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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@01DBD344.30828AA0" 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'>June 1, 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'>Positive Note 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'>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 first five months of the year are behind us, high school and college graduations are complete and the school year has ended. We now move to the myriad of activities that will take place during the summer months. Chapters are conducting fundraisers in an effort to assist members to attend the national and state convention. As we move forward, let us take time to stay on top of information shared from the national office through e-mail correspondence, the Braille Monitor and other publications that keep us informed on Federation happenings.<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 next Palmetto Connects is scheduled for Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. on the NFB of SC Zoom platform. Your host for this event is a surprise! The phone number is 929-205-6099 and the meeting ID is 803 254 3777#. If you are using the Zoom app on your computer, phone or tablet, activate the Join button and enter the above meeting ID without the # sign. The passcode is 124578 for use with these devices. Continue to encourage members to participate in this monthly meeting so that we can improve our attendance.<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'>Registration and hotel reservations for the national convention being held in New Orleans have now closed. You may register on site for $30 but the deadline has passed to reserve a room at the special rate. I look forward to seeing many of you in New Orleans!<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'>Call for Volunteers<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>We are seeking volunteers for the Independence Market at the 2025 National Convention. Volunteers are needed for the following roles:<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'>Demonstrators<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'>Storekeepers<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'>Line Marshals<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'>Cashiers<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Each volunteer will work a six-hour shift, split between a four-hour shift (morning or afternoon) and a two-hour lunch shift. Storekeeper and cashier shifts are longer to accommodate shift overlaps and the count-out procedure at the end of each day.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>If you are interested in volunteering, please contact me at <a href="mailto:president@nfbofsc.org">president@nfbofsc.org</a> or by phone at 843-939-8091.<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'>Lead and Drive: Give $25 in ‘25<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 invites supporters to participate in the Lead and Drive: Give $25 in '25 campaign from May 15 to July 11. Donating $25 or more earns an entry into a prize drawing, with each $25 adding another chance to win. Prizes include a trip for two to the 2026 NFB National Convention in Austin, hotel and event costs covered including $1,000 walking around money, or $2,025 in cash. The first 100 donors of $100 or more receive AfterShokz headphones. Donors can also become Federation Challengers by encouraging others to give, with special drawings and public recognition. Contributions may support the White Cane Fund, Kenneth Jernigan Fund, SUN Fund, or tenBroek Fund. An anonymous donor will match all gifts up to $25,000. Donate online at <a href="http://www.nfb.org/Give25">www.nfb.org/Give25</a>, Donate, by phone, or by mail. Your support helps continue the Federation’s mission.<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'><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'>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. When making your reservations, please remember that the first night will be charged to your card at the time of the reservation. Rooms are available between August 12 and 19, 2025 at these rates.<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 – NFB of SC Registration Link<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The registration link for the NFB of SC 2025 State Convention is now available! All you need to do is go to <a href="http://www.nfbofsc.org">www.nfbofsc.org</a> and look for the heading “2025 National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina State Convention Registration.” Read all of the information before you click on the link to access the registration form. Let me know if you have any questions about filling out the form. I will be glad to assist people in filling out the form if you contact me at 803-260-1292. Even if you do not plan to pay with PayPal, you can still fill out your registration information using the online form.<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 Convention Grants<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The 2025 Palmetto Convention Grant offers three $200 awards to help first-time in-person members attend the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina state convention. To qualify, applicants must be dues-paying members in good standing, registered for the convention and hotel, and must submit a completed application packet by 11:59 p.m. on June 30, 2025. The application must include a personal letter explaining the applicant’s goals and background with the NFB, and a letter of recommendation from an NFB of SC chapter or division president. All materials should be emailed as attachments to <a href="mailto:secretary@nfbofsc.org">secretary@nfbofsc.org</a> and preferably typed for accessibility. Contact Shannon Cook via e-mail or via telephone at 803-605-4250 with questions or for additional information.<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'>Things to Remember<o:p></o:p></span></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Palmetto Connects on June 3, 2025 at 8:00 p.m.•<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'><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 lfo2'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Palmetto Grant Scholarship applications due by June 30, 2025<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'><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>