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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@01DC8892.576398E0" 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 18, 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: 2058<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'>Monday, January 19, 2026 is recognized as Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in the United States. This day honors the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr., a key leader of the American Civil Rights Movement. Observed on the third Monday of January, the federal holiday recognizes Dr. King’s work to end racial segregation and discrimination through nonviolent protest, inspired by principles of justice and equality. Congress established the holiday in 1983, and it was first observed nationwide in 1986. Since 1994, MLK Day has also been recognized as a National Day of Service, encouraging Americans to volunteer and work together to strengthen their communities while advancing Dr. King’s dream of freedom and dignity for all.<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'>Please join the NFB of SC Computer Science and Technology Division for a presentation on InnoSearch.AI. This meeting will take place on Monday, January 19, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. on the NFB of SC Zoom platform. The meeting ID is 803 254 3777 and the passcode is 124578. If you are dialing in, call 929-205-6099 and enter the meeting ID shown above. We hope to see you there for this time of learning about an accessible online shopping platform that also has AI capabilities built into it.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>We continue with fun ways to use AI. This is something I did to get information. This actual activity is something not everyone cares about, but it serves to demonstrate how useful AI can be in unusual situations. I have a queen size bed with a headboard and footboard. As a blind man, I now realize that I do not care for beds with footboards as I inadvertently bump into them time and again now matter how careful I am. Over time, the footboard becomes warped and no longer stands straight.<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 created this prompt. “I have a white cedar queen size headboard and footboard. I want to discontinue the footboard and use the headboard only on the queen size configuration. The rails attach into slots. What options do I have?” ChatGPT provided a solution which requires no modification to the existing furniture and allows me to discontinue and store the footboard.<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 will take place on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at 8:00 p.m. on the NFB of SC Zoom platform. See the instructions to access this meeting provided earlier in this Positive Note for the InnoSearch.AI presentation. Share this information widely.<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'>The National Federation of the Blind National Convention will take place July 3–8, 2026, in Austin, Texas, with rooms available at the JW Marriott and the Austin Marriott Downtown overflow hotel. Room rates are $139 per night for single or double occupancy and $155 per night for triple or quad occupancy, plus 19% in taxes and fees. The first night’s stay is charged at the time of booking. To reserve a room at either hotel, call 800-627-7468 and use room block BL1. Cancellations made by May 31, 2026, will receive a refund of one-half of the deposit. There are no refunds after May31, 2026.<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 Kenneth Jernigan Scholarships help active blind and sighted first-time convention attendees take part in the National Convention, with applications due by March 31, 2026. There is a required meeting with President Marty McKenzie for a letter of support. In recent years, individual scholarships have been $700 and family scholarships $1,100, which do not cover all expenses. Recipients receive a prepaid VISA card after arriving at the hotel at a designated time and location. Applicants must meet the following requirements:<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:l1 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>State whether applying as an individual or a family<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'>Provide full contact information, including name, primary phone number, mobile phone if available, mailing address, and email or a contact who can assist with email<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'>List state affiliate and chapter information, including state and chapter presidents if applicable<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'>Identify a personal convention mentor and provide their phone number<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'>Explain the amount of funding requested and how it will help make attendance possible<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'>Answer essay questions describing current participation in the Federation, reasons for attending convention, what the applicant hopes to gain, what they can contribute in return, and any special circumstances for consideration<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 application is online and must be completed in one session. It is suggested that applicants prepare their responses to the above prompts in Microsoft Word and then copy and paste. If you are not proficient with a computer, please reach out to a friend to get assistance.<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 National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina State Board meeting is scheduled for Saturday, February 7, 2026 at the Federation Center of the Blind at 10:00 a.m. Meetings are open to all members. If an executive session is required, everyone except board members will be excused. These happen rarely and generally do not last very long.<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='margin-left:.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Palmetto Connects on February 3, 2026<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Sweethearts Ball on February 6, 2026<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>State Board meeting on February 7, 2026 beginning at 10:00 a.m.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>National Scholarship applications due by March 31, 2026<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Kenneth Jernigan Scholarship applications due by March 31, 2026<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>National Convention hotel reservations due by May 31, 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'><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>