Positive Note

Image removed.January 19, 2025

Memo To:  Executive Officers, Board Members, Chapter & Division Presidents & Others

From:  Marty R. McKenzie, President

Positive Note 2006

843-939-8091  president@nfbofsc.org

 

Dear Federation Family,

 

Winter continues to be uncommonly cold here in South Carolina. We just addressed inclement weather in parts of the state on January 10-11, 2025 and now it seems possible during the coming week. Let’s ensure that we take care of each other during this challenging week. Board members and presidents, please take time to check on members to ensure that everyone is well. Stay safe and warm!

 

The Legislative Breakfast is scheduled for Wednesday, January 22, 2025 from 8:00 to 10:00 AM in room 112 of the Blatt Building. Home owners have observed increases in taxes as property values have increased sharply over the last few years. Increasing the homestead exemption from $50,000 to $100,000 will bring needed relief to people on disabilities and seniors ages 65 and older. While everyone cannot attend this event, you are encouraged to contact your South Carolina representatives and senators to encourage passage of this legislation.

 

We are just over two weeks away from the Washington Seminar and Janice Bright shared our legislative priorities on January 11, 2025 at the Statewide Seminar. Our delegation is excited and we are looking forward to the outcome of this event. Even if you are not traveling to Washington, you can still assist by making contact with your representatives and senators requesting support for the legislative priorities.

 

From Shelley Coppel, President of the Seniors Division

The NFB of SC Senior Division is pleased to announce Patrice Williams, member of our Sumter chapter and newly elected First Vice President of the NFB of SC Senior division, is the winner of the deluxe kitchen basket. The drawing was held on Thursday, January 9, 2025 at our monthly division meeting. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of those individuals who purchased tickets and who donated items for the kitchen basket. Thanks again for supporting the NFB of SC Senior Division!

 

The Computer Science and Technology Division held its drawing for the two-gallon jar of candy recently. The winner was Contressa Polite, a member of the Greenville Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina. Thanks to everyone who supported the CSTD during this fundraiser!

 

From the Sports and Recreation Division

The Sports and Recreation Division is at a crucial point. We met on January 8, 2025 but did not have anyone interested in taking on the role as president. We will meet again on February 12, 2025 at 7:00 PM to decide if we will continue as a division or to drop back to a committee or a group. Please join us to share your thoughts about the changes under consideration.

 

It is time for chapters and divisions to send in your dues to the state office for 2025. Please provide a list of names with the check. If you have new members that joined this year, please send in their contact information as well as other information we need for our records and for the Membership Portal. For assistance with this, contact Thom Spittle, Membership and Mentoring Chair, at (803-331-3344 or via e-mail at membership@nfbofsc.org. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

 

From Belinda Banks, President of the Blind Merchants Division

The Blind Merchants Division of the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina is back with our 2025 Sweethearts Sale! We are selling boutonnieres and corsages for the Sweethearts Ball. Boutonnieres are $15 and Corsages are $20. Purchase both for a special price of $30. This is a pre-sale event, so please make your purchase before February 1, 2025. For more information or to place an order, please contact Belinda Banks at 864-909-5587 or via e-mail at banksbelinda21@gmail.com.

 

From Andrew Adams, District 2 Representative

The National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina invites you to its annual Sweetheart Ball on Friday, February 14, 2025 from 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM at the Kathy Novinger Girl Scout Leadership Center. Tickets are $30 per person or $240 per table. Tickets can be purchased by: 1) Sending a check or money order to: Federation Center, 119 S. Kilbourne Rd., Columbia, SC 29205; 2) Using NFB of SC PayPal and including “Sweetheart Ball” in the memo field. This is a wonderful opportunity to fellowship and enjoy a special evening. Don’t miss out!

 

From Frank Loza, District 3 Representative:

Federation family, the cold weather is here, and it’s time to get your NFB of SC jackets! There are two styles: a Microfiber that comes in black or Blue in sizes small to 4x and a Polyester Blend that comes in black, blue and gray in sizes small to 5x. On the back of the jacket is our national logo with the text National Federation of the Blind and “Live the Life You Want.” On the left front side are the words NFB of SC. If another state would like one of these jackets, they can be created. The logo and lettering are embroidered, so they can be felt. The Microfiber is $80 and the Polyester blend is $70. If you have any questions, call Frank Loza at 803-617-8016. You can pay by check, money order, PayPal or Zelle. If you pay by PayPal or Zelle, you will make the payment to my email, which is floza58@bellsouth.net.

 

Things to remember

State dues submitted as soon as possible

Legislative Breakfast on January 22, 2025

Washington Seminar the week of January 2-7, 2025

Sweetheart Ball on February 14, 2025

 

 

Marty

 

Marty R. McKenzie, President

National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina

119 S. Kilbourne Road

Columbia, SC 29205

Phone: 803-254-3777

Mobile: 843-939-8091

Website: www.nfbofsc.org