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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@01DD1D4D.8A394800" 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%'>July 26, 2026<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:1.5pt'>Memo To: Executive Officers, Board Members, Chapter and Division Presidents and Others<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:1.5pt'>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'>843-939-8091 <a href="mailto:president@nfbofsc.org">president@nfbofsc.org</a><o:p></o:p></p><h1><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:windowtext'>Positive Note: 2085<o:p></o:p></span></h1><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:1.0in'><span style='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'>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'>Early bird registration for the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina 70<sup>th</sup> Annual State Convention closed on July 22, 2026, along with the special rate at the DoubleTree by Hilton. There was a flurry of activity on Wednesday as Federationists from across the state worked to get their registrations complete. We also have a larger number of exhibitors than in the past, so this year is shaping up to be an exciting 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><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Our Annual Banquet Fundraiser will occur on Saturday evening at the end of the banquet. Some have already made banquet donations, and we appreciate your generous contributions to the NFB of SC. We will accept donations before the banquet and at the banquet. Any pledges are due by December 31, 2026, to avoid any challenges with our financial statement. At the banquet, we will only receive donations to the NFB of SC. Read further for additional information about our beloved Rocky Bottom!<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 am excited to share with you that Rocky Bottom Retreat and Conference Center of the Blind will have a table in the exhibit hall this year. If you or your chapter have donations for Rocky Bottom, please drop them at the Rocky Bottom table. Various items will be available there as well. There is more to come on RBRCCB as an exhibitor.<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><h2><span style='font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:windowtext'>Blind Merchants Division – Belinda Banks<o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>As we get excited and gear up for the 2026 State Convention, we want to remind everyone that starting Friday, August 14, 2026, the Blind Merchants will be selling $15 snack bags until they are gone. These bags are a great way to support our merchants and grab some tasty treats, so don’t wait until the last minute to get yours!<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><h2><span style='font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:windowtext'>Opening Reception<o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>You’re Invited!</span><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> 2026 National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina Annual State Convention Reception Theme: Simply Me: Beyond Sight<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Join us for an evening of celebration, fellowship and self-expression as we embrace this year’s reception theme, Simply Me: Beyond Sight. The theme celebrates confidence, authenticity, resilience and the unique journey of living as a blind person. It reminds us that blindness is only one part of who we are, and that our character, talents, determination and commitment to living the lives we want define us. The evening will be filled with fellowship, interactive activities, engaging conversations and a themed photo area. Members can share how their personal style, confidence or Federation journey reflects who they are. Whether you’re reconnecting with longtime friends or meeting new members for the first time, this welcoming reception is one you won’t want to miss. Attire is casual to semi-formal, so come dressed as the best version of yourself. That could mean neat jeans and a T-shirt, a polo, a blouse, smart casual or semi-formal attire, whatever makes you feel comfortable, confident and authentically you. Simply Me. Beyond Sight. Confident. Authentic. Unapologetically You. We can’t wait to celebrate you and what makes each of us uniquely who we are, and we look forward to seeing you there!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><o:p> </o:p></p><h2><span style='font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:windowtext'>Awards<o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Nominations are still being accepted for the Donald C. Capps Award (contact David Houck at </span><a href="mailto:nfbsc@sc.rr.com"><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>nfbsc@sc.rr.com</span></a><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> or via phone at 803-254-3777), the Betty R. Capps Award (contact Julie Bible at </span><a href="mailto:jbible73@gmail.com"><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>jbible73@gmail.com</span></a><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> or via mobile phone at 803-622-8093), the Educator of the Year Award (contact Tracy Spittle at </span><a href="mailto:tracysc1974@gmail.com"><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>tracysc1974@gmail.com</span></a><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> or via mobile phone at 803-447-7609) and the Employer of the Year Award (contact David Bundy at </span><a href="mailto:davidbundy13@outlook.com"><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>davidbundy13@outlook.com</span></a><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> or via mobile phone at 803-447-7629). We want to honor those friends and allies of the blind who deserve our recognition for their hard work. Awards are only given when truly worthy candidates come forward.<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><h2><span style='font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:windowtext'>AI Tip or Trick<o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>I have asked Claude so many questions this week that I find it difficult to nail down which one I want to share with you. I have a Samson Bluetooth speaker that was gifted to me for my birthday in 2025. I rarely lose anything, but I misplaced the AC adapter that charges the speaker. I finally tasked Claude with identifying which adapter I should purchase for the speaker. I uploaded the owner’s manual into Claude and had it identify the specifications. Claude produced an Amazon link that took me directly to the replacement part I needed to purchase. The day it arrived at my home, I found the lost charger. I knew that would happen. Now, I have two!<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><h2><span style='font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:windowtext'>Door Prizes for NFB of SC State Convention<o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>First Vice President Lenora Robertson will again serve as the door prize chairperson. Please bring your door prizes to the state convention and give them directly to her. If shipping, address them to Lenora Robertson, 1258 Roundtree Circle, Rock Hill, SC 29732. Shipments should arrive no later than Wednesday, August 5, 2026. Door prizes should have a minimum value of $10. Cash is always welcome!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><h2><span style='font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:windowtext'>Technology Backpack Fundraiser – Computer Science and Technology Division<o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The Computer Science and Technology Division (CSTD) of the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina is holding a Technology Backpack Fundraiser with a drawing on August 16, 2026, during the state convention. Tickets are priced at $5 for one, $10 for three, $20 for seven and $30 for ten. The prize package includes a technology backpack, a talking meat thermometer, an infrared thermometer, Bluetooth earbuds, a 256 GB flash drive, a Bluetooth speaker, a surge protector and a home license copy of JAWS, ZoomText or Fusion. Ten percent of funds raised will support a student scholarship. You do not need to be present to win as prizes can be shipped. To enter, complete the online web form and submit payment via PayPal or check, or by calling 803-260-1292. If using PayPal, be sure to note “Technology Backpack Fundraiser” in the notes section. Mail checks to Steve Cook, 2446 Harrison Road, Columbia, SC 29204.<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><h2><span style='font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:windowtext'>Cash Extravaganza Fundraiser – Senior Division<o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The NFB of SC Senior Division is holding a Cash Extravaganza fundraiser with a chance to win $400 in cash. The drawing will take place Sunday morning, August 16, at the conclusion of the state convention, and you do not need to be present to win. Tickets are $10 for one or $20 for three. Half of the funds raised will go to Rocky Bottom Senior Camp and half to the Senior Division. To buy or sell tickets, contact Shelley Coppel at 803-796-8662, 303-819-9795 or </span><a href="mailto:Frankandshelley51@gmail.com"><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Frankandshelley51@gmail.com</span></a><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>. Checks and money orders should be made payable to the NFB of SC Senior Division with “Cash Extravaganza Fundraiser” in the memo line and mailed to Shelley Coppel, 847 Jefferson Street, West Columbia, SC 29169.<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><h2><span style='font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:windowtext'>Things to Remember<o:p></o:p></span></h2><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'>NFB of SC State Convention takes place August 13–16, 2026.<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'>Technology Backpack Fundraiser drawing is August 16, 2026, during the state convention.<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'>Cash Extravaganza drawing is Sunday, August 16, 2026, at the conclusion of the state convention.<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;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>