Positive Note
Positive Note
May 4, 2025
Memo To: Executive Officers, Board Members, Chapter & Division Presidents & Others
From: Marty R. McKenzie, President
843-939-8091 president@nfbofsc.org
Positive Note 2021
Dear Federation Family,
Midlands Gives is just two days away and will take place on May 6, 2025. Once again, the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina and Rocky Bottom Retreat and Conference Center of the Blind are participating. While we do not have a match this year thus far, we will still use our time and efforts to leverage this opportunity to fundraise for our beloved organizations. Rocky Bottom hopes to win the Power Hour from twelve to one PM on Tuesday by achieving the most unique donations. Unique donations are determined by name, address and credit card number, and a minimum ten dollar donation is required. To be considered a unique donation, two of the three items can be the same and one must be different. To donate, visit www.midlandsgives.org/nfbofsc or www.midlandsgives.org/rockybottom. You can also call the Federation Center on May 6, 2025 for assistance giving online. Just call (803-254-3777 and someone will be happy to assist you. Please have your bank account information or credit card ready when you call.
Palmetto Connects
The next Palmetto Connects is scheduled for Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. on the NFB of SC Zoom platform. Your host for this event will be NFB of SC Secretary Shannon Cook. The phone number is 929-205-6099 and the meeting ID is 803 254 3777#. If you are using the Zoom app on your computer, phone or tablet, activate the Join button and enter the above meeting ID without the # sign. The passcode is 124578 for use with these devices. Continue to encourage members to participate in this monthly meeting so that we can improve our attendance.
NFB of SC board meeting
The next National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina State Board meeting is scheduled for May 17, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at the Federation Center of the Blind. This is an open meeting unless an executive session is required for personnel matters. These sessions, when needed, are typically very short. If you plan to attend as a guest, please notify David Houck via e-mail at nfbsc@sc.rr.com or via phone at 803-254-3777 so that you are counted for the light lunch provided. The lunch count is needed by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, May 12, 2025.
Presidential Release
President Mark Riccobono will host the National Federation of the Blind’s next presidential release on Thursday, May 15 at 8 p.m. Eastern via Zoom. He will share updates on recent developments, important legislation, key dates, and news from the Federation community. He will also answer questions from members. This monthly event helps keep members informed and involved in the movement. Call 929-205-6099 and enter Meeting ID 963 8056 7586#. You can also click Join in your Zoom app on your computer, phone or tablet and enter the meeting ID.
From Andrew Adams, President of the Columbia Chapter
The Columbia Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina is hosting a Car Wash and Hot Dog Plate fundraiser on Saturday, May 31, 2025, from 10 AM to 3 PM at the Federation Center of the Blind in Columbia. A hot dog plate with sides and a drink costs $15, and a car wash is also $15. Get both for just $25. All proceeds support the chapter’s work. For details, contact Andrew Adams at 803-269-3803 or Tiffany Mitchell at 803-603-2098.
National Convention Hotel Reservations
The National Convention will take place July 8-13, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The last day to make a reservation in the convention hotel with discounted rate is May 31, 2025. Currently, there are no rooms in the New Orleans Marriott. If you plan to attend and have not booked your room, please do so as soon as possible. The overflow hotel is the Sheraton New Orleans and you can reserve a room there by calling 855-516-1090. This year, Janice Bright will assist NFB of SC members who are seeking a roommate to defray expenses. Please reach out to her at 803-760-3717 or via e-mail at ms.jlbright@gmail.com. We appreciate Janice’s assistance with this convention item.
Register Today
Registration is open for the National Federation of the Blind National Convention. The registration fee is $25. Get access to the latest information as it is made available. Register for the 2025 National Convention now! The registration link is https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=37855&qid=11045175.
NFB25 Virtual Experience
We are excited to offer opportunities for engagement and connection to participants who are unable to attend the convention in-person. The Virtual Experience registration fee is $10. Register for the 2025 National Convention Virtual Experience at https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=37857&qid=11045175.
NFB of SC Scholarship Application Open
Blind high school seniors, college, or graduate students enrolled full-time can apply for the NFB of SC Scholarship. Applicants must be legally blind, have good grades, show involvement in community or NFB activities, and plan to attend college. Three winners are chosen each year and must attend the state convention in Columbia, SC from August 14–17, 2025. Hotel and registration costs are covered. Winners are announced at the Saturday banquet. The deadline to apply is June 20, 2025. Apply online at http://www.nfbofsc.org, where you’ll find detailed instructions.
Call for Volunteers
We are seeking volunteers for the Independence Market at the 2025 National Convention. Volunteers are needed for the following roles:
- Demonstrators
- Storekeepers
- Line Marshals
- Cashiers
Each volunteer will work a six-hour shift, split between a four-hour shift (morning or afternoon) and a two-hour lunch shift. Storekeeper and cashier shifts are longer to accommodate shift overlaps and the count-out procedure at the end of each day.
If you are interested in volunteering, please contact me at president@nfbofsc.org or by phone at 843-939-8091.
NFB of SC State Convention
I am excited to inform our affiliate that members wishing to make hotel reservations for the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina State Convention can now do so. The Doubletree by Hilton located at 2100 Bush River Road in Columbia, SC is the convention hotel for 2025. Singles and doubles are $129 per night, triples are $139 per night and quads are $149 per night, all plus applicable taxes. These rates include breakfast coupons for the number of people in your room up to four individuals. Reservations must be made by July 23, 2025. You may book online at https://hil.tn/00qbnn or by calling Central Reservations at 866-247-3572. When calling, ask for the National Federation of the Blind of SC Attendee Block. Rooms are available between August 12 and 19, 2025 at these rates. We will let you know when registration for the State Convention is available.
Children’s camp
Rocky Bottom Children’s Camp will take place from June 15 through June 21, 2025 for blind or low vision children ages 6 to 12. If you would like to apply or get more information, please call Thom Spittle at 803-331-3344 or email rockybottominfo@gmail.com.
Final notes
David Houck, the Executive Director of the Federation Center of the Blind reminds us that April 29th, 2025 marks his 42nd year in his role. We are incredibly grateful to David for his many years of dedication and service. He also reminds us that Tuesday, May 6th marks 59 years of the SC Commission for the Blind. The National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina advocated for the legislation that created the SCCB.
Things to remember
- Midlands Gives closes on May 6, 2025 at midnight
- Palmetto Connects on May 6, 2025 at 8:00 p.m.
- Presidential Release on May 15, 2025 at 8:00 p.m.
- NFB of SC State Board meeting on May 17, 2025.
- National Convention room reservations due by May 31, 2025
- National Convention early registration due by May 31, 2025
- NFB of SC Scholarship applications due by June 20, 2025
- NFB of SC hotel reservations and registration due by July 23, 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
B
May 4, 2025
Memo To: Executive Officers, Board Members, Chapter & Division Presidents & Others
From: Marty R. McKenzie, President
843-939-8091 president@nfbofsc.org
Positive Note 2021
Dear Federation Family,
Midlands Gives is just two days away and will take place on May 6, 2025. Once again, the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina and Rocky Bottom Retreat and Conference Center of the Blind are participating. While we do not have a match this year thus far, we will still use our time and efforts to leverage this opportunity to fundraise for our beloved organizations. Rocky Bottom hopes to win the Power Hour from twelve to one PM on Tuesday by achieving the most unique donations. Unique donations are determined by name, address and credit card number, and a minimum ten dollar donation is required. To be considered a unique donation, two of the three items can be the same and one must be different. To donate, visit www.midlandsgives.org/nfbofsc or www.midlandsgives.org/rockybottom. You can also call the Federation Center on May 6, 2025 for assistance giving online. Just call (803-254-3777 and someone will be happy to assist you. Please have your bank account information or credit card ready when you call.
Palmetto Connects
The next Palmetto Connects is scheduled for Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. on the NFB of SC Zoom platform. Your host for this event will be NFB of SC Secretary Shannon Cook. The phone number is 929-205-6099 and the meeting ID is 803 254 3777#. If you are using the Zoom app on your computer, phone or tablet, activate the Join button and enter the above meeting ID without the # sign. The passcode is 124578 for use with these devices. Continue to encourage members to participate in this monthly meeting so that we can improve our attendance.
NFB of SC board meeting
The next National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina State Board meeting is scheduled for May 17, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at the Federation Center of the Blind. This is an open meeting unless an executive session is required for personnel matters. These sessions, when needed, are typically very short. If you plan to attend as a guest, please notify David Houck via e-mail at nfbsc@sc.rr.com or via phone at 803-254-3777 so that you are counted for the light lunch provided. The lunch count is needed by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, May 12, 2025.
Presidential Release
President Mark Riccobono will host the National Federation of the Blind’s next presidential release on Thursday, May 15 at 8 p.m. Eastern via Zoom. He will share updates on recent developments, important legislation, key dates, and news from the Federation community. He will also answer questions from members. This monthly event helps keep members informed and involved in the movement. Call 929-205-6099 and enter Meeting ID 963 8056 7586#. You can also click Join in your Zoom app on your computer, phone or tablet and enter the meeting ID.
From Andrew Adams, President of the Columbia Chapter
The Columbia Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina is hosting a Car Wash and Hot Dog Plate fundraiser on Saturday, May 31, 2025, from 10 AM to 3 PM at the Federation Center of the Blind in Columbia. A hot dog plate with sides and a drink costs $15, and a car wash is also $15. Get both for just $25. All proceeds support the chapter’s work. For details, contact Andrew Adams at 803-269-3803 or Tiffany Mitchell at 803-603-2098.
National Convention Hotel Reservations
The National Convention will take place July 8-13, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The last day to make a reservation in the convention hotel with discounted rate is May 31, 2025. Currently, there are no rooms in the New Orleans Marriott. If you plan to attend and have not booked your room, please do so as soon as possible. The overflow hotel is the Sheraton New Orleans and you can reserve a room there by calling 855-516-1090. This year, Janice Bright will assist NFB of SC members who are seeking a roommate to defray expenses. Please reach out to her at 803-760-3717 or via e-mail at ms.jlbright@gmail.com. We appreciate Janice’s assistance with this convention item.
Register Today
Registration is open for the National Federation of the Blind National Convention. The registration fee is $25. Get access to the latest information as it is made available. Register for the 2025 National Convention now! The registration link is https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=37855&qid=11045175.
NFB25 Virtual Experience
We are excited to offer opportunities for engagement and connection to participants who are unable to attend the convention in-person. The Virtual Experience registration fee is $10. Register for the 2025 National Convention Virtual Experience at https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=37857&qid=11045175.
NFB of SC Scholarship Application Open
Blind high school seniors, college, or graduate students enrolled full-time can apply for the NFB of SC Scholarship. Applicants must be legally blind, have good grades, show involvement in community or NFB activities, and plan to attend college. Three winners are chosen each year and must attend the state convention in Columbia, SC from August 14–17, 2025. Hotel and registration costs are covered. Winners are announced at the Saturday banquet. The deadline to apply is June 20, 2025. Apply online at http://www.nfbofsc.org, where you’ll find detailed instructions.
Call for Volunteers
We are seeking volunteers for the Independence Market at the 2025 National Convention. Volunteers are needed for the following roles:
- Demonstrators
- Storekeepers
- Line Marshals
- Cashiers
Each volunteer will work a six-hour shift, split between a four-hour shift (morning or afternoon) and a two-hour lunch shift. Storekeeper and cashier shifts are longer to accommodate shift overlaps and the count-out procedure at the end of each day.
If you are interested in volunteering, please contact me at president@nfbofsc.org or by phone at 843-939-8091.
NFB of SC State Convention
I am excited to inform our affiliate that members wishing to make hotel reservations for the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina State Convention can now do so. The Doubletree by Hilton located at 2100 Bush River Road in Columbia, SC is the convention hotel for 2025. Singles and doubles are $129 per night, triples are $139 per night and quads are $149 per night, all plus applicable taxes. These rates include breakfast coupons for the number of people in your room up to four individuals. Reservations must be made by July 23, 2025. You may book online at https://hil.tn/00qbnn or by calling Central Reservations at 866-247-3572. When calling, ask for the National Federation of the Blind of SC Attendee Block. Rooms are available between August 12 and 19, 2025 at these rates. We will let you know when registration for the State Convention is available.
Children’s camp
Rocky Bottom Children’s Camp will take place from June 15 through June 21, 2025 for blind or low vision children ages 6 to 12. If you would like to apply or get more information, please call Thom Spittle at 803-331-3344 or email rockybottominfo@gmail.com.
Final notes
David Houck, the Executive Director of the Federation Center of the Blind reminds us that April 29th, 2025 marks his 42nd year in his role. We are incredibly grateful to David for his many years of dedication and service. He also reminds us that Tuesday, May 6th marks 59 years of the SC Commission for the Blind. The National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina advocated for the legislation that created the SCCB.
Things to remember
- Midlands Gives closes on May 6, 2025 at midnight
- Palmetto Connects on May 6, 2025 at 8:00 p.m.
- Presidential Release on May 15, 2025 at 8:00 p.m.
- NFB of SC State Board meeting on May 17, 2025.
- National Convention room reservations due by May 31, 2025
- National Convention early registration due by May 31, 2025
- NFB of SC Scholarship applications due by June 20, 2025
- NFB of SC hotel reservations and registration due by July 23, 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