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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@01DC0F92.A47BC950" 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'>August 17, 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 2036<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'>We concluded the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina 69<sup>th</sup> Annual State Convention earlier today where 198 enthusiastic members gathered for a time of “Learning Lifting Leading.” Our students were present and showed out as Trenton Smith, re-elected President of the SC Association of Blind Students, provided the invocation. Landon Bryson and Kaitland Davis delivered the National Anthem beautifully. David Bundy and his Eagle Scouts presented the colors. Shelia Wright, National Representative from Missouri delivered the National Report and we heard from the SC School for the Deaf and the Blind, the SC State Library Talking Book Services and the SC Commission for the Blind. Dr. Tina Herzberg and Landon Bryson talked about Summer Camps 2025 and Landon made it real for everyone with his powerful presentation. Sonia Timmons brought us up-to-date on happenings in the Parents of Blind Children Division and I concluded with The Presidential Report.<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 afternoon led with a cross-generational panel titled “Generational Stories: Finding Common Ground” facilitated by Dr. Tina Herzberg, Professor from the University of South Carolina Upstate, and Sonia Timmons, SC Parents of Blind Children Leader. Panelists included Debra Canty, Second Vice President of the NFB of SC representing boomers, Clay Jeffcoat, Statewide Business Manager for the Division of Outreach Services, SC School for the Deaf and the Blind, representing Generation X, Sarah Massengale, Digital Accessibility Professional, representing Millennials and Kaitland Davis, student, representing Gen Z. The panel responded to questions that addressed the cross-generational complexity of our society as it relates to blind and low vision individuals. The audience was fully engaged and asked questions at the end. We appreciate our panelists joining us and sharing their experiences and thoughts with us.<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'>David Bundy and Steve Cook delivered an informative session on “Wearables: What They Can Do for you.” There are many varieties available and they summarized information about several of these. Janice Bright and David Houck, Co-Chairs of the Legislative and Advocacy Committee, brought the convention up-to-date on happenings in South Carolina and Washington. Hubert Holmes and Kaitland Davis, both from Successful Transitions, also shared briefly about their experiences at the Washington 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'>The afternoon session was rounded out by a Federation Center Report from Executive Director, David Houck and Federation Center Board Chair, Ed Bible. Thom Spittle, Rocky Bottom Board Chair, brought a report from RBRCCB and Tracy Spittle reported on Children’s Camp. Sarah Massengale, Digital Accessibility Professional, updated the convention on “ADA Title II: Web Accessibility Final Rule.” The convention adjourned in order to prepare for the evening banquet.<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 69<sup>th</sup> Annual NFB of SC banquet was one for the record books. Federationist delighted in each others company and Shelia Wright delivered her story. She viewed herself through the sighted people around her until she learned that she did not need to do that. Once she viewed herself as blind, her confidence gained and she embraced the possibilities. She had the opportunity to work with Dr. Jernigan while at the Iowa Department of the Blind. The banquet attendees connected with her story, especially our newer and first time members.<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'>Scholarship winners this year were Andrew Adams, Patrick Ordonez and Morgan Vitou. The scholarship amounts awarded exceeded previous years. All of the students expressed their appreciation and they were well received by the convention. Below is a list of other awards presented.<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><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'>Rocky Bottom Retreat and Conference Center of the Blind Distinguished Service Award presented to Shelley Coppel and Shannon Cook for their many years of service leading Seniors Camp.<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'>The Educator of the Year Award presented to Cindy Percy from Charleston for her excellence as a Teacher of Blind Students and Orientation and Mobility Specialist.<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'>The Donald C. Capps Award presented to Janice Bright for her high level of engagement within the NFB of SC and her leadership in so many areas.<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'>The Betty R. Capps Award presented to Sonia Timmons for her high level of engagement with the NFB of SC and her leadership in the Parents of Blind Children Division both locally and at the national level.<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'>The Presidential Citation presented to Steve Cook for his decades of tireless service to the NFB of SC, his work at the national level and his work with other affiliates.<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'>The Banquet Fundraiser was a huge success this year! The first three contributions were in the amount of $1,000 each which set the tone for the evening. Federationist had fun giving for their pets and guide dogs as well. The total in-hand and with pledges is $11,340. All pledges should be paid by December 31, 2025. The NFB of Sc Board of Directors thanks all who contributed so generously to our affiliate!<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 Sunday morning session started with “Remembering Those Who Went Before Us” led by Melinda Jones. Melinda put together a beautiful program and we extend our appreciation to all who participated. Other business included treasurers’ reports from the NFB of SC Treasurer, Valerie Warrington and Rocky Bottom Treasurer, Roger Webb. All reports were excellent showing the organizations in good standing. Frank Coppel delivered his report on Doing Our Fair Share. The NFB of SC ranks number 10 on PAC. We rank number 2 on SUN. We appreciate all who support our national organization on a regular basis!<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'>Elections were held with no changes to the Board of Directors. District One Representative: Michelle Scott; District 3 Representative: Frank Loza; District Five Representative: Linda Dizzley; At-Large Representative Belinda Banks; and At-Large Representative: Roger Webb. The National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina is represented by an excellent board and I thank you all for your continued service!<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'>Finally, there was an exceptional number of door prizes this year including lots of cash! The affiliate demonstrated its generosity in so many ways and I, as president, am deeply grateful for your commitment to the organization and all you did to make it a huge success! As president, I may be charged with planning the convention with input from others, but the convention belongs to all of us as we have a part to play in this work together. Thanks to all for everything you did! Our final registration number was 198 which is an outstanding number!<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, September 2, 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'>Things to Remember<o:p></o:p></span></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Palmetto Connects on September 2, 2025<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Banquet pledges due by December 31, 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'><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>