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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=91 style='width:.8416in;height:.95in' src="cid:image003.png@01DBDE87.2DBF8900" 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 15, 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 2027<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'>Happy Father’s Day! Father’s Day began in the early 20th century to honor fathers and celebrate their role in families. The idea came from Sonora Smart Dodd of Spokane, Washington, who wanted to recognize her father, a Civil War veteran and single parent. The first Father's Day was celebrated on June 19, 1910. Over time, support grew, and in 1972, President Richard Nixon made it a permanent national holiday, celebrated each year on the third Sunday in June. The day holds significance as a time to appreciate fathers, father figures, and the important contributions they make in the lives of their children.<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'>As we draw ever closer to the National Convention, the National Office released the first of several e-mails that help prepare members to attend this exciting event. These go to all NFB members and I encourage you to read this e-mail. The agenda for the National Convention is now available in html format at <a href="https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=39230&qid=11395534">https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=39230&qid=11395534</a>. The MS-Word version is also there along with other versions as well. The app for the convention which can be accessed on your smartphone or tablet is scheduled for release on June 17, 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'>National Convention is an exciting time for everyone and all blind or low vision people are welcome to attend! The National Office requires that it be a safe and inviting environment for everyone. I highly recommend and strongly encourage all members, but especially convention attendees, to review the National Federation of the Blind Code of Conduct at <a href="https://nfb.org/about-us/history-and-governance/code-conduct">https://nfb.org/about-us/history-and-governance/code-conduct</a>. You will find here the Code of Conduct in several formats as well as a link to President Riccobono’s article in the <i>Braille Monitor</i> on the history of the Code of Conduct.<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 a friendly reminder to make your reservations for the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina’s State Convention being held August 14-17, 2025 at the Doubletree by Hilton. There is no room rate guarantee after July 23, 2025, so be sure to contact the hotel for your reservation needs. Book online at <a href="https://hil.tn/00qbnn">https://hil.tn/00qbnn</a> or call Central Reservations at 866-247-3572 and ask for the National Federation of the Blind of SC Attendee Block. Note: Your card will be charged for the first night at the time of booking. These rates apply to reservations between August 12 and 19, 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'>To register for the NFB of SC 2025 State Convention, visit <a href="http://www.nfbofsc.org">www.nfbofsc.org</a> and find the heading “2025 National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina State Convention Registration.” Read all the instructions carefully before accessing the form. If you have questions, contact Steve Cook at 803-260-1292. You should complete the form even if you are not using PayPal to pay.<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'>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'>The National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina invites you to kick off the 2025 Annual State Convention with “An Evening to Remember: Prom Night & Talent Show” on Friday, August 15, from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM. This special evening will feature a best dressed contest where two individuals will be crowned Prom King and Queen and awarded $200 each based on their individual style and presentation. The event will also include a talent show showcasing up to 15 contestants, each given three minutes to perform. Talent show entry is $25 per act. Open to Federation members of all ages, this event is a celebration of confidence, creativity, and community spirit. Don’t miss this unforgettable night of style, entertainment, and Federation pride. for more information, please contact a member of the Columbia Chapter Board.<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'>Door Prizes<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>First Vice President Lenora Robertson will again serve as the door prize chairperson. Please bring your door prizes to the state convention and give them directly to her. If shipping, address them to Lenora Robertson, 1258 Roundtree Circle, Rock Hill, SC 29732. Shipments should arrive no later than Wednesday, August 13, 2025. Door prizes should have a minimum value of $10. Cash is always welcome!<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 NFB invites members to participate in the 'Give $25 in '25' campaign running from May 15 to July 11. Donating $25 or more enters you into a prize drawing. Prizes include a trip for two to the 2026 NFB National Convention or a $2,025 cash award. Each $25 increment earns an additional entry.<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:l1 level1 lfo3'><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:l1 level1 lfo3'><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:l1 level1 lfo3'><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><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></div></body></html>