Positive Note

September 6, 2026

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

From:  Marty R. McKenzie, President

843-939-8091  president@nfbofsc.org

Positive Note: 2091

 

Dear Federation Family,

 

It is Labor Day weekend, which is observed as the unofficial beginning of fall. No one believes that due to the extreme heat we experienced this summer! College football has now begun, and this does speak of a change in the season. The busy summer is nearly behind us, and the activities of the fall are ahead of us.

 

Our sympathy goes out to the family of William “Billy” Singleton, a centenarian, who departed this earth on September 2, 2026. Billy was a former member of the Rocky Bottom Retreat and Conference Center of the Blind Advisory Board and contributed greatly to the camp in so many ways. We extend our deepest sympathy to the Singleton family during this difficult time of loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you!

 

AI Tip or Trick

There are so many ways that AI enhances access for blind and low-vision individuals. Ed Bible often speaks of the famous “Red Book” from the Social Security Administration. He states that all blind individuals who are working should be familiar with this document. I prompted AI to provide me with a downloadable link for the “Red Book” and to outline its major provisions in an accessible Word document. AI reported that this document is now available on the SSA website in HTML format and is a living document. This means that it is updated as needed with new numbers as things change each year. Furthermore, the PDF download contains all of the information but has no actual numbers in it. This information is useful because the print, braille or CD version of this document no longer provides all of the information needed. It is much easier for me to find what I need using AI, Claude in particular, than to search with Google.

 

Statewide Family Fun Day

Statewide Family Fun Day is back on Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Saluda Shoals Park. The cost is $15 per person. To register, email fundraising@nfbofsc.org by September 16, 2026, with a count of how many are coming in your party. Please include a count of those who want fish instead of cookout food as well. This brings the Federation family together again after the state convention for a day of good food, games and fellowship with members, families and friends from across South Carolina. Activities include the return of the Federation favorite Braille Bingo, music, canoeing and outdoor recreation on the water, fishing, walking trails and splash pad fun for the kids — with plenty of room to simply relax and enjoy the company. The menu features burgers and hot dogs, fried fish, potato salad, baked beans, pasta salad, coleslaw, water and assorted drinks. All proceeds from the $15 admission support the National Convention Sponsorship Fund, which helps members of the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina attend the National Convention. Payment may be made in advance through PayPal or by sending a money order or check to the Federation Center. Convention may be over, but the fellowship continues — come out, bring the family, enjoy the food, play some bingo, turn up the music and let’s have another great time together. For additional information, contact Andrew Adams at 803-269-3803.

 

Blind Equality Achievement Month

October is Blind Equality Achievement Month (BEAM). Chapters are encouraged to begin planning their events and sharing them with me as soon as possible. Let’s have a huge turnout for BEAM this year.

 

Clarendon Chapter Fundraiser: Christmas Afghan

The Clarendon Chapter of the NFB of SC is selling raffle tickets for a beautiful handcrafted afghan made by our very own Glenda Culick. Tickets are $5 each or three for $10. The drawing will take place at the Annual Board Retreat on November 21, 2026. The winner will be notified by phone. Tickets are available from any of the following:

 

Let’s support one of our smallest chapters.

 

Senior Camp Electronics Crate Auction

Help raise funds for Senior Camp. We are having an auction with a crate full of electronics. We just added another item and will be adding more along the way. You can expect items such as a smartwatch, portable antenna for TV, handheld blower, magnetic power bank, vintage car Bluetooth speaker, 2 AM/FM radio USB Bluetooth music player, wireless doorbell camera, Air voice-controlled fan, neck fan, fast-charging USB and USB-C wall charger, portable personal handheld fan, five-in-one white noise sound machine with fifty different sounds and alarm clock, wireless car charger with FM transmitter and Bluetooth, USB cord with multiple chargers, 2 Wi-Fi smart plugs that work with Alexa, mini wireless earbuds with charging dock and a Wi-Fi extender.

 

To place your bid, call Frank Loza at 803-617-8016 or email him at floza58@bellsouth.net. You can also call Pathronda Anderson at 803-269-4354 or email her at tronda1@outlook.com.

 

Aging to Fortune – Fundraising Committee

The National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina is holding a virtual 50/50 fundraiser with a drawing on October 4, 2026. For $20, you receive one entry for every year of your age, so a 25-year-old gets 25 entries and a 75-year-old gets 75. For an extra $10, your entries double, meaning a 40-year-old would receive 80 entries and a 65-year-old would receive 130. One winner takes home half of the total funds raised. The other half supports NFB of SC outreach work: expanding public awareness about blindness, educating communities about what blind people can do, connecting people experiencing vision loss with resources, strengthening outreach across South Carolina and supporting programs that promote independence, opportunity and full participation in society. The older you are, the better your odds, so this is one time when getting older really does pay off. To take part, purchase your virtual ticket through the donate page at nfbofsc.org and put your name and contact information in the memo field.

 

Bishop Vincent B. Downing – At-Large Board Member

Community Leader | Advocate | Pastor | Entrepreneur | Husband | Father | Servant Leader

 

Bishop Vincent B. Downing is a passionate community leader, advocate, pastor, entrepreneur and servant who has dedicated his life to empowering others, breaking barriers and demonstrating that limitations do not have to determine a person’s destiny.

 

A native of Brooklyn, New York, Bishop Downing has called South Carolina home for many years. Having lost his eyesight at the age of seven as the result of a childhood accident, he understands firsthand the challenges that individuals who are blind or visually impaired can face. Rather than allowing blindness to define what he could accomplish, he chose to make it part of his testimony. His life is a living example of his personal motto: “Can’t never could do nothing.”

 

Bishop Downing is a proud graduate of the South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind, Class of 1996. His personal experiences have fueled his commitment to advocacy, accessibility, independence, opportunity and inclusion for people who are blind and visually impaired.

 

His commitment to serving others extends well beyond advocacy. Bishop Downing has served for several years on the Board of Directors of Piedmont Community Action, along with serving on other community and nonprofit boards. Through these opportunities, he has worked to help strengthen communities, connect people with resources, encourage families and advocate for individuals who may not always have a voice at the table.

 

Bishop Downing was recently elected to serve on the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina State Board and the Rocky Bottom Board of Directors, a responsibility he embraces with humility, passion and a genuine desire to serve. He believes that effective leadership is not about holding a title — it is about being willing to listen, stand up, speak out, build relationships and help create opportunities for others.

 

Outside of his advocacy and community service, Bishop Downing is the Senior Pastor of Faith Center International Ministries, where he has served in pastoral leadership for more than 14 years. His ministry focuses on faith, discipleship, encouragement, community outreach and helping people discover their God-given purpose. He is also known for using his testimony, humor, practical life experiences and love for people to encourage others through some of life’s most difficult seasons.

 

Bishop Downing is also an entrepreneur and the founder of Sight Beyond Sight, a business venture that reflects his belief that vision is not limited to what a person can physically see. His entrepreneurial work has included vending, entertainment, DJ services, event production and community-centered business initiatives. He has also been involved in music, acting, producing and various community and faith-based productions.

 

As a husband and father, Bishop Downing considers family one of his greatest responsibilities and blessings. He is married to Natasha Downing, and together they are raising a family that continues to inspire his commitment to service, faith and perseverance.

 

Whether he is standing behind a pulpit, serving on a board, advocating for the blind community, running a business, encouraging a young person, producing an event or simply helping someone who needs a hand, Bishop Downing believes that leadership begins with service.

 

His life philosophy is simple but powerful: You may not be able to see the road ahead, but that does not mean you cannot move forward.

 

Guided by his faith and his favorite scripture, Philippians 4:13 — “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me,” Bishop Downing continues to live a life of purpose, perseverance, advocacy and service.

 

Contact:

Phone: 864-529-5360

Email: vinnydproductions@yahoo.com

 

Things to Remember

  • Statewide Family Fun Day count – September 16, 2026
  • Statewide Family Fun Day – September 26, 2026
  • Aging to Fortune 50/50 Drawing – October 4, 2026
  • Blind Equality Achievement Month – October 2026
  • Clarendon Christmas Afghan Drawing – November 21, 2026
  • Senior Camp Electronics Crate Auction

 

 

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