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</v:shapetype><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_1" 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:-251658240;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@01DCBFA1.3EA01270" align=left hspace=12 alt="NFB of SC logo with tagline live the life you want" v:shapes="Picture_x0020_1"><![endif]><span style='line-height:150%'>March 29, 2026<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:1.5pt;text-align:justify'>Memo To: Executive Officers, Board Members, Chapter & Division Presidents & Others<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:1.5pt;text-align:justify'>From: Marty R. McKenzie, President<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:1.0in;text-align:justify'>843-939-8091 <a href="mailto:president@nfbofsc.org">president@nfbofsc.org</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:1.0in;text-align:justify'>Positive Note: 2068<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:1.0in;text-align:justify'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Dear Federation Family,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The Annual Statewide Leadership Seminar took place on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at the Federation Center of the Blind. The day kicked off with introductions of the 28 attendees present. We spent time discussing the upcoming National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina State Convention, noting that early bird registration and hotel reservation information will soon be available.</span><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>We shared information about Midlands Gives. This year, we have cards available with a QR code as well as the URL for donations for both the NFB of SC and Rocky Bottom. Board members and chapter leaders were encouraged to take these cards and share them with people they know to increase our Midlands Gives contributions. Midlands Gives is an easy fundraising opportunity when we all pitch in and do our fair share.</span><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Adam Thayer of Thrivent Financial Group provided fundraising strategies along with tips and tricks on how to maximize fundraising returns and place minimal burden on our members. We need to seek outside funding for our organization rather than relying heavily on internal giving. Chapter and division presidents shared a past or present fundraiser that they are pleased with and it was noted that there was about a 50/50 split on who the audience was for these fundraisers. Some relied on internal giving while others actively sought external giving. The presentation was well received, and many new connections were formed.</span><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Sonia Timmons, SC Parents of Blind Children Leader, provided an update on what is happening at the national level and in South Carolina. Programming at the national level is shifting toward topics that impact parents where they are in this moment in time. She also shared that POBC has secured funding for ten families to spend five days at the national convention. The application was shared to the listserv and additional information will appear later in this Positive Note.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Legislative and Advocacy co-chairs David Houck and Janice Bright provided an update on our local and national priorities. David reported that we are close and yet far away with the Homestead Exemption increase. A bill passed the Senate in the General Assembly and is currently sitting in the House Ways and Means Committee. He encouraged members to contact their representatives with a push to get it onto the House floor for a vote. Janice reported that there is movement regarding Texas v. Kennedy in that the nine remaining states have taken a new angle. They are asking the court to overturn Section 504 which would be highly detrimental to individuals with disabilities. The 41 states not named in the lawsuit should contact the Attorney General in Texas and demand that the lawsuit be dropped. Contact David Houck or Janice Bright for additional information on how you can help. There is much work ahead in our advocacy efforts.</span><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>I provided information about how members can engage with NFB publications, podcasts and blogs. This information can be found at </span><a href="http://www.nfb.org/publications"><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>www.nfb.org/publications</span></a><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>. Below is a list of items shared during the seminar.</span><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=MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst style='margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Braille Monitor<span style='line-height:115%'><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Walking Alone and Marching Together<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>NFBRN<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Presidential Releases<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Nation's Blind Podcast<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Access On Podcast<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Imagineering Our Future<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Voice of the Nation's Blind Blog<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Future Reflections<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpLast style='margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Journal of Blindness Innovation and Research<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The day concluded with reports from the Federation Center of the Blind and the Rocky Bottom Retreat and Conference Center of the Blind. The Federation Center has all new water lines and a new tankless gas hot water heater. PEX was used for the new waterlines which prevents busted pipes when they freeze. The pipes will expand and then shrink when the waterline thaws. All of this was fully paid for by the Federation Center through donations and some fundraising.</span><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Rocky Bottom reported that there is a new resident manager in town. She is getting acclimated to the property and the expectations. In addition to greeting guests, she is working hard to handle deferred cleaning tasks as well as taking care of the grounds outside. Minor pipe freezing took place over the winter and repairs were made at a very low cost. Also, for the first time in years, the finances have remained stable throughout the winter months. We are excited to have a resident manager in place again.</span><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The day ended with the Computer Science and Technology Division 60/40 drawing. Janice Bright was the lucky winner and went home with more than $400 in her pocket! Congratulations to Janice!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Parents of Blind Children – This One’s for You! – Sonia Timmons</span></b><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>We’re thrilled to open applications for the 2026 NOPBC Duffy Fund, giving selected families a free five-night hotel stay to attend the National Federation of the Blind National Convention in Austin, TX! If you’ve ever wanted to experience the power of NOPBC programming, connect with other families, and be part of the largest gathering of blind people in the world… this is your moment. Apply April 1–May 1, 2026 at </span><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd6yBGEcro1UWuOQ6YeHPOqLFSIHQlgadUXujn_s1J1cKynfg/viewform"><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd6yBGEcro1UWuOQ6YeHPOqLFSIHQlgadUXujn_s1J1cKynfg/viewform</span></a><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>. July 2–7, Austin, TX. Learn more, apply today, and join us in building confidence, community, and opportunity!</span><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Senior Camp Fundraiser<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The Basket Auction supports the 2026 Rocky Bottom Spring Senior Camp and features two themed prizes: the Spring Fling Cleaning Basket and the Small Appliance & Home Gadget Basket. The Spring Fling Cleaning Basket includes practical household essentials such as laundry detergent, dish towels, and air fresheners, while the Small Appliance & Home Gadget Basket offers useful items like an electric kettle, personal coffee maker, and portable phone charger. Participants may bid on one or both baskets, with the highest bid winning. Bidding opens February 1 and closes April 1, 2026. To place a bid, contact Melinda Jones at </span><a href="mailto:melindajones0571@gmail.com"><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>melindajones0571@gmail.com</span></a><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> or Frank Loza at </span><a href="mailto:floza58@bellsouth.net"><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>floza58@bellsouth.net</span></a><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>From the Fundraising Committee<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina invites members to advance their leadership journey through the National Convention Sponsorship Fund, which provides financial support to help offset the cost of attending the National Convention while promoting growth, leadership development, and active participation in the organization. Selected recipients are expected to represent the organization professionally, actively engage in convention activities, contribute to fundraising efforts, attend General Sessions, and work at least two assigned areas such as the NFB of South Carolina Fundraising Table, the Independence Market, or Talking Signs, and later share their experience at the NFB of SC Annual State Convention. Applicants must submit a completed application, a written essay, and a letter of recommendation from their Chapter President, with all materials sent to </span><a href="mailto:fundraising@nfbofsc.org"><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>fundraising@nfbofsc.org</span></a><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> by April 30, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern, with no exceptions.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The National Scholarship Application process is now open for students who are attending post-secondary institutions in Fall 2026. I have only seen one scholarship application come through thus far. Please visit </span><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/scholarship-program"><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>https://nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/scholarship-program</span></a><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> to complete your application. I will interview those who complete the entire process. Please reach out to me if you are applying for a national scholarship as a student.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>2026 NFB of SC Student Scholarships</span></b><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Spring Break is here, and the 2026 NFB of SC Scholarship Program is now open. The state convention will be held August 13–16, 2026, and all application materials must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on June 20, 2026. As in recent years, the committee will select the top three applicants, who will be notified about one month before the convention. The updated application is available online at </span><a href="http://www.nfbofsc.org"><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>www.nfbofsc.org</span></a><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Please remember that the scholarship program is funded entirely by donations. If you or your chapter would like to sponsor a scholarship or contribute to the Dorothy Barksdale Metro Fund, contact Shannon Cook at 803-605-4250 or via e-mail at </span><a href="mailto:scholarships@nfbofsc.org"><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>scholarships@nfbofsc.org</span></a><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>. Finally, help us spread the word—if you or someone you know is enrolled full time in school, encourage them to apply.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>SUN Shares pledges from the Statewide Seminar are due by March 31, 2026. If you have not taken care of this, please do so. We will mail the final check to the National Office shortly after March 31, 2026. Thank you for your generosity!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>National Convention Registration Now Open<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Early bird registration for the National Convention is now open. Go to </span><a href="https://www.nfb.org/convention"><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>https://www.nfb.org/convention</span></a><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> to register. The cost is $25 and banquet tickets are $85 for those who plan to attend the banquet.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>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 who are not comfortable using a computer are encouraged to seek assistance from a friend. The online application can be found at </span><a href="https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/kenneth-jernigan-convention-scholarship"><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/kenneth-jernigan-convention-scholarship</span></a><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>