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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@01DC938A.D54E7150" 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'>February 1, 2026<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>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'>From: Marty R. McKenzie, President<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>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'>Positive Note: 2060<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Dear Federation Family,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Black History Month is observed every February in the United States to honor the achievements, contributions, and resilience of African Americans throughout history. It was established in 1926 by historian Carter G. Woodson as “Negro History Week”, chosen to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. In 1976, it was officially expanded to a month-long observance. Black History Month is significant because it highlights stories and accomplishments that were often left out of traditional history books, including advances in civil rights, science, education, music, and government. The month also encourages reflection on the ongoing struggle for equality and reminds us that Black history is an essential part of American history.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Currently, multiple winter weather warnings and watches are in place across South Carolina with significant snow and wintery mix accumulations on the ground. This is the second winter storm this year and there is a hint that we my face another such event. We will monitor the weather and the travel conditions in the state in regards to the Legislative Breakfast, Sweetheart Ball and State Board meeting, all of which take place February 5-7, 2026. Please keep a check on neighbors and others who live alone during this challenging time.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>We can access AI through the use of Echo devices, Siri on the iPhone, Bixby on Android phones, and apps such as ChatGPT, Gemini and Claude. There are certainly others that are available. When creating an AI prompt, the best results are obtained when the prompt is specific and detailed. For example, this prompt could be used to write an e-mail declining attendance at the upcoming NFB of SC State Board meeting. ”Create an e-mail that declines my attendance at the State Board meeting on Saturday, February, 7 2026 with the inclement weather as my reason.” Try it and see what you get.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Palmetto Connects<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Given the uncertainty in the weather we are experiencing, there will be no Palmetto Connects on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. Stay warm and safe!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>From Andrew Adams:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>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'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>The National Federation of the Blind National Convention will be held July 3–8, 2026, in Austin, Texas, at the JW Marriott and the Austin Marriott Downtown overflow hotel. Room rates are $139 per night for single or double occupancy and $155 for triple or quad occupancy, plus 19% in taxes and fees. The first night is charged when booking. To reserve a room, call 800-627-7468 and use room block BL1. Cancellations made by May 31, 2026, receive a 50% deposit refund; no refunds are available after that date.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>The Kenneth Jernigan Scholarships support active blind and sighted first-time attendees at the National Convention. Applications are due by March 31, 2026, and applicants must meet with President Marty McKenzie for a letter of support. In recent years, individual awards have been $700 and family awards $1,100; these do not cover all expenses. Recipients receive a prepaid VISA card after arriving at the hotel at a specified time and location. The online application must be completed in one session, so applicants are encouraged to prepare responses in Microsoft Word and copy and paste them. Those not comfortable using a computer should seek help from a friend. The online application can be found at <a href="https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/kenneth-jernigan-convention-scholarship">https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/kenneth-jernigan-convention-scholarship</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>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'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>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:l1 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>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 lfo2'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>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 lfo2'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>National Scholarship applications due by March 31, 2026<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Kenneth Jernigan Scholarship applications due by March 31, 2026<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>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'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><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/"><span style='color:#0563C1'>www.nfbofsc.org</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>