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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@01DC7DB3.57F4C7F0" 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'>January 4, 2026<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: 2056<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'>January 4 is recognized as World Braille Day. World Braille Day celebrates the birth of Louis Braille and recognizes Braille as a powerful tool of literacy, independence, and equality for blind people. This day affirms that blindness is not the characteristic that defines a person or limits their future. Instead, lack of access and opportunity create barriers. Braille provides full access to reading, writing, mathematics, and technology, empowering blind individuals to compete on equal terms in school, work, and daily life. World Braille Day reminds us that with high expectations, proper training, and accessible tools, blind people can live the lives they want.<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 week’s AI tip or trick is very simple. If you have access to Siri on your iPhone, Google Assistant on Android phones or a smart speaker such as the Alexa, you can easily access weather information to assist you with planning outings. I often ask the Alexa what the outside temperature is. I can also get information about the weather forecast, wind speed and even the real feel temperature. This one seems so simple, but it is a tip that can enhance the lives of blind people.<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 Annual Statewide Seminar will take place on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at the Federation Center of the Blind beginning at 10:00 AM. Chapter presidents, please let David Houck know how many of your members plan to attend by close of business on Monday, January 5, 2026. We need an accurate count for lunch preparation. This seminar will be exciting as we are going to change some things up. I look forward to seeing you there!<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'>Rocky Bottom Auction at Statewide Seminar<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>There will be an auction to benefit Rocky Bottom during the Statewide Seminar! Bring your baked goods, your items you wish to regift that are very nice and anything that you think others may enjoy bidding on. The auction will take place throughout the day based on the number of items available. For more information, contact Chairman Thom Spittle at 803-331-3344.<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 Andrew Adams:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Join us for the Sweetheart Ball on February 6th for an unforgettable evening of fun, fellowship, and celebration. Tickets are $30 per person, making it a perfect night out for members and guests. Gather your friends and reserve a full table for $240 to enjoy the evening together. The purpose of the Sweetheart Ball is to bring our members together while supporting a meaningful cause. Proceeds raised will help sponsor members to attend the national convention in Austin, Texas. Come out, dress up, and participate in a night that strengthens our community and invests in our future.<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'>Experience comfort, convenience, and a true chance to relax at Tru by Hilton Columbia Greystone, located at 185 Stoneridge Drive, Columbia, SC 29210. Lock in the exclusive group rate of $117 per night, not including taxes, for February 4–8, 2026—perfect for attendees of the Legislative Breakfast on February 5, the Sweethearts Ball on February 6, and the State Board Meeting on February 7. After long days of meetings and fellowship, kick off your shoes, rest your feet, and unwind in modern, comfortable accommodations designed to help you recharge. Each morning begins with a complimentary hot breakfast, making it easy to start your day refreshed and ready. With its welcoming atmosphere and convenient location, this hotel keeps you close to the action while giving you space to relax. Rooms are limited and the reservation deadline is January 15, 2026, so book early to secure your stay at the center of the week’s events. The booking link is <a href="https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/deeplink/?ctyhocn=CAEGYRU&groupCode=90I&arrivaldate=2026-02-04&departuredate=2026-02-08&cid=OM,WW,HILTONLINK,EN,DirectLink&fromId=HILTONLINKDIRECT">https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/deeplink/?ctyhocn=CAEGYRU&groupCode=90I&arrivaldate=2026-02-04&departuredate=2026-02-08&cid=OM,WW,HILTONLINK,EN,DirectLink&fromId=HILTONLINKDIRECT</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><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The January Edition of the Braille Monitor<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Please take time to review the January issue of The Braille Monitor. In this issue you will find hotel reservation information for the national convention being held in Austin, Texas July 3-8, 2026. Remember, if you want to be in the convention hotel, you must book early! Information is also there about the Kenneth Jernigan Scholarships as well as the National Federation of the Blind Scholarship program. Other interesting articles that highlight NFB philosophy are also included.<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>