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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@01DC5CB6.47217310" 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'>November 23, 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><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Positive Note 2050<o:p></o:p></span></b></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 have just returned from the Annual Rocky Bottom Board Retreat held each year sometime during the months of November or December. National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina and Rocky Bottom Retreat and Conference Center of the Blind board members gathered at Rocky Bottom on Saturday, November 22, 2025 to hold the fourth quarter meetings. The RBRCCB meeting was held in the morning beginning at 10:00 a.m. This was one of the largest RBRCCB meetings I have participated in as president. The vast majority of board members were present and many guests were in the room. Among the board members was Dr. Tom Bowen who has been unable to attend meetings for sometime due to family medical issues. Dr. Bowen still has great connections and brought a great deal of information to the meeting which was extremely helpful! We are deeply appreciative of his contributions to the meeting.<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'>Chairman Spittle had a robust agenda and the meeting lasted until 12:30 p.m. He announced two new committees to assist different needs at the camp. The Rocky Bottom Retreat and Conference Center of the Blind Fundraising Committee is co-chaired by Olivia Anderson of our Anderson Chapter and First Vice President, Lenora Robertson. This committee will do just as the title says, work on fundraising for the camp. The Facilities and Maintenance Committee is co-chaired by Harold Anderson of the Anderson Chapter and Gerald McMurray of the Belvedere Chapter. The plan is to bring focused organization to the financial and fiscal needs of the camp. The meeting was excellent and there was a sense of excitement about the future of our beloved 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'>The National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina board meeting was just as exciting. Again, there was awesome participation from the board and we welcomed Andrenia Corder, Director of Successful Transitions and others to this meeting. Director Corder provided an update on Successful Transitions which was appreciated by the board. Legislative Director and Transition Specialist, Janice Bright, updated the board on happenings at the national level regarding our advocacy efforts around the RIFs and the request from the national office for our affiliate to seek a meeting with Senator Tim Scott who serves on the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions committee in the senate. We were unsuccessful in getting the in-person meeting with Senator Scott, but Janice and Shannon were able to meet virtually with a senior staffer who gave them approximately 45 minutes of her time and received a thorough education on the issues and our position on them. I appreciate all of the work that has gone into this advocacy effort and there is more to come.<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 contract is signed with the Doubletree by Hilton for the 2026 Annual Convention of the NFB of SC. The convention will take place August 13-16, 2026 and room rates are as follows: singles and doubles - $134; triples - $144 and quads - $154 plus taxes and fees. The concerns brought to my attention were shared with the hotels attention and the staff there had already identified most of them. Registration will open in the spring and we will provide hotel reservation information at that time.<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'>Andrew Adams is heading up plans for a Sweethearts Ball in February and a Family Fun Day in June. These events are handled by the NFB of SC Fundraising committee. There will also be a stronger focus on Midlands Gives and the Banquet Fundraiser. Look forward to additional information in the coming weeks!<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 cannot report on everything from these meetings as you all would grow bored with the Positive Note. I do want to thank the able kitchen Crew headed by Lenora Robertson for a job well done! This included Lenora Robertson, Glenda Culick, Trent Tedder, Frank Loza and Gerald McMurray. During lunch on Saturday, Andrenia Corder also assisted where needed and we thank her as well!<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><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>From Marty R. McKenzie, President of the Clarendon Chapter<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The drawing was held Saturday evening for the beautiful afghan made and donated by Glenda Culick to benefit the Clarendon Chapter of the NFB of SC. Third District Representative, Frank Loza, drew the winning ticket. The lucky winner is Belinda Banks, president of the Spartanburg Chapter and the Blind Merchants of South Carolina Division. Congratulations Belinda!<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><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Pillow Auction to Benefit Federation Center of the Blind<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The drawing is Thursday, December 4, 2025 at 12 noon. This fifteen-by-fifteen inch plush pillow measures six inches deep with a soft cushion and features a supple cloth exterior. Each of the four borders displays a beautiful orange, green, blue and white square design. The top of the pillow is white with the NFB logo hand-stitched into the fabric in two each, reflective green, blue and orange “Whozits.” This pillow will make a great conversation starter on the sofa, chair or on a shelf. You will not want to miss out on winning this fantastic Federation pillow! Oh, by the way, inside the back flap of the pillow there is an assortment of gift cards just in time for Christmas! Bids on this pillow will be accepted by emails sent to <a href="mailto:nfbsc@sc.rr.com">nfbsc@sc.rr.com</a>. In the subject line write Pillow.<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><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>At-Large Chapter Fundraiser<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The At-Large Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina is holding an iPad Drawing Fundraiser to support its programs and outreach. The prize is a new 11-inch Apple iPad with an A16 chip and 128 GB of storage. Tickets are $10 each or three for $20. Payments can be mailed to Ed and Julie Bible, 136 Penny Lane, Lexington, SC 29073, or sent by PayPal to <a href="mailto:nfbofsc.atlargechapter@gmail.com">nfbofsc.atlargechapter@gmail.com</a>. The drawing will take place on Saturday, January 10, 2026, during the Statewide Seminar, and participants do not need to be present to win.<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><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>From Lenora Robertson<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The Rock Hill Chapter is selling tickets on a beautiful hand-made quilt quilted by Ms. Pearline Barber. Tickets are one for $5 or three for $10. Contact Lenora Robertson at 803-984-7855 or via e-mail at <a href="mailto:lrobertson@comporium.net">lrobertson@comporium.net</a>, or any of the Rock Hill Chapter members to get your tickets. Due to increased interest, the drawing has been moved to December 12, 2025 at the chapter Christmas party.<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><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Palmetto Connects<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The next Palmetto Connects is scheduled for Tuesday, December 2, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. on the NFB of SC Zoom platform. 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><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Things to Remember<o:p></o:p></span></b></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'>Palmetto Connects on Tuesday, December 2, 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'>Federation Center drawing on December 4, 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'>Rock Hill Chapter drawing on December 12, 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'>Banquet pledges due by December 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'>State dues due on December 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'>Statewide Seminar on January 10, 2026<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'>At-Large drawing on January 10, 2026<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>