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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@01DCC537.9AD389A0" 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%'>April 5, 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: 2069<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'>Today is Easter Sunday. Easter is the most important celebration in the Christian faith, marking the belief that Jesus Christ rose from the dead three days after His crucifixion. This event, described in the New Testament, shows His victory over sin and death and offers the promise of eternal life to those who believe. Easter follows the season of Lent and Holy Week, which remember Jesus’ suffering and sacrifice. For Christians, Easter is both a remembrance and a celebration of hope, renewal, and new life, reminding believers that faith brings the promise of change and redemption. I hope each of you who are believers had a wonderful Easter Sunday!<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 Doubletree by Hilton is now accepting reservations for the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina State Convention being held August 13-16, 2026. The Cost of the rooms are as follows: singles and doubles - $134; triples - $144 and quads – 154 plus applicable taxes and fees. Breakfast is included with the cost of your room. You may book online at </span><a href="https://hil.tn/lkz9ef"><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>https://hil.tn/lkz9ef</span></a><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>. You may also call 800-445-8667 and give the code 917 to link to our room block. The cutoff for these special rates is Thursday, July 22, 2026. Remember the following when booking your room:<o:p></o:p></span></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNoSpacing style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The first night’s stay will be charged at time of booking.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNoSpacing style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>When checking in, a hold will be placed on the card used for the entire stay.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNoSpacing style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>There is a $50 per night hold for incidentals.<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>It is strongly recommended that a credit card be used for this stay. Using a debit card means that the funds in your checking account will have these holds placed on them as well.<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'>National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina Fundraiser<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina is hosting a fundraiser through the National Convention Sponsorship Fund to support members needing assistance with their stay at the National Convention in Austin, Texas in July 2026, offering participants a chance to win a $500 Marriott gift card to help cover hotel expenses. Tickets are available at $20 for one ticket, $35 for two tickets, or $60 for three tickets plus two additional free tickets for a total of five. The drawing will be held on Sunday, June 21 at 7:00 PM on the NFB of South Carolina Zoom platform. This is a digital ticket, and the winner does not need to be present to win; participants must provide their name and phone number when purchasing tickets so they can be contacted if selected, with all information submitted 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'>. Payments should be sent via PayPal to </span><a href="mailto:NFBSouthCarolina@gmail.com"><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>NFBSouthCarolina@gmail.com</span></a><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> with “Marriott Gift Card” in the memo field. Proceeds support efforts to help members offset lodging costs associated with attending the National Convention.<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 Winners<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Congratulations to Carolyn Phillips who won the Spring Fling Cleaning basket with a winning bid of $290! Congratulations to Gail Cummings on winning the Kitchen Appliance and Home Gadget Basket with a winning bid of $250! This was a fun fundraiser and our deep appreciation goes to everyone who participated.<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 EDT, 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><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 PM EDT 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'>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 C. 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><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'>Things to Remember:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>NFB of SC National Convention Fund applications close on April 30, 2026.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>POBC National Convention Family Scholarship applications due by May 1, 2026.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>National Convention Early Bird Registration closes on May 31, 2026.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>NFB of SC Student Scholarship applications due by 11:59 PM on June 20, 2026.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>NFB of SC Fundraiser ends on June 21, 2026.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Hotel reservations and Early Bird Registration for the NFB of SC State Convention ends on July 22, 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'><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>