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'>National Convention Hotel Reservations:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The National Convention will take place July 8-13, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The last day to make a reservation in the convention hotel with discounted rate is May 31, 2025. Currently, there are no rooms in the New Orleans Marriott. If you plan to attend and have not booked your room, please do so as soon as possible. The overflow hotel is the Sheraton New Orleans and you can reserve a room there by calling 855-516-1090. This year, Janice Bright will assist NFB of SC members who are seeking a roommate to defray expenses. Please reach out to her at 803-760-3717 or via e-mail at <a href="mailto:ms.jlbright@gmail.com">ms.jlbright@gmail.com</a>. We appreciate Janice’s assistance with this convention item.<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'>Register Today<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Registration is open for the National Federation of the Blind National Convention. The registration fee is $25. Get access to the latest information as it is made available. Register for the 2025 National Convention now! The registration link is <a href="https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=37855&qid=11045175">https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=37855&qid=11045175</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'>NFB25 Virtual Experience Registration<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>We are excited to offer opportunities for engagement and connection to participants who are unable to attend the convention in-person. The Virtual Experience registration fee is $10. Register for the 2025 National Convention Virtual Experience at <a href="https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=37857&qid=11045175">https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=37857&qid=11045175</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'>NFB of SC Scholarship Application Open<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Blind high school seniors, college, or graduate students enrolled full-time can apply for the NFB of SC Scholarship. Applicants must be legally blind, have good grades, show involvement in community or NFB activities, and plan to attend college. Three winners are chosen each year and must attend the state convention in Columbia, SC from August 14–17, 2025. Hotel and registration costs are covered. Winners are announced at the Saturday banquet. The deadline to apply is June 20, 2025. Apply online at <a href="http://www.nfbofsc.org">http://www.nfbofsc.org</a>, where you’ll find detailed instructions.<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 State Convention<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>I am excited to inform our affiliate that members wishing to make hotel reservations for the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina State Convention can now do so. The Doubletree by Hilton located at 2100 Bush River Road in Columbia, SC is the convention hotel for 2025. Singles and doubles are $129 per night, triples are $139 per night and quads are $149 per night, all plus applicable taxes. These rates include breakfast coupons for the number of people in your room up to four individuals. Reservations must be made by July 23, 2025. You may book online at <a href="https://hil.tn/00qbnn">https://hil.tn/00qbnn</a> or by calling Central Reservations at 866-247-3572. When calling, ask for the National Federation of the Blind of SC Attendee Block. Rooms are available between August 12 and 19, 2025 at these rates. We will let you know when registration for the State Convention is available.<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'>Children’s camp<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Rocky Bottom Children’s Camp will take place from June 15 through June 21, 2025 for blind or low vision children ages 6 to 12. If you would like to apply or get more information, please call Thom Spittle at 803-331-3344 or email <a href="mailto:rockybottominfo@gmail.com">rockybottominfo@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'>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'>Midlands Gives closes on May 6, 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'>National Convention room reservations due by May 31, 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'>National Convention early registration due by May 31, 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'>NFB of SC Scholarship applications due by June 20, 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'>NFB of SC hotel reservations and registration due by July 23, 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>